Spatial variation of trace metals within intertidal beds of native mussels (Mytilus edulis) and non-native Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas): implications for the food web?

Abstract Pollution is of increasing concern within coastal regions and the prevalence of invasive species is also rising. Yet the impact of invasive species on the distribution and potential trophic transfer of metals has rarely been examined. Within European intertidal areas, the non-native Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is becoming established, forming reefs and displacing beds of the native blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). The main hypothesis tested is that the spatial pattern of metal accumulation within intertidal habitats will change should the abundance and distribution of C. gigas continue to increase. A comparative analysis of trace metal content (cadmium, lead, copper and zinc) in both species was carried out at four shores in south-east England. Metal concentrations in bivalve and sediment samples were determined after acid digestion by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Although results showed variation in the quantities of zinc, copper and lead (mg m-2) in the two bivalve species, differences in shell thickness are also likely to influence the feeding behaviour of predators and intake of metals. The availability and potential for trophic transfer of metals within the coastal food web, should Pacific oysters transform intertidal habitats, is discussed

Performance of Short-duration Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Hybrids and Varieties for Growth and Yield Attributing Characteristics in Chambal Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

A total of thirteen different potato hybrids and varieties grown at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute-Research Station, Gwalior were evaluated for different growth, morphological, and yield attributes for earliness in Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design in three replications. Statistically non-significant variation was recorded under emergence at 30 days and days to senescence (70% maturity) ranged from 89.33% to 95.11% and 89.7 days to 97.7 days, respectively. A statistically significant effect was recorded under different growth parameters viz., day to emergence (days), plant height (cm), number of branches per plant (Stem/plant), number of compound leaves /plant, and plant vigour after 60 days of planting (scale 1-5). Control Kufri Ganga (24.28 t/ha) recorded a significant  maximum marketable tuber yield at 60 DAP with a net return of Rs 97224 per ha and a B:C ratio 1:2 followed by Kufri Khyati yielded 23.31t/ha with a net return of Rs 89521 per ha and B:C ratio 1:1.92, Kufri Pukhraj yielded 23.02 t/ha with a net return of Rs 87150 per ha and B:C ratio 1:1.9, hybrid and P-31/J/7-37 & P-36/J/8-91 yields 21.72 t/ha with a net return of Rs 76780 per ha and B:C ratio 1:1.79. At 75 DAP, Kufri Khyati (37.33t/ha) recorded the highest marketable tuber yield with a net return of Rs 192909 per ha and B:C ratio of 1: 2.82 followed by Kufri Ganga (36.33 t/ha) with a net return of Rs 184909 per ha and B:C ratio 1:2.75, Hybrid P-40/J/8-85 (35.65 t/ha) with net return of Rs 179427 per ha and B:C ratio 1:2.70 and P-27/J/-05 (35.35t/ha) with a net return of Rs 177057 per ha and B:C ratio 1: 2.67, were spotted as best for cultivation in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh

Evaluation of Biochemical Properties and Sensory Parameters of Short Duration Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Hybrids and Varieties

In present investigation, 13 (6 hybrids and 7 controls) different short duration potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) hybrids and varieties were evaluated for biochemical, quality and sensory parameters grown at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Research Station, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh during 2019-20. Variation in biochemical parameters viz., reducing sugar, Total Soluble Solids, starch content, phenols and total free amino acids were recorded. Variation was also recorded in terms of tuber and haulm dry matter in hybrids and varieties and none of the hybrid/ varieties gave higher tuber dry matter at 60 and 75 days hence found to be not suitable for processing at early days. Different parameters for judging of boiled potatoes includes- color, taste, texture size and overall acceptability in scale of 1-10. The result revealed that overall acceptability of boiled tuber of Kufri Lauvkar found superior followed by hybrid P-31/J/7-37, Kufri Mohan, P-36/J/8-91 & P-27/J/-05 as compared to other hybrids and varieties. Texture is one of the most important quality attributes of potato tubers. It not only affects consumer preference, but it also influences the release of volatile flavour components during chewing. These characteristics are very important for marketing of potatoes as well as tubers intended for processing. The information from this study can be utilized for further research work for value addition and processing

A lifelong competitive training practice attenuates age-related lipid peroxidation

The effect of exercise-induced oxidative stress on health and aging is not clearly explained. This study examined the effects of habitual sport practice, age, and submaximal exercise on the blood markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, and antioxidant response. Seventy-two healthy men were grouped by their habitual sport practice: inactive (8 h/week), and further divided by age: young (18-25 years), adult (40-55 years), and senior (>55 years). Blood samples were collected at rest and after submaximal effort. Hydroperoxides and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities were measured by spectrophotometry. Nuclear DNA damage was analyzed by comet assay. The alpha-actin release was analyzed by Western blot. Alpha-tocopherol, retinol, and coenzyme-Q10 were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Data was analyzed through a factorial ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc test. Lipid peroxidation increased significantly with age and submaximal effort (p < 0.05). However, the trained athlete group presented lower lipid peroxidation compared with the recreational group (MD = 2.079, SED = 0.58, p = 0.002) and inactive group (MD = 1.979, SED = 0.61, p = 0.005). Trained athletes showed significant higher alpha-actin levels (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Recreational group showed lower nuclear DNA damage than trained athletes (MD = 3.681, SED = 1.28, p = 0.015). Nevertheless, the inactive group presented significantly higher superoxide dismutase and catalase (p < 0.05) than the other groups. Data suggested that habitual competitive training practice could prevent age-related increases of plasma lipid peroxidation, which, according with our results, cannot be entirely attributed to blood antioxidant defense systems