Article
Plant Sciences
Paz Carcamo-Fincheira, Marjorie Reyes-Diaz, Rebeca P. Omena-Garcia, Jonas Rafael Vargas, Marysol Alvear, Igor Florez-Sarasa, Laise Rosado-Souza, Zed Rengel, Alisdair R. Fernie, Adriano Nunes-Nesi, Claudio Inostroza-Blancheteau
Summary: The exudation of organic acid anions, particularly oxalate, plays an important role in aluminum resistance of highbush blueberry genotypes, while elevated levels of ASC in roots contribute to the aluminum resistance mechanisms exhibited by genotypes Camellia and Cargo.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sara Silva, Eduardo M. Costa, Manuela Machado, Rui M. Morais, Conceicao Calhau, Manuela Pintado
Summary: Blueberry extracts have antimicrobial activity against potential pathogens and can impact the growth and metabolic activity of probiotics. The study demonstrated the inhibitory effect of blueberry extracts on food pathogens and evaluated their impact on the growth and metabolic activity of probiotic microorganisms. The results showed no inhibitory effect on probiotic growth but significant impact on their metabolic activity, leading to increased organic acid production and earlier production of propionic acid.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peter A. Roussos, Nikoleta-Kleio Denaxa, Athanassios Tsafouros, Efstathios Ntanos
Summary: Cane girdling has an impact on leaf physiological functions and fruit quality of kiwifruit. Girdling reduces carbon assimilation rate but increases fruit dry matter, weight, and dimensions. Additionally, girdled fruits have higher total soluble solids content and TSS-to-TA ratio. Girdling enhances total phenols, total flavanols, and antioxidant capacity of the fruits.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Yu Lan, Wei Zhu, Xiaolu Duan, Tuo Deng, Shujue Li, Yang Liu, Zhou Yang, Yaoan Wen, Lianming Luo, Shankun Zhao, Jiamin Wang, Zhijian Zhao, Wenqi Wu, Guohua Zeng
Summary: The study identified a novel role of glycine in regulating kidney calcium oxalate crystal formation, showing that glycine can attenuate CaOx crystal deposition by decreasing urine oxalate and increasing urine citrate levels. The mechanism involves downregulating Slc26a6 expression to decrease urine oxalate and inhibiting Nadc1 expression to increase urine citrate, with additional regulation of protein expression by miRNA-411-3p. These findings provide a potential target for the treatment of kidney calcium oxalate stones.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Turudic, Anja Tea Golubic, Mila Lovric, Marko Bilic, Danko Milosevic
Summary: The research found different risks and important variables in urinary stone development between prepubertal and pubertal/postpubertal children, with citrate and glycosaminoglycans increasingly important in children. J48 classifier confirmed the importance of certain variables for distinguishing between children with urolithiasis and healthy children of the same age and gender.
Article
Agronomy
Charles F. Forney, Michael A. Jordan, Kathleen Munro Pennell, Sherry Fillmore
Summary: The effects of air or controlled atmosphere storage on highbush blueberry fruit quality and flavor chemistry were investigated. Elevated CO2 concentrations reduced decay but did not affect fruit splitting, while also decreasing fruit firmness and increasing flesh discoloration. Sugar and acid content tended to increase in fruit stored in elevated CO2 concentrations, but the sugar/acid ratio declined. Ethanol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate increased significantly in response to elevated concentrations of CO2. Differences in CO2 tolerance were observed among cultivars, with 'Liberty' showing the least fermentation-induced volatiles and 'Aurora' displaying the least flesh discoloration.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Siyi Guo, Chaoyang Lu, Kaixin Wang, Jian Wang, Zhiping Zhang, Hong Liu, Yanyan Jing, Quanguo Zhang
Summary: The effect of citrate buffer on biohydrogen production using photosynthetic bacteria was studied. It was found that the citrate buffer had a significant impact on the pH of the reaction liquid, and adjusting the pH can improve the biohydrogen yield.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Erik Chovancek, Joao Salazar, Sema Sirin, Yagut Allahverdiyeva
Summary: This study investigated the biostimulant potential of six microalgal species from Nordic collections using two different extraction methods. The results showed that the hydrolyzed extracts obtained through thermal hydrolysis with sulfuric acid and ultrasonication, as well as bead-milling with aqueous extraction followed by centrifugation, exhibited good effects on plant root growth and photosynthetic performance.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Nancy S. Krieger, John Asplin, Ignacio Granja, Luojing Chen, Daiana Spataru, Tong Tong Wu, Marc Grynpas, David A. Bushinsky
Summary: In this study, the effects of potassium citrate and chlorthalidone on calcium oxalate stone formation and bone quality were investigated using a genetic hypercalciuric stone-forming rat model. The results showed that potassium citrate plus chlorthalidone combination was more effective in reducing stone formation, while chlorthalidone alone improved bone quality.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ning Zhang, Fan Fan, Yi Feng, Ming Hu, Qingyan Fu, Jing Chen, Shunyao Wang, Jialiang Feng
Summary: Organic acids play an important role in aerosol composition and have significant implications on particle formation, growth, acidity, phase state, and environmental impacts. Oxalic acid is found to be the most abundant organic diacid in Shanghai, with significant correlations with sulfate. Meteorological factors and atmospheric oxidation capacity influence the formation of oxalic acid. The study suggests that oxalic acid may be derived from the secondary oxidation of volatile organic compounds.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Honghong Cheng, Jianping Li, Tao Meng, Dong Shu
Summary: This paper provides a timely and comprehensive review on the classification, design, preparation and application of Mn-based MOFs and their derivatives for supercapacitors. The recent advancements in Mn-based MOFs and their derivatives applied in supercapacitor electrodes are highlighted. The challenges and potential improvements for Mn-MOFs and their derivatives in supercapacitors are also summarized.
Article
Agronomy
Alan E. Richardson, Timothy S. George, Maarten Hens, Emmanuel Delhaize, Peter R. Ryan, Richard J. Simpson, Peter J. Hocking
Summary: Organic anions can mobilize soil organic phosphorus, increasing its bioavailability. This has important implications for understanding phosphorus dynamics in natural and managed ecosystems, as well as improving phosphorus acquisition efficiency in agricultural plants.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuqing Qiao, Na Li, Mingwei Dong, Peng Jia, Chongchong Ma, Tong Zhang, Tifeng Jiao
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted great attention in the field of energy conversion and storage due to their high specific surface area and permanent porosity. In this study, MnO/C nanocomposites with regular octahedral shape were synthesized from a Mn-based MOF precursor. The nanocomposites exhibited MnO nanocages with a diameter of approximately 20 nm, composed of MnO nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 2 nm. These nanocages showed a single crystal structure and were dispersed in a microporous carbon matrix. The as-prepared MnO/C nanocomposites demonstrated a decrease in specific surface area and an increase in total pore volume compared to the precursor. When used as an electrode for supercapacitors, the nanocomposites exhibited a high specific capacitance and good cycle stability.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Antonios Petridis, Jeroen van der Kaay, Iain W. Archibald, Susan McCallum, Julie Graham, Robert D. Hancock
Summary: In maritime environments, blueberry yield often varies greatly due to poorly adapted photosynthetic responses to low light conditions. Placing reflective mulch alongside plants can significantly increase the amount of light reaching the canopy, leading to a twofold increase in yield while maintaining fruit quality.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mysoon M. Al-Ansari
Summary: This study demonstrates that Rhodobacter sp. possesses significant tolerance and removal potential for arsenic, making it a valuable candidate for future arsenic remediation practices.
Article
Agronomy
Jorge Gonzalez-Villagra, Katterin Aravena-Ibanez, Gustavo Curaqueo Fuentes, Claudio Inostroza-Blancheteau, Ricardo Tighe-Neira
Summary: The composting process of Ulex europaeus L. new shoots showed better results compared to bovine manure and equine manure in terms of physicochemical properties, but it required more time to reach complete compost maturity. Each material had different characteristics in terms of temperature, moisture, pH, as well as organic matter, carbon, nitrogen, carbon/nitrogen ratio, electrical conductivity, and toxicity.
ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ricardo Tighe-Neira, Jorge Gonzalez-Villagra, Adriano Nunes-Nesi, Claudio Inostroza-Blancheteau
Summary: Heavy metals and their engineered nanoparticles are emerging contaminants that are known to impact plant growth and development. This critical review focuses on the effects of copper, iron, zinc, and manganese nanoparticles on food crops. Copper and manganese nanoparticles show similar impacts, while iron and zinc nanoparticles appear to be less toxic. Further research is needed to fully understand the physiological, metabolic, and molecular effects of nanoparticles and their ion counterparts on crop plants.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Isis Vega, Sofia Pontigo, Adriano Nunes-Nesi, Maria de la Luz Mora, Sebastian Meier, Paula Cartes
Summary: Drought is a major constraint for crop production under current climate change scenario. The use of sustainable strategies, such as the combined use of silicon fertilization and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, has been suggested as a promising approach to improve crop yield and mitigate the negative effects of water deficiency stress.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonathan Suazo-Hernandez, Nicolas Arancibia-Miranda, Rawan Mlih, Lizethly Caceres-Jensen, Nanthi Bolan, Maria de la Luz Mora
Summary: In recent years, the release of metal and metallic oxide engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) into the environment has led to an increased accumulation in agricultural soils, posing significant risks to the ecosystem and soil health. This study examines the impact of ENPs on the physical and chemical properties of soils. The results show that the presence of ENPs can alter soil properties such as hydraulic conductivity, porosity, pH, CEC, EC, Eh, and SOM content, as well as influencing nutrient availability in the soil solution through complexation or precipitation with metal cations released from ENPs.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonathan Suazo-Hernandez, Pamela Sepulveda, Lizethly Caceres-Jensen, Jorge Castro-Rojas, Patricia Poblete-Grant, Nanthi Bolan, Maria de la Luz Mora
Summary: In the past decade, the use of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) as an adsorbent has gained attention due to its low cost, non-toxicity, high porosity, and BET-specific surface area. Immobilizing nZVI particles onto inorganic and organic substrates has decreased their agglomeration and enhanced their adsorption capacity for pollutants. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review studies on phosphate removal from aquatic systems. This study evaluates different types of nZVI and nanocomposites, factors affecting phosphate adsorption, and the mechanisms involved in phosphate removal.
Article
Plant Sciences
Cristobal Palacios-Peralta, Antonieta Ruiz, Stefano Ercoli, Marjorie Reyes-Diaz, Marco Bustamante, Ariel Munoz, Pamela Osorio, Alejandra Ribera-Fonseca
Summary: Plastic covers used in rainy areas prevent fruit cracking but decrease firmness and acidity of sweet cherries. Pre-harvest K foliar application improves quality parameters, antioxidant properties, and phenolic and organic acid compositions in sweet cherry fruits. The acid composition of the fruit is influenced by the cover factor and canopy light exposure.
Article
Agronomy
Jorge Gonzalez-Villagra, Ricardo Tighe-Neira, Tania Gonzalez, Abel Gonzalez, Marjorie Reyes-Diaz, Claudio Inostroza-Blancheteau
Summary: Covering material is important in reducing damage from extreme weather events, but its effects on woody plants are limited. This study evaluated the impact of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) covering on blueberry cv. Legacy's photosynthesis and antioxidant performance. The results showed that LDPE reduced net photosynthesis (P-n) while HDPE increased it compared to uncovered plants. Stomatal conductance (g(s)) was not affected, but LDPE increased transpiration (E) by 22%. HDPE had the highest chlorophyll a levels in one season, while chlorophyll decreased in uncovered and LDPE plants in another season. Antioxidant activity did not differ among covering materials, but LDPE had higher phenol content. In conclusion, HDPE improved P-n and chlorophyll levels, possibly due to diffuse transmittance, while LDPE had high E and phenol content, likely due to high direct transmittance in summer.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yissel Sanchez-Campos, Paz Carcamo-Fincheira, Jorge Gonzalez-Villagra, Emilio Jorquera-Fontena, Patricio Acevedo, Braulio Soto-Cerda, Adriano Nunes-Nesi, Claudio Inostroza-Blancheteau, Ricardo Tighe-Neira
Summary: Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) alter photosynthetic and biochemical parameters in Solanum lycopersicum L., possibly due to their photocatalytic properties, however, the joint effects TiO2 NPs and UV-A radiation are not well understood. This study evaluates the combined responses of TiO2 NPs and UV-A radiation in S. lycopersicum at the physiological and molecular levels. The results suggest that the reduction in photosynthetic performance on applying high doses of TiO2 NPs is probably due to biochemical limitation, while UV-A achieves the same result via the photochemical component.
Article
Microbiology
Eulalia Sans-Serramitjana, Carla Gallardo-Benavente, Francisco Melo, Jose M. Perez-Donoso, Cornelia Rumpel, Patricio Javier Barra, Paola Duran, Maria de La Luz Mora
Summary: This study examined the biosynthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using two endophytic selenobacteria. The results showed that both strains were suitable for producing SeNPs with different properties. The SeNPs were surrounded by the proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides of bacterial cells, and the functional groups present in SeNPs from one strain were higher in number than in the other strain. The findings support the potential of these endophytic strains as biocatalysts for producing high-quality Se-based nanoparticles, and future efforts should focus on evaluating their bioactivity and determining how the different features of each SeNP modulate their biological action and stability.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sofia Pontigo, Leyla Parra-Almuna, Ana Luengo-Escobar, Patricia Poblete-Grant, Adriano Nunes-Nesi, Maria de la Luz Mora, Paula Cartes
Summary: This study aimed to identify ryegrass cultivars with contrasting phosphorus (P) use efficiency and assess their associated biochemical and molecular responses. Nine ryegrass cultivars were evaluated under optimal and P-deficient conditions, and the activity and gene expression of acid phosphatases (APases) and P transporters were analyzed. The results showed that cultivars with high P acquisition efficiency were influenced by root-related responses, while cultivars with high P utilization efficiency were influenced by P transporters and APase activity in shoots.
Correction
Plant Sciences
Marco Bustamante, Ariel Munoz, Iverly Romero, Pamela Osorio, Sergio Manquez, Rocio Arriola, Marjorie Reyes-Diaz, Alejandra Ribera-Fonseca
Article
Plant Sciences
Rodrigo Rodriguez, Patricio J. Barra, Giovanni Larama, Victor J. Carrion, Maria de la Luz Mora, Lauren Hale, Paola Duran
Summary: This study confirms the ability of a bioinoculant, generated by natural engineering, to promote the development of tomato plants under water stress. The microbiome engineering, mediated by Antarctic soil donation, water deficit, and multigenerational tomato host selection, resulted in increased tolerance to water deficit stress in tomato plants. Analysis of microbial community using 16s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data suggested a restructuring of the microbiome associated with the observed tolerance improvement.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Eulalia Sans-Serramitjana, Macarena Obreque, Fernanda Munoz, Carlos Zaror, Maria de La Luz Mora, Miguel Vinas, Pablo Betancourt
Summary: This scoping review examines the potential role of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in combating oral pathogens. The findings suggest that SeNPs have significant antimicrobial efficacy against common oral pathogens, along with effective antioxidant activity and limited toxicity. Further research is needed to evaluate their effectiveness in different settings and to provide detailed information on experimental conditions and safety.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patricio Javier Barra, Paola Duran, Mabel Delgado, Sharon Viscardi, Stephane Claverol, Giovanni Larama, Marc Dumont, Maria de la Luz Mora
Summary: This study investigated the effects of aluminum stress and phosphorus deficiency on the proteome of aluminum-tolerant phosphobacteria. Phosphorus deficiency upregulated phosphorus metabolism proteins, while aluminum exposure downregulated iron-sulfur and heme-containing proteins and upregulated iron acquisition proteins. These findings suggest that aluminum has an impact on iron homeostasis and bacterial central metabolism.
Review
Horticulture
Cristobal Palacios-Peralta, Marjorie Reyes-Diaz, Jorge Gonzalez-Villagra, Alejandra Ribera-Fonseca
Summary: Southern Chile has seen a rise in sweet cherry production, but climatic differences affect fruit quality and yield. The use of roof covers can protect the fruit, but also have negative impacts. Studies suggest that high levels of antioxidants in the fruit can reduce the incidence of internal browning. Further research is needed on the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus supply on postharvest quality in sweet cherries.
