Condensed tannins in extracts from European medicinal plants and herbal products

Medicinal plant materials are not usually analysed for condensed tannins (CT). Thirty commercially available European medicinal plants and herbal products were screened for CT and fourteen CT samples were analysed in detail. This is also the first comprehensive CT analysis of pine buds, walnut leaves, heather flowers and great water dock roots. Acetone/water extracts contained between 3.2 and 25.9 g CT/100 g of extract, had CT with mean degrees of polymerisation of 2.9 to 13.3, procyanidin/prodelphinidin ratios of 1.6/98.4 to 100/0 and cis/trans flavan-3-ol ratios of 17.7/82.3 to 97.3/2.7. The majority of samples contained procyanidins, four contained A-type linkages (blackthorn flowers, heather flowers, bilberry leaves and cowberry leaves) and one sample also had galloylated procyanidins (great water dock roots)

Anthelmintic activities against Haemonchus contortus or Trichostrongylus colubriformis from small ruminants are influenced by structural features of condensed tannins

Plants containing condensed tannins (CTs) may hold promise as alternatives to synthetic anthelmintic (AH) drugs for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). However, the structural features that contribute to the AH activities of CTs remain elusive. This study probed the relationships between CT structures and their AH activities. Eighteen plant resources were selected based on their diverse CT structures. From each plant resource, two CT fractions were isolated and their in vitro AH activities were measured with the Larval Exsheathment Inhibition Assay, which was applied to Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Calculation of mean EC50 values indicated that H. contortus was more susceptible than T colubriformis to the different fractions and that the F1 fractions were less efficient than the F2 ones, as indicated by the respective mean values for H.contortus F1 = 136.9 ± 74.1 µg/ml; and for H.contortus F2 = 108.1 ± 53.2 µg/ml and for T colubriformis F1 = 233 ± 54.3 µg/ml and F2=166 ± 39.9 µg/ml. The results showed that the AH activity against H. contortus was associated with the monomeric subunits that give rise to prodelphinidins (P < 0.05) and with CT polymer size (P < 0.10). However, for T. colubriformis AH activity was correlated only with prodelphinidins (P < 0.05). These results suggest that CTs have different modes of action against different parasite species

Carbon-13 cross-polarization magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CPMAS NMR) for measuring proanthocyanidin content and procyanidin to prodelphinidin ratio in sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) tissues

A procedure based on 13C CPMAS NMR was developed to study procyanidins (PCs) and prodelphinidins (PDs) directly in milled sainfoin plant tissues. Blackcurrant and Tilia samples enabled reference spectra of purified proanthocyanidin (PA) fractions, crude extracts and milled plant tissues, with characteristic resonances at 155, 144 and 132 ppm. PC/PD ratios were estimated from the I132/I155 intensity ratio and differed by 2.5 to 5.9% compared to thiolysis data. Normalization to the 155 ppm signal intensity from reference spectra enabled analysis of PA contents with an error of ca 8 g PAs/100 g plant tissue. The procedure estimates the lignin contribution and allows for a correction of the PA content. In six sainfoin accessions, estimated PA contents, were 1.6- to 20.8-fold higher than the thiolysis and 1.4- to 2.6-fold higher than the HCl-butanol-acetone results. Method differences may reflect the presence of unextractable, possibly high molecular weight PAs in sainfoin

Impact of chemical structure of flavanol monomers and condensed tannins on in vitro anthelmintic activity against bovine nematodes

Plants containing condensed tannins (CT) may have potential to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of cattle. The aim was to investigate the anthelmintic activities of four flavan-3-ols, two galloyl derivatives and 14 purified CT fractions, and to define which structural features of CT determine the anti-parasitic effects against the main cattle nematodes. We used in vitro tests targeting L1 larvae (feeding inhibition assay) and adults (motility assay) of Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora. In the larval feeding inhibition assay, O. ostertagi L1 were significantly more susceptible to all CT fractions than C. oncophora L1. The mean degree of polymerization of CT (i.e. average size) was the most important structural parameter: large CT reduced larval feeding more than small CT. The flavan-3-ols of prodelphinidin (PD)-type tannins had a stronger negative influence on parasite activity than the stereochemistry, i.e. cis- vs trans-configurations, or the presence of a gallate group. In contrast, for C. oncophora high reductions in the motility of larvae and adult worms were strongly related with a higher percentage of PDs within the CT fractions while there was no effect of size. Overall, the size and the percentage of PDs within CT seemed to be the most important parameters that influence anti-parasitic activity

Canadian Broadcasting and SCTV at the Intersection of Policy, Technology and Culture

Despite putting significant resources into building a national broadcasting service to feature Canadian talent, Canada failed to develop any distinct celebrity culture from the United States, relying on their star system to define talent, which has contributed to a steady drain of those creatives into Hollywood from the North. Though Canada’s content producers are seeing a major recent uptick in celebrity from within its borders, the role that policy played on a developing television generation was impactful, working to form a national culture that is finally learning to appreciate its natural gifts. This thesis first describes the way that the Canadian government developed its public broadcast system, primarily interceding by way of regulatory bodies and a public broadcasting company. The second part of this paper uses the television program, SCTV (Second City Television), as a case study to explore some issues in producing content for Canadian broadcasting within the system and the culture, a culture that both the system and the show reinforced as these entertainers navigated the “media borderlands.

Fungal succession in a cultured Norway spruce (Picea abies) forest

Et av de mest sentrale temaene innen økologi er forholdet mellom biologisk mangfold og økosystem. Mange vedboende sopp er nedbrytere, med en viktig rolle i sirkulasjonen av materie og skaping av leveområder for andre vedråtningssopper i skogens økosystemer. Imidlertid er lite kjent om forholdet mellom suksesjon av soppsamfunn og ulike stadier av nedbrytning, spesielt i det tidlige stadiet før etableringen av fruktlegemer. I tillegg er det lite kjent også om etablering av sjeldne polyporesopper som brukes til overvåking av gammelskog. Jeg studerte soppsamfunn i (i) stående trær med et hint av tørrhet, (ii) liggende trær som er delvis nedbrutt, har fortsatt bark og er utsatt for barkbiller og (iii) liggende trær som ikke har bark og er sterkt nedbrutt, i en gammeldyrket skog i Norge. Basert på åtte millioner avlesninger av dsDNA ITS-regionen, ble 1 275 501 OTU-er påvist i 48 DNA-prøver. Den store rikdommen av sopp ble presentert av 58 % var Ascomycota, 35 % var Basidiomycota, 1 % var Mortierellmycota og 1 % var Mucoromycota. Totalt ble 88 order oppdaget, og de vanligste av disse var Helotiales (39,2 %), Polyporales (14 %), Saccharomycetes (13,3 %). Totalt 31 polyporer (orden; Polyporales og Hymenochaetales) ble identifisert. For det første var soppartsrikdommen relativt lik i stadiene «Leggende delvis nedbrutt» og «Leggende sterkt nedbrutt». Det var ikke-signifikante forskjeller, likevel var Shannon-indeksen høyest i det tidligste stadiet. Soppens artsrikdom økt med treforfall, dette har stor betydning for soppsamfunnet. Beta mangfold viste stor likhet mellom stadiene "Liggende sterkt nedbrutt" og "Liggende delvis nedbrutt". Soppartssammensetningen endres under substratsuksesjon. Interessant nok indikerte de høye verdiene i skiftfellesskap i stadiet "Liggende sterkt nedbrutt" sterkt dominert soppmikrobiom med gjærsopp (Saccharomycetes). For det andre tildelte den trofiske modusanalysen sopp-OTUene til de viktigste guild: dyrepatogen, ectomycorrhizal, endofytt og saprotrofer. Saprotrofe sopp økte proporsjonalt når treverket var mer forfalt. Til slutt er de sjeldne artene av polyporesopper som brukes i overvåking av gammel skog mer vanlig på senere stadier, men kan etableres tidlig. Arter som F.rosea og P.centrifuga ble registrert i alle nedbrytningsstadier.One of the most central topics in ecology is the relation between biodiversity and ecosystem. Many wood-inhabiting fungi are decomposers, with an important role in the circulation of matter and creation of habitats for other wood decay fungi in forest ecosystems. However, little is known about the relation between succession of fungal community and different stages of decomposition, especially in the early stage before the establishment of fruiting bodies. In addition, little is known also about the establishment of rare polypore fungi that are used in monitoring old growth forests. I studied fungal communities in (i) Standing trees with a hint of dryness, (ii) Laying trees that are partially decomposed, have still bark and are exposed to bark beetles and (iii) laying trees that has no bark and is highly decomposed, in an old-cultivated forest in Norway. Based on eight million reads of the dsDNA ITS region, 1 275 501 OTUs were detected in 48 DNA samples. The great richness of fungi was presented by 58 % were Ascomycota, 35% were Basidiomycota, 1 % were Mortierellmycota and 1% were Mucoromycota. In total 88 orders were recovered and the most common of these were Helotiales (39.2%), Polyporales (14%), Saccharomycetes (13.3%). A total of 31 polypores (order; Polyporales and Hymenochaetales) were identified. In the first place, the fungal species richness was relatively similar among stages “Laying partially decomposed” and “Laying highly decomposed”. There were nonsignificant differences, nevertheless Shannon index was highest during the early stage. The fungal species richness increased with wood decay which is of great importance for fungal community. Beta diversity displayed highly similarity among stages “Laying highly decomposed” and “Laying partially decomposed”. The fungal species composition changes during substrate succession. Interestingly, the high values in shift community in stage “Laying highly decomposed” indicated strongly dominated fungal microbiome with yeast fungi (Saccharomycetes). Secondly, the trophic mode analysis assigned the fungal OTUs to the main trophic modes: animal pathogen, ectomycorrhizal, endophyte and saprotrophs. Saprotrophic fungi increased in proportion when the wood were more decayed. Finally, the rare species of polypore fungi used in monitoring of old-cultured forests are more common at later stages but can be established early. Species such as F.rosea and P.centrifuga were registered in all stages of decomposition

LA FIGURA DE JUDAS TADEO EN CANTOS RELIGIOSOS SELECCIONADOS EN IDIOMA POLACO

En la tradición del canto polaco, hay varios cantos, himnos y canciones dedicadas a San Judas Tadeo. El análisis de siete textos seleccionados sobre San Judas Tadeo permitió esbozar la figura de este Apóstol en la conciencia de la comunidad católica polaca a principios del siglo XX y XXI. Judas Tadeo es un apóstol de corazón tierno y ferviente. Jesucristo lo eligió como su mensajero, confió en él y le encargó predicar la palabra Dios con poder y milagros. Judas Tadeo proclamaba celosamente a Jesús el Señor, Su Evangelio y sanaba a los enfermos. San Judas Tadeo es adorado en la Iglesia junto con Simón el Zelote. Juntos, convertían valientemente al pueblo a Dios, sellaron el testimonio con su muerte, y ahora disfrutan de la recompensa eterna en el cielo y reciben la gloria de toda la Iglesia. Judas Tadeo es un santo mártir que participa en los sufrimientos y la gloria de Cristo. Judas Tadeo es un pariente de Jesús y un defensor eficaz ante el santo trono de Jesús. No desprecia las súplicas. Gracias a sus méritos, Judas Tadeo es un santo patrón de las causas imposibles, desesperadas y finales, incluidos los problemas morales y sociales contemporáneos. Judas Tadeo proporciona apoyo espiritual en la lucha final por la salvación eterna, también en la hora de la muerte y en el juicio de Dios; protege a muchos del infierno. Judas Tadeo es invocado por los pecadores, como patrón de la conversión y ayudante en la expiación del mal cometido. Su intercesión contribuye a obtener indulgencias y a recibir el perdón de las penas y deudas. En la fe de los adoradores, Judas Tadeo fue amado por la Madre de Dios

LA FIGURA DE SANTIAGO EL MAYOR EN CANTOS RELIGIOSOS SELECCIONADOS EN LENGUA POLACA

La cultura musical polaca forma parte de la tradición de canto de la Iglesia universal, en la que el mensaje ha ido cambiando a lo largo de los siglos. En las historias cantadas contemporáneas, la imagen de Santiago se va alejando gradualmente del contenido legendario para asumir una temática más evangélica y más relacionada con el culto que se tributa al apóstol en Santiago de Compostela. Los textos populares presentan historias sobre la ayuda concreta de este santo patrón único. Muchas características del Apóstol Santiago que están presentes en los cantos tradicionales católicos, especialmente entre los peregrinos, siguen siendo actuales e inspiradores para la oración. Los textos de cantos y canciones presentan una figura noble del discípulo llamado por Cristo que los católicos contemporáneos pueden imitar. Entre las virtudes de Santiago el Mayor se enumeran: fe sincera, gran fervor en el seguimiento del Maestro, compromiso misionero, amor heroico por Jesucristo confirmado por el martirio, ayuda para aquellos que necesitan protección frente a quienes les hacen daño

Postacie świętych Cyryla i Metodego w pryzmacie hymnu Bracia wybrani przez Boga

The Liturgy of the Hours in Polish honours Saints Cyril and Methodius on the fourteenth of February, which is in accordance with the current Roman ecclesiastical calendar. The inclusion, for this day, of its own hymn, Brothers Chosen by God, is what distinguishes Polish piety from other communities of the Universal Church of the Latin rite, which have dispensed with their own hymn in honour of these two saints. The Polish-language hymn has a melody as well as an elaboration in the form of a liturgical song. According to the hymn in question, the brotherhood of Cyril and Methodius flows from their love for Christ. It is His love that is the source of the two missionaries' unity and the foundation of their apostolic zeal. This truth is in line with the Latin tradition and the pastoral direction set by the Second Vatican Council and the teaching of John Paul II. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cyril and Methodius were endowed by God with wisdom, zeal, knowledge and fortitude. Bringing the light of the Gospel, they shine like torches on the path of the nations. They are shown in the teaching dynamics of the Slavs. The identity of Cyril and Methodius stems from their response to the gift of calling and showing pagan peoples the way to God. The virtues with which they are endowed include wisdom, evangelising zeal, knowledge and fortitude. By giving the peoples a language of prayer, the Brothers became a blessing to the Slavic family. As God's messengers, today they enjoy the fame due to them and surround the people so that their sufferings bear a hundredfold fruit for heaven. Roman tradition praises Saints Cyril and Methodius sparingly and with restraint, compared to the Eastern Rite Churches, which owe a great deal to the Solunski brothers, because the Christian faith, as well as liturgy and culture, grew out of the Gospel language. For Western Rite Catholics, Cyril and Methodius are more like: saints inviting people to sing doxologies to God, protectors of suffering people and apostles inviting people to learn about the Christian traditions of the Eastern European nations.Liturgia godzin w języku polskim oddaje cześć świętym Cyrylowi i Metodemu czternastego lutego, co zgodne jest z aktualnym rzymskim kalendarzem kościelnym. Zamieszczenie na ten dzień, własnego hymnu Bracia wybrani przez Boga jest tym, co wyróżnia polską pobożność od innych społeczności Kościoła powszechnego obrządku łacińskiego, w których zrezygnowano z własnego hymnu na cześć tych dwóch świętych. Polskojęzyczny hymn posiada melodię, a także opracowanie w formie pieśni liturgicznej. Według omawianego hymnu, braterstwo Cyryla i Metodego wypływa z ich miłości ku Chrystusowi. To Jego miłość jest źródłem jedności obu misjonarzy i fundamentem ich apostolskiego zapału. Ta prawda jest zgodna z łacińską tradycją oraz duszpasterskim kierunkiem wyznaczonym przez Sobór Watykański II i nauczaniem Jana Pawła II. Cyryl i Metody zostali obdarzeni przez Boga mądrością, zapałem, wiedzą i męstwem. Przynosząc światło Ewangelii świecą jak pochodnie na drodze narodów. Ukazani są w dynamice nauczania Słowian. Tożsamość Cyryla i Metodego wynika z ich odpowiedzi na dar powołania i wskazywania pogańskim ludom drogi do Boga. Do cnót, jakimi są obdarzeni, należą: mądrość, ewangelizacyjny zapał, wiedza i męstwo. Bracia, dając ludom język modlitwy, stali się błogosławieństwem dla rodziny Słowian. Jako posłańcy Boży dzisiaj cieszą się należną im sławą i otaczają opieką ludzi, aby ich cierpienia wydały stokrotny owoc dla nieba. Rzymska tradycja oszczędnie i powściągliwie wysławia świętych Cyryla i Metodego, w porównaniu z Kościołami obrządku wschodniego, które bardzo dużo zawdzięczają Braciom Sołuńskim, bo wiarę chrześcijańską oraz liturgię i kulturę wyrosłą z języka ewangelicznego. Dla katolików obrządku zachodniego Cyryl i Metody są raczej: świętymi zapraszającymi do wyśpiewania Bogu doksologii, opiekunami cierpiących ludzi i apostołami zapraszającymi do poznawania tradycji chrześcijańskich narodów wschodniej Europy