Selenium biofortification differentially affects sulfur metabolism and accumulation of phytochemicals in two rocket species (Eruca sativa mill. and diplotaxis tenuifolia) grown in hydroponics

Biofortification can be exploited to enrich plants in selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient for humans. Selenium as selenate was supplied to two rocket species, Eruca sativa Mill. (salad rocket) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket), at 0-40 \u3bcM in hydroponics and its effects on the content and profile of sulphur (S)-compounds and other phytochemicals was evaluated. D. tenuifolia accumulated more total Se and selenocysteine than E. sativa, concentrating up to ~300 mg Se kg 121 dry weight from 10-40 \u3bcM Se. To ensure a safe and adequate Se intake, 30 and 4 g fresh leaf material from E. sativa grown with 5 and 10-20 \u3bcM Se, respectively or 4 g from D. tenuifolia supplied with 5 \u3bcM Se was estimated to be optimal for consumption. Selenium supplementation at or above 10 \u3bcM differentially affected S metabolism in the two species in terms of the transcription of genes involved in S assimilation and S-compound accumulation. Also, amino acid content decreased with Se inE. sativa but increased in D. tenuifolia and the amount of phenolics was more reduced in D. tenuifolia. In conclusion, selenate application in hydroponics allowed Se enrichment of rocket. Furthermore, Se at low concentration (5 \u3bcM) did not significantly affect accumulation of phytochemicals and plant defence S-metabolites

Photon - Jet Correlations and Constraints on Fragmentation Functions

We study the production of a large-pT photon in association with a jet in proton-proton collisions. We examine the sensitivity of the jet rapidity distribution to the gluon distribution function in the proton. We then assess the sensitivity of various photon + jet correlation observables to the photon fragmentation functions. We argue that RHIC data on photon-jet correlations can be used to constrain the photon fragmentation functions in a region which was barely accessible in LEP experiments.Comment: 23 pages, 9 figure

Vegetal diamine oxidase alleviates histamine-induced contraction of colonic muscles

Excess of histamine in gut lumen generates a pronounced gastrointestinal discomfort, which may include diarrhea and peristalsis dysfunctions. Deleterious effects of histamine can be alleviated with antihistamine drugs targeting histamine receptors. However, many antihistamine agents come with various undesirable side effects. Vegetal diamine oxidase (vDAO) might be a relevant alternative owing to its histaminase activity. Mammalian intestinal mucosa contains an endogenous DAO, yet possessing lower activity compared to that of vDAO preparation. Moreover, in several pathological conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, this endogenous DAO enzyme can be lost or inactivated. Here, we tested the therapeutic potential of vDAO by focusing on the well-known effect of histamine on gut motility. Using ex vivo and in vitro assays, we found that vDAO is more potent than commercial anti-histamine drugs at inhibiting histamine-induced contraction of murine distal colon muscles. We also identified pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (the biologically active form of vitamin B6) as an effective enhancer of vDAO antispasmodic activity. Furthermore, we discovered that rectally administered vDAO can be retained on gut mucosa and remain active. These observations make administration of vDAO in the gut lumen a valid alternative treatment for histamine-induced intestinal dysfunctions

Modus D3.1 Modal choice analysis and expert assessment

Modus Deliverable 3.1 has the objective to identify and assess (future) drivers that influence passenger demand and supply of mobility, and how these affect passenger modal choice. A comprehensive literature review is provided and identifies a set of high-level and detailed drivers of supply and demand. This analysis is complemented by an expert survey, to gain initial high-level insights regarding the potential importance of various factors, and by a multimodality workshop, to identify additional factors and acquire a first insight into potential enablers and barriers of future mobility solutions. Combining all the identified drivers reveals that most drivers are of a social, economic or technological nature. A large number of social drivers are demand drivers concerned with the passenger aspects of mobility. On the other hand, a large number of economic drivers belong to the supply drivers concerned with various cost-related factors or with transport operations, the market structure and available infrastructure

Seed production of temperate forage legumes in Southern Brazil.

The objective of this interaction is to identify and prioritize the limiting factors, and overcome them with existing technologies or generating new knowledge through applied research