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Keywords = E. radiata

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25 pages, 5776 KiB  
Article
Early Detection of Herbicide-Induced Tree Stress Using UAV-Based Multispectral and Hyperspectral Imagery
by Russell Main, Mark Jayson B. Felix, Michael S. Watt and Robin J. L. Hartley
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081240 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 354
Abstract
There is growing interest in the use of herbicide for the silvicultural practice of tree thinning (i.e., chemical thinning or e-thinning) in New Zealand. Potential benefits of this approach include improved stability of the standing crop in high winds, and safer and lower-cost [...] Read more.
There is growing interest in the use of herbicide for the silvicultural practice of tree thinning (i.e., chemical thinning or e-thinning) in New Zealand. Potential benefits of this approach include improved stability of the standing crop in high winds, and safer and lower-cost operations, particularly in steep or remote terrain. As uptake grows, tools for monitoring treatment effectiveness, particularly during the early stages of stress, will become increasingly important. This study evaluated the use of UAV-based multispectral and hyperspectral imagery to detect early herbicide-induced stress in a nine-year-old radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) plantation, based on temporal changes in crown spectral signatures following treatment with metsulfuron-methyl. A staggered-treatment design was used, in which herbicide was applied to a subset of trees in six blocks over several weeks. This staggered design allowed a single UAV acquisition to capture imagery of trees at varying stages of herbicide response, with treated trees ranging from 13 to 47 days after treatment (DAT). Visual canopy assessments were carried out to validate the onset of visible symptoms. Spectral changes either preceded or coincided with the development of significant visible canopy symptoms, which started at 25 DAT. Classification models developed using narrow band hyperspectral indices (NBHI) allowed robust discrimination of treated and non-treated trees as early as 13 DAT (F1 score = 0.73), with stronger results observed at 18 DAT (F1 score = 0.78). Models that used multispectral indices were able to classify treatments with a similar accuracy from 18 DAT (F1 score = 0.78). Across both sensors, pigment-sensitive indices, particularly variants of the Photochemical Reflectance Index, consistently featured among the top predictors at all time points. These findings address a key knowledge gap by demonstrating practical, remote sensing-based solutions for monitoring and characterising herbicide-induced stress in field-grown radiata pine. The 13-to-18 DAT early detection window provides an operational baseline and a target for future research seeking to refine UAV-based detection of chemical thinning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
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15 pages, 1019 KiB  
Article
Genotypic Variability in Growth and Leaf-Level Physiological Performance of Highly Improved Genotypes of Pinus radiata D. Don Across Different Sites in Central Chile
by Sergio Espinoza, Marco Yáñez, Carlos Magni, Eduardo Martínez-Herrera, Karen Peña-Rojas, Sergio Donoso, Marcos Carrasco-Benavides and Samuel Ortega-Farias
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1108; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071108 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Pinus radiata D. Don is planted in South Central Chile on a wide range of sites using genetically improved genotypes for timber production. As drought events are expected to increase with ongoing climatic change, the variability in gas exchange, which could impact growth [...] Read more.
Pinus radiata D. Don is planted in South Central Chile on a wide range of sites using genetically improved genotypes for timber production. As drought events are expected to increase with ongoing climatic change, the variability in gas exchange, which could impact growth and water use, needs to be evaluated. In this study, we assessed the genotypic variability of leaf-level light-saturated photosynthesis (Asat), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), and Chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP-test parameters) among 30 P. radiata genotypes (i.e., full-sib families) from third-cycle parents at age 6 years on three sites in Central Chile. We also evaluated tree height (HT), diameter at breast height (DBH), and stem index volume (VOL). Families were ranked for HT as top-15 and bottom-15. In the OJIP-test parameters we observed differences at the family level for the maximum quantum yield of primary PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), the probability that a photon trapped by the PSII reaction center enters the electron transport chain (ψEo), and the potential for energy conservation from photons captured by PSII to the reduction in intersystem electron acceptors (PIABS). Fv/Fm, PIABS, and ψEo ranged from 0.82 to 0.87, 45 to 95, and 0.57 to 0.64, respectively. Differences among families for growth and not for leaf-level physiology were detected. DBT, H, and VOL were higher in the top-15 families (12.6 cm, 8.4 m, and 0.10 m3, respectively) whereas Asat, gs, E, and iWUE were similar in both the top-15 and bottom-15 families (4.0 μmol m−2 s−1, 0.023 mol m−2 s−1, 0.36 mmol m−2 s−1, and 185 μmol mol m−2 s−1, respectively). However, no family by site interaction was detected for growth and leaf-level physiology. The results of this study suggest that highly improved genotypes of P. radiata have uniformity in leaf-level physiological rates, which could imply uniform water use at the stand-level. The family variation found in PIABS suggests that this parameter could be incorporated to select genotypes tolerant to environmentally stressful conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Use Efficiency of Forest Trees)
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18 pages, 2706 KiB  
Article
Yield Sensitivity of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Genotypes to Different Agrivoltaic Environments in Tropical Nigeria
by Uchenna Noble Ukwu, Onno Muller, Matthias Meier-Gruell and Michael Ifeanyi Uguru
Plants 2025, 14(9), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091326 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 499
Abstract
Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction is a magnitude change in the performance of a genotype when grown in contrasting environments. The sensitivity of a genotype to different environmental conditions is an important determinant of its suitability for cultivation in a specific [...] Read more.
Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction is a magnitude change in the performance of a genotype when grown in contrasting environments. The sensitivity of a genotype to different environmental conditions is an important determinant of its suitability for cultivation in a specific environment or across multiple environments. In many nations of the world, where the drive to achieve a net-zero CO2 emission by 2030 has spurred significant investments in clean energy sources such as photovoltaics with a resultant conversion of some agricultural lands to photovoltaic facilities, there is a need to find the right balance between addressing the food and energy crises. Agri-photovoltaics (APV) offer a sustainable solution by allowing crops to grow underneath photovoltaic panels. However, selection efficiency and repeatability of APV experimental results could be marred by the presence of G × E interaction. The study objective was to identify mungbean genotype(s) with a high yield potential and broad adaptability across APV environments. Five mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes, Tvr18, Tvr28, Tvr65, Tvr79, and Tvr 83, were assessed under six contrasting APV environments, EPV-R, EPV-D, NPV-R, NPV-D, WPV-R, and WPV-D, at the Agri-PV Food and Energy Training Center, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The experiment was a split-plot design, with the environment as the whole-plot factor while genotype was the sub-plot factor with five replications. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and the Finlay and Wilkinson joint regression analysis confirmed significant genotype, environment, and G × E interaction effects for mungbean seed yield. Two genotypes, Tvr28 and Tvr83 expressed broad adaptability to the APV environments with higher yields (2.60 and 2.50 t ha−1), ranking first and second, respectively. In contrast, the Tvr79 genotype displayed the highest sensitivity (2.95) to environmental variation and was unstable across the environments with higher IPCA1 and ASV scores of −1.17 and 1.39, respectively. The EPV-R recorded the highest yield (2.61) with low interaction effect (0.38), whereas the WPV-D environment had the least yield (1.71) and was the most unstable (−0.48). Conclusively, the Tvr28 and Tvr83 genotypes and the EPV-R environment were the ideal genotypes and environment, respectively, and are therefore recommended for use in APV facilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Breeding for Food and Nutrition Security)
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16 pages, 2416 KiB  
Article
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Heat-Treated Radiata Pine Lumber: Evaluating Two Heat Supply Scenarios in China
by Tao Ding, Ruotong Luan, He Lyu, Liping Cai, Jiaxuan Zhao and Meiling Chen
Forests 2025, 16(4), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040607 - 30 Mar 2025
Viewed by 447
Abstract
Wood heat treatment is considered by many to be an eco-friendly wood modification method, given that only heat is applied during the treatment. However, it is essential to recognize that energy consumption can give rise to various environmental challenges. Quantitative evaluation of the [...] Read more.
Wood heat treatment is considered by many to be an eco-friendly wood modification method, given that only heat is applied during the treatment. However, it is essential to recognize that energy consumption can give rise to various environmental challenges. Quantitative evaluation of the environmental performance of a wood modification technology is always a challenge faced by the wood processing industry. To perform a comprehensive assessment, it is imperative to adopt a life-cycle-based approach, which is still very limited for heat-treated wood in China. This study investigated the mass and energy consumption of heat-treated radiata pine lumber in life cycle stages from forest management in New Zealand to wood heat treatment in East China and calculated its environmental impacts using the ReCiPe method. Two heat supply scenarios, i.e., on-site wood-fired boilers and off-site coal-fired power plants, were compared to evaluate the influence of national policy on environmental performance. Transoceanic shipping and lumber drying were found to be the life cycle stages dominating the environmental impacts level, and human-health-related impacts, mainly fine particulate matter, photochemical ozone formation, human toxicity, and global warming, were the major environmental impacts of heat-treated radiata pine lumber. With on-site heat supply, more heat and electricity were consumed due to a lower boiler efficiency and more energy demands. However, the impact assessment showed lower environmental impacts in this scenario. The non-fossil and carbon-neutral nature of wood is the key to the environmental advantages of this heat supply scenario. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wood Science and Forest Products)
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19 pages, 6409 KiB  
Article
Material Textile Design as a Trigger for Transdisciplinary Collaboration: Coating Bio-Based Textiles Using Waste from the Wood Industry
by Jimena Alarcón Castro, Riccardo Balbo, Carla Joana Silva, Catalina Fuenzalida Fernández and Florencia Alarcón Carrasco
Coatings 2025, 15(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15020216 - 11 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1412
Abstract
Waste production is a worldwide concern due to its adverse impact on the environment, as well as on the health of living beings. Sustainable development states the urgent need to implement actions to gradually replace fossil resources, including the use of renewable raw [...] Read more.
Waste production is a worldwide concern due to its adverse impact on the environment, as well as on the health of living beings. Sustainable development states the urgent need to implement actions to gradually replace fossil resources, including the use of renewable raw materials such as residues and secondary raw materials from other industries as a promising alternative to replace fossil resources. This research explores an approach focused on the design of renewable materials by developing a bio-based textile coating with the use of sawdust from radiata pine, which is the result of industrial wood transformation processes. The methodology adopted a transdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from design, engineering, and sociology disciplines. A perceived sawdust quality study was carried out in its original format, while two different coated textile substrates were developed, using knife-over-roller and spray coating processes, which were evaluated from user acceptance and functional performance points of views. Finally, a clothing prototype for workwear, using the bio-based coatings, was developed, employing a mono-material design concept (i.e., using the same material in all its forms). The results obtained from users and laboratory studies favour the knife-over-roller coating and the removable clothing design, which provides improved usability performance. The obtained conclusions highlight that transdisciplinary collaboration is essential to address complex challenges in the development of solutions, placing the design of material as a necessary prior action in the design process of final products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Coated Fabrics and Textiles)
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14 pages, 6719 KiB  
Case Report
Motor Outcome After Posterior Insular Resection for Pediatric Epilepsy
by Michael E. Baumgartner, Samuel B. Tomlinson, Kathleen Galligan and Benjamin C. Kennedy
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020177 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1165
Abstract
The increasingly widespread use of stereo-EEG in the pre-surgical evaluation has led to greater recognition of the insula as both a source and surgical target for drug-resistant epilepsy. Clinicians have long appreciated the challenges of diagnosing and treating seizures arising from the insula. [...] Read more.
The increasingly widespread use of stereo-EEG in the pre-surgical evaluation has led to greater recognition of the insula as both a source and surgical target for drug-resistant epilepsy. Clinicians have long appreciated the challenges of diagnosing and treating seizures arising from the insula. Insular-onset seizures present with a wide variety of semiologies due to its dense and complex integration with other brain structures, resulting in the insula’s reputation as the “great mimicker.” Surgical access to the insula is guarded by the overlying frontal, temporal, and parietal opercula and requires careful negotiation of the Sylvian fissure, the vascular candelabra of the middle cerebral artery, and protection of crucial white matter structures (e.g., corona radiata). Despite these difficulties, open surgical intervention for insular epilepsy is associated with favorable seizure control rates, surpassing those achieved with less-invasive alternatives (e.g., laser ablation). Technical nuances that minimize the risk of adverse functional outcomes following open insular resection (especially hemiparesis) are of tremendous value to the epilepsy surgeon. Here, we review the literature on hemiparesis secondary to insular resection and detail strategies for achieving safe and thorough resection of the insula, with emphasis placed on the posterior insula. We supplement this review with four illustrative cases in which focal, drug-resistant epilepsy was managed via open insular resection with no resultant permanent hemiparesis. Technical insights accumulated through these cases are highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surgery in Epilepsy)
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22 pages, 1223 KiB  
Article
Can Pain Neuroscience Education Combined with Cognition-Targeted Exercise Therapy Change White Matter Structure in People with Chronic Spinal Pain? A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Iris Coppieters, Jo Nijs, Mira Meeus, Lieven Danneels, Nathalie Roussel, Barbara Cagnie, Jeroen Kregel, Ward Willaert, Emma Rheel, Robby De Pauw and Anneleen Malfliet
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030867 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1576
Abstract
Background/Objectives: White matter (WM) structural changes have been found in patients with chronic spinal pain (CSP). In these patients, pain neuroscience education followed by cognition-targeted exercise therapy (i.e., the Modern Pain Neuroscience Approach (MPNA)) was shown to be more effective than biomedically-focused education [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: White matter (WM) structural changes have been found in patients with chronic spinal pain (CSP). In these patients, pain neuroscience education followed by cognition-targeted exercise therapy (i.e., the Modern Pain Neuroscience Approach (MPNA)) was shown to be more effective than biomedically-focused education followed by symptom-contingent exercise therapy for improving clinical outcomes. The present study examined whether an MPNA, compared to biomedically-focused treatment, can change WM structure in regions of interest and whether potential WM structural changes are associated with clinical improvements in patients with CSP. Methods: Patients with CSP were randomized into an experimental (MPNA) or control (biomedically-focused) treatment group. Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Images were acquired pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 1-year follow-up. WM structure was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging in 8 WM regions of interest, and linear mixed models assessed differences between groups in response to treatment. Results: No significant treatment x time interaction effects were found; however, significant main effects of time were found in 7 WM tracts. Significant main effects of time revealed increased fractional anisotropy (FA), decreased mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) in the cingulum hippocampus, and decreased RD and MD in the superior cerebellar peduncle at 1-year follow-up compared to baseline. In contrast, decreased FA and/or increased MD, AD, or RD values were found in other WM tracts (e.g., anterior corona radiata) from pre-treatment to 1-year follow-up. Greater reduction in kinesiophobia was moderately correlated with a smaller decrease in RD in the superior cerebellar peduncle at 1-year follow-up compared to baseline. No other significant associations were found between WM structural changes and clinical improvements. Conclusions: In conclusion, in patients with CSP, regional WM structure changed over time irrespective of prescribed treatment (timespan of 12 months). Further research, including Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging and a healthy control group, allowing for a more specific examination of WM microstructural changes in response to multimodal treatment in patients with CSP, is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neck Pain: Advancements in Assessment and Contemporary Management)
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24 pages, 2886 KiB  
Article
Forest Stem Extraction and Modeling (FoSEM): A LiDAR-Based Framework for Accurate Tree Stem Extraction and Modeling in Radiata Pine Plantations
by Muhammad Ibrahim, Haitian Wang, Irfan A. Iqbal, Yumeng Miao, Hezam Albaqami, Hans Blom and Ajmal Mian
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(3), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17030445 - 28 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1280
Abstract
Accurate characterization of tree stems is critical for assessing commercial forest health, estimating merchantable timber volume, and informing sustainable value management strategies. Conventional ground-based manual measurements, although precise, are labor-intensive and impractical at large scales, while remote sensing approaches using satellite or UAV [...] Read more.
Accurate characterization of tree stems is critical for assessing commercial forest health, estimating merchantable timber volume, and informing sustainable value management strategies. Conventional ground-based manual measurements, although precise, are labor-intensive and impractical at large scales, while remote sensing approaches using satellite or UAV imagery often lack the spatial resolution needed to capture individual tree attributes in complex forest environments. To address these challenges, this study provides a significant contribution by introducing a large-scale dataset encompassing 40 plots in Western Australia (WA) with varying tree densities, derived from Hovermap LiDAR acquisitions and destructive sampling. The dataset includes parameters such as plot and tree identifiers, DBH, tree height, stem length, section lengths, and detailed diameter measurements (e.g., DiaMin, DiaMax, DiaMean) across various heights, enabling precise ground-truth calibration and validation. Based on this dataset, we present the Forest Stem Extraction and Modeling (FoSEM) framework, a LiDAR-driven methodology that efficiently and reliably models individual tree stems from dense 3D point clouds. FoSEM integrates ground segmentation, height normalization, and K-means clustering at a predefined elevation to isolate stem cores. It then applies circle fitting to capture cross-sectional geometry and employs MLESAC-based cylinder fitting for robust stem delineation. Experimental evaluations conducted across various radiata pine plots of varying complexity demonstrate that FoSEM consistently achieves high accuracy, with a DBH RMSE of 1.19 cm (rRMSE = 4.67%) and a height RMSE of 1.00 m (rRMSE = 4.24%). These results surpass those of existing methods and highlight FoSEM’s adaptability to heterogeneous stand conditions. By providing both a robust method and an extensive dataset, this work advances the state of the art in LiDAR-based forest inventory, enabling more efficient and accurate tree-level assessments in support of sustainable forest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight into Point Cloud Data Processing)
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20 pages, 2292 KiB  
Article
Application of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Results in Achievement of Universal Antibacterial Properties on Various Plant Seeds
by Jakub Orlowski, Agata Motyka-Pomagruk, Anna Dzimitrowicz, Pawel Pohl, Dominik Terefinko, Ewa Lojkowska, Piotr Jamroz and Wojciech Sledz
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031255 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1165
Abstract
In view of a constant growth in the human population on Earth, the provision of a necessary amount of high-quality food looks challenging. As over 10% of the crop yields are annually lost due to the presence of phytopathogens, the development of novel, [...] Read more.
In view of a constant growth in the human population on Earth, the provision of a necessary amount of high-quality food looks challenging. As over 10% of the crop yields are annually lost due to the presence of phytopathogens, the development of novel, eco-friendly methods of pest eradication might contribute to avoiding nutritional shortages. Here, we propose a controlled application of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) generated in the form of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), for which we conducted multivariate optimization of the working parameters with the use of the design of experiments (DoE) in addition to the response surface methodology (RSM). After estimating the optimal operating conditions of APPJ, we determined the inactivation rates caused by 2 min CAPP exposure towards bacterial phytopathogens from three species Dickeya solani, Pectobacterium atrosepticum and Pectobacterium carotovorum artificially inoculated on the surface of plant seeds from four species. Logarithmic reductions, as a key result of this work, were enclosed in the range of 1.61–4.95 in the case of Cucumis sativus, Pisum sativum, and Vigna radiata, while for the bacteria-inoculated Zea mays seeds, lower antibacterial properties of APPJ equaling 0.86–1.12 logs were noted. The herein applied exposure to APPJ did not reveal any statistically significant detrimental effects on the germination of plant seeds, seed coat integrity, or early plant growth. Even plant growth promotion by 20.96% was observed for the APPJ-exposed Zea mays seeds. By applying colorimetric assays and optical emission spectrometry (OES), we determined the oxidative potential in addition to identifying the reactive oxygen species (ROS) OH, HO2, O2, O3, and 1O2 and the reactive nitrogen species (RNS) N, NO2, and NO3 responsible for the antibacterial properties of APPJ. In summary, universal antiphytopathogenic properties of the APPJ treatment reached due to proper optimization of the working conditions were revealed against three bacterial strains from the family Pectobacteriaceae inoculated on the seeds from diverse plant species. The data presented herein may contribute to future development of the plasma agriculture field and provide alternatives to pesticides or the prevention-based control methods towards plant pathogenic bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Improvement of Food Quality and Safety)
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21 pages, 2012 KiB  
Article
Decellularized Green and Brown Macroalgae as Cellulose Matrices for Tissue Engineering
by Caitlin Berry-Kilgour, Indrawati Oey, Jaydee Cabral, Georgina Dowd and Lyn Wise
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(12), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15120390 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1419
Abstract
Scaffolds resembling the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide structural support for cells in the engineering of tissue constructs. Various material sources and fabrication techniques have been employed in scaffold production. Cellulose-based matrices are of interest due to their abundant supply, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and [...] Read more.
Scaffolds resembling the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide structural support for cells in the engineering of tissue constructs. Various material sources and fabrication techniques have been employed in scaffold production. Cellulose-based matrices are of interest due to their abundant supply, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and biological inertness. Terrestrial and marine plants offer diverse morphologies that can replicate the ECM of various tissues and be isolated through decellularization protocols. In this study, three marine macroalgae species—namely Durvillaea poha, Ulva lactuca, and Ecklonia radiata—were selected for their morphological variation. Low-intensity, chemical treatments were developed for each species to maintain native cellulose structures within the matrices while facilitating the clearance of DNA and pigment. Scaffolds generated from each seaweed species were non-toxic for human dermal fibroblasts but only the fibrous inner layer of those derived from E. radiata supported cell attachment and maturation over the seven days of culture. These findings demonstrate the potential of E. radiata-derived cellulose scaffolds for skin tissue engineering and highlight the influence of macroalgae ECM structures on decellularization efficiency, cellulose matrix properties, and scaffold utility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering)
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10 pages, 3598 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Morphological Study on the Characteristics of Egg Envelopes of Three Cultrinae Fishes (Cyprinidae, Teleostei) in Korea
by Cheol-Woo Park and Jae-Goo Kim
Life 2024, 14(7), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070840 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1196
Abstract
Three species of subfamily Cultrinae currently live in Korea, but Erythroculter erythropterus has been introduced into the Nakdonggang River and has taken over the habitat, reducing the habitat of Culter brevicauda. Only the endangered species C. brevicauda still lives in the Yeongsangang [...] Read more.
Three species of subfamily Cultrinae currently live in Korea, but Erythroculter erythropterus has been introduced into the Nakdonggang River and has taken over the habitat, reducing the habitat of Culter brevicauda. Only the endangered species C. brevicauda still lives in the Yeongsangang River, and it is necessary to be careful not to introduce E. erythropterus in the future. Hemiculter eigenmanni is also found throughout the country. In order to effectively manage and conserve the species in its various habitats and against invasions, this study was initiated. The ultrastructure of the egg envelopes of three species of Cultrinae inhabiting the Geumgang and Yeongsangang Rivers—E. erythropterus, C. brevicauda, and H. eigenmanni—were observed. It was found that the zona radiata of the egg envelopes of all three species were divided into two layers, an outer and inner layer, with the outer surface having a non-structural form. This form is characteristic of fishes with muddy, stagnant habitats or spawning grounds. The number of pore canals on the surface of the egg envelopes was 83 for E. erythropterus, 75 for C. brevicauda, and 58 for H. eigenmanni per 10 μm2, and the thickness was 7.89 ± 0.34 μm, 12.27 ± 0.46 μm, and 7.42 ± 0.24 μm, respectively. The shape of the micropyle demonstrated a funnel shape narrowing toward the inner diameter in all three species, and the size of the inner diameter was 6.62 ± 0.29 μm in E. erythropterus, 4.19 ± 0.39 μm in C. brevicauda, and 3.98 ± 0.46 μm in H. eigenmanni. The differences between species were identified in the number of pore canals, thickness, and micropyle inner diameter of egg envelopes, which were species-specific. Our study reveals a morphological mechanism in the egg envelope that prevents the formation of interspecific hybrids, and these features can be taxonomic traits that clarify species names. It also provides useful data for the production (breeding) of the second generation in aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Aquaculture and Fish Reproduction)
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19 pages, 3453 KiB  
Article
CopG1, a Novel Transcriptional Regulator Affecting Symbiosis in Bradyrhizobium sp. SUTN9-2
by Praneet Wangthaisong, Pongdet Piromyou, Pongpan Songwattana, Tarnee Phimphong, Apisit Songsaeng, Natcha Pruksametanan, Pakpoom Boonchuen, Jenjira Wongdee, Kamonluck Teamtaisong, Nantakorn Boonkerd, Shusei Sato, Panlada Tittabutr and Neung Teaumroong
Biology 2024, 13(6), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13060415 - 5 Jun 2024
Viewed by 4945
Abstract
The symbiotic interaction between leguminous and Bradyrhizobium sp. SUTN9-2 mainly relies on the nodulation process through Nod factors (NFs), while the type IV secretion system (T4SS) acts as an alternative pathway in this symbiosis. Two copies of T4SS (T4SS1 and T4SS2 [...] Read more.
The symbiotic interaction between leguminous and Bradyrhizobium sp. SUTN9-2 mainly relies on the nodulation process through Nod factors (NFs), while the type IV secretion system (T4SS) acts as an alternative pathway in this symbiosis. Two copies of T4SS (T4SS1 and T4SS2) are located on the chromosome of SUTN9-2. ΔT4SS1 reduces both nodule number and nitrogenase activity in all SUTN9-2 nodulating legumes. The functions of three selected genes (copG1, traG1, and virD21) within the region of T4SS1 were examined. We generated deleted mutants and tested them in Vigna radiata cv. SUT4. ΔtraG1 and ΔvirD21 exhibited lower invasion efficiency at the early stages of root infection but could be recently restored. In contrast, ΔcopG1 completely hindered nodule organogenesis and nitrogenase activity in all tested legumes. ΔcopG1 showed low expression of the nodulation gene and ttsI but exhibited high expression levels of the T4SS genes, traG1 and trbE1. The secreted proteins from ΔT4SS1 were down-regulated compared to the wild-type. Although ΔcopG1 secreted several proteins after flavonoid induction, T3SS (nopP and nopX) and the C4-dicarboxylate transporter (dct) were not detected. These results confirm the crucial role of the copG1 gene as a novel key regulator in the symbiotic relationship between SUTN9-2 and legumes. Full article
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31 pages, 21025 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction Parameters for the Recovery of Phenolic Compounds in Brown Seaweed: Comparison with Conventional Techniques
by Zu Jia Lee, Cundong Xie, Xinyu Duan, Ken Ng and Hafiz A. R. Suleria
Antioxidants 2024, 13(4), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13040409 - 28 Mar 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3716
Abstract
Seaweed, in particular, brown seaweed, has gained research interest in the past few years due to its distinctive phenolic profile that has a multitude of bioactive properties. In order to obtain the maximum extraction efficiency of brown seaweed phenolic compounds, Response Surface Methodology [...] Read more.
Seaweed, in particular, brown seaweed, has gained research interest in the past few years due to its distinctive phenolic profile that has a multitude of bioactive properties. In order to obtain the maximum extraction efficiency of brown seaweed phenolic compounds, Response Surface Methodology was utilized to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions such as the amplitude, time, solvent:solid ratio, and NaOH concentration. Under optimal conditions, UAE had a higher extraction efficiency of free and bound phenolic compounds compared to conventional extraction (stirred 16 h at 4 °C). This led to higher antioxidant activity in the seaweed extract obtained under UAE conditions. The profiling of phenolic compounds using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified a total of 25 phenolics with more phenolics extracted from the free phenolic extraction compared to the bound phenolic extracts. Among them, peonidin 3-O-diglucodise-5-O-glucoside and hesperidin 5,7-O-diglucuronide are unique compounds that were identified in P. comosa, E. radiata and D. potatorum, which are not reported in plants. Overall, our findings provided optimal phenolic extraction from brown seaweed for research into employing brown seaweed as a functional food. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Phytochemical Antioxidants in Food—2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 2649 KiB  
Article
Extracted Eucalyptus globulus Bark Fiber as a Potential Substrate for Pinus radiata and Quillaja saponaria Germination
by Víctor Ferrer-Villasmil, Cecilia Fuentealba, Pablo Reyes-Contreras, Rafael Rubilar, Gustavo Cabrera-Barjas, Gastón Bravo-Arrepol and Danilo Escobar-Avello
Plants 2024, 13(6), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060789 - 11 Mar 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2418
Abstract
This study aimed to explore alternative substrates for growing forest species using eucalyptus bark. It evaluated the potential of extracted Eucalyptus globulus fiber bark as a substitute for commercial growing media such as coconut fiber, moss, peat, and compost pine. We determined the [...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore alternative substrates for growing forest species using eucalyptus bark. It evaluated the potential of extracted Eucalyptus globulus fiber bark as a substitute for commercial growing media such as coconut fiber, moss, peat, and compost pine. We determined the physicochemical parameters of the growing media, the germination rate, and the mean fresh and dry weights of seedlings. We used the Munoo-Liisa Vitality Index (MLVI) test to evaluate the phytotoxicity of the bark alone and when mixed with commercial substrates. Generally, the best mixture for seed growth was 75% extracted eucalyptus bark fiber and 25% commercial substrates. In particular, the 75E-25P (peat) mixture is a promising substitute for seedling growth of Pinus radiata, achieving up to 3-times higher MLVI than the control peat alone. For Quillaja saponaria, the best growth substrate was the 50E-50C (coconut fiber) mixture, which had the most significant MLVI values (127%). We added chitosan and alginate-encapsulated fulvic acid phytostimulants to improve the performance of the substrate mixtures. The fulvic acid, encapsulated or not, significantly improved MLVI values in Q. saponaria species and P. radiata in concentrations between 0.05 and 0.1% w/v. This study suggests that mixtures with higher levels of extracted fiber are suitable for growing forest species, thus promoting the application of circular economy principles in forestry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Fertility Management for Plant Growth and Development)
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Article
In Vitro Effect of Eucalyptus Essential Oils and Antiseptics (Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Povidone-Iodine) against Bacterial Isolates from Equine Wounds
by José Pimenta, Carla Dias, Mário Cotovio and Maria José Saavedra
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11010012 - 26 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3657
Abstract
Considering the increasing antibiotics resistance, there has been a propensity to replace them with antiseptics when it comes to wound management and treatment. Nevertheless, in recent years, there have been reports regarding resistance to antiseptics by some bacterial strains. There is also concern [...] Read more.
Considering the increasing antibiotics resistance, there has been a propensity to replace them with antiseptics when it comes to wound management and treatment. Nevertheless, in recent years, there have been reports regarding resistance to antiseptics by some bacterial strains. There is also concern about the environmental impact of these substances. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of antiseptics and eucalyptus essential oils on bacterial strains from horse’s wounds. We used twelve Escherichia coli, eight Staphylococcus aureus, two Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, one Staphylococcus vitulinus and one Staphylococcus saprophyticus strains from equine wounds. The effect of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine gluconate against the isolated strains was evaluated applying the Kirby-Baüer method. Regarding the Escherichia coli strains, E. radiata and the mixture of E. radiata and E. globulus had a better inhibitory effect than antiseptics. E. globulus had a better effect against most Staphylococcus spp. compared to E. radiata. For both Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains tested, chlorhexidine gluconate had a better inhibitory effect than povidone-iodine. The antibacterial efficacy of essential oils highlights their potential to substitute or complement the use of antiseptics and so reduce resistance to antiseptics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Antimicrobial Resistance in Farm Animals)
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