Fraser Torpy - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Fraser Torpy
Journal of Autoimmunity, 2008
Solute carrier family 11 member a1 (SLC11A1) exerts pleiotropic effects on macrophage function. E... more Solute carrier family 11 member a1 (SLC11A1) exerts pleiotropic effects on macrophage function. Expression of SLC11A1 is regulated by a (GT) n microsatellite promoter repeat polymorphism of which nine alleles have been described. Enhanced activation of macrophages, associated with increased expression from allele 3, may be functionally linked to the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Conversely, low expression, driven by allele 2, may afford resistance. We have performed a meta-analysis to determine the association of SLC11A1 promoter alleles 2 and 3 with autoimmunity and inflammation. A random effects pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] ¼ 0.20) for allele 3 suggested a weak association of this allele with an increased risk of disease. Calculation of the OR in the absence of asymmetry yielded a random effects pooled OR of 0.88 (95% CI ¼ 0.66), effectively reversing the above association. A fixed effects pooled OR of 0.90 (95% CI ¼ 0.24) was obtained for allele 2, suggesting a weak predominance of disease in the absence of this allele. Application of the trim-and-fill method resulted in a fixed effects OR of 0.80 (95% CI ¼ 0.22), thus strengthening this association. Associations of allele 3 with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases reported in several association studies may be attributable to some form of bias amongst published results. (B.A. O'Brien). 0896-8411/$ -see front matter Ó
Water Air and Soil Pollution, Sep 19, 2006
Indoor air-borne loads of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually significantly higher than... more Indoor air-borne loads of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually significantly higher than those outdoors, and chronic exposures can cause health problems. Our previous laboratory studies have shown that the potted-plant microcosm, induced by an initial dose, can eliminate high airborne VOC concentrations, the primary removal agents being potting-mix microorganisms, selected and maintained in the plant/root-zone microcosm. Our office field-study, reported in the preceding paper, showed that, when total VOC (TVOC) loads in reference offices (0 plants) rose above about 100 ppb, levels were generally reduced by up to 75% (to <100 ppb) in offices with any one of three planting regimes. The results indicate the induction of the VOC removal mechanism at TVOC levels above a threshold of about 100 ppb. The aims of this laboratory dose-response study were to explore and analyse this response. Over from 5 to 9 days, doses of 0.2, 1.0, 10 and 100 ppm toluene and m-xylene were applied and replenished, singly and as mixtures, to potted-plants of the same two species used in the office study. The results confirmed the induction of the VOC removal response at the lowest test dosage, i.e in the middle of the TVOC range found in the offices, and showed that, with subsequent dosage increments, further stepwise induction occurred, with rate increases of several orders of magnitude. At each dosage, with induction, VOC concentrations could be reduced to below GC detection limits (<20 ppb) within 24 h. A synergistic interaction was found with the binary mixtures, toluene accelerating m-xylene removal, at least at lower dosages. The results of these two studies together demonstrate that the potted-plant microcosm can provide an effective, self-regulating, sustainable bioremediation or phytoremediation system for VOC pollution in indoor air.
Human ecology (i.e. humans in their relationships with the environment) has a history extending u... more Human ecology (i.e. humans in their relationships with the environment) has a history extending up to two million years. Our species has continued to be biologically well adapted to 'nature' as we have encountered it over that period. We are reliant on plants for everything we need - from food to shelter, and also, (unknown to our ancestors) plants supply our oxygen, and are the sink for carbon dioxide. Our ancestors also recognised an essential role for plants in providing pleasure, perfumes, peace, piety and glimpses of 'paradise'. We still have the same requirements as our forebears. In contrast, the increasingly rapid growth of modern cities has been only over the last two hundred years. How well adapted are we to our new, urban ecology? I propose that 'greening the great indoors' with living plants is an important element in enabling sustainable urban communities of the future, since such communities will increasingly depend on a healthy 'indoor faci...
The aesthetic value of indoor plants is easily seen, however the unseen ability of indoor plants ... more The aesthetic value of indoor plants is easily seen, however the unseen ability of indoor plants to improve indoor air quality has never been conclusively shown or, until now, quantified.
Journal of Applied Horticulture
Molecular Therapy — Methods & Clinical Development, 2015
Urban indoor air quality (IAQ) is an international health issue, since city dwellers spend 90% of... more Urban indoor air quality (IAQ) is an international health issue, since city dwellers spend 90% of their time indoors. Research by a number of authors is reviewed here, demonstrating a range of capacities of indoor plants to improve IAQ and promote occupant wellbeing. Our laboratory studies, with nine 'indoor plant' species, and our 'field' studies in 60 offices, show that
Biotechnologies and Biomimetics for Civil Engineering, 2014
Gene Therapy - Tools and Potential Applications, 2013
Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 2006
Indoor air-borne loads of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually significantly higher than... more Indoor air-borne loads of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually significantly higher than those outdoors, and chronic exposures can cause health problems. Our previous laboratory studies have shown that the potted-plant microcosm, induced by an initial dose, can eliminate high airborne VOC concentrations, the primary removal agents being potting-mix microorganisms, selected and maintained in the plant/root-zone microcosm. Our office field-study, reported in the preceding paper, showed that, when total VOC (TVOC) loads in reference offices (0 plants) rose above about 100 ppb, levels were generally reduced by up to 75% (to <100 ppb) in offices with any one of three planting regimes. The results indicate the induction of the VOC removal mechanism at TVOC levels above a threshold of about 100 ppb. The aims of this laboratory dose-response study were to explore and analyse this response. Over from 5 to 9 days, doses of 0.2, 1.0, 10 and 100 ppm toluene and m-xylene were applied and replenished, singly and as mixtures, to potted-plants of the same two species used in the office study. The results confirmed the induction of the VOC removal response at the lowest test dosage, i.e in the middle of the TVOC range found in the offices, and showed that, with subsequent dosage increments, further stepwise induction occurred, with rate increases of several orders of magnitude. At each dosage, with induction, VOC concentrations could be reduced to below GC detection limits (<20 ppb) within 24 h. A synergistic interaction was found with the binary mixtures, toluene accelerating m-xylene removal, at least at lower dosages. The results of these two studies together demonstrate that the potted-plant microcosm can provide an effective, self-regulating, sustainable bioremediation or phytoremediation system for VOC pollution in indoor air.
Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 2000
The quality of the indoor environment has become a major health consideration, since urban-dwelle... more The quality of the indoor environment has become a major health consideration, since urban-dwellers spend 80-90% of their time indoors, where air pollution can be several times higher than outdoors. 'Indoor' potted-plants can remove air-borne contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), over 300 of which have been identified in indoor air. In this study a comparison was made of rates of removal of benzene, as model VOC, by seven potted-plant species/varieties. In static test-chambers, high air-borne doses of benzene were removed within 24 h, once the response had been stimulated ('induced') by an initial dose. Removal rates per pot ranged from 12-27 ppm d −1 (40 to 88 mg m −3 d −1 ) (2.5 to 5 times the Australian maximum allowable occupational level). Rates were maintained in light or dark, and rose about linearly with increased dose. Rate comparisons were also made on other plant parameters. Micro-organisms of the potting mix rhizosphere were shown to be the main agents of removal. These studies are the first demonstration of soil microbial VOC degradation from the gaseous phase. With some species the plant also made a measurable contribution to removal rates. The results are consistent with known, mutually supportive plant/soil-micro-organism interactions, and developments in microbially-based 'biofilter reactors' for cleaning VOC-contaminated air. The findings demonstrate the capacity of the potted-plant microcosm to contribute to cleaner indoor air, and lay the foundation for the development of the plant/substrate system as a complementary biofiltration system.
Journal of Autoimmunity, 2008
Solute carrier family 11 member a1 (SLC11A1) exerts pleiotropic effects on macrophage function. E... more Solute carrier family 11 member a1 (SLC11A1) exerts pleiotropic effects on macrophage function. Expression of SLC11A1 is regulated by a (GT) n microsatellite promoter repeat polymorphism of which nine alleles have been described. Enhanced activation of macrophages, associated with increased expression from allele 3, may be functionally linked to the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Conversely, low expression, driven by allele 2, may afford resistance. We have performed a meta-analysis to determine the association of SLC11A1 promoter alleles 2 and 3 with autoimmunity and inflammation. A random effects pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] ¼ 0.20) for allele 3 suggested a weak association of this allele with an increased risk of disease. Calculation of the OR in the absence of asymmetry yielded a random effects pooled OR of 0.88 (95% CI ¼ 0.66), effectively reversing the above association. A fixed effects pooled OR of 0.90 (95% CI ¼ 0.24) was obtained for allele 2, suggesting a weak predominance of disease in the absence of this allele. Application of the trim-and-fill method resulted in a fixed effects OR of 0.80 (95% CI ¼ 0.22), thus strengthening this association. Associations of allele 3 with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases reported in several association studies may be attributable to some form of bias amongst published results. (B.A. O'Brien). 0896-8411/$ -see front matter Ó
In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant, 2006
... Palmer, J. Germination and growth of wasabi (Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsumura). NZJ Crop Hor... more ... Palmer, J. Germination and growth of wasabi (Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsumura). NZJ Crop Hort. Sci. ... Piatczak, E.; Wielanek, M.; Wysokinska, H. Liquid culture system for shoot multiplication and secoiridoid production in micropropagated plants of Centaurium erythraea Rafn. ...
In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant, 2004
ABSTRACT An efficient procedure for the in vitro propagation and cryogenic conservation of Syzygi... more ABSTRACT An efficient procedure for the in vitro propagation and cryogenic conservation of Syzygium francissi was developed. The maximum number of shoots per explant was obtained on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.5 μM benzyladenine and 0.5 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The in vitro-propagated shoots produced roots when transferred to MS medium containing IBA, indold-3-acetic acid, or naphthaleneacetic acid at various concentrations. Rooted microshoots were transferred to a coco-peat, perlite, and vermiculite (1∶1∶1) mixture, and hardened off under greenhouse conditions. Ninety-five percent of rooted shoots successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse. Shoot tips excised from in vitro-grown plants were successfully cryostoraged at −196°C by the encapsulation-dehydration method. A preculture of formed beads on MS medium containing 0.75 M sucrose for 1 d, followed by 6 h dehydration (20% moisture content) led to the highest survival rate after cryostorage for 1h. This method is a promising technique for in vitro propagation and cryopreservation of shoot tips from in vitro-grown plantlets of S. francissi germplasm.
Geomicrobiology Journal, 2012
Forensic Science International: Genetics, 2007
DNA profiling evidence presented in court should be accompanied by a reliable estimate of its evi... more DNA profiling evidence presented in court should be accompanied by a reliable estimate of its evidential weight. In calculating such statistics, allele frequencies from commonly employed autosomal microsatellite loci are required. These allele frequencies should be collected at a level that appropriately represents the genetic diversity that exists in the population. Typically this occurs at broadly defined bio-geographic categories, such as Caucasian or Asian. Datasets are commonly administered at the jurisdictional level. This paper focuses on Australian jurisdictions and assesses whether this current practice is appropriate for Aboriginal Australian and Caucasian populations alike. In keeping with other studies we observe negligible differences between Caucasian populations within Australia when segregated geographically. However segregation of Aboriginal Australian population data along contemporary State and Territory lines appears to mask the diversity that exists within this subpopulation. For this reason datasets collated along more traditional lines may be more appropriate, particularly to distinguish the most genetically differentiated populations residing in the north of the continent. #
Journal of Autoimmunity, 2008
Solute carrier family 11 member a1 (SLC11A1) exerts pleiotropic effects on macrophage function. E... more Solute carrier family 11 member a1 (SLC11A1) exerts pleiotropic effects on macrophage function. Expression of SLC11A1 is regulated by a (GT) n microsatellite promoter repeat polymorphism of which nine alleles have been described. Enhanced activation of macrophages, associated with increased expression from allele 3, may be functionally linked to the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Conversely, low expression, driven by allele 2, may afford resistance. We have performed a meta-analysis to determine the association of SLC11A1 promoter alleles 2 and 3 with autoimmunity and inflammation. A random effects pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] ¼ 0.20) for allele 3 suggested a weak association of this allele with an increased risk of disease. Calculation of the OR in the absence of asymmetry yielded a random effects pooled OR of 0.88 (95% CI ¼ 0.66), effectively reversing the above association. A fixed effects pooled OR of 0.90 (95% CI ¼ 0.24) was obtained for allele 2, suggesting a weak predominance of disease in the absence of this allele. Application of the trim-and-fill method resulted in a fixed effects OR of 0.80 (95% CI ¼ 0.22), thus strengthening this association. Associations of allele 3 with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases reported in several association studies may be attributable to some form of bias amongst published results. (B.A. O'Brien). 0896-8411/$ -see front matter Ó
Water Air and Soil Pollution, Sep 19, 2006
Indoor air-borne loads of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually significantly higher than... more Indoor air-borne loads of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually significantly higher than those outdoors, and chronic exposures can cause health problems. Our previous laboratory studies have shown that the potted-plant microcosm, induced by an initial dose, can eliminate high airborne VOC concentrations, the primary removal agents being potting-mix microorganisms, selected and maintained in the plant/root-zone microcosm. Our office field-study, reported in the preceding paper, showed that, when total VOC (TVOC) loads in reference offices (0 plants) rose above about 100 ppb, levels were generally reduced by up to 75% (to <100 ppb) in offices with any one of three planting regimes. The results indicate the induction of the VOC removal mechanism at TVOC levels above a threshold of about 100 ppb. The aims of this laboratory dose-response study were to explore and analyse this response. Over from 5 to 9 days, doses of 0.2, 1.0, 10 and 100 ppm toluene and m-xylene were applied and replenished, singly and as mixtures, to potted-plants of the same two species used in the office study. The results confirmed the induction of the VOC removal response at the lowest test dosage, i.e in the middle of the TVOC range found in the offices, and showed that, with subsequent dosage increments, further stepwise induction occurred, with rate increases of several orders of magnitude. At each dosage, with induction, VOC concentrations could be reduced to below GC detection limits (<20 ppb) within 24 h. A synergistic interaction was found with the binary mixtures, toluene accelerating m-xylene removal, at least at lower dosages. The results of these two studies together demonstrate that the potted-plant microcosm can provide an effective, self-regulating, sustainable bioremediation or phytoremediation system for VOC pollution in indoor air.
Human ecology (i.e. humans in their relationships with the environment) has a history extending u... more Human ecology (i.e. humans in their relationships with the environment) has a history extending up to two million years. Our species has continued to be biologically well adapted to 'nature' as we have encountered it over that period. We are reliant on plants for everything we need - from food to shelter, and also, (unknown to our ancestors) plants supply our oxygen, and are the sink for carbon dioxide. Our ancestors also recognised an essential role for plants in providing pleasure, perfumes, peace, piety and glimpses of 'paradise'. We still have the same requirements as our forebears. In contrast, the increasingly rapid growth of modern cities has been only over the last two hundred years. How well adapted are we to our new, urban ecology? I propose that 'greening the great indoors' with living plants is an important element in enabling sustainable urban communities of the future, since such communities will increasingly depend on a healthy 'indoor faci...
The aesthetic value of indoor plants is easily seen, however the unseen ability of indoor plants ... more The aesthetic value of indoor plants is easily seen, however the unseen ability of indoor plants to improve indoor air quality has never been conclusively shown or, until now, quantified.
Journal of Applied Horticulture
Molecular Therapy — Methods & Clinical Development, 2015
Urban indoor air quality (IAQ) is an international health issue, since city dwellers spend 90% of... more Urban indoor air quality (IAQ) is an international health issue, since city dwellers spend 90% of their time indoors. Research by a number of authors is reviewed here, demonstrating a range of capacities of indoor plants to improve IAQ and promote occupant wellbeing. Our laboratory studies, with nine 'indoor plant' species, and our 'field' studies in 60 offices, show that
Biotechnologies and Biomimetics for Civil Engineering, 2014
Gene Therapy - Tools and Potential Applications, 2013
Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 2006
Indoor air-borne loads of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually significantly higher than... more Indoor air-borne loads of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually significantly higher than those outdoors, and chronic exposures can cause health problems. Our previous laboratory studies have shown that the potted-plant microcosm, induced by an initial dose, can eliminate high airborne VOC concentrations, the primary removal agents being potting-mix microorganisms, selected and maintained in the plant/root-zone microcosm. Our office field-study, reported in the preceding paper, showed that, when total VOC (TVOC) loads in reference offices (0 plants) rose above about 100 ppb, levels were generally reduced by up to 75% (to <100 ppb) in offices with any one of three planting regimes. The results indicate the induction of the VOC removal mechanism at TVOC levels above a threshold of about 100 ppb. The aims of this laboratory dose-response study were to explore and analyse this response. Over from 5 to 9 days, doses of 0.2, 1.0, 10 and 100 ppm toluene and m-xylene were applied and replenished, singly and as mixtures, to potted-plants of the same two species used in the office study. The results confirmed the induction of the VOC removal response at the lowest test dosage, i.e in the middle of the TVOC range found in the offices, and showed that, with subsequent dosage increments, further stepwise induction occurred, with rate increases of several orders of magnitude. At each dosage, with induction, VOC concentrations could be reduced to below GC detection limits (<20 ppb) within 24 h. A synergistic interaction was found with the binary mixtures, toluene accelerating m-xylene removal, at least at lower dosages. The results of these two studies together demonstrate that the potted-plant microcosm can provide an effective, self-regulating, sustainable bioremediation or phytoremediation system for VOC pollution in indoor air.
Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 2000
The quality of the indoor environment has become a major health consideration, since urban-dwelle... more The quality of the indoor environment has become a major health consideration, since urban-dwellers spend 80-90% of their time indoors, where air pollution can be several times higher than outdoors. 'Indoor' potted-plants can remove air-borne contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), over 300 of which have been identified in indoor air. In this study a comparison was made of rates of removal of benzene, as model VOC, by seven potted-plant species/varieties. In static test-chambers, high air-borne doses of benzene were removed within 24 h, once the response had been stimulated ('induced') by an initial dose. Removal rates per pot ranged from 12-27 ppm d −1 (40 to 88 mg m −3 d −1 ) (2.5 to 5 times the Australian maximum allowable occupational level). Rates were maintained in light or dark, and rose about linearly with increased dose. Rate comparisons were also made on other plant parameters. Micro-organisms of the potting mix rhizosphere were shown to be the main agents of removal. These studies are the first demonstration of soil microbial VOC degradation from the gaseous phase. With some species the plant also made a measurable contribution to removal rates. The results are consistent with known, mutually supportive plant/soil-micro-organism interactions, and developments in microbially-based 'biofilter reactors' for cleaning VOC-contaminated air. The findings demonstrate the capacity of the potted-plant microcosm to contribute to cleaner indoor air, and lay the foundation for the development of the plant/substrate system as a complementary biofiltration system.
Journal of Autoimmunity, 2008
Solute carrier family 11 member a1 (SLC11A1) exerts pleiotropic effects on macrophage function. E... more Solute carrier family 11 member a1 (SLC11A1) exerts pleiotropic effects on macrophage function. Expression of SLC11A1 is regulated by a (GT) n microsatellite promoter repeat polymorphism of which nine alleles have been described. Enhanced activation of macrophages, associated with increased expression from allele 3, may be functionally linked to the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Conversely, low expression, driven by allele 2, may afford resistance. We have performed a meta-analysis to determine the association of SLC11A1 promoter alleles 2 and 3 with autoimmunity and inflammation. A random effects pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] ¼ 0.20) for allele 3 suggested a weak association of this allele with an increased risk of disease. Calculation of the OR in the absence of asymmetry yielded a random effects pooled OR of 0.88 (95% CI ¼ 0.66), effectively reversing the above association. A fixed effects pooled OR of 0.90 (95% CI ¼ 0.24) was obtained for allele 2, suggesting a weak predominance of disease in the absence of this allele. Application of the trim-and-fill method resulted in a fixed effects OR of 0.80 (95% CI ¼ 0.22), thus strengthening this association. Associations of allele 3 with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases reported in several association studies may be attributable to some form of bias amongst published results. (B.A. O'Brien). 0896-8411/$ -see front matter Ó
In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant, 2006
... Palmer, J. Germination and growth of wasabi (Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsumura). NZJ Crop Hor... more ... Palmer, J. Germination and growth of wasabi (Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsumura). NZJ Crop Hort. Sci. ... Piatczak, E.; Wielanek, M.; Wysokinska, H. Liquid culture system for shoot multiplication and secoiridoid production in micropropagated plants of Centaurium erythraea Rafn. ...
In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant, 2004
ABSTRACT An efficient procedure for the in vitro propagation and cryogenic conservation of Syzygi... more ABSTRACT An efficient procedure for the in vitro propagation and cryogenic conservation of Syzygium francissi was developed. The maximum number of shoots per explant was obtained on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.5 μM benzyladenine and 0.5 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The in vitro-propagated shoots produced roots when transferred to MS medium containing IBA, indold-3-acetic acid, or naphthaleneacetic acid at various concentrations. Rooted microshoots were transferred to a coco-peat, perlite, and vermiculite (1∶1∶1) mixture, and hardened off under greenhouse conditions. Ninety-five percent of rooted shoots successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse. Shoot tips excised from in vitro-grown plants were successfully cryostoraged at −196°C by the encapsulation-dehydration method. A preculture of formed beads on MS medium containing 0.75 M sucrose for 1 d, followed by 6 h dehydration (20% moisture content) led to the highest survival rate after cryostorage for 1h. This method is a promising technique for in vitro propagation and cryopreservation of shoot tips from in vitro-grown plantlets of S. francissi germplasm.
Geomicrobiology Journal, 2012
Forensic Science International: Genetics, 2007
DNA profiling evidence presented in court should be accompanied by a reliable estimate of its evi... more DNA profiling evidence presented in court should be accompanied by a reliable estimate of its evidential weight. In calculating such statistics, allele frequencies from commonly employed autosomal microsatellite loci are required. These allele frequencies should be collected at a level that appropriately represents the genetic diversity that exists in the population. Typically this occurs at broadly defined bio-geographic categories, such as Caucasian or Asian. Datasets are commonly administered at the jurisdictional level. This paper focuses on Australian jurisdictions and assesses whether this current practice is appropriate for Aboriginal Australian and Caucasian populations alike. In keeping with other studies we observe negligible differences between Caucasian populations within Australia when segregated geographically. However segregation of Aboriginal Australian population data along contemporary State and Territory lines appears to mask the diversity that exists within this subpopulation. For this reason datasets collated along more traditional lines may be more appropriate, particularly to distinguish the most genetically differentiated populations residing in the north of the continent. #