On the Breeds of Cattle—Historic and Current Classifications

Classification of cattle breeds contributes to our understanding of the history of cattle and is essential for an effective conservation of genetic diversity. Here we review the various classifications over the last two centuries and compare the most recent classifications with genetic data. The classifications devised during the 19th to the late 20th century were in line with the Linnaean taxonomy and emphasized cranial or horn morphology. Subsequent classifications were based on coat color, geographic origin or molecular markers. Several theories were developed that linked breed characteristics either to a supposed ancestral aurochs subspecies or to a presumed ethnic origin. Most of the older classifications have now been discarded, but have introduced several Latin terms that are still in use. The most consistent classification was proposed in 1995 by Felius and emphasizes the geographic origin of breeds. This is largely in agreement with the breed clusters indicated by a biochemical and molecular genetic analysis, which reflect either groups of breeds with a common geographic origin or single breeds that have expanded by export and/or crossbreeding. We propose that this information is also relevant for managing the genetic diversity of cattl

<Original>Suppression of Volatile Sulfur Compounds from Broccoli by Freeze-Thawing and Their Mechanism with Filtration and Centrifugal Fractionation

application/pdfThe formation of methanethiol and dimethyl disulfide in the broccoli tissue homogenates following filtration and centrifugal fractionation, and their suppression by freeze-thawing was investigated. Methanethiol was formed only in the headspace of the residue but not in the filtrate or supernatant fractions like dimethyl disulfide. Freeze-thawing, however, suppressed their formation in all homogenate fractions. The immersion of the fresh residue in a liquid medium decreased the concentration of methanethiol which indicates that this compound is highly likely soluble in water and produces only in the headspace of the environment wherein the condition is free of liquid medium. Hence, methanethiol formation was not possible except for dimethyl disulfide after addition of the co-factor, pyridoxal 5-phosphate, in the frozen residue. Both compounds were also inhibited by aminooxyacetic acid, a potential inhibitor of pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes, which indicates that MT and DMDS are produced upon the action of cysteine sulfoxide lyase. This enzyme, which yielded strong activity in the residue upon extraction with buffer containing Triton X-100, is highly likely to be a bound enzyme. Suppression of methanethiol and dimethyl disulfide during freeze-thawing is likely attributed to the retardation of the enzyme action due in part to the loss of the co-factor, pyridoxal 5- phosphate and its substrate, S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide and owing to the solubility of methanethiol and its affinity for gaseous condition.大阪府立大学大学院農学生命科学研究科学術報告. 2003, 55, p.15-22departmental bulletin pape

Japanese encephalitis virus remains an important cause of encephalitis in Thailand

SummaryBackgroundJapanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is endemic in Thailand and prevention strategies include vaccination, vector control, and health education.MethodsBetween July 2003 and August 2005, we conducted hospital-based surveillance for encephalitis at seven hospitals in Bangkok and Hat Yai. Serum and cerebrospinal (CSF) specimens were tested for evidence of recent JEV infection by immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT).ResultsOf the 147 patients enrolled and tested, 24 (16%) had evidence of acute flavivirus infection: 22 (15%) with JEV and two (1%) with dengue virus. Of the 22 Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases, 10 (46%) were aged ≤15 years. The median length of hospital stay was 13 days; one 13-year-old child died. Ten percent of encephalitis patients enrolled in Bangkok hospitals were found to have JEV infection compared to 28% of patients enrolled in hospitals in southern Thailand (p<0.01). Four (40%) of the 10 children with JE were reported as being vaccinated.ConclusionsJEV remains an important cause of encephalitis among hospitalized patients in Thailand. The high proportion of JE among encephalitis cases is concerning and additional public health prevention efforts or expanded vaccination may be needed

CYP2A6 genotypes and coumarin-oxidation phenotypes in a Thai population and their relationship to tobacco smoking

Objective: To investigate the association between polymorphisms in the human CYP2A6 gene, CYP2A6 enzyme activity and the influence of cigarette smoking in a Thai population. Methods: Coumarin (5 mg capsule) was administered to 194 healthy Thai subjects. Genetic variation of the CYP2A6 gene was identified using PCR methods. The excreted dose of 7-hydroxycoumarin (as a percentage of the urine concentration) 2 h after administration was calculated as an index of coumarin metabolism. Results: The frequencies of CYP2A6 alleles1A,1B,4C,7,8,9 and10 were 34.0, 35.3, 9.3, 6.4, 0.5, 12.1 and 2.4%, respectively. Of the 194 subjects tested, the number (percentages) of Thai participants classified as ultra-rapid, extensive, intermediate and poor metabolizers were 8 (4.1%), 159 (82.0%) 22 (11.3%) and five (2.6%), respectively. Conclusion: A relationship between the interindividual differences in coumarin metabolism and genetic polymorphisms of the CYP2A6 gene was observed