农林科学最新文献

Background: Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) pulp oil is rich in functional components; however, low water solubility and stability limit its applications. This study fabricated sea buckthorn pulp oil microcapsules using whey protein isolate (WPI), soy protein isolate (SPI), sodium caseinate (NaCN), gum arabic (GA), starch sodium octenylsuccinate (OSAS) and SPI mixed with chitosan (CHI). The influences of these wall materials on physicochemical properties, release behavior and digestibility were explored.

Results: Protein-based wall materials (WPI, NaCN, SPI) demonstrated lower bulk densities due to their porous structures and larger particle sizes, while GA and OSAS produced denser microcapsules. Encapsulation efficiency was the highest for protein-based microcapsules (79.41-89.12%) and the lowest for GA and OSAS. The surface oil percentage of protein-based microcapsules (1.41-4.40%) was lower than that of the other microcapsules. Protein-based microcapsules showed concave and cracked surfaces, while GA and OSAS microcapsules were spherical and smooth. CHI improved reconstitution performance, leading to faster dissolution. During simulated gastrointestinal digestion, protein-based microcapsules released more free fatty acids (FFAs) in the intestinal phase, while CHI-modified SPI microcapsules showed a delayed release pattern due to thicker walls.

Conclusion: Protein-based wall materials were more effective for sea buckthorn pulp oil microencapsulation, providing higher encapsulation efficiency, better flow properties and releasing more FFAs. The addition of CHI led to the layer-by-layer self-assembly of the microcapsule wall and resulted in sustained release during in vitro intestinal digestion. These findings suggested the potential of protein-based microcapsules for targeted delivery and improved applications of bioactive oils in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: In the winemaking process, the rapid determination of specific quality parameters such as sugar content, pH, acidity, concentrations of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and volatile organic compounds is crucial for high-quality wine production. Traditional analytical methods allow for precise quantification of these parameters but are time-consuming and expensive. This article explores the potential application of non-destructive analytical technique (NDAT) (near infra-red [NIR] and e-nose), as efficient alternatives for online monitoring of fermentation working on two different winemaking tanks and applying chemometrics to develop predictive models to correlate non-destructive and analytical data.

Results: NIR measurements have been used to build principal components regression models, showing good prediction capability for polyphenols, anthocyanins, glucose and fructose. Both offline and online e-nose applications demonstrate good capability of discriminating different fermentation phases, in agreement with aromatic profile changes observed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Moreover, correlation analysis reveals the potential of quartz microbalances, Taguchi Gas Sensors and H₂S sensors in predicting the concentration of compounds of great interest for winemaking (e.g. C6 alcohols, ketones, terpenes and ethyl esters) highlighting the robust connection between sensor data and specific chemical classes.

Conclusion: This research aims to showcase the potential employment of NDAT for online monitoring the evolution of must composition during fermentation. The proposed methods could potentially fulfil a longstanding requirement of winemakers, enabling them to closely monitor fermentation allowing the timely making of important technical decisions aimed at achieving oenological objectives in wine production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Metal nanoparticles are widely used in agricultural production. As a new type of molybdenum fertilizer, MoO₃NPs have the properties of nanomaterials and the characteristics of molybdenum nutrition. Previous studies have focused on their role in promoting crop growth. However, it is unknown whether excessive MoO₃NPs will affect crop quality and nutritional value. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of MoO₃NPs (0, 0.15, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10, 50, 100 mg kg^-1) on the growth and quality of soybean were investigated by pot experiments to analyze the plant effects caused by MoO₃NPs.

Results: The results showed that the effects of MoO₃NPs treatment on plant biomass and nodule number were promoted at low concentrations (0.15-5 mg kg^-1) and inhibited at high concentrations (10-100 mg kg^-1). According to the logistic distribution model, it was predicted that MoO₃NPs would have the strongest toxic effect on soybean flowering stage. The contents of MoO₃NPs which reduced the yield of soybean by 10% and 20% were 12.38 and 30.81 mg kg^-1. NP0.15 could significantly improve the total amount of amino acids in grains, while NP100 reduced the total amount of amino acids in grains, both of them significantly increasing the contents of linolenic acid and linoleic acid in soybean seeds.

Conclusion: A change of MoO₃NPs concentration had no negative effect on the nutritional value of soybean grains. The research could lead to a better understanding of the potential impact of nutritional changes caused by MoO₃NPs on human health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The negative effects of global warming also directly affect aquatic populations. Consequences such as evaporation due to chronic temperature increase, increase in salinity, and increase in stock density per unit volume are potential stress factors. While creating the trial design, an attempt was made to simulate the effects of global warming, especially on species living in salty and brackish water biotopes. In this study, changes in the gills of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) acclimated to 0, 20, and 38 ‰ of saline in the laboratory were examined histologically and immunohistochemically and blood serum osmolarity. In addition, the water temperature was changed, and experiments were carried out at 16, 19, and 22 °C for each salinity group in parallel with the increase in salinity. However, to simulate the decrease in water volume and intensive stocking due to the potential impact of climate change, the study was carried out using 15 fishes in low-volume aquariums (45 L). Tap water that had been kept for at least 3 days was used in the aquariums. To protect the water quality, independent aquariums with sponge filters were used, and since the aim was to keep dissolved oxygen low, no ventilation system other than the sponge filter was used. In order to minimize the deterioration in water quality during the trial, a 15% water change was performed by performing a bottom flush every 4 days and water of the same temperature and salinity was added as much as the reduced volume. In addition, since increasing stock density due to temperature increase and water decrease will cause the amount of dissolved oxygen to decrease, pure oxygen was not entered into any tank throughout the experiment, and the concentration was requested to be at a low level (7 ± 0.13 mg/L) in all groups. The trials were terminated at the end of the 71st day. Increased serum osmolarity values were observed due to the increase in salinity, and the highest serum osmolarity value was measured at 644 mOsm/kg in the 38 ‰ salinity group. Differences between the groups were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). It was observed that the number of cells containing Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase increased depending on salinity. Also, the number of chloride cells reached the maximum level in the 38 ‰ salinity group. Due to increasing salt levels, an increase in mucus cells, limited onset hyperplasia, aneurysm, lamellar separation, and necrosis were observed in the gill tissue.

The study aimed to investigate the influence of different microalgae used in green water culture on the intestinal morphology of the seahorse Hippocampus reidi during the first 15 days of life. Four treatments were tested in triplicate, consisting of two microalgae (Tisochrysis lutea-ISO and Chaetoceros muelleri-CHO), used either individually (TISO and TCHO) or combined (TIC 1:1) in larval rearing water, and a treatment without microalgae (TWM). Larvae (6.68 ± 0.55 mm) were fed copepods (Parvocalanus crassirrostris; 2 ind mL^-1) and rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis; 8 ind mL^-1) from the first to the seventh day, and from the eighth day onwards, with Artemia sp. nauplii (2 ind mL^-1). For the analysis of intestinal histomorphometry, histological analysis of the tissue was performed on day 0 (initial) and after 7 and 15 days. The results demonstrate a significant increase in weight and weight gain of the larvae on the 15th day in the treatments with the addition of the microalgae T. lutea, whether alone or combination with other microalgae, compared to TWM. In relation the intestinal histomorphometry of larvae, the ANCOVA revealed that, on the 7th and 15th day, only the treatments with microalgae significantly affected the surface area of the intestinal villi. The intestinal histomorphometry of larvae from TISO showed higher values of villus height (85.29 ± 1.23 µm²) compared to TWM (69.42 ± 2.82 µm²) and TCHO (76.92 ± 2.23 µm²) (P < 0.05) but did not show significant differences compared to TIC (80.127 ± 2.08 µm²), which reflected on the villi surface area. Therefore, larvae from TISO (3603.43 ± 151.31 µm²) and TIC (3550.29 ± 120.99 µm²) showed significantly higher values of this parameter compared to TWM (3026.79 ± 147.64 µm²) and TCHO (3069.09 ± 126.18 µm²) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the protocol for H. reidi larvae rearing in a green water system with the addition of the microalgae T. lutea resulted in an increase in the intestinal absorption area, resulting in improved performance of the larvae.

Ventilation frequencies of the gills (f_G) and the air-breathing organ (f_ABO) were measured in juveniles and adults of the air-breathing betta (Betta splendens) and the blue gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) in response to temperature and hypoxia. Ventilatory rates were evaluated after 1 h of exposure to 27 °C (control), 23 and 31 °C (PO₂ = 21.0 kPa), after acute temperature changes (ATC) from 23 to 27, and 27 to 31 °C, and under progressive hypoxia (PH; PO₂ =  ~ 21 to 2.5 kPa). Complex, multi-phased ventilatory alterations were evident across species and experimental groups revealing different stress responses and shock reactions (e.g., changes in temperature sensitivity (Q₁₀) of f_G between 1-h exposure and ACT in both species). Female and male gourami showed differences in Q₁₀ over the temperature range 23-31 °C. No such Q₁₀ differences occurred in betta. Juveniles of both species showed higher Q₁₀ for f_ABO (~ 3.7) than f_G (~ 2.2). Adult fish exhibited variable Q₁₀s for f_G (~ 1.5 to ~ 4.3) and f_ABO (~ 0.8 to ~ 15.5) as a function of temperature, suggesting a switch from aquatic towards aerial ventilation in response to thermal stress. During PH, juveniles from both species showed higher f_G than adults at all oxygen levels. Females from both species showed higher f_G compared with males. Collectively, our results suggest that environmental cues modulate ventilatory responses in both species throughout ontogeny, but the actual responses reflect species-specific differences in natural habitat and ecology. Finally, we strongly suggest assessing physiological differences between male and female fish to avoid masking relevant findings and to facilitate results interpretation.

Background: Mare milk has often been considered a food product with potential functional properties. However, the bioactive compound composition of mare milk, including vitamins and other minor bioactive compounds, as well as factors affecting this composition have scarcely been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the changes during lactation in the content of water- and fat-soluble vitamins and total polyphenols, and the total antioxidant capacity of mare milk from semi-extensive farms. A total of 310 individual milk samples from 18 mares belonging to three commercial farms and 12 lactation times were analyzed. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), thiamine (vitamin B₁), riboflavin (vitamin B₂), nicotinic acid and niacinamide (vitamins B₃), pantothenic acid (vitamin B₅), pyridoxal and pyridoxine (vitamins B₆), folic acid (vitamin B₉), cyanocobalamin (vitamin B₁₂), tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E) and retinol and retinyl esters (vitamin A) were quantified using liquid chromatography. Total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity assays were analyzed using spectrophotometry.

Results: The concentration of most bioactive compounds tended to decline as lactation progressed, with the exception of polyphenols and the total antioxidant capacity that oscillated during lactation. On the other hand, the effect of the different semi-extensive management of the farms was only significant for vitamin B₃ content.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the most in-depth description of the vitamin profile of mare milk as well as new insights into polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of mare milk. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonoses worldwide, primarily affecting livestock but also posing a serious threat to public health. The major Brucella species are known to cause a feverish disease in humans with various clinical signs. These classical Brucella species are (re-)emerging, but also novel strains and species, some of them transmitted from rodents, can be associated with human infections. As a result of our review on rodent-borne brucellosis, we emphasise the need for more comprehensive surveillance of Brucella and especially Brucella microti in rodent populations and call for further research targeting the ecological persistence of rodent-associated Brucella species in the environment, their epizootic role in wild rodents and their virulence and pathogenicity for wildlife.

Background: Zymoseptoria tritici causes Septoria tritici blotch (STB), which is the biggest threat to wheat in the UK. Azole fungicides have been used since the 1980s to control STB, but resistance to these chemicals is now widespread. The main resistance mechanism is based on the accumulation of CYP51 mutations, with 33 mutations reported. Hence, farmers need an accurate estimate of the haplotype composition of Z. tritici populations to develop effective fungicide treatments and resistance management.

Results: Isolates from Z. tritici lesions were collected from three fields across three commercial farms using two sampling approaches. Analysis of the isolate sequences revealed that the number of distinct haplotypes and the haplotype composition of the most dominant haplotypes varied only between and not within farms. Conventional W-shaped and point sampling both found the same percentage of distinct haplotypes and frequencies of the six most dominant haplotypes.

Conclusion: The results from this survey suggest that farm-resistance-management strategies should be based on farm-specific rather than national data, and that sampling within a single field is sufficient. W-shaped sampling is often recommended in sampling approaches, but this survey finds no evidence of this approach being more appropriate for detecting a greater percentage of distinct haplotypes which may aid the discovery of potential new resistance threats. © 2024 Fera Science Ltd. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The Homeotic complex (Hox) genes play a crucial role in determining segment identity and appendage morphology in bilaterian animals along the antero-posterior axis. Recent studies have expanded to agricultural pests such as fall armyworm (FAW), scientifically known as Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which significantly threatens global agricultural productivity. However, the specific role of the hox gene Sfabd-B in FAW remains unexplored. This research investigates the spatial and temporal expression patterns of Sfabd-B in various tissues at different developmental stages using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, we explored the potential function of the Sfabd-B gene located in the FAW genome using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The larval mutant phenotypes can be classified into three subgroups as compared with wild-type individuals, that is, an excess of pedis in the posterior abdomen, deficient pedis due to segmental fusion and deviations in the posterior abdominal segments. Importantly, significant differences in mutant phenotypes between male and female individuals were also evident during the pupal and adult phases. Notably, both the decapentaplegic (dpp) and cuticular protein 12 (cp 12) genes displayed a substantial marked decrease in expression levels in the copulatory organ of male mutants and the ovipositor of female mutants compared with the wild type. These findings highlight the importance of Sfabd-B in genital tract patterning, providing a potential target for improving genetic control.