Changes in soil nutrient content and bacterial community after 12 years of organic amendment application to a vineyard

An interesting alternative to landfills for disposing of organic residues is their addition to soil as composted organic residues. There is little information available about the long‐term benefits following prolonged periods of application. After 12 years of annual incorporation of organic amendments to the soil of a vineyard, three soil characteristics were analysed: mineral content, bacterial community and soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The organic amendments were (i) a pelletized organic compost (PEL) made from plant, animal and sewage sludge residues, (ii) a compost made from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OF‐MSW) and (iii) a stabilized sheep manure compost (SMC). Mineral fertilizer (NPK) and an unaltered control treatment were also included. Our results showed that long‐term application of treated residues as compost changed soil nutrient content, bacterial community and gas emission rates. For instance, SMC increased nutrients and soil organic matter (OM) throughout the experiment. There was a change in bacterial community structure, with an increase in the phylum Proteobacteria observed for all four treated soils, and an increase in the phylum Bacteroidetes for PEL, OF‐MSW and SMC treatments. Among the organically‐amended soils, the amount of Adhaeribacter increased by a factor of 2.5 times more than the control, which reported a total of 2.0% of the bacterial community compared with 5.6% for PEL, 5.2% for OF‐MSW and 5.0% for SMC. Adhaeribacter may be a genus that specializes in the degradation of residues in the different composts. The SMC treatment had the largest Chao1 estimator and was the most biodiverse of all treatments. These changes in bacterial community structure did not correlate with the observed GHG fluxes from the sampling day. The application of amendments did not affect N₂O fluxes. However, the application of treatments slightly reduced the capacity for CH₄ sequestration by soil with respect to the untreated soils. Compost is an effective method to increase soil fertility. Soil GHG emissions should be further evaluated.     

Selectivity in a trawl codend during haul-back operation—An overlooked phenomenon

The selectivity of a 99 mm trawl codend was assessed using a codend cover fitted with a MultiSampler, which was acoustically triggered to take separate samples at three different phases of the haul. The first sample was collected during towing, the second during haul-up and the third at the surface. A total of 18 hauls were conducted with a commercial fishing vessel west of Scotland. It was demonstrated that escapes take place not only during the tow but also in the short period when the trawl is hauled back from the seabed and when the codend is at the surface. For haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), respectively, the mean percentages escaping at the surface were 16, 12 and 38% of the total escape while 17, 8 and 28% escaped during the haul-up phase. Compared to towing, the escape rate (no./min) increased for haddock by a factor 2.7 during haul-up and by a factor 1.7 at the surface, whereas the escape rates of whiting were similar for the three phases. The escape rate of Norway lobster increased by a factor of approximately 7 for both the haul-up and surface phases, compared to the towing phase. The selectivity parameters L50 (50% retention length) and SR (selection range = L75–L25) were estimated and compared for the three different phases and for the whole haul for haddock, whiting and Norway lobster. For all three species there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in L50 between the three phases of the haul. There was also no significant difference for whiting and Norway lobster when comparing the SR of the three phases, whereas the SR was significantly lower for haddock when comparing the surface phase with towing and haul-up. The estimate of L50 when towing was about 6 cm lower for haddock and whiting and 9 mm for Norway lobster compared to the selection curve estimated conventionally for the whole haul. Finally, the effect of sea state, duration and codend catch on the selectivity parameters were estimated for the individual phases and for the whole haul. A significant effect of at least one variable was found in all phases.     

Seven new aminoacyl sugars in Ipomoea batatas

An analysis of the polar extracts from sweet potato Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae) led to the isolation of seven unknown aminoacyl sugars. On the basis of 1D, 2D NMR, and mass spectrometry data, the structures of the compounds were elucidated as: beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 --> 1)-alpha-D-[2-O-valyl]-glucopyranoside (1), beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 --> 1)-alpha-D-[2-O-tyrosyl]-glucopyranoside (2), beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 --> 1)-alpha-D-[2-O-threonyl]-glucopyranoside (3), beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 --> 1)-alpha-D-[2-O-hystidyl]-glucopyranoside (4), 2-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 --> 1)-alpha-D-[2-O-alanyl]-glucopyranoside (5), beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 --> 1)-alpha-D-[2-O-tryptophanyl]-glucopyranoside (6), and beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 --> 1)-alpha-D-[2-O-glycyl]-glucopyranoside (7).     

Fate of heavy metals in a strongly acidic shooting‐range soil: small‐scale metal distribution and its relation to preferential water flow

To assess the mobility of Pb and associated metals in a highly contaminated shooting range soil (Losone, Ticino, Switzerland), we investigated the spatial distribution of the metals and their relation to preferential water flow paths. A 2.2 m² plot located 40 m behind the stop butt was irrigated with a solution containing bromide and Brilliant Blue, a slightly sorbing dye. A soil profile 50 cm in width was sampled down to 80 cm with a spatial resolution of 2.5 cm, resulting in 626 samples. Concentrations of elements (12 ≤ Z ≤ 92) were determined by energy‐dispersive Xray fluorescence spectrometry, and Brilliant Blue concentrations were determined with a chromameter. In the acidic (pH 3), organic matter‐rich, well drained Dystric Cambisol, maximum concentrations of 80.9 g kg^‐1 Pb, 4.0 g kg^‐1 Sb, and 0.55 g kg^‐1 Cu were measured in the topsoil. Within 40 cm soil depth, however, Pb, Sb, and Cu approached background concentrations of 23 mg kg^‐1, 0.4 mg kg^‐1, and 9.4 mg kg^‐1, respectively. The even horizontal distribution and the steep gradient along soil depth indicate tight metal binding in the topsoil, and a fairly homogeneous transport front. In contrast, water flow through the profile was highly heterogeneous. In the uppermost 20 cm, preferential flow was initiated by heterogeneous infiltration at the soil surface, but had no influence on metal distribution. Below 20 cm, however, preferential flow originated from larger tree roots, and metal concentrations were significantly elevated along these macropores. Spatial distributions of Pb, Sb, and Cu were similar, suggesting that all three metals are strongly retained in the topsoil and transported along preferential water flow paths in the subsoil.     

Comparison of the key aroma compounds in organically grown, raw West-African peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and in ground, pan-roasted meal produced thereof

Application of an aroma extract dilution analysis on an aroma distillate prepared from organically grown, raw West-African peanuts (Cameroon) revealed 36 odor-active areas in the flavor dilution (FD) factor range of 1 to 2048. The identification experiments, which were all performed by using the respective reference chemicals, revealed 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine (earthy, pea-like), 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine (bell pepper-like, earthy), and trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal (metallic) with the highest FD factors among the 36 aroma compounds identified. The two last mentioned odorants and another set of 22 further odorants were identified for the first time in raw peanuts. A comparative aroma extract dilution analysis applied on distillates prepared from either the raw peanuts or ground peanut meal roasted in a pan showed 52 odor-active areas in the FD factor range of 8 to 2048 in the roasted nut material. The identification experiments in combination with the FD factors revealed that among them, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3-(2H)-furanone showed the most significant contribution to the overall aroma, followed by 1-octen-3-one, 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine, (E, E)-2,4-decadienal, and trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal. As a further result, 20 aroma compounds were newly identified in roasted peanuts, such as 2-propionyl-1-pyrroline and 2-acetyltetrahydropyridine (both popcorn-like). In particular, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2 H)-furanone showed the most pronounced increase after roasting.     

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Protein Recovered from Fish Waste

ABSTRACT

This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of proteins recovered from whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) and Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) residues obtained by the process of acid solubilization using HCl at pH = 2 and alkaline solubilization using NaOH at pH = 12 and isoelectric precipitation (pH = 5.5). The proximate composition and functional properties were determined. The solubilization and water holding capacity (WHC) of the recovered protein were studied in the pH range of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The high protein content and lowest lipid reduction presented by the protein recovered from the whitemouth croaker residue and obtained by the acid solubilizing process was 97.1 and 98.4%, respectively. The maximum solubilized protein was at pH 3 and 11, and the minimum solubilized protein was at pH 5 for both species. The greater ability to retain oil was observed for the alkaline solubilization process (8.3 and 7.3). The lower WHC was at pH 5. The acid and alkali residue concentrates of the whitemouth croaker presented higher WHC at pH 3 and 11. These proteins can be used in preparing edible films and have been used to produce bioactive compounds for supplements or functional ingredients.     

Detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in sylvatic lagomorphs from an epidemic area of Madrid using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test

An outbreak of human leishmaniosis was confirmed in the southwest of the province of Madrid, Spain, between July 2009 and December 2012. Incidence of Leishmania infection in dogs was unchanged in this period, prompting a search for alternative sylvatic infection reservoirs. We evaluated exposure to Leishmania in serum samples from animals in the area with an indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT). Using promastigotes from six culture passages and a 1/25 threshold titer, we found anti-Leishmania infantum seroreactivity in 9.3% of cats (4 of 43), 45.7% of rabbits (16/35) and 74.1% of hares (63/85). Use of promastigotes from >10 in vitro passages resulted in a notably IFAT lower titer, suggesting antigenic changes during extended culture. Postmortem inspection of seropositive animals showed no clinical signs of infection. The results clearly suggest that asymptomatic hares were the main reservoir in the outbreak, and corroborate IFAT as a sensitive serological surveillance method to detect such cryptic Leishmania infections.     

Influence of the stage of ripeness on phenolic metabolism and antioxidant activity in table grapes exposed to different CO2 treatments

We have analyzed the influence of the stage of ripeness on L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene expression, accumulation of anthocyanins and total phenolics, and on antioxidant activity in the skin of table grapes treated with 20% CO₂ + 20% O₂ + 60 % N₂ for 3 or 6 d at low temperature (0 °C). The residual effect of high CO₂ treatment after transfer to air was also studied. In early harvested grapes, neither the anthocyanin content nor the accumulation of VcPAL mRNA was affected by any of the CO₂ treatments applied. However, in late harvested grapes, the duration of high CO₂ treatment determined its effect and a 6 d treatment with CO₂ sustained higher levels of total phenolics and anthocyanin accumulation, and VcPAL expression than observed in untreated late harvested grapes. The increased antioxidant capacity was correlated with the total amount of phenolics and anthocyanins. Conversely, in grapes treated for 3 d with CO₂ the phenylpropanoid pathway did not appear to be induced and a relationship between antioxidant activity and anthocyanins was not observed. Thus, further studies are needed to identify the most important antioxidants in these treated fruit.     

Effects of different five-day progesterone-based synchronization protocols on the estrous response and follicular/luteal dynamics in dairy cows

This study compared the responses shown by lactating dairy cows to four different P4-based protocols for AI at estrus. Cows with no estrous signs 96 h after progesterone intravaginal device (PRID) removal were subjected to fixed-time AI (FTAI), and their data were also included in the study. In Experiment I, follicular/luteal and endometrial dynamics were assessed every 12 h from the beginning of treatment until AI. The estrous response was examined in Experiment II, and fertility was assessed in both experiments. The protocols consisted of a PRID fitted for five days, along with the administration of different combinations of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), equine chorionic gonadotropin and a single or double dose (24 h apart) of prostaglandin F_2α. In Experiment I (40 cows), animals receiving GnRH at the start of treatment showed a significantly higher ovulation rate during the PRID insertion period while estrus was delayed. In Experiment II (351 cows), according to the odds ratios, cows showing luteal activity at the time of treatment were less likely to show estrus than cows with no signs of luteal activity. Treatment affected the estrous response and the interval from PRID removal to estrus but did not affect conception rates 28–34 days post AI. Primiparous cows displayed a better estrous response than multiparous cows. Our findings reveal acceptable results of 5-day P4-based protocols for AI at estrus in high-producing dairy cows. Time from treatment to estrus emerged as a good guide for FTAI after a 5-day P4-based synchronization protocol.