The search for environmentally friendly approaches in viticulture is increasing,driven by the need to minimize the ecological footprint of conventional methods while ensuring high grape quality and stable yields.Among...The search for environmentally friendly approaches in viticulture is increasing,driven by the need to minimize the ecological footprint of conventional methods while ensuring high grape quality and stable yields.Among the various alternatives explored,essential oils(EOs)have drawn attention due to their natural origin and bioactive properties,including antimicrobial,antifungal,and insect-repellent effects.They are characterized by numerous utilisations,from managing diseases and pests in vineyards to post-harvest applications to preserve and prolong storage duration.This innovative review examines,for the first time,the topic of EOs on viticulture,embracing their multiple uses and considering their potential influence on key quality indicators such as fruit firmness,total soluble solids,and phenolic composition.Research findings indicate that EOs can contribute to suppressing fungal development and pest invasions,thereby reducing post-harvest deterioration.However,their effectiveness is influenced by factors such as chemical composition,mode of application,and environmental conditions.Although EOs align well with the principles and broader sustainability goals of integrated pest management(IPM),several obstacles remain,including issues related to their stability,degradation rate,potential phytotoxic effects,and regulatory constraints.In addition to the undoubtedly advantageous aspect for the vineyard,the final chapter of this review focuses right on these obstacles,emphasizing the need to have long-term post-application scientific data on wine organoleptic quality and thus their presence or absence in the must.展开更多
Onion(Alliumcepa L.)is a widely cultivated vegetable valued for its taste,aroma,and nutritional content.Biostimulants(BTs)are substances that stimulate plant growth and development.This study explores the impact of BT...Onion(Alliumcepa L.)is a widely cultivated vegetable valued for its taste,aroma,and nutritional content.Biostimulants(BTs)are substances that stimulate plant growth and development.This study explores the impact of BTs and nitrogen(N)fertilization on the yield and nutrient use efficiency of directly seeded onions,addressing the challenges of excessive N application and promoting sustainable practices.A two-year field experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with three replications.Treatments included a control(C),a seaweed extract-based BT(T1),humic and fulvic acids(T2),and Trichoderma spp.(T3).N rates applied were 64 kg N/ha(N1),100 kg N/ha(N2),150 kg N/ha as the standard(NS),and 200 kg N/ha(N3).Compared to the C×NS treatment,T1×N1 increased yield by 7.6%with a saving of 50 kgN/ha;T2×N3 increased yield by 19.4%;and T3×N1 increased yield by 11.7%with a saving of 86 kgN/ha.The T2 treatment reducedNuptake under excessiveNrate(T2×N3),indicating a potential protective effect against stress induced by high N levels.Treatment with T1 improved nutrient use efficiency(NUtE,PUtE,KUtE)and partial factor productivity(PFP)under reduced N conditions(T1×N1).The study advises farmers to apply T3 under reducedNrates(N1 andN2)to improve yield and highlights that all three BTs enhance nutrient use efficiency,providing promising strategies to boost onion productivity while minimizing nutrient losses in direct seeding cultivation.展开更多
Understanding the ecological processes shaping competitive interactions among forest trees is crucial for predicting ecosystem productivity and climate change resilience.However,few studies have investigated how the b...Understanding the ecological processes shaping competitive interactions among forest trees is crucial for predicting ecosystem productivity and climate change resilience.However,few studies have investigated how the biological attributes of tropical species may affect competitive outcomes under varying resource conditions.We collected and analysed a 10-year dataset of radial growth rates in canopy trees from a network of forest inventory plots located in divergent forest types over an extensive meteorological gradient in Ghana,West Africa.We used nonlinear models to estimate the relative reduction in potential growth(basal area increment)of individual target trees of a given species as a consequence of the combined effects of(1)target tree size,(2)variation in crowding levels by neighbouring trees,(3)the functional attributes of those neighbours(wood density and shade tolerance),and(4)local soil moisture levels.Analyses were conducted separately for the 15 most common species in the inventory network.In opposition to neutral theory,our findings indicate that the strength of interactions among competing species was distinctly asymmetric and dynamic.Wood density was an important characteristic that modified competitive outcomes for most species,particularly under varying levels of resource availability.Specifically,dense wood was an attribute that conferred comparatively stronger competitive ability in moisture-limited conditions.Larger individuals were notably less sensitive to the effects of moisture-dependent competition.Our results suggest that attributes such as wood density may reflect divergent life history strategies that differentiate species’fitness and competitive ability in varying environments.The dynamic nature of competition,influenced by a complex interplay of biological and abiotic factors,implies that more prevalent dry periods,which have been forecast for tropical Africa,may impact the physiognomy and function of future forest communities in the region.展开更多
Background Bovine mastitis is one of the main causes of reduced production in dairy cows.The infection of the mammary gland is mainly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus,whose resistant strains make the trea...Background Bovine mastitis is one of the main causes of reduced production in dairy cows.The infection of the mammary gland is mainly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus,whose resistant strains make the treatment of mastitis with conventional antibiotics very difficult and result in high losses.Therefore,it is impor-tant to develop novel therapeutic agents to overcome the resistance of mastitis-causing strains.In this study,novel selenium-tellurium based nanoparticles(SeTeNPs)were synthesized and characterized.Their antibacterial activity and biocompatibility were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using a bovine model.A total of 10 heifers were divided into experimental and control groups(5 animals each).After intramammary infection with methicillin resistant S.aureus(MRSA)and the development of clinical signs of mastitis,a dose of SeTeNPs was administered to all quarters in the experimental group.Results Based on in vitro tests,the concentration of 149.70 mg/L and 263.95 mg/L of Se and Te,respectively,was used for application into the mammary gland.Three days after SeTeNPs administration,MRSA counts in the experimental group showed a significant reduction(P<0.01)compared to the control group.The inhibitory effect observed within the in vitro experiments was thus confirmed,resulting in the suppression of infection in ani-mals.Moreover,the superior biocompatibility of SeTeNPs in the organism was demonstrated,as the nanoparticles did not significantly alter the inflammatory response or histopathology at the site of application,i.e.,mammary gland,compared to the control group(P>0.05).Additionally,the metabolic profile of the blood plasma as well as the histology of the main organs remained unaffected,indicating that the nanoparticles had no adverse effects on the organism.Conclusions Our findings suggest that SeTeNPs can be used as a promising treatment for bovine mastitis in the pres-ence of resistant bacteria.However,the current study is limited by its small sample size,making it primarily a proof of the concept for the efficacy of intramammary-applied SeTeNPs.Therefore,further research with a larger sample size is needed to validate these results.展开更多
The small-molecule alkaloid halofuginone(HF)is obtained from febrifugine.Recent studies on HF have aroused widespread attention owing to its universal range of noteworthy biological activities and therapeutic function...The small-molecule alkaloid halofuginone(HF)is obtained from febrifugine.Recent studies on HF have aroused widespread attention owing to its universal range of noteworthy biological activities and therapeutic functions,which range from parasite infections and fibrosis to autoimmune diseases.In particular,HF is believed to play an excellent anticancer role by suppressing the proliferation,adhesion,metastasis,and invasion of cancers.This review supports the goal of demonstrating various anticancer effects and molecular mechanisms of HF.In the studies covered in this review,the anticancer molecular mechanisms of HF mainly included transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smad-3/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),serine/threonine kinase proteins(Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)/wingless/integrated(Wnt)/β-catenin,the exosomal microRNA-31(miR-31)/histone deacetylase 2(HDAC2)signaling pathway,and the interaction of the extracellular matrix(ECM)and immune cells.Notably,HF,as a novel type of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-dependent inhibitor that is often combined with prolyl transfer RNA synthetase(ProRS)and amino acid starvation therapy(AAS)to suppress the formation of ribosome,further exerts a significant effect on the tumor microenvironment(TME).Additionally,the combination of HF with other drugs or therapies obtained universal attention.Our results showed that HF has significant potential for clinical cancer treatment.展开更多
Background:In view of the ever-increasing representation of Staphylococcus spp.strains resistant to various antibiotics,the development of in vivo models for evaluation of novel antimicrobials is of utmost importance....Background:In view of the ever-increasing representation of Staphylococcus spp.strains resistant to various antibiotics,the development of in vivo models for evaluation of novel antimicrobials is of utmost importance.Methods:In this article,we describe the development of a fully immunocompetent porcine model of extensive skin and soft tissue damage suitable for testing topical anti-microbial agents that matches the real clinical situation.The model was developed in three consecutive stages with protocols for each stage amended based on the results of the previous one.Results:In the final model,10 excisions of the skin and underlying soft tissue were created in each pig under general anesthesia,with additional incisions to the fascia performed at the base of the defects and immediately inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus suspension.One pig was not inoculated and used as the negative control.Subsequently,the bandages were changed on Days 4,8,11,and 15.At these time points,a filter paper imprint technique(FPIT)was made from each wound for semi-quantitative microbiological evaluation.Tissue samples from the base of the wound together with the adjacent intact tissue of three randomly selected defects of each pig were taken for microbiological,histopathological,and molecular-biological examination.The infection with the inoculated S.aureus strains was sufficient during the whole experiment as confirmed by both FPIT and from tissue samples.The dynamics of the inflammatory markers and clinical signs of infection are also described.Conclusions:A successfully developed porcine model is suitable for in vivo testing of novel short-acting topical antimicrobial agents.展开更多
The rare earth elements are unusual when defining giant-sized ore deposits,as resources are often quoted as total rare earth oxide,but the importance of a deposit may be related to the grade for individual,or a limite...The rare earth elements are unusual when defining giant-sized ore deposits,as resources are often quoted as total rare earth oxide,but the importance of a deposit may be related to the grade for individual,or a limited group of the elements.Taking the total REE resource,only one currently known deposit（Bayan Obo） would class as giant（〉1.7×10^7 tonnes contained metal）,but a range of others classify as large（〉1.7×10^6 tonnes）.With the exception of unclassified resource estimates from the Olympic Dam 10 CG deposit,all of these deposits are related to alkaline igneous activity- either carbonatites or agpaitic nepheline syenites.The total resource in these deposits must relate to the scale of the primary igneous source,but the grade is a complex function of igneous source,magmatic crystallisation,hydrothermal modification and supergene enrichment during weathering.Isotopic data suggest that the sources conducive to the formation of large REE deposits are developed in subcontinental lithospheric mantle,enriched in trace elements either by plume activity,or by previous subduction.The reactivation of such enriched mantle domains in relatively restricted geographical areas may have played a role in the formation of some of the largest deposits（e.g.Bayan Obo）.Hydrothermal activity involving fluids from magmatic to meteoric sources may result in the redistribution of the REE and increases in grade,depending on primary mineralogy and the availability of ligands.Weathering and supergene enrichment of carbonatite has played a role in the formation of the highest grade deposits at Mount Weld（Australia） and Tomtor（Russia）.For the individual REE with the current highest economic value（Nd and the HREE）,the boundaries for the large and giant size classes are two orders of magnitude lower,and deposits enriched in these metals（agpaitic systems,ion absorption deposits） may have significant economic impact in the near future.展开更多
The Lugiin Gol nepheline syenite intrusion, Mongolia, hosts a range of carbonatite dikes mineralized in rare-earth elements(REE). Both carbonatites and nepheline syenite-fluorite-calcite veinlets are host to a previou...The Lugiin Gol nepheline syenite intrusion, Mongolia, hosts a range of carbonatite dikes mineralized in rare-earth elements(REE). Both carbonatites and nepheline syenite-fluorite-calcite veinlets are host to a previously unreported macroscale texture involving pseudo-graphic intergrowths of fluorite and calcite. The inclusions within calcite occur as either pure fluorite, with associated REE minerals within the surrounding calcite, or as mixed calcite-fluorite inclusions, with associated zirconosilicate minerals. Consideration of the nature of the texture, and the proportions of fluorite and calcite present(～29 and 71 mol%,respectively), indicates that these textures most likely formed either through the immiscible separation of carbonate and fluoride melts, or from cotectic crystallization of a carbonatefluoride melt. Laser ablation ICP-MS analyses show the pure fluorite inclusions to be depleted in REE relative to the calcite. A model is proposed, in which a carbonate-fluoride melt phase enriched in Zr and the REE, separated from a phonolitic melt, and then either unmixed or underwent cotectic crystallization to generate an REE-rich carbonate melt and an REE-poor fluoride phase. The separation of the fluoride phase(either solid or melt) may have contributed to the enrichment of the carbonate melt in REE, and ultimately its saturation with REE minerals. Previous data have suggested that carbonate melts separated from silicate melts are relatively depleted in the REE, and thus melt immiscibility cannot result in the formation of REE-enriched carbonatites. The observations presented here provide a mechanism by which this could occur, as under either model the textures imply initial separation of a mixed carbonate-fluoride melt from a silicate magma. The separation of an REEenriched carbonate-fluoride melt from phonolitic magma is a hitherto unrecognized mechanism for REE-enrichment in carbonatites, and may play an important role in the formation of shallow magmatic REE deposits.展开更多
Published results on the growth interactions of non-nitrogen fixing mixed plantations species, and their impact on the regeneration of woody plants are scant. This paper addresses the growth interactions of pure and m...Published results on the growth interactions of non-nitrogen fixing mixed plantations species, and their impact on the regeneration of woody plants are scant. This paper addresses the growth interactions of pure and mixed plantations of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Cupressus lusitanica and their impact on the regeneration of woody plants in relation with light. Data on the regenerated woody plants, individual characteristics of the plantation species and light reaching under the canopies were collected using sample plots (n = 4) with a size of 20 m × 20 m for each plantation type. The result showed that, E. camaldulensis was suppressing the growth of C. lusitanica while its growth was favored when it was mixed with C. lusitanica (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the pure and mixed plantations in their diversity and density of undergrowth woody plants (p > 0.05). Density of plantation trees were found not having a significant relationship with diversity of species (p = 0.801). There was a significant but not direct relationship between light reached in the understory of the canopies and diversity of species in the plantations (p = 0.027). Overall, the result indicated that both the pure and the mixed plantations were favoring the recruitment of woody plants.展开更多
A study was conducted to evaluate the status of soil nutrients under E. grandis plantation in comparison with that in its adjacent submontane rain forest. Twenty sequare plots, with an area of 20 m×20 m for each,...A study was conducted to evaluate the status of soil nutrients under E. grandis plantation in comparison with that in its adjacent submontane rain forest. Twenty sequare plots, with an area of 20 m×20 m for each, were established in both of E.grandis plantation and its adjacent sub-montane rain forest, independently. Soil samples were collected from each square plot, at five points （at the four comers and at the center） of each plot. The collected soil samples were mixed to make a composite and representative sample for each plot, independently. The analyses were done in a soil laboratory following appropriate methods. The analysis result indicated that there were no significance differences between E. grandis plantation and its adjacent sub-montane rain forest in the level of major soil nutrients （total N, available P, exchangeable K, Ca and Mg）, pH and total carbon of soils （p 〈 0.05）. There were significance differences between two sites of forest soils in percentage of clay particles, and exchangeable Na content. E. grandis plantation was found improving soil nutrients and total carbon as compared with that of its adjacent submontane rain forest.展开更多
The positive ecological interaction between gap formation and natural regeneration has been examined but little research has been carried out on the effects of gaps on natural regeneration in forests under different i...The positive ecological interaction between gap formation and natural regeneration has been examined but little research has been carried out on the effects of gaps on natural regeneration in forests under different intensities of disturbance.This study evaluates the composition,diversity,regeneration density and abundance of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps in undisturbed,intermittently disturbed,and disturbed forest sites.Bia Tano Forest Reserve in Ghana was the study area and three gaps each were selected in the three forest site categories.Ten circular subsampling areas of 1 m2 were delineated at 2 m spacing along north,south,east,and west transects within individual gaps.Data on natural regeneration<350 cm height were gathered.The results show that the intensity of disturbance was disproportional to gap size.Species diversity differed significantly between undisturbed and disturbed sites and,also between intermittently disturbed and disturbed sites for Simpson’s(1-D),Equitability(J),and Berger-Parker(B-P)indices.However,there was no significant difference among forest sites for Shannon diversity(H)and Margalef richness(MI)indices.Tree species composition on the sites differed.Regeneration density on the disturbed site was significantly higher than on the two other sites.Greater abundance and density of shade-dependent species on all sites identified them as opportunistic replacements of gap-dependent pioneers.Pioneer species giving way to shade tolerant species is a natural process,thus make them worst variant in gap regeneration.展开更多
The study investigates the potential of UAV-based remote sensing technique for monitoring of Norway spruce health condition in the affected forest areas.The objectives are:(1)to test the applicability of UAV visible a...The study investigates the potential of UAV-based remote sensing technique for monitoring of Norway spruce health condition in the affected forest areas.The objectives are:(1)to test the applicability of UAV visible an near-infrared(VNIR)and geometrical data based on Z values of point dense cloud(PDC)raster to separate forest species and dead trees in the study area;(2)to explore the relationship between UAV VNIR data and individual spruce health indicators from field sampling;and(3)to explore the possibility of the qualitative classification of spruce health indicators.Analysis based on NDVI and PDC raster was successfully applied for separation of spruce and silver fir,and for identification of dead tree category.Separation between common beech and fir was distinguished by the object-oriented image analysis.NDVI was able to identify the presence of key indicators of spruce health,such as mechanical damage on stems and stem resin exudation linked to honey fungus infestation,while stem damage by peeling was identified at the significance margin.The results contributed to improving separation of coniferous(spruce and fir)tree species based on VNIR and PDC raster UAV data,and newly demonstrated the potential of NDVI for qualitative classification of spruce trees.The proposed methodology can be applicable for monitoring of spruce health condition in the local forest sites.展开更多
Leaf area index(LAI)is one of the most important characteristics of forest stands that affects the fundamentals of tree physiological processes,biomass production,and mechanical stability.The LAI results obtained by t...Leaf area index(LAI)is one of the most important characteristics of forest stands that affects the fundamentals of tree physiological processes,biomass production,and mechanical stability.The LAI results obtained by the semi-direct and indirect methods(the needle technique and an LAI-2000 PCA)in three European beech(Fagus sylvatica L.)stands and one sycamore maple(Acer pseudoplatanus L.)stand were compared with LAI estimated by litter traps during the 2013 growing season.Seasonal LAI was estimated using an LAI-2000 PCA which showed similar trends among the stands and strongly corresponded to phenological phases of deciduous stands in Europe,with the fastest rate of leaf area increment occurring during the first month following bud break.During the growing season,maximum stand LAI value was on June 19th and reached 4.5–5.1,and 4.0 in the beech and maple stands,respectively.The needle technique significantly underestimated(p<0.05)direct LAI on average by 22.0% and 40.0% in the beech and maple stands,respectively.The LAI-2000 PCA insignificantly underestimated(p>05)LAI on average by 15.1%and 5.8%in the beech and maple stands,respectively.All methods for LAI estimation at the stand level could be applicable in deciduous forest stands(beech,maple)with similar site and stand characteristics.However,calibration by direct method is necessary to obtain the required precision.展开更多
Inhibition of foam cell formation is considered a promising treatment method for atherosclerosis,the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide.However,currently available therapeutic strategies have shown uns...Inhibition of foam cell formation is considered a promising treatment method for atherosclerosis,the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide.However,currently available therapeutic strategies have shown unsatisfactory clinical outcomes.Thus,herein,we design aloperine(ALO)-loaded and hyaluronic acid(HA)-modified palladium(Pd)octahedral nanozymes(Pd@HA/ALO)that can synergistically scavenge reactive oxygen species(ROS)and downregulate cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)expression to induce macrophage polarization,thus inhibiting foam cell formation to attenuate atherosclerosis.Due to the targeted effect of HA on stabilin-2 and CD44,which are overexpressed in atherosclerotic plaques,Pd@HA/ALO can actively accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques.Subsequently,the antioxidative effects of Pd octahedral nanozymes are mediated by their intrinsic superoxide dismutase-and catalase-like activities capable of effective scavenging of ROS.In addition,anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by controlled,on-demand near-infrared-triggered ALO release leading to inhibition of COX-2 expression.Importantly,the combined therapy can promote the polarization of macrophages to the M2 subtype by upregulating Arg-1 and CD206 expression and downregulating expression of TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6,thereby inhibiting atherosclerosis-related foam cell formation.In conclusion,the presented in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that Pd@HA/ALO enhanced macrophage polarization to reduce plaque formation,identifying an attractive treatment strategy for cardiovascular disease.展开更多
The objective of this study is to investigate the potential causes of widespread Larix sibirica Ledeb.mortality observed in the Khentii massif of northern Mongolia.The ratio of deadwood to living trees in affected sta...The objective of this study is to investigate the potential causes of widespread Larix sibirica Ledeb.mortality observed in the Khentii massif of northern Mongolia.The ratio of deadwood to living trees in affected stands in the Goricho region,the southernmost study site situated close to the Gobi Desert,was as high as 3.6:1.Moisture fluctuations monitored over 2 years using electrical impedance spectrometry revealed that the Goricho study site had higher soil moisture levels than the two less affected sites Barun Bayan and Dzun Bayan.High soil moisture was recorded in an area characterized by highly skeletal soils,ones with more than 35%by volume of rock fragments,and comparatively shallow soil horizons,from valley to mountains.The layer of permafrost influencing hydrogeological processes is much deeper in the Goricho region compared to the undisturbed study sites.Redundancy analysis confirmed a significant number of dead L.sibirica on sites with developed soils.Live forest stands,however damaged,grow in this region on well-drained scree slopes or on rocky bastions.The mass mortality observed for L.sibirica may be directly linked to accelerated permafrost thaw in the area bordered by the Tuul and the Terelj Rivers.Our assumption is that L.sibirica root system necrosis occurred as a result of long-term waterlogging of developed soils with high spatial heterogeneity,normally able to absorb high quantities of groundwater.The areas unaffected were scree fields and rocky bastions characterized by adequate drainage.All of our findings support the primary stages of large-scale permafrost thaw,i.e.,correlating increases in soil moisture with increasing permafrost active layer thickness.展开更多
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of E. camaldulensis plantation established in a semi-arid area on native woody plants diversity and density. Nested quadrant plot design, having an area of 15 m × 15 ...The aim of the study was to assess the impact of E. camaldulensis plantation established in a semi-arid area on native woody plants diversity and density. Nested quadrant plot design, having an area of 15 m × 15 m used to collect data. Totally, 37 species at the plantation and 30 species at the native woodland, belonging to 24 families, identified. Species diversity (H′) was 1.57 at the plantation and 2.09 at the woodland forest. As for density of understory woody plants (height ≥ 1 m) the plantation forest harbored 6, 604 stems/ha while the native woodland had 7, 347 stems/ha. Seedling density (height Dodonaea angustifolia and other native species important for soil conservation, timber, bee forage and medicinal use.展开更多
Gaps play a key role in forest ecosystem development and result from either natural processes or targeted forest management activities.The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationships of soil properties...Gaps play a key role in forest ecosystem development and result from either natural processes or targeted forest management activities.The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationships of soil properties in each of three forest types and two treatments,and to identify factors that influence levels of soil mineral nitrogen forms.The relation between mineral nitrogen and factors of soil parameters and stand type(European beech,Norway spruce,mixed stand)categories were investigated.The spruce forest type stored significant nitrogen in both mineral forms of nitrogen.Moreover,there was a significant linear dependence between N-NO3^-(nitrate anion)concentrations and cation exchange capacity(CEC)parameters such as base cation contents(S-CEC)and potential ureolytic activities(UreasePot),as well as between N-NH4^+(ammonium cation)concentrations and both hydrolytic acidities(Ha-CEC)and ureolytic activities.The dependence of N-NO3^-concentrations on S-CEC contents and UreasePot was negative,especially in adjacent stand.The dependence of N-NH4^+concentrations on Ha-CEC and UreasePot was week in the beech and mixed forest types while it was significantly positive in the spruce forest type.展开更多
Background: Development of new nanomaterials that inhibit or kil bacteria is an important and timely research topic. For example, financial losses due to infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, are a major concern in l...Background: Development of new nanomaterials that inhibit or kil bacteria is an important and timely research topic. For example, financial losses due to infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, are a major concern in livestock productions around the world. Antimicrobial nanoparticles(NPs) represent a promising alternative to antibiotics and may lower antibiotic use and consequently spread of antibiotic resistance traits among bacteria, including pathogens.Results: Four formulations of zinc nanoparticles(Zn A, Zn B, Zn C, and Zn D) based on phosphates with spherical(Zn A, Zn B)or irregular(Zn C, Zn D) morphology were prepared. The highest in vitro inhibitory effect of our NPs was observed against Staphylococcus aureus(inhibitory concentration values, IC50, ranged from 0.5 to 1.6 mmol/L), fol owed by Escherichia coli(IC500.8–1.5 mmol/L). In contrast, methicil in resistant S. aureus(IC501.2–4.7 mmol/L) was least affected and this was similar to inhibitory patterns of commercial Zn O-based NPs and Zn O. After the successful in vitro testing, the in vivo study with rats based on dietary supplementation with zinc NPs was conducted. Four groups of rats were treated by 2,000 mg Zn/kg diet of Zn A, Zn B, Zn C, and Zn D, for comparison two groups were supplemented by 2,000 mg Zn/kg diet of Zn O-N and Zn O, and one group(control) was fed only by basal diet. The significantly higher(P < 0.05) Zn level in liver and kidney of al treated groups was found, nevertheless Zn NPs did not greatly influence antioxidant status of rats. However,the total aerobic and coliform bacterial population in rat feces significantly decreased(P < 0.05) in al zinc groups after 30 d of the treatment. Furthermore, when compared to the Zn O group, Zn A and Zn C nanoparticles reduced coliforms significantly more(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that phosphate-based zinc nanoparticles have the potential to act as antibiotic agents.展开更多
The loss of bird species diversity is a crucial problem in the European agricultural landscape.Change in the area coverage of major land cover types has been mentioned as one of the main factors responsible for bird b...The loss of bird species diversity is a crucial problem in the European agricultural landscape.Change in the area coverage of major land cover types has been mentioned as one of the main factors responsible for bird biodiversity impoverishment.In this study,we focused on the impact of landscape matrix characteristics on bird species richness and on Faith’s phylogenetic diversity index on a spatial scale of 1000-m radius around the measured occurrence points.We investigated how land cover composition affects bird diversity on the landscape scale using nationwide citizen science data.In total,168,739 records of bird occurrence in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic during growing season from 2009 to 2019 were evaluated.We found that the presence of water bodies and wetlands significantly corresponded to the areas of highest bird species richness.We also revealed that the presence of forests(~60%of the forest in the Czech Republic is occupied by commercial forests),urban areas and arable land were negatively associated with bird species richness and phylogenetic diversity.Forests(both coniferous and deciduous)and urban habitats were found to have a tendency to host a clustered phylogenetic community structure in comparison with wetland and arable land.A strong negative association between forest proportion and bird diversity led us to conclude that the expansion of the forest(with simple species composition,horizontal and vertical structure)could be one of the critical drivers of the decline of bird species diversity in the European agricultural landscape.On the other hand,our results also pointed out that small woody features(i.e.,woodlots)and scattered woodland shrub vegetation were one of the main landscape characteristics supporting a bird diversity in rural landscape.This is in concordance with other studies which mention these landscape structures as important elements for nesting and foraging of farmland birds.We thus recommend to maintain and restore scattered trees or woodlots with complex structure in agricultural landscape.展开更多
Behavioral predictability,i.e.,short-term intra-individual variability under relatively constant environmental conditions,has only recently begun to gain attention.It is unknown,however,whether predictability of indiv...Behavioral predictability,i.e.,short-term intra-individual variability under relatively constant environmental conditions,has only recently begun to gain attention.It is unknown,however,whether predictability of individuals with distinct mean behavior changes differently as a response to ecological factors such as resource availability.Moreover,the response might be affected by anthropogenic contaminants that are ubiquitous in the environment and that can affect animals' variability in behavior.Here,we investigated the relationship between mean predatory activity and predictability in predatory activity along a prey density gradient in the lynx spider Oxyopes lineatipes.We further examined how this relationship is influenced by insecticides,azadirachtin,and a plant extract from Embelia ribes.We found that all studied variables affected the predictability.In the control and Embelia treatments,that did not differ significantly,the predictability decreased with increasing prey density in a mean behavior-specific way.Individuals with low mean predatory activity were relatively less predictable than were those with high activity from low to moderate prey densities but more predictable at high prey densities.Azadirachtin altered this pattern and the individuals with low predatory activity were less predictable than were those with high predatory activity along the whole gradient of prey density.Our results show that predictability can change along an environmental gradient depending on a mean behavior.The relative predictability of the individuals with distinct mean behavior can depend on the value of the environmental gradient. In addition,this relationship can be affected by anthropogenic contaminants such as pesticides.展开更多
文摘The search for environmentally friendly approaches in viticulture is increasing,driven by the need to minimize the ecological footprint of conventional methods while ensuring high grape quality and stable yields.Among the various alternatives explored,essential oils(EOs)have drawn attention due to their natural origin and bioactive properties,including antimicrobial,antifungal,and insect-repellent effects.They are characterized by numerous utilisations,from managing diseases and pests in vineyards to post-harvest applications to preserve and prolong storage duration.This innovative review examines,for the first time,the topic of EOs on viticulture,embracing their multiple uses and considering their potential influence on key quality indicators such as fruit firmness,total soluble solids,and phenolic composition.Research findings indicate that EOs can contribute to suppressing fungal development and pest invasions,thereby reducing post-harvest deterioration.However,their effectiveness is influenced by factors such as chemical composition,mode of application,and environmental conditions.Although EOs align well with the principles and broader sustainability goals of integrated pest management(IPM),several obstacles remain,including issues related to their stability,degradation rate,potential phytotoxic effects,and regulatory constraints.In addition to the undoubtedly advantageous aspect for the vineyard,the final chapter of this review focuses right on these obstacles,emphasizing the need to have long-term post-application scientific data on wine organoleptic quality and thus their presence or absence in the must.
基金The support of the Ministry of Education,Science,and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia(contract No.451-03-137/2025-03/200117,and No.451-03-4551/2024-04/17)is also gratefully acknowledged。
文摘Onion(Alliumcepa L.)is a widely cultivated vegetable valued for its taste,aroma,and nutritional content.Biostimulants(BTs)are substances that stimulate plant growth and development.This study explores the impact of BTs and nitrogen(N)fertilization on the yield and nutrient use efficiency of directly seeded onions,addressing the challenges of excessive N application and promoting sustainable practices.A two-year field experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with three replications.Treatments included a control(C),a seaweed extract-based BT(T1),humic and fulvic acids(T2),and Trichoderma spp.(T3).N rates applied were 64 kg N/ha(N1),100 kg N/ha(N2),150 kg N/ha as the standard(NS),and 200 kg N/ha(N3).Compared to the C×NS treatment,T1×N1 increased yield by 7.6%with a saving of 50 kgN/ha;T2×N3 increased yield by 19.4%;and T3×N1 increased yield by 11.7%with a saving of 86 kgN/ha.The T2 treatment reducedNuptake under excessiveNrate(T2×N3),indicating a potential protective effect against stress induced by high N levels.Treatment with T1 improved nutrient use efficiency(NUtE,PUtE,KUtE)and partial factor productivity(PFP)under reduced N conditions(T1×N1).The study advises farmers to apply T3 under reducedNrates(N1 andN2)to improve yield and highlights that all three BTs enhance nutrient use efficiency,providing promising strategies to boost onion productivity while minimizing nutrient losses in direct seeding cultivation.
基金We express our gratitude to the Internal Grant Agency of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences,Czech University of Life Sciences,Prague(Grant No.IGA A_24_24)the Ministry of Education,Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic(Grant INTER-TRANSFER No.LTT20017)for funding this study.
文摘Understanding the ecological processes shaping competitive interactions among forest trees is crucial for predicting ecosystem productivity and climate change resilience.However,few studies have investigated how the biological attributes of tropical species may affect competitive outcomes under varying resource conditions.We collected and analysed a 10-year dataset of radial growth rates in canopy trees from a network of forest inventory plots located in divergent forest types over an extensive meteorological gradient in Ghana,West Africa.We used nonlinear models to estimate the relative reduction in potential growth(basal area increment)of individual target trees of a given species as a consequence of the combined effects of(1)target tree size,(2)variation in crowding levels by neighbouring trees,(3)the functional attributes of those neighbours(wood density and shade tolerance),and(4)local soil moisture levels.Analyses were conducted separately for the 15 most common species in the inventory network.In opposition to neutral theory,our findings indicate that the strength of interactions among competing species was distinctly asymmetric and dynamic.Wood density was an important characteristic that modified competitive outcomes for most species,particularly under varying levels of resource availability.Specifically,dense wood was an attribute that conferred comparatively stronger competitive ability in moisture-limited conditions.Larger individuals were notably less sensitive to the effects of moisture-dependent competition.Our results suggest that attributes such as wood density may reflect divergent life history strategies that differentiate species’fitness and competitive ability in varying environments.The dynamic nature of competition,influenced by a complex interplay of biological and abiotic factors,implies that more prevalent dry periods,which have been forecast for tropical Africa,may impact the physiognomy and function of future forest communities in the region.
基金Financial support from ERDF “Multidisciplinary research to increase application potential of nanomaterials in agricultural practice” (No.CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_025/0007314)the assistance provided by the Research Infrastructure Nano Envi Cz, supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic under Project No. LM2018124+4 种基金Czech Nano Lab Research Infrastructure supported by MEYS CR (LM2023051)Grant Agency of Gregor Johann Mendel (C-MNG-23–002)further supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic by Grant RO0523Internal Grant Agency of University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (223/2024/FVHE)the National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology project (Programme EXCELES, Project ID No. LX22NPO5103)-Funded by the European Union-Next Generation EU.
文摘Background Bovine mastitis is one of the main causes of reduced production in dairy cows.The infection of the mammary gland is mainly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus,whose resistant strains make the treatment of mastitis with conventional antibiotics very difficult and result in high losses.Therefore,it is impor-tant to develop novel therapeutic agents to overcome the resistance of mastitis-causing strains.In this study,novel selenium-tellurium based nanoparticles(SeTeNPs)were synthesized and characterized.Their antibacterial activity and biocompatibility were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using a bovine model.A total of 10 heifers were divided into experimental and control groups(5 animals each).After intramammary infection with methicillin resistant S.aureus(MRSA)and the development of clinical signs of mastitis,a dose of SeTeNPs was administered to all quarters in the experimental group.Results Based on in vitro tests,the concentration of 149.70 mg/L and 263.95 mg/L of Se and Te,respectively,was used for application into the mammary gland.Three days after SeTeNPs administration,MRSA counts in the experimental group showed a significant reduction(P<0.01)compared to the control group.The inhibitory effect observed within the in vitro experiments was thus confirmed,resulting in the suppression of infection in ani-mals.Moreover,the superior biocompatibility of SeTeNPs in the organism was demonstrated,as the nanoparticles did not significantly alter the inflammatory response or histopathology at the site of application,i.e.,mammary gland,compared to the control group(P>0.05).Additionally,the metabolic profile of the blood plasma as well as the histology of the main organs remained unaffected,indicating that the nanoparticles had no adverse effects on the organism.Conclusions Our findings suggest that SeTeNPs can be used as a promising treatment for bovine mastitis in the pres-ence of resistant bacteria.However,the current study is limited by its small sample size,making it primarily a proof of the concept for the efficacy of intramammary-applied SeTeNPs.Therefore,further research with a larger sample size is needed to validate these results.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.:32172918)the project funded by the Priority Academic Program Development(PAPD)of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions,China,and the Key Projects of Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Provincial Department of Education,China(Grant No.:2023AH051017)the Anhui Agricultural University Talent Research Grant Project(Project No.:RC393302).
文摘The small-molecule alkaloid halofuginone(HF)is obtained from febrifugine.Recent studies on HF have aroused widespread attention owing to its universal range of noteworthy biological activities and therapeutic functions,which range from parasite infections and fibrosis to autoimmune diseases.In particular,HF is believed to play an excellent anticancer role by suppressing the proliferation,adhesion,metastasis,and invasion of cancers.This review supports the goal of demonstrating various anticancer effects and molecular mechanisms of HF.In the studies covered in this review,the anticancer molecular mechanisms of HF mainly included transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smad-3/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),serine/threonine kinase proteins(Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)/wingless/integrated(Wnt)/β-catenin,the exosomal microRNA-31(miR-31)/histone deacetylase 2(HDAC2)signaling pathway,and the interaction of the extracellular matrix(ECM)and immune cells.Notably,HF,as a novel type of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-dependent inhibitor that is often combined with prolyl transfer RNA synthetase(ProRS)and amino acid starvation therapy(AAS)to suppress the formation of ribosome,further exerts a significant effect on the tumor microenvironment(TME).Additionally,the combination of HF with other drugs or therapies obtained universal attention.Our results showed that HF has significant potential for clinical cancer treatment.
基金Supported by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic,Grant/Award Number:NU22-05-00475 and NV19-05-00214。
文摘Background:In view of the ever-increasing representation of Staphylococcus spp.strains resistant to various antibiotics,the development of in vivo models for evaluation of novel antimicrobials is of utmost importance.Methods:In this article,we describe the development of a fully immunocompetent porcine model of extensive skin and soft tissue damage suitable for testing topical anti-microbial agents that matches the real clinical situation.The model was developed in three consecutive stages with protocols for each stage amended based on the results of the previous one.Results:In the final model,10 excisions of the skin and underlying soft tissue were created in each pig under general anesthesia,with additional incisions to the fascia performed at the base of the defects and immediately inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus suspension.One pig was not inoculated and used as the negative control.Subsequently,the bandages were changed on Days 4,8,11,and 15.At these time points,a filter paper imprint technique(FPIT)was made from each wound for semi-quantitative microbiological evaluation.Tissue samples from the base of the wound together with the adjacent intact tissue of three randomly selected defects of each pig were taken for microbiological,histopathological,and molecular-biological examination.The infection with the inoculated S.aureus strains was sufficient during the whole experiment as confirmed by both FPIT and from tissue samples.The dynamics of the inflammatory markers and clinical signs of infection are also described.Conclusions:A successfully developed porcine model is suitable for in vivo testing of novel short-acting topical antimicrobial agents.
基金the support of the NERC SoS:RARE consortium grant(NE/ M011267/1)the support of a postgraduate fellowship from the College of Engineering,Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the University of Exeter
文摘The rare earth elements are unusual when defining giant-sized ore deposits,as resources are often quoted as total rare earth oxide,but the importance of a deposit may be related to the grade for individual,or a limited group of the elements.Taking the total REE resource,only one currently known deposit（Bayan Obo） would class as giant（〉1.7×10^7 tonnes contained metal）,but a range of others classify as large（〉1.7×10^6 tonnes）.With the exception of unclassified resource estimates from the Olympic Dam 10 CG deposit,all of these deposits are related to alkaline igneous activity- either carbonatites or agpaitic nepheline syenites.The total resource in these deposits must relate to the scale of the primary igneous source,but the grade is a complex function of igneous source,magmatic crystallisation,hydrothermal modification and supergene enrichment during weathering.Isotopic data suggest that the sources conducive to the formation of large REE deposits are developed in subcontinental lithospheric mantle,enriched in trace elements either by plume activity,or by previous subduction.The reactivation of such enriched mantle domains in relatively restricted geographical areas may have played a role in the formation of some of the largest deposits（e.g.Bayan Obo）.Hydrothermal activity involving fluids from magmatic to meteoric sources may result in the redistribution of the REE and increases in grade,depending on primary mineralogy and the availability of ligands.Weathering and supergene enrichment of carbonatite has played a role in the formation of the highest grade deposits at Mount Weld（Australia） and Tomtor（Russia）.For the individual REE with the current highest economic value（Nd and the HREE）,the boundaries for the large and giant size classes are two orders of magnitude lower,and deposits enriched in these metals（agpaitic systems,ion absorption deposits） may have significant economic impact in the near future.
基金supported by H2020 grant project (HiTech AlkCarb)by project CEITEC 2020 (LQ1601)
文摘The Lugiin Gol nepheline syenite intrusion, Mongolia, hosts a range of carbonatite dikes mineralized in rare-earth elements(REE). Both carbonatites and nepheline syenite-fluorite-calcite veinlets are host to a previously unreported macroscale texture involving pseudo-graphic intergrowths of fluorite and calcite. The inclusions within calcite occur as either pure fluorite, with associated REE minerals within the surrounding calcite, or as mixed calcite-fluorite inclusions, with associated zirconosilicate minerals. Consideration of the nature of the texture, and the proportions of fluorite and calcite present(～29 and 71 mol%,respectively), indicates that these textures most likely formed either through the immiscible separation of carbonate and fluoride melts, or from cotectic crystallization of a carbonatefluoride melt. Laser ablation ICP-MS analyses show the pure fluorite inclusions to be depleted in REE relative to the calcite. A model is proposed, in which a carbonate-fluoride melt phase enriched in Zr and the REE, separated from a phonolitic melt, and then either unmixed or underwent cotectic crystallization to generate an REE-rich carbonate melt and an REE-poor fluoride phase. The separation of the fluoride phase(either solid or melt) may have contributed to the enrichment of the carbonate melt in REE, and ultimately its saturation with REE minerals. Previous data have suggested that carbonate melts separated from silicate melts are relatively depleted in the REE, and thus melt immiscibility cannot result in the formation of REE-enriched carbonatites. The observations presented here provide a mechanism by which this could occur, as under either model the textures imply initial separation of a mixed carbonate-fluoride melt from a silicate magma. The separation of an REEenriched carbonate-fluoride melt from phonolitic magma is a hitherto unrecognized mechanism for REE-enrichment in carbonatites, and may play an important role in the formation of shallow magmatic REE deposits.
文摘Published results on the growth interactions of non-nitrogen fixing mixed plantations species, and their impact on the regeneration of woody plants are scant. This paper addresses the growth interactions of pure and mixed plantations of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Cupressus lusitanica and their impact on the regeneration of woody plants in relation with light. Data on the regenerated woody plants, individual characteristics of the plantation species and light reaching under the canopies were collected using sample plots (n = 4) with a size of 20 m × 20 m for each plantation type. The result showed that, E. camaldulensis was suppressing the growth of C. lusitanica while its growth was favored when it was mixed with C. lusitanica (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the pure and mixed plantations in their diversity and density of undergrowth woody plants (p > 0.05). Density of plantation trees were found not having a significant relationship with diversity of species (p = 0.801). There was a significant but not direct relationship between light reached in the understory of the canopies and diversity of species in the plantations (p = 0.027). Overall, the result indicated that both the pure and the mixed plantations were favoring the recruitment of woody plants.
基金supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
文摘A study was conducted to evaluate the status of soil nutrients under E. grandis plantation in comparison with that in its adjacent submontane rain forest. Twenty sequare plots, with an area of 20 m×20 m for each, were established in both of E.grandis plantation and its adjacent sub-montane rain forest, independently. Soil samples were collected from each square plot, at five points （at the four comers and at the center） of each plot. The collected soil samples were mixed to make a composite and representative sample for each plot, independently. The analyses were done in a soil laboratory following appropriate methods. The analysis result indicated that there were no significance differences between E. grandis plantation and its adjacent sub-montane rain forest in the level of major soil nutrients （total N, available P, exchangeable K, Ca and Mg）, pH and total carbon of soils （p 〈 0.05）. There were significance differences between two sites of forest soils in percentage of clay particles, and exchangeable Na content. E. grandis plantation was found improving soil nutrients and total carbon as compared with that of its adjacent submontane rain forest.
基金the Internal Grant Agency of Mendel University in Brno(MENDELU,project no.LDF_VP_2019015)。
文摘The positive ecological interaction between gap formation and natural regeneration has been examined but little research has been carried out on the effects of gaps on natural regeneration in forests under different intensities of disturbance.This study evaluates the composition,diversity,regeneration density and abundance of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps in undisturbed,intermittently disturbed,and disturbed forest sites.Bia Tano Forest Reserve in Ghana was the study area and three gaps each were selected in the three forest site categories.Ten circular subsampling areas of 1 m2 were delineated at 2 m spacing along north,south,east,and west transects within individual gaps.Data on natural regeneration<350 cm height were gathered.The results show that the intensity of disturbance was disproportional to gap size.Species diversity differed significantly between undisturbed and disturbed sites and,also between intermittently disturbed and disturbed sites for Simpson’s(1-D),Equitability(J),and Berger-Parker(B-P)indices.However,there was no significant difference among forest sites for Shannon diversity(H)and Margalef richness(MI)indices.Tree species composition on the sites differed.Regeneration density on the disturbed site was significantly higher than on the two other sites.Greater abundance and density of shade-dependent species on all sites identified them as opportunistic replacements of gap-dependent pioneers.Pioneer species giving way to shade tolerant species is a natural process,thus make them worst variant in gap regeneration.
基金This work was supported by the Ministry of Education,Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic within the National Programme for Sustainability I[grant number LO1415]partly by EEA Grants if Iceland,Liechtenstein and Norway[grant number EHP-CZ02-OV-1-019-2014].
文摘The study investigates the potential of UAV-based remote sensing technique for monitoring of Norway spruce health condition in the affected forest areas.The objectives are:(1)to test the applicability of UAV visible an near-infrared(VNIR)and geometrical data based on Z values of point dense cloud(PDC)raster to separate forest species and dead trees in the study area;(2)to explore the relationship between UAV VNIR data and individual spruce health indicators from field sampling;and(3)to explore the possibility of the qualitative classification of spruce health indicators.Analysis based on NDVI and PDC raster was successfully applied for separation of spruce and silver fir,and for identification of dead tree category.Separation between common beech and fir was distinguished by the object-oriented image analysis.NDVI was able to identify the presence of key indicators of spruce health,such as mechanical damage on stems and stem resin exudation linked to honey fungus infestation,while stem damage by peeling was identified at the significance margin.The results contributed to improving separation of coniferous(spruce and fir)tree species based on VNIR and PDC raster UAV data,and newly demonstrated the potential of NDVI for qualitative classification of spruce trees.The proposed methodology can be applicable for monitoring of spruce health condition in the local forest sites.
基金supported by the Specific University Research Fund of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology(FFWT)at Mendel University in Brno(Grant No.LDF_VP_2016017)the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic,institutional support MZE-RO0118。
文摘Leaf area index(LAI)is one of the most important characteristics of forest stands that affects the fundamentals of tree physiological processes,biomass production,and mechanical stability.The LAI results obtained by the semi-direct and indirect methods(the needle technique and an LAI-2000 PCA)in three European beech(Fagus sylvatica L.)stands and one sycamore maple(Acer pseudoplatanus L.)stand were compared with LAI estimated by litter traps during the 2013 growing season.Seasonal LAI was estimated using an LAI-2000 PCA which showed similar trends among the stands and strongly corresponded to phenological phases of deciduous stands in Europe,with the fastest rate of leaf area increment occurring during the first month following bud break.During the growing season,maximum stand LAI value was on June 19th and reached 4.5–5.1,and 4.0 in the beech and maple stands,respectively.The needle technique significantly underestimated(p<0.05)direct LAI on average by 22.0% and 40.0% in the beech and maple stands,respectively.The LAI-2000 PCA insignificantly underestimated(p>05)LAI on average by 15.1%and 5.8%in the beech and maple stands,respectively.All methods for LAI estimation at the stand level could be applicable in deciduous forest stands(beech,maple)with similar site and stand characteristics.However,calibration by direct method is necessary to obtain the required precision.
基金supported by the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by Tianjin(No.0701320001)the Major Special Projects(No.0402080005)+1 种基金the financial support from the CEITEC 2020 Project(No.LQ1601)the Ministry of Education,Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic under the National Sustainability ProgrammeⅡand by ERDF(No.CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_025/0007314)。
文摘Inhibition of foam cell formation is considered a promising treatment method for atherosclerosis,the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide.However,currently available therapeutic strategies have shown unsatisfactory clinical outcomes.Thus,herein,we design aloperine(ALO)-loaded and hyaluronic acid(HA)-modified palladium(Pd)octahedral nanozymes(Pd@HA/ALO)that can synergistically scavenge reactive oxygen species(ROS)and downregulate cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)expression to induce macrophage polarization,thus inhibiting foam cell formation to attenuate atherosclerosis.Due to the targeted effect of HA on stabilin-2 and CD44,which are overexpressed in atherosclerotic plaques,Pd@HA/ALO can actively accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques.Subsequently,the antioxidative effects of Pd octahedral nanozymes are mediated by their intrinsic superoxide dismutase-and catalase-like activities capable of effective scavenging of ROS.In addition,anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by controlled,on-demand near-infrared-triggered ALO release leading to inhibition of COX-2 expression.Importantly,the combined therapy can promote the polarization of macrophages to the M2 subtype by upregulating Arg-1 and CD206 expression and downregulating expression of TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6,thereby inhibiting atherosclerosis-related foam cell formation.In conclusion,the presented in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that Pd@HA/ALO enhanced macrophage polarization to reduce plaque formation,identifying an attractive treatment strategy for cardiovascular disease.
基金supported by funding provided by the project CEITEC 2020(LQ1601)the Research Fund of the FFWT at Mendel University in Brno(Reg.Number:LDF_PSV_2017008)
文摘The objective of this study is to investigate the potential causes of widespread Larix sibirica Ledeb.mortality observed in the Khentii massif of northern Mongolia.The ratio of deadwood to living trees in affected stands in the Goricho region,the southernmost study site situated close to the Gobi Desert,was as high as 3.6:1.Moisture fluctuations monitored over 2 years using electrical impedance spectrometry revealed that the Goricho study site had higher soil moisture levels than the two less affected sites Barun Bayan and Dzun Bayan.High soil moisture was recorded in an area characterized by highly skeletal soils,ones with more than 35%by volume of rock fragments,and comparatively shallow soil horizons,from valley to mountains.The layer of permafrost influencing hydrogeological processes is much deeper in the Goricho region compared to the undisturbed study sites.Redundancy analysis confirmed a significant number of dead L.sibirica on sites with developed soils.Live forest stands,however damaged,grow in this region on well-drained scree slopes or on rocky bastions.The mass mortality observed for L.sibirica may be directly linked to accelerated permafrost thaw in the area bordered by the Tuul and the Terelj Rivers.Our assumption is that L.sibirica root system necrosis occurred as a result of long-term waterlogging of developed soils with high spatial heterogeneity,normally able to absorb high quantities of groundwater.The areas unaffected were scree fields and rocky bastions characterized by adequate drainage.All of our findings support the primary stages of large-scale permafrost thaw,i.e.,correlating increases in soil moisture with increasing permafrost active layer thickness.
文摘The aim of the study was to assess the impact of E. camaldulensis plantation established in a semi-arid area on native woody plants diversity and density. Nested quadrant plot design, having an area of 15 m × 15 m used to collect data. Totally, 37 species at the plantation and 30 species at the native woodland, belonging to 24 families, identified. Species diversity (H′) was 1.57 at the plantation and 2.09 at the woodland forest. As for density of understory woody plants (height ≥ 1 m) the plantation forest harbored 6, 604 stems/ha while the native woodland had 7, 347 stems/ha. Seedling density (height Dodonaea angustifolia and other native species important for soil conservation, timber, bee forage and medicinal use.
文摘Gaps play a key role in forest ecosystem development and result from either natural processes or targeted forest management activities.The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationships of soil properties in each of three forest types and two treatments,and to identify factors that influence levels of soil mineral nitrogen forms.The relation between mineral nitrogen and factors of soil parameters and stand type(European beech,Norway spruce,mixed stand)categories were investigated.The spruce forest type stored significant nitrogen in both mineral forms of nitrogen.Moreover,there was a significant linear dependence between N-NO3^-(nitrate anion)concentrations and cation exchange capacity(CEC)parameters such as base cation contents(S-CEC)and potential ureolytic activities(UreasePot),as well as between N-NH4^+(ammonium cation)concentrations and both hydrolytic acidities(Ha-CEC)and ureolytic activities.The dependence of N-NO3^-concentrations on S-CEC contents and UreasePot was negative,especially in adjacent stand.The dependence of N-NH4^+concentrations on Ha-CEC and UreasePot was week in the beech and mixed forest types while it was significantly positive in the spruce forest type.
基金Financial support from ERDF “Multidisciplinary research to increase application potential of nanomaterials in agricultural practice”(No.CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_025/0007314)supported by NAZV QK1720349 “Nanoparticles zinc as an alternative to antibiotics in pigs”AF-IGA-2018-tym001 “Comparison of the impact of climate change on photosynthesis C3 and C4 plants cycles which are used in livestock feed”
文摘Background: Development of new nanomaterials that inhibit or kil bacteria is an important and timely research topic. For example, financial losses due to infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, are a major concern in livestock productions around the world. Antimicrobial nanoparticles(NPs) represent a promising alternative to antibiotics and may lower antibiotic use and consequently spread of antibiotic resistance traits among bacteria, including pathogens.Results: Four formulations of zinc nanoparticles(Zn A, Zn B, Zn C, and Zn D) based on phosphates with spherical(Zn A, Zn B)or irregular(Zn C, Zn D) morphology were prepared. The highest in vitro inhibitory effect of our NPs was observed against Staphylococcus aureus(inhibitory concentration values, IC50, ranged from 0.5 to 1.6 mmol/L), fol owed by Escherichia coli(IC500.8–1.5 mmol/L). In contrast, methicil in resistant S. aureus(IC501.2–4.7 mmol/L) was least affected and this was similar to inhibitory patterns of commercial Zn O-based NPs and Zn O. After the successful in vitro testing, the in vivo study with rats based on dietary supplementation with zinc NPs was conducted. Four groups of rats were treated by 2,000 mg Zn/kg diet of Zn A, Zn B, Zn C, and Zn D, for comparison two groups were supplemented by 2,000 mg Zn/kg diet of Zn O-N and Zn O, and one group(control) was fed only by basal diet. The significantly higher(P < 0.05) Zn level in liver and kidney of al treated groups was found, nevertheless Zn NPs did not greatly influence antioxidant status of rats. However,the total aerobic and coliform bacterial population in rat feces significantly decreased(P < 0.05) in al zinc groups after 30 d of the treatment. Furthermore, when compared to the Zn O group, Zn A and Zn C nanoparticles reduced coliforms significantly more(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that phosphate-based zinc nanoparticles have the potential to act as antibiotic agents.
基金supported by the internal grant agency of the Faculty of AgriSciences of Mendel University in Brno(AF-IGA2022-IP-034).
文摘The loss of bird species diversity is a crucial problem in the European agricultural landscape.Change in the area coverage of major land cover types has been mentioned as one of the main factors responsible for bird biodiversity impoverishment.In this study,we focused on the impact of landscape matrix characteristics on bird species richness and on Faith’s phylogenetic diversity index on a spatial scale of 1000-m radius around the measured occurrence points.We investigated how land cover composition affects bird diversity on the landscape scale using nationwide citizen science data.In total,168,739 records of bird occurrence in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic during growing season from 2009 to 2019 were evaluated.We found that the presence of water bodies and wetlands significantly corresponded to the areas of highest bird species richness.We also revealed that the presence of forests(~60%of the forest in the Czech Republic is occupied by commercial forests),urban areas and arable land were negatively associated with bird species richness and phylogenetic diversity.Forests(both coniferous and deciduous)and urban habitats were found to have a tendency to host a clustered phylogenetic community structure in comparison with wetland and arable land.A strong negative association between forest proportion and bird diversity led us to conclude that the expansion of the forest(with simple species composition,horizontal and vertical structure)could be one of the critical drivers of the decline of bird species diversity in the European agricultural landscape.On the other hand,our results also pointed out that small woody features(i.e.,woodlots)and scattered woodland shrub vegetation were one of the main landscape characteristics supporting a bird diversity in rural landscape.This is in concordance with other studies which mention these landscape structures as important elements for nesting and foraging of farmland birds.We thus recommend to maintain and restore scattered trees or woodlots with complex structure in agricultural landscape.
文摘Behavioral predictability,i.e.,short-term intra-individual variability under relatively constant environmental conditions,has only recently begun to gain attention.It is unknown,however,whether predictability of individuals with distinct mean behavior changes differently as a response to ecological factors such as resource availability.Moreover,the response might be affected by anthropogenic contaminants that are ubiquitous in the environment and that can affect animals' variability in behavior.Here,we investigated the relationship between mean predatory activity and predictability in predatory activity along a prey density gradient in the lynx spider Oxyopes lineatipes.We further examined how this relationship is influenced by insecticides,azadirachtin,and a plant extract from Embelia ribes.We found that all studied variables affected the predictability.In the control and Embelia treatments,that did not differ significantly,the predictability decreased with increasing prey density in a mean behavior-specific way.Individuals with low mean predatory activity were relatively less predictable than were those with high activity from low to moderate prey densities but more predictable at high prey densities.Azadirachtin altered this pattern and the individuals with low predatory activity were less predictable than were those with high predatory activity along the whole gradient of prey density.Our results show that predictability can change along an environmental gradient depending on a mean behavior.The relative predictability of the individuals with distinct mean behavior can depend on the value of the environmental gradient. In addition,this relationship can be affected by anthropogenic contaminants such as pesticides.
