Characterisation of cell wall polysaccharides, arabinogalactans-proteins (AGPs) and phenolics of Cola nitida, Cola acuminata and Garcinia kola seeds

Many Cola plant species are endemic to West and Central Africa. Cola acuminata and Cola nitida are used as masticatory when fresh, while the dried nuts are used for beverages and pharmaceutical purposes in Europe and North America. Garcinia kola seeds, that serve as a substitute for the true kola nuts, are used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases, including colic, headache and liver cirrhosis. Seeds extracts of G. kola are also known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. To gain information on the chemical properties of the kolas, we have isolated and analyzed cell wall polysaccharides, arabinogalactan-proteins and phenolic substances from the seeds of the three kola species. The sugar composition of cell wall material of C. acuminata, C. nitida and G. kola revealed that Gal (up to 30%), Ara, GalA and Glc as the predominant monosaccharides, representing approximately 90% by mol of the total hydrolysable sugar present in this material. In Ammonium oxalate cell wall fraction, GalA was found to be the major sugar present in all kola species. In the alkali-soluble fraction, there were significant differences in the level of Glc and Gal. The level of Glc was high in C. acuminata and C. nitida while the level of Gal and Xyl were high in C. nitida and G. cola. Isolation and quantification of arabinogalactan-proteins demonstrate that G. kola seeds contained four to eight times more of these proteoglycans than the seeds of the other two species. Finally, analysis of soluble phenolic substances shows that caffeine and catechin were largely represented in C. acumina and C. nitida seeds, with caffeine accounting for 50% of all soluble phenolics. These findings indicate that the three Kola seeds are highly enriched in pectins and proteoglycans and that C. acuminata and C. nitida can be used as a possible source of caffeine and catechin.     

Evidence for placental compensation in cattle

Prenatal development is known to be extremely sensitive to maternal and environmental challenges. In this study, we hypothesize that body growth and lactation during gestation in cattle reduce nutrient availability for the pregnant uterus, with consequences for placental development. Fetal membranes of 16 growing heifers and 27 fully grown cows of the Belgian Blue (BB) breed were compared to determine the effect of body growth on placental development. Furthermore, the fetal membranes of 49 lactating Holstein Friesian (HF) cows and 27 HF heifers were compared to study the impact of dam lactation compared to dam body growth. After parturition, calf birth weight and body measurements of dam and calf were recorded, as well as weight of total fetal membranes, cotyledons and intercotyledonary membranes. All cotyledons were individually measured to calculate both the surface of each individual cotyledon and the total cotyledonary surface per placenta. Total cotyledonary surface was unaffected by breed or the breed×parity interaction. Besides a 0.3 kg lower cotyledonary weight (P=0.007), heifer placentas had a smaller total cotyledonary surface compared with placentas of cows (0.48±0.017 v. 0.54±0.014 m², respectively, P<0.001). Within the BB breed, fetal membranes of heifers had a 1.5 kg lower total weight and 1.0 kg lower intercotyledonary membrane weight (P<0.005) compared with cows. A cotyledon number of only 91±5.4 was found in multiparous BB dams, while growing BB heifers had a higher cotyledon number (126±6.7, P<0.001), but a greater proportion of smaller cotyledons (<40 cm²). Within the HF breed, no parity effect on intercotyledonary membrane weight, cotyledon number and individual cotyledonary surface was found. Placental efficiency (calf weight/total cotyledonary surface) was similar in HF and BB heifers but significantly higher in multiparous BB compared with multiparous HF dams (106.0±20.45 v. 74.3±12.27 kg/m², respectively, P<0.001). Furthermore, a seasonal effect on placental development was found, with winter and spring placentas having smaller cotyledons than summer and fall placentas (P<0.001). Main findings of the present study are that lactation and maternal growth during gestation entail a comparable nutrient diverting constraint, which might alter placental development. However, results suggest that the placenta is able to manage this situation through two potential compensation mechanisms. In early pregnancy the placenta might cope by establishing a higher number of cotyledons, while in late gestation a compensatory expansion of the cotyledonary surface is suggested to meet the nutrient demand of the fetus.     

南方红豆杉水浸提液对喜树种子发芽和幼苗生长的化感作用

化感作用是影响人工混交林种间关系的重要因素之一。已有研究表明：喜树南方红豆杉混交对喜树生长有明显促进作用,并从混交改善混交林地微气候角度解释了这种促进作用,但未从种间化感作用角度探讨这种作用。为了探究南方红豆杉是否对喜树具有潜在的化感促进作用,从而更全面了解喜树南方红豆杉混交林种间关系,考察了不同浓度（25、50 g/L和100 g/L）的南方红豆杉（Taxus chinensis var.mairei）鲜叶、凋落叶、枝和根水浸提液对喜树（Camptotheca acuminata）种子发芽和幼苗生长的影响。结果表明：（1）南方红豆杉凋落叶浸提液对喜树种子发芽和幼苗生长无显著影响（P>0.05）,而鲜叶、枝和根浸提液对喜树发芽和幼苗生长均具有不同程度的促进作用（P<0.05）,且作用强度大体与浓度呈正相关;（2）100 g/L的南方红豆杉鲜叶、枝和根浸提液浸泡的喜树种子,其发芽率比对照组分别提高8.1%、14.9%和25.6%;（3）南方红豆杉鲜叶浸提液只有在高浓度（100 g/L）时,对喜树幼苗基径生长具有促进作用（P<0.05）,而对其株高、全株干重和净光合速率无显著影响;南方红豆杉根和枝浸提液对喜树幼苗株高、基茎、干重和净光合速率均具有促进作用（P<0.05）,与对照组相比,100 g/L的根和枝浸提液浇灌喜树幼苗,可以使喜树幼苗株高分别提高14.2%和8.4%,基径分别提高19.0%和15.3%,干重分别提高23.1%和15.9%,净光合速率分别提高11.6%和6.1%。研究结果表明,在喜树南方红豆杉混交林中,南方红豆杉对喜树的正向化感作用可能是促进喜树生长的重要因素之一。     

不同品种(系)榛子坚果表型性状差异性分析及其综合评价

该研究以目前主栽的平榛、毛榛及25个平欧杂种榛品种(系)的坚果为研究对象,测定了不同品种(系)榛子坚果的17个表型性状指标,用方差分析、相关性分析、聚类分析和主成分分析方法对其进行差异性分析和综合评价,为国内榛树品种(系)的选优、开发及加工利用提供科学依据。结果表明：(1)不同品种(系)榛子坚果的17个表型性状指标存在显著差异,其中果壳质量、坚果体积和坚果质量差异最为明显,变异系数分别为31.49%、30.44%、27.50%,横纵径比、果形指数、伸长率、圆球度的变异系数均小于10%。(2)平欧杂种榛坚果的纵径、横径、侧径及坚果质量、果仁质量、出仁率等指标显著优于毛榛和平榛,其中杂种榛的平均果仁质量(0.70～1.46 g)和出仁率(31.48%～56.12%)显著高于平榛(0.51 g、35.13%)和毛榛(0.37 g、38.12%)。(3)榛子坚果表型性状指标间的相关性分析表明,榛子坚果体积越大,其质量和果仁质量也越大,果壳越薄则出仁率更高。(4)主成分分析结果发现,影响榛子坚果综合得分的主要指标为坚果的纵径、横径、侧径、质量和果仁质量,其次是果形指数、横纵径比、出仁率、果仁饱满...     

辽东栎幼苗生长对种子大小和子叶去除处理的响应

该文在温室内盆播条件下,设置不去除子叶(对照)、去除1/4子叶(轻度子叶去除)、1/2子叶(中度子叶去除)和3/4子叶(重度子叶去除) 4个处理,研究了种子大小和子叶去除处理对辽东栎幼苗生长及其形态学可塑性的影响。结果表明:(1)大种子幼苗株高、基茎、叶片数、单株叶面积、总干质量和根冠比在所有处理均大于小种子幼苗,除株高外,上述其他参数在轻度子叶去除处理的不同大小种子幼苗间均差异显著(P0.05),前者总干质量在中度子叶去除处理与后者差异也显著(P0.05)。大种子幼苗比叶面积和比根长在各处理均大于小种子幼苗,比枝长则相反。(2)随着子叶去除强度增大,大、小种子幼苗株高、基茎、叶片数、单株叶面积和总干质量等均呈减小趋势,株高、基径、叶片数和单株叶面积在重度子叶去除处理均显著小于对照和轻度子叶去除处理;小种子幼苗对子叶损失反应更为敏感,其株高、叶片数、单株叶面积和总干质量在中度子叶去除处理也显著小于对照(P0.05);小种子幼苗根冠比随子叶去除强度增大而增大,在中度和重度子叶去除处理显著大于对照和轻度子叶去除处理(P0.05)。(3)随着子叶去除强度增大,大小种子幼苗的比叶面积和比根长均逐渐增大,但大种子幼苗比枝长持续减小,轻度子叶去除处理的小种子幼苗比枝长最大。     

Plant regeneration from leaf petioles in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Camptotheca acuminata</Emphasis>

Summary Camptothecin, produced by Camptotheca acuminata, is a pharmaceutically important compound. Transgenic technology has potential uses for the enhancement of camptothecin production; however, an efficient plant regeneration protocol for C. acuminata is not currently available. Factors that affected successful seedling germination were evaluated. The regeneration potential of various parts of seedlings was tested. Camptothecin production in regenerated plants was compared to its production in calluses and the original seedlings. Dark incubation and seed coat removal led to a higher germination rate and a higher survival rate after germination. The best shoot induction medium was found to be Gamborg's B5 medium+8.9 μM benzyladenine. Among the calluses induced from various parts of seedlings, leaf petiole calluses, leaf dise calluses, and cotyledon calluses regenerated shoots, but internode calluses did not. Furthermore, leaf petiole calluses and leaf dise calluses regenerated normal shoots, while cotyledon calluses regenerated hyperhydric shoots. Moreover, leaf petiole calluses had a higher shoot regeneration rate, 50% versus 9%, and a higher shoot number, 6.2±0.5 versus 2.0±0.3, than did leaf dise calluses on the best shoot induction medium. It took 4–6 wk to regenerate shoots after transfer into shoot induction media. Camptothecin concentration in the regenerated plants was significantly higher than that in the calluses and similar to that in the original seedlings. In conclusion, leaf petioles provide efficient plant regeneration of C. acuminata.     

The effect of maternal and cord-blood vitamin C, vitamin E and lipid peroxide levels on newborn birth weight

Background Newborn birth weight has been shown to significantly correlate with the blood levels of vitamin C. Objective This study was planned to answer the question of why vitamin C levels correlate with birth weight; does such correlation reflect a protective effect of vitamin C on fetal growth, by its antioxidant characteristics or does it correspond to the nutritional status of both the mother and the fetus. We examined the hypothesis that maternal blood levels of vitamin C, but not vitamin E influence newborn birth weight. We determined maternal and newborn blood levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, and lipid peroxides (an index of oxidative insult) and the birth weights of full-term newborns delivered at our hospital. Results Compared with maternal blood levels, newborns have higher levels of vitamin C and lipid peroxides, but lower levels of vitamin E. There was a significant correlation in levels between mothers and their newborns for blood levels of vitamin C (r = 0.82, P < 0.01) and vitamin E (r = 0.61, P < 0.02) but not for lipid peroxides (r = 0.001). This suggests that maternal vitamin C and vitamin E intake can influence fetal vitamin C and vitamin E levels. Linear regression analysis shows a significant positive relationship between newborn birth weight and maternal plasma vitamin C (r = 0.51, P < 0.02). Similarly, there was a modest but significant positive relationship between newborn birth weights and newborn vitamin C levels (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). However, there was no relationship between maternal or fetal vitamin E or lipid peroxides levels and the newborn birth weight. Conclusions This study with a small number of subjects suggests a significant association between newborn birth weight and maternal and newborn plasma vitamin C levels. Lack of relationship between birth weight and vitamin E and lipid peroxides suggest that antioxidant function of vitamin C does not appear to have a major role in the effect of vitamin C on birth weight.     

The evolutionary ecology of nut dispersal

A variety of nut-producing plants have mutualistic seed-dispersal interactions with animals (rodents and corvids) that scatter hoard their nuts in the soil. The goals of this review are to summarize the widespread horticultural, botanical, and ecological literature pertaining to nut dispersal inJuglans, Carya, Quercus, Fagus, Castanae, Castanopsis, Lithocarpus, Corylus, Aesculus, andPrunus; to examine the evolutionary histories of these mutualistic interactions; and to identify the traits of nut-bearing plants and nut-dispersing rodents and jays that influence the success of the mutualism. These interactions appear to have originated as early as the Paleocene, about 60 million years ago. Most nuts appear to have evolved from ancestors with wind-dispersed seeds, but the ancestral form of dispersal in almonds (Prunus spp.) was by frugivorous animals that ingested fruit. Nut-producing species have evolved a number of traits that facilitate nut dispersal by certain rodents and corvids while serving to exclude other animals that act as parasites of the mutualism. Nuts are nutritious food sources, often with high levels of lipids or proteins and a caloric value ranging from 5.7 to 153.5 kJ per propagule, 10–1000 times greater than most wind-dispersed seeds. These traits make nuts highly attractive food items for dispersers and nut predators. The course of nut development tends to reduce losses of nuts to insects, microbes, and nondispersing animals, but despite these measures predispersal and postdispersal nut mortality is generally high. Chemical defenses (e.g., tannins) in the cotyledons or the husk surrounding the nut discourage some nut predators. Masting of nuts (periodic, synchronous production of large nut crops) appears to reduce losses to insects and to increase the number of nuts dispersed by animals, and it may increase cross-pollination. Scatter hoarding by rodents and corvids removes nuts from other sources of nut predation, moves nuts away from source trees where density-dependent mortality is high (sometimes to habitats or microhabitats that favor seedling establishment), and buries nuts in the soil (which reduces rates of predation and helps to maintain nut viability). The large nutrient reserves of nuts not only attract animal dispersers but also permit seedlings to establish a large photosynthetic surface or extensive root system, making them especially competitive in low-light environments (e.g., deciduous forest) and semi-arid environments (e.g., dry mountains, Mediterranean climates). The most important postestablishment causes of seedling failure are drought, insufficient light, browsing by vertebrate herbivores, and competition with forbs and grasses. Because of the nutritional qualities of nuts and the synchronous production of large nut crops by a species throughout a region, nut trees can have pervasive impacts on other members of ecological communities. Nut-bearing trees have undergone dramatic changes in distribution during the last 16,000 years, following the glacial retreat from northern North America and Europe, and the current dispersers of nuts (i.e., squirrels, jays, and their relatives) appear to have been responsible for these movements.     

The thyroid C cells of ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol

The structure and function of thyroid C cells were studied in ovariectomized (Ovx) adult female rats without and after chronic treatment with estradiol dipropionate (EDP). A peroxidase–antiperoxidase method was applied for localization of calcitonin (CT) in the C cells. Morphometric changes in their volume, nuclei, and relative volume density were evaluated in comparison with sham-operated control rats using a stereological method. The number of C cells was calculated. CT content in the sera was determined by radioimmunoassay. Ovariectomy (Ovx) led to a 21% increase in body weight (P<0.005), while treatment of Ovx rats with EDP decreased body weight by 25% (P<0.01). The immunoreactivity for CT in C cells of the Ovx rats was markedly increased. Significant decreases in the volume of C cells (by 13%; P<0.05) and serum CT (by 45%) were recorded, while the C cell number increased by 59% (P<0.05) in relation to the corresponding controls. The treatment of Ovx rats with EDP caused conspicuous degranulation of the C cells. The cellular volume was increased by 11% and serum CT by 36% in comparison with Ovx animals. At the same time a decrease in C cell number by 29% (P<0.05) was evident. It may be concluded that estradiol deficiency after Ovx reduced the synthesis and release of CT, while chronic treatment of these animals with EDP had a positive effect on the secretory activity of thyroid C cells.     

Effect of Different Levels of Copper and Molybdenum Supplements on Performance,Nutrient Digestibility,and Follicle Characteristics in Cashmere Goats

A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to investigate the effects of different levels of copper (Cu, 0, 19, and 38 mg/kg, dry matter (DM)) and molybdenum (Mo, 0 and 5 mg/kg, DM) supplements and an interaction of these two factors on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and cashmere and follicle characteristics in cashmere goats. Thirty-six Liaoning cashmere goats (approximately 1.5 years of age; 27.53 ± 1.38 kg of body weight) were assigned randomly to one of six treatments and fed with Chinese wildrye- and alfalfa hay-based treatment diets (the basal diet contained 4.72 mg Cu/kg, 1.65 mg Mo/kg, and 0.21% S.). Body weight was measured on two consecutive days at the start and the end of the 70-day experimental period. On day 30, the metabolism trial was conducted to study the effects of dietary Cu and Mo on nutrient digestibility. The cashmere and skin samples were collected on day 70. Copper supplementation increased (P < 0.05) growth performance and fiber digestion, but there were no differences (P > 0.05) between Cu-supplemented groups. Addition of 19 mg Cu/kg DM increased (P < 0.05) cashmere growth length or growth rate by increasing the number of active secondary follicles. Molybdenum supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) growth, but did not affect (P > 0.05) nutrient digestion, cashmere, and follicle characteristics. There is a tendency or significant interaction effect of Cu and Mo on growth performance (P = 0.057), cashmere growth (P = 0.076), or diameter (P < 0.05) which might be accomplished by changing the number of secondary follicle and active secondary follicle, and secondary to primary follicle ratio. In conclusion, the optimal supplemental Cu level for Liaoning cashmere goats fed with the basal diet was 19 mg/kg DM (the total dietary Cu level of 23.72 mg/kg DM), while 38 mg Cu/kg DM supplementation was found to be needed when 5 mg Mo/kg was added in the basal diet during the cashmere growing period.     

Dispersal of sweet pignut hickory in a year of low fruit production,and the influence of predation by a curculionid beetle

Summary The rate at which fallen hickory nuts are removed from beneath the parent tree, and the effect on this rate of the seed predatorConotrachelus affinis, was studied in an oak-hickory forest in southeastern Michigan, USA, during a year in which few nuts were produced. The trees responded toConotrachelus, which destroyed half the nut crop, by aborting inviable nuts during the summer. The seed dispersers, mostly gray squirrels, removed fallen nuts rapidly, showing the ability to distinguish viable nuts and remove them preferentially. The number of nuts removed in a week varies directly with the number available, and removal rate increases when many viable nuts are falling. The death of most seeds before dispersal, and the squirrels' efficiency at foraging on nuts and recovering them after burial, imply that successful hickory reproduction takes place only in years of heavy nut production.     

Nut consumption and weight gain in a Mediterranean cohort: The SUN study

Objective: To assess the association, in a Mediterranean population, between nut consumption and risk of weight gain (at least 5 kg) or the risk of becoming overweight/obese. Research Methods and Procedures: The Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra project is a prospective cohort of 8865 adult men and women who completed a follow‐up questionnaire after a median of 28 months. Dietary habits were assessed with a previously validated semiquantitative food‐frequency questionnaire. Results: Nine hundred thirty‐seven participants reported a weight gain of ≥5 kg at follow‐up. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, leisure time physical activity, and other known risk factors for obesity, participants who ate nuts two or more times per week had a significantly lower risk of weight gain (odds ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval: 0.53 to 0.90, p for trend = 0.006) than those who never or almost never ate nuts. Participants with little nut consumption (never/almost never) gained an average of 424 grams (95% confidence interval: 102 to 746) more than frequent nut eaters. Nut consumption was not significantly associated with incident overweight/obesity in the cohort. Discussion: Frequent nut consumption was associated with a reduced risk of weight gain (5 kg or more). These results support the recommendation of nut consumption as an important component of a cardioprotective diet and also allay fears of possible weight gain.     

中国部分板栗品种坚果表型及营养成分遗传变异分析

以中国板栗主产区山东等10个省份97个板栗品种为材料,对其坚果表型性状及营养成分进行遗传变异分析。结果显示:（1）97个板栗品种间存在广泛的遗传变异,坚果表型性状及营养成分指标品种间差异均达到极显著水平;遗传变异系数均较大,最大达到0.378,遗传潜力较大;且所有性状重复力均在0.928及以上,受自身遗传因素控制较强。（2）坚果长度等表型性状间呈极显著正相关关系,淀粉含量等营养成分指标间为正相关关系,而表型性状与营养成分指标间表现为负相关关系,据此可将坚果表型性状、品质性状作为两个相互独立又有一定关联的综合因子。（3）进一步利用坚果表型和营养成分8个指标对97个板栗品种进行主成分分析,并结合多重比较结果,综合选出具有单个或多个性状优势的43个品种。研究认为,选出的43个板栗品种具有果粒较大,或营养价值较高,或二者特性兼有,初步选择为果型或品质优良的板栗品种资源材料。     

Maternal phenotypic effects due to soil nutrient levels and sink removal in Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae)

Three levels of soil nutrients and systematic removal of racemes and siliques, intended to reduce reproductive sink size, induced maternal effects in a genetically uniform, inbred accession of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Col-0. Soil nutrient levels but not trimming treatments caused significant differences in maternal plant weight and number of seeds per silique. Trimming and increased soil nutrient level resulted in larger seeds. Germination rates were significantly affected only by the trimming main effect, while there were no significant effects on germination percentage. At 14 and 19 d harvest dates, soil nutrient level treatments resulted in significant differences in offspring aerial biomass, but this effect was nonsignificant at 24, 29, and 34 d harvest dates. The effect of trimming on offspring aerial biomass was significant at all harvest dates. No significant soil nutrient level × trimming interaction was observed on any harvest date. Phenotypic correlations among aerial biomass at each harvest date and seed weight of the six offspring classes were highly significant. Analyses of variance for germination and biomass data adjusted for seed weight showed no significant differences due to soil nutrient level, trimming, or their interaction, indicating that maternal effects influencing these variables were determined by seed weight. Relative growth rates were estimated from changes in biomass over time. The negative correlation between initial relative growth rate and rate of change of the relative growth rate was highly significant (R = -0.99; P < 0.01).     

Morphometric and chemical fruit variability of selected stone pine trees (Pinus pinea L.) grown in non-native environments

Few studies have been conducted on Stone pine (Pinus pinea) morphology, cone to kernel yield (KY) and composition. To study the species variability, a morphometric and chemical characterization of pine nuts was performed across the species distribution in Chile. Seventy-six highly productive trees were selected in three macrozones. Ten cones per tree were harvested, and cone weight, in-shell pine nut number cone^?1 and size and weight of in-shell pine nuts and kernels were measured; KY was determined. Chemical and nutritional characterization of pine nuts was performed in 38 trees. Differences among macrozones were tested with mixed linear models. Partial correlation was used to test for correlation between cone and pine nut morphometric data, chemical features, and climate. Canonical correlation coefficients between groups were tested. Selected trees differed in cone and in-shell pine nut size, kernel morphometry, and KY, with lowest trait values being generally found in the coast. KY was higher than in Europe. Chemical composition was similar to values reported in producer countries, homogeneous among macrozones, with the exception of oleic acid and potassium. Detected differences would respond to the environment and to the interaction genotype?×?environment given the restricted origins of the genetic material, confirming the species adaptability.     

Aspergillus on tree nuts: incidence and associations

California exports tree nuts to countries where they face stringent standards for aflatoxin contamination. Trade concerns have stimulated efforts to eliminate aflatoxins and Aspergillus flavus from almonds, pistachios and walnuts. Incidence of fungi on tree nuts and associations among fungi on tree nuts were studied. Eleven hundred pistachios, almonds, walnuts and brazil nuts without visible insect damage were plated on salt agar and observed for growth of fungi. Samples came both from California nut orchards and from supermarkets. To distinguish internal fungal colonization of nuts from superficial colonization, half the nuts were surface-sterilized before plating. The most common genera found were Aspergillus , Rhizopus and Penicillium . Each species of nut had a distinct mycoflora. Populations of most fungi were reduced by surface sterilization in all except brazil nuts, suggesting that they were present as superficial inoculum on (rather than in) the nuts. In general, strongly positive associations were observed among species of Aspergillus ; nuts infected by one species were likely to be colonized by other species as well. Presence of Penicillium was negatively associated with A. niger and Rhizopus in some cases. Results suggest that harvest or postharvest handling has a major influence on nut mycoflora, and that nuts with fungi are usually colonized by several fungi rather than by single species. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Salivary Proteomic Analysis of Betel Nut (Areca catechu) Consumers by Mass Spectrometry Revealed Primary Indication of Oral Malignancies

Areca nut is the fourth most widely used addictive and psychoactive substance consumed by approximately 10% of the world’s population. The use of areca nut is estimated to account for up to 50% of oral cancer in the low-income, and middle-income countries. In the present study, the effect of betel nut chewing on saliva proteomics was investigated by using mass spectrometry. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry was used to generate a profile of the peptides in betel nut consumers and control group. We found 13 peptide peaks which were significantly altered (p?<?0.05) in the betel nut addicts when compared with the control group. These significant peptides signals were corresponding to protein cystatin SN (CST1), cystatin S (CST4), alpha 2 macroglobulin (A2M), complement C3 (C3), apolipoprotein E (APOE), serum albumin (ALB), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), deleted in malignant brain tumor protein 1 (DMBT1), zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG), and protein S100A8. The correlation analysis of significant peptides intensities with the history of betel nut chewing was also performed. The peptides of CST1 and CST4 showed negative correlation, whereas the peptides of the MMP-9, DMBT1, APOE, and C3 showed positive correlation with significant differences. STRING analysis of these proteins revealed that most of these proteins are interacting with each other. The present study identifies a number of proteins in a significantly different abundance in the betel nut consumers group. Some of these proteins are the reported biomarkers of several oral malignancies, which implies that the usage of betel nut could lead to inflammation, and development of oral cancer.

     

Effects, distribution and uptake of silicon in banana (Musa spp.) under controlled conditions

Three contrasted genotypes of Musa spp. (M. acuminata cv Grande Naine, M. acuminata spp. Banksii and M. balbisiana spp. Tani) were grown for 6 weeks under optimal conditions in hydroponics and were submitted to a wide range of Si supply (0–1.66 mM Si) to quantify the Si uptake and distribution in banana, as well as the effect of Si on banana growth. The level of Si supply did not affect plant growth, nor the rate of water and nutrient uptake. The rate of Si uptake and the Si concentration in plant tissues increased markedly with the Si supply. At the highest Si concentrations (1.66 mM), silicon absorption was essentially driven by mass flow of water (passive transport). However, at lower Si concentrations (0.02–0.83 mM), it was higher than its uptake by mass flow and caused the depletion of silicon in the nutrient solution, suggesting the existence of active processes in silicon transport. The distribution of silicon among shoot organs (pseudostem < petiole and midrib < young lamina < old leaf) confirmed the major role of transpiration in silicon accumulation and was not dependent on silicon supply. However, other mechanisms of transport might be operating in the roots and in the petiole and midrib of young leaves, whose silicon concentration was unexpectedly high at low Si supply (0.02 mM) compared to higher levels of Si. The three genotypes did not exhibit consistent differences in their responses to silicon supply.     

Changes of chemical and nutrient composition of porcine blood during fermentation by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus oryzae</Emphasis>

A solid-state fermentation (SSF) of a mixture of porcine blood and wheat bran with a ratio of 8:1 by Aspergillus oryzae was investigated. Water content, pH, crude protein, heme and total iron, free amino acids (FAA) and total fatty acids (TFA) of the fermented mixture were determined at 0, 40, 80 and 120 h, respectively, and protein hydrolysis were analyzed with SDS-PAGE accordingly. The results showed that, during the fermentation, water contents and pH decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 68.33% to 59.94%, 7.18% to 4.48%, respectively. Heme iron content changed slightly (P > 0.05). With the degradation of large protein molecules, free amino acids in the mixture increased from 872.83 mg l⁻¹ to 11560.94 mg l⁻¹ (P < 0.05). Content of free isoleucine, methionine and cystine, deficient in fresh porcine blood increased (P < 0.05) after fermentation. Percentages of saturated fatty acids such as C14:0, C17:0 and C18:0 in the total fatty acids decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and those of polyunsaturated fatty acids C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, C20:1 and C20:2 increased significantly from 27.06% to 47.90% (P < 0.05). The results indicated that Aspergillus oryzae could ferment porcine blood and bran mixture and change its chemical and nutrient composition.     

Acorn dispersal by the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Summary Blue jays transported and cached 133,000 acorns from a stand of Quercus palustris trees in Blacksburg, Virginia, representing 54% of the total mast crop. A further 20% (49,000) of the mast crop was eaten by jays at the collecting site. A large proportion of the nuts remaining beneath the collecting trees was parasitized by curculionid larvae. The number of nuts transported per caching trip ranged from 1–5 with a mean of 2.2. Mean distance between seed trees and caches was 1.1 km (range: 100 m–1.9 km). Jays appeared to choose species with small- to medium-sized nuts (Quercus palustris, Q. phellos, Q. velutina, Fagus grandifolia) and avoided the larger nuts of Q. borealis and Q. alba.Nuts were cached singly within a few meters of each other and were always covered with debris. Covering may improve germination and early growth by protecting the nut and radicle from desiccation. The vegetation structure of most suburban caching sites was analogous to open, disturbed environments in more natural landscapes. The presence of numerous Quercus seedlings in jay caching sites and the tendency for jays to cache nuts in environments conducive to germination and early growth indicate that blue jays facilitate colonization of members of the Fagaceae.