Rapid and effective DNA extraction method with bead grinding for a large amount of fungal DNA

To identify a rapid method for extracting a large amount of DNA from fungi associated with food hygiene, extraction methods were compared using fungal pellets formed rapidly in liquid media. Combinations of physical and chemical methods or commercial kits were evaluated with 3 species of yeast, 10 species of ascomycetous molds, and 4 species of zygomycetous molds. Bead grinding was the physical method, followed by chemical methods involving sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and benzyl chloride and two commercial kits. Quantity was calculated by UV absorbance at 260 nm, quality was determined by the ratio of UV absorbance at 260 and 280 nm, and gene amplifications and electrophoresis profiles of whole genomes were analyzed. Bead grinding with the SDS method was the most effective for DNA extraction for yeasts and ascomycetous molds, and bead grinding with the CTAB method was most effective with zygomycetous molds. For both groups of molds, bead grinding with the CTAB method was the best approach for DNA extraction. Because this combination also is relatively effective for yeasts, it can be used to extract a large amount of DNA from a wide range of fungi. The DNA extraction methods are useful for developing gene indexes to identify fungi with molecular techniques, such as DNA fingerprinting.

Dispositions and residue depletion of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in muscle tissue of giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

Fates and residue depletion of enrofloxacin (ER) and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CP) were examined in giant freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, following either single oral (p.o.) administration of ER at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) or medicated-feed treatment at the feeding concentration of 5 g/kg of feed for five consecutive days. The concentrations of ER and CP in prawn muscle tissues were measured simultaneously using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a fluorescence detector. Muscle tissue concentrations of ER and CP were below the detection limit (LOD, 0.015 microg/g for ER; 0.025 microg/g for CP) after 360 and 42 h, following single p.o. administration respectively. Peak muscle concentration (C(max)) of ER was 1.98 +/- 0.22 microg/g whereas CP was measurable at concentrations close to the detection limit of the analytical method after p.o. administration at a single dosage of 10 mg/kg b.w. The concentration of ER in prawn muscle tissue with respect to time was analyzed with a non-compartmental pharmacokinetic model. The elimination half-life and area under the curve of ER were 39.33 +/- 7.27 h and 168.7 +/- 28.7 microg x h/g after p.o. administration at a single dose of 10 mg/kg x b.w. respectively. In medicated-feed treated group, ER was detectable in prawn muscle tissue 11 days postdosing at the dose of 5 g/kg of feed for five consecutive days, which is the value corresponding to the maximum residue limit (MRL) of ER in animal products. The maximum concentrations of ER and CP were 2.77 +/- 0.91 and 0.06 +/- 0.006 microg/g during medicated-feed treatment and postdosing respectively. The values of elimination half-life and absorption half-life of ER after single p.o. administration at a dosage of 10 mg/kg b.w. corresponded well with the values determined from medicated-feed treated group, showing 41.01 +/- 6.62 and 11.36 +/- 3.15 h respectively in M. rosenbergii. Based on data derived from this study, to avoid the ER residue in prawn muscle, it should take at least 11 days postcessation of medicated feed containing ER at the dose concentration of 5 g/kg of feed twice a day at a rate of 1% of total body weight for five consecutive days to wash out the drug from the muscle of M. rosenbergii.

Impact of smoking as a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether smoking is a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHOD

DATA SOURCES

were observational studies that examined the association between smoking history and the risk of developing RA identified through Medline and EMBASE (from 1966 to December 2006), relevant books and a reference search. Two authors independently extracted the following: authors' names, publication year, sample size, participant characteristics, odds ratios (OR) or relative risks, adjustment factors, study design and area where the study was conducted. Data syntheses were based upon random effects model. Summarised syntheses effects were expressed by OR.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were selected from among 433 articles. For men, summary OR for ever, current and past smokers were 1.89 (95% CI 1.56 to 2.28), 1.87 (1.49 to 2.34) and 1.76 (1.33 to 2.31), respectively. For rheumatoid factor-positive (RF+) RA, summary OR for ever, current and past smokers were 3.02 (2.35 to 3.88), 3.91 (2.78 to 5.50) and 2.46 (1.74 to 3.47), respectively. Summary OR for 20 or more pack-years of smoking was 2.31 (1.55 to 3.41). For women, summary OR for ever, current and past smokers were 1.27 (1.12 to 1.44), 1.31 (1.12 to 1.54) and 1.22 (1.06 to 1.40), respectively. For RF+ RA, summary OR for ever, current and past smokers were 1.34 (0.99 to 1.80), 1.29 (0.94 to 1.77) and 1.21 (0.83 to 1.77). Summary OR for 20 or more pack-years of smoking was 1.75 (1.52 to 2.02).

CONCLUSION

Smoking is a risk factor for RA, especially RF+ RA men and heavy smokers.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor treatment increases the skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 protein expression in mice

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) treatment induced metabolic adaptations in mouse skeletal muscle. BDNF (20 mg/kg/day) was injected subcutaneously for successive 14 days. BDNF treatment significantly reduced the total food intake and inhibited the weight gain in comparison to the control group. The glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expression in the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly increased by BDNF treatment in comparison to the control and pair-fed groups. Neither the oxidative nor the glycolytic enzyme activities in the gastrocnemius muscle changed after the BDNF treatment. These results suggest that the peripheral BDNF treatment promotes the skeletal muscle GLUT4 protein expression as well as hypophagia.

A phase II trial of combination irinotecan and oral etoposide chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer: A Tohoku Gynecologic Cancer Unit (TGCU) study

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Background: Various problems still exist in the management of recurrent ovarian cancer and there are limited treatment options especially for the platinum resistant patients (pts). We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination irinotecan/oral etoposide chemotherapy. Methods: Eligibility criteria included recurrent ovarian cancer with measurable disease or positive CA125, preserved organ function, and aged 20–75. Treatment was conducted with irinotecan (60 mg/m2 iv, day 1, 15) and oral etoposide (50 mg/body day 1–21), q 28 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint was response rate (RR) and secondary endpoints included toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: 38pts were enrolled on this study from May 2003 to April 2007, and all pts were eligible. Median age was 57 yrs (range 37–74). PS 0 in 24 pts, 1 in 10 pts, and 2 in 4 pts. Median number of previous regimen was 2 (range 1–4). Median treatment cycles were 6 (range 2–27). RR (CR+PR) was 18/38 (47.4%), and CR+PR+SD rate was 31/38 (81.6%). Grade 3/4 adverse effect included leukopenia (50.0%), neutropenia (52.6%), anemia (18.4%) and thrombocytopenia (2.6%), nausea/vomiting (7.9%) and diarrhea (2.6%). Treatment-related death was not observed. Median PFS was 7 months (range 1–33) and OS was 19 months (range 4–60). Among 20 pts with platinum resistant cases, RR was 6/20 (30.0%), CR+PR+SD rate was 14/20 (70.0%), median PFS was 6 months (range 1–33), and OS was 24 months (range 5–60). Conclusions: Combination irinotecan/oral etoposide chemotherapy can achieve a superior management for the recurrent ovarian cancer without declining QOL, and also has the possibility to be one of the most effective regimens as second-line chemotherapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Fate of fusarenon-X in broilers and ducks

In order to investigate the comparative fates and dispositions of fusarenon-X (FX) in broilers and ducks, FX was administered i.v. or orally (p.o.) to broilers and ducks. The FX and its metabolite (nivalenol, NIV) were determined in plasma and excreta using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The plasma concentrations of FX were determined up to 180 and 120 min in broilers and ducks, respectively, after i.v. and p.o. administration. The NIV was eliminated more slowly than its parent compound. The FX disposition fit an open 2-compartment pharmacokinetic model in broilers and ducks. The elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)) of FX was longer in ducks than in broilers. The elimination rate constant (kel) was higher in broilers than in ducks, whereas the oral bioavailability of FX was higher in ducks than in broilers. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry profile in plasma showed that a large proportion of FX was recovered as NIV after administration of FX in both broilers and ducks. In vitro incubation of liver microsomal and cytosolic fractions with FX demonstrated that the liver and kidney are capable of the FX-to-NIV conversion. Thus, this study demonstrated that FX is absorbed more efficiently in ducks than in broilers, whereas it is eliminated more slowly in ducks than in broiler chickens. Consequently, the toxicity would have more serious consequences in ducks rather than broilers.

Clinical characteristics of cytomegalovirus infection in rheumatic diseases: multicentre survey in a large patient population

OBJECTIVE

To survey and elucidate the clinical characteristics of CMV infection in rheumatic disease patients.

METHODS

A detailed questionnaire survey on CMV infection was carried out against rheumatic disease patients hospitalized in member hospitals, and the obtained clinical and/or laboratory data were analysed.

RESULTS

Out of 7377 patients, 151 were diagnosed as having CMV infection. The underlying diseases ranged broadly, but SLE, microscopic polyangiitis, and dermatomyositis were the most common. Four were diagnosed histopathologically, and the others via positive CMV antigenaemia. In addition to oral corticosteroid for all but one patient, 81 were treated with pulsed methylprednisolone (MPSL), 64 with cyclophosphamide (CYC) and 36 with other immunosuppressants. Forty-four had a fatal outcome, for which presence of clinical symptoms, other infectious complications, lymphopenia, an older age (>59.3 yrs) and the use of pulsed MPSL were significant risk factors (P < 0.05) by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis retained the first three (P < 0.05). The CMV antigenaemia count was significantly higher for the symptomatic than asymptomatic [10.1 (0.0-2998.0) vs 4.0 (1.3-1144.4)/10(5) PMNs, respectively, P < 0.05; threshold count: 5.6/10(5) PMNs]. No treatment benefit by anti-viral agent was observed as for survival.

CONCLUSION

CMV infection was mostly diagnosed by antigenaemia, and occurred among patients under strong immunosuppressive therapy using pulsed MPSL and/or immunosuppressants. Lymphopenia, presence of symptoms and other infections are significant risk factors for a poor outcome and pulsed MPSL and an older age may predict it. Patients were prone to be symptomatic with anti-genaemia count over 5.6/10(5) PMNs.

The effect of feeding piglets with the diet containing green tea extracts or coumarin on in vitro metabolism of aflatoxin B1 by their tissues

To clarify whether enzymes involved in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) metabolism in pigs respond to antioxidant agents, the effect of feeding piglets with diets containing green tea extracts (Sunphenon) and coumarin on in vitro AFB1 metabolism by their liver and intestinal tissues was studied. The results showed that coumarin reduced AFB1-DNA adduct formation by both liver and intestinal microsomes, while Sunphenon did not have any effects. Both coumarin and Sunphenon enhanced the glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity to conjugate AFB1 to glutathione GSH in the intestine, although no effects were noted in the liver. Changes of the expression of mRNA of GSTA2 and GSTO1 were not in parallel with the observed changes of GST activity, suggesting that other GST subtypes are involved in the GST activity toward AFB1. As for lipophilic-free AFB1 metabolites, coumarin reduced the liver microsomal conversion of AFB1 to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and aflatoxin Q1 (AFQ1), but Sunphenon exerted no effects. Both coumarin and Sunphenon enhanced the conversion of AFB1 to aflatoxicol in the liver. All the results suggest that feeding with a diet containing coumarin affects AFB1 metabolism to enhance AFB1 detoxification through the suppression of P450 enzyme activity in the liver and the enhancement of GST activity in the intestine. Feeding with a diet containing Sunphenon enhances AFB1 detoxification, but the effects are noted mainly in the intestine.

Adaptive evolution of metabolic pathways in Drosophila

The adaptive significance of enzyme variation has been of central interest in population genetics. Yet, how natural selection operates on enzymes in the larger context of biochemical pathways has not been broadly explored. A basic expectation is that natural selection on metabolic phenotypes will target enzymes that control metabolic flux, but how adaptive variation is distributed among enzymes in metabolic networks is poorly understood. Here, we use population genetic methods to identify enzymes responding to adaptive selection in the pathways of central metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans. We report polymorphism and divergence data for 17 genes that encode enzymes of 5 metabolic pathways that converge at glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). Deviations from neutral expectations were observed at five loci. Of the 10 genes that encode the enzymes of glycolysis, only aldolase (Ald) deviated from neutrality. The other 4 genes that were inconsistent with neutral evolution (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6pd]), phosphoglucomutase [Pgm], trehalose-6-phosphate synthetase [Tps1], and glucose-6phosphatase [G6pase] encode G6P branch point enzymes that catalyze reactions at the entry point to the pentose-phosphate, glycogenic, trehalose synthesis, and gluconeogenic pathways. We reconcile these results with population genetics theory and existing arguments on metabolic regulation and propose that the incidence of adaptive selection in this system is related to the distribution of flux control. The data suggest that adaptive evolution of G6P branch point enzymes may have special significance in metabolic adaptation.

Effects of heat-degraded sugars on survival and growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and other bacteria

We studied the effects of autoclaved (121 degrees C, 15 min) sugar solutions on the survival and growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and other bacteria. The growth and survival of V. parahaemolyticus in Luria-Bertani media and phosphate buffer, respectively, were inhibited by the addition of D-glucose autoclaved in pH 8.0 phosphate buffer. The bactericidal effect of autoclaved D-glucose was very small when autoclaved in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer, but larger effects were observed when autoclaved in the buffer at an alkaline pH. The autoclaving of D-glucose in CH3COONa, NaHCO3, and Na2HPO4 solutions at pH 7.6 to 8.5 also generated bactericidal effects, but it was not the case when D-glucose was autoclaved in Na2SO4, (NH4)2SO4, or NH4Cl solution at pH 8.0. The same effects as autoclaved D-glucose were observed in autoclaved lactose, D-fructose, and D-ribose. The bactericidal effects of autoclaved D-glucose were also noted in Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli strains, but the effects were smaller than those seen in V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. The growth of V. parahaemolyticus in clam extracts was also inhibited by the addition of autoclaved D-glucose, indicating that heat-treated reduced sugars can exert bactericidal effects in foods.

Troglitazone inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells with t(14;18)

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been detected in several human leukemia cells. Recent studies reported that PPARgamma ligands inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in both normal and malignant B-lineage cells. We investigated the expression of PPARgamma and the effects of PPARgamma ligands on UTree-O2, Bay91 and 380, three B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cell lines with t(14;18), which show a poor prognosis, accompanying c-myc abnormality. Western blot analysis identified expression of PPARgamma protein and real-time PCR that of PPARgamma mRNA on the three cell lines. Troglitazone (TGZ), a synthetic PPARgamma ligand, inhibited cell growth in these cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, which was associated with G(1) cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. We also found this effect PPARgamma independent since PPARgamma antagonists failed to reverse this effect. We assessed the expression of c-myc, an apoptosis-regulatory gene, since c-myc abnormality was detected in most B-ALL cells with t(14;18). TGZ was found to dose-dependently downregulate the expression of c-myc mRNA and c-myc protein in the three cell lines. These results suggest that TGZ inhibits cell growth via induction of G(1) cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in these cell lines and that TGZ-induced apoptosis, at least in part, may be related to the downregulation of c-myc expression. Moreover, the downregulation of c-myc expression by TGZ may depend on a PPARgamma-independent mechanism. Further studies indicate that PPARgamma ligands may serve as a therapeutic agent in B-ALL with t(14;18).

Risk factors for dietary variety decline among Japanese elderly in a rural community: a 8-year follow-up study from TMIG-LISA

OBJECTIVE

To examine the factors related to the decline of dietary variety among the rural community-dwelling Japanese elderly people and the implication on the planning of elderly people's nutritional improvement program in the future.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study during 8-year follow-up from 1992 to 2000.

SETTING

This study was conducted in Nangai Village, a rural and mainly agricultural area of Akita Prefecture in the northern part of Honshu, one of four main islands in Japan.

SUBJECTS

A total of 417 elderly people (160 men, 257 women) who completed interviews and food intake frequency surveys conducted in 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000 were studied.

METHODS

Dietary variety and variables potentially associated with dietary variety decline were identified from a face-to-face interview at the baseline and 8-year follow-up surveys. The dietary variety was measured using the dietary variety score (DVS), which covers the 10 main food groups in Japanese meals.

RESULTS

During the 8-year follow-up, 36.2% of the subjects showed a decline in dietary variety. Health characteristics also change among the 8-year follow-up and these changes have an effect on the decline of dietary variety. Significant predictors for decline in dietary variety included loss of spouse, deterioration in self-perceived chewing ability, and decrease in intellectual activity score.

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of spouse, deterioration in chewing ability, and decline in intellectual activity may increase the risk of decline in dietary variety in community-dwelling Japanese elderly people.

Glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphisms in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of polymorphisms of the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes in determining susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and association with the clinical features.

METHODS

Polymorphisms of the GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes in 108 Japanese patients with RA and in 143 healthy controls were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

The frequency of the GSTM1 null genotype was significantly higher among RA patients than among control subjects (60.2% and 44.1%, respectively. P = 0.011). Moreover, the female patients with GSTM1 homozygous null genotype showed significantly higher serum MMP-3 level than the female patients with non-null genotype (P = 0.030). Frequencies of the GSTT1 and GSTP1 gene polymorphism were not different between RA patients and controls.

CONCLUSION

The GSTM1 homozygous null genotype could be a genetic factor that determines susceptibility to RA and may have influence on the disease process.

Gamma/delta T-cell receptor type granular lymphocyte proliferative disorder associated with rheumatoid arthritis

We present here a case report of a 69-year-old female patient with T granular lymphocyte proliferative disorder (T-GLPD) expressing the gamma/delta T-cell receptor. The patient had been treated for rheumatoid arthritis for 25 years, and presented with mild anaemia. Cell-surface marker analysis was carried out using flow cytometry and natural killer function was determined using a chromium release assay. The case report is followed by a summary of the 21 other gamma/delta T-GLPD cases reported in the literature and a comparison of their clinical characteristics with those of T-GLPD cases expressing the alpha/beta T-cell receptor. The clinical symptoms and the frequency of association with rheumatoid arthritis are similar in gamma/delta and alpha/beta T-GLPD, but a prevalence of the CD8- cell-surface marker and enhanced natural killer function appear to be characteristics of gamma/delta T-GLPD.