Individual anthocyanins and their contribution to total antioxidant capacity in response to low temperature and high CO2 in stored Cardinal table grapes

In this study, we have analyzed the profiles of individual anthocyanins in the skin of Cardinal table grapes and their contribution to the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in response to low temperature (0 °C) and high CO₂ levels (20% for 3 days). An analysis of the representative colour parameters of this red-violet variety was also determined. The anthocyanin composition was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–MS). The contribution of individual anthocyanins to the TAC value of table grapes was calculated on the basis of their concentration and antioxidant capacity measured as the TEAC value (slope of the anthocyanin/slope of Trolox). Chromatographic analysis identified six anthocyanins, including pelargonidin 3-glucoside (Pg-3-G), in the skin of Cardinal table grapes. Short-term storage at 0 °C in air had an increasing effect on the concentration of each of the identified anthocyanins. After 3 days at 0 °C, untreated grapes had the highest anthocyanin content (27.55 mg/100 g FW) and displayed the largest TAC value (52.45 mM TE/100 g FW). Peonidin 3-glucoside (Pn-3-G) was the predominant anthocyanin, and it was mainly responsible for the rise in the calculated TAC value in untreated grapes. Pn-3-G had a low average TEAC value (1.73 mM), but its contribution could be explained by the sharp increase in the content of this anthocyanin the first days of storage at 0 °C. In contrast, the Pn-3-G content in grapes at the end of the 3-day CO₂ treatment did not change, and both the total anthocyanin content and the calculated TAC value remained significantly constant in comparison to the levels in pre-stored grapes. In addition CO₂ treatment had a positive effect on the amount of Pg-3-G concomitant with a pronounced decline in delphinidin 3-glucoside (Dp-3-G) and smaller decreases in petunidin 3-glucoside (Pt-3-G) and malvidin 3-glucoside (Mv-3-G). These effects of high CO₂ levels on the profile of individual anthocyanins were progressively lost when grapes were transferred to air. Indeed, after prolonged low-temperature storage when the colour of the berries become dark violet, similar calculated TAC values were quantified in untreated grapes and in those exposed to 20% CO₂. These data provide new insights about the effect of low temperature and high CO₂ levels on the concentration of the individual anthocyanins identified in cardinal table grapes.     

DNA fragmentation in blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) sperm: aquaculture and fisheries implications

The objective of this study was to assess sperm DNA longevity in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) using a dynamic assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) after sperm activation. Mature blue mussels (n = 57) in Vigo (Galicia, Spain) were obtained, specifically rope farmed blue mussels (n = 38) and wild blue mussels (n = 19). After the sperm collection, a subsample was assessed for SDF (0 h), while the rest of the sample was incubated for 6, 9, 12, 24 and 48 h at 15°C, assessing each time point using the Sperm‐Halomax kit (Halotech DNA, Madrid, Spain). The Kaplan–Meier estimator, log‐rank (Mantel–Cox) test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for statistical analyses (spss v. 16.0), α = 0.05. The rate of SDF (r‐SDF) between rope farmed and wild blue mussels over 0–6 h incubation was not significantly different (P = 0.278), but was for 6–24 h (P = 0.004). Differences in r‐SDF were observed when comparing the means between the two groups (P < 0.0001). Individual differences in r‐SDF existed among the rope farmed (P < 0.0001) and wild blue mussels (P < 0.0001). Wild blue mussels presented a higher DNA longevity than the farmed blue mussels. Selection of blue mussel males with a low level of sperm DNA damage and greater sperm DNA longevity may result in better fertilization and seed production.     

Centromere-linkage in the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) through half-tetrad analysis in diploid meiogynogenetics

Seventy nine microsatellite markers selected across all linkage groups (LG) from a previous turbot genetic map were studied in a diploid meiogynogenetic family for centromere mapping using half-tetrad analysis. Significant deviations from Mendelian segregation were observed at 25% loci analyzed. The clustering of distorted loci at specific LGs, suggested the existence of genes of different deleterious effects. The lack of Mendelian segregation distortion at 1 day and 10 days post-hatching larvae at these loci precluded an explanation based on aberrant meiotic segregation. Heterozygote frequency distribution in gynogenetic offspring showed close to 50% values above 0.667, which suggested high chiasma interference in turbot. Complete interference appeared as the best fitting function when estimating centromere position. However, Kosambi and Haldane functions performed better at specific LGs as a consequence of the variable crossover pattern of centromere-distant markers among LG. Great concordance between half-tetrad data and the positions previously reported in the turbot map was observed. Most centromeres were localized with an error around or below 5 cM and closely linked markers exist now in 8 LGs. Centromere location was mostly in accordance with previous karyotypic information.     

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of phosphoramide derivatives as urease inhibitors

The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of phosphoramide derivatives as urease inhibitors to reduce the loss of ammonia has been carried out. Forty phosphorus derivatives were synthesized and their inhibitory activities evaluated against that of jack bean urease. In addition, in vivo assays have been carried out. All of the compounds were characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, MS, and elemental microanalysis. In some cases, detailed molecular modeling studies were carried out, and these highlighted the interaction between the enzyme active center and the compounds and also the characteristics related to their activity as urease inhibitors. According to the IC(50) values for in vitro inhibitory activity, 12 compounds showed values below 1 microM and 8 of them represent improvements of activity in comparison to the commercial urease inhibitor N-n-butylthiophosphorictriamide (NBPT) (100 nM) (AGROTAIN). On the basis of the activity results and the conclusions of the molecular modeling study, a structural model for new potential inhibitors has been defined.     

Clinical features and outcomes of phacoemulsification in 39 horses: a retrospective study (1993-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To identify visual outcome and postoperative complications following phacoemulsification of equine cataracts. ANIMALS: Records of 39 horses (55 eyes) with cataracts were reviewed. METHODS: Eyes with cataracts removed by phacoemulsification were included in the study. Data collected included age, breed, sex, stage and etiology of cataract, unilateral vs. bilateral involvement, and ultrasound findings. Horses were grouped by etiology of the cataract. Visual outcome and complications were evaluated for each group and the overall population. RESULTS: Immediately postoperatively 46 out of 47 eyes (98%) were sighted. Four weeks postoperatively 23 of 29 operated eyes (79%) were sighted [13/18 (72%) eyes with congenital/juvenile onset, 6/6 (100%) eyes with traumatic and 4/5 (90%) eyes with uveitis-induced cataracts], with 18 eyes lost to follow-up. The most common postoperative complications included corneal edema (19 eyes/40%), fibrin in the anterior chamber (11 eyes/23%), postoperative ocular hypertension (9 eyes/19%), synechia/dyscoria (9 eyes/19%), and hyphema (7 eyes/15%). CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis for vision is favorable for horses following phacoemulsification and planned posterior continuous tear circular capsulorrhexis. Success rates depend on age of patient, cause of cataract and pre-existing intraocular disease. The highest success rate occurred in eyes with traumatic cataracts.     

Forest cover and matrix functionality drive the abundance and reproductive success of an endangered primate in two fragmented rainforests

Landscape Ecology - Understanding population responses to landscape structure is critical to improve landscape planning. Yet, large uncertainty remains about how such responses vary among regions...