Novel protein from Labramia bojeri A. DC. seeds homologue to Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor with lectin-like properties

This study starts by isolating and characterizing the first protein from Labramia bojeri seeds, which belong to the Sapotaceae family. The purified lectin analyzed by SDS-PAGE with and without beta-mercaptoethanol shows two protein bands (M(r) = 19 and 20 kDa), which cannot be resolved. Protein bands have shown similar characteristics as molecular masses, determined by gel filtration and native gel; N-terminal sequences presented a difference in their isoelectric points. We have suggested that those protein bands might be variants of the protein named Labramin. The sequence database search has shown that the N-terminal sequence of Labramin presented a high degree of homology to Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor (82-52%) despite no trypsin inhibition activity detection. The lectin-like form from Labramin was better inhibited by glycoproteins and has also presented growth inhibition of the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but it has not presented an apparent effect on Fusarium oxysporum.     

Fungal colonization of phyllosphere and litter of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Quercus rotundifolia</Emphasis> Lam. in a holm oak forest (High Atlas,Morocco)

The microfungal flora of holm oak living, senesced and litter leaves was studied at five different stages of decomposition using three different isolation methods. Holm oak leaves are first colonized on the tree by a variety of primary saprophytes such as Trichothecium, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Epicoccum and Alternaria. After leaf fall there is an intensive development of the fungal flora, including both species already present in the phyllosphere and new colonizers from the litter layer. With increasing decomposition initial colonizers gradually disappear, being replaced by other forms. When all isolation methods were pooled, maximum biodiversity (species richness) of the fungus flora was observed during the first three stages of leaf litter decomposition, but strong variation occurred according to the isolation method. Sterilization of the leaf material revealed that a number of fungal strains were present inside the holm oak leaves before abscission, increasing from living to senescent stages, and that a strong decrease in the internal colonization of leaf litter was observed at late decomposition stages.     

Simulation of solution chemistry in an acidic forest soil

The computer simulation model SOILEQ was used to estimate soil solution chemistry over a 7 week period from October 3 to November 14, 1988 in the soils of a sugar maple forest located near St. Hippolyte, Quebec, Canada. Model parameters for pH-dependent CEC and exchangeable cations were calculated from laboratory measurements while soil solution chemistry, including Al solubility, at the start of the simulation was taken from values obtained from lysimeter samples. Model predictions were compared with values obtained from 12 sets of soil solution collectors over the same time period. Predicted values of Ca, Mg and K in the mineral soil horizons at 25-, 75- and 125-cm depths generally fall within the 95% confidence interval of the median for the measured values. Simulated values of pH and inorganic Al are not as close to the measured values. Some error due to drift is apparent, most notably for base cations in solutions leaving the organic surface horizons, and may be attributable to decomposition of organic matter, not included in the simulation model. The results indicate that other mechanisms that release H* (nitrification, for example) and base cations (mineral weathering or mineralization of organic matter) need to be considered.     

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and potassium fertilization

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of potassium (K) fertilization and soil texture on total yield (1st and 2nd cuttings) and yield components of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized statistical design. Basil growth was examined in two different textured soils under three different doses of K fertilization. Generally, for the basil grown under clay soil conditions, moderate amounts of K fertilization is proposed to be sufficient if higher linalool contents are wanted. However, if the growing conditions are sandy loam in texture, it is suggested that higher doses of K be used. Results also highlighted the contribution of second cut as an important cultural practice in the cultivation of an annual basil.     

Application of solid/liquid extraction for the gravimetric determination of lipids in royal jelly

Gravimetric lipid determination is a major parameter for the characterization and the authentication of royal jelly quality. A solid/liquid extraction was compared to the reference method, which is based on liquid/liquid extraction. The amount of royal jelly and the time of the extraction were optimized in comparison to the reference method. Boiling/rinsing ratio and spread of royal jelly onto the extraction thimble were identified as critical parameters, resulting in good accuracy and precision for the alternative method. Comparison of reproducibility and repeatability of both methods associated with gas chromatographic analysis of the composition of the extracted lipids showed no differences between the two methods. As the intra-laboratory validation tests were comparable to the reference method, while offering rapidity and a decrease in amount of solvent used, it was concluded that the proposed method should be used with no modification of quality criteria and norms established for royal jelly characterization.     

Influence of soil properties on the adsorption-desorption of sulcotrione and its hydrolysis metabolites on various soils

The retention process of sulcotrione and its two hydrolysis products, 1,3-cyclohexanedione (CHD) and 2-chloro-4-methylsulfonylbenzoic acid (CMBA), were studied in four different soils (Belgium, Landes, Perpignan, and Martinique) under laboratory conditions. Adsorption isotherms were well fitted by a Freundlich relationship. The values of K(fa) ranged from 0.4 to 27.0, and the most adsorbed compound was CHD regardless the soil type. Sulcotrione and CMBA exhibited similar retention behaviors. According to adsorption and desorption results, sulcotrione presents a moderate affinity with soil components; however, its leaching capacity needs to be carefully assessed. Clay content seemed to be the most important factor influencing the adsorption capacity of each compound, whereas organic matter and pH had little influence. The soils were classified according to their adsorption capacity in the following decreasing order: Martinique, Belgium, Landes, Perpignan.     

1H nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry study of water state in milk protein mixtures

1H NMR signal was used to characterize highly hydrated milk protein dispersions (3-20% dry matter) with various micellar casein concentrations (3-15%), whey protein concentrations (0-3%), lactose concentrations (0-7.5%), CaCl(2) concentrations (0-2 mM), and pH (6.2-6.6). The results showed the predominant effect of micellar casein concentration on water state and were consistent with the three-site relaxation model in the absence of lactose. The relaxation rates observed for these dispersions were explained by the free water relaxation rate, the hydration water relaxation rate, and the exchangeable proton relaxation rate. Hydration water was found to be mainly influenced by casein micelle concentration and structure. The variations in hydration with pH were consistent with those observed for classical measurement of voluminosity observed at this range of pH. The effects of lactose and whey protein content are discussed.     

Wild-captive metapopulation viability analysis

We developed an interactive management model for wild and captive populations of the ploughshare tortoise or angonoka, Geochelone yniphora. Interactive management is based on the translocation of individuals between wild and captive populations to simulate a metapopulation. Demographic parameters of one captive and two wild populations of this rare tortoise were used to conduct a metapopulation viability analysis (MVA). The effectiveness of the conservation strategy proposed for this species was then evaluated by modifying the probability of extinction and growth of the metapopulation over a fixed period of time. Several alternative scenarios of interactive management were then tested and ranked in terms of their effect on the viability of the metapopulation. The model predicted that catastrophic events such as bush fires would likely have a negative effect on the future of remaining wild populations. However, the model also predicted that the use of captive-born offspring to establish additional wild populations would decrease the risk of extinction of the metapopulation as a whole. We believe that, when supported by sound knowledge of the demographic parameters of a species, the use of MVA as part of an interactive management program can be an effective conservation tool that allows assessment of the probable response of both captive and wild populations to different management alternatives. One of the most interesting aspects of this interactive management approach is the link between in situ and ex situ conservation.     

Fungal flora and ochratoxin a production in grapes and musts from france

Eleven samples of grapes and musts used in red table wines were investigated for the occurrence of potential ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing molds. From these samples, 59 filamentous fungi and 2 yeasts were isolated. Among the 30 genera isolated, Deuteromycetes were the most frequent (70%) followed by Ascomycetes (10%). Six of the eleven grapes samples were contaminated by potentially ochratoxinogenic strains (Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus carbonarius). When cultivated in vitro on solid complex media, the 14 strains of A. carbonarius produced OTA. No other species produced OTA under the same conditions. Among must samples, eight of eleven were found to be contaminated by OTA (concentrations from <10 to 461 ng/L). There is a strong correlation between the presence of ochratoxin-producing strains on grapes and OTA in musts. These findings should be connected with the OTA contamination of human blood in these areas and in France.     

Morphological and morphometric features of knee joint in wild boar (Sus scrofa)

In the study, it was aimed to reveal the structure of the knee joint anatomically and morphometrically in the wild pig known as the ancestor of the domestic pig. In the study, the left and right knee joints of mature 10 wild boars were used as material. For this purpose, the materials were fixed with 10% formaldehyde solution. Macroanatomical and morphometrical examinations of bones, menisci and ligaments involved in joint formation were performed after fixation. Trochlea and condyles of femur were examined, and various measurements were made. Trochlear labia were found to be the same size, and the condyles did not show a significant difference in size. The shape of lateral condyle of the tibia was trapezoid, and the shape of medial condyle was triangular. Moreover, the lateral intercondylar tubercule was higher according to the medial one. The presence of a shallow groove on the tibial tuberosity was detected. It was found that the width difference between apex and base was more pronounced on the anterior and lateral surface of the patella. Joint surface of the fibula was found to be flat in all materials. The menisci were ‘C’ shape, but the medial meniscus is more convex than the lateral one. It was observed that the outer edges were thick, while the inner edges were thin. Ligaments of the knee joint were well developed. When the findings of the study were compared with the literature, domestication seemed to have no significant effect in terms of the morphologic properties of the knee joint of wild boar.