Soil water storage appears to compensate for climatic aridity at the xeric margin of European tree species distribution

Based on macroecological data, we test the hypothesis whether European tree species of temperate and boreal distribution maintain their water and nutrient supply in the more arid southern margin of their distribution range by shifting to more fertile soils with higher water storage than in their humid core distribution range (cf. soil compensatory effects). To answer this question, we gathered a large dataset with more than 200,000 plots that we related to summer aridity (SA), derived from WorldClim data, as well as soil available water capacity (AWC) and soil nutrient status, derived from the European soil database. The soil compensatory effects on tree species distribution were tested through generalized additive models. The hypothesis of soil compensatory effects on tree species distribution under limiting aridity was supported in terms of statistical significance and plausibility. Compared to a bioclimatic baseline model, inclusion of soil variables systematically improved the models’ goodness of fit. However, the relevance measured as the gain in predictive performance was small, with largest improvements for P. sylvestris, Q. petraea and A. alba. All studied species, except P. sylvestris, preferred high AWC under high SA. For F. sylvatica, P. abies and Q. petraea, the compensatory effect of soil AWC under high SA was even more pronounced on acidic soils. Soil compensatory effects might have decisive implications for tree species redistribution and forest management strategies under anthropogenic climate change. Therefore, soil compensatory effects deserve more intensive investigation, ideally, in studies combining different spatial scales to reduce the uncertainty associated with the precision of soil information.     

Virulent and attenuated lines of Leishmania major: DNA karyotypes and differences in metalloproteinase GP63

The Leishmania metalloproteinase GP63 has been reported to play important roles mainly in resistance of promastigotes to complement-mediated lysis and in interaction with macrophage receptors. On the other hand, its function in insect vectors is still unclear. We compared the structure and dosage of gp63 genes and the activity of GP63 in Leishmania major Yakimoff et Schokhor strains and lines differing in virulence for mice and ability to develop in sand flies. The results demonstrate considerable variability in amount and proteolytical activity of GP63 among L. major strains although genomic changes in the gp63 locus were not found. Attenuated LV561/AV line showed low amount and low enzymatic activity of GP63. Serial passages of attenuated parasites through either Phlebotomus duboscqi Neveu-Lemaire or through mice led to a recovery of GP63 proteolytical activity to the level present in virulent LV561/V line. Overexpression of GP63 was found in two L major strains (L119, Neal) with defective lipophosphoglycan (LPG); both these strains were capable to cause mice infection but unable to survive and multiply in sand flies. Differences were found also in karyotypes and in amount of minichromosomes amplified in some lines of the LV561 strain. The results suggest that parasite virulence is not simply correlated with the activity of GP63; however, this enzyme plays a significant role in association with other surface molecules, especially LPG. Overexpression of GP63 can compensate LPG defect in the vertebrate host but in sand flies both molecules fulfil quite different functions and the defect in LPG is lethal for the parasite. On the other hand, linear minichromosomes of about 200 kb found in some lines of the LV561 strain are associated with development in vitro and in the vector but they are not essential for the infection of the vertebrate host.     

Interaction of Root-knot Nematodes (RKN) and the Bacterium Agrobacterium Tumefaciens in Roots of Prunus Cerasifera: Evidence of the Protective Effect of the Ma RKN Resistance Genes Against Expression of Crown Gall Symptoms

Agrobacterium tumefaciens (AT) is the causal agent of crown gall, a major problem in the family Rosaceae and particularly for Prunus spp. Crown gall symptoms result from the bacterial infection of the cells damaged mechanically at the collar or by root parasitic nematodes. Myrobalan plum (P. cerasifera) is susceptible to AT and is not a host for the root-knot nematode (RKN), M. hapla. Some clones of this plum carry single Ma resistance genes that control M. arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica. The four above mentioned RKN and Myrobalan progenies segregating for Ma were used in experiments aimed at obtaining a better knowledge of the interaction between AT and RKN in relation to the RKN resistance genes. Prunus rooted cuttings, naturally infected with the bacterium were repotted, grown and inoculated individually with RKN. In a first experiment, Prunus plants were (i) either inoculated with 10,000 juveniles (J2s) of M. arenaria to provide a short inoculum pressure (SIP) or (ii) inoculated by association with one M. arenaria-galled tomato root system that produced a high and durable inoculum pressure of the same nematode species. Four months after RKN inoculation, plants were rated for nematode and bacterial root galling symptoms. RKN and AT galls were more numerous and more homogenous under DIP than under SIP. Nevertheless, for both inoculum regimes, AT galls were present in the RKN-susceptible clones (= carrying none of the Ma genes) and absent in the RKN-resistant clones. Subsequent experiments, conducted under DIP with M. arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica and M. hapla, also showed, for the three first species, the presence of AT galls only in RKN-susceptible clones whereas Prunus plants inoculated with M. hapla and nematode-free controls were free of AT galls. Consequently RKN act as a wound agent in the AT infection process of Myrobalan plum only when the plant develops a compatible reaction (i.e. when it lacks the Ma resistance genes). Considering that J2s do penetrate the roots of resistant plants, the absence of crown gall symptoms on this material even under durable inoculum pressure strengthens the hypothesis that this nematode stage has a very weak effect on plant cells during the infection process. This is the first evidence of the protective effect of a RKN resistance gene against the expression of root crown gall consecutive to RKN infection. The protective effect of Ma and presumably of other RKN resistance genes against AT is a strong argument for their introgression into Prunus and other Rosaceae or bacterium-susceptible crops.     

In vitro validation of a Pitot-based flow meter for the measurement of respiratory volume and flow in large animal anaesthesia

Objective  To remodel and validate commercially available monitors and their Pitot tube-based flow sensors for use in large animals, using in vitro techniques.
Study design  Prospective, in vitro experiment.
Methods  Both the original and the remodelled sensor were studied with a reference flow generator. Measurements were taken of the static flow-pressure relationship and linearity of the flow signal. Sensor airway resistance was calculated. Following recalibration of the host monitor, volumes ranging from 1 to 7 L were generated by a calibration syringe, and bias and precision of spirometric volume was determined. Where manual recalibration was not available, a conversion factor for volume measurement was determined. The influence of gas composition mixture and peak flow on the conversion factor was studied.
Results  Both the original and the remodelled sensor showed similar static flow–pressure relationships and linearity of the flow signal. Mean bias (%) of displayed values compared with the reference volume of 3, 5 and 7 L varied between −0.4% and +2.4%, and this was significantly smaller than that for 1 L (4.8% to +5.0%). Conversion factors for 3, 5 and 7 L were very similar (mean 6.00 ± 0.2, range 5.91–6.06) and were not significantly influenced by the gas mixture used. Increasing peak flow caused a small decrease in the conversion factor. Volume measurement error and conversion factors for inspiration and expiration were close to identity.
Conclusion  The combination of the host monitor with the remodelled flow sensor allowed accurate in vitro measurement of flows and volumes in a range expected during large animal anaesthesia.
Clinical relevance  This combination has potential as a reliable spirometric monitor for use during large animal anaesthesia.     

Model studies on the release of aroma compounds from structured and nonstructured oil systems using proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometry

Relative retention, volatility, and temporal release of volatile compounds taken from aldehyde, ester, and alcohol chemical classes were studied at 70 degrees C in model systems using equilibrium static headspace analysis and real time dynamic headspace analysis. These systems were medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), sunflower oil, and two structured systems, i.e., water-in-oil emulsion and L2 phase (water-in-oil microemulsion). Hydrophilic domains of the emulsion type media retained specifically the hydrophilic compounds and alcohols. Four kinetic parameters characterizing the concentration- and time-dependent releases were extracted from the aroma release curves. Most of the kinetic parameter values were higher in structured systems than in oils particularly when using MCT. The oil nature was found to better control the dynamic release profiles than the system structures. The release parameters were well-related (i) to the volatile hydrophobicity as a function of the oil used and (ii) to the retention data in the specific case of the L2 phase due to a specific release behavior of alcohols.     

Phycobiliprotein C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis is powerfully responsible for reducing oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase expression induced by an atherogenic diet in hamsters

The effects of spirulina and its chromophore phycocyanin, both without bound Se or selenium-enriched, were studied on plasma cholesterol, early atherosclerosis, cardiac production of superoxide anions, and NAD(P)H oxidase expression in hamsters. Forty hamsters were divided into 5 groups of 8 and fed an atherogenic diet for 12 weeks. They received by gavage either 7.14 mL/(kg day) phycocyanin (PC), Se-rich phycocyanin (SePC), spirulina (SP) or Se-rich spirulina (SeSP) in water, or water as control. SeSP and SePC supplied 0.4 microg of Se per 100 g body weight. Plasma cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol concentrations were lower in group consuming SePC. HDL-cholesterol was never affected. SePC significantly increased plasma antioxidant capacity by 42% compared with controls. A sparing effect in liver glutathione peroxidase (87% on average) and superoxide dismutase (56% on average) activity was observed for all the groups compared to controls. Aortic fatty streak area was significantly reduced in the experimental groups, especially by PC (82%) and SePC (85%). Cardiac production of superoxide anion significantly decreased by approximately 46-76% in the four experimental groups and especially in SePC group (76%). The expression of p22phox subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase decreased by 34% after consumption of SePC. The results indicate that chronic consumption of Se-rich spirulina phycocyanin powerfully prevents the development of atherosclerosis. The underlying mechanism is related mainly to inhibiting pro-oxidant factors and at a lesser extent improving the serum lipid profile.     

A comparative study of sexual product quality in F1 hybrids of the bream Abramis brama?×?the silver bream Blicca bjoerkna

The gonadosomatic index at spawning, absolute fecundity, and egg size for the female sexual products as well as the density and consistency of semen for the male sexual products were examined in cultured Abramis brama?×?Blicca bjoerkna F1 hybrids and compared with the parental species at their first sexual maturity. Females ovulated under environmental conditions, and their eggs were weighed, counted and measured. Semen of males was macroscopically examined and spermatozoa counted using a hemocytometer. Results revealed that hybridization affected the quality of female and male gametes but with an overlap between hybrids and parents. The gonadosomatic index and fecundity were significantly lower than those of parental species. Egg sizes in hybrids showed a parental effect but to the benefit of hybrids. Semen of hybrids was more diluted which was classified into two groups: the white semen overlapping slightly with parents and the aqueous without any overlap with parents. Overlapped areas between hybrids and parents in term of quality of sexual products could translate that females and males of these hybrids have the biological capacity to produce high quality gametes and thus, a greater chance to produce F2 and backcross generations in rivers.     

Growth and gonad development of the tropical black-lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera (L.), in the Gambier archipelago (French Polynesia)

The growth and reproductive cycle of cultured black-lipped pearl oysters, Pinctada margaritifera (L.), were studied in the Gambier Islands (134°52′ W, 23°07′ S) from September 2002 to August 2003. Temperatures were recorded throughout the year, revealing seasonal temperature variations between 22.3 and 27.8°C. The mean annual chlorophyll a value, as computed from satellite data, was 0.188 ± 0.075 μg L⁻¹. To study growth and reproduction, 720 two-year-old individuals were ear hung on long-lines suspended at a depth of 7 m. Samples were taken twice a month to obtain the following measurements: shell height; wet weight of flesh and total oyster; dry weight of adductor muscle, mantle and visceral mass; and glycogen content. Gonad development was also studied by histology on parallel samples. Growth was relatively fast during the first 6 months of the study: average shell height increased from 89.1 ± 9.1 to 119.7 ± 10.8 mm and total weight from 93.4 ± 24.5 to 155.1 ± 33.6 g, between September and the end of March. Subsequently, from April to August, no significant growth was observed for shell and flesh, while the muscle weight decreased significantly. Condition index (CI), defined as the ratio of wet weight of the visceral mass to shell weight, and histological changes in the gonad revealed 3 significant reproductive events of different intensities. The analysis of correlations revealed a specific effect of the chlorophyll a concentration on the growth of shell and soma, and one of the temperature on tissue glycogen content. This study also showed also that CI could be an efficient indicator of reproductive events in pearl oyster. It thus appears that the development of gonads goes on throughout the year in the Gambier Islands, without any detectable phase of sexual rest.