Can Betadine (10% povidone-iodine solution) act on the survival rate and gill tissue structure of Oranda goldfish (Carassius auratus)?

Veterinary Research Communications - Industrial chemical solutions are widely used as a method to disinfection of aquaculture water and environments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate...     

A qualitative multi-attribute model for assessing the impact of cropping systems on soil quality

An important goal of the European Commission-funded ECOGEN project is to develop a computer-based decision support system (DSS) for the assessment of economic and ecological impacts of using genetically modified crops. In ecological impact assessment, special emphasis is put on soil biology and estimating soil quality from the observed biological parameters. Methodologically, we have addressed this goal using model-based DSS, taking the approach of qualitative multi-attribute modelling. The approach is based on developing various hierarchical multi-attribute models that consist of qualitative attributes and utility (aggregation) functions, represented by decision rules. The model presented in this paper assesses the impact of cropping systems on soil quality and can subsequently be used to assess crop management options. It was developed as a collaboration between ECOGEN soil experts and decision analysts, and consists of 34 attributes, hierarchically structured into eight levels. There are 21 input attributes, most of which measure the richness and biomass of representative soil organisms. The assessment of soil quality is based on two main indicators: (1) soil diversity (assessed through microfauna, mesofauna and macrofauna richness) and (2) soil functioning (in terms of leaching, comminution, mineralisation and plant growth). In the paper, we address the methodological aspects of the model and its development, and describe the components of the model (attributes, value scales, decision rules and weights). We present initial results of its application to the assessment of crop management on soil quality in the case of using conventional and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-maize at three field sites in France and Denmark. Our finding was that soil quality was unaffected even though several input attributes had changed. We also analyse the sensitivity of the model and discuss its current and potential contribution to soil quality management. The model is operational (available through a web page) and can be used for the assessment, comparison and analysis of realistic management scenarios. Furthermore, it provides an effective means of synthesising a lot of data, encoding knowledge about soil-quality factors, supporting communication among experts, answering ‘what-if’ and ‘so-what’ questions, and supporting the evaluation of new agricultural practices.     

Pyrosequencing and mid-infrared spectroscopy reveal distinct aggregate stratification of soil bacterial communities and organic matter composition

This study integrated physical, chemical, and molecular techniques to assess relationships between soil bacterial community structures and the quantity and quality of soil organic carbon (SOC) at the soil microenvironment scale (e.g., within different aggregate size-fractions). To accomplish this goal, soil samples (0–5 cm) were collected from the Texas High Plains region under a variety of dryland and irrigated cropping systems. The soil was separated into macroaggregates, microaggregates, and silt + clay fractions that were analyzed for (1) bacterial diversity via pyrosequencing of the 16s rRNA gene and (2) SOC quantity and quality using a combustion method and mid-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (mid-IR), respectively. Results from pyrosequencing showed that each soil microenvironment supported a distinct bacterial community. Similarly, mid-IR data revealed distinct spectral features indicating that these fractions were also distinguished by organic and mineral composition. Macroaggregates showed relatively high abundance of Actinobacteria (excluding order Rubrobacteriales) and α-Proteobacteria and contained the most SOC. Microaggregates showed high relative abundance of Rubrobacteriales and the least amount of SOC. Predominance within the soil microenvironment and correlations along the mid-IR spectra were different between members of the order Rubrobacteriales compared with all other members of the Actinobacteria phyla, suggesting they have different ecological niches. Mid-IR results revealed microaggregates had greater absorbance in the 1370–1450 cm^?1 region for phenolic and alkyl groups (possibly recalcitrant C). Silt + clay fractions were distinguished by Gemmatimonadetes and OP10 phyla, which positively correlated with spectral absorption in the1250–1150 cm^?1 range (indicating both degradable and recalcitrant C forms). In contrast to general diversity index measurements, distributions of the more rare bacterial phyla (phyla representing <6% of the identified population) were more important for differentiating between communities in soil microenvironments. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate soil bacterial communities among soil aggregates using pyrosequenging and to associate these communities to specific soil C chemistries as indicated by mid-IR absorbance.     

Simultaneous X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence microanalysis on secondary xylem of Norway spruce

Secondary xylem of Norway spruce was studied by X-ray microanalysis. Average dimensions of cellulose crystallites, fraction of oriented cellulose, mean microfibril angle, and nutrient element concentrations of K, Ca, Mn, and Zn were simultaneously determined using microfocused synchrotron radiation and a combination of X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. The variation of these quantities in the microscopic size scale was noticeable, and similar between samples taken from the same annual ring. The mean microfibril angle and the nutrient concentrations of Ca, Mn, and Zn showed a correlation. The mean values of the structural parameters and their variation as a function of the annual ring were similar as reported in previous studies on Norway spruce.     

Plant Accumulation of Natural Radionuclides as Affected by Substrate Contaminated with Uranium-Mill Tailings

Environmental concern due to plant accumulation of natural radionuclides is a major concern in uranium mining areas. To evaluate the risk associated with the transfer of radionuclides to edible plants, the uptake of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, and ²¹⁰Pb by Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt) grown in soils contaminated with uranium-mill tailings (UMT) was investigated. Test plants were grown under controlled conditions in substrate composed of soil and UMT in different ratios. Activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, and ²¹⁰Pb in substrate, leaves, and roots were measured and the concentration ratios determined. Soil characteristics were determined, since they directly affect bioavailability of radionuclides. Concentration ratios of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, and ²¹⁰Pb in leaves varied from 0.001 to 0.006, 0.024 to 0.172, and 0.004 to 0.011, respectively, and in roots from 0.020 to 0.126, 0.015 to 0.241, and 0.033 to 1.460, respectively. Concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, and ²¹⁰Pb in leaves and roots were found to correlate with the amount of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, and ²¹⁰Pb in the substrate. A higher amount of ²²⁶Ra accumulated in aboveground parts (57–877 Bq kg^?1 d. m. for leaves) compared to ²³⁸U (0.6–4.7 Bq kg^?1 d. m. for leaves) and ²¹⁰Pb (8–53 Bq kg^?1 d. m. for leaves), which were mainly stored in the roots. The relationships between the amount of radionuclides in plants and soil characteristics and their role in radionuclide uptake are discussed and critically evaluated.     

Driving forces for agroforestry uptake in Mediterranean Europe: application of the analytic network process

The factors that determine the implementation of four alternative agroforestry practices or no agroforestry on a theoretical 200 ha farm in Mediterranean Europe were examined using an analytic network process (ANP) model. The four agroforestry practices considered were implementation of a form of (i) high natural and cultural value agroforestry, (ii) agroforestry with high value trees, and agroforestry for (iii) arable and (iv) livestock systems. The ANP model was developed in a participatory manner through a systematic series of quantitative questionnaires and workshops with agroforestry researchers. In general, all the Mediterranean agroforestry systems were associated with high benefits and opportunities, but also with high costs and high risks. The greatest benefits were attributed to high natural and cultural value agroforestry systems, which greatly contributed to the highest priority of this system. Overall ranking of priorities for the agroforestry management alternatives show robustness in the sensitivity analysis. The “no agroforestry” land use became the preferred option when costs were given a weighting of 0.50 or greater.     

Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Human-Impacted Environment: A One Health Perspective

Antibiotic resistance and its environmental component are gaining more attention as part of combating the growing healthcare crisis. The One Health framework, promulgated by many global health agencies, recognizes that antimicrobial resistance is a truly inter-domain problem in which human health, animal agriculture, and the environment are the core and interrelated components. This prospectus presents the status and issues relevant to the environmental component of antibiotic resistance, namely, the needs for advancing surveillance methodology:the environmental reservoirs and sources of resistance, namely, urban wastewater treatment plants, aquaculture production systems, soil receiving manure and biosolid, and the atmosphere which includes longer range dispersal. Recently, much work has been done describing antibiotic resistance genes in various environments; now quantitative, mechanistic, and hypothesis-driven studies are needed to identify practices that reduce real risks and maintain the effectiveness of our current antibiotics as long as possible. Advanced deployable detection methods for antibiotic resistance in diverse environmental samples are needed in order to provide the surveillance information to identify risks and define barriers that can reduce risks. Also needed are practices that reduce antibiotic use and thereby reduce selection for resistance, as well as practices that limit the dispersal of or destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria or their resistance genes that are feasible for these varied environmental domains.     

The enhancement of bioactive potential in Vitis vinifera leaves by application of microspheres loaded with biological and chemical agents

An overview of a research on Vitis vinifera plants treated with a chemical (calcium and magnesium ions) and biological (Trichoderma viride) agents simultaneously loaded in alginate microspheres was presented. Microspheres were applied at two growth stages: before flowering and berries pea-size. Physicochemical characteristics of leaves after the two growth stages and grapes were measured in terms of bioactive components content and antioxidant activity. After the treatments, vine leaves reached a significant increase in almost all measured parameters (polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, β-carotene, and chlorophyll) compared to the control. The highest total chlorophyll content was found after the treatment with microspheres containing Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ cations, and T. viride. The treatments enhanced Vitis vinifera leaves in terms of bioactive potential and can be further used as a functional food. As compared to the control, somewhat elevated values of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity were found on the grape samples.     

Apical bud removal increased seed yield in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

In plants, apical dominance prevents the development of lateral shoots. It can be overwhelmed by apical bud defoliation, allowing numerous lateral buds to develop into more lateral branches carrying more fruits and possibly increasing seed yield. This study tested this hypothesis on five hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars in a 2-year field experiment. In comparison to the intact ones, the defoliated plants developed several lateral shoots. The hemp seed yield was significantly influenced by the year of production, the apical bud removal, and the cultivar. The average two-year seed yield of the defoliated plants (715?±?47?kg/ha) was significantly higher than the yield of the intact plants (568?±?35?kg/ha). Absolutely the greatest effect of apical bud removal on the seed yield was observed for the cultivar ‘Novosadska konoplja’, where increase was 225?kg/ha (25%); a slightly smaller difference occurred for the cultivar ‘Uniko-B’ (183?kg; 30%), followed by ‘Juso-11’ (140?kg/ha; 27%) and ‘Bialobrzeskie’ (128?kg/ha; 29). Cultivar ‘Beniko’ presented the smallest difference with apical bud removal – 58?kg/ha (15%) yield increase We maintain that hemp producers can achieve a larger seed yield not only by selecting an appropriate cultivar and row distance but also by removing apical buds.