Leaf-Level Field Spectroscopy to Discriminate Invasive Species (Psidium guajava L. and Hovenia dulcis Thunb.) from Native Tree Species in the Southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Invasive species are known to have potential advantages over the native community and can be expressed in their leaf functional traits. Thus, leaf-level traits with spectral reflectance can provide valuable insights for distinguishing invasive trees from native trees in complex forest environments. We conducted field spectroscopy measurements in a subtropical area, where we also collected trait data for 12 functional traits of invasive (Psidium guajava and Hovenia dulcis), and native species (Psidium cattleianum and Luehea divaricata). We found that photosynthetic pigments were responsible for the greatest interspecific variability, especially in the green region of the spectrum at 550 nm, therefore contributing to detection of invasive species. In addition, according to LDA and stepwise procedures, the most informative reflectance spectra were concentrated in the visible range that is closely related to pigment absorption features. Furthermore, we aimed to understand the leaf optical properties of the target invasive species by using a combination of narrow bands and linear regression models. P. guajava showed high correlations with specific leaf area, Car/Chl and relative water content. H. dulcis had a strong correlation with water content, specific leaf area and Chla/Chlb. Overall, this methodology proved to be appropriate for discriminating invasive trees, although parameterization by species is necessary

Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) fruits

Traditional usage of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, popularly known as Brazilian pepper, includes the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Chemical composition of the essential oil extracted of fruits of S. terebinthifolius collected in Mato Grosso do Sul was investigated and the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated. The essential oil (EOST) obtained in Clevenger and analyzed by GC-MS, exhibited predominance of monoterpenes. The oral administration of EOST significantly inhibited, in dose dependent manner, the carrageenan (Cg) induced rat paw oedema. The observed inhibitions after two hours of Cginjection were 57 ± 8% (100 mg kg-1) for EOST and 66 ± 6% for dexamethasone (DEXA). In another model of inflammation, the oral administration of EOST (100 mg kg-1) reduced 56 ± 11% while DEXA inhibited about 91 ± 5% the Cg-induced leukocyte migration in the air pouch model. Finally, in the persistent inflammation induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), the daily oral treatment with EOST (200 mg/kg) inhibited 33 ± 6% in 4 days after injection of CFA. The essential oil (EOST) exhibited a marked anti-inflammatory activity and these response profiles differ from others oils collected in different places.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Physiological and oxidative stress responses of four potato clones to aluminum in nutrient solution

San Diego House (ca. 1841, totally reconstructed 1985); A state protected historical park located in the Old Town neighborhood. It commemorates the early days of the town of San Diego and includes many historic buildings from the period 1820 to 1870. Five original adobes are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and museums. Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, San Diego's first newspaper office, a cigar and pipe store, houses and gardens, and a stable with a carriage collection. There are also stores, with local artisans demonstrating their craft. Living history demonstrations and free tours are regularly scheduled. The entire district and various buildings within it have state and national historic registration. Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (accessed 9/3/2015