Comparative Analysis of the Volatile Fraction of Fruit Juice from Different Citrus Species

The volatile composition of fruit from four Citrus varieties (Powell Navel orange, Clemenules mandarine, and Fortune mandarine and Chandler pummelo) covering four different species has been studied. Over one hundred compounds were profiled after HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis, including 27 esters, 23 aldehydes, 21 alcohols, 13 monoterpene hydrocarbons, 10 ketones, 5 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, 4 monoterpene cyclic ethers, 4 furans, and 2 aromatic hydrocarbons, which were all confirmed with standards. The differences in the volatile profile among juices of these varieties were essentially quantitative and only a few compounds were found exclusively in a single variety, mainly in Chandler. The volatile profile however was able to differentiate all four varieties and revealed complex interactions between them including the participation in the same biosynthetic pathway. Some compounds (6 esters, 2 ketones, 1 furan and 2 aromatic hydrocarbons) had never been reported earlier in Citrus juices. This volatile profiling platform for Citrus juice by HS-SPME-GC-MS and the interrelationship detected among the volatiles can be used as a roadmap for future breeding or biotechnological applications

A member of the TERMINAL FLOWER1/CENTRORADIALIS gene family controls sprout growth in potato tubers

Potato tuber bud dormancy break followed by premature sprouting is a major commercial problem which results in quality losses and decreased tuber marketability. An approach to controlling premature tuber sprouting is to develop potato cultivars with a longer dormancy period and/or reduced rate of sprout growth. Our recent studies using a potato diploid population have identified several QTLs that are associated with tuber sprout growth. In the current study we aim to characterise a candidate gene associated with one of the largest effect QTL for rapid tuber sprout growth on potato chromosome 3. Underlying this QTL is a gene encoding a TERMINAL FLOWER 1/ CENTRORADIALIS homologue (PGSC0003DMG400014322). Here we use a transgenic approach to manipulate the expression level of the CEN family member in a potato tetraploid genotype (cv. Désirée). We demonstrate a clear effect of StCEN expression manipulation, with decreased expression levels associated with an increased rate of sprout growth, and over-expressing lines showing a lower rate of sprout growth than controls. Associated with different levels of StCEN expression were different levels of ABA and cytokinins implying a role in controlling the levels of plant growth regulators in the apical meristem

‘If you smoke, you stink.’ Denormalisation strategies for the improvement of health-related behaviours: the case of tobacco

Denormalisation has emerged as a possible strategy to influence health-related behaviours, particularly in the context of anti-smoking initiatives. Denormalisation strategies aim to influence social norms surrounding the behav-iour in question, by making the behaviour less visible and reducing its social ac-ceptability, so as to motivate individuals to change behaviours and to strengthen public support for other public health measures and interventions. Focusing on anti-smoking efforts, this chapter assesses denormalisation strategies with respect to two concerns. First, denormalisation strategies may contribute to the stigmatisation of smokers. Second, denormalisation strategies may add to existing burdens among disadvantaged groups. These concerns point to highly problematic and potentially counterproductive effects of denormalisation strategies. However, two approaches – social norms marketing and tobacco industry denormalisation – could provide more constructive and less problematic applications of the denormalisation strategy and may therefore have a role to play in the pursuit of public health

‘If you smoke, you stink.’ Denormalisation strategies for the improvement of health-related behaviours: the case of tobacco

Denormalisation has emerged as a possible strategy to influence health-related behaviours, particularly in the context of anti-smoking initiatives. Denormalisation strategies aim to influence social norms surrounding the behav-iour in question, by making the behaviour less visible and reducing its social ac-ceptability, so as to motivate individuals to change behaviours and to strengthen public support for other public health measures and interventions. Focusing on anti-smoking efforts, this chapter assesses denormalisation strategies with respect to two concerns. First, denormalisation strategies may contribute to the stigmatisation of smokers. Second, denormalisation strategies may add to existing burdens among disadvantaged groups. These concerns point to highly problematic and potentially counterproductive effects of denormalisation strategies. However, two approaches – social norms marketing and tobacco industry denormalisation – could provide more constructive and less problematic applications of the denormalisation strategy and may therefore have a role to play in the pursuit of public health