bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological characterization of a phenotypically distinct jute (Corchorus olitorius) genotype
Authors: Palit P. , Meshram J. H.
Published: March 2006

In a search for high-quality jute (Corchorus olitorius) fibre using phenotypic marker(s), a single plant from CRIJAF accession OIJ 154 was isolated on the basis of its unique red-tinted pale green stem, which becomes crimson red at maturity, and was given a code name, PPO4. Progenies from this selection bred true with respect to morphological characters. It has a slightly lower height at maturity, but has comparable yield and a higher harvest index when compared to the most popular high-yielding variety JRO 524. In spite of having lower chlorophyll per unit weight of leaf tissue, the photosynthetic rate per unit chlorophyll, the relative growth rate of PPO4 was higher than JRO 524. A composite analysis of quality parameters indicated that the genotype is of higher grade (between TD2 and TD3) with very fine (1.5 tex) fibre of high tensile strength (19.7 g/tex). The lignin content (ca 14%) of the fibre was also less than that of JRO524 (ca 17%) under standard assay conditions. This plant type, with distinct morphological markers, could be utilized in breeding programmes for the genetic improvement of jute.
Prospects for celeriac (Apium graveolensvar.rapaceum) improvement by using genetic resources ofApium, as determined by AFLP markers and morphological characterization
Authors: Muminović Jasmina , Melchinger Albrecht E. , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: March 2006

Genetic relationships among elite celeriac varieties and celeriac accessions conserved in genebanks are generally unknown. The objective of this study was to use amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and morphological characterization to identify material that could be of use in celeriac breeding. Genetic relationships were estimated in 34 elite celeriac varieties bred in Europe and 28 celeriac accessions conserved at the German genebank. Two varieties of celery, two varieties of leaf celery and three genebank accessions of wildApiumspecies were additionally analysed. FifteenEcoRI/MseI-based AFLP primer combinations were used. Polymorphic AFLP fragments were scored for calculation of Jaccard's coefficient of genetic similarity (GS). Morphological distances (MD) were determined based on 11 morphological traits. Average GS estimate in elite germplasm (GS=0.90) was higher than in exotic germplasm (GS=0.80). An AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance) revealed that a high proportion of variation was due to variation within elite celeriac varieties and genebank accessions. Although GS and MD matrices were poorly correlated (r=0.22), UPGMA (unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages) cluster analyses revealed clear genetic groupings of celeriac germplasm, which was supported by morphological traits. Elite, moderately bred and exotic varieties formed distinct clusters, indicating that only a part of the available genetic diversity in celeriac germplasm has been exploited in breeding. DistinctApiumspecies might be useful for the introgression of new genes into cultivated celeriac material. Broadening of celeriac collections in genebanks and detection of new genetic resources are vital for improvements in celeriac breeding.
Overcoming self-incompatibility inEruca sativaby chemical treatment of stigmas
Authors: Sun Wancang , Pan Qiyuan , Liu Zigang , Meng Yaxiong , Zhang Tao , Wang Heling , Zeng Xiucong
Published: March 2006

As a member of the tribeBrassiceae,Eruca sativa, although a minor crop worldwide, is considered a valuable genetic resource for cabbage, rapeseed and otherBrassicacrops. Self-incompatibility (SI) inBrassicahas been extensively studied, but information on SI inE. sativais limited. Of six chemicals used to treat the stigmas to overcome SI in fiveE. sativalines, gibberellin was the most effective. As gibberellin is well known for its ability to break dormancy and to promote cell elongation, its effectiveness may help to understand the mechanisms of SI. Urea and ammonium sulphate were also effective. These two chemicals are known to affect protein stability, which may help explain their effects on SI. Although table salt has been reported as being effective in overcoming SI inB. rapa,B. oleraceaandB. napu, it was not effective inE. sativa. Sucrose and alcohol also had negligible effect. There was significant variation among the genotypes in SI intensity and response to chemicals, but the genotype–chemical interaction was not significant. The data presented in this paper add to our understanding of SI inE. sativaand may lead to a better use of this genetic resource.
Modified AFLP technique for fingerprinting of Anemone coronaria
Authors: Fang J. , Paz T.
Published: March 2006

We successfully generated clear amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) profiles of Anemone coronaria using only a single restriction enzyme (EcoR I). Four primer combinations generated 571 bands in 37 anemone accessions with an average 142.75 bands per primer combination. Polymorphism among the 37 samples was very high (98.15%). This high polymorphism showed that the one-enzyme AFLP method is effective for the assessment of genetic diversity as well as cultivar differentiation of anemone. We observed 26 bands which differentiated between fingerprints derived from leaf and corm DNA of eight plant individuals. However, the low percentage of such bands showed that anemone corms can also be used to evaluate anemone germplasm using AFLP markers.
Genetic diversity for seed protein composition inMedicago truncatula
Authors: Le Signor C. , Gallardo K. , Prosperi J.M. , Salon C. , Quillien L. , Thompson R. , Duc G.
Published: March 2006

Fifty lines ofMedicago truncatula, derived from ecotypes or cultivars of diverse geographical origin, were grown under uniform conditions, and variation in seed protein composition and quantity was investigated. One-dimensional electrophoretic profiles revealed 46 major seed polypeptides, of which 26 were polymorphic within the collection. The vicilin/convicilin (7S) and the legumin (11S) type proteins were identified by immunoblotting using antibodies raised against the homologous pea proteins. The polymorphism for the major seed protein classes allowed the clustering of the genotypes into four groups. There was no evidence of clustering according to geographical origin of the lines. However, all lines not belonging to eitherM. truncatulassp.truncatulaor ssp.longispinawere clustered in a single group, demonstrating the value of seed protein profiles in delimiting species boundaries. The Jemalong line group was differentiated early in the dendrogram, and thus represents an ancient clade in the seed diversity ofM. truncatula.Within-accession variation was investigated for one-dimensional seed profiles, with additional lines obtained from the same ecotypes. As expected for an autogamous species, within-accession variation was low. Seed protein content was highly variable among the 50 lines examined. Lines contrasting for qualitative traits and seed protein content were identified to allow for the genetic determination of these characters.
Experiences with descriptors for characterization of medicinal and aromatic plants
Authors: Pank Friedrich
Published: March 2006

Well-defined descriptors are an indispensable tool for management, maintenance and utilization of plant genetic resources. The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and national authorities have published descriptor lists for a great variety of agricultural and horticultural crops, but only for a few species belonging to the group of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP). Forty years of experiences with the use of descriptors in MAP mainly in the field of breeding research are communicated to support forthcoming efforts in elaborating new descriptors lists. The deliberations focus on some specifics of these minor crops, classifying the descriptors to the following groups: object, experimental data, sample specification, characteristics—growth, development, flower and reproduction biology, cytological traits, molecular traits, biotic and abiotic stress susceptibility, yield, quality differentiated in morphology-dependent quality traits, constituents, sensory quality, and impurities. MAP-specific descriptors are exemplified and the principles of important determination methods are explained. Most of the general available UPOV and IPGRI descriptors are applicable also for MAP.
Distribution of proazulenes in Achillea millefolium s.l. wild populations in relation to phytosociological dependence and morphological characters
Authors: Radušiene Jolita , Gudaityte Odeta
Published: March 2006

Millefolii herba is one of the oldest and most important drugs in Lithuania, used both in folk and official medicine. The raw material is usually gathered from spontaneous populations. It would be reasonable to develop methods to identify the populations which produce high plant biomass and accumulate high levels of proazulenes. The quantitative variation of proazulenes and their relationships with phytosociological dependence and morphological characters of Achillea millefolium from wild populations has been examined. The vegetation records were made at 140 growing sites of A. millefolium. The species was found in 29 types of community representing different growing habitats. The resources of milfoils prevailed in dry grasslands of Arrhenatheretalia communities and ruderal habitats of Dauco-Meliliotion. The data on productivity and morphological characters were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. A hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that higher productivity of A. millefolium populations was associated with their dependence on ruderal and segetal communities. The testing of A. millefolium plants revealed high variation for proazulenes in different communities. The proazulene-containing plants have been identified in 38% of all analysed cases. In the highest segetal and wasteland communities of Agropyretalia repentis, Sisybietalia, Digitario-Setarion, Aperion spicae-venti, Senecion fluviatilis only proazulene-free plants were found. Results of the ANOVA showed the proazulene-containing and proazulene-free plants significantly differed (P<0.05) for width of leaves and number of nodes. The presence of nodes in high number and narrow leaves in high proazulene-containing plants distinctly marked them from the proazulene-free plants. The study raised the possibility that selection based on the two morphological marker traits (node number and leaf width) and proazulene distribution in the populations would be effective for rapid identification of highly productive population(s) of pharmaceutical importance.
Pre- and post-harvest processing of medicinal plants
Authors: Tanko Hakibu , Carrier Danielle Julie , Duan Lijun , Clausen Ed
Published: March 2006

Herbal medicine is used worldwide either as a sole treatment method or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside orthodox methods of diagnosis and treatment. A survey reported that, in the USA, nearly one-sixth of women took at least one herbal product in 2000. Despite their widespread use, numerous reports show that the herbal products available to consumers are of variable quality. This disparity in quality of herbal preparations can be attributed to the fact that their production is complicated. To produce high-quality herbal products, attention must be paid to, among others, phytochemical variations due to plant breed, organ specificity, stages of growth, cultivation parameters, contamination by microbial and chemical agents, substitution, adulteration with synthetic drugs, heavy metal contamination, storage and extraction. This review focuses on organ specificity, seasonal variations, the effect of drying and storage, and the extraction of phytochemical constituents. Special emphasis is placed on the four most frequently used herbal products in the USA: echinacea, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng and St John's Wort.
Ex situ conservation of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.—an endangered medicinal plant of the Himalaya through mass propagation and its effect on growth and alkaloid content
Authors: Pandey Subedar , Kushwaha Rekha , Prakash Om , Bhattacharya Amita , Ahuja P.S.
Published: March 2006

The endangered alpine plant Aconitum heterophyllum was conserved under ex situ conditions (greenhouse and open) of Palampur by overcoming seed dormancy and plant establishment through hot water treatment (40–60 °C for 30–120 s) of seeds. High seed germination (88 and 76%) was obtained when seeds were treated with hot water at 45 and 50 °C for 90 s. Correlation studies also revealed that treatment enhanced vegetative growth and reproductive yield of the plants. The total alkaloid content of the roots and rhizomes of the plants growing under ex situ conditions was lower than the ones collected from the natural habitat in the 1-year-old plants. However, in the 2-year-old plants, it was almost at par with the ones collected from nature. The life cycle of the plants growing under ex situ conditions also did not vary largely from the plants growing under in situ conditions. Therefore, the present study indicates the successful adaptation of A. heterophyllum plants in conditions other than their natural habitat and hence its potential for sustainable commercialization.
Genomic and ploidy manipulation for enhanced production of phyto-pharmaceuticals
Authors: Lavania U.C.
Published: March 2006

Polyploidization is often accompanied by increased cell size and conspicuous changes in secondary metabolism. Where vegetative plant organs are the source of secondary metabolites, as is the case with most medicinal plants, ploidy manipulations such as direct chromosome doubling or allopolyploidization provide a rapid means to realize enhanced production of phyto-pharmaceuticals. Supported with prospective examples, this article illustrates the potential of genomic and ploidy manipulation to enhance the resourcing of pharmaceuticals of plant origin and suggests some appropriate strategies for optimum utilization.
Current approaches for the authentication of medicinal Dendrobium species and its products
Authors: Zhang Yan-Bo , But Paul Pui-Hay , Wang Zheng-Tao , Shaw Pang-Chui
Published: March 2006

Dendrobium Sw., a member of the family Orchidaceae, includes approximately 1100 species distributed in different parts of the world. In China, the genus is represented by 76 species and two varieties, of which D. loddigesii, D. fimbriatum, D. chrysanthum, D. officinale (=D. candidum) and D. nobile are listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the source material for Herba Dendrobii (Shihu). Because of increased demand and high price, Herba Dendrobii is often adulterated in the trade by other related species. Many Dendrobium species are over-collected from the wild and are listed under endangered taxa in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Therefore, a reliable authentication method is needed to regulate the trade and help conserve the species from unscrupulous collections. This review describes the present status of using medicinal Dendrobium in China, current approaches to authenticate medicinal Dendrobium plants and Herba Dendrobii, and the efforts under way towards the development of DNA microarrays to facilitate differentiation/identification of genuine material in complex Chinese medicinal formulations.
Medicinal and nutraceutical genetic resources of mushrooms
Authors: Lakhanpal T.N. , Rana Monika
Published: March 2006

Mushrooms are the fungi that have been used as food since time immemorial. Nutritionally they are a valuable source of health food, which is low in calories, and rich in carbohydrates, essential amino acids, fibre, important vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms have also been used in medicine for centuries in the Orient but their potential as health potentiators and elicitors of immune system is recent. In the last two decades there has been an upsurge on the use of mushrooms as nutraceuticals and many edible species have been thoroughly investigated and authenticated for medicinal use. The species that have been properly analysed for medicinal value are:Ganoderma lucidum(Reishi),Lentinus edodes(Shiitake),Grifola frondosa(Maitake),Agaricus blazei(Hime-matsutake),Cordyceps militaris(Caterpillar fungus),Pleurotus ostreatus(Oyster mushroom) andHericium erinaceous(Lions mane). There are many more species of cultivated and wild edible and non-edible mushrooms that have been analysed for both their nutritional and nutraceutical components but to a lesser extent than those listed above. The active constituents found in mushrooms are polysaccharides, dietary fibres, oligosaccharides, triterpenoids, peptides and proteins, alcohols and phenols, and mineral elements such as zinc, copper, iodine, selenium and iron, vitamins, amino acids etc. These have been found to boost the immune system, have anti-cancerous properties, act as anti-hypercholesterolaemic and hepato-protective agents, show anti-HIV activity and anti-viral activity, and ameliorate the toxic effect of chemo- and radiotherapy. Many of the species are known to be aphrodisiacs. Many commercial products from these mushrooms are available in the market. Prominent among these are: Lentinan fromLentinus edodes, Concord Sunchih and Reishi Plus fromGanoderma lucidum, Grifon fromGrifola frondosaand Didanosine fromCordyceps militaris.The nutraceuticals have been found to relieve the stress and pressure of modern society by stimulating both basic and secondary immune responses of the immune system. There are more than 5000 species of mushrooms recorded from all over the world out of which around 2000 are identified as edible. A large number of the species are yet to be analysed for their nutraceutical/medicinal potential.
An integrated approach to identification and conservation of medicinal plants in the tropical forest—a Brazilian experience
Authors: Di Stasi Luiz Claudio
Published: March 2006

An integrated and interdisciplinary research programme with native medicinal plants from tropical forests has been performed in order to obtain new forest products for sustainable use in regional markets vis-à-vis ecosystem conservation. For the success of this programme ethnopharmacological studies are very important with respect to (i) identification of useful plants including medicinal and aromatic species; (ii) recuperation and preservation of traditional knowledge about native plants; and (iii) identification of potential plants with economic value. The plants are selected with a view to evaluate efficacy and safety (pharmacological and toxicological studies), and phytochemical profile and quality control (phytochemical and chromatographic characterization). These studies are very important to add value to plant products and also to mitigate unscrupulous exploitation of medicinal plants by local communities, since multiple use of plants represents an excellent strategy for sustaining the tropical ecosystem through ex situ and in situ conservation. Thus, conservation of tropical resources is possible in conjunction with improvements in the quality of life of the traditional communities and production of new products with therapeutic, cosmetic and ‘cosmeceutic’ value.
Potential for utilization of pepper germplasm with a variable reaction to Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. to develop southern blight-resistant pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars
Authors: Fery Richard L. , Dukes Philip D.
Published: March 2006

The bell-type pepper cultivar Golden California Wonder, a source of resistance to southern blight, was crossed with the susceptible cultivar Sweet Banana. The F1, F2 and backcross progenies of this cross and the parental lines were evaluated in an inoculated field study for their reactions to Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. A categorical rating system was used to rate plants for severity of wilting and severity of stem-lesion development. The plants within all three non-segregating populations (the resistant parent, the susceptible parent and the F1) displayed a range of reactions to S. rolfsii. Variable reactions to S. rolfsii among homogeneous pepper populations were expected because this phenomenon is well documented in the literature and we had observed similar responses in field trials conducted over multiple years. The high level of variation for reactions to S. rolfsii exhibited by the parental and F1 hybrid populations and the categorical system of rating individual plants placed severe limitations on the effective use of any quantitative type of analysis. Accordingly, a weighting procedure was used to correct the F2 and backcross populations based on frequencies of apparent mis-classifications in the parental and F1 populations. Examination of the comparative frequency distributions of the parental and progeny populations and examination of the weighted segregation data suggest that the southern blight resistance in ‘Golden California Wonder’ is conditioned by a single recessive gene. The level of resistance conditioned by this reputed recessive gene appears high enough to recommend it for use in pepper breeding programmes.
Genetic diversity analysis of rice varieties (Oryza sativaL.) based on morphological, pedigree and DNA polymorphism data
Authors: Fuentes Jorge Luis , Cornide Maria Teresa , Alvarez Alba , Suarez Enrique , Borges Ernesto
Published: March 2006

The diversity within 20 rice varieties used as progenitors in Cuban rice breeding programmes was analysed with respect to agro-morphological traits, pedigree and DNA markers. Eleven agro-morphological traits were scored, and phenotypic (Euclidian) distances between the rice varieties were calculated. Sixty random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD) and 115 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) bands served to determine Dice's distance estimates. Cluster analyses were performed based on genetic distance matrices using the unweighted pair-group method of arithmetical means (UPGMA) as the clustering method. This analysis showed five phenotypic, six genealogical, five RAPD and six AFLP diversity groups. Genetic diversity estimates based on RAPD data, but not on AFLP, efficiently represented the genetic parentage and phenotypic diversity between rice varieties. Combined diversity estimates allowed the identification of 11 different genetic pools and permitted a more effective separation of the progenitor set than those obtained solely by phenotypic and genealogical information. The results of this study stress the necessity to diversify rice parental stocks for further breeding purposes.
Associations between geographical origin and morphological characters in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Börner Andreas , Schäfer Marina , Schmidt Andrea , Grau Michael , Vorwald Jörn
Published: March 2006

We report the morphological typing of 13,337 accessions of bread wheat. The individual characters assessed were: awnedness, awn colour, glume colour, presence/absence of glume hairs, spike type, spike density, spike branching, grain colour, stem type (hollow/solid) and presence/absence of ligules. We have associated these morphological data with accession provenance, to analyse global patterns of the traits. Whereas some of the traits (awnedness, awn colour, glume colour, presence/absence of hairs on glumes, stem type) are concentrated in distinct geographical regions, others (spike type, spike density, grain colour, presence/absence of ligules) appear to be randomly distributed. Spike branching was not observed. Possible reasons for the geographical distributions of the characters, in the light of their inheritance, are discussed.
Defining and identifying crop landraces
Authors: Villa Tania Carolina Camacho , Maxted Nigel , Scholten Maria , Ford-Lloyd Brian
Published: March 2006

Awareness of the need for biodiversity conservation is now universally accepted, but most often recent conservation activities have focused on wild species. Crop species and the diversity between and within them has significant socioeconomic as well as heritage value. The bulk of genetic diversity in domesticated species is located in traditional varieties maintained by traditional farming systems. These traditional varieties, commonly referred to as landraces, are severely threatened by genetic extinction primarily due to their replacement by modern genetically uniform varieties. The conservation of landrace diversity has been hindered in part by the lack of an accepted definition to define the entity universally recognized as landraces. Without a definition it would be impossible to prepare an inventory and without an inventory changes in landrace constituency could not be recognized over time. Therefore, based on a literature review, workshop discussion and interviews with key informants, common characteristics of landraces were identified, such as: historical origin, high genetic diversity, local genetic adaptation, recognizable identity, lack of formal genetic improvement, and whether associated with traditional farming systems. However, although these characteristics are commonly present they are not always all present for any individual landrace; several crop-specific exceptions were noted relating to crop propagation method (sexual or asexual), breeding system (self-fertilized or cross-fertilized species), length of formal crop improvement, seed management (selection or random propagation) and use. This paper discusses the characteristics that generally constitute a landrace, reviews the exceptions to these characteristics and provides a working definition of a landrace. The working definition proposed is as follows: ‘a landrace is a dynamic population(s) of a cultivated plant that has historical origin, distinct identity and lacks formal crop improvement, as well as often being genetically diverse, locally adapted and associated with traditional farming systems’.
Field evaluation of frost tolerance in 10 olive cultivars
Authors: Gómez-del-Campo M. , Barranco D.
Published: March 2006

Frost damage was evaluated in 1-year-old olive trees in the cultivars ‘Arbequina’, ‘Cornicabra’, ‘Empeltre’, ‘Frantoio’, ‘Hojiblanca’, ‘Manzanilla Cacereña’, ‘Nevadillo de Jaén’, ‘Picual’, ‘Picudo’ and ‘Verdial de Badajoz’ in Madrid, Spain. Temperatures fell to −6.5 and −10.5°C on 11 November and 16 December 2001, respectively. In May frost damage was visually assessed. The olive trees were pruned to the ground and dry matter was quantified in shoots and leaves with and without signs of frost damage. In August resprouting was visually evaluated. Visual assessment overestimated frost damage compared to the quantitative evaluation. Leaves had a lower resistance to frost than shoots. Shoot frost resistance was linearly correlated to the cultivar's resprouting capacity. Significant differences in frost resistance were found between cultivars. ‘Cornicabra’ and ‘Arbequina’ had a low percentage of frost-damaged shoots and a high resprouting capacity after frost. The cultivars which were the least resistant to frost were ‘Empeltre’, ‘Frantoio’ and ‘Hojiblanca’. These cultivars had a high percentage of frost-damaged shoots and almost no resprouting capacity. ‘Picual’, ‘Picudo’, ‘Verdial de Badajoz’, ‘Manzanilla Cacereña’ and ‘Nevadillo de Jaén’ had an intermediate frost resistance.
Diversity and genetic erosion of traditional vegetables in Tanzania from the farmer's point of view
Authors: Keller Gudrun B. , Mndiga Hassan , Maass Brigitte L.
Published: March 2006

Traditional vegetables in Tanzania have been underutilized by farmers and neglected by research and development programmes. In the framework of the project ‘Promotion of Neglected Indigenous Vegetable Crops for Nutritional Health in Eastern and Southern Africa’ led by the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) and partners, focus group meetings were conducted in 10–12 villages in each of four districts of north-east Tanzania, which differed in ethnicity as well as in altitude, climate and soil conditions. Farmers named 10–34 different traditional vegetables per village, summing up to an overall of 102 in all four districts, about half of which were only identified by local names. The number of wild traditional vegetables used was always greater than the number of cultivated traditional types, with ratios of wild to cultivated vegetables ranging from 11:9 in an urban highland district to 59:11 in a rural coastal district. Some wild traditional vegetables were found to be threatened with genetic erosion due to changes in land use and eating habits. The degree of urbanization and the availability of infrastructure contributed more strongly to genetic erosion as compared to climatic conditions. Farmers' training encouraged exotic vegetable cultivation and reduced traditional vegetable diversity. At the same time, indigenous knowledge on how and where to collect, cultivate and prepare traditional vegetables was disappearing.
Food insecurity in community-dwelling older Australians
Authors: Quine Susan , Morrell Stephen
Published: March 2006

Objective

To identify the extent of food insecurity (defined as running out of food in the last 12 months and being unable to afford to buy more) amongst older Australians, and the characteristics of those who experience this condition.

Design

Cross-sectional population survey.

Setting and subjects

Respondents (n = 8881) were community-dwelling older people (65 years and older) living independently in New South Wales, Australia, randomly sampled to participate in a computer-assisted telephone interview conducted during 1999–2000. The response rate was 71%. Responses to a food insecurity questionnaire item were collected along with sociodemographic information, living arrangements, lifestyle and self-rated health. Univariate analyses and logistic regression modelling of factors for reporting food insecurity were conducted.

Results

Approximately one in 50 older people reported experiencing food insecurity in the previous 12 months attributable to inadequate finances. The analyses revealed that those at risk can be identified as more likely to report poorer health, limited financial resources, not owning their own home and living alone. Gender and age differences were also evident.

Conclusions

While only a minority of older Australians reported experiencing food insecurity attributable to inadequate finances, such people are at higher risk of malnutrition and associated morbidity. Food insecurity is an important public health and equity issue in older people that can be addressed through implementing appropriate income and social support policies.
Does living in an urban environment confer advantages for childhood nutritional status? Analysis of disparities in nutritional status by wealth and residence in Angola, Central African Republic and Senegal
Authors: Kennedy Gina , Nantel Guy , Brouwer Inge D , Kok Frans J
Published: March 2006

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between childhood undernutrition and poverty in urban and rural areas.

Design

Anthropometric and socio-economic data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in Angola-Secured Territory (Angola ST), Central African Republic and Senegal were used in this analysis. The population considered in this study is children 0–59 months, whose records include complete anthropometric data on height, weight, age, gender, socio-economic level and urban or rural area of residence. In addition to simple urban/rural comparisons, the population was stratified using a wealth index based on living conditions and asset ownership to compare the prevalence, mean Z-score and odds ratios for stunting and wasting.

Results

In all cases, when using a simple urban/rural comparison, the prevalence of stunting was significantly higher in rural areas. However, when the urban and rural populations were stratified using a measure of wealth, the differences in prevalence of stunting and underweight in urban and rural areas of Angola ST, Central African Republic and Senegal disappeared. Poor children in these urban areas were just as likely to be stunted or underweight as poor children living in rural areas. The odds ratio of stunting in the poorest compared with the richest quintile was 3.4, 3.2 and 1.5 in Angola ST, Senegal and Central African Republic, respectively.

Conclusions

This paper demonstrates that simple urban/rural comparisons mask wide disparities in subgroups according to wealth. There is a strong relationship between poverty and chronic undernutrition in both urban and rural areas; this relationship does not change simply by living in an urban environment. However, urban and rural living conditions and lifestyles differ, and it is important to consider these differences when designing programmes and policies to address undernutrition.
Monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil and blood pressure: epidemiological, clinical and experimental evidence
Authors: Alonso Álvaro , Ruiz-Gutierrez Valentina , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2006

Diet has an important role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. In early epidemiological studies, conducted mainly in the USA, monounsaturated fatty acids showed a deleterious association with blood pressure or no relationship at all. However, more recent studies, conducted in Mediterranean countries, have shed new light on this issue. In the present review we summarise the main results of epidemiological studies and feeding trials, and explain the possible mechanisms through which monounsaturated fatty acids, and specifically olive oil as the major dietary source of this type of fat in Mediterranean countries, could exert a favourable effect on blood pressure.
Is the 2000 CDC growth reference appropriate for developing countries?
Authors: Roberfroid Dominique , Lerude Marie-Paule , Pérez-Cueto Armando , Kolsteren Patrick
Published: March 2006

In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) produced a revised growth reference. This has already been used in different settings outside the USA. Using data obtained during a nutritional survey in Madagascar, we compare results produced by using both the 2000 CDC and the 1978 National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)/World Health Organization (WHO) growth references. We show that changing the reference has an important impact on nutritional diagnosis. In particular, the prevalence of wasting is greatly increased. This could generate substantial operational and clinical difficulties. We recommend continued use of the 1978 NCHS/WHO reference until release of the new WHO multi-country growth charts.
The association between the body mass index of first-year female university students and their weight-related perceptions and practices, psychological health, physical activity and other physical health indicators
Authors: Cilliers Janetta , Senekal Marjanne , Kunneke Ernesta
Published: March 2006

Objective

To investigate the association between the weight status of first–year female students (FYFS) and various weight management–related characteristics to identify possible components of a weight management programme for students.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Female residences at a South African university.

Subjects

A total of 360 FYFS.

Results

Mean (± standard deviation (SD)) body mass index (BMI) of the FYFS was 21.8 ± 2.6 kg m−2, with 7.2% being underweight, 81.9% normal‐weight, 10.0% overweight and 0.8% obese. Underweight, normal–eight and overweight students differed with regard to their perception of their weight (P< 0.001), weight goals (P< 0.001) and previous weight–loss practices (P< 0.001). Mean ± SD score on the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT–26) was 8.5 ± 9.0 with 8.4% classified as high scorers. Mean ± SD score on the 34-item Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was 87.7 ± 32.2, with 76.1% classified as low, 11.9% as medium and 11.9% as high scorers. The self-concept questionnaire indicated that 36.7% had a high, 43.9% a medium and 19.4% a low self-concept. Higher BMI correlated with a higher BSQ score (P< 0.001), a lower self-concept (P= 0.029) and a higher EAT-26 score (P< 0.001). Smoking was prevalent amongst 13.1% of students, and 51.2% used vitamin and/or mineral supplements. Students who quitted smoking had higher (P= 0.006) BMI (22.7 ± 2.9 kg m-2) than those who never smoked before (21.6 ± 2.5 kg m−2). Normal-weight students were more physically active than underweight or overweight students (P= 0.038).

Conclusions

The specific weight management-related needs of FYFS include information about supplement use, smoking, realistic weight goals, safe and sound weight-loss methods, weight cycling, body-shape perceptions, eating attitudes and behaviours, self-concept and physical activity. Interventions aimed at correcting these problems should target all students, regardless of their BMI.
Television viewing behaviour and associations with food habits in different countries
Authors: Vereecken Carine A , Todd Joanna , Roberts Chris , Mulvihill Caroline , Maes Lea
Published: March 2006

Objective

Several environmental factors influence adolescents' food habits and television (TV) viewing is thought to be one of these factors. The purpose of the present study was to describe sociodemographic differences in TV viewing and to examine associations of TV viewing with the consumption of sweets, soft drinks, fruit and vegetables in different countries.

Methods

Data were collected from 162 305 young people completing the 2001/02 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children survey, a World Health Organization cross-national study on health and health behaviours among 11–, 13– and 15–year-old school pupils. Analyses of variance were used to examine sociodemographic differences in TV viewing and logistic regression analyses to examine associations between TV viewing and food habits.

Results

Large differences were found between countries in reported daily TV viewing time, from an average of 2.0 h in Switzerland to 3.7 h in Ukraine. The results indicate that those most likely to watch TV are boys, 13-year-olds and pupils of lower socio-economic status. Those who watched more TV were more likely to consume sweets and soft drinks on a daily basis and less likely to consume fruit and vegetables daily, although the latter associations were not so apparent among Central and Eastern European countries.

Conclusions

Given the high TV viewing rates among adolescents and the association with less healthy food options, many young people are at increased risk of overweight or obesity. Interventions to modify TV viewing behaviour are needed. The findings underscore the importance of tackling socio-economic differences.
Food consumption patterns in an adult urban population in Beirut, Lebanon
Authors: Nasreddine Lara , Hwalla Nahla , Sibai Abla , Hamzé Mouïn , Parent-Massin Dominique
Published: March 2006

Objectives

To investigate, measure and assess the food consumption pattern of the adult population living in Beirut, Lebanon, and to identify inadequate or excessive intake of food groups particularly linked to non-communicable diseases.

Design

A cross-sectional food consumption survey was conducted in 2001. Dietary habits were assessed by means of a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire.

Setting

Dietary survey of the urban population (Beirut).

Subjects

Random sample of 444 adult subjects (aged 25–54 years) in Beirut.

Results

The mean consumption of food by the study population was estimated to be 3030 g day−1, providing an energy intake of 2523.57 kcal day−1. Fat contributed 38.9% to the average daily energy intake, protein 13.4% and carbohydrates 47.2%. Mean consumption of fruits and vegetables was approximately 367 g day−1and 45.3% of subjects consumed less than the recommended 400 g daily. Cereals contributed 324.5 g day−1, providing 35.0% of daily energy intake, with bread being the most highly consumed (146.2 g day−1) in this food group. The mean intake of meat and poultry products was 91.7 g day−1and provided 8.8% of daily energy intake, with consumption of butchery products especially beef being the highest (47.6 g day−1) followed by poultry (36.1 g day−1). A low consumption of fish was noted (19.7 g day−1), with 73.6% of subjects consuming less than the recommended 2 servings of fish per week. Dairy products contributed 243.1 g day−1or 10.9% of daily energy intake, and milk was the least consumed dairy product (56.8% of consumers). The intake of added fats and oils, excluding those in cooked recipes, was 20.4 g day−1; olive oil was not used in cooking but was added solely at the table and its mean intake was 5 g day−1. The consumption of butter was low (0.86 g day−1) and vegetable oil was the type of fat mostly used in cooking. The average intake of alcoholic beverages was low (33.6 g day−1), accounting for 0.7% of total energy intake. Women had significantly higher intakes of milk, dairy products, vegetables and coffee than men (P< 0.05). The percentage of women who reported the use of low-fat items was significantly higher than that of men. Younger people (25–34 years) ate significantly more meat, sugar, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, and consumed significantly less cooked vegetables and legumes, than older ones (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

The rather high contribution of fat to daily energy intake, the low intake of fish and the relatively high percentage of people consuming less than the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables observed in this study suggest that the adult Lebanese population is at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and other non-communicable diseases, which provides the basis for recommending increased intakes of fish, particularly fatty fish, and fruits and vegetables.
Basis of the Gabamimetic Profile of Ethanol
Authors: Breese G. R. , Criswell H. E. , Carta M. , Dodson P. D. , Hanchar H. J. , Khisti R. T. , Mameli M. , Ming Z. , Morrow A. L. , Olsen R. W. , Otis T. S. , Parsons L. H. , Penland S. N. , Roberto M. , Siggins G. R. , Valenzuela C. F. , Wallner M.
Published: March 2006

This article summarizes the proceedings of a symposium held at the 2005 Research Society on Alcoholism meeting. The initial presentation by Dr. Wallner provided evidence that selected GABAA receptors containing the δ subunit display sensitivity to low intoxicating ethanol concentrations and this sensitivity is further increased by a mutation in the cerebellar α6 subunit, found in alcohol‐hypersensitive rats. Dr. Mameli reported that ethanol affects γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) function by affecting neural circuits that influence GABA release. Dr. Parsons presented data from electrophysiological and microdialysis investigations that ethanol is capable of releasing GABA from presynaptic terminals. Dr. Morrow demonstrated that systemic ethanol increases neuroactive steroids in brain, the absence of which alters various functional responses to ethanol. Dr. Criswell presented evidence that the ability of ethanol to increase GABA was apparent in some, but not all, brain regions indicative of regional specificity. Further, Dr. Criswell demonstrated that neurosteroids alone and when synthesized locally by ethanol act postsynaptically to enhance the effect of GABA released by ethanol in a region specific manner. Collectively, this series of reports support the GABAmimetic profile of acutely administered ethanol being dependent on several specific mechanisms distinct from a direct effect on the major synaptic isoforms of GABAA receptors.
Colchicine intoxication diagnosed in a skin biopsy: a case report
Authors: Mason Stephen E. , Smoller Bruce R. , Wilkerson Anne E.
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Colchicine toxicity is a rare, but well‐described clinical entity. The histopathologic findings in various organ systems have been delineated in colchicine intoxication; however, skin findings have only been described in rare cases. We present a case of colchicine toxicity diagnosed on skin biopsy in a patient presenting with mental status changes. Her cutaneous manifestation consisted of a diffuse, blanchable, violaceous, morbilliform rash involving the trunk and proximal extremities. The histopathologic findings included metaphase‐arrested keratinocytes with underlying basal vacuolization. These features, considered in the setting of multiorgan dysfunction and a known exposure of colchicine, led to the diagnosis.
Atypical fibroxanthoma with perineural or intraneural invasion: report of two cases
Authors: Dettrick Andrew , Strutton Geoff
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  We report two cases of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) that both had the previously unreported feature of neural invasion (one perineural and the other intraneural). AFXs recur in approximately 10% of cases but only rarely metastasize. Features associated with recurrence are inadequate excision and invasion into fat. Features associated with metastasis include recurrence, vascular invasion, deep tissue invasion, and tumor necrosis. Both of these tumors invaded deeply into subcutaneous fat and reached the deep fascia. Some authors would regard such cases as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) because of such deep extension; however, the concept of AFX as a superficial variant of MFH is outmoded – AFX is a distinct clinicopathologic entity with established clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features.
Analysis of protein tyrosine kinases expression in the melanoma metastases of patients treated with Imatinib Mesylate (STI571, GleevecTM)
Authors: Ivan Doina , Niveiro Maria , Diwan A. Hafeez , Eton Omar , Kim Kevin B. , Lacey Carol , Gonzalez Cipriano , Prieto Victor G.
Published: March 2006

Background:  Protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibition has been identified as a promising strategy in the development of new selective therapies, targeting the signaling pathways in melanoma progression. Gleevec, a novel class of anti‐tumor drugs, may have a potential therapeutic benefit in melanoma, which involves abnormal activation of abl, c‐kit, and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) tyrosine kinases.

Methods:  Tumor biopsies from 13 patients with metastatic melanoma were screened by immunohistochemistry for PTK [c‐kit, C‐abl, Abl‐related gene (ARG), PDGF receptor‐α (PDGFR‐α) and PDGFR‐β] expression before and after being treated with Gleevec @ 400 mg bid for 2 weeks. Both, percentage of positive cells and staining intensity were evaluated.

Results:  We found a statistically significant (p < 0.01) selective loss of PTK expression in the follow‐up biopsy, both in intensity and number of positive cells. PDGFR‐α and ‐β had the highest level of expression reduction. One patient had a durable clinical response, and the follow‐up biopsy showed negative expression for four of the PTKs, namely c‐abl, ARG, PDGFR‐α, and β.

Conclusions:  Our study reports for the first time the in vivo effect of Gleevec in the induction of apparently selective reduction of PTKs expression under anti‐tyrosine kinases treatment, suggesting its potential role in melanoma treatment.
Cutaneous melanoma with pseudomyxoid features
Authors: Urso Carmelo
Published: March 2006

A 96‐year‐old man presented with a polypoid melanoma, which showed a prominent clear stroma, similar to that of myxoid melanoma, but stained negative for Alcian blue at pH 2.5 and for colloidal iron. It is not clear whether melanoma displaying pseudomyxoid features (pseudomyxoid melanoma) may represent a distinct histological variant of melanoma. However, it must be differentiated from true myxoid melanomas, in which Alcian blue‐positive acid mucopolysaccharides are present.