bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioferlizing and Nematodes Control Potentials of Four Native Isolates of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Togo
Authors: Atti Tchabi , Blaise M'boumba Etienne , Nicolas Olowotche , Pana Kadanga 
Published: December 2022

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of four isolates of the native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (AMF) in improving pepper plant yield as well as to assess their potential for the control of nematodes.
Study Design: The experimental set up consisted of a Completely Randomized Block Design with 5 treatments corresponding to the four isolates of AMF– BEN10, GM142, 472, and WA330 – tested in comparison with the untreated plants as a control treatment.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in 2020 from June to September « at the Research Station of the Faculty of Agronomy, University of Lomé, Togo».
Methodology: The seeds of pepper were inoculated with the four AMF isolates in the nursery. Six weeks after, the seedlings were transplanted on 3mx6m beds. Several growth parameters such as the number of leaves and branches, plant height, number of flower buds and fruit weight were recorded each three weeks after transplantation. Nematode density was assessed four times (before transplanting, at the flowering, during fruiting, and after the last harvest of pepper fruits).
Results: The AMF increased significantly the marketable pepper fruit weight by 39%, and reduced significantly the root nematode density by 20-34%. A positive correlation (P<0.0001; r = 0.816) was observed between the mycorrhization frequency and mycorrhization intensity, the former was varied from 70% to 91% and the latter from 60% to 85%. The plant height, the number of leaves, the branches and the number of flower buds were not affected by AMF inoculation.
Conclusion: The present study showed the potential of AMF to be considered alternative candidate to chemical fertilizers and pesticides for sustainable production of sweet pepper in Togo.
Internal and External Mass Transfer in Biofilms Grown at Various Flow Velocities
Authors: Beyenal Haluk , Lewandowski Zbigniew 
Published: July 2002

AbstractIt appears that biofilms arrange their internal structure according to the flow velocity at which they are grown, which affects the internal mass transfer rate and microbial activity. In biofilms grown at various flow velocities we determined the vertical profiles of the local relative effective diffusivity (termed Dl) at several locations within each biofilm. From these profiles we calculated the surface‐averaged relative effective diffusivity (termed Dsa) at various distances from the bottom and plotted it against these distances. The Dsa decreased linearly toward the bottom, forming well‐defined profiles that were different for each biofilm. The gradients of these profiles were multiplied by the diffusivity of oxygen, ζ = Dw d Dsa/d z, and plotted versus the flow velocity at which each biofilm was grown. The gradients were low at flow velocities below 10 cm/s, reached a maximum at a flow velocity of 10 cm/s, and decreased again at flow velocities exceeding 10 cm/s. The existence of a maximum indicates a possibility that two opposing forces were affecting the slope of the profiles. To explain these observations we hypothesized that biofilms, depending on the flow velocity at which they are grown, arrange their internal architecture to control (1) the nutrient transport rate and (2) the mechanical pliability needed to resist the shear stress of the water flowing past them. It appears that biofilms attempt to satisfy the second goal first, to increase their mechanical strength, and that they do so at the expense of the nutrient transfer rate to deeper layers. This strength increase is associated with an increase in biofilm density, which slows down the internal mass transport rate. Biofilms grown at low flow velocities exhibit low density and high effective diffusivity but cannot resist higher shear stress, whereas biofilms grown at higher flow velocities are denser and can resist higher shear stress but have a lower effective diffusivity.
Non‐enzymatic Browning in Single‐Strength Reconstituted Citrus Juice in TetraBrik Cartons
Authors: Roig M. G. , Bello J. F. , Rivera Z. S. , Lloyd L. L. , Kennedy J. F. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractIn freshly produced commercial citrus juice, aseptically filled in a TetraBrik carton, it has been demonstrated that non‐enzymatic browning was mainly due to carbonyl compounds formed from l‐ascorbic acid degradation. At different storage temperatures (4−37 °C), this, browning showed first‐order kinetics with higher rate constants as temperature was increased. An assessment of the degree of browning as a function of time in the presence of additives (sodium metabisulfite, sodium tripolyphosphate, (carboxymethyl)cellulose and sorbitol) showed that the addition of sodium metabisulfite substantially reduced browning, particularly at the higher storage temperatures of 76 and 105 °C where a greater accumulation of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfuraldehyde was observed.
β‐Lactamase Recovery from E. coli Cell Lysate via Two‐Phase Electrophoresis
Authors: Oehler Ryan D. , Clark William M. 
Published: July 2002

Abstractβ‐Lactamase was recovered from Escherichia coli cell lysate by a novel cell debris removal method using two‐phase electrophoresis. The cells were harvested by centrifugation after fermentation, resuspended in a low ionic strength electrophoresis buffer, lysed, and combined with a poly(ethylene glycol)/dextran aqueous two‐phase system in the same buffer. The cell lysate was subjected to a 40 V/cm electric field oriented perpendicular to the phase interface for 90 min. Experiments were conducted both with and without a nucleic acid precipitation step using poly(ethylene imine) (PEI). For PEI‐treated lysate at pH 5, the positively charged β‐lactamase was directed to the upper phase, while negatively charged contaminants (including cell debris, nucleic acid/PEI precipitates, and negatively charged proteins) were directed to the lower phase with the applied field. β‐Lactamase yield in the upper phase was 81%, while cell debris and nucleic acids partitioned almost exclusively to the lower phase. For untreated lysate, β‐lactamase did not move in the electric field due to strong interaction with nucleic acids in solution.
Production of Retroviral Vectors for Gene Therapy with the Human Packaging Cell Line FLYRD18
Authors: Gerin Patrick A. , Searle Peter F. , Al‐Rubeai Mohamed 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe development of gene therapy is hampered by the difficulty of producing large stocks of retroviral vectors at high titer. This study aimed to improve culture conditions and to intensify the production of retroviruses by FLYRD18, a packaging cell line derived from the HT1080 human fibrosarcoma line. Batch virus production proved to be feasible in unsupplemented basal medium and provided significantly higher titers and productivities than medium supplemented with 10% serum. For longer‐term production, however, AIM‐V complete serum‐free medium and basal medium supplemented with 2% serum gave superior results. Serum supplementation should nevertheless be optimized to take into account the presence of inhibitors of viral production. In monolayer cultures with 0.2 mL/cm2, the cell concentration was increased up to 2 × 106 cells/mL without loss of cell productivity. A semicontinuous production process, which enables the collection of larger amounts of viruses from the same culture, has also been successfully used. Suspension culture processes were prevented by the anchorage dependency of the FLYRD18 cell line. Microcarrier cultures were able to produce viruses but will require further investigation and optimization for their performance to become competitive with monolayer cultures. In the course of this study, more than a 10‐fold increase of titer has been achieved.
Functional site of endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitor from python serum
Authors: Thwin Maung‐Maung , Satish Ramapatna L. , Chan Steven T. F. , Gopalakrishnakone Ponnampalam 
Published: July 2002

The functional site of ‘phospholipase A2 inhibitor from python’ (PIP) was predicted based on the hypothesis of proline brackets. Using different sources of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2s) as enzyme, and [3H]arachidonate‐labelled Escherichia coli as substrate, short synthetic peptides representing the proposed site were examined for their secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) inhibitory␣activity. A decapeptide P‐PB.III proved to be the most potent of the tested peptides in inhibiting sPLA2 enzymatic activity	in vitro, and exhibited striking anti‐inflammatory effects in␣vivo in a mouse paw oedema model. P‐PB.III inhibited the enzymatic activity of class I, II and III PLA2s, including that of human synovial fluid from arthritis patients. When tested by ELISA, biotinylated P‐PB.III interacted positively with various PLA2s, suggesting that the specific region of PIP corresponding to P‐PB.III, is likely to be involved in the PLA2–PLI interaction. The effect of P‐PB.III on the peritoneal inflammatory response after surgical trauma in rats was also examined. P‐PB.III effectively reduced the extent of postsurgical peritoneal adhesions as compared to controls. sPLA2 levels at seventh postoperative day in the peritoneal tissue of P‐PB.III‐treated rats were also significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in comparison to those of the untreated controls. The present results shed additional insight on the essential structural elements for PLA2 binding, and may be useful as a basis for the design of novel therapeutic agents.
Hepatitis B vaccinees may be mistaken for confirmed hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive blood donors
Authors: Dow B. C. , Yates P. , Galea G. , Munro H. , Buchanan I. , Ferguson K. 
Published: July 2002

Background and Objectives Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test sensitivities have gradually increased, and neutralizable weak HBsAg‐positive donations, with no other hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers, have occasionally been found in our donor population. On investigation, these donors have admitted to receiving hepatitis B vaccine up to 5 days previously. A study was therefore initiated to monitor HBsAg reactivity amongst volunteers after receiving their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine.Materials and Methods Eight volunteers were tested using three HBsAg assays (Abbott Auszyme, Ortho HBsAg‐3 and Abbott/Murex GE34/36) on days 0, 3, 5, 7 and 10 after administration of hepatitis B vaccine.Results Two HBsAg tests (Abbott Auszyme and Ortho HBsAg‐3) did not detect HBsAg reactivity amongst the volunteers, although the Abbott Auszyme test results reached 70–80% of the manufacturer’s cut‐off at day 3 in two volunteers. The most recently launched assay (Abbott/Murex GE 34/36) detected seven (87%) of the eight volunteers as HBsAg reactive on day 3, and two (25%) volunteers were still reactive on day 5.Conclusion The Abbott/Murex GE 34/36 assay demonstrated HBsAg reactivity in most volunteers on day 3 and in some on day 5 after vaccination. It is therefore recommended that individuals who have recently been vaccinated with hepatitis B be deferred from blood donation for at least 7 days.
Microleakage in endodontically treated teeth: influence of calcium hydroxide dressing following bleaching
Authors: Demarco F. F. , Freitas J. M. , Silva M. P. , Justino L. M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractAimThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate microleakage of a fourth generation dentine‐bonding agent and composite restoration during a walking bleach treatment.MethodologyThirty extracted non‐carious incisors were selected and conventional root canal treatment was performed. Teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10): group A (control), access cavities were restored with a fourth generation dentine‐bonding agent, and incrementally restored with composite resin; group B, a paste composed of sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide was placed into the pulp chamber and sealed with glass ionomer cement for 7 days, teeth were then restored in the same manner as group A; group C, a paste of sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide was placed in the pulp chamber for 7 days and then after removal of the bleaching mixture, pulp chambers were filled with a calcium hydroxide paste and cavities sealed with glass ionomer for 1 week. The cavities were then restored with bonded restorations as in groups A and B. Teeth were subjected to thermal cycling and immersed in methylene blue for 8 h. Teeth were sectioned from buccal to lingual, through the centre of the restoration, using a diamond disk. Leakage was assessed using a standard scheme, under magnification (×20). Data were submitted to statistical analysis using nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsGroups A and C exhibited similar leakage patterns, and both demonstrated less leakage values than group B (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIt was concluded that bleaching with sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide increases microleakage; short‐term use of a calcium hydroxide medicament did not increase microleakage.
Modelling the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes in the regulation of invertebrate pests in glasshouse crops
Authors: Fenton A. , Norman R. , Fairbairn J.P. , Hudson P.J. 
Published: July 2002

Summary1. Entomopathogenic nematodes belonging to the families Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae are lethal obligate parasites of a wide range of invertebrate species. These nematodes exhibit many characteristics that make them ideal candidates as biological control agents of insect pests (rapid host death, high reproductive rates, easily mass‐rearedin vitro, easy application techniques).2. However, at present, the number of pest species to which these nematodes are applied successfully is small. Clearly, there is a need to develop existing knowledge of the nematode into a more complete understanding of the nematode–pest system as a whole.3. To consider the potential of entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents, we adopted a generalized analytical modelling approach and, using realistic parameter estimates, determined the conditions under which these nematodes can regulate a pest population.4. Stability analyses suggested that entomopathogenic nematodes may not be capable of regulating a host population to a stable equilibrium. Long‐term persistence of the host and nematode population is unlikely, due to the highly destabilizing effects of the parasite–host relationship. As such, these nematodes may be better suited to short‐term control through inundative application techniques rather than long‐term regulation.5. This preliminary generalized model highlights areas where further work is needed. This includes estimation of the probability of nematode infection in the field, the effect of host size on the transmission cycle and the influence of spatial heterogeneity on stability.
Primary structure and properties of the cathepsin G/chymotrypsin inhibitor from the larval hemolymph of Apis mellifera
Authors: Bania Jacek , Stachowiak Damian , Polanowski Antoni 
Published: July 2002

A member of the Ascaris inhibitor family exhibiting anti‐cathepsin G and anti‐chymotrypsin activity was purified from the larval hemolymph of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Three forms of the inhibitor, designated AMCI 1–3, were isolated using gel filtration and anion‐exchange chromatographies followed by reverse‐phase HPLC. The amino‐acid analyses indicated that AMCI‐1 and AMCI‐2 have an identical composition whereas AMCI‐3 is shorter by two residues (Thr, Arg). All three forms contain as many as 10 cysteine residues and lack tryptophan, tyrosine, and histidine. The sequence of the isoinhibitors showed that the major form (AMCI‐1) consisting of 56 amino‐acid residues was a single‐chain protein of molecular mass 5972 Da, whereas the other two forms were two‐chain proteins with a very high residue identity. The AMCI‐2 appeared to be derived from AMCI‐1, as a result of the Lys24‐Thr25 peptide bond splitting, while AMCI‐3 was truncated at its N‐terminus by the dipeptide Thr25‐Arg26. The association constants for the binding of bovine α‐chymotrypsin to all purified forms of the inhibitor were high and nearly identical, ranging from 4.8 × 1010 m−1 for AMCI‐1 to 2.7 × 109 m−1 for AMCI‐3. The sensitivity of cathepsin G to inhibition by each inhibitor was different. Only the association constant for the interaction of this enzyme with AMCI‐1 was high (2 × 108 m−1) whereas those for AMCI‐2 and AMCI‐3 were significantly lower, and appeared to be 3.7 × 107 m−1 and 4.5 × 106 m−1, respectively. The reactive site of the inhibitor, as identified by cathepsin G degradation and chemical modification, was found to be at Met30‐Gln31. A search in the Protein Sequence Swiss‐Prot databank revealed a significant degree of identity (44%) between the primary structure of AMCI and the trypsin isoinhibitor from Ascaris sp (ATI) . On the basis of the cysteine residues alignment, the position of the reactive site as well as some sequence homology, the cathepsin G/chymotrypsin inhibitor from larval hemolymph of the honey bee may be considered to be a member of the Ascaris inhibitor family.
LAPAROSCOPIC LIVE DONOR NEPHRECTOMY: THE PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE
Authors: Hensman C. , Lionel G. , Hewett P. , Mohan Rao M. 
Published: July 2002

Background: Recent improvements in video technology and surgical instrumentation have resulted in the application of minimally invasive techniques to many surgical procedures including splenectomy and adrenalectomy.1,2 Nephrectomy requires a long flank incision with division of abdominal musculature and possible subcostal nerve damage. Severe postoperative pain and a prolonged recuperative period may result, and the cosmetic outcome may not be satisfactory. A new surgical approach utilizing laparoscopic dissection and delivery of the kidney through a small incision was performed to circumvent these problems. The aim of this paper is to describe the technique of laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN) and present the preliminary outcome. Methods: Over the 12‐month period between May 1997 and April 1998, 16 donors underwent donor nephrectomy by a laparoscopic approach. The procedure was assessed with regard to its safety, feasibility and advantages over the open method. Results: All the nephrectomies were completed without conversion to an open procedure. The average postoperative pain score on a visual analogue scale of 1–10 was 2 in LLDN. The donors required 36 mg morphine on average over 36 h postoperatively. Postoperative stay averaged 3 days. One donor developed an infective complication along the wound drain tract which settled with adequate drainage and antibiotics. All the removed donor kidneys were transplanted with immediate good function. There were no surgical complications or graft losses. The recipients’ serum creatinine was in the range of 96–181 mmol/L 3 months after transplantation. Conclusions: Significant potential advantages of LLDN include less postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization and decreased recuperative time. This preliminary experience indicates LLDN to be effective in terms of safety and feasibility.
Study of intestinal metaplasia in Barrett’s esophagus
Authors: Shasha Zhang , Jun Zhang , Jinyan Luo , Kangming Wang , Jun Gong , Aili Zuo 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the factors predisposing patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) to intestinal metaplasia (IM). METHODS: Forty‐seven BE patients were studied. By using endoscopic and histological methods, esophageal IM was diagnosed in 36 patients, who were compared with 11 patients without IM in regard to their age, the endoscopic appearance of the esophagus and esophageal motility. RESULTS: The patients’ age and endoscopic features of the esophagus, but not esophageal motor function and grade of macroscopic esophagitis, were risk factors for the development of IM. CONCLUSIONS: Patient age and endoscopic features of the BE mucosa are associated with IM and may be prognostic factors for BE.
Predictors of the development of microalbuminuria in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a seven‐year prospective study
Authors: Group The Microalbuminuria Collaborative Study 
Published: July 2002

Summary Aims To determine risk factors for the development of persistent microalbuminuria (albumin excretion rate (AER) ≥ 30 μg/min) in Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods One hundred and forty‐eight initially normotensive Type 1 diabetic patients with normal albumin excretion (< 30 μg/min) were followed prospectively in hospital diabetes outpatient clinics for a median of 7 years. Main outcome measures were: progression to persistent microalbuminuria (albumin excretion rate ≥ 30 μg/min on at least two consecutive occasions); rate of change of albumin excretion rate; development of arterial hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 160 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure > 95 mmHg or commencement of antihypertensive therapy). Results In a median follow‐up period of 7 years (range 6 months to 8 years), 14 patients progressed to persistent microalbuminuria, a cumulative incidence of 11% (95% confidence interval 6.36–16.94). AER remained persistently < 30 μg/min in 109 subjects and 25 developed intermittent microalbuminuria. In those who developed persistent microalbuminuria, baseline AER (16.2 (13.9–19.1) vs. 5.2 (3.8–9.2) μg/min, P < 0.01), blood pressure (136 (123–148)/80 (74–85) vs. 121 (118–124)/72 (70–73) mmHg, P < 0.05), and HbA1 (10.2 (9.1–11.4) vs. 9.0 (8.7–9.4)%, P < 0.05) were higher than in those who continued to have persistent normoalbuminuria, retinopathy was more severe and height (1.64 (1.57–1.71) vs. 1.70 (1.69–1.72) m, P < 0.05) less. In multivariate analysis, baseline AER was the strongest predictor of the development of persistent microalbuminuria (P < 0.0001), followed by mean arterial pressure (P = 0.02) and HbA1 (P = 0.05). Conclusions The level of AER, raised blood pressure and poor glycaemic control are the most important predictors of the development of microalbuminuria in Type 1 diabetes.