Pathway of dephosphorylation of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate by phytases of legume seeds

Using a combination of high-performance ion chromatography analysis and kinetic studies, the pathway of dephosphorylation of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate by the phytases purified from faba bean and lupine seeds, respectively, was established. The data demonstrate that the legume seed phytases under investigation dephosphorylate myo-inositol hexakisphosphate in a stereospecific way. The phytase from faba bean seeds and the phytase LP2 from lupine seeds degrade phytate by sequential removal of phosphate groups via D-Ins(1,2,3,5,6)P(5), D-Ins(1,2,5,6)P(4), D-Ins(1,2,6)P(3), and D-Ins(1,2)P(2) to finally Ins(2)P, whereas the phytases LP11 and LP12 from lupine seeds generate the final degradation product Ins(2)P via D-Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P(5), D-Ins(1,2,5,6)P(4), D-Ins(1,2,6)P(3), and D-Ins(1,2)P(2).     

Analysis of the mineral composition of taro for determination of geographic origin

The mineral composition of taro ( Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) was analyzed to develop a method to distinguish taro produced in Japan and China. The concentrations of 15 elements (Al, Ca, Cl, Mg, Mn, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, Na, Rb, Sc, Zn) were assayed using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The concentrations of NO(3)(-), SO(4)(2-), H(2)PO(4)(-), Cl(-), malate, and oxalate were measured by ion chromatography. The mean concentrations of H(2)PO(4)(-), Co, Cr, and Na significantly differed (P < 0.01) between taro grown in Japan and that grown in China. Discriminant analysis was performed to identify the most efficient combination of elements and compounds to discriminate the taro geographic origin. The highest percentage of correct classification was achieved with a two-variable model including H(2)PO(4)(-) and Co (100% for Japanese, 93.75% for Chinese). Principal component analysis and cluster analysis using all of the assayed elements and compounds were also conducted to determine which elements significantly accounted for the variation of the taro mineral composition. We report on the potential of H(2)PO(4)(-) and Co concentrations to differentiate taro grown in China and Japan and discuss the sources of variability in the taro mineral composition of our samples.     

Effect of arsenic on concentrations and translocations of mineral elements in the xylem of rice

By using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique, the effect of arsenic (As) on the mineral contents and translocation in the xylem of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. ‘Akihikari’) was studied. The results suggest that exogenous As increased the concentrations of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and manganese (Mn) in xylem, while the concentrations of potassium (K) remained unchanged. The highest concentration of As to the rice roots did not have any clear effect on the translocation of P, Ca, S, and chlorine (Cl) in the xylem, indicating that the increasing concentrations of the minerals may be due to a condensation effect, resulting from the repression of water movement in xylem by As-toxicity. Among the metal micronutrients, As decreased the concentrations and translocations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu).     

Identification of methanol-soluble compounds in sesame and evaluation of antioxidant potential of its lignans

The methanol extract of sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds was fractionated and purified with the assistance of conventional column chromatography to afford 29 compounds including seven furofuran lignans. Among these isolates, (+)-samin (1) was obtained from the natural source for the first time. In addition, (-)-asarinin (30) and sesamol (31) were generated by oxidative derivation from (+)-sesamolin (2) and (+)-sesamin (3), two abundant lignans found in sesame seeds. To evaluate their in vitro antioxidant potential, the seven isolated lignans (1-7) and the two derivatives (30 and 31) were examined for the scavenging activities on DPPH free radicals and superoxide anions. Moreover, the capability of chelating ferrous ions and reducing power of these sesame lignans were also measured. The results suggest that, besides the well-known sesamolin and sesamin, the minor sesame lignans (+)-(7S,8'R,8R)-acuminatolide (5), (-)-piperitol (6), and (+)-pinoresinol (7) are also adequate active ingredients and may be potential sources for nutritional and pharmacological utilization.     

Preparative enzymatic synthesis of glucuronides of zearalenone and five of its metabolites

The resorcylic acid lactones zearalenone ( 1), alpha-zearalenol ( 2), beta-zearalenol ( 3), alpha-zearalanol (zeranol) ( 4), beta-zearalanol (taleranol) ( 5), and zearalanone ( 6) were converted to their glucuronides on a preparative scale in good yields. Reactions were conducted with bovine uridine 5'-diphosphoglucuronyl transferase (UDPGT) as catalyst and uridine 5'-diphosphoglucuronic acid (UDPGA) as cofactor. The glucuronides were isolated by column chromatography and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Although the principal products were 4- O-glucuronides (i.e., linkage through a phenolic hydroxyl), significant quantities of the 6'- O-glucuronides (i.e., linkage through the aliphatic hydroxyl) of alcohols 2, 4, and 5 were also isolated. In the case of 3, the 2- O-glucuronide was isolated as the minor product. Overall isolated yields of glucuronides, performed on a 20-50 mg scale, were typically ca. 80% based on the resorcylic acid lactone starting material. LC-UV-MS (2) analysis of purified specimens revealed MS (2) fragmentations useful for defining the point of attachment of the glucuronide moiety to the zearalenone nucleus.     

Evolution of toxicity upon hydrolysis of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl

Hydrolysis of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (FE), a widely used herbicide, was studied in aqueous buffer solutions at pH ranging from 4.0 to 10.0. The degradation kinetics, strongly dependent on pH values, followed first-order kinetics. FE was relatively stable in neutral media, whereas it degraded rapidly with decreasing or increasing pH. In acidic conditions (pH = 4, 5), the benzoxazolyl-oxy-phenyl ether linkage of FE was cleaved to form ethyl 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propanoate (EHPP) and 6-chloro-2,3-dihydrobenzoxazol-2-one (CDHB). While in basic conditions (pH = 8, 9, 10), herbicidal activity fenoxaprop-p (FA) was formed via breakdown of the ester bond of the herbicide. Both the two pathways were concurrent in neutral conditions (pH = 6, 7). Toxicity studies on Daphnia magna showed that FE was most toxic to D. magna with 48 h EC(50) of 14.3 micromol/L, followed by FA (43.8 micromol/L), CDHB (49.8 micromol/L), and EHPP (333.1 micromol/L). Mode of toxic action analysis indicated that EHPP exhibited toxicity via polar narcosis, whereas CDHB belonged to reactive acing compound. The mixture toxicity of CDHB and EHPP was nonadditive and can be predicted by a response addition model. Therefore, the evaluation of overall FE toxicity to D. magna in the aquatic systems needs to consider the degradation of FE.     

A comparison of tests of soil structural stability

Samples from 70 horizons from UK soils were tested for structural stability, and a comparison was made between the results from the following six tests: (i) Emerson, (ii) Janse & Koenigs, (iii) Thorburn, (iv) Childs (soil moisture characteristic), (v) Williams & Cooke slump test, and (vi) wet sieving. Both correlations and systematic differences were observed between the tests, suggesting that different aspects of stability were emphasized by different test procedures. The tests leading to classes (i), (ii) and (iii) were found to be more subjective than those leading to indices. It is suggested that (v) may be applicable to less stable soils, and (vi) to more stable soils. Childs' test was time consuming and subject to some erratic results; two new indices of stability are proposed to increase the reliability of this test.     

Isolation of a series of apocarotenoids from the fruits of the red paprika Capsicum annuum L

Eleven apocarotenoids (1-11) including five new compounds, 4, 6, 9, 10 and 11, were isolated from the fruits of the red paprika Capsicum annuum L. The structures of new apocarotenoids were determined to be apo-14'-zeaxanthinal (4), apo-13-zeaxanthinone (6), apo-12'-capsorubinal (9), apo-8'-capsorubinal (10), and 9,9'-diapo-10,9'-retro-carotene-9,9'-dione (11) by spectroscopic analysis. The other six known apocarotenoids were identified to be apo-8'-zeaxanthinal (1), apo-10'-zeaxanthinal (2), apo-12'-zeaxanthinal (3), apo-15-zeaxanthinal (5), apo-11-zeaxanthinal (7), and apo-9-zeaxanthinone (8) which have not been previously found in paprika. These apocarotenoids were assumed to be oxidative cleavage products of C(40) carotenoid such as capsanthin in paprika.     

吉县蔡家川流域不同森林植被的林地水源涵养功能

林地（枯落物层和土壤层）是森林植被水源涵养功能的主体,在水土保持中具有举足轻重的作用。根据蔡家川流域林地枯落物和土壤的分析与测定,研究比较了晋西黄土区不同森林植被的林地水源涵养功能。结果表明,不同植被类型枯落物的最大有效拦蓄量的大小为:虎榛子林（2.85 mm）>沙棘林（2.38 mm）>刺槐林（1.88 mm）>油松×刺槐林（1.31 mm）>油松林（0.77 mm）。不同植被类型0~60 cm土层的林地土壤最大拦蓄量为:虎榛子林（248.2 mm）>油松×刺槐林（241.0 mm）>刺槐林（210.2 mm）>草地（209.8 mm）>油松林（198.1 mm）。晋西黄土区不同森林植被的林地水源涵养功能研究,为该区水土保持林的合理经营与利用提供了科学依据。     

Effects of growth regulators on mineral nutrition of tomato

This research deals with the effects of exogenous growth regulators on mineral nutrition of the tomato plant (Lyeopersieon esaulentum Mill. cv. Miguel Pereira). To study the influence on mineral nutrition, (2‐chloroethyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CCC) , at concentration of 2,000 ppm, succinic acid‐2, 2‐dimethylhydrazide (SADH) (4,000 ppm), gibberellic acid (GA) (100 ppm), (2‐chloroethyl) phosphonic acid (CEPA) (200 ppm), indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) (100 ppm) and 6‐furfurylamino purine (FAP) (500 ppm) were applied. Higher levels of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium occurred in the stem of plants sprayed with CCC. Treatments with FAP, SADH and CEPA caused an increase in nitrogen level in the stem. CEPA also increased calcium content in stems. These growth regulators did not alter the levels of macronutrients in the leaves in relation to control.     

Effect of Foliar Application of Calcium on the Quality of Blueberry Fruits

Effect of foliar application of calcium (0.78 g, 4.68 g, and 7.8 g Ca^{2 +}) in pre-harvest, at three different growing conditions (tunnel, mesh, and ambient), on texture and pectin in blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) was studied. Calcium contents in leaves as well in fruits were different (P ≤ 0.05), affected by growing conditions and time. Differences (P ≤ 0.05) in calcium content were found in tunnel cultivar fruit, during the period to cell expansion toward harvest, at calcium foliar level of 5 mL per L (7.8 g). Fruit texture was significantly higher at the beginning of the cell expansion period in the tunnel cultivar fruit, and a linear correlation between calcium concentration and texture was established. Increment in low methoxyl pectin (LMP) was influenced by growing conditions, and was different (P ≤ 0.05) for tunnel cultivar fruit. A good correlation between LMP and calcium content was obtained with the high dose of calcium (5 mL per L).     

Characterization of the chemical composition of lotus plumule oil

Characterizations of lotus plumule and plumule oil, focusing on approximate composition analysis of lotus plumule powder and fatty acid composition, lipid classes, triglyceride (TG) profiles, and sterol analysis of the plumule oil, were conducted in this work. The results revealed that the lotus plumule constitutes 7.8% moisture, 4.2% ash, and 12.5% crude oil and 26.3% protein on the dry base. Lotus plumule oil is rich in linoleic acid (50.4%) and oleic acid (13.5%), and the dominating saturated fatty acids are palmitic acid (18.0%) and behenic acid (6.8%). The principal components of TG in lotus plumule oil are LLL (12.80%), beta-PLL (11.27%), beta-POL (8.28%), beta-PLO (8.58%), and beta-BeLL (8.32%). Lipid class assay of the crude oil gave the saponification value of 153.4 KOH mg/g and tocopherol content 390 mg/100 g. A distinct characteristic of lotus plumule oil is that its unsaponifiable matter is incredibly high, up to 14-19%, which consists mainly of beta-sitosterol (32%), Delta(5)-avenasterol (20%), and campesterol (6.3%). The major occurring form of sterols was found to be steryl ester. This work might be useful to develop innovative applications of lotus plumule oil.     

长寿湖水中磷形态的季节性变化特征

为进一步了解湖泊表层水中磷形态的季节变化特征,在2009年7月（丰水期）和11月（平水期）、2010年3月（枯水期）连续监测长寿湖水中不同形态磷的含量,分析磷形态含量与水质参数之间的相关关系。结果表明,各个水期长寿湖水中的总磷（TP）都以溶解态磷（DTP）为主要存在形式,DTP在丰水期与平水期以可溶性正磷酸盐（DP）为主要存在形式,在枯水期以溶解性有机磷（DOP）为主要存在形式。总体来说,长寿湖水中TP和DTP含量呈现枯水期〉丰水期〉平水期;DP含量呈现丰水期〉平水期〉枯水期的季节变化特征。相关关系分析发现,磷形态含量与湖水的溶解氧（DO）和电导的相关性明显,与pH和高锰酸盐指数无明显的相关关系。     

氟对小鼠生精细胞凋亡的影响及锌的保护作用

为观察氟对成年雄性小鼠生精细胞凋亡的影响及锌的保护作用,通过腹腔注射氟化钠建立氟中毒动物模型及锌保护实验。采用石蜡切片、苏木精-伊红染色(HE染色)、末端原位标记(TUNEL)及琼脂糖凝胶电泳的方法检测小鼠生精细胞的凋亡情况。结果显示:(1)氟感染组无论是低剂量组(NaF10 mg/kg)或是高剂量组(NaF 20 mg/kg)生精细胞都发生了明显的凋亡。生精细胞凋亡主要发生在精母细胞和精原细胞,凋亡指数与对照组差异极显著(P<0.05)。(2)无论是高剂量锌(ZnSO430 mg/kg)和低剂量锌(ZnSO415 mg/kg)都可以使凋亡指数明显降低,高剂量锌组的凋亡指数与对照组差异不显著(P>0.05)。     

Accumulation of Mn in Leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis Cultivated in Substrates of Pine Bark

Rosmarinus officinalis is an important aromatic shrub cultivated for medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses. To assess growth, the contents of trace metals cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) and macronutrients calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) were measured in these plants cultivated on two substrates: pine bark (PB, pH 4.0, 80.5% organic matter) and pruning wastes–biosolids (BS, pH 6.9, 47.5% organic matter). These plants, initially of 3.5 ± 0.5 g dry weight and 31.1 ± 6.9 cm, were maintained under greenhouse conditions for 7 months. Nutrient solution samples were taken from each substrate in situ by rhizon probes, indicating that the concentrations of soluble Mn and Zn in PB were significantly greater than in the nutritive solution BS. At the end of the assay, the dry weight of leaves and height was significantly greater in plants cultivated in BS (40.0 ± 2.2 g and 75.9 ± 14.3 cm) than in PB (27.5 ± 4.0 g and 62.4 ± 10.2 cm). Plants cultivated in PB showed slight chlorosis, attributed to the high concentration of Mn in leaves (106.6 ± 7.8 mg kg^?1), which was much greater than in plants cultivated in BS (8.2 ± 0.9 mg kg^?1). The concentration of toxic metals Cd and Pb in plants cultivated on both substrates did not exceed the recommended levels for consumption of the leaves as condiment. If R. officinalis is cultivated on the substrate of pine bark to acid pH for food or medicinal use, the accumulation of Mn must be considered.     

Characterization of the triterpene saponins of the roots and rhizomes of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides).

Seven triterpene saponins were isolated from n-butanol fractions of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) roots and rhizomes. Their structures were established by spectral ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, 2D-NMR, and APCI-MS) techniques and chemical reactions as hederagenin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (1); caulophyllogenin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (2); hederagenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (3); 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4); 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl- caulophyllogenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5); 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl- echinocystic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6); 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7). All seven compounds were identified in this species for the first time.     

2种紫花苜蓿耐盐生理特性的初步研究

为研究2种紫花苜蓿(Medicagosativa L.)“阿迪娜”(耐盐基因型)和“秘鲁”(敏盐基因型)在盐胁迫处理下的生理特性与耐盐机理,采用150mmol/LNaCl胁迫处理2种紫花苜蓿幼苗,分别测定盐处理前和处理后2,4,6,8,16h的过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)、丙二醛(MDA)、脯氨酸(PRO)、相对含水量(RWC)和叶绿素(Chl)含量。结果表明:2种紫花苜蓿的过氧化氢酶活性、过氧化物酶活性和丙二醛含量在盐胁迫下总体呈上升趋势,脯氨酸含量和相对含水量表现出相反的趋势。叶绿素含量在盐胁迫前期稳定不变,但在胁迫后期显著性下降;2种紫花苜蓿的相对含水量和叶绿素含量的变化趋势与植株表型变化相对应。主成分分析表明,过氧化氢酶和丙二醛的贡献率最大,能更好地为苜蓿耐盐机理及分子育种研究提供理论依据。     

Prediction of the ripening times of ewe's milk cheese by multivariate regression analysis of capillary electrophoresis casein fractions

The effect of the ripening time on the proteolytic process in cheeses made from ewe's milk during a 139-day ripening period was monitored by the use of capillary electrophoresis of pH 4.6 insoluble fraction. Totals of 18 and 21 peaks were recognized and matched in the electropherograms obtained with a fused-silica capillary and a neutral capillary (hydrophilically coated), respectively. These peaks correspond to intact ovine caseins and their hydrolysis products (alpha(s1)-casein I, alpha(s1)-casein II, alpha(s1)-casein III, alpha(s2)-casein, beta(1)-casein, beta(2)-casein, p-kappa-casein, alpha(s1)-I-casein, gamma(1)-casein, gamma(2)-casein, and gamma(3)-casein). The alpha(s)-caseins (alpha(s1)- and alpha(s2)-casein) displayed similar degradation pattern to one another, but different from those of beta-caseins (beta(1)- and beta(2)-casein). beta-Caseins were very much undergoing lesser degradation during the ripening time than alpha(s)-casein. Finally, partial least-squares regression and principal components regression were used to predict the ripening time in cheeses. The models obtained yielded good results since the root-mean-square error in prediction by cross validation was <8.6 days in all cases.     

NH4+的吸收对水稻根系细胞膜电位的影响

利用微电极技术分别测定了2个水稻品种即武育粳3号(粳稻)和扬稻6号(籼稻)幼苗根尖细胞在吸收不同NH4+浓度(0.0250、.05、0.1、0.5、1.0和1.5.mmol/L)下膜电位的变化特征。结果表明,水稻根系吸收NH4+引起膜的去极化,去极化到一定程度出现部分复极化,有一小部分根系还有超极化现象。去极化大小随外界处理液中NH4+浓度的增加而加强,达到一定程度以后趋于平稳,吸收进程符合Michaelis-Menten动力学特征。两个品种产生的去极化程度不同,武育粳3号产生的去极化大小平均为16.5.mV,扬稻6号产生的去极化大小平均为22.6.mV。在低浓度NH4+(1.0.mmol/L)处理下,扬稻6号对NH4+较敏感,产生的去极化大小平均为17.5.mV,高于武育粳3号(去极化大小平均为10.9.mV),两个品种产生的去极化大小差异显著(p0.05)。研究结果表明,扬稻6号吸收NH4+的能力比武育粳3号强,这与吸收动力学的结果是一致的。