Evaluation of Leaf Litter Mulching and Incorporation on Skid Trails for the Recovery of Soil Physico-Chemical and Biological Properties of Mixed Broadleaved Forests

Engineering applications can be used to mitigate the adverse effects of soil compaction and amend compacted soils. Previous literature has highlighted the beneficial effects of interventions such as litter mulching and incorporation on skid trails. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these alternatives in restoring forest soil quality after forest logging. The objective of this study was to properly elucidate the effects of the above mentioned soil protection methods, litter incorporation before skidding (LI) and litter mulching after skidding (LM), on the recovery of compacted soil’s physico-chemical and biological properties on skid trails over a 2-year period in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran to identify the best option for restoration intervention. The litter used in both methods consisted of dried leaves of the hornbeam and maple tree in three intensities of 3, 6, and 9 Mg ha−1. The results showed that the application of both methods (LI and LM) significantly improved the soil properties when compared to the untreated skid trail. Results showed that the recovery values of soil properties in the LI treatments were significantly higher than those of the LM. The recovery values of soil properties by 6 and 9 Mg ha−1 were significantly higher than those of 3 Mg ha−1, while the differences were not significant between 6 and 9 Mg ha−1. Our findings showed that soil properties were partially recovered (70–80%) over a 2-year period from treatment, compared to untreated, but the full recovery of soil properties required more time to return to the pre-harvest value. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that the application of soil protection methods accelerates the process of recovering soil properties much faster than natural soil recovery, which can take more than 20 years in these forests.

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Earthworms as an Ecological Indicator of Soil Recovery after Mechanized Logging Operations in Mixed Beech Forests

Forests ◽

10.3390/f12010018 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 18

Author(s):

Hadi Sohrabi ◽

Meghdad Jourgholami ◽

Mohammad Jafari ◽

Farzam Tavankar ◽

Rachele Venanzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Properties ◽

Soil Depth ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Economic Benefits ◽

Ecological Indicator ◽

Traffic Intensity ◽

Soil Biological Properties ◽

Density And Biomass ◽

Soil Recovery ◽

The Impact

Soil damage caused by logging operations conducted to obtain and maximize economic benefits has been established as having long-term effects on forest soil quality and productivity. However, a comprehensive study of the impact of logging operations on earthworms as a criterion for soil recovery has never been conducted in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in soil biological properties (earthworm density and biomass) and its recovery process under the influence of traffic intensity, slope and soil depth in various intervals according to age after logging operations. Soil properties were compared among abandoned skid trails with different ages (i.e., 3, 10, 20, and 25 years) and an undisturbed area. The results showed that earthworm density and biomass in the high traffic intensity and slope class of 20–30% at the 10–20 cm depth of the soil had the lowest value compared to the other treatments. Twenty-five years after the logging operations, the earthworm density at soil depth of 0–10 and 10–20 cm was 28.4% (0.48 ind. m−2) and 38.6% (0.35 ind. m−2), which were less than those of the undisturbed area, respectively. Meanwhile, the earthworm biomass at a soil depth of 0–10 and 10–20 cm was 30.5% (2.05 mg m−2) and 40.5% (1.54 mg m−2) less than the values of the undisturbed area, respectively. The earthworm density and biomass were positively correlated with total porosity, organic carbon and nitrogen content, while negatively correlated with soil bulk density and C/N ratio. According to the results, 25 years after logging operations, the earthworm density and biomass on the skid trails were recovered, but they were significantly different with the undisturbed area. Therefore, full recovery of soil biological properties (i.e., earthworm density and biomass) takes more than 25 years. The conclusions of our study reveal that the effects of logging operations on soil properties are of great significance, and our understanding of the mechanism of soil change and recovery demand that harvesting operations be extensively and properly implemented.

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Chitosan-Nanocellulose Composites for Regenerative Medicine Applications

Current Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/0929867327666200127152834 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (28) ◽

pp. 4584-4592 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Avik Khan ◽

Baobin Wang ◽

Yonghao Ni

Keyword(s):

Regenerative Medicine ◽

Preparation Method ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Next Generation ◽

Structure Property ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Structure Property Relationship ◽

Attractive Candidate ◽

Fundamental Understanding

Regenerative medicine represents an emerging multidisciplinary field that brings together engineering methods and complexity of life sciences into a unified fundamental understanding of structure-property relationship in micro/nano environment to develop the next generation of scaffolds and hydrogels to restore or improve tissue functions. Chitosan has several unique physico-chemical properties that make it a highly desirable polysaccharide for various applications such as, biomedical, food, nutraceutical, agriculture, packaging, coating, etc. However, the utilization of chitosan in regenerative medicine is often limited due to its inadequate mechanical, barrier and thermal properties. Cellulosic nanomaterials (CNs), owing to their exceptional mechanical strength, ease of chemical modification, biocompatibility and favorable interaction with chitosan, represent an attractive candidate for the fabrication of chitosan/ CNs scaffolds and hydrogels. The unique mechanical and biological properties of the chitosan/CNs bio-nanocomposite make them a material of choice for the development of next generation bio-scaffolds and hydrogels for regenerative medicine applications. In this review, we have summarized the preparation method, mechanical properties, morphology, cytotoxicity/ biocompatibility of chitosan/CNs nanocomposites for regenerative medicine applications, which comprises tissue engineering and wound dressing applications.

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Development and Pharmacokinetics Study of Antifungal Peptide Nanoliposomes by Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry

Current Pharmaceutical Analysis ◽

10.2174/1573412914666180307155328 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 312-318

Author(s):

Shuoye Yang

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Pharmacokinetic Property ◽

Antifungal Peptide ◽

Simple Liquid ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass ◽

Pegylated Lipids

Background: The therapeutic ability and application of antifungal peptide (APs) are limited by their physico-chemical and biological properties, the nano-liposomal encapsulation would improve the in vivo circulation and stability. </P><P> Objective: To develop a long-circulating liposomal delivery systems encapsulated APs-CGA-N12 with PEGylated lipids and cholesterol, and investigated through in vivo pharmacokinetics. Methods: The liposomes were prepared and characterized, a rapid and simple liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed for the determination of antifungal peptide in vivo, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of APs liposomes were evaluated in rats. Results: Liposomes had a large, unilamellar structure, particle size and Zeta potential ranged from 160 to 185 nm and -0.55 to 1.1 mV, respectively. The results indicated that the plasma concentration of peptides in reference solutions rapidly declined after intravenous administration, whereas the liposomeencapsulated ones showed slower elimination. The AUC(0-∞) was increased by 3.0-fold in liposomes in comparison with standard solution (20 mg·kg-1), the half-life (T1/2) was 1.6- and 1.5-fold higher compared to the reference groups of 20 and 40 mg·kg-1, respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, it could be concluded that liposomal encapsulation effectively improved the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic property of antifungal peptides.

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Progress and Prospects in Translating Nanobiotechnology in Medical Theranostics

Current Nanoscience ◽

10.2174/1573413715666191126093258 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. 685-707 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amna Batool ◽

Farid Menaa ◽

Bushra Uzair ◽

Barkat Ali Khan ◽

Bouzid Menaa

Keyword(s):

Biological Properties ◽

Chemical Characteristics ◽

Intrinsic Properties ◽

The Past ◽

Profound Influence ◽

Functionalized Nanomaterials ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Properties Of Materials ◽

Targeted Drug ◽

And Performance

: The pace at which nanotheranostic technology for human disease is evolving has accelerated exponentially over the past five years. Nanotechnology is committed to utilizing the intrinsic properties of materials and structures at submicroscopic-scale measures. Indeed, there is generally a profound influence of reducing physical dimensions of particulates and devices on their physico-chemical characteristics, biological properties, and performance. The exploration of nature’s components to work effectively as nanoscaffolds or nanodevices represents a tremendous and growing interest in medicine for various applications (e.g., biosensing, tunable control and targeted drug release, tissue engineering). Several nanotheranostic approaches (i.e., diagnostic plus therapeutic using nanoscale) conferring unique features are constantly progressing and overcoming all the limitations of conventional medicines including specificity, efficacy, solubility, sensitivity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, stability, interactions at subcellular levels. : This review introduces two major aspects of nanotechnology as an innovative and challenging theranostic strategy or solution: (i) the most intriguing (bare and functionalized) nanomaterials with their respective advantages and drawbacks; (ii) the current and promising multifunctional “smart” nanodevices.

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Diosgenin: Therapeutic Action, Pharmacology and Applications

Science & Technology Journal ◽

10.22232/stj.2017.05.01.01 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 7-15

Author(s):

Sanasam Sanjeev ◽

◽

Maibam Sunita Devi ◽

Khushboo Maurya ◽

Vikas Kumar Roy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

Drug Development ◽

Liver Diseases ◽

Potential Role ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Herbal Product ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Therapeutic Action ◽

Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics ◽

Beneficial Effects

Diosgenin [25R-spriost-5-en-3þ-ol], is an important steroidal metabolite found in various plant species. The discovery of diosgenin has made it one of the most researched and studied herbal product. Moreover, there is excellent opportunity to address whether diosgenin plays a role in chemoprevention versus therapy, or both. However, rigorous experimental based evidence in support of ethnomedicine-derived notions would lead to the development of products relevant to drug development. The health beneficial effects of diosgenin are further extended to its potential role to treat other ailments such as HIV and hepatitis-C infections as well as liver diseases. There is little information regarding the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of diosgenin in relation to its health beneficial effects. It has been reported to have wide spectrum of biological properties that contributes to several diseases in its role as a health beneficial phytochemical by citing new studies.

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Biological Function and Chemistry of Endothelin. A Review

Collection of Czechoslovak Chemical Communications ◽

10.1135/cccc19991211 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 64 (8) ◽

pp. 1211-1252 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jan Hlaváček ◽

Renáta Marcová

Keyword(s):

Biological Activity ◽

Amino Acid ◽

Biological Function ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Structural Basis ◽

Amino Acid Residues ◽

Snake Venoms ◽

Vasoactive Peptides ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Endothelin A

The first part of this review deals with the biosynthesis and a biological function of strongly vasoactive peptides named endothelins (ETs) including vasoactive intestinal contractor. Where it was useful, snake venoms sarafotoxins which are structural endothelin derivatives, were also mentioned. In the second part, an attention is paid to structural basis of the ETs biological activity, with respect to alterations of amino acid residues in the parent peptides modifying the conformation and consequently the physico-chemical and biological properties in corresponding ETs analogs. Special attention is focussed on the area of ETs receptors and their interaction with peptide and non peptide agonists and antagonists, important in designing selective inhibitors of ETs receptors potentially applicable as drugs in a medicine. A review with 182 references.

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Plants arabinogalactans: From structures to physico-chemical and biological properties

Biotechnology Advances ◽

10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107771 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107771

Author(s):

S. Saiedy ◽

B. Petera ◽

G. Pierre ◽

T.A. Fenoradosoa ◽

Djomdi Djomdi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Properties ◽

Physico Chemical

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Effect of Soil Compaction and Application of Lime and Gypsum on Soil Properties and Yield of Soybean

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis ◽

10.1080/00103624.2021.1885688 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

Claudia Borgmann ◽

Deonir Secco ◽

Araceli Ciotti de Marins ◽

Luiz Antônio Zanão Junior ◽

Doglas Bassegio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Properties ◽

Soil Compaction

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Changes in surface characteristics and adsorption properties of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol following Fenton-like aging of biochar

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-82129-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Liqiang Cui ◽

Qinya Fan ◽

Jianxiong Sun ◽

Guixiang Quan ◽

Jinlong Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adsorption Capacity ◽

Surface Properties ◽

Aging Process ◽

Surface Characteristics ◽

Natural Soil ◽

Peanut Shell ◽

Soil Environment ◽

Polluted Soils ◽

Physico Chemical

AbstractFenton-like system formed in a natural soil environment deemed to be significant in the aging process of biochar. Aged biochars have distinct physico-chemical and surface properties compared to non-aged biochar. The aged biochar proved to be useful soil amendment due to its improved elements contents and surface properties. The biochar aging process resulted in increased surface area and pore volume, as well as carbon and oxygen-containing functional groups (such as C=O, –COOH, O–C=O etc.) on its surface, which were also associated with the adsorption behavior of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). The biochar aging increased the adsorption capacity of 2,4,6-TCP, which was maximum at pH 3.0. The 2,4,6-TCP adsorption capacity of aged-bush biochar (ABB) and aged-peanut shell biochar (APB) was increased by 1.0–11.0% and 7.4–38.8%, respectively compared with bush biochar (BB) and peanut shell biochar (PB) at the same initial concentration of 2,4,6-TCP. All biochars had similar 2,4,6-TCP desorption rates ranging from 33.2 to 73.3% at different sorption temperatures and times. The desorbed components were mainly 2,4,6-TCP and other degraded components, which were low in concentration with small molecule substance. The results indicated that the aged-biochar could be effective for the long-term remediation of naturally organic polluted soils.

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