September 2009       OurFood - NEWS  Here food related news are posted.  Use the archives to search past  food reports

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27.09.2009: Inland water are important for carbon cycling [1]
According to Battin and colleagues 2009 inland waters, such as streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands play an important role in processing organic carbon and must be integrated in a global climate strategy. The authors point out that twenty percent of the continental sequestration are deposited as sediments in rivers and other open waters, its outgassing contributes carbon to the atmosphere in an amount equivalent to 13% of annual fossil fuel burning.

In their study the authors describes the carbon transfers between the land-freshwater boundary, the freshwater-atmosphere boundary, and regional boundaries within continents. They point to the fact that rivers transport the carbon which escapes sedimentation or outgassing and modifies carbon accounts of distant regions.

Wetlands are important in carbon cycle [2]
Wetlands and marsh areas bind carbon dioxide, protect the cost and provide habitat for a variety of species. Based on the results of the study “The Boundless Carbon Cycle” the importance of the protection of wetlands, mangroves and free waters become eminent.

Needelman and colleagues 2008 stress that tidal marshes are excellent at capturing carbon dioxide, because decomposition is very low. Most of the sequestered carbon remains bound there.

To protect these biotypes sediments of rivers and bays are pumped into washed-out marshes functioning as carbon sink. The group around Needelman control carbon content of these restored marshes analysing yearly soil samples. The authors report that the average carbon content in the restored marsh was 35 kg m-2 while the reference marsh has only 24 kg m-2 due to a greater bulk density. A surface carbon accumulation of 1.8 Mg C ha-1 yr-1, resulting from deposition of new organic material was also found by the authors.

Healthy headwaters [3]
Louis A. Kaplan and a group of scientists stress the importance to protect headwaters tributary streams, intermittent streams, and spring seeps with forested riparian buffer zones to keep stream and river ecosystem healthy.

Healthy, undisturbed headwaters supply organic matter that contributes to the growth and productivity of higher organisms, including insects and fish, keep sediment and pollutants out of the main stream, and protect biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Forested buffer zones protect these headwaters extending the total area of aquatic habitat, protect against pollution, slow erosion, keepsthe water cool for best trout survival.

The authors recommend that smaller watershed be protected, riparian forests be adopted as a best management practice and that these forested buffers be preserved and restored along as many reaches as possible.

[1] Battin,Tom J.; Luyssaert, Sebastiaan; Kaplan, Louis A.; Aufdenkampe, Anthony K.;Richter, Andreas;Tranvik, Lars J.: The boundless carbon cycle. Nature Geoscience 2, 598 - 600 (2009). Doi:10.1038/ngeo618
http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/v2/n9/abs/ngeo618.html

[2] Wills, Skye; Needelman, Brian; Weil, Ray: Carbon distribution in restored and reference marshes at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, Volume 54, Number 3, June 2008 , pp. 239-248(10)
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tandf/gags/2008/00000054/00000003/art00002

[3] Protecting Headwaters: The Scientific Basis for Safeguarding Stream and River Ecosystems", a research synthesis from Stroud Water Research Center scientists.
http://www.stroudcenter.org/research/PDF/ProtectingHeadwaters.pdf


26.09.2009: Particulate matters in the atmosphere
Dust analyser [1]
Polluted air, breathed in for weeks, months and sometimes years, can have fatal consequences, leading to asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer. Prof. Eyal Ben-Dor and his Ph.D. student Dr. Sandra Chudnovsky, of TAU's Department of Geography have developed a sensor called "Dust Alert" which contains a spectrophotometer, monitoring particulates and their chemical composition of air pollution.

Dust from Asia to America [2]
Emily Fischer and colleagues 2009 found that dust from the Gobi and Taklimakan deserts in China and Mongolia is routinely present in the air over the western United States during spring months, adding to the local air pollution.

Dust, grains of sea salt, soot from fossil fuel combustion and smoke from forest fires form these aerosols measuring 2.5 microns or less. Calcium particles are a tracer for desert dust.

Saharan dust storms trigger Atlantic plankton blooms [3]
Dr Eric Achterberg studied the Saharan dust storms which is rich in nitrogen, iron and phosphorus and acts as a fertilizer on the production of plankton in eastern Atlantic. The author estimates that about 500 million tonnes of this dust per year alters the climate by partly partly reflecting sunlight, lead to cloud formation and initiating hurricanes in the Caribbean. The dust fertilizes large areas of the Atlantic Ocean produces massive plankton blooms. The Saharan dust may contain soot from fires, varying in chemical and physical properties.

The Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS-AIR) [4]
Brunekreef and colleagues reported in 2002 that traffic-related air pollution, especially at the local scale, was related to cardiopulmonary mortality. More data are provided by the authors in the Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS-AIR) on diet and cancer, providing precise estimates of the effects of traffic-related air pollution by analysing associations with cause-specific mortality, as well as lung cancer incidence,

In this study the authors assessed the concentrations of black smoke (a simple marker for soot) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as indicators of traffic-related air pollution, as well as nitric oxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter higher or = 2.5 microm (PM2.5), as estimated from measurements of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter higher or = 10 microm (PM10).

The authors concluded that relative risks were generally small, however, long-term average concentrations of black smoke, NO2, and PM2.5 were related to mortality, and associations of black smoke and NO2 exposure with natural-cause and respiratory mortality were statistically significant.

Link between long-term exposure to particulate air pollution and mortality in large U.S. cities [5]
Krewski and colleagues 2009 published the results of an extended follow-up and spatial analysis of the American Cancer Society (ACS) Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS-II) examining the associations between long-term exposure to particulate air pollution and mortality in large U.S. cities. This study was a follower of the Particle Epidemiology Reanalysis Project, studying, among others, the factors affecting health in the Los Angeles and New York City regions and what exposure time windows may be most critical to the air pollution-mortality association.

The authors found high exposure contrasts within the Los Angeles region with air pollution-mortality risks nearly 3 times greater than those reported from earlier analyses.

The Hazard ratios for mortality associated with exposure to SO2 were highest in the most recent time window (1 to 5 years). Krewski and colleagues stresses the importance of identifying critical exposure time windows which could also be relevant to other data sets.

The authors concluded that long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases mortality in the general population.

Lung damage related to subway dust [6]
Lanone and colleagues 2007 studied the particulate matter for the air in the subway system of Paris. The authors stress that these particles can deposit in the lungs and induce recruitment of inflammatory cells, a source of inflammatory cytokines, oxidants, and matrix metalloproteases.
The authors exposed mice and cultured mice cells to the dust of heavily traveled subway stations, triggering transient lung inflammation in the mice cells which produced increased levels of TNFalpha and MIP-2 production that might cause tissue damage.

The subway system is a potent source of particulate matter emission, including iron and low levels of endotoxin from bacteria. Such particles were also found in the air of the subway systems of London and Stockholm.

The authors concluded that dust from the Paris subway system has transient biological effects, and call for more studies on this matter.

Semivolatile organic compounds from East Asia atmosphere in spring 2004 [7]
In 2007 Primbs and colleagues reported their findings of the emissions of anthropogenic semivolatile organic compounds from East Asia. Air samples analysed taken in Okinawa in 2004 showed elevated concentrations of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorcyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), and particulate-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) attributed to air masses from China. Particulate-phase PAH concentrations came along with other incomplete combustion byproduct concentrations, including elemental mercury (Hg0), CO, NOx, black carbon, submicrometer aerosols, and SO2.

The authors estimated that the emission of six carcinogenic particulate-phase PAHs were 1518-4179 metric tons/year for Asia and 778-1728 metric tons/year for China, respectively. The authors point to the significant emission of carcinogen particulate-phase PAHs East Asian

Forest fires cause elevated pesticides content in air [8]
The trans-Pacific and regional North American atmospheric transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides in biomass burning emissions was measured 2003 at the U.S. West coast and the East coast.

Forest fires in Siberia during air sampling increased PAH, alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, and retene concentrations. Regional fires in Oregon and Washington State resulted in elevated levoglucosan, dacthal, endosulfan, and PAH concentrations. The authors comparing burned and unburned forest soils found that fire caused the soil to loose 34-100% of the pesticide mass. The authors point to the importance of trans-Pacific and regional atmospheric transport of biomass burning emissions with elevated PAH and pesticide concentrations in western North America additionally coming from historical deposition of pesticides in soil and plants.

[1] American Friends of Tel Aviv University (2009, September 23). 'Dust Alert' Invention Monitors Air Quality, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922162303.htm
Determines Chemical Composition Of Toxins. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 25, 2009.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922162303.htm

[2] Common Over Western United States. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 25, 2009.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071213000427.htm

[3] National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton (2008, February 10). Dust Storms In Sahara Desert Trigger Huge Plankton Blooms In Eastern Atlantic. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 25, 2009.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206192436.htm

[4] Brunekreef B, Beelen R, Hoek G, Schouten L, Bausch-Goldbohm S, Fischer P, Armstrong B, Hughes E, Jerrett M, van den Brandt P.: Effects of long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular mortality in the Netherlands: the NLCS-AIR study. Res Rep Health Eff Inst. 2009 Mar;(139):5-71; discussion 73-89
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19554969

[5] Krewski D, Jerrett M, Burnett RT, Ma R, Hughes E, Shi Y, Turner MC, Pope CA 3rd, Thurston G, Calle EE, Thun MJ, Beckerman B, DeLuca P, Finkelstein N, Ito K, Moore DK, Newbold KB, Ramsay T, Ross Z, Shin H, Tempalski B.: Extended follow-up and spatial analysis of the American Cancer Society study linking particulate air pollution and mortality. Res Rep Health Eff Inst. 2009 May;(140):5-114; discussion 115-36.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19627030

[6] Bachoual R, Boczkowski J, Goven D, Amara N, Tabet L, On D, Leçon-Malas V, Aubier M, Lanone S.: Biological effects of particles from the Paris subway system. Chem Res Toxicol. 2007 Oct;20(10):1426-33. Epub 2007 Sep 21.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17883261

[7] Primbs T, Simonich S, Schmedding D, Wilson G, Jaffe D, Takami A, Kato S, Hatakeyama S, Kajii Y.:Atmospheric outflow of anthropogenic semivolatile organic compounds from East Asia in spring 2004. Environ Sci Technol. 2007 May 15;41(10):3551-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17547177

[8] Genualdi SA, Killin RK, Woods J, Wilson G, Schmedding D, Simonich SL.: Trans-Pacific and regional atmospheric transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides in biomass burning emissions to western North America. Environ Sci Technol. 2009 Feb 15;43(4):1061-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19320158

25.09.2009: Evaluation of Apple-based and tomato-based edible films with antibacterial effect [1]
Avena-Bustillos, Friedman and colleagues 2009 report that essential oils can inactivate pathogenic bacteria on contact and in the vapor phase. The authors developed apple-based edible films containing essential oils to protect food against contamination by pathogenic bacteria and extend shelf life of food. Essential oils from allspice, cinnamon, and clove bud plants were used in apple-based edible films in concentrations at 0.5% to 3% (w/w). The films were were active against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica by both direct contact with the bacteria and indirectly by vapors emanating from the films. Carvacrol, the main ingredient of oregano oil, was more effective against the pathogens than cinnamon.

The authors also evaluated tomato puree film-forming solutions formulated into edible films containing Oregano oil, allspice oil and garlic oil at 0.5% to 3% (w/w) respectively. Essential oils reduce the viscosity of these films at the higher shear rates, and increased their elongation and darkness. Water vapor permeability of films were not altered. The authors concluded that both, apple- based and tomato-based edible films may be used. [2]

[1] Du, W-X.; Olsen, C.W.; Avena-Bustillos, R.J.; McHugh, T.H.: Levin, C.E.; Friedman, Mendel:Effects of Allspice, Cinnamon, and Clove Bud Essential Oils in Edible Apple Films on Physical Properties and Antimicrobial Activities (p M372-M378). Published Online: Aug 18 2009 12:06PM. Doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01282.x
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122559178/abstract

[2] Du, W-X.; Olsen, C.W.; Avena-Bustillos, R.J.; McHugh, T.H.: Friedman, Mendel: Antibacterial Effects of Allspice, Garlic, and Oregano Essential Oils in Tomato Films Determined by Overlay and Vapor-Phase Methods. Journal of Food Science. Volume 74 Issue 7, Pages# M390-M397. Published Online: 18 Aug 2009. Doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01289.x
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122559262/abstract

24.09.2009: Resveratrol from grapes, a potent antioxidant, is non-toxic, says study [1]
Williams and colleagues 2009 found that trans-resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in grapes and other foods was found to be non-mutagenic in a bacterial assays, but produced disruption or breakages of chromosomes. In bone marrow test in rats, Resvida, a high pure resveratrol, however, was found to be non-genotoxic, and did not cause adverse reproductive effects in rats. Physiologic tests found resveratrol to be readily absorbed, metabolized and excreted. The authors concluded that Resvida is well tolerated and non-toxic.

[1] Williams LD, Burdock GA, Edwards JA, Beck M, Bausch J.: Safety studies conducted on high-purity trans-resveratrol in experimental animals. Food Chem Toxicol. 2009 Sep;47(9):2170-82. Epub 2009 Jun 6
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505523

23.09.2009: GM glufosinate-tolerant oilseed rape from Bayer Crop Science and GM maize Bt11xGA21 from Synngenta Seeds are safe
The EFSA GMO Panel reiterates the previous conclusions that GM glufosinate-tolerant oilseed rape Ms8, Rf3 and Ms8 x Rf3 is unlikely to have an adverse effect on human and animal health or, in the context of its proposed uses, on the environment. This also applies to the products which are the subject of the present application. [1]

The EFSA GMO Panel considers that maize Bt11xGA21 is as safe as its non-GM maize counterpart with respect to effects on human and animal health and the environment. Therefore, the EFSA GMO Panel concludes that maize Bt11xGA21 is unlikely to have any adverse effect on human and animal health or on the environment in the context of its intended uses. [2]

[1] Application (EFSA-GMO-RX-MS8-RF3) for renewal of the authorisation for continued marketing of existing (1) food and food ingredients produced from genetically modified glufosinate-tolerant oilseed rape Ms8, Rf3 and Ms8 x Rf3, and (2) feed materials produced from genetically modified glufosinate-tolerant oilseed rape Ms8, Rf3 and Ms8 x Rf3, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Bayer CropScience. Question number: EFSA-Q-2007-159. Adopted: 9 September 2009. Published 22.09.2009.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/cs/BlobServer/Scientific_Opinion/gmo_op_ej1318_RX-Ms8xRf3_en.pdf?ssbinary=true

[2] Scientific Opinion on application (EFSA-GMO-UK-2009-49) for the placing on the market of the insect resistant and herbicide tolerant genetically modified maize Bt11xGA21 for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Syngenta Seeds. Question number: EFSA-Q-2007-195. Adopted: 15 September 2009 . Published 22.09.2009.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/cs/BlobServer/Scientific_Opinion/gmo_op_ej1319_GMmaize_Bt11xGA21.pdf?ssbinary=true

22.09.200 Biomineralization and bacterial hydrogenases
Biosorption to remove and recover metals from aqueous wastes [1]
Biosorption is a low-cost removal and recover of metals from water. Mack and colleagues reviewed in 2007 studies related to the recovery of precious metals such as gold, platinum and palladium by biosorption, especially in wastewaters. According to the authors common biosorbents are based on derivatives of chitosan with high surface positive charged amine functional group content which attract anionic precious metal ions at low pH.

The importance of bacterial hydrogenases [2]
According to Macaskie and colleagues 2005 bacterial hydrogenases may help to remove toxic heavy metals from solution reducing them to insoluble forms. Pd(II) may thus be cell-bound as Pd(0)-nanoparticles acting as a catalyst in the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated solutions

Hydrogenases can also be used synthetically in the production of bio-hydrogen from sugary wastes through breakdown of formate produced by fermentation. This hydrogen may be useful to decompose polychlorinated biphenyls in waste waters, or as fuel to power E-cells.

The reduction of U(VI) and Se(IV) were highlighted by the authors which stress the importance of the hydrogenase-3 component of the FHL (formate hydrogenlyase) complex in Escherichia coli to reduce the radionuclide 99Tc(VII) to its insoluble form 99Tc(IV).

Citrobacter sp. accumulates heavy deposits of uranyl phosphate HUO2PO4 and can accumulate several times their own weight of precipitated metal at the cell surface. [3]

Hydrogenases at work [4]
According to Vignais 2008 hydrogenases are metalloenzymes subdivided into two classes that contain iron-sulfur clusters and catalyze the reversible reaction to form hydrogen gas. Nickel and/or iron atoms form their active center of the two classes, the [NiFe]hydrogenases, or the [FeFe]hydrogenases. A third class of hydrogenase, characterized by a specific iron-containing cofactor and by the absence of Fe-S cluster has catalytic properties different from those of [NiFe]- and [FeFe]hydrogenases. The [NiFe]hydrogenases may further be subdivided into four subgroups.

Bioaccumulation of palladium [5]
Mikheenko and colleagues 2008 describe the reducion of palladium Pd(II) to Pd(0) by Wild-type Desulfovibrio fructosivorans and three hydrogenase-negative mutants, resulting in deposition of palladium nanoparticles on the cytoplasmic membrane.

Citrobacter bounding heavy metals [6]
According to Yong and colleagues 1997 immobolized Citrobacter sp. bacteria accumulate heavy metals as cell-bound metal phosphates, utilizing phosphate released by the enzymatic cleavage of a phosphomonoester substrate.

The authors describe the bioreactor activity and the Michaelis-Menten kinetics equation. They stress that nitrate is an inhibitor of the Citrobacter phosphatase and describe the removal of lanthanum from a nitrate-supplemented system.

Biomineralization and recovery of precious metals [7]
Loyd and colleagues 2008 describe bacteria producing precious metal catalysts from waste streams, ferrite spinels for biomedicine and catalysis, metal phosphates for environmental remediation and biomedical applications, and biogenic selenides for a range of optical devices. The authors stress the importance of biomineralization global biogeochemical cycles, but also provide new methods for material synthesis that eliminate toxic organic compounds.

Microbial precipitation of gold [8]
Deplanche and colleagues 2008 report the microbial precipitation of gold from acidic leachate (AuIII) from jewelry waste was achieved using Escherichia coli and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans using hydrogen as the electron donor. Hydrogen alone or with heat-killed cells did not recover gold from leachates. All gold was recovered within 2 hours. Gold nanoparticles of 20-50 nm, depending on pH of the solution, accumulated in the periplasmic space and on the cell surface.

Electronic waste recycling [9]
Waste electric and electronic equipment, or electronic waste and their hazardous material contents were assessed by Cui and Zhang 2008. The authors report that recycling of these waste is driven by economic stimuli of the recovery of precious metals.

In the last decade pyrometallurgical processing was largely displaced by hydrometallurgical process for recovery of metals from electronic waste. The authors discuss these hydrometallurgical processing techniques such as cyanide leaching, halide leaching, thiourea leaching, and thiosulfate leaching of precious metals. Bioleaching is used for recovery of precious metals and copper from ores for many years. However, the authors stress the need of further reseach on the bioleaching of metals from electronic waste.

Chromium [10]
Humphries and colleagues 2006 describe the reduction of Chromium using resting cells of Desulfovibrio vulgaris NCIMB 8303 and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans NCIMB 8307 for the hydrogenase-mediated reduction of Pd(II) to Pd(0), forming a hybrid palladium bionanocatalyst (Bio-Pd(0)) which reduced Cr(VI) to the less environmentally problematic Cr(III) species.

Recovery of uranium from leakages [11]
Macaskie and colleagues 2009 report that E. coli, break down a source of inositol phosphate (also called phytic acid), from plant waste freeing phosphate which binds uranium as uranium phosphate precipitate on the bacterial cells. This procedure turns binding uranium from leakages and spills economically attractive. Commercial pure inositol phosphate is too expensive to be used for uranium recovery. The authors stress the importance to recover uranium from mine run-offs and also from nuclear wastes to ensure energy security and avoid pollution of the environment.

Nuclear contamination of soils such as Asse 2 in Germany and other nuclear spills could make biologic recovery important.

Bio Hydrogen as clean fuel [12]
Macaskie and colleagues 2007 describe Escherichia coli performing anaerobic hydrogen metabolism using two 'uptake' hydrogenase isoenzymes, hydrogenase -1 and -2 (Hyd-1 and -2), and fermentative hydrogen production is catalysed by Hyd-3. This may lead to the production of bio-hydrogen from sugars.

Production of hydrogen from sucrose by Escherichia coli strains [13]
Penfold and Macaskie introduced the pUR400 plasmid, containing genes which allow the sucrose transport into the cell and its metabolism in the Escherichia coli HD701, a hydrogenase-upregulated strain. The new strain could metabolise sucrose from waste materials for the production of hydrogen.

[1] Mack C, Wilhelmi B, Duncan JR, Burgess JE.: Biosorption of precious metals. Biotechnol Adv. 2007 May-Jun;25(3):264-71. Epub 2007 Jan 19.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17293076

[2] Macaskie LE, Baxter-Plant VS, Creamer NJ, Humphries AC, Mikheenko IP, Mikheenko PM, Penfold DW, Yong P.: Applications of bacterial hydrogenases in waste decontamination, manufacture of novel bionanocatalysts and in sustainable energy.
Biochem Soc Trans. 2005 Feb;33(Pt 1):76-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15667270

[3] Macaskie, L.E.; Empson, R.M.; Cheetham, A.K.; Grey, C.P.; Skarnulis, A.J.: Uranium bioaccumulation by a Citrobacter sp. as a result of enzymically mediated growth of polycrystalline HUO2PO4. Science 7 August 1992: Vol. 257. no. 5071, pp. 782 – 784. Doi: 10.1126/science.1496397
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/257/5071/782

[4] Vignais PM: Hydrogenases and H(+)-reduction in primary energy conservation.
Results Probl Cell Differ. 2008;45:223-52.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18500479

[5] Mikheenko IP, Rousset M, Dementin S, Macaskie LE.: Bioaccumulation of palladium by Desulfovibrio fructosivorans wild-type and hydrogenase-deficient strains.
Appl Environ Microbiol. 2008 Oct;74(19):6144-6. Epub 2008 Aug 8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18689514

[6] Yong P, Macaskie LE.: Effect of substrate concentration and nitrate inhibition on product release and heavy metal removal by a Citrobacter sp.
Biotechnol Bioeng. 1997 Sep 20;55(6):821-30
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18636593

[7] Lloyd JR, Pearce CI, Coker VS, Pattrick RA, van der Laan G, Cutting R, Vaughan DJ, Paterson-Beedle M, Mikheenko IP, Yong P, Macaskie LE.: Biomineralization: linking the fossil record to the production of high value functional materials. Geobiology. 2008 Jun;6(3):285-97. Epub 2008 May 7. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18462384

[8] Deplanche K, Macaskie LE.: Biorecovery of gold by Escherichia coli and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. Biotechnol Bioeng. 2008 Apr 1;99(5):1055-64.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17969152

[9] Cui J, Zhang L.: Metallurgical recovery of metals from electronic waste: a review.
J Hazard Mater. 2008 Oct 30;158(2-3):228-56. Epub 2008 Feb 8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18359555

[10] Humphries AC, Mikheenko IP, Macaskie LE.: Chromate reduction by immobilized palladized sulfate-reducing bacteria. Biotechnol Bioeng. 2006 May 5;94(1):81-90.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16570313

[11] Society for General Microbiology (2009, September 19). Using Waste To Recover Waste Uranium. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 21, 2009.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907013804.htm

[12] Dissecting the roles of Escherichia coli hydrogenases in biohydrogen production.
Redwood MD, Mikheenko IP, Sargent F, Macaskie LE. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2008 Jan;278(1):48-55. Epub 2007 Nov 6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17995952

[13] Penfold DW, Macaskie LE.: Production of H2 from sucrose by Escherichia coli strains carrying the pUR400 plasmid, which encodes invertase activity. Biotechnol Lett. 2004 Dec;26(24):1879-83.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15672232

20.09.2009: Listeria L-forms lost their membrane but are still highly pathogen  [1]
Listeria (Listeria monocytogenes), a gram positive bacteria causes often fatal food-borne infections They were found in milk and soft cheese. Listeria can cross the blood-brain barrier and the placenta barrier.

Loessner and colleagues 2009 report that listeria cells, usually in rod form, may loose their cell walls, being replaced by a thin cytoplasmic membrane. They become spherical and are small or greatly enlarged, the so called L-form. The stress regulating genes were found to be activated while metabolic and energy balance genes were downregulated in the L-form.

L-form listeria bacteria form protoplast-like vesicles bearing daughter cells which are released when the vesicles bust. These L-forms can grow in milk but are difficult to cultivate under laboratory conditions and may remain undetected in milk.

[1] Dell'Era S, Buchrieser C, Couvé E, Schnell B, Briers Y, Schuppler M, Loessner MJ.: Listeria monocytogenes L-forms respond to cell wall deficiency by modifying gene expression and the mode of division. Molecular Microbiology, 73:306-322; Online: Jun 23 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.06774.x
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122464707/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

19.09.2009: High fructose corn syrup and sugar increase obesity risk [1]
Studies from Barry M. Popkin and George A. Bray suggested that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was a cause of obesity, particularly in infants. Many food manufacturers producers replace it with sugar, failing to meet the key problem which is the high calories content of their products.

Popkin and colleagues 2004 report that by 2004, HFCS provided 17% of total energy intake, whereas soft drinks and fruit drinks provided the most. The authors stressed that sweetened tea and desserts also represented major contributors of calories from added sugar. They concluded that intake of calories from high fructose corn syrup and sugars should be examined, but also emphasize that the trends in added caloric sweeteners should not be omitted in such researches.

Included are high caloric fruit juices, sodas and sport drinks supplemented with calcium to look healthy and liquid yoghurts sweetened with plenty of sugar. [2].

Link of Fructose and sugar to obesity [3]
Bray and colleagues 2008 examining the data of the Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted from 1988 to 1994 found that the mean daily consumption of fructose was 54.7 g/d, and accounted for 10.2% of total daily caloric intake. Consumption was highest among adolescents (12- to 18-year-olds), who consumed 72.8 g/d, between 12% and 15% of their total calories from fructose, stressing that the largest source are sugar-sweetened beverages (30%), followed by grains (22%) and fruit/fruit juice (19%).

The researchers point to the fact that fructose from sugar or High Fructose Corn Syrup-sweetened beverages are lean calories which lack other nutrients, they lack other nutrients, such as fruits where sugar and fructose are accompanied with other nutrients. Another problem cited by the authors is that sweet soft drinks are consumed by youngsters instead of milk creating a shortage on calcium and vitamin D essential for bone building. The authors also write that the body does not perceive calories in sweetened beverages in the same way as it does with other foods and do not produce satiety as other solid foods do, leading to an increased intake of calories.

HFCS and sugar 2007 position of the American Society for Nutrition [4]
Fulgoni III comments the annual American Society for Nutrition Public Information Committee symposium for 2007 on High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) which presented data indicating that HFCS is very similar, few metabolic differences to sucrose, being about 55% fructose and 45% glucose. It was concluded that High Fructose Corn Syrup does contribute to added sugars and calories. Weight reduction strategies should focus on calories from carbohydrates from beverages and other foods, regardless of High Fructose Corn Syrup content.

High sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with higher serum uric acid levels and blood pressure [5]
Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, including fruit drinks, sports drinks, soda, and sweetened coffee or tea, is a significant source of dietary fructose and is associated with higher serum uric acid levels and blood pressure in adolescents aged 12 to 18 years Nguyen and colleagues in a study of 2009 found in this group serum uric acid increased by 0.18 mg/dL and systolic blood pressure z-score increased by 0.17 from the lowest to the highest category of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption which may lead to adverse heath outcomes, warn the authors.

High-fructose corn syrup-obesity hypothesis as sole cause is not supported [6]
White 2009 addressed misconceptions about high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). He found that high-fructose corn syrup is not meaningfully different in composition or metabolism from other fructose-glucose sweeteners like sucrose, honey, and fruit juice concentrates. White concluded that the popular hypothesis that HFCS is uniquely responsible for obesity is not supported.

Fructose and sugar-swetened beverages provide higher endocrine activity than glucose [7]
Stanhope and Havel 2008 report that consumption of fructose-sweetened beverages substantially increases postprandial triacylglycerol concentrations compared with glucose-sweetened beverages. Apolipoprotein B concentrations were also increased while consuming fructose, but not with glucose. It was found in this study that beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose increase postprandial blood levels compared with fructose alone. The authors call for more studies on increased consumption of fructose-sweetened beverages which come along with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Fructose and sugar linked with insufficient secretion of insulin and leptin and suppression of ghrelin [8]
Melanson and colleagues 2008 assessed high-fructose corn syrup and excess weight gain reported in some acute feeding studies. According to the authors fructose is being suggested to be linked with insufficient secretion of insulin and leptin and suppression of ghrelin compared with pure glucose, however such differences are not apparent compared with sugar. Appetite and energy intake do not differ also.
Intake reduction of both sweeteners must become the primary target in tackling the obesity problem.

Public and private regulations of sugar-sweetened beverage sales in schools [9]
Mello, Pomeranz and Morgan 2007 report that most US states adopted laws that regulate the availability of sugar-sweetened beverages in school settings. Consumer and parent groups, as well as the beverage industry responded with strong reactions. This shows how much work is needed to convince parents to accept regulations which try to implement healthy nutrition patterns for youngsters.

The Food and Nutrition Board issued in 2007 a Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools. Leading the Way Toward Healthier Youth. The standards include beverages, yogurts (including drinkable yogurt), puddings, soups, cheeses, snack chips, energy bars, confectionery and similar foods. [10]

The American Beverage Association & The Alliance for a Healthier Generation beverage industry announced the adoption of the voluntary School Beverage Guidelines, which call for the curtailment of sugar-sweetened beverage sales in schools, aiming to avoid official regulations which might be more stringent than their own guidelines. [11]

Only 15% of sweetened beverages are consumed at school, overall intake must be targeted. [12]
Wang, Bleich and Gortmaker 2008 found that 55% to 70% of all sugar-sweetened beverage calories were consumed in the home environment, and 7% to 15% occurred in schools. Measures to restrict sugar-sweetened beverage sales in schools are therefore insufficient. The authors stress that consumption increase in all ages, varying between 10% to 15% of total calories from sugar-sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juice . The authors urge to develop awareness of pediatricians to help children and parents to reduce excessive intake of calories and obesity.

Researchers say 235 kcal/ may be reduced if sweet beverages are replaced with water [13]
Gortmaker and colleagues 2009 estimate that replacing all sugar-sweetened beverages with water could result in an average reduction of 235 kcal/d.

Caloric sweetened influence weight gain [14]
Light and colleagues in a study published in 2009 reprt that rats drinking caloric sweetened solutions failed to completely compensate for liquid calories ingested by reducing their consumption of solid food resulting in greater total energy intake compared to water control. However, there was no significant difference in total energy intake between the sucrose, fructose or high fructose corn syrup. However, high fructose corn syrup induced greater final body weights and fat mass compared to water or glucose groups which may be related to a faster body weight gain due to high fructose corn syrup. The authors also noted that rats drinking high fructose corn syrup presented a prolonged estrus.

[1] Duffey, Kiyah J.; Popkin, Barry M .: Supplement: High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Everything You Wanted to Know, but Were Afraid to AskHigh-fructose corn syrup: is this what's for dinner? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, doi:10.3945/ajcn.2008.25825C Vol. 88, No. 6, 1722S-1732S, December 2008
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/88/6/1722S

[2] Brownell KD, Farley T, Willett WC, Popkin BM, Chaloupka FJ, Thompson JW, Ludwig DS.: The Public Health and Economic Benefits of Taxing Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. N Engl J Med. 2009 Sep 16
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19759377

[3][Bray 2008] Bray, George A.: Fructose – How Worried Should We Be?Medscape J Med. 2008; 10(7): 159. Published online 2008 July 9.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=18769693

[4] Fulgoni III, V.: High-fructose corn syrup: everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, December 1, 2008; 88(6): 1715S - 1715S.
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/88/6/1715S

[5] Nguyen S, Choi HK, Lustig RH, Hsu CY.: Sugar-sweetened beverages, serum uric acid, and blood pressure in adolescents. J Pediatr. 2009 Jun;154(6):807-13. Epub 2009 Apr 17.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19375714

[6] White, J.S.: Misconceptions about High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Is It Uniquely Responsible for Obesity, Reactive Dicarbonyl Compounds, and Advanced Glycation Endproducts? J. Nutr., June 1, 2009; 139(6): 1219S - 1227S.
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/139/6/1219S

[7] K. L Stanhope, K.L.; Havel, P.J.: Endocrine and metabolic effects of consuming beverages sweetened with fructose, glucose, sucrose, or high-fructose corn syrup. Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, December 1, 2008; 88(6): 1733S – 1737S
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/88/6/1733S

[8] K. J Melanson, T. J Angelopoulos, V. Nguyen, L. Zukley, J. Lowndes, and J. M Rippe
High-fructose corn syrup, energy intake, and appetite regulation. Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, December 1, 2008; 88(6): 1738S – 1744S
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/88/6/1738S

[9] Mello MM, Pomeranz J, Moran P.: The interplay of public health law and industry self-regulation: the case of sugar-sweetened beverage sales in schools. Am J Public Health. 2008 Apr;98(4):595-604. Epub 2007 Sep 27.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17901427

[10] Stallings, Virginia A.; Yaktine, Ann L.:Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools. Leading the Way Toward Healthier Youth (2007). Food and Nutrition Board.
http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11899&page=103

[11] The School Beverage Guidelines. The American Beverage Association & The Alliance for a Healthier Generation. September 2008.
http://www.ameribev.org/nutrition--science/school-beverage-guidelines/

[12] Wang YC, Bleich SN, Gortmaker SL: Increasing caloric contribution from sugar-sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juices among US children and adolescents, 1988-2004. Pediatrics. 2008 Jun;121(6):e1604-14.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18519465

[13] Wang YC, Ludwig DS, Sonneville K, Gortmaker SL.: Impact of change in sweetened caloric beverage consumption on energy intake among children and adolescents. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, doi:10.3945/ajcn.2008.25825B Vol. 88, No. 6, 1716S-1721S, December 2008
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19349562

[14] H. R. Light, E. Tsanzi, J. Gigliotti, K. Morgan, and J. C. Tou
The Type of Caloric Sweetener Added to Water Influences Weight Gain, Fat Mass, and Reproduction in Growing Sprague-Dawley Female Rats Experimental Biology and Medicine, June 1, 2009; 234(6): 651 – 661. doi:10.3181/0812-RM-368
http://www.ebmonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/234/6/651

16.09.2009: Insect pest control using nematodes [1]
Nematodes are roundworms. Some can displace chemical pesticides in the fight of insect, slug, fleas, ticks and lice pests. Some nematodes are efficient against the root-feeding citrus weevil, black vine weevils, beetles, leas, and cutworm. The nematodes releasing a bacterium that kills the pest. However, others are parasitic and cause disease in plants, animals and humans

The skin of nematode secretes a flexible outer layer called cuticle. Which is shed four times during growth. Nematodes have no circulatory or respiratory system and are therefore dependent on favourable environmental conditions.

According to the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) the peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa attacking peach is being cotrolled by handgun application of chlorpyrifos to trunks. However, it does not work with the aggressive lesser peachtree borer (Synanthedon pictipes).
Seeking environmentally friendly alternatives to organophosphates the ARS suggests to implement biological control of both peachtree borer and lesser peachtree borer in orchards by using entomopathogenic nematodes such as the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae.

Entomopathogenic nematodes [2]
Entomopathogenic nematodes are soil-inhabiting, lethal insect parasitoids which may be used as biological control agents. Liu, Pinar and Berry 2000 stress the importance of phylogenetic reconstruction to understand the interactions among entomopathogenic nematodes, symbiotic bacteria, and their insect hosts to select appropriate nematode species for a particular control programs.

Stealth worms [3]
According to Patricia Stock and colleagues 2005, worms of the family Heterorhabditidae are associated with Photorhabdus bacteria which live in its intestine. These bacteria are pathogen to certain insect species. Other nematodes in the family Steinernematidae live in symbiosis with Xenorhabdus bacteria. The nematodes enter a host, grub or larvae where it vomits the bacteria, which kills the host within 24 to 48 hours, building a perfect environment for the nematode to grow and multiply. Only juvenile nematodes survive dry conditions in soils for long periods of time.

Entomopathogenic nematodes are found in deserts, rainforests, grasslands and other ecological systems. Stock and co-authors search for these nematodes in all these habitats, also in Jordan. The aim of the researchers is to develop environmentally safe alternative for controlling insect pests in agricultural and forestry systems. Identification uses traditional morphology (structure and function) techniques and molecular screening. The right nematode is suspended in a gelatinous matrix, or dried in powder, then mixed in water and sprayed, broadcast or irrigated onto crops.

[1] USDA ARS: Entomopathogenic Nematodes As a Reduced Risk Alternative to Organophosphates for Control of Borers (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) Attacking Peach
http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?accn_no=410933

[2] Liu J, Poinar GO Jr, Berry RE: Control of insect pests with entomopathogenic nematodes: the impact of molecular biology and phylogenetic reconstruction. Annu Rev Entomol. 2000;45:287-306.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10761579

[3]EurekAlert: Stealth worms may improve insect pest control. 04.03.2005
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-03/uoa-swm030405.php

16.09.2009: Transgenetic strategies to control insect pests
Insect toxins of Photorhabdus luminescens as alternative to Bt toxins [1]
Richard ffrench-Constant and colleagues 2007 describe the bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens which lives in symbiosis with nematodes, similar to Xenorhabdus bacteria of the entomopathogenic nematodes describe by Patricia Stock. Toxins of these bacteria kill a wide range of insects comparable to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) whose gene which express the Bt toxin were introduced in crop plants like transgenic cotton and corn. Insects are becoming resistant to Bt toxins. The toxin complexes of Photorhabdus bacteria are proposed by the authors as an alternative to Bt. The toxins can be used as a spray, and the toxin-producing genes may be introduced in the crop plants, which is considered by the auhors, to be the most effective strategy.

[1] Ffrench-Constant RH, Dowling A, Waterfield NR:Insecticidal toxins from Photorhabdus bacteria and their potential use in agriculture. Toxicon. 2007 Mar 15;49(4):436-51. Epub 2006 Nov 30. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19583835

16.09.2009: Plant-parasitic nematodes
The genome of important plant-parasitic nematodes sequenced [1]
Pierre Abad and colleagues 2008 report the sequencing of the genome of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita, known as the southern root-knot nematode which seriously affects crops of tomato, cotton and coffee . The knowledge of its genome may help to fight this worldwide plant-parasitic nematode. The authors suggest that ancient allelic regions in Meloidogyne incognita are evolving toward effective haploidy, permitting new mechanisms of adaptation. Multiple horizontal gene transfers from bacterial sources may be the origine of the high number and diversity of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes in Meloidogyne incognita.

Sequencing revealed that Meloidogyne hapla, also known as the northern root-knot nematode, similar to Meloidogyne incognita, is a diploid that reproduces by facultative, meiotic parthenogenesis. Both root-knot nematode genomes have smaller genome compared with the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and both encode large suites of enzymes targeting the host plant. Oppermann and colleagues 2009 suggest that the small genome of the root-knot nematode compared with soil nematodes result from the fact that the nematode living inside of the host plant's roots is protected from the environment. [2]

Mi-1, N and Tabasco genes of tomato and pepper genotypes fail to protect against Meloidogyne mayaguensis [3]
Meloidogyne mayaguensis is a damaging root-knot nematode able to reproduce on root-knot nematode-resistant tomato and other economically important crops such as bell pepper and sweet pepper.

Brito and colleagues 2007 report that Meloidogyne mayaguensis infects the Mi-1-carrying tomato genotypes BHN 543, BHN 585, BHN 586 and 'Sanibel'. Meloidogyne incognita harmed these tomatoes only under special conditions. Meloidogyne mayaguensis infects the roots of root-knot nematode-resistant bell pepper 'Charleston Belle' carrying the N gene and on three root-knot nematode-resistant sweet pepper lines carrying the Tabasco gene. In contrast, The authors stress that Meloidogyne mayaguensis may overcome the resistance expressed by Mi-1, N and Tabasco genes of tomato and pepper genotypes of resistant cultivars of tomato and pepper, limiting their use to control the nematode infection.

[1] Abad P, Gouzy J, Aury JM, Castagnone-Sereno P, Danchin EG, Deleury E, Perfus-Barbeoch L, Anthouard V, Artiguenave F, Blok VC, Caillaud MC, Coutinho PM, Dasilva C, De Luca F, Deau F, Esquibet M, Flutre T, Goldstone JV, Hamamouch N, Hewezi T, Jaillon O, Jubin C, Leonetti P, Magliano M, Maier TR, Markov GV, McVeigh P, Pesole G, Poulain J, Robinson-Rechavi M, Sallet E, Ségurens B, Steinbach D, Tytgat T, Ugarte E, van Ghelder C, Veronico P, Baum TJ, Blaxter M, Bleve-Zacheo T, Davis EL, Ewbank JJ, Favery B, Grenier E, Henrissat B, Jones JT, Laudet V, Maule AG, Quesneville H, Rosso MN, Schiex T, Smant G, Weissenbach J, Wincker P.: Genome sequence of the metazoan plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Nat Biotechnol. 2008 Aug;26(8):909-15. Epub 2008 Jul 27.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18660804

[2] Bird DM, Williamson VM, Abad P, McCarter J, Danchin EG, Castagnone-Sereno P, Opperman CH.: The genomes of root-knot nematodes. Annu Rev Phytopathol. 2009;47:333-51.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19400640

[3] Brito JA, Stanley JD, Kaur R, Cetintas R, Di Vito M, Thies JA, Dickson DW: Effects of the Mi-1, N and Tabasco Genes on Infection and Reproduction of Meloidogyne mayaguensis on Tomato and Pepper Genotypes. J Nematol. 2007 Dec;39(4):327-332.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19259507

16.09.2009: Other biological strategies to control pests
New peanut hybrid Variety is resistant To Nematodes an virus [1]
Peanut varieties exhibit resistance to either the peanut root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood race 1 or the tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). The geneticist geneticist C. Corley Holbrook in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) 2008 hybridized both varieties of peanut plants. The resulting variety called Tifguard, has resistance to both diseases and presents higher yields compared with standard varieties.

Alternatives to methyl bromide to control nematodes [2]
Thies and colleagues 2008 tested the resistance to nematode of two types of bell peppers, Charleston Belle and Carolina Wonder. These cultivars are the only nematode-resistant varieties available.
The authors say that nematode-resistant varieties such as Charleston Belle and Carolina Wonder are viable alternatives to methyl bromide for managing southern root-knot nematode in bell pepper in sub-tropical environments. Nematode-resistant hybrid bell peppers from Charleston Belle and Carolina Wonder are being developed. Nematode-resistant bell pepper cultivars may displace fumigation of soil with methyl bromide before planting, say the authors. Methyl bromide is a gas widely used as plant pesticide. It depletes the ozone layer of the atmosphere, being phased out in USA.

Control of Mediterranean fruit fly with the parasitoid Muscidifurax raptor [3]
Jean Pierre Kapongo and colleagues 2007 assessed the possibility to use the parasitoid, Muscidifurax raptor to control of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata in vineyards, where biologic strategies are used to displace chemical pesticides. Muscidifurax raptor prooved to be efficient to control house fly Musca domestica pupae in poultry houses. The authors report that there was no reduction of the number of eggs of the parasitoid laid in vineyard compared with the release in poultry houses. The authors suggest the use of Muscidifurax raptor as biocontrol agent for the control of the Mediterranean fruit fly in vineyards, and control flies in poultry houses, dairies and horse stables.
The adult parasitoid Muscidifurax raptor stings the fly pupa, killing the pupa and then lays an egg in the pupal case. When the egg hatches, the larva feeds on the dead fly pupa. In 19-21 days, the M. raptor adult emerges from the fly pupal case and begins its search for fly pupae on which to feed and deposit eggs. [4]

[1] Holbrook Jr, C.C., Timper, P., Culbreath, A.K., Kvien, C.K. 2008. Registration of 'Tifguard' Peanut. Journal of Plant Registrations. 2:92-94.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=222798

[2] Thies, Judy A., Dickson, Don W., Fery, Richard L. Stability of Resistance to Root-knot Nematodes in 'Charleston Belle' and 'Carolina Wonder' Bell Peppers in a Sub-tropical Environment. HortScience, 2008 43: 188-190
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=19972854

[3] Kapongo, Jean Pierre; Kevan, P.G.; Giliomee, J.H.: Control of mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (diptera: tephritidae) with the parasitoid Muscidifurax raptor (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in vineyards. 2007, vol. 42, nr 6, pp. 1400-1404.
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=19087712

[4] Weeden, Catherine R.; Shelton, Anthony M.; Hoffmann, Michael P.: Biological Control, A guide to natural enemies in North America. Cornell University.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/parasitoids/mraptor.html

06.09.2009: Eucalyptus industry, an environmental burden for Brazil [1]
Monoculture eucalyptus plantations are advancing over vast areas of Brazil, occupying traditional peoples’ territories, displacing them and create poverty belts and menacing ecological diversity.

Pulp industry, such as the Swedish-Finnish company Stora Enso is acquiring land on the west frontier of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Data from 2005 of the official body FEPAM says that Stora Enso owns 60 thousand hectares and other sources cite 150.000 as real. The Brazilian industrial company "Votorantim Celulose e Papel" plans to build a new pulp mill near the Laguna Merin. The company will invest US$ 1,800 million in the pulp mill, which is planned to produce one million tons per year when finished in 2010.

Eucalyptus plantations take over agricultural land and cause the deforestation of valuable biotypes. A 7 years old eucalyptus tree consumes daily about 700 litres of groundwater. Neighbour  communities dry out. The eucalyptus plantations also make the soil infertile.               Once a small lake is now dried out by                                             eucalyptus culture

Aracruz Celulose S.A. a Brazilian company, world's leading producer of bleached eucalyptus paper pulp has a global market share of 24%. It owns 375,000 hectares of lands in four states The IFC, the International Finance Corporation (A Branch of the World Bank Group) granted heavy loans to Aracruz which made a liaison with Votorantim Celulose e papel founding the Fibria union.
Aracruz's land conflicts and not respecting the rights of the Tupinikim, the Guarani and the Quilombola (ex-slaves) indigenous groups have thrown shadows over the reputation of the company. [2]

Charcoal from eucalyptus [3]

Another application of eucalyptus plantations is the production of charcoal. Brazil, Is the largest charcoal producer of the world, with more than 12 million metric tons in year 2002, which is mainly for the metallurgy industry.

[1] Brazil: An overview of monoculture eucalyptus plantations
FASE/World Rainforest Movement, March 2007
http://www.tni.org/detail_page.phtml?act_id=16545

[2] Prisoners of the Aracruz project. Indigenous Resistance in Brazil against paper pulp producer26. December 2007
http://www.aseed.net/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=451

[3] Kato, M; DeMarini, DM; Carvalho, AB; Rego, MAV; Andrade, AV; Bonfim, ASV; Loomis, D: Hazards in a traditional industry: World at work: Charcoal producing industries in northeastern Brazil. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;62:128-132; doi:10.1136/oem.2004.015172
http://oem.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/62/2/128

05.09.2009: New sensor turns forensic DNA analysis faster and less expensive than PCR [1]
Roy and colleagues 2009 describe an electrical nanogap sensor for the detection and quantification of DNA . The device is based on the electronic transduction mechanism. It uses standard silicon microfabrication technologies.

A pair of micro-sized metal electrodes separated by a nanogap, in combination with special chemical probes capture segments of DNA immobilising them, followed by hybridization with target strands and metallization. The resulting change in conductivity detects and quantifies the targeted DNA.

The new technique is faster, less expensive, and more practical than DNA detecting methods which use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

[1] Roy, Somenath; Chen, Xiaojun; Li, Mo-Huang; Peng, Yanfen; Anariba; Gao, Franklinand Zhiqiang: Mass-Produced Nanogap Sensor Arrays for Ultrasensitive Detection of DNA. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2009; 131 (34): 12211 DOI: 10.1021/ja901704t
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja901704t


04.09.2009 Facemasks are not effective protection from H1N1 virus[1]
The FDAlabeled as surgical, laser, isolation, dental or medical procedure masks are a loose-fitting and do not protect against viral infections. A facemask is effective in blocking large-particle and droplets but is ineffective to block very small particles emitted by coughs or sneezes.

N95 Respirators for Use by the Public
An N95 respirator is a device which achieves a very close facial fit and blocks at least 95% of very small test particles. However, they are not appropriate for children or people with facial hair.
FDA has cleared the following N95 respirators for use by the general public in public health medical emergencies:

    3M™ Particulate Respirator 8670F
    3M™ Particulate Respirator 8612F
    Pasture Tm F550G Respirator
    Pasture Tm A520G Respirator

Fitted N95 Respirators Recommended to Protect Healthcare Workers
N95 respirators cleared by FDA for use in the healthcare setting are called surgical N95 respirators.

The Institute of Medicine IOM recommends the use of fitted N95 respirators for healthcare Workers to protect against H1N1 infection[2]
A report of the IOM stresses that filtration and fit of medical masks are insufficient to to avoid small particles to overcome the barrier of the mask and inadequate fit do not offer an effective protection against airborne transmission.

The IOM recommends therefore, the use of N95 respirators which filter out at least 95% of particles 0.3 μm or larger blocking the influenza virus.

Face masks and N95 respirators are not reusable [3]
N95 respirator is the least expensive and the most widely available respirator for protecting healthcare workers and the public against airborne infection. However, disposable N95 respirators cannot be effectively cleaned or disinfected and should therefore be discarded after each use.

[1] FDA: Masks and N95 Respirators.
Link FDA N95 Respirators

[2] Institute of Medicine. September 3, 2009. Respiratory protection for healthcare workers in the workplace against novel H1N1 influenza A: A letter report. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/72/970/H1N1%20report%20brief%20FINAL%20for%20web.pdf

[3] Institute of Medicine (IOM): Reusability of Facemasks During an Influenza Pandemic: Facing the Flu. Report April 2006.
http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/34/212/Face%20Masks%20for%20web.pdf


04.09.2009: Gene regulating obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases [1]
Researchers identified the MCPIP gene to regulat the fat cell formation and blood vessel formation that feeds the growing fat tissue. Leading author Pappachan Kolattukudy stresses that a drug, targeting this gene, may shut down its function, preventing obesity and inflammatory diseases resulting from obesity, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), had been known to control fat cell formation which could not be induced by other factor without the PPAR gama gene.
Kolattukudy and colleagues silenced the PPAR gama gene and introduced the MCPIP gene to living cells from mice. The cells were still capable of fat formation. The increased inflammation of fat cells is seen to reduces their sensitiveness to insulin, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The authors underline that MCPIP can induce adipogenesis without PPARgama.

Genes acting in the central nervous system are linked to predisposition to obesity [2]
The two loci, FTO and MC4R are two loci which are associated with body mass index (BMI) in humans. Hirschhorn and colleagues 2008 identified six additional loci: TMEM18, KCTD15, GNPDA2, SH2B1, MTCH2 and NEGR1. Several of these genes are known to act in the central nervous system (CNS) which is linked to predisposition to obesity, demnstrating the neuronal influence on body weight regulation.

FTO gene linked to a predisposition of persons to become obese [3]
Rüther and colleagues 2008 report that FTO gene is linked to a predisposition of persons to become skinny or obese. The authors stress that leptin, and adiponectin, were less expressed in mice with Fto, compared with mice whose Fto gene were silenced. These two hormones control appetite, energy balance and metabolic processes. Lower levels of these hormones are associated with obesity.

The leanness of Fto-deficient mice was found in this study to result of an increased of energy expenditure and systemic sympathetic activation, despite decreased physical activity and high food intake. The authors suggest that the Fto gene is energy regulation whith increased energy expenditure.

Viral etiology of obesity [4]
Dhurandha and colleagues 2009 report that the human adenovirus Ad36, may promotes obesity. The study used rodent preadipocyte cell line. A nonadipogenic human adenovirus Ad2 was used as a negative control for viral infection. Ad36, but not Ad2, was found to accumulate lipid in cells.

Ad36 downregulated preadipocyte marker gene Wnt10b, and upregulated expression of early (C/EBPDelta and C/EBPbeta), intermediate (PPARgamma2), and late genes (aP2 and G3PDH) of adipogenic cascade. The authors concluded that Ad36 is an exogenous regulator of the adipogenic process.

The researchers van Ginneken, Sitnyakowsky and Jeffery 2009, following the results of the studies of Dhurandha and colleagues, postulate that infection with Ad-36 may be another factor of the global rising obesity. According to the authors, viral infections may add another cause of obesity to the long recognized factors such as genetic inheritance, diet, exercise, cultural practices and stress. Four viruses have been reported to induce obesity in animal, however these viruses were unable to infect humans.
The human adenovirus Ad36 is now recognized to affects human primary preadipocytes, and antibodies to Ad-36 were more prevalent in obese subjects (30%) than in non-obese subjects (11%). [5]

Enzyme controlling obesity [6]
Sul and colleagues 2009 report that an enzyme, the adipocyte phospholipase A(2), AdPLA (encoded by Pla2g16, also called HREV107) regulates lipolysis and adiposity.
The authors found that mice without AdPLA have a markedly higher rate of lipolysis have markedly reduced adipose tissue mass and triglyceride content, and higher energy expenditure with increased fatty acid oxidation. They eat more while remaining lean.

The researchers concluded that AdPLA enzyme is a major regulator of fat physiology and is an important factor of obesity.

[1] Younce CW, Azfer A, Kolattukudy PE.: Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)-induced protein, a recently identified Zn-finger protein, induces adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes without peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. J Biol Chem. 2009 Aug 7. (Epub ahead of print)
http://www.jbc.org/cgi/reprint/M109.025320v1?view=long&pmid=19666473

[2] Hirschhorn, Joel N. at al: Six new loci associated with body mass index highlight a neuronal influence on body weight regulation. Nature Genetics 41, 25 - 34 (2008) Published online: 14 December 2008 | . Doi :10.1038/ng.287
http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v41/n1/abs/ng.287.html

[3] Fischer J, Koch L, Emmerling C, Vierkotten J, Peters T, Brüning JC, Rüther U.: Inactivation of the Fto gene protects from obesity. Nature. 2009 Apr 16;458(7240):894-8. Epub 2009 Feb 22.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19234441

[4] Rathod MA, Rogers PM, Vangipuram SD, McAllister EJ, Dhurandhar NV.: Adipogenic cascade can be induced without adipogenic media by a human adenovirus. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2009 Apr;17(4):657-64. Epub 2009 Jan 22.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19165154

[5] van Ginneken V, Sitnyakowsky L, Jeffery JE.: Infectobesity: viral infections (especially with human adenovirus-36: Ad-36) may be a cause of obesity. Med Hypotheses. 2009 Apr;72(4):383-8. Epub 2009 Jan 12
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19138827

[6] Jaworski K, Ahmadian M, Duncan RE, Sarkadi-Nagy E, Varady KA, Hellerstein MK, Lee HY, Samuel VT, Shulman GI, Kim KH, de Val S, Kang C, Sul HS: AdPLA ablation increases lipolysis and prevents obesity induced by high-fat feeding or leptin deficiency. Nat Med. 2009 Feb;15(2):159-68. Epub 2009 Jan 11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19136964


02.09.2009: Urea in sugar cane distilled spirits [1]
Labanca and Gloria 2008 detected 500 to 5,100 microgram/L urea in 69 per cent of analysed samples of Brazilian sugar cane distilled spirits. The authors found no significant correlation between the levels of urea and ethyl carbamate. The authors used a spectrophotometric quantification at 540 nm which uses a reaction of urea with 1-phenyl-1,2-propanodione-2-oxime.

Copper II, iron II and Iron III oxidise cyanate to form ethyl carbamate [2]
Aresta, Boscolo and Franco assessed the role of copper(II) species in the oxidation of inorganic cyanide to cyanate and in the conversion of cyanate or urea into ethyl carbamate
According to the authors urea has a minor role in the formation of ethyl carbamate in brazilian sugar cane distilates, being the oxydation of cyanade and its complexation to Cu II the main pathway of the formation of ethyl carbamate.

Lachenmeier and colleagues 2009 analysed Brazilian sugar cane distilled spirits and found a relatively high incidence for ethyl carbamate contamination. The authors report that 56 per cent were above 0.15 mg/l considered of public health relevance. [3]

Lachenmeier and colleagues 2005 reported that urea is built by yeasts during fermentation. It is an precursor in the formation of the carcinogen ethyl carbamate found in fermented food and beverages with highest concentrations found in stone-fruit spirits. Measures to reduce ethyl carbamate in cherry, plum or mirabelle (yellow plum) spirits, which include destoning are used in many distilleries. However, some small distilleries could not minimize the content of ethyl carbamate yet. [4]

Ethyl carbamate in UK spirits [5]
According to the FSA a mean concentration of 29 microgram/l of ethyl carbamate was found in the 205 samples of UK whiskies. Values ranged from not detectable to 239 microgram/l.

Maximum levels of ethyl carbamate [6]
In table wines 30 ppb
In fortified wines 100 ppb
In distilled spirits 150 ppb
In fruit brandies and liqueurs 400 ppb
In sake 200 ppb
Source: Health Canada

Special yeast strains to reduce residual urea during fermentation [6]
Tim Paterson suggests the use of yeast strains from Phyterra Yeast that are genetically enhanced to greatly reduce residual urea. The genetic code of the yeast was rearranged by moving the promoters within the genes to a place which activated the expression of degrading urea instead of using other nitrogen sources. The company which supplies this yeast claims that it is genetic enhanced, and such a genetic rearrangement is not being considered as genetic modification by the European legislation.
A promoter signal is a start signal for the cell to start the activity of the gene such as the production of a specific protein. Most of the promoters which are being used were derived from the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus ( CaMv) called 35S promoter.

FDA Ethyl Carbamate Preventive Action Manual [7]
Ethyl carbamate preventive action manual: 1997 of the U. S. Food and Drug Administration presented suggestions to reduce the formation of ethyl carbamate in wine. This strategy is mainly built in reduction of excessive nitrogen fertilization in the vineyard, monitoring of grape juice and vine nitrogen status, use of cultivars and rootsstocks which take up less nitrogen, avoid of nitrogen and urea as supplements, choosing the wine yeasts and malolactic with known characteristics. And avoiding elevated temperatures during storage and transport.

[1] Renata A. Labanca and M. Beatriz A. Glória: Spectrophotometric Determination of Urea in Sugar Cane Distilled Spirits. J. Agric. Food Chem., 2008, 56 (13), pp 5211–5215 DOI: 10.1021/jf800520e
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf800520e

[2] Aresta M, Boscolo M, Franco DW.: Copper(II) catalysis in cyanide conversion into ethyl carbamate in spirits and relevant reactions. J Agric Food Chem. 2001 Jun; 49(6):2819-24.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11409971

[3] Lachenmeier, Dirk W; Kuballa, Thomas; Lima, Maria CP; Nóbrega, Ian CC, Kerr-Corrêa, Florence; Kanteres, Fotis; Rehm, Jürgen: Ethyl carbamate analysis in German fruit spirits and Brazilian sugarcane spirits: Improved sample cleanup with automated parallel evaporation. Deutsche Lebensmittel-Rundschau, 105(8), 507 – 512. 2009.
http://www.getcited.com/pub/103462187

[4] Lachenmeier, Dirk W.; Schehl, Beatus; Kuballa, Thomas; Frank, Willi; Senn, Thomas: Retrospective trends and current status of ethyl carbamate in German stone-fruit spirits. Food Additives and Contaminants, Volume 22, Number 5, May 2005 , pp. 397-405(9)
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tandf/tfac/2005/00000022/00000005/art00001

[5] Food Standards Agency UK - Survey of Ethyl Carbame in Whisky (Number 02/00). 1 May 2000.
http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/fsis2000/2whisky

[6] Patterson, Tim: New Methods to limit urea: genetically enhanced yeasts reduce probable carcinogen: Wines & Vines, Feb, 2009
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3488/is_2_90/ai_n31414084/

[7] Butzke, Christian; Bisson, Linda: Ethyl Carbamate Preventive Action Manual: 1997. U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
http://www.foodsafety.gov/~frf/ecaction.html


01.09.2009: Urban fleet particulate emission[1]
According to Lidia Morawska and colleagues 2009 urban motor vehicle fleets are a major source of particulate matter pollution, especially of ultrafine particles (diameters < 0.1 microm), and exposure to these particulate matter have serious health effects. The authors compiled a set of tailpipe particle emission factors presented for different vehicle and road type combinations. These emission factors may be used to derive emission factors for other regions.
The authors stress the high emission of particulate matter and ultrafine particles by urban vehicles, and the necessity to assess the health impact of special areas.

Ultrafine particulate emission in tunnels[2]
According to Knibbs and colleagues 2009 road tunnels provide high exposure passengers to particulate matters, including ultrafine particles. The data of this study were among the highest recorded concentrations. The authors stress, therefore, the importance of road tunnels in the ultrafine particle exposure of humans.

Ultrafine particulate and NOx emission of concern [3]
According to Gertler and colleagues 2002 the mobile sources are a major source of particulate matter of fine particles or PM2.5 which are smaller than 2.5 pm. Diesel engines are the main source of ultrafine particles smaller than 0.1 microm. Further emission of particulates originate from brake and tire wear and by resuspension of particles from pavement.

The authors found that emissions of C8 to C20 hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) from heavy duty diesel decreased over a seven-year period. Particulate mass emissions of PM2.5 also decreased from approximately 1,100 mg/km to 132 mg/km over a period of 25 years.

The study reports that low duty particle emission factor was considerably less than the heavy duty value, but the high number of low duty vehicles augment their importance. Ultrafine particles of 17 to 13 nm are the most abundant in particulate emission and are composed of sulphur. A 48 per cent rise in the NOx/CO2 emissions ratio in a seven years period is an indicative of NOx emission increase in the new-technology diesel engines.

Aircraft emission[4]
Mazaheri and colleagues 2009 assessing aircraft emission during landing and takeoff found that particle number, and NOx emission factors are dependent on aircraft engine thrust level. Emitted particles in each mode of landing and takeoff cycle ranged from 4 to 100 nm in diameter.

The authors urge the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to take into account that aircraft thrust level is considerably higher during taxiing than idling. ICAO standards consider 7% of total thrust for both of them alike in its publication. “Environmental Protection, Annex 16, Vol. II, Aircraft Engine Emissions, 1993”.

Natural gas compared diesel[5]
The exhaust emissions from compressed natural gas (CNG) and ultralow sulphur diesel in-service transport buses were assessed by Javaratne and colleagues 2009. The authors found that all emission factors increased with load.

The CNG buses emitted mainly particles in nano size range and were formed of volatile organic compounds, with a median particle mass being less than 1 per cent of that of the diesel counterpart, but the particle number emission were alike between both types of buses. The CO2 emission factors of CNG were one third greater than the emission of the diesel buses. NOx factors did not differ between the two types of buses.

[1]Keogh DU, Kelly J, Mengersen K, Jayaratne R, Ferreira L, Morawska L.: Derivation of motor vehicle tailpipe particle emission factors suitable for modelling urban fleet emissions and air quality assessments. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2009 Jun 26. [Epub ahead of print]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19557449

[2] Knibbs, Luke D. ; de Dear, Richard J.; Morawska, Lidia; Mengersen, Kerrie L. : On-road ultrafine particle concentration in the M5 East road tunnel, Sydney, Australia. Atmospheric Environment. Volume 43, Issues 22-23, July 2009, Pages 3510-3519. doi:10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.04.029
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.04.029

[3] Gertler AW, Gillies JA, Pierson WR, Rogers CF, Sagebiel JC, Abu-Allaban M, Coulombe W, Tarnay L, Cahill TA.: Real-world particulate matter and gaseous emissions from motor vehicles in a highway tunnel. Res Rep Health Eff Inst. 2002 Jan;(107):5-56; discussion 79-92
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11954677

[4] Mazaheri M, Johnson GR, Morawska L.: Particle and gaseous emissions from commercial aircraft at each stage of the landing and takeoff cycle. Environ Sci Technol. 2009 Jan 15;43(2):441-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19238977

[5] Jayaratne ER, Ristovski ZD, Meyer N, Morawska L.: Particle and gaseous emissions from compressed natural gas and ultralow sulphur diesel-fuelled buses at four steady engine loads. Sci Total Environ. 2009 Apr 1;407(8):2845-52. Epub 2009 Jan 29.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19185331