Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Different Organs of Potentilla fruticosa L. from Two Main Production Areas of China

This report compared the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of the leaves, flowers, and stems of Potentilla fruticosa L. collected from two main production areas of P. R. China (Taibai Mountains and the Qinghai Huzhu Northern Mountains). The results indicated that there were significant differences in the phenol contents and antioxidant activities among the different organs and between the two productions. High‐performance liquid‐chromatography analysis indicated that hyperoside, (+)‐catechin, ellagic acid, and rutin were the primary compounds in leaves and flowers; for stems, the content of six phenolic compounds, from two productions, were the lowest. The 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) di‐ammonium salt (ABTS), ferric reducing power (FRAP), lipid peroxidation assays, and microbial test system (MTS) were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that the leaves from two productions exhibited powerful antioxidant activity than other organs, which did not significantly differ from that of the positive control (rutin), followed by the flowers and stems. The correlation between the content of phytochemicals and the antioxidant activities of different organs showed that the total phenol, tannin, hyperoside, and (+)‐catechin contents may influence the antioxidant activity, and these compounds can be used as markers for the quality control of P. fruticosa.     

海藻粉和抗菌肽对肉鸡生长性能、免疫器官指数和肠道菌群的影响

为探讨海藻粉和抗菌肽不同添加水平对肉鸡生长性能、免疫器官指数和肠道菌群的影响。选取1日龄体重相近的AA肉鸡504羽,随机分为7个处理,每处理6个重复,每重复12羽。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组在基础日粮中添加不同水平(1.0%、3.0%、5.0%)的海藻粉和抗菌肽(300 mg/kg、600 mg/kg)。试验分前期(1~21 d)和后期(22~42 d)共42 d。结果表明:(1)添加不同水平的海藻粉对前期、后期和全期肉鸡的料重比有显著影响(P0.05);对21日龄肉鸡的脾脏指数和胸腺指数及对42日龄肉鸡的法氏囊指数差异显著(P0.05);降低了21日龄和42日龄肉鸡盲肠大肠杆菌的数量(P0.05),增加了盲肠乳酸菌的数量(P0.05)。(2)添加不同水平的抗菌肽对后期和全期肉鸡的料重比有显著差异(P0.05);对21日龄肉鸡的脾脏指数和胸腺指数及对42日龄肉鸡的法氏囊指数差异显著(P0.05);降低了21日龄和42日龄肉鸡盲肠大肠杆菌的数量(P0.05),增加了盲肠乳酸菌的数量(P0.05)。(3)海藻粉和抗菌肽交互作用对前期、后期和全期肉鸡的料重比有明显影响(P0.05);对21日龄肉鸡的脾脏指数和胸腺指数及对42日龄肉鸡的法氏囊指数差异显著(P0.05);降低了21日龄和42日龄肉鸡盲肠大肠杆菌的数量(P0.05),增加了盲肠乳酸菌的数量(P0.05)。本研究得出以下结论,海藻粉和抗菌肽能促进肉鸡生长,提高肉鸡免疫器官指数和改善肠道菌群,且二者间存在协同效应,添加5%的海藻粉和300 mg/kg抗菌肽综合效果最佳。     

Insect walking techniques on thin stems

The attachment ability of insects on surfaces are associated not only with the micro- and nanostructure of the adhering part of an attachment device, but also with the global scale kinematics responsible for contact formation and release. In the present study, the locomotory techniques of several representatives of insects from four different orders (Orthoptera, Heteroptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera), possessing different types of attachment structures, are described. The study is based on video recordings of insects walking on a flat surface and on cylindrical rods of various thickness, imitating plant stems. Attachment devices of tarsi and pretarsi were visualized using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results show a different manner in the use of adhesive structures on substrates with various curvatures. Insects bearing attachment pads on proximal tarsomeres usually touch flat and curved substrates using all tarsomeres, whereas insects with their attachment devices on the distal tarsomeres usually walk on flat surfaces using the distal tarsomeres of the overextended tarsus. On substrates, with diameters comparable to or larger than the tarsus length, insects walk above the stem by clasping the stem with the bent tarsi. On thin stems, insects clasp the stem between their tarsi and hang under the stem. Thus, on thin and thick rods, forces applied to attachment organs act in opposite directions. There are two methods of leg positioning for walking on a rough flat substrate. In the first case, the tarsus is straightened and the rough substrate is gripped between the claws and the proximal complex of attachment devices (tarsal euplantulae, fossulae spongiosa, and terminal spurs of tibiae). In the second case the tibia does not touch the substrate; the insect is supported only by distal tarsomeres. The tarsus is in an overextended condition. On rods, with diameters comparable to or larger than the tarsus length, insects walk by clasping the stem with the bent tarsi. This posture is characteristic for the majority of insects independent of the tarsal position they normally use while walking on a plane. If the rod’s diameter is smaller than the tarsus length, walking insects usually clutch it between contralateral tarsi. Using such a posture they are supported by interlocking or by strong friction, generated by attachment devices of the proximal tarsomeres, and do not use attachment devices of the pretarsus. Contact with the substrate is reinforced due to the coordinated contralateral clutch using all supporting legs. It is concluded that the use of different types of attachment structures correlates with locomotory techniques. Handling Editor: Heikki Hokkanen     

Renal organs of cephalopods: a habitat for dicyemids and chromidinids

The renal organs of 32 species of cephalopods (renal appendage of all cephalopods, and renal and pancreatic appendages in decapods) were examined for parasite fauna and for histological comparison. Two phylogenetically distant organisms, dicyemid mesozoans and chromidinid ciliates, were found in 20 cephalopod species. Most benthic cephalopods (octopus and cuttlefish) were infected with dicyemids. Two pelagic cephalopod species, Sepioteuthis lessoniana and Todarodes pacificus, also harbored dicyemids. Chromidinid ciliates were found only in decapods (squid and cuttlefish). One dicyemid species was found in branchial heart appendages of Rossia pacifica. Dicyemids and chromidinids occasionally occurred simultaneously in Euprymna morsei, Sepia kobiensis, S. peterseni, and T. pacificus. The small-sized cephalopod species, Idiosepius paradoxus and Octopus parvus, harbored no parasites. Comparative histology revealed that the external surface of renal organs varies morphologically in various cephalopod species. The small-sized cephalopod species have a simple external surface. In contrast, the medium- to large-sized cephalopod species have a complex external surface. In the medium- to large-sized cephalopod species, their juveniles have a simple external surface of the renal organs. The external surface subsequently becomes complicated as they grow. Dicyemids and chromidinids attach their heads to epithelia or insert their heads into folds of renal appendages, pancreatic appendages, and branchial heart appendages. The rugged and convoluted external surface provides a foothold for dicyemids and chromidinids with a conical head. They apparently do not harm these tissues of their host cephalopods.     

The activity of abdominal stretch receptors during non-giant swimming in the crayfish<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Cherax destructor</Emphasis> and their role in hydrodynamic efficiency

Recordings were made from the nerve innervating the stretch receptors of the abdominal muscle receptor organs and slow extensor muscles of tethered crayfish, Cherax destructor, during so-called non-giant swimming. The stretch receptors were active during the flexor phase of swimming but the duration and pattern of activity varied from cycle to cycle. Their pattern of firing was modified by the activity of the large accessory neurons which make direct inhibitory synapses upon them. Neither the stretch receptors nor the accessory neurons were active during the extensor phase of the cycle. The timing and extent of tailfan movements during the period of stretch receptor activity were measured from video records before and after the stretch receptor nerves were cut in the second to fifth segments. The promotion of the tailfan during flexion was significantly delayed and the minimum angle to which the uropods were remoted at the end of flexion significantly larger in denervated animals. We propose that afferent information from the stretch receptors coordinates the timing and extent of tailfan movements according to variations in the positioning and movement of the abdominal segments such that the hydrodynamic efficiency of the tailfan is enhanced on a cycle by cycle basis during non-giant swimming.Abbreviations A# abdominal segment number - Acc accessory neuron - LUU large unidentified unit - MRO muscle receptor organ - NGS non-giant swimming - SEMN slow extensor motor neuron - SR stretch receptor neuron     

芸香地上器官的生物学研究

对芸香的茎、叶及花等器官的形态结构进行了较为系统的观察研究,对花芽形成及开花过程进行了客观描述.芸香花有顶生和侧生两种,柱头为"湿柱头",叶片具有典型旱生型植物特点,茎叶中均含有簇晶和油腔,这些特征可作为分类学上鉴别该物种的性状.茎的淀粉积累过程:花前期淀粉积累很少(6月下旬),10月下旬达高峰,之后略有减少并保持稳定直至被冻死.对此结合当地温度及水分条件进行了抗寒、抗旱的讨论.     

Microampullary organs of a freshwater eel-tailed catfish,Plotosus (tandanus) tandanus

Whole body studies of Plotosus tandanus revealed that ampullary pores occur over the entire body of the fish, but are in higher concentrations in the head region. These pores give rise to a short canal (50-60 microm) produced by columnar epithelial cells bound together by tight junctions and desmosomes. At the junction of the canal and the ampulla, cuboidal epithelial cells make up the wall. The ampulla consists of layers of collagen fibers that surround flattened epithelial cells in the lateral regions and give rise to supportive cells that encase a small number of receptor cells (10-15). The ampullary wall comprises several types of cells that are adjoined via tight junctions and desmosomes between cell types. The ovoid receptor cells possess microvilli along the luminar apical area. Beneath this area, the cells are rich in mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum. An unmyelinated neuron adjoins with each receptor cell opposite multiple presynaptic bodies. This form of microampulla has not been previously described within the Family Plotosidae.     

Mass spectrometric investigation of the neuropeptide complement and release in the pericardial organs of the crab, Cancer borealis

The crustacean stomatogastric ganglion (STG) is modulated by both locally released neuroactive compounds and circulating hormones. This study presents mass spectrometric characterization of the complement of peptide hormones present in one of the major neurosecretory structures, the pericardial organs (POs), and the detection of neurohormones released from the POs. Direct peptide profiling of Cancer borealis PO tissues using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) revealed many previously identified peptides, including proctolin, red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH), crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), several orcokinins, and SDRNFLRFamide. This technique also detected corazonin, a well-known insect hormone, in the POs for the first time. However, most mass spectral peaks did not correspond to previously known peptides. To characterize and identify these novel peptides, we performed MALDI postsource decay (PSD) and electrospray ionization (ESI) MS/MS de novo sequencing of peptides fractionated from PO extracts. We characterized a truncated form of previously identified TNRNFLRFamide, NRNFLRFamide. In addition, we sequenced five other novel peptides sharing a common C-terminus of RYamide from the PO tissue extracts. High K+ depolarization of isolated POs released many peptides present in this tissue, including several of the novel peptides sequenced in the current study.