Structure-antifungal activity relationship of cinnamic acid derivatives

A structure-antifungal activity relationship (SAR) study of 22 related cinnamic acid derivatives was carried out. Attention was focused on the antifungal activities exhibited against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus niger. (E)-3-(4-methoxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl)acrylic acid (16) exhibited antifungal activity against A. niger, comparable to that of miconazole and a significant antifungal effect against A. flavus and A. terreus as well. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of related cinnamic acid derivatives has allowed a model to be proposed for the recognition of the minimal structural requirements for the antifungal effect in this series.     

Effect of Water Temperature on Reproductive Tract Condition of Penaeus setiferus Adult Males

Abstract— This study was conducted to determine the effect of water temperature on male reproductive tract degenerative syndrome (MRTDS) and male reproductive system melanization (MRSM) in Penaeus setiferus , and to evaluate the effect of water temperature on spermatophore regeneration time and sperm quality in electrically ejaculated adult males. Variation in sperm quality, gonadosomatic index, and histological changes in the reproductive system were used to assess reproductive tract changes in the first experiment. Sperm quality and regeneration time were measured before and after successive regenerations in the second experiment. Sperm quality was stable when shrimp were held at 26 C for 30 d but was reduced when shrimp were held at 30 C. Reproductive tissues of 20% of the shrimp held at 30 C were melanized to some degree but tissue melanization was found in only 2.5% of the shrimp held at 26 C. Spennatophore regeneration time was also affected by temperature. Average times for first spermatophore regeneration were 192 h at 25 C, 152 h at 30 C, and 144 h at 33 C. Sperm quality of regenerated shrimp was not affected at 25 C but was reduced for regenerated animals held at 33 C. Based on these results, we recommend a water temperature between 25 and 27 C to obtain adequate spermatophore regeneration and to maintain healthy male P. setiferus broodstock for at least 30 d.     

Linking coastal aquaculture of meagre Argyrosomus regius and Western Mediterranean coastal fisheries through escapes incidents

Escape incidents in coastal aquaculture lead to economic losses for farmers and may have indirect socio‐economic effects on local fisheries. In this study, the relationship of meagre, Argyrosomus regius (Asso), production in open‐sea cages and coastal small‐scale fisheries was analysed through captures of escapes, which are easily detected because this species is considered locally absent in native communities in Western Mediterranean regions. Scale reading showed that 100% of captured meagre were escapees. The existence of a direct relationship, in terms of biomass, between the development of meagre coastal aquaculture and the increase of captures of this species by local fisheries was demonstrated. The spatial distribution of meagre captures suggested that there is a local environmental and economic interaction between meagre aquaculture and fisheries through escapees. Monitoring the presence of locally absent species such as meagre within landings might help to assess the magnitude of escapes, the potential economic effects on local aquaculture and fishery industries, and the potential adverse ecological impacts on local ecosystems.     

Explanation and Elaboration Document for the STROBE‐Vet Statement: Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology—Veterinary Extension

The STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) statement was first published in 2007 and again in 2014. The purpose of the original STROBE was to provide guidance for authors, reviewers, and editors to improve the comprehensiveness of reporting; however, STROBE has a unique focus on observational studies. Although much of the guidance provided by the original STROBE document is directly applicable, it was deemed useful to map those statements to veterinary concepts, provide veterinary examples, and highlight unique aspects of reporting in veterinary observational studies. Here, we present the examples and explanations for the checklist items included in the STROBE‐Vet statement. Thus, this is a companion document to the STROBE‐Vet statement methods and process document (JVIM_14575 “Methods and Processes of Developing the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology—Veterinary (STROBE‐Vet) Statement” undergoing proofing), which describes the checklist and how it was developed.     

Measurement of Dynamic Dough Density and Effect of Surfactants and Flour Type on Aeration During Mixing and Gas Retention During Proofing

A new method for measuring dough densities is presented, based on weighing small dough samples in air and immersed in xylene. The method can be used to evaluate the air content of low‐density doughs and to follow the changing density of a proofing dough sample. The method is applied to evaluate the effect of flour strength and surfactant addition on dough aeration and subsequent proofing. Doughs were mixed in a high‐speed mixer from two flours, a strong breadmaking flour and a weak flour. Surfactants sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL) and diacetyl tartrate esters of monoglyceride (DATEM) were added at three levels, and the air content, proofing dynamics, and baked loaf quality were evaluated. The air content of dough was proportional to headspace pressure in the mixer, while the strong flour occluded less air than the weak flour. Surfactants greatly improved the volume of baked loaves but appeared to have no significant effect on air incorporation during mixing. The addition of surfactants appeared to increase the rate of growth of the dough piece during proofing, possibly due to increased bubble breakup during mixing or to increased rates of mass transfer of CO₂ into bubbles during proofing.