David Nichols

The effects of acute stress on attentional networks and working memory in females

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYSBEH.2021.113602

Abstract: Neurobiological models indicate that acute stress facilitates bottom-up stimulus processing while impairing top-down executive control. To test this hypothesis, the present study investigated the effects of acute stress on behavioural and electrophysiological measures of human attentional networks, and behavioural measures of working memory. Forty-five female participants (M

A feasibility study on monitoring total phenolic content in sparkling wine press juice fractions using a new in-line system and predictive models

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.FOODCONT.2019.106810

Rht18 Semidwarfism in Wheat Is Due to Increased GA 2-oxidaseA9 Expression and Reduced GA Content

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 15-03-2018

DOI: 10.1104/PP.18.00023

Novel members of the family Flavobacteriaceae from Antarctic maritime habitats including Subsaximicrobium wynnwilliamsii gen. nov., sp. nov., Subsaximicrobium saxinquilinus sp. nov., Subsaxibacter broadyi gen. nov., sp. nov., Lacinutrix copepodicola gen. nov., sp. nov., and novel species of the genera Bizionia, Gelidibacter and Gillisia

Publisher: Microbiology Society

Date: 07-2005

DOI: 10.1099/IJS.0.63527-0

Abstract: Several orange- and yellow-pigmented, halophilic, strictly aerobic, chemoheterotrophic, Gram-negative strains were isolated during investigations of maritime Antarctic habitats, including coastal fast sea-ice brine and algae, crustaceans and quartz stone sublithic cyanobacterial biofilms. Isolates investigated in this study belonged to the marine clade of the family Flavobacteriaceae and represented lineages that were either distinct from species with validly published names or appeared to be distinct species within existing genera. A polyphasic taxonomic analysis demonstrated the novelty of these strains, and several new taxa are proposed. Strains from quartz stone sublithic communities were grouped into two new genera designated Subsaximicrobium gen. nov. and Subsaxibacter gen. nov. The genus Subsaximicrobium included the species Subsaximicrobium wynnwilliamsii sp. nov. (type species type strain G#7 T =ACAM 1070 T =CIP 108525 T ) and Subsaximicrobium saxinquilinus sp. nov. (type strain Y4-5 T =ACAM 1063 T =CIP 108526 T ). The genus Subsaxibacter contained a single species designated Subsaxibacter broadyi sp. nov. (type strain P7 T =ACAM 1064 T =CIP 108527 T ). A novel bacterial strain isolated from the lake-dwelling, calanoid copepod Paralabidocera antarctica was given the name Lacinutrix copepodicola gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain DJ3 T =ACAM 1055 T =CIP 108538 T ). Four novel species of the genus Bizionia were discovered, Bizionia algoritergicola sp. nov. (type strain APA-1 T =ACAM 1056 T =CIP 108533 T ) and Bizionia myxarmorum sp. nov. (type strain ADA-4 T =ACAM 1058 T =CIP 108535 T ), which were isolated from the carapace surfaces of sea-ice algae-feeding hipods, and Bizionia gelidisalsuginis sp. nov. (type strain IC164 T =ACAM 1057 T =CIP 108536 T ) and Bizionia saleffrena sp. nov. (type strain HFD T =ACAM 1059 T =CIP 108534 T ), which were isolated from sea-ice brines. Several other novel species were also isolated from sea-ice s les, including two novel species of the genus Gelidibacter , Gelidibacter gilvus sp. nov. (type strain IC158 T =ACAM 1054 T =CIP 108531 T ) and Gelidibacter salicanalis sp. nov. (type strain IC162 T =ACAM 1053 T =CIP 108532 T ), as well as three novel species of the genus Gillisia , Gillisia illustrilutea sp. nov. (type strain IC157 T =ACAM 1062 T =CIP 108530 T ), Gillisia sandarakina sp. nov. (type strain IC148 T =ACAM 1060 T =CIP 108529 T ) and Gillisia hiemivivida sp. nov. (type strain IC154 T =ACAM 1061 T =CIP 108528 T ).

The role of CLAVATA signalling in the negative regulation of mycorrhizal colonization and nitrogen response of tomato

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 13-11-2020

DOI: 10.1093/JXB/ERAA539

Abstract: Plants form mutualistic nutrient-acquiring symbioses with microbes, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The formation of these symbioses is costly, and plants employ a negative feedback loop termed autoregulation of mycorrhizae (AOM) to limit formation of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM). We provide evidence for the role of one leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (FAB), a hydroxyproline O-arabinosyltransferase enzyme (FIN), and additional evidence for one receptor-like protein (SlCLV2) in the negative regulation of AM formation in tomato. Reciprocal grafting experiments suggest that the FAB gene acts locally in the root, while the SlCLV2 gene may act in both the root and the shoot. External nutrients including phosphate and nitrate can also strongly suppress AM formation. We found that FAB and FIN are required for nitrate suppression of AM but are not required for the powerful suppression of AM colonization by phosphate. This parallels some of the roles of legume homologues in the autoregulation of the more recently evolved symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria leading to nodulation. This deep homology in the symbiotic role of these genes suggests that in addition to the early signalling events that lead to the establishment of AM and nodulation, the autoregulation pathway might also be considered part of the common symbiotic toolkit that enabled plants to form beneficial symbioses.

Anthocyanins attenuate vascular and inflammatory responses to a high fat high energy meal challenge in overweight older adults: A cross-over, randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.CLNU.2020.09.041

Ethyl-Iophenoxic acid as a serum marker for oral baiting of carnivorous marsupials

Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Date: 16-12-2021

DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.14.472710

Abstract: Ethyl-Iophenoxic acid (Et-IPA) has been widely used as a bait biomarker to determine oral bait consumption by vertebrate wildlife species. Oral bait vaccines have been delivered to numerous wildlife species to protect them from disease. The Tasmanian devil ( Sarcophilis harrisii ), the largest extant carnivorous marsupial species, is threatened by the transmissible cancers known as devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). Development of a protective DFTD vaccine is underway, and an oral bait has been proposed to deliver the vaccine in the wild. The bait delivery system requires a biomarker that can be detected for several months post-consumption in Tasmanian devils. To determine the suitability of Et-IPA as a bait biomarker in the Tasmanian devil. Two Tasmanian devils were fed 50 mg Et-IPA (4.5 to 7.1 mg Et-IPA/kg bodyweight). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/-MS) was used to directly measure Et-IPA in baseline serum s les and s les collected on days 1, 14, 26 and 56 post-baiting. Both devils retained serum Et-IPA concentrations at two orders of magnitude above negative control sera when this study concluded. Et-IPA is a useful bait biomarker for Tasmanian devils and can be included in future DFTD bait vaccine field trials to determine bait vaccine uptake.

Optimisation of Sporosori Purification and Protein Extraction Techniques for the Biotrophic Protozoan Plant Pathogen Spongospora subterranea

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 08-07-2020

DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES25143109

Abstract: Spongospora subterranea is a soil-borne plant pathogen responsible for the economically significant root and powdery scab diseases of potato. However, the obligate biotrophic nature of S. subterranea has made the detailed study of the pathogen problematic. Here, we first compared the benefits of sporosori partial purification utilizing Ludox® gradient centrifugation. We then undertook optimization efforts for protein isolation comparing the use of a urea buffer followed by single-pot solid-phase-enhanced s le preparation (SP3) and a sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) buffer followed by suspension-trapping (S-Trap). Label-free, quantitative proteomics was then used to evaluate the efficiency of the sporosori purification and the protein preparation methods. The purification protocol produced a highly purified suspension of S. subterranea sporosori without affecting the viability of the spores. The results indicated that the use of a combination of SDS and S-Trap for s le clean-up and digestion obtained a significantly higher number of identified proteins compared to using urea and SP3, with 218 and 652 proteins identified using the SP3 and S-Trap methods, respectively. The analysis of proteins by mass spectrometry showed that the number of identified proteins increased by approximately 40% after the purification of spores by Ludox®. These results suggested a potential use of the described spore purification and protein preparation methods for the proteomics study of obligate biotrophic pathogens such as S. subterranea.

Tryptophan metabolism, its relation to inflammation and stress markers and association with psychological and cognitive functioning: Tasmanian Chronic Kidney Disease pilot study

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 10-11-2016

DOI: 10.1186/S12882-016-0387-3

Determination of Nicotine in Cartridge-Based Electronic Cigarettes

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 15-06-2015

DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2015.1048349

Evidence that auxin is required for normal seed size and starch synthesis in pea

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 27-07-2017

DOI: 10.1111/NPH.14690

Spore Germination of the Obligate Biotroph Spongospora subterranea: Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Germination Associated Genes

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Date: 16-06-2021

DOI: 10.3389/FMICB.2021.691877

Abstract: For soilborne pathogens, germination of the resting or dormant propagule that enables persistence within the soil environment is a key point in pathogenesis. Spongospora subterranea is an obligate soilborne protozoan that infects the roots and tubers of potato causing root and powdery scab disease for which there are currently no effective controls. A better understanding of the molecular basis of resting spore germination of S. subterranea could be important for development of novel disease interventions. However, as an obligate biotroph and soil dwelling organism, the application of new omics techniques for the study of the pre-infection process in S. subterranea has been problematic. Here, RNA sequencing was used to analyse the reprogramming of S. subterranea resting spores during the transition to zoospores in an in-vitro model. More than 63 million mean high-quality reads per s le were generated from the resting and germinating spores. By using a combination of reference-based and de novo transcriptome assembly, 6,664 unigenes were identified. The identified unigenes were subsequently annotated based on known proteins using BLAST search. Of 5,448 annotated genes, 570 genes were identified to be differentially expressed during the germination of S. subterranea resting spores, with most of the significant genes belonging to transcription and translation, amino acids biosynthesis, transport, energy metabolic processes, fatty acid metabolism, stress response and DNA repair. The datasets generated in this study provide a basic knowledge of the physiological processes associated with spore germination and will facilitate functional predictions of novel genes in S. subterranea and other plasmodiophorids. We introduce several candidate genes related to the germination of an obligate biotrophic soilborne pathogen which could be applied to the development of antimicrobial agents for soil inoculum management.

Pigment-depletion in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post-smolt starved at elevated temperature is not influenced by dietary carotenoid type and increasing α-tocopherol level

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.FOODCHEM.2019.125140

Abstract: Pigment-depletion in the fillets of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) arises after periods of elevated water temperatures with voluntary starving. This study tested the effects of dietary pre-loading with different pigment carotenoids (astaxanthin and/or canthaxanthin) combined with two α-tocopherol levels (normal and high: 500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively) on pigment-depletion in vivo in Atlantic salmon after four weeks of challenge. We also tested whether oxidative stress manifested as an underlying depletion mechanism. Carotenoid levels in whole fillet homogenates were not decreased significantly post-challenge but fillet α-tocopherol concentrations were increased significantly in contrast to decreased oxidative stress indices. However, image analysis revealed localised fillet pigment-depletion following all dietary treatments. These data imply that localised pigment-depletion was not prevented by pre-loading of the fillet with different carotenoid-types/mixtures and increased of α-tocopherol levels from normal to high, respectively. Further, we suggest that oxidative stress might not facilitate pigment-depletion in vivo.

In Planta Transcriptome and Proteome Profiles of Spongospora subterranea in Resistant and Susceptible Host Environments Illuminates Regulatory Principles Underlying Host–Pathogen Interaction

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 28-08-2021

DOI: 10.3390/BIOLOGY10090840

Abstract: Spongospora subterranea is an obligate biotrophic pathogen, causing substantial economic loss to potato industries globally. Currently, there are no fully effective management strategies for the control of potato diseases caused by S. subterranea. To further our understanding of S. subterranea biology during infection, we characterized the transcriptome and proteome of the pathogen during the invasion of roots of a susceptible and a resistant potato cultivar. A total of 7650 transcripts from S. subterranea were identified in the transcriptome analysis in which 1377 transcripts were differentially expressed between two cultivars. In proteome analysis, we identified 117 proteins with 42 proteins significantly changed in comparisons between resistant and susceptible cultivars. The functional annotation of transcriptome data indicated that the gene ontology terms related to the transportation and actin processes were induced in the resistant cultivar. The downregulation of enzyme activity and nucleic acid metabolism in the resistant cultivar suggests a probable influence of these processes in the virulence of S. subterranea. The protein analysis results indicated that the majority of differentially expressed proteins were related to the metabolic processes and transporter activity. The present study provides a comprehensive molecular insight into the multiple layers of gene regulation that contribute to S. subterranea infection and development in planta and illuminates the role of host immunity in affecting pathogen responses.

Unsaturated diether lipids in the psychrotrophic archaeon Halorubrum lacusprofundi

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2005

DOI: 10.1016/J.SYAPM.2004.09.004

Abstract: The major phospholipids of Halorubrum lacusprofundi grown at 25 degrees C were archaeol phosphatidylglycerol, archaeol phosphatidylglycerylsulphate and archaeol phosphatidylglycerylphosphate methyl ester. Glycolipids included a monoglycosyl archaeol and the sulphate ester of a diglycosyl archaeol. Cultures grown at 12 degrees C contained the same suite of phospho- and glycolipids, with the addition of a series of unsaturated analogues with up to six double bonds. The patterns of unsaturation were similar for all the phospholipid series, but a different pattern occurred in the glycolipids. The analytical techniques used in this study allow facile detection of unsaturated archaeal cell membrane lipids that are degraded by commonly used chemical derivatization procedures.

Analysis of Citrus Bioflavonoid Content and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitory Potential of Commercially Available Supplements

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 25-07-2022

DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES27154741

Abstract: Citrus bioflavonoids are polyphenolic plant-derived pigments found in high levels in oranges, lemons, grapefruits and other citrus fruits. The three most abundant types of citrus bioflavonoids are hesperidin, naringenin and eriocitrin. Citrus bioflavonoids have long been known to possess powerful free radical-scavenging properties and cardioprotective effects. The study involved the analysis of 10 commercially available citrus bioflavonoid supplements from three different countries: Australia, the United States and Canada. The supplements were tested for their citrus bioflavonoid content which varied from 0.8 to 33.3% w/w. The daily bioflavonoid dose varied from 19 mg to 560 mg. Hesperidin was the major citrus bioflavonoid in nine out of ten supplements. One supplement was found to contain less than 10% of the quantity of rutin claimed to have been added. The DPP-4 inhibitory potential, compared through an estimation of rutin equivalence, ranged from 1.9 mg to 400 mg per day. This data highlights the variability between the supplements in their potential to inhibit DPP-4 for subsequent health benefits.

Reproducibility of saliva progesterone measured by immunoassay compared to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.AB.2020.113984

Conversion of Unstable Compounds Can Contribute to the Auxin Pool during Sample Preparation

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 06-2020

DOI: 10.1104/PP.20.00251

Cannabinoid polymorphisms interact with plasma endocannabinoid levels to predict fear extinction learning

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Date: 20-06-2021

DOI: 10.1002/DA.23170

Factors influencing the quality of Myrmecia pilosula (Jack Jumper) ant venom for use in in vitro and in vivo diagnoses of allergen sensitization and in allergen immunotherapy

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 31-08-2017

DOI: 10.1111/CEA.12987

Abstract: Allergen immunotherapy uses pharmaceutical preparations derived from naturally occurring source materials, which contain water-soluble allergenic components responsible for allergic reactions. The success of in vivo and in vitro diagnoses in allergen sensitization and allergen immunotherapy largely depends on the quality, composition and uniformity of allergenic materials used to produce the active ingredients, and the formulation employed to prepare finished products. We aimed to examine the factors influencing batch-to-batch consistency of Jack Jumper (Myrmecia pilosula) ant venom (JJAV) in the form of active pharmaceutical ingredient (AI) and informed whether factors such as temperature, artificial light and container materials influence the quality of JJAV AIs. We also aimed to establish handling and storage requirements of JJAV AIs to ensure preservation of allergenic activities during usage in the diagnosis of allergen sensitization and in allergen immunotherapy. The quality and consistency of JJAV AIs were analysed using a combination of bicinchoninic acid assay for total protein quantification, HPLC-UV for JJAV allergen peptides quantification, ELISA inhibition for total allergenic potency, SDS-PAGE, AU-PAGE and immunoblot for qualitative assessment of JJAV components, and Limulus Amebocyte Lysate assay for the quantification of endotoxin concentration. API-ZYM and Zymogram assays were used to probe the presence of enzymatic activities in JJAV. Pharmaceutical-grade JJAV for allergen immunotherapy has good batch-to-batch consistency. Temporary storage at 4°C and light exposure do not affect the quality of JJAV. Exposure to temperature above 40°C degrades high MW allergens in JJAV. Vials containing JJAV must be stored frozen and in upright position during long-term storage. We have identified factors, which can influence the quality and consistency of JJAV AIs, and provided a framework for appropriate handling, transporting and storage of JJAV to be used for the diagnosis of allergen sensitization and in AIT.

A comparison of laboratory analysis methods for total phenolic content of cider

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 07-09-2020

DOI: 10.3390/BEVERAGES6030055

Abstract: Total phenolic content is widely accepted as a key measure of quality for cider. Apple juice and cider, made from six apple varieties including dessert and cider apples, were analysed for total phenolics using three different methods: (a) the Folin-Ciocalteu method, (b) the Somers method (a spectrophotometric method developed specifically for wine), and (c) ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) as a benchmark test. Of these approaches, the Somers method had the strongest correlation with UPLC with an R2 value of 0.99, whilst the Folin-Ciocalteu correlated with UPLC with an R2 value of 0.89. The Folin-Ciocalteu method also had a strong positive correlation with the Somers approach with an R2 value of 0.91. Correlations between methods were strongest for apple varieties that were naturally high in phenolic content. These results highlight the potential of the Somers method to rapidly, inexpensively, and accurately report the total phenolic content of apple juice and ciders made from dessert and cider apple varieties.

The Impact of Dormancy Breakers on Hormone Profiles, Fruit Growth and Quality in Sweet Cherry

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 14-02-2022

DOI: 10.3390/AGRICULTURE12020270

Abstract: Chemical dormancy breakers are often used to manipulate floral bud break in sweet cherry production, and their use is increasing due to unpredictable climate effects. The role of plant hormones in regulating the critical transition of floral buds from dormant to opening in deciduous trees is now emerging. By monitoring changes in endogenous hormone levels within floral buds that are undergoing the transition from dormant to the growing state in response to various cues (environmental and/or chemical inducers), we can begin to distinguish the plant hormones that are the drivers of this process. This study sought to identify key hormonal regulators of floral bud break using sweet cherry as a model and modifying timing of bud break through the application of two chemical dormancy breakers, hydrogen cyanamide (HC, Dormex®) and emulsified vegetable oil compound (EVOC, Waiken®), and to determine the effect of these chemicals on fruit growth and quality. Treatments were applied at label rates 35–40 days before estimated bud break. We found that HC-treated tree buds broke earlier, and this was associated with a significant early elevation of the cytokinins dihydrozeatin and dihydrozeatin riboside compared to the control and EVOC-treated tree buds. In contrast, changes in auxin and abscisic acid content did not appear to explain the hastened bud burst induced by hydrogen cyanamide. While HC-treated trees resulted in larger fruit, there was a higher incidence of cracked fruit and the pack-out of A-grade fruit was reduced. The increase in fruit size was attributed to the earlier flowering and hence longer growing period. Harvest assessment of fruit quality showed no treatment effect on most quality parameters, including fruit dry matter content, total soluble solids or malic acid content, but a reduction in fruit compression firmness and stem pull force in EVOC-treated trees was observed. However, all fruit still met the Australian industry fruit quality export market standards. This study offers important insights into bud hormonal activities underpinning the action of these chemical regulators understanding bud responses is critically important to ensuring consistent and sustainable fruit tree production systems into the future. It also demonstrates that the dormancy-breaking agents HC and EVOC have no detrimental impact on fruit quality at harvest or following storage, however growers need to be aware of the potential for increased fruit cracking when earlier bud break results in a longer growing season which has the potential to increase fruit size. Further studies are required to determine the role of gibberellin in hastening bud break by dormancy breakers.

Volatile scent chemicals in the urine of the red fox, Vulpes vulpes

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 30-03-2021

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0248961

Abstract: The red fox is a highly adaptable mammal that has established itself world-wide in many different environments. Contributing to its success is a social structure based on chemical signalling between in iduals. Urine scent marking behaviour has long been known in foxes, but there has not been a recent study of the chemical composition of fox urine. We have used solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze the urinary volatiles in 15 free-ranging wild foxes (2 female) living in farmlands and bush in Victoria, Australia. Foxes here are routinely culled as feral pests, and the urine was collected by bladder puncture soon after death. Compounds were identified from their mass spectra and Kovats retention indices. There were 53 possible endogenous scent compounds, 10 plant-derived compounds and 5 anthropogenic xenobiotics. Among the plant chemicals were several aromatic apocarotenoids previously found in greater abundance in the fox tail gland. They reflect the dietary consumption of carotenoids, essential for optimal health. One third of all the endogenous volatiles were sulfur compounds, a highly odiferous group which included thiols, methylsulfides and polysulfides. Five of the sulfur compounds (3-isopentenyl thiol, 1- and 2-phenylethyl methyl sulfide, octanethiol and benzyl methyl sulfide) have only been found in foxes, and four others (isopentyl methyl sulfide, 3-isopentenyl methyl sulfide, and 1- and 2-phenylethane thiol) only in some canid, mink and skunk species. This indicates that they are not normal mammalian metabolites and have evolved to serve a specific role. This role is for defence in musteloids and most likely for chemical communication in canids. The total production of sulfur compounds varied greatly between foxes (median 1.2, range 0.4–32.3 μg ‘acetophenone equivalents’/mg creatinine) as did the relative abundance of different chemical types. The urinary scent chemistry may represent a highly evolved system of semiochemicals for communication between foxes.

Salmeterol undergoes enantioselective bronchopulmonary distribution with receptor localisation a likely determinant of duration of action

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.JPBA.2018.02.048

Abstract: Salmeterol (a long acting beta2-agonist) is a chiral molecule. (RR)-salmeterol is responsible for pharmacological effect, but basic knowledge of enantioselective pulmonary pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of salmeterol remains unknown. There are safety concerns with (S)-enantiomers of beta2-agonists, with suggestions that these enantiomers may increase bronchial hyperresponsivneness in asthma patients. Horses (n = 12) received racemic (rac-) salmeterol 250 μg via inhalation. Enantioselective UPLC-MS/MS was used to determine (R)- and (S)-salmeterol concentrations in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) s led 2, 5, 10 and 15 min after administration, in central lung (endoscopic bronchial biopsy) and peripheral lung (percutaneous pulmonary biopsy) tissues (at 20 and 25 min respectively), and in plasma s les. Physiologically relevant tissue concentrations were found for both enantiomers, with median levels greater in central than peripheral lung (equivalent to 32 and 5 mM (R)-salmeterol for central and peripheral lung respectively). Levels in PELF decreased around 50% over 15 min and enantioselective distribution was observed in the central lung with levels of (R)-salmeterol around 30% higher than (S)-salmeterol. Salmeterol distribution is enantioselective in the central lung. This suggests duration of action is more likely associated with specific B2ADR localisation effects rather than non-specific physiochemical factors which would not be enantioselective.

Aequorivita gen. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from terrestrial and marine Antarctic habitats

Publisher: Microbiology Society

Date: 09-2002

DOI: 10.1099/IJS.0.01976-0

Proteomic analysis of Lactobacillus casei GCRL163 cell-free extracts reveals a SecB homolog and other biomarkers of prolonged heat stress

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 25-10-2018

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0206317

Colwellia demingiae sp. nov., Colwellia hornerae sp. nov., Colwellia rossensis sp. nov. and Colwellia psychrotropica sp. nov.: psychrophilic Antarctic species with the ability to synthesize docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6 omega 3)

Publisher: Microbiology Society

Date: 10-1998

DOI: 10.1099/00207713-48-4-1171

Shotgun Proteomics as a Powerful Tool for the Study of the Proteomes of Plants, Their Pathogens, and Plant–Pathogen Interactions

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 19-01-2022

DOI: 10.3390/PROTEOMES10010005

Abstract: The interaction between plants and pathogenic microorganisms is a multifaceted process mediated by both plant- and pathogen-derived molecules, including proteins, metabolites, and lipids. Large-scale proteome analysis can quantify the dynamics of proteins, biological pathways, and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) involved in the plant–pathogen interaction. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics has become the preferred method for characterizing proteins at the proteome and sub-proteome (e.g., the phosphoproteome) levels. MS-based proteomics can reveal changes in the quantitative state of a proteome and provide a foundation for understanding the mechanisms involved in plant–pathogen interactions. This review is intended as a primer for biologists that may be unfamiliar with the erse range of methodology for MS-based shotgun proteomics, with a focus on techniques that have been used to investigate plant–pathogen interactions. We provide a summary of the essential steps required for shotgun proteomic studies of plants, pathogens and plant–pathogen interactions, including methods for protein digestion, identification, separation, and quantification. Finally, we discuss how protein PTMs may directly participate in the interaction between a pathogen and its host plant.

Application of Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry for the Taxonomic Analysis of Pollen

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Date: 24-12-2021

DOI: 10.3389/FEVO.2021.795104

Abstract: Globally, both managed and wild pollination services are unable to meet current rates of crop production and pollination demand. Wild pollination services could be improved through the reforestation of agricultural land margins, however plant–pollinator networks remain poorly understood and the collection of key floral traits a complex process. Herein, we consider the merits of pollen as a floral trait and the application of a rapid pollen comparison method in assessing whether pollen traits are conserved at a taxonomic level. Reporting the previously unstudied, pollen fingerprints of 18 Australian plant species, these are compared against the seed crop Daucus carota L. and two naturalised Brassica hybrids. Applying atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS) for rapid pollen fingerprinting, pollens are compared through non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), Jaccard index correlation and hierarchical clustering. Demonstrating the merits of this analytical method for the grouping of potential revegetation flora, we identify key pollen similarities and differences that could correlate with wild pollinator preferences.

Quantitative proteomics provides an insight into germination‐related proteins in the obligate biotrophic plant pathogen Spongospora subterranea

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 29-04-2021

DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12955

Abstract: The soil‐borne and obligate plant‐associated nature of S . subterranea has hindered a detailed study of this pathogen and in particular, the regulatory pathways driving the germination of S . subterranea remain unknown. To better understand the mechanisms that control the transition from dormancy to germination, protein profiles between dormant and germination stimulant‐treated resting spores were compared using label‐free quantitative proteomics. Among the ~680 proteins identified 20 proteins were found to be differentially expressed during the germination of S . subterranea resting spores. Elongation factor Tu, histones (H2A and H15), proteasome and DJ‐1_PfpI, involved in transcription and translation, were upregulated during the germination of resting spores. Downregulation of both actin and beta‐tubulin proteins occurred in the germinating spores, indicating that the changes in the cell wall cytoskeleton may be necessary for the morphological changes during the germination of the resting spore in S . subterranea . Our findings provide new approaches for the study of these and similar recalcitrant micro‐organisms provide the first insights into the basic protein components of S . subterranea spores. A better understanding of S . subterranea biology may lead to the development of novel approaches for the management of persistent soil inoculum.

Cold adaptation in the Antarctic archaeon Methanococcoides burtonii involves membrane lipid unsaturation

Publisher: American Society for Microbiology

Date: 15-12-2004

DOI: 10.1128/JB.186.24.8508-8515.2004

Abstract: Direct analysis of membrane lipids by liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry was used to demonstrate the role of unsaturation in ether lipids in the adaptation of Methanococcoides burtonii to low temperature. A proteomics approach using two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis, and a pathway for lipid biosynthesis was reconstructed from the M. burtonii draft genome sequence. The major phospholipids were archaeol phosphatidylglycerol, archaeol phosphatidylinositol, hydroxyarchaeol phosphatidylglycerol, and hydroxyarchaeol phosphatidylinositol. All phospholipid classes contained a series of unsaturated analogues, with the degree of unsaturation dependent on phospholipid class. The proportion of unsaturated lipids from cells grown at 4°C was significantly higher than for cells grown at 23°C. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase, farnesyl diphosphate synthase, and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase were identified in the expressed proteome, and most genes involved in the mevalonate pathway and processes leading to the formation of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol were identified in the genome sequence. In addition, M. burtonii encodes CDP-inositol and CDP-glycerol transferases and a number of homologs of the plant geranylgeranyl reductase. It therefore appears that the unsaturation of lipids may be due to incomplete reduction of an archaeol precursor rather than to a desaturase mechanism. This study shows that cold adaptation in M. burtonii involves specific changes in membrane lipid unsaturation. It also demonstrates that global methods of analysis for lipids and proteomics linked to a draft genome sequence can be effectively combined to infer specific mechanisms of key biological processes.

Protein levels, air pollution and vitamin D deficiency: links with allergy

Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)

Date: 02-09-2021

DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00237-2021

Grouped SPME Comparison of Floral Scent as a Method of Unlocking Phylogenetic Patterns in Volatiles

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Date: 11-02-2022

DOI: 10.3389/FEVO.2022.795122

Abstract: Global crop production rate has exceeded the availability of pollination services provided by managed honeybees, and habitat loss remains a key factor in the loss of wild pollinators. Revegetation of agricultural land and wild pollination may provide a solution however, the collection of floral trait data that are correlated to pollinator preferences remains an under studied and complex process. Here, we demonstrate a method for scent analysis, ordination [non-metric dimensional scaling (NMDS)], and clustering outputs that provides a fast and reproducible procedure for a broad grouping of flora based on scent and unlocking characteristic inter-floral patterns. We report the floral profiles of 15 unstudied native Australian plant species and the extent to which they match the commonly cultivated seed crops of Daucus carota L and Brassica rapa L. Through solid-phase microextraction (SPME) paired with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we identify a set of inter-family shared, common floral volatiles from these plant species as well as unique and characteristic patterns.

Lipids of the Tail Gland, Body and Muzzle Fur of the Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 19-06-2017

DOI: 10.1007/S11745-017-4270-1

Abstract: The tail gland of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) secretes lipids containing volatile terpenes used in social communication. We have analysed lipids extracted from fur of the tail gland, body (flanks) and muzzle of foxes. GC-MS showed a novel group of iso-valerate and tiglate monoesters of alkane-1,2-diols (C18:0-22:0). There was also a larger group of Type II diesters in which a second, longer chain, fatty acid (FA) was attached to the free alcohol group. LC-MS showed the full range of diol diesters, mostly C36:0-50:0, with smaller amounts of the corresponding mono-unsaturated tiglate esters. An additional group of diesters with higher MW (C49:0-62:0) containing two long-chain FA was present in the lipids of body and muzzle fur. After saponification and GC-MS, 98 fatty acids were characterized as their methyl esters. Apart from the C5 FA, most were saturated n-, iso-, anteiso- or other methyl-branched FA (C12:0-28:0) whose structures were determined by a combination of their mass spectra and Kovats retention indices. Several FA have not previously been found in nature or in vertebrates. Thirty-four alkane-1,2-diols were found as their TMS derivatives, mostly n-, iso- or anteiso-isomers of C16:0-25:0. The tail gland had the greatest amount of wax esters, from a greater variety of FA and diols, but lacked the esters with two long-chain FA. These findings show that fox skin lipids comprise mono- and di-esters of alkane-1,2-diols, and exhibit enormous complexity due to the ersity of their constituent FA, diols and the many possible isomers of their esters.

Fluralaner as a novel treatment for sarcoptic mange in the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus): safety, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and practicable use

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 06-01-2021

DOI: 10.1186/S13071-020-04500-9

Abstract: Sarcoptic mange causes significant animal welfare and occasional conservation concerns for bare-nosed wombats ( Vombatus ursinus ) throughout their range. To date, in situ chemotherapeutic interventions have involved macrocytic lactones, but their short duration of action and need for frequent re-administration has limited treatment success. Fluralaner (Bravecto® MSD Animal Health), a novel isoxazoline class ectoparasiticide, has several advantageous properties that may overcome such limitations. Fluralaner was administered topically at 25 mg/kg ( n = 5) and 85 mg/kg ( n = 2) to healthy captive bare-nosed wombats. Safety was assessed over 12 weeks by clinical observation and monitoring of haematological and biochemical parameters. Fluralaner plasma pharmacokinetics were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Efficacy was evaluated through clinical assessment of response to treatment, including mange and body condition scoring, for 15 weeks after topical administration of 25 mg/kg fluralaner to sarcoptic mange-affected wild bare-nosed wombats ( n = 3). Duration of action was determined through analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters and visual inspection of study subjects for ticks during the monitoring period. Methods for diluting fluralaner to enable ‘pour-on’ application were compared, and an economic and treatment effort analysis of fluralaner relative to moxidectin was undertaken. No deleterious health impacts were detected following fluralaner administration. Fluralaner was absorbed and remained quantifiable in plasma throughout the monitoring period. For the 25 mg/kg and 85 mg/kg treatment groups, the respective means for maximum recorded plasma concentrations (C max ) were 6.2 and 16.4 ng/ml for maximum recorded times to C max , 3.0 and 37.5 days and for plasma elimination half-lives, 40.1 and 166.5 days. Clinical resolution of sarcoptic mange was observed in all study animals within 3–4 weeks of treatment, and all wombats remained tick-free for 15 weeks. A suitable product for diluting fluralaner into a ‘pour-on’ was found. Treatment costs were competitive, and predicted treatment effort was substantially lower relative to moxidectin. Fluralaner appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for sarcoptic mange in the bare-nosed wombat, with a single dose lasting over 1–3 months. It has economic and treatment-effort-related advantages over moxidectin, the most commonly used alternative. We recommend a dose of 25 mg/kg fluralaner and, based on the conservative assumption that at least 50% of a dose makes dermal contact, Bravecto Spot-On for Large Dogs as the most appropriate formulation for adult bare-nosed wombats.

Developments with Antarctic microorganisms: Culture collections, bioactivity screening, taxonomy, PUFA production and cold-adapted enzymes

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-1999

DOI: 10.1016/S0958-1669(99)80042-1

Production of lactic and acetic acids by Bacillus sp. ZM20 and Bacillus cereus following exposure to zinc oxide: A possible mechanism for Zn solubilization

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.RHISPH.2019.100170

Benchmarking DNA Extraction Methods for Phylogenomic Analysis of Sub-Antarctic Rhodococcus and Williamsia Species

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 09-06-2021

DOI: 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS9061253

Abstract: Bacteria containing mycolic acids in their cell envelope are often recalcitrant to cell lysis, so extracting DNA of sufficient quality for third-generation sequencing and high-fidelity genome assembly requires optimization, even when using commercial kits with protocols for hard-to-lyse bacteria. We benchmarked three spin-column-based kits against a classical DNA extraction method employing lysozyme, proteinase K and SDS for six lysozyme-resistant, sub-Antarctic strains of Corynebaceriales. Prior cultivation in broths containing glycine at highly growth-inhibitory concentrations (4.0–4.5%) improved cell lysis using both classical and kit methods. The classical method produced DNA with average fragment sizes of 27–59 Kbp and tight fragment size ranges, meeting quality standards for genome sequencing, assembly and phylogenomic analyses. By 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we classified two strains as Williamsia and four strains as Rhodococcus species. Pairwise comparison of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and alignment fraction (AF), plus genome clustering analysis, confirmed Rhodococcus sp. 1163 and 1168 and Williamsia sp. 1135 and 1138 as novel species. Phylogenetic, lipidomic and biochemical analyses classified psychrotrophic strains 1139 and 1159 as R. qingshengii and R. erythropolis, respectively, using ANI similarity of % and AF % for species delineation. On this basis, some members of the R. erythropolis genome cluster groups, including strains currently named as R. enclensis, R. baikonurensis, R. opacus and R. rhodochrous, would be reclassified either as R. erythropolis or R. qingshengii.

Potato root exudation and release of Spongospora subterranea resting spore germination stimulants are affected by plant and environmental conditions

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 21-12-2017

DOI: 10.1111/JPH.12537

BDNF genotype Val66Met interacts with acute plasma BDNF levels to predict fear extinction and recall

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.BRAT.2021.103942

Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the psychrophilic bacterium Shewanella gelidimarina ACAM 456T: molecular species analysis of major phospholipids and biosynthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-1997

DOI: 10.1016/S0005-2760(97)00068-4

Abstract: The production of eicosapentaenoic acid [20:5omega3 EPA] from Shewanella gelidimarina (ACAM 456T) was investigated with respect to growth temperature and growth on sole carbon sources. The percentage and quantitative yield of EPA remained relatively constant at all growth temperatures within or below the optimal growth temperature region. At higher growth temperatures, these values decreased greatly. Growth on differing sole carbon sources also influenced the percentage and amount of EPA produced, with the fatty acid composition influenced by provision of potential acyl chain primers as sole carbon sources. The highest amounts of EPA occurred from growth on propionic acid and L-leucine respectively, while the highest percentage of EPA occurred from growth on L-proline. Monounsaturated fatty acid components and EPA were concentrated in phosphatidylglycerol (PG), while the proportion of branched-chain fatty acids was elevated in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) the two major phospholipid classes. Specific associations of EPA with other acyl chains were identified within cellular phospholipid classes. The association of EPA with 17:1 and 18:0 acyl chains in phospholipid species was specific to PG, whereas the association of EPA with i13:0/13:0 and 14:0/i14:0 was specific to PE. Such acyl chain 'tailoring' is indicative of the important role of EPA in bacterial membrane adaptive responses. EPA was also a large component (22%) of a non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) fraction within the total lipid extract of the bacterium. This may point toward a particular role of NEFA in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism. The formation of EPA was investigated by labelling with L-[U-14C]serine and sodium [1-14C]acetate. The accumulation of radiolabel within unsaturated intermediates (di-, tri- and tetraunsaturated fractions) was low, indicating a rapid formation and derivatisation of these components. Similar results were found for the unsaturated fatty acid fractions of both PE and PG using sodium [1-14C]acetate radiolabel. The regulation of triunsaturated fatty acid components may be a potential control site in PUFA biosynthesis.

Suberin deposition in potato periderm: a novel resistance mechanism against tuber greening

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 02-01-2020

DOI: 10.1111/NPH.16334

Abstract: Light-induced tuber greening is one of the most important quality defects of potato. Although varietal and maturity factors are known to affect greening resistance, physiological mechanisms of resistance are poorly understood. We proposed that physiological and biochemical factors within the tuber periderm provide resistance and hypothesised that resistance is primarily related to suberin content. We investigated differences in the tuber periderm between genotypes and tuber maturities that varied in greening propensity. We examined suberin and light-induced pigment accumulation, and phellem cell development and studied greening propensity in mutant and chemically treated tubers with enhanced suberisation. Resistance to greening was strongly linked to increased suberin in the periderm, which varied with variety and tuber maturity. Furthermore, greening was reduced in mutant and chemically treated tubers with enhanced suberisation. Increases in phellem cell layers and light-induced carotenoids and anthocyanins were identified as secondary resistance factors. Our work represents the first physiological mechanism of varietal and tuber maturity resistance to greening, expanding the known functionality of suberin and providing for the first time a biomarker that will aid producers and breeders in selection and improvement of potato varieties for greening resistance.

Brain-derived neurotropic factor and cortisol levels negatively predict working memory performance in healthy males

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.NLM.2020.107308

Bronchopulmonary pharmacokinetics of (R)-salbutamol and (S)-salbutamol enantiomers in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid and lung tissue of horses

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 08-02-2017

DOI: 10.1111/BCP.13228

Shewanella gelidimarina sp. nov. and Shewanella frigidimarina sp. nov., novel Antarctic species with the ability to produce eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 omega 3) and grow anaerobically by dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction

Publisher: Microbiology Society

Date: 10-1997

DOI: 10.1099/00207713-47-4-1040

Abstract: A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed to characterize dissimilatory iron-reducing strains mostly isolated from Antarctic sea ice. The strains were isolated from s les of congelated (land-fast) sea ice, grease ice, and ice algal biomass collected from the coastal areas of the Vestfold Hills in eastern Antarctica (68 degrees S 78 degrees E). The strains were facultatively anaerobic, motile, and rod shaped, were capable of anaerobic growth either by fermentation of carbohydrates or by anaerobic respiration, and utilized a variety of electron acceptors, including nitrate, ferric compounds, and trimethylamine N-oxide. A phylogenetic analysis performed with 16S rRNA sequences showed that the isolates formed two groups representing novel lineages in the genus Shewanella. The first novel group included seawater-requiring, psychrophilic, chitinolytic strains which had DNA G + C contents of 48 mol%. The members of the second strain group were psychrotrophic and did not require seawater but could tolerate up to 9% NaCl. The strains of this group were also unable to degrade polysaccharides but could utilize a number of monosaccharides and disaccharides and had G + C contents of 40 to 43 mol%. The whole-cell-derived fatty acid profiles of the sea ice isolates were found to be similar to the profiles obtained for other Shewanella species. The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (20:5 omega 3) was detected in all of the sea ice isolates at levels ranging from 2 to 16% of the total fatty acids. EPA was also found at high levels in Shewanella hanedai (19 to 22%) and Shewanella benthica (16 to 18%) but was absent in Shewanella alga and Shewanella putrefaciens. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic data, the Antarctic iron-reducing strains are placed in two new species, Shewanella frigidimarina sp. nov. (type strain, ACAM 591) and Shewanella gelidimarina sp. nov. (type strain, ACAM 456).

Application of an assay for 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) in urine for the assessment of tobacco-related harm

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.JPBA.2016.08.013

Abstract: The tobacco-specific nitrosamine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), is formed from nicotine and related compounds during tobacco curing and is classified as a human carcinogen. Its major metabolite, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), is thought to be useful in the assessment of cigarette smoking harm minimisation strategies. Urine s les were collected from 24 current Caucasian smokers participating in a smoking cessation study before and four weeks after a quit attempt. S les were spiked with NNAL-d Free NNAL levels (193.5±158.2pg/mL [mean±standard deviation]) measured in urine s les obtained at baseline (during ad lib smoking) were indicative of biological exposure to NNK. Free NNAL levels were significantly reduced four weeks after the quit attempt (64.5±77.6pg/mL p<0.002). Assay performance met acceptance criteria with mean recovery of 59±23%, intra-day accuracy was 3.7%, 3.7 and 3.6% and precision was 11.3%, 5.1% and 5.3% at 5pg/mL, 20pg/mL and 100pg/mL levels respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysis of NNAL-glucuronide proved unreliable with complete loss of NNAL aglycone in some subject s les following the hydrolysis procedure. Liquid-liquid extraction with UPLC-MS/MS is a convenient approach to measure low levels of NNAL in urine as a marker of biological NNK exposure, which can be used to assess the effectiveness of smoking reduction harm minimisation strategies. Enzymatic hydrolysis of NNAL-glucuronide and measuring the aglycone is not recommended.

Waterlogging tolerance in barley is associated with faster aerenchyma formation in adventitious roots

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 05-06-2015

DOI: 10.1007/S11104-015-2536-Z

Scent Chemicals of the Tail Gland of the Red Fox,Vulpes vulpes

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 07-02-2019

DOI: 10.1093/CHEMSE/BJZ009

Abstract: Like all animals, the red fox uses chemical signals for social communication. The supracaudal or tail gland smells of violets, attributed to the presence of carotenoid degradation products, or apocarotenoids, which commonly occur as aromatics in flowers. We have more fully characterized the scent chemistry of the fox tail gland. Volatile chemicals were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and identified from their electron ionization mass spectra and Kovats retention indices. The 3 previously reported apocarotenoids were confirmed, and many additional compounds found. These include the apocarotenoids β-cyclocitral, β-homocitral, β-ionone, cyclic β-ionone, β-ionone-5,6-epoxide, α-ionene, α-ionone, 2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexanone (IUPAC 2,2,6-), 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (sulcatone), and geranyl acetone. Notably, sulcatone is a semiochemical in several species. 3,3-Dimethyl-2,7-octanedione was identified as a probable apocarotenoid which is likely to be a significant fox scent chemical. The γ-lactone of 4-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid (hexadecan-4-olide) was also found, one of a group of known mammalian signaling compounds. This rich mixture of volatile apocarotenoids implies an adequate consumption of plant carotenoids, which are known to be necessary for optimal health. Dietary carotenoids color the skin and feathers of some birds, used as a visual signal to conspecifics, and the floral aroma of the fox tail gland may provide an olfactory signal to other foxes.

Application of Thin-Layer Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (TLC-FID) to Total Lipid Quantitation in Mycolic-Acid Synthesizing Rhodococcus and Williamsia Species

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 29-02-2020

DOI: 10.3390/IJMS21051670

Abstract: In addition to cell membrane phospholipids, Actinobacteria in the order Corynebacteriales possess a waxy cell envelope containing mycolic acids (MA). In optimized culture condition, some species can also accumulate high concentrations of intracellular triacylglycerols (TAG), which are a potential source of biodiesel. Bacterial lipid classes and composition alter in response to environmental stresses, including nutrient availability, thus understanding carbon flow into different lipid classes is important when optimizing TAG synthesis. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of lipid classes normally requires combinations of different extraction, derivatization, chromatographic and detection methods. In this study, a single-step thin-layer chromatography-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) technique was applied to quantify lipid classes in six sub-Antarctic Corynebacteriales strains identified as Rhodococcus and Williamsia species. A hexane:diethyl-ether:acetic acid solvent system separated the total cellular lipids extracted from cells lysed by bead beating, which released more bound and unbound MA than sonication. Typical profiles included a major broad non-polar lipid peak, TAG and phospholipids, although trehalose dimycolates, when present, co-eluted with phospholipids. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy detected MA signatures in the non-polar lipid peak and indicated that these lipids were likely bound, at least in part, to sugars from cell wall arabinogalactan. Waxy esters were not detected. The single-solvent TLC-FID procedure provides a useful platform for the quantitation and preliminary screening of cellular lipid classes when testing the impacts of growth conditions on TAG synthesis.

Sphingomonas alaskensis Strain AFO1, an Abundant Oligotrophic Ultramicrobacterium from the North Pacific

Publisher: American Society for Microbiology

Date: 11-2001

DOI: 10.1128/AEM.67.11.4945-4954.2001

Abstract: Numerous studies have established the importance of picoplankton (microorganisms of ≤2 μm in length) in energy flow and nutrient cycling in marine oligotrophic environments, and significant effort has been directed at identifying and isolating heterotrophic picoplankton from the world's oceans. Using a method of diluting natural seawater to extinction followed by monthly subculturing for 12 months, a bacterium was isolated that was able to form colonies on solid medium. The strain was isolated from a 10 5 dilution of seawater where the standing bacterial count was 3.1 × 10 5 cells ml −1 . This indicated that the isolate was representative of the most abundant bacteria at the s ling site, 1.5 km from Cape Muroto, Japan. The bacterium was characterized and found to be ultramicrosized (less than 0.1 μm 3 ), and the size varied to only a small degree when the cells were starved or grown in rich media. A detailed molecular (16S rRNA sequence, DNA-DNA hybridization, G+C mol%, genome size), chemotaxonomic (lipid analysis, morphology), and physiological (resistance to hydrogen peroxide, heat, and ethanol) characterization of the bacterium revealed that it was a strain of Sphingomonas alaskensis . The type strain, RB2256, was previously isolated from Resurrection Bay, Alaska, and similar isolates have been obtained from the North Sea. The isolation of this species over an extended period, its high abundance at the time of s ling, and its geographical distribution indicate that it has the capacity to proliferate in ocean waters and is therefore likely to be an important contributor in terms of biomass and nutrient cycling in marine environments.

Psychroflexus torquis gen. nov., sp. nov., a psychrophilic species from Antarctic sea ice, and reclassification of Flavobacterium gondwanense (Dobson et al. 1993) as Psychroflexus gondwanense gen. nov., comb. nov

Publisher: Microbiology Society

Date: 06-1998

DOI: 10.1099/00221287-144-6-1601

Abstract: A group of sea-ice-derived psychrophilic bacterial strains possessing the unusual ability to synthesize the polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5.3) and arachidonic acid (20:4.6) belong to the Family Flavobacteriaceae ( Flexibacter-Bacteroides-Flavobacterium phylum), according to 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Surprisingly, the isolates were also found to cluster closely to the moderately halophilic and psychrotrophic species [ Flavobacterium ] gondwanense (sequence similarity 97-8-98-1 %). The whole-cell fatty acid profiles of this group and [ Flavobacterium ] gondwanense were very similar and distinct from other related flavobacteria. The sea ice strains and [ Flavobacterium ] gondwanense differed substantially in terms of ecophysiology, possibly representing ergent adaptations to sympagic and planktonic marine habitats, respectively. Evidence based on phylogeny and fatty acid profiles supports the conclusion that the taxa are close relatives distinct from other bacterial groups. It is thus proposed that the sea ice strains represent a novel taxon designated Psychroflexus torquis gen. nov., sp., nov. (type strain ACAM 623 T ) while [ Flavobacterium ] gondwanense becomes Psychroflexus gondwanense gen. nov., comb. nov.

Chloroform-based liquid-liquid extraction and LC–MS/MS quantification of endocannabinoids, cortisol and progesterone in human hair

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.JPBA.2021.114103

The role of temperature and maternal ration in embryo survival: using the dumpling squid Euprymna tasmanica as a model

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2004

DOI: 10.1016/J.JEMBE.2004.01.017

Cytokinins and the CRE1 receptor influence endogenous gibberellin levels in Medicago truncatula

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 02-2018

DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2018.1428513

Multi-omics reveals mechanisms of resistance to potato root infection by Spongospora subterranea

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 25-06-2022

DOI: 10.1038/S41598-022-14606-Y

Abstract: The pathogen Spongospora subterranea infects potato roots and developing tubers resulting in tuber yield and quality losses. Currently, there are no fully effective treatments for disease control. Host resistance is an important tool in disease management and understanding the molecular mechanisms of defence responses in roots of potato plants is required for the breeding of novel resistant cultivars. Here, we integrated transcriptomic and proteomic datasets to uncover these mechanisms underlying S. subterranea resistance in potato roots. This multi-omics approach identified upregulation of glutathione metabolism at the levels of RNA and protein in the resistant cultivar but not in the susceptible cultivar. Upregulation of the lignin metabolic process, which is an important component of plant defence, was also specific to the resistant cultivar at the transcriptome level. In addition, the inositol phosphate pathway was upregulated in the susceptible cultivar but downregulated in the resistant cultivar in response to S. subterranea infection. We provide large-scale multi-omics data of Spongospora -potato interaction and suggest an important role of glutathione metabolism in disease resistance.

Metabolomes of potato root exudates: compounds that stimulate resting spore germination of the soil-borne pathogen Spongospora subterranea

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 28-09-2016

DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JAFC.6B03904

Abstract: Root exudation has importance in soil chemical ecology influencing rhizosphere microbiota. Prior studies reported root exudates from host and nonhost plants stimulated resting spore germination of Spongospora subterranea, the powdery scab pathogen of potato, but the identities of stimulatory compounds were unknown. This study showed that potato root exudates stimulated S. subterranea resting spore germination, releasing more zoospores at an earlier time than the control. We detected 24 low molecular weight organic compounds within potato root exudates and identified specific amino acids, sugars, organic acids, and other compounds that were stimulatory to S. subterranea resting spore germination. Given that several stimulatory compounds are commonly found in exudates of erse plant species, we support observations of nonhost-specific stimulation. We provide knowledge of S. subterranea resting spore biology and chemical ecology that may be useful in formulating new disease management strategies.

Real-Time Mass Spectrometry Monitoring of Oak Wood Toasting: Elucidating Aroma Development Relevant to Oak-aged Wine Quality

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 27-11-2015

DOI: 10.1038/SREP17334

Abstract: We introduce a real-time method to monitor the evolution of oak aromas during the oak toasting process. French and American oak wood boards were toasted in an oven at three different temperatures, while the process-gas was continuously transferred to the inlet of a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer for online monitoring. Oak wood aroma compounds important for their sensory contribution to oak-aged wine were tentatively identified based on soft ionization and molecular mass. The time-intensity profiles revealed toasting process dynamics illustrating in real-time how different compounds evolve from the oak wood during toasting. Sufficient sensitivity was achieved to observe spikes in volatile concentrations related to cracking phenomena on the oak wood surface. The polysaccharide-derived compounds exhibited similar profiles whilst for lignin-derived compounds eugenol formation differed from that of vanillin and guaiacol at lower toasting temperatures. Significant generation of oak lactone from precursors was evident at 225 o C. Statistical processing of the real-time aroma data showed similarities and differences between in idual oak boards and oak wood sourced from the different origins. This study enriches our understanding of the oak toasting process and demonstrates a new analytical approach for research on wood volatiles.

Triacylglycerol Estolides, a New Class of Mammalian Lipids, in the Paracloacal Gland of the Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 28-04-2015

DOI: 10.1007/S11745-015-4025-9

Abstract: The paracloacal glands are the most prevalent scent glands in marsupials, and previous investigation of their secretions in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) has identified many odorous compounds together with large amounts of neutral lipids. We have examined the lipids by LC-MS, generating ammonium adducts of acylglycerols by electrospray ionisation. Chromatograms showed a complex mixture of coeluting acylglycerols, with m/z from about 404 to 1048. Plots of single [M + NH4](+) ions showed three groups of lipids clearly separated by retention time. MS-MS enabled triacylglycerols and diacylglycerol ethers to be identified from neutral losses and formation of diacylglycerols and other product ions. The earliest-eluting lipids were found to be triacylglycerol estolides, in which a fourth fatty acid forms an ester link with a hydroxy fatty acid attached to the glycerol chain. This is the first report of triacylglycerol estolides in animals. They form a complex mixture with the triacylglycerols and diacylglycerol ethers of lipids with short- and long-chain fatty acids with varying degrees of unsaturation. This complexity suggests a functional role, possibly in social communication.

Simultaneous quantification of endocannabinoids, oleoylethanolamide and steroid hormones in human plasma and saliva

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.JCHROMB.2020.122252

Endocannabinoid reactivity to acute stress: Investigation of the relationship between salivary and plasma levels

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOPSYCHO.2021.108022

Linking Auxin with Photosynthetic Rate via Leaf Venation

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 21-07-2017

DOI: 10.1104/PP.17.00535

Modelling growth and histamine formation of Klebsiella aerogenes TI24 isolated from Indonesian Pindang

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.IJFOODMICRO.2021.109459

Abstract: Indonesian salted-boiled fish (pindang) is a popular traditional food in Indonesia, which is made from Scombroid fish such as tuna and mackerel. As with other traditionally prepared fish products, pindang has important economic and social values, especially for those living in the coastal areas of Indonesia. However, pindang is a major cause of histamine fish poisoning (HFP) for consumers. Klebsiella aerogenes T124, a relatively high histamine-producing isolate from pindang, was used to describe lag time (λ), growth rate (μ

Heterogeneous astaxanthin distribution in the fillet of Atlantic salmon post-smolt at elevated temperature is not affected by dietary fatty acid composition, metabolic conversion of astaxanthin to idoxanthin, or oxidative stress

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.AQUACULTURE.2020.735096

Improved detection of polyunsaturated fatty acids as phenacyl esters using liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2002

DOI: 10.1016/S0167-7012(02)00030-1

Abstract: The fatty acid composition of Shewanella pealeana was determined by the analysis of fatty acid methyl esters via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and fatty acid 2-oxo-phenylethyl esters via high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) combined with ultra violet (UV) detection. There was good agreement between the percentage composition of components determined by GC-MS and LC-UV analyses. However, LC-MS analysis using Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) demonstrated dramatically enhanced detection of unsaturated fatty acid 2-oxo-phenylethyl esters. The degree of enhancement was proportional to the degree of unsaturation. Tests with a pure polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) standard gave an absolute detection limit in full scan mode of 200 pg. In s les, the selectivity of MS over UV gave a significantly lower detection limit due to lack of chemical interferences. In 'Selected Reaction Monitoring' (SRM) mode, the detection limit was 5 pg. This was essentially independent of whether the s le is a standard or complex mixture of fatty acids. Tandem mass spectrometry was used to support structural information and to enhance the ability to target specific fatty acids. Several PUFAs which were not evident from GC-MS analysis were detected and identified by APCI LC-MS, including some rare or novel PUFAs from S. pealeana and a menhaden oil standard. Detailed analysis of bacterial fatty acid composition by either GC-MS or APCI LC-MS is highly preferable to analysis systems based solely on retention time identification.

Biodiversity And Ecophysiology Of Antarctic Sea-ice Bacteria.

Start Date: 1996

End Date: 1998

Funder: Antarctic Science Advisory Committee

Manipulating Plant Root Exudation For Soil-borne Disease Control

Start Date: 2018

End Date: 2020

Funder: Australian Research Council

A Pilot Study To Test An Asbestos Risk Ratings Tool Adapted From The Health And Safety Executive (HSE) UK And Assessment Of Alternative

Start Date: 2014

End Date: 2015

Funder: Worksafe Tasmania

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP180103337

Start Date: 06-2018

End Date: 12-2021

Amount: $238,806.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP180101251

Start Date: 05-2020

End Date: 12-2023

Amount: $178,117.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP190101817

Start Date: 03-2019

End Date: 06-2022

Amount: $322,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE230100125

Start Date: 03-2023

End Date: 03-2024

Amount: $682,749.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP210301148

Start Date: 07-2023

End Date: 06-2025

Amount: $204,900.00

Funder: Australian Research Council