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Topic Review
Bacterial and Fungal Biocontrol Agents against Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
Nematodes are non-segmented invertebrates and are by far the most abundant animals on Earth, accounting for an estimated four-fifths of all animals of the terrestrial biosphere. Among soil-dwelling nematodes, some have crucial ecological niches in the soil food web, regulating carbon and recycling nutrients (such as nitrogen, increasing its availability to plants), while others are considered a phytosanitary risk. Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) pose a big threat to food security and plant health. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 lists 15 nematode species, 10 of which do not occur in the Schengen territory and 5 do. The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) recommends EU member states to regulate the following nematodes as quarantine pests: Aphelenchoides besseyi, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis, Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne chitwoodi, M. enterolobii, M. fallax, M. mali, Radopholus similis, and Xiphinema rivesi.
  • 1.7K
  • 30 Nov 2024
Topic Review
Essential Oils as Antimicrobials
Essential oil is a term reserved for those compounds that are defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in their ISO 9235. These kinds of compounds are complex mixtures originated from the secondary metabolism, produced by the glandular trichomes, and in different secretory structures. They can be composed by terpenes, associated or not to other components, generally volatile and that provides an odor to the vegetable. These compounds have (with exceptions) a density lower than water density and are usually presented in liquid form. Besides, essential oils are hydrophobic compounds, soluble in alcohol (among others) and only a little soluble in water.
  • 1.7K
  • 14 Jan 2021
Topic Review
H2O Soft Seltzer & Water-Based Beverages Hydration
H2O Sonoma Soft Seltzer is a non-alcoholic water-based beverage, that is infused with the juice of varietal wine grapes, dealcoholized wine, and flavor extracts.  The Beverage Guidance System has established dietary recommendations for daily intake of commonly consumed beverages including water, tea, coffee, milk, non-calorically sweetened beverages, and calorically sweetened beverages. As obesity in America continues to be a growing problem, this guidance becomes of increasing importance due to many beverages’ potential links to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Cardiovascular disease (CVD), and numerous other harmful health effects. However, the growing popularity of “better for you” beverages is causing a shift in the market, with consumers requesting healthier beverage options. Beverages simultaneously present advantages while posing concerns that need to be evaluated and considered. Current trends of the beverage market such as the novel Soft Seltzer category as an alternative to Hard Seltzer and various mashups emerge.
  • 1.7K
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Local Chicken Breeds and Varieties
Conservation of local breeds possessing genetic variations specific to the particular environment is essential for sustainable development. Although they exist as numerically small populations, local breeds are not only highly adapted to the natural environment, but are also an integral part of the lifestyle of the rural people. People, livestock and environment form a delicately balanced but sustainable ecosystem, and thus the potential impact of any intervention to improve production in the traditional system should be predetermined. The situation is less sensitive in periurban, industrial and small-scale intensive poultry production, in which rapid improvements can be achieved through well-designed development programmes. The intensive poultry production sector, however, is generally much smaller than the family poultry sector in virtually all developing countries. The present review evaluates twenty years (2001 to 2021) of the study of growth and performance in local chicken breeds worldwide. The assessment of methodological approaches and their constraints when intending to fit for data derived from often endangered autochthonous populations was performed. The evaluation of conditioning factors on the impact that publications reporting on research progresses in the field have on the scientific community and how such advances are valued suggests the need to seek new methodological alternatives or statistical strategies. Such strategies must meet the requirements of local populations which are characterized by reduced censuses, a lack of data structure, highly skewed sex ratios, and a large interbreed and variety variability. The sustainable conservation of these populations cannot be approached if scientific knowledge on their productive behaviour is not reinforced in a manner that allows distinctive products to be put on the market and be competitive. 
  • 1.7K
  • 17 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Effect of Stressors on Honeybee Immunity
Honeybees are the most prevalent insect pollinator species; they pollinate a wide range of crops. Colony collapse disorder (CCD), which is caused by a variety of biotic and abiotic factors, incurs high economic/ecological loss. Various ecological stressors are microbial infections, exposure to pesticides, loss of habitat, and improper beekeeping practices that are claimed to cause these declines. Honeybees have an innate immune system, which includes physical barriers and cellular and humeral responses to defend against pathogens and parasites. Exposure to various stressors may affect this system and the health of individual bees and colonies.
  • 1.7K
  • 30 May 2022
Topic Review
Leopard Cat
The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) stands as a small wild felid distributed across diverse habitats in Asia, from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and parts of China. Recognized for its striking resemblance to the larger leopard, this species exhibits a distinctive coat pattern featuring spots and rosettes. As a foundational concept in zoology, exploring the Leopard Cat's behavior, ecological role, and adaptation to various environments contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the felid family and its significance within Asian ecosystems.
  • 1.7K
  • 08 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Ethiopian Wolf
The Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis) is a highly specialized and critically endangered canid species endemic to the Afroalpine ecosystems of the Ethiopian Highlands. With its distinctive russet-colored coat and slender build, this medium-sized wolf stands as Africa's most endangered carnivore, facing numerous threats to its survival. As a top predator and keystone species, the Ethiopian Wolf plays a crucial role in regulating prey populations and maintaining ecosystem balance in its unique Afroalpine habitat.
  • 1.7K
  • 08 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Poultry Production in Developing Countries under COVID-19 Crisis
Poultry farming is a significant source of revenue generation for small farmers in developing countries. It plays a vital role in fulfilling the daily protein requirements of humans through meat and eggs consumption. The recently emerged pandemic Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) impacts the poultry production sector. Although the whole world is affected, these impacts may be more severe in developing countries due to their dependency on exporting necessary supplies such as feed, vaccines, drugs, and utensils. 
  • 1.7K
  • 18 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Date Palm against Human Infertility
Due to its antioxidant potential, dates are considered a functional treatment for reducing the risks of infertility. In males, the date palm has a potent effect on the reproductive parameters including hormonal levels and seminal vesicle parameters as well as sperm motility, count, and viability; whereas, in females, it shows a convincing effect on reproductive parameters including oogenesis process, strengthening of oocytes, regulation of hormones, strengthening of pregnancy, reduction of the need for labor augmentation, and postpartum hemorrhage prevention. 
  • 1.7K
  • 24 May 2022
Topic Review
Agricultural Soil Microbiota
Knowledge of the agricultural soil microbiota, of the microbial consortia that comprise it, and the promotion of agricultural practices that maintain and encourage them, is a promising way to improve soil quality for sustainable agriculture and to provide food security. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of beneficial soil microorganisms on crop yields and quality, the use of microbial consortia in agriculture remains low. Microbial consortia have more properties than an individual microbial inoculum, due to the synergy of the microorganisms that populate them.
  • 1.7K
  • 28 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Cattle Feeding Precision by Automatic Feeding Systems
Livestock farming is experiencing a significant shift towards automation to reduce the many repetitive tasks requiring little skills and high workloads. For farmers, automatic feeding systems for ruminants can be an excellent way to reduce their daily workload and improve animal welfare and production quality. Studies have demonstrated that adopting automatic feeding systems leads to lower energy requirements, lower feed waste, and improved animal welfare, which unequivocally aligns with the farmers' perspective. However, to maximize the flexibility of the feeding robots and reap the benefits, thorough economic and structural planning that considers all of the farming site's features is necessary. Additionally, automatic feeding systems can help involve younger generations in animal farming and increase inclusivity, which may foster female entrepreneurship, all while maintaining good feeding practices.
  • 1.7K
  • 17 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Dhole
The Dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog or Indian wild dog, is a formidable and social canid species native to diverse regions of Asia. Recognized for its cooperative hunting strategies and distinctive appearance, the Dhole plays a vital role in the ecosystems it inhabits, despite facing various conservation challenges.
  • 1.7K
  • 04 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Multi-Micronutrients Deficiency in Agricultural Soils
The deficiencies of nutrient elements and inappropriate nutrient management practices in agricultural soils of the world is one of the reasons for low crop productivity, reduced nutritional quality of agricultural produce, and animal/human malnutrition.
  • 1.7K
  • 06 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Banana Fusarium Wilt Disease Detection
Banana Fusarium wilt (BFW), which is a soilborne fungal disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (Foc 4) is the most devastating disease of bananas. It can occur in the whole growth period and spread fast.
  • 1.7K
  • 09 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC)
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), an extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), causes diverse local and systemic infections in poultry, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and many other avian species. APEC possesses or utilizes different virulence and pathogenesis factors or mechanisms to cause colibacillosis in poultry.
  • 1.7K
  • 17 May 2021
Topic Review
Oils in Feed and Egg Quality
Eggs are a valuable source of protein and fat in the human diet. Due to continuous improvement in the production performance of laying hens, the requirements regarding the feed energy of laying hens are increasing. Oils, which are the main energy sources in feed, exert a substantial effect on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens.
  • 1.7K
  • 22 Dec 2021
Topic Review
The Discovery and Function of Filaggrin
Keratohyalin granules were discovered in the mid-19th century in cells that terminally differentiate to form the outer, cornified layer of the epidermis.  The first indications of the composition of these structures emerged in the 1960’s from a histochemical stain for histidine, followed by radioauto-graphic evidence for a high incidence of histidine incorporation into newly synthesized proteins in cells containing the granules.  Research during the next three decades revealed the structure and function of the major protein in these granules, which was initially called the ‘histidine-rich pro-tein.’  Steinert and Dale named the protein ‘filaggrin’ in 1981 because of its ability to aggregate keratin intermediate filaments.  The human gene for the precursor ‘profilaggrin’ was reported in 1991 to encode 10, 11 or 12 nearly identical repeats.  Remarkably, the mouse and rat genes encode up to 20 repeats.  The lifetime of filaggrin is the time required for keratinocytes in the granular layer to move into the inner cornified layer.  During this transition, filaggrin facilitates the collapse of corneocytes into an impermeable surface barrier.  The subsequent degradation of filaggrin is as remarkable as its synthesis and the end-products aide in maintaining moisture in the cornified layer.  It became apparent that ichthyosis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis were associated with the absence of this protein.  McLean’s team in 2006 identified the cause of these diseases by discov-ering loss-of-function mutations in the profilaggrin gene that led to dysfunction of the epidermal surface barrier.  This story illustrates the complexity in maintaining a healthy, functional surface barrier.
  • 1.7K
  • 07 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are health supplements commonly known in their tablet forms. Crops are rich in various sub-classes of flavonoids that could be used for human consumption. The biosynthesis and transport of flavonoids are major factors contributing to the accumulation of flavonoids in crops. On the other hand, the bioavailability of flavonoids to the human body governs the beneficial effects of the flavonoids on human health.
  • 1.7K
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp)
Hemp, or Cannabis sativa L., is an oleaginous plant known as one of the oldest plants cultivated by humankind, specifically for medicinal properties and non-edible fiber content.
  • 1.7K
  • 11 May 2021
Topic Review
Nanocellulose from Agricultural Wastes
Nanocellulose-based composites are characterized for being highly biocompatible and scarcely toxic, which are the the major reasons for its use in numerous biomedical applications. Incorporation of nanocellulose to drug delivery systems could control both the manner drugs are released and the interactions with target molecules, thus increasing the effectiveness of drug administration. Changes on nanocellulose surface must be carried out to link drugs, non-ionic chemicals with hydrophobic character, to the nanopolymer.
  • 1.7K
  • 18 Sep 2021
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