Differences in IgG1 and IgG2 responses of cattle infected with Coxiella burnetii and following vaccination

Vaccination of 115 cattle with a formalin-inactivated Coxiella burnetii (Phase II) vaccine selectively induced a highly significant IgG2 response detectable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High IgG2 and negative or cut off IgG1 levels could be detected in uninfected cattle, whereas significant IgG1 but lower IgG2 levels were associated with C. burnetii infections.     

Determination of total N-nitroso compounds by chemical denitrosation using CuCl

A method for the determination of total N-nitroso compounds (NOC) by chemical denitrosation and subsequent chemiluminescence detection of evolved NO is described. Denitrosation was accomplished with CuCl in HCl at 70 degrees C. The detection limit for N-nitrosoproline (NPRO) was 1 pmol. NO formation from NPRO was linear (R(2) = 0.999) from 4 pmol to 2 nmol. Among the possible interfering compounds tested, only S-nitroso compounds contribute any significant interference. This method had several advantages over other similar methods: (1) A commercially available one-piece reaction vessel and a NO analyzer with software were used. (2) NO release occurred rapidly and was easily measured and quantified. (3) Compared to HBr or HI, CuCl was more convenient to work with and safe. (4) CuCl was suitable for samples in aqueous and most organic solvents. The application of this method to food, personal care products, and human body fluids demonstrates its utility.     

Wounding of Root or Basal Stalk Prior to Harvest Affects Pre-harvest Antioxidant Accumulation and Tobacco-specific Nitrosamine Formation during Air Curing of Burley Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Wounding stresses were tested for their ability to induce an accumulation of antioxidants in harvested tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and for the reduction of tobacco‐specific nitrosamines (TSNA) during subsequent air curing. Data indicated that root pruning of burley tobacco 1 week before harvest resulted in an increased accumulation of α‐tocopherol, chlorogenic acid and rutin, compared with untreated plants. Wounding also increased total antioxidant capacity in both green and cured tobacco. Field experiments performed over 3 years showed a consistent decrease in nitrite concentration in leaves from wounded tobacco, and the reduction in TSNA was always associated with reduced levels of nitrite. Depending on climate and curing conditions, curing resulted in significant reductions in TSNA, compared with unwounded, control plants. Thus, the results suggested that higher endogenous antioxidants present during senescence and curing of wounding‐stressed tobacco may affect the propensities of those tissues to inhibit TSNA formation by reaction with nitrite.