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Sprouting is an effective treatment for improving nutritional and bioactive properties as well as lowering the anti-nutritional compounds in pseudo-cereals. Enhancing nutritional properties when using sprouted pseudo-cereals flours as a baking ingredient requires tailored formulation. Simplex centroid designs and response surface methodology has been applied in the present study to define the ideal proportions of ternary blends of sprouted kiwicha (SKF), cañihua (SCF) and wheat flours (WF) to simultaneously enhance the content in bioactive compounds (γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA, total soluble phenolic compounds and TSPC), as well as sensory (odor, color, taste and texture) and functional attributes (antioxidant activity, AA) while reducing phytic acid (PA) content of bread. The effect of gastric and intestinal digestion on bioactive compounds, AA, PA and starch hydrolysis was also evaluated. Mixture design allowed for the identification of optimal formulation (5% SKF, 23.1% SCF, 71.9% WF) that can be used to obtain breads with higher content of GABA, TSPC, AA, overall sensorial acceptability (scores > 7) and reduced PA content and glycemic index. Moreover, this study demonstrated that these nutritional and health benefits provided by the replacement of WF by sprouted pseudo-cereal flours remained upon digestion. The results of this study indicated that WF replacement with SKF and SCF is sensory acceptable and improved the nutritional quality of bread.

A mixture design (MD) was used to evaluate the effect of replacing wheat flour (WF) with sprouted cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen), kiwicha (Amarathus caudatus L.), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) flours (SCF, SKF, and SQF, respectively) on the content of phytic acid (PA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), total soluble phenolic compounds (TSPC), and antioxidant activity (AA) in biscuits. Generally, sprouted pseudocereal flours contained lower amounts of starch and protein, comparable fat, ash, PA content, and increased levels of bioactive compounds (GABA and TSPC) and AA compared with wholegrain flours. Moreover, it was confirmed that sprouted pseudocereal flours were nutritionally superior to refined WF. MD allowed the modeling of target parameters showing that PA, GABA, TSPC, and AA were positively influenced by the proportion of flours in the biscuit. The models that better described the variation in nutritional parameters as a function of the formulation displayed typically linear and binary interactions terms. SKF exerted the highest influence on the increased content of PA. Therefore, to increase mineral bioavailability, the use of SCF and SQF in the formulation of biscuits was suggested. SCF and SQF positively influenced in GABA, TSPC, and AA in biscuits. The optimal ternary blends of flours that maximize the content of bioactive compounds and AA of biscuits and simultaneously minimize PA content were identified. To study the fate of biscuits in digestion, the optimal formulation for biscuits containing SQF/SCF was selected. For this type of baked product, reduced starch digestibility and glycemic index was observed compared with the control (100% WF). Moreover, the amounts of bioaccessible GABA, TSPC, and AA were higher in gastric and intestinal digests compared with control biscuit. Overall, these results highlighted the nutritional and health benefits of incorporation of flours from sprouted Andean grains in the production of biscuits.

The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of domestic storage conditions on total reducing sugars and free asparagine in fresh potatoes to understand the implications for acrylamide‐forming potential. Current advice to consumers is that potatoes should be stored in a dark cool place, but not in the refrigerator based on an expectation that home storage in the refrigerator will result in "cold sweetening" and increased acrylamide‐forming potential. Potato tubers of two common varieties (King Edward and Nectar) were obtained from four independent sources and were sampled from commercial store conditions on three occasions between November 2018 and May 2019. Tuber reducing sugar contents were assessed under conditions that mimicked home storage, at either 18 or 5°C during a 15‐day treatment period. There was a similar pattern of reducing sugar content in tubers from all four sources. For tubers stored at 5°C, reducing sugar levels showed little or no variation over the 15‐day time‐course. Differences in reducing sugar contents between varieties and between the source of tubers of the same variety were far higher than those observed dependent on cold storage. For tubers stored at 18°C, total reducing sugar levels remained the same or decreased over 15 days of storage. Decreases in sugar content were not consistent between samples, varying by sampling point, source and cultivar. Tuber asparagine content was independent of storage temperature with no significant differences in asparagine observed between tuber samples stored at 5 or 18°C for 15 days. In some tuber samples, storage at 5°C significantly retarded sprouting compared with samples stored at 18°C, indicating the potential for refrigerator storage to extend shelf life and reduce waste. The premise that home storing potato tubers at 5°C postpurchase increases levels of reducing sugars and therefore acrylamide‐forming potential is not supported by these data. Much larger sources of variation were from other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed sprouts are nutrient-rich components, and their use in human and animal diets have increased in recent times. Microbial fermentation of seed sprouts not only improves the nutrient digestibility but also elevates the nutritional characteristics by lowering the level of antinutritional factors (ANFs). This study evaluates the effect of sprouting followed by fungal fermentation on the nutritional characteristics of canola seed sprouts. Canola seeds were soaked overnight and sprouted over a 6-day period. Dried and ground seed sprouts were subjected to submerged fermentation for 5 days using three fungal strains (Aureobasidium pullulans, Trichoderma reesei, Neurospora crassa). Results showed an improvement in proteins and reduction in ANFs of sprouts when compared to seeds. Fermentation with T. reesei resulted in higher protein titers, while N. crassa fermented sprouts exhibited slight reduction in crude fiber. Sprouting prior to fermentation helped in enhancing the protein solubility of canola seed and reducing the overall fermentation duration. Based on these findings it could be concluded that sprouting prior to fermentation can potentially lead to the production of nutritionally enriched canola based high protein ingredient. However, further research needs to be conducted to develop a mechanism for minimizing the oil loss during seed sprouting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The refrigerated induce the sweetening of the potato, which results in the dark color. The objective of this study was to determine the temperature and shelf life of Markies potato tubers under refrigerated storage for the processing of French fries. The levels of total soluble sugar (TSS), reducing sugars (RS), peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity, color after frying and start of sprout were determined. The accumulation of TSS started at 30 days in the tubers at 4 and 5 °C and in the tubers at 6 and 8 °C, at 150 days. The activity of POD and PPO were not influenced by temperature or storage time. Tubers at 4 e 5 °C showed higher TSS and RS contents and darker color after frying than tubers stored at 6 and 8 °C which had their color maintained within the industry-acceptable standard up to 240 days of storage. Temperatures of 4 and 5 °C delayed the onset of sprouting, starting at 150 days, and at temperatures of 6 and 8 °C, the onset of sprouting occurred from 90 and 60 days of storage, respectively. It is concluded that the cultivar Markies should be stored at 6 °C for 240 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating form of neurotrauma. Patients who carry one or two apolipoprotein E (ApoE)4 alleles show worse functional outcomes and longer hospital stays after SCI, but the cellular and molecular underpinnings for this genetic link remain poorly understood. Thus, there is a great need to generate animal models to accurately replicate the genetic determinants of outcomes after SCI to spur development of treatments that improve physical function. Here, we examined outcomes after a moderate contusion SCI of transgenic mice expressing human ApoE3 or ApoE4. ApoE4 mice have worse locomotor function and coordination after SCI. Histological examination revealed greater glial staining in ApoE4 mice after SCI associated with reduced levels of neuronal sprouting markers. Bulk RNA sequencing revealed that subcellular processes (SCPs), such as extracellular matrix organization and inflammatory responses, were highly ranked among upregulated genes at 7 days after SCI in ApoE4 variants. Conversely, SCPs related to neuronal action potential and neuron projection development were increased in ApoE3 mice at 21 days. In summary, our results reveal a clinically relevant SCI mouse model that recapitulates the influence of ApoE genotypes on post SCI function in individuals who carry these alleles and suggest that the mechanisms underlying worse recovery for ApoE4 animals involve glial activation and loss of sprouting and synaptic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic modulation of vascular cell proliferation and migration is essential for the effective inhibition of angiogenesis in cancer or its induction in cardiovascular disease. The general view is that an increase in vascular growth factor levels or mitogenic stimulation is beneficial for angiogenesis, since it leads to an increase in both endothelial proliferation and sprouting. However, several recent studies showed that an increase in mitogenic stimuli can also lead to the arrest of angiogenesis. This is due to the existence of intrinsic signaling feedback loops and cell cycle checkpoints that work in synchrony to maintain a balance between endothelial proliferation and sprouting. This balance is tightly and effectively regulated during tissue growth and is often deregulated or impaired in disease. Most therapeutic strategies used so far to promote vascular growth simply increase mitogenic stimuli, without taking into account its deleterious effects on this balance and on vascular cells. Here, we review the main findings on the mechanisms controlling physiological vascular sprouting, proliferation, and senescence and how those mechanisms are often deregulated in acquired or congenital cardiovascular disease leading to a diverse range of pathologies. We also discuss alternative approaches to increase the effectiveness of pro-angiogenic therapies in cardiovascular regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, starches from underground stems of Trimezia juncifolia were evaluated during dry season (DSS), wet season (WSS) and sprouting (SS). Results evidenced that drought stress did not interfere with the yield, amylose content and degree of polymerization (DP) of amylopectin. However, the extraction yield in SS was 58% lower, being observed and increase of 7.5% in the content of amylose, and 13.5% in DP values for SS amylopectin, with a predominance of A-chains. The amount of total sugar, the starch granules size as well as solubility and swelling properties varied as function of the phenological status. Also, starch granules changed from A-type polymorph in DSS and SS to a C A -type in WSS. Nevertheless, it was observed a crystallinity reduction from 56% in DSS to 37.1% in SS. In addition, thermograms evidenced the presence of amylose-lipid complexes, with endothermic transition temperatures being affected by drought stress and sprouting. Finally, results demonstrate that underground stems from T. juncifolia have adaptative strategies involving changes in the morphological and physicochemical properties of the starch granules. • The phenological stage affected the physicochemical properties of the starches. • Drought stress did not interfere with the degree of polymerization of amylopectin. • Drought stress increased the starch crystallinity from 49% in WSS to 56% in DSS. • During sprouting the starch crystallinity decreased to 37.1%. • During sprouting was observed an increase of short-chains amylopectin (DP6–12). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some plants do not demand a lot of chilling hours, but methods to overcome dormancy promote more vigorous and productive plant. This study aimed to assess hydrogen cyanamide and nitrogen fertilizer with different concentration to growth and production in 'Roxo de Valinhos' fig tree. Two crop cycles (2015/2016 and 2016/2017) was performed in São Manuel city, São Paulo State, Brazil. Phenological and productive data was evaluated in a 2 x 5 factorial (Product x Concentration), organized in randomized complete block design, with three trees by plot. The factor products had as level hydrogen cyanamide and nitrogen fertilizer and the factor concentrations was constituted by 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4%. Furthermore, the following data was evaluated: number of days for budbreak, number of buds per plant, harvest period, branch length and diameter, leaf number, leaf area, number of fruits per plant, fruit mass, production and yield. Results indicated that both products anticipated the sprouting and promoted a higher number of buds overcome the dormancy. Plant production was higher in both cycles when the products were used (2.1 and 2.7, respectively). At last, hydrogen cyanamide showed better outcomes due to the higher number of fruits and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is a potential crop for enabling smallholder farmers to attain food security. However, it is underutilized in Ethiopia due to late blight occurrences and management of sprouting. Understanding what farmers are doing in potato tubers storage and disease management is important to find alternative solutions for existing problems. The purpose of this research was to identify potato varieties currently grown in the study areas, to investigate their responses to sprouting ability and late blight as well as existing management for sprouting and late blight. A survey was conducted with randomly sampled respondents in Shashemene (146) and West Shewa (318). Data were collected by interviewing farmers engaged in seed production and consumption. Farmers in the studied areas reported growing more than four potato local and improved varieties. Gudene variety earlier released as resistant to late blight was reported to be susceptible by 73.3% of the farmers. In the studied area, sprouting was controlled using diffused light storage and dark storage. However, chemical application was practiced by farmers to control late blight ranging from 82% to 94% and 93% to 99% at Shashemene and West Shewa, respectively. Since the application of chemicals raised the issue of health and environmental hazards, essential oils have been investigated and used to control late blight and sprouting in different parts of the world; however, it is not practiced in studied areas. Since Ethiopia has enormous plant species with essential oils, using essential oils as alternative is helpful to mitigate the existing problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two separate experiments were conducted to examine the effect of various water regimes and herbicides on sprouting of common reed (Phragmites australis L.) rhizome fragments. Each experiment was laid-out in completely randomized design (CRD) having water levels and herbicides as treatments, replicated thrice. Five fragments of fresh rhizomes with active buds were placed in the soil in pots for investigating the effect of various water regimes on sprouting of common reed. Sproutings were examined up to two months. While in the 2nd experiment post emergence herbicides were applied to the re-sprouts to check the efficacy of various herbicides against common reed management. Various water regimes affected the re-sprouting of common reed rhizomes. The lowest sprouting (6.66%) were noted in control treatment where no water was applied except at the time of placing the rhizomes in the pots, while maximum (96.66%) sprouting observed within (T3) water was applied from 5th to 7th weeks (5 times). While in the 2nd experiment herbicides significantly affected the re-sprouting ability, growth and biomass production of common reed and minimum resprouting and shoot biomass (3.33% and 6.00 g), respectively, were noted for fenoxapropp-ethyl as compared to control treatment (90.00% and 38.67 g) where no herbicide had been applied. Therefore it is concluded from the results that on either side from water regime (T5) the re-sprouting ability decreases and buds mortality increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Changing climate is predicted to result in increased frequency and size of wildfires in south-eastern Australia. With increasing area burnt there is increased potential for entire species distributions to be burnt in a single fire event. This is particularly the case for range-restricted threatened species. Eucalyptus canobolensis (L.A.S.Johnson & K.D.Hill) J.T.Hunter is restricted to Mount Canobolas, New South Wales, Australia. In 2018, the majority of the E. canobolensis population was burnt by wildfire. One-year post-fire, we measured recruitment, resprouting and mortality of E. canobolensis. At higher fire severities, smaller trees were more likely to resprout from their bases only, as their stems were killed (i.e. 'top kill'). Seedling regeneration only occurred in burnt plots. Our study demonstrates that E. canobolensis has a fire response typical of many eucalypts, characterised by seedling recruitment and larger trees resprouting epicormically, even after high-severity fire. Nevertheless, E. canobolensis response to repeat and short-interval fire remains unknown, and smaller trees appear to be vulnerable to top kill. Although much of Australia's flora can respond to fire, this response is likely to be challenged as fire extents increase, especially if this is combined with increasing fire severity and/or frequency. These changes to the fire regime are a particular threat to species with restricted distributions. In 2018, wildfire burnt 70% of the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area and the majority of the population of the Endangered endemic tree Eucalyptus canobolensis. The species is regenerating from resprouts and seedlings; however, severe fire has limited smaller trees to resprouting from their bases only – indicating that short-interval, severe fire has the potential to suppress entire generations of E. canobolensis. Wildfires are predicted to become larger, more severe and more frequent with climate change, and this this is of particular concern for range-restricted threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) are transcription factors that play a pivotal role in plant growth and development. This study identifies 12 Solanum tuberosum GRF transcription factors (StGRFs) and analyzes their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures and gene expression patterns using bioinformatics. The StGRFs exhibit a length range of 266 to 599 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 26.02 to 64.52 kDa. The majority of StGRFs possess three introns. The promoter regions contain a plethora of cis -acting elements related to plant growth and development, as well as environmental stress and hormone response. All the members of the StGRF family contain conserved WRC and QLQ domains, with the sequences of these two conserved domain modules exhibiting high levels of conservation. Transcriptomic data indicates that StGRFs play a significant role in the growth and development of stamens, roots, young tubers, and other tissues or organs in potatoes. Furthermore, a few StGRFs exhibit differential expression patterns in response to Phytophthora infestans , chemical elicitors, heat, salt, and drought stresses, as well as multiple hormone treatments. The results of the expression analysis indicate that StGRF1 , StGRF2 , StGRF5 , StGRF7 , StGRF10 and StGRF12 are involved in the process of tuber sprouting, while StGRF4 and StGRF9 may play a role in tuber dormancy. These findings offer valuable insights that can be used to investigate the roles of StGRFs during potato tuber dormancy and sprouting., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Cui, Song, Jiang, Ye, Wang, Yuan and Liu.)

To encourage re-establishment of functional innervation of ipsilateral lumbar motoneurons by descending fibers after an intervening lateral thoracic (T10) hemisection (Hx), we treated adult rats with the following agents: (i) anti-Nogo-A antibodies to neutralize the growth-inhibitor Nogo-A; (ii) neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) via engineered fibroblasts to promote neuron survival and plasticity; and (iii) the NMDA-receptor 2d (NR2d) subunit via an HSV-1 amplicon vector to elevate NMDA receptor function by reversing the Mg(2+) block, thereby enhancing synaptic plasticity and promoting the effects of NT-3. Synaptic responses evoked by stimulation of the ventrolateral funiculus ipsilateral and rostral to the Hx were recorded intracellularly from ipsilateral lumbar motoneurons. In uninjured adult rats short-latency (1.7-ms) monosynaptic responses were observed. After Hx these monosynaptic responses were abolished. In the Nogo-Ab + NT-3 + NR2d group, long-latency (approximately 10 ms), probably polysynaptic, responses were recorded and these were not abolished by re-transection of the spinal cord through the Hx area. This suggests that these novel responses resulted from new connections established around the Hx. Anterograde anatomical tracing from the cervical grey matter ipsilateral to the Hx revealed increased numbers of axons re-crossing the midline below the lesion in the Nogo-Ab + NT-3 + NR2d group. The combined treatment resulted in slightly better motor function in the absence of adverse effects (e.g. pain). Together, these results suggest that the combination treatment with Nogo-Ab + NT-3 + NR2d can produce a functional 'detour' around the lesion in a laterally hemisected spinal cord. This novel combination treatment may help to improve function of the damaged spinal cord.

To form new blood vessels (angiogenesis), endothelial cells (ECs) must be activated and acquire highly migratory and proliferative phenotypes. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern these processes are incompletely understood. Here, we show that Apelin signaling functions to drive ECs into such an angiogenic state. Zebrafish lacking Apelin signaling exhibit defects in endothelial tip cell morphology and sprouting. Using transplantation experiments, we find that in mosaic vessels, wild-type ECs leave the dorsal aorta (DA) and form new vessels while neighboring ECs defective in Apelin signaling remain in the DA. Mechanistically, Apelin signaling enhances glycolytic activity in ECs at least in part by increasing levels of the growth-promoting transcription factor c-Myc. Moreover, APELIN expression is regulated by Notch signaling in human ECs, and its function is required for the hypersprouting phenotype in Delta-like 4 (Dll4) knockdown zebrafish embryos. These data provide new insights into fundamental principles of blood vessel formation and Apelin signaling, enabling a better understanding of vascular growth in health and disease.

Neural injury in mammals often leads to persistent functional deficits as spontaneous repair in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is often incomplete, while endogenous repair mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS) are negligible. Peripheral axotomy elicits growth-associated gene programs in sensory and motor neurons that can support reinnervation of peripheral targets given sufficient levels of debris clearance and proximity to nerve targets. In contrast, while damaged CNS circuitry can undergo a limited amount of sprouting and reorganization, this innate plasticity does not re-establish the original connectivity. The utility of novel CNS circuitry will depend on effective connectivity and appropriate training to strengthen these circuits. One method of enhancing novel circuit connectivity is through the use of electrical stimulation, which supports axon growth in both central and peripheral neurons. This review will focus on the effects of CNS and PNS electrical stimulation in activating axon growth-associated gene programs and supporting the recovery of motor and sensory circuits. Electrical stimulation-mediated neuroplasticity represents a therapeutically viable approach to support neural repair and recovery. Development of appropriate clinical strategies employing electrical stimulation will depend upon determining the underlying mechanisms of activity-dependent axon regeneration and the heterogeneity of neuronal subtype responses to stimulation.

In plants, nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-like or nitrate reductase (NR) produces nitric oxide (NO), which is involved in releasing seed dormancy. However, its mechanism of effect in potato remains unclear. In this study, spraying 40 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an exogenous NO donor, quickly broke tuber dormancy and efficiently promoted tuber sprouting, whereas 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (c-PTIO), an NO scavenger, repressed the influence of NO on tuber sprouting. Compared with the control (distilled water), SNP treatment led to a rapid increase in NO content after 6 h and a decreased abscisic acid (ABA) content at 12 and 24 h. c-PTIO treatment significantly inhibited increase of NO levels and increased ABA production. In addition, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, an NOS inhibitor, clearly inhibited the NOS-like activity, whereas tungstate, an NR inhibitor, inhibited the NR activity. Furthermore, NO promoted the expression of a gene involved in ABA catabolism (StCYP707A1, encoding ABA 8′-hydroxylase) and inhibited the expression of a gene involved in ABA biosynthesis (StNCED1, encoding 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase), thereby decreasing the ABA content, disrupting the balance between ABA and gibberellin acid (GA), and ultimately inducing dormancy release and tuber sprouting. The results demonstrated that NOS-like or NR-generated NO controlled potato tuber dormancy release and sprouting via ABA metabolism and signaling in tuber buds.

In this work, we studied the effects of in vitro oxidative stress applied by H2O2 to maize pollen germination and cytosolic Ca2+, taken as an experimental model to test the biological activity of extracts of emmer (Triticum turgidum L. spp. dicoccum (Schrank ex Shubler) Thell.) wheatgrass obtained from grains sprouted with distilled water, or salinity (50 mM) or selenium (45 mg L−1 of Na2SeO3). Wheatgrass extracts were obtained in two ways: by direct extraction in methanol, which represented the free phenolic fraction of extracts (Ef), and by residual content after alkaline digestion, which made it possible to obtain extracts with the bound fraction (Eb). Comparative tests on maize pollen were carried out by differently combining H2O2 and either wheatgrass extracts or pure phenolic acids (4-HO benzoic, caffeic, p-coumaric and salicylic). The cytosolic Ca2+ of maize pollen was influenced by either H2O2 or pure phenolic acids or Ef, but not by Eb. The negative effect of H2O2 on maize pollen germination and cytosolic Ca2+ was mitigated by Ef and, slightly, by Eb. The extent of the biological response of Ef depended on the sprouting conditions (i.e., distilled water, salinity or selenium). The extracts of Se-biofortified wheatgrass were the most effective in counteracting the oxidative stress.

Brown rice is nutritionally superior to white rice, yet oil rancidity can be problematic during processing and storage regarding sensory attributes. Germinating brown rice is known to generally increase some health-promoting compounds. In response to increasing the consumption of plant-based beverages, we sprouted unstabilized brown rice, using green technologies and saccharification enzymes for value-added beverages. ‘Rondo’ paddy rice was dehulled, sorted and germinated, and beverages were produced and compared against non-germinated brown and white brewers rice beverages. The preliminary germinated brown rice beverage contained significantly higher concentrations of total lipids, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, free sterols, phytosterol esters and oryzanols than both non-germinated brown and white rice beverages. White rice beverages had significantly higher free fatty acids. Significant lipid losses occurred during sieving, yet novel germinated brown rice beverages contained appreciable levels of valuable health-beneficial lipids, which appeared to form natural emulsions. Further pilot plant investigations should be scaled-up for pasteurization and adjusted through emulsification to ameliorate sieving losses.

The potato is a tuberous plant cultivated around the world, its tubers can be conserved for a long time, after having been harvested and without losing its parameters of quality, consumption and processing. There are several treatments that allow delay the appearance of outbreaks as the use of plant hormones these are; abscisic acid, gibberellic acid, Índole acetic acid, ethylene and cytokinins that intervene in the physiological phases of the seed tuber, especially in the dormancy process. External agents such as Chlorpropham, maleic acid hydrazide, essential oils and tannins also play an important role in the inhibition of outbreaks. The plants elabórate compounds that are used to regúlate different physiological processes, among them the one of the generation of shoots, that is why the obtaining of vegetal extracts and the study of their active compounds help to the reduction of the use of chemical products among them the walnut extract that by its compounds alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins and anthroquinines that are in different parts of the tree block the metabolic and hormonal processes of the tuber allowing to decrease the active growth of the shoots and lengthen the dormancy process. The objective of this article is to review some of the treatments that are used to lengthen the sprouting process of potato seed tubers.

Selective survival of small motor nerve fibers and their neuromuscular contacts in the SOD1G93A transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) suggests that smaller regenerated nerve fibers are more able to sustain reformed nerve-muscle connections as functionally intact motor units (MUs). The sciatic nerve was crushed unilaterally in SOD1G93A transgenic mice at 40 days of age and contractile forces of reinnervated muscles and their MUs were recorded at 90 days in order to determine the capacities of the nerves to regenerate and to form and retain functional neuromuscular connections. Reduced MU numbers in fast-twitch tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus and medial gastrocnemius muscles and the lesser reductions in slow-twitch soleus muscle of SOD1G93A transgenic mice were reversed in reinnervated muscles: there were more reinnervated MUs and their contractile forces and the muscle forces and weights increased. In line with the contrasting ability of only small not large nerve fibers to sprout to form enlarged MUs in the SOD1G93A transgenic mouse, the smaller regenerating nerve fibers formed enlarged MUs that were better able to survive. Because nerve fibers with and without muscle contacts were severed by the sciatic nerve crush injury, the conditioning lesion is untenable as the explanation for improved maintenance of reinnervated neuromuscular junctions. Elevated neurotrophic factor expression in axotomized motoneurons and/or denervated Schwann cells and the synapse withdrawal from axotomized motoneurons are other factors that, in addition to reduced size of nerve fibers reinnervating muscles, may account for increased survival and size of reinnervated MUs in ALS.

Vines are the major source of planting material in sweetpotato. Extended dry spells hinder conservation of vines and in turn affect the availability of planting material at the onset of rains in southern Africa. In some cases, improved sweetpotato germplasm has been lost by smallholder farmers in Mozambique due to prolonged dry spells. Small to medium roots provide an opportunity to conserve germplasm and get planting material at the beginning of the rainy season. The objectives of the study were to (i) measure sprouting ability of diverse germplasm of sweetpotato - farmer varieties, improved clones and released varieties and (ii) estimate their ability to provide planting material for the next crop in southern Mozambique. Trials with 29 genotypes were established in a randomized complete block design with two replications at Umbeluzi Research Station and Nwalate Farm in 2015, 2016 and 2017. At harvest, 14 small to medium roots were selected and stored in small plastic dishes filled with dry sand at Nwalate Farm. After four months in storage, 10 similar roots were taken and planted in 1 m row plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with two replications. The trials were irrigated to initiate sprouting and support plant growth during the first four weeks. Data collected were analysed using SAS 1996. All the tested genotypes sprouted after sowing. The number of sprouts per root were significantly affected by the genotype, location and genotype x location x year interactions. Caelan had the most sprouts per root. Sprout length measured at six weeks after sprouting was also significantly affected by genotype, location, year and genotype x location x year interactions. Caelan had vines each long enough to provide 10 cuttings of 10 cm length for rapid multiplication. The number of cuttings depended on the growth habit of the variety. Irene, a popular variety in Mozambique, is erect and bushy and could only provide four cuttings over the same period. Growth habit especially under a changing climate should be considered in breeding programs as an option of facilitating a sustainable and easy seed system.

Lentil and Chickpea seeds were used to investigated the effect of seed sprouting using tap and saline water on sprout growth, proximate analysis, energy, minerals content, anti-nutritional compounds and amino acid profile of sprouted samples comparing with dry seeds. Result revealed that higher NaCl concentration > 2000 ppm reduce sprouts radical length of both lentil and chickpea. Sterilized seeds sprouting using tap water and non-sterilized seeds sprouting using saline water decreased sprout moisture content and carbohydrate which resulting in reducing faecal and total coliform counts for both lentil and chickpea. Moreover these treatment increased protein content and energy, (Kcal /g) as compared with dry seeds and other treatments. Sprouting decreased antinutritional compounds compared with dry seeds with sharbly decreament in phytic acid followed by taninins content. Mineral content in sprouts were recorded. The chickpea sprout sample using steralized seeds with tap water for sprouting serve as good sources calcium and phosphorous . Amino acid profile of lentil and chickpea sprouts were also studied. Sprouts using saline water recorded higher lysine amino acid value compared with dry seeds while non-steralized chickpea seeds sprouts using saline water recorded the higher total sulpher amino acid (Methionen + Cystiean) value. Based on these results, sprouting process is recommended to increase nutritive value and decreased antinutritional compounds of lentil and chickpea seeds.

Momordica cochinchinensis (Gac fruit) grows as perennial climbers and dioecious plants, where it can be cultivated from seeds, root tubers, and root vine cuttings. Rooted vine cuttings are more reliable than seed propagation, which can be affected by dormancy and delay production. The application of auxin group of hormones such as Indole acetic acid (IAA), Indole-3- butyric acid (IBA), and Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in certain concentrations shown good results in inducing root initiation faster and effective. However, experimental data and information on the plant growth hormone application on M. cochinchinensis vine cuttings propagation are not very extensive, especially in Malaysia. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of IAA, IBA, and NAA on M. cochinchinensis vine cutting propagation. The design of the experiment is a randomized complete block design in a factorial experiment, with five replications. The treatments comprised three types of plant growth hormone, IAA, IBA, and NAA with 0, 500, 1000, and 3000 ppm concentrations. Data recorded were surviving rate or percentage of rooting, root numbers per rooted cutting, means of root length, length of longest root, total root length per rooted cuttings, sprouting percentage, and sprouting length. The vine cutting treated with IBA and NAA 1000 ppm has shown a considerably positive effect in root formation and sprouting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at understanding the relation among sprouting time (from 12 up to 72 h), changes in protein and starch components, and flour functionality in quinoa. Changes related to the activity of sprouting-related proteases were observed after 48 h of sprouting in all protein fractions. Progressive proteolysis resulted in relevant modification in the organization of quinoa storage proteins, with a concomitant increase in the availability of physiologically relevant metals such as copper and zinc. Changes in the protein profile upon sprouting resulted in improved foam stability, but in impaired foaming capacity. The increased levels of amylolytic enzymes upon sprouting also made starch less prompt to gelatinize upon heating. Consequently, starch re-association in a more ordered structure upon cooling was less effective, resulting in low setback viscosity. The nature and the intensity of these modifications suggest various possibilities as for using flour from sprouted quinoa as an ingredient in the formulation of baked products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work aimed to test the hypothesis that soil microscale heterogeneity act as a community ecological driver, increasing diversity and promoting structural shifts on the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest (SDTF) tree community. We evaluated the relationship between microscale edaphic variations and floristic–structural patterns of tree communities in a SDTF fragment located in the southern end of the Brazilian Caatinga domain. Vegetation and soil data were obtained through 27 sample units of 400 m2 (20 m × 20 m), within each one we measured and identified at species level all arboreal individuals with Circumference at the Breast Height greater or equal to 10 cm, and also collected the soil samples. Through the data we evaluated soil variation influence on the tree community structural and floristic patterns trough generalized linear models. Soil explained the small-scale structural and floristic variations, contributing significantly to biomass, sprouting and to floristic relationships between sample units. It was also observed a possible relation of the result with the Caatinga domain biogeographic history, due the presence of Sedimentary Caatinga species, which are not expected for the study region. Soil plays an important role in driving small-scale complexity and diversity of SDTF, but we also suggest that Caatinga biogeographic events have influence on the high heterogeneity patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of potato tubers is dependent on several attributes been maintained at appropriate levels during storage. One of these attributes is sprouting activity that is initiated from meristematic regions of the tubers (eyes). Sprouting activity is a major problem that contributes to reduced shelf life and elevated sugar content, which affects the marketability of seed tubers as well as fried products. This study compared the capabilities of three different optical systems (1: visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) interactance spectroscopy, 2: Vis/NIR hyperspectral imaging, 3: NIR transmittance) and machine learning methods to detect sprouting activity in potatoes based on the primordial leaf count (LC). The study was conducted on Frito Lay 1879 and Russet Norkotah cultivars stored at different temperatures and classification models were developed that considered both cultivars combined and classified the tubers as having either high or low sprouting activity. Measurements were performed on whole tubers and sliced samples to see the effect this would have on identifying sprouting activity. Sequential forward selection was applied for wavelength selection and the classification was carried out using K-nearest neighbor, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and soft independent modeling class analogy. The highest classification accuracy values obtained by the hyperspectral imaging system and was 87.5% and 90% for sliced and whole samples, respectively. Data fusion did not show classification improvement for whole tubers, whereas a 7.5% classification accuracy increase was illustrated for sliced samples. By investigating different optical techniques and machine learning methods, this study provides a first step toward developing a handheld optical device for early detection of sprouting activity, enabling advanced aid potato storage management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare form of breast cancer associated with increased angiogenesis and metastasis, is largely driven by tumor‐stromal interactions with the vasculature and the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, there is currently a lack of understanding of the role these interactions play in initiation and progression of the disease. In this study, we developed the first three‐dimensional, in vitro, vascularized, microfluidic IBC platform to quantify the spatial and temporal dynamics of tumor‐vasculature and tumor‐ECM interactions specific to IBC. Platforms consisting of collagen type 1 ECM with an endothelialized blood vessel were cultured with IBC cells, MDA‐IBC3 (HER2+) or SUM149 (triple negative), and for comparison to non‐IBC cells, MDA‐MB‐231 (triple negative). Acellular collagen platforms with endothelialized blood vessels served as controls. SUM149 and MDA‐MB‐231 platforms exhibited a significantly (p <.05) higher vessel permeability and decreased endothelial coverage of the vessel lumen compared to the control. Both IBC platforms, MDA‐IBC3 and SUM149, expressed higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (p <.05) and increased collagen ECM porosity compared to non‐IBCMDA‐MB‐231 (p <.05) and control (p <.01) platforms. Additionally, unique to the MDA‐IBC3 platform, we observed progressive sprouting of the endothelium over time resulting in viable vessels with lumen. The newly sprouted vessels encircled clusters of MDA‐IBC3 cells replicating a key feature of in vivo IBC. The IBC in vitro vascularized platforms introduced in this study model well‐described in vivo and clinical IBC phenotypes and provide an adaptable, high throughput tool for systematically and quantitatively investigating tumor‐stromal mechanisms and dynamics of tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, the brainstem has been seen as hardwired and poorly capable of plastic adaptations following spinal cord injury (SCI). Data acquired over the past decades, however, suggest differently: following SCI in various animal models (lamprey, chick, rodents, nonhuman primates), different forms of spontaneous anatomic plasticity of reticulospinal projections, many of them originating from the gigantocellular reticular nucleus (NRG), have been observed. In line with these anatomic observations, animals and humans with incomplete SCI often show various degrees of spontaneous motor recovery of hindlimb/leg function. Here, we investigated the functional relevance of two different modes of reticulospinal fiber growth after cervical hemisection, local rewiring of axotomized projections at the lesion site versus compensatory outgrowth of spared axons, using projection-specific, adeno-associated virus-mediated chemogenetic neuronal silencing. Detailed assessment of joint movements and limb kinetics during overground locomotion in female adult rats showed that locally rewired as well as compensatory NRG fibers were responsible for different aspects of recovered forelimb and hindlimb functions (i.e., stability, strength, coordination, speed, or timing). During walking and swimming, both locally rewired as well as compensatory NRG plasticity were crucial for recovered function, while the contribution of locally rewired NRG plasticity to wading performance was limited. Our data demonstrate comprehensively that locally rewired as well as compensatory plasticity of reticulospinal axons functionally contribute to the observed spontaneous improvement of stepping performance after incomplete SCI and are at least partially causative to the observed recovery of function, which can also be observed in human patients with spinal hemisection lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A subset of adult ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) neurons expresses vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2) and releases glutamate as a second neurotransmitter in the striatum, while only few adult substantia nigra DA neurons have this capacity. Recent work showed that cellular stress created by neurotoxins such as MPTP and 6-hydroxydopamine can upregulate VGluT2 in surviving DA neurons, suggesting the possibility of a role in cell survival, although a high level of overexpression could be toxic to DA neurons. Here we examined the level of VGluT2 upregulation in response to neurotoxins and its impact on postlesional plasticity. We first took advantage of an in vitro neurotoxin model of Parkinson's disease and found that this caused an average 2.5-fold enhancement of Vglut2 mRNA in DA neurons. This could represent a reactivation of a developmental phenotype because using an intersectional genetic lineage-mapping approach, we find that .98% of DA neurons have a VGluT2+ lineage. Expression of VGluT2 was detectable in most DA neurons at embryonic day 11.5 and was localized in developing axons. Finally, compatible with the possibility that enhanced VGluT2 expression in DA neurons promotes axonal outgrowth and reinnervation in the postlesional brain, we observed that DA neurons in female and male mice in which VGluT2 was conditionally removed established fewer striatal connections 7weeks after a neurotoxin lesion. Thus, we propose here that the developmental expression of VGluT2 in DA neurons can be reactivated at postnatal stages, contributing to postlesional plasticity of dopaminergic axons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motoneurons (MNs) in a motor-unit (MU)- dependent manner. Glial dysfunction contributes to numerous aspects of the disease. At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), early alterations in perisynaptic Schwann cell (PSC), glial cells at this synapse, may impact their ability to regulate NMJ stability and repair. Indeed, muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) regulate the repair phenotype of PSCs and are overactivated at disease- resistant NMJs [soleus muscle (SOL)] in S0D1G37R mice. However, it remains unknown whether this is the case at disease-vulnerable NMJs and whether it translates into an impairment of PSC-dependent repair mechanisms. We used SOL and sternomastoid (STM) muscles from SOD1G37R mice and performed Ca2+-imaging to monitor PSC activity and used immunohistochemistry to analyze their repair and phagocytic properties. We show that PSC mAChR-dependent activity was transiently increased at disease-vulnerable NMJs (STM muscle). Furthermore, PSCs from both muscles extended disorganized processes from denervated NMJs and failed to initiate or guide nerve terminal sprouts at disease-vulnerable NMJs, a phenomenon essential for compensatory reinnervation. This was accompanied by a failure of numerous PSCs to upregulate galectin-3 (MAC-2), a marker of glial axonal debris phagocytosis, on NMJ denervation in SOD1 mice. Finally, differences in these PSCdependent NMJ repair mechanisms were MU type dependent, thus reflecting MU vulnerability in ALS. Together, these results reveal that neuron-glia communication is ubiquitously altered at the NMJ in ALS. This appears to prevent PSCs from adopting a repair phenotype, resulting in a maladapted response to denervation at the NMJ in ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic concentrations in ready-to-eat pulse sprouts can be enhanced under abiotic stress conditions, such as exposure to high-temperature treatments. However, data on the correlations between high-temperature treatments, induction of stress markers, stimulations of phenylpropanoid triggering enzymes, and accumulation of phenolics during the sprouting stage of pulses, such as common bean, is limited. Thus, this study was set to investigate how different levels of temperature elicitation (25, 30, 35, and 40 °C) and sprouting time (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) influence phenolic biosynthesis and antioxidant properties of common bean sprouts. Oxidative stress markers (H2O2, malondialdehyde, antioxidant enzymes—catalase and guaiacol peroxidase) were measured and correlated with activities of phenylpropanoid triggering enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and tyrosine ammonia-lyase), phenolic accumulations (total phenolic acids, total flavonoids, and anthocyanins), and antioxidant capacities (DPPH, ABTS, and Fe2+ scavenging) at each treatment level. Findings showed that temperature elicitation at 30 °C and 96 h of sprouting significantly increased phenolic biosynthesis and all tested antioxidant properties. This observation corresponded with its maximum activation of phenylpropanoid triggering enzymes and antioxidant enzymes throughout the sprouting process, compared to control (25 °C) and higher temperature levels (35 and 40 °C). Furthermore, although accumulated H2O2 and malondialdehyde levels increased with increasing temperature treatments, this trend was above threshold levels and limited sprout morphological characteristics. Hence, 30 °C temperature elicitations of common bean during sprouting can help enhance their nutraceutical value as organic edible sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sprouting by woody plants can increase species resilience to disturbance and foster regeneration during periods with little recruitment from seed. Though sprouting often plays a critical role in oak forest regeneration, there is little information available on sprouting capacity and sprout physiology at the seedling stage, particularly for new germinants. This study compared sprouting capacity and sprout photosynthesis of shoot-clipped germinants of two temperate oaks established in contrasting light environments. We studied the North American Quercus alba and the European Q. robur, both are in the section Quercus and appear to share similar biological and ecological requirements. Sprouting capacity for both species was enhanced under high light availability (29% more sprouts per plant), a response not previously noted for oak germinants. Seedling sprouts acclimated to high light with a 34% decrease in leaf area ratio, a 56% increase in leaf mass per area, and a 49% increase in the light-saturated maximum photosynthetic rate. Though both species appeared similarly adapted to shoot loss, a greater sprouting capacity (29% more sprouts per plant) and plant-level net photosynthesis (73% higher) was observed for Q. robur, regardless of light environment. As naturally regenerated oak seedlings in forest understories often experience disturbance or stress resulting in shoot loss or die-back, our results highlight the importance of the light environment during early plant development. Our comparison of temperate oaks from different continents should facilitate exchange of successful stand regeneration practices within the range of temperate oak forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of sprouting on proximate and anti-nutritional factors of Jackbean flour was investigated. Jackbean was procured from the Genetic Resources Unit of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria. The seeds were carefully sorted and sprouted for 10 days. The sprouted and unprocessed (control) bean were then milled into flour and thereafter assessed for proximate and antinutritional factors. The data generated were subjected to statistical analyses using SAS 2.0 and SPSS 20.0 packages. The results of influence of sprouting on proximate constituents and anti-nutritional factors revealed that sprouting for nine days (S5) resulted in flour sample with highest protein content and significant reduction in anti-nutritional factors most especially trypsin inhibitor from 32.08 + 0.13; 29.18 + 0.46 in control to 39.50 + 0.06; 18.33 + 0.03 in the sprouted samples respectively. Sprouting thus had positive effect on proximate and anti-nutritional factors of Jackbean flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following an injury to the central nervous system (CNS), spontaneous plasticity is observed throughout the neuraxis and affects multiple key circuits. Much of this spontaneous plasticity can elicit beneficial and deleterious functional outcomes, depending on the context of plasticity and circuit affected. Injury-induced activation of the neuroimmune system has been proposed to be a major factor in driving this plasticity, as neuroimmune and inflammatory factors have been shown to influence cellular, synaptic, structural, and anatomical plasticity. Here, we will review the mechanisms through which the neuroimmune system mediates plasticity after CNS injury. Understanding the role of specific neuroimmune factors in driving adaptive and maladaptive plasticity may offer valuable therapeutic insight into how to promote adaptive plasticity and/or diminish maladaptive plasticity, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research work was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of several grains and seeds, such as chia, common oat, proso millet, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, flax seed, and einkorn. The antioxidant and radical scavenging activity was determined by using different in vitro assays. The phytochemical screening revealed that the studied grains contain flavonoids (from 27.80±0.72 to 159.39±2.17 ÎM QE/g DW), and phenolic materials (from 0.29±0.00 to 2.45±0.02 mg GAE/g DW), their content being in direct connection with the antioxidant activity. Sprouting capability was then characterized by use of conventional and hydroponic methods. The results obtained in the present investigation suggest that grains could be a potential daily source of bioactive substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the storage temperature delays sprouting and increases the storage period, prolonging the supply to the industry. However, it may cause enzymatic browning before frying and non-enzymatic browning over frying. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of a reduction in the temperature and storage time on the quality of cv. Innovator intended for frying. Potato tubers were stored at 6, 7 and 8 °C for 150 days. This study analyzed the total soluble sugars (TSS), non-reducing sugars (NRS), reducing sugars (RS), post-frying coloring, fresh mass loss (FML), sprouting onset, peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity. The TSS, NRS and RS contents were higher in tubers stored at 6 °C, classified in category 3, while at 7 and 8 °C, it was classified in category 2. Storage time affected sugar concentrations only in tubers at 6 °C. Also at 6 °C, the FML was lower and sprouting was delayed by 30 days. Regardless of temperature and storage time, there was no enzymatic darkening due to POD and PPO activity. It is concluded that reducing the storage temperature to 6 °C prolongs the dormancy period, reduces fresh mass loss, increases reducing sugar content and non-enzymatic browning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The length of tuber dormancy of potato varieties is an important factor in the profitability of the potato sector. Under temperate climatic conditions longer dormancy is more advantageous. However, in case of multiple planting within one growing season, in seed multiplication programs or during rapid post-harvest disease testing, breaking or shortening of dormancy is often needed. Numerous ways for chemical regulation of dormancy period were developed, but the efficiency of such methods is strongly genotype dependent. Recently a comparative study of chemical treatments for breaking tuber dormancy of some new Hungarian potato varieties was carried out. Continuing this work, here we report about the effects of chemical treatments used for breaking dormancy on the number of stems and tubers of progeny plants. The experiment was conducted in three consecutive vegetation period, with three varieties having different maturity type and different dormancy period: Balatoni rózsa, Botond and Démon. Treatments were performed using gibberellic-acid, benzyl-adenine and Rindite in different concentrations and combinations. After the dormancy period, tubers were planted into pots and grown under controlled conditions. Number of developed stems and tubers was counted. According to the results, applied treatments had a large effect on the number of developing stems and tubers of the progeny plants. Combined treatments of Rindite+gibberellic-acid, and gibberellic-acid at 100 ppm increased significantly the number of stems and tubers. Correlation between the efficiency of dormancy breaking and the number of developed tubers was found. Based on our data, Rindite and gibberellic- acid have an important role not only in breaking dormancy, but also in increasing the tuber number/plant. This positive effect could be utilized in seed potato production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different doses of gamma Irradiation (0 Gy, 10 Gy, 60 Gy, 100 Gy and 200 Gy) were evaluated as potential treatment to extend the storage period and maintain the quality attributes of onion bulbs (cv. Punjab Noraya) at ambient temperature for a period of 144 days. It was observed that storage parameters such as physiological loss in weight, sprouting percentage, rotting percentage and quality traits like total soluble solids, firmness, color parameters, ascorbic acid and pyruvic acid varied significantly (p < 0.05) during storage period with respect to doses of irradiation. No rotting and sprouting were observed upto 24 days and 84 days, respectively in both gamma irradiated and un-irradiated bulbs. At 5 months of storage, the physiological loss in weight varied from 28.5 to 63.6% in all treatments. Physiological weight loss and rotting percentage were higher in the untreated (control) as well as bulbs radiated @ 10 Gy and 200 Gy. Firmness was better retained in the bulbs irradiated with gamma rays @ 120 Gy bulbs upto 84 days of storage. However, no clear-cut pattern for colour changes (L, a, b values) was observed with respect to the irradiation doses. TSS in bulbs decreased upto 36 days of storage and thereafter increased upto 48th day of storage irrespective of the dose of gamma irradiation. Ascorbic acid content of bulbs decreases significantly in all the irradiation treatments during storage but pyruvic acid initially increased, then decreased and again increased at the end of the storage period in un-irradiated and irradiated treatments. It is concluded that onion bulbs irradiated with gamma rays @ 120 Gy resulted in minimum loss in weight, rotting and sprouting while maintained best quality for 3 months of storage at ambient storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understorey wildfires harm tropical forests by affecting natural regeneration, but the trajectories of fire-disturbed forests after disturbance are poorly understood. To fill this gap, we conducted experimental burns in a transitional forest between the Amazon forests and the Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado) and investigated their effects on plant community diversity of regeneration. The experiment consisted of three 50-ha plots that between 2004 and 2010 were burned either annually (six times), every three years (thrice) or not at all (Control). To evaluate early post-fire recovery, we recorded grass occurrence and regenerating stems (≤1 cm in diameter at breast height). We noted that high fire-frequency plots had a reduction of species richness (62%) and abundance (84%) and were associated with floristic and structural changes, dominance of few species and increase of grass colonization when compared with low fire-frequency. We observed that resprouts were the main pathway for forest restoration in both burned regimes, particularly in low fire-frequency. However, the forest can recover from fires by means of resprouting, until a threshold in fire frequency is reached, when resprouts and seedlings declined for most of the species, with a few fire-tolerant species becoming dominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of sprouting (0, 12, 24, 36, 48 hr) on enzyme activity, protein solubility, dough mixing behavior, anti-nutritional components and in vitro starch and protein digestibility of minor millets. Sprouting decreased starch, fat, protein and ash contents while the dietary fiber content, amylase and protease activity significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Sprouting promoted a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in anti-nutritonal components like phytic acid and condensed tannin. The protein solubility enhanced that also resulted in improved protein digestibility (in vitro) of sprouted millets. Sprouting exerted a significant (p < 0.05) effect on mixolab dough rheology indicating a decrease in dough consistency (C1), peak and final viscosity whilst protein weakening and breakdown increased (p < 0.05). This process produced an increase in free glucose thereby improving rapidly digestible starch and increasing glycemic index. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in resistant starch along with slowly digestible starch was promoted during sprouting. In conclusion, sprouting provides millet flours with modified nutritional quality and better technofunctional properties than the raw flours that may suggest their potential utilization in complementary food formulations and baked products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Rhizobia are common members of plant microbiomes. This study aimed to evaluate if rhizobia can colonize sugarcane mini-setts and if and how they affect sprouting and morphological traits of plant development. Methods: Bradyrhizobium sacchari strain BR 10280T and Rhizobium sp. strain BR 10268 were inoculated on sugarcane mini-setts and sprouting and plant development were evaluated. Bacterial production of hormones and their effect on plant growth were studied using HPLC and GC-MS / SIM and sugarcane sprouting assays. Colonization was investigated by colony counting and CLSM. Sequence analysis of recA, gyrB and rpoB genes was applied to refine the phylogenetic classification of strain BR 10268. Results: BR 10268 had a positive effect on sugarcane mini-sett sprouting and shoot and root growth at 30 and 75 days after transplantation (DAT) and colonized sprouting mini-sett tissues. Few significant effects were observed for B. sacchari BR 10280T. Cell-free BR 10268 supernatant was found to contain gibberellins (GAs) and low concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and trans-zeatin; treatment of mini-setts with GA3 (0.15 or 1.5 μg mL−1) affected sprouting in a similar manner as BR 10268 inoculation. BR 10268 was found to be phylogenetically close to R. freirei. Conclusions: Rhizobium sp. BR 10268 positively affects sprouting and growth of sugarcane, probably via production of plant hormonal substances, notably gibberellins, thus naturally occurring rhizobia may have potential as sugarcane inoculants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment conducted in the Kampinos National Park since 2015 was aimed at assessing the sprouting ability of black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) in response to different measures of mechanical control and mycobiota colonizing the dying trees. Basal cut-stump, cutting at ca. 1 m above the ground and girdling were performed on 4 terms, two plots and applied to 25 trees, 600 trees in total. Sprouts were removed every 8 weeks since the initial treatment for 4 consecutive growing seasons, except winter-treated trees. At the end of the fourth season of control, 515 out of 600 trees were dead (86%): 81% on Lipków and 90% on Sieraków plot. Among 18 experiment variants with sprouts removal, 17 showed more than 80% of dead trees. The lowest, 76% share, concerned summer cut-stump at the base of the tree. For winter measures, the share of dead trees was lower in all cases and ranged from 28% to 64% proving that sprouts removal contributes to the drop of sprouting strength and quicker dying of the trees. Almost 80% of trees showed sporocarps that represented 51 taxa of macrofungi in total, including 6 Ascomycota and 45 Basidiomycota. The group of six most frequently encountered fungi includes: Hyphoderma setigerum, Bjerkandera adusta, Peniophora cinerea, Armillaria ostoyae, Nectria cinnabarina, Stereum hirsutum. Both plots had similar share of black cherry individuals with sporocarps of macrofungi, that is, 81% and 78% for Sieraków and Lipków respectively. The share of colonized trees and the number of reported macrofungal taxa increased significantly compared to the year following the treatment. In addition, the composition of macrofungi changed with the progressing dying of trees. These results broaden the knowledge about macroscopic fungi colonising and living on black cherry within its secondary range of distribution. Moreover, one macrofungus and two microfungi new for KNP are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of sprouting in improving cereals nutritional properties is known. However its use in baked products is limited due the functional modifications occurring. In this study, the use of whole wheat flour sprouted for 24 and 48 h sprouted whole wheat flour (SWWF), and SWWF-refined flour blends (50:50) in cookies elaboration was investigated. Sprouting decreased water holding capacity and swelling volume and increased oil absorption capacity (OAC) gradually with sprouting time. For the dough, an increase in visco-elastic moduli (G′ and G′′) was recorded when whole wheat flour (WWF) and SWWF were used instead refined flour. However, no significant differences were observed between SWWF, weather for 24 or 48 h, and raw WWF. Regarding cookies, both WWF and SWWF decreased spread factor and increased hardness compared to control. Cookies color parameters were also affected with a decrease in lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) and an increase in redness (a*). Cookie color changes were more pronounced with 100% 48 h sample. Despite these changes, consumers overall acceptability was improved when both WWF and SWWF were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ellipsis refers to a phenomenon that involves the omission from a clause of one or more words that are nevertheless understood in the context of the remaining elements. The key question for its analysis is then how to license such correspondences between incomplete syntax and complete semantics. There have been two main strands: deletion-based and direct interpretation-based. The former derives elliptical structures from clausal sources such that there is no mismatch between the syntax and the semantics of ellipsis. Meanwhile, the latter countenances non-correspondences at syntax but derives sentential semantics from structured discourse information. This position paper discusses a direct interpretation perspective on ellipitcal constructions as represented by HPSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]