Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal furanosesquiterpenoids isolated from Commiphora erythraea (Ehrenb.) Engl. resin

The topical anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging and antifungal activities of essential oils and extracts of Commiphora erythraea (Ehrenb.) Engl. resin were investigated. The hexane extract significantly inhibited oedema when applied topically in Croton oil-induced ear oedema assay in mice. The same extract showed antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging assay. A bioguided separation of the hexane extract led to the isolation of furanosesquiterpenoids 1 and 2 that showed a weak antifungal activity, while compounds 3-5 resulted to be antioxidant (EC₅₀ 4.28, 2.56 and 1.08 mg/mL, respectively) and anti-inflammatory (30, 26 and 32% oedema reduction, respectively).     

Cyclic influences on the heavy metal chronology in a Central Mediterranean area (Palermo Gulf,Italy)

Purpose  

The evaluation of long-term heavy metal concentrations in the Gulf of Palermo (Italy) has been carried out in order to investigate how changes of pollution levels in the last 50 years can be reflected in marine sediments. Measurements of Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn concentrations were performed on dated fractions of a sediment core. Time series analysis has allowed to obtain information on the chronology of the heavy metal pollution of the area and to identify seasonal components and trends.     

Identifying superior rainfed barley genotypes in farmers’ fields using participatory varietal selection

This study was carried out to identify superior barley genotypes for the rainfed areas of western Iran using a participatory varietal selection (PVS) approach. Three field experiments were conducted in two randomly selected farmers’ fields and in one rainfed research station in the 2006–07 cropping season with 69 genotypes (including one local and one improved check). Several univariate and multivariate methods were used to analyze qualitative (farmers’ scores) and quantitative (grain yield) data. Individual farmers’ scores in each village were positively correlated, indicating that the farmers tended to discriminate genotypes in similar fashion, although the genotypes actually selected by farmers were different in the two villages. In recent years, a greater number of farmers in western Iran preferred the improved variety (Sararood-1) over the local barley (Mahali), while in this project the farmers preferred the new genotypes over the two checks. This was also verified by the quantitative data showing that the checks were outyielded by the new genotypes. Farmers were efficient in identifying the best genotypes for their specific environment, as shown by biplot analysis, indicating their competence in selection. The genotypes selected by the breeder and farmers were almost similar but some differences existed. In conclusion, PVS is a powerful way to involve farmers for selecting and testing new cultivars that are adapted to their needs, systems and environments.     

Evidence of Brucella sp. infection in marine mammals stranded along the coast of southern New England.

After recent isolations of Brucella sp. from pinnipeds and cetaceans, a survey was initiated to investigate the prevalence of Brucella sp. infections and serologic evidence of exposure in marine mammals stranded along the coasts of Connecticut and Rhode Island. One hundred and nineteen serum samples from four species of cetaceans and four species of pinnipeds were collected from 1985 to 2000 and tested for antibodies to Brucella sp. using the brucellosis card test, buffered acidified plate antigen test, and rivanol test. In addition, 20 of these were necropsied between 1998 and 2000, with lymphoid and visceral tissues cultured for Brucella sp. Three of 21 (14%) harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and four of 53 (8%) harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) were seropositive. Brucella sp. was isolated from two of four (50%) harbor seals and three of nine (33%) harp seals. Of the five animals with positive cultures, two were seropositive and three seronegative. Brucella sp. was most frequently cultured from the lung and axillary, inguinal, and prescapular lymph nodes. Tissues from which Brucella sp. was isolated showed no gross or histopathologic changes. These results indicate that marine mammals stranded along the coast of southern New England can be exposed to and infected with Brucella sp.     

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium isolated from pigs in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

This study aimed to investigate the relatedness of porcine Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (S.) serovar Typhimurium strains isolated in Southern Brazil. Sixty-six isolates from pigs belonging to three commercial companies were submitted to phage typing, XbaI-macrorestriction (PFGE), IS200 hybridization, rep-PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and PCR assay targeting the spvR region. All strains presented a unique rep-PCR pattern and 63 strains had a common IS200 profile. One pulse-type (XA) was the most prevalent (39/66 strains) and included strains of phage types DT177, DT192, DT194 and RDNC. The spvR region was detected in three strains, which harboured plasmids of 90 kb. High rates of tetracycline, sulfonamide and streptomycin resistance were found. Isolates from farms located in different geographic regions but associated to the same commercial companies clustered together and presented a common resistance profile. Results suggested that clonal groups of S. Typhimurium are present in pig commercial companies in Southern Brazil.     

A Novel Auraptene-Enriched Citrus Peels-Based Blend with Enhanced Antioxidant Activity

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - The aim of this study was to establish a convenient process to get auraptene-enriched blends from Citrus limon L. Osbeck (Rutaceae) peels powder with functional...     

Host preference of Thrips hawaiiensis for different ornamental plants

Journal of Pest Science - Thrips hawaiiensis is a common thrips pest that damages the flowers of various plants. The differing population sizes of T. hawaiiensis among host plants suggest its...     

Correction to: Host preference of Thrips hawaiiensis for different ornamental plants

Journal of Pest Science -     

Accumulation and erosion of Mars' south polar layered deposits

Mars' polar regions are covered with ice-rich layered deposits that potentially contain a record of climate variations. The sounding radar SHARAD on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mapped detailed subsurface stratigraphy in the Promethei Lingula region of the south polar plateau, Planum Australe. Radar reflections interpreted as layers are correlated across adjacent orbits and are continuous for up to 150 kilometers along spacecraft orbital tracks. The reflectors are often separated into discrete reflector sequences, and strong echoes are seen as deep as 1 kilometer. In some cases, the sequences are dipping with respect to each other, suggesting an interdepositional period of erosion. In Australe Sulci, layers are exhumed, indicating recent erosion.     

Resistance traits and AFLP characterization of diploid primitive tuber-bearing potatoes

Worldwide, a variety of pathogens negatively affect potato production, resulting in an estimated 22% annual yield reduction. Wild Solanum species represent a unique gene pool where all the traits necessary to improve the cultivated potato can be found. Therefore, breeding efforts for improved disease resistance and research aimed at characterizing wild germplasm have been extensively made. In this paper, sources of resistance to Phytophthora infestans, Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, Fusarium solani and Globodera spp. have been investigated in several clones of two Solanum species originating from Central Mexico (S. bulbocastanum and S. cardiophyllum). Interestingly, we found sources of combined resistance to late blight and bacterial soft rot. This is an important finding considering that the development of resistant potato varieties has been hindered by the scarcity of resistant germplasm. In addition, we explored molecular differences within and between the two species generating AFLP fingerprints. By means of six primer pair combinations, we found 13 and 16 putative species-specific AFLP markers for S. bulbocastanum and S. cardiophyllum, respectively, and a bounty of markers useful for mapping, MAS, and cloning purposes. The phenotypic and molecular information associated to S. bulbocastanum and S. cardiophyllum for designing strategies of assisted selection are discussed.