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White willow (Salix alba) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat pain and inflammation. The aims of this study were to produce polyphenol-rich herbal beverages from willow bark with different ethanol content, temperatures, and solvent pH and to explore neuroprotective potentials of willow polyphenols. The phenolic compounds quantified in the willow infusions were salicin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, p-salicylic acid, and p-coumaric acid; the former three compounds exhibited promising inhibitory potentials against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in molecular docking studies. Total phenol content and antioxidant activity were maximum when prepared with 50% ethanol-in-water at room temperature. Although aqueous infusions contained fewer total phenols than those extracted with 50% hydroalcoholic solutions, they enhanced the extraction of chlorogenic acid and salicin content, which may possess promising neuroprotective potentials. The addition of citric acids in hot water infusions led to a higher proportion of non-tannins and had a lighter appearance, which may result in less astringent mouthfeel and better consumer acceptance. Overall, the obtained results indicate that willow bark prepared with hot water and/or with addition of citric acids is rich in bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity and possible neuroprotective activities in silico, which could serve as valuable ingredients for inclusion in functional beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Willow forests are well established as nature-based solutions contributing to flood protection in the riverine environment. With climate change, storm surges in winter may increasingly expose downstream floodplain forests to seawater pulses. The effects of seawater pulses on willows are unknown, as previous studies focused on long-term exposure effects. (2) Methods: We studied the resilience of the floodplain forest foundation species Salix alba L. to seawater pulses during winter. This corresponds to the effects of storm surges in the North Sea region on floodplain willow trees in downstream river stretches during their dormant stage. Seawater pulses were applied from November to May on vegetative propagules. The plants were placed on flooding stairways at three levels in a mesocosm experiment under ambient conditions in Zealand, NL. (3) Results: Twice-applied 48 h seawater pulses during winter led to increasing salinity in the soil where vegetative propagules were placed. Ninety-five percent of the plants developed leaves, shoots, and roots, and juvenile trees were established in the following spring. Although the aboveground and belowground dry masses decreased with increasing short-term seawater flooding, they increased from April to May. (4) Conclusions: The seawater pulse caused a growth-delaying effect in the young experimental propagation plants of Salix alba. Contrary to earlier findings on the growth-inhibiting effects on S. alba under long-term salinity treatments, we show that S. alba is resilient to short-term seawater pulses experienced during the dormant (winter) stage. This is good news for the inclusion of S. alba in nature-based flood defense schemes in downstream riverine stretches.

Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae), the primary pest of guava (Psidium guajava), damages numerous horticulture fruits in tropical and subtropical regions. The use of insecticides for the management of this pest adversely affect agro-ecosystem and has environmental consequences. The repellent activity of Salix alba (Willow) bark extract and a Guava oil-based formulation was investigated to protect guava fruit from infestation by the fruit fly, B. dorsalis. In the laboratory experiments, the efficacy of these natural repellents was assessed. Bactrocera dorsalis significantly deterred guava fruit treated with S. alba formulation as compared to the extract alone, which exhibited significant anti-feeding activity, and caused a decline in fecundity rate by 60% and larval mortality rate by 90%. When females were allowed to oviposit on guava fruits in laboratory and field after mating, these flies preferred fruits for oviposition that were not sprayed with S. alba-guava oil formulation. GC-MS analysis showed esters and terpenes as the main components for exhibiting repellent property in S. alba-based formulation. Hence, guava oil formulation of S. alba showed a complete protection of guava fruits against B. dorsalis in the laboratory conditions to control infestation by B. dorsalis. Further research and field trials are warranted to optimize the application methods and assess the long-term effects on crop yield and overall fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

يحتوي المستخلص المائي لنبات Salix spp على العديد من المركبات التي قد تعمل كعوامل تعزيز الجذور في العقل. alba . هي شجرة متساقطة الأوراق، والمواد الكيميائية النباتية والهرمونات في الأشجار المتساقطة تختلف على مدار العام، لذلك في هذه الدراسة تم جمع الأفروع alba .. بعمر سنة وسنتين في الخامس عشر من كل شهر في عام 2022، واستخلاصها في 2% إيثانول بمعدل 9 جم التر ووضعها في حمام مائي بدرجة حرارة 35، ثم مستخدم الى الافلام التوت العليق الأشوكي لمدة 1.5 ساعة. أوضحت النتائج أن أعلى نسبة تجذير (66.66%) تم الحصول عليها في العقل المغمورة بمستخلص الافروع الصفصاف المجمعة بموعد 15 كانون الثاني لم تختلف معنوياً عن العقل المقارنة، لكنها كانت مختلفة عن العقل المغمورة في مستخلص الأفروع الصفصاف والتي تم جمعها في 15 أب وتشرين الأول بنسبة (33.33%). كانت غالبية سمات الخضرى والجذرى الأخرى عالية في العقل المغمورة في مستخلص الافروع الصفصاف التي تم جمعها في 15 ديسمبر. تحتوي الأفروع الصفصاف التي تم جمعها في 15 كانون الثاني على أقل إجمالي للفينولات (51.4) ميكروجرام / مل) وإجمالي الفلافونويدات (29.07) ميكروجرام / مل). علاوة على ذلك، تم تسجيل أعلى إجمالي للفينولات (57) ميكروجرام مل 492.61 ميكروجرام (مل)، و 365.17 ميكروجرام / مل) في الافروع الصفصاف التي تم جمعها في 15 ايار، وكان إجمالي مركبات الفلافونويد أعلى مستوى 44.96) ميكروجرام / مل) في الافروع الصفصاف التي تم جمعها في 15 نيسان بشكل عام، بناء على نسبة التجذير، ينصح بجمع لافروع الصفصاف في 15 كانون الثاني وشباط لاستخراجها وتطبيقها على. الافلام التوت العليق الشوكي [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White willow (Salix alba) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat pain and inflammation. The aims of this study were to produce polyphenol-rich herbal beverages from willow bark with different ethanol content, temperatures, and solvent pH and to explore neuroprotective potentials of willow polyphenols. The phenolic compounds quantified in the willow infusions were salicin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, p-salicylic acid, and p-coumaric acid; the former three compounds exhibited promising inhibitory potentials against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in molecular docking studies. Total phenol content and antioxidant activity were maximum when prepared with 50% ethanol-in-water at room temperature. Although aqueous infusions contained fewer total phenols than those extracted with 50% hydroalcoholic solutions, they enhanced the extraction of chlorogenic acid and salicin content, which may possess promising neuroprotective potentials. The addition of citric acids in hot water infusions led to a higher proportion of non-tannins and had a lighter appearance, which may result in less astringent mouthfeel and better consumer acceptance. Overall, the obtained results indicate that willow bark prepared with hot water and/or with addition of citric acids is rich in bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity and possible neuroprotective activities in silico, which could serve as valuable ingredients for inclusion in functional beverages.

Background: Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are considered major agriculture pests, causing significant damage to crops by directly targeting the plant root system to prevent water and nutrient uptake. One of its major species, Meloidogyne incognita, is considered a serious threat to agriculture crop production worldwide. The current study was intended to evaluate the potential of Nanoparticles synthesized from Salix alba bark extract as nematicidal agent. Methods: Phytochemical analyses of Salix alba bark extract were conducted, and nanoparticles of the same extract were synthesized and characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) techniques. Results: The qualitative phytochemical analysis of Salix alba bark extract revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, reducing sugars, and saponins. When applied on juveniles of the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita, the nanoparticles demonstrated a dose and time-dependent impact. After 24 hours, the highest concentration (1000 µg/ml) of nanoparticles exhibited the greatest mortality, reaching 82.2%, while the lowest concentration resulted in a mortality rate of 34.5%. Similarly, at the 48-hour mark, the highest mortality (92.2%) was observed with 1000 µg/ml of nanoparticles, whereas the lowest concentration yielded a mortality rate of 54.5%. Extending the observation period to 72 hours, the mortality rate peaked at 98.33% with the highest nanoparticle concentration (1000 µg/ml), and the lowest mortality rate was recorded at the lowest dose, amounting to 72.5%. These results underscore the dose and time-dependent efficacy of Salix alba barkderived nanoparticles against Meloidogyne incognita. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Salix alba bark can be an effective agent against plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Further experiments are recommended to study the impact of these nanoparticles on other biotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Mechanical models of inosculations benefit from moderate geometric detail and characterisation of the structurally optimised area of interwoven tension-resistant fibres between the branches. Living architecture is formed by shaping and merging trees, often in combination with non-living technical elements. These structures often employ the mechanical and physiological adaptations of living trees to support structural loads. Designed and vernacular buildings utilise inosculations to redistribute forces, redirect growth, and provide redundancy. Mechanical models of inosculations in living architecture must be built according to the adaptations available to the tree. Here, mass allocation and fibre orientation are examined. Under typical gravity loads, a zone at the top of the inosculation is subject to tension. This is of particular interest because a trade-off in fibre orientation between mechanical and physiological optimisation is necessary. In tree forks, this results in specifically adapted interwoven fibres. In this study, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to develop different mechanical models to fit bending experiments of four Salix alba inosculations, comparing the models' accuracy in replicating rotations in the joint. Nine models were developed. Three levels of detail of mass allocation are considered for global isotropic (3 models) and orthotropic (3 models) mechanical properties as well as a model including the interwoven tension zone, a model of local branch and trunk orthotropy, and a model combining these two localised features. Results show significant accuracy gains come from moderate geometric accuracy and consideration of the tension-zone optimisation. The construction of the tension zone in FEA is simple and applicable to natural and artificially induced inosculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sentinel plantation concept consists of assessing the impact of exotic factors, such as pests and pathogens, on plants of interest by planting them out of their native range. This tool is a way to enhance knowledge for pest risk analysis (PRA) by guiding decisions on how quarantine organisms should be regulated and where to focus prevention and surveillance efforts for an early detection. In this study, the sentinel method was used in the case of research on Xylella fastidiosa, a plant pathogenic bacterium that has recently been found established in southern Europe, but whose potential impact and possible host range are still poorly documented in northern areas where the bacterium is not known to occur. To improve knowledge on the susceptibility of potential hosts of X. fastidiosa in northern Europe, a sentinel plantation of Prunus domestica cv. Opal, Quercus petraea and Salix alba was established in the X. fastidiosa-infected area of Majorca. In order to assess the circulation of the bacterium in the sentinel plot and around it, surveys of the local flora and insect vectors were carried out, as well as the planting of a network of rosemary "spy plants". Symptomatic monitoring and molecular analyses were performed on the sentinel plants for four years. During these years, X. fastidiosa was never detected in our sentinel plants most likely because of the low infectivity pressure recorded in the surroundings. This study underlines the complexity of conducting sentinel plantation assays combined with X. fastidiosa research, highlighting the need for long-term investigation and questioning the efficiency of the sentinel tool. However, this study is placed in perspective with other valuable sentinel plantations. It also highlights the complementarity of the tool and proposes elements to improve or re-orientate the implementation of future sentinel projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic dermatitis is the most common skin disease, manifested by classic factors in response to the external environment. Solving the problem of global prevalence and intensive growth of the frequency of allergic dermatitis requires improving the medical supply of the population of Ukraine with drugs for the effective treatment of allergic skin diseases. According to the literature, preparations based on white willow bark have a wide range of biological effects, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-pruritic, analgesic activity and have a positive effect on the immune system and are promising for the treatment and prevention of allergic dermatitis. Zinc takes part in metabolism and stabilization of cell membranes, is part of the main enzymes that take part in antioxidant biochemical reactions. The trace element has a regenerating effect, ensures the transmission of nerve impulses, promotes the synthesis of cortisol. The purpose of our work was to study the effect of a cream based on white willow and Zn antigen-specific link of immune protection of animals on 3 experimental allergic dermatitis. The study was conducted on сavia porcellus. Allergic contact dermatitis was modeled using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. Phagocytic activity of granulocytic neutrophils in a suspension of leukocytes is determined for assessment of the activity of factors of non-specific immunity. It is important to determine the status of antigen-specific factors of immune protection, which are directly involved in all doses of the immune response. To assess the activity of factors of nonspecific immunity, the phagocytic activity of granulocytic neutrophils was determined in the suspension of leukocytes obtained from heparinized blood. The obtained data on the increase of F1 and F4 indicators in animals against the background of experimental dermatitis indicate the presence of a natural protective defense aimed at neutralizing the allergen and its subsequent removal from the body. In comparison with reference drugs it was found distinct antigen-specific effect, which exceeds Psoricap and is equal Fladex. On the model of allergic contact dermatitis in Cavia porcellus, the researched cream showed a pronounced immunotropic activity relative to a decrease in the phagocytic activity of cell.

The discovery of several strains belonging to three subspecies of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe has triggered major attention to the potential spread up north of the bacteria. It is essential to assess the susceptibility of the previously unexposed European flora to this pathogen. Under biosafety facility, we evaluated the susceptibility of Salicaceae such as Populus tremula, Populus canescens, Salix alba and Salix caprea by mechanically inoculating the KLN59.3 GFP-labelled X. fastidiosa at 22 °C and at 28 °C. Bacterial movement and multiplication in plants were investigated by PCR, real-time PCR, confocal or scanning electron microscopy. Nine months post-inoculation, 100% of the plants tested positive for X. fastidiosa, with the exception of 57% for P. canescens under the 22 °C-growing conditions. Bacteria were detected up to 120 cm from the inoculation point for S. alba. They were detected in the roots of all species and were successfully isolated for S. alba and P. tremula. Estimates of average CFU/g of plant tissue per species ranged from 1.5E + 03 to 3.5E + 06, with the lowest figures for P. canescens and the highest for P. tremula together with high number of totally obstructed vessels observed by confocal microscopy. The possibility of insect transmission was also evaluated using an experimental set up based on Majorca Island. There, transmission by P. spumarius of both X. fastidiosa ST1 and ST81 was proven on S. alba. We thus demonstrated that indigenous European Salicaceae such as S. alba or P. tremula are new potential hosts for X. fastidiosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of raw industrial wastewater (IWW) into ecosystems is a major environmental problem that adversely affects water quality, soil physicochemical properties, the food chain and, therefore, human health. Injection of treated IWW into irrigation and "fertigation" systems is an ecological, sustainable and economical approach for its appropriate disposal. Seedlings of two forest species (Salix alba, Casuarina glauca) were grown hydroponically and subjected to 25% diluted IWW and control (tap water) treatments for 35 days. Morphological and physiological traits were evaluated, including leaf symptoms, stem and root dry masses, leaf water potential, relative water content, chlorophyll content, photosystem II efficiency, hydrogen peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, bioaccumulation and translocation factor estimates and removal efficiency for various heavy metals. Application of 25% IWW stress affected many aspects of plant morphology: chlorosis and necrosis in leaves, epinasty, leaf curling, early leaf senescence and root browning. In both species, the 25% IWW treatment reduced leaf, stem and root dry masses relative to controls. S. alba exhibited greater removal capacity for heavy metal ions and could be effective as a remediator of toxic-metal-polluted industrial effluent water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green chemistry is a pharmaceutical industry tool, which, when implemented correctly, can lead to a minimization in resource consumption and waste. An aqueous extract of Salix alba L. was employed for the efficient and rapid synthesis of silver/gold particle nanostructures via an inexpensive, nontoxic and eco-friendly procedure. The nanoparticles were physicochemically characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with the best stability of up to one year in the solution obtained for silver nanoparticles without any chemical additives. A comparison of the antimicrobial effect of silver/gold nanoparticles and their formulations (hydrogels, ointments, aqueous solutions) showed that both metallic nanoparticles have antibacterial and antibiofilm effects, with silver-based hydrogels having particularly high antibiofilm efficiency. The highest antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacies were obtained against Pseudomonas aeruginosa when using silver nanoparticle hydrogels, with antibiofilm efficacies of over 75% registered. The hydrogels incorporating green nanoparticles displayed a 200% increased bacterial efficiency when compared to the controls and their components. All silver nanoparticle formulations were ecologically obtained by "green synthesis" and were shown to have an antimicrobial effect or potential as keratinocyte-acting pharmaceutical substances for ameliorating infectious psoriasis wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The white willow, Salix alba L., rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, is traditionally used for its antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential in Algeria. As part of the ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Setif region in Algeria, in the present study, we assessed the safety profile of S. alba barks methanol (SAME) and aqueous (SAQE) extracts, their phytoconstituents, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), reducing power and hydroxyl radical tests assays. HPLC analysis identified 16 compounds in each extract with different concentrations. Gallic acid, syringic acid and cinnamic acid were high in the aqueous extract, while the methanol extracts were rich in chlorogeni cacid, catechin, methyl gallate, pyrocatechol, rutin, ferulic acid, naringenin, taxifolin and kaempferol. The extracts showed significant reducing power, DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging effects. In vivo tests showed a strong effect on carrageenan-induced paw edema after 5 h with an inhibition of 88.62 and 87.56% for SAME and SAQE (500 mg/kg), respectively. The extracts also at 500 mg/kg showed significant inhibition of xylene-induced ear edema of 57.81% with SAME 67.18% with SAQE. The results have shown that the methanol and aqueous extracts of the barks of S. alba had no toxic effect on biochemical parameters as well as the organ weights and behaviour. It indicates that S. alba could be a promising source of anti-inflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not only do infrastructures put matter in motion, they also provide salient accounts of political struggles and everyday accommodations. Today, many municipalities promote them as part of "green" and "sustainable" solutions for the future. Concurrently, the more-than-human social sciences are going through their own "infrastructural turn," with an impetus to acknowledge actors beyond the human - that is, the ecologies of plants, animals, and fungi. This paper joins the call to include the ontic-epistemic realities of lively, other-than-human beings. Homing in on one ecological actor, the white willow (Salix alba), in Malmö and Scania, Sweden, I show that more-than-human infrastructural relations are far from novel occurrences. By adopting a ligneous, relational dialectic of agency, I account for the willow's shifting spatiotemporal positions and how the tree connects Scania's and Malmö's infrastructural past, present, and potential futures to wider discourses of sustainability and urban change. In Malmö, such discourses reflect the current implementation of a "green" infrastructure of "eco-pathways" (Ekostråket). Focusing on the willow, I question the municipal promise of "green" infrastructure as a panacea for humanity's challenges in the Anthropocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of raw industrial wastewater (IWW) into ecosystems is a major environmental problem that adversely affects water quality, soil physicochemical properties, the food chain and, therefore, human health. Injection of treated IWW into irrigation and “fertigation” systems is an ecological, sustainable and economical approach for its appropriate disposal. Seedlings of two forest species (Salix alba, Casuarina glauca) were grown hydroponically and subjected to 25% diluted IWW and control (tap water) treatments for 35 days. Morphological and physiological traits were evaluated, including leaf symptoms, stem and root dry masses, leaf water potential, relative water content, chlorophyll content, photosystem II efficiency, hydrogen peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, bioaccumulation and translocation factor estimates and removal efficiency for various heavy metals. Application of 25% IWW stress affected many aspects of plant morphology: chlorosis and necrosis in leaves, epinasty, leaf curling, early leaf senescence and root browning. In both species, the 25% IWW treatment reduced leaf, stem and root dry masses relative to controls. S. alba exhibited greater removal capacity for heavy metal ions and could be effective as a remediator of toxic-metal-polluted industrial effluent water.

This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with Boswellia serrata (Bs) and Salix alba (Sa) in Leghorn hens during the critical pre-laying and laying phases. A total of 120 pullets, 17 weeks of age, were assigned to two groups (Control—C; Treated—T, n = 60 each). For 12 weeks, the T group received a diet supplemented with 0.3% of dry extracts of Bs (5%) and Sa (5%). The study lasted 19 weeks. Productive performance, serum analytes, H/L ratio, IgA and anti-IBV antibodies were investigated. Water intake was significantly higher, while body and egg weight was significantly lower for the T group (p < 0.05). No other differences were detected in performance parameters, serum analytes, IgA and H/L ratio excluding t0, with a significantly (p < 0.05) higher H/R ratio and higher titers of anti-IBV antibody for the T group. Overall, the data obtained in this study show that the supplementation with Bs and Sa was safe and resulted in an increase in water consumption, a decrease in egg weight, and a sedative effect in the hens. In the future, it would be interesting to test this supplement in hens reared on intensive farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of a heavy metal containing wastewater sediment on two cultivars of white willow were investigated in a pot experiment. Our aim was to examine the effect of toxic elements on the microanatomical parameters of the leaves of the tested plant. We examined the following parameters: stomatal density, stoma width and length, lamina thickness, adaxial and abaxial epidermis thickness, mesophyll thickness, palisad and spongy parenchyma thickness, main vein width and length. The experiment had the following results: with the presence of toxic elements, the thickness of the lamina increased, within this, there was a significant growth in the thickness of the spongy parenchyma. The width and the length of the main vein decreased, so did the extent of the xylem cavities. The extent of the collenchymal stock of the leaf venation increased. The number of stomas increased, but the size of the stomas decreased. As a result of toxic element contamination, the number of Ca-oxalate crystals increased within the leaf mesophyll. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green chemistry is a pharmaceutical industry tool, which, when implemented correctly, can lead to a minimization in resource consumption and waste. An aqueous extract of Salix alba L. was employed for the efficient and rapid synthesis of silver/gold particle nanostructures via an inexpensive, nontoxic and eco-friendly procedure. The nanoparticles were physicochemically characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with the best stability of up to one year in the solution obtained for silver nanoparticles without any chemical additives. A comparison of the antimicrobial effect of silver/gold nanoparticles and their formulations (hydrogels, ointments, aqueous solutions) showed that both metallic nanoparticles have antibacterial and antibiofilm effects, with silver-based hydrogels having particularly high antibiofilm efficiency. The highest antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacies were obtained against Pseudomonas aeruginosa when using silver nanoparticle hydrogels, with antibiofilm efficacies of over 75% registered. The hydrogels incorporating green nanoparticles displayed a 200% increased bacterial efficiency when compared to the controls and their components. All silver nanoparticle formulations were ecologically obtained by “green synthesis” and were shown to have an antimicrobial effect or potential as keratinocyte-acting pharmaceutical substances for ameliorating infectious psoriasis wounds.

Extremes of climate and hypobaric hypoxia cause poor growth performance in broiler chickens at high altitude and the present study investigates the effect of aqueous extract of Salix alba leaves on growth performance, antioxidant level and immune status of broiler chickens reared at high altitude cold desert (3500 m). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the extract revealed the presence of salicin and caffeic acid. In vitro efficacy evaluation revealed that the extract had a significant cytoprotective effect on lymphocytes. For in-vivo study, a total of 105 one d old RIR cross-bred broiler chickens were randomly assigned to seven groups: 1) Control fed basal diet and 2) Six treatments fed basal diet + S. alba extract @100, 150, 200, 300, 400, and 800 mg kg−1 body weight of chicken, respectively. Chickens in the Salix 300 group had greater body weight (p < 0.05) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to other treatments. Furthermore, chickens had greater (p < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity (TAC), free radical scavenging activity, interleukin-2, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 concentration as compared to the control group. Net profit was also increased in all the treatments that were fed diet with S. alba extract due to less mortality in chickens. These findings indicated that inclusion S. alba extract at dose concentration of 300 mg kg−1 body weight of chicken, exhibited a beneficial effect on growth performance through immunomodulation and up-regulation of antioxidants, and therefore, it has a potential to be used as a phytogenic feed additive for improving broiler performance at high altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present study was aimed to manifest the antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Salix alba L. against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens e.g. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (1), S. aureus (2), Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli (1), E. coli (2) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and three fungal isolates from the air such as Aspergillus terreus, A. ornatus, and Rhizopus stolonifer. Two different serotypes of S. aureus and E. coli were used. The agar well-diffusion method results showed the dose-dependent response of plant extracts against bacterial and fungal strains while some organisms were found resistant e.g. E. coli (1), S. sonnei, A. terreus and R. stolonifer. The highest antibacterial activity was recorded at 17.000±1.732 mm from 100 mg/mL of leaves methanolic extracts against S. pyogenes while the activity of most of the pathogens decreased after 24 h of incubation. The highest antifungal activity was reported at 11.833±1.0 mm against A. ornatus at 50 mg/mL after 48 h of the incubation period. These experimental findings endorse the use of S. alba in ethnopharmacological formulations and suggest the use of methanolic extracts of the said plant to develop drugs to control the proliferation of resistant disease causing pathogenic microbes.

The natural dyes play a prominent role in maintaining the sustainability of any ecosystem due to their eco-friendly characteristics and relative non-toxicity over synthetic dyes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible dyeing capacity of the natural dye extracted from leaves of Juglans regia in association with mordant obtained from wood of Salix alba). The efficiency of the dye extraction was tested on wool, pashmina, cotton and silk by pre, instantaneous and post mordanting methods. The quality of the dye and the mordant observed to be the highest (28.88%) for pashmina and lowest for cotton (15.21%). Colour strength and coordinates exhibited the highest (0.886) for pashmina, followed by wool (0.761) and the lowest (0.718) for silk. Fastness grades of all the tested samples observed were mostly good to excellent. The dyed fabrics appeared with great light and dark brown with varying shades, efficacy and retention grades. However, cotton showed no affinity for the dye and mordant. The intermixing of natural dye with mordant in different mordanting methods illuminated their colour qualities with efficacy on tested fabrics. The study revealed that the dyeing ability of J. regia and mordant extracted from S. alba can be utilized commercially for industrial exploration.

This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with Boswellia serrata (Bs) and Salix alba (Sa) in Leghorn hens during the critical pre-laying and laying phases. A total of 120 pullets, 17 weeks of age, were assigned to two groups (Control—C; Treated—T, n = 60 each). For 12 weeks, the T group received a diet supplemented with 0.3% of dry extracts of Bs (5%) and Sa (5%). The study lasted 19 weeks. Productive performance, serum analytes, H/L ratio, IgA and anti-IBV antibodies were investigated. Water intake was significantly higher, while body and egg weight was significantly lower for the T group (p < 0.05). No other differences were detected in performance parameters, serum analytes, IgA and H/L ratio excluding t0, with a significantly (p < 0.05) higher H/R ratio and higher titers of anti-IBV antibody for the T group. Overall, the data obtained in this study show that the supplementation with Bs and Sa was safe and resulted in an increase in water consumption, a decrease in egg weight, and a sedative effect in the hens. In the future, it would be interesting to test this supplement in hens reared on intensive farms.

Heavy metal pollution in roadside soil and trees because of traffic emission has been recognized for a long time of Nasiriyah city, Iraq. The study was conducted to examine the heavy metals content of five plant species of Zizphus, Cordia, Morus, Salix alba and Ficus the concentration of heavy metals was tested, including the iron, zinc and copper. Heavy metals were detected using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The accumulation of Fe, Cu, and Zn in roadside soil was affected by human activity. Significant difference (p<0.05) in Fe, Cu and Zn content were found in soil samples. The results showed that the highest concentration of iron in Morus leaves and Ficus leaves. Among the Zizphus, Cordia, Morus, Salix alba and Ficus studied, showed higher heavy metals concentration Zn and Cu of Zizphus leaves. The results indicated that the Salix alba leaves had the lowest heavy metals content compared with Zizphus, Cordia, Morus, and Ficus. It could be concluded that impaction of traffic emission on the accumulation of heavy metals in roadside trees and soils in urban area was slight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The air pollution by Emissions of Generators working by Diesel fuel due to the absence of National electricity, Iraq's Plants and people breathe heavy metals due to government negligence for its People is consider the most risk environmental problems, especially when precipitate on soil surface and transport to the plants. So that, the A current study was conducted to determine the effects of heavy metals on plant growth of plants and how to detect pollution by variables including chlorophyll content, the study was carried out in Baghdad city, identified more than two regions for each of the both sides more than two main sites for each region. Salix alba plants was chosen to evaluating the pollution on the plants because its being of the most common trees in the Baghdad s' streets. Primary content in plants was measured as total chlorophyll recorded a height concentration (132.7mg/g) in Salix alba leaves in un-polluted areas while chlorophyll decreased in polluted areas and values reached to 11.88 (mg/g), chlorophyll a recorded a height concentration (87.47m/gm) in Salix alba leaves in un-polluted areas while chlorophyll a decreased in polluted areas and values reached to10.01(mg/g). chlorophyll b recorded a height concentration. (45.23mg/g) in Salix alba leaves in un-polluted areas while chlorophyll b decreased in polluted areas and values reached to (1.87mg/g). Heavy metals concentrations in the leaves of reached to maximum concentration Cu, Cd, Pb and Cr (78.8, 35.9, 31.8, 10.4) ppm respectively in Salix alba leaves in un-polluted areas while decreased in polluted areas and values reached to (48.3, 16.1, 12.3, 3, 2.1) ppm respectively compared with control (3-15, 1-10, 1-5, < 0.1-1) respectively. the increase in concentration of pollutants (heavy metals) affected on the chlorophyll content. This study period in the following order: Cu > Cd > Pb > Cr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax china L. (family Smilacaceae) and Salix alba L. (family Salicaceae) are plants that have been traditionally used to treat various ailments in Indian and Chinese medicine. A quantitative estimation of the methanolic extracts of these plants was performed by GC-MS analysis to obtain insight into its phytoconstituents responsible for therapeutic action. The antioxidant potential of the methanol extracts of Smilax china (MESC) and Salix alba (MESA) were assessed with DPPH by using a UV spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 517 nm. The prevailing compounds found in MESC were lactam sugars including 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-dihydroxy-3(2H)-furanon (1.40%), 1,5-anhydro-6-deoxyhexo-2,3-diulose (4.33%), and alpha-methyl-1-sorboside (1.80%); the two alkaloids found were 1,4-methane-4,4a,5,6,7,8,9,9a-octahydro-10,10-dimethyl cyclohepta[d] pyridazine (0.87%) and 1,3,7-trimethyl-2,6-dioxopurine(0.54%); terpenes included delta-cadinene (0.39%), terpineol, (+)-cedrol (22.13%), 3-thujanol (0.77%), and 9,10-dehydro-cycloisolongifolene (0.34%); fatty acids included cis-vaccenic acid (4.98%) and telfairic acid (1.10%); esters included 1,2,3-propanetriol diacetate (7.56%), 7-hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester (1.77%), eicosanoic acid, and methyl ester (0.95%); and glycerol included 1,2,3-propanetriol (28.75%). The interesting compounds found in MESA were reducing sugars like D-allose (4.40%) and pyrogallol (10.48%), alkaloids like caffeine (63.49%), and esters like methyl octadecanoate (0.53%). Both fractions revealed considerable antioxidant activity. The reported existing phenolic compounds and terpenes are responsible for the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax china L. and Salix alba are the medicinal plants of interest due to the presence of various therapeutic activities of these plants such as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, anti‐psoriatic and digestive properties. Smilax china and Salix alba consists of bioactive marker Quercetin and Salicin, respectively. In the present study, a simple, rapid, reliable and accessible high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method has been established for simultaneous quantification of quercetin and salicin. High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography fingerprinting was carried out on pre‐coated Silica G60 F254 plates with toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (3.5:6.0:1.0 v/v/v) as mobile phase. The developed plates were scanned and quantified at two different λmax 380 and 275 nm. The drug samples were satisfactorily resolved with Rf 0.61 ± 0.02 for quercetin and 0.07 ± 0.03 for salicin. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, and specificity. The limits of detection and quantification for quercetin and salicin were 2.0 and 6.00 µg per band and 6.00 and 30.0 µg per band respectively. The developed high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method can be implemented for the concurrent estimation of quercetin and salicin for routine quality control of herbal drugs containing these phytoconstituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of human activities result in the release of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) into the environment, which could lead to the degradation of riparian areas. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Salix alba, Juglans regia and Populus nigra for the biomonitoring of PTEs in the riparian soils of the Sava River. Levels of seven PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were measured in the soils, roots and leaves of plants at selected sampling sites and evaluated according to bioaccumulation and translocation factors. The obtained results showed that in riparian soils, As, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were at levels considered to be critical for plants. The levels of As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn measured in roots of Salix alba and As, Cr, Ni and Zn in its leaves were toxic for plant tissue. Toxic levels of Cr were also measured in the roots of Juglans regia and As in its leaves, as well as As and Cr in the roots of Populus nigra, and Zn in its leaves. Bioconcentration and translocation factors showed that S. alba and P. nigra have potential for the phytoextraction of Zn and Cd, while J. regia has potential for the phytoextraction of As. In terms of phytostabilization potential, S. alba proved to be good for the phytostabilization of Cd and Cu, and J. regia for the phytostabilization of Cr, As, Ni and Pb, while P. nigra showed potential for the phytostabilization of Cr, Ni, Pb and Cu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of hypercholesterolemia-induced complications. This study evaluated the effects of aspirin and Salix alba hydroethanolic extract on oxidative stress in the heart and kidney of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity, as well as total phenolic and salicin content of S. alba (Sa) extract were assessed by DPPH radical scavenging activity, Folin-Ciocalteu and HPLC methods, respectively. Animals were divided into two groups of control (fed with normal chow), and HD (fed with high cholesterol diet for 6 weeks). Then, hypercholesterolemic animals allocated to the following treatment groups: CHO (received HD), Sa extract (HD plus extract 60 and 120 mg/kg), and aspirin (HD plus aspirin 120 mg/kg) and received the treatments on a daily basis for 6 weeks. MDA, GSH, and nitrite concentrations as well as the activities of SOD and CAT were evaluated in cardiac and kidney tissues. Results: The scavenging activity, total phenolic content and salicin were 19.1 µg/ml (IC50), 153.75 ± 3.6 mg of gallic acid/g, and 18.03 µg/mg, respectively. In comparison to CHO group, MDA levels were diminished in Sa and ASA groups but GSH levels were improved. NO metabolites increased in the heart of Sa 120 mg/kg group and in the kidney of all Sa and ASA treated groups. SOD activity increased only in the heart of Sa groups and in the kidney of Sa and ASA groups. CAT activity increased in the heart and kidney tissues of all Sa and ASA treated groups. Conclusion: The results showed S. alba extract improved redox homeostasis in heart and kidney tissues of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The extract antioxidant property may be related to its phenolic content.

This study reports a facile and reproducible green extracellular synthetic route of highly stable gold nanoparticles. The aqueous gold ions when exposed to Salix alba L. leaves extract were bioreduced and resulted in the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-WAs). The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their stability was evaluated against varying volumes of pH and sodium chloride as well as at elevated temperature along with enzymes inhibition, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-nociceptive, muscle relaxant and sedative activities. The UV–Vis spectra of the gold nanoparticles gave surface plasmon resonance at 540 nm while the AFM and SEM nanoparticles analyses revealed the particle size of 63 nm and 50–80 nm respectively. FTIR spectra confirmed the involvement of amines, amide and aromatic groups in capping and reduction of the gold nanoparticles. Au-WAs showed remarkable stability in different volumes of salt and various pH solutions however, Au-WAs were relatively unstable at elevated temperature. Au-WAs possessed good antifungal activity and showed significant antinociceptive and muscle relaxant properties. These results revealed that the leaves extract of S. alba is a very good bio-reductant for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles that have potential for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In temperate climate zones, fast-growing willow species harvested in short harvest rotations of 3 to 10 years are an interesting source of biomass for energy or industrial purposes. The aim of this study was to determine morphological traits and biomass yields of three willow cultivars and three clones cultivated on three different types of marginal soils at two densities. Willow was grown in the Eko-Salix system, with no ploughing, with limited fertilization and cultivation measures, harvested in a 7-year rotation. The experiment showed that willow can be produced in the Eko-Salix system in extensive cultivation; however, the yield was strongly differentiated by the marginal soils and by the cultivars and clones under study and ranged from 4.4 to 17.8 Mg ha-1 year-1 DM. The mean yield from all the sites for all the cultivars and clones as well as planting densities in the experiment was 8.0 Mg ha-1 year-1 DM. The biomass yield obtained on peat-muck soil and humic alluvial soil was similar and significantly higher than on very heavy clay soil. The Ekotur cultivar gave plants with better morphological traits and the significantly highest mean yield (12.9 Mg ha-1 year-1 DM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Salix alba pollen grains are one of the common causes of pollinosis. • More than 11 IgE-binding proteins were identified in Salix alba pollen grains extract. • There is a significant cross-reactivity between Salix alba and Populus nigra pollen proteins. Pollens, particularly tree and plant pollens, are one of the major causes of allergic respiratory diseases worldwide. Allergy to pollens of different species of Salix trees has been reported in various regions of the world. The most common type of Salix tree in Iran is white willow (Salix alba). This study aimed to identify and determine the immunochemical characteristics of allergenic proteins in S. alba tree pollen extract using SDS-PAGE and IgE- immunoblotting methods. Moreover, the cross-reaction pattern of the specific IgE antibody of S. alba tree pollen proteins with pollen allergens of common allergenic trees, i.e., Populus nigra (P. nigra), Cupressus sempervirens (C. sempervirens), Pinus brutia (P. brutia) and Platanus orientalis (P. orientalis) in the region was investigated. The reaction of allergenic proteins in S. alba pollen extract with specific IgE antibodies in patients' sera was investigated using SDS-PAGE and IgE-immunoblotting methods. The cross-reaction of specific IgE antibodies of the proteins present in S. alba pollen extract with pollen allergens of common allergenic trees in the region was investigated using ELISA and immunoblotting inhibition methods. In silico methods such as phylogenetic tree drawing and alignment of amino acid sequences were used to examine the evolutionary relationship and homology structure of common allergenic proteins (Panallergens) responsible for cross reactions. More than 11 protein bands binding to specific IgE antibodies in patients' sera with a molecular weight between 13 and 95 kDa were identified in the S. alba tree pollen extract. ELISA and immunoblotting inhibition results showed that P. nigra extract could inhibit the binding of IgE antibodies to S. alba pollen extract proteins to a greater extent than C. sempervirens , P. brutia , and P. orientalis tree extracts. In silico methods investigated the results of ELISA and immunoblotting inhibition methods. Moreover, a high structural homology and evolutionary relationship were observed between S. alba and P. nigra tree pollen panallergens. In this study, it was found that more than 80 % of the sensitive patients who were examined had specific IgE antibodies reacting with the approximately a 15 kDa-protein present in the S. alba pollen extract. Furthermore, the specific IgE-binding proteins found in the pollens of S. alba and P. nigra trees had relative structural homology, and it is likely that if recombinant forms are produced, they can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for both of the trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clonal trial of 100 CPT’s of Salix alba was laid out in common garden experiment at Faculty of Forestry nursery, SKUAST-K. Wide variation was recorded for all the CPT’s of Salix alba with respect to various morphometric (growth, biomass and leaf) characters. Maximum values of growth, biomass and leaf characters were registered by CPT-26, CPT-53, CPT-56, CPT-75, CPT-37 and CPT-45. Genetic parameters estimated for the clonal material revealed fair differences between PCV and GCV. High heritability was registered by all the characters with maximum (0.982) for shoot height which was followed by high to moderate genetic gain indicating additive gene action. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed strong and positive association between most of the growth, biomass and leaf traits with maximum genotypic (0.874) and phenotypic (0.849) correlation between collar diameter and volume index.

Introduction. Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is a frequently grown cultivated in different parts of the world with a temperate climate. Fruits have a sour taste and they are rich rich source of vitamin C and rutine, organic acids, pectins, essential oils, as well as micro- and macronutrients. Material and method. Several studies have recently been carried out on several vegetable materials in order to find antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances for the use of vegetable products in various food products or medicinal preparations as substitutes for synthetic substances. Results and discussions. Ribes nigrum contains a large number of phenolic compounds. The blackcurrant shows a number of health benefits attributed to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential.

Performance of two fodder crops namely, sorghum (Sorghum vulgare L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) was investigated with Willow (Salix alba L.) to evaluate productivity and economics of the silvopastoral agroforestry system in Kashmir valley. The experiment was laid out by planting two year old willows at 2.0m × 2.0m spacing and dividing the main plot into sub-plots of size 8m × 2m each with 5 replications in randomized block design (RDB). The intercrops of sorghum and maize were maintained at 20cm × 10 cm spacing and supplied with recommended doses of fertilizers. The economics of the willow plantation intercropped with fodder crops was compared with sole willow farming by the benefitcost ratio and net present worth. The study revealed the differential behaviour of Salix alba regarding growth parameters (height, diameter and girth) by different intercrops and various fodder intercrops with respect to yield, above ground biomass, dry matter production and soil nutrient status (pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). The willow based silvopastoral system was estimated to have benefit-cost ratio of 2.71 with maize and 2.68 with sorghum, while as sole crop the willows accrued a benefit-cost ratio of 2.66. The study is useful in discovering growth of willows, productivity of fodder crops and soil nutrient status under various silvopastoral agroforestry systems for maximizing economic gains. The findings envisaged evidences in favour of adopting willow based silvopastoral agroforestry instead of sole tree farming and the knowledge of interactions will be helpful in proper management of the system for sustained multiple productions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis in rabbit production is responsible for high morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. The use of natural antimicrobial substances in rabbits represents a promising way to improve their health and production. The aim of the present study was to assess the activity of Salix babylonica hydroalcoholic extract (SBHE) on the elimination of Eimeria spp. in rabbits. The phytochemical compounds and chemical composition of SBHE were determined. The cytotoxicity of SBHE was determined by a microwell assay using Artemia salina. Twenty-five New Zealand rabbits, 28 days old and 872 ± 171 g body weight (BW), were used in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were assigned to five groups of five rabbits, control group (A) received only basal diet (BD), B group received BD + 25 mg/kg BW of SBHE, C group received BD + 50 mg/kg BW of SBHE, D group received BD + 100 mg/kg BW of SBHE, and E group received BD + coccidiostat Baycox® (75 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Feces samples were collected at days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28; morphological and morphometric identifications of Eimeria were carried out by the flotation technique and counting of oocysts by the McMaster technique. The rabbits were found naturally infected with Eimeria spp. The SBHE present phytochemicals with anticoccidial activity, and the cytotoxicity test indicate that this extract is nontoxic. This study demonstrates that oral administration of SBHE at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW reduced the release of oocysts per gram of feces. This effect was observed at day 14 and had the most significant effect at day 28 for both concentrations. The results indicate that SBHE could be a natural alternative for the control of coccidiosis in rabbit production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decoction of the stem bark of Salix alba (EASA) is traditionally used in Iran against headache, low back pain and to treat piles. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the safety of decoction of Salix alba stem bark extract after acute and sub-chronic oral administration in male rodents. For the acute study, a single administration of (EASA) was given orally to male mice at doses of 2,4, 8, 12,16 and 20 g/kg. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, Salix alba bark extract was administered orally as a single administration to male Wistar rats at doses of 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Animal body weight was recorded throughout the experimental period while hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and urine, as well as the weight of organs, were evaluated. The relative weight of organs was affected significantly by the treatment at the doses of 800 and 1600 mg/kg between liver and kidney that was dose-related. Hematological changes were observed at the doses 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg at the parameters of RBC, Hgb, HCT, PLT, and WBC. Serum AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin increased significantly while total protein and triglycerides significantly decreased. Renal function indices assay in blood showed a significant modification in the 800 and 1600 mg/kg groups at the parameters of creatinine, uric acid and potassium compared to control while, in urine, protein, and calcium markedly increased at the doses of 1600 mg/kg. These results showed that there is a wide margin of safety for the therapeutic use of EASA and that the aqueous stem bark extract of Salix alba had no toxicity in oral acute high dose administration and very low toxicity in oral sub-chronic administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant progress in the understanding of the bacteriophage genome organization, the issues of their ecology and enormous diversity in nature remain under-explored. The aim of the work was to study the destabilization effect of witches' broom disease symptom development in plant tissues on the pseudolysogenic endophytic bacterium Pantoea agglomerans resulting in accumulation of various lytic bacteriophages. Materials and methods. The subjects of the research were witches' broom disease affected parts of willow plants that were collected at the Nizhne-Dnestrovsky National Nature Park (Odesa region) as well as in the suburb of Kiev (Goloseevsky district) in the summer and autumn periods. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from the crushed plant material by extraction into Luria-Bertani broth. The bacterial and bacteriophage quantity was estimated according to the standard techniques. Purification and TEM imaging of phage particles were performed with using of common approaches. Results. Observations show that witches' broom disease of willow has massively epidemic character in Ukraine. For the first time for this disease, the main features of a three-component system: plant -- epiphytic bacterium -- bacteriophage were considered. It has been established that the transformation of plant tissues of Salix alba and Salix babylonica results in significant changes in the endophytic bacterial consortium with predominance of yellow-pigmented bacteria P. agglomerans (Pag). This in turn leads to the phage accumulation due to destabilization of the pseudolysogenic state of Pag in the binary system bacterium - phage. The number of viruses and their diversity depends on the bacterial host location in relation to the site of infection. Phages are less common in transformed willow tissues than at the periphery of the affected branches. In this work, the universal indicator system Pag g157 was proposed which determines up to 50% of specific bacteriophages. The morphology of negative colonies together with inability to lysogenize the sensitive bacterial cultures suggested that all isolated phages have an obligatory lytic lifestyle. A detailed study of six phage lines classified them as belonging to the Siphoviridae morphotype B1. The phage AF6 particles have the heads with the average diameter of 67,11 ± 1,87 nm and the tails of 168,96 ± 9,97 nm in length. Conclusions. Thus, a significant quantitative prevalence of P. agglomerans in the endophytic consortium together with the activation of pseudolysogeny in this bacterium can be a reliable indicator of local as well as systemic infections or mechanical damages of tree plants. In this work, approach for studying of the three-component system: plant -- bacterium -- bacteriophage has been proposed that may be helpful for our understanding of infectious processes occurring under interaction of biological objects with different complexity orders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Approximately 55–76% of Service members use dietary supplements for various reasons, including pain and related outcomes. This work evaluates current research on dietary ingredients for chronic musculoskeletal pain to inform decisions for practice and self-care, specifically for Special Operations Forces personnel. Methods. A steering committee convened to develop research questions and factors required for decision-making. Key databases were searched through August 2016. Eligible systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials were assessed for methodological quality. Meta-analysis was applied where feasible. GRADE was used to determine confidence in the effect estimates. The committee made evidence-informed judgments and recommendations for practice and selfcare use. Results. Nineteen eligible dietary ingredients were assessed for quality, efficacy, and safety. Avocado soybean unsaponifiables, capsaicin, curcuma, ginger (as a food source), glucosamine, melatonin, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin D were conditionally recommended as their benefits outweighed risks, but there was still some uncertainty about the trade-offs. No recommendations were made for boswellia, ginger (as a dietary supplement), rose hip, or s-adenosyl-L-methionine. Recommendations were made against the use of collagen, creatine, devil’s claw, l-carnitine, methylsulfonylmethane, pycnogenol, willow bark extract, and vitamin E. Research priorities were developed to address gaps precluding stronger recommendations. Conclusions. Currently the scientific evidence is insufficiently robust to establish definitive clinical practice guidelines, but processes could be established to track the impact of these ingredients. Until then, providers have the evidence needed to make informed decisions about the safe use of these dietary ingredients, and future research can address existing gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a perspective on cannabis as a potential efficacious intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It emphasizes the need to consider actions of stressors on varied neurobiological processes. It suggests the potential of cannabinoids to act against PTSD by activation of cannabinoid receptor type 2 receptors, which promote anti-inflammatory actions, as well as assessment of behavioral and neurobiological factors concerning cannabis efficacy and safety.

The strength and architecture of roots and other below‐ground organs of riparian and aquatic plants affect plant resistance to uprooting and contribute to reinforcing river bank, bar and bed materials. Therefore, root properties are an important element in models for estimating river bank stability and such models may focus on the role of plants by using root strength–diameter relationships for the particular plant species that are present. Here we explore the degree to which there appear to be significant differences in strength–diameter relationships between and within species‐specific data sets obtained for two riparian tree/shrub (Populus nigra, Salix alba) and two emergent aquatic macrophyte (Sparganium erectum, Phalaris arundinacea) species in different European river environments. While the analysed data sets were not specifically collected to answer these research questions, the results are sufficiently compelling to make the case for the collection of a more comprehensive data set and its rigorous analysis. This would allow recommendations to be made on the degree to which (i) species‐specific or more general relationships between root/rhizome strength and diameter are appropriate, (ii) such relationships are applicable within and between rivers in different geographical regions and subject to different local environmental conditions, and (iii) further (minimalist) field observations are needed to calibrate such relationships for investigations of new locales or species. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Relationships between the strength and diameter of roots are an important element in models used for estimating river bank stability. However, collection of data sets to support estimation of such relationships is time‐consuming and the resulting data usually display high variance. Collection and analysis of a large purpose‐designed data set is needed to establish whether such relationships need to be species and site specific or whether more generalised relationships would be sufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their content of phenolic compounds, willow bark preparations are used as an herbal remedy. The large diversity of phenolic secondary metabolites in Salix still provides a resource for the identification of bioactive compounds in particular species, including species not yet in focus from a phytopharmaceutical perspective. The present study describes the bark phenolic profile of 13 Salix species analyzed by HPLC-MS: Salix alba , Salix babylonica , Salix daphnoides , Salix fragilis , Salix hastata , Salix myrsinifolia , Salix pentandra , Salix purpurea , Salix repens (including subspecies S. repens ssp. arenaria and S. repens ssp. repens) , Salix rosmarinifolia , Salix sachalinensis , Salix triandra and Salix viminalis. The analyzed profiles comprised the chemical groups of salicylates, flavonoids, procyanidins, phenolic acid derivatives, and some unclassified phenolics. Particular compounds were detected in species where they have not been previously reported. Apart from interspecific diversity, qualitative variability within species was observed as certain components were detected only in some of the analyzed genotypes. The knowledge on specific phenolic profiles of species and genotypes is the basis for the selection of suitable willow bark material with certain desired bioactive properties. Furthermore, the high inter- and intraspecific variability points out the necessity for product standardization of willow bark raw material. [Display omitted] • A detailed screening of phenolic compounds in the bark of 13 Salix species was done. • Some phenols were found in species where they have not been previously reported. • The diversity holds valuable potential for breeding and pharmaceutical applications. • The phenolic compound profile of Salix alba is different to S. alba var. vitellina. • Cinnamyl alcohol derivatives rosin, rosarin, and cinnamrutinose A were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]