FY 2011 Division of Research Annual Report

Division of Research's annual report for fiscal year 2011.

The sexual division of labor : the impact of organizational change upon group cohesion and the creation of occupational identity

The purpose of this research is to identify the impact of recent organizational change upon the culture of firefighting. The experiences of female firefighters were utilized as a measure of cultural change. A purposive sample of twenty-seven male and female firefighters were interviewed in a semi-structured format about their experiences in the fire service. This research found that the culture of firefighting has adjusted to the presence of previously excluded groups by forging a division among the identities and roles of male and female firefighters. The white, male firefighters, who have traditionally constituted a majority of the workforce, have continued to identify with traditional firefighter roles and reported high levels of cohesion. In contrast, the female firefighters showed a greater variance in their identification with traditional roles and decreased levels of cohesion with the main body of the group.

The Policy Dystopia Model:an interpretive analysis of tobacco industry political activity

BACKGROUND: Tobacco industry interference has been identified as the greatest obstacle to the implementation of evidence-based measures to reduce tobacco use. Understanding and addressing industry interference in public health policy-making is therefore crucial. Existing conceptualisations of corporate political activity (CPA) are embedded in a business perspective and do not attend to CPA's social and public health costs; most have not drawn on the unique resource represented by internal tobacco industry documents. Building on this literature, including systematic reviews, we develop a critically informed conceptual model of tobacco industry political activity. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We thematically analysed published papers included in two systematic reviews examining tobacco industry influence on taxation and marketing of tobacco; we included 45 of 46 papers in the former category and 20 of 48 papers in the latter (n = 65). We used a grounded theory approach to build taxonomies of "discursive" (argument-based) and "instrumental" (action-based) industry strategies and from these devised the Policy Dystopia Model, which shows that the industry, working through different constituencies, constructs a metanarrative to argue that proposed policies will lead to a dysfunctional future of policy failure and widely dispersed adverse social and economic consequences. Simultaneously, it uses diverse, interlocking insider and outsider instrumental strategies to disseminate this narrative and enhance its persuasiveness in order to secure its preferred policy outcomes. Limitations are that many papers were historical (some dating back to the 1970s) and focused on high-income regions. CONCLUSIONS: The model provides an evidence-based, accessible way of understanding diverse corporate political strategies. It should enable public health actors and officials to preempt these strategies and develop realistic assessments of the industry's claims.

An assessment of the influence of the industry distribution chain on the oxygen levels in commercial modified atmosphere packaged cheddar cheese using non-destructive oxygen sensor technology

The establishment and control of oxygen levels in packs of oxygen-sensitive food products such as cheese is imperative in order to maintain product quality over a determined shelf life. Oxygen sensors quantify oxygen concentrations within packaging using a reversible optical measurement process, and this non-destructive nature ensures the entire supply chain can be monitored and can assist in pinpointing negative issues pertaining to product packaging. This study was carried out in a commercial cheese packaging plant and involved the insertion of 768 sensors into 384 flow-wrapped cheese packs (two sensors per pack) that were flushed with 100% carbon dioxide prior to sealing. The cheese blocks were randomly assigned to two different storage groups to assess the effects of package quality, packaging process efficiency, and handling and distribution on package containment. Results demonstrated that oxygen levels increased in both experimental groups examined over the 30-day assessment period. The group subjected to a simulated industrial distribution route and handling procedures of commercial retailed cheese exhibited the highest level of oxygen detected on every day examined and experienced the highest rate of package failure. The study concluded that fluctuating storage conditions, product movement associated with distribution activities, and the possible presence of cheese-derived contaminants such as calcium lactate crystals were chief contributors to package failure.

A prospective view of animal and human Fasciolosis

Fasciolosis, a food-borne trematodiasis, results following infection with the parasites, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. These trematodes greatly affect the global agricultural community, infecting millions of ruminants worldwide and causing annual economic losses in excess of US $3 billion. Fasciolosis, an important zoonosis, is classified by WHO as a neglected tropical disease with an estimated 17 million people infected and a further 180 million people at risk of infection. The significant impact on agriculture and human health together with the increasing demand for animal-derived food products to support global population growth demonstrate that fasciolosis is a major One Health problem. This review details the problematic issues surrounding fasciolosis control, including drug resistance, lack of diagnosis and the threat that hybridization of the Fasciola species poses to future animal and human health. We discuss how these parasites may mediate their long-term survival through regulation and modulation of the host immune system, by altering the host immune homeostasis and/or by influencing the intestinal microbiome particularly in respect to concurrent infections with other pathogens. Large genome, transcriptome and proteomic data sets are now available to support an integrated One Health approach to develop novel diagnostic and control strategies for both animal and human disease.

Validation of stress indicators for the assessment of animal welfare and prediction of pork meat quality variation at commercial level

Les procédures appliquées avant l’abattage des animaux influencent directement la qualité de la viande en modulant l’état physiologique des porcs; ainsi, l’augmentation de la température corporelle, les taux élevés de lactate sanguin et l’épuisement des réserves de glycogène entre autres, occasionnent la majorité des baisses de qualité. L’objectif de cette thèse était de valider des outils indicateurs de stress porcin pour les fermes et les abattoirs. Ceux-ci seraient appliqués à la surveillance du bien-être animal et à la prédiction de variation de qualité de la viande porcine au niveau commercial. Premierement, les résultats de la thèse ont permis de conclure qu’un des outils développés (analyseur portatif de lactate) mesure la variation du niveau de lactate sanguin associé à l’état physiologique des porcs dans la phase péri-mortem et aide à expliquer la variation de la qualité de la viande chez le porc à l’abattoir, en particulier dans les muscles du jambon. Deuxièmement, les résultats des audits du bien-être animal appliqués de la ferme à l’abattoir ont démontré que la qualité du système d’élevage à la ferme d’origine et les compétences du chauffeur de camion sont d’importants critères affectant la réponse comportementale des porcs à la manipulation avant l’abattage. Ces résultats ont également démontré que les conditions de logement à la ferme (la faible densité et l’enrichissement dans les enclos), le comportement des porcs en période pré-abattage (glissade), ainsi que les interventions du manipulateur (utilisation du bâton électrique) dans la zone d’étourdissement de l’abattoir affectent négativement la variation de la qualité de la viande. L’application des protocoles d’audits dans la filière porcine a également démontré que le respect des critères de bien-être animal fixés par un outil de vérification est primordiale et permet de contrôler les conditions de bien-être des porcs à chaque étape de la période pré-abattage, de produire une viande de qualité supérieure et de réduire les pertes. Les audits de bien-être animal sont donc un outil qui apporte des resultats très pertinents pour aider a éviter les variations de la qualité de la viande chez le porc. Troisièmement, la thermographie infrarouge s’est avéré être une technique prometteuse permettant d’évaluer la variation de température corporelle de l’animal pendant et après un stress physique, en particulier lorsque cette mesure est prise derrière les oreilles. En conclusion, les outils validés à travers cette thèse représentent des méthodologies non invasives et potentiellement complémentaires à d’autres approches d’évaluation de l’état physiologique et du bien-être animal par rapport au stress, permettant de réduire les pertes de qualité de viande (par exemple en utilisation conjointe avec le niveau de lactate sanguin et les indicateurs de stress comportemental, entre autres).

Sonic hedgehog signaling regulates mode of cell division of early cerebral cortex progenitors and increases

The morphogen Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) plays a critical role in the development of different tissues. In the central nervous system, SHH is well known to contribute to the patterning of the spinal cord and separation of the brain hemispheres. In addition, it has recently been shown that SHH signaling also contributes to the patterning of the telencephalon and establishment of adult neurogenic niches. In this work, we investigated whether SHH signaling influences the behavior of neural progenitors isolated from the dorsal telencephalon, which generate excitatory neurons and macroglial cells in vitro. We observed that SHH increases proliferation of cortical progenitors and generation of astrocytes, whereas blocking SHH signaling with cyclopamine has opposite effects. In both cases, generation of neurons did not seem to be affected. However, cell survival was broadly affected by blockade of SHH signaling. SHH effects were related to three different cell phenomena: mode of cell division, cell cycle length and cell growth. Together, our data in vitro demonstrate that SHH signaling controls cell behaviors that are important for proliferation of cerebral cortex progenitors, as well as differentiation and survival of neurons and astroglial cells.

The use of animal processed proteins and fat on the growth performance of rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss)

Hoje em dia a industria da aquacultura enfrenta novos desafios para manter a sustentabilidade econômica de uma forma responsável para o meio ambiente e consumidores. Um dos maiores desafios que apresenta hoje em dia, é o aumento do preço da farinha e óleo de peixe que são os constituintes maioritários da alimentação para os peixes de aquacultura. As PAP’s e gorduras de animais terrestres parecem ser uma alternativa viável, sustentável e menos problemática do que as farinhas e óleos vegetais para substituir a farinha e óleo de peixe. Por esta razão neste trabalho nos procuramos substituir uma pequena parte da farinha e óleo de peixe por alguns produtos provenientes de animais terrestres. Este estudo foi um teste de crescimento para a truta arco-íris (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Inicialmente foram formuladas 4 dietas (CTRL, PAP2, PAP3 and PAP4). Exceptuando o dieta controlo (CTRL) que foi uma dieta comercial, os outros alimentos foram desenhados para substituir a farinha de peixe e outras farinhas vegetais por PAP’s (proteína animal processada) como hidrolisado de farinha de penas, farinha de sangue de suíno e gordura animal processadas como a gordura de aves. O teste foi feito ao longo de 112 dias com checkpoints no dia (30, 60 e 112), onde os peixes eram pesados com excepção do dia 112 onde foram também amostrados para composição corporal e índice hepatossomático. O peso inicial médio dos peixes dos grupos foi 219,7g e o peso médio final foi 488,7g. Não existiram alterações comportamentais nem preferência por nenhuma ração testada e não foram verificadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P>0,05) no consumo de ração, crescimento e outros parâmetros de crescimento com a exceção da taxa de eficiência proteica. Foram também verificadas diferenças estatísticas significativas para alguns aspectos da composição corporal, ganhos e retenções. Os resultados demonstram que as substituições feitas não tiveram impacto no crescimentos da truta arco íris mas sim na composição corporal. Apesar disso os resultados não sugerem nenhum problema importante relacionado com o uso de PAP’s na formulação de ração para peixes.

Innovating a consumer awareness of sweetpotato: industry, research and consumer adoption issues

In Australia, sweetpotato production has grown remarkably (1700%) in the last 16 years. Growers currently market 75 000 t per annum, worth $80-90 million at farm gate. The orange-fleshed cultivars are the most familiar to consumers, but other cultivars with varying flesh colour and properties also have potential for the consumer market. Given that Australian sweetpotato growers desire alternative cultivars to promote market demand, it is important to articulate the characteristics of sweetpotatoes that are most and least desirable for consumers. Research indicates that consumer acceptability of the new cultivar 'Evangeline' may assist sweetpotato growers and marketers in understanding the impact of both sensory properties, such as colour and the importance of flavour and texture of sweetpotatoes, and an awareness of the potential health benefits of sweetpotato consumption. In addition, whilst consumer preferences (regarding size, colour, texture, skin tone) and nutritional knowledge of sweet potato (regarding glycaemic index) is increasing, there is limited research investigating consumers understanding of health messages of sweetpotato attributes. This industry and consumer research review highlights the potential for promoting innovative strategies to improve adoption of new cultivars in the marketplace.

Production of bioplastics from hydrolysates of paper industry by Haloferax mediterranei

The biorefinery concept has attracted much attention over the last decade due to increasing concerns about the use of fossil resources. In this context emerged the use of bioplastics, namely polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). PHA are biocompatible and biodegradable plastics that can be obtained from renewable raw materials and can constitute an alternative solution to conventional plastics. In this work, hydrolysed cellulose pulp, coming from Eucalyptus globulus wood cooking, was used as substrate to the PHA-storing bacteria Haloferax mediterranei. The hydrolysed pulp is rich in simple sugars, mainly glucose (81.96 g.L-1) and xylose (20.90 g.L-1). Tests were made in defined medium with glucose and xylose and in hydrolysate supplemented with salts and yeast extract. Different concentrations of glucose were tested, namely 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 g.L-1. The best accumulation results (27.1 % of PHA) were obtained in hydrolysate medium with 10 g.L-1. Using this concentration, assays were performed in fed-batch and sequencing batch reactor conditions in order to determine the best feeding strategy. The strategy that led to the best results was fed-batch assay with 24.7 % of PHA. An assay without sterile conditions was performed, in which was obtained the same growth than in sterilization test. Finally it was performed an assay in a bioreactor and a fast growth (0.14 h-1) with high glucose and xylose consumption rates (0.368 g.L-1.h-1 and 0.0947 g.L-1.h-1, respectively) were obtained. However 1.50 g.L-1 of PHA, corresponding to 16.1 % (92.52 % of 3HB and 3HV of 7.48 %) of % PHA were observed. The polymer was further characterized by DSC with a glass transition temperature of -6.07 °C, a melting temperature of 156.3 °C and a melting enthalpy of 63.07 J.g-1, values that are in accordance with the literature. This work recognizes for the first time the suitability of the pulp paper hydrolysate as a substrate for PHA production by H. mediterranei.

Sonic hedgehog signaling regulates mode of cell division of early cerebral cortex progenitors and increases

The morphogen Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) plays a critical role in the development of different tissues. In the central nervous system, SHH is well known to contribute to the patterning of the spinal cord and separation of the brain hemispheres. In addition, it has recently been shown that SHH signaling also contributes to the patterning of the telencephalon and establishment of adult neurogenic niches. In this work, we investigated whether SHH signaling influences the behavior of neural progenitors isolated from the dorsal telencephalon, which generate excitatory neurons and macroglial cells in vitro. We observed that SHH increases proliferation of cortical progenitors and generation of astrocytes, whereas blocking SHH signaling with cyclopamine has opposite effects. In both cases, generation of neurons did not seem to be affected. However, cell survival was broadly affected by blockade of SHH signaling. SHH effects were related to three different cell phenomena: mode of cell division, cell cycle length and cell growth. Together, our data in vitro demonstrate that SHH signaling controls cell behaviors that are important for proliferation of cerebral cortex progenitors, as well as differentiation and survival of neurons and astroglial cells.

The use of animal models in multiple myeloma

International audience

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR DIVISION OF FOSTER CARE REVIEW ANNUAL REPORT - 1994-95

The South Carolina Foster Care Review Board at the Office of Executive Policy and Programs annually publishes a report with summary of programs, recommendations, demographic and statistical information, and directory of state board and staff.