Phytoextraction of Cd and Pb and physiological effects in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum var. Spunta): importance of root temperature.

Three consecutive years of field experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of different root-zone temperatures, induced by the application of mulches, on the concentration and accumulation of Cd and Pb and on bioindicators (chlorophylls, catalase, peroxidase and cell wall fractions) in different organs of potato plants (roots, tubers, stems, and leaflets). Four different plastic covers were employed (T1, transparent polyethylene; T2, white polyethylene; T3, white and black coextruded polyethylene, and T4, black polyethylene), using uncovered plants as the control (T0). The different treatments had a significant effect on the mean root-zone temperatures (T0 = 16 degrees C, T1 = 20 degrees C, T2 = 23 degrees C, T3 = 27 degrees C, and T4 = 30 degrees C) and induced significantly different responses in the Cd and Pb concentrations and phytoaccumulation, with T2 (23 degrees C) and T3 (27 degrees C) giving high concentrations of Cd in the roots and low concentrations in other organs. In relation to Pb, T2 and T3 reached higher levels in the tubers and lower levels in the roots, stems, and leaves. In terms of phytoaccumulation, the roots and tubers were the most effective organs for Cd and Pb. On the other hand, the highest values of peroxidase and catalase activities were obtained for T3. In addition, most of the carbohydrate fractions in both the roots and the tubers were highest for T3. Meanwhile, the lowest pigment values were registered for T1 (20 degrees C). For phytoremediation, it is necessary to ascertain the relevance and control of the thermal regime of the soil to optimize the phytoextraction of pollutant elements (Cd and Pb).     

Nutritive evaluation of the seed,germinated seed,and string bean of Erythrina americana and the detoxification of the material by boiling

The nutritive and toxicological values of the dry seeds, germinated seeds, and string beans of Erythrina americana were studied using raw and boiled samples. Raw germinated seeds had a higher protein content and lower fiber content than dry seeds. The whole string bean had lower protein content and higher fiber content. However, the seeds of the green pod showed the same protein concentration as the dry seeds (dry basis). Boiling and elimination of broth was beneficial in diminishing the alkaloid concentration in all the samples. The trypsin inhibitors, lectins, and tannins were also diminished as was expected. The raw string bean showed the lowest LD(50). Although the total essential amino acids content of the boiled germinated seeds was increased, the quality of protein, protein efficiency ratio (PER), was lower than in boiled dry seeds, and in these, the PER was similar to the control (casein). The present results suggest that for the protein quality and low alkaloid content, the boiled dry seeds and string beans could be used for animal feeding. It could be interesting to test the raw string beans in ruminants since in this stage E. americana showed the lowest toxicity.     

Changes in amine concentrations during aging of red wine in oak barrels

This investigation studied the evolution of amines in red wines made with Merlot variety, during aging in American oak barrels (Quercus alba) and in French oak barrels (Quercus sessilis) from the Allier and Nevers regions. From the results obtained it was observed that the evolutions of the amines were similar in all three types of oak woods. Histamine and tyramine were produced at the beginning of the aging process, although they were not accumulated in the wines, probably due to their degradation. Putrescine was the most abundant amine in the wines; its concentration increased to an important extent during aging as it did not undergo degradation. The concentration of cadaverine increased slightly at the first stage of aging and, like putrescine, did not degrade at all. The volatile amines showed slight variations during aging, although in no cases were high accumulations observed in the wines. Dimethylamine and isobutylamine were degraded during storage in the barrels.     

Comparison of the Antibody Response in Adult Cattle Against Different Epitopes of Brucella abortus Lipopolysaccharide

The comparison of serological responses in a sample of adult, vaccinated and field‐infected bovines with Brucella abortus is reported. Indirect enzyme immunoassay (EIA) titration curves and Western blotting tests for smooth‐type lipopolysaccharide (S‐LPS), rough‐type LPS (R‐LPS) and lipid A were performed. In the initial screening of sera, an overall prevalence of 20.5 % was found, which corresponds to a country with a high incidence of brucellosis. End‐point EIA titres against LPS antigens from vaccinated and field‐infected cows were not significantly different. However, the absorbance values in the titration curves were significantly higher for S‐LPS as compared with the other antigens. A high correlation coefficient (r=0.933) was obtained when the titres to R‐LPS versus lipid A were compared. Western blotting reactions of vaccinated and field‐infected animals were indistinguishable. S‐LPS, R‐LPS and lipid A epitopes were recognized in a heterogeneous manner. In general, the number of bovines that reacted against LPS was higher in the field‐infected group, with a stronger binding to S‐LPS. Based on our observations, the vaccinated and field‐infected bovines are capable of producing similar antibody responses to the Brucella main outer surface antigen, LPS. It should be emphasized that the humoral response of cattle to Brucella LPS contains significant amounts of antibodies to other antigenic moieties of this important surface molecule, which may contribute to the immunity to brucellosis.     

A soil sequence in the natural and reclaimed marshes of the Guadalquivir river,Seville (Spain)

Five soil profiles from a saline zone in the province of Seville (“Marismas del Guadalquivir”, SW. Spain) and one from an adjacent non-saline zone, have been analyzed in order to determine their physical and chemical properties and their classification.All of these soils are recent and of fine texture. Hydraulic conductivity, except in top layers, as well as aeration porosity, is always low; non-available water holding capacity and linear extensibility, high. Differences are however found between those located near the river channel and those at the limit of Marismas in contact with vertisols, due to parent material, situation and use. Particularly noticeable is the progressive increment of their vertic character.     

The prevalence of antibodies to influenza virus and respiratory coronavirus in fattening pigs in Spain

The presence of antibodies to two influenza viruses of the type A (H1N1 and H3N2) and to a porcine respiratory coronavirus was investigated in a study lasting a year. 735 blood serum samples were collected from 79 closed pig fattening farms in the province Segovia (Spain). Hemagglutination inhibition was used with influenza viruses. The percentage of positive results was 78.5% and 62.5% respectively for the serotypes H1N1 and H3N2. A clear reduction in the spread of antibodies was observed in the autumn. The ELISA technique was used with the porcine respiratory coronavirus. As antigen we used the antigenically related transmissible porcine gastroenteritis virus. Using this technique 87% of the sera were positive. Some of these sera with representative ELISA values were confirmed by means of serum neutralisation and radioimmune precipitation of the viral proteins. The incidence of these antibodies remained unchanged over the whole year of the investigation.