Antioxidant effect of two virgin olive oils depends on the concentration and composition of minor polar compounds

In vitro studies show that some individual minor polar phenolic compounds (MPC) present in virgin olive oil prevent oxidation of human low-density lipoproteins (LDL), but few data are available on the antioxidant effect of whole oil extract. Thus, whole virgin olive extracts were studied to determine whether they maintain the antioxidant activity and whether this last is linked to MPC composition of a single virgin oil. Using HPLC-DAD the MPC content in Taggiasca and Seggianese virgin olive oils was measured. Taggiasca oil was less rich in total MPC (208.5 mg/L) than Seggianese oil (441.9 mg/L). In addition, the major compounds of Taggiasca oil were lignan derivatives, whereas the major compounds in Seggianese oils were secoiridoid derivatives. Moreover, Taggiasca oil was practically free of 5-hydroxytyrosol and 5-hydroxytyrosol derivatives, deacetoxy-oleuropein aglycone and oleuropein aglycone. The antioxidant activity of the oils on human LDL was evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde and conjugate diene generation induced by copper ions. In both tests, the oil extracts dose-dependently reduced malondialdehyde and conjugate diene generation. Moreover, antioxidant potency correlated with total MPC; thus, Seggianese extract was more active. The two oils differed quantitatively and qualitatively, and these differences influenced their biological activities; thus clinical trials focused on studying the effects of olive oils should specify the oils used.     

Effektive Kontrolle des Braunrostes (Puccinia recondita f. sp. secalis Rob. ex Desm.) in Winterroggen mit Fungiziden unterschiedlicher Wirkstoffgruppen – Auswertung der Ringversuche der L?nder Brandenburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Sachsen und Thüringen

To investigate different control measures against the diseases in winter rye several trials were done in the German federal states. As a result from these trials the brown rust,Puccinia recondita f. sp.secalis, was the disease with the most negative influence on the yield. The brown rust occurrence at different times on the top three leaves depend on the winter and spring weather. It should be verify whether the protective use of fungicide mixtures with the new carboxamides active ingredient benefits the curative use (disease onset) in terms of achieved efficiency againstP. recondita. It can be stated that the action threshold does not need to be changed when using fungicide mixtures with carboxamides. Regarding the duration of the fungicide efficacy againstP. recondita an order in increasingly levels of efficiency could be determinate. The order is, from lowest to highest, azole fungicides, strobilurin-azole compounds, azole carboxamide compounds, and azole-carboxamide strobilurin mixtures. Due to the variability in the values of the individual test sites in the experimental series the tendency could be confirmed, however, no statistical significant differences between the various mixtures could be determined. The new carboxamides enrich the possibilities of targeted anti-resistance strategy againstP. recondita in winter rye. These trials results are introduced into recommendations for agricultural practice.     

Effects of palmitoylethanolamide on the cutaneous allergic inflammatory response in Ascaris hypersensitive Beagle dogs

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous lipid mediator with anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic properties. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of PEA on the cutaneous allergic inflammatory reaction induced by different immunological and non-immunological stimuli in hypersensitive dogs. Six spontaneously Ascaris hypersensitive Beagle dogs were challenged with intradermal injections of Ascaris suum extract, substance P and anti-canine IgE, before and after a single oral administration of PEA at doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg. A significant reduction in wheal area induced by both antigen and anti-canine IgE challenge was observed after PEA administration. No significant differences were observed between the two higher doses studied, suggesting that the 10 mg/kg dose had exerted the maximum inhibitory effect. When blood levels of PEA were compared with the effects at different times, an evident correlation was obtained. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of PEA were more long-lasting than their plasma concentrations. The intradermal injection of substance P did not reveal any skin reaction (wheal or erythema formation) at any of the concentrations tested. In conclusion, PEA might constitute a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of allergic inflammatory skin diseases in companion animals.     

Biceps femoris muscle transposition for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new extracapsular surgical technique for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs. Nine small breed dogs (seven females and two males) weighing ≤ 15 kg were treated with biceps femoris muscle transposition (BFT). The duration of the BFT procedure was 20 min. Each patient underwent a standard clinical protocol and a questionnaire for the owners. Follow-up (at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperative) confirmed significant improvement in all patients, especially at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.01) and again after complete stifle joint assessment at 3 months postoperatively. After 12 months, only two patients showed a slight increase in osteoarthritis. According to our results, BFT is a simple extracapsular surgical technique that can be used for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs.     

Assessing soil P fractions changes with long-term phosphorus fertilization related to crop yield of soybean and maize

Long-term P Fertiliser application increases soil phosphorus (P) labile fractions, which can be associated with crop P uptake and grain yield and are useful to improve fertilizer recommendations. Research aims were to evaluate in long-term experiments with different P Fertiliser application in a Mollisol and a Vertisol: (a) the changes of soil P fractions and (b) the relationship between soil P fractions with long-term P Fertiliser application, with accumulated apparent P budget, grain P, total P uptake, soybean (Glycine max L.Merr.) and maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield. Soil P fractions were measured after 1 and 9 year since the beginning of the long-term experiments. Experiments included an initial Fertiliser application rate of 200 kg P ha⁻¹ and annual P Fertiliser application rate of 36 kg P ha⁻¹. Bray1-P, total, organic, and inorganic P in fine (<53 μm) and coarse (>53 μm) (CF) soil fractions, and in NaHCO₃ extract were measured. Initial P Fertiliser application increased inorganic and total P fractions. However, Bray1-P, total P in NaHCO₃ extract and in the CF were the fractions that most increased with continuous long-term P Fertiliser application in both sites. In the Mollisol, maize grain yield was unrelated to long-term P Fertiliser application. In the Vertisol, total P in NaHCO₃ extract, and total and organic P in the CF were more closely related to soybean grain yield than Bray1-P. We proposed soil P indices of labile inorganic and organic P that showed close relationships with soybean grain yield and may be useful to improve the diagnosis of P soil fertility.     

Absorption,translocation and distribution of lindane and DDT in the corn plant

Summary Data are given on the translocation and distribution of lindane and DDT in corn plants, and on their accumulation in corn kernels.The studies were conducted between 1966 and 1968, using emulsifiable products containing lindane and DDT formulated according to the same formulation. The insecticides were introduced in the plant by absorption from the soil and by injection.A part of the internodes of the 5 plants, representing a variant, were analysed. From the data obtained it results that insecticide absorption in the plants varies in terms of the date of application, and the rate of plant development.Following plant injections, DDT accumulated in larger amounts than lindane and, conversely, by absorption from the soil lindane was absorbed in larger quantities.It was found that both lindane and DDT are able to translocate and accumulate in corn plants and kernels. This translocation is higher for lindane and less so for DDT. In the case of lindane, an accumulation at the level of the physiologically active plant centers was established.Compound accumulation in a larger or smaller proportion is also a function of the water regime,, and their localization in various zones of the plant probably is governed by some physiological factors.

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Zusammenfassung Daten über Translokation und Verteilung von Lindan und DDT in der Maispflanze sowie über Anreicherung in den Maiskörnern werden mitgeteilt.Die Forschungsarbeiten wurden in den Jahren 1966–1968 durchgeführt. Als Versuchspräparate dienten emulgiertes Lindan und nach der gleichen Formulierung hergestellte DDT-Emulsion.Die Insektizide wurden der Pflanze auf zwei verschiedenen Wegen zugeführt, und zwar durch Bodenabsorption und durch Injektion.Die Internodien der 5 Pflanzen, die eine Variante bildeten, wurdern auf Rückstände analysiert.Auf Grund der erzielten Resultate wird festgestellt, daß die Insektizidaufnahme durch die Pflanze von ihrem Entwicklungsstadium und von dem Behandlungstermin abhängig ist.Von den injizierten Insektiziden wurden in der Pflanze größere DDT-Mengen gespeichert, während durch Bodenabsorption größere Mengen Lindan von der Pflanze aufgenommen wurden.Es wird weiterhin festgestellt, daß sowohl Lindan als auch DDT in der Maispflanze bis in die Körner weitergeleitet und gespeichert werden kann. Bei Lindan ist die Translokation intensiver als bei DDT.Größere Lindananreicherungen wurden im Bereich der physiologisch aktiven Pflanzenzentren festgestellt.Größere oder geringere Anreicherungen von Insektiziden in der Pflanze hängen auch von ihrem Wasserhaushalt ab, während die Lokalisierung in den einzelnen Pflanzenzonen von bestimmten physiologischen Faktoren abhängig ist.

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Résumé On présente des données sur la translocation et la répartition du lindane et du DDT dans la plante de maïs, et sur leur accumulation dans les graines.Les recherches ont été effectuées de 1966 à 1968, en utilisant des produits émulsifiables contenant du lindane et du DDT, conditionnés selon la même formulation.Les insecticides ont été introduits dans la plante soit par absorbtion, soit par des injections.On a analysé partiellement les internodes des 5 plantes qui ont constitué une variante.Les données obtenues montrent que l'absorbtion des insecticides dans la plante varie en fonction du moment de l'application du traitement et en rapport avec le degré de développement de la plante.A la suite des injections, le DDT a été accumulé en plus grande quantité que le lindane et, au contraire, l'accumulation du lindane a été plus importante à la suite de l'absorbtion à partir du sol.On constate que le lindane et le DDT peuvent être transloqués et accumulés dans les plantes et les graines de maïs. Cette translocation est plus importante chez le lindane, et elle est moindre dans le cas du DDT. En ce qui concerne le lindane, on constate des accumulations au niveau des centres physiologiquement actifs de la plante.L'accumulation en une proportion plus ou moins grande est aussi conditionnée par le régime de l'eau, cependant que la localisation de ces substances dans diverses zones de la plante est déterminée par certains facteurs physiologiques.

     

Structural Modifications of Gluten Proteins in Strong and Weak Wheat Dough During Mixing

The network‐forming attributes of gluten have been investigated for decades, but no study has comprehensively addressed the differences in gluten network evolution between strong and weak wheat types (hard and soft wheat). This study monitored changes in SDS protein extractability, SDS‐accessible thiols, protein surface hydrophobicity, molecular weight distribution, and secondary structural features of proteins during mixing to bring out the molecular determinants of protein network formation in hard and soft wheat dough. Soft wheat flour and dough exhibited greater protein extractability and more accessible thiols than hard wheat flour and dough. The addition of the thiol‐blocking agent N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM) resulted in similar results for protein extractability and accessible thiols in hard and soft wheat samples. Soft wheat dough had greater protein surface hydrophobicity than hard wheat and exhibited a larger decrease in surface hydrophobicity in the presence of NEM. Formation of high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) protein in soft wheat dough was primarily because of formation of disulfides among low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) proteins, as indicated by the absence of changes in protein distribution when NEM was present, whereas in hard wheat dough the LMW fraction formed disulfide interaction with the HMW fraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated formation of β‐sheets in dough from either wheat type at peak mixing torque. Formation of β‐sheets in soft wheat dough appears to be driven by hydrophobic interactions, whereas disulfide linkages stabilize secondary structure elements in hard wheat dough.