The enzymatic conversion of cis-(14C)phytofluene, trans-(14C)phytofluene, and trans-zeta-(14C)carotene to more unsaturated acyclic, monocyclic, and dicyclic carotenes by a cell-free preparation of red tomato fruits

This paper reports the conversion of cis-[¹⁴C]phytofluene to trans-[¹⁴C|phytofluene and the conversion of the latter compound to trans-ζ-[¹⁴C]carotene by a soluble enzyme system obtained from the plastids of red tomato fruits. Each of these radioactive compounds was also converted to labeled neurosporene, lycopenc, α-carotene, and β-carotene by the same enzyme system. The incorporation of each substrate into more unsaturated carotenes was carried out under nitrogen at pH 7.5–8.2 (borate buffer), at 25 °C in the dark.Proof of the formation of the above carotenes from each of the three radioactive substrates was demonstrated by cochromatography with authentic nonradioactive carotenes on an alumina chromatographic column. A close correspondence between radioactivity and light absorbance for each carotene was observed. Confirmation of these conversions was achieved by cochromatography with authentic samples on thinlayer plates. Final proof for the formation of the acyclic and cyclic carotenes from the above radioactive substrates was obtained by gas-liquid chromatography of the hydrogenated products. Coincidence between mass and radioactivity was observed.Maximum conversion of cis- and trans-phytofluenes to more unsaturated carotenes by the red tomato fruit enzyme system appears to be dependent upon the presence of NADP⁺, FAD, and Tween 80. The formation of the carotenes is also increased in the presence of Mg²⁺ or Mn²⁺ ions.     

Chemotaxonomic significance of the xanthomonadins,novel brominated aryl-polyene pigments produced by bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas

The cell pigments produced by strains of Xanthomonas spp. (including representatives of all five presently recognized taxospecies of these phytopathogenic bacteria) have been isolated as isobutyl esters, purified, and characterized in terms of electronic absorption, chromatographic and co-chromatographic, and mass spectrometric properties. This comparative examination reveals that these bacteria produce brominated aryl-polyene pigments which are given the trivial name xanthomonadins. The several xanthomonadins usually occur as mixtures which have been resolved by chromatography and sorted into several Pigment Groups, thus enabling a more rational approach in our on-going systematic study of their exact chemical structures and biosynthesis. From what is presently known, some of the xanthomonadins might differ from xanthomonadin I, the exact structure of which has previously been determined in material from Xanthomonas juglandis ICPB XJ103, by their being monobrominated (rather than dibrominated, as is xanthomonadin I), by their having the equivalent of one methyl group less than does xanthomonadin I, and/or in other ways. The pigments of Xanthomonas ampelina (a little known and possibly questionable member of this genus) seem somewhat different from the pigments of the other Xanthomonas spp. The ability to form these distinctive xanthomonadin pigments is a useful chemotaxonomic marker for the genus Xanthomonas, since such pigments are not known to be formed by taxonomically or ecologically adjacent bacteria. Sufficient characterization of this assemblage of xanthomonadin pigments is presented so that they can be isolated and identified routinely on the basis of the aforementioned properties.     

Carotenoids of Phaffia rhodozyma, a red-pigmented fermenting yeast

The red-pigmented fermenting yeast Phaffia rhodozyma contains astaxanthin as the principal carotenoid pigment. Echinenone, 3-hydroxyechinenone and phoenicoxanthin were also isolated and identified; isocryptoxanthin and canthaxanthin were absent. Evidence is presented for a new carotenoid, 3-hydroxy-3′4′-didehydro-β,ψ-caroten-4-one. A possible biosynthetic scheme for the formation of astaxanthin in P. rhodozyma is suggested.     

Variability in host plant resistance of Sorghum to Striga Hermonthica infestation in West Africa

Fourteen elite sorghum lines were evaluated for their resistance to Striga hermonthica at three locations in Nigeria and Mali. Results showed that many of the lines especially MALISOR 84-1, SAMSORG 41, 97-SB-F5DT-64 (Keninkédié) and the check SRN 39 remained resistant to Striga in all locations with low emerged Striga counts, while SAMSORG 14 had the highest Striga infestation in all locations. Considerable variation in reaction to Striga infestation was observed on Séguètana, 97-SB-F5DT-63 (Wasa), 97-SB-F5DT-65, CMDT 38, CMDT 39 and CMDT 45 which were susceptible to Striga at Samaru, Nigeria but were resistant to Striga at both locations in Mali. Based on low Striga resistance and high grain yield, lines MALISOR 84-1, SAMSORG 41, 97-SB-F5DT-64, 97-SB-F5DT-65, CMDT 39 and SAMSORT 14 have been nominated for wider evaluation across more West African countries.     

Two common nonsynonymous paraoxonase 1 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">PON1</Emphasis>) gene polymorphisms and brain astrocytoma and meningioma

Background  

Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) plays a major role in the metabolism of several organophosphorus compounds. The enzyme is encoded by the polymorphic gene PON1, located on chromosome 7q21.3. Aiming to identify genetic variations related to the risk of developing brain tumors, we investigated the putative association between common nonsynonymous PON1 polymorphisms and the risk of developing astrocytoma and meningioma.     

Long-term effects of graduated compression stockings on cardiorespiratory performance

The use of graduated compression stockings (GCS) in sport has been increasing in the last years due to their potential positive effects for athletes. However, there is little evidence to support whether these types of garments actually improve cardiorespiratory performance. The aim of this study was to examine the cardiorespiratory responses of GCS during running after three weeks of regular use. Twenty recreational runners performed three tests on different days: test 1) – a 5-min maximal effort run in order to determine the participants’ maximal aerobic speed; and tests 2) and 3) – a fatigue running test of 30 minutes at 80% of their maximal aerobic speed with either GCS or PLACEBO stockings at random. Cardiorespiratory parameters (minute ventilation, heart rate, relative oxygen consumption, relative carbon dioxide production, ventilatory equivalents for oxygen and carbon dioxide, and oxygen pulse) were measured. Before each test in the laboratory, the participants trained with the randomly assigned stockings (GCS or PLACEBO) for three weeks. No significant differences between GCS and PLACEBO were found in any of the cardiorespiratory parameters. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that running with GCS for three weeks does not influence cardiorespiratory parameters in recreational runners.     

CD correlation of C-2′substituted monocyclic carotenoids

The scope and limitation of circular dichroism (CD) correlations of several C-2′ substituted monocyclic monochiral, homodichiral and heterodichiral carotenoids have been investigated, aiming at the assignment of absolute configuration at C-2′ by using the diester and 2′-β-d-tetraacetylglucosyl derivative of (2′R)-plectaniaxanthin and a synthetic chiral C₄₅-carotene as key references. The correlations are based on the additivity hypothesis, the conformational rule and a comparison of CD spectra, preferably conservative ones. Quantitative aspects of the conformational rule are considered. Substituent effects at C-2′ and C-1′ have been studied. Absolute configurations are suggested for (2′)-phleixanthophyll (3S,2′S)-2′-hydroxyflexixanthin, (3R,2′S)-myxoxanthophyll, (3S,2′S-4-ketomyxoxanthophyll (3R,2′S)-myxol-2′-O-methyl methylpentoside and (2R,2′S)-Cp. 473 from relevant CD correlations. The chiralities of (2′S)-4-ketophleixanthophyll and (2R,6R,2′S)-A.g. 471 are suggested from biogenetic considerations. A chemosystematic consideration of chirality and source is included.