Chemical characterization of Cuban propolis by HPLC-PDA, HPLC-MS, and NMR: the brown, red, and yellow Cuban varieties of propolis

Sixty-five samples of propolis were collected from eleven regions of Cuba; methanolic extracts of propolis were prepared from all samples, and a classification method was developed using a combination of NMR, HPLC-PDA, and HPLC-ESI/MS techniques. The analysis of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and chromatographic profiles of all propolis extracts allowed the definition of three main types of Cuban propolis directly related to their secondary metabolite classes: brown Cuban propolis (BCP), rich in polyisoprenylated benzophenones, red Cuban propolis (RCP), containing isoflavonoids as the main constituents, and yellow Cuban propolis (YCP), probably with aliphatic compounds. Subsequently, the principal compounds of the brown and red types were characterized by HPLC-ESI/MS analysis. Instrumental techniques used are complementary; NMR was shown to be a quick and informative tool for the rapid analysis of crude propolis polar extracts and allowed the identification of the main class of secondary metabolites, while LC-PDA and LC-MS techniques were useful tools for qualitative and quantitative analysis of marker compounds of Cuban propolis.     

Liquid chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry: a new perspective on honey adulteration detection

A new procedure to determine individual sugar (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) 13C isotope ratios, using liquid chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HPLC-IRMS), has been developed to improve isotopic methods devoted to the study of honey authenticity. For this purpose 79 commercial honey samples from various origins were analyzed. Values of delta13Choney ranged from -14.2 to -27.2", and delta13Cprotein ranged from -23.6 to -26.9". A very strong correlation is observed between the individual sugar 13C ratios, which are altered in the event of sugar addition, even at low levels. The use of Deltadelta13C [fruct-glu], Deltadelta13C [fruct-suc], and Deltadelta13C [gluc-suc] systematic differences as an authenticity criterion permits the sugar addition [C3, beet sugar; or C4, cane sugar, cane syrup, isoglucose syrup, and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)] to be reliably detected (DL = 1-10%). The new procedure has advantages over existing methods in terms of analysis time and sensitivity. In addition, it is the first isotopic method developed that allows beet sugar addition detection.     

Increase in size and nitrogen concentration enhances seedling survival in Mediterranean plantations. Insights from an ecophysiological conceptual model of plant survival

Reduction in size and tissue nutrient concentration is widely considered to increase seedling drought resistance in dry and oligotrophic plantation sites. However, much evidence indicates that increase in size and tissue nutrient concentration improves seedling survival in Mediterranean forest plantations. This suggests that the ecophysiological processes and functional attributes relevant for early seedling survival in Mediterranean climate must be reconsidered. We propose a ecophysiological conceptual model for seedling survival in Mediterranean-climate plantations to provide a physiological explanation of the frequent positive relationship between outplanting performance and seedling size and nutrient concentration. The model considers the physiological processes outlined in the plantation establishment model of Burdett (Can J For Res 20:415–427, 1990), but incorporates other physiological processes that drive seedling survival, such as N remobilization, carbohydrate storage and plant hydraulics. The model considers that seedling survival in Mediterranean climates is linked to high growth capacity during the wet season. The model is for container plants and is based on three main principles, (1) Mediterranean climates are not dry the entire year but usually have two seasons of contrasting water availability; (2) summer drought is the main cause of seedling mortality; in this context, deep and large roots is a key trait for avoiding lethal water stress; (3) attainment of large root systems in the dry season is promoted when seedlings have high growth during the wet season. High growth is achieved when seedlings can divert large amount of resources to support new root and shoot growth. Functional traits that confer high photosynthesis, nutrient remobilization capacity, and non-structural carbohydrate storage promote high growth. Increases in seedling size and nutrient concentration strongly affect these physiological processes. Traits that confer high drought resistance are of low value during the wet season because hinder growth capacity. We provide specific evidence to support the model and finally we discuss its implications and the factors that may alter the frequent increase in performance with increase in seedling size and tissue nutrient concentration.     

Lutein enrichment of the rotifer Brachionus sp. using freeze‐dried Muriellopsis sp. cells

Rotifers, used in aquaculture as feed for early larval stages, are poor in carotenoids compared with copepods, the natural most common prey item of marine fish larvae. A minimal sufficient level of carotenoids in fish larvae may be essential for a correct development. The freshwater microalga Muriellopsis sp. has been identified as a potential source of the carotenoid lutein with possible application in aquaculture. Lutein is a potent antioxidant, with potentially beneficial effects as a carotenoid for fish larvae. This study describes the lutein enrichment of the rotifer Brachionus sp. when incubated with homogeneously dispersed suspensions of freeze‐dried, lutein‐rich Muriellopsis sp. in seawater. A short enrichment time (2 or 2.5 h) resulted in a higher lutein content of the rotifers than a long enrichment time (13.5 or 24 h). Although the concentration of lutein in enriched rotifers, 0.06–0.16 mg (g dry weight)^?1 was low compared with its content in Muriellopsis sp. [about 3 mg (g dry weight)^?1], it was in the range reported for natural copepod populations. Therefore, we conclude that freeze‐dried biomass of Muriellopsis sp. can be used to enrich rotifers with lutein, providing an adequate level of this carotenoid for marine fish larvae.     

Influence of the Th2 immune response established by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection on the protection offered by different vaccines against Chlamydophila abortus infection

Chlamydophila abortus is the aetiological agent of enzootic abortion in small ruminants in which it infects the placenta to cause abortion during the last trimester of gestation. In a mouse model, a Th1 immune response involving IFN-γ production and CD8⁺ T cells is necessary for the infection to be resolved. The authors previously demonstrated that infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, a rodent gastrointestinal nematode extensively used in experimental models to induce Th2 responses, alters the specific immune response against C. abortus infection, increasing bacterial multiplication in liver and reducing specific IFN-γ production. The aim of the present work was to clarify whether a Th2 immune response has any influence on the success of vaccination using both inactivated and attenuated vaccines. The results showed that the Th2 response established prior to vaccination did not influence the induction of protection offered by the vaccines. However, the effectiveness of this protective response can be altered, depending on the adjuvant employed in the inactivated vaccines, when the Th2 response is established after vaccination, just before challenge with C. abortus.     

Bilateral Leydig cell tumor in a six-year-old intersex goat affected by Polled Intersex Syndrome

A 6-year-old, sterile, Blanca Celtibérica breed adult doe was referred to our faculty. The doe had external female genitalia, a short anogenital distance, and normally shaped udders. Masculinization signs in the head shape and male behavior were also noted at the time of referral. Genetic analysis demonstrated normal 2n = 60 XX karyotype and an absence of the sex-determining region Y (SRY). The animal was homozygous for a DNA deletion responsible for the Polled Intersex Syndrome (PIS). A uterus and 2 uterine horns were present at the postmortem examination. Gartner's ducts and degenerated Wolffian derivatives persisted. There were 2 intra-abdominal testicle-like structures, one of which consisted of epididymal and deferent ducts. An advanced Leydig cell tumor, resulting in almost total destruction of the intratesticular structures, was also observed. Leydig cell tumors usually produce testosterone. Thus, these histologic findings are compatible with the evident virilization.     

Gene pool and connectivity patterns of Pinna nobilis in the Balearic Islands (Spain,Western Mediterranean Sea): Implications for its conservation through restocking

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A model of meta-population dynamics for North Sea and West of Scotland cod—The dynamic consequences of natal fidelity

It is clear from a variety of data that cod (Gadus morhua) in the North Sea do not constitute a homogeneous population that will rapidly redistribute in response to local variability in exploitation. Hence, local exploitation has the potential to deplete local populations, perhaps to the extent that depensation occurs and recovery is impossible without recolonisation from other areas, with consequent loss of genetic diversity. The oceanographic, biological and behavioural processes which maintain the spatial population structures are only partly understood, and one of the key unknown factors is the extent to which cod exhibit homing migrations to natal spawning areas. Here, we describe a model comprising 10 interlinked demes of cod in European waters, each representing groups of fish with a common natal origin. The spawning locations of fish in each deme are governed by a variety of rules concerning oceanographic dispersal, migration behaviour and straying. We describe numerical experiments with the model and comparisons with observations, which lead us to conclude that active homing is probably not necessary to explain some of the population structures of European cod. Separation of some sub-populations is possible through distance and oceanographic processes affecting the dispersal of eggs and larvae. However, other evidence suggests that homing may be a necessary behaviour to explain the structure of other sub-populations. The consequences for fisheries management of taking into account spatial population structuring are complicated. For example, recovery or recolonisation strategies require consideration not only of mortality rates in the target area for restoration, but also in the source areas for the recruits which may be far removed depending on the oceanography. The model has an inbuilt capability to address issues concerning the effects of climate change, including temperature change, on spatial patterns of recruitment, development and population structure in cod.     

Agronomic characteristics and carotenoid content of five Bola-type paprika red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars

The production of sweet paprika in Spain uses exclusively fruit of Bola-type Capsicum annuum L. This work describes the evaluation of the agronomic behaviour of five new cultivars of the Bola-type paprika red pepper, selected in the Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA), and grown in Extremadura for 3 years. The colour and the pigment content of the paprika elaborated following the traditional procedure of La Vera were also studied.