Anti-inflammatory properties of clovamide and Theobroma cacao phenolic extracts in human monocytes: evaluation of respiratory burst, cytokine release, NF-κB activation, and PPARγ modulation

There is a great interest in the potential health benefits of biologically active phenolic compounds in cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and dark chocolate. We investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of clovamide (a N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acid amide present in cocoa beans) and two phenolic extracts from unroasted and roasted cocoa beans, by evaluating superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) production, cytokine release, and NF-κB activation in human monocytes stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The effects of rosmarinic acid are shown for comparison. Clovamide and rosmarinic acid inhibited PMA-induced O(2)(-) production and cytokine release (with a bell-shaped curve and maximal inhibition at 10-100 nM), as well as PMA-induced NF-κB activation; the two cocoa extracts were less effective. In all tests, clovamide was the most potent compound and also enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) activity, which may exert anti-inflammatory effects. These findings indicate clovamide as a possible bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory activity in human cells.     

One-Year Cycle of DDT Concentrations in High-Altitude Soils

Soils are an important sink for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and high mountain soils are considered a stable reservoir for many compounds due to their high organic matter content. This study focuses on the small-scale variability on the environmental distribution of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in mountain soils. Several soil samples taken from May 2007 to June 2008 in a small area at around 1,900 m?a.s.l. (Italian Central Alps) were analyzed for DDT compounds. Pedological analyses were done as well. Organic matter content, soil layer, differences in solar radiation, and sampling period were considered as possible variability factors. Organic matter content can account for a DDT concentration difference of a factor 3 among different sites, soil layer can account for a concentration difference of a factor near 2, differences in solar radiation values do not seem to affect DDT concentrations, whereas the sampling period has the greatest influence with a difference factor of three to four among different sampling dates. Summing all these variability factors together, even though operating on such a small scale, we obtain a predicted spatial variability depending on the considered variables near to one order of magnitude. In particular, it was surprising that seasonal variations could be so great. If this conclusion is to be confirmed in the future, this element must be considered very carefully by scientists and environmental agencies during monitoring campaigns.     

Modelling the Density Contrast Effect on a Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Plume Reaching the Shore Line

Diffused petroleum and chlorinated hydrocarbon contamination was detected in a sandy aquifer below a chemical plant in Southern Italy. The contamination was due to underground leaking tanks and pipes. The site is located near the shore line and is bordered by canals which, in combination with pumping wells, control the groundwater flow direction toward the sea. In this study, a comprehensive three-dimensional flow model was developed and calibrated to simulate the general groundwater flow system and to individuate a flow line. On this latter, a detailed field investigation was performed in order to determine the fate of dissolved hydrocarbons. Depth profiles obtained from multi-level samplers located along the modelled flow line, including measurements of hydrocarbons, all major ions and dissolved gasses, were used to constrain the conceptual model. These data were then included into a two-dimensional transport model in order to verify the efficacy of the hydraulic barrier (HB) in preventing the hydrocarbon plume to reach the shore line. Two different approaches were used in the transport simulation, one accounting for density-dependent flow and the other not. The calibrated models show that the plume length and consequently, the submarine groundwater discharge of contaminants is slightly different for the two approaches. For the simulation not accounting for the density contrast between freshwater and saltwater, the mass of contaminant discharged downstream to the HB was underestimated and also the reconstructed plume geometry was different than the observed. Moreover, the reconstruction of the saltwater intrusion interface (SWII) with the two different approaches was substantially different. This study demonstrates that at field site, variable density processes should be carefully taken into account not only when the modelling is devoted to the reconstruction of the SWII but also when the modelling is targeting the fate of hydrocarbons at sites affected by SWII, in order to provide accurate data on which soundly environmental management of the coastal zone can be based.     

Phylogeography and conservation perspectives of an endangered macaronesian endemic: Picconia azorica (Tutin) Knobl. (Oleaceae)

The Azores provide an excellent field test for research activities aimed at developing conservation strategies for endangered tree species. In this work, the urgency to promote Picconia azorica conservation programs addressed (a) insights into the biotaxonomy of the species (including an evaluation of its origin and relationships with the only congeneric species of P. azorica: P. excelsa from the Canary and Madeira islands) and (b) the evaluation of P. azorica genetic diversity. Plastid DNA sequence analysis and molecular markers (RFLP and SSR) were used for this purpose. Phylogenetic data suggest the monophyly of Picconia and support a late Miocene divergence of the two species. Three polymorphic cpSSR loci allowed the identification of five different haplotypes in P. azorica. Uniqueness and relictuality of lineages are presented and discussed. Picconia azorica intra-specific diversity patterns revealed low genetic diversity and a weak genetic structure, which could result from long-lasting ecological stability and efficient inter-island seed movement that have been severely affected in recent times. The species survival is at risk, and we suggest management practices focusing on ex situ and in situ conservation units based on eco-genetic data. Additional measures contributing to mild erosion of the genepool and to remove barriers to seed dispersal are indicated.     

A note on the insecticide sensitivity status of Meligethes species (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in Luxembourg

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Adult pollen beetles, Meligethes spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), were sampled from 27 and 35 oilseed rape (Brassica napus subsp. oleifera) fields...     

Ovariohysterectomy in a dog by a hybrid NOTES technique

This report demonstrates the feasibility of an elective ovariosalpingohysterectomy by natural transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) hybrid technique in a dog. A 5-mm abdominal cannula was used in combination with a 10-mm cannula (vaginal access). The patient's quick recovery and the absence of complications are indicative of the effectiveness of this surgery.     

Gastric and enteric phytobezoars caused by ingestion of persimmon in equids

CASE DESCRIPTION-13 equids (10 horses, 2 donkeys, and 1 pony) were examined for signs of colic (n = 7), weight loss (6), anorexia (3), and diarrhea (2). Ten equids were evaluated in the fall (September to November). Seven equids had a history of persimmon ingestion. CLINICAL FINDINGS-A diagnosis of phytobezoar caused by persimmon ingestion was made for all equids. Eight equids had gastric persimmon phytobezoars; 5 had enteric persimmon phytobezoars. Gastroscopy or gastroduodenoscopy revealed evidence of persimmon ingestion in 8 of 10 equids in which these procedures were performed. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-2 of 13 equids were euthanatized prior to treatment. Supportive care was instituted in 11 of 13 equids, including IV administration of fluids (n = 8) and treatment with antimicrobials (5), NSAIDs (5), and gastric acid suppressants (4). Persimmon phytobezoar-specific treatments included dietary modification to a pelleted feed (n = 8); oral or nasogastric administration of cola or diet cola (4), cellulase (2), or mineral oil (2); surgery (4); and intrapersimmon phytobezoar injections with acetylcysteine (1). Medical treatment in 5 of 7 equids resulted in resolution of gastric persimmon phytobezoars. Seven of 8 equids with gastric persimmon phytobezoars and 1 of 5 equids with enteric persimmon phytobezoars survived > 1 year after hospital discharge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Historical knowledge of persimmon ingestion in equids with gastrointestinal disease warrants gastroduodenoscopy for evaluation of the presence of persimmon phytobezoars. In equids with gastric persimmon phytobezoars, medical management (including administration of cola or diet cola and dietary modification to a pelleted feed) may allow for persimmon phytobezoar dissolution.