Campylobacter spp. contamination of chicken carcasses during processing in relation to flock colonisation

The presence and numbers of campylobacters on chicken carcasses from 26 slaughter groups, originating from 22 single-house flocks and processed in four UK plants, were studied in relation to the level of flock colonisation determined by examining the caecal contents of at least ten birds per group. The prevalence of campylobacters on carcasses from five campylobacter-negative flocks processed just after other negative flocks was low (</=30%). Campylobacters were isolated from 90 to 100% of carcasses from three flocks which were partly colonised, with 5, 5 and 30% of caecal contents positive, and which were processed after fully colonised flocks. All carcasses from the remaining fully colonised flocks were contaminated with campylobacters, and they had significantly (P<0.001) higher numbers per carcass (average of 5.3 log(10) cfu; range: 1.3 to >8.0 log(10) cfu) than carcasses originating from low prevalence flocks (average of 2.3 log(10) cfu; range: <1.1 to 4.1 log(10) cfu). There was a reduction in the numbers of campylobacters on carcasses between plucking and chilling in eight of ten fully colonised flocks. In another eight flocks, a significant (P<0.001) decrease (0.8 log(10) cfu) in the number of campylobacters on carcasses from just before to after chilling was detected. Campylobacter spp. could be isolated from aerosols, particles and droplets in considerable numbers in the hanging-on, defeathering and evisceration areas but not in the chillers. This was the case even when campylobacters were not isolated from the target flock. Campylobacters on carcasses from two partly colonised flocks were either the same subtype, as determined by speciation, Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) and flaA Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) typing, as those in the fully colonised flocks processed previously, although not necessarily the most prevalent ones; or were the same subtypes as those found in the caeca of the flock itself. The prevalences of the different campylobacter subtypes found on carcasses from two fully colonised flocks did not closely reflect those found in the caeca. MLST combined with flaA RFLP provided a good method for ascertaining the relatedness of strains isolated from carcasses and caecal contents. This study showed that carcass contamination is related to the within-flock prevalence of campylobacter colonisation, but that contamination from previously processed flocks was also significant, especially on carcasses from low prevalence flocks. Forced dry air cooling of carcasses reduced contamination levels.

Sublethal effects of two neurotoxican insecticides on Araneus pratensis (Araneae: Araneidae)

Spiders are important predators of several agricultural pests and they play an important role as indicators of ecosystem disturb. In Argentina, soybean crop has increased from the introduction of transgenic soybean resistant to glyphosate. This expansion produced an increase in the use of conventional and non-selective pesticides to control soybean pests. The objective of this work was to evaluate the side effects of subletal concentrations of two neurotoxican insecticides with a different mode of action: endosulfan (Glex, 35%, 25 mg/l a.i.) and spinosad (Tracer, 48%, 30 and 3 mg/l a.i) on Araneus pratensis. The insecticides were applied by ingestion of the treated prey (Musca domestica), and the effects on mortality, prey consumption, web building, mating, ootheca construction and fecundity were determined. Spinosad (30 mg/l a.i.) produced higher mortality than endosulfan (25 mg/l a.i.). Tremors and non-coordinated movements were observed in this treatment. The prey consumption was significantly reduced by the two insecticides (approximately 40% lower than control). The spider web building was significantly affected by the two insecticides, but spinosad had a greater effect. Though mating was not affected by both pesticides, abnormal oothecas and dehydrated eggs were observed. This work reports that sublethal concentrations representing approximately from 25 to 2.5% of the maximum field recommended concentrations (105 and 120 mg/l a.i., respectively) showed negative effects on A. pratensis. The consequences of these effects on role of A. pratensis as a natural mortality factor of soybean pests are discussed.

Reporting ethics committee approval and patient consent by study design in five general medical journals

BACKGROUND

Authors are required to describe in their manuscripts ethical approval from an appropriate committee and how consent was obtained from participants when research involves human participants.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reporting of these protections for several study designs in general medical journals.

DESIGN

A consecutive series of research papers published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, BMJ, JAMA, Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine between February and May 2003 were reviewed for the reporting of ethical approval and patient consent. Ethical approval, name of approving committee, type of consent, data source and whether the study used data collected as part of a study reported elsewhere were recorded. Differences in failure to report approval and consent by study design, journal and vulnerable study population were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Ethical approval and consent were not mentioned in 31% and 47% of manuscripts, respectively. 88 (27%) papers failed to report both approval and consent. Failure to mention ethical approval or consent was significantly more likely in all study designs (except case-control and qualitative studies) than in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Failure to mention approval was most common in the BMJ and was significantly more likely than in The New England Journal of Medicine. Failure to mention consent was most common in the BMJ and was significantly more likely than in all other journals. No significant differences in approval or consent were found when comparing studies of vulnerable and non-vulnerable participants.

CONCLUSION

The reporting of ethical approval and consent in RCTs has improved, but journals are less good at reporting this information for other study designs. Journals should publish this information for all research on human participants.

Epidemiology of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in domestic dogs in an endemic zone of western Venezuela

Domestic dogs are not only reservoir hosts of the American zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) but of the American zoonotic tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) as well, for different reasons. However it is still controversial to state that dogs are incriminated as ATL reservoir hosts as there is evidence that humans and dogs are likely to be exposed in the same way to sandfly vector. In Venezuela this issue has not been completely addressed, for this reason we selected a location inside Trujillo city to study eco-epidemiological conditions as well as to survey a significant sample of dogs by Montenegro Skin Test (MST). Antigen was prepared according to standard procedure using Leishmania (V) braziliensis promastigotes (80 microg/ml); response was read 48 hours post-inoculation with an induration size > 5 mm being considered as positive. The study place is an endemic mountainous semi-urban area located at 850-950 masl with an average rainfall of 150 mm/year. We evaluated 61 dogs in 46 houses with 168 human beings. Among the human population 27 cases of ATL were reported (16.1%). With the MST we found 19 positive-reaction dogs (31%) (mean MST size of 9.58 mm, 95% CI: 8.41-10.75) in 13 houses (28%). Multivariate analysis did not reveal significant association between domestic MST positive-dog ownership and human ATL cases (RR = 1.48, p = 0.28). Although some studies have indicated that dog ownership and dog infection rates are associated with an increased risk of human disease in different evaluated places, this question has not been completely answered in Venezuelan studied zones, further research is necessary.

Molecular analysis of estrogen receptor alpha gene AGATA haplotype and SNP12 in European populations: potential protective effect for cryptorchidism and lack of association with male infertility

BACKGROUND

A specific haplotype (AGATA) in the estrogen receptor alpha (ER1) gene was recently described as a new risk factor for cryptorchidism in the Japanese population. In this ethnic group, single-nucleotide polymorphism 12 (SNP12) was concluded to be the tag SNP for the AGATA haplotype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A large group of patients (total number=335) and controls (total number=567) of two Caucasian populations were analysed for the AGATA haplotype and SNP12 to verify whether this genetic variant and its tag SNP were associated with cryptorchidism or with severe spermatogenic failure.

RESULTS

We confirm that SNP12 is the tag SNP for the AGATA haplotype also in Caucasians. However, in contrast with the Japanese population we found a protective effect for ESR1 SNP12 on cryptorchidism in the Italian population. No association between SNP12 and severe spermatogenic disturbances was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed associations (although with opposite effect) with cryptorchidism encourage future studies on independent cases and controls from different ethnic and geographic origins. On the other hand, in contrast with other ESR1 polymorphisms, SNP12 polymorphism is not associated with severe male factor infertility in two independent European population.

Identification and evaluation of Peruvian plants used to treat malaria and leishmaniasis

Households in eleven geographically and ethnically distinct areas in Loreto, Peru, were interviewed about their knowledge and use of plants, for the treatment of malaria and leishmaniasis. The survey resulted in 988 use records representing 118 plant-taxa for malaria and 289 use-records representing 85 plant-taxa for leishmaniasis. In both cases the 10 most frequently reported taxa accounted for about half of all the use-records. Plant material was collected and extracts were screened for in vitro inhibition of Plasmodium and Leishmania parasites. In the case of Plasmodium, extracts of 11 of the 13 most frequently reported plants showed significant growth inhibitory activity, while only a few plant extracts inhibited the growth of Leishmania parasites.

Outcome-impact of a cervical cancer (CC) screening program (SP) in a developing country

1032

Background: CC is the 2nd cause of cancer death in women in Argentine. Early detection following screening programs has demonstrated to reduce mortality in CC. The evaluation of the efficacy and efficiency of CC SP is associated with the proportion of positive cases in the smears and with the relation between pre-invasive lesion (CIN III) and invasive carcinoma (IC) in the biopsies done in positive cases. In 1997 a population based CC screening program was started in our province. The objective of this trial was to determinate the relationship between CIN III and IC in the program population and compare this results with this proportion in pre-program years an as an indicator of the quality of the program. Methods: We analyzed 2446 cervix biopsies performed in public Hospitals of Tucuman between 1985 and 2004 (archives of biopsies of the Serv. de Patología del Hosp. Centro de Salud Z. Santillán, Regional M. Belascuain and Hospital Angel C. Padilla), Since 1997 biopsies were done in patients within the SP We analyzed the proportions of pre-invasive lesions (CIN III) and invasive lesions in periods of 4 years. Results: The proportion of CIN III by periods of 4 years was: 85–88: 13%, 90–92: 20%; 93–96: 20%; 97–00 32% and 01–04 37%. The proportion of CIN III in pre-screening years was 21% and during the SP: 54%. Conclusion: These results shows an increase of CIN III over IC which could translate into a better survival. The quality control analysis of the public programs must be central in the public health policy.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in melanoma and a simple prognostic score in a prospective cohort with long term follow-up

8058

Background: Outcome of early stage melanoma is related to pathological and clinical findings like SLNB status, but a systematic approach to risk stratification is lacking. Objectives: To assess outcome, and clinico-pathological criteria associated to recurrence and death of patients (pts) who underwent SLNB Methods: From 11/1994 to 5/2005, 286 clinical stages I/II melanoma pts underwent SLNB in our Institution. Median follow up was 38 months. Prognostic factors were analysed with Logranktest and proportional hazard regression. Survival curves with Kaplan-Meier method. A score was derived from coefficients of multivariate analysis and evaluated with ROC curves on 259 pts with complete data. Results: Median age: 48yr; male sex: 54%; median Breslow (Br): 1.8mm. SLNB +: 46 pts (16.1%). Ulcerated: 31%. 5-yr overall survival was 56% in SLNB+ vs 84% in SLNB-, p=0.0002. Five-yr relapse free survival was 52% in SLNB+ vs 73% in SLNB-, p=0.0017. SLNB status, Br, Clark level, Age>50yr, male sex, and ulceration were related to death by univariate analysis, but in multivariate analysis, only SLNB status (HR 2.36), Br (HR 1.66 for each T level of TNM staging) and ulceration (HR 2.35) remained. The score derived from the model was: 5 points (p) for SLNB +; 4p for ulceration; and 0p for Br<1mm, 2p for Br 1–2mm, 4p for Br 2–4mm, and 6p for Br>4mm. Conclusions: SLNB status, Br, and ulceration were, in concordance with literature, statistically significant prognostic factors. This allowed us to build a simple score with good correlation with prognosis (c index: 0.79). This score could be a useful tool for clinical practice and for future clinical trials, but validation in different populations is required.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Proteomic analysis of lung cancer tumors

7028

Background: In this study we assess the utility of direct tumor tissue MALDI-MS in a large prospective collection of surgically resected lung cancers to distinguish cancer from non-cancer, histology, occult lymph node involvement, and survival. Methods: 175 non-small cell lung cancer specimens and 62 histologically normal lung tissues obtained at the time of surgery were used in this analysis. Twelve micron thick frozen sections were placed on conductive glass slides. Sections were stained with Cresyl Violet and matrix applied to areas identified by a pathologist under microscopic guidance as containing greater than 80% tumor before three separate areas involved with tumor was analyzed by MALDI MS. Relative intensities of selected peaks were used for class comparison. A class prediction model was built based on the weighted flexible compound covariate method of analysis (WFCCM). Results: We created a prediction model from a training cohort consisting 81 tumors and 19 histologically normal tissue samples. A total of 221 peaks were used for statistical analysis. In tumor/normal discrimination, 46 peaks were used for the prediction model (p<0.0001), while, 22 were used (p<0.005) to predict histology, 11 (p<0.05) to predict nodal involvement, and 14 (p<0.005) in survival prediction. Using these prediction models, classification accuracy was 90% in normal/tumor discrimination, 81.8% in histology and 61.7% in nodal involvement prediction. In the survival prediction model, patients with longer than median survival could be distinguished from those with shorter than median survival (p<0.0001, Log-rank test). We then validated the same features in a blind test set from the remaining 93 tumors and 43 normals. For tumor/normal discrimination, prediction accuracy in test cohort was 94.3%. Histology prediction accuracy was 93.9% in predicting squamous cell carcinoma. Nodal involvement prediction accuracy was 49.3%. Longer or shorter median survival was also predicted in this set with statistical significance p<0.08. (Log rank test). Conclusion: We report the analysis of a large set of tumor and normal samples by MALDI MS and confirm similar accuracy in tumor/normal, histology and survival discrimination to previous our report. This project was supported by the Lung SPORE P50 CA90949 (DPC) and NCI 5R33CA86243 (RMC).

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Cloned fusion product from a rare t(15;19)(q13.2;p13.1) inhibit S phase in vitro

BACKGROUND

Somatically acquired chromosomal translocation is a common mechanism of oncogene activation in many haematopoietic tumours and sarcomas. However, very few recurrent chromosomal translocations have been reported in more common epithelial tumours such as lung carcinomas.

METHODS

We established a cell line HCC2429 from an aggressive, metastatic lung cancer arising in a young, non-smoking woman, demonstrating a t(15;19)(q13.2;p13.1). The breakpoints on chromosomes 15 and 19 were cloned using long distance inverse PCR and we determined by RT-PCR that the translocation results in a novel fusion transcript in which the 3' end Brd4 on chromosome 19p is fused to the 5' end of NUT on chromosome 15q.

RESULTS

In total, 128 lung cancer tissues were screened using fluorescent in situ hybridisation, but none of the tumours screened demonstrated t(15;19), suggesting that this translocation is not commonly found in lung cancer. Consistent with previous literature, ectopic expression of wild type Brd4 was shown to inhibit G(1) to S progression. However, we also found that the Brd4-NUT fusion augments the inhibition of progression to S phase compared with wild type Brd4.

CONCLUSION

Alteration in cell cycle kinetics is important in tumorigenesis, although the exact role of Brd4-NUT fusion protein in the pathogenesis of lung cancers remains unclear and need to be further elucidated.

Influence of segmenting fluids on efficiency, crossing point and fluorescence level in real time quantitative PCR

The two-phase segmented flow approach to the processing and quantitative analysis of biological samples in microdevices offers significant advantages over the single-phase continuous flow methodology. Despite this, little is known about the compatibility of samples and reactants with segmenting fluids, although a number of investigators have reported reduced yield and inhibition of enzymatic reactions depending on the segmenting fluid employed. The current study addresses the compatibility of various segmenting fluids with real time quantitative PCR to understand the physicochemical requirements of this important reaction in biotechnology. The results demonstrate that creating a static segmenting fluid/PCR mix interface has a negligible impact on the reaction efficiency, crossing threshold and end fluorescence levels using a variety of segmenting fluids. The implication is then that the previously reported inhibitory effects are the result of the dynamic motion between the segmenting fluid and the sample in continuously flowing systems. The results presented here are a first step towards understanding the limitations of the segmented flow methodology, which are necessary to bring this approach into mainstream use.

142 INTRACELLULAR CALCIUM UPTAKE AS A RESPONSE TO DIFFERENT CAPACITATION TREATMENTS IN EJACULATE AND EPIDIDYMAL BOAR SPERMATOZOA

Both cauda epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa are considered fully mature, although these two types of spermatozoa do not necessarily show the same behavior in vitro. It has been reported that both types of spermatozoa fertilize eggs in vitro at the same rate, but, in general, epididymal ones achieve this objective easier than the ejaculated ones. Intracellular Ca2+ influx is one of the crucial biochemical events occuring capacitation and Ca2+ requirements for capacitation varies among different species. In this study, we investigated how different source of spermatozoa (ejaculated vs. epididymal) and commonly employed sperm capacitating methods can affect calcium uptake. Sperm-rich fractions from seven fertile boars and sperm from seven different epididymides were used. Semen samples were kept unwashed (method A), washed in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) supplemented with 0.1% BSA (method B), or washed on a Percoll gradient (method C) (Mat�s et al. 2003 Reproduction 125, 133-141). To measure intracellular free Ca2+, spermatozoa, treated as described above, were incubated with 2.5 �m fura-1/AM in a non capaciting medium (Tardif et al. 2003 Biol. Reprod. 68, 207-213) for 45 min at 37�C. Then, spermatozoa were resuspended in TALP medium, incubated (5% CO2, 38.5�C) for a further 60 min and then analyzed in a fluorescence spectrofluorometer with excitation wavelength set at 340-880 nm and emission held at 510 nm. The calculation of intracellular free Ca2+ was performed according to the equation of Grynkiewicz et al. (1985 J. Biol. Chem. 260, 3440-3450). Results showed that calcium uptake is affected by treatment and semen source (P < 0.001). The intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations (nM) in ejaculated semen and in epididymal spermatozoa were 269.52 vs. 208.52, 1134.58 vs. 137.37 and 1224.79 vs. 216.54 for A, B, and C methods, respectively. As a conclusion, it can be stated that sperm capacitation treatment affects calcium uptake. In addition, capacitation pathways may be modified or regulated in some way by seminal plasma, thus increasing intracellular calcium levels in ejaculated sperm (methods B and C) in comparison to those in epididymal spermatozoa. This work was supported by Ministerio de Educaci�n y Ciencia, AGL2003-03144.

Euchromatic variant 16p+. Implications in prenatal diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Euchromatic imbalances at the cytogenetic level are usually associated with phenotypic consequences. Among the exceptions are euchromatic variants of chromosome 16 (16p+) with normal phenotype. There is a growing list of euchromatic duplications and deletions involving both G-positive and G-negative bands that seem to be phenotypically neutral, but these euchromatic variants are rare.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this report is to describe a new familial case of euchromatic variant 16p+ and to emphasise the misinterpretation of these rare euchromatic variants particularly when ascertained at prenatal diagnosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fluorescence in situ hybridisation with clone RP11-261A7 showed an amplified signal in the larger chromosome 16. This clone contains FLJ43855 gene, similar to sodium- and chloride-dependent creatine transporter.

CONCLUSION

So, this 16p+ variant that involves amplification of pseudogenetic sequences is considered a polymorphism in normal individuals.

Segmenting Fluid Effect on PCR Reactions in Microfluidic Platforms

This paper evaluates the compatibility of segmenting fluids for two phase flow applications in biomedical microdevices. The evaluated fluids are chosen due to the variations in fluid properties and cost, while also reflecting their use in the recent literature. These segmenting fluids are examined to determine their compatibility with the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), through controlled experiments. The results are the first to provide a quantitative measure of segmenting fluid compatibility with PCR.

Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Adefovir Dipivoxil Treatment in Post–Liver Transplant Patients With Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Lamivudine-Resistant Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence and de novo HBV infection are frequent events in liver transplantation recipients. Treatment with lamivudine is initially efficient in both infections but the incidence of lamivudine-resistant HBV emergence increases over time. Adefovir appears to be promising in post-liver transplantation patients with recurrent HBV infection and lamivudine-resistant HBV. This study analyzed adefovir treatment in 42 post-liver transplantation patients who developed recurrent HBV or de novo HBV infection with lamivudine-resistant HBV (54.8% HCV-coinfected). Patients received 10 mg of oral adefovir once daily for a mean period of time of 21.5 months (range from 12 to 31 months). In 62.9% of patients, ALT levels decreased significantly. Serum HBV-DNA was undetectable in 64% of the cases. Twenty percent of patients lost HBeAg marker and 13.3% of them developed anti-HBe. In 9.5% of recipients, HBsAg became negative. There was no significant change in serum creatinine levels. In only one patient was worsening of the renal function detected, making dose adjustment necessary. No other side effects were reported. Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of adefovir treatment in post-liver transplantation patients with lamivudine-resistant HBV, neither were adefovir-resistant mutations identified in patients after 21 months of therapy, nor were there adverse events, especially renal toxicity.

Chromogenic assay of human coagulation factor VIII: statistical comparison of 2 working dilution procedures

The effect of 2 different practices for preparation of working dilutions in the chromogenic substrate method for potency assay of factor VIII was evaluated. In this study the potency of several concentrate materials was shown to be statistically equivalent, whether performing the assay with independent or serial working dilutions.