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Myrosinase activity in partially purified extracts of 12 cruciferous vegetables and an acetone powder preparation of Sinapis alba L. (white mustard) was determined by the initial rate of glucose formation from glucosinolate hydrolysis using a coupled assay. Of the species studied Raphanus sativus L. (radish, 12.8+0.7pmol min-' g-' powdered tissue) had the greatest myrosinase activity, and Brassica campestris L. ssp. rapifera (turnip) and Nasturtium officinalis R.Br. (watercress) ( 0 . 6 f 0 . 1 and 0.8k0.03 pmol min-' g-' powdered tissue respectively) the least. The sub-species of Brassica oleracea studied all had similar myrosinase activity (ca 2.5-tO.2prnol min-'g-' powdered tissue) except B. oleracea L. var. gemmifera D.C. (Brussels sprouts) and B. oleracea L. var. capitata L. (white cabbage) which had higher activities (7.6f0.1 and 5.2+0.2pmol min-' g-' powdered tissue respectively). The effect of ascorbate concentration upon the myrosinase activity of six of the crucifers studied and the white mustard preparation, revealed that the ascorbate concentration necessary to promote maximal activity vaned with species. A concentration of 0 . 9 m~ ascorbate maximally activated radish and turnip myrosinase, while red cabbage, watercress, white mustard and Brussels sprouts were maximally activated at 2.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 0.7-1.0m~ ascorbate respectively. Two peaks of maximal myrosinase activity, occurring between 0.9 and 1.OmM and at 3 . 0 m~ ascorbate, were found for B. oleracea L. var. botrytis L. subvar. cauliflora D.C. (cauliflower).

When assessing the relative motion of the lumbar spine and hips in standing forward flexion, there was measurable difference between asymptomatic men and a group of chronic low back pain patients. In particular, two subgroups of individuals with chronic low back pain appeared; one moved relatively similarly to the asymptomatic group, whereas the other sub-group demonstrated reduced hip mobility. These findings indicate the importance of assessing the lumbar and hip flexion motion in chronic low back pain patients to determine if a movement abnormality is present.