bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate controls on C3vs. C4productivity in North American grasslands from carbon isotope composition of soil organic matter
Authors: Von FISCHER JOSEPH C. , TIESZEN LARRY L. , SCHIMEL DAVID S.
Published: January 2008

We analyzed theδ13C of soil organic matter (SOM) and fine roots from 55 native grassland sites widely distributed across the US and Canadian Great Plains to examine the relative production of C3vs. C4plants (hereafter %C4) at the continental scale. Our climate vs. %C4results agreed well with North American field studies on %C4, but showed bias with respect to %C4from a US vegetation database (statsgo) and weak agreement with a physiologically based prediction that depends on crossover temperature. Although monthly average temperatures have been used in many studies to predict %C4, our analysis shows that high temperatures are better predictors of %C4. In particular, we found that July climate (average of daily high temperature and month's total rainfall) predicted %C4better than other months, seasons or annual averages, suggesting that the outcome of competition between C3and C4plants in North American grasslands was particularly sensitive to climate during this narrow window of time. Rootδ13C increased about 1‰ between the A and B horizon, suggesting that C4roots become relatively more common than C3roots with depth. These differences in depth distribution likely contribute to the isotopic enrichment with depth in SOM where both C3and C4grasses are present.
Balancing food production and nature conservation in the Neotropical dry forests of northern Argentina
Authors: GRAU H. RICARDO , GASPARRI N. IGNACIO , AIDE T. MITCHELL
Published: January 2008

The growing human population and the increase in per capita food consumption are driving agriculture expansion and affecting natural ecosystems around the world. To balance increasing agriculture production and nature conservation, we must assess the efficiency of land‐use strategies. Soybean production, mainly exported to China and Europe, has become the major driver of deforestation in dry forest/savanna ecosystems of South America. In this article we compared land cover patterns (based on satellite imagery) and land‐use and human population trends (based on government statistics) in regions with two contrasting development pathways in the Chaco dry forests of northern Argentina, since the early 1970s. The area (ca. 13 million hectares) includes one of the largest continuous patches of tropical dry forests and has experienced rapid land‐use change. In the region where land use has been driven by government‐sponsored colonization programs, the expansion of extensive grazing has led to a growing rural population, low food production, and widespread environmental degradation. In contrast, in the region dominated by market‐driven soybean expansion, the rural population has decreased, food production is between 300% and 800% greater, and low‐density extensive cattle production has declined over extensive remaining forested areas, resulting in a land‐use trend that appears to better balance food production and nature conservation.
Acclimation to temperature and temperature sensitivity of metabolism by ectomycorrhizal fungi
Authors: MALCOLM GLENNA M. , LÓPEZ‐GUTIÉRREZ JUAN C. , KOIDE ROGER T. , EISSENSTAT DAVID M.
Published: January 2008

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi contribute significantly to ecosystem respiration, but little research has addressed the effect of temperature on ECM fungal respiration. Some plants have the ability to acclimate to temperature such that long‐term exposure to warmer conditions slows respiration at a given measurement temperature and long‐term exposure to cooler conditions increases respiration at a given measurement temperature. We examined acclimation to temperature and temperature sensitivity (Q10) of respiration by ECM fungi by incubating them for a week at one of three temperatures and measuring respiration over a range of temperatures. Among the 12 ECM fungal isolates that were tested, Suillus intermedius, Cenococcum geophilum, and Lactarius cf. pubescens exhibited significant acclimation to temperature, exhibiting an average reduction in respiration of 20–45% when incubated at 23 °C compared with when incubated at 11 or 17 °C. The isolates differed significantly in their Q10 values, which ranged from 1.67 to 2.56. We also found that half of the isolates significantly increased Q10 with an increase in incubator temperature by an average of 15%. We conclude that substantial variation exists among ECM fungal isolates in their ability to acclimate to temperature and in their sensitivity to temperature. As soil temperatures increase, ECM fungi that acclimate may require less carbon from their host plants than fungi that do not acclimate. The ability of some ECM fungi to acclimate may partially ameliorate the anticipated positive feedback between soil respiration and temperature.
Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2 in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells by carboxybutyrylated glucosamine takes place via down‐regulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐mediated nuclear factor‐κB signaling
Authors: Rajapakse Niranjan , Kim Moon‐Moo , Mendis Eresha , Kim Se‐Kwon
Published: January 2008

Glucosamine (GlcN) has been reported to possess several biomedical properties, and currently a great deal of attention has been focused on improving the functional properties of GlcN for different applications. Therefore, this study was conducted to introduce a carboxybutyryl functional group to GlcN and to find out the inhibitory mechanism of a novel GlcN derivative, carboxybutyrylated GlcN (CGlcN), on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced mouse macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). In the initial experiments, the production of NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was inhibited by CGlcN pretreatment and suggested the possibility of down‐regulating their respective genes, iNOS and COX‐2. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis revealed that CGlcN can affect both transcriptional and translational levels of iNOS and COX‐2 expression. The data from the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) promoter gene transfection experiment supported the idea that inhibition of iNOS and COX‐2 is caused by the down‐regulation of their transcription factor, NF‐κB. Following stimulation with LPS, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) present upstream of NF‐κB signaling were also inhibited by CGlcN treatment. However, the protein level of another MAPK, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), remained unaffected. Moreover, following treatment with CGlcN, the protein expression of I‐κB kinase (IKK) clearly confirmed that its down‐regulation directly inhibited the degradation of IκB and release of NF‐κB. Therefore, it can be concluded that CGlcN is capable of inhibiting iNOS and COX‐2 expression in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells via attenuation of NF‐κB signaling by p38 MAPK and JNK, but not by ERK.
Thermal transfer in extracted incisors during thermal pulp sensitivity testing
Authors: Linsuwanont P. , Palamara J. E. , Messer H. H.
Published: January 2008

Aim  To measure the temperature distribution within tooth structure during and after application of thermal stimuli used during pulp sensitivity testing.

Methodology  Extracted intact human maxillary anterior teeth were investigated for temperature changes at the labial enamel, the dentino‐enamel junction (DEJ) and pulpal surface during and after a 5‐s application of six different thermal stimuli: hot water (80 °C), heated gutta‐percha (140 °C), carbon dioxide dry ice (−72 °C), refrigerant spray (−50 °C), ice stick (0 °C) and cold water (2 °C). J‐type thermocouples and heat conduction paste were used to detect temperature changes, together with a data acquisition system (Labview). Data were analysed using analysis of variance, with a confidence level of P < 0.05.

Results  Temperature change was detected more quickly at the DEJ and pulpal surface with the application of hot water, heated gutta‐percha and refrigerant spray than with carbon dioxide dry ice and ice (P < 0.05). Cold water and refrigerant spray were in the same range in terms of time to detect temperature change at both the DEJ and pulpal surface. Thermal stimuli with greater temperature difference from tooth temperature created a greater thermal gradient initially, followed by a greater temperature change at the DEJ and the pulpal surface. In this regard, ice and cold water were weaker stimuli than others (P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Thermal stimuli used in pulp testing are highly variable in terms of temperature of the stimulus, rate of thermal transfer to the tooth and extent of temperature change within tooth structure. Overall, dry ice and refrigerant spray provide the most consistent stimuli, whereas heated gutta‐percha and hot water were highly variable. Ice was a weak stimulus.
Effect of photo‐activated disinfection on endodontic pathogens ex vivo
Authors: Bergmans L. , Moisiadis P. , Huybrechts B. , Van Meerbeek B. , Quirynen M. , Lambrechts P.
Published: January 2008

Aim  To test the hypothesis that photo‐activated disinfection (PAD) has a bactericidal effect on pathogens inoculated in root canals, with emphasis on biofilm formation/destruction.

Methodology  Root canals of extracted teeth (n = 38) were prepared (size 30, 0.10 taper), autoclaved, divided into three groups and two negative controls inoculated (Streptococcus anginosus, Enterococcus faecalis or Fusobacterium nucleatum) and treated (PAD, laser, dye or positive control) according to a cross‐sectional design. Resultant colony‐forming unit counts were associated with observations of cell structural changes using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) on inoculated dentinal surfaces (n = 22, two controls) before (1, 2 and 6 days of incubation) and after treatment with PAD.

Results  Treatment of root canals with PAD (15 J) caused a significant reduction of the bacterial load, resulting in a 93.8% kill of S. anginosus (P < 0.0001), a 88.4% kill of E. faecalis (P < 0.05) and a 98.5% kill of F. nucleatum (P < 0.0001), but no sterilization. Laser alone had no significant effect on the load nor did the dye without laser. The ESEM experiment showed that individual cells or monolayers were easily eliminated with PAD. But when biofilms were present (2 and 6 days for E. faecalis, 6 days for S. anginosus), bacterial eradication was substantially reduced in deep layers.

Conclusions  Photo‐activated disinfection is not an alternative but a possible supplement to the existing protocols for root canal disinfection as the interaction between light (diode laser) and associated dye (TBO) provides a broad‐spectrum effect. Some endodontic pathogens that grow as single‐species biofilms, however, are difficult to eradicate.
Antimicrobial activity of various ‘active’ gutta‐percha points against Enterococcus faecalis in simulated root canals
Authors: Ebert J. , Roggendorf M. J. , Frank K. , Petschelt A.
Published: January 2008

Aim  To test the antimicrobial activity of various gutta‐percha points against Enterococcus faecalis in simulated root canals.

Methodology  Root canals were simulated by inoculated glass capillaries. A 2.5 μL increment of a suspension of E. faecalis was placed into 10 simulated root canals together with Calcium HydroxideR points (CHP), Calcium Hydroxide PlusR points (CH+P), active pointsR (AP), conventional gutta‐percha points (CP) (Coltène Whaledent, Langenau, Germany) or no points (NP) (control) (each n = 2). The points and simulated root canals were flushed with 2 mL of sterile saline solution after 10 min or after 5 h of anaerobic incubation (37 °C, 100% humidity). Dilution sequences until 10−3 and 10−4 were prepared and plated on agar plates. The original suspension, diluted until 10−6 and 10−7, served as another control. The numbers of colony forming units were counted after 24 h. This experimental procedure was repeated 15 times.

Results  Without gutta‐percha points, bacteria grew threefold in number within 5 h. With CHP and CH+P bacterial counts at 10 min and 5 h were approximately 50% compared with the control. AP killed all bacteria within 5 h. With CP, bacteria proliferated more than without points (counts at 5 h 177% of NP). Except for CHP versus CH+P differences between groups were statistically significant (Mann–Whitney test, P < 0.01).

Conclusions  In this experimental model, the potential of CHP and CH+P to kill E. faecalis was limited. CP stimulated bacterial growth. AP killed all bacteria after 5 h.
Urinary excretion of phthalates and paraben after repeated whole‐body topical application in humans
Authors: Janjua Nadeem Rezaq , Frederiksen Hanne , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Wulf Hans Christian , Andersson Anna‐Maria
Published: January 2008

Diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and butyl paraben (BP) are man‐made chemicals used in personal care products, such as lotions and creams. Exposure to these chemicals causes a variety of adverse reproductive outcomes in animal studies. Humans can be exposed to these chemicals through dermal absorption, but there are no published data on absorption, metabolism, and excretion after dermal application. This study investigates urinary concentrations of BP and metabolites of DEP and DBP after topical application. In a 2‐week single‐blinded study, 26 healthy Caucasian male subjects were given a whole body topical application of basic cream 2 mg/cm2 (control week) and then a cream containing 2% (w/w) of DEP, DBP and BP each (treatment week) daily. Twenty‐four‐hour urine samples were collected. Urinary total, and unconjugated BP, monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and monobutyl phthalate (MBP) metabolites were analysed by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectroscopy (LC‐MS/MS). All 26 subjects showed increased excretion of MEP, MBP and BP following topical application. Total MEP, MBP and BP (mean ± SEM) excreted in urine in the treatment week were, respectively, 41 ± 1.9, 11.8 ± 0.6 and 2.6 ± 0.1 mg/24 h. On average 5.79, 1.82 and 0.32%, respectively, of the applied DEP, DBP and BP could be recovered in urine as MEP, MBP and BP. The concentration of the compounds peaked in urine 8–12 h after application. The fractions of unconjugated MEP, MBP, and BP were 78, 8.0 and 2.1%, respectively. Absorption of DEP, DBP and BP through skin could potentially contribute to adverse health effects. The three chemicals are systemically absorbed, metabolized and excreted in urine following application on the skin in a cream preparation. More DEP than DBP was absorbed, presumably because of a faster absorption rate for DEP.
Adverse trends in male reproductive health: we may have reached a crucial ‘tipping point’
Authors: Andersson A.‐M. , Jørgensen N. , Main K. M. , Toppari J. , Meyts E. Rajpert‐De , Leffers H. , Juul A. , Jensen T. K. , Skakkebæk N. E.
Published: January 2008

Healthy men produce an enormous number of sperms, far more than necessary for conception. However, several studies suggest that semen samples where the concentration of sperms is below 40 mill/mL may be associated with longer time to pregnancy or even subfertility, and specimens where the concentration of sperms is below 15 mill/mL may carry a high risk of infertility. Historic data from the 1940s show that the bulk of young men at that time had sperm counts far above 40 mill/mL with averages higher than 100 mill/mL. However, recent surveillance studies of young men from the general populations of young men in Northern Europe show that semen quality is much poorer. In Denmark approximately 40 percent of the men have now sperm counts below 40 mill/mL. A simulation assuming that average sperm count had declined from 100 mill/mL in ‘old times’ to a current level close to 40 mill/mL indicated that the first decline in average sperm number of 20–40 mill/mL might not have had much effect on pregnancy rates, as the majority of men would still have had counts far above the threshold value. However, due to the assumed decline in semen quality, the sperm counts of the majority of 20 year old European men are now so low that we may be close to the crucial tipping point of 40 mill/mL spermatozoa. Consequently, we must face the possibility of more infertile couples and lower fertility rates in the future.
Low dose mixture effects of endocrine disrupters: implications for risk assessment and epidemiology
Authors: Kortenkamp Andreas
Published: January 2008

During the last years, a series of studies on combinations of oestrogenic, thyroid‐disrupting and anti‐androgenic chemicals at low doses have been published. The available experimental evidence shows that combination effects may result from endocrine disrupters that each produces very small effects, if they are present in sufficiently large numbers. This review examines the implications of these findings for chemicals risk assessment and epidemiology. It is concluded that a lack of knowledge about relevant exposure scenarios presents serious obstacles for better human risk assessment. Epidemiology needs to abandon its focus on single endocrine disrupters and has to embrace the reality of endocrine disrupter mixture effects by developing biomarkers that capture cumulative exposure to endocrine disrupters.
Use of nisin, lysozyme and EDTA for inhibiting microbial growth in chilled buffalo meat
Authors: Cannarsi Marianna , Baiano Antonietta , Sinigaglia Milena , Ferrara Lino , Baculo Rodolfo , Del Nobile Matteo A.
Published: January 2008

The effect of nisin, lysozyme and lysozyme combined with disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate salt (EDTA) for inhibiting the growth of spoilage micro‐organisms in buffalo meat was investigated. Prior to packaging, the samples were alternatively dipped in solutions containing different concentrations of nisin, lysozyme and combinations of a pre‐fixed amount of lysozyme and different concentrations of EDTA. The packed meat samples were stored at 4 °C, and the microbial changes were monitored for a period of 8 days. The best results, in terms of microbial shelf‐life extension, were obtained by dipping the meat steaks in a solution containing a combination of 0.5% of lysozyme and 2% of EDTA. This treatment was able to reduce the growth of all the investigated bacteria and showed a bactericidal effect on Brochotrix thermosphacta during the entire period of storage.
Effects of operating conditions on oil loss and structure of almond snacks
Authors: Pilli Teresa De , Carbone Barbara F. , Derossi Antonio , Fiore Anna G. , Severini Carla
Published: January 2008

An almond‐and‐wheat blend (about 1:2.5, dry basis) was extruded through a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder with a barrel diameter of 25 mm. The effects of barrel temperature (69.77–120.23 °C), dough moisture (26.64–33.36%) and screw speed (13.85–38.50 rad s−1) on specific mechanical energy, oil loss that occurs during extrusion process, pressure at the die and on complexing index, break strength, porosity and expansion ratio of extrudates were investigated using response surface methodology. The only variable that had a significant influence on oil loss was barrel temperature (the lowest oil loss, i.e. 0.06%, was obtained with the minimum barrel temperature). The worst product structure was obtained at barrel temperature less than 100 °C. Yet, the highest values of porosity (18.47%) and expansion ratio (158.76%) were obtained at a barrel temperature of 120 °C. Regression results showed a positive correlation (r2 = 0.94) between oil loss, porosity and expansion degree values.
In vitro application of selected essential oils and their major components in controlling fungal pathogens of crown rot in Embul banana (Musa acuminata– AAB)
Authors: Herath Harshini , Abeywickrama Krishanthi
Published: January 2008

The necessity for pesticide‐free fresh produce have prompted investigating the effect of selected essential oils and their major components on inhibition of conidial germination, appressoria formation and membrane permeability changes of the pathogens responsible for crown rot of banana. Eugenol, which is the major component of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum, was the most effective chemical component in inhibiting conidial germination of Colletotrichum musae and Fusarium proliferatumin vitro while Cymbopogon citratus oil was the least effective. Both O. basilicum and C. citratus oils and their major components (Eugenol, citral a + b) inhibited appressoria formation by C. musae and changed the selective permeability of conidial membranes. Ocimum basilicum oil, eugenol and citral a + b could be satisfactorily used for inhibition of conidial germination and disruption of conidial activity of banana pathogens.
Effect of some additives on the inhibition of lizardfish trimethylamine‐N‐oxide demethylase and frozen storage stability of minced flesh
Authors: Leelapongwattana Kittima , Benjakul Soottawat , Visessanguan Wonnop , Howell Nazlin K.
Published: January 2008

Effects of some additives on the inhibition of trimethylamine‐N‐oxide demethylase (TMAOase) from lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) muscle were investigated. Sodium citrate and pyrophosphate could inhibit TMAOase activity in a concentration‐dependent manner, most likely because of their chelating property. Sodium alginate was the hydrocolloid possessing the inhibitory activity towards TMAOase (P < 0.05). During the storage of lizardfish mince at −20 °C for 24 weeks, the addition of 0.5% sodium alginate and 0.3% pyrophosphate in combination with 4% sucrose and 4% sorbitol as the cryoprotectants resulted in the retarded increase in TMAOase activities with the coincidental lowered formation of dimethylamine and formaldehyde (FA), compared with the control (without additives) (P < 0.05). The loss in solubility of muscle proteins was also impeded with the addition of those compounds, suggesting their role in the inhibition of TMAOase as well as the retardation of protein denaturation induced by FA.
Short‐term toxicity studies of Ficus thonningii Blume (Moraceae) leaf extract in rats
Authors: Aniagu Stanley O. , Nwinyi Florence C. , Akumka David D. , Agbani Ejaife O. , Dzarma Sunday , Ajoku Gloria A. , Izebe Kazeem S. , Agala Paschaline , Adelusola Kayode A. , Ibe Joseph , Inyang Uford S. , Gamaniel Karynius S.
Published: January 2008

The short‐term toxicity of Ficus thonningii Blume (FT) was studied in Wistar rats following daily oral administration of the leaf extract (250–500 mg kg−1) for 15 days. Acute toxicity, body weight changes, organ weight, food intake, clinical signs, haematology, gross and tissue histology were monitored. The body weights of treated rats increased progressively, but the changes were not significantly different from control. The relative weights of the essential organs of treated rats were unaffected in both male and female rats. Of the sixteen haematological parameters studied, only the total leukocyte counts and plateletcrit values in male rats fed 500 mg kg−1 of FT were significantly greater than similar parameters in controls. Histological findings indicated possible testicular, lung and hepatic toxicities. The LD50 of FT was estimated to be >3000 mg kg−1. The results suggest that short‐term oral application of F. thonningii may not exert severe toxic effects in rats at doses lower than 500 mg kg−1.
Volatile profile and differentiation between Albariño wines from different origins
Authors: Falqué Elena , Darriet Philippe , Fernández Esperanza , Dubourdieu Denis
Published: January 2008

Commercial Albariño wines from different subzones of Certified Brand of Origin ‘Rías Baixas’ (NW Spain) were analysed over four consecutive harvests. The contents of monoterpenes, volatile phenols, alcohols, sulphur compounds, acetates, fatty acids and ethyl esters were determined by gas chromatography (flame ionisation detector and flame photometric detector) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. These white wines presented high concentrations of free monoterpenes, volatile phenols, acetates, and ethyl esters, while the levels of sulphur compounds, known as default compounds, were very low. All the wines were elaborated from Albariño grapes, but they were produced by different enological practices, such as skin contact and by carrying out malolactic fermentation or not. No significant differences were found between wines from the same subzone and from different vintages. The results obtained, and confirmed by Principal component and linear discriminant analysis, showed a differentiation among these wines as a function of the Galician subzone of origin.
The effects of Maillard reaction products on apple and potato polyphenoloxidase and their antioxidant activity
Authors: Atrooz Omar M.
Published: January 2008

The effects of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) on apple and potato polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were estimated spectrophotometrically. Model systems of glucose and amino acids [lysine (lys), tyrosine (tyr), proline (pro), cysteine (cys), glumatic acid (glu), aspartic acid (asp), and histidine (his)] were heated at 90 °C for 3 h. The MRPs showed inhibitory effects on PPO extracted from apple and potato. These effects depend on the type of MRP and origin of PPO. The antioxidant activity of MRPs was evaluated. It was found that MRPs exhibit different free radical scavenging activity and these effects were significant. The colour intensity of MRPs was estimated. Browning was not directly related to the antioxidant activity.
Effect of trehalose on the glass transition and ice crystal growth in ice cream
Authors: Whelan Anthony P. , Regand Alejandra , Vega Cesar , Kerry Joseph P. , Goff H. Douglas.
Published: January 2008

The effects of trehalose and sucrose on the rate of ice crystal growth in ice cream during accelerated shelf‐life were compared. Experimental and theoretical freezing curves were shown to be in good agreement. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) of maximally freeze concentrated trehalose and sucrose solutions (40% w/w) were found to be −39.5 °C and −47 °C respectively. For ice cream mixes, the Tg value increased from −46.4 °C for the 100% sucrose‐based mix to −42.0 °C for the 100% trehalose sweetened ice cream. However, no differences in viscosity, nucleation rate or inhibition of ice crystal growth were observed with increasing trehalose concentration in ice cream.
Antibacterial activity of different essential oils obtained from spices widely used in Mediterranean diet
Authors: Viuda‐Martos Manuel , Ruiz‐Navajas Yolanda , Fernández‐López Juana , Pérez‐Álvarez José Angel
Published: January 2008

Raw and processed foods are open to contamination during their production, sale and distribution. At present, therefore, a wide variety of chemical preservatives are used throughout the food industry to prevent the growth of food spoiling bacteria. However health and economic considerations have led to a search for alternatives, such as essentials oils that can safely be used as substitutes for fungicides and bactericides to partially or completely inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. The aim of this work was to determine the effectiveness of the essentials oils from oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) on the growth of some bacteria commonly used in the food industry, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus sakei, Staphylococcus carnosus and Staphylococcus xylosus or related to food spoilage Enterobacter gergoviae, Enterobacter amnigenus. The agar disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activities of the oils. All six essential oils analysed had an inhibitory effect on the six tested bacteria. Oregano essential oil showed the highest inhibition effect followed by cumin and clove.
Effect of different cooking methods on the antioxidant activity of some vegetables from Pakistan
Authors: Sultana Bushra , Anwar Farooq , Iqbal Shahid
Published: January 2008

The effects of different cooking methods (boiling, frying and microwave cooking) on the antioxidant activity of some selected vegetables (peas, carrot, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, yellow turnip and white turnip) were assessed by measuring the total phenolic contents (TPC), reducing power and percentage inhibition in linoleic acid system. TPC (gallic acid equivalents g/100 g of dry weight) and reducing power of the methanolic extracts of raw‐, microwaved‐, boiled‐ and fried vegetables ranged 0.333–2.97, 0.52–2.68, 0.48–2.08, 1.00–2.02 and 0.391–2.24, 0.822–1.10, 0.547–1.16, 0.910–4.07, respectively. The level of inhibition of peroxidation ranged 71.4–89.0, 66.4–87.3, 73.2–89.2 and 77.4–91.3%, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the vegetables examined was appreciably affected because of varying cooking treatments. TPC of vegetables, generally, decreased by boiling, frying and microwave cooking. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in reducing power as a result of frying. However, boiling and microwave cooking did not affect reducing power. Inhibition of peroxidation increased by boiling and frying, whereas, in contrast it was decreased by microwave cooking. The results of the present investigation showed that all the cooking methods affected the antioxidant properties of the vegetables; however, microwave treatment exhibited more deleterious effects when compared with those of other treatments. Thus an appropriate method might be sought for the processing of such vegetables to retain their antioxidant components at maximum level.
Antioxidant efficacy of phytochemical extracts from defatted rice bran in in‐vitro model emulsions
Authors: Devi Radha Renuka , Jayalekshmy Ananthasankaran , Arumughan Chaml
Published: January 2008

Defatted rice bran (DRB) is the byproduct of rice bran oil extraction. On HPLC analysis, methanolic extracts prepared from DRB was found to contain oryzanols (OYL), tocols and ferulic acid (FA). Solvent fractionation was employed to prepare extracts enriched with beneficial phytochemicals from crude methanolic extract (CME). The antioxidant potential of DRB extracts and their phytochemical constituents in emulsified media were evaluated by linoleic acid emulsion system and β‐carotene bleaching test. In linoleic acid model, the activity indexed as percent inhibition values followed the order TBHQ (83.9) > BHT (60.1) > AE‐PP = AE‐LP = OYL = tricin (51.7) > Tmix (48.0) > FA (44.1) > AE (36.0) > CME (29.9) > sterol (22.8) with inhibition percentages at 200 ppm levels given in parentheses. The order for the β‐carotene model was TBHQ (75.2) > BHT (54.1) > OYL = tricin = AE‐LP = AE‐PP (47.2) > Tmix (43.9) > FA (41.0) > AE (29.9) > CME (25.1) > sterol (20.1), with inhibition percentages at 200 ppm levels given in parentheses. The results demonstrated that DRB extracts could be used as antioxidant substitutes in heterogeneous food matrix and could also be used in protecting both linoleic acid and β‐carotene against oxidation. The increase in activity with purification might be due to enhanced levels of antioxidants in purified extracts as compared to CME.
Inhibition kinetic and mechanism of polyphenol oxidase from various sources by diethyldithiocarbamic acid
Authors: Doğan Serap , Turan Pınar , Doğan Mehmet , Alkan Mahir , Arslan Oktay
Published: January 2008

Inhibition kinetics and mechanism of polyphenol oxidases (PPO) partially purified from various sources such as Thymbra spicata L. var. spicata and Ocimum basilicum L., and of mushroom PPO bought from Sigma by diethyldithiocarbamic acid have been described using catechol, 4‐methylcatechol and pyrogallol as substrates. The inhibition type was competitive for O. basilicum L. PPO using catechol and 4‐methylcatechol as substrates, for mushroom PPO using catechol, 4‐methylcatechol and pyrogallol as substrates, and for T. spicata L. var. spicata PPO using 4‐methylcatechol as a substrate; uncompetitive inhibition for T. spicata L. var. spicata PPO using pyrogallol as a substrate; and non‐competitive inhibition for O. basilicum L. and T. spicata L. var. spicata PPO using pyrogallol and catechol as substrates, respectively. The inhibition effect of diethyldithiocarbamic acid on enzymatic browning varied greatly from one phenol to another and from one enzyme to another. Hence, no general rule can easily be established with regard to the type of inhibition observed.
The epidemic history of hepatitis C among injecting drug users in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Matheï C. , Van Dooren S. , Lemey P. , Van Damme P. , Buntinx F. , Vandamme A.‐M.
Published: January 2008

Summary. We employed recently developed statistical methods to explore the epidemic behaviour of hepatitis C subtype 1a and subtype 3a among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Flanders, Belgium, using new gene sequence data sampled among two geographically distinct populations of IDUs. First the extent of hepatitis C transmission across regions/countries was studied through calculation of association indices. It was shown that viral exchange had occurred between both populations in Flanders as well as across international borders. Furthermore, evidence was found suggestive of subtypes 1a and 3a predominantly circulating in subpopulations of Flemish IDUs, exhibiting different degrees of travelling/migration behaviour. Secondly, through coalescent‐based analysis the viral epidemic history of the hepatitis C subtype 1a and 3a epidemics was inferred. Evidence was found for different dynamic forces driving both epidemics. Moreover, results suggested that the hepatitis C subtype 3a epidemic has reached a steady state, while the hepatitis C 1a epidemic has not, which therefore might become the predominant subtype among IDUs.
CCD photometry of the globular cluster NGC 5466. RR Lyrae light-curve decomposition and the distance scale
Authors: Arellano Ferro A. , Rojas López V. , Giridhar Sunetra , Bramich D. M.
Published: January 2008

We report the results of CCD V and r photometry of the globular cluster NGC 5466. The difference image analysis technique adopted in this work has resulted in accurate time-series photometry even in crowded regions of the cluster enabling us to discover five probably semiregular variables. We present new photometry of three previously known eclipsing binaries and six SX Phe stars. The light curves of the RR Lyrae stars have been decomposed in their Fourier harmonics and their fundamental physical parameters have been estimated using semi-empirical calibrations. The zero-points of the metallicity, luminosity and temperature scales are discussed and our Fourier results are transformed accordingly. The average iron abundance and distance to the Sun derived from individual RR Lyrae stars, indicate values of [Fe/H]=−1.91 ± 0.19 and D= 16.0 ± 0.6 kpc, or a true distance modulus of 16.02 ± 0.09 mag, for the parent cluster. These values are, respectively, in the Zinn & West metallicity scale and in agreement with recent luminosity determinations for the RR Lyrae stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud.

The MV–[Fe/H] relation has been recalibrated as MV=+(0.18 ± 0.03)[Fe/H]+ (0.85 ± 0.05) using the mean values derived by the Fourier technique on RR Lyrae stars in a family of clusters. This equation predicts MV= 0.58 mag for [Fe/H]=−1.5, in agreement with the average absolute magnitude of RR Lyrae stars calculated from several independent methods. The MV–[Fe/H] relationship and the value of [Fe/H] have implications on the age of the globular clusters when determined from the magnitude difference between the horizontal branch and the turn-off point (HB-TO method). The above results however would not imply a change in the age of NGC 5466, of 12.5 ± 0.9 Gyr, estimated from recent isochrone fitting.
A novel method for the evaluation of intestinal transit and contractility in mice using fluorescence imaging and spatiotemporal motility mapping
Authors: De Backer O. , Blanckaert B. , Leybaert L. , Lefebvre R. A.
Published: January 2008

Abstract This study introduces a novel, simplified method for the evaluation of murine intestinal transit and contractility using fluorescence and video imaging. Intestinal transit was measured by evaluating the intestinal distribution of non‐absorbable fluorescein‐labelled dextran (70 kDa, FD70) along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. After excision of the GI tract, two full‐field images – one in normal illumination mode and another in fluorescent mode – were taken with a charge coupled device (CCD) camera and subsequently matched for calculation of fluorescence distribution along the GI tract. Immediately after, intestinal contractility was evaluated in different regions of the intact intestine by spatiotemporal motility mapping (i.e. video imaging). In control mice, the small intestine showed vigorous oscillatory contractions and FD70 was primarily distributed within the terminal ileum/caecum at 90 min postgavage. As validation step, the effect of intestinal manipulation (IM, surgical procedure) and two pharmacological agents – known to alter GI motility – was tested. At 24 h postoperatively, spontaneous contractile activity of the small intestine was nearly abolished in IM mice, leaving the small intestine distended and resulting in a significantly delayed intestinal transit. In accordance, spontaneous mechanical activity of circular muscle strips in standard organ baths was significantly reduced in IM mice compared to control mice. Administration of atropine (1–3 mg kg−1, i.p.) suppressed spontaneous contractile activity along the entire intestinal tract and induced a dose‐related delay in intestinal transit. In contrast, metoclopramide (3–10 mg kg−1, i.p.) markedly increased contractile activity – however only in the upper GI tract – and accelerated intestinal transit in a dose‐dependent manner.
Development of drugs for gastrointestinal motor disorders: translating science to clinical need
Authors: Sanger G. J. , Alpers D. H.
Published: February 2008

Abstract  Only a small number of new drugs have recently become available for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. This is partly because we await outcomes of research into functional bowel disorder aetiology (e.g., role of microbiota) and of trials to control stress‐ related or painful GI symptoms (e.g., via CRF1 receptors or β3 adrenoceptors). Nevertheless, only the ClC‐2 channel activator lubiprostone has recently reached the clinic, joining the 5‐HT3 antagonist alosetron and the long‐established 5‐HT4 agonist and D2 antagonist metoclopramide; tegaserod, a non‐selective ligand, was withdrawn. Interestingly, each has shortcomings, providing opportunities for molecules with 5‐HT4 or motilin receptor selectivity, and for new biology via guanylate cyclase C or ghrelin receptor activation. For translation into new drugs, the molecule must have appropriate efficacy, selectivity and pharmacodynamic properties. It is argued that the compound must then be evaluated in conditions where changes in motility are known to exist, before considering more difficult symptomatic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia (FD), where relationships with disordered motility are unclear. Thus, it may be better to begin studying a gastric prokinetic in diabetics requiring improved glucose control, rather than in FD. Notably, new 5‐HT4 receptor agonists are being evaluated firstly as treatments of constipation, not IBS. New antidiarrhoeal agents should be developed similarly. Thus, progression of new drugs may require initial studies in smaller patient populations where clinical outcome is better defined. Only then can disease‐related ideas be properly tested and drugs brought forward for these disorders (with high clinical need) and then, if successful for IBS and FD.
A defensive steroidal pyrone in the Glow‐wormLampyris noctilucaL. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)
Authors: TYLER JOHN , MCKINNON WILLIAM , LORD GWYN A. , HILTON PHILIP J.
Published: January 2008

AbstractChemical defences against predators appear to be widespread amongst fireflies but, until now, the substances involved have only been identified in a few species, all of them from North America. In the present study, evidence is presented that a similar toxin may be present in a Eurasian species,Lampyris noctilucaL.
The response of two Tethyan carbonate platforms to the early Toarcian (Jurassic) oceanic anoxic event: environmental change and differential subsidence
Authors: WOODFINE RICHARD G. , JENKYNS HUGH C. , SARTI MASSIMO , BARONCINI FRANCESCO , VIOLANTE CRESCENZO
Published: January 2008

Chemostratigraphic analyses (87Sr/86Sr,δ13Ccarb) of limestones from two Jurassic platform‐carbonate sequences in Italy (Trento and Campania–Lucania Platforms) illustrate previously established trends found in pelagic sediments and skeletal carbonates from biostratigraphically well‐calibrated sections elsewhere in Europe. Chemostratigraphic correlations between the platform‐carbonate successions and appropriate intervals from well‐dated reference sections allow the application of high‐resolution stratigraphy to these shallow‐water peritidal carbonates and, furthermore, elucidate the facies response to the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE). Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) levels of the western Trento Platform (Southern Alps, Northern Italy) contain spiculitic cherts that appear where rising carbon‐isotope values characterize the onset of the OAE: a palaeoceanographic phenomenon interpreted as driven by increased nutrient levels in near‐surface waters. There is a facies change to more clay‐rich facies at the level of the abrupt negative carbon‐isotope excursion, also characteristic of the OAE, higher in the section. The Campania–Lucania Platform (Southern Apennines, Southern Italy) records a change to more clay‐rich facies where carbon‐isotope values begin to rise at the beginning of the OAE but the negative excursion, higher in the section, occurs within oolitic facies. Although, in both examples, the Early Toarcian OAE can be recognized by a change to more clay‐rich lithologies, this facies development is diachronous and in neither case did the platform drown. Although the Trento Platform, in the south‐west sector studied here, was adversely affected by the OAE, it did not drown definitively until Late Aalenian time; the Campania–Lucania Platform persisted throughout the Jurassic and Cretaceous. Differential subsidence rates, which can be calculated using comparative chemostratigraphy, are identified as a crucial factor in the divergent behaviour of these two carbonate platforms: relatively fast in the case of the Trento Platform; relatively slow in the case of the Campania–Lucania Platform. It is proposed that where water depths remained as shallow as a few metres during the OAE (Campania–Lucania Platform), dissolved oxygen levels remained high, nutrient levels relatively low and conditions for carbonate secretion and precipitation remained relatively favourable, whereas more poorly ventilated and/or more nutrient‐rich waters (Trento Platform) adversely influenced platform growth where depths were in the tens of metres range. The stage was thus set for drowning on the more rapidly subsiding western margin of the Trento Plateau and a pulse of oolite deposition post‐dating the OAE was insufficient to revitalize the carbonate factory.
OsTDL1A binds to the LRR domain of rice receptor kinase MSP1, and is required to limit sporocyte numbers
Authors: Zhao Xinai , De Palma Justina , Oane Rowena , Gamuyao Rico , Luo Ming , Chaudhury Abdul , Hervé Philippe , Xue Qingzhong , Bennett John
Published: February 2008

Hybrids lose heterotic yield advantage when multiplied sexually via meiosis. A potential alternative breeding system for hybrids is apospory, where female gametes develop without meiosis. Common among grasses, apospory begins in the nucellus, where aposporous initials (AIs) appear near the sexual megaspore mother cell (MeMC). The cellular origin of AIs is obscure, but one possibility, suggested by the mac1 and msp1 mutants of maize and rice, is that AIs are apomeiotic derivatives of the additional MeMCs that appear when genetic control over sporocyte numbers is relaxed. MULTIPLE SPOROCYTES1 (MSP1) encodes a leucine‐rich‐repeat receptor kinase, which is orthologous to EXS/EMS1 in Arabidopsis. Like mac1 and msp1, exs/ems1 mutants produce extra sporocytes in the anther instead of a tapetum, causing male sterility. This phenotype is copied in mutants of TAPETUM DETERMINANT1 (TPD1), which encodes a small protein hypothesized to be an extracellular ligand of EXS/EMS1. Here we show that rice contains two TPD1‐like genes, OsTDL1A and OsTDL1B. Both are co‐expressed with MSP1 in anthers during meiosis, but only OsTDL1A and MSP1 are co‐expressed in the ovule. OsTDL1A binds to the leucine‐rich‐repeat domain of MSP1 in yeast two‐hybrid assays and bimolecular fluorescence complementation in onion cells; OsTDL1B lacks this capacity. When driven by the maize Ubiquitin1 promoter, RNA interference against OsTDL1A phenocopies msp1 in the ovule but not in the anther. Thus, RNAi produces multiple MeMCs without causing male sterility. We conclude that OsTDL1A binds MSP1 in order to limit sporocyte numbers. OsTDL1A‐RNAi lines may be suitable starting points for achieving synthetic apospory in rice.
Metabolism of salicylic acid in wild‐type, ugt74f1 and ugt74f2 glucosyltransferase mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Dean John V. , Delaney Sean P.
Published: January 2008

Arabidopsis thaliana contains two salicylic acid (SA) glucosyltransferase enzymes designated UGT74F1 and UGT74F2. UGT74F1 forms only SA 2‐O‐β‐D‐glucose (SAG), while UGT74F2 forms both SAG and the SA glucose ester (SGE). In an attempt to determine the in vivo role of each SA glucosyltransferase (SAGT), the metabolism of SA in ugt74f1 and ugt74f2 mutants was examined and compared with that of the wild‐type. The three major metabolites formed in wild‐type Arabidopsis included SAG, SGE, and 2,5‐dihydroxbenzoic acid 2‐O‐β‐D‐glucose (DHB2G). This is the first description of DHB2G as a major metabolite of SA in plants. The major metabolites of SA formed in ugt74f1 mutants were SGE, SAG and 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid 5‐O‐β‐D‐glucose (DHB5G). DHB5G was not formed in the wild‐type plants. SAG and DHB2G were the main metabolites of SA in ugt74f2 mutants. The ugt74f2 mutant was unable to form SGE. Only SGE could be detected during in vitro SAGT assays of untreated wild‐type and ugt74f1 mutants. This activity was because of constitutive UGT74F2 activity. Both SGE and SAG could be formed during in vitro assays of SA‐pretreated wild‐type and ugt74f1 leaves. Neither SAG nor SGE could be detected during the in vitro SAGT assays of untreated ugt74f2 leaves. Only SAG was formed during the in vitro SAGT assays of SA‐pretreated ugt74f2 leaves. The SAG formation was a result of the UGT74F1 activity. This work demonstrates that changes in the activity of either SAGT enzyme can have a dramatic effect on the metabolism of exogenously supplied SA in Arabidopsis.
Breeding for low body weight in Goettingen minipigs
Authors: Köhn F. , Sharifi A.R. , Täubert H. , Malovrh Š. , Simianer H.
Published: January 2008

The Goettingen minipig is a laboratory animal with increasing popularity in medical research. To get a genetically smaller minipig, a new breeding scheme with a focus on weight reduction has to be developed. Therefore, 19 505 body weight measurements of 3461 Goettingen minipigs were analysed with multiple trait models and random regression models (RRM) for the estimation of genetic parameters. Heritabilities were moderate with slightly higher values estimated with the RRM. Genetic correlations between body weight measurements at different ages were decreasing with increasing time lag between the measurements. An operational breeding goal for relative weight reduction RWR is suggested in which the weight reduction in each age class is expressed as per cent of the actual body weight and is weighted according to the proportion of animals sold in this age class. Expected genetic progress was calculated for two different selection ages (80 and 150 days). Selection at age 150 days leads to an expected genetic progress of 3.9 % RWR per year. And it is shown how the selection for RWR will modify the shape of the growth curve. On the basis of these results, a new breeding scheme with a focus on weight reduction can be implemented, which also has to account for correlated undesirable effects, like decline of fertility and increased rate of inbreeding.