ALBERT

Beschreibung:    We studied the effects of climatic factors on tree-ring width and vessel lumen area (VLA) in earlywood of English oak ( Quercus robur L.) in Latvia. Cores were obtained from healthy canopy oaks in 40 stands located across Latvia. Tree-ring widths and VLA were measured. Principal component analysis was used to arrange the sites along gradients of response of tree-ring width and earlywood to environmental factors. Significant relationships of tree-ring width and mean VLA with climatic factors (mean monthly temperature and precipitation sum) were determined by correlation analysis. Relationships between tree-ring, early- and latewood widths were tested in three sampled stands. The patterns of response of VLA and tree-ring width to environmental factors differed in relation to a west–east gradient of increasing continentality. Three regions of Latvia (western, central and eastern) were distinguished along this gradient. Responses to climate differed between tree-ring width and mean VLA. Occurrence of significant correlations between climatic factors and the proxies differed between regions, likely due to regional differences in temperature and precipitation. Tree-ring width correlated with climatic factors (most commonly with March, May and June temperature and August precipitation of the current growing season and July–August temperatures of the previous growing season); VLA was more strongly related to climatic factors, particularly with temperature in winter and spring months. The proportion of significant correlation coefficients with climatic factors differed between the regions. Among sites, significant correlation of tree-ring width with temperature in spring and summer was more frequent in the western region, while correlation with winter temperature of the previous growing season and precipitation in August was more frequent in the eastern region. For VLA, the frequency of significant correlation coefficients with temperature in winter and spring was higher in the eastern region. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0701-z Authors Roberts Matisons, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Kronvalda bulv.4, Riga, LV-1010 Latvia Guntis Brūmelis, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Kronvalda bulv.4, Riga, LV-1010 Latvia Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    Stem CO 2 efflux ( E S ) is an important component of forest ecosystem carbon budgets and net ecosystem CO 2 exchange, but little is known about E S in temperate forests in Northeastern China, an area with a large extent of forest. We measured E S along with stem temperature at 1 cm depth ( T s) over a 9 month period in 2007 on ten dominant tree species of secondary forests of the region. Other measurements included the autotrophic component of soil CO 2 efflux ( E A ) and stem diameter at breast height (DBH). Our objectives were to (1) examine the seasonal patterns and species differences in E S , and (2) determine the correlations between E S and T s, DBH and E A . Mean E S for the measurement period ranged from 1.09 to 1.74 μmol CO 2  m −2  s −1 among the ten species. The sensitivity of E S to T s ( Q 10 ) ranged from 1.87 to 2.61. Across the ten species 57–89% of variation in E S was explained by T S and DBH. There was also a linear relationship between mean E S and E A . E S was better predicted by T s in the dormant season than the growing season, indicating that additional factors such as growth respiration and internal transport of CO 2 in the xylem became more important contributors to E S during the growing season. Stem CO 2 efflux increased, and Q 10 decreased, with increasing DBH in all species. Although temperature exerts strong control on the rate of cellular respiration, we conclude that in tree stems in situ, T S , DBH and many other factors affect the relationship between CO 2 evolution by respiring cells and the diffusion of CO 2 to the stem surface. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0698-3 Authors J. Y. Yang, Center for Ecological Research, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040 China R. O. Teskey, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602 USA C. K. Wang, Center for Ecological Research, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040 China Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Context    Soluble organic nitrogen is considered to reflect the effect of forest types on soil nitrogen status. As a major process affecting the soil-soluble organic nitrogen pool, degradation of insoluble organic nitrogen in the production of soluble organic nitrogen is mediated by a suite of soil enzymes. Aims    This study aims to examine soil-soluble organic nitrogen pools and their relationships with the activities of soil enzymes in natural secondary forest stands and adjacent larch plantation stands. Methods    Four pairs of larch plantation stands and secondary forest stands were randomly selected from a mountainous area, and the top 15 cm of the mineral soils were sampled from each field. Results    The soil-soluble organic nitrogen concentrations were up to 2-fold greater in the secondary forest stands than in the larch plantation stands, whereas the ratio of soluble organic nitrogen/total nitrogen was comparable between the two forest types. The concentrations of soluble organic nitrogen were positively correlated with approximately 2-fold differences in urease and protease activities, a 1.2-fold difference in N -acetyl-β-glucosaminidase and a 1.7-fold difference in l -asparaginase between the two forest types. Conclusions    Our results suggest that relationships between soil-soluble organic nitrogen and enzyme activities are independent on sampling time, and that the soil enzyme activities can be used as potential indicators of soil soluble organic nitrogen pools in the temperate forest ecosystem. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0198-z Authors Kai Yang, Qingyuan Experimental Station of Forest Ecology, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 People’s Republic of China Jiaojun Zhu, Qingyuan Experimental Station of Forest Ecology, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 People’s Republic of China Qiaoling Yan, Qingyuan Experimental Station of Forest Ecology, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 People’s Republic of China Jinxin Zhang, Qingyuan Experimental Station of Forest Ecology, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 People’s Republic of China Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Context   The scaling-up approach (which requires the use of individual tree biomass equations and data) is one of the most commonly used methods for estimating stand biomass at a local scale. However, biomass prediction over large management areas requires more efficient methods. Aims   Two methods of estimating aboveground stand biomass were developed and compared: stand biomass equations (SBE) including observed stand variables, and SBE including biomass expansion factors (BEF) and stand volume. Methods   Two types of systems of additive equations were fitted simultaneously for components and total aboveground stand biomass, to ensure additivity. Inherent correlations among biomass components were also taken into account in the fitting process. Results   The systems explained a high percentage of the observed variability. The SBE systems that included observed stand variables provided more accurate estimates than those that included BEF and stand volume. However, the latter were found to be more precise for stem wood and total aboveground biomass prediction. Conclusions   Both approaches provide a direct link between forest inventory data, outputs from whole-stand growth models, and biomass estimates at stand level. Taking into account that the inventory effort is similar for both alternatives, the choice of which to use will depend on the data available and on the relative importance of the biomass components for the end-users. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0191-6 Authors Fernando Castedo-Dorado, Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de León. Escuela Superior y Técnica de Ingeniería Agraria, Avda. de Astorga s/n, 24400 Ponferrada, León, Spain Esteban Gómez-García, Departamento de Ingeniería Agroforestal, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. Escuela Politécnica Superior, R/ Benigno Ledo, Campus Universitario, 27002 Lugo, Spain Ulises Diéguez-Aranda, Departamento de Ingeniería Agroforestal, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. Escuela Politécnica Superior, R/ Benigno Ledo, Campus Universitario, 27002 Lugo, Spain Marcos Barrio-Anta, Departamento de Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Universidad de Oviedo. Escuela Politécnica de Mieres, C/Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós, 33600 Mieres, Asturias, Spain Felipe Crecente-Campo, Departamento de Ingeniería Agroforestal, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. Escuela Politécnica Superior, R/ Benigno Ledo, Campus Universitario, 27002 Lugo, Spain Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: • Context    There is little information about inter- and intra-specific variation in fuelwood properties of trees/shrubs in West Africa. • Aims    We studied variation in fuelwood properties of Balanites aegyptiaca , Combretum glutinosum , Guiera senegalensis , Piliostigma reticulatum , and Zizyphus mauritiana in the Sahelian and Sudanian ecozones of Mali. • Methods    Trees were sampled on different soil (sandy, sandy/loam, or rocky), land use (parkland agroforest or woodland), and terrain (flat, temporarily flooded, or hill slope) types in five regions extending from the drier eastern to the more humid western parts of Mali. Basic density, volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content, moisture content, gross calorific value, and fuel value index were measured for each tree and adjusted for tree age. • Results    All fuelwood properties differed significantly among species, but there were significant species by region interactions. Most fuelwood properties of four species differed significantly among regions. Soil and/or land use type had significant effects on a few fuelwood properties of four species. • Conclusion    In general, fuelwood production is recommended in all regions for G. senegalensis , in drier regions for B. aegyptiaca and C. glutinosum , in more humid regions for Z. mauritiana , and on rocky soils for all species. Fuelwood production of P. reticulatum is not recommended. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0195-2 Authors Carmen Sotelo Montes, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Sahel Office, B. P. E 5118 Bamako, Mali John C. Weber, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Sahel Office, B. P. E 5118 Bamako, Mali Dimas A. Silva, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Lothário Meissner, 900, CEP: 80270-170 Curitiba, Brazil Clarice Andrade, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Lothário Meissner, 900, CEP: 80270-170 Curitiba, Brazil Graciela I. B. Muñiz, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Lothário Meissner, 900, CEP: 80270-170 Curitiba, Brazil Rosilei A. Garcia, Instituto de Florestas, Departamento de Produtos Florestais, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR 465, km 07, 23890-000, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Antoine Kalinganire, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Sahel Office, B. P. E 5118 Bamako, Mali Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung:    We analyzed the leaf phenology of European beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) and its variation due to spatial and temporal climatic variability, using a modified data set of the phenological network in Slovenia. We used first leaf unfolding (LU) and general leaf colouring (LC) time series of 47 sites (altitudes from 55 to 1,050 m a.s.l.) and corresponding climate series (52 of precipitation and 38 of temperature) for the period 1955–2007, collected by the Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia. Across the network in average, LU occurred from 14 April until 13 May, and LC from 3 October until 29 October. LU was delayed by 2.6 days and LC was promoted by 1.9 days when the altitude increased by 100 m. Year-to-year variation of LU was significantly correlated with March and April temperatures. March temperatures had a greater effect at lower elevations and April ones at higher elevations. LC was related to August and September temperatures, and occurred later if the temperatures were higher. Recently, March and April temperatures showed an increasing trend and LU occurred 1.52 days earlier per decade at 1,000 m a.s.l. but no significant shifts were observed at lower altitudes. August temperatures were also increasing but the trends of LC were not significant and were not clearly related to altitude. Our detailed sub-regional data from a relatively small area with high geographic variability showed that changes in climate affect phenological response, mainly leaf unfolding, to a greater degree at higher altitudes than at lower ones. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0686-7 Authors Katarina Čufar, Department of Wood Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Rožna Dolina, Cesta VIII/34, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Martin De Luis, Department of Geography, University of Zaragoza, y O.T. C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain Miguel Angel Saz, Department of Geography, University of Zaragoza, y O.T. C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain Zalika Črepinšek, Agronomy Department, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Lučka Kajfež-Bogataj, Agronomy Department, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    Tsuga canadensis is often considered a foundation species because of its influence on the biological and ecological processes of upland forest systems. With hemlock woolly adelgid ( Adelges tsugae ; HWA)-induced mortality of T. canadensis in southern Appalachian upland forests, there is a crucial need to understand the regeneration dynamics of this tree species. This research was conducted within mature T. canadensis forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) prior to widespread HWA infestation. Tsuga canadensis regeneration abundance is lower than has been reported in more northern locales, but varies widely among sites in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Ordination results suggest landscape-scale patterns of regeneration abundance that are influenced by gradients in understory Rhododendron maximum cover, soil sand and nutrient content. Regression models reinforce the observed gradients in regeneration abundance. Sites with abundant T. canadensis regeneration have less R. maximum cover, soil sand and litter depth, but more soil nutrient availability. Tsuga canadensis seedlings and saplings tend to be spatially aggregated at the 14 × 21 m plot scale. Sites with spatially aggregated seedlings and saplings have greater canopy openness and more species with gap affinity. This research elucidates associations between successful T. canadensis regeneration and site factors such as soil nutrient availability and canopy dynamics. More forest surveys are required to understand the conditions necessary for successful T. canadensis regeneration. Land managers involved in forest restoration efforts may have to utilize appropriate silvicultural techniques conjoined with R. maximum removal operations to regenerate T. canadensis in southern Appalachian upland forests. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0681-z Authors Joshua A. Kincaid, Environmental Studies Department, Shenandoah University, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601, USA Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    To contribute to a deeper understanding of interspecific relations between wood and tree size variables, 23 angiosperm tree species in two East African rain forests were investigated. The tree size variables were maximum tree height, maximum diameter, and maximum crown area. Wood was analyzed in regard of the physical variables specific gravity, water and gas fraction as well as the chemical variables carbon content and nitrogen content. All three tree size variables showed a significantly positive relation to each other. The wood physical variables showed negative correlations between the gas fraction and both specific gravity and the water fraction. Also positive relations were found between the water fraction and nitrogen content and between wood specific gravity and carbon content. Between tree size and wood physical variables, the gas fraction showed positive relations to both maximum tree height and diameter, while wood specific gravity was negatively related to maximum tree height and diameter. No significant correlations were found between the wood physical variables and the maximum crown area. Relationships among tree size variables can be explained by static constraints, while relations between the wood physical variables can be explained by a trade-off underlying structure and survival to support the species specific life strategy and tree architecture. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0687-6 Authors Gabriel Sebastian Becker, Institute of Botany, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany Désirée Braun, Institute of Botany, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany Robert Gliniars, Institute of Botany, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany Helmut Dalitz, Institute of Botany, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    Afforestation and reforestation activities enjoy a prominent place on the policy agenda as potential tools to sequester carbon and for biomass production to mitigate climate change and restoring marginal lands. Two provenances (1 from Turkey and 1 from Lebanon) of the species Cedrus libani A. Rich. and two provenances (1 from Morocco and 1 from France) of the species Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Carrier were studied to evaluate to what degree these trees were suitable for afforestation in arid regions of Italy. We measured, seasonal stomatal conductance ( g s ), foliar morphology, foliar carbon isotopic composition (δ 13 C), growth, and assessed bud phenology in a split plot trials. Bud phenology showed that the Turkish and Lebanon provenances of C. libani gave rise to earlier buds (earlier bud provenances) than the Moroccan and French provenances of C. atlantica (later bud provenances) with a mean difference of 23.2 days. Both provenances showed similar bud phenology and seasonal stomatal conductance ( g s ) especially in April–May (earlier bud provenances) and June (later bud provenances). The foliar δ 13 C was negatively correlated with g s in both the earlier bud provenances (i.e., an increase in g s was accompanied by decreasing foliar δ 13 C values) and the later bud provenances. The stomatal conductance values measured over a growth season showed significant correlations with daily means of both temperature and relative humidity. Hence g s in the earlier bud provenances was correlated with daily temperature in spring, whereas correlations with relative humidity were found in later bud provenances in both late spring and summer. We concluded that the earlier bud provenances ( C. libani ) are not suitable in areas affected by both summer drought and late spring frosts, whereas the later bud provenances ( C. atlantica ) are more suitable to be used in future afforestation plans due to their greater tolerance to summer drought. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0692-9 Authors Giovanni di Matteo, CRA-PLF, Agricultural Research Council, Research Unit for Wood Production Outside Forests, Via Valle della Quistione 27, 00166 Rome, Italy Marco Riccardi, CRA-PLF, Agricultural Research Council, Research Unit for Wood Production Outside Forests, Via Valle della Quistione 27, 00166 Rome, Italy Francesco Righi, CRA-PLF, Agricultural Research Council, Research Unit for Wood Production Outside Forests, Via Valle della Quistione 27, 00166 Rome, Italy Ernesto Fusaro, CRA-PLF, Agricultural Research Council, Research Unit for Wood Production Outside Forests, Via Valle della Quistione 27, 00166 Rome, Italy Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Context    Fir species are mainly distributed across the high latitudes, preferring cold climates. The phylogeographic origins of those subtropical fir species that occur in low latitudes in southern China remain elusive, as does the nature of any inter-lineage hybridization. Aims    In fir species, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is maternally inherited and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) is paternally inherited, and the genetic variations in the two make them particularly useful for examining species’ hybridizations and evolutionary histories. Materials and methods    We sequenced four DNA fragments: two of mtDNA and two of cpDNA for 161 individuals from four subtropical endangered fir species ( Abies beshanzuensis , Abies ziyuanensis , Abies yuanbaoshanensis , and Abies fanjingshanensis ) and two more northerly distributed ones ( Abies recurvata and Abies fargesii ) from central and southwest China. Results    Three mitotypes and four chlorotypes were recovered from the four southern species. In most populations, individuals share a single fixed mitotype and chlorotype. Three mitotypes clustered into two distinct clades, each associated with one of the northern species examined. For four chlorotypes, one occurred in A. ziyuanensis , A. beshanzuensis , A. fargesii , and A. recurvata , another in A. ziyuanensis and A. recurvata , the remaining two differed from others by two mutations exclusively in A. fanjingshanenis and A. yuanbaoshanensis. Conclusion    Phylogeographic origins of the subtropical fir species are complex, and genetic admixtures occurred during the evolutionary history of A. ziyuanensis . The genotyped populations further provide basic frames for genetic delimitation and effective conservation of these endangered species in the future. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0170-3 Authors Yanling Peng, Molecular Ecology Group, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming System, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Shuming Yin, Molecular Ecology Group, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming System, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Jing Wang, Molecular Ecology Group, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming System, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Bin Tian, Molecular Ecology Group, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming System, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Guangpeng Ren, Molecular Ecology Group, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming System, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Qiuhong Guo, Molecular Ecology Group, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming System, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Jianquan Liu, Molecular Ecology Group, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming System, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Context and aim    This study aimed to examine the effect of the tension wood G‐layer on the viscoelastic properties of wood. Methods    Tension wood and opposite wood samples were obtained from six French Guianese tropical rainforest species ( Sextonia rubra , Ocotea guyanensis , Inga alba , Tachigali melinoni , Iyranthera sagotiana and Virola michelii ); the tension wood of the former three of these species had a G‐layer, whilst the tension wood from the latter three had no G‐layer. Tensile dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed on green never dried wood samples in the longitudinal direction with samples submerged in a water bath at a temperature (30°C) and frequency (1 Hz) representative of the conditions experienced by wood within a living tree. Then, DMA was repeated with samples conditioned to an air-dried state. Finally, samples were oven-dried to measure longitudinal shrinkage. Results    Tension wood did not always have a higher longitudinal storage (elastic) modulus than opposite wood from the same tree regardless of the presence or absence of a G‐layer. For the species containing a G‐layer, tension wood had a higher damping coefficient and experienced a greater longitudinal shrinkage upon drying than opposite wood from the same species. No difference was found in damping coefficients between tension wood and opposite wood for the species that had no G‐layer. Conclusion    It is proposed that the different molecular composition of the G-layer matrix has an influence on the viscoelasticity of wood, even if a biomechanical gain is not yet clear. This study shows that rheological properties and longitudinal shrinkage can be used to detect the presence of a G‐layer in tension wood. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0164-1 Authors J. Paul McLean, Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil (LMGC), Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, Montpellier, France Olivier Arnould, Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil (LMGC), Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, Montpellier, France Jacques Beauchêne, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (ECOFOG), CIRAD, Kourou, French Guiana Bruno Clair, Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil (LMGC), Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, Montpellier, France Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Context   The past management of Pinus brutia forests in Lebanon has led to diverse stand structures that cannot be easily classified as even-aged (EA) or uneven-aged (UA). Most stands are between these stand types, and they may be called as “semi-even-aged”. This is a very common characteristic throughout the Mediterranean conifer forests and makes the choice between the EA and UA approaches problematic, in both management and modelling. However, previous research has devoted little attention to the performance of growth and yield models when applied to transitional stand structures. Aims   The aim of this study was to find the best modelling approach and to recommend equations for simulating the dynamics of the semi-even-aged P. brutia stands of Lebanon on an individual-tree basis. Methods   Fifty sample plots were measured in Lebanon. Individual-tree growth models were fitted to the whole dataset using either UA or EA modelling approach. Models were also fitted using two sub-samples containing the most EA and the most UA plots. The performance and accuracy of the two modelling approaches were evaluated in all three datasets. Results   The article provides the first complete growth model for uneven-aged P. brutia stands. The EA sub-models presented better statistical fitting. However, the UA sub-models enabled more accurate predictions of wood production and were almost as good as the EA sub-models when predicting stand dynamics of the EA plots. The EA approach provided poor predictions, and the errors were high when it was applied to UA stands. Conclusions   In structurally complex stands, the UA modelling approach is to be preferred since it predicts the whole stand dynamics more accurately and enables simulations of a broader range of silvicultural treatments. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0171-2 Authors Sergio de-Miguel, Faculty of Science and Forestry, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland Timo Pukkala, Faculty of Science and Forestry, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland Nabil Assaf, Paris Sorbonne University (Paris IV), 1Rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris, France José Antonio Bonet, Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC), Ctra. Sant Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Introduction   The logging of several spruce plantations is planned for the next years in the Eifel National Park (Western Germany). To understand the ecological mechanisms of spontaneous forest regeneration that follows these impacts, it is crucial to investigate the species composition and functional diversity of the buried germinable seeds in those stands. Methods   We analysed the soil seed bank by germination method and characterised germination dynamics and distribution of seedlings throughout the samples according to a sigmoid model and cumulative curves, respectively. To compare the proportions of functional and syntaxonomical groups between seed bank and aboveground vegetation, we applied the Fisher’s exact test. Additionally, we described the spatial distribution of the species in the seed bank according to semivariograms. Results   The studied seed bank reached a density of about 5,300 seed m −2 . Most of the species detected in the seed bank are related to open vegetation, forest fringes and early successional stages of forest regeneration. In spite of a low floristic similarity between seed bank and aboveground vegetation, the functional and syntaxonomical composition is very similar. Further studies considering the distribution of seeds in the soil and the changes of the seed bank composition during the regeneration process are required. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0174-z Authors Miguel Alvarez, INRES-Vegetation Ecology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Nußallee 9, 53115 Bonn, Germany Katja Seis, Institute of Silviculture, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Tennenbacherstr. 4, 79085 Freiburg, Germany Bodo Maria Möseler, INRES-Vegetation Ecology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Nußallee 9, 53115 Bonn, Germany Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Context    Rotation length is known to affect timber quality in many plantation species, but its effect on the properties of Sitka spruce ( Picea sitchensis ) structural timber has not been quantified. Aim    Te purpose of this study was to compare selected wood properties and grade recovery of Sitka spruce structural timber cut from different radial positions within a log reflecting different cambial ages. Methods    Structural timber was sawn from 60 logs harvested from an 83-year-old stand in Great Britain. Five specimens were tested from each log: four from consecutive radial positions out from the pith and the fifth a random selection from outside the innermost 15 rings. Results    Mean modulus of elasticity and bending strength of timber from the outermost radial position were 51% and 41% greater, respectively, than for timber from adjacent to the pith. Wood density differed by 9% between these positions. The amount of distortion (spring, twist and bow), knot frequency and total knot area was significantly higher in timber cut from adjacent to the pith. Conclusion    Whilst longer rotations result in timber with improved mechanical properties and less distortion, economic and windthrow considerations may limit their implementation in Great Britain. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0168-x Authors John R. Moore, Forest Products Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, EH10 5DT UK Andrew J. Lyon, Forest Products Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, EH10 5DT UK Stefan Lehneke, Forest Products Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, EH10 5DT UK Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Context    Pinus radiata D. Don is the most widely planted conifer in the Inter-Andean Valleys of Bolivia. However, Bolivia lacks knowledge on stand dynamics and yield prediction of radiata pine, and the particular Bolivian conditions prevent a straightforward application of equations developed elsewhere. Aims    This study developed site index models, individual tree diameter increment models, individual tree height models, and self-thinning models for Bolivian P. radiata plantations. Methods    Dominant height was modeled using the algebraic difference approach. Diameter increment was modeled as a function of tree size, site index, and competition. Individual tree height was modeled as a function of tree diameter, dominant height, and dominant diameter. Self-thinning was modeled as a function of quadratic mean tree diameter. Results    By using the models, it can be calculated that the mean annual increment in volume with the optimal rotation length is less than 10 m 3 ha −1 on poor sites and 25 m 3 ha −1 on the best sites. Rotation lengths that maximize wood production are 25–30 years for very good sites and 35–40 years for poor sites. Conclusion    The models were assembled into a growth and yield simulator, allowing the simulation of stand development and making it possible to predict future yields and to compare alternative management schedules. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0162-3 Authors Gustavo Guzmán, Escuela de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad Mayor de San Simón, Final Av. Atahuallpa s/n, Temporal de Cala Cala, Barrio Prefectural, Cochabamba, Bolivia Timo Pukkala, Faculty of Science and Forestry, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland Marc Palahí, Mediterranean Regional Office, European Forest Institute, Sant Pau Historic Site, Santa Victoria Pavilion, St. Antoni M. Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain Sergio de-Miguel, Faculty of Science and Forestry, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Context    Turkish red pine ( Pinus brutia Ten.) is widespread in the eastern Mediterranean Basin. In the late 1970s, four common gardens were established along steep altitudinal transects extending from the coast to about 1,200 m in the Taurus Mountains (Antalya, Turkey). Aims    The aim was to study the role of altitude in shaping Turkish red pine genetic diversity and population structure as well as to evaluate the existence of local adaptation along altitudinal gradients in this species. Methods    Genetic diversity and population structure were evaluated in replicated altitudinal gradients using chloroplast microsatellite (cpSSR) markers. Genetic differentiation for neutral markers was compared with quantitative differentiation for growth traits for the same populations evaluated at different altitudes. Results    Genetic differentiation among altitudinal groups was higher than among transects. A high portion of the genetic variance corresponded to families within populations (up to 10.75%). Overall quantitative genetic differentiation ( Q ST ) was higher than molecular differentiation in most test sites for all the traits and ages considered. Conclusion    Turkish red pine shows signatures of local adaptation to environmental gradients related to altitude. For forestry practices, such as selection of seed sources, both altitude and the family level of variation need to be considered. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0169-9 Authors Yusuf Kurt, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Akdeniz University, 07058 Antalya, Turkey Santiago C. González-Martínez, Department of Forest Ecology and Genetics, CIFOR-INIA, P.O. Box 8111, 28080 Madrid, Spain Ricardo Alía, Department of Forest Ecology and Genetics, CIFOR-INIA, P.O. Box 8111, 28080 Madrid, Spain Kani Isik, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Akdeniz University, 07058 Antalya, Turkey Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Context   Forest scientists build models to simulate stand growth and forests dynamics. Dedicated computer tools are often developed to implement these models in order to run silvicultural scenarios and explore simulation results. Aims   Our objective was to encourage software reuse and simplify model implementation. Methods   The scheme was to develop a framework and methodology allowing to simplify the implementation, integration, simulation and comparison of forest models by providing a set of common and standard tools. Results   Capsis provides an open and modular software architecture based on various components, allowing to run forest growth simulations and display the results. The benefits of this framework are shown with the Samsara2 model, an individual-based and spatialised tree model. Capsis has been used successfully in many similar projects. In addition, the Capsis methodology defines how developers, modellers and end-users may interact. Conclusion   The Capsis framework facilitates collaborative and shared software development. Moreover, it is a powerful way to support scientific animation in the frame of forest science. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0140-9 Authors Samuel Dufour-Kowalski, INRA, UMR931 AMAP, Botany and Computational Plant Architecture, TA A-51/PS2, Boulevard de la Lironde, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France Benoît Courbaud, CEMAGREF, Mountain Ecosystems Research Unit, 2 rue de la Papeterie, 38402 Saint Martin d’Hères, France Philippe Dreyfus, INRA, UR629 URFM, Écologie des Forêts Méditerranéennes, Site Agroparc, Domaine Saint Paul, 84914 Avignon Cedex 9, France Céline Meredieu, INRA, UMR1202 BIOGECO, 69 route d’Arcachon, 33612 Cestas Cedex, France François de Coligny, INRA, UMR931 AMAP, Botany and Computational Plant Architecture, TA A-51/PS2, Boulevard de la Lironde, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Objectives    We examined canopy gap structure and regeneration patterns at the landscape scale using a combination of remote sensing and field-based surveys. Methods    The study was carried out in the forest reserve of Lom, an old-growth Fagus-Abies-Picea forest located within the Dinaric Alps in the north-western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A high-resolution (1-m panchromatic and 4-m multispectral) Kompsat-2 satellite image was orthorectified and classified through an unsupervised pixel-based classification using an artificial neural network method. Results    This approach allowed the identification of 650 canopy gaps, ranging in size from 32 to 1,776 m 2 . Only 20 intermediate to large gaps (〉250 m 2 ) were identified, and they were mainly present near the perimeter of the reserve. The origin of these large openings was associated with past human-caused disturbances or topographic conditions. The species composition of regeneration within large, human-caused gaps differed markedly from small gaps and non-gap sites in the core area of the reserve. Shade-intolerant species dominated the seedling and sapling layers in large openings. The landscape approach employed in this study confirmed the hypothesis that small gaps predominate at Lom, especially within the core area of the reserve. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0177-9 Authors Matteo Garbarino, Department of AGROSELVITER, University of Torino, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy Enrico Borgogno Mondino, Department of DEIAFA, University of Torino, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy Emanuele Lingua, Department of TESAF, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy Thomas A. Nagel, Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources, University of Ljubljana, Vecna Pot 83, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Vojislav Dukić, Faculty of Forestry, University of Banja Luka, Vojvode Stepe Stepanovića 75a, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zoran Govedar, Faculty of Forestry, University of Banja Luka, Vojvode Stepe Stepanovića 75a, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Renzo Motta, Department of AGROSELVITER, University of Torino, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung:    Fingered citron ( Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle), a precious fruit ornamental plant, is sensitive to low temperature. Cold tolerance, evaluated by semi-lethal temperature, was lower in wild-type ‘Qingpi’ than in its mutant ‘Aihua’ trees obtained by γ-radiation. The full-length cDNAs of two genes encoding fatty acid desaturases involved in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis were isolated from the fingered citron leaves. The CmsFAD2 open reading frame (ORF) had 1,152 bp and was uninterrupted, encoding a polypeptide of 384 amino acids that showing 82% homology with the microsomal ω-6 desaturase CiFAD2 in Davidia involucrate . The CmsFAD8 ORF contained 1,373 bp and 7 introns, encoding a polypeptide of 458 amino acids showing 76% homology with the plastidial ω-3 desaturase BpFAD8 in Betula pendula . CmsFAD2 was expressed highly in leaves but low in roots and flowers, while CmsFAD8 was obviously expressed in three tissues. Compared with control group (28°C), the expression of CmsFAD2 and CmsFAD8 in leaves of two genotypes was significantly induced at 6°C. The increase of CmsFAD2 and CmsFAD8 was earlier and larger in cold-tolerant ‘Aihua’ than in cold-sensitive ‘Qingpi’. The linolenic acid content increased significantly in leaves of mutant ‘Aihua’ plants exposed to low temperature of 6°C. The results showed that a positive relationship between CmsFAD expression and genotype tolerance to cold may exist. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0695-6 Authors Ling Yang, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004 Zhejiang, China Jin Ye, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004 Zhejiang, China Wei-Dong Guo, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004 Zhejiang, China Chang-Chun Wang, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004 Zhejiang, China Hai-Tao Hu, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004 Zhejiang, China Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    Leaf gas-exchange, leaf and shoot anatomy, wood density and hydraulic conductivity were investigated in seedlings of Quercus suber L. grown for 15 months either at elevated (700 μmol mol −1 ) or normal (350 μmol mol −1 ) ambient atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. Plants were grown in greenhouses in a controlled environment: relative humidity 50% (±5), temperature similar to external temperature and natural light conditions. Plants were supplied with nutrients and two water regimes (WW, well watered; WS, water stress). After 6 months exposure to CO 2 enrichment an increase in photosynthetic rate, a decrease in stomatal conductance and a decrease in carbon isotope discrimination (Δ 13 C) were observed, along with enhanced growth and an increase in the number of branches and branch diameter. Over the same period, the shoot weight ratio increased, the root weight ratio decreased and the leaf weight ratio was unaffected. The specific leaf area increased due to an increase in total leaf thickness, mainly due to the palisade parenchyma and starch. However, after 9 and 15 months of elevated CO 2 exposure, the above-mentioned physiological and morphological parameters appeared to be unaffected. Elevated CO 2 did not promote changes in vessel lumen diameter, vessel frequency or wood density in stems grown in greenhouse conditions. As a consequence, xylem hydraulic efficiency remained unchanged. Likewise, xylem vulnerability to embolism was not modified by elevated CO 2 . In summary, elevated CO 2 had no positive effect on the ecophysiological parameters or growth of water stressed plants. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0691-x Authors M. Vaz, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), Universidade de Évora, Apartado 94, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal H. Cochard, INRA, UMR 547 PIAF, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France L. Gazarini, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), Universidade de Évora, Apartado 94, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal J. Graça, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal M. M. Chaves, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal J. S. Pereira, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    The effect of stone dust deposition on the rate of transpiration in Shorea robusta was studied in three principal seasons in a polluted forest in comparison to an almost non-polluted forest. The extent of particulate pollution was determined by measuring suspended particulate matter in the air and dust fall on leaf surface. Macroscopic and microscopic leaf injury symptoms were studied. Scanning electron microscopic examination of leaf surfaces revealed a number of foliar anomalies. Qualitative determination of rate of transpiration in field condition was done by ‘cobalt chloride method’. It was found that transpiration was diminished as a result of foliar dust deposition which not only caused blockage of stomatal aperture but also physical damage to the leaf surface. Thus, particulate air pollution can be considered as one of the external factors regulating the rate of transpiration in plants. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0697-4 Authors Dulal C. Saha, Centre for Environmental Studies, Institute of Science, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, 731235 India Pratap K. Padhy, Centre for Environmental Studies, Institute of Science, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, 731235 India Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Context   Microfibril angle (MFA) is one of the key determinants of solid timber performance due to its strong influence on the stiffness, strength, shrinkage properties and dimensional stability of wood. Aims   The aim of this study was to develop a model for predicting MFA variation in plantation-grown Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L). A specific objective was to quantify the additional influence of growth rate on the radial variation in MFA. Methods   Twenty-three trees were sampled from four mature Scots pine stands in Scotland, UK. Pith-to-bark MFA profiles were obtained on 69 radial samples using scanning X-ray diffractometry. A nonlinear mixed-effects model based on a modified Michaelis–Menten equation was developed using cambial age and annual ring width as explanatory variables. Results   The largest source of variation in MFA (〉90 %) was within trees, while between-tree variation represented just 7 % of the total. Microfibril angle decreased rapidly near the pith before reaching stable values in later annual rings. The effect of ring width on MFA was greater at higher cambial ages. Conclusion   A large proportion of the variation in MFA was explained by the fixed effects of cambial age and annual ring width. The final model is intended for integration into growth, yield and wood quality simulation systems. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0248-6 Authors David Auty, Forest Research, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9SY Scotland, UK Barry A. Gardiner, Forest Research, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9SY Scotland, UK Alexis Achim, Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6 Canada John R. Moore, Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited), Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046 New Zealand Andrew D. Cameron, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St Machar Drive, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU Scotland, UK Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung:    At present, acid rain has become one of the top ten global environmental issues. Acid rain causes slower growth, injury, or decline of forests. Some dramatic effects on forests have been observed in south China since the late 1970s and the situation is deteriorating. We carried out a comparative proteomic analysis on Pinus massoniana Lamb, a staple tree species widely distributed in middle and south China to gain a better understanding of tree response to acid rain at molecular level. Two-year-old P. massoniana saplings were treated with simulated AR (SiAR) or control solution, respectively, for 8 months. The changes in total protein profile of P. massoniana leaves were studied using two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Among the total protein spots reproducibly detected on each gel, 65 spots representing 28 proteins were identified to be differentially regulated. These proteins were annotated in various biological functions, such as photosynthesis and energy metabolism, secondary metabolism, protein stability, amino acid and nitrogen metabolism and defense. Down-regulation of four key enzymes in the Calvin cycle identified that biomass loss by SiAR was mainly due to the inhibition of carbon fixation. Primary energy metabolisms involved in sucrose biosynthesis, glycolytic pathway and Krebs cycle, etc., were also disturbed after SiAR treatment. Specifically, most of up-regulated proteins were related to secondary metabolism, protein stability and defense, suggesting that in response to SiAR stress, plants started a variety of metabolic pathways to prevent cells from damage. Different from the herbaceous plants suffering SiAR, it revealed that secondary metabolites in P. massoniana play pivotal roles against SiAR. Protemoic techniques were demonstrated a reliable and robust tool to expand our understanding of differentially expressed proteins associated with acid rain stress on P. massoniana . Functional analysis of these proteins further revealed biochemical and physiological basis of the plant in response to acid rain and would provide strategies for breeding new acid rain tolerant tree species. To our knowledge, it is the first proteome report on the forest plant suffering long-term acid rain stress. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0799-z Authors Xiaoqin Wang, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206 China Zheng Liu, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002 China Li Niu, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 China Bin Fu, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 China Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    Natural hybridization commonly produces individuals with intermediate morphological and genetic characteristics, but their response to environmental stress is still uncertain, with some studies showing that transgressive performance would be common. Prosopis chilensis and Prosopis flexuosa are the most important tree species from Arid Chaco, South-America. Both species occupy different ecological niches in terms of water availability. Genetic and morphological studies have demonstrated the existence of interspecific hybrids in contact areas between these species. Hybrids are characterized by clear intermediate morphological characteristics, which have taxonomical value, and genetic structure compared to both parental species. We studied mechanisms implicated in drought stress tolerance in seedlings of P. chilensis , P. flexuosa and their interspecific hybrids trying to elucidate if hybrids have a morpho-physiological, growth and survival intermediate response to drought compared to differential parental responses or if they out-perform both parental species when subjected to drought. Our results suggest that hybridization does not result in individuals with intermediate mechanisms related to drought resistance, but with a unique trait combination leading to high growth when water availability is high (similar to the most vulnerable parental species) and high survival under drought stress (similar to the more resistant parental species). Certain uncoupling between symplastic and apoplastic resistence to drought was observed in hybrids, as well as decreased physiological-wood anatomical plasticity compared to parental species. The long-term consequences in terms of adaptive response to drought of this particular trait combination of hybrids remain still unknown. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0798-0 Authors Diego A. López Lauenstein, Instituto de Fisiología y Recursos Genéticos Vegetales (IFRGV) Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Camino a 60 cuadras Km 5.5, Córdoba, Argentina María E. Fernández, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina Aníbal R. Verga, Instituto de Fisiología y Recursos Genéticos Vegetales (IFRGV) Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Camino a 60 cuadras Km 5.5, Córdoba, Argentina Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Context   We investigated the relationships between decay classes, morphological characteristics and chemical compounds in Abies alba Mill. and Fagus sylvatica L. stumps in two forest stands in the central Apennines (Italy). The analysis of deadwood decomposition is important in estimating carbon sequestration potential and carbon residence time in forest ecosystems. In addition, deadwood decomposition affects nutrient cycling and microhabitat distribution. Aims   The overall aim of this study was to investigate the decomposition processes in a mountainous Mediterranean ecosystem, and specifically to assess changes in chemical variables (lignin, cellulose, carbon and nitrogen content) in deadwood during the decomposition process, in relation to decay classes and to the species. Methods   Cross-sections were collected from stumps. Samples were assigned to visually discernible decay classes, and cellulose, lignin and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content in relation to total dry mass were analysed during the decay process. Results   Results showed how C/N ratio decreased over decades due to an increase in nitrogen content. On the contrary, carbon concentration in stumps remained substantially stable. Lignin degraded slowly in comparison with cellulose and differences between species were observed. Conclusion   The hypothesis that the conifer species would decompose faster than deciduous species did not prove correct. The slower decay of lignin compared to cellulose suggested that lignin could be an important long-term source of soil organic carbon, and that this process could be greatly affected by forest species mixtures. Finally, decomposition processes in the investigated montane–Mediterranean forests were definitely faster than in the colder climates of northern Europe. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0230-3 Authors F. Lombardi, Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Laboratorio EcoGeoFor, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, IS, Italy P. Cherubini, Landscape Dynamics Unit—Dendroecology, WSL Swiss Federal Research Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscape, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland R. Tognetti, Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Laboratorio EcoGeoFor, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, IS, Italy C. Cocozza, Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Laboratorio EcoGeoFor, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, IS, Italy B. Lasserre, Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Laboratorio EcoGeoFor, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, IS, Italy M. Marchetti, Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Laboratorio EcoGeoFor, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, IS, Italy Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung:    Estimation of total leaf area (LA T ) is important to express biochemical properties in plant ecology and remote sensing studies. A measurement of LA T is easy in broadleaf species, but it remains challenging in coniferous canopies. We proposed a new geometrical model to estimate Norway spruce LA T and compared its accuracy with other five published methods. Further, we assessed variability of the total to projected leaf area conversion factor (CF) within a crown and examined its implications for remotely sensed estimates of leaf chlorophyll content ( C ab ). We measured morphological and biochemical properties of three most recent needle age classes in three vertical canopy layers of a 30 and 100-year-old spruce stands. Newly introduced geometrical model and the parallelepiped model predicted spruce LA T with an error 〈5 % of the average needle LA T , whereas two models based on an elliptic approximation of a needle shape underestimated LA T by up to 60 %. The total to projected leaf area conversion factor varied from 2.5 for shaded to 3.9 for sun exposed needles and remained invariant with needle age class and forest stand age. Erroneous estimation of an average crown CF by 0.2 introduced an error of 2–3 μg cm −2 into the crown averaged C ab content. In our study, this error represents 10–15 % of observed crown averaged C ab range (33–53 μg cm −2 ). Our results demonstrate the importance of accurate LA T estimates for validation of remotely sensed estimates of C ab content in Norway spruce canopies. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0774-8 Authors Lucie Homolová, Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands Petr Lukeš, Global Change Research Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Bělidla 986/4a, 60300 Brno, Czech Republic Zbyněk Malenovský, Remote Sensing Laboratories, Department of Geography, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland Zuzana Lhotáková, Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 5, Prague, Czech Republic Věroslav Kaplan, Global Change Research Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Bělidla 986/4a, 60300 Brno, Czech Republic Jan Hanuš, Global Change Research Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Bělidla 986/4a, 60300 Brno, Czech Republic Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    In the context of global warming, it is of high importance to assess the influence of climatic change and geographic factors on the radial growth of high-elevation trees. Using tree-ring data collected from four stands of Qilian juniper ( Juniperus przewalskii Kom. ) across an altitudinal gradient in the central Qilian Mountains, northwest China, we compared the radial growth characteristics and climate–growth relationships at different elevations. Results indicated that there was little difference in the tree-ring parameters of the four chronologies. Correlation analyses both for unfiltered and 10-year high-passed data of monthly climatic variables and chronologies were presented to investigate the climatic forcing on tree growth, and results revealed that the correlation patterns were consistent among the four sites, especially for high-passed data. We employed the principal components analysis method to obtain the first principal component (PC1) of the four chronologies and computed the correlations between PC1 and climate factors. The PC1 correlated significantly with winter (November–January) temperature, prior August and current May temperature, and precipitation in the previous September and current January and April, indicating that tree growth in this region was mainly limited by cold winter temperature and drought in early growing season and prior growing season (prior August and September). However, the climate–growth relationships were unstable; with an increase in temperature, the sensitivity of tree growth to temperature had decreased over the past few decades. Considering the instability of the climate–growth relationships, climate reconstructions based on tree rings in the study area should be approached with more caution. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0776-6 Authors Linlin Gao, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Xiaohua Gou, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Yang Deng, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Wenhuo Liu, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Meixue Yang, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 China Zhiqian Zhao, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    We assessed growth differences and the foliar traits underpinning production in paired samples of juvenile American beech ( Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) that originated from seed versus root sprouts. Root sprouts had significantly greater relative extension growth rate and slightly greater leaf mass per unit area compared to seed-derived individuals, but neither light-saturated net photosynthetic rate nor foliar chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations differed significantly between paired seedlings and sprouts. The greater height growth rate of saplings originating as root sprouts does not result from differing foliar function, but rather depends on translocation of assimilates from the parent tree to sustain this unusual and ecologically important dual regeneration strategy in American beech. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0781-9 Authors Emad Farahat, Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Dr. Penfield, H3A1B1 Montréal, QC, Canada Martin J. Lechowicz, Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Dr. Penfield, H3A1B1 Montréal, QC, Canada Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) covers a large area mainly in the colline and montane ranges in Europe, and a drier and warmer climate, as expected for the coming decades, is likely to alter its distribution. So far, an altitudinal shift has been projected using a variety of modelling approaches. However, we lack knowledge about the climatic and edaphic factors that control the growth and competitive behaviour of beech at its dry distribution limit. We applied and further developed dendroecological methods to study the drought response and sensitivity pattern of beech at sites with different moisture regimes. We compared three pairs of sites from different geographical regions near the dry distribution limit of beech in Switzerland, consisting of a dry and mesic site each. Radial growth differed between mesic and dry sites, in that average ring-width at mesic sites was around double the width at dry sites. For the whole study period (1930–2006), the sites with the lowest available soil water capacity (AWC) were found to respond most sensitively to drought. However, in recent years, sites with higher AWC have shown increasing drought sensitivity, i.e. they have responded even more strongly to drought than the dry sites. This change in sensitivity corresponds to a seasonal shift in drought response at mesic sites, with a change in the months showing significant drought response in all three studied regions compared with the past. Even though dry sites generally displayed a larger number of negative pointer years than mesic sites, it appears that the frequency of pointer years has increased at mesic sites, i.e. they have become more sensitive particularly in the last quarter of the twentieth century. Yet, the frequency of pointer years at the dry sites has remained fairly constant. These results indicate that beech trees near their dry distribution limit are adapted to extreme conditions already, while changes in the growth patterns of beech under mesic conditions have to be expected. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0786-4 Authors P. Weber, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland H. Bugmann, Forest Ecology, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland A. R. Pluess, Ecosystem Management, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland L. Walthert, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland A. Rigling, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Special topic: integrating modelling and experimentation Content Type Journal Article Category Editorial Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0778-4 Authors R. Matyssek, Ecophysiology of Plants, Technische Universität München, von-Carlowitz Platz 2, Weihenstephan, 85354 Freising, Germany G. M. J. Mohren, Forest Ecology and Forest M anagement Group, Centre for Ecosystem Studies, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Objective   To evaluate the effects of 5 % weight loss, through diet only or diet plus exercise, on lipid profile, inflammation and endothelial function in obese individuals. Methods   In this randomized clinical trial, 48 obese individuals were randomized to either a diet only group (DI) or a diet and exercise group (DI + EXE). Treatment was maintained until 5 % of the initial body weight was lost. At baseline and upon completion, the following parameters were analyzed: total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation—FMD). Results   Thirteen individuals dropped out before completing the weight loss intervention. The median time required for reduction of 5 % of initial body weight was 79.7 days for the DI group and 65.9 days for the DI + EXE group ( P  = 0.16). In both DI ( n  = 18) and DI + EXE ( n  = 17), total cholesterol (−15.8 ± 4.8 and −10.5 ± 4.9 mg/dL, respectively), triglycerides (−33.8 ± 10.0 and −39.4 ± 10.3 mg/dL, respectively) and hs-CRP (−1.35 ± 0.41 and −0.45 ± 0.43 mg/L, respectively) decreased significantly, and in a similar response (repeated measures ANOVA). Weight loss did not change significantly the fibrinogen and FMD in both groups. Conclusion   A 5 % weight loss improves lipid profile and reduces inflammation in obese individuals. Endothelial function did not change significantly. Weight loss has a significant impact on these cardiovascular risk factors, and this is independent of physical training. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0450-1 Authors Ana Paula Trussardi Fayh, Endocrine Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil André Luiz Lopes, Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil Antônio Marcos Vargas da Silva, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Álvaro Reischak-Oliveira, Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil Rogério Friedman, Endocrine Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Aim   To investigate the effects of a neonatal low-protein diet on the number of macrophages in culture and the expression/production of proteins that regulate macrophage fusion in young and adult rats. Methods   Male Wistar rats ( n  = 18) were suckled by mothers fed diets containing 17 % protein (controls, C) or 8 % protein (undernourished, UN). All rats were fed a normal protein diet after weaning. Bronchoalveolar lavage was collected from 42-, 60- and 90-day-old rats. Alveolar macrophages were cultured for 4 days to assess the number of cells and the expression of cadherins, key proteins involved in macrophage fusion, by western blotting. IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. Results   Offspring from mothers fed a low-protein diet showed a lower body weight gain. The number of cells in cultured macrophages from UN was reduced at 42 and 60 days and increased at 90 days. IL-4 production was increased in the supernatants from UN group at 60 days but did not affect the expression of cadherins. IFN-γ production was increased in the supernatants from UN group at 42 and 60 days and reduced at 90 days. Conclusions   This study thus demonstrated that dietary restriction during lactation altered the number of alveolar macrophages in culture and the production of fusion proteins of offspring aged 42, 60 or 90 days but did not modify the expression of adhesion molecules important for the fusion of these cells. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0453-y Authors Juliana Félix de Melo, Department of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil Thacianna Barreto da Costa, Department of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil Tamara D. da Costa Lima, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Campus UFPE, Recife, Brazil Maria E. C. Chaves, Keizo Asami Laboratory of Immunopathology, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco 50670-901, Brazil Muriel Vayssade, UMR CNRS 6600, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Compiègne, France Marie-Danielle Nagel, UMR CNRS 6600, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Compiègne, France Célia M. M. B. de Castro, Department of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Context    Implementing nature-based silviculture requires understanding the structural and compositional changes that occur in forested stands under known disturbance types and intensities. Aims    The objectives were to assess the (a) resistance of hardwood forests to change, (b) their trajectory of recovery following disturbance, and (c) how closely resulting forests resemble original forests. Methods    We characterized tree structure and composition at three points in time (pre-disturbance, 1-year post-disturbance, and ∼15 years following disturbance) along a harvesting disturbance gradient created by removing trees in different forest canopy strata. Results    Significant differences to pre-disturbance conditions were noted immediately post-harvest for tree basal area, density, species richness, and tree species composition; treatment differences were observed for all parameters except diversity. Plots exposed to the least extreme harvesting disturbances (cutting small and intermediate trees) had returned to pre-disturbance conditions for most parameters after 15 years, while the most extreme harvesting disturbance (cutting large trees) had not yet recovered. Conclusions    Although not initially resistant, Central Appalachian eastern hardwoods are fairly resilient to the removal of trees in the subcanopy or a mixture of the subcanopy and canopy; only the removal of solely canopy trees (i.e., high grading) and complete removal (i.e., clearcutting) appear to impose harvesting disturbances to which these forests may not be resilient. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0242-z Authors Eric K. Zenner, School of Forest Resources, The Pennsylvania State University, 305 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA Yvette L. Dickinson, School of Forest Resources, The Pennsylvania State University, 117 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA JeriLynn E. Peck, School of Forest Resources, The Pennsylvania State University, 117 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung:    Individual tree-ring width chronologies and mean chronologies from Pinus tabuliformis Carr. (Chinese pine) and Sabina przewalskii Kom. (Qilian juniper) tree cores were collected and analyzed from two sites in the eastern Qilian Mountains of China. The chronologies were used to analyze individual and time-varying tree-ring growth to climate sensitivity with monthly mean air temperature and total precipitation data for the period 1958–2008. Climate–growth relationships were assessed with correlation functions and their stationarity and consistency over time were measured using moving correlation analysis. Individuals’ growth–climate correlations suggested increased percentages of individuals are correlated with certain variables (e.g., current June temperature at the P. tabuliformis site; previous June, December and current May temperature and May precipitation at the S. przewalskii site). These same climatic variables also correspond to the mean chronology correlations. A decreased percentage of individuals correlated with these climatic variables indicates a reduced sensitivity of the mean chronology. Moving correlation analysis indicated a significant change over time in the sensitivity of trees to climatic variability. Our results suggested: (1) that individual tree analysis might be a worthwhile tool to improve the quality and reliability of the climate signal from tree-ring series for dendroclimatology research; and (2) time-dependent fluctuations of climate growth relationships should be taken into account when assessing the quality and reliability of reconstructed climate signals. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0772-x Authors Fen Zhang, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (MOE), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Xiaohua Gou, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (MOE), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Wenhuo Liu, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (MOE), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China D. F. Levia, Departments of Geography and Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA Yingjun Li, Taiyaun Normal University Research Center for Scientific Development in Fenhe River Valley, Taiyuan, 030012 China Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    Dendrochronological research in Southeast Asia is under development; however, the amount of tress with potential for dendrochronological studies is restricted. For example, teak trees from India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Java are valuable dendrochronologic studies for ready climate response. Teak from Java is best suited for studying the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and sea-surface temperatures, whereas Indian teak is used to reconstruct periods of drought in India. Further, Thai teak and Vietnamese cypress trees captured the long drought period that led to the demise of the Angkor reign (fourteenth–fifteenth century). Diverse techniques including anatomical observation, cambial markings, cell differentiation, and isotopic analysis prove the age and growth of invisible tropical tree rings. A number of invisible growth rings in trees from both tropical and subtropical forests have been identified, resulting in the advancement of dendrochronology. Climate change is a substantial challenge for most living things and natural resources. A greater understanding of tree species adaptation in this region is necessary. The understanding of long-term paleoclimate can be gained by researching old samples and archaeological materials from this region. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0775-7 Authors Nathsuda Pumijumnong, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: • Context   Corymbia F1 hybrids have high potential for plantation forestry; however, little is known of their reproductive biology and potential for genetic pollution of native Corymbia populations. • Aims   This study aims to quantify the influence of reproductive isolating barriers on the success of novel reciprocal and advanced generation Corymbia hybrids. • Methods   Two maternal taxa, Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora and Corymbia torelliana , were pollinated using five paternal taxa, C. citriodora subsp. citriodora , C. torelliana , one C. torelliana × C. citriodora subsp. citriodora hybrid and two C. torelliana × C. citriodora subsp. variegata hybrids. Pollen tube, embryo and seed development were assessed. • Results   Reciprocal hybridisation between C. citriodora subsp. citriodora and C. torelliana was successful. Advanced generation hybrids were also created when C. citriodora subsp. citriodora or C. torelliana females were backcrossed with F1 hybrid taxa. Prezygotic reproductive isolation was identified via reduced pollen tube numbers in the style and reduced numbers of ovules penetrated by pollen tubes. Reproductive isolation was weakest within the C. citriodora subsp. citriodora maternal taxon, with two hybrid backcrosses producing equivalent capsule and seed yields to the intraspecific cross. • Conclusions   High hybridising potential was identified between all Corymbia species and F1 taxa studied. This provides opportunities for advanced generation hybrid breeding, allowing desirable traits to be amplified. It also indicates risks of gene flow between plantation and native Corymbia populations. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0231-2 Authors Geoffrey R. Dickinson, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry—Queensland, P.O. Box 1054, Mareeba, QLD 4880, Australia Helen M. Wallace, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia David J. Lee, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Context   Silver fir is declining and dying at its southern margin on the Mediterranean area, where climate is expected to be warmer and drier. At a regional scale, silver fir seems to be vulnerable to drought, and at a forest stand scale, tree death seems to be distributed according to soil water availability. Aim   To understand the vulnerability of silver fir to drought, factors involved in the regulation of transpiration were assessed with respect to soil properties in order to document the spatial distribution of death rates. Methods   Soil properties were characterized by electric resistivity measurements. Sap flow density and predawn needle water potential were recorded on sampled trees during several years, and crown specific transpiration was estimated. In addition, the vulnerability of coarse roots and branches to cavitation was quantified. Results and conclusion   Trees growing on soils with a large water storage capacity were the most vulnerable to drought induced soil water deficits. Transpiration was down-regulated as soon as predawn water potential decreased. The vulnerability to cavitation was low, which protected the trees from run-away xylem embolism. Severe soil water deficits led to a rapid decrease of transpiration, which was still visible the following year. The drop-off in transpiration was mainly due to inner sap flow that almost ceased after the drought on all monitored trees. Our results suggest that root dynamic and the ability of roots to take up water were modified by soil water deficit over several years. Such a regulation scheme needs to be better documented and included in models to address silver fir forest responses to drought. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0229-9 Authors Marie Nourtier, UMR1114, Environnement Méditerranéen et Modélisation des AgroHydrosystèmes, INRA, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon, France André Chanzy, UMR1114, Environnement Méditerranéen et Modélisation des AgroHydrosystèmes, INRA, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon, France Maxime Cailleret, UR629, Écologie des Forêts Méditerranéennes, INRA, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon, France Xie Yingge, UMR1114, Environnement Méditerranéen et Modélisation des AgroHydrosystèmes, INRA, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon, France Roland Huc, UR629, Écologie des Forêts Méditerranéennes, INRA, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon, France Hendrik Davi, UR629, Écologie des Forêts Méditerranéennes, INRA, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon, France Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung:    The branch autonomy principle has been referred to extensively for using branch cuvettes as a technique of studying ozone (O 3 ) effects within the canopy of adult forest trees. However, this principle may not hold in general regarding biochemical interactions between O 3 -impacted branches exposed inside cuvettes and neighbouring crown parts under the unchanged ambient O 3 regime. After reviewing relevant cuvette studies conducted to date, we will provide evidence that cuvette-exposed branches may serve, given awareness of outlined pre-requisites and restrictions, as surrogates for examining the crown-level response of trees to elevated O 3 regimes. Such a conclusion is based on the defence metabolism of branches, which seems to be autonomous to some extent from neighbouring crown sections. Cuvette studies may, therefore, be used to derive dose response functions as measures of O 3 sensitivity. On such grounds, also validation and improvement of stomatal O 3 uptake modelling becomes feasible. The branch-level approach, however, does not substitute whole-tree free-air O 3 fumigation and related flux assessments, as branches in view of representativeness and boundary layer characteristics represent one stage in scaling O 3 flux between leaf and tree level. Branch level-based flux scaling should be backed, therefore, by independent trunk sap-flow assessment techniques that offer derivation of FO 3 at the whole-tree level. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0715-6 Authors Gerhard Wieser, Division of Alpine Timberline Ecophysiology, Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape, Rennweg 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Rainer Matyssek, Ecophysiology of Plants, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany Bernhard Götz, University of Applied Sciences, Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde (FH), Botanical Garden, Am Zainhammer 5, 16225 Eberswalde, Germany Ludger Grünhage, Department of Plant Ecology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392 Giessen, Germany Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Purpose   To examine the association of red meat and whole-grain bread consumption with plasma levels of biomarkers related to glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation and obesity. Methods   Our cross-sectional study was based on 2,198 men and women who were selected as a sub-cohort for an investigation of biological predictors of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam study. Circulating levels of glycated hemoglobin, adiponectin, hs-CRP, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alanine-aminotransferase, fetuin-A, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured from random blood samples. Diet and lifestyle data were assessed by questionnaires, and anthropometric data were measured. Results   After multivariable adjustment, higher consumption of whole-grain bread was significantly ( P trend 〈0.05) associated with lower levels of GGT, ALT and hs-CRP, whereas higher consumption of red meat was significantly associated with higher levels of GGT and hs-CRP when adjusted for potential confounding factors related to lifestyle and diet. Further adjustment for body mass index and waist circumference attenuated the association between red meat and hs-CRP ( P  = 0.19). Conclusions   The results of this study suggest that high consumption of whole-grain bread is related to lower levels of GGT, ALT and hs-CRP, whereas high consumption of red meat is associated with higher circulating levels of GGT and hs-CRP. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0340-6 Authors Jukka Montonen, Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany Heiner Boeing, Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany Andreas Fritsche, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany Erwin Schleicher, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany Hans-Georg Joost, Department of Pharmacology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany Matthias B. Schulze, Department of Molecular Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany Annika Steffen, Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany Tobias Pischon, Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   We explored the pathophysiologic mechanisms of long-term fructose-induced lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in rats. Methods   Male Wistar rats were fed with fructose for 3 or 6 months. Biochemical and transcystometric parameters were compared between fructose-fed and age-matched normal-diet rats. Pelvic nerve and external urethral sphincter-electromyogram activity recordings were performed to investigate fructose effects on neural control of bladders. Mitochondrial structure, ATP and acetylcholine content and purinergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors were examined. Cytosolic cytochrome C staining by Western blot and immunocytochemistry for mitochondrial injury and PGP 9.5 stain for nerve density were also determined. Results   The fructose-fed rats with higher plasma triglyceride, LDL and fasting glucose levels displayed LUTS with increased frequency and suppressed voiding contractile amplitude in phase 1 and phase 2 duration versus normal-diet control. Fructose feeding altered the firing types in pelvic afferent and efferent nerves and external urethral sphincter-electromyogram activity. Increased mast cell number, disrupted and swollen mitochondria, increased cytosolic cytochrome C stain and expression and decreased nerve density in bladder smooth muscle layers appeared in the fructose-fed rats. Fructose feeding also significantly reduced ATP and acetylcholine content and enhanced protein expression of postsynaptic P 2 X 1 , P 2 X 2 and P 2 X 3 purinergic receptors and M 2 and M 3 muscarinic cholinergic receptors expression in the smooth muscles of urinary bladder. Conclusion   Long-term fructose feeding induced neuropathy and myopathy in the urinary bladders. Impaired mitochondrial integrity, reduced nerve density, ATP and acetylcholine content and upregulation of purinergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors expression may contribute to the bladder dysfunction of fructose-fed animals. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0342-4 Authors Shiu-Dong Chung, Department of Urology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan Chiang-Ting Chien, Graduate Institution of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan Hong-Jeng Yu, Graduate Institution of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung:    Isoflavones, a group of phytoestrogens, are selective oestrogen receptor (ER) modulators. They may positively impact endocrine-related conditions but the current evidence is sparse. Equol, a non-steroidal oestrogen, is produced by the metabolism of the isoflavone daidzein by intestinal bacteria. In Western countries, 30–50% of individuals metabolize daidzein into equol and are known as equol producers. Equol production may be the source of benefit from isoflavones in endocrine disease. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0331-7 Authors Dana Shor, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK Thozhukat Sathyapalan, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK Stephen L. Atkin, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK Natalie J. Thatcher, Food Standards Agency, London, UK Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Introduction   Obese β rats may be a suitable model to evaluate the association between calcium intake (CaI) and obesity during growth. Objective   The present study comparatively evaluated Ca absorption and retention, and changes in body composition in spontaneously genetically obese (β) male rats fed three different dietary Ca levels: high 0.9% (HCa); normal: 0.5% (NCa); low: 0.2% (LCa). Methods   Pregnant rats were fed isocaloric diets which varied in Ca content only. Male pups continued feeding the same maternal diet until postnatal day 60. The percentage of Apparent Ca absorption (CaA %), Ca balance (CaB), body composition, glucose, triglycerides (TGL), and insulin levels were evaluated. Results   Food consumption and body weight (BW) were higher in Group LCa than in Groups NCa and HCa ( p  〈 0.01); no differences were observed between the latter two groups. Group LCa presented the highest body fat, liver weight, perigonadal and retroperitoneal fat ( p  〈 0.05); conversely, body ashes and total skeleton bone mineral content were significantly lower compared with animals in both the NCa ( p  〈 0.01) and HCa groups ( p  〈 0.01). CaB (mg/day) reached a plateau at the highest CaI (mg/day) value ( r  = 0.985, p  〈 0.001). CaA%, serum glucose, insulin, and TGL levels rose as CaI decreased ( p  〈 0.01). Conclusions   Although further studies are required, low Ca consumption in this strain of rats could modulate BW inducing changes in several lipid metabolism parameters, which in turn lead to an increase in body fat. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0336-2 Authors Clarisa Marotte, National Council for Scientific and Technologic Research, (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina Adriana Weisstaub, Food Science and Nutrition Department, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Gabriel Bryk, Medical Osteopathies Section, Clinical Hospital, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Maria C. Olguin, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Rosario National University (UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina Marta Posadas, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Rosario National University (UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina Diego Lucero, Lipid and Lipoprotein Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Laura Schreier, Lipid and Lipoprotein Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Maria Luz Pita Martín de Portela, Food Science and Nutrition Department, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Susana N. Zeni, National Council for Scientific and Technologic Research, (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Capsaicinoids are the active compounds in chili pepper. The present study investigated the effect of capsaicinoids on plasma lipids, functionality of aorta including atherosclerotic plaque development, cholesterol absorption biomarker, fecal sterol excretion, and gene expression of major receptors, enzymes, and transporters involved in cholesterol metabolism. Methods   Hamsters were divided into five groups and fed a high-cholesterol diet containing 0 % (CON), 0.010 % (LD), 0.015 % (MD), 0.020 % (HD), and 0.030 % (VD) capsaicinoids, respectively, for 6 weeks. Plasma lipids were measured using the enzymatic kits, and the gene expression of transporters, enzymes, and receptors involved in cholesterol absorption and metabolism was quantified using the quantitative PCR. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring the acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations in aorta. Results   Capsaicinoids reduced plasma total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerols with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol being unaffected. All four experimental groups had a decrease in the atherosclerotic plaque compared with CON. Dietary capsaicinoids increased the fecal excretion of total acidic sterols possibly mediated by up-regulation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and down-regulation of liver X receptor alpha. Plasma sterol analysis demonstrated that capsaicinoids decreased the ratio of plasma campesterol/cholesterol, suggesting they decreased cholesterol absorption. Capsaicinoids could improve the endothelium-dependent relaxations and reduce the endothelium-dependent contractions by inhibiting the gene expression of COX-2. However, no dose-dependent effect of capsaicinoids on these parameters was seen. Conclusion   Capsaicinoids were beneficial in improving lipoprotein profile and aortic function in hamsters fed a high-cholesterol diet. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0344-2 Authors Yin Tong Liang, Food and Nutritional Sciences Programme, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China Xiao-Yu Tian, Institute of Vascular Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China Jing Nan Chen, Kwong Living Trust Food Safety and Analysis Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China Cheng Peng, Food and Nutritional Sciences Programme, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China Ka Ying Ma, Food and Nutritional Sciences Programme, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China Yuanyuan Zuo, Food and Nutritional Sciences Programme, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China Rui Jiao, Food and Nutritional Sciences Programme, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China Ye Lu, Institute of Vascular Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China Yu Huang, Institute of Vascular Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China Zhen-Yu Chen, Food and Nutritional Sciences Programme, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   The goals of this study were to monitor the effect of drinking of herbal tea from Sideritis clandestina subsp. clandestina for 6 weeks on behavioral and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of adult male mice and also to evaluate its phytochemical composition. Methods   The phytochemical profile of the Sideritis tea was determined by liquid chromatography-UV diode array coupled to ion-trap mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization interface. The effects of two doses of the herbal infusion (2 and 4% w/v, daily) intake on anxiety-like state in mice were studied by the assessment of their thigmotactic behavior. The oxidant/antioxidant status of brain (-Ce), liver and heart of adult male Balb-c mice following the consumption of Sideritis tea was also evaluated via the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels using fluorometric assays. Our study was further extended to determine the antioxidant effects of the herbal tea on specific brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellum and midbrain). Results   The identified compounds were classified into several natural product classes: quinic acid derivatives, iridoids, phenylethanol glycosides and flavonoids. Our results showed that only the 4% Sideritis tea exhibited anxiolytic-like properties as evidenced by statistically significant ( p  〈 0.05) decrease in the thigmotaxis time and increase in the number of entries to the central zone in comparison with the control group. Consumption of both tea doses (2 and 4% w/v) elevated GSH (12 and 28%, respectively, p  〈 0.05) and decreased MDA (16 and 29%, p  〈 0.05) levels in brain (-Ce), while liver and heart remained unaffected. In regard to the effect of herbal tea drinking (2 and 4% w/v) on specific brain regions, it caused a significant increase in GSH of cerebellum (13 and 36%, respectively, p  〈 0.05) and midbrain (17 and 36%, p  〈 0.05). Similarly, MDA levels were decreased in cerebellum (45 and 79%, respectively, p  〈 0.05) and midbrain (50 and 63%, respectively, p  〈 0.05), whereas cerebral cortex remained unaffected. Conclusions   Mountain tea drinking prevents anxiety-related behaviors and confers antioxidant protection to rodent’s tissues in a region-specific, dose-dependent manner, and its phytochemical constituents are shown for the first time. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0292-2 Authors Catherine G. Vasilopoulou, Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece Vassiliki G. Kontogianni, Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece Zacharoula I. Linardaki, Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece Gregoris Iatrou, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece Fotini N. Lamari, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece Alexandra A. Nerantzaki, Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece Ioannis P. Gerothanassis, Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece Andreas G. Tzakos, Human Cancer Biobank Center, Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece Marigoula Margarity, Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Background   Nutritional factors is one of the most important regulators in the progression of cancer. Some dietary elements promote the growth of cancer but others, such as plant-derived compounds, may reverse this process. Purpose   We tried to investigate yet another approach of cancer prevention through cancer cell differentiation, using a common non-mutagenic flavonoid apigenin 7-glucoside. Methods   HL-60 cells were treated with or without apigenin 7-glucoside. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay, and the cell cycle distribution was estimated by propidium iodide staining of DNA. To determine cellular differentiation, cell surface differentiation markers CD11b and CD14 were used. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was then performed to identify proteins that may be important in HL-60 cell differentiation following apigenin 7-glucoside treatment. Results   Apigenin 7-glucoside inhibited HL-60 cell growth, dose- and time-dependently, but did not cause apoptosis. The distribution of cells at different stages in the cell cycle indicated an accumulation of treated cells in G 2 /M phase. Moreover, apigenin 7-glucoside induced granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells. Ten proteins that might play essential role in granulocytic differentiation were identified by proteomics. Conclusions   A complete understanding of the preventive effects of plant-based diet on cancer depends on the mechanisms of action of different plant components on processes. We hope these findings may contribute to the understandings of the different approaches for chemoprevention of cancer. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0282-4 Authors Eri Nakazaki, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan Soninkhishig Tsolmon, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan Junkyu Han, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan Hiroko Isoda, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Cranberry juice (CJ) contains a remarkably high concentration of polyphenols, considered to be beneficial for cardiovascular and bone health. The current double-blind, randomized study was designed to test whether daily consumption of double-strength Ocean Spray light CJ (2 × 230 ml) over 4 months has beneficial effects on vascular function and on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) carrying the osteoblastic marker osteocalcin in particular. Methods   A total of 84 participants (49.5 ± 16.2 years) with peripheral endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial (69 completed the 4-month protocol—32 in the CJ group and 37 in the placebo group, respectively). Vascular responses to reactive hyperemia were measured non-invasively by peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stained for EPC markers, as well as osteocalcin, and counted by flow cytometry. Results   Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The effect of CJ on peripheral endothelial function and on circulating EPC counts (CD34 + /CD133 + /KDR + ) did not change during the study. A high percentage of EPCs expressed osteocalcin (59.4 ± 35.7%). CJ, as compared to placebo, induced a decrease in the fraction of EPCs expressing osteocalcin (−8.64 ± 48.98 and 19.13 ± 46.11%, respectively, p  = 0.019). Systemic levels of the adhesion marker ICAM correlated significantly with the number of EPCs expressing osteocalcin. Conclusions   The study demonstrated that long-term supplementation of polyphenol-rich CJ did not improve peripheral endothelial function. However, the decrease in the fraction of osteocalcin+ EPCs suggests a potential beneficial effect of polyphenol-rich CJ. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0334-4 Authors Andreas J. Flammer, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA Elizabeth A. Martin, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA Mario Gössl, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA R. Jay Widmer, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA Ryan J. Lennon, Biomedical Statistics, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA Jasmine A. Sexton, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA Darrell Loeffler, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA Sundeep Khosla, Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA Lilach O. Lerman, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA Amir Lerman, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Meat and fish consumption are associated with changes in the risk of chronic diseases. Intake is mainly assessed using self-reporting, as no true quantitative nutritional biomarker is available. The measurement of plasma fatty acids, often used as an alternative, is expensive and time-consuming. As meat and fish differ in their stable isotope ratios, δ 13 C and δ 15 N have been proposed as biomarkers. However, they have never been investigated in controlled human dietary intervention studies. Objective   In a short-term feeding study, we investigated the suitability of δ 13 C and δ 15 N in blood, urine and faeces as biomarkers of meat and fish intake. Methods   The dietary intervention study ( n  = 14) followed a randomised cross-over design with three eight-day dietary periods (meat, fish and half-meat–half-fish). In addition, 4 participants completed a vegetarian control period. At the end of each period, 24-h urine, fasting venous blood and faeces were collected and their δ 13 C and δ 15 N analysed. Results   There was a significant difference between diets in isotope ratios in faeces and urine samples, but not in blood samples (Kruskal–Wallis test, p  〈 0.0001). In pairwise comparisons, δ 13 C and δ 15 N were significantly higher in urine and faecal samples following a fish diet when compared with all other diets, and significantly lower following a vegetarian diet. There was no significant difference in isotope ratio between meat and half-meat–half-fish diets for blood, urine or faecal samples. Conclusions   The results of this study show that urinary and faecal δ 13 C and δ 15 N are suitable candidate biomarkers for short-term meat and fish intake. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0328-2 Authors Gunter G. C. Kuhnle, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 226, Reading, RG6 6AP UK Annemiek M. C. P. Joosen, MRC Dunn Human Nutrition Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Cambridge, UK Catherine J. Kneale, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Tamsin C. O’Connell, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Evaluate the hypothesis that relation of breast cancer associated with dietary fiber intakes varies by type of fiber, menopausal, and the tumor’s hormone receptor status. Methods   A case–control study of female breast cancer was conducted in Connecticut. A total of 557 incident breast cancer cases and 536 age frequency-matched controls were included in the analysis. Information on dietary intakes was collected through in-person interviews with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and was converted into nutrient intakes. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by unconditional logistic regression. Results   Among pre-menopausal women, higher intake of soluble fiber (highest versus lowest quartile of intake) was associated with a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer (OR = 0.38, 95% CI, 0.15–0.97, P trend  = 0.08). When further restricted to pre-menopausal women with ER − tumors, the adjusted OR for the highest quartile of intake was 0.15 (95% CI, 0.03–0.69, P trend  = 0.02) for soluble fiber intake. Among post-menopausal women, no reduced risk of breast cancer was observed for either soluble or insoluble fiber intakes or among ER + or ER − tumor groups. Conclusions   The results from this study show that dietary soluble fiber intake is associated with a significantly reduced risk of ER − breast cancer among pre-menopausal women. Additional studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm these results. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0305-9 Authors Qian Li, National Office of Cancer Prevention and Control, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 17 Panjiayuannanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 China Theodore R. Holford, Division of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA Yawei Zhang, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA Peter Boyle, International Prevention Research Institute (IPRI), Lyon, France Susan T. Mayne, Division of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA Min Dai, National Office of Cancer Prevention and Control, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 17 Panjiayuannanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 China Tongzhang Zheng, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   This study aimed firstly to investigate the contribution of maternal 25(OH) vitamin D to the association of maternal education and small-for-gestational-age birth weight (SGA) and secondly to examine whether the contribution of 25(OH) vitamin D differs by overweight, season, and maternal smoking. Methods   Logistic regression analysis was carried out in this study, using data of 2,274 pregnant women of Dutch ethnicity from the ABCD study, a population-based cohort study in the Netherlands. Maternal 25(OH) vitamin D was measured in early pregnancy. Stratified analyses were conducted for overweight, season of blood sampling, and smoking. Results   Low-educated women had lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels compared to high-educated women, and women in the lowest 25(OH) vitamin D quartile had a higher risk of SGA offspring. In addition, low-educated women had a higher risk of SGA offspring (OR 1.95 [95% CI: 1.20–3.14]). This association decreased with 7% after adjustment for 25(OH) vitamin D (OR 1.88 [95% CI 1.16–3.04]). In stratified analyses, adjustment for 25(OH) vitamin D resulted in a decrease in OR of about 17% in overweight women and about 15% in women who conceived in wintertime. Conclusions   25(OH) vitamin D appears to be a modifiable contributor to the association between low maternal education and SGA offspring, particularly in overweight women and women who conceived in the winter period. In those women, increasing the intake of vitamin D, either through dietary adaptation or through supplementation in order to achieve the recommendation, could be beneficial. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0327-3 Authors Gerrit van den Berg, Department of Pediatrics, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, 9D11 Secretariaat kindergeneeskunde, P.O. Box 7057, Amsterdam, 1007 MB The Netherlands Manon van Eijsden, Department of Epidemiology, Documentation and Health Promotion, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Tanja G. M. Vrijkotte, Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Reinoud J. B. J. Gemke, Department of Pediatrics, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, 9D11 Secretariaat kindergeneeskunde, P.O. Box 7057, Amsterdam, 1007 MB The Netherlands Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   We performed a single-day cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency as well as folate status in healthy young female volunteers well educated with respect to health information. Methods   We assessed dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium, serum concentrations of 25-OH-vitamin D 3 , folate, red blood cell folate and other dietary, laboratory, and lifestyle parameters in 215 young healthy women (age 18–30 years) on a single day at the end of the winter months. Primary aim was to investigate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. Folic acid status was a secondary study aim. Results   Mean daily ingestion of vitamin D was 2.25 μg/day with a daily calcium intake of 749 mg/day. 6.9% had hypovitaminosis D (25-OH-vitamin D 3 〈30 nmol/L) and 89.3% were vitamin D insufficient (〈75 nmol/L). Preplanned subpopulation comparison (lower vs. upper quartile) revealed a significant negative correlation ( P  = 0.048) between plasma PTH and 25-OH-vitamin D 3 levels. Fifteen individuals (6.9%) were folic acid deficient (〈140 ng/mL RBC folate). Only 9.3% reached RBC folate concentrations regarded as optimal for the prevention of fetal neural tube defects (〉400 ng/mL). Conclusions   The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in healthy young women trained in health care professions is low but 89.3% can be classified as vitamin D insufficient in spring. Folate status can also be considered not sufficient. Considering the emerging role of higher vitamin D plasma levels for many health conditions, a timely correction of vitamin D status in the general Austrian population appears appropriate. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0281-5 Authors Stefan T. Kaehler, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Peter-Mayrstr. 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Holger Baumgartner, Ethics Committee, Innsbruck Medical University, (non-voting member), Innrain 43, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Martina Jeske, Pharmacy Department, University Hospital Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Markus Anliker, Central Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Harald Schennach, Central Institute of Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Peter Marschang, Department of Internal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Anna Ratt, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Peter-Mayrstr. 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Anna C. Colvin, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Peter-Mayrstr. 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Jennifer Falk, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Peter-Mayrstr. 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Astrid Gasser, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Peter-Mayrstr. 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Julia Kirchebner, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Peter-Mayrstr. 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Christine Scherer, Fhg-Zentrum für Gesundheitsberufe Tirol GmbH, Innrain 98, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Anna E. Purtscher, Fhg-Zentrum für Gesundheitsberufe Tirol GmbH, Innrain 98, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Andrea Griesmacher, Central Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Jörg Striessnig, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Peter-Mayrstr. 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) occur in a wide variety of important clinical conditions such as myocardial infarction. H/R injury is a complex phenomenon involving not only intracellular damage processes but also an injurious inflammatory response. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, has long been proved to be protective against several types of cardiovascular disease. However, its beneficial effect during H/R is inconclusive. In this study, we employed an in vitro model to examine whether DHA is protective against H/R-induced cell damage in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs). Methods   HCASMCs in the absence or presence of DHA (1, 3, 10, and 30 μM) were subjected to control or H/R treatment using a modular incubator chamber to create hypoxic condition. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric assays were used to measure the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively. Inflammatory cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intracellular calcium mobilization was estimated microfluorimetrically using calcium indicator dye, fura 2-acetomethyl ester. Results   Hypoxia/reoxygenation caused significant injury in cultured HCASMCs. DHA at low concentrations (1, 3, and 10 μM) did not afford protection, whereas at 30 μM, it caused deleterious effects, presumably by enhancing the production of NO, ROS, IL-1β, and IL-6 and altering the intracellular calcium dynamics. Conclusions   Our results do not support the protective function of DHA in H/R-injured coronary arterial smooth muscle cells. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0278-0 Authors Guan-Ming Feng, Department of Plastic Surgery, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC Jia-Huei Chen, Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Cheng-I Lin, Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Jung-Mou Yang, Department of Emergency Medicine, Cardinal Tien Hospital, Sindian, New Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Plant sterols (PS) are well known for their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering effect. Until recently, they were believed to have little or no impact on blood triglycerides (TG). However, studies taken individually were possibly lacking statistical power to detect modest TG decreases. This study was performed to quantify the TG-lowering effect of PS by pooling individual subject data from 12 randomised controlled trials that investigated the effects of PS on blood lipids. Methods   The main outcome variable was the control-adjusted PS effect on relative (%) and absolute (mmol/L) changes in TG. The relative and absolute changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were also assessed. Differences in changes of serum lipid concentrations between PS and control treatments were estimated by an ANCOVA using a random effect model which included PS intake (active or control), study and predefined subject characteristics. Results   The twelve randomised controlled trials included in total 935 hypercholesterolaemic subjects not preselected based on their baseline TG concentrations. In most studies, the PS dose ranged between 1.6 and 2.5 g/day. PS intake significantly lowered serum TG by 6.0% (95% CI: −10.7, −1.2) or 0.12 mmol/L (95% CI: −0.20, −0.04). No significant interaction was observed between PS intake and baseline TG concentrations on relative changes, but, on absolute changes, interaction was significant with larger TG decreases observed with higher TG concentrations at baseline. No effects were observed on HDL-C concentrations. Conclusions   These results show that PS exert a modest TG-lowering effect which is dependent on baseline concentrations. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0297-x Authors Isabelle Demonty, Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, P.O. Box 114, 3130 AC Vlaardingen, The Netherlands Rouyanne T. Ras, Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, P.O. Box 114, 3130 AC Vlaardingen, The Netherlands Henk C. M. van der Knaap, Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, P.O. Box 114, 3130 AC Vlaardingen, The Netherlands Linsie Meijer, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Peter L. Zock, Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, P.O. Box 114, 3130 AC Vlaardingen, The Netherlands Johanna M. Geleijnse, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Elke A. Trautwein, Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, P.O. Box 114, 3130 AC Vlaardingen, The Netherlands Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   We investigated whether group-level bias of a 24-h recall estimate of protein and potassium intake, as compared to biomarkers, varied across European centers and whether this was influenced by characteristics of individuals or centers. Methods   The combined data from EFCOVAL and EPIC studies included 14 centers from 9 countries ( n  = 1,841). Dietary data were collected using a computerized 24-h recall (EPIC-Soft). Nitrogen and potassium in 24-h urine collections were used as reference method. Multilevel linear regression analysis was performed, including individual-level (e.g., BMI) and center-level (e.g., food pattern index) variables. Results   For protein intake, no between-center variation in bias was observed in men while it was 5.7% in women. For potassium intake, the between-center variation in bias was 8.9% in men and null in women. BMI was an important factor influencing the biases across centers ( p  〈 0.01 in all analyses). In addition, mode of administration ( p  = 0.06 in women) and day of the week ( p  = 0.03 in men and p  = 0.06 in women) may have influenced the bias in protein intake across centers. After inclusion of these individual variables, between-center variation in bias in protein intake disappeared for women, whereas for potassium, it increased slightly in men (to 9.5%). Center-level variables did not influence the results. Conclusion   The results suggest that group-level bias in protein and potassium (for women) collected with 24-h recalls does not vary across centers and to a certain extent varies for potassium in men. BMI and study design aspects, rather than center-level characteristics, affected the biases across centers. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0279-z Authors Sandra P. Crispim, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Anouk Geelen, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Jeanne H. M. de Vries, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Heinz Freisling, Dietary Exposure Assessment Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150, cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France Olga W. Souverein, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Paul J. M. Hulshof, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Marga C. Ocke, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands Hendriek Boshuizen, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Lene F. Andersen, Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway Jiri Ruprich, Department for Food Safety and Nutrition, National Institute of Public Health, Brno, Czech Republic Willem De Keizer, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium Inge Huybrechts, Dietary Exposure Assessment Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150, cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France Lionel Lafay, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), Paris, France Maria S. de Magistris, Department of Public Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II, Naples, Italy Fulvio Ricceri, Human Genetics Foundation (HUGEF), Turin, Italy Rosario Tumino, Cancer Registry and Histopathology Unit, “Civile M.P.Arezzo” Hospital, Ragusa, Italy Vittorio Krogh, Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy H. Bas Bueno-de-Mesquita, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands Joline W. J. Beulens, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands Marie-Christine Boutron-Ruault, Inserm, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, Villejuif, France Androniki Naska, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, WHO Collaborating Center for Food and Nutrition Policies, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece Francesca L. Crowe, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Cancer Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Heiner Boeing, Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition, Potsdam, Rehbrücke, Germany Alison McTaggart, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Rudolf Kaaks, Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany Pieter van’t Veer, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Nadia Slimani, Dietary Exposure Assessment Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150, cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   The objective was to confirm the anti-obesity activity of a silk peptide (SP) and a silkworm pupa peptide (SPP) in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and to elucidate their action mechanism(s) in a preadipocyte culture system. Methods   In an in vitro mechanistic study, the differentiation and maturation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were stimulated with insulin (5 μg/mL), and effects of SP and SPP on the adipogenesis of mature adipocytes were assessed. In an in vivo anti-obesity study, male C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD containing SP or SPP (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0%) for 8 weeks, and blood and tissue parameters of obesity were analyzed. Results   Hormonal stimulation of preadipocytes led to a 50–70% increase in adipogenesis. Polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses revealed increases in adipogenesis-specific genes (leptin and Acrp30) and proteins (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and Acrp30). The hormone-induced adipogenesis and activated gene expression was substantially inhibited by treatment with SP and SPP (1–50 μg/mL). The HFD markedly increased body weight gain by increasing the weight of epididymal and mesenteric fat. Body and fat weights were significantly reduced by SP and SPP, in which decreases in the area of abdominal adipose tissue and the size of epididymal adipocytes were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and microscopic examination, respectively. Long-term HFD caused hepatic lipid accumulation and increased blood triglycerides and cholesterol, in addition to their regulatory factors Acrp30 and leptin. However, SP and SPP recovered the concentrations of Acrp30 and leptin, and attenuated steatosis. Conclusions   SP and SPP inhibit the differentiation of preadipocytes and adipogenesis by modulating signal transduction pathways and improve HFD-induced obesity by reducing lipid accumulation and the size of adipocytes. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0280-6 Authors Sun Hee Lee, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 52 Naesudongro (Gaesin-dong), Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea Dongsun Park, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 52 Naesudongro (Gaesin-dong), Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea Goeun Yang, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 52 Naesudongro (Gaesin-dong), Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea Dae-Kwon Bae, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 52 Naesudongro (Gaesin-dong), Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea Yun-Hui Yang, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 52 Naesudongro (Gaesin-dong), Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea Tae Kyun Kim, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 52 Naesudongro (Gaesin-dong), Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea Dajeong Kim, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 52 Naesudongro (Gaesin-dong), Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea Jangbeen Kyung, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 52 Naesudongro (Gaesin-dong), Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea Sungho Yeon, Department of Food Science and Technology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea Kyo Chul Koo, Worldway Co., Ltd., Jeoneui, Korea Jeong-Yong Lee, Worldway Co., Ltd., Jeoneui, Korea Seock-Yeon Hwang, Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea Seong Soo Joo, Division of Marine Molecular Biotechnology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, 7 Jukheongil, Gangneung, Gangwon 210-702, Korea Yun-Bae Kim, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 52 Naesudongro (Gaesin-dong), Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Korea Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   We examined whether high doses of folic acid and iron supplementation in early-to-mid pregnancy affect the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age neonates, in the mother–child cohort in Crete, Greece (Rhea study). Methods   We included 1,279 women with singleton pregnancies with complete data on supplements use in early-to-mid pregnancy and birth outcomes. Anthropometric measurements at birth were obtained from medical records. Red blood cell folate concentrations in cord blood were measured in a subsample of the study population ( n  = 58). Results   Sixty-six percent of the study participants reported high doses of supplemental folic acid use (5 mg/day), while 21 % reported excessive doses of folic acid use (〉5 mg/day) in early-to-mid pregnancy. Daily intake of 5-mg supplemental folic acid was associated with a 31 % decrease in the risk of preterm birth (RR, 0.69; 95 % CI, 0.44, 0.99), 60 % decrease in the risk of delivering a low birth weight neonate (RR, 0.40; 95 % CI, 0.21, 0.76), and 66 % decrease in the risk of delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) neonate (RR, 0.34; 95 % CI, 0.16, 0.73). Daily doses of iron supplementation more than 100 mg were associated with a twofold increased risk for SGA neonates (RR, 2.14; 95 % CI, 0.99, 5.97). Conclusion   These findings suggest that high daily doses of supplementary folic acid in early-to-mid pregnancy may be protective for preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age neonates, while high daily doses of supplementary iron may be harmful for fetal growth. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0339-z Authors Eleni Papadopoulou, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain Nikolaos Stratakis, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, PO Box 2208, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece Theano Roumeliotaki, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, PO Box 2208, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece Katerina Sarri, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, PO Box 2208, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece Domenic F. Merlo, National Cancer Research Institute, Genoa, Italy Manolis Kogevinas, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain Leda Chatzi, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, PO Box 2208, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Background   The use of rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ) leaves and their constituents as a source of dietary antioxidants and flavoring agents is continuously growing. Carnosol and carnosic acid, two major components of rosemary extracts, have shown activity for cancer prevention and therapy. Aim of the study   In this study, we investigate the cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic activities of carnosol and carnosic acid, in order to get further insight into their mechanism of action. Results   Our results demonstrate that the mentioned diterpenes inhibit certain functions of endothelial cells, namely, differentiation, proliferation, migration and proteolytic capability. Our data indicate that their growth inhibitory effect, exerted on proliferative endothelial and tumor cells, could be due to, at least in part, an induction of apoptosis. Inhibition of the mentioned essential steps of in vitro angiogenesis agrees with the observed inhibition of the in vivo angiogenesis, substantiated by using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Conclusions   The anti-angiogenic activity of carnosol and carnosic acid could contribute to the chemopreventive, antitumoral and antimetastatic activities of rosemary extracts and suggests their potential in the treatment of other angiogenesis-related malignancies. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0289-x Authors Auxiliadora López-Jiménez, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain Melissa García-Caballero, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain Miguel Ángel Medina, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain Ana R. Quesada, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   We aimed to investigate the association of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) with cardiometabolic risk. Methods   In this cross-sectional study, 21,038 men and 15,604 women who participated in a health check-up were included. Results   In both men and women, the area under the curve (AUC) of WHtR was significantly greater than that of BMI or WC in the prediction of diabetes, hypertension, high total cholesterol, high triglycerides, and low HDL-cholesterol ( P  〈 0.05 for all). The AUC for WHtR in the prediction of metabolic syndrome (MS) was also highest in the women ( P  〈 0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for MS for each standard deviation increase in BMI, WHtR, and WC were 1.47 (1.46–1.49), 1.32 (1.31–1.33), and 1.19 (1.18–1.19), respectively. Finally, patients of either sex with a normal BMI or WC level, but with an elevated WHtR, had higher levels of various cardiometabolic risk factors in comparison with their normal BMI or WC, but low WHtR, counterparts ( P  〈 0.05 for all). Conclusion   Among Taiwanese adults, a WHtR greater than 0.5 is a simple, yet effective indicator of centralized obesity and associated cardiometabolic risk, even among individuals deemed ‘healthy’ according to BMI and WC. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0286-0 Authors Wen-Cheng Li, Department of Occupation Medicine, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung Branch, No. 222, Maijin Rd., Keelung, 200 Taiwan I-Chuan Chen, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, No. 6, West Sec. Chia-Pu Rd, Put-Zu, Chiayi, 600 Taiwan Yu-Che Chang, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5, Fu-Hsing Street, Guei-Shan, Taoyuan, 333 Taiwan Song-Seng Loke, Department of Family Medicine, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Branch, No. 123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Township, Kaohsiung County, 833 Taiwan Shih-Hao Wang, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112 Taiwan Kuang-Yu Hsiao, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, No. 6, West Sec. Chia-Pu Rd, Put-Zu, Chiayi, 600 Taiwan Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Erratum to: Soy intake and risk of type 2 diabetes in Chinese Singaporeans Content Type Journal Article Category Erratum Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0290-4 Authors Noel T. Mueller, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South 2nd St., Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA Andrew O. Odegaard, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South 2nd St., Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA Myron D. Gross, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South 2nd St., Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA Woon-Puay Koh, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore Mimi C. Yu, The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA Jian-Min Yuan, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South 2nd St., Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA Mark A. Pereira, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South 2nd St., Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in Western older populations. MetS is an intriguing entity, because it includes potentially reversible risk factors. Some studies have suggested an inverse correlation between MetS and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but data regarding older subjects are scanty and conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the association between HRQoL and MetS in older, unselected community-dwelling subjects. Methods   We analyzed data of 356 subjects aged 75+ living in Tuscania (Italy). HRQoL was assessed using the Health Utilities Index, Mark 3. Diagnosis of MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program’s ATP-III criteria. Results   MetS was reported by 137 (38%) participants. According to linear regression analysis, MetS was associated with significantly better HRQoL in men ( B  = 0.19 95% CI = 0.06–0.32; p  = 0.006), but not in women. Also, when the regression model was analyzed in men, MetS was associated with better HRQoL ( B  = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.01–0.32; p  = 0.035) only among participants aged 80+. No significant associations were found in men between HRQoL and any of the single components of MetS. Conclusions   MetS is not associated with worse HRQoL among community-dwelling elderly; it is associated with significantly better HRQoL among the oldest men. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0337-1 Authors Alice Laudisio, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Catholic University of Medicine, L.go F. Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy Emanuele Marzetti, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Catholic University of Medicine, L.go F. Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy Livia Antonica, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Catholic University of Medicine, L.go F. Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy Francesco Pagano, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Catholic University of Medicine, L.go F. Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy Davide L. Vetrano, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Catholic University of Medicine, L.go F. Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy Roberto Bernabei, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Catholic University of Medicine, L.go F. Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy Giuseppe Zuccalà, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Catholic University of Medicine, L.go F. Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Erratum to: Cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects of ellagitannins from European oak bark ( Quercus petraea L.) extract in rats Content Type Journal Article Category Erratum Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0335-3 Authors Sunil K. Panchal, Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia Lindsay Brown, Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   To compare the effects of two low-fat, hypoenergetic diets differing in carbohydrate-to-protein ratio, on strength and aerobic capacity measures in overweight and obese men. Methods   In a parallel design, 56 men (age, 45.5 ± 8.7 years; BMI, 33.6 ± 3.9 kg/m 2 ) were randomly assigned to a low-fat, energy-restricted diet (7,000 kJ/day) with either high protein (HP: protein/carbohydrate/fat % energy, 35:40:25) or standard protein (SP, 17:58:25). Body weight, body composition, muscle strength and aerobic capacity were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results   Forty-two participants completed the study (HP, n  = 21; SP, n  = 21). Both groups experienced similar reductions in body weight (HP, −10.7 ± 5.3 kg [−9.8%]; SP, −8.7 ± 3.5 kg [−8.4%]) and fat-free mass (HP, −2.8 ± 3.6 kg; SP, −3.2 ± 2.7 kg; P  〈 0.001 time; P  〉 0.14 time × group interaction). There was a trend for a greater reduction in fat mass in the HP diet group, (−7.7 ± 4.3 kg [−21.2%] vs. −5.4 ± 3.3 kg [−15.1%]; P  〈 0.001 time; P  = 0.06 time × group interaction). Absolute peak oxygen uptake did not change in either group ( P  = 0.39 time; P  = 0.50 time × group interaction). Overall, in both groups, relative peak oxygen uptake increased (2.9 ± 2.8 ml kg −1  min −1 [8.9%]), peak isometric knee extensor strength increased (14.1 ± 35.7 Nm [7.1%]) and peak handgrip strength decreased (−1.6 ± 4.1 kg [−3%]) ( P  ≤ 0.02 time for all), with no diet effect ( P  ≤ 0.23 time × group interaction). Conclusion   In overweight and obese men, both a HP and SP diet reduced body weight and improved body composition with similar effects on strength and aerobic capacity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0338-0 Authors Thomas P. Wycherley, Division of Health Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia Jonathan D. Buckley, Division of Health Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia Manny Noakes, Preventative Health Flagship, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Food and Nutritional Sciences, PO Box 10041 BC, Adelaide, 5000 Australia Peter M. Clifton, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Adelaide, Australia Grant D. Brinkworth, Preventative Health Flagship, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Food and Nutritional Sciences, PO Box 10041 BC, Adelaide, 5000 Australia Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Background   Codex documents may be used as educational and consensus materials for member governments. Also, the WTO SPS Agreement recognizes Codex as the presumptive international authority on food issues. Nutrient bioavailability is a critical factor in determining the ability of nutrients to provide beneficial effects. Bioavailability also influences the quantitative dietary requirements that are the basis of nutrient intake recommendations and NRVs. Health claims   Codex, EFSA and some national regulatory authorities have established guidelines or regulations that will permit several types of health claims. The scientific basis for claims has been established by the US FDA and EFSA, but not yet by Codex. Evidence-based nutrition differs from evidence-based medicine, but the differences are only recently gaining recognition. Health claims on foods may provide useful information to consumers, but many will interpret the information to mean that they can rely upon the food or nutrient to eliminate a disease risk. Nutrient reference values   NRVs are designed to provide a quantitative basis for comparing the nutritive values of foods, helping to illustrate how specific foods fit into the overall diet. The INL-98 and the mean of adult male and female values provide NRVs that are sufficient when used as targets for individual intakes by most adults. World Trade Organization agreements   WTO recognizes Codex as the primary international authority on food issues. Current regulatory schemes based on recommended dietary allowances are trade restrictive. A substantial number of decisions by the EFSA could lead to violation of WTO agreements. Content Type Journal Article Category Supplement Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0306-8 Authors Peter J. Aggett, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, Lancashire, UK John Hathcock, Council for Responsible Nutrition, Washington, DC, USA David Jukes, University of Reading, Reading, UK David P. Richardson, University of Reading, Reading, UK Philip C. Calder, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland Theresa Nicklas, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Stefan Mühlebach, Vifor Pharma, Ltd, Glattbrugg, Switzerland Oran Kwon, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Janine Lewis, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, Canberra, Australia Maurits J. F. Lugard, Sidley Austin LLP, Brussels, Belgium Peter Prock, European Nutraceutical Association, Basel, Switzerland Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   To investigate the influence of dietary proteins (casein, soy protein) and skimmed milk on the plasma kinetics of green tea (GT) catechins. Methods   In a randomized cross-over design with one-week intervals, 24 healthy normal-weight women consumed a test drink containing 1.75 g GT extract with or without the addition of different proteins. Treatments were GT (control), GT with skimmed milk (GT + M), GT with caseinate (GT + CS), or GT with soy protein (GT + S). Venous blood samples were taken before and several times during a period of 4.5 h after consumption of the test drink. Plasma concentrations of catechins were analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Results   Compared to control, consumption of GT with milk, caseinate, or soy protein significantly reduced the bioavailability (mean area under the plasma concentration–time curve) of total catechins (means ± SEM; GT + M, 87 ± 5%; GT + CS, 79 ± 5%; GT + S, 88 ± 4%), epigallocatechin gallate (GT + M, 68 ± 4%; GT + CS, 63 ± 5%; GT + S, 76 ± 5%), and epicatechin gallate (GT + M, 68 ± 5%; GT + CS, 66 ± 6%; GT + S, 77 ± 6%), while the bioavailability of non-galloylated catechins such as epigallocatechin (GT + M, 134 ± 9%; GT + CS, 118 ± 9 %; GT + S, 123 ± 8%) and epicatechin (GT + M, 125 ± 10%; GT + CS, 114 ± 11%; GT + S, 110 ± 8%) significantly increased. No significant differences in bioavailability of GT catechins were observed between the treatments GT + M, GT + CS, or GT + S. Conclusion   Simultaneous ingestion of dietary proteins reduces the bioavailability of galloylated catechins from GT in humans. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0330-8 Authors Sarah Egert, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 11-13, 53115 Bonn, Germany Jane Tereszczuk, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany Silvia Wein, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany Manfred James Müller, Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany Jan Frank, Institute of Biological Chemistry and Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany Gerald Rimbach, Department of Food Science, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany Siegfried Wolffram, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   At relatively low concentrations, flavanols induce inconsistent effects on isolated arterial tone, sometimes explained as being due to a structure–activity relationship. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of two flavanols at different doses on arterial functional state. Methods   The effects of two catechins, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and (−)-epicatechin (EP), on rat-isolated aorta tone were investigated on resting tension and on precontracted preparations, both in the presence and in the absence of endothelium. Results   At resting tension, endothelium-intact preparations, EGCG and EP (0.01–10 μM), induced a slight concentration-dependent, non-significant contraction. On endothelium-denuded preparations, both EGCG and EP induced a concentration-dependent contraction (significance at 0.1 and 1 μM concentrations of the two compounds, respectively). In phenylephrine (PE) (1 μM) precontracted, endothelium-intact preparations, EGCG and EP (0.01–10 μM), induced a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation, reaching significance at 1 μM concentration of both agonists. On endothelium-denuded preparations, EGCG and EP did not significantly affect PE (0.3 μM)-induced tone. In endothelium-intact precontracted preparations, Nω nitro- l -arginine (L-NNA), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity inhibitor, abolished the vasorelaxant effect of EGCG and EP (0.01–10 μM). At high concentrations, EGCG and EP (100 μM) elicited a marked relaxation. This was significantly larger in the presence than in the absence of endothelium or in the presence of L-NNA. Conclusions   Our findings highlight the important role played by an endothelium/NO-mechanism in the regulation of basal tone and in both mediating vasorelaxation and counteracting vasoconstriction induced by low concentrations of flavanols in rat thoracic aorta. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0320-x Authors Annalisa Aggio, Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila, Viale S. Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100 Coppito, AQ, Italy Davide Grassi, Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila, Viale S. Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100 Coppito, AQ, Italy Eugenia Onori, Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila, Viale S. Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100 Coppito, AQ, Italy Antonio D’Alessandro, Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila, Viale S. Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100 Coppito, AQ, Italy Francesco Masedu, Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila, Viale S. Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100 Coppito, AQ, Italy Marco Valenti, Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila, Viale S. Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100 Coppito, AQ, Italy Claudio Ferri, Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila, Viale S. Salvatore, Delta 6 Medicina, 67100 Coppito, AQ, Italy Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), a molecule obtained from diet, is involved in bile acid conjugation, blood pressure regulation, anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. We performed the first prospective study of taurine and CHD risk. Methods   We conducted a case–control study nested in the New York University Women’s Health Study to evaluate the association between circulating taurine levels and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Taurine was measured in two yearly pre-diagnostic serum samples of 223 CHD cases and 223 matched controls and averaged for a more reliable measurement of long-term taurine levels. Results   Mean serum taurine was positively related to age and dietary intake of poultry, niacin, vitamin B1, fiber and iron, and negatively related to dietary intake of saturated fat (all p values ≤0.05). There was no statistically significant association between serum taurine levels and the risk of CHD in the overall study population. The adjusted ORs for CHD in increasing taurine tertiles were 1.0 (reference), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.51–1.40) and 0.66 (0.39–1.13; p for trend = 0.14). There was a significant inverse association between serum taurine and CHD risk among women with high total serum cholesterol (〉250 mg/dL) (adjusted OR = 0.39 (0.19–0.83) for the third versus first tertile; p for trend = 0.02) but not among those with low total serum cholesterol ( p for interaction = 0.01). The data suggest a possible inverse association of serum taurine with diabetes and hypertension risk. Conclusions   The findings suggest that high levels of taurine may be protective against CHD among individuals with high serum cholesterol levels. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0300-6 Authors Oktawia P. Wójcik, Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 650 First Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016-3240, USA Karen L. Koenig, Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 650 First Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016-3240, USA Anne Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 650 First Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016-3240, USA Camille Pearte, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA Max Costa, Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 650 First Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016-3240, USA Yu Chen, New York University Cancer Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   To investigate the hepato-protective properties and underlying mechanisms of SAMC in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rat model. Methods   Female rats were fed with a diet comprising highly unsaturated fat diet (30% fish oil) for 8 weeks to develop NAFLD with or without an intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg SAMC three times per week. After euthanasia, blood and liver samples of rats were collected for histological and biochemical analyses. Results   Co-treatment of SAMC attenuated NAFLD-induced liver injury, fat accumulation, collagen formation and free fatty acids (FFAs). At the molecular level, SAMC decreased the lipogenesis marker and restored the lipolysis marker. SAMC also reduced the expression levels of pro-fibrogenic factors and diminished liver oxidative stress partly through the inhibition in the activity of cytochrome P450 2E1-dependent pathway. NAFLD-induced inflammation was also partially mitigated by SAMC treatment via reduction in the pro-inflammatory mediators, chemokines and suppressor of cytokine signaling. The protective effect of SAMC is also shown partly through the restoration of altered phosphorylation status of FFAs-dependent MAP kinase pathways and diminished in the nuclear transcription factors (NF-κB and AP-1) activity during NAFLD development. Conclusions   SAMC is a novel hepato-protective agent against NAFLD caused by abnormal liver functions. Garlic or garlic derivatives could be considered as a potent food supplement in the prevention of fatty liver disease. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0301-0 Authors Jia Xiao, Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, L1-41, Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR Yick Pang Ching, Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, L1-41, Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR Emily C. Liong, Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, L1-41, Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR Amin A. Nanji, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada Man Lung Fung, Department of Physiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong George L. Tipoe, Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, L1-41, Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Serum level of under-carboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) is considered a sensitive measure of vitamin K status, and ucOC levels are associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in elderly persons. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between ucOC and BMD in early menopausal women. Methods   The data reported here come from the enrolment in a double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial comprising 334 healthy Norwegian women between 50 and 60 years, 1–5 years after menopause, not using warfarin or medication known to affect bone metabolism. Total hip, femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total body BMD and serum level of ucOC and total osteocalcin were measured, and information of lifestyle was collected through questionnaires. The association between ucOC and BMD at all measurement sites was assessed by multiple regression analyses adjusting for possible confounding variables. Results   The absolute serum level of ucOC was significantly and negatively associated with BMD at all measurements sites, both in univariate analyses ( p  〈 0.01) and in multivariate analyses adjusting for years since menopause, smoking status and weight ( p  〈 0.01). However, serum ucOC, expressed as percentage of the total osteocalcin level, was not associated with BMD at any site. Conclusions   Achievement of adequate vitamin K nutritional intake is important, but ucOC expressed as percentage of total osteocalcin levels as reflection of vitamin K status does not seem to play a central role in determining BMD levels in early menopausal women. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0285-1 Authors Nina Emaus, Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway Nguyen D. Nguyen, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Osteoporosis and Bone Biology Research Program, Sydney, Australia Bjørg Almaas, Haukeland University Hospital, 5000 Bergen, Norway Gro K. Berntsen, The National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway Jacqueline R. Center, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Osteoporosis and Bone Biology Research Program, St. Vincent’s Hospital and University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Monika Christensen, Haukeland University Hospital, 5000 Bergen, Norway Clara G. Gjesdal, Haukeland University Hospital, 5000 Bergen, Norway Anne S. Grimsgaard, The National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway Tuan V. Nguyen, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Osteoporosis and Bone Biology Research Program and School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Laila Salomonsen, The National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway John A. Eisman, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Osteoporosis and Bone Biology Research Program, St. Vincent’s Hospital and University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Vinjar M. Fønnebø, The National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Diabetic glomerulosclerosis is the hardening of the renal glomeruli that can lead to kidney failure. In the early stage of glomerulosclerosis occur renal mesangial expansion and renal filtration dysfunction. Purple corn has been classified as a functional food and is rich in anthocyanins exerting potential disease-preventive activities. The in vitro study using human renal mesangial cells examined that anthocyanin-rich purple corn butanol fraction (PCB) can attenuate high glucose (HG)-promoted mesangial cell proliferation and matrix accumulation. Methods   Cells were cultured for 3 days in media containing 33 mM glucose in the presence of 1–20 μg/mL PCB. In the in vivo animal study, db/db mice were treated with 10 mg/kg anthocyanin-rich polyphenolic extracts of purple corn (PCE) for 8 weeks. Results   HG enhanced mesangial production of the fibrosis biomarkers of collagen IV and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which was markedly attenuated by adding PCB. Such mesangial fibrosis entailed interleukin-8 activation via eliciting Tyk2-STAT signaling pathway. PCB dampened HG-promoted mesangial hyperplasia that appeared to be attributed to increased expression of platelet-derived growth factor. The 8-week administration of PCE lowered plasma glucose level of db/db mice and ameliorated severe albuminuria. Moreover, PCE lessened collagen fiber accumulation in kidney glomeruli and CTGF expression via retarding TGF-β signaling. Protein expressions of nephrin and podocin, key proteins for filtration barrier function of the glomerular capillary wall, were repressed by treating mice with PCE. Conclusion   Purple corn may be a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment for diabetes-associated glomerulosclerosis accompanying proteinuria and kidney filtration dysfunction. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0274-4 Authors Jing Li, Department of Food and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 200-702 South Korea Min-Kyung Kang, Department of Food and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 200-702 South Korea Jin-Kyu Kim, Institute of Natural Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 200-702 Korea Jung-Lye Kim, Department of Food and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 200-702 South Korea Sang-Wook Kang, Department of Food and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 200-702 South Korea Soon Sung Lim, Department of Food and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 200-702 South Korea Young-Hee Kang, Department of Food and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 200-702 South Korea Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   The main objective of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its metabolic abnormalities among Lebanese adults, using data from a national nutrition survey. Methods   A cross-sectional analysis involving adults aged ≥18 years ( n  = 323) with no prior history of chronic diseases was conducted. Participants completed a brief sociodemographic and 61-item food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were also obtained. The International Diabetes Federation criteria were used to classify study participants with the metabolic syndrome. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of extracted patterns with MetS and its metabolic abnormalities. Results   Out of 323 participants, 112 (34.6%) were classified as having MetS. Three dietary patterns were identified: “Fast Food/Dessert,” “Traditional Lebanese,” and “High Protein.” Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of the Fast Food/Dessert pattern, those in the highest quintile had significantly higher odds for MetS (OR, 3.13; 95% CI: 1.36–7.22) and hyperglycemia (OR, 3.81; 95% CI: 159–9.14). Subjects with the highest intake of the High Protein pattern had an increased risk for hypertension (OR, 2.98; 95% CI: 1.26–7.02). The Traditional Lebanese pattern showed no association with MetS or its components. Conclusions   The findings of this study demonstrate a positive association of the Fast Food/Dessert pattern with MetS and hyperglycemia among Lebanese adults. These results may guide the development of improved preventive nutrition interventions in this adult population. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00394-011-0291-3 Authors F. Naja, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, P.O.Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020 Lebanon L. Nasreddine, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, P.O.Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020 Lebanon L. Itani, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, P.O.Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020 Lebanon N. Adra, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, P.O.Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020 Lebanon A. M. Sibai, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, P.O.Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020 Lebanon N. Hwalla, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, P.O.Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020 Lebanon Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: • Context   Many tree breeding programmes rely entirely on clonal seed orchards as the link between breeding activities and forestry, and are thereby also exposed to yearly fluctuations in the orchard crops. • Aims   The main objective was to study the impact of year and clone fluctuations in strobili production on genetic worth, as well as on genetic diversity, of 18 consecutive commercial seed orchard crops. • Methods   In a mature Abies nordmanniana clonal seed orchard, a yearly visual assessment of female and male strobili was carried out on a total of 18 clones (260 ramets), and coupled with clone breeding values. • Results   Despite large annual and clone variation, and year-by-clone interaction in strobili production, the orchard’s genetic worth was somewhat uniform when considering four evaluated traits in the 11 years of superior or medium crop size. These years accounted for 95% of the accumulated cone crop over the whole period (18 years). Noteworthy deviations were only seen in the seven poorest seed years, comprising the remaining 5% of the total cone crop, where genetic diversity measures were also low. • Conclusion   Avoiding small crop years seems to be a reasonable way to avoid fluctuations in the commercial seed orchard product. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 69-80 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0159-y Authors Ulrik B. Nielsen, Danish Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Ole K. Hansen, Danish Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560 Journal Volume Volume 69 Journal Issue Volume 69, Number 1

Beschreibung: • Context   This review paper provides an overview of approaches to which we may resort for handling the complex decision problems involving uncertainty and risk that climate change implies for forest managers. Modelling approaches that could support adaptive management strategies seem to be called for, not only as climate change denotes increased economic uncertainty but also because new and more reliable information becomes available as time passes and climate changes. • Aims   The paper (1) provides a broad overview of state-of-the-art methods for optimal decision making under risk and uncertainty in forestry and (2) elaborates on the possible use of these methods in adaptive forest management under climate change. • Method   A survey of the current literature is carried out to identify approaches and developments that may prove most promising in relation to different challenges to the adaptive management of forest ecosystems under climate change. • Results   Most studies focusing on changing, typically increasing, risks in forest management under climate change tend to build on existing approaches about changes in risk levels contingent on climate change scenarios. • Conclusion   Finally, we discuss what to emphasise in future studies to improve the understanding of adaptive forest management and decision support tools needed to cope with climate change. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Paper Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0153-4 Authors Rasoul Yousefpour, Forest & Landscape, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Jette Bredahl Jacobsen, Forest & Landscape, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Bo Jellesmark Thorsen, Forest & Landscape, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Henrik Meilby, Forest & Landscape, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Marc Hanewinkel, Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland Karoline Oehler, Regional Office EFICENT-OEF, European Forest Institute, Wonnhaldestr. 4, D-79100 Freiburg, Germany Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560 Journal Volume Volume 69 Journal Issue Volume 69, Number 1

Beschreibung:    Understanding spatiotemporal tree growth variability and its associations with climate can provide key insights into forest dynamics in the context of global climate change. Here, we conduct a comprehensive investigation on 64 ring-width chronologies across the entire Northwest (NW) China to understand the regional patterns of tree growth and climate–growth relationships. Using rotated principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis, we found that tree growth was mainly determined by the climate and could be classified into nine groups. Most of the tree-ring chronologies in NW China showed high correlations with moisture conditions in the current and previous growing seasons. After removing age-related growth trends, inter-annual tree growth patterns are supposed to be mainly determined by climate and climate–growth relationships. Since climate–growth relationships for most tree-ring chronologies in this arid region are similar, patterns of tree growth are mainly determined by climate variability. Within each group, the strength of the common signal increases under extreme climate conditions. Thus, climate plays a more important role in determining tree growth in extreme climate conditions relative to the non-climate factors, leading to more coherent growth patterns. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0721-8 Authors Keyan Fang, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Xiaohua Gou, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Fahu Chen, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Edward Cook, Tree-Ring Lab, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, New York, NY 10964, USA Jinbao Li, International Pacific Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96882, USA Yingjun Li, Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), Research School of Arid Environment and Climate Change, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: • Context   This research was conducted in a 62-year-old stone pine ( Pinus pinea L.) forest within the National Natural Reserve of the Roman Coast, Italy. Net under-canopy precipitation was measured between September 2004 and December 2008 in a unthinned and a thinned area of about 1 ha each. • Aims   The goals were to document and compare net under-canopy rainfall (throughfall and stemflow) in thinned and unthinned stands, and evaluate how the re-growth of tree crowns following thinning influences canopy interception. • Methods   Thinning was carried out during the winter of 2002 and reduced the number of trees by 56% and leaf area index (LAI) by 63%. Rainfall, throughfall, and stemflow were measured and analysed. • Results   Interception loss averaged 23% and 40% in the thinned and unthinned areas respectively, but difference decreased during larger rainfall events. Net under-canopy precipitation was always higher ( P  〈 0.001) in the thinned area, and showed a significant ( P  = 0.041) relationship with LAI. Stemflow was very low. • Conclusion   These results highlight the positive effect of thinning, which reduces water loss from precipitation caused by interception of rainfall in Mediterranean forests that have never been thinned. Thinning guarantees a greater flow of water under the canopy, particularly in the driest months and for lower amounts of rainfall, and improves stand growth rates. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1323-1332 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0142-7 Authors Gianluigi Mazza, Research Centre for Silviculture, Agriculture Research Council, Viale S. Margherita 80, 52100 Arezzo, Italy Emilio Amorini, Research Centre for Silviculture, Agriculture Research Council, Viale S. Margherita 80, 52100 Arezzo, Italy Andrea Cutini, Research Centre for Silviculture, Agriculture Research Council, Viale S. Margherita 80, 52100 Arezzo, Italy Maria Chiara Manetti, Research Centre for Silviculture, Agriculture Research Council, Viale S. Margherita 80, 52100 Arezzo, Italy Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560 Journal Volume Volume 68 Journal Issue Volume 68, Number 8

Beschreibung: Introduction   Knowledge of vertical variation in hydraulic parameters would improve our understanding of individual trunk functioning and likely have important implications for modeling water movement to the leaves. Specifically, understanding how foliage area ( A l ), sapwood area ( A s ), and hydraulic specific conductivity ( k s ) vary with canopy position to affect leaf-specific conductivity (LSC) and whole-tree leaf-specific hydraulic conductance ( K l ) may explain some of the contrasting patterns of A l / A s reported in the literature. Objective   The general aim of the study was to characterize and compare the aboveground relationships between cumulative A l , A s , and k s for two Pacific Northwest coniferous species with contrasting sapwood areas to give insight into size-related design of trees for water transport through changes in LSC and K l . Results   The 230-year-old ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa ) trees had slightly smaller basal diameters than the 102-year-old Douglas-fir ( Pseudostuga menziesii ) trees, but contained 85% sapwood at the base compared to 30% in Douglas-fir. At the tree base, there was no evidence that A l / A s decreased with tree age or with tree size. In both species, A l / A s of branches was significantly higher than A l / A s at the tree base, but it was not different from A l / A s measured in the trunks at the top of the tree. Douglas-fir had higher A l / A s at the base than did ponderosa pine (0.42 vs. 0.24 m 2 cm −2 ), similar patterns of change in A l / A s with height, and similar values of k s , such that LSC in Douglas-fir was 77% the value of LSC in ponderosa pine. Compensating changes to increase LSC between short and tall trees occurred through an increased in k s in tall trees but not through a reduction in A l . LSC increased logarithmically with branch path length or trunk path length whereas K l decreased significantly from top to base of old trees, but not between sections from old and young trees of similar cambial age. Conclusions   Even though ponderosa pine had three times more sapwood than Douglas-fir, this study revealed a common relationship of declining K l with increasing tree height and diameter between the two species, within age classes and among trees. There was no compensating decrease in A l / A s as trees got taller, which showed that a homeostasis in K l was not maintained during growth. The trend of higher allocation of biomass to sapwood over leaves in ponderosa pine is consistent with this species’ tendency to inhabit drier sites than Douglas-fir. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 17-27 DOI 10.1007/s13595-011-0154-3 Authors Jean-Christophe Domec, ENITAB, UMR 1220 TCEM, 33175 Gradignan, France Barbara Lachenbruch, Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA Michele L. Pruyn, Department of Biological Sciences, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH 03264, USA Rachel Spicer, Department of Botany, Connecticut College, New London, CT 06320, USA Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560 Journal Volume Volume 69 Journal Issue Volume 69, Number 1

Beschreibung:    Tree growth and form are both influenced by crown architecture and how it effects leaf distribution and light interception. This study examined the vertical distribution of foliage in 4-year-old plantation-grown Eucalyptus pilularis Sm. and E. cloeziana F. Muell. trees. Leaf area (LA) distribution was determined at two different sites using allometric approaches to determine LA in crown sections and for whole trees. Leaf area was distributed more towards the upper crowns when canopies had been closed for longer. Leaf area was also skewed more towards the upper crowns for Eucalyptus pilularis than E. cloeziana . These species differences were consistent with differences in vertical light availability gradients as determined by point quantum sensors. Leaf area of individual branches was highly correlated with branch cross-sectional area (CSA) and whole-tree LA was closely related to stem CSA. Branch-level allometric relationships were influenced by site and crown position. However, the general allometric equations between stem size and whole-tree leaf area could be applied across sites. Results from this study suggest that pruning of live branches in these species should follow species-specific guides for the timing and height of pruning to optimise the effects on stem growth and form. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0809-1 Authors Philip J. Alcorn, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia David I. Forrester, Institute of Silviculture, Freiburg University, 79085 Freiburg, Germany R. Geoff B. Smith, Forests NSW, PO Box J19, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia Dane S. Thomas, Forests NSW, PO Box J19, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia Ryde N. James, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia Adrienne B. Nicotra, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia Jürgen Bauhus, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    The two main objectives of this research were to identify new S -RNase alleles in Iranian almond cultivars and to characterize naturally occurring mutations in these alleles that may cause self-compatibility. We investigated S genotypes of 22 Iranian almond cultivars using stylar RNase electrophoresis, PCR and DNA sequencing. We report six previously unidentified P. dulcis S -RNase alleles ( S 45 , S 46 , S 47 , S 48 , S 49 and S 50 ). Four of 12 tested S -RNases were found to be non-functional in vitro: S 49 , S 50 , S 24 / S na and S 25 / S 47 . Detected point mutations in the C3 coding region of S 49 - and S 50 -RNase, leading to the replacement of a highly conserved cysteine and histidine residues, are with the highest probability the reason of these S -RNases inactivity. Results also suggested that ten Iranian almond cultivars display unique S genotype. All presented data confirm Iranian cultivars as valuable almond sources which are of interest to almond breeding and conservation programs. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0803-7 Authors Akram Hafizi, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran Behrouz Shiran, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran Bahram Maleki, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran Ali Imani, Sections of Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Centre of Karaj, Karaj, Iran Bojana Banović, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    Protocols have been established to clone adult cork oak trees by somatic embryogenesis using semisolid medium. However, for economically viable mass propagation, embryogenic cultures in liquid medium need to be developed. In this study, suspension cultures were initiated from embryo clusters obtained by secondary embryogenesis on a gelled medium lacking plant growth regulators. After 6 days of culture, these embryo clusters generated high cell density suspensions that also contained small organized structures (embryos and embryogenic clumps). As the culture duration increased, tissue necrosis and fewer embryogenic structures were observed and the establishment of suspension cultures failed. An alternative method was found adequate for initiation of embryogenic suspensions: embryo clusters from gelled medium were briefly shaken in liquid medium and detached cells and embryogenic masses of 41–800 μm were used as inoculum. Maintenance of embryogenic suspensions was achieved using a low-density inoculum (43 mg l −1 ) by subculturing four embryogenic clumps of 0.8–1.2 mm per 70 ml of medium. Proliferation ability was maintained for almost 1 year through ten consecutive subcultures. The initiation and maintenance protocols first developed for a single genotype were effective when tested on 11 cork oak genotypes. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0763-y Authors Jesús Jiménez, Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA), Finca El Encín, Apdo. 127, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Dolores López-Vela, Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA), Finca El Encín, Apdo. 127, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Mar Ruiz-Galea, Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA), Finca El Encín, Apdo. 127, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Cristina Celestino, Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA), Finca El Encín, Apdo. 127, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Mariano Toribio, Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA), Finca El Encín, Apdo. 127, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Jesús Alegre, Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA), Finca El Encín, Apdo. 127, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Purpose   Plant sterol (PS)-enriched food products are known to reduce plasma cholesterol concentrations by inhibiting the absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol. The physiological responses induced by food intake in the gastrointestinal tract are all important factors in determining the overall effect of PS. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the effect of timing of consumption of a plant sterol (PS)–containing yoghurt drink relative to meal ingestion on gastric emptying (GE) of the drink and gallbladder (GB) volume. Methods   This is a randomized, single-centre, controlled study with crossover design in 12 healthy male volunteers. Three treatments were tested; a 100 mL PS yoghurt drink (labeled with 1,000 mg acetaminophen) was consumed 45 min prior to, during and 45 min after a solid meal. Plasma samples were taken, and gallbladder volumes were measured at baseline and at regular intervals during a 6-h study period. Results   When consumed before the consumption of a meal, the yoghurt drink exhibited fast GE. The solid meal intake caused a significant contraction of the gallbladder. Consumption of the PS drink before the meal had no significant effect on GB volume as compared to baseline and compared to during and after meal consumption. Conclusions   The PS-containing drink, which empties fast from the stomach, does not sufficiently trigger gallbladder contraction without co-ingestion of a solid meal and in consequence does not induce the necessary physiological changes needed to allow PS to exhibit their effect on inhibiting cholesterol absorption. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0440-3 Authors D. Keszthelyi, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands D. Knol, Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, Olivier van Noortlaan 120, 3133 AT Vlaardingen, The Netherlands F. J. Troost, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands M. van Avesaat, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands M. Foltz, Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, Olivier van Noortlaan 120, 3133 AT Vlaardingen, The Netherlands A. A. M. Masclee, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung:    Reduction of crop yield from high water stress is a serious agricultural problem worldwide, which is expected to intensify under future global change scenarios. Efforts are underway worldwide to improve crops resistance to drought. One possible way is the careful choice of rootstock-scion combination. It is well known that water stress symptoms of grafted cherry trees to a large extent depend on the rootstock variety. Scions grafted on dwarf rootstocks show more serious stress symptoms, so it is reasonable to hypothesize that these symptoms and the tissue structure of the rootstock stem are connected. This paper examines this connection for 1-year-old seedlings of eight cherry rootstocks with different degree of vigor. Tissue structure was observed via scanning electron microscope images. Investigations were focused on number, size, and distribution of vessels, because they are principally responsible for water transport. Stem porosity (i.e., the total vessel area relative to the stem area, in cross-sectional view) of the dwarfing rootstocks was found to be significantly smaller than that of the others, supporting the notion that stem anatomical characteristics might contribute to water stress sensitivity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0766-8 Authors Anikó Hajagos, Department of Fruit Science, Faculty of Horticultural Science, Corvinus University of Budapest, Villányi út 29-43, Budapest, 1118 Hungary György Végvári, Department of Fruit Science, Faculty of Horticultural Science, Corvinus University of Budapest, Villányi út 29-43, Budapest, 1118 Hungary Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Purpose   Biological effects of marine oils, fish oil (FO) and krill oil (KO), are mostly attributed to the high content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), predominantly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The study was aimed to investigate the influence of FO and KO on lipid homeostasis and inflammation in an animal model of persistent low-grade exposure to human tumor necrosis factor α (hTNF-α) and to evaluate whether these effects depend on the structural forms of EPA and DHA [triacylglycerols (TAG) vs. phospholipids]. Methods   Male C57BL/6 hTNF-α mice were fed for 6 weeks a high-fat control diet (24.50 % total fats, w/w) or high-fat diets containing either FO or KO at similar doses of n-3 PUFAs (EPA: 5.23 vs. 5.39 wt%, DHA: 2.82 vs. 2.36 wt% of total fatty acids). Results   We found that KO, containing bioactive n-3 PUFAs in the form of phospholipids, was capable of modulating lipid metabolism by lowering plasma levels of TAG and cholesterol and stimulating the mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation, as well as improving the overall carnitine turnover. Though the administration of FO was not as effective as KO in the lowering of plasma TAG, FO significantly improved the levels of all cholesterol classes in plasma. Except from the increase in the levels of IL-17 in FO-fed mice and a trend to decrease in MCP-1 levels in KO-fed animals, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were not substantially different between treatment groups. Conclusion   Our findings demonstrate that FO and KO are comparable dietary sources of n-3 PUFAs. However, when quantitatively similar doses of n-3 PUFAs are administered, KO seems to have a greater potential to promote lipid catabolism. The effect of dietary oils on the levels of inflammatory markers in hTNF-α transgenic mice fed a high-fat diet needs further investigations. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0441-2 Authors Natalya Filipchuk Vigerust, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway Bodil Bjørndal, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway Pavol Bohov, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway Trond Brattelid, National Institute of Fisheries, NIFES, 5804 Bergen, Norway Asbjørn Svardal, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway Rolf Kristian Berge, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   It is relatively unknown how different dietary components, in partnership, regulate gene expression linked to colon pathology. It has been suggested that the combination of various bioactive components present in a plant-based diet is crucial for their potential anticancer activities. This study employed a combinatorial chemopreventive strategy to investigate the impact of selenium and/or isothiocyanates on DNA methylation processes in colorectal carcinoma cell lines. Methods   To gain insights into the epigenetic-mediated changes in gene expression in response to these dietary constituents cultured Caco-2 and HCT116 cells were exposed for up to 12 days to different concentrations of selenium methylselenocysteine and selenite (ranging from 0.2 to 5 μM) either alone or in combination with sulforaphane and iberin (ranging from 6 to 8 μM), and changes to gene-specific ( p16 INK4A and ESR1 ), global (LINE-1) methylation and DNMT expression were quantified using real-time PCR-based assays. Results   No effects on the methylation of CpG islands in ESR1 , p16 INK4A or of LINE-1, a marker of global genomic methylation, were observed after exposure of Caco-2 and HCT116 cells to selenium or isothiocyanates. Only transient changes in DNMT mRNA expression, which occurred mostly in the treatment groups containing isothiocyanates, were observed, and these occurred only for specific DNMT transcripts and did not lead to the modification of the aberrant methylation status present in these cells. Conclusion   These data suggest that treatment for colon cancer cells with selenium and/or isothiocyanates, either individually or in combination does not impact abnormal methylation patterns of key genes involved in the complex multistep process of colon carcinogenesis in vitro. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0442-1 Authors Lawrence N. Barrera, Department of Nutrition, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK Ian T. Johnson, Institute of Food Research, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UA UK Yongping Bao, Department of Nutrition, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK Aedin Cassidy, Department of Nutrition, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK Nigel J. Belshaw, Institute of Food Research, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UA UK Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung:    Citrus plants originate from southeastern Asia, in a large area with various climates characterized by a broad range of temperatures. Some species have been diversified in temperate climates, others in subtropical climates. Temperature is assumed to be a key factor in citrus species adaptation and diversification of basic cellular functions. In a field experiment, the tolerance of the three fundamental Citrus species C. medica L., C. reticulata Blanco and C. maxima (Burm.) Merr., and Fortunella japonica (Thunb.) Swing. to photooxidative stress caused by seasonal climatic changes was evaluated on adult trees by measuring net photosynthesis ( P net), stomatal conductance ( G s), maximum photosynthesis ( P max) and chlorophyll fluorescence ( F v/ F m). In addition, seasonal changes in oxidative status, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione reductase) and antioxidant metabolites (ascorbate and glutathione) were monitored. Mandarin and pummelo appeared to be the most tolerant, showing the lowest down-regulation of photosynthetic parameters, and the lowest accumulation of oxidized compounds associated with efficiency of their antioxidant system. Kumquat showed intermediate behaviour, with a large diminution of photosynthetic parameters and marked accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, whereas the malondialdehyde content remained low, with a strong induction of glutathione synthesis. Finally, citron appeared to be the most sensitive genotype with a marked decrease in photosynthetic performance, the largest accumulation of oxidative parameters, insufficient induction of antioxidant enzymes and down-regulation of ascorbate and glutathione synthesis. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0769-5 Authors Jérémie Santini, UR 1103 Génétique et Ecophysiologie de la Qualité des Agrumes, INRA, 20230 San Giuliano, France Jean Giannettini, Laboratoire Biochimie and Biologie Moléculaire du Végétal, CNRS, UMR 6134 SPE, 20250 Corte, France Olivier Pailly, UR 1103 Génétique et Ecophysiologie de la Qualité des Agrumes, INRA, 20230 San Giuliano, France Stéphane Herbette, INRA, UMR 547 PIAF, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Patrick Ollitrault, CIRAD, UPR 75, Avenue Agropolis, TA A-75/02, 34398 Montpellier cedex 5, France Liliane Berti, Laboratoire Biochimie and Biologie Moléculaire du Végétal, CNRS, UMR 6134 SPE, 20250 Corte, France François Luro, UR 1103 Génétique et Ecophysiologie de la Qualité des Agrumes, INRA, 20230 San Giuliano, France Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    Tree species use a variety of strategies to obtain resources. As a result, semi-deciduous forest species and cerrado species can grow in close proximity and in the same climate, while occupying very different vegetation types. The aim of this study was to understand the dynamic responses of Hymenaea courbaril, a forest species, and Hymenaea stigonocarpa, a cerrado species, to annual climatic variation and increasing atmospheric CO 2 concentrations under the same macroclimatic conditions. To that goal, we constructed chronologies of tree-ring width, vessel area, and intrinsic water-use efficiency (calculated from tree-ring δ 13 C content) for Hymenaea trees growing in a mosaic of the two vegetation types. Our analyses revealed that both species responded to climatic variation in similar ways, but with different intensities and at different times of year. Climate models showed that precipitation had a stronger effect on tree-ring width and earlywood vessel area of H. courbaril and temperature was slightly more determinant for H. stigonocarpa . In addition, both species showed increasing intrinsic water-use efficiency over the last five decades, but only individuals with reduced growth rate presented this trend, suggesting that those specimens in favorable growth conditions do not respond to the atmospheric CO 2 enrichment. Despite the trend in water-use efficiency found in some individuals, it did not reflect in a higher growth rate. The differences between the two species documented by us may be due to divergent sources of hydrological stress in the two vegetation types. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0764-x Authors Giuliano Maselli Locosselli, Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, Butantã, CEP 09715-030 São Paulo, SP, Brazil Marcos Silveira Buckeridge, Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, Butantã, CEP 09715-030 São Paulo, SP, Brazil Marcelo Zacharias Moreira, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Centenário, 303, CEP 131416-000 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil Gregório Ceccantini, Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, Butantã, CEP 09715-030 São Paulo, SP, Brazil Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Background and aims   Protein malnutrition affects resistance to infection by impairing the inflammatory response, modifying the function of effector cells, such as macrophages. Recent studies have revealed that glutamine—a non-essential amino acid, which could become conditionally essential in some situations like trauma, infection, post-surgery and sepsis—is able to modulate the synthesis of cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glutamine on the expression of proteins involved in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathway of peritoneal macrophages from malnourished mice. Methods   Two-month-old male Balb/c mice were submitted to protein-energy malnutrition ( n  = 10) with a low-protein diet containing 2 % protein, whereas control mice ( n  = 10) were fed a 12 % protein-containing diet. The haemogram and analysis of plasma glutamine and corticosterone were evaluated. Peritoneal macrophages were pre-treated in vitro with glutamine (0, 0.6, 2 and 10 mmol/L) for 24 h and then stimulated with 1.25 μg LPS for 30 min, and the synthesis of TNF-α and IL-1α and the expression of proteins related to the NF-κB pathway were evaluated. Results   Malnourished animals had anaemia, leucopoenia, lower plasma glutamine and increased corticosterone levels. TNF-α production of macrophages stimulated with LPS was significantly lower in cells from malnourished animals when cultivated in supraphysiological (2 and 10 mmol/L) concentrations of glutamine. Further, glutamine has a dose-dependent effect on the activation of macrophages, in both groups, when stimulated with LPS, inducing a decrease in TNF-α and IL-1α production and negatively modulating the NF-κB signalling pathway. Conclusions   These data lead us to infer that the protein malnutrition state interferes with the activation of macrophages and that higher glutamine concentrations, in vitro, have the capacity to act negatively in the NF-κB signalling pathway. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0443-0 Authors Fabiana da Silva Lima, Experimental Hematology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Lineu Prestes, 580 Bloco 17, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil Marcelo Macedo Rogero, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Mayara Caldas Ramos, Experimental Hematology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Lineu Prestes, 580 Bloco 17, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil Primavera Borelli, Experimental Hematology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Lineu Prestes, 580 Bloco 17, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil Ricardo Ambrósio Fock, Experimental Hematology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Lineu Prestes, 580 Bloco 17, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung:    We applied dendroclimatological techniques to determine long-term stationarity of climate–growth relationships and recent growth trends of three widespread coniferous tree species of the central Austrian Alps, which grow intermixed at dry mesic sites within a dry inner Alpine environment (750 m asl). Time series of annual increments were developed from 〉120 mature trees of Picea abies , Larix decidua and Pinus sylvestris . Calculation of response functions for the period 1911–2009 revealed significant differences among species in response to climate variables. While precipitation in May–June favored radial growth of P. abies and L. decidua , P. sylvestris growth mainly depended on April–May precipitation. P. abies growth was most sensitive to May–June temperature (inverse relationship). Moving response function coefficients indicated increasing drought sensitivity of all species in recent decades, which is related to a decline in soil moisture availability due to increasing stand density and tree size and higher evapotranspiration rates in a warmer climate. While recent trend in basal area increment (BAI) of L. decidua distinctly declined implying high vulnerability to drought stress, moderately shade-tolerant P. abies showed steadily increasing BAI and quite constant BAI was maintained in drought-adapted P. sylvestris , although at the lowest level of all species. We conclude that synergistic effects of stand dynamics and climate warming increased drought sensitivity, which changed the competitive strength of co-occurring conifers due to differences in the inherent adaptive capacity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0768-6 Authors Roman Schuster, Institute of Botany, Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Walter Oberhuber, Institute of Botany, Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Purpose   Animal and laboratory studies suggest that long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat found in fatty fish, may protect against carcinogenesis, but human studies on dietary intake of polyunsaturated fats and fish with endometrial cancer risk show mixed results. Methods   We evaluated the associations between endometrial cancer risk and intake of fatty acids and fish in a population-based sample of 556 incident cancer cases and 533 age-matched controls using multivariate unconditional logistic regression methods. Results   Although total n-3 fatty acid intake was not associated with endometrial cancer risk, higher intakes of eicosapentaenoic (EPA 20:5) and docosahexaenoic (DHA 22:6) fatty acids were significantly associated with lower risks (OR = 0.57, 95 % CI: 0.39–0.84; OR = 0.64, 95 % CI: 0.44–0.94; respectively) comparing extreme quartiles. The ratio of n-3:n-6 fatty acids was inversely associated with risk only on a continuous scale (OR = 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.71–0.99), while total fish intake was not associated with risk. Fish oil supplement use was significantly associated with reduced risk of endometrial cancer: OR = 0.63 (95 % CI: 0.45–0.88). Conclusions   Our results suggest that dietary intake of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA in foods and supplements may have protective associations against the development of endometrial cancer. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0436-z Authors Hannah Arem, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Marian L. Neuhouser, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA Melinda L. Irwin, Yale School of Public Health, School of Medicine, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Brenda Cartmel, Yale School of Public Health, School of Medicine, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Lingeng Lu, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Harvey Risch, Yale School of Public Health, School of Medicine, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Susan T. Mayne, Yale School of Public Health, School of Medicine, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Herbert Yu, Yale School of Public Health, School of Medicine, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Context   The reforestation of degraded tropical pastures requires innovative tree planting systems that consider land user needs. Aim   We established a silvopastoral reforestation system and assessed the effects of companion trees on the native timber tree Tabebuia rosea in Panama. Timber tree individuals were established in (1) solitary plantings (TSol) or in companion plantings with (2) Guazuma ulmifolia (TGua) or (3) the nitrogen-fixing Gliricidia sepium (TGli). Methods   We quantified growth characteristics and herbivory of T. rosea , and analyzed leaf chemistry (including the stable isotopes δ 15 N and δ 13 C) and structure (leaf mass per area). Results   Companion trees significantly affected stem diameter growth of T. rosea . Stem diameter growth was as high in TGli trees as in TSol trees but was reduced in TGua trees. Furthermore, TGua trees had higher leaf water content, and lower δ 13 C and lower leaf mass-to-area ratio than TGli trees, suggesting there were effects of shading by G. ulmifolia on T. rosea . Herbivory was high but not affected by planting regimes. Leafing phenology did not differ between planting regimes and G. sepium did not increase nitrogen content in T. rosea leaves. Conclusion   Companion tree planting can support timber tree growth in silvopastoral reforestations, but adequate species selection is crucial for successful implementation of this planting system. Tree–tree interactions seem to be more relevant for timber tree growth than herbivory in the studied system. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0239-7 Authors Judith Riedel, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Applied Entomology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9/LFO, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland Silvia Dorn, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Applied Entomology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9/LFO, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland Mirco Plath, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Applied Entomology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9/LFO, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland Karsten Mody, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Applied Entomology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9/LFO, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: • Context   The transition of microfibril angle (MFA) values from juvenile to mature wood marks the change from variable, low-quality wood to stronger and more consistent wood that can produce higher value products. • Aims   We evaluate the utility of different statistical models that predict how much of a log is higher quality mature wood based on MFA. • Methods   MFA was measured from pith to bark at breast height in six lodgepole pine stands in western Canada. Six different forms of two-segment regression models were assessed to determine the point of transition (TP) in MFA from juvenile to mature wood. • Results   All six models provided useful and significant TP estimates. In the first segment (juvenile phase), the quadratic form produced the most conservative TPs, the linear form the least conservative, and the exponential form was intermediate. A linear second segment (mature phase) was only a minor improvement over a constant. There were significant differences in MFA TP among some sites. Analyses of the relationships between TP and tree variables, e.g., DBH, height, were inconclusive. • Conclusions   Any of the six two-segment models can be used objectively to estimate MFA transition points; the choice of model will allow mill managers to manage risk in product out-turn. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s13595-012-0226-z Authors Mingliang Wang, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Hinton, AB, Canada James D. Stewart, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, 5320 122 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada Journal Annals of Forest Science Online ISSN 1297-966X Print ISSN 1286-4560

Beschreibung: Purpose   Active hexose-correlated compound (AHCC) is a commercial extract obtained from Basidiomycetes under controlled conditions, yielding a 74 % content in oligosaccharides, especially α-glucans. AHCC has a number of therapeutic effects, including intestinal anti-inflammatory activity. Bifidobacterium longum BB536 is a probiotic with potential health-promoting effect at the gut level. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the possibility of synergism between AHCC, which is believed to act as a prebiotic, and B. longum BB536. Methods   We used the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid model (TNBS) of colitis in rats. AHCC (100 or 500 mg kg −1 ) and B. longum BB536 (5 × 10 6  CFU rat −1  day −1 ) were administered together or separately for 7 days prior to colitis induction and then for another 7 days and compared with control (noncolitic) and TNBS rats. Results   The results show that both treatments had intestinal anti-inflammatory activity separately, which was enhanced when used in combination, as shown by changes in body weight gain, colonic weight to length ratio, myeloperoxydase activity and iNOS expression. Interestingly, the association of AHCC 100 mg kg −1  +  B. longum BB536 showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusions   Our data provide a preclinical experimental basis for the synergistic effect of AHCC and B. longum BB536 on inflammatory bowel disease. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0347-z Authors Borja Ocón, Department of Pharmacology, CIBERehd, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain Andrea Anzola, Department of Pharmacology, CIBERehd, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain Mercedes Ortega-González, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, CIBERehd, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain Antonio Zarzuelo, Department of Pharmacology, CIBERehd, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain María D. Suárez, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, CIBERehd, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain Fermín Sánchez de Medina, Department of Pharmacology, CIBERehd, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain Olga Martínez-Augustin, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, CIBERehd, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Objective   There is increasing evidence that anorexia of aging can cause physical and mental impairment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between anorexia and sarcopenia in elderly persons aged 80 years or older. Methods   Data are from the baseline evaluation of 354 subjects enrolled in the ilSIRENTE study. The ilSIRENTE study is a prospective cohort study performed in the mountain community living in the Sirente geographic area (L’Aquila, Abruzzo) in Central Italy. We defined anorexia as the presence of loss of appetite and/or lower food intake. According to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria, diagnosis of sarcopenia required the documentation of low muscle mass plus the documentation of either low muscle strength or low physical performance. The relationship between anorexia and sarcopenia was estimated by deriving odds ratios from the multiple logistic regression models considering sarcopenia as the dependent variable. Results   Nearly 21 % of the study sample showed symptoms of anorexia. Using the EWGSOP-suggested algorithm, 103 subjects (29.1 %) with sarcopenia were identified. Thirty-four (46.6 %) participants were affected by sarcopenia among subjects with anorexia compared to 69 subjects [24.6 %] without anorexia ( p  〈 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders including age, gender, functional and cognitive impairment, physical activity, urinary incontinence, comorbidity, congestive heart failure, COPD, depression, anti-cholinergic drugs, and TNF-α plasmatic levels, participants with anorexia had a higher risk of sarcopenia compared with non-anorexic subjects (HR 1.88, 95 % CI 1.01–3.51). Conclusions   Anorexia is common among community-dwelling older subjects in Italy. Our results suggest that among old–old subjects, anorexia is independently associated with sarcopenia. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0437-y Authors Francesco Landi, Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Physiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Rosa Liperoti, Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Physiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Andrea Russo, Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Physiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Silvia Giovannini, Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Physiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Matteo Tosato, Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Physiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Christian Barillaro, Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Physiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Ettore Capoluongo, Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Roberto Bernabei, Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Physiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Graziano Onder, Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Physiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Peptide YY (PYY) is a gastrointestinal hormone with physiological actions regulating appetite and energy homoeostasis. The cellular mechanisms by which nutrients stimulate PYY secretion from intestinal enteroendocrine cells are still being elucidated. Methods   This study comprehensively evaluated the suitability of intestinal STC-1 cells as an in vitro model of PYY secretion. PYY concentrations (both intracellular and in culture media) with other intestinal peptides (CCK, GLP-1 and GIP) demonstrated that PYY is a prominent product of STC-1 cells. Furthermore, acute and chronic PYY responses to 15 short (SCFAs)- and long-chain (LCFAs) dietary fatty acids were measured alongside parameters for DNA synthesis, cell viability and cytotoxicity. Results   We found STC-1 cells to be reliable secretors of PYY constitutively releasing PYY into cell culture media (but not into non-stimulatory buffer). We demonstrate for the first time that STC-1 cells produce PYY mRNA transcripts; that STC-1 cells produce specific time- and concentration-dependent PYY secretory responses to valeric acid; that linoleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid 9,11 (CLA 9,11) are potent PYY secretagogues; and that chronic exposure of SCFAs and LCFAs can be detrimental to STC-1 cells. Conclusions   Our studies demonstrate the potential usefulness of STC-1 cells as an in vitro model for investigating nutrient-stimulated PYY secretion in an acute setting. Furthermore, our discovery that CLA directly stimulates L-cells to secrete PYY indicates another possible mechanism contributing to the observed effects of dietary CLA on weight loss. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0439-9 Authors Katharine V. Hand, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG UK Christine M. Bruen, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland Fiona O’Halloran, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland Harsh Panwar, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG UK Danielle Calderwood, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG UK Linda Giblin, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland Brian D. Green, Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG UK Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung:    Stem diameter in Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng.) Harms (Phytolaccaceae) increases by forming concentric rings of xylem alternating with phloem, which show frequent anastomoses. After a period of primary growth and the formation of first (normal) ring of vascular cambium, further successive rings are initiated outside this cambium. The second ring of cambium originates from the pericycle parenchyma located between the proto-phloem, and the pericycle fibres. Each cambium produces centripetally secondary xylem and centrifugally secondary phloem. Differentiation of xylem precedes that of phloem and the first elements formed are always xylem fibres. Structurally, the vascular cylinder is composed by successive rings of secondary xylem and phloem. These rings are separated by wide bands of conjunctive parenchyma tissue. Presence of collateral vascular bundles with irregular orientation is observed in the region of anastomoses of two or more bands of conjunctive tissue. These bundles are surrounded by isodiametric, lignified and thick-walled cells. In some of the cambial rings, occurrence of polycentric rays was also noticed; these rays are tall, and characterized by the presence of meristematic regions that differentiated into thick-walled elements of secondary xylem. Origin and development of the successive cambia and the structure of xylem are discussed. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0762-z Authors Kishore S. Rajput, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, 390002 India Diego Romeiro, Instituto Florestal, CP 1322, Sao Paulo, CEP 02377-000 Brazil Eduardo L. Longui, Instituto Florestal, CP 1322, Sao Paulo, CEP 02377-000 Brazil Carmen R. Marcati, Departamento de Recursos Naturais, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, SP, CP 237, Sao Paulo, CEP 18603-970 Brazil Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    In the search of timber species being tolerant towards summer droughts, which are expected to be more frequent in future, Douglas-fir is often discussed as a potential alternative for spruce in Central Europe. To assess physiological and growth reactions of Douglas-fir provenances towards climate- and weather-related environmental conditions we took advantage of a provenance trial with three sites in south-western Germany located along an elevation gradient. We examined six different provenances of Douglas-fir from North America for oxygen (δ 18 O) and carbon (δ 13 C) stable isotope composition in tree rings as well as for radial increment for a 7 year period and long-term height growth. Our results show that different Douglas-fir provenances clearly vary in their drought sensitivity at the driest and warmest site in the valley as shown by the radial growth decline in the extreme dry and hot year 2003. The growth decline in the provenances Pamelia Creek, Cameron Lake, Duncan Paldi and Conrad Creek could be clearly attributed to a reduction in stomatal conductance as assessed by the relations between δ 18 O and δ 13 C in the tree rings. These responses were not related to the long-term average climate at the places of origin of the provenances and the provenances with the lowest long-term (height) growth potential were the ones least affected in radial increment by the extreme drought of 2003. When selecting suitable Douglas-fir provenances, which are adapted to the climatic conditions projected for the future we thus might need to take into account the trade-off between the adaptation to extreme drought periods and the long-term growth performance. Site-specific evaluations of the probability of extreme drought events are thus needed to select the appropriate provenances. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0765-9 Authors Kirstin Jansen, Institute for Landscape Biogeochemistry, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalderstr. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany Jakob Sohrt, Core Facility Metabolomics, Centre for Systems Biology (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Habsburgerstr. 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany Ulrich Kohnle, Forest Research Institute Baden-Württemberg (FVA), Wonnhaldestr. 4, 79100 Freiburg, Germany Ingo Ensminger, Forest Research Institute Baden-Württemberg (FVA), Wonnhaldestr. 4, 79100 Freiburg, Germany Arthur Gessler, Institute for Landscape Biogeochemistry, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalderstr. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung:    Mangroves are mainly tropical tree species that occur on either side of the equator and because temperature decreases with increasing latitude, the latitudinal limits of mangroves are expected to be mainly controlled by temperature-related drivers. Here, we hypothesized that the mangrove genera ( Avicennia and Rhizophora ) have the same limiting temperature at all of their upper latitudinal limits at the global scale. We first derived six parameters from monthly mean sea surface temperature (SST) and air temperature (AT). Furthermore, we investigated whether the variation in these temperature parameters is related (i) to the position of the limit, (ii) to specific temperature requirements of congeneric species and/or (iii) to aridity. All temperature-based parameters derived from AT and SST are highly variable among the upper latitudinal limits of Avicennia and Rhizophora . Hence, we found no common isotherms to characterize the limits of the two mangrove genera, which contradict previous studies. The high temperature variation among limits can be due to partial range filling towards the latitudinal limits. This is supported by the higher warmest month temperatures at the latitudinal limits of the northern hemisphere as compared to the southern hemisphere. However, temperature parameters at limits, with no or less than 250 km of available poleward coast, are not different from other limits, and adult tree height at the limits is not correlated with the temperature-based variables. Mean air temperature is warmer at limits with an arid climate, suggesting mechanisms of compensation towards higher temperatures when Avicennia and Rhizophora have to cope with both aridity and low temperature. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0760-1 Authors Katrien Quisthoudt, Laboratory for Plant Biology and Nature Management, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Nele Schmitz, Laboratory for Plant Biology and Nature Management, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Christophe F. Randin, Institute of Botany, Universität Basel, Schönbeinstrasse 6, 4056 Basel, Switzerland Farid Dahdouh-Guebas, Laboratory for Plant Biology and Nature Management, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Elisabeth M. R. Robert, Laboratory for Plant Biology and Nature Management, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Nico Koedam, Laboratory for Plant Biology and Nature Management, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Background   Procyanidins are extensively metabolized via phase-II and microbial enzymes. However, their distribution in the body is not well characterized. Aim   This study investigates the distribution of procyanidins (monomers and dimers) and their phase-II metabolites in plasma and tissues (thymus, heart, liver, testicle, lung, kidney, spleen and brain). Methods   Wistar rats were fed with 1 g of cocoa cream (CC), 50 mg of procyanidin hazelnut skin extract (PE) and 50 mg PE in 1 g CC (PECC). The rats were killed at 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 and 18 h after gavage, and the plasma and tissues were analyzed by UPLC–MS/MS. Results   Epicatechin–glucuronide was the main metabolite in the plasma after the CC intake, with C max at 423 nM and t max at 2 h, and methyl catechin–glucuronide (301 nM, 2 h) was the main metabolite in the plasma after the PE intake. As a result of the PECC enrichment, epicatechin–glucuronide (452 nM, 1.5 h) and catechin–glucuronide (297 nM, 2 h) were the main metabolites in the plasma. Methyl catechin–glucuronide was found in the liver after PE (8 nmol/g tissue, 4 h) and PECC (8 nmol/g, 1.5 h). The kidney was found to contain a high concentration of phase-II metabolites of procyanidins and is therefore thought to be the main site of metabolism of the compounds. Methyl catechin–sulfate (6.4 nmol/g, 4 h) was only quantified in the brain and after PE intake. Catechin metabolites were not found in the spleen or heart. Phenolic acids were detected in all tissues. Conclusions   The formulation of a product enriched or fortified with procyanidins is a way to increase their bioavailability, with clear effects on the plasmatic pharmacokinetics, and a greater accumulation of phenolic metabolites in such tissues as the liver, kidney, lung and brain. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0409-2 Authors Aida Serra, Department of Food Technology, XaRTA-UTPV, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Agrària, Universitat de Lleida, Avda/Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain Alba Macià, Department of Food Technology, XaRTA-UTPV, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Agrària, Universitat de Lleida, Avda/Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain Laura Rubió, Department of Food Technology, XaRTA-UTPV, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Agrària, Universitat de Lleida, Avda/Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain Neus Anglès, R+D+i Department, La Morella Nuts, S.A.U., Camí Ample s/n, 43392 Castellvell del Camp, Spain Nàdia Ortega, R+D+i Department, La Morella Nuts, S.A.U., Camí Ample s/n, 43392 Castellvell del Camp, Spain José Ramón Morelló, R+D+i Department, La Morella Nuts, S.A.U., Camí Ample s/n, 43392 Castellvell del Camp, Spain Maria-Paz Romero, Department of Food Technology, XaRTA-UTPV, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Agrària, Universitat de Lleida, Avda/Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain Maria-José Motilva, Department of Food Technology, XaRTA-UTPV, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Agrària, Universitat de Lleida, Avda/Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Background   Depression is a very common disorder in elderly, especially in those institutionalized. Nutrition could play an important role in the onset and/or progression of depression, since the intake of carbohydrates with a high glycaemic index (GI) or diets with a high glycaemic load (GL) may increase the insulin-induced brain serotonin secretion. Objective   The aim of our study was to analyse the association between dietary GI and GL and the odds of suffering depression in institutionalized elderly people without antidepressant treatment. Methods   This cross-sectional study included 140 institutionalized elderly people from the Madrid region (Spain) (65–90 years of age) whose diets were recorded using a precise weighing method over seven consecutive days. Energy and nutrient intakes were recorded and the GI and GL calculated. The participants’ affective capacity was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Subjects were grouped into non-depressed (GDS ≤ 5) and depressed (GDS 〉 5). Since GDS scores and gender were statistically associated ( p  〈 0.01), the data were grouped considering this association. Results   Dietary GI (51.09 ± 3.80) and GL (97.54 ± 13.46) were considered as medium. The dietary GL was significantly higher in the non-depressed (100.00 ± 12.13) compared with the depressed group (93.97 ± 14.04, p  〈 0.01). However, a similar GI was observed between non-depressed (51.50 ± 3.29) and depressed groups (50.52 ± 4.46). Additionally, participants with a dietary GL placed in the second and third tertiles had a 67.4 % and 65.3 %, respectively, less odds of suffering depression than those in the first tertile. GDS scores and dietary GL were inversely related; therefore, an increase in one unit in the dietary GL scale decreased the GDS score by 0.058 units. Conclusions   Glyaemic load is associated with a lower odd of depression. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0412-7 Authors A. Aparicio, Departamento de Nutrición, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain F. Robles, Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital de Cantoblanco-Gregorio Marañón, Crta de Colmenar Km 14.5, Madrid, Spain A. M. López-Sobaler, Departamento de Nutrición, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain R. M. Ortega, Departamento de Nutrición, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Background   Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are synthesized and secreted by immune and epithelial cells that are constantly exposed to environmental microbes. AMPs are essential for barrier defense, and deficiencies lead to increased susceptibility to infection. In addition to their ability to disrupt the integrity of bacterial, viral and fungal membranes, AMPs bind lipopolysaccharides, act as chemoattractants for immune cells and bind to cellular receptors and modulate the expression of cytokines and chemokines. These additional biological activities may explain the role of AMPs in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Modulating the endogenous expression of AMPs offers potential therapeutic treatments for infection and disease. Methods   The present review examines the published data from both in vitro and in vivo studies reporting the effects of nutrients and by-products of microbial metabolism on the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in order to highlight an emerging appreciation for the role of dietary compounds in modulating the innate immune response. Results   Vitamins A and D, dietary histone deacetylases and by-products of intestinal microbial metabolism (butyrate and secondary bile acids) have been found to regulate the expression of AMPs in humans. Vitamin D deficiency correlates with increased susceptibility to infection, and supplementation studies indicate an improvement in defense against infection. Animal and human clinical studies with butyrate indicate that increasing expression of AMPs in the colon protects against infection. Conclusion   These findings suggest that diet and/or consumption of nutritional supplements may be used to improve and/or modulate immune function. In addition, by-products of gut microbe metabolism could be important for communicating with intestinal epithelial and immune cells, thus affecting the expression of AMPs. This interaction may help establish a mucosal barrier to prevent invasion of the intestinal epithelium by either mutualistic or pathogenic microorganisms. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0415-4 Authors Yan Campbell, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, 307 Linus Pauling Science Center, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA Mary L. Fantacone, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, 307 Linus Pauling Science Center, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA Adrian F. Gombart, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, 307 Linus Pauling Science Center, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung: Purpose   Postprandial metabolic stress as a consequence of ingestion of high-energy meals is recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory and antioxidant response of the body to the acute ingestion of a high-fat meal (HFM). Methods   Fifteen healthy overweight subjects were recruited for the study. After HFM consumption, plasma glucose, insulin, uric acid (UA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), thiols (SH), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and dietary antioxidants were measured at 0, 0, 5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h points from ingestion. Results   The ingestion of HFM induced significant increases in both TG and TC, with peaks at 4 h ( p  〈 0.001) and 8 h ( p  〈 0.01), respectively. IL-6 and TNF-α significantly increased postprandially, reaching maximum concentrations 8 h after meal consumption ( p  〈 0.001). Whereas plasma concentrations of vitamins and carotenoids were not changed by HFM, SH and UA increased, peaking 2–4 h postingestion ( p  〈 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Increments of SH and UA were positively correlated with AUC for TG (Pearson coefficient 0.888, p  〈 0.001 and 0.923, p  〈 0.001, respectively). Conclusions   Present results indicate that as a consequence of an excess of dietary fat, the body responds through an inflammatory reaction, which is accompanied by an increment of endogenous antioxidant defenses, mediated by UA and SH, but not by vitamins C and E and carotenoids. Although further studies are needed, results of the current investigation represent novel findings on endogenous strategies of redox defense from fat overloads. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0420-7 Authors Cristiana Miglio, Functional Food and Metabolic Stress Prevention Program, National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (INRAN), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy Ilaria Peluso, Functional Food and Metabolic Stress Prevention Program, National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (INRAN), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy Anna Raguzzini, Functional Food and Metabolic Stress Prevention Program, National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (INRAN), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy Deborah V. Villaño, Food and Nutrition Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy Eleonora Cesqui, Functional Food and Metabolic Stress Prevention Program, National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (INRAN), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy Giovina Catasta, Functional Food and Metabolic Stress Prevention Program, National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (INRAN), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy Elisabetta Toti, Functional Food and Metabolic Stress Prevention Program, National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (INRAN), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy Mauro Serafini, Functional Food and Metabolic Stress Prevention Program, National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (INRAN), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207

Beschreibung:    We examined the growth and photosynthetic responses of Japanese forest tree species to sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) under different nitrogen (N) loads to soil. We grew Quercus serrata , Fagus crenata , Castanopsis sieboldii , Larix kaempferi , Pinus densiflora, and Cryptomeria japonica seedlings in Andisol supplemented with N as NH 4 NO 3 solution at 0, 20, and 50 kg ha −1  year −1 . Seedlings were exposed daily to charcoal-filtered air or SO 2 at 10, 20, and 40 nl l −1 for two growing seasons. Except for C. japonica seedlings, exposure to SO 2 at a relatively low concentration stimulated whole-plant growth, especially under a relatively high N load. The effects of N load on the negative impact of SO 2 on whole-plant growth were synergistic in Q. serrata , F. crenata , C. sieboldii, and P. densiflora , counteractive in L. kaempferi , and additive in C. japonica . In Q. serrata , F. crenata , C. sieboldii, and P. densiflora seedlings, the different responses of whole-plant growth to SO 2 among the N treatments were because of the effect of N load on the response of the net photosynthetic rate to SO 2 . L. kaempferi seedlings showed N load-induced tolerance of whole-plant growth to SO 2 . This was explained by the effect of N load on the responses of photosynthesis and development of assimilative organs to SO 2 . The different growth responses to SO 2 among the N treatments were explained by the effects of N load on the SO 2 uptake rate (evaluated by stomatal diffusive conductance) or the accumulated SO 2 uptake (evaluated by foliar S concentration). Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00468-012-0755-y Authors Masahiro Yamaguchi, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan Makoto Watanabe, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan Chikako Tabe, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan Junichi Naba, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan Hideyuki Matsumura, Environmental Science Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Abiko, Chiba 270-1194, Japan Yoshihisa Kohno, Environmental Science Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Abiko, Chiba 270-1194, Japan Takeshi Izuta, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan Journal Trees - Structure and Function Online ISSN 1432-2285 Print ISSN 0931-1890

Beschreibung: Purpose   To identify the key parameters involved in cereal starch digestion and associated glycaemic response by the utilisation of a dynamic gastro-duodenal digestion model. Methods   Potential plasma glucose loading curves for each meal were calculated and fitted to an exponential function. The area under the curve (AUC) from 0 to 120 min and total digestible starch was used to calculate an in vitro glycaemic index (GI) value normalised against white bread. Microscopy was additionally used to examine cereal samples collected in vitro at different stages of gastric and duodenal digestion. Results   Where in vivo GI data were available (4 out of 6 cereal meals) no significant difference was observed between these values and the corresponding calculated in vitro GI value. Conclusion   It is possible to simulate an in vivo glycaemic response for cereals when the gastric emptying rate (duodenal loading) and kinetics of digestible starch hydrolysis in the duodenum are known. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00394-012-0386-5 Authors Simon Ballance, Nofima AS, Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Ås, Norway Stefan Sahlstrøm, Nofima AS, Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Ås, Norway Per Lea, Nofima AS, Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Ås, Norway Nina E. Nagy, Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute, Ås, Norway Petter V. Andersen, Nofima AS, Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Ås, Norway Tzvetelin Dessev, Nofima AS, Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Ås, Norway Sarah Hull, Leatherhead Food Research, Leatherhead, UK Maria Vardakou, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK Richard Faulks, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK Journal European Journal of Nutrition Online ISSN 1436-6215 Print ISSN 1436-6207