bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep banding improves residual effectiveness of manganese fertiliser for bauxite residue revegetation
Authors: Gherardi Mark J. , Rengel Zed
Published: November 2003

Revegetation of high-pH substrates such as bauxite residue sand (BRS) can be problematic, since poor availability of nutrients like manganese (Mn) requires extensive and frequent fertiliser additions to maintain plant productivity. Recent glasshouse studies have shown improved growth and Mn nutrition of deep-rooted, perennial lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) growing in BRS when Mn was banded deep below the surface. Deep banding of Mn fertiliser shows promise in having long residual effectiveness in BRS. A field study involving deep-banded Mn in a BRS disposal area was undertaken. Manganese fertiliser, banded at a rate of 15 kg/ha approx. 0.18 m deep, provided effective supply of Mn to lucerne for at least 2.5 years, while 5 separate surface-broadcast applications (15 kg Mn/ha each) were required over the same period to maintain similar lucerne productivity. Shoot and root yields and Mn concentrations in shoots were consistently greater in the banded than broadcast treatments. Root extension deeper than 30–40 cm was largely inhibited by a physical compaction layer and an increase in pH with depth. Lucerne root length density was increased significantly by deep banding of Mn. In conclusion, deep banding of Mn fertiliser can improve sustainability of revegetated BRS areas and, potentially, productivity of other high pH substrates, by reducing the frequency and amounts of Mn fertiliser additions required for healthy plant growth.
Subsurface drip irrigation in raised bed tomato production. II. Soil acidification under current commercial practice
Authors: Stork P. R. , Jerie P. H. , Callinan A. P. L.
Published: November 2003

The effects of ammonium-based fertilisers on the soil pH of vegetable beds that utilised subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) for commercial tomato production were investigated at field sites in the southern Murray–Darling Basin region (SMDB). The soils at these sites were Vertosols (sites 1, 3, 4, and 5) and a Chromosol (site 2). At site 1, rapid transport and hydrolysis of urea occurred within the 0–90 cm soil layer of vegetable beds after a 6-mm fertigation of 30 kg urea-N/ha during cropping. Soil pH decreased by 0.2–0.4 units in individual 15-cm soil layers up to 90 cm within 12 days after the fertigation. A longer study at site 1 showed that there was severe acidification in topsoil and subsoil by the second consecutive year of SDI cropping. The rate of acidification was highest, at 52 kmol H+/ha.year, immediately beneath the dripline, in the 15–30 cm soil layer. Topsoil and subsoil acidification was also evident in vegetable beds at sites 2, 3, 4, and 5 after 2 consecutive years of tomato cropping using SDI. The results from the 5 sites indicated that acidification under SDI production may be widespread. A survey of 21 other sites in the SMDB under similar production showed that one-third of the sites had soil pH ≤6.0 in their 0–30 cm soil layer. Several soil types were individually represented at acid and alkaline pH levels, by 2 or more sites. This indicated that management practices influenced the change in soil pH for a given soil type. Altogether, the combined results of these studies strongly indicated that surface and subsoil acidification can occur in soils used for intensive SDI production. This may diminish their productivity in the long term.
Body composition and physical activity in New Zealand Maori, Pacific and European children aged 5–14 years
Authors: Rush Elaine C. , Plank Lindsay D. , Davies Peter S. W. , Watson Patsy , Wall Clare R.
Published: November 2003

Body fatness and the components of energy expenditure in children aged 5–14 years were investigated. In a group of seventy-nine healthy children (thirty-nine female, forty male), mean age 10·0 (sd 2·8) years, comprising twenty-seven Maori, twenty-six Pacific Island and twenty-six European, total energy expenditure (TEE) was determined over 10 d using the doubly-labelled water method. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry and physical activity level (PAL) was calculated as TEE:RMR. Fat-free mass (FFM), and hence fat mass, was derived from the18O-dilution space using appropriate values for FFM hydration in children. Qualitative information on physical activity patterns was obtained by questionnaire. Maori and Pacific children had a higher BMI than European children (P<0·003), but % body fat was similar for the three ethnic groups. The % body fat increased with age for girls (r0·42,P=0·008), but not for boys. Ethnicity was not a significant predictor of RMR adjusted for FFM and fat mass. TEE and PAL, adjusted for body weight and age, were higher in Maori than European children (P<0·02), with Pacific children having intermediate values. PAL was inversely correlated with % body fat in boys (r−0·43,P=0·006), but was not significantly associated in girls. The % body fat was not correlated with reported time spent inactive or outdoors. Ethnic-related differences in total and activity-related energy expenditure that might account for higher obesity rates in Maori and Pacific children were not seen. Low levels of physical activity were associated with increased body fat in boys but not in girls.
Does breakfast-club attendance affect schoolchildren's nutrient intake? A study of dietary intake at three schools
Authors: Belderson Pippa , Harvey Ian , Kimbell Rosemary , O'Neill Jennifer , Russell Jean , Barker Margo E.
Published: November 2003

Lack of breakfast has been implicated as a factor contributing to children's poor diets and school performance. Breakfast-club schemes, where children are provided with breakfast in school at the start of the school day, have been initiated by the Department of Health in schools throughout England, UK. The aim of the present study was to compare the energy and nutrient intakes of schoolchildren who attended breakfast clubs (attendee subjects) with those who did not (control subjects). Three different schools were studied, involving a total of 111 children aged between 9 and 15 years. There were fifty-nine attendee and fifty-two control subjects. The two groups were matched for eligibility for school meals. All subjects completed a 3 d weighed food diary for estimation of nutrient intake. Height and weight were measured and BMI calculated. Nutrient intake data were analysed using a general linear model with age as a covariate. The demographic and anthropometric characteristics of the attendee and control subjects were similar. Children who attended breakfast clubs had significantly greater intakes of fat (% energy), saturated fat (% energy) and Na than control subjects. Thus, in these schools breakfast-club participation was not associated with superior nutrient intake or improvements in dietary pattern.
Prebiotics affect nutrient digestibility but not faecal ammonia in dogs fed increased dietary protein levels
Authors: Hesta M. , Janssens G. P. J. , Millet S. , De Wilde R.
Published: November 2003

An increased protein content and less digestible protein sources in the diet can induce bad faecal odour. The present study investigated the effect of adding prebiotics to dog diets enriched with animal-derived protein sources on apparent digestibilities and faecal ammonia concentration. In three subsequent periods eight healthy beagle dogs were fed a commercial dog diet that was gradually supplemented by up to 50 % with meat and bone meal (MBM), greaves meal (GM) or poultry meal (PM) respectively. Afterwards, 3 % fructo-oligosaccharides or 3 % isomalto-oligosaccharides were substituted for 3 % of the total diet. Supplementation with animal-derived protein sources did not decrease the apparent N digestibility significantly but oligosaccharides did. On the other hand the bacterial N content (% DM) in the faeces was highest in the oligosaccharide groups followed by the protein-supplemented groups and lowest in the control groups. When the apparent N digestibility was corrected for bacterial N no significant differences were noted anymore except for the GM group where the corrected N digestibility was still lower after oligosaccharide supplementation. The amount of faecal ammonia was significantly increased by supplementing with protein or oligosaccharides in the MBM and GM groups but not in the PM group. When apparent N digestibility is interpreted, a correction for bacterial N should be taken into account, especially when prebiotics are added to the diet. Oligosaccharides did not reduce the faecal ammonia concentrations as expected.
Early post-hatching starvation delays p70 S6 kinase activation in the muscle of neonatal chicks
Authors: Bigot Karine , Taouis Mohammed , Picard Michel , Tesseraud Sophie
Published: November 2003

Chicken muscle ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1) has been recently characterised and its enzymic activity is regulated by the nutritional and hormonal (insulin) status in vivo. The regulation of S6K1 is still unknown in neonatal chicks. The present study aimed to compare the activation of S6K1 in early-feeding (EF) and 48 h-delayed-feeding (DF) chicks from hatching to 4 d of age. During post-hatching starvation, S6K1 activity remained at the basal level measured in the control-hatched chicks. The maximum S6K1 activity was recorded on the first day of feeding with an increase of about 2·5-fold in the EF and DF chicks (P<0·01). S6K1 activity was correlated with plasma insulin level, suggesting a probable insulin-dependent S6K1 activation. The feeding-induced increase in S6K1 activity was related to its Thr389 residue phosphorylation. A similar pattern for protein kinase B phosphorylation was observed, upstream from S6K1. The S6K1 pathway was stimulated to the same extent in the EF and DF chicks, which indicates that post-hatching starvation did not increase S6K1 activation. It is concluded that muscle S6K1 is activated as soon as food is available without improvement in the response of the S6K1 pathway after post-hatching starvation.
Iron absorption from ferrous fumarate in adult women is influenced by ascorbic acid but not by Na2EDTA
Authors: Fidler Meredith C. , Davidsson Lena , Zeder Christophe , Walczyk Thomas , Hurrell Richard F.
Published: November 2003

Ascorbic acid and Na2EDTA enhance Fe absorption from the water-soluble Fe compound FeSO4 but their effect on poorly water-soluble Fe compounds such as ferrous fumarate is less well established. In the present study, the effects of ascorbic acid and Na2EDTA on Fe absorption from ferrous fumarate were evaluated in adult women (ten women/study) from the erythrocyte incorporation of Fe stable isotopes (57Fe or 58Fe) 14 d after administration. Two separate studies were made with test meals of Fe-fortified infant cereal (5 mg Fe/meal). Data were evaluated by paired t tests and the results are presented as geometric means. In study 1a, the comparison between Fe absorption from ferrous fumarate- and FeSO4-fortified cereal showed that adult women absorb Fe as well from ferrous fumarate as from FeSO4 (3·0 and 3·1 % respectively, P=0·85). After addition of Na2EDTA (Na2EDTA:fortification Fe molar ratio of 1:1), Fe absorption from FeSO4 was significantly higher than from ferrous fumarate (5·3 v. 3·3 % respectively, P<0·01; study 1b). In study 2, Fe absorption was compared from ferrous fumarate-fortified meals with and without ascorbic acid added at a 4:1 molar ratio (relative to fortification Fe) and the results showed that ascorbic acid increased Fe absorption from ferrous fumarate significantly (6·3 v. 10·4 %, P=0·02). The results of the present studies show that Fe absorption from ferrous fumarate is enhanced by ascorbic acid but not by Na2EDTA, thus emphasising that not all findings from Fe absorption studies made with FeSO4 can be extrapolated to Fe compounds with different solubility properties.
The effect of feeding structured triacylglycerols enriched in eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acids on murine splenocyte fatty acid composition and leucocyte phagocytosis
Authors: Kew Samantha , Gibbons Edward S. , Thies Frank , McNeill Gerald P. , Quinlan Paul T. , Calder Philip C.
Published: November 2003

The effects of altering the type of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the mouse diet on the ability of monocytes and neutrophils to perform phagocytosis were investigated. Male weanling mice were fed for 7 d on one of nine diets which contained 178 g lipid/kg and which differed in the type of n-3 PUFA and in the position of these in dietary triacylglycerol (TAG). The control diet contained 4·4 g α-linolenic acid/100 g total fatty acids. In the other diets, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) replaced a proportion (50 or 100 %) of the α-linolenic acid, and were in the sn-2 or the sn-1(3) position of dietary TAG. There were significant increases in the content of n-3 PUFA in spleen-cell phospholipids when EPA or DHA was fed. These increases were largely independent of the position of EPA or DHA in dietary TAG except when EPA was fed at the highest level, when the incorporation was greater when it was fed in the sn-2 than in the sn-1(3) position. There was no significant effect of dietary DHA on monocyte or neutrophil phagocytic activity. Dietary EPA dose-dependently decreased the number of monocytes and neutrophils performing phagocytosis. However, when EPA was fed in the sn-2 position, the ability of active monocytes or neutrophils to engulf bacteria was increased in a dose-dependent fashion. This did not occur when EPA was fed in the sn-1(3) position. Thus, there appears to be an influence of the position of EPA, but not of DHA, in dietary TAG on its incorporation into cell phospholipids and on the activity of phagocytic cells.
Total-diet study: dietary intakes of macro elements and trace elements in Italy
Authors: Lombardi-Boccia Ginevra , Aguzzi Altero , Cappelloni Marsilio , Di Lullo Giuseppe , Lucarini Massimo
Published: November 2003

The present study provides the dietary intakes of macro elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P) and trace elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Se) from the Italian total diet. The contribution of the most representative food groups of the total diet (cereals and cereal products, vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy products, meat and meat products, fish) to the daily intakes of these nutrients was also evaluated. The Italian total diet was formulated following the ‘market-basket’ approach. Cereals represented the primary sources of Cu (35 %), Fe (30 %) and Mg (27 %). About 89 % of the total daily intake of Fe was derived from plant foods. The vegetables food group was the main source of dietary K (27 %). Most of the Ca (59 %) and P (27 %) was derived from the milk-and-dairy food group. Of the dietary Zn, 41 % was provided by meat, which, together with the fish food group, was the primary source of Se (20 %). The adequacy of the Italian total diet with respect to nutritional elements was assessed by comparing the daily intakes with the average requirement values of the Italian recommended dietary allowances. The present findings indicated that the dietary patterns of the Italian total diet were generally consistent with current Italian dietary recommendations for both macro and trace elements. The major concern was for Ca, for which daily intake was 76 % of the average recommendation for the Italian population. It should not be ruled out that there could be a potential risk of inadequate Fe intake in some segments of the population.
Empowered women, social networks and the contribution of qualitative research: broadening our understanding of underlying causes for food and nutrition insecurity
Authors: Lemke S , Vorster HH , van Rensburg NS Jansen , Ziche J
Published: November 2003

Objective:

To investigate underlying causes for food and nutrition insecurity in black South African households and to gain understanding of the factors contributing to better nutrition security, with emphasis on household organisation, gender and intra-household dynamics and social networks.

Design, setting and subjects:

Within a larger cross-sectional survey that investigated the impact of urbanisation on the health of black South Africans, 166 people, mostly women, were interviewed on household food security. Methods used were structured face-to-face interviews, in-depth interviews, observation, interviews with key informants and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Information was collected from 1998 to 2000 in 15 rural and urban areas of the North West Province, South Africa.

Results:

Three-quarters of households in this sample are chronically food-insecure. Families are disrupted, due to migrant work, poverty and increasing societal violence, and half of households are female-headed. Certain categories of female-headed households and households based on partnership relationships, despite more limited resources, achieve a better or an equal economic status and better nutrition security than those households led by men, with the latter often being considered an economic liability. The reliance on and fostering of social ties and networks appear to be of central significance.

Conclusion:

Gender and intra-household relations, as well as social networks and income from informal sector activities, are often not uncovered by conventional statistical methods. Qualitative research can reveal the unexpected and furthermore empowers people, as their voices are heard.
Micronutrient intakes, micronutrient status and lipid profiles among young people consuming different amounts of breakfast cereals: further analysis of data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of Young People aged 4 to 18 years
Authors: Gibson Sigrid
Published: November 2003

Objective:

To examine associations between breakfast cereal consumption and the dietary habits, nutrient intakes and nutritional status of young people, considering both nutrient adequacy and safety issues (fortification).

Methods:

Using archived data from 1688 children in the (British) National Diet and Nutrition Survey of Young People aged 4 to 18 years, nutrient intakes and status were compared across thirds of breakfast cereal consumption (T1 to T3), adjusted for age and energy intake. Cereals provided on average 2%, 6% and 12% of energy in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, for boys; 1%, 4% and 10%, respectively, for girls.

Results:

Intakes of iron, B vitamins and vitamin D were around 20–60% higher in T3 compared with T1, with significant linear relationships observed for iron, thiamin, riboflavin and folate (T1 < T2 < T3). After excluding low energy reporters and the unwell, 14% of girls had iron intakes below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake and this varied fivefold between T1 and T3 (27%, 12% and 5%;P= 0.0001). High consumers of breakfast cereals (T3) had better folate, vitamin B12and riboflavin status and lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There was also an association with thiamin and vitamin B6status in girls. However, iron status (haemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation) was not significantly different between groups, possibly due to lower meat intakes in T3. Total iron intakes were within tolerable levels (maximum of 32 mg day−1in one girl taking supplements).

Conclusions:

The nutritional benefits of breakfast cereals are demonstrated in status measurements as well as in nutrient intakes in this study. Concerns about excessive iron intakes from fortification appear unjustified.
Iodine prophylaxis around the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Testing Site, Republic of Kazakstan
Authors: Hamada Aiko , Zakupbekova Mairash , Sagandikova Sagadat , Espenbetova Maira , Ohashi Toshinori , Takamura Noboru , Yamashita Shunichi
Published: November 2003

Objective:

This study aimed to clarify the iodine deficiency status in the Semipalatinsk region that has been contaminated by radioactive fallout from nuclear testing during the period of the former USSR.

Design:

Based on the Japan–Kazakstan joint project of adult cancer screening around the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Testing Site (SNTS), from May to October 2002 spot urine specimens were collected at random in each village. Separately, children aged 5–15 years from around the SNTS were chosen at random and spot urine specimens were collected from them.

Setting:

Area contaminated by radioactive fallout around the SNTS, Republic of Kazakstan.

Subjects:

A total of 2609 adults aged >40 years from 16 settlements in three regions and one city, and 298 children aged 5–15 years from two regions and one city.

Results:

Median urinary iodine concentrations of adults and children in all regions were in the range of 116.0–381.7 and 127.7–183.0 μg l−1, respectively. The highest prevalence of values <50 μg l−1(14.1%) did not exceed 20%. Distributions within each group, adults and children, showed almost the same pattern, except for one region where more than 50% of adults had urinary iodine concentration >100 μg l−1.

Conclusions:

In agreement with our previous studies, the urinary iodine concentration data showed no clear evidence of iodine deficiency around the SNTS. Kazakstan is geographically and nutritionally at moderate risk of iodine deficiency disorders without fortification or iodine replacement by iodised salt. The socio-medical prophylaxis against iodine deficiency has been successfully maintained in East Kazakstan.
Social inequalities in infant feeding during the first year of life. The Longitudinal Study of Child Development in Québec (LSCDQ 1998–2002)
Authors: Dubois Lise , Girard Manon
Published: November 2003

Objective:

The aim of this paper is to describe the source and the scope of social inequalities in infant feeding practices. It examines the extent to which different recommendations are followed in different social groups and highlights the main factors influencing the total adherence to three recommendations at the population level.

Design, setting and subjects:

The study follows a representative sample (n= 2103) of the children born in 1998 in the province of Québec (Canada). Detailed information on breast-feeding and complementary feeding was collected at 5 and 17 months by face-to-face interviews with the mother. The independent variables were mother's age, mother's education level, poverty level, family type, socio-economic status (SES) and living area. Odds ratios (adjusted for baby's rank in the family, birth weight and premature birth) are presented for breast-feeding, and for formula and cows' milk consumption, at different ages. The adherence to a combined indicator cumulating three recommendations (breast-fed at birth, complementary food at 4 months or later and cows' milk at 9 months or later) is also presented.

Results:

The analysis indicates that adherence to the recommendations is low in Québec. Breast-feeding initiation, duration and its exclusivity improved with mother's age and education level and SES. Adherence to the different recommendations was interrelated, indicating an accumulation of bad nutritional circumstances for children in low-SES families. The odds of being fed in accordance with the three studied recommendations, when living in a family with the highest SES, was 2.3 times higher than when living in a family with the lowest SES. When living with a highly educated mother, the odds ratio was 2.7 times higher than when living with a low-educated mother. For mother's age, the odds ratio reached 3.7 for children from mothers aged ≥35 years, in comparison with children from mothers ≤24 years old. When SES or mother's education level was combined with mother's age, the children in the best situation were >8 more times likely than the least privileged children to be fed in accordance with these recommendations. Living area was not related with infant feeding during the first year of life

Conclusions:

Breast-feeding and nutrition could be related with different health and cognitive outcomes in childhood and later in life. Consequently, social disparities in diet during infancy could play a role in the development of social and health inequalities more broadly observed at the population level. Intervention to improve adherence to breast-feeding and nutrition recommendations in infancy should be prioritised and evaluated for its impact on the reduction on infant diet inequalities over time
Red palm oil as a source of vitamin A for mothers and children: impact of a pilot project in Burkina Faso
Authors: Zagré NM , Delpeuch F , Traissac P , Delisle H
Published: November 2003

Objective:

To demonstrate the effectiveness of the commercial introduction of red palm oil (RPO) as a source of vitamin A (VA) for mothers and children in a non-consuming area, as a dietary diversification strategy.

Design:

A pre–post intervention design (no control area) was used to assess changes in VA intake and status over a 24-month pilot project.

Setting and subjects:

The pilot project involved RPO promotion in 10 villages and an urban area in east-central Burkina Faso, targeting approximately 10?000 women and children aged < 5 years. A random sample of 210 mother–child (12–36-months-old) pairs was selected in seven out of the 11 pilot sites for the evaluation.

Results:

After 24 months, RPO was reportedly consumed by nearly 45% of mothers and children in the previous week. VA intake increased from 235 ± 23 μg retinol activity equivalents (RAE) to 655 ± 144 μg RAE in mothers (41 to 120% of safe intake level), and from 164 ± 14 μg RAE to 514 ± 77 μg RAE in children (36 to 97%). Rates of serum retinol < 0.70 μmoll−1decreased from 61.8 ± 8.0% to 28.2 ± 11.0% in mothers, and from 84.5 ± 6.4% to 66.9 ± 11.2% in children. Those with a lower initial concentration of serum retinol showed a higher serum retinol response adjusted for VA intake.

Conclusions:

Commercial distribution of RPO was effective in reducing VA deficiency in the pilot sites. While it is promising as part of a national strategy, additional public health and food-based measures are needed to control VA malnutrition, which remained high in the RPO project area
Food, alcohol and cigarette availability and consumption in Almaty, Kazakstan: results and appraisal of a rapid assessment
Authors: Yim Andrew , Humphries Debbie , Abuova Gaukhar
Published: November 2003

Objectives:

(1) To develop a useful tool to measure food, alcohol and tobacco items; (2) to document the availability of these items in Almaty, Kazakstan; (3) to describe the relationship between consumption and availability; and (4) to identify possible relationships between availability and health outcomes in the city and region.

Design:

A survey of 648 vendors in Almaty, Kazakstan was conducted over one month from December 1999 to January 2000. Vendors identified which items they sold from a list of 61 food, alcohol and tobacco items.

Setting:

Vendors were approached in three of the six regions of Almaty, Kazakstan. Regions canvassed included Auzov, one of the three ‘sleeping regions’; Medeo, one of the two downtown regions; and Turksib, a more suburban/rural area of the city.

Results:

There was a significant correlation between alcohol and cigarette consumption and availability. The relative availability of items was numerically and spatially consistent throughout the city. Fruits and vegetables occurred infrequently (<20% of sites) and in relative isolation from the rest of the system, while candy and cigarettes occurred with a higher relative frequency (75–80% of sites). Maps of vendors showed clusters around geographical features such as major roads and intersections.

Conclusions:

Combining a checklist and mapping tools provides a model of consumer item availability that can help identify priorities for public health and urban planning professionals. The wide availability of cigarettes, alcohol, candy, coffee and tea, and limited availability of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, is likely to support increasing rates of chronic disease in Almaty.
Epidemiological implications of the susceptibility to BSE of putatively resistant sheep
Authors: Kao R. R. , Houston F. , Baylis M. , Chihota C. M. , Goldmann W. , Gravenor M. B. , Hunter N. , McLean A. R.
Published: November 2003

The experimental infection of sheep with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) by the oral route and the likelihood that sheep were fed BSE-infected meat and bone meal has led to extensive speculation as to whether or not sheep are naturally infected with BSE. In response, the UK government has initiated the National Scrapie Plan (NSP), an ambitious £120 million per year project to create a BSE- and scrapie-resistant national sheep flock, by selectively breeding for a genotype of sheep believed to be resistant to both diseases. This genotype has recently been shown to be susceptible to BSE by intracerebral (i.c.) inoculation. Should these sheep be sufficiently susceptible to BSE via natural transmission, the NSP might fail. Here we estimate the susceptibility of this genotype to horizontal (sheep-to-sheep) transmission of BSE by comparison with more extensive oral and i.c. exposure data for other sheep genotypes. We show that a previous estimate of the risk of BSE transmission to sheep via the feedborne route remains robust. However, using a mathematical model for the within-flock transmission of BSE, we show that, while the best estimate indicates that the NSP should be successful, current data cannot exclude the failure of the NSP.
Cytokine profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from pigs with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in response to mitogen, superantigen or recall viral antigens
Authors: Darwich Laila , Balasch Mònica , Plana-Durán Joan , Segalés Joaquim , Domingo Mariano , Mateu Enric
Published: November 2003

In vitro cytokine profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from pigs with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and healthy pigs were determined in response to recall viral antigens (porcine circovirus type 2; PCV2), mitogens (phytohaemagglutinin) or superantigens (staphylococcal enterotoxin B). PBMC from PMWS-affected pigs, in contrast to those from healthy pigs, responded to recall PCV2 antigen by releasing IL-10 and IFN-γ, but they were less able or even unable to produce IL-4, IL-2 or IFN-γ upon challenge with mitogen or superantigen. Moreover, only PCV2 had the ability to downregulate or suppress the release of IL-4 and IL-2 from PBMC from both healthy and diseased animals, and to stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8). In conclusion, the immune system cells of PMWS pigs have a diminished ability to perform their immunological functions upon viral or immunostimulatory molecules. In addition, PCV2 can alter the functionality of PBMC in both healthy and PMWS pigs.
Interference between avian endogenous ev/J 4.1 and exogenous ALV-J retroviral envelopes
Authors: Denesvre Caroline , Soubieux Denis , Pin Gaelle , Hue Dominique , Dambrine Ginette
Published: November 2003

A new family of avian retroviral endogenous sequences designated ev/J or EAV-HP has been identified recently. Here an additional avian ev/J 4.1 endogenous sequence, ev/J 4.1 Rb, is reported. ev/J 4.1 Rb has the most extensive amino acid identity ever described for an endogenous envelope protein with the ALV-J avian leukosis virus. Here, we also demonstrate that ev/J 4.1 Rb functionally pseudotypes murine leukaemia virions and leads to a complete reciprocal interference with ALV-J envelopes. This is the first demonstration of such a high level of envelope interference between endogenous and exogenous avian retroviruses. Our results provide additional clues on the co-evolution of retroviral sequences among vertebrates.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vif supports efficient primate lentivirus replication in rhesus monkey cells
Authors: Kar Sujata , Cummings Phoebe , Alexander Louis
Published: November 2003

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Vif share limited homology and display species-specific activity, leading to speculation that Vif sequences could determine the block in HIV-1 replication in rhesus monkeys. To address this issue, we engineered a novel SIV recombinant in which HIV-1 vif replaced SIV vif in a SIVmac239 background. Insertion of HIV-1 vif into the SIV vif locus did not produce a replication-competent virus. Therefore, we inserted HIV-1 vif sequences into the SIV nef locus, which produced a recombinant that, in the absence of SIV vif sequences, replicated similarly to wild-type SIVmac239 in rhesus monkey PBMC. From these studies we conclude that the HIV-1 replication block in rhesus monkeys is almost certainly not Vif determined. These studies also suggest that SHIV/NVif or derivative sequences could be utilized for structure/function studies of HIV-1 Vif in experimentally infected rhesus monkeys.
Structural disorder and modular organization in Paramyxovirinae N and P
Authors: Karlin David , Ferron François , Canard Bruno , Longhi Sonia
Published: November 2003

The existence and extent of disorder within the replicative complex (N, P and the polymerase, L) of Paramyxovirinae were investigated, drawing on the discovery that the N-terminal moiety of the phosphoprotein (P) and the C-terminal moiety of the nucleoprotein (N) of measles virus are intrinsically unstructured. We show that intrinsic disorder is a widespread property within Paramyxovirinae N and P, using a combination of different computational approaches relying on different physico-chemical concepts. Notably, experimental support that has often gone unnoticed for most of the predictions has been found in the literature. Identification of disordered regions allows the unveiling of a common organization in all Paramyxovirinae P, which are composed of six modules defined on the basis of structure or sequence conservation. The possible functional significance of intrinsic disorder is discussed in the light of experimental data, which show that unstructured regions of P and N are involved in numerous interactions with several protein and protein–RNA partners. This study provides a contribution to the rather poorly investigated field of intrinsically disordered proteins and helps in targeting protein domains for structural studies.
PABP1 and eIF4GI associate with influenza virus NS1 protein in viral mRNA translation initiation complexes
Authors: Burgui Idoia , Aragón Tomás , Ortín Juan , Nieto Amelia
Published: November 2003

It has previously been shown that influenza virus NS1 protein enhances the translation of viral but not cellular mRNAs. This enhancement occurs by increasing the rate of translation initiation and requires the 5′UTR sequence, common to all viral mRNAs. In agreement with these findings, we show here that viral mRNAs, but not cellular mRNAs, are associated with NS1 during virus infection. We have previously reported that NS1 interacts with the translation initiation factor eIF4GI, next to its poly(A)-binding protein 1 (PABP1)-interacting domain and that NS1 and eIF4GI are associated in influenza virus-infected cells. Here we show that NS1, although capable of binding poly(A), does not compete with PABP1 for association with eIF4GI and, furthermore, that NS1 and PABP1 interact bothin vivoandin vitroin an RNA-independent manner. The interaction maps between residues 365 and 535 in PABP1 and between residues 1 and 81 in NS1. These mapping studies, together with those previously reported for NS1–eIF4GI and PABP1–eIF4GI interactions, imply that the binding of all three proteins would be compatible. Collectively, these and previously published data suggest that NS1 interactions with eIF4GI and PABP1, as well as with viral mRNAs, could promote the specific recruitment of 43S complexes to the viral mRNAs.
Chronic hepatitis delta virus infection with genotype IIb variant is correlated with progressive liver disease
Authors: Watanabe Hideki , Nagayama Kazuyoshi , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Chinzei Ryoko , Yamashiro Tsuyoshi , Izumi Namiki , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Nakano Tatsunori , Robertson Betty H. , Nakasone Hiroki , Sakugawa Hiroshi , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: November 2003

We determined the sequence of the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) genome in 40 Japanese patients, most of whom were from the Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan. Consensus sequences from 33 HDV full genomes out of a total of 40 patients were determined by directly sequencing four partially overlapping PCR products. Phylogenetic tree analysis classified these 33 complete HDV genomes as HDV genotype I (two patients), genotype IIa (one patient) and genotype IIb (30 patients). Among the 30 genotype IIb patients, there were two clusters of genetic variants. One group consisted of six isolates showing significant homology with genotype IIb, previously reported from Taiwan. The other group consisted of 24 isolates, whose sequences formed a new genetic subgroup (genotype IIb-Miyako; IIb-M). When the genetic structures were compared in detail between IIb and IIb-M, characteristic variations were found in the C-terminal sequence of the large delta antigen-conferring packaging signal as well as the RNA editing site. Determination of subclasses of genotype IIb in a total of 37 patients, including seven HDV patients whose partial HDV sequence was determined, revealed eight patients with IIb and 29 patients with IIb-M. Although there was no significant difference in the clinical background or virological state of hepatitis B virus between these two groups, patients with genotype IIb-M showed greater progression of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis than those with genotype IIb (P=0·0009). These data indicate the existence of a genetic subgroup of HDV genotype IIb, which is associated with different clinical characteristics and which could be related to genetic variations in functionally important parts of the HDV genome.
A Growth Regulatory Loop That Provides Homeostasis to Phytochrome A Signaling[W]
Authors: Lariguet Patricia , Boccalandro Hernan E. , Alonso José M. , Ecker Joseph R. , Chory Joanne , Casal Jorge J. , Fankhauser Christian
Published: November 2003

Phytochrome kinase substrate1 (PKS1) is a cytoplasmic protein that interacts physically with, and is phosphorylated by, the plant photoreceptor phytochrome. Here, we show that light transiently increases PKS1 mRNA levels and concentrates its expression to the elongation zone of the hypocotyl and root. This response is mediated by phytochrome A (phyA) acting in the very low fluence response (VLFR) mode. In the hypocotyl, PKS1 RNA and protein accumulation are maintained only under prolonged incubation in far-red light, the wavelength that most effectively activates phyA. Null mutants of PKS1 and its closest homolog, PKS2, show enhanced phyA-mediated VLFR. Notably, a pks1 pks2 double mutant has no phenotype, whereas overexpression of either PKS1 or PKS2 results in the same phenotype as the pks1 or pks2 single null mutant. We propose that PKS1 and PKS2 are involved in a growth regulatory loop that provides homeostasis to phyA signaling in the VLFR. In accordance with this idea, PKS1 effects are larger in the pks2 background (and vice versa). Moreover, the two proteins can interact with each other, and PKS2 negatively regulates PKS1 protein levels specifically under VLFR conditions.
The VTI Family of SNARE Proteins Is Necessary for Plant Viability and Mediates Different Protein Transport Pathways[W]
Authors: Surpin Marci , Zheng Haiyan , Morita Miyo T. , Saito Cheiko , Avila Emily , Blakeslee Joshua J. , Bandyopadhyay Anindita , Kovaleva Valentina , Carter David , Murphy Angus , Tasaka Masao , Raikhel Natasha
Published: November 2003

The Arabidopsis genome contains a family of v-SNAREs: VTI11, VTI12, and VTI13. Only VTI11 and VTI12 are expressed at appreciable levels. Although these two proteins are 60% identical, they complement different transport pathways when expressed in the yeast vti1 mutant. VTI11 was identified recently as the mutated gene in the shoot gravitropic mutant zig. Here, we show that the vti11 zig mutant has defects in vascular patterning and auxin transport. An Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion mutant, vti12, had a normal phenotype under nutrient-rich growth conditions. However, under nutrient-poor conditions, vti12 showed an accelerated senescence phenotype, suggesting that VTI12 may play a role in the plant autophagy pathway. VTI11 and VTI12 also were able to substitute for each other in their respective SNARE complexes, and a double-mutant cross between zig and vti12 was embryo lethal. These results suggest that some VTI1 protein was necessary for plant viability and that the two proteins were partially functionally redundant.
A Class-V Myosin Required for Mating, Hyphal Growth, and Pathogenicity in the Dimorphic Plant PathogenUstilago maydis [W]
Authors: Weber Isabella , Gruber Christian , Steinberg Gero
Published: November 2003

In the early stages of plant infection, yeast-like haploid sporidia of Ustilago maydis respond to pheromone secreted by compatible partners by forming conjugation tubes. These then fuse to generate a dikaryotic hypha that forms appressoria to penetrate the host plant. As a first step toward understanding the structural requirements for these transitions, we have identified myo5, which encodes a class-V myosin. Analysis of conditional and null mutants revealed that Myo5 plays nonessential roles in cytokinesis and morphogenesis in sporidia and is required for hyphal morphology. Consistent with a role in morphogenesis, a functional green fluorescent protein–Myo5 fusion protein localized to the bud tip and the hyphal apex as well as to the septa and the spore wall during later stages of infection. However, the loss of Myo5 did not affect the tip growth of hyphae and sporidia. By contrast, Myo5 was indispensable for conjugation tube formation. Furthermore, myo5 mutants were impaired in the perception of pheromones, which indicates a particular importance of Myo5 in the mating process. Consequently, few mutant hyphae were formed that penetrated the plant epidermis but did not continue invasive growth. These results indicate a crucial role of Myo5 in the morphogenesis, dimorphic switch, and pathogenicity of U. maydis.
Terpenoid Metabolism in Wild-Type and Transgenic Arabidopsis Plants[W]
Authors: Aharoni Asaph , Giri Ashok P. , Deuerlein Stephan , Griepink Frans , de Kogel Willem-Jan , Verstappen Francel W. A. , Verhoeven Harrie A. , Jongsma Maarten A. , Schwab Wilfried , Bouwmeester Harro J.
Published: November 2003

Volatile components, such as terpenoids, are emitted from aerial parts of plants and play a major role in the interaction between plants and their environment. Analysis of the composition and emission pattern of volatiles in the model plant Arabidopsis showed that a range of volatile components are released, primarily from flowers. Most of the volatiles detected were monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which in contrast to other volatiles showed a diurnal emission pattern. The active terpenoid metabolism in wild-type Arabidopsis provoked us to conduct an additional set of experiments in which transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing two different terpene synthases were generated. Leaves of transgenic plants constitutively expressing a dual linalool/nerolidol synthase in the plastids (FaNES1) produced linalool and its glycosylated and hydroxylated derivatives. The sum of glycosylated components was in some of the transgenic lines up to 40- to 60-fold higher than the sum of the corresponding free alcohols. Surprisingly, we also detected the production and emission of nerolidol, albeit at a low level, suggesting that a small pool of its precursor farnesyl diphosphate is present in the plastids. Transgenic lines with strong transgene expression showed growth retardation, possibly as a result of the depletion of isoprenoid precursors in the plastids. In dual-choice assays with Myzus persicae, the FaNES1-expressing lines significantly repelled the aphids. Overexpression of a typical cytosolic sesquiterpene synthase resulted in the production of only trace amounts of the expected sesquiterpene, suggesting tight control of the cytosolic pool of farnesyl diphosphate, the precursor for sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis. This study further demonstrates the value of Arabidopsis for studies of the biosynthesis and ecological role of terpenoids and provides new insights into their metabolism in wild-type and transgenic plants.
The Tomato Transcription Factor Pti4 Regulates Defense-Related Gene Expression via GCC Box and Non-GCC BoxcisElements[W]
Authors: Chakravarthy Suma , Tuori Robert P. , D'Ascenzo Mark D. , Fobert Pierre R. , Després Charles , Martin Gregory B.
Published: November 2003

The tomato transcription factor Pti4, an ethylene-responsive factor (ERF), interacts physically with the disease resistance protein Pto and binds the GCC box cis element that is present in the promoters of many pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. We reported previously that Arabidopsis plants expressing Pti4 constitutively express several GCC box–containing PR genes and show reduced disease symptoms compared with wild-type plants after inoculation with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato or Erysiphe orontii. To gain insight into how genome-wide gene expression is affected by Pti4, we used serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) to compare transcripts in wild-type and Pti4-expressing Arabidopsis plants. SAGE provided quantitative measurements of >20,000 transcripts and identified the 50 most highly expressed genes in Arabidopsis vegetative tissues. Comparison of the profiles from wild-type and Pti4-expressing Arabidopsis plants revealed 78 differentially abundant transcripts encoding defense-related proteins, protein kinases, ribosomal proteins, transporters, and two transcription factors (TFs). Many of the genes identified were expressed differentially in wild-type Arabidopsis during infection by Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato, supporting a role for them in defense-related processes. Unexpectedly, the promoters of most Pti4-regulated genes did not have a GCC box. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that Pti4 binds in vivo to promoters lacking this cis element. Potential binding sites for ERF, MYB, and GBF TFs were present in statistically significantly increased numbers in promoters regulated by Pti4. Thus, Pti4 appears to regulate gene expression directly by binding the GCC box and possibly a non-GCC box element and indirectly by either activating the expression of TF genes or interacting physically with other TFs.
Standardization/adaptation of international marketing strategy
Authors: Ryans John K. , Griffith David A. , Steven White D.
Published: November 2003

For over 40 years academicians and practitioners have debated the standardization versus adaptation of international marketing strategy. Despite the importance of, and tremendous interest in the topic, and the volume of scholarly activity this topic has generated, the debate remains unresolved. Why? Here, it is argued that the last 40 years of scholarly research has advanced without a strong underlying theoretical framework. The historical foundations of the standardization/adaptation perspective are presented, followed by a critical evaluation of the field under the guiding framework of the fundamentals of theoretical construction. Suggestions for developing a stronger theoretical foundation, as well as directions for future research are addressed.
A comparison of satisfaction outcomes associated with adapted and non‐adapted products
Authors: Yamin M. , Altunisik R.
Published: November 2003

This paper compares customer satisfaction outcomes associated with the consumption of products adapted to the local market and non‐adapted imports of washing machines in Turkey. It utilises literature on customer satisfaction to investigate customer outcomes associated with imports and adapted domestic products in developing countries and derives a number of hypotheses relating to overall and attribute satisfaction from this framework. The hypotheses are tested on data based on a customer satisfaction questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sample of households in Turkey. The findings indicate superior customer satisfaction outcomes for imported washing machines. It is clear that quality is the most important dimension of satisfaction for both groups of consumers. The findings also indicate, however, that locally‐focused strategies of domestic manufacturers do pose a potential challenge to multinational exporters. Product serviceability and the associated support services give domestic manufacturers an unambiguous advantage over importers.