DESCRIPTION OF THE SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF SPANISH UNIFLORAL HONEYS BY FREE CHOICE PROFILING

Different Spanish unifloral honeys (eucalyptus, sunflower, rosemary, thyme, lavender, citrus, anise, quercus, and lemon blossom) and one multifloral honey were studied by Free-Choice Profiling (FCP) analysis. Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA) applied to the FCP data allowed discrimination between samples and provided information on the attributes responsible for the differences observed. The honeys had significantly different sensory characteristics. Textural attributes were the predominant factor in discriminating between samples, and appearance (color included) was also correlated with GPA dimensions to a lesser extent.     

Reproductive ecology of Rhododendron ponticum (Ericaceae) in relict Mediterranean populations

In the southern Iberian Peninsula, Rhododendron ponticum occurs in restricted and vulnerable populations as a Tertiary relict. Population structure and the main phases of the reproductive process were examined in order to shed light on recruitment patterns and limitations. Rhododendron ponticum flowers are self-compatible and attract a diverse array of insects, which are responsible for a considerable number of seeds set in the populations. Nevertheless, only adults form populations, whilst seedlings are scarce and saplings virtually absent (only two juveniles out of 2489 adults sampled). Non-specialized vegetative multiplication by layering was observed. Recruitment failure seems to depend on the scarcity of safe microsites, which are free from drought, for seedling establishment. The observations contrast with R. ponticum 's reputation as an aggressive invader in temperate Atlantic areas. It is proposed that the species shows a variable balance between sexual reproduction and vegetative multiplication depending on environmental conditions. At present, only the latter seems to be prevailing in relict populations in the Iberian Peninsula. This flexible reproductive strategy is also discussed as a mechanism allowing persistence during geological climatic oscillations.  © The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 140 , 297–311.     

Aspects psycho-sociaux de la sterilité masculine en Tunisie

A sample of 22 consultants for sterility has been studied. Sterility is badly accepted; it is felt as a narcissic wound, keeping on a depressive mood, with loss of the spirit of initiative. The multiplication of examinations and visits to doctors is a current consequence inspite of the results of complementary examinations. The means of reparation and compensation are very much restricted. Insemination is refused in 77% of the cases. Adoption causes many cultural problems. For the majority of consultants resorting to religion results in resignation more than acceptation     

Effect of salinity and temperature variations on Pterocladia capillacea

Summary At high salinities and high temperatures, the growth rate of Pterocladia was high, the tips of branch initials were dilated and holdfasts broadened. By the end of the fourth week bleaching of the whole plant was complete.Under low salinities and low temperatures, the rate of vegetative growth was decreased, the cuticle was thin and food reserve was centrally accumulated in the cells.Under high salinities and low temperatures, the rate of growth was greatly reduced and cells were devoid of food reserve. Defoliation of lateral branches was frequent.Under low salinities and high temperatures, the rate of growht was rather high and cells were relatively large.     

The side-effects of plant protection products used in olive cultivation on the hymenopterous egg parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal

Abstract:  Six insecticides (Malathion, Quik, Cidial, Dimethoate, Actellic, Deltamethrin) and two mineral oils (Super misrona and Kemesol) are currently used to control the most important pests in Mediterranean olive cultivation (olive fly, olive moth and black scale). Potential side-effects of these compounds were tested on the egg parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal, following recommendations of the working group 'Pesticides and Beneficial Organisms' of the International Organization for Biological Control, West Palaearctic Regional Section (IOBC/WPRS). In the present study, three different types of test methods were carried out: (1) initial toxicity dose–response test on adult wasps; (2) initial toxicity test on pupae, using field recommended rates; and (3) persistent test on olive foliage to assess the duration of harmful activity. The six insecticides tested reduced parasitism by 80–95% and rated as moderately harmful at the field recommended doses. The two mineral oils reduced parasitism up to 25% and were therefore rated as harmless to the adult stage of the parasitoid. The results of the pupal test (parasitoid pupa inside the host egg) showed that Malathion was harmless; Quik, Actellic and Cidial were slightly harmful, while Dimethoate and Deltamethrin were moderately harmful. The results of the persistence test on olive foliage showed that Malathion, Quik and Actellic were slightly persistent, while Cidial, Dimethoate and Deltamethrin were moderately persistent.     

Effect of different light intensities on growth,reproduction, amino acid synthesis,fat and sugar contents in ulva fasciata delile

Various physiological processes of Ulva fasciata were investigated in the laboratory under light intensities of 1500, 2500 and 3500 lux respectively.It was shown that there is a strong correlation between light intensity and growth rate, which increased with the increase in light intensity up till 2500 lux. Light intensities above 3000 lux resulted in bleaching of the algal thalli.In no instance there was any discharge of swarmers in total darkness nor at very reduced light intensities of about 100 lux.Zoospores were always negatively phototactic, while gametes were positively phototactic, appearing always on the well-illuminated sides of the culture bottles.The maximum yield of total nitrogen, dry weight, and amino acid content coincides with the optimum light intensity. Under such conditions leucine, valine, -alanine and glutamic acids are found in abundance, while phenyl alanine, -aminobutyric and glycine are moderately represented.The amount of total fat content increases with the increse in light intensity up till 3500 lux. This might refer to a strong correlation between the rate of photosynthesis and the fat synthesis.It was found that fructose and raffinose were present in negligible amounts under reduced light intensities (1500 lux), while sucrose was found in rather higher quantities. The quantity of glucose is higher than that of fructose and raffinose but much less than that of sucrose under the same light intensity.Alexandria UniversityKuwait UniversityKuwait University     

Association analysis between four vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and developmental dysplasia of the hip

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a congenital condition characterized by abnormality in acetabulum size and/or shape. The incidence rate of DDH differs between different populations with risk factors including positive family history, breech presentation, sex, firstborn status, side of the hip, mode of delivery and oligohydramnios. It is recognized that DDH has a genetic component that exhibit autosomal dominant patterns. Many candidate genes have been studied and found to be associated with the disease; most of them are normally involved in cartilage development and joint metabolism. In this study, the association of four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs731236, rs1544410, rs7975232 and rs2228570) in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene was studied by a case–control analysis. The study sample involves 50 cases with confirmed DDH presentation and 50 nonDDH controls. SNPs were genotyped using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques. Genotype and allele frequencies were analysed using SPSS software. No significant associations were found between the VDR polymorphisms analysed and DDH. Further work need to be performed using genomewide analysis to elucidate the genetic basis of DDH.