bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Properties of Surimi Seafood as Affected by Electron Beam and Heat
Authors: Jaczynski J. , Park J.W.
Published: July 2006

Physicochemical changes of surimi seafood under electron beam (e‐beam) and heat were investigated. Heat caused color browning and texture softening. E‐beam (up to 4 kGy) deteriorated neither color nor texture when the sample temperatures were between 5 and 23°C. However, firmer texture was measured when samples were treated by e‐beam while frozen. None of the treatments changed rancidity of surimi seafood within the parameters tested. Heat, as compared with e‐beam, generated the same headspace volatiles, however, to a greater extent. E‐beam was determined to be an excellent pasteurization alternative for surimi seafood in terms of retention of fresh‐like physicochemical attributes.
Effect of Nonthermal Treatment on the Molecular Properties of Mushroom Polyphenoloxidase
Authors: Sun N.K. , Song K.B.
Published: July 2006

To elucidate the mechanism of inactivation of mushroom polyphenoloxidase (PPO) by nonthermal treatment, PPO solutions were irradiated up to 10 kGy or pressurized at 600 MPa and 800 MPa, respectively. PPO activities were significantly affected by γ irradiation, and treatment at 5 kGy decreased the activity by 93%. Treatment of PPO at 600 MPa decreased the activity slightly, yet 10 and 20 min treatments at 800 MPa decreased the activities by 28% and 43%, respectively. Circular dichroism study showed that nonthermal treatment altered the ellipticity values in the range of 210 and 225 nm, resulting in decrease of the ordered structure. Fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that nonthermal treatment quenched the emission intensity.
Developing a Fish Meat‐binding Agent: Purification of Salmon Thrombin
Authors: Manseth E. , Skjervold P.O. , Flera S.O. , Brosstad F.R. , ØDegaard O.R. , Flengsrud R.
Published: July 2006

Thrombin from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was purified and characterized as a potential new binding agent for the food industry. Purification was performed avoiding inhibitors, using BaSO4 adsorption and heparin‐Sepharose affinity chromatography. Prothrombin activation was performed using a mixture of eggs and gills from salmon. Optimized conditions for the adsorption, elution, and the activation step are presented. The purified thrombin clotted bovine fibrinogen with a specific activity of 1423 U/mg. Sequence data are presented and compared with other species. This method of nontoxic activation and purification will allow salmon thrombin to be used in the food industry.
Oxymyoglobin and Lipid Oxidation in Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) Loins
Authors: Lee S. , Joo S.T. , Alderton A.L. , Hill D.W. , Faustman C.
Published: July 2006

The present study characterized oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) and lipid oxidation in yellowfin tuna, and determined the influence of various aldehydes on tuna OxyMb stability in vitro. Surface metmyoglobin accumulation and lipid oxidation increased in tuna steaks with time (P < 0.05). In both tuna steaks and patties, a* values decreased (P < 0.05) and hue angle increased following 6 d storage (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluation demonstrated increased discoloration and decreased odor acceptability in refrigerated steaks and patties over time (P < 0.05). Hexanal, hexenal, and 4‐hydroxynonenal enhanced OxyMb oxidation relative to controls in vitro (P < 0.05). These results indicate a relationship between myoglobin and lipid oxidation in tuna, and that aldehydes known to be produced during lipid oxidation can accelerate tuna OxyMb oxidation in vitro. Keywords: yellowfin tuna, oxymyoglobin, lipid oxidation, discoloration, aldehydes
Rinse Treatment and Oxygen Barrier Properties of Films for Improving Quality Retention in Vacuum‐Skin Packaged Fresh Chicken
Authors: Kartika S. , Candogan K. , Grimes L.W. , Acton J.C.
Published: July 2006

Fresh chicken drumsticks rinsed with water or salt solution (28% NaCl) were vacuum‐skin packaged in films differing in oxygen transmission rate (OTR) (< 10, 3000, ≥ 7000 cm3/m2/24 h). Salt rinsing decreased surface lightness (CIE L*). Higher OTR films maintained surface redness (CIE a*) better than oxygen barrier film. Neither rinse nor film OTR had any effect on yellowness (CIE b*). Salt rinsing drumsticks also reduced drip loss. Counts of aerobic and coliform bacteria increased during storage for product in all films. Within each film, salt‐rinsed drumsticks had lower counts at 3 and 6 d of storage (through 12 d) for total aerobic and coliform bacteria, respectively. Product in low OTR (barrier) film generally had lower bacteria counts than product in higher OTR films.
Effect of High Moisture Maize Storage on Tortilla Quality
Authors: Méndez‐Albores J.A. , Arámbula V.G. , Vázquez B.M.E. , Mendoza E.M. , Preciado O.R.E. , Moreno‐Martínez E.
Published: July 2006

We evaluate the effect of high moisture content (MC) stored maize grain on tortilla quality and on the growth of toxigenic fungi. Maize with a MC of 18% was stored for 10, 15, and 20 d at 28 °C. The control seed was stored 20 d with a MC of 10.7% at 4 °C. The high MC grain and the control were processed using the traditional nixtamalization process. Storage conditions had a significant effect on tortilla quality parameters such as pH, color, tensile strength, cut force, viscosity peak, starch retrogradation (setback), and aflatoxin contamination. Tortillas produced with high MC grain presented a lower quality than those produced with low MC grain.
Performance Specification of Time‐temperature Integrators Designed to Protect Against Botulism in Refrigerated Fresh Foods
Authors: Welt B.A. , Sage D.S. , Berger K.L.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: Time‐temperature integrators (TTIs) may provide a means to monitor safety of fresh foods packaged in reduced‐oxygen environments. Commercially, TTI's have not been fully realized, possibly due to confusion over selection, performance, and reliability. The purpose of this work was to develop a framework for establishing performance targets for TTI's with foods that have potential to cause foodborne botulism. An Arrhenius‐type curve was developed that offers safety margins that satisfy regulatory and shelf life requirements. TTI's developed as specified should minimize “false unsafe” readings that lead to destruction of safe product. The approach could be used to establishing guidelines for application of TTI's to food safety verification.
Effect of Malonaldehyde on the Gelation Properties of Myofibrillar Proteins of Sea Salmon
Authors: Tironi V.A. , Tomás M.C. , Antón M.C.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: Myofibrillar proteins incubated with malonaldehyde (27 °C, t = 0 to 8 h) were used to prepare gels by thermal treatment (80 °C, 45 min). Malonaldehyde did not produce significant modifications (P > 0.05) in the storage modulus (G') and complex viscosity (η*) except for t = 0. Texture analysis showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in elasticity and cohesiveness with hardness approximately constant. Relaxation test presented a marked increase in the elasticity index. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in water holding capacity (WHC) was recorded. Ultrastructure showed a different network with the appearance of big filaments. Electrophoretic patterns of protein dispersions remainder after gel formation showed a decrease of 81, 53, 25 to 50, and 20 kDa polypeptides.
Relationship Between Weakening of Z‐disks and Liberation of Phospholipids During Postmortem Aging of Pork and Beef
Authors: Ahn D.‐H. , Shimada K. , Takahashi K.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: The liberation of phospholipids from Z‐disks was investigated to elucidate the cause of the structural weakening of Z‐disks, which contributes to the tenderization of meat during postmortem aging. The amounts of lipids in Z‐disks were 2.2 g per 100 g of myofibrillar proteins in porcine and 2.7 g in bovine semitendinosus muscles. Phospholipids were the major component of the lipids. The postmortem liberation of phospholipids correlated well with Z‐disk weakening, though a‐actinin, the major protein of Z‐disks, remained unchanged even after prolonged aging of pork and beef. We therefore concluded that Z‐disks are weakened by liberation of phospholipids during postmortem aging of pork and beef.
Free Amino Acids in Hake Stored in Bulk and Packed in a Combined System of Atmospheres
Authors: Ruiz‐Capillas C. , Moral A.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: Changes in free amino acids (FAA) in hake stored in a combined system of atmospheres were studied together with the chemical index (pH, TVBN, and TBA) and sensory changes during chilled storage. Fluctuations or constant levels were observed in most of the FAAs throughout storage. There was only a progressive change throughout storage for tryptophan, β‐alanine, methylhistidine, and anserine. At the end of storage, the lots packed in atmospheres with air had the lowest levels of tryptophan, β‐alanine, methylhistidine, and anserine and the highest levels of TVBN and pH. The high levels of glutamic acid, glycine, and alanine from d 0 until d 24 of storage seem to be related to the sensory analysis results.
Distribution and Physiological Functions of Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivatives in Leaves of Sweetpotato Genotypes
Authors: Islam M. Shahidul , Yoshimoto M. , Yamakawa O.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: Six caffeoylquinic acid derivatives of sweetpotato leaves, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. were identified and quantified using 1389 genotypes collected worldwide. These were divided into 3 categories based on the leaf polyphenol content: high, medium, and low polyphenol accumulator. RP‐HPLC analysis was used to quantify caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid (3‐o‐caffeoylquinic acid), 3,4‐di‐o‐caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5‐di‐o‐caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5‐di‐o‐caffeoylquinic acid and 3,4,5‐tri‐o‐caffeoylquinic acid. The caffeic acid and derivatives were positively correlated with the total polyphenol contents, and the correlation coefficients varied widely among the different categories. The caffeoylquinic acid derivatives showed higher DPPH‐radical scavenging activity (%), and higher antimutagenicity by showing effectively inhibiting the reverse mutation induced by Trp‐P‐1 on Salmonella typhimurium TA 98.
Rapid Determination of Spinal Cord Content in Ground Beef by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Gangidi R.R. , Proctor A. , Pohlman F.W.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: The potential of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to measure spinal cord in ground beef was investigated. Mid‐infrared spectra were obtained for ground beef adulterated with 0 to 100 ppm spinal cord. Partial least squares models were developed using 400 to 4000 cm‐1. The model in the 400 to 4000 cm‐1 range showed a calibration of Rcall= 0.94 (RMSE = 11.24) and validation of Rval= 0.87 (RMSE = 17.22). The P‐O‐C and N‐H stretches were found to correlate positively with spinal cord content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has the potential to rapidly determine spinal cord adulteration in ground beef.
Optimum Time for Using Chilled Beef in Gelled Products
Authors: Farouk M. M. , WIELICZKO K.J.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: The functional properties of beef semitendinosus muscle stored at −1 °C for 4 wk were determined. Total protein and myofibrillar protein solubilities and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased with time up to Week 3, and then started to decline (P < 0.001). Sarcoplasmic protein solubility decreased with time throughout the storage period (P < 0.001). Cooked batter gel stress, strain, yield, and emulsion stability increased with time for 3 wk and then declined on the fourth (P < 0.001). Meat stored chilled for 2 to 3 wk had the best gelling ability and thus potentially would provide the best raw material for gelled products.
Dielectric Properties of Vegetables and Fruits as a Function of Temperature, Ash, and Moisture Content
Authors: Sipahioglu O. , Barringer S.A.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: The dielectric properties of 15 vegetables and fruits were measured at 2450MHz from 5 to 130 °C. Equations were developed as a function of temperature, ash, and either moisture content or water activity, and compared to literature equations. Dielectric constant of vegetables and fruits decreased with temperature and ash content. However, ash was not a factor in the equations produced separately for fruits. Dielectric loss factor changed quadrically with increasing temperature: first decreasing and then increasing. This transition temperature decreased with ash content. Ash increased the dielectric loss factor. Garlic and potato gave unusual results, which could be explained by the behavior of solutions of inulin and potato starch, respectively.
Retrogradation of Starch Mixtures Containing Rice Starch
Authors: Yao Y. , Zhang J. , Ding X.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: Different starches often coexist in food systems. Starch retrogradation is the primary reason for quality deterioration of a food system during storage. This article addresses the retrogradation behaviors of several starch mixtures containing normal rice starch (NRS). Potato starch, tapioca starch, waxy corn starch, hydroxypropylated potato starch, hydroxypropylated tapioca starch, and acetylated tapioca starch were mixed with NRS. Starch suspensions were gelatinized and the relative solid content, (S′) measured by pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, was used to characterize the retrogradation behavior of starch systems. The retrogradation behaviors of starch mixtures can be divided into two categories according to the additive or non‐additive nature of S′, for which the concept “regional moisture content” was introduced.
Variable Pressure‐scanning Electron Microscopic Observation of Walleye Pollack Surimi Gel
Authors: Kubota S. , Tamura Y. , Morioka K. , Itoh Y.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: The internal structure of fish meat gel without salt made from Walleye pollack surimi were observed using a conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a variable pressure‐SEM (VP‐SEM) at low magnifications (50x and 250x). An aggregated structure was observed under the conventional SEM, whereas a macro network structure (> 10 μm) was observed on an exposed inner face of the same gel under the VP‐SEM. These findings suggest that the endogenous network structure in fish meat gel might be destroyed during processes in preparation of samples for conventional SEM such as fixation, dehydration and metal coating. In gels containing various concentrations of NaCl, network, porous, and crevasse‐like structures were also observed under the VP‐SEM. These findings indicate that VP‐SEM could be a very useful tool for observation of the intact internal structure of fish meat gel.
Physico‐chemical and Sensory Characteristics of Flavored Snacks from Extruded Cassava/Pigeonpea Flour
Authors: Rampersad R. , Badrie N. , Comissiong E.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT:The effects of pigeonpea flour (PF) addition to cassava flour (CF) on the sensory and physico‐chemical quality of extrudates were investigated. Products with added PF were more yellow, had higher protein, bulk density, and water absorption index with lower expansion and water absorption index. Extrudate with 95% CF/5% PF had a suitable crisp to hard texture. All enrobed products were liked moderately to very much in overall acceptability. Chocolate extrudates were most liked (p< 0.01) for flavor and color over paprika, hickory, and cheese/onion.
Determination of Carbonation Threshold in Yogurt
Authors: Wright A.O. , Ogden L.V. , Eggett D.L.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT:Carbonated Swiss‐style yogurt ranging between 62 and 1596 ppm CO2was evaluated for sensory detection of carbonation by 12 college‐aged students. Seventy‐two repetitions were completed. Each panelist received 42 3‐AFC presentations. The group mean threshold was calculated as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method: E1432–91 (1997). Individual thresholds ranged from 181 to 390 ppm. The group mean threshold was determined to be 263 ppm. Upper and lower confidence levels (95%) for the mean were 305 and 227 ppm, respectively. This information may help industry set carbonation levels in carbonated yogurt.
Characterization of Isoflavones in Membrane‐processed Soy Protein Concentrate
Authors: Batt H.P. , Thomas R.L. , Rao A.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: Aqueous soy flour solutions (5% w/w) were treated for 3 h at 45 to 50 °C with Crystalzyme®, without enzyme at 45 to 50 °C, or blanched at 80 °C. Solutions were ultra‐ and dia‐filtered to produce membrane soy concentrates (MSC). Total isoflavones of MSCs were 3.02 mg/g, 3.12 mg/g, or 3.42 mg/g, respectively, on a dry weight basis. Membrane processing contributed to approximately 18, 15, or 8% decreases, respectively, in total isoflavones of MSCs compared with soy flour (3.71mg/g). This represents at least an 82% recovery. There was no significant difference in total isoflavone content in any MSC, however the profile of isoflavones as glucosides or aglycones changed with treatment conditions.
Approaches for testing herbivore effects on plant population dynamics
Authors: HALPERN STACEY L. , UNDERWOOD NORA
Published: July 2006

As plant invasions pose one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, it is critical to improve both our understanding of invasiveness and strategies for control. Much research into plant invasions and their management, including biological control, assumes strong demographic effects by natural enemies, including herbivores. However, the importance of natural enemies in the regulation of plant populations remains controversial: some ecologists contend that they rarely affect plant populations, and others that they can strongly limit plant population sizes.

We briefly review the conflicting views and suggest that new approaches to gather and analyse data are needed before the effects of natural enemies on plant populations can be fully characterized.

We outline experimental and analytical approaches that incorporate density dependence into population models and thus provide a more complete test of the long‐term effects of natural enemies on plant populations. We also introduce new methods for obtaining stochastic estimates of equilibrium density, which will provide a key test of enemy effects on plant population size.

Synthesis and applications. Designing effective strategies for invasive plant management requires information about the factors that limit plant population size. Together, the experiments and analyses we describe measure more clearly how natural enemies influence plant population dynamics. They will provide an important tool in evaluating the role of enemy release in plant invasions and for predicting the potential success of biological control. Such information should help to prioritize strategies that are most likely to control invasive plants effectively and will contribute to risk assessment when considering the release of non‐native natural enemies as biological control agents.
Anti‐Helicobacter pylori seropositivity: influence on severity and treatment response in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Umemura T. , Muto H. , Tanaka E. , Matsumoto A. , Ichijo T. , Yoshizawa K. , Akamatsu T. , Kiyosawa K. ,   and the Nagano Interferon Treatment Research Group
Published: July 2006

Summary.  We sought to clarify the incidence and role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seropositivity in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the effect of coinfection on interferon‐α and ribavirin therapy. The presence of H. pylori was tested using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay in serum samples from 93 patients with chronic hepatitis C. Clinical features, HCV markers and response of HCV to interferon‐α and ribavirin were compared between H. pylori‐positive and H. pylori‐negative patients. Anti‐H. pylori antibody was detected in 45 (48%) of the 93 patients, whose median HCV‐RNA level (495 vs 760 kIU/mL; P = 0.013) and platelet count (128 vs 158 × 103/μL; P = 0.009) were significantly lower than in patients with HCV infection alone. Anti‐H. pylori antibody levels were found to be significantly correlated with fibrosis score (P = 0.0083, r = 0.33) but inversely related to platelet count (P = 0.0037, r = −0.34). The sustained response rate for HCV clearance following interferon‐α and ribavirin treatment did not differ between patients with and without anti‐H. pylori seropositivity. The presence of H. pylori [odds ratio (OR) 8.61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59–46.70] and fibrosis score (OR 30.13; 95% CI 5.44–166.78) were found by multivariate analysis to be associated with the decrease of platelet count during therapy. Coexistent H. pylori infection does not demonstrably influence the clinical course of chronic hepatitis C. A possible connection between H. pylori coinfection and thrombocytopenia was found during the treatment course, suggesting that preemptive eradication of H. pylori may facilitate completion of treatment and increased sustained virological response.
Sugarcane ShSUT1: analysis of sucrose transport activity and inhibition by sucralose
Authors: REINDERS ANKE , SIVITZ ALICIA B. , HSI ALEX , GROF CHRISTOPHER P. L. , PERROUX JAI M. , WARD JOHN M.
Published: July 2006

Plant sucrose transporters (SUTs) are members of the glycoside‐pentoside‐hexuronide (GPH) cation symporter family (TC2.A.2) that is part of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS). All plant SUTs characterized to date function as proton‐coupled symporters and catalyze the cellular uptake of sucrose. SUTs are involved in loading sucrose into the phloem and sink tissues, such as seeds, roots and flowers. Because monocots are agriculturally important, SUTs from cereals have been the focus of recent research. Here we present a functional analysis of the SUT ShSUT1 from sugarcane, an important crop species grown for its ability to accumulate high amounts of sucrose in the stem. ShSUT1 was previously shown to be expressed in maturing stems and plays an important role in the accumulation of sucrose in this tissue. Using two‐electrode voltage clamping in Xenopus oocytes expressing ShSUT1, we found that ShSUT1 is highly selective for sucrose, but has a relatively low affinity for sucrose (K0.5 = 8.26 mM at pH 5.6 and a membrane potential of –137 mV). We also found that the sucrose analog sucralose (4,1′,6′‐trichloro‐4,1′,6′‐trideoxy‐galacto‐sucrose) is a competitive inhibitor of ShSUT1 with an inhibition coefficient (Ki) of 16.5 mM. The presented data contribute to our understanding of sucrose transport in plants in general and in monocots in particular.
Cytokinin represses phosphate‐starvation response through increasing of intracellular phosphate level
Authors: WANG XUMING , YI KEKE , TAO YONG , WANG FANG , WU ZHONGCHANG , JIANG DEAN , CHEN XIN , ZHU LIHUANG , WU PING
Published: July 2006

The involvement of cytokinins (CTKs) in the repression of phosphate (Pi)‐starvation signalling has been widely documented. However, the full physiological and molecular relevance of this role remains unclear. To gain further insights into the regulation system of CTK repression of Pi‐starvation signalling, a global analysis of gene expression events in rice seedlings under Pi starvation, and the exogenous CTK treatment under Pi‐sufficient (+P) and Pi‐deficient (−P) conditions, was conducted using oligonucleotide array analysis. Physiological and biochemical adaptation was observed after 10 d Pi starvation in rice seedlings. A global reduction of the Pi‐starvation signalling was detected after 3 d treatment of exogenous CTK. Expression profiling data indicate that, together with a significant increase of intracellular Pi content, many expression changes responsive to Pi starvation were reversed by exogenous CTK treatment while CTK‐responsive genes behaved normally under −P condition. These results suggest that the interplay of CTK signal and Pi‐starvation response can be partially explained by the rise of Pi concentration after exogenous CTK treatment. Microarray data also revealed that a small number of genes have different CTK response patterns under different Pi levels, suggesting a subtle interaction between CTK and Pi‐starvation signalling pathway.
Reviewing institutions of rural health centres: the Performance Initiative in Butare, Rwanda
Authors: Meessen Bruno , Musango Laurent , Kashala Jean‐Pierre I. , Lemlin Jackie
Published: July 2006

In many low‐income countries, performance of pyramidal health systems with a public purpose is not meeting the expectations and needs of the populations they serve. A question that has not been studied and tested sufficiently is, ‘What is the right package of institutional mechanisms required for organisations and individuals working in these health systems?’ This paper presents the experience of the Performance Initiative, an innovative contractual approach that has reshaped the incentive structure in place in two rural districts of Rwanda. It describes the general background, the initial analysis, the institutional arrangement and the results after 3 years of operations. At this stage of the experience, it shows that ‘output‐based payment + greater autonomy’ is a feasible and effective strategy for improving the performance of public health centres. As part of a more global package of strategies, contracting‐in approaches could be an interesting option for governments, donors and non‐governmental organisations in their effort to achieve some of the Millennium Development Goals.
1599: First iconographic description of hepatoerythropoietic porphyria
Authors: Biolcati Gianfranco , Dolazza Carla
Published: July 2006

The author's aim was to contribute information to the history of porphyrias through the analysis of a 16th century portrait. The subject drawn by physician Aldrovandi is a 20‐year‐old girl showing remarkable facial hypertrichosis, while her body is described as hairless. After a brief excursus through the history of porphyrias, the author revisited a previous diagnosis of hypertrichosis lanuginosa with the aid of current clinical findings. Accurate research of the drawings by the 16th century physician together with the study of our case's family history have supplied information on the young woman affected by hirsutism, such as the absence of hair on her body surface. Careful observation together with updated knowledge resulted in a diagnosis of hepatoerythropoietic porphyria; a disease characterized by severe facial hypertrichosis, a hairless body, and very early onset and heredity.
Development and economic evaluation of spatial sampling plans for corn rootworm Diabrotica spp. (Col., Chrysomelidae) adults
Authors: Park Y.‐L. , Tollefson J. J.
Published: July 2006

Abstract  To develop spatial sampling plans for corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) adults, their spatial distributions were characterized and economics of sampling plans were evaluated by comparing sampling costs between spatial and conventional (non‐spatial) sampling plans. Semivariogram modelling and spatial by with distance indices showed that corn rootworm adults were significantly (P < 0.05) aggregated at peak population densities and any two samples were spatially correlated within approximately 45 m, with 39–90% of the variability explained by spatial dependence. Sampling costs for spatial sampling plans linearly increased as the sampling distance decreased and exponentially increased as the field size increased. Although sampling costs for non‐spatial sampling plans were generally lower, spatial sampling plans could be more economical when the mean insect density became lower and the field size became smaller. This study demonstrated that spatial sampling plans could be optimized to minimize the sampling costs and maximize the spatial resolution.
Characterization of A New Almond Witches’ Broom Phytoplasma in Iran
Authors: Salehi M. , Izadpanah K. , Heydarnejad J.
Published: July 2006

Almond witches’ broom (AlmWB) is a destructive disease in several provinces in Iran. Association of phytoplasma with the disease has been established previously. In the present work two phytoplasmas from Khafr (KAlmWB) and Neyriz (NAlmWB) in the Fars Province were compared by biological and molecular analysis. Both infected bitter almond, wild almond, peach and nectarine but not apple and pear, by grafting. In bitter almond the symptoms induced by KAlmWB consisted of severe proliferation, internode shortening and leaf size reduction. In contrast, NAlmWB caused leaf necrosis, dieback and death. KAlmWB was transmitted to periwinkle and eggplant and from experimentally infected periwinkle to almond by dodder. It was also transmitted from eggplant to eggplant, ornamental eggplant and tomato by grafting. Under similar test conditions, NAlmWB was not transmitted to herbaceous plants by dodder. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S–23S rDNA spacer region (SR) sequences placed both strains in the pigeon pea witches’ broom (PPWB) group. However, based on phylogenetic and putative restriction site analyses and sequence homology, NAlmWB was identical with the Lebanese AlmWB phytoplasma, while KAlmWB was closer to the Knautia arvensis phyllody (KAP) agent. Clustering of KAlmWB with KAP was confirmed by analysis of full length 16S rDNA sequence. On the basis of host range, dodder transmission, host range, symptomatology and molecular analyses of 16S rDNA and SR, two different phytoplasmas related to PPWB group were associated with AlmWB disease in Iran. KAlmWB phytoplasma is being reported as a new phytoplasma of AlmWB disease.
Molecular Characterization of Benomyl‐resistant Isolates of Mycosphaerella fijiensis, Collected in Colombia
Authors: Cañas‐Gutiérrez G. P. , Patiño L. F. , Rodríguez–Arango E. , Arango R.
Published: July 2006

Benzimidazoles are systemic fungicides widely used for the control of Black Sigatoka. They exert their antifungal activity by binding to β‐tubulin and disrupting fungal cell division. The specific mode of action of benzimidazoles, along with their intensive use, has favoured the appearance of resistance in Mycosphaerella fijiensis, a situation which has precluded their use in several countries. Studies made in different fungi have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with resistance to these fungicides. Despite the economic importance of this disease and the appearance of resistance to benzimidazoles, studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in resistance of this fungus have not been carried out. In this study, a fragment of the β‐tubulin gene of 10 M. fijiensis isolates with three different levels of resistance to benomyl, was amplified and sequenced. The analysis of the sequences showed a change of adenine instead of cytosine in codon 198 of all the β‐tubulin genes obtained from the isolates classified as having medium or high resistance. The single nucleotide change found, allowed the development of a molecular method based on polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction digestion, which is able to differentiate resistant from susceptible isolates. The method was validated on a total of 44 isolates collected from different regions from Colombia, showing a 100% correlation between the presence of the resistant allele and the ability of the fungal isolate to grow in at least 10 μg a.i./ml benomyl. This method will be a valuable tool for monitoring benomyl resistance in M. fijiensis.
Detection and Early Diagnosis of Peronospora tabacina Adam in Tobacco Plant with Systemic Infection
Authors: Caiazzo R. , Tarantino P. , Porrone F. , Lahoz E.
Published: July 2006

A disease characterized by the absence of sporulation on leaves and evident necrosis underneath the bark tissues affected adult tobacco plants during 2005 in south Italy. In the field, diagnosis was based mainly on recognition of symptoms, often non‐specific, resulting in the application of the wrong control strategy. Two current diagnostic methods based on microscopic observations were compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. DNA extraction protocol was modified by replacing sonication with a further lysis step at 60°C and PCR was performed using primers that amplified a specific DNA fragment (230 bp). Microscopy methods were able to detect the pathogen in 50% and 6% of cases, respectively, while PCR was able to detect Peronospora tabacina in all diseased plants. Elimination of sonication in DNA extraction rendered the method easier to perform and avoided the possibility of DNA fragmentation. The results demonstrated that PCR makes the diagnosis fast and reliable while microscopy gives discontinuous results, is time‐consuming and not applicable for monitoring.
Subcutaneous Haemangiosarcoma in a Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Authors: Sledge D. G. , Radi Z. A. , Miller D. L. , Lynn B. S.
Published: July 2006

An ulcerated, 1 × 0.5 cm, subcutaneous mass on the craniolateral aspect of the right tibiotarsus of a 4‐year‐old male cockatiel was removed. Histologically, the neoplasm was non‐encapsulated, infiltrative and composed of irregular vascular channels lined by branching and variably sized spindle‐shaped cells with large vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli and rare mitoses. Surrounding these vascular channels were fibroblasts and mixed inflammatory cells. Neoplastic cells had diffuse immunoreactivity to factor VIII supporting a diagnosis of haemangiosarcoma.
Pharmacokinetics of Moxifloxacin in Rabbits After Intravenous, Subcutaneous and a Long‐acting Poloxamer 407 Gel Formulation Administration
Authors: Cárceles C. M. , Serrano J. M. , Marín P. , Escudero E. , Fernández‐Varón E.
Published: July 2006

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of moxifloxacin in healthy white New Zealand rabbits was studied following intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administration routes as well as a SC long‐acting poloxamer 407 gel formulation (SC‐P407). Moxifloxacin concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography assay with fluorescence detection. Mean half‐life for IV, SC and SC‐P407 routes was 2.15, 5.41 and 11.09 h. Clearance value after IV dosing was 0.78 l/kg/h. After SC administration, the mean absolute bioavailability was 117% and theCmaxwas 1.61 ± 0.49 mg/l. After SC‐P407 administration, the bioavailability was 44% and theCmax1.83 was ±0.62 mg/l. No adverse effects were observed in any of the rabbits following IV, SC and SC‐P407 administration of moxifloxacin. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of moxifloxacin against different strains ofStaphylococcus aureusfrom different european countries were used to compute the main pharmacodynamic (PD) surrogate markers of efficacy. The high tolerability of this SC‐P407 formulation and the favourable PK behaviour such as the long half‐life, acceptable bioavailability and excellent PK–PD ratios achieved indicate that it is likely to be effective in rabbits.
Primary Erythrocytosis in a Japanese Black Calf: A Case Report
Authors: Takagi M. , Takagaki K. , Kamimura S. , Zizhohara K. , Miyoshi A. , Yasuda Y. , Kawasaki Y. , Endo Y. , Ohishi A. , Yasumura E. , Deguchi E.
Published: July 2006

An 8‐month‐old Japanese Black heifer with severe erythropoietic symptoms was subjected to clinical, histological and cytological examinations. During the 1 month clinical observation period, severe increases in RBC count, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration were observed. The plasma erythropoietin (Epo) concentration of the heifer (20.7 mIU/ml) was similar to that observed in normal control heifers. Blood gas examinations of the arterial and venous blood revealed low levels of partial pressure O2 (PaO2), partial pressure CO2 (PaCO2) and O2 saturation (SaO2), while the blood pH was within the normal range. Gross lesions could not be detected. However, microscopic observation revealed severe proliferation of erythroblasts in the bone marrow and in the spleen without evidence of neoplastic changes. Based on these clinical and pathological examinations, we diagnosed the heifer as being the first case of primary erythrocytosis in Japanese Black cattle.
CT appearances of hydatid disease at various locations
Authors: Taori K , Sanyal R , Rathod J , Mahajan S , Jajoo G , Saxena V , Bhagat M
Published: July 2006

Hydatid disease has characteristic imaging features on CT, which allow accurate preoperative diagnosis in most cases. However, when it occurs at unusual locations the diagnosis is often difficult, especially as the imaging appearance varies at different sites. In this article we have presented a pictorial review of the CT features of disease due to Echinococcus granulosus at various sites in the human body.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis: Correlation of hepatobiliary scintigraphy with clinical and laboratory status
Authors: Arulventhan R , Larcos G , Gruenewald SM , Farrell GC
Published: July 2006

The aim of this study was to determine whether hepatobiliary scintigraphy using 99mtechnetium based di‐isopropryl‐imino‐diacetic acid correlated to clinical or laboratory status of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We carried out a retrospective case–control study involving 15 patients with proven PSC. Fifty‐seven hepatobiliary scintigraphic studies were reviewed by consensus of two experienced observers using a semiquantitative scheme to score liver size and degree of radiopharmaceutical uptake, intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary stasis, segmental liver clearance half‐times and gall bladder visualization. The results were compared with age; disease duration; weight loss; serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and albumin levels; antipyrine clearance; number of biliary stents and episodes of cholangitis and history of transplantation. Sixteen age‐matched and sex‐matched individuals with PSC, who did not undergo hepatobiliary scans, were selected for comparison. Among the scintigraphic variables, right lateral and superior liver clearance half‐time values showed a significant linear correlation with disease duration and serum alkaline phosphatase levels (P < 0.05) but not with other clinical or biochemical indices. Other scintigraphic variables showed no correlation. An abnormal, hepatobiliary scan liver clearance half‐time in patients with PSC correlates to disease duration and increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels, and this variable may be used to identify some subjects with more advanced disease.
Childhood glioblastoma multiforme of the spinal cord
Authors: Oake C , Borg MF , Hanieh A , Byard RW
Published: July 2006

Astrocytoma accounts for more than 50% of all central nervous system tumours diagnosed, with particular prevalence in the 15‐ to 34‐year‐old age bracket, rarely arising in younger children. In 1995, a 7‐year‐old boy presented in Emergency with a 3‐day history of severe radicular back pain and associated muscle spasms, exacerbated by lying on his back. Both bone scan and plain X‐rays were unremarkable; however, MRI showed a 3‐cm space‐occupying lesion at the level of T5‐T6. The patient proceeded to biopsy and partial excision of the tumour through laminectomy, histology confirming an anaplastic astrocytoma (glioblastoma multiforme), St Anne Mayo grade 4. Treatment consisted of a radical course of radiotherapy alone, delivering a total dose of 44.8 Gy at 1.6 Gy per fraction. The treatment comprised of three phases using two oblique wedged fields on a 6 MV linear accelerator. The patient remains disease free 7 years post treatment, with the only effect noted being a slight kyphoscoliosis at the site of the laminectomy and radiation. This report highlights the efficacy of combined surgery and radiation therapy in the management of spinal cord glioblastoma multiforme in preventing tumour recurrence, with acceptable morbidity. Further evaluation of the treatment efficacy would be difficult because of the scarcity of such cases.
Reversible findings of restricted diffusion in 5‐flourouracil neurotoxicity
Authors: Lucato LT , McKinney AM , Short J , Teksam M , Truwit CL
Published: July 2006

A 35‐year‐old woman presented with neurotoxicity correlated to an i.v. regimen of 5‐fluorouracil as episodes of acute confusional state and abnormalities of symmetrically restricted diffusion in the periventricular white matter and corpus callosum. On discontinuing the medication, the areas of severely restricted diffusion had entirely resolved, with minimal residual T2 signal abnormality. In this case, immediate discontinuation of the chemotherapeutic agent apparently reversed the patient's symptoms and findings on MRI. The scant information available in the published literature regarding this phenomenon is reviewed with regard to 5‐fluorouracil.
Iliocaval arteriovenous fistula presenting with multiple organ failure
Authors: Lim RP , Stella DL , Dowling RJ , Campbell WA , Hebbard GS
Published: July 2006

Iliac arteriovenous fistulas are an uncommon condition, which may be spontaneous or traumatic in nature. Such fistulas classically present with a triad of high‐output cardiac failure, pulsatile abdominal mass with a bruit and unilateral leg ischaemia or venous congestion. We describe a case of an iliocaval fistula secondary to rupture of a common iliac artery aneurysm, with an unusual presentation of multiple organ failure, masquerading as sepsis. We describe the CT findings of iliocaval fistula, which was the means of diagnosis in this study.
Post‐neonatal mortality by rurality and Indigenous status in Queensland
Authors: Coory Michael , Hockey Richard , Flenady Vicki , Woodgate Paul
Published: July 2006

Aim:  To compare post‐neonatal mortality among urban and rural Indigenous babies in Queensland.

Methods:  Registrations of deaths at ages 28 days to 12 months were linked to routine data from the Queensland Perinatal Data Collection.

Results:  Indigenous babies were 2.52 times more likely to die during the post‐neonatal period than non‐Indigenous babies (95% confidence interval: 1.99, 3.20). The differential remained when urban and rural areas were examined separately: the differential was 2.53 (1.81, 3.54) in urban areas and 2.26 (1.58, 3.23) in rural areas.

Conclusion:  The key demographic variable that determines post‐neonatal mortality in Queensland is Indigenous status, not rurality. This has important policy implications because it means that interventions to reduce the disparity in mortality between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous babies should be delivered in urban as well as rural areas. Better routine data are needed and in particular clinical classification of deaths, so that interventions can be monitored and avoidable factors identified.
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix‐Saguenay
Authors: Takiyama Yoshihisa
Published: July 2006

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix‐Saguenay (ARSACS) was originally found among the inhabitants of the Charlevoix‐Saguenay region of Quebec, Canada. This disease is characterized by early‐onset ataxia, spasticity, peripheral neuropathy, finger and foot deformities, and hypermyelination of the retinal nerve fibers. The mentality of the patients is usually intact. The principal neuropathology comprises atrophy of the upper vermis and the loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Although the lateral corticospinal tracts are degenerated, the precentral gyrus, dentate nucleus, and inferior olivary nucleus are intact. Recently, the gene responsible for ARSACS was determined to encode the sacsin protein in the Quebec patients. In 2004, we first reported a Japanese family with aSACSmutation. So far, we have identified theSACSmutations in a total of five Japanese families with ARSACS and analyzed the clinical features of eight patients. Interestingly, we found some atypical clinical features in the Japanese patients: a slightly later onset than that of the Quebec patients, an absence of myelinated retinal fibers, intellectual impairment, and a lack of spasticity. To date, there have been descriptions of non‐Quebec patients withSACSmutations in Japan, Italy, Tunisia, and Turkey. Hereafter, as moreSACSmutations are identified, the clinical spectrum of the “sacsinopathies” could expand.
Polyglutamine disease: Recent advances in the neuropathology of dentatorubral‐pallidoluysian atrophy
Authors: Yamada Mitsunori , Shimohata Mitsuteru , Sato Toshiya , Tsuji Shoji , Takahashi Hitoshi
Published: July 2006

Polyglutamine diseases are hereditary neurodegenerative disorders that are caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat in the causative genes. They comprise at least nine disorders, including DRPLA, HD, and Machado‐Joseph disease. Initially, the discovery of neuronal intranuclear inclusions (NIIs) in human brains and in a murine model of HD provided a plausible hypothesis that the expression of expanded polyglutamine stretches leads to NII formation, resulting in neuronal cell death in selective brain regions characteristic to each disease. Recent studies, however, suggest that nuclear dysfunction, especially transcriptional abnormalities caused by the diffuse intranuclear accumulation of mutant proteins, plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of clinical symptoms. Polyglutamine diseases have a similarity with neuronal storage disease, and this pathological process might become a target for the establishment of an effective therapy for these diseases.
Chronic superior sagittal sinus thrombosis with phlebosclerotic changes of the subarachnoid and intracerebral veins
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Yasui Naoko
Published: July 2006

An autopsy case of chronic thrombotic occlusion of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) with an unusually protracted clinical course is reported. The patient was an 84‐year‐old man without any predisposing conditions for thrombosis. The clinical features were atypical and were characterized by recurrent cerebral subcortical hemorrhages. The autopsy revealed a large, organized thrombus in the SSS and extensive hemorrhagic infarction of the bilateral parasagittal region of the cerebral hemispheres. The hemorrhagic infarction was comprised of the aggregation of numerous minute foci of coagulation necrosis associated with petechial hemorrhages. Marked phlebosclerotic changes were observed in the subarachnoid and intracerebral veins, which were considered to be reactive changes of the venous walls against a persistent elevation in peripheral venous pressure caused by thrombosis of the SSS.
Affinity of corpora amylacea for oligonucleotides: Sequence dependency and proteinaceous binding motif
Authors: Balea Ioan A. , Illes Peter , Schober Ralf
Published: July 2006

Corpora amylacea (CA) have an affinity to nucleic acids as shown by in situ hybridization experiments. However, little is known about the specificity of this interaction, as well as the mechanism involved. We investigated the ability of different probes of digoxigenin‐labeled oligonucleotides corresponding to some specific neuronal receptors, both sense and antisense, to bind to CA from human autopsy brain tissue. The bound nucleotides were detected with antidigoxigenin antibody and the signal was further amplified using the tyramide signal amplification system. The affinity of binding varies with the sequence of nucleotides. The most intense signal is produced by the adenosine‐2A receptor antisense probe and the least intense signal is produced by the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor sense probe. The affinity of binding for the same probe does not depend on the localization of CA in the central nervous system. Complete staining loss by proteinase K pretreatment in higher concentrations shows that the binding motif is partially proteinaceous. The circumferential but not the punctate internal staining is diminished by mild amylglucosidase pretreatment, suggesting a process of progressive apposition and condensation.
The transfer of Fragilaria obtusa Hustedt to the genus Staurosira Ehrenberg (Bacillariophyceae)
Authors: Garcia Marinês
Published: July 2006

The ultra‐structure of the frustule of the rarely recorded diatom Fragilaria obtusa Hustedt was studied in detail using sand samples from Laranjal Bay (Lagoa dos Patos Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil). F. obtusa is transferred to the genus Staurosira Ehrenberg as Staurosira obtusa (Hustedt) Garcia. The taxon is characterized by striae composed of elliptical areolae that are occluded by an internal velum, apical pore field formed by several rows of rimmed pores, girdle bands free of ornamentation, wide valvocopulae, and absence of rimoportulae. This is the first record of S. obtusa from an epipsammic habitat.