Foliar application of micronutrients enhances crop stand,yield and the biofortification essential for human health of different wheat cultivars

Globally about half of the world's population is under micronutrient malnutrition due to poor quality food intake. To overcome this problem, fortification and biofortification techniques are often used. Biofortification is considered a better option than fortification due to the easy control of nutrient deficiencies present in daily food. This field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of foliar application of a micronutrient mixture(MNM) consisting of zinc(Zn), iron(Fe), copper(Cu), manganese(Mn) and boron(B) on yield and flour quality of wheat. The results show the effectiveness of foliar feeding for growth and yield parameters, in addition to the enriching of wheat grains with Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and B. Compared to the control without foliar feeding, foliar application on wheat crop increased tillering ability, spike length, grain yield and the contents of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and B by 21, 47, 22, 22 and 25% in wheat flour, respectively. Therefore, foliar feeding of micronutrients could be an effective approach to enrich wheat grains with essential nutrients for correcting malnutrition.     

Studies on the Mechanism of Diarrhoea Induced by Escherichia coli Heat-Stable Enterotoxin (STa) in Newborn Calves

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) produces a heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) that binds to and activates a putative intestinal receptor, guanylate cyclase, causing an increase in the intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Using flow cytometry and ¹²⁵I-STa binding assays, we studied the distribution of STa-receptors on enterocytes isolated from different segments of the newborn calf's intestinal tract. We also investigated the effect of STa on the intracellular levels of cGMP and ion transport to the intestinal lumen. More STa-receptors were found on enterocytes prepared from the ileum than on enterocytes obtained from the other segments of the intestinal tract. Guanylate cyclase activity was higher in the ileum of STa-challenged calves than in the ileum of control calves. No changes were observed in the guanylate cyclase activity of the other intestinal segments of the STa-challenged and control calves. Na⁺ levels, as measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy, were significantly increased in the luminal contents of the ileum of STa-challenged calves, whereas serum Cl^– levels were significantly lower in the STa-challenged calves than in control calves. This study supports previous observations on the role of guanylate cyclase in the initiation of STa-induced secretory diarrhoea and suggests that Na⁺/Cl^– coupling may be the major mechanism for the loss of ions in the diarrhoeal response that is mostly induced in the ileum of newborn calves.     

Protective effect of rutin on paracetamol- and CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents

Rutin, a well-known flavonoid was investigated for its possible protective effect against paracetamol- and CCl(4)-induced hepatic damage. Paracetamol produced 100% mortality at the dose of 1 g/kg in mice while pre-treatment of animals with rutin (20 mg/kg) reduced the death rate to 40%. Oral administration of a sub-lethal dose of paracetamol (640 mg/kg) produced liver damage in rats as manifested by the rise in serum level of transaminases (AST and ALT). Pre-treatment of rats with rutin (20 mg/kg) prevented the paracetamol-induced rise in serum enzymes. The hepatotoxic dose of CCl(4) (1.5 ml/kg; orally) also raised the serum AST and ALT levels. The same dose of rutin (20 mg/kg) was able to prevent the CCl(4)-induced rise in serum enzymes. Rutin also prevented the CCl(4)-induced prolongation in pentobarbital sleeping time confirming its hepatoprotectivity. These results indicate that rutin possesses hepatoprotective activity and the presence of this compound in Artemisia scoparia may explain the folkloric use of the plant in liver damage.     

Measuring the migration of silver from silver nanocomposite polyethylene packaging based on (TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) into <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penaeus semisulcatus</Emphasis> using titration comparison with migration methods

We have employed both common and novel methods to measure the amount of silver released from nanoparticle composite packaging. Forty-eight packages of green tiger prawns (Penaeus semisulcatus) were prepared: 24 packages with nanoparticle packaging and 24 packages without nanoparticle packaging. The normal shelf life of P. semisulcatus in the refrigerator is 1–2 days, and we therefore we tested the packages after 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days. We measured the diameter of the inhibition zone of the targeted microorganisms (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and examined scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, using both titration and migration methods, to measure the amounts of silver nanoparticles released. Compared to the standard amount allowed by standard 13737-3 of the National Information Standards Organization, our results indicated the superior sensitivity of the titration method over the migration method in terms of determining the remaining amount of nanoparticles (P < 0.05). The evaluation of SEM images indicated the homogeneity of the surface of the silver nanoparticle packaging and the even exchange capacity of titanium dioxide. The average size of the nanoparticles in the packaging films was determined to be 30–48 nm. The diameter of the inhibition zone in the silver nanoparticle, measured at the six time points, was significantly larger than that seen with other packaging, except for the phosphomycin and penicillin antibiogram disks (P < 0.01). The sensitivity of the titration method using the titration equipment was significantly higher than that of the migration method (P < 0.05). The findings indicate that nanoparticle packaging decreased the microbial count and enhanced the shelf life of P. semisulcatus, leading us to recommend the utilization of silver nanoparticle packaging.     

Gonadotropin releasing hormone‐analogue (GnRHa) treatment improves the milt production and sperm motility of endangered Caspian brown trout,Salmo trutta caspius,over the course of a spawning season

To determine the effect of gonadotropin releasing hormone‐analogue (GnRHa) treatment on the milt quality of endangered Caspian brown trout, Salmo trutta caspius, the sperm motility (percentage and duration of motility), sperm production (sperm density, spermatocrit and milt volume) and milt pH were measured for GnRHa‐treated (the treatment group) and untreated groups (the control group) during the spawning season. For untreated brooders, the values of the motility per cent, sperm density and spermatocrit decreased continuously during the spawning season while the milt volume, duration of motility and milt pH showed only a significant decrease at the end of the season. For GnRHa‐treated males, these parameters increased 14 days after GnRHa treatment (first milt collection) and then decreased continuously towards the end of the season. In addition, the values of milt and sperm density yielded per treated male were higher than that in the untreated group, although these were not statistically different. In any case, the total sum of yielded milt from the treatment group over the spawning season was higher than that in the untreated group. In this experiment, significant positive correlations were found between milt parameters as follows: sperm motility vs. milt pH; sperm density vs. spermatocrit; milt volume vs. spermatocrit; and milt volume vs. sperm density. The results show that the treatment of Caspian brown trout by GnRHa can improve the milt quality in terms of sperm motility and sperm production during a spawning season.     

Internal decay assessment in standing beech trees using ultrasonic velocity measurement

Ultrasonic wave timing inspection was used to detect the internal decay in standing Iranian beech trees (Fagus orientalis). To evaluate the influence of internal decay on ultrasonic velocity, healthy round sections of freshly cut fallen beech trees were selected. Holes [as heart or internal decay indicator and with different shapes (circular and slot) and locations] were manually created and progressively enlarged in the wood section disks, and ultrasonic wave velocity was measured by using a commercial ultrasonic tester (Sylvatest Duo). The results showed that ultrasonic wave velocity linearly and significantly decreased by increasing hole dimensions, and location of holes had no influence on the extent and trend of velocity decrease. Although slots covered a small volume fraction of disks, they had a greater effect on ultrasonic velocities reduction as compared with circular holes.     

Leaching of Methyl Isothiocyanate in Plainfield Sand Chemigated with Metam-Sodium

Soil column studies were undertaken to investigate the influence of soil water content and irrigation on leaching, distribution and persistence of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) in a sandy soil chemigated with the soil fumigant metam-sodium. No leaching was obtained from columns at low water content (0·042 or 0·074 cm³ cm⁻³). However, 8·4 (±2·8), 34·2 (±7·4) and 119·4 (±8·3) μg of MITC leached from columns at 0·105, 0·137 and 0·168 cm³ cm⁻³ water content, respectively. Increased leaching resulted from sprinkler application of 25-mm of water to columns at 0·137 cm³ cm⁻³ water content. Leaching of MITC constituted only a small fraction of the amount applied even in the worst case. Methyl isothiocyanate persisted in soil for 15 days at 2°C in varying amounts under the different water regimes. Relatively high amounts of MITC residues (8–12 mg kg⁻¹ soil) were detected in the top 25-cm layer of all the soil columns. Degradation was the major pathway of dissipation for the chemical despite the soil water regime.     

Changes in metabolic enzymes,cortisol and glucose concentrations of Beluga (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Huso huso</Emphasis>) exposed to dietary methylmercury

In this paper, effects of dietary methylmercury (MeHg) on several blood biochemical parameters including GLU (glucose), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and cortisol were investigated in the Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso). Beluga juveniles were fed for 32 days on four diets containing MeHg (control: 0.04 mg kg⁻¹; low: 0.76 mg kg⁻¹; medium: 7.88 mg kg⁻¹; and high 16.22 mg kg⁻¹ treatment). Significant increases (P < 0.05) were observed in all biochemical parameters, except ALP levels, which decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the control group with either dose- or time-dependent effects. These results suggest that long-term dietary MeHg exposure may affect metabolic enzyme activity and glucose levels in Belugas. These findings provide useful information for environmental and fishery officials to apply in future decisions for managing fish resources in Caspian Sea.     

In situ stabilization of arsenic in soil with organoclay, organozeolite, birnessite, goethite and lanthanum-doped magnetic biochar

Arsenic (As) is a known carcinogen and naturally occurring semi-metal in soils and in the Earth''s crust. Contamination of soils and water with As poses a serious threat to millions of people worldwide due to its health hazards and toxicological properties. Hence, devising novel and efficient methods for remediation of contaminated areas has attracted a great deal of interest across the globe. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of synthetic birnessite, goethite, hexadecylpyridinium chloride-modified montmorillonite (HDPC-M), hexadecylpyridinium bromide-modified zeolite (HDPB-Z), and lanthanum (La)-doped magnetic biochar produced from eucalyptus bark (La-Euchar) as adsorbents at 10% dosage for As stabilization in a soil spiked with 1 000 mg kg^-1 As. The effectiveness of the above adsorbents in As immobilization in soil was assessed using single-step extractions with 2 mol L^-1 HNO₃ and deionized water, the simplified bioaccessibility extraction test (SBET) method, and sequential extraction with the modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) method. Application of the adsorbents shifted the exchangeable fraction of As to more recalcitrant fractions and dramatically reduced the exchangeable fraction by 6%-99% and the extractable amounts with HNO₃, deionized water, and SBET method by 30%-92%, 17%-95%, and 12%-90%, respectively, compared to the unamended control. The immobilizing effects of adsorbents on As decreased in the sequence of birnessite > La-Euchar > goethite > HDPB-Z > HDPC-M. Birnessite exhibited great affinity for As and drastically reduced As extractability by more than 90% in all single extractions. The results revealed that HDPC-M, HDPB-Z, La-Euchar, birnessite, and goethite are promising immobilizing agents for in situ stabilization of As in terrestrial environments.