Strawberry root and crown rot disease survey 2005 and 2006 seasons

Reports of unusually high numbers of plant deaths in strawberry crops from growers in Western Australia prompted a survey to identify the cause. Plant and soil samples were taken from a range of growers and runner sources over a two-year period and tested for plant pathogens. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae was identified as the predominant pathogen, the first recording of this in Western Australia. Further work is planned to clarify the epidemiology of this pathogen and evaluate suitable methods of control. Patcheshttps://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1169/thumbnail.jp

\u3cem\u3eIn vitro\u3c/em\u3e Effect of Graphene Structures as an Osteoinductive Factor in Bone Tissue Engineering: A Systematic Review

Graphene and its derivatives have been well‐known as influential factors in differentiating stem/progenitor cells toward the osteoblastic lineage. However, there have been many controversies in the literature regarding the parameters effect on bone regeneration, including graphene concentration, size, type, dimension, hydrophilicity, functionalization, and composition. This study attempts to produce a comprehensive review regarding the given parameters and their effects on stimulating cell behaviors such as proliferation, viability, attachment and osteogenic differentiation. In this study, a systematic search of MEDLINE database was conducted for in vitro studies on the use of graphene and its derivatives for bone tissue engineering from January 2000 to February 2018, organized according to the PRISMA statement. According to reviewed articles, different graphene derivative, including graphene, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with mass ratio ≤1.5 wt % for all and concentration up to 50 μg/mL for graphene and GO, and 60 μg/mL for RGO, are considered to be safe for most cell types. However, these concentrations highly depend on the types of cells. It was discovered that graphene with lateral size less than 5 µm, along with GO and RGO with lateral dimension less than 1 µm decrease cell viability. In addition, the three‐dimensional structure of graphene can promote cell‐cell interaction, migration and proliferation. When graphene and its derivatives are incorporated with metals, polymers, and minerals, they frequently show promoted mechanical properties and bioactivity. Last, graphene and its derivatives have been found to increase the surface roughness and porosity, which can highly enhance cell adhesion and differentiation

The effects of eight weeks resistance training and green tea supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight men

Background and aims: On the effect of resistance training combined with green tea supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors, few studies have been conducted. The aim of present study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of resistance training and green tea supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight men. Methods: In this clinical quasi-experimental study, 30 men with BMI of 25-30 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to three groups of 10. Each of them was: 1. resistance training and green tea supplementation (supplementation), 2. Resistance training (training) and 3. Control. Resistance training comprised three sessions with 60-80% severity per week one maximum repetition for eight weeks. Green tea supplement was consumed at 6 gr per day in three equal portions. Venous blood samples were used to analyze the lipid profile and fibrinogen in the pre-test and post-test stages. Results: Findings: The levels of cholesterol (P=0.034) and fibrinogen (P=0.01) changed significantly in supplementation group compared to pre-test. The levels of low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, body’s lipid in two supplementation and training groups increased (P0.05). Also, no significant difference in waist-to-hip ratio and BMI was seen among the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of resistance training caused desirable variations in some of cardiovascular risk factors which could cause prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the individuals with overweight. But combination of green tea supplementation and resistance training had a higher efficacy than resistance training alone

Germplasm enhancement for resistance to Pyrenophra tritici-repentis in wheat

Yellow spot (syn. tan spot), caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis , is an important foliar disease of wheat in Australia that causes losses exceeding 50 % when conditions are favourable for disease development. Although good progress has been made internationally to understand yellow spot resistance, relatively few resistance genes have been identifi ed and mapped in Australian germplasm and only one (tsn1 on chromosome 5BL) is in general and known use in Australian breeding programs. Although tsn1 is an important yellow spot resistance gene, it doesn’t explain the full spectrum of resistance and there is a significant opportunity to enhance expression of yellow spot resistance through identification of resistance factors other than tsn1 . Six doubled haploid (DH) mapping populations (five of which were fixed for tsn1) were screened for yellow spot resistance at the seedling/tillering and adult plant stages at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries Victoria (DEPIVic) from 2009 to 2012. Four of the above populations were screened at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland (DAFFQ). Frequency distribution of individuals within each population for various levels of yellow spot resistance was continuous indicating that resistance is conditioned by several genes with partial effects. A few lines within each population consistently showed high levels of resistance probably resulting from a combination of several genes with additive effects. Nine new loci for yellow spot resistance were mapped

Crop Updates 2006 - Cereals

This session covers twenty nine papers from different authors: PLENARY 1. The 2005 wheat streak mosaic virus epidemic in New South Wales and the threat posed to the Western Australian wheat industry, Roger Jones and Nichole Burges, Department of Agriculture SOUTH COAST AGRONOMY 2. South coast wheat variety trial results and best options for 2006, Mohammad Amjad, Ben Curtis and Wal Anderson, Department of Agriculture 3. Dual purpose winter wheats to improve productivity, Mohammad Amjad and Ben Curtis, Department of Agriculture 4. South coast large-scale premium wheat variety trials, Mohammad Amjad and Ben Curtis, Department of Agriculture 5. Optimal input packages for noodle wheat in Dalwallinu – Liebe practice for profit trial, Darren Chitty, Agritech Crop Research and Brianna Peake, Liebe Group 6. In-crop risk management using yield prophet®, Harm van Rees1, Cherie Reilly1, James Hunt1, Dean Holzworth2, Zvi Hochman2; 1Birchip Cropping Group, Victoria; 2CSIRO, Toowoomba, Qld 7. Yield Prophet® 2005 – On-line yield forecasting, James Hunt1, Harm van Rees1, Zvi Hochman2,Allan Peake2, Neal Dalgliesh2, Dean Holzworth2, Stephen van Rees1, Trudy McCann1 and Peter Carberry2; 1Birchip Cropping Group, Victoria; 2CSIRO, Toowoomba, Qld 8. Performance of oaten hay varieties in Western Australian environments, Raj Malik and Kellie Winfield, Department of Agriculture 9. Performance of dwarf potential milling varieties in Western Australian environments, Kellie Winfield and Raj Malik, Department of Agriculture 10. Agronomic responses of new wheat varieties in the Southern agricultural region of WA, Brenda Shackley and Judith Devenish, Department of Agriculture 11. Responses of new wheat varieties to management factors in the central agricultural region of Western Australia, Darshan Sharma, Steve Penny and Wal Anderson,Department of Agriculture 12. Sowing time on wheat yield, quality and $ - Northern agricultural region, Christine Zaicou-Kunesch, Department of Agriculture NUTRITION 13.The most effective method of applying phosphorus, copper and zinc to no-till crops, Mike Bolland and Ross Brennan, Department of Agriculture 14. Uptake of K from the soil profile by wheat, Paul Damon and Zed Rengel, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Australia 15. Reducing nitrogen fertiliser risks, Jeremy Lemon, Department of Agriculture 16. Yield Prophet® and canopy management, Harm van Rees1, Zvi Hochman2, Perry Poulton2, Nick Poole3, Brooke Thompson4, James Hunt1; 1Birchip Cropping Group, Victoria; 2CSIRO, Toowoomba, Qld; 3Foundation for Arable Research, New Zealand; 4Cropfacts, Victoria 17. Producing profits with phosphorus, Stephen Loss, CSBP Ltd, WA 18. Potassium response in cereal cropping within the medium rainfall central wheatbelt, Jeff Russell1, Angie Roe2 and James Eyres2, Department of Agriculture1, Farm Focus Consultants, Northam2 19. Matching nitrogen supply to wheat demand in the high rainfall cropping zone, Narelle Simpson, Ron McTaggart, Wal Anderson, Lionel Martin and Dave Allen, Department of Agriculture DISEASES 20. Comparative study of commercial wheat cultivars and differential lines (with known Pm resistance genes) to powdery mildew response, Hossein Golzar, Manisha Shankar and Robert Loughman, Department of Agriculture 21. On farm research to investigate fungicide applications to minimise leaf disease impacts in wheat – part II, Jeff Russell1, Angie Roe2and James Eyres2, Department of Agriculture1, and Farm Focus Consultants, Northam2 22. Disease resistance update for wheat varieties in WA, Manisha Shankar, John Majewski, Donna Foster, Hossein Golzar, Jamie Piotrowski, Nicole Harry and Rob Loughman, Department of Agriculture 23. Effect of time of stripe rust inoculum arrival on variety response in wheat, Manisha Shankar, John Majewski and Rob Loughman, Department of Agriculture 24. Fungicide seed dressing management of loose smut in Baudin barley, Geoff Thomas and Kith Jayasena, Department of Agriculture PESTS 25. How to avoid insect contamination in cereal grain at harvest, Svetlana Micic, Paul Matson and Tony Dore, Department of Agriculture ABIOTIC 26. Environment – is it as important as variety in sprouting tolerance? Thomas (Ben) Biddulph1, Dr Daryl Mares1, Dr Julie Plummer1 and Dr Tim Setter2, School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia1 and Department of Agriculture2 27. Frost or fiction, Garren Knell, Steve Curtin and Wade Longmuir, ConsultAg Pty Ltd, WA 28. High moisture wheat harvesting in Esperance 2005, Nigel Metz, South East Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA) Projects Coordinator, Esperance, WA SOILS 28. Hardpan penetration ability of wheat roots, Tina Botwright Acuña and Len Wade, School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia MARKETS 29. Crop shaping to meet predicted market demands for wheat in the 21st Century, Cindy Mills and Peter Stone,Australian Wheat Board, Melbourn

Development of 3D Printable, Hydrophilic, and Rapidly Curing Silicone-based Ink Formulations for Various Biomedical Applications

3D printing is the use of additive manufacturing techniques to deposit materials layer-by-layer. Compared to alternative tissue fabrication methods such as casting, 3D printing is unique, because it uses CT and MRI scans to create the most accurate 3D tissue models. 3D printing of biomimetic structures, especially elastic tissue mimetics, is a relatively young research field and is experiencing exponential growth. Among the four most commonly used 3D printing methods (power-bed fusion, vat polymerization, material-jetting, and material-extrusion), 3D micro-extrusion (ME) is the most suitable method for printing macroscale (centimeter size) and arrayed acellular/cell-laden biomimetic structures with high-throughput due to its capability in multi-material printing and ease of operation. However, for 3D ME printing of precise and functional human-mimetic substitutes, there is a need to develop an appropriate 3D printable ink with tunable mechanical and rheological features. Among different polymers, silicone elastomers have been widely utilized in different biomedical applications due to their remarkable features such as flexibility, adaptability, and biocompatibility, but the slow curing speed, low viscosity, and hydrophobicity of the existing silicones are challenges that hinder silicone applications. In this thesis, we have made an attempt to address these issues by deploying a series of strategies to develop UV-curable and hydrophilic silicone-based inks that can be used to rapidly 3D print a precise articular cartilage (AC) substitute, as a proof of concept. To do so, hydrophilic and rapidly curing (under three seconds) inks, consisting of aminosilicone, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), and methacrylate anhydride (MA), are developed for the printing of human articular cartilage (HAC) substitutes, with a biomimetic multizonal structure, for the first time. The developed inks are shown to possess a suitable shear-thinning property and tunable mechanical strengths for 3D ME printing. The ability to print high aspect ratio and hemispherical structures without any sacrificial supporting materials is demonstrated. The desired mechanical stiffnesses of HAC layers can be readily achieved by printing with aminosilicone inks containing different CNC and MA concentrations. A multilayered HAC with a gradual increase of the compression modulus from 0.25 to 1.32 MPa for the superficial layer to the deep zone, respectively, is successfully printed. Further, the durability of the 3D-printed HAC against a high repetition rate of cyclic compressions (400 cycles) is evaluated. Additionally, a customized HAC was printed to cover human femoral condyles. Lastly, we have tried to employ our developed ink for the fabrication of microfluidic devices (MFDs), where silicone elastomers are extensively used. MFDs have grabbed significant interest due to their unique features such as low-cost fabrication, miniaturization, simplicity, and reduced reagent consumption. Compared to conventional MFD fabrication methods, mainly soft lithography, 3D printing has the following advantages: easy geometry customization, multi-material printing, one-step printing, and better device integrity (i.e. no bonding, no leakage). Our results demonstrated that various integrated MFDs with different channel sizes could be readily 3D printed using our developed ink. Taken all together, this thesis presents a new class of silicone-based ink, with high commercialization readiness levels, that can be used for not only the fabrication of personalized and biocompatible tissue-mimetic models but also 3D printing integrated MFDs in one-step for various biomedical applications

Strawberry root and crown rot disease survey 2005 and 2006 seasons

Reports of unusually high numbers of plant deaths in strawberry crops from growers in Western Australia prompted a survey to identify the cause. Plant and soil samples were taken from a range of growers and runner sources over a two-year period and tested for plant pathogens. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae was identified as the predominant pathogen, the first recording of this in Western Australia. Further work is planned to clarify the epidemiology of this pathogen and evaluate suitable methods of control. Patcheshttps://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1169/thumbnail.jp

Incorporation of Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide/magnesium Nanohybrid to Enhance the Osteoinductivity Capability of 3D Printed Calcium Phosphate-based Scaffolds

Improving bone regeneration is one of the most pressing problems facing bone tissue engineering (BTE) which can be tackled by incorporating different biomaterials into the fabrication of the scaffolds. The present study aims to apply the 3D-printing and freeze-drying methods to design an ideal scaffold for improving the osteogenic capacity of Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). To achieve this purpose, hybrid constructs consisted of 3D-printed Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)-based scaffolds filled with freeze-dried gelatin/reduced graphene oxide-Magnesium-Arginine (GRMA) matrix were fabricated through a novel green method. The effect of different concentrations of Reduced graphene oxide-Magnesium-Arginine (RMA) (0, 0.25% and 0.75%wt) on the morphology, mechanical properties, and biological activity of the 3D scaffolds were completely evaluated. Our findings show that the incorporation of RMA hybrid into the scaffold can remarkably enhance its mechanical features and improve cell proliferation and differentiation simultaneously. Of all scaffolds, β-TCP/0.25GRMA showed not only the highest ALP activity and cell proliferation after 14 days but it up-regulated bone-related genes and proteins (COL-I, RUNX2, OCN). Hence, the fabricated 3D printed β-TCP/0.25GRMA porous scaffolds can be considered as a high-potential candidate for BTE

Programmable nanocomposites of cellulose nanocrystals and zwitterionic hydrogels for soft robotics

Abstract Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have garnered significant attention as a versatile class of soft actuators. Introducing anisotropic properties, and shape-change programmability to responsive hydrogels promises a host of opportunities in the development of soft robots. Herein we report the synthesis of pH-responsive hydrogel nanocomposites with predetermined microstructural anisotropy, shape-transformation, and self-healing. Our hydrogel nanocomposites are largely composed of zwitterionic monomers and asymmetric cellulose nanocrystals. While the zwitterionic nature of the network imparts both self-healing and cytocompatibility to our hydrogel nanocomposites, the shear-induced alignment of cellulose nanocrystals renders their anisotropic swelling and mechanical properties. Thanks to the self-healing properties, we utilized a cut-and-paste approach to program reversible, and complex deformation into our hydrogels. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the transport of light cargo using tethered and untethered soft robots made from our hydrogels. We believe the proposed material system introduce a powerful toolbox for the development of future generations of biomedical soft robots

Clinical Outcome and Cost in Patients with Off-pump vs. On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

"nGeneral concept and major emphasis on off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) is maintaining quality of care and patient safety while reducing cost and resource utilization. OPCAB probably avoids the potential complications of cardiopulmonary bypass. However its acceptance depends on clinical and economic outcome. The aim of this study is to compare clinical and economic outcome of off-pump and on pump coronary artery bypass surgery. This is a report of an analytic cross-sectional study on 304 patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery that were randomized into conventional on pump and off-pump groups. Variables and costs were obtained for each group and these data were analyzed using parametric methods. There was no difference between the two groups with respect to perioperative and intraoperative patient's variables. OPCAB reduced the need for postoperative transfusion requirement (P<0.05) which was statistically significant and showed a trend towards reduction of morbidity although didn't reach statistical significance (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in surgical re exploration and length of stay between the two groups. The mean cost for an on pump surgery was 8312000 ± 2859 Rials per patient that was significantly higher than an off-pump surgery. Based on the findings of this study, clinical outcome has no statistically significant difference between on pump and off-pump CABG but the costs are significantly higher in the on pump group