Flow cytometry and RT-PCR for rotavirus detection in artificially seeded oyster meat

A flow cytometry (FC)-based method was developed for the detection of rotavirus in oyster meat using simian rotavirus SA11 as a model. To study virus recovery, oyster meat was injected with rotavirus and the oyster extract used to infect MA104 cell monolayers. Following varying periods of infection, the cells were recovered and reacted with the monoclonal antibody M60 which is specific for the rotavirus group A serotypes 1-4 outer capsid protein, VP7, followed by a second antibody (anti mouse IgG-FITC). A FACScan FC was used to estimate the number of infected cells as well as the level of infection. To evaluate the sensitivity of the method, non-inoculated oysters were processed following the same extraction protocol and, at the end, they were seeded with the same amount of virus used for oyster inoculation. This seeded oyster extract was then used to infect MA104 cells and the number of infected cells determined using the same FC procedure. A semi-nested two-step PCR for detection of rotavirus nucleic acid was undertaken to compare the sensitivity of FC with RT-PCR. Using FC, as little as 0.02 flow cytometry units (fcu) (number of infected cells counted by FC) could be detected after 72 h of cell infection. This is a very similar limit of sensitivity to that obtained with RT-PCR. Both methods are approximately 100 times more sensitive than the plaque-forming units (pfu) assay.

High-throughput mass spectrometric discovery of protein post-translational modifications

The availability of genome sequences, affordable mass spectrometers and high-resolution two-dimensional gels has made possible the identification of hundreds of proteins from many organisms by peptide mass fingerprinting. However, little attention has been paid to how information generated by these means can be utilised for detailed protein characterisation. Here we present an approach for the systematic characterisation of proteins using mass spectrometry and a software tool FindMod. This tool, available on the internet at http://www.expasy.ch/sprot/findmod.html , examines peptide mass fingerprinting data for mass differences between empirical and theoretical peptides. Where mass differences correspond to a post-translational modification, intelligent rules are applied to predict the amino acids in the peptide, if any, that might carry the modification. FindMod rules were constructed by examining 5153 incidences of post-translational modifications documented in the SWISS-PROT database, and for the 22 post-translational modifications currently considered (acetylation, amidation, biotinylation, C-mannosylation, deamidation, flavinylation, farnesylation, formylation, geranyl-geranylation, gamma-carboxyglutamic acids, hydroxylation, lipoylation, methylation, myristoylation, N -acyl diglyceride (tripalmitate), O-GlcNAc, palmitoylation, phosphorylation, pyridoxal phosphate, phospho-pantetheine, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, sulphation) a total of 29 different rules were made. These consider which amino acids can carry a modification, whether the modification occurs on N-terminal, C-terminal or internal amino acids, and the type of organisms on which the modification can be found. We illustrate the utility of the approach with proteins from 2-D gels of Escherichia coli and sheep wool, where post-translational modifications predicted by FindMod were confirmed by MALDI post-source decay peptide fragmentation. As the approach is amenable to automation, it presents a potentially large-scale means of protein characterisation in proteome projects.

Quadazocine decreases responding reinforced by ethanol, sucrose, and phencyclidine fluid deliveries in rhesus monkeys: comparison to naltrexone's effects

RATIONALE

The endogenous opioid system may mediate the reinforcing effects of ethanol as well as sweet-tasting solutions. For example, opioid antagonists, such as naltrexone, reduce ethanol- and sucrose-reinforced responding in rhesus monkeys. If these effects are due to blockade of the mu-receptor, then an opioid antagonist such as quadazocine with a receptor selectivity profile similar to that of naltrexone should reduce responding at doses correlated with its mu-selectivity.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether quadazocine would reduce responding for ethanol and sucrose at mu-selective doses, and whether quadazocine and naltrexone would reduce responding for a bitter-tasting drug solution such as phencyclidine.

METHODS

Rhesus monkeys were given access to ethanol, sucrose, or phencyclidine concurrently with water. Prior to the drinking sessions, quadazocine (0.032-3.2 mg/kg) or saline was injected intramuscularly. During the phencyclidine experiment, naltrexone (0.1 and 0.32 mg/kg) was also tested.

RESULTS

The highest quadazocine doses (1 and 3.2 mg/kg) reduced ethanol and sucrose fluid deliveries without affecting the concurrently available water. Quadazocine reduced the fluid deliveries of both phencyclidine and water when concurrently available. Naltrexone reduced only phencyclidine fluid deliveries.

CONCLUSIONS

The opioid antagonist effect on oral-reinforced responding is not selective for ethanol or sweet-tasting solutions; responding for phencyclidine was reduced as well. Quadazocine and NTX may reduce responding by blocking the mu-receptor because the relative potency of these antagonists to reduce oral self-administration was similar to their relative potency to produce withdrawal in morphine-dependent monkeys. However, water responding was low in these experiments, and thus we cannot rule out rate-dependent effects of the antagonists.

Studies of quantitative analysis of protein expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In the present study amino acid analysis is applied to quantitation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteome expression. The quantitation levels obtained are compared to data using densitometric analysis of silver or amido black staining and to the theoretical expression level (codon bias) of the identified proteins determined from their amino acid analysis (AAA). The results show that relative volume ratio (%vol) using Melanie II is a better parameter for spot quantitation than relative optical density ratio (%OD), and amino black staining provides good linearity within the range 1-100 pmol protein. However, AAA shows that theoretical expression levels are not well correlated with actual protein expression level, although there is better correlation when isoforms of the expressed protein are identified and included. It is concluded that amino acid analysis provides accurate protein quantitation and has a continuing role in proteome studies in terms of the rapid and inexpensive quantitation of proteins displayed on proteome maps. We do however recognize that in the context of future clinical applications and large-scale proteome discovery projects, quantitation and post-translational modification need to be analyzed by 'proteomatic' (i.e., proteome automatic bioinformatic analysis directly from the gel) techniques.

Modified immobilized pH gradient gel strip equilibration procedure in SWISS-2DPAGE protocols

In the present paper we report a revised protocol for immobilized pH gradient (IPG) gel strip equilibration involving a procedural modification between the first- and second-dimensional separation in both analytical and preparative two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE). By changing the pH of the equilibration buffer (pH 8.0), the concentration of alkylating reagent (125 mM iodoacetamide) and the time of incubation (15 min), it has been possible to achieve increased cysteine (Cys) alkylation to completion with only one adduct of carboxyamidomethyl-Cys formed. Importantly, the modification does not alter the 2-D proteome patterns and therefore maintains the integrity of the existing SWISS-2DPAGE entries. Results are presented for comparative analyses using human plasma, and for Cys analysis of human albumin to illustrate the advantages of the improved protein reduction and Cys alkylation. The modified step of IPG gel strip equilibration will assist protein digestion for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation - time-of-flight - mass spectrometry analysis, and make Cys quantitation possible without further in-gel or on-blot alkylation.

Linkage of type 2 diabetes mellitus and of age at onset to a genetic location on chromosome 10q in Mexican Americans

Since little is known about chromosomal locations harboring type 2 diabetes-susceptibility genes, we conducted a genomewide scan for such genes in a Mexican American population. We used data from 27 low-income extended Mexican American pedigrees consisting of 440 individuals for whom genotypic data are available for 379 markers. We used a variance-components technique to conduct multipoint linkage analyses for two phenotypes: type 2 diabetes (a discrete trait) and age at onset of diabetes (a truncated quantitative trait). For the multipoint analyses, a subset of 295 markers was selected on the basis of optimal spacing and informativeness. We found significant evidence that a susceptibility locus near the marker D10S587 on chromosome 10q influences age at onset of diabetes (LOD score 3.75) and is also linked with type 2 diabetes itself (LOD score 2.88). This susceptibility locus explains 63.8%+/-9.9% (P=. 000016) of the total phenotypic variation in age at onset of diabetes and 65.7%+/-10.9% (P=.000135) of the total variation in liability to type 2 diabetes. Weaker evidence was found for linkage of diabetes and of age at onset to regions on chromosomes 3p, 4q, and 9p. In conclusion, our strongest evidence for linkage to both age at onset of diabetes and type 2 diabetes itself in the Mexican American population was for a region on chromosome 10q.

Genomes and proteomes: towards a multidimensional view of biology

The third Siena proteomics conference held August 31-September 4, 1998, heralded a change in emphasis from technology development to using proteomics to assist in resolving biological questions. In this review, proteomics is placed in context with other major influences in the way discovery research is conducted in biology. The current status of genomics is examined in its broadest sense, including how such studies may influence the development of proteomics. It is suggested that we are entering a new phase in biology where information is no longer limiting and integration of different technologies is required to attack the big problems of biology. While much of the focus of funding bodies, both in the public and private sector, is on practical outcomes (new drugs, etc.), the new technologies are equally amenable to attacking long-standing fundamental challenges, such as cell division, cell patterning and morphogenesis.

Extraction of Escherichia coli proteins with organic solvents prior to two-dimensional electrophoresis

Compared to soluble proteins, hydrophobic proteins, in particular membrane proteins, are an underrepresented protein species on two-dimensional (2-D) gels. One possibility is that many hydrophobic proteins are simply not extracted from the sample prior to 2-D gel separation. We attempted to isolate hydrophobic proteins from Escherichia coli by extracting with organic solvents, then reconstituting the extracted proteins in highly solubilising sample solution amenable to 2-D electrophoresis using immobilized pH gradients (IPGs). This was conducted by an extraction with a mixture of chloroform and methanol, followed by solubilisation using a combination of urea, thiourea, sulfobetaine detergents and tributyl phosphine. Peptide mass fingerprinting assisted in the identification of 13 proteins, 8 of which have not previously been reported on 2-D gels. Five of these new proteins possess a positive hydropathy plot. These results suggest that organic solvent extractions may be useful for selectively isolating some proteins that have previously been missing from proteome maps.

Method for identification and quantitative analysis of protein lysine methylation using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization--time-of-flight mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis

Protein methylation is a post-translational modification that might have important functional roles in cell regulation. We present a new technique with sufficient sensitivity (sub-pmol level) for analysis of methylation of proteins in abundances typically found on proteome maps produced by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. The method involves the identification and quantitation of lysine (Lys) methylation using Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate)-based amino acid analysis (AAA). Tri- and monomethyl-Lys were baseline-separated from other amino acids using a modified buffer system. Trimethyl-Lys was quantitatively recovered after acid hydrolysis and AAA of two known methylated proteins - yeast cytochome c and human calmodulin. The methylated peptides from tryptic digestion of those two proteins were identified by high sensitivity matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization - time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). An automated mass-screening approach is proposed for the study of various post-translational modifications to understand the distribution of those protein isoforms separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It is concluded that the combination of AAA and MALDI-TOF-MS provides a high sensitivity quantitative tool for the analysis of protein post-translational methylation in the context of proteome studies.

Conditioned effects produced by naltrexone doses that reduce ethanol-reinforced responding in rhesus monkeys

Clinical trials have shown that naltrexone is effective in treating alcohol dependence; nausea and dysphoria have been reported as "side effects" in many of these studies. In primates, naltrexone reduces reinforced responding for oral ethanol, sucrose, and phencyclidine. This study was designed to determine if naltrexone reduces reinforced responding for various solutions by producing an interoceptive stimulus that may result in a conditioned taste aversion. Four opioid antagonist-naive rhesus monkeys responded for solutions from a two-spout operant panel for 30 min per day. During a conditioning phase, the monkeys received novel Kool-Aid solutions paired with either saline or naltrexone (0.32 mg/kg) given 30 min before the session. The monkeys then had seven choice sessions between the saline-paired solution or the naltrexone-paired solution. During the conditioning phase, the naltrexone reduced responding after five naltrexone/solution pairings. In addition, a conditioned taste aversion was produced; the naltrexone-paired solution maintained significantly less responding than did the saline-paired solution during the choice phase. In the next phase, the saline and naltrexone were given "unpaired" from any distinct part of the operant session, and another seven choice sessions followed. Naltrexone had no effect when given "unpaired" from the operant session. Then, another conditioning phase was undertaken followed by another series of choice sessions. During the replication of the conditioning, naltrexone reduced responding by the second pairing, although no conditioned aversion was observed in the subsequent choice sessions. Thus, given in the same manner (dose, route, and pretreatment time) as situations in which naltrexone reduces oral ethanol-, sucrose-, and phencyclidine-reinforced responding, naltrexone produced a conditioned taste aversion. These results suggest that naltrexone-induced nausea and its conditioned effects should be considered in naltrexone's effect in alcoholics.

Food restriction and sex differences on concurrent, oral ethanol and water reinforcers in juvenile rhesus monkeys

The present study assessed the liability of ethanol to be established as an oral reinforcer in 24 juvenile rhesus monkeys. All of the monkeys had a prior oral self-administration history with concurrently available methadone and water. To determine if food restriction and sex differences would contribute to ethanol preference, the monkeys were divided into two groups of 12. Twelve monkeys received 30 biscuits of food each day while the other group received 15 biscuits; six monkeys were male and six were female in each food restriction group. Fluid deliveries (0.5 ml) were provided following contact responses on solenoid-operated drinking spouts. All monkeys were exposed to concurrent water on two spouts and, subsequently, ethanol was available on one spout with water in the alternate spout. Ethanol concentrations (0.25-16 g/l) were doubled weekly. Subsequently, some ethanol concentration exposures were repeated, as was the concurrent water condition. Ethanol (1-2 g/l) served to reinforce responding under most conditions except with the 30-biscuit females; where ethanol so functioned, water responding was reduced. At concentrations less than 1 g/l, ethanol and water were consumed in equal amounts. At 8-16 g/l, ethanol maintained less responding than water. Food restriction amplified ethanol preference in both males and females, although perhaps less in females. A complex set of relations exist among variables that control oral ethanol preference in rhesus monkeys.

Purification of monoclonal antibodies from ascitic fluid using preparative electrophoresis

Four monoclonal antibodies (including Ig subclasses, G1, G2a, and G2b) were purified from murine ascitic fluid by a preparative electrophoresis system using a charge- and size-based strategy. Most of the smaller contaminating proteins were removed at pH 8.3 when the ascitic fluid was passed through a cartridge containing a separating membrane with a pore size of M(r) 100,000. After this single step, the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains were the only significant bands present when analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A second step, involving electrophoresis at pH 6.4-7.5 depending on the antibody can be used to remove residual contaminants. For each of the antibodies tested, the recovery of activity at each step was over 80%. As this technology is directly scalable, purification of antibodies by the method described here could be considered a cost effective alternative to protein A chromatography.

Evaluation of fluorochromes for flow cytometric detection of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts labelled by fluorescent in situ hybridization

Oligonucleotide probes specific to Cryptosporidium parvum (CRY1) were conjugated with a range of fluorochromes. The fluorescence after in situ hybridization (FISH) labelling of oocysts and controls was assessed. The objective was to determine the most suitable conjugate for FISH labelling, followed by analysis with a 488 nm laser flow cytometer. The most promising candidate was fluorescein isothiocyanate but only when linked to the CRY1 probe via an 18-carbon spacer arm consisting of six ethylene glycol moieties. The use of the spacer increased fluorescent signals fivefold compared with an equivalent probe in which the FITC was linked directly to the 5'-amino group of the DNA.

Oral ethanol-reinforced responding in rhesus monkeys: effects of opioid antagonists selective for the mu-, kappa-, or delta-receptor

To determine the mechanism by which naltrexone (NTX) reduces oral ethanol-reinforced responding, opioid antagonists that show mu-, kappa-, or delta-selectivity were evaluated. Rhesus monkeys (n = 6) were given opportunities to respond and receive ethanol (1% or 2%) or water during daily 3-hr drinking sessions. Before some drinking sessions, the monkeys received intramuscular injections of saline or the following drugs: the mu-selective irreversible antagonist clocinnamox (CCAM), the kappa-selective long-lasting antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), or the delta-selective antagonist naltrindole. Also, NTX was administered along with either CCAM or nor-BNI. When given alone, CCAM (0.1 mg/kg) had no effect on ethanol-reinforced responding. When NTX (0.32 mg/kg) was given with CCAM, responding maintained by ethanol was decreased. Nor-BNI (3 mg/kg) reduced ethanol-reinforced responding only on the day of injection. On subsequent days, when other studies report continued kappa-antagonism, responding maintained by ethanol returned to control levels. Also, NTX (0.32 mg/kg), administered in the presence of nor-BNI, was still able to reduce ethanol-reinforced responding. Naltrindole failed to alter responding maintained by ethanol. Because selective antagonism at the mu-, kappa-, or delta-receptor did not reduce ethanol-reinforced responding, NTX's ability to reduce ethanol consumption may not be mediated by these previously characterized opioid receptors. NTX may exert its effects through an uncharacterized opioid binding site or through a nonopioid mechanism.

Naltrexone reduces ethanol- and sucrose-reinforced responding in rhesus monkeys

These experiments evaluated the ability of naltrexone (NTX) to reduce selectively oral and i.v. ethanol-reinforced responding, and examined the ethanol-NTX interaction in terms of the competitive opioid antagonist property of NTX. Five rhesus monkeys self-administered ethanol or sucrose and concurrently available water. Ethanol concentration was varied from 0.25% to 8% (w/v). Naltrexone (0.032-0.32 mg/kg) or saline was given i.m. 30 min prior to some drinking sessions. NTX (0.32 mg/kg) reduced ethanol-reinforced responding at the concentration that maintained the most responding (1% or 2%). NTX (0.1 mg/kg) reduced ethanol-reinforced responding, both at a low ethanol concentration (0.25%) that produced little ethanol intake (g/kg), and at a higher concentration (4%) with an appreciable intake. Thus, NTX (0.1 mg/kg) shifted the ethanol concentration-consumption curve down, in an insurmountable manner. NTX (0.1 and 0.32 mg/kg) also reduced reinforced responding for sucrose 100 g/l. In another experiment, three rhesus monkeys were given opportunities to self-administer ethanol i.v. NTX (0.1 mg/kg) reduced the number of ethanol injections obtained by the monkeys at all ethanol doses tested (0.01, 0.032, and 0.1 g/kg per injection). The dose-effect curve was also shifted down. These results showed that NTX reduced behavior maintained by either ethanol or sucrose non-selectively. Furthermore, the ability of NTX to suppress ethanol-reinforced responding did not depend on the route of ethanol administration and was not overcome by increasing the concentration or dose per injection of ethanol.

Development of a rapid and sensitive quantitative assay for rotavirus based on flow cytometry

A very sensitive and accurate flow cytometry (FC) based method have developed to quantitate rotavirus infection in MA104 cells. Confluent cell monolayers were infected with serial dilutions of rotavirus SA11. After infection, the cells were recovered with the aid of trypsin and then reacted with monoclonal antibody M60 (specific for the rotavirus outer capsid protein, VP7), followed by a second antibody (anti-mouse IgG-FITC). A FACScan FC was used to estimate the number of infected cells, as well as the level of infection. Viral infection was optimised by varying the concentration of trypsin used in the maintenance medium. The FC method enables many cells to be screened quickly for infectivity, and can detect low levels of virus. This method can be adapted to monitor the presence of other viruses in clinical and environmental samples without the need for prolonged periods of adaptation to growth in tissue culture.

The use of a ribosomal RNA targeted oligonucleotide probe for fluorescent labelling of viable Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts

A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique has been developed for the fluorescent labelling of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in water samples. The FISH technique employs a fluorescently labelled oligonucleotide probe (Cry1 probe) targeting a specific sequence in the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of C. parvum. Hybridization with the Cry1 probe resulted in fluorescence of sporozoites within oocysts that were capable of excystation, while oocysts that were dead prior to fixation did not fluoresce. Correlation of the FISH method with viability as measured by in vitro excystation was statistically highly significant, with a calculated correlation coefficient of 0.998. Examination of sequence data for Cryptosporidium spp. other than C. parvum suggests that the Cry1 probe is C. parvum-specific. In addition, 19 isolates of C. parvum were tested, and all fluoresced after hybridization with the Cry1 probe. Conversely, isolates of C. baileyi and C. muris were tested and found not to fluoresce after hybridization with the Cry1 probe. The fluorescence of FISH-stained oocysts was not bright enough to enable detection of oocysts in environmental water concentrates containing autofluorescent algae and mineral particles. However, in combination with immunofluorescence staining, FISH enabled species-specific detection and viability determination of C. parvum oocysts in water samples.

UV-induced melanoma cell lines and their potential for proteome analysis: a review

We have established cell lines from benign cutaneous melanocytic lesions and from melanoma-affected lymph nodes of monodelphis domestica, the laboratory opossum (a South American marsupial now widely maintained in captive colonies for experimental purposes). Unlike melanoma cell lines currently available from humans and other mammals, the opossum lines are derived from cells transformed in vivo by experimentally controlled exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation of known spectral composition. Differences in the patterns of protein expression among cell lines at different stages of the UVB-induced melanoma cascade can be identified by proteome analysis and will provide a useful basis for comparisons with human and mouse melanoma cell lines. Powerful new two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis technologies and sophisticated bioinformatics programs make it possible to carry out qualitative and quantitative analyses of the entire protein complement expressed by the genome (proteome) of a specific cell type. One area of biology particularly well suited to proteome analysis is carcinogenesis. It is now feasible, for example, to attempt to characterize the full repertoire of proteins, including all the antigenic determinants at the cell surface and in the cytosol, during the carcinogenic cascade from normal progenitor cells, to benign tumor cells, and finally, to highly invasive metastatic cells. Proteome analyses have been initiated with the cell lines from M. domestica.

Towards an automated approach for protein identification in proteome projects

The development of automated, high throughput technologies for the rapid identification of proteins is essential for large-scale proteome projects. While a degree of automation already exists in some stages of the protein identification process, such as automated acquisition of matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra, efficient interfaces between different stages are still lacking. We report the development of a highly automated, integrated system for large scale identification of proteins separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), based on peptide mass fingerprinting. A prototype robotic system was used to image and excise 288 protein spots from an amido black stained polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) blot. Protein samples were enzymatically digested with a commercial automated liquid handling system. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used to acquire mass spectra automatically, and the data analysed with novel automated peptide mass fingerprinting database interrogation software. Using this highly automated system, we were able to identify 95 proteins on the basis of peptide mass fingerprinting, isoelectric point and molecular weight, in a period of less than ten working days. Advantages, problems, and future developments in robotic excision systems, liquid handling, and automated database interrogation software are discussed.

The Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF): assembling large scale proteomics through integration and automation

The field of proteomics opens new possibilities for the mass screening of proteins from many different sources. While genomics is well understood to be a big science field, proteomics is just emerging as such. This paper describes the setting up of the first national proteomics facility. The facility has been funded by the Australian government and this funding has allowed the design of purpose built, integrated laboratories with state of the art equipment for large scale proteome research.

'98 Escherichia coli SWISS-2DPAGE database update

The combination of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE), computer image analysis and several protein identification techniques allowed the Escherichia coli SWISS-2DPAGE database to be established. This is part of the ExPASy molecular biology server accessible through the WWW at the URL address http://www.expasy.ch/ch2d/ch2d-top.html . Here we report recent progress in the development of the E. coli SWISS-2DPAGE database. Proteins were separated with immobilized pH gradients in the first dimension and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the second dimension. To increase the resolution of the separation and thus the number of identified proteins, a variety of wide and narrow range immobilized pH gradients were used in the first dimension. Micropreparative gels were electroblotted onto polyvinylidene difluoride membranes and spots were visualized by amido black staining. Protein identification techniques such as amino acid composition analysis, gel comparison and microsequencing were used, as well as a recently described Edman "sequence tag" approach. Some of the above identification techniques were coupled with database searching tools. Currently 231 polypeptides are identified on the E. coli SWISS-2DPAGE map: 64 have been identified by N-terminal microsequencing, 39 by amino acid composition, and 82 by sequence tag. Of 153 proteins putatively identified by gel comparison, 65 have been confirmed. Many proteins have been identified using more than one technique. Faster progress in the E. coli proteome project will now be possible with advances in biochemical methodology and with the completion of the entire E. coli genome.

Viable Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts exposed to chlorine or other oxidising conditions may lack identifying epitopes

The intestinal protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum is a known cause of water-borne disease in humans. The detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in water samples relies upon the use of fluorescently labelled antibodies, preferably using flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy. Here we demonstrate that four commercially available antibodies recognise a similar set of immunodominant epitopes on the oocyst wall. These epitopes appear to be carbohydrate in nature and are labile to chlorine treatment and oxidising conditions. Sodium hypochlorite and sodium meta-periodate reduced the ability of the antibodies to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts. Damage to the epitopes did not necessarily reduce the viability of oocysts. This finding may be important for the water industry, where naturally occurring oxidising conditions or sanitizing treatments could produce viable oocysts that are undetectable using standard protocols.

Reversion from type 2 diabetes to nondiabetic status. Influence of the 1997 American Diabetes Association criteria

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and the rate of reversion of type 2 diabetes to a nondiabetic status in the 7- to 8-year follow-up of the San Antonio Heart Study, and to determine the influence of the recent 1997 American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria for diabetes on these rates. Individuals who revert have been problematic for those developing criteria for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Few studies have addressed this issue using 1979 National Diabetes Data Group/1980 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 3,682 Mexican-American and non-Hispanic white men and nonpregnant women who completed both the baseline and follow-up examination of the San Antonio Heart Study. Incidence and reversion rates were calculated using both the 1980 WHO and the 1997 ADA criteria. Risk factors for reversion were identified, and the best fitting model using multiple logistic regression was determined using both the 1980 WHO and the 1997 ADA criteria.

RESULTS

Using the 1997 ADA criteria, the age-adjusted incidences of type 2 diabetes for Mexican-American men and women were 10.8 and 12.2%, respectively. For non-Hispanic white men and women, the age-adjusted incidence rates were 5.5 and 5.1%, respectively. Similar age-adjusted incidences were recorded using the 1980 WHO criteria. The reversion rate for individuals with type 2 diabetes was 11.5% using the 1980 WHO criteria and 12.5% using the 1997 ADA criteria. These rates were not significantly different. Numerous risk factors for reversion were identified. The best fitting model, after controlling for age, sex, and ethnicity, included baseline 2-h glucose level, baseline HDL cholesterol, and previous diagnosis of diabetes. The models were the same for both the 1980 WHO and the 1997 ADA criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the incidence or the reversion rates for diabetic subjects using either 1980 WHO or 1997 ADA criteria. In addition, the risk factors for reversion were very similar using either set of criteria. The revision of the ADA criteria did not have a significant influence on reversion in this study.