Effect of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on the vegetative growth of pear variety Triunfo de Viena (Pyrus communis L.) / Efecto del riego deficitario controlado (RDC) en el crecimiento vegetativo del peral variedad Triunfo de Viena (Pyrus communis L.)

ABSTRACT One of the consequences of a water deficit in the vegetative growth is the modification of the plant vigor, which determines the extent and the rate of growth and lengthening in shoots, which, in this phase, is more important than fruit growth, which is very slow in terms of dry mass accumulation. The objective of this research was to determine the effect on the vegetative growth of the pear variety Triunfo de Viena (Pyrus communis L) of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), which was compared with a control irrigated at 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The irrigation treatments consisted of the application of watering regimes of 74 and 48% ETc in treatment T2 and 60 and 27% ETc in treatment T3 in 2014 and 2015, respectively, during the period of rapid fruit growth with the same watering regime used in T1 (control) applied during the rest of the season. The irrigation reduction used in T2 and T3 represented water savings of 26% and 40% in 2014 and 52% and 73% in 2015, respectively. In the deficit treatments, there were no significant differences with respect to the control for the length, or absolute and relative growth rates (AGR and RGR) of the shoots. The weight of the wood from the fructification pruning had a significant difference between T3 and the control.

RESUMEN Una de las consecuencias del déficit hídrico en el crecimiento vegetativo es la modificación del vigor de la planta, que determina la extensión y el ritmo de crecimiento y de alargamiento de los brotes que, en esta fase, es más importante que el crecimiento del fruto, el cual, es bastante lento, en términos de acumulación de masa seca. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el efecto sobre el crecimiento vegetativo del peral variedad Triunfo de Viena (Pyrus communis L.) del riego deficitario controlado (RDC), que se comparó con un Control, regado al 100%, de la evapotranspiración del cultivo ETc. Los tratamientos de riego consistieron en la aplicación de láminas de agua, correspondiente al 74 y 48% de la ETc, en el tratamiento T2 y 60 y 27% de la ETc, en el tratamiento T3, en 2014 y 2015, respectivamente; durante el periodo de crecimiento rápido del fruto, mientras el resto de la temporada, todos se regaron igual que el T1 (control). La reducción de la lámina de riego en T2 y T3, durante este periodo, representó un ahorro de agua de 26 y 40%, en 2014 y 52 y 73%, en 2015, respectivamente. En los tratamientos deficitarios no hubo diferencias significativas respecto al control, en el diámetro, la longitud, la tasa absoluta y la relativa de crecimiento (TAC y TRC) de brotes. En la masa de madera correspondiente a la poda de fructificación, se presentó diferencia significativa, entre el T3 y el control.

Comparison Of Spirometric Pulmonary Function In Subjects With Apple And Pear Shape Fat Distribution

Background: The pattern of obesity as decided by body fat distribution is an important predictor of adverse health effects such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and coronary events. Waist hip ratio has been correlated with cardiovascular risk. Obesity is been known to cause restrictive respiratory impairment however; the effect of body fat distribution on the respiratory system is often underappreciated and limited evidence is available on spirometric pulmonary function in subjects with different body fat distribution. Hence here is a need to know weather pattern of obesity affects pulmonary function. Objectives: 1) To measure Waist Hip ratio (WHR) of subjects having BMI of more than 23 kg/m2 and based on this form two groups, one with apple and the other with pear shape fat distribution 2) To measure FVC and FEV1 in subjects of the above two groups.3) To compare FVC, FEV1 and %FEV1/FVC in above two groups. Methodology: In this comparative study a total of 182 subjects comprising of 91 subjects of Apple shaped and Pear shaped each were recruited in a period of 6 months. Study Settings: The study was conducted in the outpatient Physiotherapy department of a tertiary care hospital. The subjects in the study belonged to age group of 18-40 years. The mean age of the enrolled subjects was 29 years. Outcome measure: 1.FVC (L); 2. %FEV1 /FVC Results: The present study provides the evidence that FVC and %FEV1/FVC values are not statistically different in apple and pear shaped fat distribution individuals. Although both apple and pear shaped individuals showed %FEV1/FVC value more than 70% predicted, apple shaped individuals showed greater obstructive tendency i.e. reduced flow rates as compared to pear shaped individuals. Also more individuals of apple shaped showed restrictive pattern as compared to pear shaped. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in the pulmonary function test in the two groups but there is a possibility of subclinical reduction in pulmonary function more in apple shaped than in pear shaped individuals

Pear pomace water extract reduces adiposity in vivo and in vitro by activating the AMPK-dependent pathway

Objective: To explore the inhibitory effect of water extract from pear pomace on abdominal fat accumulation and its underlying mechanism in high fat diet-fed animals. Methods: Three groups of male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a 60% kcal fat diet for 8 weeks. Pear pomace water extract (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered once daily via oral gavage. To confirm the possibility of the water extract of pear pomace acting as an activator of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was induced in the presence of the water extract of pear pomace with or without compound C. Body weight, food efficacy ratio, insulin resistance, and adipogenic protein expression were measured. Moreover, in the 3T3-L1 cells, lipid content and lipogenesis-related proteins were measured using Oil Red O staining and Western blotting analysis. Results: Body weight gain and total abdominal fat weight were reduced in mice treated with pear pomace water extract. Pear pomace water extract reduced fasting blood glucose and insulin, thereby reducing the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. It also resulted in dose-dependent decreases in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. The protein expression of p-AMPK increased, while the expression of AMPK-downstream proteins including PPAR-γ, C/EBPa, SREBP-1c, ACC, and FAS decreased in the adipose tissue of mice treated with pear pomace water extract. Furthermore, the inhibition of AMPK by compound C blocked pear pomace water extract-induced reduction of lipid content and the expression of lipogenesis-related genes. Conclusions: Pear pomace water extract prevents fat accumulation both in vivo and in vitro by activating AMPK.

Pear pomace water extract reduces adiposity in vivo and in vitro by activating the AMPK-dependent pathway

Objective: To explore the inhibitory effect of water extract from pear pomace on abdominal fat accumulation and its underlying mechanism in high fat diet-fed animals. Methods: Three groups of male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a 60％ kcal fat diet for 8 weeks. Pear pomace water extract (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered once daily via oral gavage. To confirm the possibility of the water extract of pear pomace acting as an activator of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was induced in the presence of the water extract of pear pomace with or without compound C. Body weight, food efficacy ratio, insulin resistance, and adipogenic protein expression were measured. Moreover, in the 3T3-L1 cells, lipid content and lipogenesis-related proteins were measured using Oil Red O staining and Western blotting analysis. Results: Body weight gain and total abdominal fat weight were reduced in mice treated with pear pomace water extract. Pear pomace water extract reduced fasting blood glucose and insulin, thereby reducing the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. It also resulted in dose-dependent decreases in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. The protein expression of p-AMPK increased, while the expression of AMPK-downstream proteins including PPAR-γ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, ACC, and FAS decreased in the adipose tissue of mice treated with pear pomace water extract. Furthermore, the inhibition of AMPK by compound C blocked pear pomace water extract-induced reduction of lipid content and the expression of lipogenesis-related genes. Conclusions: Pear pomace water extract prevents fat accumulation both in vivo and in vitro by activating AMPK.

Genetic Diversity of the Pear Scab Fungus Venturia nashicola in Korea

Scab disease caused by Venturia nashicola is of agroeconomic importance in cultivation of Asian pear. However, little is known about the degree of genetic diversity in the populations of this pathogen. In this study, we collected 55 isolates from pear scab lesions in 13 major cultivation areas in Korea and examined the diversity using sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, β-tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor-1α (TEF-1α) genes as molecular markers. Despite a low level of overall sequence variation, we found three distinctive subgroups from phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, TUB2, and TEF-1α sequences. Among the three subgroups, subgroup 1 (60% of isolates collected) was predominant compared to subgroup 2 (23.6%) or subgroup 3 (16.4%) and was distributed throughout Korea. To understand the genetic diversity among the subgroups, RAPD analysis was performed. The isolates yielded highly diverse amplicon patterns and none of the defined subgroups within the dendrogram were supported by bootstrap values greater than 30%. Moreover, there is no significant correlation between the geographical distribution and the subgroups defined by molecular phylogeny. Our data suggest a low level of genetic diversification among the populations of V. nashicola in Korea.

Eugenia Klotzschiana O. Berg Fruits as New Sources of Nutrients: Determination of their Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Composition

Abstract: The Cerrado is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and Brazil's second largest biome. Many native species of the Brazilian Cerrado provide fruits that have unique sensory characteristics and high nutritional value. This study aimed at characterizing the pulp of Eugenia klotzschiana O. Berg, concerning its proximal composition, bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity. The pulp under study had high moisture (89.47 g kg-1) and caloric (96.07 kcal kg-1) values whereas its contents of protein (0.59 g kg-1) and lipids (2.35 g kg-1) were low. The cerrado pear pulp also had high iron content (16.5 mg kg -1) and dietary fiber (6.45 g kg-1), besides 0.034-0,055 mg kg-1 carotenoids, 8.66 mg kg-1 ascorbic acid and 0.66 mg kg-1 total chlorophyll. Total phenolic compounds (333.41-566.33 mg EAG kg-1) and flavonoids (225-50 mg EQ kg-1) were found by extraction methods named Method 1 (water) and Method 2 (acetone+methanol), respectively. Thus, the cerrado pear can be an alternative to improving nutrient intake and to providing sustainable use of the native flora in the Cerrado.

Temperature Effect on Traditional Pear (Pyrus communis L.) Landraces Seed Germination

Investigations included six traditional pear landraces (Pyrus communis L.): Aleksandra, Vodenka, Patlidjanka, Ljubichica, Tatlikuti and Crvenushka. The number of seeds per fruit, seed energy and total seed germination were investigated and statistically analysed (P = .05 and P = .01). Seed stratification encompassed pre-chilling by using three treatments: I treatment covers seed pre-chilling at -18°C for 24 hours; II treatment covers seed pre-chilling at +1°C for 2 weeks; III treatment covers seed pre-chilling at +8°C for 1 week. Only Patlidjanka belongs to the group with high seed number in the fruit. The other landraces produced low seed number like 2-3 seeds per fruit. The average number of all researched landraces is 3.67 seeds per fruit. The pear Tatlikuti showed a very high significant difference (P = .01). It was concluded that III treatment showed the highest seed energy at landraces Ljubichica 77.5% and Tatlikuti 75.0% and the lowest at Aleksandra 52.5%. There were significant differences (P = .05) between the applied treatments regarding seed energy. In II treatment, the total seed germination had the highest effect on Patlidjanka 87.75%. The values for germination seeds in the other landraces were in the range of 77.5% to 86.25%. Statistically, a significant difference was determined in the landraces Ljubichica and Crvenushka (P = .05), and there was high significant difference (P = .01) in the pear Aleksandra. The II and III treatments could be recommended as the most suitable to improve the pear seed germination.

Effect of irrigation at critical stages on the phenology of flowering and fruiting of the cactus Opuntia spp / Efeito da irrigação em estágios críticos sobre a fenologia de floração e frutificação do cacto Opuntia spp

Abstract This paper briefly reports some effects of irrigations at two critical periods on the phenology of three varieties of cactus pear cultivated in Agadir area: the spineless varieties 'Aissa' and 'Moussa' and the thorny one 'Achefri'. In the first year experiments (2010-2011) treatments of irrigation used were: (T1) 0 mm, (T2) 30 mm during flowering and 30 mm during fruit enlargement and (T3) 30 mm only during fruit enlargement. In the 2nd year experiments, irrigation treatments were: (T1) 0 mm, (T2) 60 mm during flowering and 60 mm during fruit enlargement and (T3) 60 mm only during fruit enlargement. Treatments of irrigation were applied between mid-April and mid-June in the 1st year experiments and in February and May in the 2nd year experiments. Results of the first year experiments showed that the emission of buds was higher in the thorny variety than in the spineless ones (more than 6 emitted buds/cladode vs less than 4.5 in the spineless varieties). In the second year, irrigation increased the emission of buds in the three varieties (more than 7 emitted buds/cladode for each T2 and T3 of all varieties vs not more than 5 for T1) and the duration of the flowering phase of these varieties. However, irrigation did not modify the proportions of fruits reaching commercial maturity during the early or the late period of maturation.

Resumo Este artigo relatou brevemente alguns efeitos das irrigações em dois períodos críticos na fenologia de três variedades de Opuntia cultivadas na área de Agadir: as variedades sem espinhos 'Aissa' e 'Moussa' e um espinhoso 'Achefri'. No primeiro ano (2010-2011) os seguintes tratamentos do experimento da irrigação foram usados: (T1) 0 milímetros, (T2) 30 milímetros durante a florescência e 30 milímetros durante a ampliação do fruto e (T3) 30 milímetros somente durante a ampliação do fruto. No segundo ano das experiências, os tratamentos da irrigação foram: (T1, 0 milímetros), (T2) 60 milímetros durante a florescência e 60 milímetros durante a ampliação do fruto e (T3) 60 milímetros somente durante a ampliação do fruto. Os tratamentos da irrigação foram aplicados entre a metade de abril e metade de junho nas experiências do primeira ano e em fevereiro e maio nas experiências do segundo ano. Os resultados das experiências do primeiro ano mostraram que a emissão de brotos foi maior na variedade espinhosa do que no rufia (mais de 6 emitida gomos/cladode vs inferior a 4,5 no rufia variedades). No segundo ano, a irrigação aumentou a emissão dos botões nas três variedades (mais de 7 botões emitidos/cladÓdio para cada T2 e T3 de todas as variedades não mais que 5 para o T1) e a duração da fase de florescência destas variedades. Contudo, a irrigação não alterou as proporções de frutos que alcançaram a maturidade comercial durante o período adiantado ou atrasado de maturação.

Characterization and expression of the ABC family (G group) in 'Dangshansuli' pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) and its russet mutant

Abstract The plant genes encoding ABCGs that have been identified to date play a role in suberin formation in response to abiotic and biotic stress. In the present study, 80 ABCG genes were identified in 'Dangshansuli' Chinese white pear and designated as PbABCGs. Based on the structural characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, the PbABCG family genes could be classified into seven main groups: classes A-G. Segmental and dispersed duplications were the primary forces underlying the PbABCG gene family expansion in 'Dangshansuli' pear. Most of the PbABCG duplicated gene pairs date to the recent whole-genome duplication that occurred 30~45 million years ago. Purifying selection has also played a critical role in the evolution of the ABCG genes. Ten PbABCG genes screened in the transcriptome of 'Dangshansuli' pear and its russet mutant 'Xiusu' were validated, and the expression levels of the PbABCG genes exhibited significant differences at different stages. The results presented here will undoubtedly be useful for better understanding of the complexity of the PbABCG gene family and will facilitate the functional characterization of suberin formation in the russet mutant.

Therapeutic oligonucleotides: a review / 生物工程学报

Oligonucleotides are widely used as effective tools to regulate gene expression and drugs for targeted gene therapy. Therefore, they are potentially useful for the treatment of viral, tumor and hereditary diseases. Therapeutic oligonucleotides include antisense oligonucleotide, small interference RNA (siRNA), Ribozyme, DNAzyme, anti-gene, CpG, decoy and aptamer. Therapeutic oligonucleotides usually carry certain modifications, such as phosphorothioates, fluoro or locked nucleic acids, to enhance the stability and specificity, and reduce the side-effects, because natural oligonucleotides have poor stability in vivo, low specificity and side effects. Now oligonucleotides are usually manufactured by chemical synthesis, with low purity and high cost. Here, we review a novel thermocyclic reaction for the amplification of oligonucleotides, referred to as Polymerase-endonuclease Amplification Reaction (PEAR) catalyzed by two thermostable enzymes. PEAR is simple, efficient, and stable. Comparing with traditional chemical synthesis, PEAR-based enzymatic production of oligonucleotides could be a robust alternative method for the large-scale production of therapeutic or non-therapeutic oligonucleotides.

The use of the nonlinear models in the growth of pears of 'Shinseiki' cultivar / O uso de modelos não lineares na descrição do crescimento de frutos de pereira cultivar 'Shinseiki'

ABSTRACT: The goal of this study was to elucidate the growth and development of the Asian pear fruit, on the grounds of length, diameter and fresh weight determined over time, using the non-linear Gompertz and Logistic models. The specifications of the models were assessed utilizing the R statistical software, via the least squares method and iterative Gauss-Newton process (DRAPER & SMITH, 2014). The residual standard deviation, adjusted coefficient of determination and the Akaike information criterion were used to compare the models. The residual correlations, observed in the data for length and diameter, were modeled using the second-order regression process to render the residuals independent. The logistic model was highly suitable in demonstrating the data, revealing the Asian pear fruit growth to be sigmoid in shape, showing remarkable development for three variables. It showed an average of up to 125 days for length and diameter and 140 days for fresh fruit weight, with values of 72mm length, 80mm diameter and 224g heavy fat.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve por objetivo descrever o crescimento e desenvolvimento de frutos de pereira asiática, com base no comprimento, diâmetro e peso fresco obtidos ao longo do tempo, pelos modelos não lineares Gompertz e Logístico. Os parâmetros dos modelos foram estimados utilizando rotinas no software R, pelo método de mínimos quadrados e processo iterativo de Gauss-Newton (DRAPER & SMITH, 2014). Os modelos foram comparados utilizando o desvio padrão residual, coeficiente de determinação ajustado e o critério de informação de Akaike. A correlação residual presente nos dados de comprimento e diâmetro foi modelada por processo auto-regressivo de segunda ordem, tornando os resíduos independentes. O modelo Logístico mostrou-se mais adequado para descrever os dados, comprovando o caráter sigmoidal do crescimento da pera asiática com desenvolvimento acentuado das três variáveis, com até 125 dias para o comprimento e diâmetro e 140 dias para o peso fresco dos frutos, estabilizando-se, em média, com 72mm de comprimento, 80mm de diâmetro e 224g de peso fresco.

Seasonal variability of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in prickly pear cladodes of Opuntia and Nopalea genres

Abstract The prickly pear is a cactaceae that have chemical compounds that act as natural antioxidants. In addition, the prickly pear is a plant widely used in semiarid region as it's considered very important forage for animal feed, especially in the dry season. The objectives of this research were to characterize the main classes of phytochemicals, determine the phenols content, flavonoids and anthocyanins and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the prickly pear cultivars Opuntia and Nopalea grown in the semiarid region of Pernambuco in two collection periods (dry and rainy). In the work crude ethanol extracts from cladodes of cultivars (IPA-20, Elephant Ear Mexican, F-08, V-19, Small palm, F-21 and IPA-Sertânia) were used. As for the class of phytochemical compounds from ethanol extract only the flavonoids and steroids were detected in all prickly pear cultivars, in both periods analyzed. The content of phenolic compounds ranges from 1.24 to 5.41 mg GAE g-1 DM, flavonoids 0.90 to 3.43 mg QE g-1 DM, anthocyanins from 0.05 to 0.34 µg QE 100 g-1 DM and antioxidant activity 39.59 to 217.17 µM TEAC g-1 DM. The occurrence of chemical variability and antioxidant activity were observed, both among the botanical cultivars studied and among the collection periods.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oils from leaves and flowers of Eugenia klotzschiana Berg (Myrtaceae)

ABSTRACT Many essential oils (EOs) of different plant species possess interesting antimicrobial effects on buccal bacteria and antioxidant properties. Eugenia klotzschiana Berg (pêra-do-cerrado, in Portuguese) is a species of Myrtaceae with restricted distribution in the Cerrado. The essential oils were extracted through the hydrodistillation technique using a modified Clevenger apparatus (2 hours) and chemically characterized by GC-MS. The major compounds were α-copaene (10.6 %) found in oil from leaves in natura, β-bisabolene (17.4 %) in the essential oil from dry leaves and α-(E)-bergamotene (29.9 %) in oil from flowers. The antioxidant activity of essential oils showed similarities in both methods under analysis (DPPH and ABTS˙+) and the results suggested moderate to high antioxidant activity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), using the microdilution method. MIC values below 400 µg/mL were obtained against Streptococcus salivarius (200 µg/mL), S. mutans (50 µg/mL), S. mitis (200 µg/mL) and Prevotella nigrescens (50 µg/mL). This is the first report of the chemical composition and antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the essential oils of E. klotzschiana. These results suggest that E. klotzschiana, a Brazilian plant, provide initial evidence of a new and alternative source of substances with medicinal interest.

Effect of irrigation at critical stages on the phenology of flowering and fruiting of the cactus Opuntia spp

Abstract This paper briefly reports some effects of irrigations at two critical periods on the phenology of three varieties of cactus pear cultivated in Agadir area: the spineless varieties Aissa and Moussa and the thorny one Achefri. In the first year experiments (2010-2011) treatments of irrigation used were: (T1) 0 mm, (T2) 30 mm during flowering and 30 mm during fruit enlargement and (T3) 30 mm only during fruit enlargement. In the 2nd year experiments, irrigation treatments were: (T1) 0 mm, (T2) 60 mm during flowering and 60 mm during fruit enlargement and (T3) 60 mm only during fruit enlargement. Treatments of irrigation were applied between mid-April and mid-June in the 1st year experiments and in February and May in the 2nd year experiments. Results of the first year experiments showed that the emission of buds was higher in the thorny variety than in the spineless ones (more than 6 emitted buds/cladode vs less than 4.5 in the spineless varieties). In the second year, irrigation increased the emission of buds in the three varieties (more than 7 emitted buds/cladode for each T2 and T3 of all varieties vs not more than 5 for T1) and the duration of the flowering phase of these varieties. However, irrigation did not modify the proportions of fruits reaching commercial maturity during the early or the late period of maturation.

Resumo Este artigo relatou brevemente alguns efeitos das irrigações em dois períodos críticos na fenologia de três variedades de Opuntia cultivadas na área de Agadir: as variedades sem espinhos 'Aissa' e 'Moussa' e um espinhoso 'Achefri'. No primeiro ano (2010-2011) os seguintes tratamentos do experimento da irrigação foram usados: (T1) 0 milímetros, (T2) 30 milímetros durante a florescência e 30 milímetros durante a ampliação do fruto e (T3) 30 milímetros somente durante a ampliação do fruto. No segundo ano das experiências, os tratamentos da irrigação foram: (T1, 0 milímetros), (T2) 60 milímetros durante a florescência e 60 milímetros durante a ampliação do fruto e (T3) 60 milímetros somente durante a ampliação do fruto. Os tratamentos da irrigação foram aplicados entre a metade de abril e metade de junho nas experiências do primeira ano e em fevereiro e maio nas experiências do segundo ano. Os resultados das experiências do primeiro ano mostraram que a emissão de brotos foi maior na variedade espinhosa do que no rufia (mais de 6 emitida gomos/cladode vs inferior a 4,5 no rufia variedades). No segundo ano, a irrigação aumentou a emissão dos botões nas três variedades (mais de 7 botões emitidos/cladÓdio para cada T2 e T3 de todas as variedades não mais que 5 para o T1) e a duração da fase de florescência destas variedades. Contudo, a irrigação não alterou as proporções de frutos que alcançaram a maturidade comercial durante o período adiantado ou atrasado de maturação.

Biology, Flowering and Fruiting of the Cactus Opuntia spp.: A Review and Some Observations on Three Varieties in Morocco

ABSTRACT The cactus is a succulent plant resistant to droughts. According to the recently reviewed classification, cacti belong to the family of Opuntiaceae Desv. (synon. Cactaceae Juss.) with Opuntia Mill. as the typical genus. This genus is economically the most important in the family, as it includes a group of cactus pear plants which play an important role in the agricultural systems of arid and semi-arid regions. Flowering of the cactus pear fruit is an important determinant of the fruit harvesting period. The goal of this paper is to present the physiology of the cactus pear and to explain in detail the biology of its flowering and fruiting processes. This study is also enriched by our observations on the flowering and fruiting of three varieties of cactus pear that we followed for two successive years in southern Morocco.

Effect of hydroalcoholic fruit extract of Persea americana Mill. on high fat diet induced obesity: A dose response study in rats.

The fruits of Persea Americana Mill., commonly known as Avocado, are traditionally consumed for various health benefits including weight reduction. Here, we studied the effect of hydroalcoholic fruit extract of Persea americana (HAEPA) on high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in rats. Obesity was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by feeding HFD for 14 wk. The hypolipidemic effect was evaluated by co-administering 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body wt. of HAEPA. There was a significant increase in weight gain, body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, low density lipoproteins (LDL), lipid peroxides (LPO) and serum transaminases in HFD fed rats. HFD+HAEPA fed rats showed a significant decrease in blood lipids, LPO, liver lipids and increase in antioxidant status when compared to HFD control rats. The activity of lipid metabolic key enzymes such as fatty acid synthase and HMG CoA reductase in liver were also found to be decreased significantly in HAEPA co-administered rats. Lipoprotein lipase activity was found increased in HFD+HAEPA rats. Among the 4 doses studied, 100 mg of HAEPA/kg body wt. exhibited optimum hypolipidemic activity. Histopathological observations in liver and visceral adipose tissue added more evidence for the lipid lowering effect of HAEPA. It can be concluded that avocado fruit extract can act as hypolipidemic agent probably by modulating the activities of HMG CoA reductase and fatty acid synthase in liver.

Capacidad antioxidante del fruto de la opuntia apurimacensis (ayrampo) y de la opuntia ficus-indica (tuna) / Antioxidant properties of the fruits opuntia apurimacensis (ayrampo)and opuntia ficus-indica (cactus pear)

Introducción. En la tuna existen compuestos antioxidantes, pero, se desconoce si hay en el ayrampo. Objetivo. Determinar la capacidadantioxidante de Opuntia apurimacensis (ayrampo) y de Opuntia ficus-indica (tuna). Diseño. Estudio analítico observacional. Lugar.Laboratorio de Bioquímica Clínica y Nutricional, Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, UniversidadNacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Material biológico. Fruta fresca (ff) de Opuntia apurimacensis (ayrampo) y Opuntia ficusindica(tuna). Intervenciones. En los extractos acuosos se realizaron determinaciones de vitamina C, polifenoles totales y capacidadantioxidante (FRAP). Los resultados se analizaron mediante la prueba de Mann-Whitney, con 95% de confianza. Principales medidasde resultados. Concentración de vitamina C y polifenoles totales; capacidad antioxidante. Resultados. El ayrampo presentó mayorconcentración de vitamina C (49,9 y 36,1 mg de ácido ascórbico/100 g ff), mayor concentración de polifenoles totales (107,3 y68,7 mg de equivalente ácido gálico/100 g ff) y mayor capacidad antioxidante (1,1 y 0,7 mmoles de Fe- II/100 g ff) que la tuna. Elayrampo mostró mayor correlación entre la capacidad antioxidante y la vitamina C (0,91 y 0,56), mientras que, la tuna tuvo mayorcorrelación entre la capacidad antioxidante y los polifenoles totales (0,98 y 0,82). Conclusiones. El ayrampo presentó mayor capacidadantioxidante que la tuna.

Introduction. The cactus pear contains antioxidant compounds, but it is unknown if these exist in the ayrampo. Objective. To determinethe antioxidant capacity of Opuntia apurimacensis (ayrampo) and Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus pear). Design. Analytical observationalstudy. Location. Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, Research Center of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine,Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Biological material. Fresh fruit (ff) of both Opuntia apurimacensis (ayrampo)and Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus pear). Interventions. Determination of vitamin C, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) wereperformed in both fruits aqueous extracts. Results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test with 95% confidence. Main outcome measures. Concentration of vitamin C and polyphenols; antioxidant capacity (FRAP). Results. Compared to the cactus pear, ayrampopresented the highest concentration of vitamin C (49.9 and 36.1 mg ascorbic acid/100 g ff), highest concentration of total polyphenols(107.3 and 68.7 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g ff) and highest antioxidant capacity (1.1 and 0.7 mmol of Fe-II/100 g ff). Ayramposhowed the highest correlation between antioxidant capacity and vitamin C (0.91 and 0.56), and the prickly pear the higher correlationbetween antioxidant capacity and total polyphenols (0.98 and 0.82). Conclusions. Ayrampo showed higher antioxidant capacitycompared to cactus pear.

Effect of ultrasound on survival and growth of Escherichia coli in cactus pear juice during storage

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound as a conservation method for the inactivation of Escherichia coli inoculated into cactus pear juices (green and purple). Total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, and the kinetics of E. coli in cactus pear juices treated by ultrasound (60%, 70%, 80% and 90% amplitude levels for 1, 3 and 5 min) were evaluated over 5 days. Total inactivation was observed in both fruit juices after 5 min of ultrasound treatment at most amplitude levels (with the exception of 60% and 80%). After one and two days of storage, the recovery of bacteria counts was observed in all cactus pear juices. Ultrasound treatment at 90% amplitude for 5 min resulted in non-detectable levels of E. coli in cactus pear juice for 2 days. The parameters of pH, titratable acidity and soluble solids were unaffected.

Analgesic and Anti‑inflammatory action of Opuntia elatior Mill fruits.

Background: Opuntia elatio Mill is a xerophytic plant with potentially active nutrients. It is traditionally appreciated for its pharmacological properties; however, the scientific information on this plant is insufficient. Objective: The present study evaluates the antinociceptive and anti‑inflammatory action of prickly pear. Materials and Methods: Writhing and tail‑immersion tests were carried out to evaluate analgesic action, while the carrageenan‑induced paw edema and neutrophil adhesion tests were conducted in Albino wistar rats to assess anti‑inflammatory action. Results: ED50 values of the fruit juice in writhing, tail immersion, and paw edema test were 0.919, 2.77, and 9.282 ml/kg, respectively. The fruits of Opuntia produced analgesic and anti‑inflammatory action in a dose‑dependent manner. Conclusion: The results establish the folklore use of prickly pear may be due to the presence of betacyanin and/or other phenolic compounds.

Evaluation of protective effect of cactus pear seed oil (Opuntia ficus-indica L. MILL.) against alloxan-induced diabetes in mice

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antioxidant power of cactus pear seed oil [. Opuntia ficus-indica L. MILL. (CPSO)] and its protective effect against chemically induced diabetes mellitus in mice. Methods: The in vitro antioxidant effect of CPSO was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. The preventive effect was conducted on Swiss albino mice treated with CPSO (2 mL/kg, per os), before and after a single intraperitoneal alloxan administration (100 mg/kg). Survival rate, body weight and fasting blood glucose were measured and histopathological analysis of pancreas was performed to evaluate alloxan-induced tissue injuries. Results: CPSO exhibited an antioxidant effect in DPPH scavenging assay. Moreover, the administration of CPSO (2 mL/kg) significantly attenuated alloxan-induced death and hyperglycemia (P < 0.001) in treated mice. Morphometric study of pancreas revealed that CPSO significantly protected islets of langerhans against alloxan induced-tissue alterations. Conclusions: Based on theses results, CPSO can prevente alloxan-induced-diabetes by quenching free radicals produced by alloxan and inhibiting tissue injuries in pancreatic β-cells.