Assessing daily egestion rates in earthworms: using fungal spores as a natural soil marker to estimate gut transit time

Earthworms have an important role in ‘bioturbation’—the mixing of soil due to biological processes. Quantification of earthworm bioturbation relies on estimating earthworm egestion rates which in turn depend on two parameters: the gut content of the worms and the gut transit time (GTT). Gut content can be determined relatively easily, but determining GTT is problematic. The present study aimed at estimating daily soil egestion rates of Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus terrestris, refining the most common approach for estimating GTT by using fungal spores as natural markers in ingested soil. This approach avoids the use of artificial markers that may adversely affect the earthworms. Gut transit time was estimated by tracking the passage of marked soil through the gut by the appearance of the spores in the egested faeces. Gut transit time was estimated to be 9.6?±?0.3 h for A. caliginosa and 11.6?±?0.5 h for L. terrestris. Gut content averaged 465?±?40(± standard error (SE))?mg dw g^?1 dw worm for A. caliginosa and 265?±?80 mg dw g^?1 dw worm for L. terrestris. From these values, daily egestion rates of 1.16 and 0.66 g dw faeces g^?1 dw worm d^?1 were calculated for A. caliginosa and L. terrestris, respectively. Both values compare well to literature values for each species. The presented method for GTT estimation is inexpensive, rapid and easy to evaluate, with spores being a good alternative to existing markers.     

Localization of denitrification activity in macropores of a riparian wetland

Soil structure heterogeneity in the form of macropores and preferential flow channels can complicate efforts to quantify the physical and biological characteristics of wetland systems. We collected soil cores from two riparian wetlands to determine whether soil associated with macropores had elevated denitrification potentials compared to bulk soil from the same core. Cores were inspected for obvious macropores, which were distinguished as visible holes in the core, sometimes with decaying root matter, or as highly unconsolidated layers that appeared to have a substantially lower bulk density than the surrounding soil. Denitrification potentials were significantly higher in pores (P<0.05) for six of the 16 cores that were obtained from the Cheraw State Park site. In cores obtained from a second site, denitrification potentials were significantly higher in pores for six of 20 cores and the trend of higher denitrification in pores was present in the majority of cores that had measurable activity. In cores with significant differences, denitrification was often 1-2 orders of magnitude greater in soil surrounding the macropore than in the bulk soil. Denitrification potentials of the bulk soils were similar in magnitude to the potentials measured in composited cores from previous studies. It is possible that the difference between macropore and bulk denitrification rates developed due to preferential flow of nitrate-rich water through the macropores. Previous work showed that water entering these riparian systems in groundwater and storm runoff had elevated levels of NO₃⁻.     

Role of air pollution in forest decline in Eastern North America

Evidence for and against three general mechanisms by which air pollution stress may cause or contribute to forest decline in eastern North America is examined. These mechanisms are (1) soil acidification, cation nutrient depletion, and subsequent Al toxicity, (2) direct and indirect effects of gaseous pollutants on the physiology and growth of forest trees; and (3) excess nitrogen deposition and subsequent soil acidification or physiological injury. Recent studies have revealed reductions in base saturation in some sites (both polluted and pristine), but the consequences of these changes to forest health and nutrition are not resolved. Aluminum toxicity may contribute to forest decline in red spruce (Picearubens L.) in high-elevation sites, but the data are contradictory. In forested landscapes in which regional decline (reduced tree growth and/or dieback) is reported, O₃ is the only gaseous pollutant documented as a contributing factor in the eastern North America. Whereas this secondary pollutant exhibits a regional distribution and occurs at potentially phytotoxic levels, a linkage between O₃ and forest decline is substantive only for loblolly pine (Pinustaeda Sarg.) in the southeast. Studies in high elevations do not support the hypothesis that O₃ or hydrogen peroxide directly affects the growth of red spruce or fraser fir (Abiesfraseri Poir.).However, preliminary data link chronic-level O₃ exposure with indirect effects, principally changes in drought tolerance in low-elevations (e.g., P. taeda) nd winter hardiness in high elevations (e.g., P. rubens).The emerging data on the role of air pollution as an environmental stress indicate that indirect effects (i.e., responses in which pollution alters the plant's ability to compete for limited resources or withstand other environmental stresses) are more important than direct effects (e.g., foliar necrotic lesions). Nitrogen saturation has been offered as an hypothesis for P. rubens decline, but no experimental data exist supporting this hypothesis.     

Genotoxicity of melanoidin fractions derived from a standard glucose/glycine model

Genotoxic compounds can act at various levels in the cell (causing gene, chromosome, or genome mutations), necessitating the use of a range of genotoxicity assays designed to detect these different types of mutations. The production of melanoidins during the processing and cooking of foods is associated with changes in their nutritional character, and the discovery of mutagenic substances in pyrolyzed protein and amino acids has raised concern about the safety of these foods. The aim of this work was to test melanoidin fractions in three different in vitro assays (Ames test, Vitotox test, and micronucleus test). These melanoidin fractions were produced from the condensation of glucose with glycine and their separation was conducted by dialysis. The crude reaction mixture (before dialysis) and both the LMW and HMW fractions obtained by dialysis showed no genotoxicity in these assays, despite being tested at concentrations much higher than those naturally found in food products. The LMW fraction, however, showed toxicity at these high concentrations. The volatile fraction produced in this reaction showed genotoxicity only in the Vitotox test, at high concentrations.     

Fate of xanthohumol and related prenylflavonoids from hops to beer

The fate of three prenylated flavonoids of the chalcone type, xanthohumol, desmethylxanthohumol, and 3'-geranylchalconaringenin, was monitored with LC/MS-MS from hops (Humulus lupulus L.) to beer in two brewing trials. The three prenylchalcones were largely converted into their isomeric flavanones, isoxanthohumol, prenylnaringenins, and geranylnaringenins, respectively, in the boiling wort. Losses of prenylflavonoids were due to incomplete extraction from the hops into the wort (13-25%), adsorption to insoluble malt proteins (18-26%), and adsorption to yeast cells (11-32%) during fermentation. The overall yield of xanthohumol, after lagering of the beer and largely in the form of isoxanthohumol, amounted to 22-30% of the hops' xanthohumol. About 10% of the hops' desmethylxanthohumol, completely converted into prenylnaringenins, remained in the beers. 3'-Geranylchalconaringenin behaved similarly to desmethylxanthohumol. Solubility experiments indicated that (1) malt carbohydrates form soluble complexes with xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol and (2) solubility does not dictate the isoxanthohumol levels of finished beers.     

Effect of acidic deposition on hybrid poplar- primary or predisposing stress?

Our research examined the role of acidic deposition as a primary, or predisposing, stress on 8–12 week old cuttings of hybrid poplar (Populos deltoides x nigra). Firstly, we examined the role of acidic deposition as a primary stress in terms of physiological indicators (gas exchange, chlorophyll concentrations, chlorophyll-a fluorescence). Our results suggest that levels of acid precipitation of > pH 3.5 did not act as a primary stress. Secondly, we hypothesized that acidic deposition could act by making trees more susceptible to drought. An acid treatment exposure regime was followed by 3–4 days of drought stress in a controlled environment. Preexposure to acidic deposition did not increase the degree, or rate of appearance, of water stress as indicated by predawn xylem pressure potentials and leaf conductances. Examination of cuticular water loss from excised leaves suggested that this parameter was insensitive to acidic deposition from pH 3.0 to 5.5.     

Atmospheric mercury concentrations above mercury contaminated mill tailings in the Carson River Drainage Basin,NV

During processing of the historic Comstock Ore, Virginia City, NV, an estimated 5.5 × 10⁹ g of metallic mercury (Hg) were released into the Carson River Drainage Basin. The Bessels Mill site is one of at least 75 locations where Hg was used to amalgamate the gold and silver from the ore. Although the mill is no longer standing, Hg contaminated tailings attest to its past location. Mercury concentrations in samples of tailings from the Bessels Mill site are as high as 1570 μg/g. Mercury concentrations vary spatially over the site. Total Hg concentrations in air measured directly over the site are well above regional background levels (1 to 7.1 ng/m³). The highest average atmospheric Hg concentration measured at the site was 240 ng/m³ for October 1993. The estimated range of Hg flux to the atmosphere from the site was 37 to 500 ng/m² hr. Atmospheric Hg concentrations varied seasonally, diurnally and spatially. Atmospheric Hg concentrations varied as a function of Hg concentration, soil and air temperature, wind speed and surface morphology.     

Fermented Sorghum as a Functional Ingredient in Composite Breads

Whole sorghum flour was fermented (a five‐day natural lactic acid fermentation) and dried under forced draught at 60°C, and evaluated for its effect on sorghum and wheat composite bread quality. In comparison with unfermented sorghum flour, fermentation decreased the flour pH from 6.2 to 3.4, decreased total starch and water‐soluble proteins, and increased enzyme‐susceptible starch, total protein, and the in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD). Fermentation and drying did not decrease the pasting temperature of sorghum flour, but slightly increased its peak and final viscosity. In comparison with composite bread dough containing unfermented sorghum flour, fermented and dried sorghum flour decreased the pH of the dough from 5.8 to 4.9, increased bread volume by ≈4%, improved crumb structure, and slightly decreased crumb firmness. IVPD of the composite bread was also improved. Mixing wet fermented sorghum flour directly with wheat flour (sourdough‐type process) further increased loaf volume and weight and reduced crumb firmness, and simplified the breadmaking process. It appears that the low pH of fermented sorghum flour inactivated amylases and increased the viscosity of sorghum flour, thus improving the gas‐holding capacity of sorghum and wheat composite dough. Fermentation of sorghum flour, particularly in a sourdough breadmaking process, appears to have considerable potential for increasing sorghum utilization in bread.     

Carotenoid intakes, assessed by food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs), are associated with serum carotenoid concentrations in the Jackson Heart Study: validation of the Jackson Heart Study Delta NIRI Adult FFQs

OBJECTIVES: Intake and status of carotenoids have been associated with chronic disease. The objectives of this study were to examine the association between carotenoid intakes as measured by two regional food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and their corresponding measures in serum, and to report on dietary food sources of carotenoids in Jackson Heart Study (JHS) participants. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of data for 402 African American men and women participating in the Diet and Physical Activity Sub-Study (DPASS) of the JHS. RESULTS: Mean serum carotenoid concentrations and intakes in this population were comparable to those reported for the general US population. After adjustment for covariates, correlations between serum and dietary measures of each carotenoid, for the average of the recalls (deattenuated), the short FFQ and the long FFQ, respectively, were: 035 and 0-carotene; 026 and 0-carotene; 017 and 0-carotene; 034 and 0-cryptoxanthin; 015 and 037, 014 for lycopene. Major dietary sources of -carotene and lutein plus zeaxanthin, mustard, turnip and collard greens; of beta-cryptoxanthin, orange juice; and of lycopene, tomato juice. CONCLUSIONS: On average, carotenoid intakes and serum concentrations are not lower in this southern African American population than the general US population. The two regional FFQs developed for a southern US population and used as dietary assessment tools in the JHS appear to provide reasonably valid information for most of these carotenoids.