bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Determination of Chlorophylls, Pheophytins, β‐Carotene, Tocopherols, and Tocotrienols in Olive and Soybean Oils by High‐performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Seppanen C.M. , Rahmani M. , Csallany A. Saari
Published: July 2006

A high‐performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the simultaneous measurement of chlorophylls, pheophytins, β‐carotene, tocopherols, and tocotrienols in vegetable oils using 2 spectrophotometers in series and 1 normal‐phase silica column. Oil samples were diluted in the mobile phase, isopropanol‐hexane (1.5:98.5 vol/vol), and injected directly onto the column. A programmable UV/Vis spectrophotometer was used to measure chlorophylls a and b, pheophytins a and b, and β‐carotene at their appropriate absorption maxima (430, 452, 409, 433, and 452 nm, respectively). α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherols and α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocotrienols were measured by fluorescence at 295‐nm excitation and 330‐nm emission. Samples of virgin olive oil, soybean oil, and palm oil were analyzed.
Influence of Antioxidant Addition and Processing Treatment on the Formation of Lipid Oxidation Compounds in Spray‐dried Bovine Plasma Protein
Authors: Boylston T. D. , Moss K.M. , Nnanna I.A.
Published: July 2006

The effects of antioxidant (tert‐butylhydroquinone, propyl gallate, butylated hydroxytoluene, and rosemary) addition, processing treatments, and storage time on the formation of lipid oxidation compounds in spray‐dried bovine plasma protein (BPP) were determined. Lipid oxidation is initiated by spray‐drying; formation of lipid oxidation compounds was highest in BPP processed using a gas‐fired spray‐drier. The most effective antioxidant in inhibiting the formation of hexanal and other lipid oxidation compounds was tert‐butylhydroquinone. Increased spray‐drier residence time and extended storage contributed to increases in lipid oxidation products. Use of effective antioxidants and selection of processing parameters to minimize lipid oxidation reactions can improve the flavor quality of spray‐dried BPP.
Utilization of Lemon Albedo in Dry‐cured Sausages
Authors: Aleson‐Carbonell L. , Fernández‐López J. , Sayas‐Barberá E. , Sendra E. , Pérez‐Alvarez J.A.
Published: July 2006

Two types of lemon albedo (raw and cooked) at 5 concentrations (0% to 10% in 2.5% increments) were added to dry‐cured sausages, and compositional, textural, and sensory analyses were conducted on finished products. The addition of albedo provided an improvement in nutritional properties from fiber addition and may have beneficial effects due to the presence of active biocompounds as evidenced by a decrease in residual nitrite levels and delayed oxidation (based on CIE redness values). Products with sensory properties similar to control sausages were those that contained 2.5% raw albedo and 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% cooked albedo.
Consumer Acceptability of Low Fat Foods Containing Inulin and Oligofructose
Authors: Devereux H.M. , Jones G.P. , Mccormack L. , Hunter W.C.
Published: July 2006

Inulin and oligofructose were used as fat replacers in Anzac cookies, blueberry muffins, carrot cake, chocolate cake, lemon cheesecake, ice cream, and beef sausages at levels ranging from 4 to 13g/100g, achieving a significant reduction in fat content (20% to 80% relative). These foods were rated as acceptable by an untrained taste panel, but scored consistently lower than their full‐fat counterparts (controls). Regression analysis showed that, unlike the controls, texture was more important than flavor in determining overall acceptability of the low‐fat foods. Inulin and oligofructose are readily incorporated into bakery and meat formulations, but their use might be limited by adverse physiological effects when consumed at high levels.
Mushroom Texture, Cell Wall Composition, Color, and Ultrastructure as Affected by pH and Temperature
Authors: Zivanovic S. , Buescher R. , Kim S.K.
Published: July 2006

Pasteurized mushrooms had firmer texture and lighter color compared with those that were retorted. Addition of acid and retorting temperature resulted in extensive softening of mushrooms and solubilization of proteins and polysaccharides that diffused into brine. Total chitin was not affected by applied treatments and did not appear to be related to texture alteration of processed mushrooms. Extensive solubilization caused by acidification and retortion resulted in reduction of cell diameter and enlarged intercellular space within the cap tissue. Mild acidification of sterilized samples reduced discoloration compared with the control, but further acidification resulted in considerable darkening. In contrast, tissue and color of pasteurized mushrooms seemed to be unaffected.
Iron Bioavailability from Common Raisin‐containing Foods Assessed with an In Vitro Digestion/Caco‐2 Cell Culture Model: Effects of Raisins
Authors: Yeung C.K. , Glahn R.P. , Miller D.D.
Published: July 2006

The effects of raisins on iron bioavailability from wheat bran cereal, bread, rice pudding, and granola bars were studied. Iron bioavailability was assessed with an in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 cell culture model. Raisins reduced iron bioavailability from all foods except granola bars. Raisins also reduced iron bioavailability from samples of wheat bran cereal and bread fortified with elemental iron or ferrous sulfate, but this inhibitory effect was less pronounced in samples fortified with sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA). Iron bioavailability was markedly higher for samples fortified with NaFeEDTA, suggesting that iron in the form of NaFeEDTA is more bioavailable than elemental iron or ferrous sulfate in raisin‐containing foods.
The Effect of Zinc on Human Taste Perception
Authors: Keast R.S.J.
Published: July 2006

Zinc salts are added as a nutritional or functional ingredient in food and oral care products. The 1st experiment in this study investigated the taste and somatosensory effect of zinc salts (chloride, iodide, sulfate, bromide, acetate). The zinc salts had very little taste (bitter, salty, savory, sour, sweet), and the taste that was present was easily washed away with water rinses. The major oral quality of zinc was astringency, and the astringency lingered beyond expectoration. The 2nd experiment combined zinc salts with prototypical stimuli eliciting basic tastes. Zinc was a potent inhibitor of sweetness and bitterness (>70% reduction in taste) but did not affect salt, savory, or sour taste.
Chlorpyrifos Residues Before and After Cooking of Catfish Fillets
Authors: Wan P. , Santerre C.R. , Brown P.B. , Deardorff D.C.
Published: July 2006

:In this paper, chlorpyrifos residues were compared before and after frying, smoking or baking and quantified using GC/ECD (gas chromatography/electron capture detector) and ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) methods. All cooking methods reduced chlorpyrifos by 8 to 52% on a dry basis or 12 to 56% on a fat basis. Frying, which reduced chlorpyrifos residue by 56% on a fat basis was shown to provide the greatest reduction when compared to baking (22%) and smoking (12%). Statistical analysis showed that results from the GC/ ECD and ELISA methods were not significantly different (p= 0.05).
Physicochemical and Sensory Evaluation of ‘Rocha’ Pear Following Controlled Atmosphere Storage
Authors: Galvis‐Sánchez A.C. , Fonseca S.C. , Morais A.M.M.B. , Malcata F.X.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: The effects of several processing factors (storage time, time in the open air at room temperature, and overhead concentrations of O2 and CO2) on color, firmness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and sensory attributes of pears (cv. Rocha) grown in 2 locations were studied using a multiple linear regression model. Backward elimination (F ≥ 0.005) was used to assess the significant factors. Extended storage time, long‐time exposure at room temperature, and high O2 concentration played major roles on color changes assessed instrumentally and further confirmed by a sensory panel. Firmness was strongly affected by storage time and by time in the open air at room temperature. Finally, PPO activity was dependent on the growing location.
Quality Enhancement of UF‐clarified Pear Juice using Adsorbent and Weak‐base Resins at Different Temperatures
Authors: Vivekanand  , Ajlouni S. , Iyer M.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: The efficiency of polymeric adsorbent (PA) and weak‐base anion (WBA) resins at different temperatures to improve the quality of UF‐clarified pear juice was investigated. UF‐clarified and partially concentrated pear juice was passed through PA and then through WBA resins at 23, 30, and 50 °C. Treated juice samples were analyzed for pH, titratable acidity, color, phenolics, minerals, sugars, and organic acids. Treated juice showed 85% reduction in both color and titratable acidity. There was also a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the content of polyphenolics and organic acids. No significant changes (P > 0.05) in the nutritional value were detected. Temperatures higher than 23 °C did not significantly (P > 0.05) improve the efficiency of the resins tested.
Antioxidant Action of Borage, Rosemary, Oregano, and Ascorbic Acid in Beef Patties Packaged in Modified Atmosphere
Authors: Sánchez‐Escalante A. , Djenane D. , Torrescano G. , Beltrán J.A. , Roncales P.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: Beef patties containing either ascorbic acid, rosemary, oregano, or borage were evaluated for storage stability at 2 ± 1 °C, by measuring a* and H* values, surface metmyoglobin, TBARS, psychrotrophic bacteria counts, and sensory off‐odor and discoloration. All of the antioxidants (except ascorbic acid) reduced (p < 0.01) TBARS formation, which was totally inhibited by borage. Myoglobin oxidation and color fading were inhibited (p < 0.01) by rosemary, oregano, and borage. Microbial growth showed insignificant differences among treatments. Sensory results showed that rosemary, oregano, and borage extended beef patties' shelf life from 8 to 12 d, while rosemary plus ascorbic acid extended shelf life an additional 4‐d period.
Determination of Pyrazine and Flavor Variations in Peanut Genotypes During Roasting
Authors: Baker G.L. , Cornell J.A. , Gorbet D.W. , O'Keefe S.F. , Sims C.A. , Talcott S.T.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: During peanut roasting, pyrazine compounds correlate highly with roasted flavor and aroma. Although roast color measurement is used to predict roasted flavor in peanuts, there are known variations between roast color and flavor development among genotypes. A method for measuring pyrazines using headspace solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) was developed and 4 peanut genotypes were roasted and analyzed under a variety of time‐temperature combinations. Peanut genotypes differed in roasted flavor and aroma, regardless of roast color. Florida MDR 98 formed the highest levels of pyrazines under the same roasting conditions, followed by Florunner, Georgia Greene, and SunOleic 97R, respectively. Of all pyrazines tested, 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine was most highly correlated to roasted peanut flavor and aroma.
Dental health of 5‐year‐olds following community‐based oral health promotion in Glasgow, UK
Authors: BLAIR Y. , MACPHERSON L. , MCCALL D. , MCMAHON A.
Published: July 2006

Summary.  Aim.  A community development oral health promotion programme based on the principles of the Ottawa Charter was conducted in an attempt to improve the dental health of children under 5 years of age in two severely socioeconomically challenged pilot districts in Glasgow, UK. Later phased extension involved all of the area's most deprived communities. The aim of the present study was to assess dental health outcomes by secondary analysis of routine caries datasets for Glasgow 5‐year‐olds over the interval from 1997–1998 to 2003–2004.

Design.  Wilcoxon tests assessed change in d3mft scores and logistic regression was used to analyse binomial scores (e.g. % d3mft = 0).

Results.  After adjusting for age and deprivation (DepCat) in pilot districts 1 and 2, significant redistributions of the relative frequency of d3mft scores were observed (P = 0·012 and P < 0·001, respectively), mean d3mft decreased from 5·5 to 3·6 and from 6·0 to 3·6, respectively, and the proportions with d3mft = 0 increased from 11% to 29% and from 10% to 32%, respectively [P = 0·010, odds ratio (OR) = 0·25, and P = 0·006, OR = 0·30, respectively, for d3mft > 0]. Following extension of the programme into all of Glasgow's socioeconomically challenged areas, the mean d3mft values of 5‐year‐olds reduced in all DepCat 7 communities, and across Glasgow as a whole from 4·9 to 4·1 and from 3·5 to 3·1, respectively, while the proportion with d3mft = 0 increased from 20% to 32% (P < 0·001) and from 34% to 42% (P < 0·001), respectively.

Conclusion.  Dental health improvements were observed in pilot districts and across all DepCat 7 communities following the roll‐out of the programme. This change was of sufficient magnitude to impact upon area‐wide statistics for Glasgow.
Effect of oral hygiene instruction and scaling on oral malodour in a population of Turkish children with gingival inflammation
Authors: KARA C. , TEZEL A. , ORBAK R.
Published: July 2006

Summary. Aim.  Oral malodour affects a large proportion of the population, and may cause a significant social or psychological handicap to those suffering from it. The condition has a positive correlation with the accumulation of bacterial plaque in the oral cavity. The aim of the present study was twofold: first, to determine whether oral malodour and periodontal disease parameters are associated with one another in 150 Turkish subjects (mean age ± SD = 9·1 ± 2·7 years; age range = 7–12 years); and secondly, to investigate the impact of oral hygiene instruction and scaling on oral malodour.

Design.  The parameters measured included whole‐mouth odour judge scoring, halimeter measurements, saliva pH scores, gingival index, plaque index, and probing depth before and after the treatment procedures.

Results.  Odour judge scores were significantly associated with halimeter findings. However, gingival index, plaque index and probing depth were significantly associated with odour judge scores and halimeter scores. The statistical analysis revealed that periodontal treatments caused a significant reduction (P < 0·001) in volatile sulphur compound formation.

Conclusion.  These results suggest that, in the population studied, periodontal health and oral malodour are associated with one another. Oral malodour levels were significantly reduced after treating gingival inflammation. Thus, in order to avoid oral malodour in children, oral care should not be neglected.
Seasonal patterns in post‐dispersal seed predation of Abutilon theophrasti and Setaria faberi in three cropping systems
Authors: HEGGENSTALLER ANDREW H. , MENALLED FABIAN D. , LIEBMAN MATT , WESTERMAN PAULA R.
Published: July 2006

Post‐dispersal seed predation is an important source of mortality for arable weed populations that can potentially contribute to ecologically based management strategies. The extent to which cropping practices influence rates of seed predation is not well established.

Removal of Abutilon theophrasti and Setaria faberi seeds by predators was measured in 2‐year (maize/soyabean), 3‐year (maize/soyabean/triticale + red clover) and 4‐year (maize/soyabean/triticale + lucerne/lucerne) crop rotations in Iowa, USA, during 27 48‐h sampling periods conducted during the 2003 and 2004 cropping seasons.

Predation of S. faberi seeds was equal (eight sampling periods) or greater (19 sampling periods) than predation of A. theophrasti seeds, but the influence of crops on seasonal predation patterns was generally similar for the two weeds.

Seasonal patterns in seed predation were crop‐specific and complementary. In maize and soyabean, seed predation was low in spring, high in summer and low in autumn. In triticale–legume intercrops, seed predation was high in spring, low in summer and moderate in autumn. In lucerne, seed predation fluctuated from high to low, matching the periodic harvest and regrowth cycle of the crop.

Measurements of crop canopy light interception taken in 2004 were positively correlated with rates of seed removal for both A. theophrasti (r = 0·54, P < 0·001) and S. faberi (r = 0·25, P < 0·001), suggesting that vegetative cover promotes weed seed predation.

Synthesis and applications. The results indicate that crop vegetation can be managed to promote weed seed predation. Diversified farming systems that include a range of phenologically dissimilar crop species are likely to provide the greatest opportunities for weed seed destruction by predators.
Vitiligo prevalence study in Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Lu Tao , Gao Tianwen , Wang Anhui , Jin Yan , Li Qiang , Li Chunying
Published: July 2006

Background  Recent publications, especially those based on population surveys, show that the presumed vitiligo prevalence of 1–2% is overestimated.

Objective  To obtain the vitiligo prevalence in Shaanxi Province, China, through a population survey.

Methods  Approximately one‐thousandth of the 36.05 million people in Shaanxi Province, China, were selected through stratified four‐stage cluster sampling. They lived in 180 investigation units and all were investigated in a door‐to‐door survey. Vitiligo and suspected vitiligo patients were marked in the basic questionnaire. They were encouraged to complete a well‐prepared questionnaire and send it back to the investigation center. The questionnaire assigned to the investigators contained questions about vitiligo characteristics, such as the area affected, number of areas, and whether or not the affected areas were covered by scurf. Professional dermatologists verified these results.

Results  There were 42,833 people in 180 investigation units. The sex, residence, and educational level of these individuals were representative of the population of Shaanxi Province. The investigation team reported 43 vitiligo patients and 14 with suspected vitiligo. During the verification period, three patients and all those with suspected vitiligo were excluded. In total, there were 40 patients (17 women and 23 men). Eleven lived in urban areas and 29 in rural areas.

Conclusions  The prevalence of vitiligo in Shaanxi Province is 0.093% (95% confidence interval, 0.067–0.127%). No significant difference was found between males and females or between urban and rural residents.
Coexisting pseudoxanthoma elasticum and lupus erythematosus: Report of two cases
Authors: Le Scanff Julie , Sève Pascal , Dalle Stephane , Kodjikian Laurent , Thomas Luc , Broussolle Christiane
Published: July 2006

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a heritable connective tissue disorder affecting the elastic structures in the body, manifesting with cutaneous, ophthalmologic and cardiovascular findings. The association of PXE and systemic disease is rare, as only six cases have been reported in the literature. We describe herein two cases of coexisting PXE and cutaneous lupus and discuss a possible association. Although a fortuitous association cannot be excluded, the calculated prevalence of the association in our area was much less than in our observation. Given the ocular and vascular complications of PXE, clinicians who treat patients with lupus should be aware of this possible association.
Safety and tolerability of grass pollen tablets in sublingual immunotherapy – a phase‐1 study
Authors: Larsen T. H. , Poulsen L. K. , Melac M. , Combebias A. , Andre C. , Malling H.‐J.
Published: July 2006

Background:  A single‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.

Aims:  To compare the safety and tolerability of four different sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) regimes in grass pollen allergic rhinitis.

Methods:  Thirty subjects sensitized to grass pollen were enrolled and allocated to four groups. Sublingual immunotherapy was administered in tablets daily for 10 days. Groups 1 and 2 received incremental sublingual doses of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 IR, Group 1 daily and Group 2 increments every second day. Repeated constant dose regimens of 300 IR and 500 IR were administered in Groups 3 and 4 respectively. Safety assessments included adverse events (AE), vital signs, electrocardiogram (ECG) and clinical laboratory tests.

Results:  Sublingual immunotherapy 300 IR (Group 3) administered in a constant dose and incremental doses up to 500 IR (Groups 1 and 2) were generally well tolerated. The majority of AEs were mild to moderate, the most common being oral pruritus, throat irritation and swollen tongue. Severe local AEs (swelling of throat) were observed only for Group 4. No serious systemic AEs were reported. There were no relevant changes in clinical laboratory, vital signs and ECG data.

Conclusion:  Adverse events were mostly local (sublingual), were not severe and resolved rapidly. Using a 5‐day induction regimen high‐dose treatment up to 500 IR could be administered without important side‐effects, in contrast to initiating with a constant dose of 500 IR. The data indicate that a short dose increase phase may reduce the incidence of AEs when high‐dose SLIT is administered.
Early detection of bipolar disorder: a pilot familial high‐risk study of parents with bipolar disorder and their adolescent children
Authors: Jones Steven Huntley , Tai Sara , Evershed Kate , Knowles Rebecca , Bentall Richard
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  Disturbances in cognition, affect, sleep and activity have been identified in bipolar disorder (BD) but little is known about the possible role of these factors in the development of the condition. We studied these variables in a familial high‐risk sample.

Methods:  Twenty‐five children (13–19 years) of bipolar parents were compared with 22 similar aged children of age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Participants were assessed using Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia‐Lifetime version (SADS‐L) and completed self‐report measures of dysfunctional attitudes, behavioural inhibition/activation, social rhythms, coping styles and subjective experience of sleep. Children completed a 7‐day recording of actigraphy (sleep and activity) and a 7‐day diary measuring self‐esteem, positive and negative affect and reactions to positive and negative events.

Results:  Fifty‐six per cent of children of bipolar parents (CBP) reported mood symptoms compared to 9% of children of control parents (CC). The CBP group had coping styles and instability of self‐esteem consistent with abnormal strategies for regulating affect. Both groups also differed on sleep measures. The majority of differences observed were between CBP with a current or past mood diagnosis and CC. BD parents reported dysfunctional coping styles and (to a lesser extent) disrupted activity patterns.

Conclusions:  A familial high‐risk strategy for studying the role of psychological factors in BD is feasible and informative. This pilot study indicates that abnormal coping styles, instability of self‐esteem and dysregulation of sleep may be early markers of bipolar illness. However, current findings need to be explored further in longitudinal studies to clarify which potential markers are truly predictive of BD.
Reduced valproate plasma levels possible after introduction of efavirenz in a bipolar patient
Authors: Saraga Michael , Preisig Martin , Zullino Daniele Fabio
Published: July 2006

The case of a bipolar patient with concomitant multidrug addiction is described who presented a decrease in valproate plasma level of more than 50% shortly after antiretroviral therapy was initiated. Despite important dose augmentations of up to 4 g/day, plasma levels were difficult to raise to the target concentration of 50 mg/dL. The possible mechanisms underlying the observed pharmacokinetic changes are discussed: (i) a uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyl transferase induction by efavirenz; and (ii) a plasma protein displacement of valproate by efavirenz with subsequent increased elimination of the free fraction.
Olanzapine in the prevention of postpartum psychosis and mood episodes in bipolar disorder
Authors: Sharma Verinder , Smith Angela , Mazmanian Dwight
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  The use of olanzapine (OLZ) in the prevention of postpartum psychosis (PP) and mood episodes in women with bipolar disorder was investigated in a naturalistic, prospective study.

Methods:  Eleven women received OLZ alone or in combination with an antidepressant or mood stabilizer, and 14 women received either antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or no medication for a minimum of 4 weeks after delivery.

Results:  Two (18.2%) of the women in the OLZ group experienced a postpartum mood episode, whereas eight (57.1%) of the women in the No‐OLZ group did.

Conclusions:  The role of OLZ in the prophylaxis of PP and mood episodes, particularly in women at high risk, clearly warrants further investigation.
Depressive personality styles and bipolar spectrum disorders: prospective tests of the event congruency hypothesis
Authors: Francis‐Raniere Erika L , Alloy Lauren B , Abramson Lyn Y
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  Research on unipolar depression has found that life events that are congruent with an individual's personality style increase vulnerability to depression (event congruency hypothesis). We tested whether the interaction of personality style and congruent life events predicted prospective increases in depressive and hypomanic symptoms among bipolar spectrum individuals over a 4‐month follow‐up.

Methods:  We followed 106 bipolar II or cyclothymic individuals prospectively for 4 months. Participants completed three measures of personality style at time 1 and a life event scale and semi‐structured life events and diagnostic interviews at follow‐up. Life events were coded as congruent or non‐congruent with the personality styles.

Results:  A personality style characterized by self‐criticism and performance evaluation interacted with congruent negative and positive events, respectively, to predict increases in depressive and hypomanic symptoms, respectively, over the 4 months. In contrast, an attachment‐oriented personality style buffered against depression following congruent negative events.

Conclusion:  Consistent with the event congruency hypothesis, a personality style focused on performance, high self‐standards, and self‐criticism may increase vulnerability to both depressive and hypomanic symptoms when bipolar individuals confront life events congruent with this style. In contrast, a personality style concerned with attachment to others may buffer against depression when bipolar individuals face congruent negative events.
Wounding of Root or Basal Stalk Prior to Harvest Affects Pre‐harvest Antioxidant Accumulation and Tobacco‐specific Nitrosamine Formation during Air Curing of Burley Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Li Q. , Krauss M. R. , Hempfling W. P.
Published: July 2006

Wounding stresses were tested for their ability to induce an accumulation of antioxidants in harvested tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and for the reduction of tobacco‐specific nitrosamines (TSNA) during subsequent air curing. Data indicated that root pruning of burley tobacco 1 week before harvest resulted in an increased accumulation of α‐tocopherol, chlorogenic acid and rutin, compared with untreated plants. Wounding also increased total antioxidant capacity in both green and cured tobacco. Field experiments performed over 3 years showed a consistent decrease in nitrite concentration in leaves from wounded tobacco, and the reduction in TSNA was always associated with reduced levels of nitrite. Depending on climate and curing conditions, curing resulted in significant reductions in TSNA, compared with unwounded, control plants. Thus, the results suggested that higher endogenous antioxidants present during senescence and curing of wounding‐stressed tobacco may affect the propensities of those tissues to inhibit TSNA formation by reaction with nitrite.
Production of Polyclonal Antibodies to a Recombinant Potato Mop‐top Virus Non‐structural Triple Gene Block Protein 1
Authors: ČEřovská N. , Filigarová M. , Pečenková T.
Published: July 2006

The gene encoding the triple gene block protein 1 (TGBp1) of Potato mop‐top virus (PMTV) was cloned into expression vector pQE32 tagging the protein with 6xHis on the N‐terminus. When the gene was enshortened on its 3′‐end by two different restriction digestions, efficient and high yield bacterial expression was achieved in both cases, as shown by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and Western blot. One of these two constructs was used for raising rabbit polyclonal antibodies. The obtained sera and antibodies were tested for the detection of PMTV in laboratory host Nicotiana benthamiana and natural host Solanum tuberosum by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as by Western blots. The obtained antisera are more suitable for Western blot analysis of infected plants than for ELISA.
Characterization of Italian Isolates of Fusarium semitectum from Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) by AFLP Analysis, Morphology, Pathogenicity and Toxin Production
Authors: Zaccardelli M. , Balmas V. , Altomare C. , Corazza L. , Scotti C.
Published: July 2006

Fusarium semitectum is a widespread species often isolated from plants with complex disease and also known to be toxigenic. Twenty‐seven isolates of F. semitectum obtained from wilted plants of Medicago sativa grown in northern Italy were analysed by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLP). The isolates were divided in two distinct clusters, coded A and B. Investigations were carried out on morphology, pathogenicity on alfalfa seedlings and toxin production of 18 isolates representative of the two AFLP clusters. Isolates from cluster A showed fast growth and pale peach colour of the colonies on potato‐dextrose‐agar, whereas those from cluster B showed slow growth and orange pigmentation, changing to brown with age. Length of 5‐septate macro‐conidia was higher in isolates from cluster A and the frequency of classes of conidia septation was statistically different between the two clusters. All isolates from cluster A were pathogenic to alfalfa, whereas those from cluster B were mostly non‐pathogenic. The mycotoxigenic profiles were distinct between the two clusters and similar within the same cluster: isolates from cluster A produced zearalenone, alone or together with diacetoxyscirpenol, whereas isolates from cluster B produced deoxyfusapyrone. The results showed that there is a good correspondence between the AFLP clustering and the distinction of F. semitectum isolates from alfalfa into two groups based on morphology, pathogenicity and toxin‐production.
Spot Blotch Continues to Cause Substantial Grain Yield Reductions under Resource‐limited Farming Conditions
Authors: Sharma R. C. , Duveiller E.
Published: July 2006

Spot blotch caused by Cochliobolus sativus, is an important disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the warm areas of South Asia. In the past, efforts have been made to improve spot blotch resistance in susceptible commercial cultivars. It is important to assess how much spot blotch‐induced yield loss still occurs under resource‐limited farming conditions using a newly released wheat cultivar. The outcome could underline further work needed towards breeding for foliar blight resistance. The present 2‐year study was conducted to determine the reduction in grain yield and its components in a newly released Nepali wheat cultivar, Gautam, on resource‐poor farms under a rice–wheat cropping sequence. Spot blotch severity went up to 100% and 70% in 2004 and 2005 respectively. The use of the fungicide Opus (epoxiconazole) reduced disease severity to below 10% suggesting its value in controlling spot blotch in the absence of highly spot blotch resistant wheat cultivars. Grain yield loss due to spot blotch ranged from 4% to 38% and 25% to 43% in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Thousand‐kernel weight and the number of kernels per spike were reduced respectively by 15% and 10% in 2004 and by 18% and 11% in 2005. The study shows that the level of resistance to spot blotch in the new cultivar Gautam represents a partial accomplishment in breeding for resistance over the past decade. The findings underscore the need for further research support for improving genetic resistance against spot blotch in wheat to increase food security among resource‐poor farmers in the eastern Gangetic plains in South Asia and reduce the yield loss caused by this disease.
Long‐term Follow‐up of Blood Lead Levels and Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Heifers that Survived an Accidental Lead Poisoning Episode
Authors: Miranda M. , López‐Alonso M. , García‐Partida P. , Velasco J. , Benedito J. L.
Published: July 2006

Four of 10 heifers that survived an episode of lead poisoning caused by an old broken battery in the pasture were periodically monitored from days 14 to 205 after the episode, with the aim of (i) determining the time‐course of lead clearance from blood; and (ii) assessing whether the exposed cattle showed changes in haematological parameters or serum markers of hepatic and renal function (e.g. serum creatinine level) that might be useful as indicators of subclinical toxicity. On the first sampling day, lead levels in blood varied between 0.478 and 0.758 mg/l. The half‐life of lead in blood was rather variable, ranging from 68 to 266 days. Despite the high blood lead levels, no significant changes were detected in haematological parameters or hepatic/renal markers, all of which remained within normal ranges. In conclusion, these cattle that survived an episode of lead poisoning may constitute a risk for human consumers, but do not appear to have suffered severe health consequences themselves.
Characterization of novel sugarcane expressed sequence tag microsatellites and their comparison with genomic SSRs
Authors: Pinto L. R. , Oliveira K. M. , Marconi T. , Garcia A. A. F. , Ulian E. C. , De Souza A. P.
Published: July 2006

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are one of the most suitable markers for genome analysis as they have great potential to aid breeders to develop new improved sugarcane varieties. The development of SSR derived from expressed sequence tags (EST) opens new opportunities for genetic investigations at a functional level. In the present work, the polymorphism obtained with a subset of 51 EST–SSRs derived from sucest was compared with those generated by 50 genomic SSRs (gSSR) in terms of number of alleles, polymorphism information content, discrimination power and their ability to establish genetic relationships among 18 sugarcane clones including three Saccharum species (S. officinarum, S. barberi, S. sinense). The majority of EST–SSRs loci had four to six alleles in contrast to the seven to nine observed for the gSSRs loci. Approximately, 35% of the gSSRs had PIC values around 0.90 in contrast to 15% of the EST–SSRs. However, the mean discrimination power of the two types of SSR did not differ significantly as much as the average genetic similarity (GS) based on Dice coefficient. The correlation between GS of the two types of SSRs was high (r = 0.71/P = 0.99) and significant. Although differences were observed between dendrograms obtained with each SSR type, both were in good agreement with pedigree information. The S. officinarum clone IJ76‐314 was grouped apart from the other clones evaluated. The results here demonstrate that EST–SSRs can be successfully used for genetic relationship analysis, extending the knowledge of genetic diversity of sugarcane to a functional level.
Evaluation of common wheat cultivars for tan spot resistance and chromosomal location of a resistance gene in the cultivar ‘Salamouni’
Authors: Tadesse W. , Hsam S. L. K. , Zeller F. J.
Published: July 2006

A total of 50 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars were evaluated for resistance to tan spot, using Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis race 1 and race 5 isolates. The cultivars ‘Salamouni’, ‘Red Chief’, ‘Dashen’, ‘Empire’ and ‘Armada’ were resistant to isolate ASC1a (race 1), whereas 76% of the cultivars were susceptible. Chi‐squared analysis of the F2 segregation data of hybrids between 20 monosomic lines of the wheat cultivar ‘Chinese Spring’ and the resistant cultivar ‘Salamouni’ revealed that tan spot resistance in ‘Salamouni’ was controlled by a single recessive gene located on chromosome 3A. This gene is designated tsn4. The resistant cultivars identified in this study are recommended for use in breeding programmes to improve tan spot resistance in common wheat.
Molecular mapping of the fertility‐restoration gene Rf4 for WA‐cytoplasmic male sterility in rice
Authors: Ahmadikhah A. , Karlov G. I.
Published: July 2006

The wild abortive cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS‐WA) system, an ideal type of sporophytic CMS in indica rice, is used for the large‐scale commercial production of hybrid rice. Searching for restorer genes is a good approach when phenotyping is very time‐consuming and requires the determination of spikelet sterility in testcross progeny. To establish more precisely the genetical and physical maps of the Rf4 gene, high‐resolution mapping of this locus was carried out using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and newly designed markers in a F2 population. The genetic linkage analysis indicated that five SSR markers (RM6737, RM304, RM171, RM5841 and RM228) on the long arm of chromosome 10 were linked with the Rf4 gene. Rf4 was flanked by two SSR markers RM171 and RM6737 at distances of 3.2 and 1.6 cM, respectively. Also, within the region between Rf4 gene and RM171, a newly designed primer pair, AB443, produced two sterile‐specific markers, AB443‐400 and AB443‐500, 0.5 and 1.03 cM from the gene. The flanking markers identified give promise for their application in molecular marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and they are also suitable for starting chromosome walking to clone Rf4 gene in the near future.
Transgenic cotton, expressing Amaranthus caudatus agglutinin, confers enhanced resistance to aphids
Authors: Wu J. , Luo X. , Guo H. , Xiao J. , Tian Y.
Published: July 2006

To evaluate the possible antiaphid function of Amaranthus caudatus agglutinin (ACA) in allogenetic plants, transgenic cotton plants expressing the ACA gene under the control of a phloem‐specific promoter were generated via Agrobacterium‐mediated gene transformation. Based on the results of Southern blot analyses, six plants with single or lower copy transgene and favourable agronomic traits were selected for further studies. ACA expression levels ranged from 0.02% to 0.45% of total soluble protein as determined by Western blot analysis in the six selected transgenic plants. Insect bioassays using nymphs of cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover) showed that five of the six transgenic plants significantly inhibited the population growth of cotton aphid, with the highest inhibition rate of 64.5%. These results shed some new light on the antiaphid function of the ACA gene as well as the promising application of the gene for obtaining aphid‐resistant transgenic cotton plants to reduce the yield loss and honeydew contamination of fibre by aphids.
Development of Polima temperature‐sensitive cytoplasmic male sterile lines of Brassica napus through isolated microspore culture
Authors: Yang L. Y. , Liu P. W. , Yang G. S.
Published: July 2006

A novel Pol CMS named Polima temperature‐sensitive cytoplasmic male sterile (Pol TCMS) is sterile at high temperatures and partially fertile at low temperatures. Its temperature sensitivity is controlled by several minor genes, and probably influenced by the genetic background, making it quite difficult to breed a stable Pol TCMS line through the conventional breeding methods. The present study aimed to obtain stable homozygous Pol TCMS lines by microspore culture. The highest frequency of embryogenesis was induced from cultures of buds sampled at 4–7 days before first blossom. The second method of microspore cultures mentioned in this study could significantly increase the production of embryos. Analysis of fatty acid composition, glucosinolate content and genetic diversity by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers indicated that microspore culture was effective for selecting Pol TCMS lines.
Inheritance of the four‐seeded‐pod trait in a soybean mutant and marker‐assisted selection for this trait
Authors: Zhu B. G. , Sun Y. R.
Published: July 2006

A high seeds‐per‐pod value is a crucial component of soybean seed yield, but reliable information is lacking on the inheritance and early selection for the four‐seeded pod (4SP) trait. The inheritance of 4SP was followed in crosses originating from an EMS‐derived mutant line (E182, 15% 4SP) with its parental cultivar, ‘Ludou No. 4’ (no 4SP), and the efficiencies of both a molecular and morphological marker selection were determined. The plants of two F2 populations (with E182 as one of the parents) showed a segregation ratio of 3 : 1 (low to high SP values), indicating a single recessive locus; this mode of inheritance was confirmed by subsequent analysis of the F2 : 3 families. Among four microsatellite markers linked with the 4SP trait, Sat_107 was the closest to the 4SP locus (3.2 ± 1.11 cM). Both the molecular marker Sat_107 and the morphological marker, narrow leaflet (NL) associated with the 4SP locus were effective in selecting the 4SP trait, although with different efficiencies. The molecular marker was efficient in selecting soybean progenies from the cross in which one parent was the E182 mutant line because it was tightly linked to the mutated 4SP locus. In the other cross, with 4SP not derived from E182, the efficiency was reduced in comparison with the morphological marker.
Relationship between rice grain amylose and pasting properties for breeding better quality rice varieties
Authors: Allahgholipour M. , Ali A. J. , Alinia F. , Nagamine T. , Kojima Y.
Published: July 2006

One hundred and sixty‐seven rice varieties/laudraces from 23 different rice‐growing countries were used for studying the relationship between the amylose content (AC %) and paste viscosity parameters (RVU) through Pearson correlation. AC and paste viscosity parameters were measured using Auto Analyser and Rapid Visco Analysers respectively. Based on all five RVA pasting properties, i.e. peak viscosity (PV), minimum viscosity (MV), breakdown (BD), final viscosity (FV) and setback (SB), the simple paired t‐test (at P = 0.05) was carried out to identify varieties that showed non‐significant differences (similar) from the check variety, separately for each of the four AC groups, e.g. Waxy rice AC (0–8%, n = 21) –‘IR29’ (Philippines); Low AC (8.1–16%, n = 58) –‘Koshihikari’ (Japan); Intermediate AC (16.1–24%, n = 64) –‘Local Sadri’ (Iran); high AC (>24.1%, n = 24) –‘Kasalath’ (India). Significant variation among the rice varieties for AC and pasting properties were observed. Means of the AC and the viscosity parameters including PV, MV, BD, FV and SB were 15.8, 416.1, 180.3, 235.8, 380.9 and 200.6 RVU respectively. Significant correlations existed between AC and paste viscosity parameters at AC group level. The paste viscosity parameters, i.e. PV, BD and SB are important within an AC group as far as cooking quality is concerned. In the low AC group, ‘Koshihikari’ (check) was most preferred by Japanese consumers, which was used for identifying 16 varieties that showed non‐significant differences for pasting properties with it. Some of the important Japanese varieties were ‘Todorokiwase’, ‘Owarihatamochi’, ‘Sasanishiki’, ‘Reimei’ and ‘Kinuhikari’. These varieties had good cooking quality with low AC, high PV and BD with low SB. In contrast, the Iranian cultivar ‘Local Sadri’ with good cooking quality had intermediate levels of AC and SB while recording high PV and BD. The varietal diversity for pasting properties available within each AC group may allow the breeder to make effective selections for improving the cooking quality according to consumer choice.
Effector function of leucocytes from susceptible and resistant mice against distinct isolates of Candida albicans
Authors: Hu Yan , Farah Camile S , Ashman Robert B
Published: July 2006

Neutrophils and macrophages were generated in vitro from mice that display either high or low tissue susceptibilities to Candida albicans infection and their ability to phagocytose and kill three isolates of the yeast with different virulence characteristics was evaluated. In the absence of opsonization, phagocytosis by BALB/c and CBA/CaH neutrophils was comparable, but the killing was very poor. Opsonization with normal serum slightly decreased phagocytosis, but it had markedly different effects on killing, either enhancing or inhibiting candidacidal activity, depending on the combination of yeast isolate and mouse strain. In contrast, BALB/c macrophages showed high levels of phagocytosis and killing of both unopsonized yeasts and opsonized yeasts; whereas killing of unopsonized yeasts by CBA/CaH macrophages was poor, it was markedly enhanced by opsonization.
New preservation strategies for preventing liver grafts against cold ischemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Franco‐Gou Rosa , Mosbah Ismail Ben , Serafin Anna , Abdennebi Hassen Ben , Roselló‐Catafau Joan , Peralta Carmen
Published: July 2006

Background:  In spite of improvements in University of Wisconsin (UW) preservation solution, the injury from grafts during cold storage is an unresolved problem in liver transplantation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effect on ischemia–reperfusion injury associated with liver transplantation of the inversion of K+ and Na+ concentrations and the replacement of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in UW preservation solution.

Methods:  Using an orthotopic liver transplantation model, the effects on rat liver preservation of a modified preservation solution (UW‐PEG) were evaluated, based on the inversion of K+ and Na+ concentration and the replacement of HES by PEG 35 kDa (0.03 mmol/L) in UW preservation solution.

Results:  The use of UW‐PEG preservation solution ameliorated the biochemical and histological parameters of hepatic damage. Thus, at 24 h after transplantation, transaminase levels were reduced significantly when livers were preserved during 8 h in UW‐PEG preservation solution compared with the original UW solution. In addition, histological findings revealed fewer and smaller areas of hepatocyte necrosis. The benefits of UW‐PEG solution cannot be explained by modifications in oxidative stress or neutrophil accumulation associated with liver transplantation. However, the results of hepatic and portal blood flow indicated that the benefits of this modified preservation solution, UW‐PEG were associated with improvements in the microcirculatory disorders after reperfusion.

Conclusions:  The UW‐PEG solution, while retaining all the advantages of UW solution, improved hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury associated with liver transplantation.