Genotypic variation in fatty acid content of blackcurrant seeds.

The fatty acid composition and total fatty acid content of seeds from 36 blackcurrant genotypes developed at the Scottish Crop Research Institute were examined. A rapid small-scale procedure, involving homogenization of seeds in toluene followed by sodium methoxide transesterification and gas chromatography, was used. There was considerable variation between genotypes. The gamma-linolenic acid content generally varied from 11 to 19% of the total fatty acids, but three genotypes had higher values of 22-24%, levels previously not reported for blackcurrant seed and similar to those for borage seed. Other nutritionally important fatty acids, stearidonic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, varied from 2 to 4% and 10-19%, respectively. The mean total fatty acid contents ranged from 14 to 23% of the seed, but repeatability was poor. The results are discussed. Blackcurrant seeds are mainly byproducts from juice production, and the study shows the potential for developing blackcurrant genotypes with optimal added value.     

The imaging photopolarimeter experiment on pioneer 11

For 2 weeks continuous imaging, photometry, and polarimetry observations were made of Jupiter and the Galilean satellites in red and blue light from Pioneer 11. Measurements of Jupiter's north and south polar regions were possible because the spacecraft trajectory was highly inclined to the planet's equatorial plane. One of the highest resolution images obtained is presented here along with a comparison of a sample of our photometric and polarimetric data with a simple model. The data seem consistent with increased molecular scattering at high latitudes.     

Pteroside A2--a new illudane-type sesquiterpene glucoside from pteridium caudatum L. Maxon,and the spectrometric characterization of caudatodienone

Fractionation of an extract of Pteridium caudatum L. Maxon. (syn P. aquilinum L. Kuhn var. caudatum) which had earlier yielded the illudane-type sesquiterpene glucosides, ptaquiloside (1a), isoptaquiloside (1b), and caudatoside (1c) afforded a mixture containing 1a and two minor components. Preparative HPLC afforded ptaquiloside Z (1d) and a new pteroside glucoside (pteroside A2) (3e), which was identified using a combination of mass spectral and one- and two-dimensional NMR analyses. The (1)H and (13)C NMR and mass spectrometric characterization of caudatodienone (2b), an unstable dienone derived from the degradation of caudatoside (1c) in pyridine solution, and the GC-MS characterization of some pterosin-type degradation products produced by reacting this solution with cosolvents is also reported.     

2-Furoylmethyl amino acids and hydroxymethylfurfural as indicators of honey quality

Determination of changes in 2-furoylmethyl amino acids and hydroxymethylfurfural during the storage of four honey samples at 25 and 35 degrees C during 12 months was achieved to assess the potential use of both parameters, singly or in combination, as quality indicators. 2-Furoylmethyl amino acids increased during storage at both temperatures, whereas hydroxymethylfurfural only presented slight variations during storage at 25 degrees C but increased noticeably at 35 degrees C. The study of 2-furoylmethyl amino acids in 49 commercial honeys revealed that 2-furoylmethyl lysine (furosine) was present in all samples, whereas 2-furoylmethyl derivatives of arginine, GABA, and proline were only present in seven samples. Hydroxymethylfurfural can be considered as a good indicator of heat treatments applied to honey samples, whereas 2-furoylmethyl amino acids can be used as suitable markers of the storage period. The use of both parameters can be useful to detect adulteration with invert syrups, excessive heat treatments, or prolonged storage of honey samples.     

Improvement of table grapes quality and safety by the combination of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and eugenol, menthol, or thymol

Table grape is a nonclimacteric fruit that shows a rapid loss of quality during storage and is very susceptible to colonization by fungi, especially Botrytis cinerea, which is considered the most important disease of this commodity. To solve this problem, synthetic fungicides have been used, although legal restrictions and consumer's concern demand the search of other safe means. In the present paper, and as an alternative of synthetic fungicides, an active packaging to improve MAP effectiveness on preserving table grape (cv. Crimson Seedless) quality and safety was developed by the addition of 0.5 mL of eugenol, thymol, or menthol inside the packages. Packages were stored at 1 degree C for 35 days. The final gas composition inside the packages was 1.4-2.0 and 10.0-14.5 kPa of CO(2) and O(2), respectively, with no significant slight differences among treatments. Results showed that the addition of eugenol, thymol, or menthol improved the beneficial effect of MAP in terms of delaying weight loss and color changes, retarding degrees Brix/acidity ratio evolution, and maintaining of firmness. Thereafter, these treatments showed additional benefit in terms of delayed rates of rachis deterioration and berry decay. Finally, the total viable counts for both mesophilic aerobics and especially yeast and molds were significantly reduced in the grapes packaged with the natural antimicrobial compounds. All of the above effects led to maintenance of table grape quality and safety for longer storage periods (3 additional weeks as compared to controls under MAP only).     

Evaluation of a specific immunochemotherapy for the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis

The efficacy of specific immunochemotherapy against Leishmania infantum infection in dog was studied. The effects on transmission of the disease, as well as the cellular and humoral immune response were examined. The treated animals showed a significant reduction in the infection rates that were detected in Phlebotomus perniciosus females fed on the dog. The humoral immune response, assayed with an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), did not show significant variations under the influence of the therapy. The characterisation of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using flow cytometry indicated a significant increase in the proportion of T lymphocytes, especially of CD4/TcR(alpha)(beta)(+) and CD4/CD45RA(+) cells, without showing evidence for modifications in the other leukocyte subsets. Cellular lymphoproliferation studies indicated a lack of a specific response to soluble leishmanial antigen (SLA), but the non-specific lymphoproliferative capacity assayed with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was maintained.     

Oxidative status during late pregnancy and early lactation in dairy cows

In the last few years, the detection of free radical damage and the body's defences against it have become increasingly important in clinical medicine as a complementary tool in the evaluation of metabolic status. The aim of this study was to evaluate, under field conditions, the anti-oxidant status of healthy cows during late pregnancy and lactation onset using two parameters: (1) plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a degradation product of lipid peroxidation, and (2) total antioxidant status (TAS). Results were compared with those obtained in another group of cows with lesser metabolic demands. We also investigated possible relationships between antioxidant status markers and other relevant blood parameters. Our results confirmed the characteristic metabolic changes associated with late pregnancy and early lactation. MDA and TAS provided an accurate reflection of the internal physiological status of the animal. The data indicated increased lipid peroxidation around parturition, but with wide individual variations that may be attributable not only to the physiological stage but also to unknown factors that will have to be further considered in future studies.     

Factors Affecting Fertility According to the Postpartum Period in Crossbred Dual-Purpose Suckling Cows in the Tropics

To determine the relationship between first service conception rate (FSC) and the postpartum period (PP), 6160 calvings from 2250 crossbred dual-purpose cows were analysed. The effects of breed predominance (BT: Bos taurus and BI: Bos indicus), season of service (dry, intermediate and humid), parity (1 or 2 and more), agroecological region (Sub-humid and Dry Tropical Forest) and milk production were studied. The postpartum period was grouped according to the calving–first service interval as G1 ≤ 60 days (n = 1889); G2 > 60 ≤ 90 days (n = 1436); G3 > 90 ≤ 120 days (n = 1030); and G4 > 120 days (n = 1805). Data were analysed by chi-squared test. The overall mean for FSC was 58.2% and was lower in G1 (p < 0.01). All PP showed a breed effect on FSC, with mean values of 61.6% and 53.3% for BI and BT, respectively. Season of service also affected FSC, which was significantly lower during the humid period: 51.2% versus 57.4% and 61.5% for the intermediate and dry periods (p < 0.01), respectively. Parity and environmental effects were not observed on FSC. Levels of milk yield did influence the FSC, which decreased from 66.7% and 61.0% for milk yields of < 1500 kg and between 1501 and 2000 kg to 46.0% in milk yields > 2000 kg (p < 0.01).     

Effects of long-term dietary supplementation of monensin or saccharomyces cerevisiae on blood acid-base and productive performance in growing feedlot steers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two dietary supplements (monensin and a live yeast culture) on acid-base balance in steers maintained in a commercial feedlot system, considering effects over the growing period (14 to 23 weeks of age). A 63-day feedlot study was performed using 42 double-muscled Belgian Blue steers. Steers were allotted randomly to one of the three study groups: (1) control group [no supplementation, C], (2) monensin supplementation [MON] at a concentration of 30 mg/kg (DM basis), and (3) live Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain supplementation [SACC] at a dose of 500 mg/kg (DM basis).Venous blood samples were collected for the measurement of acid-base parameters and L-lactate. Production parameters were also used as a complementary tool for understanding the internal changes associated with supplementation. Our results show that during the study period no statistical differences were observed between supplemented and control steers, although non-supplemented animals tended to gain more efficiently than those fed monensin or yeast. Nevertheless, taking into account blood parameters, these control animals showed a greater risk of acid overload due to a more marked decline in blood buffer levels over time in comparison with supplemented steers although no differences were observed between monensin or yeast supplemented animals. Additionally, significant effect of supplementation was observed in packed cell volume (PCV) values.     

Influence of Grain Processing on Acid–Base Balance in Feedlot Steers

Grain processing (e.g. grinding, steaming, pelleting, flaking) has been reported to modify the incidence of ruminal disturbances in feedlot cattle. This study investigated the effects of two grain processing methods widely used in Spanish feedlots (grinding and pelleting) on animal performance, blood acid–base balance, blood electrolyte levels and serum lactate in a 140-day feedlot experiment with double-muscled Belgian Blue steers. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the way in which these two feeds modify blood acid–base balance, which is closely associated with ruminal pH. In light of our results we conclude that the animals that received the pelleted feed showed a more stable acid–base balance over time than those fed a ground feed. Nevertheless, higher levels of L-lactate and lower base excess (BE) and HCO₃ ⁻ values for cattle fed pelleted grain reflect a greater risk of grain-acid overload.