Der Asiatische Laubholzbockkäfer Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853) (Cerambycidae, Coleoptera) in Bayern

In 2004 in the village Neukirchen/Inn the introduction of the invasive longicorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis to Bavaria was detected. A maple tree near to a truckage company dealing with granite stones from Asia showed less foliation. Two larvae were found in a branch and to confirm the supposition the larvae were sent to the Federal Forest Research Centre in Vienna for a DNA-analysis. After the unambiguous identification of A. glabripennis a safety zone was established around the centre of the infestation. Monitorings for damaged deciduous trees which were assumed to be host plants were carried out. The citizens of the affected area were informed about the invasive species and a general ordinance was published committing the inhabitants for assistance in eradication measures. 16 trees have been cut down, chaffed and burned during the season 2004: five maples, four willows, four white chestnuts, two birches and one poplar. In 2005 only one maple tree and one whitebeam followed but new egg deposition sites could be found in the middle of October. All trees stood within a radius of 500 metres of the centre of infestation. In 2004 infested branches were carried to Freising and kept under conditions of quarantine. From this wood 47 adults emerged in 2004 and one specimen emerged in 2005. The beetles lived about three to four weeks. The antennae length, the body length and the body width were measured. The situation in Neukirchen/Inn is still tense and the monitoring has to be continued.     

An acylation cycle regulates localization and activity of palmitoylated Ras isoforms

We show that the specific subcellular distribution of H- and Nras guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins is generated by a constitutive de/reacylation cycle that operates on palmitoylated proteins, driving their rapid exchange between the plasma membrane (PM) and the Golgi apparatus. Depalmitoylation redistributes farnesylated Ras in all membranes, followed by repalmitoylation and trapping of Ras at the Golgi, from where it is redirected to the PM via the secretory pathway. This continuous cycle prevents Ras from nonspecific residence on endomembranes, thereby maintaining the specific intracellular compartmentalization. The de/reacylation cycle also initiates Ras activation at the Golgi by transport of PM-localized Ras guanosine triphosphate. Different de/repalmitoylation kinetics account for isoform-specific activation responses to growth factors.     

Simulated digestion of Vitis vinifera seed powder: polyphenolic content and antioxidant properties

There is increasing evidence that reactive oxygen species arising from several enzymatic reactions are mediators of inflammatory events. Plant preparations have the potential for scavenging such reactive oxygen species. Flavans and procyanidins are bioavailable and stable during the process of cooking. This study used conditions that mimicked digestion of Vitis vinifera seed powder in the stomach (acidic preparation) and small intestine (neutral preparation). The flavonoids of these two preparations were released during simulated digestion and were determined with HPLC analysis. Biochemical model reactions relevant for the formation of reactive oxygen species in vivo at inflammatory sites were used to determine the antioxidant properties of the two preparations. The inhibition of the indicator reaction for the formation of reactive oxygen species represents a potential mechanism of the physiological activity of the corresponding preparation. The results of this work show clearly that the polyphenols released during the simulated digestion of the two preparations have good scavenging potential against superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen. They protect low-density lipoprotein against copper-induced oxidation due to the copper-chelating properties and their chain-breaking abilities in lipid peroxidation.