Changes in the phenolic composition of virgin olive oil from young trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Arbequina) grown under linear irrigation strategies.

This study reports the HPLC profiles of phenolic compounds of virgin olive oils obtained from young olive trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Arbequina) and how the application of a linear irrigation strategy affected these. Hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, vanillic acid, vanillin, 4-(acetoxyethyl)-1,2-dihydroxybenzene, p-coumaric acid, the dialdehydic form of elenolic acid linked to hydroxytyrosol and to tyrosol, lignans, and the oleuropein aglycon were found in all the oils. Hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, vanillic acid, and p-coumaric acid contents in the oils were unaffected by linear irrigation. The concentration of lignans was lower in the oils from the least irrigated treatment and the concentration of vanillin increased as the amount of irrigation water applied to olive trees increased. However, 4-(acetoxyethyl)-1,2-dihydroxybenzene, the dialdehydic form of elenolic acid linked to hydroxytyrosol and to tyrosol, and the oleuropein aglycon, all of them hydroxyphenyl derivatives, decreased as the level of irrigation water increased. The latter three compounds represented the most considerable part of the phenolic fraction of the oils and they were shown to be correlated to the oxidative stability, the bitter index (K(225)), and the bitter, pungent, and sweet sensory attributes. Linear irrigation strategy changed the profile of the oil phenolic compounds and, therefore, changed both the organoleptic properties and the antioxidant capacity of the product.     

Interrill and rill erodibility in the northern Andean Highlands

There is a lack of quantitative information describing the physical processes causing soil erosion in the Andean Highlands, especially those related to interrill and rill erodibility factors. To assess how susceptible are soils to erosion in this region, field measurements of interrill (Ki) and rill (Kr) erodibility factors were evaluated. These values were compared against two equations used by the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP), and also compared against the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) erodibility factor. Ki observed in situ ranged from 1.9 to 56 × 10⁵ kg s m^− 4 whereas Kr ranged from 0.3 to 14 × 10^− 3 s m^− 1. Sand, clay, silt, very fine sand and organic matter fractions were determined in order to apply WEPP and USLE procedures. Most of the evaluated soils had low erodibility values. However, the estimated USLE K values were in the low range of erodibility values. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were applied to ascertain the influence of the independent soil parameters on the Ki and Kr values. After this, we yield two empirical equations to estimate Ki and Kr under this Andean Highlands conditions. Ki was estimated using as predictors silt and very fine sand, while Kr used as predictors clay, very fine sand and organic matter content. Relationship among Ki, Kr and K are described for the Highland Andean soils.     

Correlations between soil parameters and radionuclide contents in samples from Biscay (Spain)

The distribution of gamma emitting radioactive constituents in Biscay soils have been measured in 15 cm cores, at three depth levels, in fourteen sampling positions. Analyses were performed in Marinelli beakers with a gamma multichannel analyser provided with a Ge-HP detector. Additionally, each soil was characterized by a number of parameters (position, bulk density, pH, size distribution, total contents of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen, thermogravimetric data and major cations soluble in ammonium acetate at pH 7). Seven natural radioisotopes (⁴⁰K, ²²⁸Ac, ²¹²Bi, ²⁰⁸TI, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁴Pb and ²¹⁴Bi) and ¹³⁷Cs were detected and measured. Relations between natural radionuclides (located before and after radon isotopes in both radioactive series) and soil parameters are mainly explained by two statistical multivariate methods (factor analysis and numerical taxonomy). The more complex dependence of radiocaesium contents on soil characteristics was elucidated by linear multiple regression.     

Phytoextraction of Cd and Pb and physiological effects in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum var. Spunta): importance of root temperature.

Three consecutive years of field experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of different root-zone temperatures, induced by the application of mulches, on the concentration and accumulation of Cd and Pb and on bioindicators (chlorophylls, catalase, peroxidase and cell wall fractions) in different organs of potato plants (roots, tubers, stems, and leaflets). Four different plastic covers were employed (T1, transparent polyethylene; T2, white polyethylene; T3, white and black coextruded polyethylene, and T4, black polyethylene), using uncovered plants as the control (T0). The different treatments had a significant effect on the mean root-zone temperatures (T0 = 16 degrees C, T1 = 20 degrees C, T2 = 23 degrees C, T3 = 27 degrees C, and T4 = 30 degrees C) and induced significantly different responses in the Cd and Pb concentrations and phytoaccumulation, with T2 (23 degrees C) and T3 (27 degrees C) giving high concentrations of Cd in the roots and low concentrations in other organs. In relation to Pb, T2 and T3 reached higher levels in the tubers and lower levels in the roots, stems, and leaves. In terms of phytoaccumulation, the roots and tubers were the most effective organs for Cd and Pb. On the other hand, the highest values of peroxidase and catalase activities were obtained for T3. In addition, most of the carbohydrate fractions in both the roots and the tubers were highest for T3. Meanwhile, the lowest pigment values were registered for T1 (20 degrees C). For phytoremediation, it is necessary to ascertain the relevance and control of the thermal regime of the soil to optimize the phytoextraction of pollutant elements (Cd and Pb).     

A COMPARISON OF MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC ULTRASOUND-GUIDED BIOPSY TECHNIQUES

A manual, ultrasound-guided biopsy technique was compared to a new automatic method using a new biopsy device. The liver and the left kidney of 10 dogs were biopsied using the two methods. The specimens from the biopsies were compared for size and quality. Results demonstrate that larger and higher quality samples were obtained with the new automatic method.     

Enzootic bovine leukosis virus in Brazil

Summary A sero-epidemiological survey for antibodies to the glycoprotein of enzootic bovine leukosis virus showed that the infection is widely disseminated in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sera from 1,290 females and 154 males from 12 dairy herds were tested by the agar gel precipitin test. Seven hundred and one females (54.3%) and 68 males (44.2%) were found to have specific antibodies. These antibodies were demonstrated in all 7 age groups tested. The older age groups contained the highest percentage of reactors. The results are briefly discussed in relation to management practices and environmental conditions.

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El Virus De La Leucosis Bovina Enzootica En Brasil

Resumen Una encuesta suero-epidemiológica por anticuerpos contra la glicoproteina del virus de la leucosis bovina enzootica mostró que la infección está ampliamente diseminada en el Estado de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Sueros de 1290 hembras y 154 machos pertenecientes a 12 rebaños lecheros fueron examinados en la prueba de precipitación en agar. Se encontró que 701 hembras (54.3 por ciento) y 68 machos (44.2 por ciento) poseían anticuerpos específicos. Estos anticuerpos fueron demonstrados en todos los siete grupos de edad examinados. Los grupos de mas edad contenian un porcentaje mayor de reactores. Los resultados son discutidos brevemente en relación a las prácticas de manejo y a las condiciones ambientales locales.

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Virus De La Leucose Bovine Enzootique Au Bresil

Résumé Une enquête séro-épidémiologique pour la détection de la présence de la glycoproteine du virus de la leucose enzootique bovine a montré que cette affection est largement disséminée dans l'Etat de Rio de Janeiro, au Brésil. Des échantillons de sérum provenant de 1290 femelles et 154 mâles appartenant à 12 troupeaux laitiers ont été étudiés par précipitation en gélose—701 femelles (54,3 p. 100) et 68 mâles (44,2 p. 100) ont été reconnus comme possédant des anticorps spécifiques. Ces anticorps ont été mis en évidence dans la totalité des 7 groupes d'âges étudiés. Les groupes d'âges plus élevés contenaient le plus haut pourcentage d'animaux positifs. Les résultats sont brièvement discutés, dans leur relation avec les pratiques de l'élevage et les conditions de l'environnement.

     

EFFECT OF DEPENDENCY VERSUS NONDEPENDENCY ON LUNG LESION VISUALIZATION

Paraffin blocks and mineral oil were used as a model to determine the effect of dependency versus nondependency on radiographic visualization of lung lesions in lateral thoracic radiographs. It was concluded that the increased opacity of the material surrounding the lesion, not contact between the heart and the lesion, was responsible for the inability to detect lung disease in the dependent lung. The results were tested in dogs with pneumonia in the right middle lung lobe. When the dog was in right lateral recumbency, the dependent right lung was increased in opacity and decreased in volume and the pulmonary lesion was difficult to detect. When the dog was in left lateral recumbency, the nondependent right lung was increased in volume and decreased in opacity and the pulmonary disease was clearly visible. A single recumbent lateral radiograph must not be used to assess a dog with suspected lung disease because lesions in the dependent lung lobes may not be detected.