Investigation of isomeric transformations of chlorogenic acid in buffers and biological matrixes by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole/ion mobility/orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole/ion mobility/orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (oa-TOF) mass spectrometry (UPLC-IM-MS) was used to study the isomeric transformations of trans-5-caffeoylquinic acid, an extremely active compound present in multiple vegetables, fruits, and beverages. The UPLC/oa-TOF MS results proved that in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), plasma, or urine sample, trans-5-caffeoylquinic acid first isomerizes to trans-4-caffeoylquinic acid and then to trans-3-caffeoylquinic acid by intramolecular acyl migration. When exposed to UV light, trans-3-, -4-, and -5-caffeoylquinic acids undergo cis/trans isomerization to form cis isomers. The isomerization was solely dependent on the pH of the matrix, as well as the incubation temperature, and was independent of metabolic enzymes. UPLC-IM-MS results revealed that a reversible cis/trans isomerization of caffeoylquinic acids could also be induced by the electric field in an electrospray source. Thus, understanding the possible role of electric field-induced isomerization of caffeoylquinic acids may help lessen the confusion between gas phase phenomena and liquid state chemistry when applying IM-MS analysis. The comprehensive understanding of caffeoylquinic acid isomerization transformations is crucial for the appropriate handling of samples and interpretation of experimental data.     

Measurement of genetic and environmental variation in barley (Hordeum vulgare) grain hardness

In this study, we assessed a broad range of barley breeding lines and commercial varieties by three hardness methods (two particle size methods and one crush resistance method (SKCS—Single-Kernel Characterization System), grown at multiple sites to see if there was variation in barley hardness and if that variation was genetic or environmentally controlled. We also developed near-infrared reflectance (NIR) calibrations for these three hardness methods to ascertain if NIR technology was suitable for rapid screening of breeding lines or specific populations. In addition, we used this data to identify genetic regions that may be associated with hardness. There were significant (p<0.05) genetic effects for the three hardness methods. There were also environmental effects, possibly linked to the effect of protein on hardness, i.e. increasing protein resulted in harder grain. Heritability values were calculated at >85% for all methods. The NIR calibrations, with R² values of >90%, had Standard Error of Prediction values of 0.90, 72 and 4.0, respectively, for the three hardness methods. These equations were used to predict hardness values of a mapping population which resulted in genetic markers being identified on all chromosomes but chromosomes 2H, 3H, 5H, 6H and 7H had markers with significant LOD scores. The two regions on 5H were on the distal end of both the long and short arms. The region that showed significant LOD score was on the long arm. However, the region on the short arm associated with the hardness (hordoindoline) genes did not have significant LOD scores. The results indicate that barley hardness is influenced by both genotype and environment and that the trait is heritable, which would allow breeders to develop very hard or soft varieties if required. In addition, NIR was shown to be a reliable tool for screening for hardness. While the data set used in this study has a relatively low variation in hardness, the tools developed could be applied to breeding populations that have large variation in barley grain hardness.     

Assessing daily egestion rates in earthworms: using fungal spores as a natural soil marker to estimate gut transit time

Earthworms have an important role in ‘bioturbation’—the mixing of soil due to biological processes. Quantification of earthworm bioturbation relies on estimating earthworm egestion rates which in turn depend on two parameters: the gut content of the worms and the gut transit time (GTT). Gut content can be determined relatively easily, but determining GTT is problematic. The present study aimed at estimating daily soil egestion rates of Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus terrestris, refining the most common approach for estimating GTT by using fungal spores as natural markers in ingested soil. This approach avoids the use of artificial markers that may adversely affect the earthworms. Gut transit time was estimated by tracking the passage of marked soil through the gut by the appearance of the spores in the egested faeces. Gut transit time was estimated to be 9.6?±?0.3 h for A. caliginosa and 11.6?±?0.5 h for L. terrestris. Gut content averaged 465?±?40(± standard error (SE))?mg dw g^?1 dw worm for A. caliginosa and 265?±?80 mg dw g^?1 dw worm for L. terrestris. From these values, daily egestion rates of 1.16 and 0.66 g dw faeces g^?1 dw worm d^?1 were calculated for A. caliginosa and L. terrestris, respectively. Both values compare well to literature values for each species. The presented method for GTT estimation is inexpensive, rapid and easy to evaluate, with spores being a good alternative to existing markers.     

Angling for endangered fish: conservation problem or conservation action?

Recreational angling has been implicated in population declines of some marine and freshwater fish, but this activity is rarely considered as a threat or even halted when endangered species are targeted. Indeed, in some cases, anglers are drawn to fish for rare or endangered species. Conservation‐oriented behaviours such as catch‐and‐release are often practiced voluntarily due to the ethics of anglers, yet even in these cases, some fishing mortality occurs. Nonetheless, there are many indirect conservation benefits associated with recreational angling. Here, we present a series of case‐studies and consider whether catch‐and‐release angling for endangered fish is a conservation problem or a conservation action. If recreational angling activities contribute to population‐level consequences that are contrary to recovery strategies, then angling for endangered species would seem to be a poor option. However, as revealed by several case‐studies, there is much evidence that anglers are vocal and effective proponents of fish and habitat conservation, and for endangered species, they are often the only voice when other stakeholders are not engaged. Anglers may contribute directly to conservation actions via user fees (e.g. licences), philanthropic donations or by volunteering in research, education and restoration activities. However, it is important to quantify post‐release mortality as well as understand the full suite of factors influencing a given population or species to know the potential risks. A risk assessment approach outlined in the paper may be used by managers to determine when the benefits of angling for endangered species outweigh the risks.     

Modeling intentions to sanction among anglers in a catch-and-release recreational fishery for golden dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) in Salta,Argentina

Catch-and-release (C&R) angling is a powerful tool for reducing impacts on recreationally targeted fishes. Although C&R can be mandated in fisheries through regulation, voluntary adoption and informal management are often critical due to minimal enforcement opportunities. Anglers themselves may play a role in increasing C&R adoption through interpersonal sanctioning (i.e., self-policing). To date, little research has examined factors that predict the willingness of anglers to sanction others’ behavior. We present results from surveys (n = 49) with anglers in Argentina to explore their motivations to sanction other anglers within their stakeholder community. Anglers with the strongest intentions to sanction were younger and more open to adopting best practices, identified fishing as important to their lifestyle, and expressed high environmental concern relative to other anglers. Our findings highlight the role that recreational anglers can play in promoting best practices via interpersonal sanctioning and identify barriers that inhibit this type of action.     

Effects of continuous optimal fertilization on belowground ectomycorrhizal community structure in a Norway spruce forest

Studies of effects of fertilizer treatment on ectomycorrhizal fungal community structure have predominantly been based on large, single additions of nitrogen. Studies involving chronic additions of nutrients in combination with irrigation are much less common. We used morphotyping to study effects of balanced additions of a nutrient solution on ectomycorrhizal fungal community structure in a 36-year-old stand of Picea abies (L.) Karst. Despite high variability among individual samples, principal components analysis revealed a clear shift in community structure in response to fertilization. Irrigated plots receiving only water did not differ significantly from untreated control plots. Mycorrhizal root tips colonized by Cenococcum geophilum Fr. were significantly more common in fertilized plots than in control plots. Possible responses by other ectomycorrhizal species were masked by high variability. Over sixty morphotypes were distinguished, but there was no measurable effect of either fertilizer or irrigation treatment on morphotype richness or total number of root tips.