bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of programmed cell death in lily by the fungal pathogen Botrytis elliptica
Authors: VAN BAARLEN PETER , STAATS MARTIJN , VAN KAN JAN A. L.
Published: November 2004

The genus Botrytis contains necrotrophic plant pathogens that have a wide host range (B. cinerea) or are specialized on a single host species, e.g. B. elliptica on lily. In this study, it was found that B. elliptica‐induced cell death of lily displays hallmark features of animal programmed cell death or apoptosis including cytoplasmic shrinkage, nuclear DNA fragmentation and the accumulation of NO as well as H2O2. A pharmacological approach showed that B. elliptica‐induced cell death could be modulated by serine and cysteine protease inhibitors including one caspase inhibitor. Blocking phosphatase activity stimulated cell death and concomitant lesion formation, suggesting that B. elliptica‐induced cell death is mediated by kinase/phosphatase pathways. Blocking Ca2+ influx restricted cell death. Blocking steps of sphingolipid biosynthesis delayed lily cell death for several days. B. elliptica culture filtrate (CF) was able to induce lily cell death by means of secreted proteins. Induction of cell death is necessary and sufficient for pathogenicity and host specialization because prior infiltration of B. elliptica CF enabled subsequent infection of lily by the otherwise incompatible pathogens B. cinerea and B. tulipae. The secreted B. elliptica proteins also induced cell death in some but not all Arabidopsis accessions and mutants. Arabidopsis accessions that respond to infiltration of B. elliptica CF also display cell death symptoms upon inoculation with B. elliptica conidia.
Identification of putative homology between horse microsatellite flanking sequences and cross‐species ESTs, mRNAs and genomic sequences
Authors: Farber C. R. , Medrano J. F.
Published: November 2004

In this study the flanking sequences of 1534 horse microsatellites were used in a BLAST search to identify putative human–horse homologies. BLAST searches revealed 129 flanking sequences with significant blastn matches [alignment scores (S) ≥ 60 and sum probability values (E) ≤ 3.0E‐6], also, 25 of these produced significant blastx matches. To provide a reference point in the human genome the flanking sequences with matches were subjected to a BLAT search of the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) human genome assembly (July 2003 freeze). Eighty‐three of the flanking sequences showed high similarity to sequence of known or putative human genes and the remaining 46 demonstrated high similarity to human intragenic regions. Interestingly, 87 of the microsatellites showed conservation of the tandem repeat in addition to flanking regions. Overall, 41 of the microsatellites had been mapped in the horse and of these 37 localized to the expected syntenic location. The other four did not and represent new putative regions of human–horse synteny. The results of this study contribute 79 new putative human–horse homologies, increasing the density of markers on the human–horse comparative map.
Quality of life of adolescents suffering from epilepsy living in the community
Authors: Maher Elise
Published: November 2004

.
 
Benavente‐Aguilar, I.,
Morales‐Blánquez, C.,
Rubio, E.A. &
Rey, J.M.
(
2004
)

40
,
110
–
113
.

Objectives  To examine the quality of life of a population sample of adolescents suffering from epilepsy.

Methods  All people aged 10–19 years diagnosed with epilepsy and without comorbid conditions in the Spanish province of Huesca were considered for the study. Quality of life was measured with the Spanish version of the Qolie‐AD‐48.

Results  A total of 66 young people with a mean age of 15 years had active epilepsy and agreed to participate; 30.3% had experienced seizures during the previous year. There were some differences in quality of life according to gender and socio‐economic status. Quality of life decreased with increasing severity of epilepsy (r = −0.63, P < 0.01). Medication neurotoxicity was associated with a lower quality of life over and above the effect of severity of the illness (partial r = −0.58, P < 0.01). Quality of life was negatively associated with the number of seizures per year (r = −0.64, P < 0.01), longer duration of the illness (r = −0.36, P < 0.01) and earlier age of onset (r = −0.29, P < 0.05).

Conclusions  The quality of life of young people with epilepsy in community samples varies according to gender and socio‐economic status, but severity of the epilepsy and side‐effects of medication are the main influence. This highlights the importance of optimal control of the seizures with medications with few side‐effects.
Fel d 4, a cat lipocalin allergen
Authors: Smith W. , Butler A. J. L. , Hazell L. A. , Chapman M. D. , Pomés A. , Nickels D. G. , Thomas W. R.
Published: November 2004

Background
Cat allergy is unique among allergy to mammals in that the major allergen Fel d 1 is a uteroglobin‐like protein and not a lipocalin. The biochemical spectrum of the cat allergens is thus uncertain, particularly with regard to the role that a cat lipocalin protein may play in sensitization to cats in allergic individuals.

Objective
To analyse cDNA encoding a lipocalin allergen and the corresponding recombinant allergen at both the molecular and immunological levels.

Methods
A submandibular salivary gland cDNA expression library was constructed and screened for clones producing IgE‐binding polypeptides. cDNA encoding a lipocalin allergen and its corresponding recombinant allergen were analysed.

Results
An IgE binding molecule with high sequence identity to the boar salivary lipocalin and the horse lipocalin Equ c 1 allergen was isolated and designated, Fel d 4. Serum from 62.96% of cat‐allergic subjects examined had measurable IgE antibody to Fel d 4 but typically at low levels. Despite this in 47% of sera the anti‐Fel d 4 IgE titres were higher than the anti‐Fel d 1 titres. IgE binding to the lipocalin allergen could be blocked by an allergen extract from cow and to a lesser degree by extracts from horse and dog.

Conclusion
Fel d 4 is a lipocalin allergen produced by the cat, which binds IgE at relatively high frequency in cat‐sensitive individuals. The allergen provides not only a means for investigating differences in the immune response to lipocalin allergens from that found for other mammalian species but also an important reagent for the diagnosis of cat allergy.
A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the cyclooxygenase‐2 gene is not associated with asthma and atopy in an Australian population
Authors: Shi J. , Misso N. L. , Duffy D. L. , Thompson P. J. , Kedda M.‐A.
Published: November 2004

Background
Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 is a key inducible enzyme that regulates the production of anti‐inflammatory prostaglandin E2. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism, −765G>C, located within a stimulatory protein‐1 binding site in the COX‐2 promoter region, has been shown to have significantly lower promoter activity in vitro compared with the wild‐type and was associated with decreased plasma levels of C‐reactive protein after coronary artery bypass surgery. We hypothesized that this polymorphism, which may result in decreased COX‐2 transcription, could be associated with more severe asthma, and/or aspirin‐intolerant asthma (AIA).

Objective
To determine the association between the −765G>C COX‐2 polymorphism and asthma, disease severity and AIA in a large, well‐phenotyped Australian population.

Methods
PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to characterize the polymorphism in an Australian Caucasian population of patients with mild (n=322), moderate (n=254) or severe (n=88) asthma and in non‐asthmatic control subjects (n=512), as well as in patients with AIA (n=58). Genotype and allele association analyses were performed using χ2 tests.

Results
The polymorphic −765C allele was present in approximately 30% of asthmatic patients and non‐asthmatic controls. There was no association between the −765G>C polymorphism and asthma (P=0.920), disease severity (P=0.840), atopy (P=0.655) or AIA (P=0.841) in this population.

Conclusion
Although the −765G>C polymorphism may have lower promoter activity and result in decreased COX‐2 expression, it is not associated with asthma, disease severity, AIA or atopy in this Australian population.
Alcohol during pregnancy and atopic dermatitis in the offspring
Authors: Linneberg A. , Petersen J. , Grønbæk M. , Benn C. S.
Published: November 2004

BackgroundThere is evidence that antenatal factors play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, little is known about the effects of maternal lifestyle factors during pregnancy on the risk of AD in the offspring.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on the incidence of AD in the offspring.

MethodsA total of 24 341 mother–child pairs enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort were followed prospectively. Information about alcohol consumption was obtained by interview at 12 and 30 weeks of gestation. Information about symptoms, time of onset, and doctor's diagnosis of AD in the offspring was obtained by interview at 18 months of age. The effect of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on the incidence of AD was analysed by Cox regression allowing for different effects of alcohol before (early infancy) and after 2 months (60 days) of age.

ResultsAlcohol during pregnancy was associated with a significant and dose‐dependent increased risk of AD in early infancy. This effect was mainly seen in high‐risk infants (two parents with allergic disease). Thus, the highest risk of AD in early infancy was seen in high‐risk infants of mothers who consumed four or more drinks per week at 30 weeks of gestation (adjusted relative risk 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.7–10.1). There was no effect of alcohol during pregnancy beyond early infancy.

ConclusionsThe results suggest that alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of early‐onset AD in predisposed infants.
Constant infusion of epinephrine, but not bolus treatment, improves haemodynamic recovery in anaphylactic shock in dogs
Authors: Mink S. N. , Simons F. E. R. , Simons K. J. , Becker A. B. , Duke K.
Published: November 2004

Objective
Epinephrine (Epi) is the treatment of choice for reversing cardiovascular collapse in anaphylactic shock (AS). In this condition, most treatment guidelines have been anecdotally derived and no randomized clinical trials have been conducted. In the present study, we examined the time course of haemodynamic recovery in a canine model of AS when Epi was administered at the initiation of allergen challenge before fully developed shock had occurred.

Methods
Randomized, controlled, crossover studies were performed approximately 3–5 weeks apart in ragweed‐sensitized dogs while the animals were ventilated and anaesthetized. Epi was administered by bolus intravenous (i.v.), subcutaneous (s.c.), intramuscular (i.m.) routes and by continuous i.v. infusion (CI). The findings obtained in the Epi treatment (T) studies were compared with those found in a no treatment (NT) study. In the bolus studies, Epi was administered at 0.01 mg/kg, while in the CI study, the dose of Epi was titrated to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 70% of preshock levels. MAP, cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and pulmonary wedge pressure (Pwp) were determined over a 3 h period.

Results
In the CI study, haemodynamics (CO, MAP, and SV) were significantly higher than those measured in the NT study and the bolus studies over approximately the first hour of the study. In the CI study, the amount of Epi infused was significantly less than in the bolus studies.

Conclusion
When administered at the initiation of allergen challenge, bolus treatment of Epi by i.m., i.v., or s.c. routes caused limited haemodynamic improvement in AS. In contrast, constant infusion of Epi at a lower total dose produced significant haemodynamic improvement. Within the limits of this anaesthetized canine model, the results suggest that CI should be the preferred route in the treatment of AS when this treatment option is available.
Divalent cation-dependent and -independent augmentation of macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by CD44 antibody
Authors: VIVERS S , HEASMAN S J , HART S P , DRANSFIELD I
Published: November 2004

Phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages is required for resolution of an inflammatory response. Removal of intact apoptotic neutrophils prevents the release of cytotoxic granules that would otherwise cause tissue damage and may lead to development of fibrosis. Importantly, macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils fails to induce release of proinflammatory mediators, consistent with a ‘safe’ pathway for disposal of potentially harmful inflammatory cells. One pathway for increasing phagocytosis of apoptotic cells to allow matching of tissue phagocyte capacity to apoptotic cell load in vitro is via antibody-mediated cross-linking of CD44, providing a mechanism for limiting tissue damage during resolution of inflammation. In this study, we have defined divalent cation-dependent and -independent actions of the CD44 antibody. For the divalent cation-independent CD44 antibody effect, we provide evidence that ‘enabled’ CD32 on the apoptotic neutrophil binds to intact CD44 antibody on the macrophage surface. One implication is that macrophages can phagocytose apoptotic neutrophils that are ‘tethered’ to the macrophage surface in a manner that is independent of defined apoptotic mechanisms. These data also provide an explanation for the greater efficacy of intact CD44 antibody when compared with F(ab′)2 fragments.
Monocyte derived dendritic cell responses in common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: SCOTT-TAYLOR T H , GREEN M R J , EREN E , WEBSTER A D B
Published: November 2004

The phenotype and function of monocyte derived dendritic cells (MdDC) were investigated in 25 patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) to test for abnormalities that might help explain the failure of antibody production. Using MHC class II DR and CD86 as markers of maturation, DCs from the majority of CVID patients were normal. However 5 patients, the majority of whom had affected family members who had previously been shown to have a susceptibility genetic locus in the MHC region, expressed abnormally low levels of DR on repeated testing, in some cases associated with a reduced capacity to support antigen stimulated T cell proliferation; nevertheless costimulatory molecules for production of IL-13, IL-10 and IFN-γ from T cells were intact. In contrast to DCs from healthy donors, DCs from many CVID patients had high spontaneous production of IL-8 and lipopolysaccharide stimulation often caused a reduction in DR expression. Expression of other cytokines (IL-1a, IL-6 and IL-12), either before or after LPS stimulation, was normal. The data suggests there is a fundamental defect in the maturation of MdDCs in a subset of CVID patients that may compromise antigen presentation and subsequent antibody production.
Increased expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), its receptor RANK and its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin in the colon of Crohn's disease patients
Authors: FRANCHIMONT N , REENAERS C , LAMBERT C , BELAICHE J , BOURS V , MALAISE M , DELVENNE P , LOUIS E
Published: November 2004

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with low bone mass due to chronic inflammation and other factors. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), its receptor RANK and its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) are potentially involved in this process as they regulate osteoclastogenesis and are influenced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of soluble RANKL (sRANKL), RANK and OPG expression both in the serum and in the colon of CD patients. Levels of sRANKL and OPG were assessed in the serum and the supernatants of cultured colonic biopsies in patients with CD and controls by ELISA. RANK expression was explored by immunostaining and immunofluorescence of fixed colonic samples. OPG and sRANKL levels were higher in the serum of CD patients as compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Levels of sRANKL and OPG were significantly enhanced in cultured colonic biopsies from CD, and OPG levels correlated with histological inflammation, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. No significant correlation was found for sRANKL. RANK+ cells were increased in the colon of CD, particularly in inflamed areas. These cells were positive for CD68 or S100 protein. We conclude that serum and local levels of sRANKL and OPG are increased in CD. Moreover, RANK is expressed in the colonic mucosa by subpopulations of activated macrophages or dendritic cells at higher levels in CD compared to normal colon.
Intranasal bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine dosage needs balancing between protection and lung pathology
Authors: TREE J A , WILLIAMS A , CLARK S , HALL G , MARSH P D , IVANYI J
Published: November 2004

Intranasal vaccination may offer practical benefits and better protection against respiratory infections, including tuberculosis. In this paper, we investigated the persistence of the Mycobacterium bovis-strain bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) Pasteur, lung granuloma formation and protection against pathogenic tuberculous challenge in mice. A pronounced BCG dose-dependent granulomatous infiltration of the lungs was observed following intranasal, but not after subcutaneous, vaccination. Corresponding doses of BCG, over a 100-fold range, imparted similar protection against H37Rv challenge when comparing the intranasal and subcutaneous vaccination routes. Interestingly, a BCG dose-dependent reduction of the H37Rv challenge infection was observed in the lungs, but not in the spleens, following both intranasal and subcutaneous vaccination. In the light of the observed concurrence between the extent of granuloma formation and the level of protection of the lungs, we conclude that intranasal vaccination leading to best protective efficacy needs to be balanced with an acceptable safety margin avoiding undue pathology in the lungs.
The anti-CD2 monoclonal antibody BTI-322 generates unresponsiveness by activation-associated T cell depletion
Authors: XU Y , KOLBER-SIMONDS D , HOPE J A , BAZIN H , LATINNE D , MONROY R , WHITE-SCHARF M E , SCHUURMAN H-J
Published: November 2004

The antihuman CD2 MoAb BTI-322 (Lo-CD2a) effectively inhibits T cell responses in vitro to allogeneic cells, which is followed by unresponsiveness to the original stimulator in secondary stimulation. We studied the xenogeneic human antiporcine mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), and utilized anti-T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ family antibody-induced cell proliferation to determine the specificity and mechanism. BTI-322 and its humanized version, MEDI-507, effectively inhibited the primary xenogeneic MLR. After suboptimal primary stimulation using lower numbers of xenogeneic stimulator cells, the unresponsiveness in secondary culture was apparent only for xenogeneic stimulator cells of the original SLA haplotype, and not for third-party stimulators or allogeneic cells. The inhibition of primary MLR was not observed for nylon-wool-purified T cells, but was seen after reconstitution of purified T cells with monocytes. Similarly, anti-Vβ family-specific stimulation showed family-specific unresponsiveness in secondary culture. This required the presence of the whole BTI-322 molecule: a F(ab′)2 fragment was not effective. T cells of a distinct Vβ family were depleted after stimulation with an anti-Vβ family-specific antibody and BTI-322. We conclude that the inhibition by BTI-322 of a primary xenogeneic MLR or the response to an anti-TCR Vβ antibody is associated with unresponsiveness upon restimulation, due to activation-associated cell depletion. In this process, the interaction between monocytes and the Fc part of the antibody is involved. This unique characteristic of BTI-322 suggests the potential of the antibody for tolerance induction in vivo, besides the potential use as a T cell depleting agent.
Monitoring and evaluating the performance of the UK NHS Cervical Screening Programme: monitoring performance by using cytology outcomes adjusted for population characteristics
Authors: Blanks R. G. , Waller M. , Sanchez‐Galvez A. , Moss S. M.
Published: November 2004

Current quality assurance measures used in the NHS cervical screening programme (NHSCSP) include a review of laboratories with percentages of moderate/severe and borderline/mild smear results outside the 10th–90th percentiles. The method is limited by the fact that many of these outlier smear percentages may reflect laboratories covering populations with low or high risk and/or short or long average screening intervals. This paper outlines a new approach to aid the detection of outlier laboratories, by using data collected at the primary care trust (PCT) or health authority (HA) level and making allowances for population characteristics and screening interval. The setting is the NHSCSP in England using annual data provided by HAs. Data from the screening year 2000–01 is used to illustrate the methodology, although the methods can also be applied to data at the PCT level (now being collected for 2002–03 onwards). Percentages of smear results have been analysed against a series of explanatory variables using logistic regression models. These explanatory variables include Townsend deprivation index, uptake‐corrected ethnic minority composition, a measure of screening interval, area type and region. An expected percentage of borderline/mild and moderate/severe smears is estimated from the models and an observed : predicted ratio (OPRmod/sev and OPRbord/mild) calculated. Low values are suggestive of relative undercalling and high values overcalling, after allowance for population characteristics. Analysis of data for 2000–01 showed that the OPRmod/sev for the 99 HAs varied from 0.68 to 1.44. Laboratories with low percentages of moderate/severe smears, but associated with PCTs or HAs with OPRmod/sev values closer to unity may not need to be investigated as their observed rates are consistent with predicted rates based on population characteristics. The method could also be directly applied to laboratories if further information on the population covered by each laboratory were routinely collected.
Spatial prediction of categorical variables with the Bayesian Maximum Entropy approach: the Ooypolder case study
Authors: D’Or D. , Bogaert P.
Published: November 2004

Categorical variables such as water table status are often predicted using the indicator kriging (IK) formalism. However, this method is known to suffer from important limitations that are most frequently solved byad hocsolutions and approximations. Recently, the Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) approach has proved its ability to predict categorical variables efficiently and in a flexible way. In this paper, we apply this approach to the Ooypolder data set for the prediction of the water table classes from a sample data set. BME is compared with IK using global as well as local criteria. The inconsistencies of the IK predictor are emphasized and it is shown how BME permits avoiding them.
Field application of industrial by‐products as Al toxicity amendments: chemical and mineralogical implications
Authors: Illera V. , Garrido F. , Vizcayno C. , García‐González M. T.
Published: November 2004

Lime, gypsum and various gypsum‐like by‐products have long been applied to soil surfaces as ameliorants of soil acidity and aluminium and manganese toxicity. We examined changes in chemical and mineralogical properties at two different depths in two acid soils one year after the application of gypsum, phosphogypsum + dolomitic residue, red gypsum + dolomitic residue, sugar foam, and sugar foam + mined gypsum. All treatments were found to increase the proportion of Ca2+and decrease those of Al3+and Mn2+in the exchange complex of the surface and subsurface horizons, thus reducing its effective Al and Mn saturation. However, the mined gypsum treatment resulted in losses of Mg2+from the Ap horizon of the soils, and the sugar foam treatment was not so effective with the AB horizons as the other treatments. The combined application of both gypsum‐like by‐products and the dolomitic residue proved the most effective choice with a view to reducing the effective Al and Mn saturation of the exchange complex in the Ap and AB horizons. In addition, both treatments reduced Mg2+losses at both depths. Finally, all treatments resulted in the formation and retention on mineral and organic surfaces of a large fraction of the Al3+released by exchange with Ca2+as Al polymers. This is quite consistent with the observed changes in the CuCl2‐, oxalate‐ and DTPA‐extractable Al contents as well as by SEM and EDS analyses. Based on these results, the use of the appropriate mixtures of these by‐products is an effective alternative to that of mined gypsum and lime to alleviate soil acidity and reduce toxic concentrations of Al3+and Mn2+in agricultural acid soils.
Sorption and desorption behaviour of acetochlor in surface, subsurface and size‐fractionated soil
Authors: Taylor J.P. , Mills M.S. , Burns R.G.
Published: November 2004

Pesticides leaching through a soil profile will be exposed to changing environmental sorption and desorption conditions as different horizons with distinct physical and chemical properties are encountered. Soil cores were taken from a clay soil profile and samples taken from 0.0 to 0.3 m (surface), 1.0–1.3 m (mid) and 2.7–3.0 m (deep) and treated with the chloroacetanilide herbicide, acetochlor. Freundlich isotherms revealed that sorption and desorption behaviour varied with each depth sampled. As soil depth increased, the extent and strength of sorption decreased, indicating that the potential for leaching was increased in the subsoils compared with the surface soil. Hysteresis was evident at each of the three depths sampled, although no significant correlations between soil properties and the hysteresis coefficients were evident.

Desorption studies using soil fractions with diameters of > 2000, 250–2000, 53–250, 20–53, 2–20, 0–2 and 0–1 µm separated from each of the three soil depths showed that differential desorption kinetics occurred and that the retention of acetochlor significantly correlated (R2 = 0.998) with organic matter content. A greater understanding of the influence of soil components on the overall sorption and desorption potential of surface and subsurface soils is required to allow accurate prediction of acetochlor retention in the soil. In addition, it is likely that the proportion of each size fraction in a soil horizon would influence acetochlor bioavailability and movement to groundwater.
The use of herbage nitrogen status to optimize herbage composition and intake and to minimize nitrogen excretion: an assessment of grazing management flexibility for dairy cows
Authors: Duru M. , Delaby L.
Published: November 2004

A framework for managing rotationally grazed pastures for dairy cattle which enables the cows’ energy and protein requirements to be met while simultaneously limiting the amount of N excreted in order to reduce N losses is described. The first objective is achieved by ensuring that lamina mass and the N concentration of herbage do not limit herbage intake or feeding value. The second objective is achieved by limiting N fertilizer supply or increasing the interval between defoliations to reduce the N concentration of herbage. Lower and upper thresholds for the N concentration of herbage and lamina mass were estimated from published data. The method is illustrated using two vegetative regrowths (beginning and end of spring) in a cutting experiment with two fertilizer treatments, 0 or 120 kg N ha−1 (−N and +N), and early or late cutting. Decreasing N supply led to a reduction in grazing management flexibility, i.e. the defoliation interval ranges which were compatible with the required sward characteristics (minimum lamina mass and N concentration of lamina) for herbage intake and to meet the protein requirements of dairy cows. Aiming for the upper threshold N concentration of herbage increased the minimum interval between defoliations only for the +N treatments. Nevertheless, grazing management flexibility remained the highest for the +N treatments.
The ability of the Ontario heat unit system to model the growth and development of forage maize sown under plastic mulch
Authors: Easson D. L. , Fearnehough W.
Published: November 2004

In a replicated field experiment carried out in Northern Ireland in 1998, the effects of sowing date (17 April, 5 May, 19 May and 1 June), cultivar of forage maize (Hudson and Diamant) and treatments with no mulch (NP), total cover plastic mulch (TC), TC plastic mulch removed at eight‐leaf growth stage (EL) and punch plastic mulch (PU) on the rate of development of the crop and the accumulation of dry matter (DM) in the whole plant and cobs were described. Soil and air temperatures under the mulch treatments and in the open were recorded and the daily accumulation of Ontario heat units (OUs) calculated for each treatment based on the air temperatures experienced by the crop for the periods that it was under plastic mulch and in the open.

The interval from sowing to emergence was proportional to the accumulated heat units above a soil base temperature of 8·2°C. The phenology of leaf emergence varied widely in terms of calendar date across the sowing date and plastic mulch treatments but relative to adjusted OUs the treatments were more closely aligned. Treatment PU advanced the crop less than the other mulch treatments relative to calendar date but, relative to OUs, more than these treatments. Physical damage to plants emerging through the TC treatment and air temperatures exceeding 40°C during the first month under treatments TC and EL did not appear to retard physiological development. The total adjusted OUs to reach 50% silking ranged from 1432 to 1753. Close relationships were found between the total OUs from silking to harvest and the whole crop DM content, cob DM content, cob yield and starch concentration of the whole crop at harvest so that differences between the treatments could largely be accounted for by the differences in silking date. It was concluded that the OU system can provide a reasonable model of maize growth for crops sown under TC plastic mulch providing air temperatures under the plastic are used for the period that the crop experiences them. However, the OU system is less reliable for crops grown under punch plastic because of the soil warming effect of the mulch that is not taken into account by the OU system.
Effect of sowing ratio and stage of maturity at harvest on yield, persistency and chemical composition of fresh and ensiled red clover/lucerne bi‐crops
Authors: Marley C. L. , Fychan R. , Fraser M. D. , Winters A. , Jones R.
Published: November 2004

Two experiments investigated (1) the effect of stage of maturity at harvest in the first year on yield and persistency of red clover and lucerne when grown as monocultures and bi‐crops, and (2) the effect of ensiling differing ratios of red clover and lucerne on forage quality and degree of proteolysis. Red clover (cv. Milvus) and lucerne (cv. Vertus) were established in triplicate plots at five sowing ratios:1·00 red clover, 0·75 red clover:0·25 lucerne, 0·50 red clover:0·50 lucerne, 0·25 red clover:0·75 lucerne and 1·00 lucerne. In year 1, plots were harvested in three strips, at different stages of plant maturity, either 11 (early), 13 (mid) or 15 (late) weeks after sowing. In years 2 and 3, the whole plot was harvested at each of four harvests taken during the growing season. The DM yield of lucerne in years 2 and 3 was higher than that of red clover, leading to increased yields from bi‐crops with increasing proportions of lucerne. Strips harvested at the mid‐stage of maturity in the first year on the 0·25 red clover:0·75 lucerne plots produced the highest DM yields overall. Ensiling red clover and lucerne bi‐crops was found to combine the improved wilting properties of lucerne and the reduced proteolysis of ensiled red clover.
Leptin and leptin receptor in human seminal plasma and in human spermatozoa
Authors: Jope T. , Lammert A. , Kratzsch J. , Paasch U. , Glander H.‐J.
Published: November 2004

Leptin, a 167 amino acid peptide, is known to influence the gonads via direct and indirect effects. Recent studies provide contradictory proposition about the peripheral impact of leptin in the male gonads. Thus, we examined leptin and its receptors in human seminal plasma and in human ejaculated spermatozoa by Western blot technique and fluorescence microscopy. In seminal plasma we found a free leptin band (16 kDa) by an anti‐leptin polyclonal antibody. Incubation of seminal plasma with recombinant leptin caused a statistically significant increase in the amount of free leptin (p < 0.01) and supports this finding. Furthermore, a soluble leptin receptor (145 kDa) was found in human seminal plasma in the same specimen. We also detected a 145‐kDa leptin receptor isoform in ejaculated spermatozoa as a possible target of leptin action in the male genital tract, which was localized at the tail of spermatozoa by immunofluorescence microscopy only. This receptor was significantly associated with the intactness of sperm plasma membranes. Spermatozoa with deteriorated membranes contained 49.2 ± 6.9% leptin receptor signal intensity compared with spermatozoa having intact membranes (p < 0.01). This finding is difficult to interpret and may be caused by a leakage of OB‐R due to loss of membrane integrity. In conclusion, these data provide further hints for a peripheral role of leptin in the male genital tract, possibly, by an interaction between leptin and spermatozoa via sperm leptin receptors.
Intercellular bridges and apoptosis in clones of male germ cells
Authors: Hamer Geert , Roepers‐Gajadien Hermien L. , Gademan Iris S. , Kal Henk B. , de Rooij Dirk G.
Published: November 2004

When an As spermatogonium divides to form a pair of Apr spermatogonia the two daughter cells stay interconnected by an intercellular bridge. These cytoplasmic bridges form after every subsequent division leading to large clones of interconnected germ cells. Cohorts of spermatogonia maintain synchronous development throughout spermatogenesis, which has been attributed to the presence of these intercellular bridges. To examine whether apoptotic signals are transduced through the intercellular bridges we studied germ cell apoptosis in whole mounts of seminiferous tubules from non‐irradiated and irradiated mouse testes, using whole mount seminiferous tubules and confocal microscopy. This allowed us to use TUNEL staining of apoptotic germ cells and at the same time to study these apoptotic germ cells in their topographical context. Our results show that in response to ionizing radiation single spermatogonia within a clone can undergo apoptosis without affecting their neighboring cells. Additionally, also early spermatocytes were shown to undergo apoptosis individually. Both radiation‐induced spermatogonial apoptosis and spontaneous apoptosis of spermatocytes are caused by DNA damage of individual cells. Degeneration of healthy spermatogonia because of regulatory signals, however, follows other death inducing mechanisms, which lead to apoptosis of chains of interconnected spermatogonia.
Physicochemical, mechanical and thermal properties of brown rice grain with various moisture contents
Authors: Cao Wei , Nishiyama Yoshio , Koide Shoji
Published: November 2004

The effects of moisture content on the mechanical and thermal properties of either a short‐grain variety (Akitakomachi) or two long‐grain varieties (Delta and L201) of brown rice were studied. Total starch contents of the three varieties were comparable, but the amylose content of L201 was significantly higher than that of the other two varieties. The maximum compressive strength of brown rice grain was much higher than the maximum tensile strength. L201 showed the highest maximum compressive and tensile strengths. The phase transition temperatures (glass transition temperature Tg and melting temperature Tm) were examined by differential scanning calorimetry. The Tg and Tm for L201 were higher than those for Delta and Akitakomachi. The maximum compressive strength, maximum tensile strength, Tg and Tm for the three varieties of brown rice grains decreased with increasing moisture content. The Tg of individual brown rice kernels decreased from 53 to 22 °C as moisture content increased from 12 to 25% wet basis. A statistical model was calculated by using linear regression to describe the change in Tg in terms of moisture content.
The functional properties of popped, flaked, extruded and roller‐dried foxtail millet (Setaria italica)
Authors: Ushakumari Singh R. , Latha Shrikantan , Malleshi Nagappa G.
Published: November 2004

Foxtail millet grains were decorticated in rice‐milling machinery and the decorticated millet was processed to prepare flaked, extrusion cooked and roller‐dried products, whereas the native grains were subjected to high‐temperature, short‐time treatment to prepare popped millet. The nutrient composition and some of the functional properties of the products were determined, principally solubility and swelling power in water, oil absorption capacity and pasting characteristics. Carbohydrate and lipid profiles of the products were also studied. The changes in the starch granular structure caused by heat treatment were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The degree of starch gelatinization was highest in the case of roller‐dried millet followed by popped, flaked and extruded products. It was concluded that the cereal processing technologies that were investigated could be successfully applied to foxtail millet to prepare ready‐to‐eat or use products, thereby increasing its utilization as a food.
The nutritional and antinutritional attributes of sword bean [Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC.]: an under‐utilized tribal pulse from south India
Authors: Vadivel Vaikundaraman , Janardhanan Karnam
Published: November 2004

Six accessions [three with maroon‐coloured seed coat and three with white‐coloured seed coat) of sword bean (Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC.], were collected from six different locations in south India. They were analysed for their proximate and mineral composition, amino acid profiles of total seed proteins, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and certain antinutritional factors. The essential amino acid profile of total seed proteins compared favourably with FAO/WHO requirements, except that there were deficiencies of sulphur containing amino acids in all the six accessions and also the leucine, lysine and tryptophan contents were low in maroon‐coloured seed coat accessions. The IVPD of the accessions ranged from 63.39 to 76.92%. Antinutritional substances like total free phenolics, tannins, l‐DOPA (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine), trypsin inhibitor activity and phytohaemagglutinating activity were also investigated. The antinutritional factors that were detected were thought to have little nutritional significance if the beans are properly processed.
A comparison of the hydrolysis of sweet potato starch with β‐amylase and infrared radiation allows prediction of reducing sugar production
Authors: Sawai Jun , Nakai Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Atsushi , Shimizu Masaru
Published: November 2004

The apparent reaction rate constants (k) of the reaction that generates reducing sugar (presented as mg maltose equivalents) from raw sweet potato starch by using β‐amylase were determined by varying enzyme concentration, starch concentration and pH. The Arrhenius plot of the k‐value reached a peak at approximately 86 °C; the activation energy and frequency factor were also determined. Moreover, the amount of reducing sugar produced in sweet potato heated by infrared irradiation was estimated by using the values of k and the kinetic parameters. The calculated amounts of reducing sugar produced generally agreed with the experimental values. These results indicate that the amount of reducing sugar produced in heat‐treated sweet potato can be predicted by the methodology described in this study.
An electron spin resonance study of radicals induced by radiation in oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Korkmaz Mustafa , Polat Mustafa
Published: November 2004

A detailed electron spin resonance (ESR) investigation of the spectroscopic features and kinetic behaviours over a range of temperatures of the long‐life free radicals induced in a sample of ground oat that had been irradiated with γ‐radiation is reported. Unirradiated ground oat exhibited a weak, broad single‐line ESR spectra centered at g = 2.0048 ± 0.0008. The structure of this radical is unknown and is assigned as radical III in this work. The γ‐irradiation of oats yields radical III and other radical species. Although all these species are stable at 77 K, some of them are very unstable at room temperature. A model based on three radical species (designated I, II and III) was used to describe the room temperature spectra of their decay at room and at high temperatures. Annealing studies at six different temperatures were used to determine the kinetic behaviour and activation energies of the radicals induced by radiation. A dose–response curve was also constructed and it was concluded that ground oat is potentially a good dosimetric material. The presence of an ESR signal after a storage time of 90 days was interpreted as providing an opportunity to distinguish irradiated from unirradiated oats.
The optimization of conditions for the production of acid‐hydrolysed winged bean and soybean proteins with reduction of 3‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD)
Authors: Sim Choo Wee , Muhammad Kharidah , Yusof Salmah , Bakar Jamilah , Hashim Dzulkifly Mat
Published: November 2004

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to establish the optimum time and temperature for production of acid‐hydrolysed winged bean protein (aHWBP) and acid‐hydrolysed soybean protein (aHSBP). Seven hours of hydrolysis at 125 °C was the optimum condition for producing aHWBP, whereas it was 5 h of hydrolysis at 125 °C for production of aHSBP. Although aHWBP and aHSBP produced using these conditions had favourable sensory qualities, they were found to have up to 25 mg kg−1 of 3‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD). This exceeds the maximum level permissible in Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001. However, additional alkaline thermal treatment at pH 8.5 for 2 h at 100 °C effectively reduced the 3‐MCPD contents of aHWBP and aHSBP to undetectable levels. aHWBP has a distinctive flavour, which is different from that of aHSBP. The former has higher mean scores for meaty and vegetable attributes but lower mean scores for soy, umami and beany attributes than the latter.
The effect of temperature on microbial growth in apple cubes packed in film and preserved by use of orange juice
Authors: Andrés Silvina C. , Giannuzzi Leda , Zaritzky Noemi E.
Published: November 2004

Red delicious apple cubes were packed in fresh orange juice containing chemical preservatives (citric and ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate) and covered with plastic films of different gas permeabilities (polyethylene and EVA‐SARAN‐EVA) before storage at 4, 10 and 20 °C. The concentration of potassium sorbate in the product was optimized with respect to colour and microbial growth. Yeast and mould growth was modelled by Gompertz and linear equations to derive parameters such as lag phase, maximum microbial population and specific microbial growth or rates of decline. Activation energies for the specific growth rates were estimated from Arrhenius‐type equations and the time required to reach microbial counts of 106±0.2 CFU g−1 was determined in all cases. At 4 °C, these values were longer than 25 days in all systems tested. The use of a low gas permeability film and an adequate potassium sorbate concentration extended storage life at higher temperatures.
Measurement of dynamic rheology during ageing of gelatine–sugar composites
Authors: Choi Yun H. , Lim Seung T. , Yoo Byoungseung
Published: November 2004

The effect of sugars (sucrose, glucose and xylose) at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) on the dynamic rheological properties of gelatine (2% w/w) was investigated during ageing. Storage moduli (G′), when measured at 5 °C, decreased with increasing concentration of added sugar. Xylose was found to induce the greatest reduction in the values of G′. G′ values, measured as a function of ageing time (10 h) at 5 °C, increased rapidly at the initial stage and then reached a pseudoplateau region after long ageing times. Increasing the sugar concentration resulted in a decrease in the pseudoplateau values. The rate constant (K) for structure development of gelatine during ageing was described by apparent first‐order kinetics. G′ and K values in gelatine–sugar composites increased in the following order: xylose < glucose < sucrose. The magnitudes of G′ at the end of ageing were much greater than those of G′′, showing a small dependence (slope = 0.005–0.088) on frequency (ω).
Increased intake of fruit and vegetables and a low‐fat diet, with and without low‐fat plant sterol‐enriched spread consumption: effects on plasma lipoprotein and carotenoid metabolism
Authors: Colgan H. A. , Floyd S. , Noone E. J. , Gibney M. J. , Roche H. M.
Published: November 2004

Background  Regular intake of plant sterol (phytosterol)‐enriched foods enhances the cholesterol lowering effect of diets. One side effect associated with plant sterol consumption is a modest reduction in plasma carotenoid concentrations. This study investigated the effect of consuming a low‐fat National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) Step 1 diet, including a low‐fat plant sterol ester (PSE)‐enriched spread on cholesterol metabolism to determine if specific dietary advice to increase daily fruit and vegetable intake could prevent reduced plasma carotenoid concentrations.

Materials and methods  In this randomised, crossover double‐blind trial, 48 hypercholesterolaemic men received 21 g day−1 of a low‐fat PSE‐enriched spread or placebo for 3 weeks, interrupted by 3 weeks washout. Individuals also adhered to a NCEP Step 1 diet and repeated 3‐day food diaries monitored adherence. Specific advice was provided to increase dietary fruit and vegetable intakes. Fasting blood samples were collected at pre‐ and post‐intervention for lipoprotein and carotenoid analysis.

Results  Plasma total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced, by 4.6 and 7.1%, respectively, after the PSE‐enriched low‐fat spread. Plasma apo B concentrations were significantly (P < 0.0005) lower after the PSE spread. PSE consumption was also associated with significantly (P < 0.05) lower total plasma β‐carotene concentrations, but this change was not significant after lipid standardisation. PSE consumption had no effect on retinol, α‐carotene, γ‐tocopherol, α‐tocopherol, lutein, zeaxanthin, β‐crypyoxanthin or lycopene concentrations.

Conclusion  Dietary advice to increase daily fruit and vegetable consumption may be effective in preventing a reduction in plasma carotenoid concentrations previously associated with PSE consumption. Further, PSE incorporated in a low‐fat spread and consumed as part of a NCEP Step 1 diet are effective in reducing total and LDL cholesterol.