Modeling the secondary shelf life of ground roasted coffee

This work was addressed to study the secondary shelf life of ground roasted coffee. To this purpose, fresh dark-roasted ground coffee samples were equilibrated at increasing water activity (aw) values up to 0.44 and stored at 30 degrees C for up to 1 month. To simulate home storage conditions, the headspace atmosphere was periodically perturbed by opening for a short time and then closing the packaging. The changes of some chemical and physicochemical indexes of coffee staling were studied, and sensory analysis was carried out to determine the end point of coffee acceptability. The results showed that the volatile compounds in the headspace are representative indexes of the quality depletion of roasted ground coffee during home usage. The sensory and instrumental results were used to develop a mathematical model allowing to simply and quickly calculate the secondary shelf life of coffee on the basis of its aw value at a given temperature.     

Changes in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. saplings growth and physiological parameters following fire-induced stem and crown damage in a plantation in north-western Spain

Stems and crowns of young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. saplings were experimentally damaged by fire to assess the short-term effects on tree growth and selected physiological parameters (stem sap flow density, electrical resistance of stem cambium and leaf stomatal conductance). Four different treatments were considered: partial stem damage (42 % of the stem circumference girdled by the direct application of heat in the cambium zone), crown foliage damage (56 % of crown volume scorched by heating the foliage with a torch), combined stem and crown damage, and no damage (control). Saplings displayed high sensitivity to crown scorching, in terms of basal area growth. The relative growth of the basal area of crown-damaged and stem + crown-damaged trees was, respectively, 3.1 and 6.2 times lower than that of undamaged trees for the 4 months following treatment. In contrast, stem injury alone did not have any negative effect on stem growth. The results suggest that tree growth is scarcely affected by low intensity surface fire and prescribed burning that do not affect the crown. Sap flow density, cambial electrical resistance and leaf stomatal conductance were useful indicators of the loss of physiological activity caused by fire. Although in the case of partial crown damage these parameters reflected a slight compensatory effect, the response was not sufficient to balance the loss of photosynthetic area. The study only focused on the initial effects of fire-related damage, and further research is clearly needed to determine the long-term effects of such damage.     

Carbon loads, forms and sequestration potential within ash deposits produced by wildfire: new insights from the 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ fires, Australia

Forest fires release substantial amounts of carbon (C). Much of it is emitted to the atmosphere, but some is deposited within ash on the ground. Little is known about amount and types of C deposited in ash. Here, we quantify total C, and total inorganic, water-soluble and particulate organic fractions deposited in ash during the catastrophic 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ wildfires in Australia. These fires coincided with the highest air temperatures and lowest humidity ever recorded in the local area, which, combined with high fuel loads of mostly long unburnt eucalypt forests, generated extreme burning conditions. In three mixed-species eucalypt forest sites sampled, the canopy, understorey and litter fuels were almost completely consumed, resulting in substantial ash deposition (mean, 81.9 t ha^?1), with 5.9 t ha^?1 of C being transferred from vegetation to the forest floor. In five temperate rainforest sites sampled, the canopy was not burnt and ash deposition was lower (mean, 48.3 t ha^?1) than in the mixed-species eucalypt forest, but overall their higher C content resulted in higher C deposition (8.1 t ha^?1). In all cases, most C contained in ash was organic and its pyrogenic nature infers increased resistance to degradation. Pyrogenic C is viewed by many as an important C sink, which could contribute to long-term C sequestration when incorporated into soils or sediments. Our results highlight the potential importance of the pyrogenic C pool in freshly deposited ash and, therefore, the necessity of a systematic and detailed analysis of ash deposition and C forms in ash to improve our understanding of C fluxes by forest fires.     

Genetic mapping provides evidence for the role of additive and non-additive QTLs in the response of inter-specific hybrids of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus</Emphasis> to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Puccinia psidii</Emphasis> rust infection

Eucalypts are susceptible to a wide range of diseases. One of the most important diseases that affect Eucalyptus plantations worldwide is caused by the rust fungus Puccinia psidii. Here, we provide evidence on the complex genetic control of rust resistance in Eucalyptus inter-specific hybrids, by analyzing a number of full-sib families that display different patterns of segregation for rust resistance. These families are totally unrelated to those previously used in other inheritance studies of rust resistance. By using a full genome scan with 114 genetic markers (microsatellites and expressed sequence tag derived microsatellites) we also corroborated the existence and segregation of a resistance locus, explaining 11.5% of the phenotypic variation, on linkage group 3, corresponding to Ppr1. This find represents an additional validation of this locus in totally unrelated pedigree. We have also detected significant additive × additive digenic interactions with LOD >10.0 on several linkage groups. The additive and epistatic QTLs identified explain between 29.8 and 44.8% of the phenotypic variability for rust resistance. The recognition that both additive and non-additive genetic variation (epistasis) are important contributors to rust resistance in eucalypts reveals the complexity of this host-pathogen interaction and helps explain the success that breeding has achieved by selecting rust-resistant clones, where all the additive and non-additive effects are readily captured. The positioning of epistatic QTLs also provides starting points to look for the underlying genes or genomic regions controlling this phenotype on the upcoming E. grandis genome sequence.     

Experimental induction of malignant catarrhal fever in pigs with ovine herpesvirus 2 by intranasal nebulization

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a frequently fatal herpesviral disease primarily of ruminant species, has been sporadically reported in pigs. All cases of naturally occurring porcine MCF reported to date have been linked to ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2), a gammaherpesvirus in the genus Macavirus carried by sheep. Experimental induction of MCF by aerosolization of the virus in nasal secretions collected from infected sheep has been successful in bison, cattle and rabbits. The goals of this study were to determine the susceptibility of pigs to MCF following experimental intranasal inoculation of OvHV-2, and to characterize the disease. Twelve pigs in four groups were nebulized with 10(5), 10(6), 10(7), or 10(8) DNA copies of OvHV-2 from sheep nasal secretions. Three control pigs were nebulized with nasal secretions from uninfected sheep. Three additional pigs were inoculated intravenously with 10(7) DNA copies of OvHV-2 to evaluate this route of infection with cell-free virus. Seven of twelve intranasally challenged pigs became infected with OvHV-2. Five of these seven, all in higher dose groups, developed MCF. Lesions resembled those reported in natural cases of porcine MCF. The most striking and consistent histological lesions were in trachea, lung, kidney and brain. These comprised mucopurulent tracheitis, interstitial pneumonia, necrotizing arteritis-periarteritis, and nonpurulent meningoencephalitis. No infection was established in the intravenously challenged or control groups. The study showed that MCF can be experimentally induced in pigs by aerosol challenge using sheep nasal secretions containing OvHV-2. Domestic pigs are a natural clinically susceptible host for sheep-associated MCF. They represent a useful, cost-effective model for MCF research.     

Secretion of multi-protein migratory complex induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection in macrophages involves the uPA/uPAR activation system

Toxoplasmosis is a world wide spread zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite that is able to disseminate into deep tissues and cross biological barriers, reaching immunoprivileged sites such as the brain and retina. The parasite is able to infect macrophages and dendritic cells for dispersal throughout the body. However, the molecular mechanisms or outcomes of the subversion of the host cell are largely unknown. Recently our group established that metalloproteinases are involved in migration of infected macrophages. Herein, we evaluated the recruitment of host invasive machinery components in T. gondii infected murine macrophages. We showed by immunoprecipitation assays that MMP-9, CD44 TIMP-1 and uPAR were secreted as a multi-protein complex by infected macrophages. Zymographic analysis revealed that MMP-9 was present in its pro- and active form. Moreover, inhibition of uPA/uPAR pathway by PAI-1 decreased secretion of MMP-9 active forms, as well those associated to uPAR and TIMP-1, but not to CD44. Data presented here suggest that MMP-9 is secreted as a multiprotein complex by T. gondii infected macrophages, similar to that observed in metastatic cells. We further speculate that uPA/uPAR system is involved in the expression/secretion of complexes containing active MMP-9 forms.     

Ocular consequences of blunt trauma in two species of nocturnal raptors (Athene noctua and Otus scops)

Objective To determine the type, prevalence, and prognosis of ocular and periocular lesions in free‐living little owls (LO) and scops owls (SO), injured by blunt trauma. Procedures Medical records from LO and SO with ocular or periocular lesions secondary to blunt trauma were reviewed. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed in all birds. Short protocol electroretinography (ERG) and ocular ultrasound were performed as dictated by the case. Results During the study period, a total of 158 LO and 99 SO with blunt trauma were admitted. Among these, 43 LO (27.8%) and 27 SO (27.3%) had ocular or periocular lesions. Bilateral injuries (72.1% LO and 81.5% SO) were more common than unilateral. Common findings in both species were: corneal erosions/superficial ulcers, anterior and posterior uveitis, cataracts, hyphema, posterior synechia, vitreal hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. Electroretinography was performed in 32 LO and eight SO, which had posterior segment lesions or opacity of the transparent media. Normal to nonrecordable b‐wave amplitudes were observed. Follow‐up was available in 13 LO and 11 SO. Among these, nine LO (14 eyes) and 10 SO (17 eyes) had resolution of the clinical signs following medical treatment. Conclusions Ocular lesions are common in LO and SO injured by blunt trauma. Electroretinography is a valuable diagnostic tool to assess the severity of retinal dysfunction secondary to blunt trauma and to determine the response to medical treatment. A complete ophthalmic examination is a determining factor in the early management of trauma in these species.     

Effects of exposure to overcrowding on rodlet cells of the teleost fish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicentrarchus labrax</Emphasis> (L.)

Farmed fish are usually exposed to routine procedures which have strong effects on stress responses. Rodlet cells may represent an useful biomarker for studies on the presence of stressors in aquaculture. This work focused on the localization of rodlet cells by light and electron microscopy in gills of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) subjected to different conditions of overcrowding. In general, a significant increase in number of rodlet cells has been observed in all animals subjected to overcrowding stress. In gills of control group rare rodlet cells were detected at the level of both primary and secondary lamellae, whereas in stressed group clusters of rodlet cells have been found in the epithelium of primary and secondary lamellae indicating that these cells are influenced by stocking density.     

Acute phase protein concentrations in retired racing Greyhounds

Background: Retired racing Greyhounds are popular as pets. Greyhounds have several differences in physiological values compared with other breeds, including lower serum α‐ and β‐globulin concentrations. We hypothesized that lower acute phase protein (APP) concentrations could contribute to lower α‐ and β‐globulin concentrations in this breed. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare serum concentrations of several APPs in Greyhounds with those of other dog breeds. Methods: We measured the serum concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), acid‐soluble glycoprotein (ASG), ceruloplasmin (CP), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in 15 clinically healthy retired racing Greyhounds and 11 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy nonGreyhound controls using previously validated methods. Results were compared by Student's t‐tests. Results: The concentration of Hp by both colorimetric and immunoturbidimetric methods was significantly lower in Greyhounds than in nonGreyhound dogs (P=.0009 and .019, respectively). The concentration of ASG was also significantly (P=.007) lower in Greyhounds, but CRP and CP concentrations were not significantly different between groups. SAA concentration was below the detection limit of the method in all dogs. Conclusions: The low serum concentrations of Hp and ASG should be taken into consideration when interpreting APP results in Greyhounds. Because both Hp and some ASG migrate in the α‐globulin fraction, these results may explain the low α‐globulin concentrations in Greyhounds.