Identification of a novel glycoside, leptosin, as a chemical marker of manuka honey

As a preliminary study, we have found that honey from manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand inhibits myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In this study, using a chromatographic technique, we isolated two active compounds for MPO-inhibition from manuka honey. One is methyl syringate (MSYR), and the other was identified as a novel glycoside of MSYR, methyl syringate 4-O-β-D-gentiobiose, which has been named "leptosin" after the genus Leptospermum . The amount of the glycoside ranged from 0.2 to 1.2 μmol/g honey. Leptosin was only found in honeys from the Oceania region, and abundantly in manuka honey including jelly bush honey from Leptospermum polygalifolium in Australia. Therefore, leptosin may be a good chemical marker for manuka honey. Interestingly, the concentration of leptosin in manuka honey was positively correlated with the unique manuka factor (UMF) value, which is expressed as phenol equivalents of its bactericidal activity.     

Furan-2,5-dimethylene-tethered bis-imidacloprid insecticide conferring high potency

Bis-imidacloprid (bis-IMI) analogues with suitable alkylene spacers have plant-systemic insecticidal properties. The alkylene-tethered bis-IMI binds in a unique mode to the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) wherein the chloropyridine moieties are embraced by two distinct and distant domains. The heptamethylene spacer optimally bridges these two subsites, yet the linker itself binds in a relatively nonspecific manner. This investigation examines the hypothesis that a bis-IMI analogue with a heteroaromatic tether, which undergoes specific interaction(s) with the newly recognized receptor cavity, may enhance the potency relative to those of the alkylene-tethered derivatives. Remarkably, a novel bis-IMI with a furan-2,5-dimethylene fulcrum showed highest receptor potency and insecticidal activity among the analogues with various chemotype spacers. The nAChR structural model, simulating the binding site interactions of the furan-2,5-dimethylene-tethered bis-IMI, reveals that the furan ring is nestled in a hydrophobic pocket, consisting of three aromatic amino acids, and is stabilized via hydrogen bonding.     

EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON THE MEASURED CATION-EXCHANGE CAPACITIES OF ANDO SOILS

The CEC was measured by a method which eliminates washing for removal of excess saturating salt. The effect of temperature on the CEC of soils and clays varied and depended on their major cation-exchange materials; the ratio of the CEC measured at 10–20 °C to that measured at 50–60 °C was 0.36 to 0.59 for allophane, imogolite, and/or humus, 0.62 to 0.75 for kaolin minerals, and 0.90 to 0.99 for montmorillonites. The CEC, increased at higher temperature in a neutral n acetate solution, was only partly reduced by lowering the temperature again. There was no evidence for an acceleration of cation diffusion with increasing temperature. A structural alteration in which some ‘bound’ functional groups are set free for ionization is proposed as a major cause of the large CEC increase observed for Ando soils at higher temperature.     

Evaluation of transgenic event CBH 351 (StarLink) corn in broiler chicks

The influence of transgenic event CBH 351 (StarLink; SL)-derived hybrid corn on the growth performance, health condition and physiological function in broiler chicks, as well as the possible transfer of the cry9C gene and Cry9C protein to blood, liver and muscle were examined in comparison with chicks fed on a diet with non-transgenic corn (SL-F). Bodyweight gain and feed conversion ratio in the chicks fed on a diet with SL were significantly greater than in chicks fed on a diet with SL-F during the starter phase (0–3 weeks of age), but this significant difference disappeared during the finisher phase (4–7 weeks of age). No abnormalities in health condition in either SL or SL-F groups were observed, and livability did not differ significantly between SL and SL-F groups. Moreover, no significant differences in serum biochemical and hematological values, histopathological observation and necropsy findings were observed between SL and SL-F groups at the end of the experiment. The cry9C gene and Cry9C protein were not detected in blood, liver and muscle of chicks at 3, 5 or 7 weeks of age. The results indicate that feeding SL does not influence growth performance, health condition or physiological function in broiler chicks, and the cry9C gene and Cry9C protein are not transferred to the blood, liver and muscles of broilers.     

Synthesis of uracil under conditions of a thermal model of prebiological chemistry

Uracil has been formed under thermal conditions which yield other materials of theoretical prebiochemical significance. The chemical evidence for the identity of uracil rests on chromatography, spectrography, color tests, and melting points and analyses of isolated material. The place of uracil in a scheme of biochemical origins, including carbon dioxide as an intermediate, is discussed.     

Alterations in the ground reaction force of dogs during trot after immobilization of the stifle joint: An experimental study

This study aimed to evaluate changes in the vertical and fore-aft force generation of the hindlimbs in dogs with stifle orthoses. Custom-made orthoses were used on the right stifle joint. Force plate and marker data from four beagle dogs in trials without orthoses, with fixed orthoses, and with unfixed orthoses were collected. The vertical ground reaction force of the right side was increased with fixed orthoses and decreased with unfixed orthoses compared to that of gait without orthoses. When compared to that of gait without orthoses, the fore-aft ground reaction force changed with fixed orthoses but not with unfixed orthoses. It is suggested that the level of constraint of the orthosis affected the ground reaction force pattern.