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PubMed2003

Patterns of parturition and mortality in weaned greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck).

The patterns of parturition and mortality were studied in a colony of weaned captive greater cane rats, Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck, from January to December 2000 at the Grasscutter Domestication Centre, Pokoase Research Station, Animal Research Institute, Ghana. The most important finding from the study was that it is practical to wean greater cane rats at 4 weeks of age with proper post-weaning management. Mortality ranged between 0 and 3.9% with an average of 1.4% for animals weaned at 4 weeks. Among the factors contributing to mortality in the weaned greater cane rats may be the number of animals per unit space. The mortality in this study was a marked improvement compared to that of 11% reported elsewhere for animals weaned at 6 weeks. The animals were, however, smaller at weaning compared to those in reports from elsewhere, probably owing to poor lactation by the mothers. Peak parturition occurred in October with captive breeding having no influence on the parturition pattern.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Analysis of sucrose accumulation in the sugar cane culm on the basis of in vitro kinetic data.

Sucrose accumulation in developing sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) is accompanied by a continuous synthesis and cleavage of sucrose in the storage tissues. Despite numerous studies, the factors affecting sucrose accumulation are still poorly understood, and no consistent pattern has emerged which pinpoints certain enzyme activities as important controlling steps. Here, we develop an approach based on pathway analysis and kinetic modelling to assess the biochemical control of sucrose accumulation and futile cycling in sugar cane. By using the concept of elementary flux modes, all possible routes of futile cycling of sucrose were enumerated in the metabolic system. The available kinetic data for the pathway enzymes were then collected and assembled in a kinetic model of sucrose accumulation in sugar cane culm tissue. Although no data were fitted, the model agreed well with independent experimental results: in no case was the difference between calculated and measured fluxes and concentrations greater than 2-fold. The model thus validated was then used to assess different enhancement strategies for increasing sucrose accumulation. First, the control coefficient of each enzyme in the system on futile cycling of sucrose was calculated. Secondly, the activities of those enzymes with the numerically largest control coefficients were varied over a 5-fold range to determine the effect on the degree of futile cycling, the conversion efficiency from hexoses into sucrose, and the net sucrose accumulation rate. In view of the modelling results, overexpression of the fructose or glucose transporter or the vacuolar sucrose import protein, as well as reduction of cytosolic neutral invertase levels, appear to be the most promising targets for genetic manipulation. This offers a more directed improvement strategy than cumbersome gene-by-gene manipulation. The kinetic model can be viewed and interrogated on the World Wide Web at http://jjj.biochem.sun.ac.za.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1997

Mechanisms of biocontrol by Pantoea dispersa of sugar cane leaf scald disease caused by Xanthomonas albilineans.

Albicidins, a family of phytotoxins and antibiotics produced by Xanthomonas albilineans, are important in sugar cane leaf scald disease development. The albicidin detoxifying bacterium Pantoea dispersa (syn. Erwinia herbicola) SB1403 provides very effective biocontrol against leaf scald disease in highly susceptible sugar cane cultivars. The P. dispersa gene (albD) for enzymatic detoxification of albicidin has recently been cloned and sequenced. To test the role of albicidin detoxification in biocontrol of leaf scald disease, albD was inactivated in P. dispersa by site-directed mutagenesis. The mutants, which were unable to detoxify albicidin, were less resistant to the toxin and less effective in biocontrol of leaf scald disease than their parent strain. This indicates that albicidin detoxification contributes to the biocontrol capacity of P. dispersa against X. albilineans. Rapid growth and ability to acidify media are other characteristics likely to contribute to the competitiveness of P. dispersa against X. albilineans at wound sites used to invade sugar cane.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

An isotopic method for quantifying sweeteners derived from corn and sugar cane.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup, as well as cane sugar, has been implicated in the rise of the obesity and diabetes epidemics. To date, however, no reliable biomarker for the consumption of these sweeteners is available. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the natural abundance stable-carbon-isotope signature of commonly consumed foods of plant origin. DESIGN: Samples from approximately 100 plant-derived food products purchased from local grocery stores were analyzed for 13C content by using stable-isotope mass spectroscopy. RESULTS: Measurement of natural abundance ratios of 13C to 12C in approximately 100 off-the-shelf foods found a distinct range of values for corn- and sugar cane-derived foods, particularly those rich in high-fructose corn syrup. CONCLUSION: A new technique, in which consumption of these foods may be estimated in humans by measuring the natural abundance stable-carbon-isotope profile of corn- and sugar cane-sweetened or sugar-containing foods as tracked in tissue or blood, could potentially provide an objective assessment of dietary intake and offer new opportunities for the study of diet-disease relations.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1991

Aspects of occupational health in the sugar cane industry.

Workers in developing countries face as many, if not more, work-related health problems as their counterparts in industrialized nations. This paper concentrates on occupational health problems in the sugar industry, which exists in 40 countries, mostly in the Third World. Sugar cane workers have a high level of occupational accidents and are exposed to the high toxicity of pesticides. They may also have an increased risk of lung cancer, possibly mesothelioma. This may be related to the practice of burning foliage at the time of cane-cutting. Bagassosis is also a problem specific to the industry as it may follow exposure to bagasse (a by-product of sugar cane). The workers may also be affected by chronic infections which reduce their productivity. The legal framework for their protection is often inadequate. In conclusion, areas of future research are suggested.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1982

Purification and properties of thermostable beta-xylosidase from immature stalks of Saccharum officinarum L. (sugar cane).

Thermostable beta-xylosidase was purified from immature sugar cane stalks to an electrophoretically homogeneous form by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and P-cellulose columns, heat treatment (70 degrees C, 20 min) and gel filtration on a Sephadex G-100 column. The purification was about 165-fold in specific activity with a high recovery of 43%. The apparent molecular weight of the enzyme, as determined by gel filtration, was 62,000. In SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the purified enzyme was homogeneous and consisted of only one polypeptide, having a molecular weight of approximately 62,000. The optimum temperature and pH were found to be 75 degrees C and 4.85, respectively. The enzyme was thermostable and especially stable in the presence of D-xylose. The enzyme retained full activity after incubation at 70 degrees C for 60 min in the presence of 0.1% D-xylose and when heated at 75 degrees C in the presence of 1% D-xylose, the enzyme was stable up to 30 min. Among the various sugars tested, D-xylose was found to be most effective stabilizer. The Km and Vmax values were 2.05 mM and 20.4 mumol/mg/min, respectively. The substrate specificity of purified sugar cane beta-xylosidase was investigated with 16 substrates. It was not able to hydrolyze any p-nitrophenyl glycopyranosides, larch wood xylan, or sugar cane except for p- and o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranosides. The enzyme hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside more rapidly than o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside. The hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside was markedly inhibited by AgNO3, HgCl2, and D-xylose. Competitive inhibition was shown to occur with both HgCl2 and D-xylose. AgNO3 was found to be a non-competitive inhibitor. The enzyme lost 20% of its activity by photo-oxidation in the presence of methylen blue for 8 h. By polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis, the enzyme was found to contain carbohydrate. The enzyme was then hydrolyzed and the carbohydrate content found to be 13.5%, the constituent sugars being arabinose and galactose.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2006

Production of lactic acid and fructose from media with cane sugar using mutant of Lactobacillus delbrueckii NCIM 2365.

AIMS: To examine the potential of Lactobacillus delbrueckii mutant, Uc-3 to produce lactic acid and fructose from sucrose-based media. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mutant of L. delbrueckii NCIM 2365 was cultivated in shake flask containing hydrolysed cane sugar (sucrose)-based medium. The lactic acid yield and volumetric productivity with hydrolysed cane concentration up to 200 g l(-1) were in the range of 92-97% of the theoretical value and between 2.7 and 3.8 g l(-1) h(-1), respectively. The fructose fraction of the syrup produced was more than 95% when the total initial sugar concentration in the medium was higher (150-200 g l(-1)). There are no unwanted byproducts detected in the fermentation broth. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that L. delbrueckii mutant Uc-3 was able to utilize glucose preferentially to produce lactic acid and fructose from hydrolysed cane sugar in batch fermentation process. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These findings will be useful in the production of lactic acid and high fructose syrups using media with high concentrations of sucrose-based raw materials. This approach can lead to modification of the traditional fermentation processes to obtain value-added byproducts, attaining better process economics.

Biotechnology↗
PubMed1990

Acetic Acid Bacterial Biota of the Pink Sugar Cane Mealybug, Saccharococcus sacchari, and Its Environs.

Saccharococcus sacchari is the primary colonizer of the developing "sterile" tissue between the leaf sheath and stem of sugar cane. The honeydew secreted by the mealybugs is acidic (about pH 3) and supports an atypical epiphytic microbiota dominated by acetobacter-like bacteria and acidophilic yeast species. However, Erwinia and Leuconostoc species predominate within the leaf sheath pocket region when the mealybugs die out. The unidentified acetobacters were readily isolated from S. sacchari throughout its life cycle and from other genera of mealybugs on sugar cane and various other plants, both above and below ground. No other insect present on sugar cane was a significant vector of acetic acid bacteria. The major factors restricting microbial diversity within the environs of mealybugs were considered to be yeast activity along with bacterial production of acetic acid, ketogluconic acids, and gamma-pyrones, in association with their lowering of pH. The microbial products may aid in suppressing the attack by the parasitic mold Aspergillus parasiticus on mealybugs but could act as attractants for the predatory fruit fly Cacoxenus perspicax.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Influence of Ammonium Salts and Cane Molasses on Growth of Alcaligenes eutrophus and Production of Polyhydroxybutyrate.

The production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) by Alcaligenes eutrophus DSM 545 was studied in a synthetic medium with 3% glucose at pH 7.0 supplemented with several ammonium substrates and cane molasses. Growth was measured by dry cell weight, and the PHB content was measured by gas chromatography. The effects of ammonium sources such as sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, and chloride salts and those of different ammonium sulfate concentrations were evaluated. The best growth and PHB production were obtained with ammonium sulfate; however, NH(inf4)(sup+) concentrations between 0.5 and 1.5 g/liter showed no significant difference. Ammonium sulfate was therefore used as the sole source of NH(inf4)(sup+) for experiments with cane molasses as the growth activator. Optimal growth and PHB production were obtained with 0.3% molasses. However, the yields of biomass (39 to 48%) and PHB (17 to 26%) varied significantly among the different ammonium substrates and cane molasses concentrations.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

The impact of sugar cane-burning emissions on the respiratory system of children and the elderly.

We analyzed the influence of emissions from burning sugar cane on the respiratory system during almost 1 year in the city of Piracicaba in southeast Brazil. From April 1997 through March 1998, samples of inhalable particles were collected, separated into fine and coarse particulate mode, and analyzed for black carbon and tracer elements. At the same time, we examined daily records of children (<13 years of age) and elderly people (>64 years of age) admitted to the hospital because of respiratory diseases. Generalized linear models were adopted with natural cubic splines to control for season and linear terms to control for weather. Analyses were carried out for the entire period, as well as for burning and nonburning periods. Additional models were built using three factors obtained from factor analysis instead of particles or tracer elements. Increases of 10.2 microg/m3 in particles<or=2.5 microm/m3 aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and 42.9 microg/m3 in PM10 were associated with increases of 21.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.3-38.5] and 31.03% (95% CI, 1.25-60.21) in child and elderly respiratory hospital admissions, respectively. When we compared periods, the effects during the burning period were much higher than the effects during nonburning period. Elements generated from sugar cane burning (factor 1) were those most associated with both child and elderly respiratory admissions. Our results show the adverse impact of sugar cane burning emissions on the health of the population, reinforcing the need for public efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate this source of air pollution.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Spontaneous neoplasms in captive African cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck, 1827).

Despite the increasing importance of cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) farming in Africa, diseases of these animals in captivity are not well known. A survey of a colony in Gabon averaging 235 cane rats over a period of 36 months allowed the observation of several suspected tumors and the confirmation of three cases of neoplasms. Within a period of 8 months, a chondroma in an adult female, a hemangiosarcoma in a subadult male, and a chondrosarcoma in an elderly female were diagnosed. This incidence (1.3%) of neoplasms in the cane rat colony in such a short period is uncommon. Neoplasms in rodents might be induced by such factors as a high inbreeding coefficient, an oncogenic virus, or chemical agent intoxication. Although the etiology remains undetermined, these cases are described to provide baseline data on the pathology of this species in captivity.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[New technologies and workers' health: mechanization of sugar cane harvesting].

In the context of reorganization of production in the sugar and alcohol industry, mechanization of sugar cane harvesting has been justified as a protective measure for the environment and workers. This article focuses on the consequences of organization of work in mechanization of sugar cane harvesting with regard to the harvester operators' health. Based on data gathered through interviews and direct observation at the workplace, changes implemented in the technological base and division of labor and organization were analyzed, identifying the work load inherent to the process and how it affects workers' health. While harvesters help decrease the physical, chemical, and mechanical work load, they increase the physiological and psychological work load. There is evidence of significant change in the pattern of work-related accidents, entailing a decrease in their frequency and increase in severity. The pattern of illness among harvester operators is similar to that of manual sugar cane cutters, with a highlight on psychosomatic illness related to the organization of work in shifts and increased tempo due to use of machinery.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Non-specific bronchoprovocation with metacholine in children before and during sugar cane burning in Catanduva-SP]

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the influence of sugar cane burning on BHR of asthmatic and "normal" control children by metacholine bronchoprovocation tests; and verify if interferes in pulmonary function tests.METHODS: Twenty-two asthmatic children (A) aged from 7 to 14 years old, and twelve "normal" control children (C), aged from 8 to 13 years, were submitted to non-specific bronchoprovocation test with methacholine before and during the sugar cane burning. The metacholine concentrations used were 0.025; 0.25; 1.0; 2.5; 10.0; 25.0 mg/ml, and the results were expressed in PC(20) FEV1 (concentration of metacholine that induces a fall of 20% or more in the forced expiratory volume in the first second).RESULTS: The PC(20) average for asthmatic children was significantly lower than the control group, before (A= 3.68; C= 25.62 mg/ml) and during the burning (A= 4.11; C= 25.25 mg/ml) (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences, when compared in each group PC(20) values before and during burning. The same was observed regarding FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flux between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF (25-75%)).CONCLUSIONS: It was not possible to demonstrate that cane plantation burning influences the BHR, and pulmonary functions tests of the studied children.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

[Utilization of sugar cane bagasse hydrolysates for xylitol production by yeast].

The effects of the concentration of sulfuric acid and the ratio of liquid to solid on xylose yield from sugar cane bagasse in its hemicellulose hydrolysis process were studied with the Quadratic Rotary Combination Design. Regression analysis showed that there was a marked regression relationship between the two factors and xylose yield. As the result of optimizing the hydrolysis conditions by regression equation, xylose yield of 24 g/100 g sugar cane bagasse was obtained when sulfuric acid concentration was 2.4 g/L and liquid to solid ratio was 6.2 under the conditions of stream pressure of 2.5 x 10(4) Pa and hydrolysis time of 2.5 h. The macroporous resin adsorption was proved to be a good method to reduce the concentration of yeast cell growth inhibitor in sugar cane bagasse hemicellulose hydrolysate and to enhance the hydrolysate fermentability. The hydrolysate treated with macroporous resin adsorption under pH2 was used as the substrate for xylitol production by a xylitol-producting yeast, Candida tropicalis AS2.1776. At an initial xylose concentration of 200 g/L, all xylose was consumed within 110 h with a xylitol production rate of 1.15 g/L.h, and a xylitol yield of 0.64 g/g xylose.

Candida tropicalis↗
PubMed2005

[Epidemiology of snakebites in sugar cane plantations of Kwilu Ngongo in Democratic Republic of Congo].

An epidemiological study was undertaken in a sugar cane plantation of the Sugar Company of Kwilu Ngongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to evaluate the incidence of the snakebites, to report the epidemiological and clinical indicators and the therapeutic practices. The plantations extend by 41 km covering about 10,000 hectares in arboreal savannahs. The method associated i) a retrospective survey carried out from the registers of two health centres located in the heart of the plantations, then in the files of the central hospital of the sugar company and in a public health centre, and ii) an household survey using a questionnaire administered to 579 concessions and households over six years. The calculated incidence is estimated at 80 bites per annum for 100,000 inhabitants. More than half of the bites involved men working in industrial sugar cane plantations or in the fields and occurred during the rain season. Setting fire in sugar cane plantations during harvest had an influence both on the snake behaviour and men's activities. Because of the lack of antivenom, the treatment of snakebites remained symptomatic. The average duration of hospitalizations was 4 days, the criterion of monitoring being based on the disappearance of the oedema localized at the foot sometimes extending to the leg.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Interrelationship between the raspberry cane midge, Resseliella theobaldi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and its parasitoid, Aprostocetus epicharmus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).

The raspberry cane midge Resseliella theobaldi (Barnes) is one of the most important pests of cultivated red raspberry Rubus idaeus L. throughout Europe. For the last 50 years several studies have been made on the biology, life cycle and control of the pest. Some data can also be found on its natural enemies, but among these species only the chalcidoid Tetrastichus inunctus Nees turned out to be important in controlling raspberry cane midge populations. However, this species name is now ambiguous as the type is lost. In the present study, Aprostocetus epicharmus Walker was the chalcidoid species that parasitized the larvae of the raspberry cane midge, and its biology seems to be very similar to that of T. inunctus. It is therefore probable that the eulophid species earlier referred to as T. inunctus in the literature is A. epicharmus. Besides discussing this problem, particular consideration and detailed data are given on the biology and life cycle of A. epicharmus in relation to R. theobaldi. Different factors having effect on the population dynamics of both species are also discussed as results of a survey on several red raspberry cultivars, carried out in Hungary between 2002 and 2005.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

A cross-sectional study on the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis among sugar cane cutters in Zimbabwe.

A schistosomiasis prevalence and intensity survey was carried out among sugar cane cutters of Hippo Valley and Triangle, the two largest irrigated sugar estates in Zimbabwe. Urine and stool specimens were collected for determination of schistosomiasis infection from 1995 cane cutters. A total of 315 (15.8pc) cutters were found to be infected with Schistosoma mansoni while 163 (8.2pc) were found to be positive for S. haematobium. The arithmetic mean egg count (AMEC) and geometric mean egg count (GMEC) for the different age groups into which the cane cutters were divided was calculated. The prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni increased with age while the opposite was true for S. haematobium. The factors contributing to this observation are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1967

Cane-sugar feeding in Culex pipiens fatigans.

The relatively poor results that have been obtained in controlling or eradicating Culex pipiens fatigans, the urban vector of Wuchereria bancrofti, have made it necessary to obtain as much information as possible about its biology. In this paper the unexpected finding of the influence of cane sugar in delaying oviposition in the gravid female is reported. This is an important finding for those who are investigating the biology of this mosquito in the laboratory and who make use of the age-old practice of keeping adult mosquitos alive by feeding them cane sugar. It is also reported that under certain conditions extensive cane-sugar feeding takes place in nature and it seems possible that this habit may have unsuspected repercussions on behaviour and physiology beyond the confines of the laboratory. One possible development would be the isolation of the attractant present in unrefined sugars and its use in traps in order to assess mosquito populations in the field.

Animals↗