Assessment on proximate composition, dietary fiber, phytic acid and protein hydrolysis of germinated Ecuatorian brown rice

Germinated brown rice (GBR) is considered healthier than brown rice (BR) but its nutritive value has been hardly studied. Since nutritive quality of GBR depends on genetic diversity and germination conditions, six Ecuadorian BR varieties were germinated at 28 and 34 ºC for 48 and 96 h in darkness and proximate composition, dietary fiber fractions, phytic acid content as well as degree of protein hydrolysis and peptide content were studied. Protein, lipids, ash and available carbohydrate ranged 7.3-10.4%, 2.0-4.0%, 0.8-1.5% and 71.6 to 84.0%, respectively, in GBR seedlings. Total dietary fiber increased during germination (6.1-13.6%), with a large proportion of insoluble fraction, and phytic acid was reduced noticeably. In general, protein hydrolysis occurred during germination was more accused at 28 ºC for 48 h. These results suggest that GBR can be consumed directly as nutritive staple food for a large population worldwide contributing to their nutritional requirements.This work was partly funded by AGL2010-16310 Project from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO, Spain).Peer Reviewe

Maximising the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Ecuadorian brown rice sprouts through optimal germination conditions

Germinated brown rice (GBR) is considered a healthy alternative to white rice in the fight against chronic diseases. As the functional quality of GBR depends on genotype and germination conditions, the objectives were to identify suitable Ecuadorian brown rice cultivars and optimal germination time and temperature to maximise γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), total phenolics compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity of GBR. Regression models for the prediction of phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity in GBR were also obtained. Germination improved GABA, TPC and antioxidant activity in all cultivars. Maximum GABA and antioxidant activity were attained at 34 C for 96 h, while the highest TPC was found at 28 C for 96 h in all cultivars. GBR cv. GO displayed the highest antioxidant activity and cv. 15 was the most effective at accumulating GABA and TPC in the optimal germination conditions. Therefore, Ecuadorian GBR could be used for the preparation of functional foods serving as preventative strategies in combating chronic diseases. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.This work was financially supported by AGL2010-16310 Project from the Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN, Spain).Peer Reviewe

Settlement and post-larvae behaviour of Mytitus galtoprovincialis: field and laboratory experiments

11 pages, 6 figures, 3 tables.Field sampling carried out in the Rfa de Vigo (NW Spain) from 1991 to 1993 showed that Mytilus galloprovincialis settle directly from the plankton onto substrates exposed to various environmental conditions: exposed rocky shore; protected rocky shore; exposed, raft mussel-culture area; and protected, raft mussel-culture area. For direct settlement, competent larvae may use a wide variety of substrates: filamentous nylon ropes; the byssus and intricately arranged material in the bottom of mussel beds; filamentous, thallus and membranous algae; and rugosities on adult mussel shells. The peak of settlement occurred from spring to early autumn and differences in the settlement abundance among localities were influenced by currents. After this peak, the settlement of larger post-larvae continued, associated with the increase in storms during autumn that detach them from their original substrates. This dispersion phase allows for the possibility of colonising, or recruiting on other areas, even during the post-spawning season when the presence of small post-larvae is at its minimum. Laboratory experiments carried out with post-larval stages from 0.250 to 2.000 mm showed that under static water conditions they crawl and form clumps, but do not search for a specific substrate. If they are not disturbed, they may remain in their original place of settlement. Conversely, under moving water conditions they attach to a wide variety of substrates, particularly to byssal filaments and thalli of red algae Ceramium rubrum. The contact and attachment to substrates is carried out with a long mucous thread that also aids in forming clumps. The use of this mucus to settle results in a 'preference' for natural filamentous substrates but also in settlement on rugous hard surfaces. An alternative hypothesis to the primary and secondary settlement pattern previously described in the literature for Mytilus edulis is suggested.J.C.-M. was supported by a grant from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT). Mexico, and by the Consejo Superior de Investigacion Cientifica (CSIC), Spain. J.A.F.R. has a grant from the Xunta de Galicia.Peer reviewe

The parasitic turbellarian Urastoma cyprinae (Platyhelminthes: Urastomidae) from blue mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in Spain: occurrence and pathology

8 pages, 8 figures, 2 tables.The turbellarian Urastoma cyprinae (Graff, 1882) Graff, 1903 was found inhabiting the mantle cavity between the lamellae of the demibranchs of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck cultured in Galicia (NW Spain). Heavily infested mussels were recognized by the presence of white spots in the gills. The affected area exhibited disarrangement of the gill filaments. The space between 2 lameliae was considerably reduced and the blood sinuses were wider in the unhealthy area than in the healthy area. The turbellarian also induced a heavy infiltration by blood cells and subsequent necrosis of the gill tissues. Routine parasitological studies showed that this parasite was first detected in the Galician region in early 1989. In 1993, U. cyprinae appeared to be present in the 3 main production rias in the Galician region, affecting both natural beds and rafted mussels. U. cyprinae could be considered a potential threat to mussel culture.J.A.F.R. acknowledges the Diputación de Pontevedra, Spain, and Xunta de Galicia, for his research fellowship in the IIM-CSIC. J.C.M. was supported by a grant of the CONACyT frorn Mexico.Peer reviewe

Utility of Masson’s Trichrome Stain in the Quantification of Mean Vascular Density in Normal Oral Mucosa, Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Indexación: Scopus; Scielo.El objetivo de este estudio fue valuar la utilidad del uso de la tinción de Tricrómico de Masson (TM) en la cuantificación de la densidad media vascular (DMV) en Mucosa Oral Normal (MON), Displasia Epitelial Oral (DEO) y Carcinoma Oral de Células Escamosas (COCE). Estudio descriptivo de serie de casos. Se analizaron 17 muestras de MON, 15 muestras de DEO y 16 de COCE, teñidas con TM. Para determinar su utilidad, se compararon con las mismas muestras analizadas con técnica de inmunohistoquímica contra CD31. La cuantificación de la DMV se realizó en las 3 áreas de mayor vascularización de cada muestra. Se determinó la DMV según diagnóstico mediante la tinción TM e inmunohistoquímica contra CD31, y se calculó la correlación entre ambos. La DMV cuantificada con TM y contra CD31 difiere según el diagnóstico, observándose un aumento de la DMV al malignizarse el diagnóstico. No se encontraron diferencias al comparar la DMV cuantificada con TM y contra CD31. La correlación de la DMV analizado por TM y contra CD31 es significativa y moderada. La cuantificación de vasos sanguíneos es posible mediante la tinción de TM en muestras de MON, DEO y COCE, con una correlación moderada con la inmunohistoquímica contra CD31.The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of Masson's Trichrome (TM) staining in the quantification of the mean vascular density (DMV) in samples of normal oral mucosa (MON), oral epithelial dysplasia (ODE) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (COCE). The design - a descriptive study of case series. We analyzed 17 samples of MON, 15 samples of DEO and 16 samples of COCE, stained with TM. To determine usefulness, we compared and analyzed the same samples, either stained with TM or with immunohistochemical technique against CD31. Quantification of the DMV was performed in the 3 areas of greatest vascularization in each sample. DMV was determined according to diagnosis by TM staining and immunohistochemistry against CD31, and the correlation between the two was then calculated. DMV quantified with TM and against CD31 differs according to the diagnosis, with an increase in DMV upon malignant diagnosis. No differences were found when comparing DMV quantified with TM and against CD31. The correlation of the DMV analyzed by TM and against CD31 is significant and moderate. Quantification of blood vessels is possible by TM staining in samples of MON, DEO and COCE. TM staining is moderately correlated with immunohistochemistry against CD31.https://scielo.conicyt.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-95022017000401576&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=e

Neotectonics and shoreline history of the Rock of Gibraltar, southern Iberia

Several sets of staircased Quaternary marine deposits can be observed along the Gibraltar coast ranging from 1 to 210 m above the present mean sea level. Geomorphological mapping establishes, from the relationship between shore, scree and dune sedimentary formations, five main morphotectonic steps on the Rock: marine terraces between 1 and 25 m, 30–60 m, 80–130 m, 180– 210 m, and above. Each terrace level and its slope-aeolian linked sediments is backed by a steep relict sea cliff margin, so forming a composite cliff. The most recent coastal landforms and sediments are associated with the last 250 ka linked to Oxygen Isotope Stages (OIS) 1, 3, 5 and 7. These landforms determine a morphosedimentary highstand-lowstand sequence, with several staircased and offlapped episodes, comprising a major morphotectonic step. A well-developed palaeocliff usually separates the highstand marine terraces of OIS 9 from those of OIS 7. The Gibraltar mean tectonic uplift value of 0.0570.01 mm/yr is maintained from 200 ka to the present. Before this, at least to 250 ka, the mean uplift rate was higher (0.3370.05 mm/yr), possibly compatible with major tectonic events in response to a NNW–SSE compressive stress field between Africa and Iberia.European Union (UE) EU MEDOC Programme: 2002-02-4.1-U-04

Stellar kinematics in double-barred galaxies: the sigma-hollows

We present SAURON integral-field stellar velocity and velocity dispersion maps for four double-barred early-type galaxies: NGC2859, NGC3941, NGC4725 and NGC5850. The presence of the inner bar does not produce major changes in the line-of-sight velocity, but it appears to have an important effect in the stellar velocity dispersion maps: we find two sigma-hollows of amplitudes between 10 and 40 km/s on either side of the center, at the ends of the inner bars. We have performed numerical simulations to explain these features. Ruling out other possibilities, we conclude that the sigma-hollows are an effect of the contrast between two kinematically different components: the high velocity dispersion of the bulge and the more ordered motion (low velocity dispersion) of the inner bar.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures. Accepted for publication in ApJ Letter

Productividad, estado trófico y dinámica fitoplanctónica en la laguna Sauce Grande y su afluente homónimo (pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina)

The shallow lake Sauce Grande is located in the southwest of Buenos Aires province. It is a widening of the Sauce Grande River that flows in and out of the lake. The aim of this study is to estimate for the first time the primary productivity (PP) of this lake and to contrast the physiochemical variables, phytoplankton structure and trophic status with those of its main tributary. Monthly samplings (April-September 2014) were performed in the middle basin of the river and on the coast of the lake. We recorded in situ physical and chemical parameters with a multisensor Horiba U-10. Phytoplankton samples were collected with a plankton net for the qualitative study and with plastic bottles for quantitative analysis.The greatest physicochemical differences corresponded to turbidity and conductivity with values of 581.3 NTU and 9 mS/cm for the lake and 17.7 and 1.7, for the river. The average PP in the lake was 252.1 mg C/m3.h. Cyanobacteria were the most abundant taxonomic group in both systems, although its abundance was greater in the shallow lake. The Carlson index, based on the concentration of chlorophyll a and total phosphorus, identifies the lake as eutrophic, while the river was classified as oligo-mesotrophic according to the same variables. Our results suggest that the Sauce Grande Lake is an autotrophic system with a highly productive metabolism. The remaining production becomes biomass and accumulates within the system, in the form of high levels of phytoplankton abundance, in particular a massive proliferation of Cyanobacteria.The shallow lake Sauce Grande is located in the southwest of Buenos Aires province. It is a widening of the Sauce Grande River that flows in and out of the lake. The aim of this study is to estimate for the first time the primary productivity (PP) of this lake and to contrast the physiochemical variables, phytoplankton structure and trophic status with those of its main tributary. Monthly samplings (April-September 2014) were performed in the middle basin of the river and on the coast of the lake. We recorded in situ physical and chemical parameters with a multisensor Horiba U-10. Phytoplankton samples were collected with a plankton net for the qualitative study and with plastic bottles for quantitative analysis.The greatest physicochemical differences corresponded to turbidity and conductivity with values of 581.3 NTU and 9 mS/cm for the lake and 17.7 and 1.7, for the river. The average PP in the lake was 252.1 mg C/m3 .h. Cyanobacteria were the most abundant taxonomic group in both systems, although its abundance was greater in the shallow lake. The Carlson index, based on the concentration of chlorophyll a and total phosphorus, identifies the lake as eutrophic, while the river was classified as oligo-mesotrophic according to the same variables. Our results suggest that the Sauce Grande Lake is an autotrophic system with a highly productive metabolism. The remaining production becomes biomass and accumulates within the system, in the form of high levels of phytoplankton abundance, in particular a massive proliferation of Cyanobacteria

Productividad, estado trófico y dinámica fitoplanctónica en la laguna Sauce Grande y su afluente homónimo (pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina)

The shallow lake Sauce Grande is located in the southwest of Buenos Aires province. It is a widening of the Sauce Grande River that flows in and out of the lake. The aim of this study is to estimate for the first time the primary productivity (PP) of this lake and to contrast the physiochemical variables, phytoplankton structure and trophic status with those of its main tributary. Monthly samplings (April-September 2014) were performed in the middle basin of the river and on the coast of the lake. We recorded in situ physical and chemical parameters with a multisensor Horiba U-10. Phytoplankton samples were collected with a plankton net for the qualitative study and with plastic bottles for quantitative analysis.The greatest physicochemical differences corresponded to turbidity and conductivity with values of 581.3 NTU and 9 mS/cm for the lake and 17.7 and 1.7, for the river. The average PP in the lake was 252.1 mg C/m3.h. Cyanobacteria were the most abundant taxonomic group in both systems, although its abundance was greater in the shallow lake. The Carlson index, based on the concentration of chlorophyll a and total phosphorus, identifies the lake as eutrophic, while the river was classified as oligo-mesotrophic according to the same variables. Our results suggest that the Sauce Grande Lake is an autotrophic system with a highly productive metabolism. The remaining production becomes biomass and accumulates within the system, in the form of high levels of phytoplankton abundance, in particular a massive proliferation of Cyanobacteria.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Productividad, estado trófico y dinámica fitoplanctónica en la laguna Sauce Grande y su afluente homónimo (pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina)

The shallow lake Sauce Grande is located in the southwest of Buenos Aires province. It is a widening of the Sauce Grande River that flows in and out of the lake. The aim of this study is to estimate for the first time the primary productivity (PP) of this lake and to contrast the physiochemical variables, phytoplankton structure and trophic status with those of its main tributary. Monthly samplings (April-September 2014) were performed in the middle basin of the river and on the coast of the lake. We recorded in situ physical and chemical parameters with a multisensor Horiba U-10. Phytoplankton samples were collected with a plankton net for the qualitative study and with plastic bottles for quantitative analysis.The greatest physicochemical differences corresponded to turbidity and conductivity with values of 581.3 NTU and 9 mS/cm for the lake and 17.7 and 1.7, for the river. The average PP in the lake was 252.1 mg C/m3.h. Cyanobacteria were the most abundant taxonomic group in both systems, although its abundance was greater in the shallow lake. The Carlson index, based on the concentration of chlorophyll a and total phosphorus, identifies the lake as eutrophic, while the river was classified as oligo-mesotrophic according to the same variables. Our results suggest that the Sauce Grande Lake is an autotrophic system with a highly productive metabolism. The remaining production becomes biomass and accumulates within the system, in the form of high levels of phytoplankton abundance, in particular a massive proliferation of Cyanobacteria.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse