Antioxidant activity of minimally processed red chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) evaluated in xanthine oxidase-, myeloperoxidase-, and diaphorase-catalyzed reactions

Minimally processed red chicory products (Cichorium intybus L. var. silvestre) were studied for their polyphenol content and antioxidant activity evaluated by using the synthetic 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl radical and three model reactions catalyzed by relevant enzymatic sources of reactive oxygen species, namely, xanthine oxidase, myeloperoxidase, and diaphorase. Products were analyzed at the time of production and after storage at 4 degrees C within either a gas permeable film or a gas barrier film. The antioxidant activity and contents of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids decreased by less than 20% during storage of the minimally processed red chicory products. Total phenolics were significantly correlated with the antioxidant activity evaluated with both the synthetic radical and the enzyme-catalyzed reactions. On a molar basis, red chicory phenolics were as efficient as the reference compound Trolox in scavenging the synthetic radical. However, red chicory phenolics had a much higher inhibitory activity than Trolox in the model enzymatic systems.     

Size Distributions of PAHs in Ambient Air Particles of Two Areas of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The size distribution of 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in particulate aerosol in two different areas of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was investigated in May 2002. One of the study areas (Bravo Murillo) was under the influence of heavy traffic and the other (Pedro Lezcano) under that of small-scale industries of various nature. The average concentration of total suspended particulates (TSP) at Bravo Murillo (35.2 μg m^-3) was roughly one-half that at Pedro Lezcano (73.6 μg m^-3); the former, however, exhibited a higher PAH content (sum of PAHs: 6.6 ± 1.8 versus 5.1 ± 3.9 ng m^-3). The aerosol size partition of total PAHs at Bravo Murillo, with a unimodal peaking at 0.08—0.3 μm, was completely different from that at Pedro Lezcano, where accumulation observed in the 3.8—7.4 μm range suggests the ageing of particles occurred, with PAHs have redistributed according to surface extension of particles.     

Combined Drought and Heat Stress in Rice: Responses,Phenotyping and Strategies to Improve Tolerance

Simultaneous occurrence of drought and heat stress will have significant negative impact on rice yield, especially under upland conditions. The projected increase in global temperatures and reduced precipitation will increase the frequency of occurrence and intensity of these stresses, threatening rice production. Despite recognizing the importance of combined stress in rice, the knowledge generated in this area is very limited. Though complex, understanding combined stress tolerance of rice under water saving cultivation is more critical towards development of climate resilient rice cultivars. Here, we summarized the effects of combined stress on rice physiology with more emphasis on reproductive stage. Omics responses, phenotyping and physiology challenges and potential strategies for improving combined stress tolerance in rice are also discussed.     

Effects of diet supplementation with white tea and methionine on lipid metabolism of gilthead sea bream juveniles (Sparus aurata)

A growth trial was performed with gilthead sea bream juveniles (Sparus aurata) to evaluate the effect of diet supplementation with white tea and methionine on fish performance and lipid metabolism. For that purpose, four diets were formulated: a fish meal–based diet (Control) and diets identical to the control diet but supplemented with 2.9 % white tea (Tea), 0.3 % methionine (Met) or 2.9 % white tea plus 0.3 % methionine (Tea + Met). Growth performance and feed efficiency parameters, whole-body and liver composition, plasma metabolites concentration and liver glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), malic enzyme (ME) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) activities were determined. Feed intake was higher in fish fed methionine–supplemented diets, whereas this parameter and growth was decreased in fish fed white tea supplementation. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were not affected by diet composition. Plasma HDL cholesterol and total lipids concentration were higher in fish fed white tea–supplemented diets. Whole-body lipid, plasma glucose, liver glycogen concentration and liver G6PDH, ME and FAS activities were lower in fish fed white tea–supplemented diets. Results of the present study indicate that methionine seems to act as a feed attractant in diets for sea bream juveniles. Additionally, white tea is an important modulator of lipid metabolism in sea bream juveniles.     

Sea turtle bycatch in Argentina: A qualitative assessment in commercial vessels

1. The Northern Argentine continental shelf is a sea turtle feeding ground that overlaps with important fisheries. Few studies assessed bycatch impact, especially on commercial vessels. 2. This work documents sea turtles' bycatch, fishery involved, species captured and crew actions. 3. Bycatch in four fisheries were registered at the 107 interviews to fishers conducted between 2021 and 2023, showing the urgency to research bottom trawling for demersal multi-species. Fishers frequently recognize Caretta caretta, and positive and negative practices towards animals have been documented on-board. 4. These results will help focus researches on fisheries with the greatest impact on sea turtles in the region. They also underscore the necessity for implementing commercial vessel monitoring programmes and improving on-board handling practices.     

Vitellogenin of the Chilean flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys adspersus</Emphasis> as a biomarker of endocrine disruption along the marine coast of the South Pacific. Part I: induction,purification, and identification

We sought to provide a useful indicator of the presence of endocrine-disrupting contaminants along the marine coast of the South Pacific using Chilean flounder (Paralichthys adspersus). In light of the lack of information on vitellogenin for this species, we induced, purified, and identified the plasma vitellogenin of Chilean flounder inhabiting the Chilean coast. Vitellogenin (Vg) from Chilean flounder was purified by size exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography using plasma from juvenile males induced by injecting 17β-estradiol. The Vg was detected by SDS–PAGE and Western blot analyses using an antibody against turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) vitellogenin. These analyses revealed a protein band of 205 kDa and three minor bands of 120, 90, and 68 kDa. These proteins were identified as Vg by means of mass spectrometry (LCQ Duo ESI-IT-MS), matching sequences of tryptic peptides to known sequences for several other fish species. The matches showed the presence of vitellogenin (VgI, VgII, Vg A and Vg B) in Chilean flounder, similar to species such as mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus), Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), and white perch (Morone americana). These results are discussed in terms of identifying Vg in Paralichthys adspersus with the antibody to turbot Vg. Moreover, we compare the molecular size of Vg from Chilean flounder (large) with that of other flatfish species. Finally, we discuss the potential use of this molecule as a biomarker for the presence of xeno-estrogenic compounds along the Chilean coastline.     

Genetic parameters for loin eye area and other body traits of an important Neotropical aquaculture species,Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818)

Estimating components of variance and genetic parameters of economically relevant traits is the first step towards planning a breeding program for aquaculture species. This study estimated the (co)variance components for growth rate and other body traits and then determined a multiple regression equation to assess the loin eye area (LEA) from morphometric traits of the Neotropical aquaculture species Colossoma macropomum. Estimation of variance components was performed using derivative‐free restricted maximum likelihood estimation using the MTDFREML package. Six predictive variables were tested to estimate the coefficient of regression equation and to select the most suitable model for predicting LEA. The estimated genetic parameter for body weight showed moderate‐to‐high heritability estimates of 0.26 (0.01) and 0.49 (0.01) at 221 and 623 days respectively. The genetic correlation (r_g) estimates between body size measurements were positive and ranged from low to high at both ages. The heritability for LEA in this assessment was 0.39 (0.03). The genetic and phenotypic correlations between LEA and the other body measurements ranged from 0.16 to 0.94 and 0.75 and 0.90 respectively. The outcomes of this study can contribute to the development of a genetics‐based breeding program that will improve (tambaqui) productivity and carcass quality.     

Characterizing the Feeding Injury Caused by Phylloscelis rubra (Hemiptera: Dictyopharidae) to Cranberries

Due to changes in pest management practices, farmers’ reports of severe feeding injury to cranberries, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton Ericales: Ericaceae, caused by the cranberry toad-bug, Phylloscelis rubra Ball, have increased in recent years in New Jersey (United States). Currently, however, limited information is available on the effects of P. rubra feeding or density of individuals needed to cause injury to cranberry vines and fruit. In 2015‒2017, we conducted studies to characterize injury to cranberry at a range of P. rubra densities by using cages in a screen-house and field, to establish a correlation between P. rubra density and crop injury in an open field experiment, and to measure the effects of P. rubra injury on the nutritional content (i.e., amounts of macro- and microelements) of cranberry vines. Phylloscelis rubra feeding on cranberry vines produced typical injury symptoms at relatively low densities (i.e., 2 individuals per vine in field cages or <10 individuals per sweep net sample in open fields), which included discolored (yellowish or reddish) or dead (brown) vines. This vine injury could lead to reductions in fruit mass and total fruit number. However, P. rubra injury to cranberry vines did not alter their nutritional composition. In general, this study highlights the ability of P. rubra to cause substantial injury to cranberry vines even when population densities were relatively low, which could result in declines in fruit production (quality and quantity). Therefore, infestations by P. rubra in cranberries must be considered when making pest management decisions in regions where this insect is present.