bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface mycoflora in stored grains of naked oats
Authors: Vozenílková Bohumila , Moudry Jan , Cermák Bohuslav
Published: August 2008

In the framework of small-site experiments we examined the biopreparation Supresivit S 2 containing the propagules of the antagonistic fungus Trichoderma harzianum. The small-site experiments, which were carried out in the experimental plot of the Department of Crop Production (University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budjejovice, Faculty of Agriculture), were aimed at impairing the biotic fungistasis by biological means applied to the grains of naked oats, variety Adam. Our objective was to accomplish surface microbial analysis of stored naked oats grains, variety Adam, after the application of the biofungicide Supresivit S 2 in combination with surface treatment of the grains and biological screen applied during vegetation period. In particular variants of the experiment we estimated the values of the levels of bacteria and fungi representation in the surface parts of stored grains and analysed the contents of some mycotoxins produced by the fungi of the genus Fusarium. The highest numbers of bacteria and fungi on the surface of the investigated grains were found in the variant treated by the bioagent (Supresivit S 2) namely 82.000.000 spores of bacteria and 110.000 spores of fungi (Cladosporium, Verticillium, Coelomycetum) per 1 g of grain. Also the fungi of the genus Fusarium were most numerous in the variant oats - bioagent namely 250 spores per 1 g of grain. In all particular variants the amounts of mycotoxins were considerably below the known effective doses for animals and plants. The largest amount of vomitoxin was found in the variant chemical standard (Rovral TS, effective substance Carbendazim 17.5% and Iprodion 35%) - 18 ug. Zearalenon was found in all variants below 5 ug. Lower doses of ergosterin were found in the variant treated by the bioagent 4.7 mg/kg.
Determination of aflatoxins in foodstuffs employing fluorometric method
Authors: Dimitrieska-Stojkovic Elizabeta , Danev Mihail , Hajrulai-Musliu Zehra , Stojanovska-Dimzoska Biljana , Serafimovski Ivan
Published: August 2008

Results from the examination of total aflatoxins in foodstuffs are presented Determination of the aflatoxins was done employing rapid and reliable method based on immunnosorbent columns clean-up and measurement of the aflatoxins by fluorometer (Vicam, USA). Quantification and detection limits of the method were 1.0 and 0.1 ppb respectively. This method is especially suitable when laboratories are dealing with big number of samples. 20% of the samples were found to content total aflatoxins over MRL (5 g/kg). The positive samples were further analysed with TLC as a confirmatory method, whereby over 95% of positive samples where confirmed by TLC technique. Application of this rapid aflatoxin method significantly simplifies their analysis, especially when laboratories are dealing with big number of samples.
Fusarioses of certain wheat grain categories and their mycotoxicological infection
Authors: Stojanovic Tatjana , Skrinjar Marija , Psodorov Djordje
Published: August 2008

Certain climatological conditions favor the infection of wheat by field moulds, and influence very much the yield, the overall quality and the hygienic properties of the wheat. The investigations included 6 wheat varieties from the first locality and 5 varieties from the second locality. The investigated samples were most often contaminated by fungi of the genus Fusarium. Each wheat sample was classified with respect to the degree of contamination by these fungi as slightly fusarious contaminated and very fusarious contaminated grain. The mycotoxins, their metabolites, were isolated from the greatest number of contaminated grains.
Mycotoxins in the silage: Causes of creating, aftermath and protection from acting
Authors: Adamovic Milan , Bocarov-Stancic Aleksandra , Djordjevic Nenad , Dakovic Aleksandra , Adamovic Ivana
Published: August 2008

The causes of appearance of mold in the silage, genus and species of fungi which biosynthesize mycotoxins, acting consequences of micotoxins, prevention of fungi growth and possibilities to prevent their negative effects are shown in this paper. Also, the results of mycotoxins presence in the silage (corn and lucerne) in Vojvodina in the period 2000-2004 are presented. The most commonly found mycotoxins were zearale-none in 60.6% of analyzed samples and DAS in 30.3% of samples. Silage contamination with ochratoxin A, aflatoxin B1 and T-2 toxin was between 15.2 and 21.2%. The content of mycotoxins DAS and T2 toxin was above the values allowed by regulative. The solutions which contribute to the prevention of development of the molds and elimination of negative effects of mycotoxins in silage were analyzed and suggested.
Pathohistological changes in kidney and LDH activity in broiler treated with different doses of ochratoxin A
Authors: Nedeljkovic-Trailovc Jelena , Bocarov-Stancic Aleksandra , Sinovec Zlatan
Published: August 2008

The three-week long trial was performed on day-old Hybro broilers divided into four groups. After 14 days long preexperimental period, the experimental groups were offered feed contaminated with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ppm OA during 7 respectively. At the end of the trial blood and kidney samples were taken for investigations. In broilers feed with 1.5 ppm of OA histopathological examination of the kidney tissue revealed changes located in proximal tubules. Some cells were dim and swollen. These changes produced particular or total reduction in tubular lumen of kidney. Acute tubular necrosis existed in some of tubulocites in form of small foci. Fragmentation of necrotic mass and presence of fresh red blood cells were also detected. The LDH activity was significantly greater in broilers of experimental groups compared with control group. All presented data indicated that intensity of pathohistological alterations and LDH activity depends upon dietary OTA level. Positive correlation between pathohistological changes and increased LDH activity caused by OTA was noticed. Thus, LDH activity mea- sure could be used as early diagnostic tool in measuring changes caused by OTA.
Correlation of concentration of fumonisins and yield grain of wheat
Authors: Protic Nada , Protic Rade
Published: August 2008

Wheat from different locations was served for the isolation of Fusarium spp. Isolates were precisely identified and multiplied for artificial inoculation. Three sorts of winter wheat were chosen: PKB Lepoklasa Jugoslavija and Francuska. To these sorts three different treatments were applied: artificial inoculation with the isolates of Fusarium spp. protection of wheat with fungicide Impact-C and follow-up of a spontaneous infection in different phenophasis of wheat development. The control was done with the same sort, of the same location, not covered by an experiment. The research lasted for three years. Phytopathological evaluation was done twice during vegetation. The sort of Jugoslavija had an average of 85% of infected plants, Francuska 65%, but PKB Lepoklasa during each of three years had 100% of infection by Fusarium spp. fungi. Presence of fungi Fusarium spp. causes production of numerous mycotoxins and we determined presence of fumonisins. The mentioned mycotoxin was found only in the treatment of artificial inoculation for each sort. Presence of fumonisins was proved by fluorometric method and concentration was by sorts as follows: Jugoslavija 0.30 mg/kg, Francuska 0.62 mg/kg, and PKB Lepoklasa 0.56mg/kg. In grains 100% infected by fungus, the concentration of mentioned toxins is of a greater quantity.
Determination of deoxynivalenol in corn
Authors: Abramovic Biljana , Jajic Igor , Juric Verica
Published: August 2008

By applying previously established optimal conditions for determination of deoxynivalenol by liquid chromatography with DAD detector, its content was determined in this work in corn samples artificially inoculated with Fusarium graminearum. The samples presented material of different genetic origin, and are frequently used as parent components of corn hybrids in the moderate belt. The obtained values for deoxynivalenol content were not higher than the maximum permitted level (1 g/g), regardless of the fact that the fungus was artificially inoculated. This is probably a consequence of the absence of humid weather, as well as extremely high temperatures during the sampling period (year 2003).
Prevention and control of mycotoxicoses using modified clinoptilolite
Authors: Sinovec Zlatan , Resanovic Radmila
Published: August 2008

Mikotoksini predstavljaju stalnu opasnost u uzgoju zivotinja jer su prisutni u hranivima i negativno uticu na zdravstveno stanje i proizvodne rezultate cak i u malim kolicinama. Poremecaji proizvodnih rezultata zivotinja su vrlo cesti, a slabija konverzija hrane, kao i slabiji parametri proizvodnje generalno se vezuju za koriscenje hrane kontaminirane mikotoksinima. S obzirom da je glavni put unosenja mikotoksina ingestija kontaminirane hrane optimalno resenje je prevencija kontaminacije sprecavanjem ili redukcijom rasta toksin-produkujucih plesni na hranivima. Sa druge strane, u slucajevima kada se posumnja ili identifikuje prisustvo mikotoksina u hranivima i/ili hrani eliminacija se moze izvrsiti mehanickom separacijom, hemijskom ekstrakcijom i dekontaminacijom ili detoksifikacijom koriscenjem fizicke hemijske ili bioloske metode. Efikasni metodi za dekontaminaciju hrane veoma su skupi i neprakticni, posebno ako se radi o velikoj kolicini hrane. Zato mogucnost izbora predstavlja koriscenje adsorbenata u cilju ublazavanja negativnih efekata mikotoksina na proizvodne rezultate zivotinja. Adsorbenti imaju mogucnost da vezu mikotoksine tokom pasaze hrane kroz digestivni trakt odnosno da smanje resorpciju mikotoksina prisutnih u hrani. Istrazivanja izvedena poslednjih godina, kao i rezultati sopstvene laboratorije, ukazuju da je stepen kontaminacije hrane veoma visok sa tendencijom rasta, sto ukazuje na cinjenicu da ce mikotoksini jos dugo biti jedan od primarnih problema u ishrani zivotinja. Dosadasnja iskustva, eksperimentalna i prakticna, ukazuju da koriscenje adsorbenata moze da ublazi i/ili prevenira negativne efekte mikotoksina. Adsorpcioni kapacitet modifikovanog klinoptilolita, dobijenog tehnoloskom preradom zeolita, znacajno raste modifikacijom molekulske strukture i polarnosti.
Capacity of Fusarium species isolated from brewer's barley to synthesise zearalenone
Authors: Kocic-Tanackov Suncica , Skrinjar Marija , Grujic Olgica , Levic Jelena , Pejin Jelena
Published: August 2008

Fungi of the genus Fusarium, known as toxigenic species, are very of- ten parasites and contaminants of brewer's barley. In this paper, the composition of the genus Fusarium species in brewer's barley samples and their potential in the zearalenone synthesis were investigated. The tests were done on different brewer's barley varieties, crop 2003, samples (SSK1, SSK2, SSK3 SSK4, SSK5, SSK6, SSK7, SSK8, SSK9, SSK10 and SSK12) from Kragujevac locality. The isolation and identification of the Fusarium species were done according to the methods described by N e l s o n et al. (1983). The identified Fusarium species (6) were tested for their capacity to synthesise zearalenone. The isolates were cultivated on sterilised barley grains at the temperature of 25?C for 14 days, and then the zearalenone concentration was determined by the fluorometric method on the fluorometer "VI- CAM" series 4. The following seven Fusarium species were isolated from barley samples: F. acuminatum, F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. equiseti, F. poae, F. sporotrichioides and F. tricinctum. F. poae was the most distributed species (10.26%). The zearalenone concentration within the range of 12.0 to 430.0 g kg-1 was determined in cultures of barley grain inoculated with F. avenacuem (SSK6 and SSK12), F. culmorum (SSK8), F. tricinctum (SSK1), F. sporotrichioides (SSK7 and SSK12) and F. poae (SSK5, SSK9 and SSK10). Isolates of F. equiseti (SSK2) and F. poae (SSK6) did not express capacity to synthesise this toxic metabolite.
Virulence of Fusarium species to alfalfa seedlings
Authors: Krnjaja Vesna , Levic Jelena , Ivanovic M. , Tomic Zorica
Published: August 2008

In in vitro conditions, virulence of 91 isolates of species Fusarium genus (F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. acuminatum, F. equiseti, F. arthrosporioides, F. prolifera- tum, F. avenaceum, F. semitectum, F. tricinctum, F. sporotrichioides and F. graminearum) towards alfalfa seedlings was investigated. Isolates of investigated species originated from diseased alfalfa plants collected at four locations in Serbia based on symptoms of wilting caused by Fusarium and root rotting. Pathogenicity and virulence of investigated isolates of Fusarium spp. were determined by visual evaluation of inoculated seedlings of cultivar K28 in laboratory conditions. All isolated of investigated species had pathogenic effect on alfalfa seedlings which expressed symptoms such as necrosis of root, moist rotting and "melting of seedlings". Colour of necrotic root tissue varied from light brown, brown lipstick red to explicit black, depending on the Fusarium species. Strong virulence was established in 48 isolates, medium virulence in 31 and weak virulence in 12 isolates.
Efficacy of different adsorbents in alleviating zearalenone effects on performance of pigs
Authors: Nesic Ksenija , Pupavac Snjezana , Sinovec Zlatan
Published: August 2008

The investigation of the influence of zearalenone effects on performance of pigs and the possibility of the application of modified clinoptilolite (MC) and esterified glucomanane (EGM) in alleviating and/or prevention of harmful effects was performed by the experiment of pigs nutrition. The experiment lasted for 31 days, and the group of pigs was fed with uncontaminated feed while experimental groups were fed with feed containing 3.84 ppm of zearalenone. In pig feed of the second and third experimental group MC and EGM in the amount of 0,2 and 0,1% were added. The pigs of the control group accomplished daily growth of 0.569 kg with feed con- version of 1.793 kg. The presence of F-2 toxin in feed affected adversely production results. The addition of MC or EGM to contaminated feed improved production results, but not to the level of the control group. The obtained results point at the fact that adsorbents can only partially prevent harmful effects of F-2 toxin.
Risks from the microbiological and chemical contamination of fish materials
Authors: Halasi Tibor , Matavulj Milan , Malovic Biljana , Kalamkovic Snezana , Halasi Ruza , Miljanovic Branko
Published: August 2008

Fish is today one of the most important commercial material. In our market as in the world market they are present in fresh and manufactured products. Fish products always have some risk. They could be contaminated with dangerous chemicals and biological contaminants. From biological originated polutions Aflatoxin and other Mycotoxins are very dangerous. The contamination starts in fish ponds, in canals and swamps. Also, the contamination occurs at storage and prepararation of fish materials. It is very important to recognize hygienically correct fish material and control fish food and different products from fish by educated inspectors (Vlahovic, 1999).
Mycotoxins and their impact on poultry production
Authors: Ivkovic Goran , Zivanov Nenad , Zivkovic Jasmina , Milojevic Milos , Teodosin Jovan , Pecanac Savka , Milic Dragan , Bocarov-Stancic Aleksandra , Djekic Jovo
Published: August 2008

Only two years after the great expansion of "AGROZIV" company, it was evident that mycotoxins have great impact on all segments of poultry production. During that year we were for the first time faced up with problems in poultry fattening. It was not possible to explain the present problems only by bacterial and viral infections, so we assumed that there is another reason for the observed clinical picture. From that time we started to pay more attention on contamination of poultry feed with mycotoxins. In the four years' period, from 1988 to 2002, 57 samples were analyzed for the presence of mycotoxins. Mycotoxicological investigations revealed the presence of T-2 toxin in 19 samples at concentrations less than 0.3 mg/kg, in 18 samples at concentration of 0.5 mg/kg, and in 3 samples 1.0 mg/kg. Beside this, type A trichotecene DAS was found in 6 of tested samples, and ochratoxin A and in 1 sample. Clinical picture and damages varied depending on mycotoxins' concentrations and poultry age. To exceede this problem in animal production we tried to use the organic and anorganic mycotoxin adsorbents as additives of poultry feed, but the results were not satisfactory enough. So, we resumed that if we really want to resolve problem of mycotoxins we have to start from the field production of poultry feed components.
Influence of addition of amylase preparation to dough on fermentative activity of baker's yeast
Authors: Dodic Jelena , Pejin Dusanka , Popov Stevan , Dodic Sinisa , Mastilovic Jasna , Popov-Raljic Jovanka
Published: August 2008

Dough samples with different content of amylases were investigated immediately after mixing and after 7, 14 and 30 days of frozen storage. The obtained results show that the fermentation time is shorter, both in fresh and frozen samples, when amylase sample 1 was added, compared to dough without enzymes. The addition of amylase 2 to dough resulted in minimal decrease of "rising" time, both is frozen and fresh dough samples. The rising time of fresh samples was shorter when amylase 3 was added to dough. The specific fermentative activity of fresh dough samples is increasing by about 10% compared to the control sample, for all amounts of amylase 1 and 2 added to the do- ugh. The fermentative activity of yeast in frozen samples increased by 5-10%, after keeping of dough with the addition of amylase 1 for 14 days. The specific fermentative activity of fresh dough samples increased compared to the control, for all amounts of added amylase 3 to the dough. In frozen dough samples the fermentative activity of yeast decreased by 10% for all added amounts of amylase 3. Baked goods made of fresh and frozen dough, prepared with the addition of amylase 1, are better than the ones made of control dough sample, considering all evaluated parameters.
Fermentation temperature and wort composition influence on diacetyl and 2, 3-pentanedione contents in beer
Authors: Pejin Jelena , Grujic Olgica , Markov Sinisa , Kocic Suncica-Tanackov , Cvetkovic Dragoljub , Tanackov Ilija
Published: August 2008

Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione are important constituents of beer sensory properties. A new GC/MS method for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione content determination was developed. This method was applied for the determination of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione contents during beer fermentation (primary fermentation and maturation). Primary fermentations were carried out at different temperatures (8?C and 14?C). Primary fermentation temperature had a great influence on diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione formation and reduction. Formation and reduction rates increased with the primary fermentation temperature increasment. Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione contents also increased with the corn grits increasment. Fermentations were carried out with Saccharomyces cerevisiae pure culture, specially prepared for each fermentation. This GC/MS method for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione determination was valuable for analysing the influence of wort composition or fermentation conditions such as primary fermentation temperature on their formation and reduction.
Investigation of zinc biosorption by brewer's yeast cells
Authors: Dodic Sinisa , Popov Stevan , Dodic Jelena
Published: August 2008

The highest amount of zinc (= 90%) is bound after 3 hrs of contact at low initial (total) concentrations of zinc in suspension of yeast, 10-100 mg/l at 10-30?C. The equilibrium between bound and free zinc ions is established after 6 hrs of contact time, independently on the total zinc concentration in yeast milk. No bigger changes of content of zinc bound to brewer's yeast cells was determined at temperatures 10?C and 30?C. 40% of bound zinc in the equilibrium state is bound during the first 15 min of contact of zinc ions and brewer's yeast cells at all initial (total) zinc concentrations in suspension of yeast both at 10?C and 30?C. The "KEKAM" equation can be used for the description of kinetics of zinc biosorption by waste brewer's yeast cells, for the ranges of zinc concentration 10-100 mg/l at 30?C (mean correlation coefficient 0,96) and 60,0-100 mg/l at 10?C (mean correlation coefficient 0,95).
Activation of waste brewer's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for bread production
Authors: Popov Stevan , Dodic Sinisa , Mastilovic Jasna , Dodic Jelena , Popov-Raljic Jovanka
Published: August 2008

The waste brewer's yeast S. cerevisiae (activated and non-activated) was compared with the commercial baker's yeast regarding the volume of developed gas in dough, volume and freshness stability of produced bread. The activation of waste brewer's yeast resulted in the increased volume of developed gas in dough by 100% compared to non-activated brewer's yeast, and the obtained bread is of more stable freshness compared to bread produced with baker's yeast. The activation of BY affects positively the quality of produced bread regarding bread volume. The volume of developed gas in dough prepared with the use of non-activated BY was not sufficient, therefore, it should not be used as fermentation agent, but only as an additive in bread production process for bread freshness preservation. Intense mixing of dough results in more compressible crumb 48 hrs after baking compared to high-speed mixing.
Ligninolytic enzyme production in Pleurotus eryngii depending on the medium composition and cultivation conditions
Authors: Stajic Mirjana , Duletic-Lausevic Sonja , Vukojevic Jelena
Published: August 2008

Pleurotus eryngii produced laccase (Lac) both under conditions of submerged fermentation (SF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) using all of the investigated carbon and nitrogen sources, while significant peroxidases production occurred only under SSF conditions. The highest levels of Lac activity were found under SF conditions of dry ground mandarine peels (999.5 U/l). After purification of extracellular crude enzyme mixture of P. eryngii which was grown under SF conditions with dry ground mandarine peels it was revealed two peaks of Lac activity and one peak of activity against phenol red in absence of external Mn2+ which was very low (1.4 U/l). Results obtained by purification also showed that the levels of phenol red oxidation in absence of external Mn2+ were higher than phenol red oxidation levels in presence of external Mn2+. In the medium with the best carbon source for Lac production (dry ground mandarine peels), (NH4)2SO4, with a nitrogen concentration of 20 mM, was the most optimum nitrogen source among 8 investigated sources.
Fluconazole in the therapy of Pityriasis versicolor
Authors: Poljacki Mirjana , Stojanovic Slobodan , Tasic Sinisa , Jovanovic Marina , Golusin Zoran , Rajic Novak
Published: August 2008

The authors present the results of the systemic application of flukonazole in therapy of Pityriasis versicolor. It was arranged for the total number of 38 patients, 18 females and 20 males. The diagnosis of diseases was established on the base of the clinical examination, the native mycological examination and by the using of Wood lamps. The therapy was passed by the using of 300 mg flukonazole in a single dose, once weekly, during two weeks. The following period amounted to one week after the passed therapy. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed with regard to the clinical and mycological healing. The clinical efficacy was assessed semiquantitative on the base of increasing of the percentage rates of the total score of disease that was computed by collecting of the numeric values for every clinical argument typical for the disease, and the mycological efficacy on the base of the mycological findings and the fluorescence finding after lightening with the Wood's lamp. The controlling examinations were performed on day 0, 14 and 22. The results of investigations have shown that the complete clinical healing was achieved after two weeks of therapy in 94,74%, and the mycological healing in 92,11% patients. The rate of the mycological healing was evaluated after 1 week of following period equal to the rate of the clinical healing and it was also 94,74%. The undesirable effects of the drug applications weren't by any patient.
Modified Sabouraud dextrose agar for isolation and identification of dermatophytes
Authors: Bulajic Nina , Ivanovic Dragana , Savic Milan
Published: August 2008

The most common causative agents of dermatomycoses are fungi belonging to genders Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Media mainly used for isolation of dermatophytes are mycobiotic agar, dermatophyte test medium Sabouraud agar (original formula or modification by Emmons) with or without antibiotics and cycloheximide. Peptones are the most important components of the media, which enable adequate reproductivity in identification of dermatophytes. Standard medium for isolation of dermatophytes is not produced in our country. The aim of the study was to create an optimal easily accessible and economic medium which enables isolation and identification of dermatophytes according to criteria for morphological diagnosis provided by identification guides. We examined 57 strains of Trichophyton, 24 of Microsporum and 5 of Epidermophyton floccosum (E. floccosum). Each strain was seeded on Sabouraud dextrose agar (Torlak Serbia and Montenegro), Sabouraud maltose agar (Torlak), two experimental modified Sabouraud dextrose agar media marked as SA-2 and SA-3 (Torlak) Sabouraud-Chloramp- henicole agar (Biomerieux, France) Sabouraud-Chloramphenicole agar (Himedia, India), Glucose-peptone agar (Himedia, India) and Sabouraud Emmons dextrose Agar with Chloramphenicole and Cycloheximide (Biolife, Italy). Colony morphology of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes) was uni- form on all the media, while morphology of Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) and Microsporum canis (M. canis) depended more on the media type. Colonies of E. floccosum were typical and uniform on all the media, as were the control species of Trichophyton schoenleinii (T. schoenleinii) and Trichophyton soudanense (T. soudanense). Experimental modified Sabouraud dextrose agar (Torlak) marked as SA-3 demonstrated the best results in identification of dermatophytes in this study.
Use of a Low-Cost, Commercially Available Gaming Console (Wii) for Rehabilitation of an Adolescent With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Deutsch Judith E , Borbely Megan , Filler Jenny , Huhn Karen , Guarrera-Bowlby Phyllis
Published: August 2008

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this retrospective and prospective case report is to describe the feasibility and outcomes of using a low-cost, commercially available gaming system (Wii) to augment the rehabilitation of an adolescent with cerebral palsy.

Patient and Setting

The patient was an adolescent with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy classified as GMFCS level III who was treated during a summer session in a school-based setting.

Intervention

The patient participated in 11 training sessions, 2 of which included other players. Sessions were between 60 and 90 minutes in duration. Training was performed using the Wii sports games software, including boxing, tennis, bowling, and golf. He trained in both standing and sitting positions.

Outcomes

Three main outcome measures were used: (1) visual-perceptual processing, using a motor-free perceptual test (Test of Visual Perceptual Skills, third edition); (2) postural control, using weight distribution and sway measures; and (3) functional mobility, using gait distance. Improvements in visual-perceptual processing, postural control, and functional mobility were measured after training.

Discussion and Conclusions

The feasibility of using the system in the school-based setting during the summer session was supported. For this patient whose rehabilitation was augmented with the Wii, there were positive outcomes at the impairment and functional levels. Multiple hypotheses were proposed for the findings that may be the springboard for additional research. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first published report on using this particular low-cost, commercially available gaming technology for rehabilitation of a person with cerebral palsy.
Photovoltaic Processes of Singlet and Triplet Excited States in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Zhihua , Hu Bin
Published: August 2008

This article reports the respective photovoltaic processes of singlet and triplet photoexcited states in dissociation and charge reactions based on the studies of magnetic‐field effects of photocurrents. The magnetic‐field effects of photocurrents reveal that weak donor‐acceptor interactions lead to a two‐step photovoltaic process: dissociation in polaron‐pair states evolved from singlet excitonic states and exciton‐charge reactions occurred in triplet excitonic states in the generation of the photocurrent. However, strong donor‐acceptor interactions yield a one‐step photovoltaic process: direct dissociation of both singlet and triplet excitons in bulk‐heterojunction organic solar cells. In addition, the magnetic‐field effects of photocurrents indicate that the dissociated electrons and holes form charge‐transfer complexes with singlet and triplet spin configurations at donor‐acceptor intermolecular interfaces. As a result, the magnetic‐field effects of photocurrents can deliver a critical understanding of singlet and triplet photovoltaic processes to design advanced solar‐energy materials and devices.
In vivo Imaging and Drug Storage by Quantum‐Dot‐Conjugated Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Guo Yan , Shi Donglu , Cho Hoonsung , Dong Zhongyun , Kulkarni Amit , Pauletti Giovanni M. , Wang Wei , Lian Jie , Liu Wen , Ren Lei , Zhang Qiqing , Liu Guokui , Huth Christopher , Wang Lumin , Ewing Rodney C.
Published: August 2008

A specially designed carbon nanotube (CNT) is developed for use in the early detection and treatment of cancer. The key functionalities for biomedical diagnosis and drug delivery are incorporated into the CNTs. In vivo imaging of live mice is achieved by intravenously injecting quantum dot (QD)‐conjugated CNT for the first time. With near infrared emission around 752 nm, the CNT with surface‐conjugated QD (CNT‐QD) exhibit a strong luminescence for non‐invasive optical in vivo imaging. CNT surface modification is achieved by a plasma polymerization approach that deposited ultra‐thin acrylic acid or poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) films (∼3 nm) onto the nanotubes. The anticancer agent paclitaxel is loaded at 112.5 ± 5.8 µg mg−1 to PLGA‐coated CNT. Cytotoxicity of this novel drug delivery system is evaluated in vitro using PC‐3MM2 human prostate carcinoma cells and quantified by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The in vivo distribution determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) indicates CNT‐QD uptake in various organs of live animals.
Highly Modular P‐O‐P Ligands for Asymmetric Hydrogenation
Authors: Fernández‐Pérez Héctor , Pericàs Miquel A. , Vidal‐Ferran Anton
Published: August 2008

The preparation of a library of new P‐O‐P ligands (phosphine‐phosphites and phosphine‐phosphinites), easily available in two synthetic steps from enantiopure Sharpless epoxy ethers, is reported. The “lead” catalyst of the series has proven to have outstanding catalytic properties in the rhodium‐catalysed asymmetric hydrogenation of a wide variety of functionalised alkenes (16 examples). The excellent performance and modular design of the catalysts makes them attractive for future applications.
Highly Efficient Amine Organocatalysts Based on Bispidine for the Asymmetric Michael Addition of Ketones to Nitroolefins
Authors: Yang Zhigang , Liu Jie , Liu Xiaohua , Wang Zhen , Feng Xiaoming , Su Zhishan , Hu Changwei
Published: August 2008

A highly diastereoselective and enantioselective Michael addition of cyclohexanone, acetone and other ketones to nitroolefins was developed by the use of an amine organocatalyst based on bispidine. Additionally, a theoretical study of transition structures revealed that this bispidine‐based primary‐secondary amine catalyst could serve through an enamine intermediate and H‐bond interaction, which was important for the reactivity and selectivity of this reaction.
Occupational asthma caused by sculptured nails containing methacrylates
Authors: Sauni Riitta , Kauppi Paula , Alanko Kristiina , Henriks‐Eckerman Maj‐Len , Tuppurainen Matti , Hannu Timo
Published: August 2008

Background

In recent decades, the use of artificial nails including methacrylates (MAs) has increased. This study presents the first two clinical cases of occupational asthma (OA) caused by sculptured nails containing MAs.

Methods

In both cases, OA was diagnosed on the basis of a work simulation test combined with the patient's history of occupational exposure and respiratory symptoms.

Results

Both patients developed work‐related respiratory symptoms 4–5 years before the current examinations. Previously, the first patient (a 30‐year‐old female) was diagnosed as having allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to MAs; the second patient (a 27‐year‐old female) had no skin symptoms. In both cases, a dual asthmatic reaction was observed in the bronchial provocation test, in which the patients simulated their work using their own products including MAs.

Conclusions

Sculptured nails containing MAs can induce OA in nail technicians. Products not containing MAs should be used to prevent OA and ACD. If MAs are used, they should be handled with appropriate safety measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:968–974, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On estimating the conditional expected shortfall
Authors: Peracchi Franco , Tanase Andrei V.
Published: August 2008

Unlike the value at risk, the expected shortfall is a coherent measure of risk. In this paper, we discuss estimation of the expected shortfall of a random variable Yt with special reference to the case when auxiliary information is available in the form of a set of predictors Xt. We consider three classes of estimators of the conditional expected shortfall of Yt given Xt: a class of fully non‐parametric estimators and two classes of analog estimators based, respectively, on the empirical conditional quantile function and the empirical conditional distribution function. We study their sampling properties by means of a set of Monte Carlo experiments and analyze their performance in an empirical application to financial data. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using the Rasch model to assess a university service on the basis of student opinions
Authors: Aiello Fabio , Capursi Vincenza
Published: August 2008

In this paper we use the Rasch model (RM) as a tool to measure the perceived quality of student services at the Reception Office of an Italian university faculty. This paper has both a substantive and a methodological aim. The former is concerned with measuring the service quality of the Reception Office, while the latter concerns the definition and validation of an instrument for measuring perceived quality. The sample comprised 273 students enrolled at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Palermo (Aiello F. Il modello di Rasch per la costruzione di uno strumento di misura della qualità di un Servizio. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Palermo, Palermo, 2005).

The RM is applied to produce specific measurements of the perceived quality for each service feature in order to conduct a critical analysis of the results. We sought to verify some important assumptions and desiderata of the RM: (i) Unidimensionality: in the user's opinion, are the single features of the service ‘good’ at defining the whole construct of global quality? (ii) Targeting: is the range of the measurements provided by the RM for each item able to cover all the possible satisfaction levels required by the students? (iii) Measurement of the perceived quality of each feature: is it possible to rank the items according to their level of perceived quality (which may be a good way of identifying the weaknesses of the service in order to allocate additional resources to make due adjustments)? (iv) Item separation: are the service features (items) redundant with respect to the satisfaction levels required by the students? (v) Differential item functioning: is the item‐difficulty hierarchy invariant across the student factors? In our opinion the last issue was of great interest as it can identify assessment differences. Indeed, there appeared to emerge a different severity of judgment towards the single features of the service from the students, according to their length of stay in the system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotational dynamics of HIV‐1 nucleocapsid protein NCp7 as probed by a spin label attached by peptide synthesis
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Xi Xiangmei , Scholes Charles P. , Karim Christine B.
Published: August 2008

2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl‐4‐amino‐4‐carboxylic acid (TOAC) spin label was attached at the N‐terminal position to interrogate the dynamics of the HIV‐1 nucleocapsid Zn‐finger protein, NCp7. NCp7 is a 6.4‐kDa 55‐mer critical to the recognition, packaging, and efficient reverse transcription of viral RNA that has stem‐loop structures, such as the RNA stem‐loop 3 used in this work. The NCp7, made by solid‐phase peptide synthesis with TOAC incorporated into the α‐carbon backbone at the N‐terminal “0” position, showed analytical purity and biological activity. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra of the N‐terminal TOAC indicated rapid temperature‐sensitive motion of the probe (≤0.33 ns correlation time) on the flexible N‐terminal segment. This N‐terminal TOAC‐NCp7 reported a RNA‐NCp7 interaction at a 1:1 ratio of NCp7 to RNA, which caused the tumbling time to be slowed from about 0.3 ns to about 0.5 ns. NCp7 is a largely disordered protein that adapts to its RNA targets. However, as shown by circular dichroism, ≥90% trifluoroethanol [(TFE), an α‐helix enhancer] caused the TOAC‐NCp7 without zinc in its fingers to change to a fully helical conformation, while the TOAC spin label was concurrently reporting a tumbling time of well over a nanosecond, as the N‐terminal TOAC became inflexibly enfolded. Even with TFE present, the existence of intact Zn‐finger regions in NCp7 prevented complete formation of helical structure, as shown by circular dichroism, and decreased the N‐terminal TOAC tumbling time, as shown by EPR. This study demonstrated TOAC at the N‐terminal of NCp7 to be a reporter for the considerable conformational lability of NCp7. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 1125–1135, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Physicochemical properties of blue fluorescent protein determined via molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Krasnenko Veera , Tkaczyk Alan H. , Tkaczyk Eric R. , Mauring Koit
Published: August 2008

Blue fluorescent protein (BFP) is a mutant of green fluorescent protein (GFP), where the chromophore has been modified to shift the emitted fluorescence into the blue spectral region. In this study, MD calculations were performed with the GROMACS simulation package and AMBER force field to investigate the dependence of BFPs physicochemical properties on temperature and applied pressure. The MD approach enabled us to calculate the compressibility of protein itself, separately from the nontrivial contribution of the hydration shell, which is difficult to achieve experimentally. The computed compressibility of BFP (3.94 ×10−5 MPa−1) is in agreement with experimental values of globular proteins. The center‐of‐mass diffusion coefficient of BFP and its dependence on temperature and pressure, which plays an important role in its application as a probe for intracellular liquid viscosity measurement, was calculated and found to be in good agreement with photobleaching recovery experimental data. We have shown that decreased temperature as well as applied pressure increases the water viscosity, but the concomitant decrease of the BFP diffusion coefficient behaves differently from Stokes‐Einstein formula. It is shown that the number of hydrogen bonds around the protein grows with pressure, which explains the aforementioned deviation. Pressure also reduces root mean square (RMS) fluctuations, especially those of the most flexible residues situated in the loops. The analysis of the RMS fluctuations of the backbone Cα atoms also reveals that the most rigid part of BFP is the center of the β‐barrel, in accord with temperature B factors obtained from the Protein Data Bank. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 1136–1143, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Production of astaxanthin by Haematococcus pluvialis: Taking the one‐step system outdoors
Authors: García‐Malea M. Carmen , Acién F. Gabriel , Del Río Esperanza , Fernández José M. , Cerón M. Carmen , Guerrero Miguel G. , Molina‐Grima Emilio
Published: August 2008

The feasibility of a one‐step method for the continuous production of astaxanthin by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis has been verified outdoors. To this end, influence of dilution rate, nitrate concentration in the feed medium, and irradiance on the performance of continuous cultures of H. pluvialis was firstly analyzed indoors in bubble column reactors under daylight cycles, and then outdoors, using a tubular photobioreactor. At the laboratory scale, the behavior of the cultures agreed with that previously recorded in continuous illumination experiences, and attested that the major factors determining biomass and astaxanthin productivity were average irradiance and specific nitrate supply. The rate of astaxanthin accumulation was proportional to the average irradiance inside the culture, provided that a nitrate limiting situation had been established. The accumulation of astaxanthin under daylight cycles was maximal for a specific nitrate input of 0.5 mmol/g day. The recorded performance has been modeled on the basis of previously developed equations, and the validity of the model checked under outdoor conditions. Productivity values for biomass and astaxanthin of 0.7 g/L day and 8.0 mg/L day respectively, were obtained in a pilot scale tubular photobioreactor operating under continuous conditions outdoors. The magnitude of the experimental values, which matched those simulated from the obtained model, demonstrate that astaxanthin can be efficiently produced outdoors in continuous mode through a precise dosage of the specific nitrate input, taking also into consideration the average irradiance inside the culture. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 651–657. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of skeletal muscle constructs by topographic activation of cell alignment
Authors: Zhao Yi , Zeng Hansong , Nam Jin , Agarwal Sudha
Published: August 2008

Skeletal muscle fiber construction for tissue‐engineered grafts requires assembly of unidirectionally aligned juxtaposed myotubes. To construct such a tissue, a polymer microchip with linearly aligned microgrooves was fabricated that could direct myoblast adaptation under stringent conditions. The closely spaced microgrooves fabricated by a modified replica molding process guided linear cellular alignment. Examination of the myoblasts by immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that the microgrooves with subcellular widths and appropriate height‐to‐width ratios were required for practically complete linear alignment of myoblasts. The topology‐dependent cell alignment encouraged differentiation of myoblasts into multinucleate, myosin heavy chain positive myotubes. The monolayer of myotubes formed on the microstructured chips allowed attachment, growth and differentiation of subsequent layers of linearly arranged myoblasts, parallel to the primary monolayer of myotubes. The consequent deposition of additional myoblasts on the previous layer of myotubes resulted in three‐dimensional multi‐layered structures of myotubes, typical of differentiated skeletal muscle tissue. The findings demonstrate that the on‐chip device holds promise for providing an efficient means for guided muscle tissue construction. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 624–631. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combinatorial, selective and reversible control of gene expression using oligodeoxynucleotides in a cell‐free protein synthesis system
Authors: Keum Jung‐Won , Ahn Jin‐Ho , Kang Taek Jin , Kim Dong‐Myung
Published: August 2008

Herein we describe the methods for selective and reversible regulation of gene expression using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) in a cell‐free protein synthesis system programmed with multiple DNAs. Either a complete shut down or controlled level of gene expression was attained through the antisense ODN‐mediated regulation of mRNA stability in the reaction mixture. In addition to the primary control of gene expression, we also demonstrate that the inhibition of protein synthesis can be reversed by using an anti‐antisense ODN sequence that strips the antisense ODN off the target sequence of mRNA. As a result, sequential additions of the antisense and anti‐antisense ODNs enabled the stop‐and‐go expression of protein molecules. Through the on‐demand regulation of gene expression, presented results will provide a versatile platform for the analysis and understanding of the complicated networks of biological components. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 577–582. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peritoneal pseudomyxoma: results of a systematic policy of complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Elias D , Honoré C , Ciuchendéa R , Billard V , Raynard B , Lo Dico R , Dromain C , Duvillard P , Goéré D
Published: August 2008

Background

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is characterized by progressive intraperitoneal accumulation of mucous and mucinous implants, usually derived from a ruptured, possibly malignant mucinous neoplasm of the appendix. Treatment based on complete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is gaining support. The aim of this study was to identify pre- and perioperative factors of prognostic value.

Methods

A total of 105 patients (with no residual tumours exceeding 2 mm) were treated with CCRS plus HIPEC based on oxaliplatin. Clinical, radiological, pathological factors and blood markers were analysed to determine their prognostic value for survival.

Results

Mortality (7·6 per cent) and morbidity (67·6 per cent) were significantly correlated with peritoneal index, pathological grade and blood CA19·9 level. The median follow-up was 48 months. Seven patients died after hospital discharge. Overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates were 80·0 and 68·5 per cent respectively. The Cox model identified only two significant factors impacting on disease-free survival: CA19·9 level and pathological grade.

Conclusion

CCRS is the most effective treatment for PMP, and adding HIPEC prolongs long-term survival. Further strategies should focus on improving postoperative outcome in extended PMP.