bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A SEROLOGICAL SURVEY OF AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE FOR ANTIBODIES TO LEPTOSPIRES OF THE HEBDOMADIS SEROGROUP
Authors: Durfee Philip T , Presidente Paul JA
Published: November 2007

A serological survey for antibodies to Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo was conducted on 574 serum samples from 10 native and 4 introduced wildlife species in south‐eastern Australia. The microscopic agglutination (MA) test was used, and titres to hardjo antigen were detected in 33.5% of 352 brush‐tailed possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) sampled in several areas of Victoria. Prevalence of reactors ranged from 14 to 66% in 4 populations examined intensively, Serovar balcanica was isolated from possums with hardjo antibodies from two different areas. Of 20 wombats (Vombatus ursinus) examined in Victoria, antibodies to hardjo were found in sera from 4 and titres to Pyrogenes and Pomona serogroups were detected in another. Hardjo antibodies were demonstrated in sera from 13 of 19 rusa deer (Cervus timorensis). Negative MA test results to hardjo antigens were recorded in 55 mountain possums (T. caninus), 63 macropods (Macropus spp.), 17 water rats (Hydromys chrysogaster), 39 fallow dew (Dama dama), 2 hog deer (Axis porcinus) and 2 water buffalo (Bubalus bubalus). No MA antibodies to any of 16 leptospiral serogroups were detected in 17 water rats tested. Kidneys were examined from 330 of those animals and focal interstitial nephritis suggestive of leptospirosis was found in kidneys of 63 of 169 T. vulpecula, 3 of 55 T. caninus, 12 of 18 V. ursinus, 6 of 22 Macropus spp., 9 of 16 H. chrysogaster, 5 of 11 C. timorensis and 3 of 39 D. dama. A statistical association between focal interstitial nephritis and MA antibodies to hardjo was found in T. vulpecula.
PRODUCTION OF TREMORGENIC TOXINS BY PENICILLIUM JANTHINELLUM BIOURGE: A POSSIBLE AETIOLOGICAL FACTOR IN RYEGRASS STAGGERS
Authors: Lanigan GW , Payne AL , Cockrum PA
Published: November 2007

Topsoil herbage and faces collected during an outbreak of ryegrass staggers in sheep were examined for tremorgenic peniecllia. No such fungi were recovered from the plant material, but they were found among the predominant fungi in the soil and faecal samples. The commonest species of Penicillium and almost the only tremorgenic species encountered, was Penicillium Janthinellum Biourge. When fed to sheep, the mycelium of this fungus evoked a number of the clinical signs seen in field eases of ryegrass staggers. Two tremorgenic toxins were isolated from the mycelial felts and available evidence indicates that they are verruculogen and funitremorgin A. P. janthinethum also produced these tremorgens when from this study are in accord with the hypothesis that ryegrass staggers is caused by tremorgenic mycotoxins.
PURIFICATION OF ANTIBODIES TO INFLUENZA A VIRUS STRUCTURAL PROTEINS BY AFFINITY CHROMATOGRAPHY, AND THEIR PARTICIPATION IN HAEMAGGLUTINATION‐INHIBITION, NEUTRALIZATION AND ENZYME‐LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY
Authors: Watanabe H , Pollett Marcaket , Mackenzie JS
Published: November 2007

Affinity chromatography was used to purify rabbit antibodies to common and strain‐specific antigeneic determinants of haemagglutinin, to neuraminidase, and to a combination of the internal proteins of influenza A viruses. The purity of the antibodies was assessed by haemagglutination‐inhibition, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and competition ELISA. The antibodies were examined for their participation in neutralization and haemagglutination‐inhibition assays, and in ELISA. ELISA was found to be the most sensitive technique for detecting antibodies. Antibodies to the common and strain‐specific determinants of haemagglutinin were shown to participate in neutralization assays and ELISA, but only those antibodies to the common determinants were detected by haemagglutination‐inhibition.
ANTIBODY RESPONSES TO INFLUENZA VACCINES CONTAINING A/USSR/90/77
Authors: Feery BJ , Gallichio HA , Rodda SJ , Hampson AW
Published: November 2007

Studies were undertaken in adult groups aged 17–24 years, 25–64 years and 66–100 years to determine the haemagglutination‐inhibiting antibody responses to sub‐unit influenza vaccines containing A/USSR/90/77 (H1N1). Antibody responses to A/USSR/90/77 were low in all groups. The young adult group (17–24 years) produced a primary response to A/USSR/90/77 and showed a significant response to a second dose of vaccine, whereas their responses to the A/Texas/1/77 (H3N2) and B/Hong Kong/8/73 components were of the anamnestic type and showed no significant increase to a second dose. The adult (25–64 years) and aged (66–100 years) groups responded anamnestically to all three vaccine components. There was no impairment of the antibody response in the aged group in comparison with the response in the adult group. A comparative assay in microtitre trays and WHO plates showed two‐ to four‐fold differences in antibody titre to A/USSR/90/77 in these systems.
IMMUNE RETENTION: IMMUNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING AN EASILY DEGRADABLE ANTIGEN IN VIVO
Authors: Tew JG , Mandel TE , Miller GA
Published: November 2007

Radioactive human serum albumin (125I‐HSA) was injected into the hind foot pads of unimmunized mice, actively immunized mice and mice passively immunized with mouse or rabbit anti‐HSA serum. Eleven days later the unimmunized mice had cleared most of the 125I‐HSA. In contrast, a high concentration of 125I‐USA was retained in the feet and draining lymph nodes and, to a lesser extent, in the spleen of the actively or passively unimmunized mice. Although immune retention required specific antibody, it appeared to be independent of T‐cells or T‐cell factors, since passively immunized nude mice retained antigen as well as actively or passively immunized normal mice. Depletion of the complement system with cobra venom factor (CVF) increased antigen retention in the feet but decreased retention in the spleen. Treatment with CVF did not decrease antigen retention in lymph nodes of actively immunized mice. Such treatment did, however, decrease retention in lymph nodes of passively immunized mice although not to the same extent as in the spleen. Retention of antigen in the feet was not only complement‐independent but was also Fc independent, since F(ab′)2 fragments of IgG could mediate immune retention. Antigen dose response studies indicated that immune retention in lymph nodes occurred optimally with minute amounts of antigen, whereas optimal retention in the feet required much higher concentrations of antigen. Foot pad injections of non‐radiolabelled USA eliminated 60% of the radioactivity retained in the foot pads of unimmunized mice. In contrast, non‐radioactive egg albumin (EA) had almost no effect on retained HSA. However, if the mice were immunized to both EA and HSA, an injection of EA would displace a significant amount of retained HSA. Complexes of one specificity can apparently displace some retained antigen of a differing specificity.
EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF CALVES AND SHEEP WITH LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS SEROVAR BALCANICA
Authors: Durfee Philip T , Presidente Paul JA
Published: November 2007

Two of four calves inoculated with Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica developed low microscopic agglutinating (MA) titres to serovar hardjo. A third calf had an MA titre of 1:1024 by day 19 post‐inoculation (PI). Transient leptospiruria was recorded in one calf on days 12 and 13 PI. An in‐contact calf did not seroconvert. None of the calves had fever or other clinical signs of disease. Four ewes inoculated with balcanica developed MA titres to hardjo by day 13 PI, and a transient leptospiruria between days 14 and 25 PI. None of the ewes showed any evidence of clinical disease and three of them delivered healthy lambs 22 to 64 days PI. One ewe had mild lesions of focal interstitial nephritis.
SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF CULEX ANNULIROSTRIS AND OTHER MOSQUITOES AT KOWANYAMA, NORTH QUEENSLAND, AND CHARLEVILLE, SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND
Authors: Kay BH
Published: November 2007

At Kowanyama, 104,006 adult female mosquitoes of a probable 47 species were collected on twelve occasions from April, 1972, to April, 1976. At Charleville, 71,791 adult females of 20 taxa were taken during thirteen periods from February, 1974, to February, 1976. Culex annulirostris was predominant at Kowanyama and especially at Charleville where it comprised up to 99% of dry season collections. Culex fatigans, Ae normanensis, An annulipes and, at Kowanyama only, An bancroftii were the other major species collected. Several bait trapping methods were suitable for monitoring densities of Cx annulirostris and other species but mammalian baits were best. Because Cx annulirostris activity continued throughout winter even at Charleville, continuous cycles of arbovirus transmission are possible, although the potential of dormant Aedes eggs also bears investigation as a method of arbovirus survival.
ISOLATION OF VIRUS STRAINS FROM MOSQUITOES COLLECTED IN QUEENSLAND, 1972–1976
Authors: Doherty RL , Carley JG , Kay BH , Filippich Cheryl , Marks Elizabeth N , Frazier Christina L
Published: November 2007

171,348 mosquitoes and 4,353 other arthropods collected at three centres in Queensland in 1972–1976 yielded 151 strains of 18 viruses. Culex annulirostris was the major source of virus notation but 42 strains from Aedes normanensis indicate it in be a vector of importance. Ross River and Kokobera viruses were isolated at Kowanyama in the dry season, a finding of interest as being compatible with year‐round survival in vector‐vertebrate cycles. Culex fatigans has in part replaced Culex annulirostris in peridomestic breeding sites at Kowanyama; the infreguency of virus isolation from it suggests that this replacement may lower arbovirus infection rates Twelve strains were identified as viruses antigenically distinct from any previously isolated in Australia or New Guinea: Ch16129, shown by the International Reference Centre for Arboviruses to be a previously undescribed member of the Simbu Group (Facey's Paddock virus), Ch16313 (Murweh), Ch19520 (Parker's Farm) and Ch19546 (Little Sussex). The remaining strains were identified as viruses previously known in Australia, but included many new host or geographical records.
HOMOLOGY BETWEEN ROUNDWORM (ASCARIS) AND HOOKWORM (N. AMERICANUS) ANTIGENS DETECTED BY HUMAN IgE ANTIBODIES
Authors: Turner KJ , Fisher EH , McWILLIAM AS
Published: November 2007

Utilizing the techniques of radioallergosorbent test (RAST), inhibition of RAST and isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gels, antigenic cross‐reactivity has been shown between extracts of Ascaris lumbricoides, Ascaris suum and Necator americanus (hookworm). Antigenic homology is extensive between the two Ascaris preparations. The antigens common to hookworm and Ascaris, while representing a minor component of Ascaris body fluid, are nonetheless potent Stimulators of IgE antibody production in subjects infected only with hookworm larvae. These shared antigens appear to have a pI of less than 5.1. The hookworm specific antigens also have a pI of less than 5.1, whereas those specific to Ascaris have pI values in the ranges of 5.0 to 6.0 and 7.0 to 8.6. These latter antigens, i.e. those with pI between 7.0 and 8.6, apparently elicit an immune response only during an active infection with Ascaris.
DNA METHYLATION IN ISOLATED NUCLEI DURING DEVELOPMENT OF CHICK EMBRYOS
Authors: Tanaka M , Hibasami H , Nagai J , Ikeda T
Published: November 2007

5‐Methylcytosine content of chick embryo DNA was almost constant, independent of the age of embryos. Labelling experiments with isolated nuclei revealed that 5‐methylcytosine was only the methylated product and the rate of DNA methylation in nuclei decreased with the age of embryos. The enzyme activity of nuclear extract paralleled the decrease. DNA from the 4 and 10‐day embryos were methylated at the same rate by solubilized DNA methylase, indicating that the degree of DNA methylation does not vary with the age of embryos.
PROSPECTS OF A LIVING ATTENUATED VACCINE AGAINST INFLUENZA
Authors: Tannock GA
Published: November 2007

Living attenuated vaccines offer the promise of providing more effective immunity against influenza than inactivated vaccines. However, the development of such vaccines presents unique problems, because influenza A viruses undergo frequent antigenic change and are highly infectious. Ideally, a living vaccine should produce substantial immunity to the disease from a single dose administered in the form of nose drops. The vaccine should be suitably attenuated, with attenuation being determined by in vitro markers which allow the ready detection of revertants to virulence. The only practical approach is to use a thoroughly accredited master strain which can be recombined with a contemporary virulent strain to produce an attenuated recombinant having the surface antigens of the contemporary strain. Of the master strains currently being developed, temperature‐sensitive (ts) and cold‐adapted (ca) mutants appear to have the greatest promise.
AN IMPROVED ASSAY FOR INTERLEUKIN 2 (LYMPHOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR) PRODUCED BY MITOGEN‐ACTIVATED LYMPHOCYTES
Authors: Lafferty KJ , Prowse SJ , Al‐Adra A , Warren HS , Vasalli J , Reich E
Published: November 2007

The continued proliferation of activated T cells requires the presence of a lymphocyte growth factor in the culture medium. This study describes a rapid, highly reproducible assay to quantitatively measure levels of this lymphokine. The use of Concanavalin‐A blast cells gives this assay a high degree of flexibility and convenience. It is shown that the lymphokine measured is Interleukin 2. The presence of an inhibitor in the supernatant of mitogen‐activated lymphocytes and the species specificity of the factor are demonstrated.
THE EFFECT OF PRE‐NATAL THYMECTOMY ON LYMPHOCYTE SUB‐POPULATIONS IN THE SHEEP
Authors: Fahey KJ , Outteridge PM , Burrells C
Published: November 2007

Ten sheep foetuses were thymectomized between 55 and 77 days gestation. The subsequent growth of the lambs was not affected for periods up to 500 days after birth. Prior to 240 days of age the thymectomized lambs were markedly lymphopenic and the response of their blood lymphocytes to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) was significantly reduced. Peanut agglutinin‐binding cells were found to be depleted in the blood of thymectomized lambs, while an unmarked ‘null’ cell population was virtually absent. The absolute numbers of E‐rosette forming cells and sIg+ cells were similar for both groups. These findings indicated that ‘null’ cells in sheep may be immature thymus‐dependent lymphocytes. The effects of thymectomy on blood lymphocyte counts, PHA responsiveness and the numbers of ‘null’ cells were less evident in thymectomized sheep that survived beyond 240 days. Possible differentiation pathways for sheep T‐cells are discussed, together with the role played by the thymus in the maturation of T‐cells.
SOME BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON THE ADAPTATION ASSOCIATED WITH XYLITOL INGESTION IN RATS
Authors: Krishnan Ravi , James Heather M , Bais Renze , Rofe Allan M , Edwards John B , Conyers Robert AJ
Published: November 2007

The mechanism of adaptation to dietary carbohydrates was investigated by examining cellular metabolism in the liver and gut lumen. The inclusion of 10% (w/w) glucose, fructose, sucrose, xylose, sorbitol, xylitol or arabitol in the diet of rats for 7 days had essentially no effect on the ability of liver homogenates to produce 14CO2 from labelled glucose, fructose, xylose, sorbitol or xylitol. Moreover, no major changes were observed in the activities of hepatic enzymes. In these studies, diarrhoea and caecal distension were only observed in those rats receiving dietary sugar alcohols.

Rats were also fed 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20% (w/w) xylitol in their diets for periods ranging from 1 to 14 days. These diets caused no significant changes in 16 of the commonly assessed blood parameters which included liver function tests. Xylitol feeding, however, caused caecal distension, caecal gas production, decreases in the pH of caecal contents, the appearance of a fluffy layer in the centrifuged specimens of caecal contents, and diarrhoea. These changes were directly related to the concentration of xylitol in the caecal contents. After various periods, and depending on the concentration of xylitol in the diet, the rats underwent an adaptation which reduced the incidence of diarrhoea. In the short term, dietary xylitol does not affect the function of the liver or the gut wall, but causes an adaptation within the gut microflora. This adaptation leads to the increased ability of gut microflora to utilise xylitol, followed by a subsequent reduction in the caecal osmotic load and diarrhoea.
THE EFFECT OF DIETARY XYLITOL ON THE ABILITY OF RAT CAECAL FLORA TO METABOLISE XYLITOL
Authors: Krishnan Ravi , Wilkinson Irene , Joyce Linda , Rofe Allan M , Bais Renze , Conyers Robert AJ , Edwards John B
Published: November 2007

The effect of dietary xylitol on the ability of the rat caecal flora to metabolise xylitol was investigated. Xylitol metabolism in micro‐organisms has generally been assessed in terms of pH change and acid production which are often insensitive in demonstrating low rates of substrate utilisation. Using a rapid and sensitive radioisotopic assay, in which 14CO2 production from |U‐14C| xylitol was measured, it was possible to show that the caecal microflora obtained from rats can metabolise xylitol. This activity was increased 10, 15, 30 and 40‐fold in the caecal flora taken from rats fed diets containing 2.5, 5, 10 and 20% xylitol, respectively.

Using the caecal microflora of normally fed rats, the order of 14CO2 production from 14C‐labelled sugars and sugar alcohols was glucose > fructose > xylose > sorbitol ⩾ xylitol. The feeding of glucose and fructose did not alter the 14CO2 producing activities, whereas xylose feeding increased xylose metabolism, sorbitol feeding increased sorbitol and xylitol metabolism, xylitol feeding increased sorbitol, xylose and its own metaboiism and arabitol feeding increased xylose and sorbitol metabolism. Marked changes were also observed in the population of the caecal flora of xylitol‐fed rats, with increases in the number of gram‐positive bacteria, compared to rats on a normal diet. Possible mechanisms for these effects involve mutation, selection of micro‐organisms capable of metabolising sugar alcohols, and the induction of enzymes involved in sugar alcohol metabolism.
ARBOVIRUSES OF COASTAL SOUTH‐EASTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Marshall Ian D , Woodroofe Gwendolyn M , Gard Geoff P
Published: November 2007

During investigations of epidemic polyarthritis at Nelson Bay, New South Wales, 12 strains of Ross River virus, the causative agent, were recovered from pools of mosquitoes. In addition, the mosquito pools yielded 9 strains of the flavivirus Edge Hill, 4 strains of a bunyavirus, Gan Gan, 1 strain of an orbivirus Tilligerry, and 1 strain of an ungrouped probable arbovirus, Yacaaba. The latter 3 viruses were found to be antigenically distinct from previously recorded arboviruses.

A case of epidemic polyarthritis probably contracted at Bawley Point, approximately 400 kilometres south of Nelson Bay on the south coast of New South Wales, is recorded. Mosquitoes collected in the nearby Termeil State Forest one year later yielded a strain of Ross River virus and 5 strains of a previously undescribed ungrouped togavirus, Termeil.

The extent of arboviral activity in temperate coastal areas of south‐eastern Australia was unexpected.
HAEMAGGLUTININS AND LYSINS IN PLANTS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN CHARACTERISING HUMAN AND ANIMAL RED CELLS
Authors: Roy S , Bhalla V
Published: November 2007

Saline extracts of 207 seed varieties belonging to 53 families were tested for haemagglutinating and haemolytic activity against the erythrocytes of eleven vertebrate species (man, monkey, rabbit, rat, goat, sheep, cow, buffalo, horse, mule and fowl). Of these, 85 seed extracts showed haemagglutinating activity and 49 seed extracts showed haemolytic activity against the red cells of one or more animal species. Several seed extracts were found to react in a species specific manner agglutinating or lysing the red cells exclusively of one animal species each. The possible practical application of the species specific plant agglutinins and haemolysins in characterising the red cells of different animal species is discussed.
WOUND CONTRACTION. A QUANTITATIVE INTERPRETATION
Authors: Snowden John M
Published: November 2007

The behaviour of dressed excisional wounds in a number of species (man, rabbit, rat and mouse) has been analysed. The change in wound area with time due to contraction was found to be consistent with a constant linear rate of movement of the wound margins. The linear rate of movement of the wound margins is shown to be an appropriate parameter for the quantitative comparison of rates of contraction. This parameter can be calculated from the slope of the (area)½ versus time plots.
ISOLATION OF MURRAY VALLEY ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS AND OTHER ARBOVIRUSES IN THE ORD RIVER VALLEY 1972–1976
Authors: Liehne PFS , Anderson S , Stanley NF , Liehne CG , Wright AE , Chan KH , Leivers S , Britten DK , Hamilton NP
Published: November 2007

This paper summarizes the isolation of arboviruses from mosquitoes collected in the Ord Valley between 1972 and 1976. A total of one hundred and ninety five strains of at least fifteen antigenically distinct viruses have been isolated. Seven of these isolates appear to be ‘new’ antigenic types, and several are undergoing further testing. These are three new rhabdoviruses (Kununurra [OR194], a virus provisionally named Kimberley [OR250] and OR189 [provisionally named Parry's Creek]), three ungrouped, non‐haemagglutinating viruses (OR379, OR512, OR869) and a virus (OR540) which reacts to Poly Anopheles A world grouping fluid. The remaining viruses have been previously identified in Australia. These include Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin, Kokobera, Sindbis, Koongol, Wongal, Wongorr and a virus in the Corriparta serological group. The most important finding of these studies is that MVE displays an annually recurrent pattern of activity with a peak seasonal transmission rate at the end of the wet monsoon. This is the first definition of a probable endemic focus of MVE activity in Australia. The major vector for the majority of the viruses isolated was, by inference, Culex annulirostris. However, Aedeomyia catasticta was implicated as a major vector of the Corriparta group virus.
MUSCLE LIPIDS IN DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Pearce PH , Johnsen RD , Wysocki SJ , Kakulas BA
Published: November 2007

The lipids of muscle and adipose tissue from normal males and of muscle from males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were investigated. Triglyceride, the major neutral lipid, showed similar fatty acid compositions in all tissues examined. When the phospholipids of dystrophic muscle and of normal adipose tissue were compared with those of normal muscle, it was found that there was an increase in the proportion of sphingomyelin in dystrophic muscle, while adipose tissue had higher proportions of sphingomyelin and lysophosphatidylcholine but lower choline phosphoglyceride. In dystrophic muscle only small alterations from normal were observed in the fatty acid compositions of the individual phospholipids, whereas the phospholipids of adipose tissue had quite distinctive fatty acid compositions. An atrophic muscle sample resulting from poliomyelitis consisted almost entirely of connective tissue and fat and had a phospholipid composition similar to that of adipose tissue. From a comparison of the results for all the types of tissue studied, it is evident that the increase in sphingomyelin in dystrophic muscle biopsies and the changes in the fatty acid compositions of individual phospholipids may be accounted for by the increased amounts of fat and connective tissue which are present in dystrophic muscle samples.

In a case each of polymyositis, limb girdle muscular dystrophy and an autosomal recessive form of muscular dystrophy, the results obtained for the phospholipid composition of the muscle sample were also normal or consistent with some contamination from fat and connective tissue.
H‐2 RESTRICTION PATTERN OF SECONDARY INFLUENZA VIRUS‐IMMUNE CYTOLYTIC T CELLS
Authors: Ertl Hildegund Christa Johanna
Published: November 2007

Stimulation of murine spleen lymphocytes of the H‐2d and H‐2q haplotype with influenza A/WSN virus results in the generation of T‐effector lymphocytes which lyse infected H‐2b target cells in addition to infected H‐2d target cells. Cross‐reactive lysis of infected H‐2d and H‐2b target cells is due to the action of single Tc clones as shown by adsorption on macrophages and limiting dilution assay.
EXOTOXlNS OF AEROMONAS HYDROPHILA
Authors: Burke Valerie , Robinson Jennifer , Atkinson HM , Dibley Michael , Berry RJ , Gracey Michael
Published: November 2007

Eighty of 103 strains of Aeromonas hydrophila cultured at 100 rev./min produced heat‐labile enterotoxins detected using the suckling mouse assay. Results in intestinal perfusion agreed with the suckling mouse test in all strains tested by both methods. Enterotoxic activity correlated with haemolysin and cytotoxin production, but 4% of strains would have been wrongly classified using haemolysin assay in place of the suckling mouse test and 11% misclassified on the basis of cytotoxin assay. There was a significant association between haemolytic and cytotoxic activity, but 15% of strains produced only one of these toxins. Haemolysin, cytotoxin and enterotoxin were not always associated in a given isolate. The time of appearance of exotoxins during bacterial growth and the effects of dialysis, hearing and proteolytic enzymes also suggest that haemolysins, cytotoxin and enterotoxins of Aeromonas hydrophila are separate toxins and not different manifestations of the same toxin.
Hydroxyl radicals are not the protagonists of UV-B-induced damage in isolated thylakoid membranes
Authors: Šnyrychová Iva , Kós Péter B. , Hideg Éva
Published: November 2007

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied in isolated thylakoid membranes exposed to 312 nm UV-B irradiation. Hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and hydrogen peroxide were measured directly, using a newly developed method based on hydroxylation of terephthalic acid and the homovanillic acid/peroxidase assay, respectively. At the early stage of UV-B stress (doses lower than 2.0 J cm–2), •OH were derived from superoxide radicals via hydrogen peroxide. Production of these ROS was dependent on photosynthetic electron transport and was not exclusive to UV-B. Both ROS were found in samples exposed to the same doses of PAR, suggesting that the observed ROS are by-products of the UV-B-driven electron transport rather than specific initiators of the UV-B-induced damage. After longer exposure of thylakoids to UV-B, leading to the inactivation of PSII centres, a small amount of •OH was still observed in thylakoids, even though no free hydrogen peroxide was detected. At this late stage of UV-B stress, •OH may also be formed by the direct cleavage of organic peroxides by UV-B. Immunodetection showed that the presence of the observed ROS alone was not sufficient to achieve the degradation of the D1 protein of PSII centres.
Long-term evolution of transposable elements
Authors: Le Rouzic Arnaud , Boutin Thibaud S. , Capy Pierre
Published: November 2007

Transposable elements are often considered parasitic DNA sequences, able to invade the genome of their host thanks to their self-replicating ability. This colonization process has been extensively studied, both theoretically and experimentally, but their long-term coevolution with the genomes is still poorly understood. In this work, we aim to challenge previous population genetics models by considering features of transposable elements as quantitative, rather than discrete, variables. We also describe more realistic transposable element dynamics by accounting for the variability of the insertion effect, from deleterious to adaptive, as well as mutations leading to a loss of transposition activity and to nonautonomous copies. Individual-based simulations of the behavior of a transposable-element family over several thousand generations show different ways in which active or inactive copies can be maintained for a very long time. Results reveal an unexpected impact of genetic drift on the “junk DNA” content of the genome and strongly question the likelihood of the sustainable long-term stable transposition-selection equilibrium on which numerous previous works were based.
Does the
h
index have predictive power?
Authors: Hirsch J. E.
Published: November 2007

Bibliometric measures of individual scientific achievement are of particular interest if they can be used to predict future achievement. Here we report results of an empirical study of the predictive power of the
h
index compared with other indicators. Our findings indicate that the
h
index is better than other indicators considered (total citation count, citations per paper, and total paper count) in predicting future scientific achievement. We discuss reasons for the superiority of the
h
index.
Book Review
Authors: Skaane Per
Published: November 2007

Mammography Casebook: 100 Studies in Breast Imaging. By U. Fischer and F. Baum. Stuttgart and New York: Thieme Verlag, 2006. ISBN 3-13-140351-9. 350 pages, 1715 figures, 168 tables. Price hardcover: EUR 129.95
Hemodynamic effect of iopromide in pancreas-duodenum transplanted rats
Authors: Linder G. , Carlsson P. -O. , Källskog Ö. , Hansell P. , Jansson L. , Källskog V.
Published: November 2007

Background: Radiological contrast media (CM) have been suggested to be able to impair pancreatic microcirculation, especially in acute pancreatitis.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of the low-osmolar CM iopromide on total pancreatic and especially islet blood perfusion after whole pancreas transplantation.

Material and Methods: Rats receiving a pancreas-duodenum transplantation 2 days earlier, i.e., with graft pancreatitis, were injected with iopromide. Blood perfusion measurements were then made with a microsphere technique.

Results: The graft blood perfusion was decreased in control rats when compared to the endogenous pancreas. Administration of iopromide increased both total pancreatic and islet blood perfusion in the grafted pancreas, but not in the endogenous gland. No effects on blood perfusion to either the native or transplanted duodenum were seen after iopromide administration.

Conclusion: Iopromide increases the blood perfusion of a whole pancreas transplant 2 days after implantation, i.e., when graft pancreatitis is present. The consequences of this CM-induced hyperperfusion for graft pancreatic function remain to be established.
Renal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: a rare tumor indistinguishable from renal cell carcinoma—report of two cases
Authors: Heerwagen S. T. , Jensen C. , Bagi P. , Rappeport E. D.
Published: November 2007

Renal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare soft-tissue tumor of controversial etiology with a potential for local recurrence after incomplete surgical resection. The radiological findings in renal IMT are not well described. We report two cases in adults with a renal mass treated with nephrectomy on suspicion of malignancy.
Contribution of Caridina nilotica (Roux) in the Dagaa Fishery in Lake Victoria, Tanzania
Authors: Budeba Y. L. , Cowx I. G.
Published: November 2007

The contribution of Caridina nilotica in the Rastrineobola argentea (dagaa) fishery was assessed at nine beaches in the Tanzanian part of Lake Victoria from May, 2001 to April, 2002. Additional data on dagaa and Caridina catches from Sweya beach between October, 2000 and April, 2001 were also included. Two main methods are used to catch R. argentea and Caridina in the Tanzanian waters of Lake Victoria: mosquito seine nets (5 mm and 10 mm mesh sizes) and catamaran lift nets (8 mm mesh sizes). The majority of the beaches used mosquito seine nets as the main gear; lift net fishing was dominant at Igombe and Busekera beaches.

Between May, 2001 and April, 2002, 157,390 t of dagaa were harvested in the Tanzanian waters of Lake Victoria; mosquito seine nets harvested 139,674 t (89%) compared with 17,716 t by lift nets (11%). CPUE was 244 and 337 kg boat− 1 day− 1 respectively for lift nets and mosquito seine nets. A total of 17,326 t of Caridina was harvested in the Tanzanian waters of Lake Victoria during the same period. More Caridina was harvested by mosquito seine nets (95%) than by lift nets (5%). Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE; kg boat−1 day−1) for Caridina ranged between 1.87 and 45 kg boat−1 day−1, and varied with respect to location, time and fishing method. Sweya beach exhibited the highest CPUE and the lowest was at Nyangómbe beach. High CPUEs for Caridina were found during the rainy season at Sweya, Igombe, Kome and Busekera beaches. The rest of the beaches exhibited high CPUE during the dry season. CPUE of Caridina in lift nets was greater than in mosquito seines at Igombe and Busekera beaches. However, CPUE for dagaa at Igombe was higher for mosquito seines than lift nets. Reasons for these differences are unknown but probably relate to the location of fishing, particularly between inshore and offshore locations. Haplochromine cichlids were also abundant in the R. argentea catches at Igombe beach. The highest CPUE for haplochromines was at Igombe in January, 2002 and the lowest in June, 2001 (average CPUE for haplochromine cichlids at Igombe was 736 ± 746 kg boat−1 day−1 for lift nets). The total haplochromine catch for the region was estimated at 53,446 t. The carapace length (mm CL) distribution of Caridina in R. argentea commercial catches ranged between 1.5 mm CL and 8 mm CL depending on the gear used.
Chemical components of Aspergillus‐type Douchi, a Chinese traditional fermented soybean product, change during the fermentation process
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Hua , Tatsumi Eizo , Fan Jun‐Feng , Li Li‐Te
Published: November 2007

Douchi, a traditional fermented soybean product that originated in China, has been consumed since ancient times as a food seasoning. The influence of fermentation on the chemical components of naturally fermented douchi and Aspergillus egypticus pure‐cultured douchi was investigated. Changes in per cent and/or concentration of amino‐type nitrogen, total acid, reducing sugar, organic acid, amino acids (AA) and isoflavone, along with the neutral protease and β‐glucosidase activities during the fermentation, were analysed. The results indicated that fermentation had a significant effect on the concentration of chemical components. The concentration of all free amino acids (FAA) increased gradually during fermentation, to a maximum of 109.54 mg g−1 in 15‐day fermented products. The main organic acids in douchi are 7.788 and 17.778 mg g−1, respectively. During fermentation, the contents of daidzin and genistin decreased from 160.7 and 207.9 to 7.54 and 24.12 μg g−1 respectively. Daidzein and genistein increased from 18.2 and 16.9 to 63.4 and 84.6 μg g−1, respectively.
The binding of the flavour of lactones by soya protein, amino acids and casein
Authors: Gkionakis George A. , David Anthony Taylor Keith , Ahmad John , Heliopoulos George
Published: November 2007

The binding of certain lactones to soya protein isolate, amino acids and casein in different concentrations was investigated using capillary column gas chromatography. The analysis of lactones was conducted by solid phase microextraction and by the standard method of headspace analysis. The percentage of binding of lactones γ‐9, γ‐10, δ‐10 and δ‐11 on the soya protein is almost the same. According to the Klotz equation, the bound ligand concentration was calculated as the number of moles of ligand bound per mole of protein. γ‐lactones are bound less than δ‐lactones and that the competitive binding ability of lactones δ‐11 and γ‐10 is similar. δ‐11 has a greater binding capacity with each of the amino acids used and with casein than γ‐10 because of its greater ability to form hydrophobic binding than γ‐10. The techniques of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the binding of the ligand on the protein substrate was attributed to secondary bonds, such as hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic bonds and van der Waals forces.
Effect of modified atmosphere on methanol extractable Phenolics of persimmon modified atmosphere effect on persommon phenolics
Authors: Bibi Nizakat , Khattak Amal B.
Published: November 2007

Persimmon fruits were exposed to ethanol and nitrogen atmosphere for half (E1 and N1), one (E2 and N2) and 2 h (E3 and N3), stored for 5 weeks at ambient temperature and analyzed weekly for different phenolic compounds responsible for astringency and sensory characteristics. Methanol soluble proanthocyanidine content decreased significantly (P  0.05) from 7.2 (E1 week 1) to 1.0 ΔA550 g−1 (E3week 5) with ethanol treatment and from 6.8 (N1 week 1) to 3.0 ΔA550 g−1 (N1 week 5) with nitrogen treatment. The losses in leucoanthocyanidine content were maximum with ethanol‐ and nitrogen‐treated samples for 2 h. Total phenols in control decreased from 0.5% to 0.2% (E3) and 0.3% (N3) during 1st week. The methanol soluble sinapine content of control samples decreased significantly from 0.05% to 0.02% with 2 h ethanol and nitrogen atmosphere during 1st week of storage. The lowest values for catechin content were observed for all treatments at the end of 5 weeks storage. The data on sensory evaluation revealed highest score with N3 treatment and storage when compared with other treatments, reflecting improvement in sensory properties because of decrease in astringency.
Biochemical aspects in two minimally processed lettuces upon storage
Authors: Tavarini Silvia , Degl'Innocenti Elena , Pardossi Alberto , Guidi Lucia
Published: November 2007

The browning process was studied in two cultivars of minimally processed lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata cv. Verpia and Lactuca sativa var. acephala cv. Lollo Rossa). The analyses were carried out upon storage at 4 °C in the dark. The first interesting result was the resistance to browning of excised leaves of Lollo Rossa, that did not present the typical symptoms of browning. Another important characteristic of Lollo Rossa lettuce was the higher antioxidant ability before storage. The results of biochemical characteristics obtained in this experiment did not show clear evidence supporting the biochemical model of tissue browning involving the sequential synthesis of phenolics and quinones that are regulated, respectively, by phenyl alanine ammonia‐lyase, polyphenol oxidase and/or peroxidase.
Effect of transglutaminase and carrageenan on restructured fish products containing dietary fibres
Authors: Cardoso Carlos , Mendes Rogério , Nunes Maria Leonor
Published: November 2007

The inclusion of various levels of a microbial transglutaminase or a carrageenan additive to restructured hake products with or without dietary fibre (obtained from inner pea or chicory root) was studied. These experiments were aimed at producing technologically innovative restructured fish products with improved textural and colour properties. It was found that the addition of transglutaminase, up to 0.5% (w/w), favoured better textural properties, particularly, at 0.1% (w/w) level or above. On the other hand, restructured product with a dietary fibre content of 4% (w/w) and carrageenan addition, up to 2% (w/w), exhibited increased hardness. This can be particularly interesting for those products containing chicory root inulins as this fibre presented an adverse effect on hardness. Regarding colour, higher carrageenan contents caused a slight but significant colour change in the product, making it redder (for products containing Swelite and Fibruline) and more yellow (only concerning Swelite).
Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in lettuce
Authors: Moore John E. , Cherie Millar Beverley , Kenny Fiona , Lowery Colm J. , Xiao LiHua , Rao Juluri R. , Nicholson Vera , Watabe Miyuki , Heaney Neville , Sunnotel Olaf , McCorry Kieran , Rooney Paul J. , Snelling William J. , Dooley James S. G.
Published: November 2007

Human cryptosporidiosis has emerged as an important gastrointestinal infection in the 1990s as a result of the ingestion of mainly contaminated water and to a lesser extent foodstuffs containing the protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum. This pathogen has particular clinical significance for immunocompromised persons, including AIDS patients and cancer patients receiving toxic chemotherapeutic drug regimens. There have been a limited number of studies performed examining the occurrence of the parasite on vegetables, including lettuce. Detection rates are very dependent on the laboratory isolation technique employed and has ranged from 1.2% to 14.5%. Current best practice of laboratory recovery, isolation and detection methods include detergent removal, oocysts concentration by immunomagnetic separation, followed by a combination of immunofluorescent microscopy and a nested PCR approach. Employment of contaminated non‐potable water in the production of vegetables, particularly lettuce, may represent an important potential source of entry of pathogens into food processing and the human food chain. Given that lettuce is an important constituent of hamburger dressing, and the size of the fast‐food industry, where lettuce is an important constituent, horticultural producers of lettuce should therefore place special emphasis on developing suitable and efficient Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point strategies for the critical control of oocysts depending on the type of unit operation employed and vegetable being processed. This review aims to examine (i) the incidence of C. parvum in vegetables, particularly lettuce and (ii) laboratory detection methods for the isolation and identification of this parasite from lettuce.
Behaviour of some organophosphorus pesticide residues in thyme and stinging nettle tea during infusion process
Authors: Ozbey Ayse , Uygun Umran
Published: November 2007

In order to investigate dissipation behaviour of fenitrothion, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos and pirimiphos‐ethyl during infusion process, pesticide‐free dried thyme and stinging nettle leaves were spiked with the pesticides. Infusions were prepared according to the usual process of infusion preparation. The effect of infusion process on the transfer of the pesticides from the spiked herbs leaves into brew was examined at intervals of 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. Residues were determined using gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. The decrease in pesticide levels during infusion was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Transfer of residues decreased considerably with infusion time. The carryover of the residues of dimethoate, which has the highest water solubility, into the infusions was the greatest. Satisfactory relationships were found between water solubility (Ws) and partition coefficient (Kow) of the pesticides with the transfer of pesticides to brewed teas.
Effect of vacuum and relaxation periods and solution concentration on the osmotic dehydration of apples
Authors: Paes Sabrina Silva , Stringari Gustavo Beulke , Laurindo João Borges
Published: November 2007

The effect of the sucrose solution concentration (SSC) and vacuum–relaxation periods on vacuum osmotic dehydration of apples (Gala var.) was investigated. All experiments were carried out at 30 °C, with SSC ranging from 0 to 65 °Bx. The apple samples with 11.5 ± 1.4 °Bx gained water for an SSC as high as 40 °Bx and gained solids for an SSC as low as 5 °Bx, depending on the applied vacuum and relaxation periods. The results obtained with isotonic solutions indicated that there is an optimum value for the relaxation and vacuum periods. It was shown that the vacuum and relaxation periods can be used to obtain the desired process result, a higher impregnation or a higher dehydration.
Standardisation of process parametres for ready‐to‐eat squid masala in indigenous polymer‐coated tin‐free steel cans
Authors: Gopinath Sreenath Pathiyaparambil , Kochery Anthony Martin Xavier , Nagarajarao Ravishankar Chandragiri , Jaganath Bindu , Krishnaswamy Srinivasa Gopal Teralandur
Published: November 2007

Squid masala was prepared following three different traditional recipes and one recipe was selected based on the taste panel studies. About 160 g of squid masala was packed in indigenous polymer‐coated easy open‐end tin‐free steel cans of 307 × 109 size and processed at 121.1 °C to three F0 values of 7, 8 and 9 with cook values of 82, 91 and 95 min, respectively. The data were recorded using an Ellab TM 9608 temperature recorder. The raw, blanched and processed squid rings were subjected to manual and instrumental sensory analysis. Even though the processed cans for all three F0 values were found to be commercially sterile, the product processed to F0 8 was found to be ideal with regard to all sensory attributes. The instrumental texture profile analysis of raw, blanched and processed squid muscle shows softening with cooking.
Effect of particle size and drying temperature on drying rate and oil extracted yields of Buccholzia coriacea (MVAN) and Butyrospermum parkii ENGL
Authors: Kapseu César , Bup Divine Nde , Tchiegang Clergé , Abi Charles Fon , Broto Fernand , Parmentier Michel
Published: November 2007

The effect of particle size and drying temperature on drying rate and oil extracted yields of Buccholzia coriacea (MVAN) and Butyrospermum parkii (ENGL) was investigated. Air drying studies carried out on B. coriacea and B. parkii, tropical food sources subject to high post‐harvest losses, have resulted in the establishment of a significant difference between oil yields extracted from samples of various particle size pretreatments (paste, 4 mm, 8 mm and whole kernels) dried at 45 and 60 °C with the highest oil yield given by the 4 mm thick slices dried at 45 °C. The influence of temperature and particle thickness on the drying rate has been evaluated. The drying constants were found to depend on both temperature and particle thickness. Analysis of the oil extracted from the 4 mm thick slices dried at 45 °C showed that apart from the acid value (52.4%), the saponification (181.2 mg g−1 KOH), peroxide (8.6 meq kg−1) and the unsaponifiable (7.43%) matter values of the extracted shea butter remain within the limits cited in the literature while a close analysis of the cake suggests that it could be a good mineral source.
Quality of chungkukjangs prepared with various Bacillus strains
Authors: Lee Myung Ye , No Hong Kyoon , Kim Soon Dong , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: November 2007

Quality of chungkukjangs (C1–C7) prepared with each of the seven Bacillus strains isolated from conventionally prepared chungkukjang (C0) was compared with that of C0. Seven strains isolated were identified as Bacillus circulans (C1), Brevibacillus brevis (C2), Bacillus licheniformis (C3), Bacillus arabitane (C4), Bacillus coagulans (C5), Bacillus sterothermophillus (C6), and Bacillus subtilis (C7). The quality significantly differed among C1‐C7. Preparation of chungkukjang using a single strain of B. licheniformis (C3) or B. subtilis (C7) was advantageous as it generally yielded a product with a higher slime content, lower hardness, and higher protease activity compared with the conventionally prepared chungkukjang (C0) and others (C1, C2 and C4–C6). Furthermore, based on consumer perception, C3 was the most acceptable product because of its lower bitterness and higher savoury taste.
Kinetic modelling of the quality degradation of frozen watermelon tissue: effect of the osmotic dehydration as a pre‐treatment
Authors: Dermesonlouoglou Efimia , Giannakourou Maria , Taoukis Petros
Published: November 2007

Watermelon pieces were submitted to osmotic pre‐treatment in alternative osmotic solutions of glucose, oligofructose and a high dextrose equivalent (DE) maltodextrin, in order to evaluate the quality and assess the stabilisation accomplished during the subsequent frozen storage in a wide temperature range from −5 to −20 °C. Colour change and total lycopene content loss were kinetically studied, and their temperature dependence was modelled by the Arrhenius equation. Dehydrofrozen samples exhibited significantly improved stability, with the rates of colour change and total lycopene loss being reduced up to 70% and 38%, respectively, for osmotically pre‐treated watermelon, compared with the untreated samples.