Near and Mid Infrared Spectroscopy to Detect Malolactic Biotransformation of Oenococcus oeni in a Wine-Model

The aim of this work was to verify the potential of infrared （IR） spectroscopy in near and mid regions to detect the beginning of the malolactic fermentation （MLF） occurring in a model-wine and the further cells autolysis. MLF in wine is a secondary biotransformation due to lactic acid bacteria that usually occurs spontaneou,;ly or after starter inoculation at the end of alcoholic fermentation. Nowadays, it is desirable to supply winemakers with a new rapid and non-destructive approach to monitor MLF progress and 1R spectroscopy technology appears to be suitable for this purpose. The transformation of L-malic acid into L-lactic acid was carried out by inoculating a synthetic wine with an Oenococcus oeni culture and it was monitored through microbiological and chemical methods. At the same time, Fourier transform near infrared （FT-NIR） spectral data, in diffusive transflection mode using an optic probe, and FT-IR spectra, using an germanium crystal attenuated total reflectance （ATR） cell, were collected. Principal component analysis of the spectra was able to identify absorption bands related to the key molecular modifications that took place during the L-malic acid transformation. Thus, the samples were discriminated according to the fermentation phase. Although this study is a preliminary approach, results confirm that near infrared （NIR） and mid infrared （MIR） spectroscopy could be successfully applied to detect the start of MLF and the autolysis of the lactic acid bacteria （LAB） cells.     

BKCa-Cav channel complexes mediate rapid and localized Ca2+-activated K+ signaling

Large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channels (BKCa) are dually activated by membrane depolarization and elevation of cytosolic calcium ions (Ca2+). Under normal cellular conditions, BKCa channel activation requires Ca2+ concentrations that typically occur in close proximity to Ca2+ sources. We show that BKCa channels affinity-purified from rat brain are assembled into macromolecular complexes with the voltage-gated calcium channels Cav1.2 (L-type), Cav2.1 (P/Q-type), and Cav2.2 (N-type). Heterologously expressed BKCa-Cav complexes reconstitute a functional "Ca2+ nanodomain" where Ca2+ influx through the Cav channel activates BKCa in the physiological voltage range with submillisecond kinetics. Complex formation with distinct Cav channels enables BKCa-mediated membrane hyperpolarization that controls neuronal firing pattern and release of hormones and transmitters in the central nervous system.     

Glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons mediate anxiogenic and anxiolytic effects of CRHR1

The corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) critically controls behavioral adaptation to stress and is causally linked to emotional disorders. Using neurochemical and genetic tools, we determined that CRHR1 is expressed in forebrain glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid-containing (GABAergic) neurons as well as in midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Via specific CRHR1 deletions in glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic cells, we found that the lack of CRHR1 in forebrain glutamatergic circuits reduces anxiety and impairs neurotransmission in the amygdala and hippocampus. Selective deletion of CRHR1 in midbrain dopaminergic neurons increases anxiety-like behavior and reduces dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex. These results define a bidirectional model for the role of CRHR1 in anxiety and suggest that an imbalance between CRHR1-controlled anxiogenic glutamatergic and anxiolytic dopaminergic systems might lead to emotional disorders.     

Efficacy of formic acid in gel for Varroa control in Apis mellifera L.: importance of the dispenser position inside the hive

The efficacy of formic acid in a gel matrix was evaluated in two groups of honeybee colonies. In Group 1, a dispenser with 120 g of formic acid (70%) in gel was placed on the brood combs and another dispenser with the same dose was located on the hive bottom (total dose, 240 g). Group 2 received two doses of 240 g of formic acid (70%) in gel and each application was applied in two dispensers containing 120 g of the formic acid solution each and they were located over the brood chamber (total dose, 480 g). In Group 2, the period between both applications was 15 days, and the efficacies after the first and both applications were calculated. Significant differences were registered for final efficacy between both groups. When final efficacy of Group 1 was compared with efficacy after first application of Group 2, significant differences were found (P=0.0005). Same doses in different positions within the hive have different final efficacy. The higher efficacy was registered when the dispensers were placed over brood combs and on the hive bottom. It is suggested that efficacy is related to dispenser position within the hive.     

Specific proteins allow classification of pigs according to sire breed, rearing environment and gender

The present study used a proteomic data set obtained from a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment on longissimus muscle of 24 pigs to identify single or couples of proteins allowing correct classification of pigs according to gender, sire breed, or rearing environment. An actin isoform, a myosin light chain 2 isoform and cytochrome Bc1 allowed each, correct classification of all pigs according to gender. Peroxiredoxin 6 allowed correct classification of 23 pigs according to indoor or outdoor rearing environment, but only if gender was also taken into account. Heat shock protein 73 allowed correct classification of 21 pigs according to sire breed, Duroc or Large White. Results show that proteins may be used as biomarkers for traceability or genetic research. Relationships between treatment factors and intracellular regulatory mechanisms associated with these proteins are discussed.     

Establishment of diagnostic criteria for feline nonflea-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis

Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are commonly seen in cats, and they are usually caused by environmental, food and/or flea allergens. Affected cats normally present with one of the following clinical reaction patterns: head and neck excoriations, usually symmetrical self-induced alopecia, eosinophilic skin lesions or miliary dermatitis. Importantly, none of these clinical presentations is considered to be pathognomonic for HD skin diseases, and the diagnosis of HD is usually based on the exclusion of other pruritic diseases and on a positive response to therapy. The objectives of this study were to propose sets of criteria for the diagnosis of nonflea-induced HD (NFHD). We recruited 501 cats with pruritus and skin lesions and compared clinical parameters between cats with NFHD (encompassing those with nonflea, nonfood HD and those with food HD), flea HD and other pruritic conditions. Using simulated annealing techniques, we established two sets of proposed criteria for the following two different clinical situations: (i) the diagnosis of NFHD in a population of pruritic cats; and (ii) the diagnosis of NFHD after exclusion of cats with flea HD. These criteria sets were associated with good sensitivity and specificity and may be useful for homogeneity of enrolment in clinical trials and to evaluate the probability of diagnosis of NFHD in clinical practice. Finally, these criteria were not useful to differentiate cats with NFHD from those with food HD.     

Shrinkage variation in Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi, [Lamb.]Carr.) progenies/provenances trials in Eastern Canada

Twelve-year-old Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi [Lamb.]Carr.) trees of 20 different progenies and/or provenances were sampled at one site in the Mauricie region of Quebec. Two standard samples were obtained at breast height and closer to the bark from each tree. Partial and total radial, tangential, and volumetric shrinkages, and tangential/radial (T/R) shrinkage ratios were assessed. All of these variables were significantly affected by the progeny/provenance. Drying defects are one of the main reasons for downgrading larch lumber; thus, T/R shrinkage ratio was considered for the selection of progenies/provenances for lumber production purposes. Lowest partial and total T/R shrinkage ratios were obtained with progenies/provenances 8964, 8904, 8962, 8957, 8907, 8927, 7283, and 7795. Among them, lowest partial and total tangential, radial, and volumetric shrinkages were found in progenies/provenances 8964, 8962, and 8907 as well. Other physico-chemical (mechanical properties, density, extractive content) and silvicultural (growth rate) attributes should also be taken into consideration for an adequate selection of progenies/provenances according to the specific final utilization.     

Alopecia areata in Eringer cows

Alopecia areata is a hair loss disorder in humans, dogs and horses with a suspected autoimmune aetiology targeting anagen hair follicles. Alopecia areata is only sporadically reported in cows. Recently, we observed several cases of suspected alopecia areata in Eringer cows. The aim of this study was to confirm the presumptive diagnosis of alopecia areata and to define the clinical phenotype and histopathological patterns, including characterization of the infiltrating inflammatory cells. Twenty Eringer cows with alopecia and 11 Eringer cows without skin problems were included in this study. Affected cows had either generalized or multifocal alopecia or hypotrichosis. The tail, forehead and distal extremities were usually spared. Punch biopsies were obtained from the centre and margin of alopecic lesions and normal haired skin. Histological examination revealed several alterations in anagen hair bulbs. These included peri‐ and intrabulbar lymphocytic infiltration, peribulbar fibrosis, degenerate matrix cells with clumped melanosomes and pigmentary incontinence. Mild lymphocytic infiltrative mural folliculitis was seen in the inferior segment and isthmus of the hair follicles. Hair shafts were often unpigmented and dysplastic. The large majority of infiltrating lymphocytes were CD3⁺ T cells, whereas only occasional CD20⁺ lymphocytes were present in the peribulbar infiltrate. Our findings confirm the diagnosis of T‐cell‐mediated alopecia areata in these cows. Alopecia areata appears to occur with increased frequency in the Eringer breed, but distinct predisposing factors could not be identified.     

Bioaccumulation of Copper by Zea mays: Impact on Root, Shoot and Leaf Growth

In the present study, the growth and the Cu²⁺accumulation by roots, shoots and leaves of Zea mays were examined using copper sulphate in the range of 10^?4 to 10^?2 M. Plants of Z. mays did not show inhibition of growth in the presence of 10^?4 to 10^?2 M Cu²⁺; however, it was observed growth effects on root when different Cu²⁺ solution concentrations were used. Only the seedlings exposed to 10^?2 M exhibited substantial root growth reduction, yielding only 56% of length with respect to the control. Seedlings exposed to 10^?4 M Cu²⁺ exhibited 16% and 42% growth increase in shoots and leaves, respectively, when compared with the controls. The seedlings treated with 10^?3 and 10^?2 M Cu²⁺ were inhibited in shoot and leaf growth. The fresh weights in roots, shoots and leaves significantly decreased at 10^?2 M Cu²⁺. The tolerance index, based on root length, was not significantly different for the three different treatments with copper. However, the total accumulation rate was very low at 10^?4 and 10^?3 M compared to 10^?2 Cu treatments. The capacity of copper accumulation by roots, shoots and leaves of Z. mays plants increased concomitant to the copper concentration, arriving to 382 times more in roots, 157 in shoots and only 16 in leaves, all compared to the controls. Cu could be accumulated by roots, shoots and leaves when the initial concentrations were 10^?3 and 10^?4 M. However, when it was 10^?2 M, the metal could not be accumulated by leaf and shoot levels; the roots could increase their copper accumulation capacity three times compared to the control. Z. mays has potential ability to accumulate Cu without being overly sensitive to Cu toxicity.