The Effects of Nutrient Solution Feeding Regime on Yield, Mineral Profile, and Phytochemical Composition of Spinach Microgreens

Microgreens are receiving increasing popularity as functional and healthy foods due to their nutritional value and high content of bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of nutrient deprivation through the regulation of nutrient solution (NS) feeding days on the plant growth and chemical composition of spinach microgreens. For this purpose, spinach microgreens were subjected to four different fertigation treatments—namely, 0 (control), 5, 10, and 20 NS feeding days before harvesting—and harvested tissues were evaluated with regard to fresh and dry yield, color of true leaves, antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll, carotenoid, and phenolic compound contents. The results of our study revealed that prolonged NS feeding (20 NS) resulted in the highest fresh yield and photosynthetic pigment contents (chlorophylls, lutein, and β-carotene). In contrast, mineral concentrations (P, K, Ca, and Mg) were the lowest for the 20 NS, whereas the control (0 NS) and 5 NS recorded the highest concentrations. Apart from that, spinach microgreens subjected to 10 NS treatment recorded 70.7% less nitrates, better mineral concentrations, 7.0% higher total ascorbic acid, similar polyphenol contents, higher DM%, and only 12.6% yield decrease compared to 20 NS treatment. In conclusion, although the highest overall fresh yield was recorded with the 20 NS treatment, the highest nitrate concentrations and the lowest mineral concentrations may raise food safety concerns. On the other hand, 10 NS treatment seems to be the most promising, since it combined high yields with high mineral concentrations and low nitrate concentrations, without compromising bioactive compound (e.g., polyphenols) contents, presenting a cost-effective and sustainable practice for microgreen cultivation.

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An approach for long-term, multi-probe Neuropixels recordings in unrestrained rats

eLife ◽

10.7554/elife.59716 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thomas Zhihao Luo ◽

Adrian Gopnik Bondy ◽

Diksha Gupta ◽

Verity Alexander Elliott ◽

Charles D Kopec ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effective ◽

New Approach ◽

Neural Recordings ◽

Chronic Recording ◽

Long Term Stability ◽

Multiple Cycles ◽

Single Unit Recordings ◽

Freely Moving ◽

High Yields

The use of Neuropixels probes for chronic neural recordings is in its infancy and initial studies leave questions about long-term stability and probe reusability unaddressed. Here, we demonstrate a new approach for chronic Neuropixels recordings over a period of months in freely moving rats. Our approach allows multiple probes per rat and multiple cycles of probe reuse. We found that hundreds of units could be recorded for multiple months, but that yields depended systematically on anatomical position. Explanted probes displayed a small increase in noise compared to unimplanted probes, but this was insufficient to impair future single-unit recordings. We conclude that cost-effective, multi-region, and multi-probe Neuropixels recordings can be carried out with high yields over multiple months in rats or other similarly sized animals. Our methods and observations may facilitate the standardization of chronic recording from Neuropixels probes in freely moving animals.

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Growth, Phenolics, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Antioxidant Response of Two New Genotypes of Sea Asparagus (Salicornia neei Lag.) to Salinity under Greenhouse and Field Conditions

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture8070115 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (7) ◽

pp. 115 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Manuel de Souza ◽

Carlos Mendes ◽

Kennia Doncato ◽

Eliana Badiale-Furlong ◽

César Costa

Keyword(s):

Salt Tolerance ◽

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Bioactive Compound ◽

Antioxidant Response ◽

Field Conditions ◽

Carotenoid Content ◽

Water Yield ◽

Wide Range ◽

Flavonoid Quercetin ◽

High Yields

Small succulent halophytic shrubs of the genera Salicornia and Sarcocornia (Salicornioideae, Amaranthaceae) are commonly named sea asparagus and consumed worldwide as green salad in gourmet food, as conserves, and beverages. Their shoots are rich in bioactive compounds and plants show high yields in a wide range of salinities, but little is known about how salt cultivation conditions affect their chemical composition. Two genotypes (BTH1 and BTH2) of the Brazilian sea asparagus Salicornia neei Lag. were evaluated for salt tolerance and changes in shoot concentrations of organic metabolites and antioxidant activity under different salt exposure in both greenhouse and field conditions. All greenhouse plants received full strength modified Hoagland solution in deionized water with a basic electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.7 dS m−1, and with NaCl concentrations (in mM) of ~0.1 (control), 34, 86, 171, 513, and 769. After fifty days of cultivation, both S. neei genotypes showed high salt tolerance and grew better under low salinities (34–86 mM NaCl) than under control salinity. Shoots of BTH1 genotype appeared to be undergoing lignification and used their high carotenoid content to dissipate the oxidative power, and the zeaxanthin content and de-epoxidation state of xanthophylls (DES) were positively affected by salinity. Under increasing salinity, BTH2 genotype had higher relative content of chlorophyll b, which may have lowered the plant photo-oxidation rate, and increased shoot concentration of the flavonoid quercetin (up to 11.6 μg g−1 dw at 769 mM NaCl), leading to higher antioxidant capacity. In the field experiment, after 154 days of irrigation with saline (213 mM NaCl) shrimp farm effluent, BTH2 plants grew taller, produced more metabolites (e.g., total phenolics, total free flavonoids, quercetin, and protocatechuic acid) and had a greater antioxidant capacity of shoots than that of BTH1 plants and that of traditional crops irrigated with fresh water. Yield and bioactive compound composition of S. neei genotypes’ shoots can be enhanced by cultivation under moderate saline conditions.

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Impact on Yield, Biomass, Mineral Profile, pH, and Electrical Conductivity of Cherry Tomato Fruit Using a Nutrient Solution and a Silicon-Based Organomineral Fertilizer

Advances in Agriculture ◽

10.1155/2020/8821951 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Jesus Bautista ◽

Fanny Hernández-Mendoza ◽

Víctor García-Gaytán

Keyword(s):

Nutrient Solution ◽

Tomato Fruit ◽

Economic Value ◽

Cherry Tomato ◽

Important Species ◽

Mineral Profile ◽

Higher Weights ◽

Silicon Based ◽

Solanaceae Family ◽

The Impact

Cherry tomato “Atomic Grape” belongs to the Solanaceae family, an important species due to its economic value and high nutritional content. The impact on performance, weight, and nutritional profile of root, stem/branches, and leaves using the nutrient solution (NS), alone or combined with an organomineral fertilizer (F), whether granulated or in powder form was evaluated: NS, NS + F-granulated, and NS + F-powder. Best commercial fruits were obtained with NS + F-powder. Higher weights of both fresh and dry roots were obtained with NS + F-granulated and NS + F-powder. Mineral profile showed that the root builds up mostly nitrogen and silicon. Potassium was higher in stem/branches. Carbon, calcium, and sulfur were higher in the photosynthetic organ. NS increased the pH of the tomato juice by 9.81% and 10.90% compared to NS + F-granulated and NS + F-powder treatments. The organomineral fertilizer provides greater benefits due to its long-lasting effect on the soil and cherry tomato plant. In this experiment, we conclude that the combination of NS + F-powder obtained the best marketable fruits. It must be taken into consideration the greatest demand for nutrients in tomato given to developing organs such as leaves, flowers, and fruits. The leaves should be used for nutritional diagnosis, to confirm symptoms of deficiency or optimal nutritional ranges, which is of utmost importance for agronomists, growers, horticulturists, and physiologists.

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Selection of parents and estimation of genetic parameters using BLUP and molecular methods for lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) breeding program in Argentina

Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1017/s0014479719000061 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 56 (1) ◽

pp. 12-25

Author(s):

Carolina Bermejo ◽

Federico Cazzola ◽

Fernando Maglia ◽

Enrique Cointry

Keyword(s):

Quantitative Traits ◽

Genetic Parameters ◽

Selection Process ◽

Recombinant Inbred Lines ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Breeding Value ◽

Breeding Values ◽

High Yields

AbstractThe most important objective of lentil breeding programs is to develop new genotypes that are genetically more productive. Besides, it is necessary that the varieties obtained have short flowering cycles to allow the later sowing of summer crops. Selection is based through phenotypic means; however, we argue it should be based on genetic or breeding values because quantitative traits are often influenced by environments and genotype–environment interactions. The objectives of this study were to: (i) identify genotypes with the highest merit; (ii) estimate genetic parameters to know the genetic control of morphological traits in macrosperma and microsperma lentil types using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP). Twenty-five recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from six F4 families selected on the basis of precocity and high yields were tested in four environments for important quantitative traits. The analysis of variance showed significant differences between genotypes, environments, and genotype–environment interactions for all the traits. Seven macrosperma- and two microsperma-type RILs were selected. Based on average ranking from breeding values and molecular data obtained with sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), the same genotypes were selected. Genotypic coefficients of variation, heritability across and by environment, and genetic correlation coefficients using BLUP were obtained. According to our results BLUP could replace molecular analysis methods because the selection process was simpler, more cost-effective, and more accurate. The breeding value of parents would give a better ranking of their genetic value than would their phenotypic value; therefore, the selection efficiency would be enhanced and the genetic gain would be more predictable. The selected genotypes could become potential commercial varieties or be used as parental lines in future hybridization programs.

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Identifying Antibacterial Compounds in Black Walnuts (Juglans nigra) Using a Metabolomics Approach

Metabolites ◽

10.3390/metabo8040058 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 58 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Khanh-Van Ho ◽

Zhentian Lei ◽

Lloyd Sumner ◽

Mark Coggeshall ◽

Hsin-Yeh Hsieh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Bioactive Compound ◽

The United States ◽

Black Walnut ◽

Juglans Nigra ◽

Compound Identification ◽

Antibacterial Compounds ◽

Nut Production ◽

Health Promoting

Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) is one of the most economically valuable hardwood species and a high value tree for edible nut production in the United States. Although consumption of black walnut has been linked to multiple health-promoting effects (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory), the bioactive compounds have not been systematically characterized. In addition, the associations between different black walnut cultivars and their health-promoting compounds have not been well established. In this study, the kernels of twenty-two black walnut cultivars selected for nut production by the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry (Columbia, MO, USA) were evaluated for their antibacterial activities using agar-well diffusion assay. Among the selected cultivars, four black walnut cultivars (i.e., Mystry, Surprise, D.34, and A.36) exhibited antibacterial activity against a Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus), whereas other cultivars showed no effect on the inhibition of this bacterium. The antibacterial compounds showing the strongest activity were isolated with bioassay-guided purification and identified using a metabolomics approach. Six antibacterial bioactive compounds responsible for antimicrobial activity were successfully identified. Glansreginin A, azelaic acid, quercetin, and eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside are novel antibacterial compounds identified in the kernels of black walnuts. The metabolomics approach provides a simple and cost-effective tool for bioactive compound identification.

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Salinity and nitrogen fertilization and nitrogen metabolism in rose plants

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859601001150 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 137 (1) ◽

pp. 77-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

H. LORENZO ◽

J. M. SIVERIO ◽

M. CABALLERO

Keyword(s):

Nitrate Reductase ◽

Glutamine Synthetase ◽

Nitrogen Source ◽

Nutrient Solution ◽

Reductase Activity ◽

Ammonium Uptake ◽

Mineral Contents ◽

Sodium Accumulation ◽

Npk Uptake ◽

Mineral Concentrations

Rose production is limited by salinity and highly affected by the nitrogen source present in the nutrient solution. The influence of sodium on several aspects of nutrition has been investigated in ‘Lambada' rose plants using different sources of nitrogen in the fertilization treatment. Experiments using a previously defined mono-shoot model plant and a simplified hydroponic culture allowed us to study the effects of salinity v. nitrogen on NPK uptake during the culture period. Mineral concentrations, nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) activities were also analysed. This study showed that rose plants were more sensitive to saline conditions under NH4+ fertilization without detectable effects on growth or in NPK mineral contents in shoots. Parameters affected most were enzymatic activities analysed such as leaf nitrate reductase activity which was reduced under NH4+ nutrition. Leaf glutamine synthetase was also enhanced by saline conditions. The Na/K ratio showed that under NH4+ nutrition, the highest sodium accumulation occurred in roots. Nitrate uptake did not show a clear pattern related to nitrogen source, however, ammonium uptake was affected by salinity when NH4+ was the sole nitrogen source in the nutrient solution. Potassium and phosphate uptake were always lower when NH4+ was present in the nutrient solution.

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Impact of reduced potassium nitrate concentrations in nutrient solution on the growth, yield and fruit quality of melon in hydroponics

Scientia Horticulturae ◽

10.1016/j.scienta.2013.09.045 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 164 ◽

pp. 221-231 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Toshiki Asao ◽

Md. Asaduzzaman ◽

Md. Fuad Mondal ◽

Mayumi Tokura ◽

Fumihiko Adachi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutrient Solution ◽

Fruit Quality ◽

Growth Yield ◽

Potassium Nitrate ◽

Nitrate Concentrations

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Graph Neural Networks Bootstrapped for Synthetic Selection and Validation of Small Molecule Immunomodulators

10.33774/chemrxiv-2021-r4xnx-v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Prageeth R. Wijewardhane ◽

Krupal P. Jethava ◽

Jonathan A Fine ◽

Gaurav Chopra

Keyword(s):

Neural Network ◽

Machine Learning ◽

Small Molecule ◽

Model Performance ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Bioactive Compound ◽

Binding Pocket ◽

Chemical Diversity ◽

Training Data ◽

Kappa Score

The Programmed Cell Death Protein 1/Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) interaction is an immune checkpoint utilized by cancer cells to enhance immune suppression. There is a huge need to develop small molecule drugs that are fast acting, cost effective, and readily bioavailable compared to antibodies. Unfortunately, synthesizing and validating large libraries of small- molecules to inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in a blind manner is both time-consuming and expensive. To improve this drug discovery pipeline, we have developed a machine learning methodology trained on patent data to identify, synthesize, and validate PD-1/PD-L1 small molecule inhibitors. Our model incorporates two features: docking scores to represent the energy of binding (E) as a global feature and sub-graph features through a graph neural network (GNN) of molecular topology to represent local features. This interaction energy-based Graph Neural Network (EGNN) model outperforms traditional machine learning methods and a simple GNN with a F1 score of 0.9524 and Cohen’s kappa score of 0.8861 for the hold out test set, suggesting that the topology of the small molecule, the structural interaction in the binding pocket, and chemical diversity of the training data are all important considerations for enhancing model performance. A Bootstrapped EGNN model was used to select compounds for synthesis and experimental validation with predicted high and low potency to inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. The potent inhibitor, (4-((3-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2- methylbenzyl)oxy)-2,6-dimethoxybenzyl)-D-serine, is a hybrid of two known bioactive scaffolds, with an IC50 of 339.9 nM that is comparatively better than the known bioactive compound. We conclude that our bootstrapped EGNN model will be useful to identify target-specific high potency molecules designed by scaffold hopping, a well-known medicinal chemistry technique.

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Elemental geochemistry of the Upper Cretaceous reservoir and surrounding formations applied in geosteering of horizontal wells, Lebăda Field – Western Black Sea

Oil & Gas Science and Technology – Revue d’IFP Energies nouvelles ◽

10.2516/ogst/2020083 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 76 ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Ionuţ Mihai Prundeanu ◽

Ciprian Chelariu ◽

David Rafael Contreras Perez

Keyword(s):

Horizontal Wells ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Geochemical Data ◽

Elemental Geochemistry ◽

Solid Foundation ◽

A New Technique ◽

The Cost ◽

Mineral Concentrations ◽

Total Project Cost ◽

Total Project

The precise landing and steering of horizontal wells using conventional mudlogging and Logging While Drilling (LWD) data is a particular challenge for the Lebăda Field, offshore Romania. The use of a new technique of elemental geochemistry analysis (or chemosteering) became an option for the identification of Cenomanian, Turonian–Coniacian–Santonian, Campanian and Eocene strata. This has enabled more accurate placement of the horizontal development wells within the desired reservoir target interval. Geochemical data enabled the identification of chemostratigraphic zones C1, C2, C3 and zone R that correspond to the reservoir section. The application is a result of the geochemical zonation performed using elements and ratios that are sensitive to depositional environment, sea level change, heavy mineral concentrations and siliciclastic input namely: Sr/Ca, Zr/Th, Si/Zr and Si/K. In ascending stratigraphic order, the ratio thresholds of zone C3 are Zr/Th > 11, Sr/Ca > 1.1, Si/Zr < 22 and Si/K < 19, while zone R corresponds to 5.5 < Zr/Th < 11, Sr/Ca < 1.1, Si/Zr > 22 and Si/K > 19. C2 zone is defined by Zr/Th < 5.5, Sr/Ca > 1.1, Si/Zr < 22 and Si/K < 19 and C1 zone is characterized by Si/Zr > 22 and Si/K > 19. The selected geochemical ratios indicate a strong geochemical zonation. In the case of offset wells, 85.9% of the data confirmed the proposed classification and 89.4% for the real-time application case. The zone R shows a strong contrast with the surrounding formations facilitating critical decisions during well placement and geosteering, increasing the reservoir exposure by 28%. The quantitative approach delivered very valuable results, providing a solid foundation to define correlation and well landing intervals. Simultaneously, the cost of the method represents a fraction of the LWD cost and 0.15% of the total project cost, making it very cost effective and a standard approach for future projects.

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