Morphological and molecular characterization of Chloromyxum dasyatidis n. sp. (Myxosporea: Chloromyxidae) in the common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus) from Tunisian waters (Central Mediterranean Sea).

A new species of Chloromyxum Mingazzini, 1890, C. dasyatidis n. sp., is described from the gallbladder of the elasmobranch fish Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus) from the Mediterranean coast off Tunisia. Mature myxospores were subspherical measuring 13.0 ± 0.3 (12.5-13.9) µm in length, 11.3 ± 0.5 (10.2-12.2) µm in width, and 11.8 ± 0.5 (11.4-12.7) µm in thickness. Four pyriform polar capsules 4.4 ± 0.3 (4.0-4.9) µm long and 3.5 ± 0.3 (3.0-3.8) µm wide. Valves were ornamented by 5 to 7 elevated surface ridges and displayed short caudal filaments. Chloromyxum dasyatidis n. sp. had an overall prevalence of infection of 38.5%, with significant seasonal variation, being more prevalent during summer (60.0%) and autumn (70.8%). Phylogenetically, this species grouped within the Chloromyxum sensu stricto lineage, forming a small clade together with the genetically more similar species C. acuminatum and C. myolibati, both from stingray hosts.

Degree of Dietary Specialization on Furanocoumarin-Containing Hostplants in a Newly Invasive Web Building Caterpillar.

The genus Depressaria (Lepidoptera: Depressariidae) mostly comprises specialist herbivores with varying capacity for detoxification of defensive phytochemistry. Depressaria depressana, a Eurasian moth recently introduced into North America, is a family-level specialist of the Apiaceae, whose hosts include more than a dozen species in multiple tribes; Depressaria radiella is a super-specialist of Eurasian origin that feeds exclusively on species in the genera Pastinaca and Heracleum throughout its native and introduced range. In eastern North America, it feeds upon Pastinaca sativa, an invasive European species, and Heracleum maximum, a native species. We determined whether differences in furanocoumarin metabolism exist between D. depressana and two isolated populations of D. radiella, feeding exclusively on either P. sativa or H. maximum. We also compared gravimetric estimates of feeding efficiency to assess D. depressana larval performance on different diets. Both populations of D. radiella metabolized furanocoumarins at a greater rate than D. depressana. Although there was no difference in rates of metabolism of linear furanocoumarins in the two populations of D. radiella, individuals collected from H. maximum metabolized angular furanocoumarins more rapidly. The gravimetric assessments of feeding efficiencies revealed that D. depressana exhibited highest efficiencies consuming Daucus carota; moreover, this species survived to pupation consuming fruits of Zizia aurea, an apiaceous species native to North America. Our preliminary phylogenetic analysis, building on an earlier morphological analysis, incorporates mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 data from the BOLD database and revealed that the presence or absence of furanocoumarins is not a strong predictor of species-level evolution in Depressaria.

Photodermatitis and ocular changes in nine horses after ingestion of wild parsnip (pastinaca sativa).

BACKGROUND: Primary photosensitization rarely occurs in horses and can easily be misinterpreted. Descriptions of the disease in horses after ingestion of parsnip are lacking. The aim of this case series was to describe the dermatological and ocular changes due to photosensitization and to raise awareness of parsnip being a possible aetiologic agent. CASE PRESENTATION: Nine horses from three different stables in Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany, presented variable degrees of erythema, scaling, crusting and necrosis of unpigmented skin at the head and prepuce. Horses were of different breeds with a median age of 15 ± 5.9 years. A mild leukocytosis was diagnosed in 1/9 horses at admission. Analyzed liver enzymes were within the reference ranges in all horses. Ocular changes were diagnosed as follows: blepharitis (3/9), conjunctivitis (7/9), corneal edema without additional signs of keratitis and/or uveitis (2/9), corneal edema with signs of uveitis (1/9) and photophobia (4/9). One horse developed a fluorescein positive corneal erosion. Skin biopsy (1/9) revealed a moderate to severe acute, eosinophilic and lymphocytic dermatitis with dermal edema and vasculitis. All stables housing these patients fed hay from the same distributer. Analyzed hay samples showed high contents of wild parsnip (plants, seeds, roots). Wild parsnip is widespread in Europe and contains furocoumarins, a family of photodynamic pigments, which may cause primary photodermatitis, keratoconjunctivitis and uveitis. Horses were treated according to severity of clinical symptoms systemically with flunixine meglumine (1.1 mg/kg BW 1-2x/day) or prednisolone (1 mg/kg BW 1x/day). Topically, either gentamicin (3x/day), dexamethasone (2-3x/day) and/or atropine (1x/day) were used. Skin care was provided with almond oil or dexpanthenol (2x/day). All horses were kept in a dark environment or were treated with sunscreen and facemasks. Duration of treatment varied from 6-30 days (median 11.3 days). CONCLUSION: Ingestion of wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) can induce primary photosensitization with dermatitis and ocular injury in horses. In times of extreme weather, hay may alter in botanical composition, resulting in high amounts of uncharacteristic plants causing novel problems.

Symbiotic Siphonostomatoida (Copepoda) of the hammerhead shark species Sphyrna zygaena (Carcharhiniformes: Sphyrnidae) and stingray Dasyatis pastinaca (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae) off the Canary Islands, with a re-description of Pseudocharopinus pillaii Kabata, 1979.

The biology, including accompanying ectoparasitic fauna, remains unstudied for several elasmobranchs off the Canary Islands in spite of concerns over their conservation. Within this region, this is the first report of copepod associations with these fishes. Twenty smooth hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna zygaena, and one common stingray, Dasyatis pastinaca, were inspected for symbionts on their body surface. Symbiotic siphonostomatoids were collected from 18 S. zygaena hosts and represent two different species, i.e., Alebion crassus (Caligidae) and Pandarus cranchii (Pandaridae). A high prevalence of 90% and a mean infection of 8.3 individuals per infected host were exhibited by A. crassus, while only a single P. cranchii was collected. Both these findings represent new geographical records. Additionally, one free-ranging common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca was opportunistically inspected and 11 Pseudocharopinus pillaii (Lernaeopodidae) collected which constitutes a new host record and a new geographical record. A re-description with detail regarding the morphology of the appendages is provided for the first time. Due to the morphological similarity between P. pillaii and P. malleus, a molecular analysis of the partial mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I gene was done in an attempt to determine if there is molecular divergence between the two species. This provided an estimate of the phylogenetic relationships amongst four Pseudocharopinus species (P. bicaudatus, P. pteromylaei, P. malleus, and P. pillaii) with Charopinus dubius as an outgroup as an alternative hypothesis to compare with the previous morphological topology estimated for all Pseudocharopinus species.

Xanthotoxin reverses Parkinson's disease-like symptoms in zebrafish larvae and mice models: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to preliminary evaluate the antiparkinsonian activity of furanocoumarin-xanthotoxin, in two behavioral animal models, zebrafish larvae treated with 6-hydroxydopamine and mice treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in order to compare both models. METHODS: Xanthotoxin was isolated from Pastinaca sativa L. (Apiaceae) fruits. Then, the compound was administered by immersion to zebrafish 5 days after fertilization (dpf) larvae or intraperitoneally to male Swiss mice, as a potential therapeutic agent against locomotor impairments. RESULTS: Acute xanthotoxin administration at the concentration of 7.5 µM reversed locomotor activity impairments in 5-dpf zebrafish larvae. In mice model, acute xanthotoxin administration alleviated movement impairments at the concentration of 25 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: The similar activity of the same substance in two different animal models indicates their compatibility and proves the potential of in vivo bioassays based on zebrafish models. Results of our study indicate that xanthotoxin may be considered as a potential lead compound in the discovery of antiparkinsonian drugs.

High Temperature and Humidity Effect on Biochemical Characteristics of Organically-Grown Parsnip Roots Compared to Garlic Bulbs.

Functional food with high concentrations of monosaccharides and antioxidants is important for quick replenishment of energy reserves and rehabilitation after intensive oxidant stress. The effect of high temperature and humidity for manufacturing such products from parsnip roots of three cultivars (Zemchug, Krugly, Bely aist) compared to garlic bulbs from cultivar Demidovsky was investigated. The processed parsnip demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than 'black garlic': phenolics (22.6 compared to 13.3 mg-GAE/g d.w.), total antioxidant activity (26.1 compared to 18.1 mg-GAE/g d.w.) and radical scavenging activity (0.24 compared to 0.18 mcM TE/g d.w.). Monosaccharides concentration in parsnip roots increased from 6.5-8.0 to 36.2-42.5 g/100 g d.w., the latter range including the value relevant to the processed garlic (37.4 g/100 g d.w.). Parsnip roots showed concurrent monosaccharides increase and disaccharides decrease (from 33.75-37.2 to 1.25-6.72 g/100 g), whereas garlic displayed the enhancement of both mono- and disaccharide biosynthesis. Total acidity level in processed parsnip also increased by 3 to 5 times and was highly correlated with monosaccharides content (r = 0.99 at P ≤ 0.01). Thanks to its higher mineral content, 'black parsnip' proved to be suitable for quick energy and antioxidant replenishment after strong physical and/or oxidant stress.

Imperatorin as a Promising Chemotherapeutic Agent Against Human Larynx Cancer and Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells.

Naturally occurring coumarins are bioactive compounds widely used in Asian traditional medicine. They have been shown to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, and/or enhance the cytotoxicity of currently used drugs against a variety of cancer cell types. The aim of our study was to examine the antiproliferative activity of different linear furanocoumarins on human rhabdomyosarcoma, lung, and larynx cancer cell lines, and dissolve their cellular mechanism of action. The coumarins were isolated from fruits of Angelica archangelica L. or Pastinaca sativa L., and separated using high-performance counter-current chromatography (HPCCC). The identity and purity of isolated compounds were confirmed by HPLC-DAD and NMR analyses. Cell viability and toxicity assessments were performed by means of methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, respectively. Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle progression were measured using flow cytometry analysis. qPCR method was applied to detect changes in gene expression. Linear furanocoumarins in a dose-dependent manner inhibited proliferation of cancer cells with diverse activity regarding compounds and cancer cell type specificity. Imperatorin (IMP) exhibited the most potent growth inhibitory effects against human rhabdomyosarcoma and larynx cancer cell lines owing to inhibition of the cell cycle progression connected with specific changes in gene expression, including CDKN1A. As there are no specific chemotherapy treatments dedicated to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, and IMP seems to be non-toxic for normal cells, our results could open a new direction in the search for effective anti-cancer agents.

Contact urticaria and protein contact dermatitis in the Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases in a period of 12 years.

BACKGROUND: Although occupational contact urticaria (CU) and protein contact dermatitis (PCD) are considered frequent among workers with exposure to proteinaceous materials, data on occupations at risk and the main causes of these occupational skin diseases are relatively limited. OBJECTIVES: To report the causative agents and risk occupations for CU and PCD in the Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases (FROD). METHODS: We retrieved from the FROD all recognized cases of CU/PCD in the years 2005-2016. RESULTS: With 570 cases, CU and PCD constituted 11% of all recognized cases of occupational skin diseases in the study period. Occupations with the highest incidence of CU/PCD included bakers, chefs and cooks, farmers and farm workers, veterinarians, gardeners, and hairdressers. The most common causative agents were cow dander and flour and grain, followed by natural rubber latex (NRL) and other food. In food-related occupations, wheat and other flours were by far the most common cause of CU/PCD, with 76 cases, whereas fish and other animal-derived food caused 33 and other plant-derived food caused 23 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from the Finnish peculiarity of cow dander allergy, a striking finding was a large share of CU/PCD caused by flours in food handlers as compared to other food.

Antioxidant Activity of Pastinaca sativa L. ssp. sylvestris [Mill.] Rouy and Camus Essential Oil.

In the last decade, there has been growing interest in the food industry in replacing synthetic chemicals with natural products with bioactive properties. This study's aims were to determine the chemical composition and the antioxidant properties of the essential oil of Pastianica sylvestris. The essential oil was isolated with a yield of 0.41% (w/v) by steam distillation from the dried seeds and subsequently analysed by GC-MS. Octyl acetate (78.49%) and octyl hexanoate (6.68%) were the main components. The essential oil exhibited an excellent activity for the inhibition of primary and secondary oxidation products for cold-pressed sunflower oil comparable with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which were evaluated using peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was additionally validated using DPPH radical scavenging (0.0016 ± 0.0885 mg/mL), and ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays. Also, the amounts of total phenol components (0.0053 ± 0.0023 mg GAE/g) were determined.

Substrate-specificity of cytochrome P450-mediated detoxification as an evolutionary strategy for specialization on furanocoumarin-containing hostplants: CYP6AE89 in parsnip webworms.

The parsnip webworm, Depressaria pastinacella, is restricted to two hostplant genera containing six structurally diverse furanocoumarins. Of these, imperatorin is detoxified by a specialized cytochrome P450, CYP6AB3. A previous whole-larva transcriptome analysis confirmed the presence of nine transcripts that belong to the CYP6AE subfamily. Here, by examining midgut-specific gene expression patterns we determined that CYP6AE89 transcripts were highly expressed and furanocoumarin-inducible. Computer docking and energy-minimization of a CYP6AE89 model with all six furanocoumarins showed that 5-methoxylated bergapten and 8-methoxylated xanthotoxin had the smallest distances from the heme to the proton-donor residue in the catalytic I-helix, and that the 5,8-dimethoxylated isopimpinellin and bergapten had the smallest energy-minimized distance from the heme oxygen to the furan ring double bond. To evaluate this prediction, we expressed the CYP6AE89 protein in an Escherichia coli system, and used it to detect high catalytic activity against the two mono-methoxylated linear furanocoumarins - bergapten and xanthotoxin - and weak activity against isopimpinellin. Thus, CYP6AE89, like CYP6AB3, is probably specialized for detoxifying only a subset of hostplant furanocoumarins. A maximum-likelihood tree built with six representative lepidopterans with manually annotated cytochrome P450s shows that CYP6AE89 may have evolved much faster than the other CYP6AE proteins, possibly indicative of host selection pressure.

The Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L), A Proposed Remedy as to a Fertile Agent in the Viewpoint of Iranian Traditional Medicine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Infertility is a major problem in medical sciences. Despite recent advances in diagnosing and treatment of infertility, it is still one of the most important medical problems. The aim of this study is to review the role of the parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L), a proposed remedy as to a fertile agent in the viewpoint of Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) and review the evidence in the conventional medicine. METHODS: In this literature research, we investigated some important Persian medical and pharmaceutical manuscripts in ITM. The search was conducted with the keyword of the fertile agent, and the parsnip was one of the choices mentioned as a fertile agent which is also available. In order assess the current findings, a search was done in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS: In ITM, the parsnip is recognized as a stomach astringent, liver and uterine tonic and Stimulates ovulation. It is named as semen or sexual desire increaser and fertile agent. In the viewpoint of ITM, attention to the health of main or vital members of the body (including the heart, brain, and liver) in addition to the health of the urogenital system, may have led to the treatment of infertility. CONCLUSION: In some studies, the effects of the parsnip on spermatogenesis, number, and sperm motility are investigated but no studies have been done on women's infertility. This review shows that the parsnip can be as a fertile agent in female infertility. So, further clinical research is recommended.

Molecular Characterization of Pseudomonas syringae pv. coriandricola and Biochemical Changes Attributable to the Pathological Response on Its Hosts Carrot, Parsley, and Parsnip.

Bacterial leaf spot caused by the plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. coriandricola (Psc) was observed on carrot, parsnip, and parsley grown on a vegetable farm in the Vojvodina Province of Serbia. Nonfluorescent bacterial colonies were isolated from diseased leaves and characterized using different molecular techniques. Repetitive element PCR fingerprinting with five oligonucleotide primers (BOX, ERIC, GTG5, REP, and SERE) and the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR with the M13 primer revealed identical fingerprint patterns for all tested strains. Multilocus sequence analysis of four housekeeping genes (gapA, gltA, gyrB, and rpoD) showed a high degree (99.8 to 100%) of homology with sequences of Psc strains deposited in the Plant-Associated Microbes Database and NCBI database. The tested strains caused bacterial leaf spot symptoms on all three host plants. Host-strain specificity was not found in cross-pathogenicity tests, but the plant response (peroxidase induction and chlorophyll bleaching) was more pronounced in carrot and parsley than in parsnip.

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)-induced photosensitization.

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) has been associated with livestock and human photosensitization. An investigation of a natural occurrence of photosensitization of grazing horses identified wild parsnip as a possible cause. HPLC-MS and MS/MS analysis of this plant identified five furanocoumarins i.e., xanthotoxin, bergapten, isopimpinellin, imperatorin and a putative methoxyimperatorin. Goats fed this wild parsnip were largely unaffected. Xanthotoxin was not detected in the serum of parsnip-fed goats or in the serum of goats dosed orally or intravenous with purified xanthotoxin. Cutaneous application produced severe photodermatitis in goats and a horse consistent with topical exposure as the likely route to produce wild parsnip-induced photosensitivity. Wild parsnip-induced superficial necrotizing dermatitis was consistent with photodermatitis with no evidence of other allergic or inflammatory components.

Evaluation of furanocoumarins from seeds of the wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. s.l.).

Although the wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. s.l.) fruits are known to contain linear and angular furanocoumarins, the individual components of the seeds have not been fully identified and quantitated, and, in the case of immature seeds, reported. In view of this, the main furanocoumarin compounds were extracted using pyridine, and were isolated using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structural elucidation of isolated compounds was done based on detailed spectral analysis conducted by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS), 1H and 13C NMR and, where possible, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The quantitative analysis of furanocoumarin compounds in the wild parsnip was conducted by analytical ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-DAD), calculated against the standard curves of isolated compounds. The total yields of furanocoumarin compounds from the seeds after extraction with pyridine were 107.2-222.8 mg g-1 (fresh weight) and 50.2-66.4 mg g-1 (soluble dry matter). Thirteen furanocoumarins were identified. The main compounds (percentage in FW) in immature seeds were bergapten (40.8), pimpinellin (10.5), methoxsalen (5.7), isopimpinellin (4.3), imperatorin (3.2), and phellopterin (7.2). Seven constituents previously not described in P. sativa seeds and its products were identified, namely, byakangelicol (14.4), heraclenin (8.5), isobergapten (2.5), byakangelicin (1.3), heraclenol (0.5), psoralen (0.3), and isobyakangelicin (0.8). The latter is a new compound of the Apiaceae family. Extraction of immature seeds using pyridine gave a much higher yield and a greater variety of furanocoumarins. This indicates that the wild parsnip, along with other Apiaceae family plants, may be an important source of bioactive compounds.

Effect of Pulsed Electric Field Pretreatment on Drying Kinetics, Color, and Texture of Parsnip and Carrot.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment on drying kinetics and on color and textural changes in sliced parsnip and carrot. Cell disintegration index measured in parsnips after PEF pretreatment significantly differed from the ones measured for carrots and, consequently, the reduction of the time needed to dry both samples to a final moisture content up to 5% (wet basis). The drying time of the PEF pretreated parsnip was reduced by up to 28% at 70 °C and by up to 21% at 60 °C in carrot, in comparison to untreated samples. The PEF pretreatment influenced the effective diffusivity of water into the samples going from 50 °C to 70 °C: in carrots it ranged between 1.61 × 10-10 and 3.04 × 10-10 (m2 /s), although, in parsnip, it ranged between 1.97 × 10-10 and 3.06 × 10-10 (m2 /s). Also, PEF pretreatment influenced color changes: PEF pretreated dried carrots showed a significant (p < .05) reduction in lightness values (L* ) compared to untreated dried ones, although PEF pretreated parsnip had a significant (p < .05) increase in redness values (a* ). The PEF treatment did not affect the mechanical properties (p > .05) of carrot and parsnip dried at 50 and 60 °C, whereas at 70 °C a significant increase (p < .05) of the force required to cut both root slices was detected. The choice of a PEF pretreatment of foods to be dried should be related to shorten the drying time and to minimize the loss in quality properties mentioned above. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Dry carrots and parsnip slices can be used as food ingredients for further food preparations but also as healthy snacks, thanks to their health benefits. Pulsed electric field (PEF) resulted to be an effective pretreatment for carrots and parsnips before undergoing convective drying, because it reduced the drying time (up to 28% in parsnip and 21% in carrot slices) and, particularly at mild temperatures (50 to 60 °C), it did not affect the texture properties of both carrot and parsnip. PEF pretreatment of these roots before convective heating can be surely suggested as industrial application.

Phytophotodermatitis induced by wild parsnip.

Phytophotodermatitis results when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light after previous contact with a phototoxic compound. Wild parsnip (Pastinia sativa), a member of the Umbelliferae family, is an invasive plant species introduced to North America as a root vegetable. Although cultivated less commonly today, the plant is increasingly found growing wild in prairies and roadsides. The stems and leaves contain furocoumarins, which upon activation by UV light interact with oxygen. Resultant reactive oxygen species induce tissue damage manifesting initially as blistering and later as hyperpigmentation. We report the case of a woman who developed phytophoto-dermatitis after encountering wild parsnip on a midwestern prairie.

Comparison of short- and long-term exposure effects of cruciferous and apiaceous vegetables on carcinogen metabolizing enzymes in Wistar rats.

Cruciferous and apiaceous vegetables may be chemopreventive due to their ability to modulate carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes but whether the effects on such enzymes are sustained over time is unknown. To examine the short- and long-term effects of the vegetables, rats were fed one of four diets for 7, 30, or 60 d: AIN-93G, CRU (21% cruciferous vegetables-fresh broccoli, green cabbage, watercress), API (9% apiaceous vegetables - fresh parsnips, celery), or API + CRU (10.5% CRU + 4.5% API). Although CRU increased activity and protein expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and CYP1A2 after 7 d, only activity was sustained after 30 and 60 d. There was a trend towards an interaction between the length of feeding period and CRU for CYP1A1 activity; activity increased with greater time of feeding. API increased CYP1A2 activity but decreased sulfotransferase 1A1 activity after 7 d, although not at later times. Altogether, increased CYP1A activity by CRU was maintained with long term feeding while protein amount decreased, suggesting influence by mechanisms other than, or in addition to, transcriptional regulation. Thus, response patterns and interactions with length of feeding may differ, depending upon the types of vegetables and enzymes, requiring caution when interpreting the results of short-term feeding studies.