Global political responsibility for the conservation of albatrosses and large petrels

Migratory marine species cross political borders and enter the high seas, where the lack of an effective global management framework for biodiversity leaves them vulnerable to threats. Here, we combine 10,108 tracks from 5775 individual birds at 87 sites with data on breeding population sizes to estimate the relative year-round importance of national jurisdictions and high seas areas for 39 species of albatrosses and large petrels. Populations from every country made extensive use of the high seas, indicating the stake each country has in the management of biodiversity in international waters. We quantified the links among national populations of these threatened seabirds and the regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) which regulate fishing in the high seas. This work makes explicit the relative responsibilities that each country and RFMO has for the management of shared biodiversity, providing invaluable information for the conservation and management of migratory species in the marine realm.

Carotenoid deposition in plant and animal foods and its impact on bioavailability

Over the past decades, an enormous body of literature dealing with the natural deposition of carotenoids in plant- and animal-based foods has accumulated. Prominent examples are the large solid-crystalline aggregates in carrots and tomatoes or the lipid-dissolved forms in dairy products and egg yolk. Latest research has identified lipid-dissolved forms in a rare number of plant foods, such as tangerine tomatoes and peach palm fruit (Bactris gasipaes Kunth). In addition, liquid-crystalline forms were assumed in so-called tubular chromoplasts of numerous fruits, e.g., in papaya, mango, and bell pepper. The bioavailability of carotenoids from fresh and processed foods strongly depends on their genuine deposition form, since their effective absorption to the human organism requires their liberation from the food matrix and subsequent solubilization into mixed micelles in the small intestine. Consequently, a broad overview about the natural array of carotenoid deposition forms should be helpful to better understand and modulate their bioavailability from foods. Furthermore, naturally highly bioavailable forms may provide biomimetic models for the improved formulation of carotenoids in food supplements. Therefore, this review paper presents scientific evidence from human intervention studies associating carotenoid deposition forms with their bioavailability, thus suggesting novel technological and dietary strategies for their enhanced absorption.

Jagua blue derived from Genipa americana L. fruit: A natural alternative to commonly used blue food colorants?

Due to consumers' increasing health awareness, food industry aims at replacing synthetic dyes by natural counterparts. The substitution of blue synthetic dyes is particularly challenging since current natural alternatives such as phycocyanin (Spirulina) suffer from poor stability. Jagua blue (produced from Genipa americana L. fruit) might represent a potential novel blue pigment source. However, only little is known about its color properties, and application in food systems. Therefore, the blue color and the stability of Jagua blue were assessed for the first time and compared to commonly used colorants, namely, Spirulina, brilliant blue FCF (Blue no. 1), and indigo carmine (Blue no. 2). The reaction rate of Jagua blue was independent of its concentration, confirming thermal degradation to follow first-order kinetics. Between pH 3.6 and 5.0, the color hue of Jagua blue solutions was similar to that of Blue no. 2. However, Jagua blue revealed markedly higher storage stabilities (t_1/2=86-105days) than Blue no. 2 (t_1/2≤9days) and was less susceptible to acidic pH of 3.6 (t_1/2=86days) than Spirulina (t_1/2=70days). High negative b* values (blueness) of colored gelatin gels were only obtained for Jagua blue and Spirulina, and the former exhibited higher light stabilities (t_1/2=15days) than Spirulina gels (t_1/2=4days). Our findings indicate Jagua blue to be a most promising alternative to synthetic dyes, providing relevant information regarding potential food applications.

Detailed analyses of fresh and dried maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) berries and juice

In this study, a detailed chemical characterization of nutritionally-relevant, quality-determining constituents in dried and fresh fruits as well as juices of maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) is provided. A total of 8 glycosylated anthocyanins was characterized in maqui fruits, being composed of differently substituted cyanidin and delphinidin derivatives. During processing into juice, a substantial loss in total anthocyanin contents (TAC) was observed. TAC values were also reduced after drying of maqui berries. Likewise, the browning index (BI) of fresh fruits increased during processing. Being composed of flavonol glycosides and ellagic acids, 17 non-anthocyanin phenolics were characterized in all maqui samples. Besides characterizing phenolic compounds, antioxidant activities, total phenolics, major sugars, non-volatile organic acids, minerals and trace elements were quantitated. Moreover, total lipid contents and the fruits' mainly unsaturated fatty acid profiles are reported. The presented results indicate the high potential of maqui as so far under-utilized but extremely pigment-rich "superfruit".

Efficacy of an aqueous Pelargonium sidoides extract against herpesvirus

The compounds of an aqueous root extract of the African medicinal plant Pelargonium sidoides were analysed by LC-MS spectroscopy and the antiviral effect of this extract against herpes simplex virus was examined in cell culture. Besides predominant coumarins, simple phenolic structures as well as flavonoid and catechin derivatives were identified as major constituents in the Pelargonium extract. The inhibitory activity of this extract against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was tested in vitro on RC-37 cells using a plaque reduction assay and exhibited high antiviral activity against both herpesviruses in viral suspension tests. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of the aqueous Pelargonium sidoides extract for herpes simplex virus plaque formation was determined at 0.00006% and 0.000005% for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. At maximum noncytotoxic concentrations of the extract, plaque formation was significantly reduced by more than 99.9% for HSV-1 and HSV-2 and a clear concentration-dependent antiviral activity against HSV could be demonstrated for this extract. In order to determine the mode of antiviral action, the extract was added at different times to the cells or viruses during the infection cycle. Both herpesviruses were significantly inhibited when pretreated with the plant extract or when the extract was added during the adsorption phase, whereas acyclovir demonstrated antiviral activity only intracellularly during replication of HSV. These results indicate that P. sidoides extract affected the virus before penetration into the host cell and reveals a different mode of action when compared to the classical drug acyclovir. Hence this extract is capable of exerting an antiviral effect on herpes simplex virus and might be suitable for topical therapeutic use as antiviral drug both in labial and genital herpes infection.

Determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids of apple and pear by high-performance liquid chromatography

A new HPLC stationary phase has been applied to the analysis of phenolic acids and flavonoids with diode array and mass spectrometric detection. The separation of 26 standard compounds was achieved within 1 h. The stationary phase displayed excellent resolution especially of flavonol glycosides. The analytical system has been used for the determination of phenolic compounds in apple pomace and apple juice, and in extracts of pear fruits of different cultivars. Apple pomace was found to be a promising source of phenolics. However, yields are affected by the drying conditions applied. Furthermore, the applicability of the analytical system for the authenticity control of apple and pear juice was demonstrated by determination of characteristic quercetin and isorhamnetin glycosides, and dihydrochalcones, respectively. Since isorhamnetin-3-glucoside was present in all pear cultivars investigated, the usefulness of arbutin as a specific marker of pear products appears to be doubtful.

Amino acid composition and betaxanthin formation in fruits from Opuntia ficus-indica

In contrast to earlier reports high levels of taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) were found in fruit juices of three cultivars of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Whereas the occurrence of taurine in plant tissue was thought to be restricted to algae, fungi, and the endosperm of some higher plants, prickly pear proved to be a rich source of dietary taurine. Using L-taurine as the amino compound, a new betaxanthin was synthesized by partial synthesis. On the basis of chemical and spectral evidence its structure was determined to be the taurine-immonium-conjugate of betalamic acid. Also betalamic acid could be detected in yellow and orange coloured cultivars of Opuntia ficus-indica for the first time. In spite of the high levels of L-taurine accompanied by the occurrence of betalamic acid, the corresponding betaxanthin could not be detected in the fruit tissue.

The treatment of negative symptoms: a clinical and methodological study

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of remoxipride (controlled release) versus haloperidol in patients with negative symptoms. The study comprised a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial. Two hundred and five patients were randomised to either remoxipride or haloperidol. Patients eligible for this study were aged 18-65 years, met the DSM-III-R diagnosis for chronic schizophrenia and the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) criteria for predominant negative symptoms. There was a statistically significant reduction in the PANSS scores of at least 20% from baseline to last rating for 39 remoxipride (49.4%) and 45 haloperidol (47.6%) treated patients. There were no statistical differences found between the two treatment groups with respect to improvement of negative symptoms and adverse events. The PANSS data suggest that both remoxipride and haloperidol improve the cluster of negative symptoms concerned with social functioning. In addition, the design of the study provides a methodology that is appropriate to the study of primary negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Purification and Characterization of a Flavone 7-O-Glucoside-Specific Glucosidase from Ligulate Florets of Chamomilla recutita

Flavone content and glucosidase activity were analyzed in various species of the genera Chamomilla, Matricaria, and Anthemis, especially during the development of the chamomile flower heads. The accumulation profile of flavonoids and the increase in enzyme activity were similar during ontogenesis. The accumulation of apigenin derivatives in closely related species was always linked to the occurrence of a catabolic beta-glucosidase in the respective plant organ. The flavone-glucoside-cleaving beta-glucosidase (FGG) from the ligulate florets of chamomile was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by the following procedure: ammonium sulphate fractionation, anion exchange on Mono Q, hydrophobic interaction chromatography on Bio-Gel TSK Phenyl-5-PW, and gel filtration on Superose 12. The M (r) of the native enzyme was determined by gel filtration (500 kDa) and native PAGE (334 kDa). Only one subunit with an M (r) of 60 kDa could be detected after SDS-PAGE. The isoelectric point as determined by chromatofocussing on Mono P was at pH 4.6. During the purification procedure only one glucosidase activity appeared. A partially purified enzyme was used for characterization. The temperature optimum was at 37 degrees C and the pH-optimum 5.6. Energy of activation was 32.9 kJ/mol. The determination of the kinetic constants with various aryl glycosides proved a high affinity of the FGG towards flavone 7- O-glucosides. alpha-Glycosides and disaccharides were not hydrolyzed. Transglucosylation to an acceptor other than water was observed. Reagents interacting with sulfhydryl-groups strongly inhibited the enzyme.

Studies on the Origin of (-)-alpha-Bisabolol and Chamazulene in Chamomile Preparations; Part I. Investigations by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)

IRMS was used to determine the delta (13)C-and deltaD-values of dried plant material and essential oil fractions of CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA and VANILLOSMOPSIS ERYTHROPAPPA and of isolated components thereof. Both plants turned out to follow the same C (3) photosynthetic pathway. The carbon isotope ratios ( delta (13)C-values) of chamomile-derived bisabolol ranged from -32 per thousando to -30 per thousand; the corresponding deltaD-values varied between -240 per thousand and -205 per thousand. VANILLOSMOPSIS bisabolol differed significantly, with delta (13)C-values of approximately -27 per thousand, and a deltaD-value of about -175 per thousand. In addition, chamazulene of chamomiie was characterized by a delta (13)C-value of -31 per thousand, whereas in chamazulene from ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM lower carbon discrimination was found (delta (13)C = -30 per thousand). The delta (13)C-values allowed us to detect adulterations of chamomiie preparations. The isolation of bisabolol, a main ingredient of these preparations, and subsequent IRMS analysis is much more tedious than GC/IRMS, which makes it possible to determine the carbon isotope ratio of bisabolol without prior isolation. Only one commercial chamomiie preparation was completely free of non-chamomile admixtures. Our investigations clearly demonstrate that admixtures of natural compounds can be detected in chamomile oil and chamomile preparations even if there is no difference in the photosynthetic mechanism of the corresponding plants.

On the accumulation of apigenin in chamomile flowers

By preparing and analysing extracts of fresh chamomile flowers from outdoor and greenhouse cultures, it was possible to show that apigenin does not actually occur in living chamomile flowers. Apigenin is the result of post-harvest processes converting apigenin 7-glycoside and its derivatives into the aglycone. The different apigenin/apigenin 7-glycoside ratios reported in the literature for various chamomile samples can easily be explained as the result of different post-harvest conditions. The accumulation of free apigenin in chamomile flowers must be ascribed to the enzymatic degradation of apigenin 7-glycoside and other glycosidic derivatives of apigenin. Thus, the selection of chamomile types yielding large amounts of apigenin seems to be based on a degradation product.

A new approach to the production of chamomile extracts

Extracts from fresh flower heads of CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA were prepared for the first time. The stability of those extracts was compared in tests to that of extracts from dried plant material with regard to lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. Whereas extracts based on dried flower heads showed a considerable decrease in matricine content within 10 months, extracts of fresh plant material were stable in every respect. Frozen flower heads could be stored without any loss of volatile substances. Even matricine and the spiro-ethers proved to be stable. In contrast, dried chamomile flowers lost about 70% of their matricine content within two years even when stored under controlled conditions. Furthermore, freezing the chamomile flowers resulted in higher yields of essential oil and its compounds than any of the various drying procedures tested.

Monthly intermittent chemotherapy of chronic schizophrenic outpatients with pipothiazine palmitate

A long-term open study of a new sustained action neuroleptic was undertaken in 23 chronic schizophrenic outpatients. Pipothiazine palmitate (R.P. 19,552) was administered by intramuscular injection at an average dose of 100 mg every four weeks.

Psychiatric assessments revealed that the drug provided good control of psychotic symptomatology, and there were indications that patients responded better to the test medication than they did to their standard oral antipsychotic maintenance therapy.

Extensive laboratory and functional tests demonstrated that the drug is well tolerated. Local tolerance at the site of injection was also satisfactory. Side effects were generally not serious and included primarily somnolence, tremor, akathisia and blurring of vision. A few patients became more depressed but were easily controlled by a tricyclic medication; while somewhat surprisingly others appeared to show an improvement of certain depressive manifestations.

As the drug demonstrated its capacity to control psychotic symptoms with low dosages over an extended period of time, it is suggested that a double-blind study comparing this drug with other neuroleptics is warranted. It appears that pipothiazine palmitate may be an efficient form of maintenance therapy for ambulatory patients. In some patients intermittent therapy with pipothiazine palmitate would offer a viable alternative to continuous high-dosage oral medication.

Pharmacological reactivity of dystrophic muscle

The effects of curarizing drugs, anticholinesterases, and musculotropic substances were studied on the phrenic nerve – diaphragm preparation of the hereditarily dystrophic mouse and of the rat treated with N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (PPD), a cytotoxic substance producing dystrophic-like lesions. Both species showed an increased resistance to the neuromuscular blocking activity of d-tubocurarine. Gallamine was also less potent in the dystrophic mouse than in its normal littermate. Both species showed an increased sensitivity to the initial stimulant effect of succinylcholine; on the other hand, the depressant effect of succinylcholine was less intense in PPD-treated rats but unaltered in the dystrophic mouse. The response to neostigmine and physostigmine was decreased in the PPD-treated rat but enhanced in the dystrophic mouse. Musculotropic drugs (chlorpromazine, tetrodotoxin, xanthine derivatives, and veratrine) produced similar effects in normal and dystrophic mice. Two hypotheses are suggested to explain these changes in sensitivity in the dystrophic mouse diaphragm: (a) an increased production of an acetylcholine-like material, and (b) an increase in the number of acetylcholine-sensitive sites on the cell membrane. The changes in drug reactivity of the PPD-treated rat are considered to be due to a functional denervation caused by the cytotoxic properties of PPD.