Antioxidative effect of Ajowan in a model system

Model conditions were utilized to test the antioxidative activity of a methanolic extract of ajowan (Carum coptimum) (MEA). MEA was less effective than butylated hydroxytoluene in protecting against oxidation of emulsified linoleic acid measured by coupled oxidation of linoleic acid-β-carotene, conjugated diene values, and the thiobarbituric acid values. Ajowan may have potential as a source of natural antioxidant.     

Squash leaf glandular trichome volatiles: Identification and influence on behavior of female pickleworm moth [Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll.)] (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Fourteen volatile compounds occurring in leaf trichomes of yellow squash (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Early Prolific Straightneck) were identified. These compounds accounted for 83.5% of the volatile matrix. Ubiquitous constituents of the epidermis (myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids,n-tricosane, andn-pentacosane) accounted for 73.7%; these compounds were not bioassayed. The volatileso-,m-, andp-xylene, toluene, 2-heptanone, (R)-(+)- and (S)-(–)-limonene, and germacrene D were tested for their influence on attraction and oviposition by the pickleworm moth (Diaphania nitidalis Stoll.). No single compound, except germacrene D, was attractive. (R)-(+)-Limonene and 2-heptanone were weakly repellent. Mixtures of the highly volatile fractions were as attractive as volatiles emanating from whole, intact leaves. Oviposition levels on treated artificial sites corresponded with levels of visitation. Oviposition was significantly stimulated by whole-leaf volatiles, and (S)-(–)-limonene caused a slight but significant reduction.Mention of a trade name or proprietary product does not constitute a warranty or guarantee by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does it imply exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.     

Process development for the removal of copper from wastewater using ferric/limestone treatment

The removal of copper from wastewater by ferric/limestone coagulation followed by screen filtration was carried out at a laboratory scale. The optimum coagulant (FeCl₃) dose and working pH were 50 mg// of Fe(m) and pH 7.5, respectively, through jar tests. For the efficient removal of copper from wastewater, we developed a novel process including the co-precipitation of copper with FeCl₃, alkalization in a limestone aeration bed, and separation of precipitates in a sedimentation tank coupled with internal stainless steel screen filter. The performance results showed that removal of copper from the solution was over 99.5%. The pH was effectively maintained over 7.5 in limestone bed during the whole process. Ferric hydroxide/copper aggregates were removed over 99% by stainless steel screen filter of 1,450 mesh. Periodic air backwashing alleviated fouling of the filter surface.     

Ionic liquids as electrolytes

Salts having a low melting point are liquid at room temperature, or even below, and form a new class of liquids usually called room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL). Information about RTILs can be found in the literature with such key words as: room temperature molten salt, low-temperature molten salt, ambient-temperature molten salt, liquid organic salt or simply ionic liquid. Their physicochemical properties are the same as high temperature ionic liquids, but the practical aspects of their maintenance or handling are different enough to merit a distinction. The class of ionic liquids, based on tetraalkylammonium cation and chloroaluminate anion, has been extensively studied since late 1970s of the XX century, following the works of Osteryoung. Systematic research on the application of chloroaluminate ionic liquids as solvents was performed in 1980s. However, ionic liquids based on aluminium halides are moisture sensitive. During the last decade an increasing number of new ionic liquids have been prepared and used as solvents. The general aim of this paper was to review the physical and chemical properties of RTILs from the point of view of their possible application as electrolytes in electrochemical processes and devices. The following points are discussed: melting and freezing, conductivity, viscosity, temperature dependence of conductivity, transport and transference numbers, electrochemical stability, possible application in aluminium electroplating, lithium batteries and in electrochemical capacitors.     

Allelopathic Effects of Volatile Monoterpenoids Produced by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvia leucophylla</Emphasis>: Inhibition of Cell Proliferation and DNA Synthesis in the Root Apical Meristem of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica campestris</Emphasis> Seedlings

Salvia leucophylla, a shrub observed in coastal south California, produces several volatile monoterpenoids (camphor, 1,8-cineole, -pinene, -pinene, and camphene) that potentially act as allelochemicals. The effects of these were examined using Brassica campestris as the test plant. Camphor, 1,8-cineole, and -pinene inhibited germination of B. campestris seeds at high concentrations, whereas -pinene and camphene did not. Root growth was inhibited by all five monoterpenoids in a dose-dependent manner, but hypocotyl growth was largely unaffected. The monoterpenoids did not alter the sizes of matured cells in either hypocotyls or roots, indicating that cell expansion is relatively insensitive to these compounds. They did not decrease the mitotic index in the shoot apical region, but specifically lowered mitotic index in the root apical meristem. Moreover, morphological and biochemical analyses on the incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine into DNA demonstrated that the monoterpenoids inhibit both cell-nuclear and organelle DNA synthesis in the root apical meristem. These results suggest that the monoterpenoids produced by S. leucophylla could interfere with the growth of other plants in its vicinity through inhibition of cell proliferation in the root apical meristem.     

Understanding why adult participants at the World Senior Games choose a healthy diet

Background

Identifying those seniors most likely to adopt a healthy diet, the relative importance they place on certain perceived benefits associated with a healthy diet, and whether these perceived benefits are associated with selected demographic, lifestyle, and health history variables is important for directing effective dietary health promotion programs.

Methods

Analyses are based on a cross-sectional convenience sample of 670 seniors aged 50 years and older at the 2002 World Senior Games in St. George, Utah. Data are assessed using frequencies, bivariate analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Fruit and vegetable consumption was significantly higher in individuals aged 70–79, in women, in those not overweight or obese, and in those with excellent overall health. Dietary fiber consumption was significantly higher in former or never smokers, current and previous alcohol drinkers, in those not overweight or obese, and in those with excellent health. The strongest motivating factors identified for adopting a healthy diet were to improve the quality of life, to increase longevity, and to prevent disease. Of intermediate importance were the need to feel a sense of control and to satisfy likes or dislikes. Least important were the desire to experience a higher level of spirituality, social reasons, and peer acceptance.

Conclusion

Seniors who have adopted a healthy diet are more likely to have chosen that behavior because of perceived health benefits than for personal and social benefits. Overweight or obese individuals and those in poor health were less likely to be engaged in healthy eating behavior and require special attention by dieticians and public health professionals.

     

Different degrees of malnutrition and immunological alterations according to the aetiology of cirrhosis: a prospective and sequential study

Objectives

In this work we investigated how immunological dysfunction and malnutrition interact in alcoholic and viral aetiologies of cirrhosis.

Methods

To investigate the matter, 77 cirrhotic patients divided in three aetiologies [Alcohol, HCV and Alcohol + HCV) and 32 controls were prospectivelly and sequentially studied. Parameters of humoral immunity (Components 3 and 4 of seric complement and immunoglobulins A M, G and E) and of cellular immunity (total leukocytes and lymphocytes in peripheral blood, T lymphocytes subpopulations, CD4+ and CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and intradermic tests of delayed hypersensitivity), as well as nutrititional parameters: anthropometric measures, serum albumin and transferrin were evaluated.

Results

Multiple statistical comparisons showed that IgM was higher in HCV group; IgG was significantly elevated in both HCV and Alcohol + HCV, whereas for the Alcohol group, IgE was found at higher titles. The analysis of T- lymphocytes subpopulations showed no aetiologic differences, but intradermic tests of delayed hypersensitivity did show greater frequency of anergy in the Alcohol group. For anthropometric parameters, the Alcohol +HCV group displayed the lowest triceps skinfold whereas creatinine – height index evaluation was more preserved in the HCV group. Body mass index, arm muscle area and arm fat area showed that differently from alcohol group, the HCV group was similar to control.

Conclusion

Significant differences were found among the main aetiologies of cirrhosis concerning immunological alterations and nutritional status: better nutrition and worse immunology for HCV and vice-versa for alcohol.

     

Aphid deterrence by glucose esters in glandular trichome exudate of the wild tomato,Lycopersicon pennellii

Settling of the potato aphid,Macrosiphum euphorbiae, on feeding membranes was deterred by methanolic leaf rinses ofLycopersicon pennellii, or of its F₁ with tomato,L. esculentum. The active compounds in theL. pennellii rinsates were identified as 2,3,4-tri-O-acylglucoses bearing short to medium chain length fatty acids. These compounds are localized in the glandular exudate of the type IV trichomes and may accumulate to levels in excess of 400 g/cm². In choice assays, purified glucose esters fromL. pennellii reduced aphid settling at concentrations as low as 25 g/cm²; at concentrations of 150 g/cm² or more, all aphids avoided treated areas. Glucose esters were also active in deterring aphid settling in no-choice assays. At 100 g/ cm², these esters resulted in increased levels of mortality after 48 hr.     

Analysis of the polyethylene glycol glucosides and FA esters thereof by atmospheric-pressure ionization MS

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) glucosides (PEGG) and the PEGG esters of lauric acid were analyzed by atmospheric-pressure ionization MS (API-MS) with electrospray ionization. Straightforward mass characterization of the complex mixtures could be achieved without prior chromatographic separation. The constituents were identified on the basis of quasi-molecular ions. Individual components could be observed as protonated molecular ions [M+H]⁺ and/or as their NH₄ ⁺, Na⁺, or K⁺ adducts in positive ion mode. The mass spectrometric investigation showed that mixtures of PEGG consisted of monoglucoside, diglucoside, polyglucoside, and free PEG. The esterification product is a mixture of two types of nonionic surfactants: PEG-laurates and PEGG-laurates. The reasons for distortion of the quasi-molecular ion intensities and the stabilization of adduct ions were discussed. The rapid and highly sensitive API-MS analysis technique proposed here is well suited for direct characterization of complex mixtures and suitable for development as a routine analytical method.     

Frying quality and stability of low-and ultra-low-linolenic acid soybean oils

To determine effects of very low levels of linolenic acid on frying stabilities of soybean oils, tests were conducted with 2% (low) linolenic acid soybean oil (LLSBO) and 0.8% (ultra-low) linolenic acid soybean oil (ULLSBO) in comparison with cottonseed oil (CSO). Potato chips were fried in the oils for a total of 25 h of oil use. No significant differences were found for either total polar compounds or FFA between samples of LLSBO and ULLSBO; however, CSO had significantly higher percentage of polar compounds and FFA than the soybean oils at all sampling times. Flavor evaluations of fresh and aged (1, 3, 5, and 7 wk at 25°C) potato chips showed some differences between potato chips fried in different oil types. Sensory panel judges reported that potato chips fried in ULLSBO and aged for 3 or 7 wk at 25°C had significantly lower intensities of fishy flavor than did potato chips fried in LLSBO with the same conditions. Potato chips fried in ULLSBO that had been used for 5 h and then aged 7 wk at 25°C had significantly better quality than did potato chips fried 5 h in LLSBO and aged under the same conditions. Hexanal was significantly higher in the 5-h LLSBO sample than in potato chips fried 5 h in ULLSBO. The decrease in linolenic acid from 2 to 0.8% in the oils improved flavor quality and oxidative stability of some of the potato chip samples.