Changes In Acid Content Research Articles

EFFECT OF STICK SWEET CHERRY EXTRACTS (PRUNUS (SP)) ON SOME BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS IN ALBINO MICE AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF BACTERIA

Background:The sweet cherry (Prunus avium L) has a wide variety of secondary metabolites, which has biochemical and biological activity and used as potential source of a drug. There is no data published on stick cherry extract effect on enzymes activities, kidney function test, inflammatory marker and minerals. As well as on antimicrobial activity of stick cherry extract for inhibition the growth of pathogenic bacteria of different types. Objective: To illustrate the effect of ethanolic stick sweet cherry extract on serum enzyme activities; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and the concentration of urea, uric acid, creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP) also potassium, calcium in serum of albino mice as well as to investigate antimicrobial activity of the extract to inhibit the growth of different types of pathogenic bacteria. Methods: A total of 28 albino mice were classified into three groups, the first control group (G1) consist of 8 animals treated with 0.2 ml/day distilled water, second group (G2) comprised of 10 animals treated with 30 mg/Kg/day of stick cherry extract, third group (G3) formed of 10 animals treated with 100 mg/Kg/day of extract. Results: There was statistically significant reducing effect in serum enzyme activities of LDH, CK (P˂0.001) at 30 and 100 mg/Kg/day, and significant change in serum AST at low and high concentration. There is remarkable change in concentration of urea, uric acid, creatinine and increase in potassium and calcium (P˂0.001). The result of antimicrobial activity of stick sweet cherry extracts show inhibition the growth of pathogenic bacteria, different types which involves; (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherishia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgarweris, Serratiam arcescens). This indicates that the chloroform extract was active against the most pathogenic bacteria at all the concentration used and was more than ethanol extracts. Conclusion: Orally administration of sweet stick cherries extracts to albino mice animals caused a potential difference in different biochemical parameters, enzyme activities, LDH, AST, CK, concentration of urea, uric acid and creatinine, C-reactive protein. Those are risk factors for different diseases, inflammatory, oxidative stress, heart disease. This could be minimized or prevented by polyphenols of cherries stick extract. Keywords: Prunus, Creatine kinase, Sweet cherry, CRP, Potassium, Escherichia coli Citation: Saleem MNMN. Effect of Stick Sweet Cherry Extracts (Prunus (SP)) on some biochemical markers in Albino Mice and Biological Activities in Different Types of Bacteria. Iraqi JMS. 2018; 16(2): 114-124. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.16.2.2

Computer simulation and experimental molecular distillation of olive pomace oil deodorizer distillate – A comparative study

Olive pomace oil deodorizer distillate, a good source of oleic acid, was distilled using molecular distillation. In the present study, temperatures during this process ranged from 110 °C to 190 °C, while pressures were 6.67 Pa, 66.7 Pa, and 667 Pa. Changes in fatty acid concentrations as well as yields of distillate and residual streams were recorded experimentally. The molecular distillation process was then simulated with two different methods to observe the differences in fatty acid composition between real and computational studies using a commercial process simulator. A flash separation vessel was chosen to demonstrate short-path evaporator. Maximum distillate yield was experimentally obtained as 78.52% at 190 °C and 6.67 Pa, with a split ratio of 3.65. The results obtained from use of the two simulation methods were in good correlation with the experimental data. Oleic acid concentrations from the two different simulation methods at 190 °C and 667 Pa were calculated as about 71%, while the experimental concentration was 73.79% at this condition. The use of a simulation procedure would be a guide for further industrial distillation processes.

Physiological and behavioral responses of house sparrows to repeated stressors.

Despite decades of research, we still lack a complete understanding of what factors influence the transition of the necessary and adaptive acute stress response to what has become known as chronic stress. This gap in knowledge has illuminated the necessity for studies that examine the thresholds between these two sides of the stress response. Here, we determine how repeated exposure to acute stressors influences physiological and behavioral responses. In this repeated measures study, house sparrows (Passer domesticus) were exposed to a chronic stress protocol. We took physiological and behavioral measurements before, during, and after the protocol. Blood samples were used to assess four aspects of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function: baseline corticosterone, stress-induced corticosterone, negative feedback, and the maximal capacity to secrete corticosterone. We also assessed bacterial killing capacity and changes in uric acid concentration. Neophobia trials were used to assess behavioral changes throughout the protocol. We found no significant changes in HPA axis regulation in any of the four aspects we tested. However, we found that uric acid concentrations and neophobia significantly decreased after only four days of the chronic stress protocol, while bacterial killing capacity did not decrease until after eight days of exposure. These results indicate that different components of the stress response can be impacted by chronic stress on different timescales. Our results further indicate the importance of assessing multiple aspects of both physiology and behavior in order to understand how exposure to chronic stress may influence ability to cope with future challenges.

Effects of Formulation Variables on Lung Dosimetry of Albuterol Sulfate Suspension and Beclomethasone Dipropionate Solution Metered Dose Inhalers

The performance of pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs) is affected by formulation and device variables that impact delivered dose, aerodynamic particle size distribution, and consequently lung deposition and therapeutic effect. Specific formulation variables of relevance to two commercially available products-Proventil® HFA [albuterol sulfate (AS) suspension] and Qvar® [beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) solution]-were evaluated to determine their influence on key performance attributes measured experimentally with in vitro cascade impaction studies. These commercial MDIs, utilized as model systems, provided mid-points for a design of experiments (DoE) plan to manufacture multiple suspension and solution MDI formulations. The experimental results were utilized as input variables in a computational dosimetry model to predict the effects of MDI formulation variables on lung deposition. For the BDP solution DoE MDIs, increased concentrations of surfactant oleic acid (0-2% w/w) increased lung deposition from 24 to 46%, whereas changes in concentration of the cosolvent ethanol (7-9% w/w) had no effect on lung deposition. For the AS suspension DoE MDIs, changes in oleic acid concentration (0.005-0.25% w/w) did not have significant effects on lung deposition, whereas lung deposition decreased from 48 to 26% as ethanol concentration increased from 2 to 20% w/w, and changes in micronized drug volumetric median particle size distribution (X50, 1.4-2.5μm) increased deposition in the tracheobronchial airways from 5 to 11%. A direct correlation was observed between fine particle fraction and predicted lung deposition. These results demonstrate the value of using dosimetry models to further explore relationships between performance variables and lung deposition.

Effects of medical ozone upon healthy equine joints: Clinical and laboratorial aspects.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to verify whether transient inflammatory reactions induced by intra-articular medicinal ozone administration affect joint components, by in vivo evaluation of inflammatory (prostaglandin E2, Substance P, Interleukin-6, Interleukine-1, Tumor Necrosis Factor), anti-inflammatory (Interleukin-10) and oxidative (superoxide dismutase activity and oxidative burst) biomarkers and extracellular matrix degradation products (chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid) in synovial fluid.MethodsThe effects of medicinal ozone were analyzed at two ozone concentrations (groups A and B, 20 and 40 μg/ml, respectively), using oxygen-injected joints as controls (group C); each group received ten treatments (15 ml gas per treatment). Physical evaluation, evaluation of lameness, ultrasonography, and synovial fluid analysis were performed.ResultsAll joints presented mild and transient effusion throughout the study. Group B exhibited the highest lameness score on day 14 (P<0.05), detected by the lameness measurement system, probably because of the higher ozone concentration. All groups exhibited increased ultrasonography scores on day 14 (P < 0.05). Groups A and B exhibited increased proteins concentrations on day 21 (P<0.05). There was no change in hyaluronic acid concentration or the percentage of high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid throughout the experiment. Chondroitin sulfate concentrations decreased in group B, and did not change in group A and C, indicating that neither treatment provoked extracellular matrix catabolism. Cytokine and eicosanoid concentrations were not significantly changed.ConclusionsThe ozonetherapy did not cause significant inflammation process or cartilage degradation, therefore, ozonetherapy is safe at both evaluated doses.

ESLICARBAZEPINE ACETATE IS ANTIEPILEPTOGENIC IN THE LATRUNCULIN A MOUSE MODEL OF PARTIAL SEIZURES

Although there are many drugs available which have powerful anticonvulsant activity, there is still a high unmet need for antiepileptogenic compounds that prevent the development of chronic epilepsy. Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a once‐daily (QD) antiepileptic drug (AED) that is converted extensively to eslicarbazepine (a voltage‐gated sodium channel and T‐type calcium channel blocker) after oral administration.1 ESL is a potent anticonvulsant in animal models. Latrunculin A is an actin depolymerization agent that promotes neurotransmitter release in hippocampal synapses and induces multiple action potential firing and increases action potential duration. Latrunculin A hippocampal microperfusion in freely moving mice induces acute epileptic seizures, followed by the occurrence of chronic sporadic spontaneous seizures, in association with changes in extracellular concentrations of excitatory and inhibitory amino acids.2 We have examined ESL for its potential antiepileptogenic activity in preventing the development of chronic partial seizures induced by latrunculin A microperfusion in the mouse hippocampus.Hippocampi of freely‐moving C57BL/6J male mice were continuously perfused with latrunculin A (8 μg/ml, 1 μl/min, 8h/day) for 72 hours. Sham animals received injections of artificial CSF. Forty‐eight‐hours after intrahippocampal latrunculin A infusion, mice were administered either vehicle, 75 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg ESL p.o. once‐daily for three consecutive days. CSF‐infused mice received vehicle. Body temperature and home‐cage locomotor behaviour were assessed four weeks after the end of ESL treatment. Cortical EEG monitoring by telemetry was performed once per week after the end of ESL treatment over a period of six weeks. Data is presented as means ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Data was analyzed using One‐ or Two‐way ANOVA followed by Holm‐Sidak's multiple comparisons test, as appropriate; planned comparison were performed between sham or vehicle (control) and ESL treated groups.Latrunculin A microperfusion in the mouse hippocampus induced electrographic seizures and discharges in the mouse. EEG monitoring showed that transitory ESL treatment within the epileptogenic period caused a sustained significant decrease in the frequency (42 and 74% decrease for 75 and 150 mg/kg ESL versus vehicle at week 4, respectively; 62 and 72% decrease for 75 and 150 mg/kg ESL versus vehicle at week 6, respectively) of epileptiform discharges. There were no significant differences between the two doses of ESL used. Latrunculin A microperfusion and transitory ESL treatment induced no changes in body temperature and locomotor activity, as assessed on week 4 after latrunculin A administration.Transitory oral ESL treatment attenuated sporadic spontaneous electrographic seizures and discharges induced by latrunculin A microperfusion in the mouse hippocampus, supporting a possible anti‐epileptogenic effect of ESL.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Effect of hydrochlorothiazide on serum uric acid concentration: a genome-wide association study.

To recognize genetic associations of hydrochlorothiazide-induced change in serum uric acid (SUA) concentration. We conducted a genome-wide association study on hydrochlorothiazide-induced change in SUA in 214 Finnish men from the GENRES study. Replication analyses were performed in 465 Finns from the LIFE study. In GENRES, we identified 31 loci associated with hydrochlorothiazide-induced change in SUA at p<5×10-5. rs1002976 near VEGFC associated with the change in GENRES and in LIFE. rs950569 near BRINP3 associated with the change in SUA in GENRES and LIFE. The analysis of previously reported SNPs and candidate genes provided some proof for PADI4 and ABCC4. We report genetic markers that may predict the increase in SUA concentration during thiazide treatment.

Serum Bisphenol A is an independent risk factor of hyperuricemia: A 6-year prospective study

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate whether serum Bisphenol A (BPA) is a risk factor for hyperuricemia. MethodsIn this prospective study, a total of 482 participants without hyperuricemia were enrolled at baseline and followed up for 6 years. Clinical characteristics were recorded, and serum levels of uric acid and BPA were measured. Participants were stratified into tertiles according to low, median, and high baseline serum BPA levels. Regression models were used to analyze associations of serum BPA with the change in uric acid and the risk of developing hyperuricemia. ResultsAt baseline, serum concentrations of BPA was 0.51 (0.24–2.37) ng/mL. After 6 years of follow-up, the change in serum uric acid concentration from baseline to the 6-year mark was significantly higher in subjects with higher baseline BPA concentration (0.03 ± 0.19, 0.07 ± 0.21, and 0.11 ± 0.25mg/dL for low, median, and high tertiles, respectively, P = 0.006). When adjusted for potential confounders, such as age, renal function, and history of diabetes and hypertension, multivariable logistic analyses showed that subjects in the median or high baseline BPA tertiles exhibited a twofold higher risk of 6-year hyperuricemia incidence compared to subjects in the low baseline BPA tertile [odds ratio (OR) = 2.28 (95% CI: 1.05–4.95) for the median tertile; 2.42 (1.07–5.48) for the high tertile, Pfor Trend = 0.043]. ConclusionIn conclusion, serum BPA is an independent risk factor for hyperuricemia.

Changes in concentrations of free amino acids and their analogs in skeletal muscles during growth in the Amakusa Daioh cross, a Japanese native meat-type chicken

Changes in concentrations of free amino acids and their analogs in skeletal muscles during growth in the Amakusa Daioh cross, a Japanese native meat-type chicken

Changes in free amino acid concentrations and associated gene expression profiles in the abdominal muscle of kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) acclimated at different salinities.

Shrimps inhabiting coastal waters can survive in a wide range of salinity. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in their acclimation to different environmental salinities have remained largely unknown. In the present study, we acclimated kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) at 1.7%, 3.4% and 4.0% salinities. After acclimating for 6, 12, 24 and 72 h, we determined free amino acid concentrations in their abdominal muscle, and performed RNA sequencing analysis on this muscle. The concentrations of free amino acids were clearly altered depending on salinity after 24h of acclimation. Glutamine and alanine concentrations were markedly increased following the increase of salinity. In association with such changes, many genes related to amino acid metabolism changed their expression levels. In particular, the increase of the expression level of the gene encoding glutamate-ammonia ligase, which functions in glutamine metabolism, appeared to be associated with the increased glutamine concentration at high salinity. Furthermore, the increased alanine concentration at high salinity was likely associated with the decrease in the expression levels of the the gene encoding alanine-glyoxylate transaminase. Thus, there is a possibility that changes in the concentration of free amino acids for osmoregulation in kuruma shrimp are regulated by changes in the expression levels of genes related to amino acid metabolism.

Sialic acid concentration changes in acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute mylogenous leukemia patients after chemotherapy treatment

Sialic acid—rich glycoprotein binds selectively in human and other organisms cancer cells that can metastasize .This helps these late stage cancer cells enter the blood stream. Biological markers can be used to monitor cancer elevation in the serum. Total sialic acid (TSA) concentration was observed in a number of cancer types, the chemotherapy is used as the only cancer treatment. The present study included 5l patients age (4—69 year) with leukemia, they were included 13 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 13 with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and 25 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study included also 50 healthy subjects as normal control, all the patients had chemotherapy. The study included measurements of fasting serum total sialic acid (STSA) level, which is significantly increased in post sampling of leukemia patients compared with normal control subjects. A higher significant difference of STSA at the first week during chemotherapy in the three type of the leukemia patients, also there were significant difference of STSA level at the third week during chemotherapy in the ALL and AML patients. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in STSA level after five weeks of chemotherapy treatment for ALL and AML patients. According the duration of chemotherapy dose there were significant differences in STSA level between the first dose week and third dose of chemotherapy. Also, there were significant differences between the first weeks and 5th weeks of chemotherapy treatment for ALL and AML patients.

The Impact of Single Amino Acids on Growth and Volatile Aroma Production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains.

Nitrogen availability and utilization by Saccharomyces cerevisiae significantly influence fermentation kinetics and the production of volatile compounds important for wine aroma. Amino acids are the most important nitrogen source and have been classified based on how well they support growth. This study evaluated the effect of single amino acids on growth kinetics and major volatile production of two phenotypically different commercial wine yeast strains in synthetic grape must. Four growth parameters, lag phase, maximum growth rate, total biomass formation and time to complete fermentation were evaluated. In contrast with previous findings, in fermentative conditions, phenylalanine and valine supported growth well and asparagine supported it poorly. The four parameters showed good correlations for most amino acid treatments, with some notable exceptions. Single amino acid treatments resulted in the predictable production of aromatic compounds, with a linear correlation between amino acid concentration and the concentration of aromatic compounds that are directly derived from these amino acids. With the increased complexity of nitrogen sources, linear correlations were lost and aroma production became unpredictable. However, even in complex medium minor changes in amino acid concentration continued to directly impact the formation of aromatic compounds, suggesting that the relative concentration of individual amino acids remains a predictor of aromatic outputs, independently of the complexity of metabolic interactions between carbon and nitrogen metabolism and between amino acid degradation and utilization pathways.

Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.) biological activity and the possibilities of its use for the correction of the lipid metabolism disorders

The article summarizes data concerning the biological activity of the promising herbal raw material: aerial part of goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L., Apiaceae). This plant since time immemorial has been used as vegetable and fodder plant as well as in folk medicine including the treatment of the metabolic disorders. Nowadays the interest in this plant increases. The technology of obtaining the extract and the tincture from goutweed aerial part is described, the chemical composition of these preparations is elucidated. Pharmacological effects of the preparations obtained from goutweed are characterized with the special emphasis on the possibilities of the lipid metabolism disorders correction and prevention. The presented experimental results substantiate the efficacy of goutweed extract and the tincture under the conditions of alimentary lipemia together with their safety in the intact animals. Thus, the hypolipidemic activity of goutweed extract (1 g/kg intragastrically) and goutweed tincture (1 cm3/kg intragastrically) was shown in the test with olive oil loading in rats. The extract appeared to be able to decrease significantly the level of triglycerides in blood plasma, while the tincture reduced the content of plasma total lipids. In the intact rats, the extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 1 g/kg as well as the tincture at doses of 1 and 5 cm3/kg did not influence on the values of the lipid metabolism after 12 days of administration. Total and HDL cholesterol as well as atherogenic index and plasma total lipids level remained unchanged. In contast to the data previously obtained on the models of hyperuricemia, in the intact rats there were no changes in plasma uric acid concentration (which was determined proceeding from the role of the purine metabolism disorders in metabolic syndrome pathogenesis). Thus, goutweed preparations are characterized with the regulatory mode of action and sufficient level of safety. The development of drugs as well as functional foods containing goutweed herbal raw material is promising.

Uric Acid and the Risks of Kidney Failure and Death in Individuals With CKD

Serum uric acid concentrations increase in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may lead to tubular injury, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and intrarenal inflammation. Whether uric acid concentrations are associated with kidney failure and death in CKD is unknown. Prospective observational cohort study. 3,885 individuals with CKD stages 2 to 4 enrolled in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) between June 2003 and September 2008 and followed up through March2013. Baseline uric acid concentrations. Kidney failure (initiation of dialysis therapy or transplantation) and all-cause mortality. During a median follow-up of 7.9 years, 885 participants progressed to kidney failure and 789 participants died. After adjustment for demographic, cardiovascular, and kidney-specific covariates, higher uric acid concentrations were independently associated with risk for kidney failure in participants with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs)≥ 45mL/min/1.73m2 (adjusted HR per 1-standard deviation greater baseline uric acid, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.12-1.75), but not in those with eGFRs<30mL/min/1.73m2. There was a nominally higher HR in participants with eGFRs of 30 to 44mL/min/1.73m2 (adjusted HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.99-1.29),butthis did not reach statistical significance.The relationship between uric acid concentrationand all-cause mortality was J-shaped (P=0.007). Potential residual confounding through unavailable confounders; lack of follow-up measurements to adjust for changes in uric acid concentrations over time. Uric acid concentration is an independent risk factor for kidney failure in earlier stages of CKD and has a J-shaped relationship with all-cause mortality in CKD. Adequately powered randomized placebo-controlled trials in CKD are needed to test whether urate lowering may prove to be an effective approach to prevent complications and progression of CKD.

Effect of broccoli sprouts on thyroid function, haematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters in rats with thyroid imbalance

Broccoli sprouts may exert a negative influence on thyroid function as they are a rich source of glucosinolates, in particular glucoraphanin. Under the study in a long-term experiment broccoli sprouts were tested as an element of rats diet, combined with deficient iodine, or sulfadimethoxine ingestion – two models of hypothyroidism. Evaluations were performed for serum TSH and thyroid hormones completed with analyzes of selected haematological, biochemical and immunological (IL-6, IL-10) parameters, as well as cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), thioredoxin reductase (TR) in the thyroid, and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX3). A thermographic analysis was conducted to provide auxiliary indicators for determining a potential thyroid dysfunction under the specific experimental conditions. The levels of TSH, fT3 and fT4 remained unchanged following broccoli sprouts ingestion, which was even found to have a protective effect against sulfadimethoxine induced thyroid damage. Moreover, TR activity significantly increased in response to sprouts ingestion. In animals with hypothyroidism, broccoli sprouts were found to exert a beneficial influence on the antioxidant balance of the thyroid gland. In comparison to the rats with iodine deficiency, broccoli sprouts addition to the diet was observed to decrease IL-6 level. No significant differences in IL-10 concentration were determined.Neither addition of broccoli sprouts to the diet, nor sulfadimethoxine and iodine deficiency, caused negative changes in red blood cell parameters, glucose and uric acid concentrations, or kidney function. However, such a dietary intervention resulted in reduced WBC and PLT levels, and it may adversely interfere with liver function in rats, most likely due to a higher dietary intake of glucosinolates.

Bacterial translocation and fecal organic acids in stroke patients

Background: Bacterial infection is highly prevalent in stroke patients and is associated with worse outcome. Experimental studies reported that infections after stroke were induced by gut barrier dysfunction and bacterial translocation. We previously reported that ischemic stroke was associated with changes in fecal bacterial counts and concentrations of organic acids (the main products of dietary fiber fermentation by the gut microbiota). These changes were associated with serum levels of inflammatory markers as well as glucose and lipid profiles. Organic acids play an important role in the gut barrier function.

Evaluating the response to Fusarium ananatum inoculation and antifungal activity of phenolic acids in pineapple

Fusarium ananatum causes fruitlet core rot (FCR) in pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus) when the fruit reaches maturity. Hidden symptoms make it difficult to assess the disease, regardless of its stage, and basic questions concerning the involvement of the phenolic compounds in response to infection remain unknown. A direct inoculation method of F. ananatum in pineapple fruitlets was developed to monitor the growth of black spots and the changes in phenolic acids and ascorbic acid concentration under controlled conditions. After inoculation, infection began with a flesh discolouration at the inoculation point and then spread in a darker shade to form a black spot. Coumaroyl-isocitric and caffeoyl-isocitric acids levels respectively showed a 150- and 200-fold increase in infected fruitlet when compared to healthy fruitlet. These hydroxycinnamic acids increased minimally in the adjacent fruitlet and remained stable in the other parts of the fruit. By contrast, sinapic acid and hydroxybenzoic acid isomers (HBA) decreased after F. ananatum inoculation in the infected fruitlet, whereas they remained stable in the adjacent and healthy fruitlets. Ascorbic acid decreased to zero in the infected fruitlet. The antifungal activity of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid was evaluated against the mycelial growth of F. ananatum. p-Coumaric acid exhibited a total inhibition of the mycelial growth at 1000 μg g−1. Ferulic acid inhibited 64 % of mycelial growth at a concentration of 1000 μg g−1. Caffeoylquinic acid, sinapic acid, and ascorbic acid also showed significant antifungal activity, but to a lesser extent. Finally, coinoculation of the hydroxycinnamic acids with the pathogen restrains its development in the fruit. This is the first study to highlight the involvement of phenolic compounds in the pineapple FCR disease.

Short- and long-term exposure to imidacloprid disturbs the elemental composition and free amino acid profile in muscles of Labeo rohita

Imidacloprid [1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitro-imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine] is among the most extensively used pesticide in Pakistan. The aim of this investigation was to report the changes in concentration of different elements and amino acid in the muscle of Labeo rohita upon imidacloprid exposure. Juvenile Labeo rohita (N = 480) were treated with 120mgL−1 imidacloprid under short and long-term experimental conditions. At the end of each experiment, fish muscle was used for elemental concentration (determination by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer) and amino acid estimation (by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)). Our results indicated that sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, and lead concentrations were significantly different (P < 0.05) when compared between imidacloprid-treated and untreated L. rohita and changes were more pronounced in short-term experimental groups. HPLC-generated data analysis showed that proline, isoleucine, and glycine concentrations increased while the levels of phenylalanine, alanine, and leucine decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in muscles of fish exposed to imidacloprid under short-term conditions. On the other hand, serine, arginine, and glycine increased significantly and alanine decreased significantly in L. rohita exposed to pesticide under long-term experimental conditions. It is concluded that imidacloprid (120 mg L−1) exposure to L. rohita for a variable duration has significantly changed the elemental composition and studied amino acid concentrations in fish muscles making it unsuitable for human consumption.

Evaluation of HT-PEM Fuel Cells via Load Cycling at High Current Densities

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells have a wide range of applications: stationary, transportation and portable communication [1]. Irrespective of type or operating temperature, for all fuel cells persist the same requirements like long term stability and reproducibility. To assemble an entire fuel cell stack, the utilized membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) should not only be the same type, they are also required to exhibit similar performances and power outputs. Vision of the German project QUALIFIX, funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (SC: 03Et6046A), is the development of consistent conditions for improved batch production to analyze and monitor quality of fuel cells, systems and components. With help of defined quality standards, the lifetime of fuel cell systems should be improved and cost-intensive losses can be minimized at an early production stage. Within QUALIFIX, the reproducibility of MEAs has been screened by evaluating several small batch series. One operation strategy, which has been used for this investigation, is load cycling between high current densities of 0.6 and 1.0 A/cm² and under equal test conditions. High temperature (HT) PEM MEAs with PBI-membranes of four different providers have been tested and their results will be presented in this work. All MEAs passed identical break-in procedures and activation phase under 0.3 A/cm². These start time intervals lasted 48 hours for each MEA respectively followed by initial characterization including polarization curves, impedance spectroscopy, cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry. Afterwards the load cycling operation started with 16 min of 1.0 A/cm² followed by 4 min of 0.6 A/cm². At the end of tests (EoT), after 500 h of operation, a second complete characterization has been performed. The characterizations have been replenished by ante- and post-mortem analysis via micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) and by product water and MEA analysis to provide phosphoric acid concentration changes. In Figure 1 the voltage changes for four MEAs from different suppliers are displayed as function of time. Indeed, all four MEAs are from the same type but their performances differ strongly; only MEA B and D show a good and similar performance but unequal degradation rates. All degradation rates are listed in Table 1. Table 1: Degradation rates at 0.3 A/cm² of load cycling tests after 500 h of operation. MEA Degradation Rate [µV/h] A -37 B +36 C -94 D -6 In addition, another MEA of the batches of MEA B and D have been adducted for inner-batch evaluations and comparisons. For both MEA-types (two different providers), the degradation rates vary within the batches of identical assemblies and under same operation conditions of load cycling at high current densities. Hence the production of MEAs with reproducible performances seem to be still of major concern. The in-situ electrochemical and ex-situ post- and ante-mortem evaluation (e.g. MEA acid content and µ-CT investigations) of all tested MEAs will be presented and compared. Figure 1: Voltage changes as function of time under load cycling conditions, (0.6 A/cm²: 4 min, 1.0 A/cm²: 16 min, 160 °C) under H2 and air supply (λH2=1.5; λair=2.0), MEAs of 4 different suppliers.

Changes in γ-aminobutyric acid concentration, gas exchange, and leaf anatomy in Eucalyptus clones under drought stress and rewatering

Drought stress promotes biochemical and physiological alterations in plant metabolism that limit growth and yield. This study investigated the accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in plant tissue, the stomatal conductance (gs) and changes in leaf anatomy in Eucalyptus following drought stress situation. In this study, eight Eucalyptus clones were evaluated under normal water supply (control) and drought stress conditions (stress). For the control treatment, plants were irrigated every day with an automated system until the soil was saturated, and for the stress treatment, drought stress was imposed by non-irrigation of plants, and pots were covered using plastic sheeting to avoid rainfall and humidity. This study has shown that: (1) all clones decreased gs with increasing vapor pressure deficit (D) in both treatments. All plastics and drought-tolerant clones (except GG) presented lower stomatal sensitivity to D under stress conditions than drought-sensitive clones; (2) GABA concentrations increased fast after drought stress, but we could not find correlation with these changes and resistance to water stress; and (3) all clones increased the number of stomata and reduced leaf thickness after water stress. The finding is that GABA is a fast stress-signaling molecule in Eucalyptus, but the response of gs to D is a best physiological variable to differentiate drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive Eucalyptus clones.