Validation of a thermal threshold nociceptive model in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Objectives

To validate a thermal threshold (TT) nociceptive model in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and to document TT changes after administration of morphine.

Furanoditerpene ester and thiocarbonyldioxy derivatives inhibit photosynthesis

6α,7β-Dihydroxyvouacapan-17β-oic acid (1) and methyl 6α,7β-dihydroxyvouacapan-17β-oate (8) were isolated from Pterodon polygalaeflorus Benth. 1 was modified to obtain 6α-hydroxyvouacapan-7-β,17β lactone (2). Then, 6-oxovouacapan-7β,17β lactone (3) was obtained from 2. The furanoditerpene ester derivatives: propyl 7β-hydroxy-6-oxovouacapan-17β-oate (4), butyl 7β-hydroxy-6-oxovouacapan-17β-oate (5), 2-methoxyethyl 7β-hydroxy-6-oxovouacapan-17β-oate (6) and 3-methylbut-2-enyl 7β-hydroxy-6-oxovouacapan-17β-oate (7) were synthesized from (3) and methyl 6α,7β-thiocarbonyldioxyvouacapan-17β-oate (9) was obtained from (8). In this work, the lactone ester derivatives 4-7 and 9 were tested on photosynthetic activities in an attempt to search for new compounds as potential herbicide agents that affect photosynthesis. All compounds inhibited ATP synthesis and electron flow from water to MV, therefore, they act as Hill reaction inhibitors, being 4- to 9-fold more potent than 2 and 3 as inhibitors of ATP synthesis. Their interaction site was located at PSII in a similar way to diuron. Furthermore, furanoditerpene esters 6 and 7 act as uncouplers, and were corroborated by enhancement of the light-activated Mg²⁺-ATPase, while 5 act as an energy transfer inhibitor. Finally 5-7 behave as herbicides, since they inhibit the biomass production of weeds assay.     

Can sulfur fertilisation improve the effectiveness of trap crops for diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)?

BACKGROUND: The effect of sulfur fertilisation on chemical constituents of yellow rocket, Barbarea vulgaris (R. Br.), was studied with regard to its potential use as a trap crop for the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Two types of B. vulgaris var. arcuata were used: the G‐type, resistant to P. xylostella and proposed as a ‘dead‐end’ trap crop, and the P‐type, not resistant to P. xylostella and used as a control. RESULTS: In G‐type B. vulgaris, sulfur fertilisation increased the content of the dominant glucosinolate (S)‐2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylethylglucosinolate by 20%. Sulfur fertilisation did not significantly change levels of the saponins 3‐0‐β‐cellobiosylhederagenin and 3‐0‐β‐cellobiosyloleanolic acid, known to act as feeding deterrents for P. xylostella larvae. In P‐type B. vulgaris, the same levels of sulfur fertilisation did not change the glucosinolate content significantly. Two‐choice oviposition preference tests with B. vulgaris plants showed that P. xylostella laid 144% and 45% more eggs on G‐ and P‐type plants with sulfur fertilisation respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The studies suggest that sulfur fertilisation could increase the effectiveness of G‐type B. vulgaris as a trap crop for P. xylostella. The effect of plant sulfur fertilisation on P. xylostella oviposition preference is associated with a quantitative glucosinolate increase, but other compounds could also be involved. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Establishment of cryopreserved gene banks of European chestnut and cork oak

Cryopreservation of selected genotypes of European chestnut and cork oak was carried out in two laboratories in a project involving conservation of field collections. Plant material was selected on the basis of disease resistance (chestnut), growth habit, phytosanitary performance and cork quality (cork oak). The cryopreservation technique comprised of vitrification of shoot apices isolated from in vitro stock shoot cultures (chestnut) and somatic embryos (cork oak). Forty-three out of 46 chestnut genotypes assayed survived the freezing process, but only 63% recovered their capacity to produce new shoots. After completion of multiplication and rooting steps, the surviving shoots produced plants that were morphologically identical to those derived from non-supercooled material. All 51 cork oak genotypes withstood freezing and were able to produce new somatic embryos through a process of secondary embryogenesis. Multiplication and germination of the recovered embryos enabled production of plants that were morphologically identical to those derived from non-supercooled material. In light of the results obtained, long-term cryopreservation of these species is feasible, thereby ensuring conservation of valuable genotypes during field evaluation.     

Chlorophyll fluorescence as affected by some superficial defects in stored apples

Summary

Chlorophyll fluorescence, skin coloration and surface contour were measured for apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruit with and without common storage and handling surface defects. Defects included C0₂ injury in ‘Empire’, bitter pit in ‘Jonagold’, superficial scald in ‘Cortland’, ‘Law Rome’, ‘Gala’ and ‘Red Delicious’ and bruising in ‘Cortland’. Measurements were made along a transect established on the fruit surface. The fluorescence parameters, minimal fluorescence (Fo), maximal fluorescence (Fm) and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm, where Fv = Fm - Fo) were relatively similar around the circumference of undamaged control fruit. Skin colour was not found to influence chlorophyll fluorescence. With the exception of bruises, there were marked changes in fluorescence in the areas where surface disorders or damage had developed. C02 injury and bitter pit reduced Fv/Fm, whereas superficial scald did not. However, scald symptoms were accompanied by a reduction in Fo and Fm. The reduction in Fo and Fm became more marked as scald symptoms intensified during post-storage holding at 22°C. Chlorophyll fluorescence may have some potential for sorting fruit having superficial defects.     

Almond allergens: molecular characterization, detection, and clinical relevance

Almond ( Prunus dulcis ) has been widely used in all sorts of food products (bakery, pastry, snacks), mostly due to its pleasant flavor and health benefits. However, it is also classified as a potential allergenic seed known to be responsible for triggering several mild to life-threatening immune reactions in sensitized and allergic individuals. Presently, eight groups of allergenic proteins have been identified and characterized in almond, namely, PR-10 (Pru du 1), TLP (Pru du 2), prolamins (Pru du 2S albumin, Pru du 3), profilins (Pru du 4), 60sRP (Pru du 5), and cupin (Pru du 6, Pru du γ-conglutin), although only a few of them have been tested for reactivity with almond-allergic sera. To protect sensitized individuals, labeling regulations have been implemented for foods containing potential allergenic ingredients, impelling the development of adequate analytical methods. This work aims to present an updated and critical overview of the molecular characterization and clinical relevance of almond allergens, as well as review the main methodologies used to detect and quantitate food allergens with special emphasis on almond.     

Manufacture and properties of bifidogenic saccharides derived from wood mannan

Pinus pinaster wood samples were subjected to double hydrothermal processing. The liquors coming from the second stage, containing soluble saccharides of polymeric or oligomeric nature from hemicelluloses (POHs), were subjected to membrane processing (operating in discontinuous diafiltration) for refining and fractionation. Refined POH fractions were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and chromatographic techniques. The most complex POH component was made up of 14 hexoses and contained 4 acetyl groups. The fermentability of purified POHs by human fecal inocula was assessed by measuring both carbon source consumption and formation of short-chain fatty acids. The bifidogenic ability of POHs was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The stimulatory effects on the bifidobacterial population reached by POHs were of the same order as those obtained with commercial fructooligosaccharides.