A comparison of female and castrate pigs slaughtered at weights above and below 120 kg on carcass traits, intramuscular fat and fatty acid composition of carcasses intended for dry-cured ham and shoulder production

The objective of this trial was to study the impact of slaughter weight (SW) class: heavy (≥120 kg) or light (<120 kg) on carcass fatness, development of main lean cuts and fat composition in barrows and gilts intended for dry-cured ham and shoulder elaboration. A total of 181 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) pigs was used, being 94 barrows and 87 gilts. Carcasses from barrows had lower ham compactness but higher shoulder:ham weight ratio than those from gilts. The allometric growth coefficient of ham was higher in gilts whereas those for shoulder, loin and shoulder/ham were higher in barrows. An interaction sex × SW class was found for carcass fatness; the increase of fat thickness was higher in barrows than in gilts in light SW class but higher in gilts than in barrows in heavy SW class. In addition, the allometric growth coefficients for ham, loin and shoulder:ham ratio were higher in light than in heavy pigs. Percentage of rejected carcasses at slaughterhouse, due to lack of fat thickness, was higher for females than for barrows and for light than for heavy pigs. Sex and SW class had no effect on intramuscular fat content. However, more saturation was found in fat (intramuscular) from barrows and in that (subcutaneous) from light pigs. It can be concluded that carcasses from barrows are commercially more suitable than those from gilts and heavy SW might be more interesting when animals are intended for Teruel dry-cured ham and shoulder production.

Crecimiento en montanera y características de la canal de cerdos ibéricos retinto del Andévalo

En un primer experimento se utilizaron tres grupos de cerdos Ibéricos, machos castrados, de la línea Retinto del Andévalo que entraron en montanera con pesos diferentes: 88,12 (peso bajo) 119,64 (peso intermedio) y 146,43 kg (peso alto) de peso medio respectivamente. Los cerdos de peso bajo e intermedio lograron un crecimiento diario significativamente superior que el de peso alto. De otra parte, en un segundo experimento, se recabaron los pesos al sacrificio de 100 cerdos de la línea genética precitada que fueron acabados en montanera en seis años consecutivos. Las canales se clasificaron según el peso al sacrificio (peso alto > 185 kg, intermedio 165-185 kg y bajo < 165 kg). El año tuvo influencia estadísticamente significativa sobre las características de la canal. El rendimiento canal fue significativamente más bajo en el grupo de cerdos sacrificado con peso bajo. El peso de los jamones, paletas y lomos aumentaron significativamente con el peso al sacrificio, pero el peso de los solomillos y la relación ponderal paletas/jamones no estuvieron afectados por el peso al sacrificio. El porcentaje en peso de los jamones, paletas, lomos y solomillos respecto al peso canal se redujo conforme aumentaba el peso canal. Los coeficientes alométricos de jamones paletas, lomos y solomillos respecto al peso canal fueron 0,563, 0,479, 0,422 y 0,353 respectivamente. La relación ponderal paletas/jamones aumentaba hasta un peso de la canal de 134 kg y disminuía después con el aumento del peso canal. Se concluye que sería interesante sacrificar los cerdos en torno a 160 kg de peso vivo para aumentar la proporción de partes nobles en la canal y no penalizar la relación ponderal paletas/jamones.

Peso al nacimiento y al destete y crecimiento de corderos Merinos y cruzados con Merino Precoz y Ile de France: Análisis de algunos factores de variación

El objetivo de este experimento fue estudiar el efecto del tipo genético, sexo, tipo de nacimiento y estación y año de nacimiento sobre el peso al nacimiento y al destete y crecimiento de corderos durante la lactación. Se controló el peso al nacimiento de 170 corderos según tipo genético. sexo y tipo de nacimiento y estación y año de nacimiento. estudiándose los datos obtenidos mediante análisis de varianza. El cruzamiento industrial de ovejas de raza Merina con machos Merino Precoz o Ile de France no incrementó el peso de los corderos al nacimiento. Los machos pesaron al nacimiento más que las hembras y los corderos de parto simple más que los de parto doble. Los corderos nacidos en la primavera (abril y mayo) pesaron significativamente más al nacimiento que los nacidos en verano (agosto y septiembre). El año no tuvo efecto significativo sobre el peso de los corderos al nacimiento. Durante la lactación entre el nacimiento y 45 días (edad al destete) 157 corderos fueron controlados. estudiándose los datos obtenidos mediante análisis de varianza. covarianza y regresión simple. Los corderos Ile de France x Merino crecieron y pesaron más al destete que los otros dos tipos genéticos estudiados Merino Precoz x Merino y Merino x Merino). Entre machos y hembras no se obtuvieron diferencias significativas de crecimiento durante la lactancia y de peso al destete. Los corderos simples crecieron más que los dobles durante el amamantamiento y pesaron más al destete. Los factores fijos estación y año de nacimiento no afectaron significativamente al crecimiento diario durante la lactación ni al peso al destete. El peso de los corderos al nacimiento explicó el 40 y 43 % de la variabilidad del peso de los corderos a los 30 y 45 días de edad respectivamente. Se concluye que es necesaria una modulación adecuada de la alimentación de las ovejas durante el último tercio de la gestación para paliar el efecto de las altas temperaturas sobre el peso de los corderos al nacimiento. Así mismo. el cruzamiento de ovejas Merino con machos Ile de France es interesante para los ovinocultores.

Fatty Acids Profile of the Subcutaneous Backfat Layers from Iberian Pigs Raised Under Free-range Conditions

The aim of this study was to investigate the fatty acid composition of the outer, inner and subinner subcutaneous backfat layers from Iberian pigs raised under free-range conditions. The pigs were fattened on acorns and grass under free-range conditions from 101 to 155 kg of live weight. Proportions of C16:0, C18:0 and C20:0 were lower in the outer than in the inner layer, while the C12:0, C16:0 and C18:0 contents were higher in the subinner layer than in the inner layer. The outer layer had higher C15:1, C16:1 n-7, C17:1, C18:1 n-7 and similar C16:1 n-9, C18:1 n-9 and C20:1 n-9 proportions than the inner layer, while the subinner layer had lower C17:1, C18:1 n-9, C20:1, similar C15:1, C16:1 n-7, C18:1 n-7 and higher C16:1 n-9 proportions than the inner layer. Only the concentrations of C18:3 n-3, C18:4 n-3 and C20:3 n-3 were lower in subinner than in inner layer. The content of all polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was higher in the outer than in the inner layer except for the C20:4 n-6 fatty acid. A tendency (P < 0.1) to a higher Σ n-6/Σ n-3 fatty acids ratio was found for the inner and subinner layers than for the outer layer. Significant correlation coefficients were observed between the proportions of C14:0, C16:0, C18:1 n-9, C18:2 n-6, C18:3 n-3 and C20:3 n-9 of the inner layer and subinner layer. The outer layer melting point (MP) was lower than those of the inner and subinner layers, although no difference for MP between inner and subinner layers was observed.

Effect of management (organic vs conventional) on volatile profiles of six plum cultivars (Prunus salicina Lindl.). A chemometric approach for varietal classification and determination of potential markers

The volatile profiles of six plum cultivars ('Laetitia', 'Primetime', 'Sapphire', 'Showtime', 'Songold' and 'Souvenir') produced under two management systems (conventional and organic) and harvested in two consecutive years were obtained by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Twenty-five metabolites were determined, five of which (pentanal, (E)-2-heptenal, 1-octanol, eucalyptol and 2-pentylfuran) are reported for the first time in Prunus salicina Lindl. Hexanal stood out as a major volatile compound affected by the management system. In addition, partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) achieved an effective classification of genotypes based on their volatile profiles. A high classification accuracy model was obtained with a sensitivity of 97.9% and a specificity of 99.6%. Furthermore, the application of a dual criterion, based on a method of variable selection, VIP (variable importance in projection) and the results of a univariate analysis (ANOVA), allowed the identification of potential volatile markers in 'Primetime', 'Showtime' and 'Souvenir' genotypes (cultivars not characterised to date).

Development of a novel formulation with hypericin to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis based on photodynamic therapy in in vitro and in vivo studies

An evaluation of the leishmanicidal activity in vitro and in vivo of hypericin, an expanded-spectrum photosensitizer found in Hypericum perforatum, is presented. Hypericin was evaluated against intracellular amastigotes in vitro of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis. A topical formulation containing 0.5% hypericin was developed and assayed in vivo in a hamster model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Results demonstrate that hypericin induces a significant antiamastigote effect in vitro against L. panamensis by decreasing the number of parasites inside infected cells. The topical formulation of 0.5% hypericin allows healing of L. panamensis-induced lesions upon a topical application of 40 mg/day plus visible-light irradiation (5 J/cm(2), 15 min), twice a week for 3 weeks.

Dietary vitamin A restriction affects adipocyte differentiation and fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat in Iberian pigs

The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary vitamin A level is associated with differences in adipocyte differentiation or lipid accumulation in Iberian pigs at early growing (35.8kg live weight) and at finishing (158kg live weight). Iberian pigs of 16.3kg live weight were allocated to two feeding groups, one group received 10,000IU of vitamin A/kg diet (control); the other group received a diet with 0IU of vitamin A (var) for the whole experimental period. The dietary vitamin A level had no effect on growth performance and carcass traits. The early suppression of vitamin A increased the preadipocyte number in Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle in the early growth period (P<0.001) and the neutral lipid content and composition (higher MUFA and lower SFA content) at the end of the finishing period (P<0.05). Vitamin A restriction in young pigs increases their lipogenic potential without affecting carcass traits.

Dietary energy source largely affects tissue fatty acid composition but has minor influence on gene transcription in Iberian pigs

A trial was performed to compare the effects of different dietary sources of MUFA on the fatty acid (FA) composition, lipid metabolism, and gene transcription in different tissues of Iberian pigs. Twenty-seven Iberian male pigs of 28 kg live weight (LW) were divided in 2 groups and fed with 1 of 2 isocaloric diets: a standard diet with carbohydrates as energy source (CH) and a diet enriched with high-oleic sunflower oil (HO). Ham adipose tissue was sampled by biopsy at 44 and 70 kg LW. At 110 kg LW pigs were slaughtered and backfat, loin, and liver tissues were sampled. Animals of the HO group showed higher MUFA content and lower SFA in all the analyzed tissues (P < 0.001). These main effects were established early during the treatment and increased only slightly along time. Small diet effects were also detected on PUFA, which showed differences according to sampling time, tissue, and lipid fraction. Effects of diet on gene expression were explored with a combined approach analyzing adipose tissue transcriptome and quantifying the expression of a panel of key genes implicated in lipogenesis and lipid metabolism processes in backfat, muscle, and liver. Backfat transcriptome showed small effects of diet on gene expression, in number and magnitude. According to the posterior probabilities (PP) of the probe-specific expression differences between dietary groups (PP < 0.01), 37 genes were considered differentially expressed (DE). Gene ontology allowed relating them with several biological functions including lipid metabolic processes. Quantitative PCR confirmed several DE genes in adipose tissue (RXRG, LEP, and ME1; P < 0.0001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.0001, respectively), but no DE gene was found in loin or liver tissues. Joint results agree with a metabolic adjustment of adipose tissue FA levels by the subtle effect of the diet on the regulation of several lipid metabolism pathways, mainly FA oxidation and prostanoid synthesis, with LEP, RXRG, and PTGS2 genes playing mayor roles.

The prediction of ham composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis

The objective of this preliminary experiment was to study whether bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can accurately predict the components of fresh pig hams. The trimmed right hams from 20 Iberian barrows were used. Six measures of resistance and reactance were taken by a bioelectrical impedance analyser. Simple and multiple regression equations were calculated for estimating bone, lean, intermuscular fat (IF), subcutaneous fat (SF), total fat (TF) and skin weights and percentages with respect to ham weight (HW). The HW accounted for 22% (P < 0.05) and 35% (P < 0.01) in the variations in lean and skin percentages, respectively. The ham compactness index (HCI), calculated as HW (in g)/(ham length, in cm)2, accounted for 20% (P < 0.05) and 38% (P < 0.01) in the variations in SF and TF percentages, respectively. The HW and BIA variables accounted for 60% (P < 0.001) of the variation in skin percentage; the HCI and BIA measures accounted for 79% (P < 0.0001), 66% (P < 0.001) and 78% (P < 0.0001) of the variation in lean, IF and SF percentages; and BIA variables accounted for 72% (P < 0.0001) of the variation in bone percentage. To determine the accuracy of the calculated regression equations, five additional trimmed fresh hams from Iberian barrows were used. Actual and predicted values were compared. The HW accurately predicted lean weight and skin percentage in linear regression equations, and HCI adequately predicted SF and TF weights in simple linear regression equations, and also SF percentage in inverse function. The additional inclusion of HW, HCI or BIA variables in the regression models did not improve the accuracy of the equations. It is concluded that BIA might be applied to predict the components of fresh hams but more studies are needed to determine whether levels of accuracy and precision are sufficient for this method to be used in practice.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the dorsal skin of hamsters: a useful model for the screening of antileishmanial drugs

Traditionally, hamsters are experimentally inoculated in the snout or the footpad. However in these sites an ulcer not always occurs, measurement of lesion size is a hard procedure and animals show difficulty to eat, breathe and move because of the lesion. In order to optimize the hamster model for cutaneous leishmaniasis, young adult male and female golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were injected intradermally at the dorsal skin with 1 to 1.5 x l0(7) promastigotes of Leishmania species and progression of subsequent lesions were evaluated for up to 16 weeks post infection. The golden hamster was selected because it is considered the adequate bio-model to evaluate drugs against Leishmania as they are susceptible to infection by different species. Cutaneous infection of hamsters results in chronic but controlled lesions, and a clinical evolution with signs similar to those observed in humans. Therefore, the establishment of the extent of infection by measuring the size of the lesion according to the area of indurations and ulcers is feasible. This approach has proven its versatility and easy management during inoculation, follow up and characterization of typical lesions (ulcers), application of treatments through different ways and obtaining of clinical samples after different treatments. By using this method the quality of animal life regarding locomotion, search for food and water, play and social activities is also preserved.

First Report of Fruit Rot on Plum Caused by Monilinia fructicola at Alcalá del Río (Seville), Southwestern Spain

Monilinia fructicola, causal agent of brown rot, is one of the most important fungal pathogens of stone fruit. In the summer of 2011, Japanese plum fruit of 'Larry Ann' (Prunus salicina Lindl) showing symptoms of fruit rot disease were detected and collected from trees in an experimental field at Alcalá del Río (Seville), southwestern Spain. Fruit rot lesions were brown, sunken, and covered with grayish brown tufts or pustules. The majority of infected fruit became dry and mummified on the trees after 30 days. Symptoms were similar to those caused by three Monilinia species, M. laxa, M. fructigena, and M. fructicola (2). Pieces of infected tissue, previously disinfested in 0.6% NaOCl, were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 50 μg of streptomycin per liter and incubated at 22°C with a 12-h photoperiod for 15 days. The isolates produced abundant, grayish white mycelium, which after sporulation became hazel in color, and colonies displayed concentric rings. Colonies produced scarce conidia, which were arranged in branched, monilioid chains. Conidia were one celled, hyaline, ellipsoid to lemon shaped, and measured 15.42 ± 1.91 × 8.02 ± 0.9 μm. The morphological data and growth rates match the description of M. fructicola (Winter) Honey (2-4). Fungal identification was confirmed by PCR using genomic DNA extracted from the mycelia of pure cultures. The DNA was amplified with a common reverse primer and three specific forward primers obtained from a sequence-characterized, amplified region that distinguishes between M. fructicola, M. fructigena, and M. laxa. The size of the amplified fragment (a product of 535 bp) fit with the one described for M. fructicola (2). To confirm the pathogenicity of the isolate, mature 'Larry Ann' and 'Sungold' plum fruits (six fruits per cultivar) were inoculated by placing an agar plug from the edge of an actively growing colony on PDA directly on the fruit surface. After 5 days of incubation, typical brown rot symptoms developed on inoculated fruit and the fungus was successfully reisolated, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. No symptoms appeared on control fruit. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. fructicola on plums in southwestern Spain. M. fructicola is a quarantined pathogen in Europe and has been reported on imported apricot and nectarine (1) and peach in several European countries (3,4). References: (1) E. Bosshard et al. Plant Dis. 90:1554, 2006. (2) M. J. Côté. Plant Dis. 88:1219, 2004. (3) A. De Cal and I. Gell. Plant Dis. 93:763, 2009. (4). C. Pellegrino et al. Plant Dis. 93:668, 2009.

Effect of diet saturation on growth performance, carcass characteristics and fat quality of heavy pigs

Twenty-four castrated male (Duroc × Large Withe × Landrace) with an average weight of 69.4 kg were randomly distributed and located in individual cages and given the experimental diets. Diets were provided ad libitum and were formulated containing three levels of palm oil and hydropalm (hydrogenated palm stearine): 4% and 0% (low saturation), 2% and 2% (moderate saturation) and 0% and 4% (high saturation). Pigs were slaughtered at a local slaughterhouse with an average weight of 129.1 kg. The dietary treatment had no significant influence on growth performances and carcass characteristics. The diet saturation led to an increase of C18:0 and ΣSFA (saturated fatty acids) proportions and to a reduction of C18:1 n-9, C18:2 n-6 and ΣPUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) proportions and in subcutaneous backfat outer and inner layers. The dietary treatment affected significantly the melting point of subcutaneous backfat outer layer but had no significant influence on the melting point of the subcutaneous backfat inner layer. However, a linear effect of C18:0 proportion of subcutaneous backfat outer and inner layers on the melting point was observed. Dietary treatment had no significant effect on the main fatty acids pattern of intramuscular neutral and polar lipids from Longissimus dorsi muscle. In neutral lipids of liver a dietary influence (p < 0.05), but not a clear dose--response relationship, was observed for C16:0, C18:1 n-9, ΣSFA and ΣPUFA fatty acids, whereas in polar lipids the dietary treatment had no significant effect on the main fatty acids proportions. No effect of diet saturation was found on rheological properties of fat except for the hardness. The hardness was higher in the pigs that received the diet with 0% of palm oil and 4% hydropalm than in those given the diet with 4% of palm oil and 0% hydropalm.

Carcass Traits and Fatty Acid Composition of Subcutaneous, Intramuscular and Liver Fat from Iberian Pigs Fed in Confinement only with Acorns or a Formulated Diet

Twenty castrated male Iberian pigs were divided into two groups of 10 pigs each according to the experimental diet received daily during the fattening period in confinement (acorn fed ad libitum or 4 kg of a formulated diet rich in C18:1 n—9). Dietary effects on performance, carcass characteristics and backfat, intramuscular, and liver fatty acid composition were assessed. Pigs fed only with acorns ate less, leading to a lower growth performance and carcass quality than pigs fed the formulated diet. Pigs fed acorns had lower C16:0 proportions in outer, inner, and subinner subcutaneous backfat layers. The C18:1 n—9 proportions in the inner and subinner subcutaneous backfat layers were higher in pigs fed acorns than in those fed the formulated diet. Pigs fed acorns had higher C18:2 n—6 proportion than those fed the formulated diet in outer subcutaneous backfat layer. The diet did not affect outer, inner, and subinner subcutaneous backfat melting points. Except a higher C18:0 in intramuscular fat polar lipids and higher C16:1 n—9 in the liver polar lipid fraction in pigs fed acorns, the diet had no significant effect on intramuscular and liver fatty acid composition.

Dietary vitamin A concentration alters fatty acid composition in pigs

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of vitamin A concentration in the diet on fatty acid composition in pigs. One-hundred and twenty eight Duroc × (Large White × Landrace) castrated male pigs were used. Pigs were randomly distributed and located in cages of four pigs each to the following treatment: vitamin A-enriched diet (100,000IU/kg) (n=16) and control diet with a basal level (7500IU/kg) (n=16). The pigs were slaughtered at an average weight of 125.9kg. No effect of diet vitamin A level on performance, carcass traits and intramuscular fat percentage was observed. The retinol concentration in subcutaneous backfat and retinol and retinol palmitate contents in liver were higher in the pigs that were given the vitamin A enriched diet than in those receiving the control diet. However the vitamin A supplementation did not increase the retinol content in the muscle. Pigs receiving the vitamin A enriched diet showed a higher C16:0 and ∑SFA proportions in the outer layer and C18:0 and ∑SFA proportions in the inner layer. Moreover, the diet rich in vitamin A led to a reduction of C18:1 n-9 and ∑MUFA proportions in subcutaneous backfat inner layer. Dietary vitamin A concentration had not influence on main fatty acids composition of intramuscular lipids. Dietary vitamin A enrichment lead to a higher C16:0, ∑SFA concentration in liver lipids.

Characterization of a novel ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, A-251179, on urinary bladder relaxation and cystometric parameters

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP)) play a pivotal role in contractility of urinary bladder smooth muscle. This study reports the characterization of 4-methyl-N-(2,2,2-trichloro-1-(3-pyridin-3-ylthioureido)ethyl)benzamide (A-251179) as a K(ATP) channel opener.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Glyburide-sensitive membrane potential, patch clamp and tension assays were employed to study the effect of A-251179 in vitro. The in vivo efficacy of A-251179 was characterized by suppression of spontaneous contractions in obstructed rat bladder and by measuring urodynamic function of urethane-anesthetized rat models.

KEY RESULTS

A-251179 was about 4-fold more selective in activating SUR2B-Kir6.2 derived K(ATP) channels compared to those derived from SUR2A-Kir6.2. In pig bladder smooth muscle strips, A-251179 suppressed spontaneous contractions, about 27- and 71-fold more potently compared to suppression of contractions evoked by low-frequency electrical stimulation and carbachol, respectively. In vivo, A-251179 suppressed spontaneous non-voiding bladder contractions from partial outlet-obstructed rats. Interestingly, in the neurogenic model where isovolumetric contractions were measured by continuous transvesical cystometry, A-251179 at a dose of 0.3 micromol kg(-1), but not higher, was found to increase bladder capacity without affecting either the voiding efficiency or changes in mean arterial blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The thioureabenzamide analog, A-251179 is a potent novel K(ATP) channel opener with selectivity for SUR2B/Kir6.2 containing K(ATP) channels relative to pinacidil. The pharmacological profile of A-251179 is to increase bladder capacity and to prolong the time between voids without affecting voiding efficiency and represents an interesting characteristic to be explored for further investigations of K(ATP) channel openers for the treatment of overactive bladder.

Effect of carbon and nitrogen sources, pH and temperature on in vitro culture of several isolates of Amanita caesarea (Scop.:Fr.) Pers

Several isolates were obtained from sporocarps of Amanita caesarea (Scop.: Fr.) Pers. associated with Quercus suber and Castanea sativa coming from the southwest of Spain. Culture conditions were optimized for these isolates. The largest radial growth was obtained at pH 6-7, and optimal growth temperature was 24-28 degrees C depending on the isolate. Albumin bovine and nitrate produced the largest patch size diameters, but the greatest mycelium dry weight yields were obtained with ammonium. Mannitol produced the largest radial growth, and mannitol and glucose yielded the biggest mycelium dry weights. Although variations in growth behaviour between isolates were observed, only one internal spacer sequence-restriction fragment length polymorphism type was obtained.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation and partial substitution of poly- with mono-unsaturated fatty acids in pig diets on muscle, and microsome extract alpha-tocopherol concentration and lipid oxidation

The experiment was organized in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement with three dietary fat blends and a basal (20 mg kg(-1) diet) or supplemented (220 mg kg(-1)) level of alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Dietary vitamin E and monounsaturated to polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio (dietary MUFA/PUFA) affected muscle alpha-tocopherol concentration (alpha-tocopherol [log microg g(-1)] = 0.18 (+/- 0.105) + 0.0034 (+/- 0.0003) x dietary alpha-tocopherol [mg kg(-1) diet] (P < 0.0001) + 0.39 (+/- 0.122) x dietary MUFA/PUFA (P < 0.0036)). An interaction between dietary alpha-tocopherol and dietary MUFA/PUFA exists for microsome alpha-tocopherol concentration (alpha-tocopherol [log microg g(-1)] = 1.14 ( +/- 0.169) (P < 0.0001) + 0.0056 ( +/- 0.00099) x dietary alpha-tocopherol [mg kg(-1) diet] (P <0.0001) + 0.54 (+/- 0.206) x dietary MUFA/PUFA (P < 0.0131) - 0.0033 (+/- 0.0011) x dietary alpha-tocopherol [mg kg(-1))] x dietary MUFA/PUFA (P < 0.0067)), and hexanal concentration in meat (hexanal [ng x g(-1)] = 14807.9 (+/- 1489.8)- 28.8 (+/- 10.6) dietary alpha-tocopherol [mg x kg(-1)] (P < 0.01) - 8436.6 (+/- 1701.6) x dietary MUFA/PUFA (P < 0.001) + 24.0 (+/- 11.22) x dietary alpha-tocopherol-dietary MUFA/ PUFA (P < 0.0416)). It is concluded that partial substitution of dietary PUFA with MUFA lead to an increase in the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in muscle and microsome extracts. An interaction between dietary alpha-tocopherol and fatty acids exists, in which at low level of dietary vitamin E inclusion, a low MUFA/ PUFA ratio leads to a reduction in the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in microsome extracts and a concentration of hexanal in meat above the expected values.

Soils of the Chinese Hubei province show a very high diversity of Sinorhizobium fredii strains

Biodiversity studies of native soybean-nodulating rhizobia in soils from the Chinese Hubei province (Honghu county; pH 8, alluvial soil) have been carried out. Inoculation of an American (Williams) and an Asiatic (Peking) soybean cultivar with eleven soil samples led to the isolation of 167 rhizobia strains. The ratio (%) of slow-/fast-growing isolates was different depending on the trap plant used. All isolates were able to nodulate both cultivars, although the N2-fixation efficiency (measured as plant-top dry weight) was different among them. A total of thirty-three isolates were selected for further characterisation on the basis of physiological parameters, PCR-RFLP of symbiotic genes and Low Molecular Weight RNA, lipopolysaccharide, protein and plasmid profiles. Low Molecular Weight RNA profiling indicates that all the isolates belong to species Sinorhizobium fredii. The dendrogram obtained with the physiological parameters has been useful to classify the isolates at strain level, although plasmid profiling was the most discriminating technique to detect differences among the analysed soybean-rhizobia isolates, showing there is not two isolates identical each other. Plasmid profile analyses also revealed that some of the investigated strains contain low molecular weight plasmids (7-8-kb). They are, to our knowledge, the smallest ever found in rhizobia and they could be the starting point for the construction of the first group of vectors based on a native rhizobia replicon.

Survival of several Rhizobium/Bradyrhizobium strains on different inoculant formulations and inoculated seeds

The effect of a variety factors on the survival of several rhizobia strains on inoculants and inoculated seeds has been evaluated. Since the rhizobia strains showed different cell-density-evolution patterns on peat-based inoculants and on inoculated seeds, several inoculant formulations with highly effective Rhizobium/Bradyrhizobium strains (for Lupinus, Hedysarum, Phaseolus and Glycine max.) were monitored under the following storage conditions: (a) the inoculants were kept refrigerated (at 4 degrees C), or (b) at room temperature (25 degrees C). The effect of water content (30-50%, w/w) in the inoculants as well as that of several seed-coating adhesives were also investigated. Alternative carriers including perlite and vermiculite were tested. For all of the strains, survival on sterile peat-based inoculants was higher than on the corresponding unsterile peat formulation; for the latter, refrigerated storage conditions are recommended to ensure high bacterial densities. The water content of the inoculants had a differential effect on strain survival depending on the sterility of the peat, such that a high water content was more detrimental when unsterilized peat was employed. The best adherent for rhizobia survival was a gum arabic/water solution. Perlite was as effective as peat in maintaining a high population of rhizobia, at least for 6 months of storage.

A-315456: a selective alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor antagonist with minimal dopamine D(2) and 5-HT(1A) receptor affinity

In functional assays, A-315456, N-[3-(cyclohexylidene-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl))phenyl]ethanesulfonamide, behaved as an alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor subtype selective antagonist (pA(2)=8.34) in the rat aorta. It was 83-fold less potent at the alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor subtype expressed in the rat spleen, and was inactive at the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor subtype expressed in the rat vas deferens. Radioligand binding assays also revealed high affinity (pK(i)=8.71) for the alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor subtype and weaker affinities at the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor (pK(i)=6.23) and alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor (pK(i)=7.86). In comparison to its potent affinity at the alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor subtype, A-315456 was 3020-, 794- and 38-fold weaker at the dopamine D(2)-, 5-HT(1A)-, and alpha(2a)-adrenoceptors, respectively. These studies indicate that A-315456 is a potent and selective alpha(1D)-antagonist that may serve as a useful pharmacological ligand to probe the physiological role of the alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor subtype in normal and disease states.

Co-inoculation with Bacillus sp. CECT 450 improves nodulation in Phaseolus vulgaris L

The strain Bacillus sp. CECT 450 increased nodulation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) when co-inoculated with Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899. This positive effect occured under controlled conditions on perlite-vermiculite, sand, or in a mixture of soil and sand. This increase was also observed in a field assay. Nodulation kinetic studies suggested that the synergistic effect is pronounced during the latter stages of cultivation. In contrast, the same bacteria co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 reduced nodulation on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Inoculation with Bacillus sp. CECT 450 alone had no effect on bean plants, but reduced root growth in soybean. The survival of Bacillus sp. CECT 450 on inoculated seeds was high, even when inoculated seeds were maintained for several months at room temperature.

Effect of pH and soybean cultivars on the quantitative analyses of soybean rhizobia populations

Quantitative analyses of fast- and slow-growing soybean rhizobia populations in soils of four different provinces of China (Hubei, Shan Dong, Henan, and Xinjiang) have been carried out using the most probable number technique (MPN). All soils contained fast- (FSR) and slow-growing (SSR) soybean rhizobia. Asiatic and American soybean cultivars grown at acid, neutral and alkaline pH were used as trapping hosts for FSR and SSR strains. The estimated total indigenous soybean-rhizobia populations of the Xinjiang and Shan Dong soil samples greatly varied with the different soybean cultivars used. The soybean cultivar and the pH at which plants were grown also showed clear effects on the FSR/SSR rations isolated from nodules. Results of competition experiments between FSR and SSR strains supported the importance of the soybean cultivar and the pH on the outcome of competition for nodulation between FSR and SSR strains. In general, nodule occupancy by FSRs significantly increased at alkaline pH. Bacterial isolates from soybean cultivar Jing Dou 19 inoculated with Xinjiang soil nodulate cultivars Heinong 33 and Williams very poorly. Plasmid and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) profiles and PCR-RAPD analyses showed that cultivar Jing Dou 19 had trapped a diversity of FSR strains. Most of the isolates from soybean cultivar Heinong 33 inoculated with Xinjiang soil were able to nodulate Heinong 33 and Williams showed very similar, or identical, plasmid, LPS and PCR-RAPD profiles. All the strains isolated from Xinjiang province, regardless of the soybean cultivar used for trapping, showed similar nodulation factor (LCO) profiles as judged by thin layer chromatographic analyses. These results indicate that the existence of soybean rhizobia sub-populations showing marked cultivar specificity, can affect the estimation of total soybean rhizobia populations indigenous to the soil, and can also affect the diversity of soybean rhizobial strains isolated from soybean nodules.

Bronchial, alveolar, and vascular-induced anaphylaxis and irritant-induced cardiovascular and pulmonary responses

We examine the respiratory, bronchomotor, cardiac, and vascular responses to histamine and ragweed allergen delivered to the bronchi or alveoli compartments and the potential role of sensory nerves and reflexes mediating the histamine-induced responses. The masses of aerosols deposited in the bronchi and alveoli were quantitated using radioaerosol techniques. Activation of sensory nerves and/or histamine-induced mediator release were characterized by depositing nedocromil sodium aerosol prior to histamine challenge. The histamine-induced responses due to vagosympathetic transmission were determined by performing bilateral vagotomy. Both histamine and ragweed increased respiratory rate, ventilation, and bronchomotor tone whether deposited in the bronchial or alveolar regions. However, these responses were not elicited when histamine was administered intravenously. Precipitous allergen-induced decreases in heart rate and systolic and diastolic pressure were maximal 72 sec following ragweed deposition in alveolar regions of the lungs. Increases in respiratory rate were mediated via the vagus whether delivered to the bronchi, alveoli, or vasculature. Histamine-induced increases in respiratory rate and bronchomotor tone were attenuated by nedocromil. When histamine was delivered to the alveolar regions, increases in lung resistance appeared to be mediated primarily via the vagus and when delivered to the bronchial airways primarily by its action on smooth muscle or local reflexes. Histamine-induced hypotension and bradycardia appear to be mediated by the direct action of histamine on the cardiovascular system rather than through a vagally mediated reflex.

Characterization of rhizobial isolates of Phaseolus vulgaris by staircase electrophoresis of low-molecular-weight RNA

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) RNA molecules were analyzed to characterize rhizobial isolates that nodulate the common bean growing in Spain. Since LMW RNA profiles, determined by staircase electrophoresis, varied across the rhizobial species nodulating beans, we demonstrated that bean isolates recovered from Spanish soils presumptively could be characterized as Rhizobium etli, Rhizobium gallicum, Rhizobium giardinii, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae and bv. trifolii, and Sinorhizobium fredii.

Pharmacological and molecular analysis of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels in the pig and human detrusor

The pharmacological and molecular properties of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels present in pig detrusor smooth muscle were investigated. In isolated pig detrusor strips, ATP-sensitive K(+) channel openers inhibited contractions elicited by low frequency field-stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of P1075 [N-cyano-N'-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-N"-3-pyridylguanidine] were attenuated by glyburide with a pA(2) value of 7.38 (slope=1.08). The potency of the inhibitory effects of the K(+) channel openers on the field-stimulated contractions correlated well with those evoked by the muscarinic receptor agonist, carbachol (r=0.93) and furthermore, to relaxation of the pre-contracted (25 mM potassium chloride, KCl) human detrusor (r=0.95). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed the presence of mRNA for sulfonylurea receptors SUR1 and SUR2B in both pig and human detrusor. Considering the similarities in the molecular and pharmacological profile of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels between the pig and the human detrusor, it is concluded that the pig detrusor may serve as a suitable in vitro model for the evaluation of novel K(+) channel openers with potential use in urological disorders in humans.

The stimulation of ketogenesis by cannabinoids in cultured astrocytes defines carnitine palmitoyltransferase I as a new ceramide-activated enzyme

The effects of cannabinoids on ketogenesis in primary cultures of rat astrocytes were studied. Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major active component of marijuana, produced a malonyl-CoA-independent stimulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I) and ketogenesis from [14C]palmitate. The THC-induced stimulation of ketogenesis was mimicked by the synthetic cannabinoid HU-210 and was prevented by pertussis toxin and the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716. Experiments performed with different cellular modulators indicated that the THC-induced stimulation of ketogenesis was independent of cyclic AMP, Ca2+, protein kinase C, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The possible involvement of ceramide in the activation of ketogenesis by cannabinoids was subsequently studied. THC produced a CB1 receptor-dependent stimulation of sphingomyelin breakdown that was concomitant to an elevation of intracellular ceramide levels. Addition of exogenous sphingomyelinase to the astrocyte culture medium led to a MAPK-independent activation of ketogenesis that was quantitatively similar and not additive to that exerted by THC. Furthermore, ceramide activated CPT-I in astrocyte mitochondria. Results thus indicate that cannabinoids stimulate ketogenesis in astrocytes by a mechanism that may rely on CB1 receptor activation, sphingomyelin hydrolysis, and ceramide-mediated activation of CPT-I.

Analysis of the promoter region of saf, a Streptomyces griseus gene that increases production of extracellular enzymes

The product of the saf gene of Streptomyces griseus ATCC10137 mediated an increase in the production of several extracellular enzymes and retarded the formation of pigments and spores in Streptomyces [Daza et al., Mol. Gen. Genet. 222 (1990) 384-392]. A promoter upstream from saf was identified by subcloning a DNA fragment in the promoter probe pIJ486. Using the Escherichia coli-Brevibacterium lactofermentum promoter-probe shuttle vector, pULMJ51, we determined that the saf promoter region is also active in E. coli. The transcription start points (tsp) of the saf promoter in Streptomyces and E. coli have been determined using high-resolution S1 mapping. The tsp are at the same position in both microorganisms. Expression from the saf promoter region was negatively regulated by phosphate in Streptomyces, but not in E. coli. The amplification of the saf promoter lacking the saf coding region did not increase the production of extracellular enzymes and did not reduce sporulation or pigmentation in Streptomyces (i.e., it does not titrate out a putative repressor of the genes encoding extracellular enzymes). Several structural features of the saf promoter region and saf mRNA are studied in relation to the regulation of the saf gene expression.