Discrimination of wheat grain varieties using image analysis and neural networks. Part I. Single kernel texture

The development of non-destructive methods for the evaluation of cereal grain varieties has important implications for the food processing industry. The described experiment investigated 11 varieties of spring and winter wheat of different quality class. The analysis was performed on images acquired from a flatbed scanner interfaced to a PC. Kernel images were digitalized at high resolution (2673 × 4031) with 24-bit depth and 400 dpi. The variables input into the statistical model were the textures of single kernel projections. Textures were computed separately for seven channels (R, G, B, Y, S, U, V). The results were examined with the application of discriminant analysis and neural networks. The accuracy of texture-based classification of 11 wheat varieties reached 100%. The experimental design which yielded the most satisfactory results comprised texture measurements from the combined area of 20 kernels and variables from seven channels input into the neural network. The final classification quality was not affected by the year of cultivation, moisture content or grain variety.     

BTH-mediated antioxidant system responses in apple leaf tissues

BTH (S-methylbenzo-1,2,3-thiadiazole-7-carbothiate), an active compound of the commercial preparation Bion, has been studied as an elicitor of resistance to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) in apple. However, the biochemical mechanisms of its action are not fully elucidated. Our study indicated that BTH at the best time of its protection activity (2–14 days after application) induced changes in prooxidant–antioxidant balance in the leaves of apple trees, but in different ways in the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Glutathione as low molecular antioxidant as well as superoxide anion radical and lipid peroxides as oxidants exhibited changes at the early phase of BTH action. Glutathione-dependent enzymes were strongly affected by the elicitor used. On the 2nd day glutathione transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities increased by about 70% and 30% above the control, respectively. GST activity normalized about the 14th day but GSH-Px at the same time showed 27% of the control value. Among enzymes utilising hydrogen peroxide only catalase showed increase (37%) at the early phase of experiment. Compared with the control, BTH-treated plants did not show changes in ascorbate peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activities. Tocopherol (TOC) level diminished starting from the 7th day after BTH treatment and on the 14th day it was only 28% of the control. It is proposed that extinguishing of BTH-mediated signal resulted from TOC and glutathione action. The diminished ascorbate level at all examined times may play a crucial role in BTH-mediated cell growth regulation. The direct influence of BTH on lipid metabolism should be also taken into consideration.     

Predicting mobility of alkylimidazolium ionic liquids in soils

Background, aim, and scope  Ionic liquids (ILs) are a new class of alternative solvents that make ideal non-volatile media for a variety of industrial processes such as organic synthesis and biocatalysis, as alternative electrolytes, as phases and phase modifications in separation techniques, and as alternative lubricants. Once the large-scale implementation of ILs begins, the industrial application will follow. In view of their great stability, they could slip through classical treatment systems to become persistent components of the environment, where the long-term consequences of their presence are still unknown. Sorption on soils has a critical effect on the transport, reactivity, and bioavailability of organic compounds in the environment. So far, the IL sorption mechanism was investigated solely on the basis of batch experiments, which precluded any assessment of the dynamics of the process. An understanding of the mobility of ILs in soil columns is crucial for an accurate prediction of their fate in the soil. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate in detail the mobility of selected imidazolium ILs on three soil types. Moreover, it was decided to study these processes in soils from the coastal region (Gdańsk, Poland), which usually constitute a very important geochemical compartment, participating in the transport of contaminants on their way to the sea. Materials and methods  The mobility of alkylimidazolium ILs was investigated in columns containing soils from the coastal area. In addition, the sorption processes in all the soil systems studied were described isothermally and the equilibrium sorption coefficient was evaluated. The sorption capacities were determined according to OECD guidelines. Sorption dynamics was studied with use of polypropylene columns (diameter—10 mm, height—100 mm) packed with 10 g of soil. The ionic liquid solution was then injected into the soil column and left for 24 h to equilibrate. After this, a solution of 0.01 mM CaCl₂ was pumped through the column at a rate of 0.3 ml min^–1. Effluents were collected from the bottom of the column and analyzed by HPLC. Results  Sorption was strongest on the Miocene silt and the alluvial agricultural soil and weakest on the podsolic soil and Warthanian glacial till. The K _d value of long-chain ILs was far higher than that of the short-chain ones. Among the substances tested, hydroxylated ILs were usually more weakly sorbed. Desorption of ILs is inversely correlated with sorption intensity. The experimental results of the column tests correlate well with those from batch experiments. In the cases of weakly binding soils, ILs were detected almost immediately in the eluent. The elution profiles of long-chain ILs indicate that these compounds are very strongly sorbed onto most soils, although certain amounts were transported through the soil. ILs exhibit a certain mobility in soils: in particular, salts with short and/or hydroxylated side chains are extremely mobile. Discussion  The results indicate a stronger binding of ILs in the first sorption layer; once the first layer is saturated, there are no more active sites on the soil surface (no free charged groups); hence, there are no more strong electrostatic binding sites, and dispersive interaction becomes the dominant interaction potential. The influence of the structure of the ILs, especially the side-chain length was also confirmed: The K _d value of long-chain ILs was far higher than that of the short-chain ones. The long alkyl side chain facilitates dispersive interactions with soil organic matter and intermolecular binding, and the build-up of a second layer becomes possible. Among the substances tested, hydroxylated ILs were usually more weakly sorbed. The hydroxyl group in the side chain can alter the polarity of the compound so strongly that interaction with organic matter hardly occurs; these salts then remain in the aqueous phase. The experimental results from the column tests correlate well with those from batch tests. In the weakly binding soils (with low organic matter), the only binding to the soil surface must be via electrostatic interactions, although intermolecular van der Waals (ionic liquid–ionic liquid) interactions could also be taking place. The elution profile maxima for organic rich soils are far smaller than for the other soils. In the former, hydrogen bonding, dispersive and π…π interactions play a more important part than electrostatic interactions. The rapidly “disappearing” maxima of the elution peaks may indicate that, after elution of ILs from the second layer, it is difficult to extract further sorbed ILs. In the first layer, the ILs are bound by much stronger electrostatic interactions. To break these bonds, a greater energy is required than that sufficient to extract ILs from double sorption layers. Results indicate, moreover, that hydrophobic ILs will be sorbed in the first few centimeters of the soil; migration into the soil will therefore be almost negligible. Conclusions  Sorption of ILs was the strongest in soils with the highest cation exchange capacities and a high organic content. ILs were also more strongly bound to the first sorption layer. The sorption coefficients of long-chain ILs were far higher than those of short-chain ones; usually, hydroxylated derivatives were the least strongly sorbed. Results of soil column experiments to investigate the mobility of ILs in soils correlated well with those from batch tests, and the elution profiles were also well correlated with organic matter content. The observed rapidly disappearing elution peak maxima probably indicate that, after elution of the ILs from the second layer, it is difficult to extract further sorbed compounds. Recommendations and perspectives  Obtained results gave an interesting insight into mobility of ionic liquids in soil columns. However, several questions are now opened. It is therefore necessary to undertake further studies focused on total cycle of ionic liquids in the soil environment. This should include their evapotrasporation (lysimeter test), bioaccumulation by plants as well as degradation and transformation processes (chemical, biological, and physical) typically occurring in soils. Moreover, a further risk assessment of ILs is desirable since this study has indicated that these compounds, especially those with low lipophilicities, are generally mobile in the soil matrix. It is already known that short-chain ILs are characterized by low toxicities; should they enter the environment, they will probably migrate within the soil and pose a risk of contamination of surface and ground waters. This topic is relevant to the audience. Environmental threat of short-chain ionic liquids is currently unknown. From the predictive point of view, judging on known low acute toxic effects or high polarities of these compounds seems to be not enough to confirm their “environmental friendliness”. If we are to fully understand the potential environmental effects, one should also have an insight into long-term biological consequences of these ionic liquids, including chronic toxicity tests, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation rates as well as stability against natural elimination mechanisms.     

Soil tillage methods by years interaction for harvest index of maize (Zea mays L.) using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model

The objective of this study was to assess soil tillage methods by years interaction for harvest index (HI) of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in West Poland by the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model. The study comprised four soil tillage methods, analysed in 12 years through field trials arranged in a randomised complete block design, with four replicates. HI of the tested soil tillage methods varied from 0.354 to 0.692 throughout the 12 years, with an average of 0.530. In the variance analysis, 57.06% of the total harvest index variation was explained by years, 2.39% by differences between soil tillage methods, and 8.71% by soil tillage methods by years interaction. HI is highly influenced by year factors. The method of reduced conventional tillage [autumn shallow ploughing (15 cm), cultivator with string roller in spring] was the most stable (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction stability value, ASV=0.410) for the HI values among studied soil tillage methods. This result confirms the opinion on the possibility of shallowing autumn ploughing in the cultivation of maize for grain.     

The Nutritional and Health Benefits of Kiwiberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Actinidia arguta</Emphasis>) – a Review

The kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) is a new product on the market that is enjoying growing consumer acceptance around the world. This widespread interest has created increased demand for identification of the kiwiberry’s nutritional health benefits. Containing over 20 essential nutrients and a range of vitamins, the kiwiberry comes near the top of fruits classed as superfoods. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C with up to 430 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) and is considered the richest dietary source of myo-inositol (up to 982 mg/100 g FW). The kiwiberry is also one of the richest sources of lutein (up to 0.93 mg/100 g FW) in commonly consumed fruit. Furthermore, containing up to 1301.1 mg/100 g FW phenolics and significant amounts of the essential minerals of potassium, calcium and zinc, the kiwiberry rates very highly as a ‘healthy food’. The type and number of this fruit’s medicinally promising nutrients have motivated ongoing investigations into its antioxidant, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory properties. Early research has pointed to the kiwiberry being a very promising treatment for some cancers and health issues involving the gastrointestinal system, hypercholesterolemia and certain cancers. A pharmaceutical composition of A. arguta, A. kolomikta, and A. polygama extracts has already been registered for the prevention and treatment of some immune (inflammatory) mediated diseases, as well as the treatment of some non-allergic inflammatory diseases. This paper reviews and highlights the limited nutritional and therapeutic information currently available on the kiwiberry, a minor fruit possessing such major properties.     

Effect of teleost pituitary gonadotropins on the in vitro maturation of carp oocytes

Studies were conducted on the effects of various kinds of teleost pituitary gonadotropins on the in vitro maturation of carp oocytes. It was ascertained that after 24 h of incubation with gonadotropins, the highest percentage of oocytes with the nucleus in the migrating or peripheral position, or of mature oocytes, was observed in the case of ciprinide gonadotropins.Centrifuged hypophysial homogenates of the pike, sea-trout and pike-perch displayed a considerably weaker activity. The results obtained are indicative of a specificity of teleost pituitary gonadotropins.     

Influence of lupin (Lupinus luteus L. cv. 4492 and Lupinus angustifolius L. var. zapaton) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) germination on microbial population and biogenic amines

Microbial population and bioactive amine profile and levels of two lupin species (Lupinus luteus L. cv. 4492 and Lupinus angustifolius L. var. zapaton) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds as affected by germination were investigated. Microbial population increased considerably mainly in the first stage of germination (2 days), then small changes in bacterial numbers were observed up to 5 days to levels between 7.8 and 8.9 log colony-forming units/g. Microorganisms belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were dominant for the legumes tested. Ungerminated legume seeds contained putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine, and spermine. Bioactive amine levels found in fenugreek seeds were between 3- and 4-fold higher than those found in lupin seeds. The highest total amine levels were found in fenugreek seeds [162 mg/kg of dry weight (dw)], followed by L. angustifolius var. zapaton seeds (84 mg/kg of dw) and, finally, L. luteus cv. 4492 (46 mg/kg of dw) seeds. The concentration of individual amines showed a gradual rising trend during the germination period in all tested sprouts, reaching levels >3 times higher than those found in ungerminated seeds. After 5 days of germination, the fenugreek sprouts contained the highest amount of total bioactive amines. Tyramine was the predominant amine in both lupin varieties, whereas cadaverine was the main bioactive amine detected in fenugreek. The results of this work thus indicated that microbial population and biogenic amine levels in the studied lupin and fenugreek sprouts are not a risk for healthy consumers or for individuals with restricted activity of detoxification enzymes.     

Response of young and adult birds to the same environmental variables and different spatial scales during post breeding period

Context

How do young birds achieve spatial knowledge about the environment during the initial stages of their life? They may follow adults, so gaining social information and learning; alternatively, young birds may acquire knowledge of the environment themselves by experiencing habitat and landscape features. If learning is at least partially independent of adults then young birds should respond to landscape composition at finer spatial scale than adults, who possess knowledge over a larger area.

Objectives

We studied the responses of juvenile, immature and adult Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans to the same habitat and landscape variables, but at several spatial scales (ranging from 2.5 to 15 km), during post-breeding period.

Methods

We surveyed 61 fish ponds (foraging patches) in southern Poland and counted Caspian gulls.

Results

Juvenile birds responded at finer spatial scales to the factors than did adults. Immature birds showed complicated, intermediate responses to spatial scale. The abundance of juvenile birds was mostly correlated with the landscape composition (positively with the cover of corridors and negatively with barriers). Adult abundance was positively related to foraging patch quality (fish stock), which clearly required previous spatial experience of the environment. The abundance of all age classes were moderately correlated with each other indicating that social behaviour may also contribute to the learning of the environment.

Conclusions

This study shows that as birds mature, they respond differently to components of their environment at different spatial scales. This has considerable ecological consequences for their distribution across environments.

     

Phagocytic and oxidative burst activity of phagocytic cells in peripheral blood and uterine washings in cows with clinical endometritis before and after intrauterine use of cephapirin and methisoprinol

The aim of the study was to evaluate phagocytic and killing activity of phagocytic cells in blood and uterine flush of cows with endometritis before and after intrauterine (i.u.) administration of cephapirin and methisoprinol. The research was carried out on 28 cows with clinical endometritis. Animals were divided into four groups, each composed of seven cows, depending on the i.u. treatment used: Group A—cephapirin; Group B—methisoprinol; Group C—cephapirin and methisoprinol at the same time; and a control group—without medication. Using flow cytometry technique, the phagocytic activity of granulocytes and monocytes was identified, as well as the oxidative burst activity of neutrophils in the peripheral blood and uterine washings. Summarizing the results of the research, i.u. infusion of cephapirin caused a reduction in the phagocytic and killing activity of phagocytes. The i.u. use of methisoprinol increased phagocytic and killing activity of phagocytes in the uterus. Administering both listed substances simultaneously showed a decrease in phagocytosis, presumably due to the dominating inhibitor effect of the antibiotic. However, also an increase of mean fluorescence intensity was observed, presumably caused by the methisoprinol. Intrauterine use of immunostimulatory substances, can improve the effectiveness of the treatment of endometritis in cows.