Biochemical characterization of white onion landraces (Allium cepa L.) through HPLC analysis of endosperm seed proteins

Water-, salt-, alcohol- and alkali-soluble seed storage proteins, extracted from 21 cipolla bianca di Pompei landraces (Allium cepa L.), were analyzed by anionic exchange-high performance liquid chromatography (AE-HPLC). Chromatographic elution profiles (time range 0–40 min) at 280 nm of water-soluble seed proteins evidenced the presence of 21 peaks, which allowed all the landraces studied to be distinguished from each other. The differences detected were both qualitative (presence/absence of one or more peaks) and quantitative; the water-soluble proteins were useful in differentiating landraces and cultivars while the other seed protein fractions only showed a weak polymorphism. The cluster analysis, based on HPLC data, showed that the landraces clustered with a genetic similarity degree ranging between 69% and 94%. The possibility of discriminating among closely related onion landraces during the course of breeding programmes could allow the identification of biochemical markers linked to useful agronomical traits. As observed by chromatographic analysis, the globulin composition of onion water-soluble seed protein appears to be independent of environmental growth conditions. The biochemical characterization of the available typical onion germplasm may contribute to obtain a community recognition and denomination, such as Denomination of Protected Origin (D.O.P.), Indication of Protected Origin (I.G.P.) or Specificity Attestation (A.S.). The biochemical method here developed resulted of high resolution, cost-effective and time-saving for characterization and genetic purity assessment of the landraces studied.     

The contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain filling in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain filling in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is not well known. The main objective of this work was to evaluate this contribution through three different experimental approaches: (1) ear photosynthesis was reduced by removing awns or shading the ears (in combination with a defoliation treatment), (2) grain weight per ear was compared in an ‘all shaded’ crop versus plants where only the vegetative parts were shaded (‘ear emerging’), and (3) ear photosynthesis was reduced with DCMU (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea), a specific inhibitor of photosystem II.     

Characterization of wines by nuclear magnetic resonance: a work study on wines from the Basilicata region in Italy

We explored the possibility of differentiating Italian wines produced in different regions by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Ten commercial red Aglianico wines were selected from different areas of the Basilicata region in the south of Italy. Some important components of these wines were identified by the assignments of their (1)H and (13)C resonances using one- and two-dimensional homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR experiments. These data were compared with those obtained from 10 Aglianico wines produced in Campania, another southern Italian region. Differences were found among the wines according to their geographical origin and vintage. A fine discrimination of Aglianico wines from Basilicata and Campania was obtained, suggesting that the selected NMR parameters may be a valuable tool for wine authenticity control.     

Gross anatomic organization of the capybara's (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) brachial plexus

The innervation of the capybara thoracic limb was characterized. The following nerves were observed constituting the right and left brachial plexus: n. dorsalis scapulae (C4 and C5; C4, C5 and C6) which innervates the m. serratus ventralis cervicis and m. rhomboideus; n. suprascapularis (C4, C5 and C6; C5, C6 and C7) supplying the m. supraspinatus and the m. infraspinatus; cranial and caudal nn. subscapulares (C5 and C6; C5, C6 and C7) innervating the m. subscapularis; n. axillaris (C5 and C6; C6, C7 and C8) which supplies the m. triceps brachii (caput mediale); n. radialis (C6, C7, C8 and T1; C6, C7 and C8) which innervates the m. triceps brachii (caput longum and caput mediale) and the m. extensor carpi radialis, m. extensor digitorum communis, m. extensor digitorum lateralis; n. medianus joined to the n. musculocutaneus (C6, C7, C8 and T1; C6, C7 and C8) supplying the m. biceps brachii, m. flexor carpi radialis and m. coracobrachialis; n. ulnaris (C6, C7, C8 and T1; C6, C7 and C8) leading to the m. flexor carpi radialis, the m. flexor carpi ulnaris and the m. flexor digitorum superficialis; n. thoracodorsalis (C6, C7, C8 and T1; C6, C7 and C8) supplying the m. latissimus dorsi; n. thoracicus lateralis (C8, T1; C7, C8, T1) which innervates m. pectoralis profundus (caudal portion); n. thoracicus longus (C6, C7; C7, C8) which is distributed to the m. serratus ventralis thoracis. A communication between the n. radialis and n. ulnaris was observed at the left brachial plexus.     

Ciona intestinalis as a Marine Model System to Study Some Key Developmental Genes Targeted by the Diatom-Derived Aldehyde Decadienal

The anti-proliferative effects of diatoms, described for the first time in copepods, have also been demonstrated in benthic invertebrates such as polychaetes, sea urchins and tunicates. In these organisms PUAs (polyunsaturated aldehydes) induce the disruption of gametogenesis, gamete functionality, fertilization, embryonic mitosis, and larval fitness and competence. These inhibitory effects are due to the PUAs, produced by diatoms in response to physical damage as occurs during copepod grazing. The cell targets of these compounds remain largely unknown. Here we identify some of the genes targeted by the diatom PUA 2-trans-4-trans-decadienal (DD) using the tunicate Ciona intestinalis. The tools, techniques and genomic resources available for Ciona, as well as the suitability of Ciona embryos for medium-to high-throughput strategies, are key to their employment as model organisms in different fields, including the investigation of toxic agents that could interfere with developmental processes. We demonstrate that DD can induce developmental aberrations in Ciona larvae in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, through a preliminary analysis, DD is shown to affect the expression level of genes involved in stress response and developmental processes.     

Characterization of Italian Durum Wheat Semolina by Means of Chemical Analytical and Spectroscopic Determinations

Proton high‐resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H HR‐MAS NMR) has been applied for the analysis of two cultivars of durum wheat produced in different Italian geographical areas. Furthermore, on the same samples, isotopic ratios were measured by mass spectrometry (IRMS). The application of chemometrics to these results permitted the discrimination of semolina by cultivar and geographical origin. A similar approach has been applied to the results obtained from chemical analyses. The comparison showed that NMR spectroscopy can provide a faster method for the detection of differences among the durum wheat semolina according to geographical and varietal origin. Furthermore, IRMS data are suitable to provide information about the geographical origin of samples. This present investigation is part of an extensive research project to find a scientific method capable of classifying wheat foods for the assignment of a “denomination of origin” trademark.     

Pectin methylesterase from kiwi and kaki fruits: purification, characterization, and role of pH in the enzyme regulation and interaction with the kiwi proteinaceous inhibitor

Pectin methylesterase was purified from kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) and kaki fruit (Diospyros kaki). The pH values of the fruit homogenates were 3.5 and 6.2, respectively. The kiwi enzyme is localized in the cell wall and has a neutral-alkaline pI, whereas the kaki enzyme is localized in the soluble fraction and has a neutral-acidic pI. The molecular weights of the kiwi and kaki enzymes were 50 and 37 kDa, respectively. The two enzymes showed a similar salt and pH dependence of activity, and a different pH dependence of the inhibition by the kiwi proteinaceous inhibitor.     

Monitoring the effects of storage in caviar from farmed Acipenser transmontanus using chemical, SEM, and NMR methods

The effects of storage at 4 degrees C on the quantity and quality of chemical components in the caviar from farmed Acipenser transmontanus have been analyzed by SEM, chemical methods, and NMR and MRI techniques. Particular attention has been focused on the lipid components, the distribution and mobility of which were strongly affected by the storage time. MRI and relaxation data indicated that lipids are endowed with two different mobility regimes, one slow (short T1) and one fast (long T1), both lengthening with the storage time. Chemical analysis assessed a total fat content that remained practically unchanged and a constant fatty acid composition during the total storage time. The combination of the two methods allowed one (a) to suppose that a mechanism of lipid hydrolysis (faster in unsalted than in salted eggs) is still occurring during storage of caviar at 4 degrees C for up to approximately 4 months and (b) to exclude that an intensive oxidative process is active in the same storage period.     

Serological response to pgp3 protein in animal and human chlamydial infections

Specific antibodies to plasmid-encoded protein pgp3 are known to be encountered in human Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis infections. In order to verify whether antibodies to this protein could be developed in animals infected with plasmid-carrying chlamydial strains, 454 animal sera were examined using a home-made pgp3 protein ELISA and Western blots (WB) of recombinant pgp3 protein from Chlamydophila (Cp.) psittaci. Likewise, 50 human sera were tested by ELISA and WB of recombinant pgp3 from C. trachomatis. The reactivity against pgp3 protein was compared to the reactivity against chlamydial elementary bodies (EBs) detected by microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test. The presence of pgp3-specific antibodies was demonstrated in most ducks and pigeons with Cp. psittaci infection detected by MIF, as well as in the majority of symptomatic cats and pigs infected with Cp. felis and C. suis, respectively, which reacted at high titres to Cp. felis and C. suis EBs by MIF. Moreover, most of the sera collected from patients with C. trachomatis culture-confirmed infection and seropositive to C. trachomatis by MIF, presented antibodies specific to C. trachomatis pgp3 recombinant protein. Therefore, pgp3 protein could be a useful marker of chlamydial infections in animals, as well as in humans.     

Morphological analysis and erosion rate evaluation in badlands of Radicofani area (Southern Tuscany — Italy)

Since 1988, geomorphologic research based on field surveys and photo-geological analysis, has been conducted in southern Tuscany (Italy), in areas characterised by very rapid morphological evolution. In the area outcrop Pliocene marine claystones uplifted during the Quaternary up to 750 m above sea level, now undergoing intense erosion processes, leading to considerable badlands formation. Morphodynamic analysis, conduced by direct and indirect measurements in a sample area, were taken in order to quantify the erosion rate in badland areas. The “Torrente Piantrafolla” sample area was chosen as representative of the study area; it was most recently monitored during the period Nov. 2000–Feb. 2004. At this time, morphographic and morphometric analyses carried out in selected measurement stations located on slopes, identified gravity as the main morphogenetic process responsible for slope shaping. The calanchi badland areas are characterised by constant and rapid shrinking of their edges resulting from landslides which occur in autumn and winter as a consequence of intense rainstorms. Selected measurement stations indicate an erosion rate value range from 5 to 7.5 cm/y. The comparison between 1976 and 1994 digital elevation models (DEM), obtained from photogrammetric restitution, indicated a mean erosion rate of about 5 cm/y in a nineteen year period. This value, considerably higher than the values measured in other Italian basins, indicate a very rapid evolution of the slopes, due mainly to small earth flows inside calanchi badlands.