Lactoferrin (LF: also known as lactotransferrin) is a mammalian iron-binding glycoprotein that is highly homologous to serum transferrin (also known as serotransferrin) and egg-white ovalbumin (also known as conalbumin). LF is found in exocrine secretions, such as milk and tears, and is implicated as a host defense protein because of its direct antibacterial (bacteriostatic and bactericidal) and immunomodulatory activities. The antibacterial activity of LF depends in part on its ability to sequester iron ions, which are essential for bacterial growth. The LF molecule consists of two globular domains, termed the N-lobe and the C-lobe. Although the three-dimensional structure of each lobe is highly conserved, and each lobe contains an iron ion binding site, the functional properties of each lobe are not identical. The N-lobe of LF is mainly responsible for its antimicrobial activity by interacting with negatively charged biomolecules. In contrast, the C-lobe exhibits several biological functions of therapeutic interest, such as antiviral activity against influenza A virus and hepatitis C virus, as well as anti-angiogenic, wound healing, and bone anabolic activities. In this review, we provide an overview of the biological roles of LF that are characteristic of its C-lobe, exploring the available structural information on how the C-lobe interacts with target biomolecules and LF receptors.

Bivalves are of great ecological and economic importance across coastal zones around the globe. Their distribution and abundance are affected by various benthic environmental factors, including suspended particulate matter (SPM). The relationship between bivalves and SPM has been studied in various contexts but not recently. Thus, the authors conducted a literature review of SPM found in the marine environment, its characteristics (particle size and density), and how the surrounding benthic environmental factors (salinity, light availability, and current velocity) influence its characteristics. Certain areas were found to lack or require further research, such as on the characteristics of microplastics and the mechanism behind the positive influence of PIM in bivalve diet components not yet discovered. Over the past decades, coastal environments have undergone huge development and change that has affected the SPM components and conditions in coastal marine environments, justifying updated research. The need for this and other information will influence future research, as summarized at the end of the article.

Although the scent of flowers generally changes during anthesis, this phenomenon has not been investigated in potted carnations. In this study, we examined the scent emissions of potted carnations using the fragrant Dianthus caryophyllus ‘HINAARARE.’ The plants were maintained under a 12-h light/dark cycle, and immediately after the flowers had opened, scent emissions were investigated at 2-day intervals for 15 days. The predominant scent components detected were isoeugenol, a type of phenylpropanoid/benzenoid, and the sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene. The unique sweet scent of this cultivar is believed to be attributable mainly to these two compounds, along with the fatty acid derivative1-octen-3-ol, which has a relatively low aroma threshold. The total scent emissions were characterized by an apparent diurnal rhythm, being lower during the light period and higher during the dark period. This rhythmicity was mainly associated with the emission of isoeugenol and β-caryophyllene, thereby suggesting that the strength of the scent in potted carnations, as perceived by humans, varies between day and night. In addition, we investigated the relationship between an increase in petal in-rolling, a typical symptom of flower senescence, and scent emission. However, no clear correlation was detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has provided evidence of a diurnal rhythm in scent emissions from carnations.

A chromosome preparation method using young leaves of acerola (Malpighia glabra) was developed. The young leaves were cut into approximately 2-mm² for enzymatic maceration and air-drying (EMA). For EMA, an enzyme mixture containing 2% Cellulase Onozuka RS, 1.5% Macerozyme R200 (Yakult), 0.3% Pectolyase Y-23 (Seishin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), and 1 mM EDTA, pH 4.2, at 37°C for 30 min was optimal for chromosome preparation since good preparations, with all 20 chromosomes relatively extended and well-spread without cytoplasm, were observed. There were 11.2 preparations in large leaves (8 to 10 mm long and 3 to 4 mm wide) and 4.2 preparations in small leaves (6 to 8 mm long and 1 to 2 mm wide). Chromomycin A₃ (CMA)-positive (+) bands were noted in the telomeric positions of eight chromosomes. 4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)-negative bands (−) corresponded to CMA+ bands. The numbers and positions of CMA+ bands were the same in the two cultivars examined: ‘Florida Sweet’ and ‘Sanmi-kei (Hosoba).’ The methods developed in the present study are promising for further cytogenetic studies in acerola.

This paper is classified as a research article based on previously published work, created with the aim of introducing the authors’ research results, and in accordance with the JARQ editorial policy (1999) at the time of submission.