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Nitrogen (N) sources are applied to soils cultivated with peach trees. But, soil cover crops, as Paspalum notatum, a Pampa biome native species, commonly present in orchards, can absorb part of N, decreasing the amount used by peach trees. The study aimed to evaluate N absorption and physiological parameters of young peach trees cultivated in soil with the presence and absence of Paspalum notatum. The experiment was carried out for 180 days in a greenhouse, where N sources were applied to peach trees in the presence or absence of Paspalum notatum. Urea and organic compost were used. Dry matter, tissue N and physiological parameters were evaluated in peach trees. Dry matter and tissue N were evaluated in Paspalum notatum. Nitrogen in soil was evaluated. The N uptake by the peach trees with urea application, on average, was 32% higher than the N uptake by the peach trees in the control treatment or with organic compost, regardless of the presence or absence of Paspalum notatum. Cultivation with Paspalum notatum decreased N uptake by peach trees and, consequently, peach trees photosynthetic pigment content, and stimulated senescence anticipation in about 30 days. However, the total dry matter of peach trees cultivated with Paspalum notatum in any of the treatments applied was not modified. These results may guide new ways of co-cultivating cover crops and young peach trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) sources are applied to soils cultivated with peach trees. But, soil cover crops, as Paspalum notatum, a Pampa biome native species, commonly present in orchards, can absorb part of N, decreasing the amount used by peach trees. The study aimed to evaluate N absorption and physiological parameters of young peach trees cultivated in soil with the presence and absence of Paspalum notatum. The experiment was carried out for 180 days in a greenhouse, where N sources were applied to peach trees in the presence or absence of Paspalum notatum. Urea and organic compost were used. Dry matter, tissue N and physiological parameters were evaluated in peach trees. Dry matter and tissue N were evaluated in Paspalum notatum. Nitrogen in soil was evaluated. The N uptake by the peach trees with urea application, on average, was 32% higher than the N uptake by the peach trees in the control treatment or with organic compost, regardless of the presence or absence of Paspalum notatum. Cultivation with Paspalum notatum decreased N uptake by peach trees and, consequently, peach trees photosynthetic pigment content, and stimulated senescence anticipation in about 30 days. However, the total dry matter of peach trees cultivated with Paspalum notatum in any of the treatments applied was not modified. These results may guide new ways of co-cultivating cover crops and young peach trees.

1. This study investigated the effects of hydroxy trace minerals (HTM) compared to sulphate trace minerals (STM) supplementation on growth performance, carcase parameters and mineral retention in broilers. 2. A total of 1792 male Cobb 500 d-old were allocated in a completely randomised trial design to one of eight dietary treatments with eight replicates per treatment. The HTM sources used were two levels of Cu hydroxychloride (CHC) (low and high), combined with three levels of Zn hydroxychloride (ZHC) (low, med and high) and two additional treatments STM; Cu sulphate monohydrate (CSM) (low and high) combined with high Zn sulphate monohydrate (ZSM). At 21 and 42 d-old growth performance was evaluated. Additionally, at 42 d-old the carcase traits, meat quality, apparent ileal absorption and activity of antioxidant enzymes were accessed. 3. A data showed that broilers receiving high-CHC had higher body weight, weight gain and better feed conversion ratio as compared to low-CHC at 21 d-old. On day 42, the feed conversion ratio was improved for birds supplemented with high-CHC in diets containing med-ZHC, as compared to low-CHC. 4. Dietary Cu increased the redness of breast colour at the level of high-CHC compared to low-CHC. Greater results were observed on carcase traits for the med-ZHC group as compared to low- or high-ZHC. The ceruloplasmin activity in serum increased in the high-CSM diets containing high-ZSM as compared to low-CSM. The AIA of Cu was higher in broilers supplemented with high-CHC containing med-ZHC as compared to low-CHC. Otherwise, the AIA of Zn increased in broilers fed low-CHC containing low- or med-ZHC as compared to high-CHC. 5. The trial showed that mineral trace supplementation of broilers diets with high-CHC (150 mg/kg) and low-ZHC (80 mg/kg) was a good alternative to replace sulphate mineral sources in diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents findings about how the substitution of calcium, iron, zinc, and copper salts with glycine chelates affects specific reproductive parameters of pheasants, the hatching potential and nutritional components of pheasant eggs, and the fatty acid profiles and cholesterol content in pheasant yolk. 4 groups were created for the experiment: the control, in which the birds received a feed containing standard calcium, iron, zinc, and copper salts, and 3 experimental groups in which chelates were used to replace 25, 50, and 75% of the mineral salts. The group with the 75% chelate share was not supplemented with the salts, and cholecalciferol was replaced with calcitriol. The groups included pheasant females (7 birds) and 1 male, respectively, and were maintained in outdoor aviaries. The birds were administered granulated feed mixes ad libitum, with free access to water. Their feed intake was recorded each day. The birds were weighed at the beginning and end of the egg-laying period. The eggs were collected throughout the egg-laying period, and the eggs gathered at the culmination of the egg-laying period were used for hatching. The eggs were morphometrically analyzed and the hatching process and subsequent hatchling survival rates were investigated. Nutritional components in the eggs were determined, and the fatty acid profiles and cholesterol content were assayed in the yolk. The results showed the use of Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu chelates in place of salts in the pheasant brood hen diet had contributed to enhancing the egg-laying performance, with a concurrent fall in the size and weight of the eggs. The highest egg-laying performance, with the lowest egg weight, was observed in the group that consumed the highest (75%) share of mineral chelates and received calcitriol supplementation. This corresponded with the highest incubation yield and hatchling survival. The thickest shells and highest crude ash percentages were identified in the eggs of the pheasant group that received a 50% by 50% proportion of salts and glycine chelates. In comparison with the control birds that received the mineral salts, the yolk of the pheasants that consumed the feed with the 75% share of calcitriol and Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu chelates had a higher percentage of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with a far more advantageous n-6/n-3 proportion. No differences related to the source and levels of Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu in the feed were observed in the cholesterol content of the pheasant yolk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetoin is used in the biochemical, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Several effective methods for acetoin production from petroleum-based substrates have been developed, but they all have an environmental impact and do not meet sustainability criteria. Here we describe a simple and efficient method for acetoin production from oil palm mesocarp fiber hydrolysate using engineered Escherichia coli . An optimization of culture conditions for acetoin production was carried out using reagent-grade chemicals. The final concentration reached 29.9 g L −1 with a theoretical yield of 79%. The optimal pretreatment conditions for preparing hydrolysate with higher sugar yields were then determined. When acetoin was produced using hydrolysate fortified with yeast extract, the theoretical yield reached 97% with an acetoin concentration of 15.5 g L −1 . The acetoin productivity was 10-fold higher than that obtained using reagent-grade sugars. This approach makes use of a compromise strategy for effective utilization of oil palm biomass towards industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to better understand the source of minerals on the dark-colored ice, located in the Greenland ice sheet ablation zone, we analyzed the Sr and Nd isotopic ratios of minerals in cryoconite, which were collected from glaciers in northwest and southwest Greenland. We focused on the following: (i) comparison of the isotopes of minerals in cyroconite with those in sediments from local and distant areas, (ii) regional variations in western Greenland, and (iii) spatial variations across an individual a glacier. The mineral components of the cryoconite showed variable Sr and Nd isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr: 0.711335 to 0.742406, εNd (0): -33.1 to -22.9), which corresponded to those of the englacial dust and moraine on and around the glaciers but were significantly different from those of the distant deserts that have been considered to be primary sources of mineral dust on the Greenland Ice Sheet. This suggests that the minerals within the cryoconites were mainly derived from local sediments, rather than from distant areas. The Sr ratios in the northwestern region were significantly higher than those in the southwestern region. This is probably due to geological differences in the source areas, such as the surrounding glaciers in each region. The isotopic ratios further varied spatially within a glacier (Qaanaaq and Kangerlussuaq areas), indicating that the silicate minerals on the glaciers were derived not from a single source but from multiple sources, such as englacial dust and wind-blown minerals from the moraine surrounding the glaciers.

Marine biodiversity represents an exceptional source of natural resources. Their use in a sustainable way may ensure alternative food sources for human consumption, which scarcity is anticipated. Macroalgae, also known as seaweed, are an outstanding example of this biodiversity and are considered an excellent source of a wide number of chemical compounds with beneficial health effects [1]. According to their pigmentation, they can be distinguished in green (Chlorophytaea), brown (Phaeophytaea) and red (Rhodophytaea), showing differences in nutritional and chemical compositions [1]. Some macroalgae are widely used as food ingredients in oriental countries as a good source of fiber and protein. Alternatively, they are also considered a source of nutraceuticals, providing health benefits such as anti-inflamatory, anti-allergic, antimutagenic, antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihyperthensive and neuroprotective properties [2]. Indeed, macroalgae are a very attractive material for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. According to some studies red seaweeds seem to be the most suitable source of proteins for human nutrition [3]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional profile of the most consumed species of red seaweed that are commercially available in the market. Red species as Palmaria palmata (Dulse), Porphyra tenera (Nori) and Eisenia bicyclis (Arame), were analyzed. Moisture determination was performed using a Scaltec SMO01 moisture analyzer. The ashes were obtained by incineration at 500ºC. The protein content was determined using the Kjeldahl procedure and total fat was measured through Soxhlet method. The carbohydrates were calculated indirectly by difference. In addition, chlorides were volumetrically determined and vitamin E profile was analysed by HPLC/DAD/FLD. The algae samples are commercialized dry, so the moisture content was very low, around 10%. The ash content was around 10-17%. Protein levels ranged from 12 to 34% and the highest content was found in red species, especially in Porphyra tenera. The fat content was less than 1% in all species. The carbohydrate content, which includes the dietary fiber, ranged from 50 to 67%. Significant differences (p

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), an important ethanol industry co-product, has been used as a high-protein feed in poultry production. Limited studies exist on their effect on air emissions, however. In the current study, 4 diets (2 × 2 factorial design: 0 or 20% DDGS + inorganic or organic mineral sources) were fed to Hy-line W36 hens from 50 to 53 wk of age and the effects of DDGS level and mineral sources on air emissions were monitored continuously for a 23-d period in environmentally controlled chambers. The NH3, H2S, CH4, nonmethane hydrocarbons, N2O, CO2, and CO2-equivalent emissions ranged from 0.51 to 0.64 g/day-hen, 0.71 to 0.84 mg/day-hen, 33.9 to 46.0 mg/day-hen, 54.1 to 60.0 mg/day-hen, 66.0 g to 72.2 g/day-hen, and 83.1 to 92.1 g/day-hen, respectively. Feeding DDGS to laying hens resulted in 14% decreased NH3 emissions but a 19% increase in CH4 emissions without affecting other gaseous emissions. More than 30% of N, 80% of P, 80% of K, and 50% of Ca was retained in the manure. In conclusion, feeding laying hens a diet containing 20% DDGS may be beneficial for the environment. Substitution for organic trace minerals did not affect hen performance or air emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: Some skin diseases are incurable and modern medicine can only control them. In addition, alternative treatment remedies including balneotherapy can be effective in improving skin conditions. However, there are only a limited number of studies on particular mineral or trace elements of mineral sources that have been identified in Iran. In this respect, the amount of minerals and trace elements in Mamasani thermal source, Fars Province, Iran, was measured using electrochemical, titration, and spectrophotometric methods and evaluated., Materials and Methods: The amount of minerals and trace elements in Mamasani thermal source, Fars Province, Iran, was measured using electrochemical, titration, and spectrophotometric methods., Results: The concentrations of natural gases such as H 2 S and NO 3 in Mamasani thermal source were measured to be 22.10 mg/L and 42.79 mg/L, respectively. The source also contained major ions such as chloride, sulfate, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carbonate. Due to the high concentration of chloride, sulfate, and sodium ions in comparison with other major ions, the water source is also classified as sulfide water. The existing trace elements in this thermal water source are iron, zinc, copper, selenium, cobalt, chromium, boron, silisium, aluminum, magnesium, and molybdenum., Conclusion: We concluded that bathing in this source could be beneficial. As nitrate concentration is close to the highest standard concentration for drinking water, it can be used in chronic dermatitis, psoriasis, burns, and allergy. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antifungal effects of sulfur-containing water in this source can be helpful in the treatment of leg ulcers, tinea versicolor, tinea corporis, and tinea capitis., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Acetoin is used in the biochemical, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Several effective methods for acetoin production from petroleum-based substrates have been developed, but they all have an environmental impact and do not meet sustainability criteria. Here we describe a simple and efficient method for acetoin production from oil palm mesocarp fiber hydrolysate using engineered Escherichia coli. An optimization of culture conditions for acetoin production was carried out using reagent-grade chemicals. The final concentration reached 29.9gL -1 with a theoretical yield of 79%. The optimal pretreatment conditions for preparing hydrolysate with higher sugar yields were then determined. When acetoin was produced using hydrolysate fortified with yeast extract, the theoretical yield reached 97% with an acetoin concentration of 15.5gL -1 . The acetoin productivity was 10-fold higher than that obtained using reagent-grade sugars. This approach makes use of a compromise strategy for effective utilization of oil palm biomass towards industrial application., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)