NobleBlocks

Ministère de l'Agriculture et de la Souveraineté alimentaire

governmentParis, Île-de-France, France

Research output, citation impact, and the most-cited recent papers from Ministère de l'Agriculture et de la Souveraineté alimentaire (France). Aggregated across the NobleBlocks index of 300M+ scholarly works.

Total works
4.7K
Citations
158.8K
h-index
149
i10-index
3.1K
Also known as
Ministry of AgricultureMinistry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Rural Affairs and Spatial PlanningMinistère de l'Agriculture et de la Souveraineté alimentaireMinistère de l'Agriculture, de l'Agroalimentaire et de la ForêtMinistère de l'Agriculture, de l'Alimentation, de la Pêche, de la Ruralité et de l'Aménagement du territoire

Top-cited papers from Ministère de l'Agriculture et de la Souveraineté alimentaire

Temperature increase reduces global yields of major crops in four independent estimates
Chuang Zhao, Bing Liu, Shilong Piao, Xuhui Wang +4 more
2017· Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences3.3Kdoi:10.1073/pnas.1701762114

Significance Agricultural production is vulnerable to climate change. Understanding climate change, especially the temperature impacts, is critical if policymakers, agriculturalists, and crop breeders are to ensure global food security. Our study, by compiling extensive published results from four analytical methods, shows that independent methods consistently estimated negative temperature impacts on yields of four major crops at the global scale, generally underpinned by similar impacts at country and site scales. Multimethod analyses improved the confidence in assessments of future climate impacts on global major crops, with important implications for developing crop- and region-specific adaptation strategies to ensure future food supply of an increasing world population.

Poly‐Lactic Acid: Production, Applications, Nanocomposites, and Release Studies
Majid Jamshidian, Elmira Arab‐Tehrany, Muhammad Imran, Muriel Jacquot +1 more
2010· Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety1.5Kdoi:10.1111/j.1541-4337.2010.00126.x

Environmental, economic, and safety challenges have provoked packaging scientists and producers to partially substitute petrochemical-based polymers with biodegradable ones. The general purpose of this review is to introduce poly-lactic acid (PLA), a compostable, biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable sources. PLA properties and modifications via different methods, like using modifiers, blending, copolymerizing, and physical treatments, are mentioned; these are rarely discussed together in other reviews. Industrial processing methods for producing different PLA films, wrappings, laminates, containers (bottles and cups), are presented. The capabilities of PLA for being a strong active packaging material in different areas requiring antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics are discussed. Consequently, applications of nanomaterials in combination with PLA structures for creating new PLA nanocomposites with greater abilities are also covered. These approaches may modify PLA weaknesses for some food packaging applications. Nanotechnology approaches are being broadened in food science, especially in packaging material science with high performances and low concentrations and prices, so this category of nano-research is estimated to be revolutionary in food packaging science in the near future. The linkage of a 100% bio-originated material and nanomaterials opens new windows for becoming independent, primarily, of petrochemical-based polymers and, secondarily, for answering environmental and health concerns will undoubtedly be growing with time.

Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria differ in their sensitivity to cold plasma
Anne Mai‐Prochnow, Maryse Clauson, Jungmi Hong, Anthony B. Murphy
2016· Scientific Reports717doi:10.1038/srep38610

Abstract Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (CAP) is a relatively new method being investigated for antimicrobial activity. However, the exact mode of action is still being explored. Here we report that CAP efficacy is directly correlated to bacterial cell wall thickness in several species. Biofilms of Gram positive Bacillus subtilis , possessing a 55.4 nm cell wall, showed the highest resistance to CAP, with less than one log 10 reduction after 10 min treatment. In contrast, biofilms of Gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa , possessing only a 2.4 nm cell wall, were almost completely eradicated using the same treatment conditions. Planktonic cultures of Gram negative Pseudomonas libanensis also had a higher log 10 reduction than Gram positive Staphylococcus epidermidis. Mixed species biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis showed a similar trend of Gram positive bacteria being more resistant to CAP treatment. However, when grown in co-culture, Gram negative P. aeruginosa was more resistant to CAP overall than as a mono-species biofilm. Emission spectra indicated OH and O, capable of structural cell wall bond breakage, were present in the plasma. This study indicates that cell wall thickness correlates with CAP inactivation times of bacteria, but cell membranes and biofilm matrix are also likely to play a role.

Interactive effects of drought and pathogens in forest trees
Marie‐Laure Desprez‐Loustau, Benoît Marçais, Louis-Michel Nageleisen, Dominique Piou +1 more
2006· Annals of Forest Science663doi:10.1051/forest:2006040

This review synthesizes the available knowledge on drought-disease interactions in forest trees with a focus on (1) evidence and patterns of drought-disease interactions, (2) current understanding of processes and mechanisms, and (3) three well documented cases studies. The first part is based on the analysis of a database of slightly more than one hundred studies, obtained by keyword searches combining drought, diseases or pathogens, and forest trees. A large majority of published studies referred to a positive association between drought and disease, i.e. disease favoured by drought or drought and disease acting synergistically on tree health status, with a predominance of canker/dieback diseases, caused by pathogens like Botryosphaeria, Sphaeropsis, Cytospora and Biscognauxia (Hypoxylon). The type of disease-related variables (incidence vs. severity) and the intensity and timing of water stress were shown to be significant factors affecting the drought-infection interaction. Interactions with other abiotic stresses and species-specific and genetic effects, related to host or pathogen, have also been reported. Direct effects of drought on pathogens are generally negative, although most fungal pathogens exhibit an important plasticity and can grow at water potentials well below the minimum for growth of their host plants. Studies on indirect effects of drought on pathogens through other community interactions are still relatively scarce. Positive drought-infection effects can mostly be explained by indirect effects of drought on host physiology. The predisposition and the multiple stress hypotheses are presented, as well as recent developments in the study of the molecular basis of abiotic and biotic stress, and their interactions. Sphaeropsis sapinea on pines, Biscognauxia mediterranea on oaks and root pathogens in declines associated with drought provide illustrative examples, treated as case studies, of pathogens of current significance associated with drought. The conclusion highlights some knowledge gaps, e.g. the role of latent parasites and the shift to a pathogenic stage, or the genetics of some fungal groups. The need for prevention of pathogen dispersal, especially crucial in the case of latent pathogens, is emphasized. drought / water stress / pathogenic fungi / predisposition / forest trees Rsum -Interactions entre scheresse et agents pathognes chez les arbres forestiers. Cette revue synthtise les connaissances actuelles sur les interactions entre scheresse et maladies chez les arbres forestiers, avec trois grandes parties : (1) description des types d'interaction ; (2) connaissances acquises sur les mcanismes impliqus ; (3) trois tudes de cas bien tudies. La premire partie est base sur l'analyse d'une base de donnes d'une centaine d'tudes, slectionnes par recherche sur mots cls. La plupart de ces tudes se rapportent des maladies favorises par la scheresse ou un effet synergique entre scheresse et maladie sur l'tat sanitaire des arbres, avec une prdominance de maladies chancres ou de rameaux, causes par des espces des genres Botryosphaeria, Sphaeropsis, Cytospora et Biscognauxia (Hypoxylon). Un effet significatif de l'intensit et de la dure du stress est montr dans certains cas sur le dveloppement des maladies. Les effets de la scheresse peuvent tre diffrents selon qu'il s'agit de variables lies l'incidence ou la svrit de la maladie. Des interactions avec d'autres stress abiotiques ou en relation avec des effets gntiques ou spcifiques ont galement t dcrits. Les effets directs de la scheresse sur les pathognes sont gnralement ngatifs, mais les champignons montrent une grande plasticit et peuvent gnralement se dvelopper des potentiels hydriques infrieurs ceux inhibant la croissance de leurs htes. Les effets positifs entre scheresse et infection s'expliquent principalement par des effets indirects sur la physiologie des htes. Les hypothses sur la prdisposition et les stress multiples sont prsentes, ainsi que les dveloppements rcents sur les bases molculaires des stress et de leurs interactions. Les trois tudes de cas concernent Sphaeropsis sapinea sur pins, Biscognauxia mediterranea sur chnes et l'interaction entre pathognes racinaires et scheresse dans les dprissements. Dans la conclusion, quelques perspectives de recherche privilgier sont mentionnes, comme le rle et la biologie des parasites latents, ou la gntique de quelques groupes fongiques. Sur un plan pratique, la ncessit de limiter la dissmination des parasites, particulirement cruciale dans le cas des parasites latents, est souligne. scheresse / stress hydrique / champignons pathognes / prdisposition / arbres forestiers

Biofilms and their consequences, with particular reference to hygiene in the food industry
Brigitte Carpentier, O. Cerf
1993· Journal of Applied Bacteriology580doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.1993.tb01587.x

Brigitte Carpentier, O. Cerf; Biofilms and their consequences, with particular reference to hygiene in the food industry, Journal of Applied Bacteriology, Volum

The evolution of H5N1 influenza viruses in ducks in southern China
Haifeng Chen, Guangcun Deng, Z. Li, Guobin Tian +4 more
2004· Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences548doi:10.1073/pnas.0403212101

The pathogenicity of avian H5N1 influenza viruses to mammals has been evolving since the mid-1980s. Here, we demonstrate that H5N1 influenza viruses, isolated from apparently healthy domestic ducks in mainland China from 1999 through 2002, were becoming progressively more pathogenic for mammals, and we present a hypothesis explaining the mechanism of this evolutionary direction. Twenty-one viruses isolated from apparently healthy ducks in southern China from 1999 through 2002 were confirmed to be H5N1 subtype influenza A viruses. These isolates are antigenically similar to A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96 (H5N1) virus, which was the source of the 1997 Hong Kong "bird flu" hemagglutinin gene, and all are highly pathogenic in chickens. The viruses form four pathotypes on the basis of their replication and lethality in mice. There is a clear temporal pattern in the progressively increasing pathogenicity of these isolates in the mammalian model. Five of six H5N1 isolates tested replicated in inoculated ducks and were shed from trachea or cloaca, but none caused disease signs or death. Phylogenetic analysis of the full genome indicated that most of the viruses are reassortants containing the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96-like hemagglutinin gene and the other genes from unknown Eurasian avian influenza viruses. This study is a characterization of the H5N1 avian influenza viruses recently circulating in ducks in mainland China. Our findings suggest that immediate action is needed to prevent the transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses from the apparently healthy ducks into chickens or mammalian hosts.

Malachite green: a review
D.J. Alderman
1985· Journal of Fish Diseases386doi:10.1111/j.1365-2761.1985.tb00945.x

Abstract. A detailed review of malachite green and its chemical and physical properties as they relate to fisheries interests. Many of the confusions and misconceptions about malachite green are discussed. Its mode of action, toxicity and fate are considered.

Climate drivers of bark beetle outbreak dynamics in Norway spruce forests
Lorenzo Marini, Bjørn Økland, Anna Maria Jönsson, Barbara Bentz +4 more
2016· Ecography354doi:10.1111/ecog.02769

Bark beetles are among the most devastating biotic agents affecting forests globally and several species are expected to be favored by climate change. Given the potential interactions of insect outbreaks with other biotic and abiotic disturbances, and the potentially strong impact of changing disturbance regimes on forest resources, investigating climatic drivers of destructive bark beetle outbreaks is of paramount importance. We analyzed 17 time‐series of the amount of wood damaged by Ips typographus , the most destructive pest of Norway spruce forests, collected across 8 European countries in the last three decades. We aimed to quantify the relative importance of key climate drivers in explaining timber loss dynamics, also testing for possible synergistic effects. Local outbreaks shared the same drivers, including increasing summer rainfall deficit and warm temperatures. Large availability of storm‐felled trees in the previous year was also strongly related to an increase in timber loss, likely by providing an alternative source of breeding material. We did not find any positive synergy among outbreak drivers. On the contrary, the occurrence of large storms reduced the positive effect of warming temperatures and rainfall deficit. The large surplus of breeding material likely boosted I. typographus population size above the density threshold required to colonize and kill healthy trees irrespective of other climate triggers. Importantly, we found strong negative density dependence in I. typographus that may provide a mechanism for population decline after population eruptions. Generality in the effects of complex climatic events across different geographical areas suggests that the large‐scale drivers can be used as early warning indicators of increasing local outbreak probability.

Dietary exposure estimates of 18 elements from the 1st French Total Diet Study
Jean‐Charles Leblanc, Thierry Guérin, Laurent D. Noël, Gloria Calamassi-Tran +2 more
2005· Food Additives & Contaminants322doi:10.1080/02652030500135367

To estimate the dietary exposure of the main minerals and trace elements from retail food typically consumed by the French population, samples were purchased and then prepared and cooked prior to analysis. A total of 1080 individual food composites samples were collected and analysed for 18 elements (arsenic, lead, cadmium, aluminium, mercury, antimony, chrome, calcium, manganese, magnesium, nickel, copper, zinc, lithium, sodium, molybdenum, cobalt and selenium). Intakes were calculated from different food consumption patterns found in France for average and high consumers among adults and children. Dietary exposures of those consumers estimated from the France 2000 Total Diet Study (FTDS) are reported, and compared with existing nutritional reference values (Lowest threshold Intake, LTI) or toxicological reference values (Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake, PTWI or Upper Level, UL) of the respective element and from previous French studies. This study confirms for the populations concerned, the low probability of nutritional or health risks due to food consumption.

A serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 in cat in Wuhan
Qiang Zhang, Huajun Zhang, Jindong Gao, Kun Huang +4 more
2020· Emerging Microbes & Infections317doi:10.1080/22221751.2020.1817796

COVID-19 is a new respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, and has constituted a global public health emergency. Cat is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. However, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in cats remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cats during COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan by serological detection methods. A cohort of serum samples were collected from cats in Wuhan, including 102 sampled after COVID-19 outbreak, and 39 prior to the outbreak. Fifteen sera collected after the outbreak were positive for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among them, 11 had SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies with a titer ranging from 1/20 to 1/1080. No serological cross-reactivity was detected between SARS-CoV-2 and type I or II feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). In addition, we continuously monitored serum antibody dynamics of two positive cats every 10 days over 130 days. Their serum antibodies reached the peak at 10 days after first sampling, and declined to the limit of detection within 110 days. Our data demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 has infected cats in Wuhan during the outbreak and described serum antibody dynamics in cats, providing an important reference for clinical treatment and prevention of COVID-19.

Epidemiological Patterns of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Worldwide
Mark M. Rweyemamu, P. L. Roeder, Donald R. Mackay, Keith Sumption +4 more
2008· Transboundary and Emerging Diseases311doi:10.1111/j.1865-1682.2007.01013.x

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a clinical syndrome in animals due to FMD virus that exists in seven serotypes, whereby recovery from one sero-type does not confer immunity against the other six. So when considering intervention strategies in endemic settings, it is important to take account of the characteristics of the different serotypes in different ecological systems. FMD serotypes are not uniformly distributed in the regions of the world where the disease still occurs. For example, the cumulative incidence of FMD serotypes show that six of the seven serotypes of FMD (O, A, C, SAT-1, SAT-2, SAT-3) have occurred in Africa, while Asia contends with four sero-types (O, A, C, Asia-1), and South America with only three (O, A, C). Periodically there have been incursions of Types SAT-1 and SAT-2 from Africa into the Middle East. This paper describes the global dynamics for the seven sero-types and attempts to define FMD epidemiological clusters in the different regions of the world. These have been described on a continent by continent basis. The review has reaffirmed that the movement of infected animals is the most important factor in the spread of FMD within the endemically infected regions. It also shows that the eco-system based approach for defining the epidemiological patterns of FMD in endemic, which was originally described in South America, can apply readily to other parts of the world. It is proposed that any coordinated regional or global strategy for FMD control should be based on a sound epidemiological assessment of the incidence and distribution of FMD, identifying risk sources as either primary or secondary endemic eco-systems.

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Flows through the Manure Management Chain in China
Zhaohai Bai, Lin Ma, Shuqin Jin, Wenqi Ma +4 more
2016· Environmental Science & Technology298doi:10.1021/acs.est.6b03348

The largest livestock production and greatest fertilizer use in the world occurs in China. However, quantification of the nutrient flows through the manure management chain and their interactions with management-related measures is lacking. Herein, we present a detailed analysis of the nutrient flows and losses in the “feed intake–excretion–housing–storage–treatment–application” manure chain, while considering differences among livestock production systems. We estimated the environmental loss from the manure chain in 2010 to be up to 78% of the excreted nitrogen and over 50% of the excreted phosphorus and potassium. The greatest losses occurred from housing and storage stages through NH 3 emissions (39% of total nitrogen losses) and direct discharge of manure into water bodies or landfill (30–73% of total nutrient losses). There are large differences among animal production systems, where the landless system has the lowest manure recycling. Scenario analyses for the year 2020 suggest that significant reductions of fertilizer use (27–100%) and nutrient losses (27–56%) can be achieved through a combination of prohibiting manure discharge, improving manure collection and storages infrastructures, and improving manure application to cropland. We recommend that current policies and subsidies targeted at the fertilizer industry should shift to reduce the costs of manure storage, transport, and application.

Effect of Small and Large Wheat Starch Granules on Thermomechanical Behavior of Starch
Eleni Chiotelli, Martine Le Meste
2002· Cereal Chemistry273doi:10.1094/cchem.2002.79.2.286

ABSTRACT The physicochemical properties of small‐ and large‐granule wheat starches were investigated to reveal whether gelatinization properties and rheological behavior differ between size classes of wheat starch. All samples contained 60% water (w/w, wb). The starch granule size and shape were examined by scanning electron microscopy in the separated A‐ and B‐type granule populations and in the whole wheat starch granule population. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electron spin resonance (ESR) analyses were performed in parallel with rheological measurements using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) to relate the viscoelastic changes to modifications in dynamic properties of aqueous solutions and structural disorganization of starch. The small (B‐type) granules had slightly higher gelatinization temperature and lower gelatinization enthalpy than did the large (A‐type) granules. Also, B‐type granules had higher enthalpy for the amylose‐lipid complex transition. Moreover, our results suggested that small granules have higher affinity for water at room temperature. It seems that there is a less ordered arrangement of the polysaccharide chains in the smaller granules when compared with the larger ones. These differences in functional properties of small and large granules suggested that the granule size distribution is an important parameter in the baking process.

Photoperiodic and physiological adaptations regulating avian breeding cycles and their ecological significance
B. Lofts, R. K. Murton
1968· Journal of Zoology268doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1968.tb03056.x

We wish to dedicate this paper to the memory of Professor A. J. Marshall whose untimely death occurred while it was in press. Professor Marshall was formerly the head of the Department of Zoology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London, and subsequently held the Foundation Chair of Zoology and Comparative Physiology, Monash University, Australia. Probably the most valuable of his many contributions to the field of avian physiology was his ability to relate laboratory experimentation to the natural environment. Much of the thought contained in the present paper has been stimulated by his approach and pioneer studies.

Variability of Iodine Content in Common Commercially Available Edible Seaweeds
Jane Teas, Sam Pino, Alan T. Critchley, Lewis E. Braverman
2004· Thyroid267doi:10.1089/thy.2004.14.836

Dietary seaweeds, common in Asia and in Asian restaurants, have become established as part of popular international cuisine. To understand the possibility for iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction better, we collected samples of the most common dietary seaweeds available from commercial sources in the United States, as well as harvester-provided samples from Canada, Tasmania, and Namibia. Altogether, 12 different species of seaweeds were analyzed for iodine content, and found to range from 16 microg/g (+/-2) in nori (Porphyra tenera) to over 8165 +/- 373 microg/g in one sample of processed kelp granules (a salt substitute) made from Laminaria digitata. We explored variation in preharvest conditions in a small study of two Namibian kelps (Laminaria pallida and Ecklonia maxima), and found that iodine content was lowest in sun-bleached blades (514 +/- 42 microg/g), and highest amount in freshly cut juvenile blades (6571 +/- 715 microg/g). Iodine is water-soluble in cooking and may vaporize in humid storage conditions, making average iodine content of prepared foods difficult to estimate. It is possible some Asian seaweed dishes may exceed the tolerable upper iodine intake level of 1100 microg/d.

Genome editing reveals dmrt1 as an essential male sex-determining gene in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)
Zhongkai Cui, Yun Liu, Wenwen Wang, Qian Wang +4 more
2017· Scientific Reports265doi:10.1038/srep42213

Chinese tongue sole is a marine fish with ZW sex determination. Genome sequencing suggested that the Z-linked dmrt1 is a putative male determination gene, but direct genetic evidence is still lacking. Here we show that TALEN of dmrt1 efficiently induced mutations of this gene. The ZZ dmrt1 mutant fish developed ovary-like testis, and the spermatogenesis was disrupted. The female-related genes foxl2 and cyp19a1a were significantly increased in the gonad of the ZZ dmrt1 mutant. Conversely, the male-related genes Sox9a and Amh were significantly decreased. The dmrt1 deficient ZZ fish grew much faster than ZZ male control. Notably, we obtained an intersex ZW fish with a testis on one side and an ovary on the other side. This fish was chimeric for a dmrt1 mutation in the ovary, and wild-type dmrt1 in the testis. Our data provide the first functional evidence that dmrt1 is a male determining gene in tongue sole.

Relationship Between Frequent Milking or Suckling in Early Lactation and Milk Production of High Producing Dairy Cows
U. Bar-Pelled, E. Maltz, I. Bruckental, Y. Folman +4 more
1995· Journal of Dairy Science249doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(95)76903-x

Groups of 9 or 10 cows were assigned to one of three treatments 1) machine-milking three times daily, 2) machine-milking six times daily, and 3) suckling three times daily in addition to machine- milking three times daily. Treatments were conducted during the first 6 wk postpartum; thereafter, all cows were milked three times daily. During treatment, milk production was highest for suckled cows and lowest for cows milked three times daily. The DMI were similar for suckled cows and cows milked three times daily but higher for those milked six times daily. Body weight loss was greatest for suckled cows and least for cows milked three times daily. During wk 7 to 18 postpartum, cows milked six times daily exhibited a carry-over effect on milk production that was greater than that of other groups, During treatment, plasma growth hormone and IGF-I concentrations were elevated for suckled cows and, to a lesser extent, for cows milked six times daily. Prolactin and oxytocin similarly increased, but insulin decreased in suckled cows and, to a lesser extent, in cows milked six times daily. Posttreatment differences persisted for insulin and IGF-I, but not for the other hormones. Increased frequency of udder emptying increased milk production, and suckling was superior to machine-milking. High milk production was associated with elevated growth hormone, IGF-I, prolactin, and oxytocin, although cause and effect could not be established. The failure of suckled cows to increase feed intake to match output requires further investigation.

Idiopathic Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A Clinical and Follow-Up Study of 62 Cases
Éric Marchand, Martine Reynaud‐Gaubert, D. Lauque, Jacques Durieu +2 more
1998· Medicine248doi:10.1097/00005792-199809000-00001

Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is a rare disorder of unknown cause with nonspecific respiratory and systemic symptoms but rather characteristic peripheral alveolar infiltrates on imaging, developing mainly in women and in atopic subjects. The disorder is highly responsive to oral corticosteroid therapy, but relapses are frequent on reducing or stopping treatment. The long-term course of the disease and data regarding outcome, particularly the need for prolonged oral corticosteroid therapy and the development of severe asthma, are somewhat contradictory. A multicentric retrospective study was conducted in an attempt to describe better the initial features and, above all, the later course of CEP in a large homogeneous series of 62 stringently selected patients of whom 46 were followed for more than 1 year. The prevalence of smokers was low (6.5%) and about half of our patients (51.6%) had a previous, and often prolonged, history of asthma. The clinical and roentgenographic features were in keeping with previous studies, but we found that computed tomography could disclose ground glass opacities not detected by X-ray, and that migratory infiltrates before treatment were more frequent (25.5%) than reported previously. The bronchoalveolar lavage cellular count always showed a striking eosinophilic pattern, thus allowing distinction between CEP and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, both syndromes sharing many common clinical and imaging features. About two-thirds of the patients (68%) showed a ventilatory defect in pulmonary function tests, with about one-half of these presenting with an obstructive pattern, sometimes without previous asthma. Along with the submucosal eosinophilic infiltration noted in 2 patients without ventilatory defect, this is strong evidence to confirm that CEP is not only an alveolointerstitial but also an airway disease. The dramatic response to oral corticosteroid therapy was observed in all treated patients. Although only 1 patient initially treated for less than 6 months did not relapse, longer oral corticosteroid therapy in no way provided protection from further relapses. We thus propose to try to wean oral corticosteroid therapy after 6 months in patients without severe asthma, because recurrences remain responsive to oral steroids. However, prolonged oral corticosteroid therapy was necessary in the majority of patients, with 68.9% of those followed for more than 1 year still on oral corticosteroid therapy at the last follow-up, either because of relapse or because of severe asthma.

Micro-determination of copper in biological material
A. Eden, Henry Hamilton Green
1940· Biochemical Journal244doi:10.1042/bj0341202

involving unusually large numbers of determinations on blood, tissues, urine, faeces and animal foods, the Tompsett modification [1934, 1] of the method of Apart from the somewhat laborious ashing or tissue extraction procedures, the technique for subsequent deionization of iron was not found universally satisfactory. Although results of the correct order of magnitude were generally obtained, and might therefore not be suspected at sight, the general drift was definitely high and the slightest imperfection in removal of iron from the sphere of reaction seriously affected percentage accuracy as real magnitudes of Cu diminished, so rendering the process uncertain for metabolism work in which an accurate balance sheet was required.

The Comparative Feeding Ecology of Six Species of Shark and Four Species of Ray (Elasmobranchii) In The North-East Atlantic
Jim R. Ellis, M.G. Pawson, S. E. Shackley
1996· Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom218doi:10.1017/s0025315400029039

The stomach contents of ten species of elasmobranch from the north-eastern Atlantic indicate that most are generalist predators, eating a variety of polychaetes, molluscs, crustaceans and teleosts. Two species, Mustelus asterias and Squatina scjuatina were found to be specialist feeders, consuming portunid crabs and pleuronectids, respectively. Measures for both dietary breadth and dietary overlap are given and the implications of elasmobranch predation on the prey communities and on commercial species are discussed.