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Abdallah M, Muda E, Grootaert C, Rajkovic A. LP-68 Subtoxic doses of polystyrene nanoplastics and microcystin-LR affect the bioenergetic status of Caco-2 and HepG2 cells. Toxicol Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.07.799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bestetti I, Barbieri C, Sironi A, Specchia V, Yatsenko SA, De Donno MD, Caslini C, Gentilini D, Crippa M, Larizza L, Marozzi A, Rajkovic A, Toniolo D, Bozzetti MP, Finelli P. Targeted whole exome sequencing and Drosophila modelling to unveil the molecular basis of primary ovarian insufficiency. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2975-2991. [PMID: 34480478 PMCID: PMC8523209 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can a targeted whole exome sequencing (WES) on a cohort of women showing a primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) phenotype at a young age, combined with a study of copy number variations, identify variants in candidate genes confirming their deleterious effect on ovarian function? SUMMARY ANSWER This integrated approach has proved effective in identifying novel candidate genes unveiling mechanisms involved in POI pathogenesis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY POI, a condition occurring in 1% of women under 40 years of age, affects women’s fertility leading to a premature loss of ovarian reserve. The genetic causes of POI are highly heterogeneous and several determinants contributing to its prominent oligogenic inheritance pattern still need to be elucidated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION WES screening for pathogenic variants of 41 Italian women with non-syndromic primary and early secondary amenorrhoea occurring before age 25 was replicated on another 60 POI patients, including 35 French and 25 American women, to reveal statistically significant shared variants. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The Italian POI patients’ DNA were processed by targeted WES including 542 RefSeq genes expressed or functioning during distinct reproductive or ovarian processes (e.g. DNA repair, meiosis, oocyte maturation, folliculogenesis and menopause). Extremely rare variants were filtered and selected by means of a Fisher Exact test using several publicly available datasets. A case-control Burden test was applied to highlight the most significant genes using two ad-hoc control female cohorts. To support the obtained data, the identified genes were screened on a novel cohort of 60 Caucasian POI patients and the same case-control analysis was carried out. Comparative analysis of the human identified genes was performed on mouse and Drosophila melanogaster by analysing the orthologous genes in their ovarian phenotype, and two of the selected genes were fruit fly modelled to explore their role in fertility. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The filtering steps applied to search for extremely rare pathogenic variants in the Italian cohort revealed 64 validated single-nucleotide variants/Indels in 59 genes in 30 out of 41 screened women. Burden test analysis highlighted 13 ovarian genes as being the most enriched and significant. To validate these findings, filtering steps and Burden analysis on the second cohort of Caucasian patients yielded 11 significantly enriched genes. Among them, AFP, DMRT3, MOV10, FYN and MYC were significant in both patient cohorts and hence were considered strong candidates for POI. Mouse and Drosophila comparative analysis evaluated a conserved role through the evolution of several candidates, and functional studies using a Drosophila model, when applicable, supported the conserved role of the MOV10 armitage and DMRT3 dmrt93B orthologues in female fertility. LARGE SCALE DATA The datasets for the Italian cohort generated during the current study are publicly available at ClinVar database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/clinvar/): accession numbers SCV001364312 to SCV001364375. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a targeted WES analysis hunting variants in candidate genes previously identified by different genomic approaches. For most of the investigated sporadic cases, we could not track the parental inheritance, due to unavailability of the parents’ DNA samples; in addition, we might have overlooked additional rare variants in novel candidate POI genes extracted from the exome data. On the contrary, we might have considered some inherited variants whose clinical significance is uncertain and might not be causative for the patients’ phenotype. Additionally, as regards the Drosophila model, it will be extremely important in the future to have more mutants or RNAi strains available for each candidate gene in order to validate their role in POI pathogenesis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The genomic, statistical, comparative and functional approaches integrated in our study convincingly support the extremely heterogeneous oligogenic nature of POI, and confirm the maintenance across the evolution of some key genes safeguarding fertility and successful reproduction. Two principal classes of genes were identified: (i) genes primarily involved in meiosis, namely in synaptonemal complex formation, asymmetric division and oocyte maturation and (ii) genes safeguarding cell maintenance (piRNA and DNA repair pathways). STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Italian Ministry of Health grants ‘Ricerca Corrente’ (08C621_2016 and 08C924_2019) provided to IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, and by ‘Piano Sostegno alla Ricerca’ (PSR2020_FINELLI_LINEA_B) provided by the University of Milan; M.P.B. was supported by Telethon-Italy (grant number GG14181). There are no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Bestetti
- Research Laboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - C Barbieri
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Research Institute and Vita Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - A Sironi
- Research Laboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - V Specchia
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - S A Yatsenko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M D De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - C Caslini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - D Gentilini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - M Crippa
- Research Laboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - L Larizza
- Research Laboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Marozzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - A Rajkovic
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San, Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute of Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Toniolo
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Research Institute and Vita Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - M P Bozzetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - P Finelli
- Research Laboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, Milan, Italy
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Djekic I, Udovicki B, Kljusurić J, Papageorgiou M, Jovanovic J, Giotsas C, Djugum J, Tomic N, Rajkovic A. Exposure assessment of adult consumers in Serbia, Greece and Croatia to deoxynivalenol and zearalenone through consumption of major wheat-based products. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2019. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2019.2452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of this research was to perform an exposure assessment of mycotoxin intake through consumption of wheat-based products in Serbia, Croatia, and Greece by estimating deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) exposure from wheat. Food consumption survey of wheat-based products has been performed during 2017 in the three countries with at least 1000 interviewees per country. Values for the concentration of DON and ZEA were extracted from available research published in this decade. Finally, a Monte Carlo analysis of 100,000 simulations was performed to estimate the intake of DON and ZEA from consumption of wheat-based products. Results revealed that the estimated daily wheat-borne intake of DON of the adult population in Croatia was 0.121 μg/kg bw/day, followed by Greece with 0.181 μg/kg bw/day and Serbia with 0.262 μg/kg bw/day. This shows that 0.25% of Croatian, 1.19% of Greek and 3.96% of Serbian adult population is exposed to higher daily dietary intakes of DON than recommended. Estimated daily wheat-borne intake of ZEA was 0.017 μg/kg bw/day in Greece, 0.026 μg/kg bw/day in Croatia and 0.050 μg/kg bw/day in Serbia. Higher intake of ZEA is associated with 0.62% of the Greek population, followed by 0.95% Croatian and 2.25% of Serbian citizens. This type of research is helpful to assess accurately the risk by DON/ZEA intake associated with the consumption of wheat-based products by consumers in these three countries. Distributions of potential mycotoxin intakes were highly right-skewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Djekic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - B. Udovicki
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - J.G. Kljusurić
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva ul. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M. Papageorgiou
- Food Technology Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, POB 141, Thessaloniki 574 00, Greece
| | - J. Jovanovic
- Food Technology Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, POB 141, Thessaloniki 574 00, Greece
| | - C. Giotsas
- Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Campus Coupure, A, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - J. Djugum
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva ul. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Ministry of Agriculture, Ulica grada Vukovara 78, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - N. Tomic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - A. Rajkovic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
- Food Technology Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, POB 141, Thessaloniki 574 00, Greece
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Abstract
The influence of climatic conditions on the levels of fumonisins in maize grown in Serbia was studied over eight years (2008 to 2015), investigating the possible relationship between the levels of fumonisins contamination in maize in relation to registered weather/climatic conditions. Presence of these mycotoxins in maize after harvest was evaluated based on climatic conditions within two periods: 10 days before and 10 days after 50% silking. Categories of fumonisins levels were transformed into classes. Chi-square test for association was used in analysing relationships between results of fumonisins levels and calendar years. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare differences between meteorological data of two subsets in years with high and low fumonisins level. There was a statistically significant association between the fumonisins levels and calendar years χ2=247.954; (P<0.05). This study identified low precipitation and low humidity combined with high solar radiation as a critical parameter combination for elevated levels of fumonisins. The statistically significant difference in relation to some of the examined parameters suggests that maize in Serbian agro-climatic conditions is more susceptible to fungal colonisation, and subsequent fumonisin production in the period of 10 days before 50% silking.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Udovicki
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, Zemun-Belgrade 11080, Republic of Serbia
| | - I. Djekic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, Zemun-Belgrade 11080, Republic of Serbia
| | - S. Stankovic
- Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, Slobodana Bajica 1, Zemun-Belgrade 11080, Republic of Serbia
| | - A. Obradovic
- Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, Slobodana Bajica 1, Zemun-Belgrade 11080, Republic of Serbia
| | - A. Rajkovic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, Zemun-Belgrade 11080, Republic of Serbia
- Department of Food Technology, Food Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, Ghent, Belgium
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Djekic I, Jambrak AR, Djugum J, Rajkovic A. How the food industry experiences and perceives food fraud. Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods 2018. [DOI: 10.3920/qas2018.1365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I. Djekic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, E, Nemanjina 8, 11080 Zemun, Serbia
| | - A. Režek Jambrak
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - J. Djugum
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Ministry of Agriculture, Ulica grada Vukovara 78, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - A. Rajkovic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, E, Nemanjina 8, 11080 Zemun, Serbia
- Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Food2Know, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Campus Coupure, A, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Luckert C, Braeuning A, de Sousa G, Durinck S, Katsanou E, Konstantinidou P, Machera K, Milani E, Peijnenburg A, Rahmani R, Rajkovic A, Spyropoulou A, Stamou M, Stoopen G, Sturla S, Zucchini-Pascal N, Lampen A. In vitro analysis of liver steatosis using adverse outcome pathways: A case study with cyproconazole. Toxicol Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Rydze R, Torralba HS, Gibbons W, Rajkovic A, Thompson T, Pangas S. A novel gremlin-2 mutation from a patient with primary ovarian insufficiency is predicted to affect bone morphogenetic protein binding and may alter the ovarian reserve. Fertil Steril 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.07.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Zielen AC, Khan MJ, Pollock N, Jiang H, Ahmed J, Nazli R, Jabeen M, Yatsenko A, Rajkovic A. A novel homozygous frame-shift variant in the LHCGR gene is associated with primary ovarian insufficiency in a Pakistani family. Clin Genet 2018; 94:396-397. [PMID: 30016538 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A C Zielen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - M J Khan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - N Pollock
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - H Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - J Ahmed
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - R Nazli
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - M Jabeen
- Khyber Medical University, Institute of Medical Sciences, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - A Yatsenko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - A Rajkovic
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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9
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Gurbuz F, Desai S, Diao F, Turkkahraman D, Wranitz F, Wood-Trageser M, Shin YH, Kotan L, Jiang H, Witchel S, Gurtunca N, Yatsenko S, Mysliwec D, Topaloglu K, Rajkovic A. Novel inactivating mutations of the DCAF17 gene in American and Turkish families cause male infertility and female subfertility in the mouse model. Clin Genet 2018; 93:853-859. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.13183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Gurbuz
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine; Cukurova University; Adana Turkey
| | - S. Desai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - F. Diao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing China
| | - D. Turkkahraman
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology; Antalya Training and Research Hospital; Antalya Turkey
| | - F. Wranitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - M. Wood-Trageser
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - Y.-H. Shin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - L.D. Kotan
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Sciences; Cukurova University; Adana Turkey
| | - H. Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - S. Witchel
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - N. Gurtunca
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - S. Yatsenko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
- Department of Human Genetics; University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - D. Mysliwec
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - K. Topaloglu
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine; Cukurova University; Adana Turkey
| | - A. Rajkovic
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
- Department of Human Genetics; University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
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Jacxsens L, Stals A, De Keuckelaere A, Deliens B, Rajkovic A, Uyttendaele M. Quantitative farm-to-fork human norovirus exposure assessment of individually quick frozen raspberries and raspberry puree. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 242:87-97. [PMID: 27914323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
A quantitative human norovirus (NoV) exposure model describing transmission of NoV during pre-harvest, harvest and further processing of soft red fruits exemplified by raspberries is presented. The outcomes of the model demonstrate the presence of NoV in raspberry puree or individual quick frozen (IQF) raspberry fruits and were generated by Monte Carlo simulations by combining GoldSim® and @Risk® software. Input data were collected from scientific literature, observational studies and assumptions. NoV contamination of soft red fruits is assumed to take place at farms by application of contaminated water for pesticides dilution or by berries' pickers shedding NoV. The model was built simulating that a collection center received berries from ten farms with a total of 245 food handlers picking soft red fruits during a 10-hour day shift. Given 0, 5 and 20 out of 245 berries' pickers were shedding NoV, these conditions were calculated to result in a mean NoV contamination of respectively 0.47, 14.1 and 36.2 NoV particles per kg raspberries in case all raspberries are mixed to one day-batch of 11tons. The NoV contamination of the fruits was mainly driven by the route of NoV shedding food pickers (95.8%) rather than by spraying contaminated pesticide water (4.2%) (baseline scenario with 5 shedding pickers and contaminated pesticide water). Inclusion of appropriate hand washing procedures or hand washing followed by hand disinfection resulted in estimated reductions of the mean NoV levels from 14.1 to 0.16 and 0.17 NoV particles per kg raspberries, respectively, for the baseline scenario with 5 out of 245 food pickers shedding NoV. The use of a mild heat treatment (30s at 75°C) during further processing of berries to purees was noted to reduce mean NoV levels substantially from 14.1 to 0.2 NoV particles per kg raspberry puree. For IQF raspberries, the NoV contamination is heterogeneously distributed and resulted in a mean contamination of 3.1 NoV particles per 250g package containing approximately 115 berries. This farm-to-fork model is a useful tool for evaluating NoV mitigation strategies in the soft red fruit supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jacxsens
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - A Stals
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - A De Keuckelaere
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - B Deliens
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - A Rajkovic
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Department of Food Safety and Food Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Uyttendaele
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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11
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Yatsenko SA, Bakos HA, Vitullo K, Kedrov M, Kishore A, Jennings BJ, Surti U, Wood-Trageser MA, Cercone S, Yatsenko AN, Rajkovic A, Iannaccone A. High-resolution microarray analysis unravels complex Xq28 aberrations in patients and carriers affected by X-linked blue cone monochromacy. Clin Genet 2015; 89:82-7. [PMID: 26153062 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The human X chromosome contains ∼ 1600 genes, about 15% of which have been associated with a specific genetic condition, mainly affecting males. Blue cone monochromacy (BCM) is an X-linked condition caused by a loss-of-function of both the OPN1LW and OPN1MW opsin genes. The cone opsin gene cluster is composed of 2-9 paralogs with 99.8% sequence homology and is susceptible to deletions, duplications, and mutations. Current diagnostic tests employ polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technologies; however, alterations remain undetermined in 10% of patients. Furthermore, carrier testing in females is limited or unavailable. High-resolution X chromosome-targeted CGH microarray was applied to test for rearrangements in males with BCM and female carriers from three unrelated families. Pathogenic alterations were revealed in all probands, characterized by sequencing of the breakpoint junctions and quantitative real-time PCR. In two families, we identified a novel founder mutation that consisted of a complex 3-kb deletion that embraced the cis-regulatory locus control region and insertion of an additional aberrant OPN1MW gene. The application of high-resolution X-chromosome microarray in clinical diagnosis brings significant advantages in detection of small aberrations that are beyond the resolution of clinically available aCGH analysis and which can improve molecular diagnosis of the known conditions and unravel previously unrecognized X-linked diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Yatsenko
- Pittsburgh Cytogenetics Laboratory, Center for Medical Genetics and Genomics, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - H A Bakos
- Pittsburgh Cytogenetics Laboratory, Center for Medical Genetics and Genomics, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - K Vitullo
- Pittsburgh Cytogenetics Laboratory, Center for Medical Genetics and Genomics, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M Kedrov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - A Kishore
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - B J Jennings
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - U Surti
- Pittsburgh Cytogenetics Laboratory, Center for Medical Genetics and Genomics, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M A Wood-Trageser
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S Cercone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A N Yatsenko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A Rajkovic
- Pittsburgh Cytogenetics Laboratory, Center for Medical Genetics and Genomics, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A Iannaccone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Katari S, Wood-Trageser MA, Jiang H, Kalynchuk E, Muzumdar R, Yatsenko SA, Rajkovic A. Novel Inactivating Mutation of the FSH Receptor in Two Siblings of Indian Origin With Premature Ovarian Failure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100:2154-7. [PMID: 25875778 PMCID: PMC5393517 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2015-1401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Inactivating FSH receptor (FSHR) mutations can affect ovarian function, resulting in variable clinical presentations ranging from primary amenorrhea to premature menopause. FSHR mutations have been largely reported in the Finnish population, but in patients of Asian Indian descent, the incidence of FSHR mutations is extremely rare. CASE DESCRIPTION Two female siblings of Indian descent were diagnosed with primary ovarian failure and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. The daughters were the result of a consanguineous marriage between second cousins. A combination of comparative genomic hybridization plus single nucleotide polymorphism array and whole exome sequencing was conducted on the family to identify potential causative genetic variants. CONCLUSION Both daughters were found to have a novel pathogenic variant in FSHR (c.1253T>G, p.Ile418Ser), inherited as an autosomal recessive trait from heterozygous parents. This loss of function mutation is located in exon 10 of FSHR affecting the second transmembrane helix of the FSHR protein. The transmembrane domain of FSHR is highly conserved across species and is involved in signal transduction. The FSHR c.1253T>G variant is next to a known pathogenic variant, rs12190966 (c.1255G>A, p.Ala419Thr), previously reported in a Finnish woman with primary amenorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Katari
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (S.K., M.A.W.-T., H.J., S.A.Y., A.R.), Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Pathology (A.R.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Endocrinology (R.M.), Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224; and Department of Human Genetics (E.K., S.A.Y., A.R.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - M A Wood-Trageser
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (S.K., M.A.W.-T., H.J., S.A.Y., A.R.), Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Pathology (A.R.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Endocrinology (R.M.), Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224; and Department of Human Genetics (E.K., S.A.Y., A.R.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - H Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (S.K., M.A.W.-T., H.J., S.A.Y., A.R.), Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Pathology (A.R.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Endocrinology (R.M.), Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224; and Department of Human Genetics (E.K., S.A.Y., A.R.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - E Kalynchuk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (S.K., M.A.W.-T., H.J., S.A.Y., A.R.), Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Pathology (A.R.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Endocrinology (R.M.), Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224; and Department of Human Genetics (E.K., S.A.Y., A.R.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - R Muzumdar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (S.K., M.A.W.-T., H.J., S.A.Y., A.R.), Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Pathology (A.R.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Endocrinology (R.M.), Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224; and Department of Human Genetics (E.K., S.A.Y., A.R.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - S A Yatsenko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (S.K., M.A.W.-T., H.J., S.A.Y., A.R.), Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Pathology (A.R.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Endocrinology (R.M.), Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224; and Department of Human Genetics (E.K., S.A.Y., A.R.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - A Rajkovic
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (S.K., M.A.W.-T., H.J., S.A.Y., A.R.), Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Pathology (A.R.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Department of Endocrinology (R.M.), Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224; and Department of Human Genetics (E.K., S.A.Y., A.R.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
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Van Boxstael S, Habib I, Jacxsens L, De Vocht M, Baert L, Van De Perre E, Rajkovic A, Lopez-Galvez F, Sampers I, Spanoghe P, De Meulenaer B, Uyttendaele M. Food safety issues in fresh produce: Bacterial pathogens, viruses and pesticide residues indicated as major concerns by stakeholders in the fresh produce chain. Food Control 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2012.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lynch C, Tee N, Rouse H, Gordon A, Sati L, Zeiss C, Soygur B, Bassorgun I, Goksu E, Demir R, McGrath J, Groendahl ML, Thuesen L, Andersen AN, Loft A, Smitz J, Adriaenssens T, Vikesa J, Borup R, Mersy E, Kisters N, Macville MVE, Engelen JJM, Consortium SENN, Menheere PPCA, Geraedts JP, Coumans ABC, Frints SGM, Aledani T, Assou S, Traver S, Ait-ahmed O, Dechaud H, Hamamah S, Mizutani E, Suzumori N, Sugiyama C, Hattori Y, Sato T, Ando H, Ozaki Y, Sugiura-Ogasawara M, Wissing M, Kristensen SG, Andersen CY, Mikkelsen AL, Hoest T, Borup R, Groendahl ML, Velthut-Meikas A, Simm J, Metsis M, Salumets A, Palini S, Galluzzi L, De Stefani S, Primiterra M, Wells D, Magnani M, Bulletti C, Vogt PH, Frank-Herrmann P, Bender U, Strowitzki T, Besikoglu B, Heidemann P, Wunsch L, Bettendorf M, Jelinkova L, Vilimova S, Kosarova M, Sebek P, Volemanova E, Kruzelova M, Civisova J, Svobodova L, Sobotka V, Mardesic T, van de Werken C, Santos MA, Eleveld C, Laven JSE, Baart EB, Pylyp LY, Spinenko LA, Zukin VD, Perez-Sanz J, Matorras R, Arluzea J, Bilbao J, Gonzalez-Santiago N, Yeh N, Koff A, Barlas A, Romin Y, Manova-Todorova K, Hoz CDL, Mauri AL, Nascimento AM, Vagnini LD, Petersen CG, Ricci J, Massaro FC, Cavagna M, Pontes A, Oliveira JBA, Baruffi RLR, Franco JG, Wu EX, Ma S, Parriego M, Sole M, Boada M, Coroleu B, Veiga A, Kakourou G, Poulou M, Vrettou C, Destouni A, Traeger-Synodinos J, Kanavakis E, Yatsenko AN, Georgiadis AP, McGuire MM, Zorrilla M, Bunce KD, Peters D, Rajkovic A, Olszewska M, Kurpisz M, Gilbertson AZA, Ottolini CS, Summers MC, Sage K, Handyside AH, Thornhill AR, Griffin DK, Chung MK, Kim JW, Lee JH, Jeong HJ, Kim MH, Ryu MJ, Park SJ, Kang HY, Lee HS, Zimmermann B, Banjevic M, Hill M, Lacroute P, Dodd M, Sigurjonsson S, Lau P, Prosen D, Chopra N, Ryan A, Hall M, McAdoo S, Demko Z, Levy B, Rabinowitz M, Vereczeky A, Kosa ZS, Savay S, Csenki M, Nanassy L, Dudas B, Domotor ZS, Debreceni D, Rossi A, Alegretti JR, Cuzzi J, Bonavita M, Tanada M, Matunaga P, Fettback P, Rosa MB, Maia V, Hassun P, Motta ELA, Piccolomini M, Gomes C, Barros B, Nicoliello M, Matunaga P, Criscuolo T, Bonavita M, Alegretti JR, Miyadahira E, Cuzzi J, Hassun P, Motta ELA, Montjean D, Benkhalifa M, Berthaut I, Griveau JF, Morcel K, Bashamboo A, McElreavey K, Ravel C, Rubio C, Rodrigo L, Mateu E, Mercader A, Peinado V, Buendia P, Milan M, Delgado A, Al-Asmar N, Escrich L, Campos-Galindo I, Garcia-Herrero S, Poo ME, Mir P, Simon C, Reyes-Engel A, Cortes-Rodriguez M, Lendinez A, Perez-Nevot B, Palomares AR, Galdon MR, Ruberti A, Minasi MG, Biricik A, Colasante A, Zavaglia D, Iammarrone E, Fiorentino F, Greco E, Demir N, Ozturk S, Sozen B, Morales R, Lledo B, Ortiz JA, Ten J, Llacer J, Bernabeu R, Nagayoshi M, Tanaka A, Tanaka I, Kusunoki H, Watanabe S, Temel SG, Beyazyurek C, Ekmekci GC, Aybar F, Cinar C, Kahraman S, Nordqvist S, Karehed K, Akerud H, Ottolini CS, Griffin DK, Thornhill AR, Handyside AH, Gultomruk M, Tulay P, Findikli N, Yagmur E, Karlikaya G, Ulug U, Bahceci M, Bargallo MF, Arevalo MR, Salat MM, Barbat IV, Lopez JT, Algam ME, Boluda AB, de Oya GC, Tolmacheva EN, Kashevarova AA, Skryabin NA, Lebedev IN, Semaco E, Belo A, Riboldi M, Cuzzi J, Barros B, Luz L, Criscuolo T, Nobrega N, Matunaga P, Mazetto R, Alegretti JA, Bibancos M, Hassun P, Motta ELA, Serafini P, Neupane J, Vandewoestyne M, Heindryckx B, Deroo T, Lu Y, Ghimire S, Lierman S, Qian C, Deforce D, De Sutter P, Rodrigo L, Rubio C, Mateu E, Peinado V, Milan M, Viloria T, Al-Asmar N, Mercader A, Buendia P, Delgado A, Escrich L, Martinez-Jabaloyas JM, Simon C, Gil-Salom M, Capalbo A, Treff N, Cimadomo D, Tao X, Ferry K, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L, Scott RT, Katzorke N, Strowitzki T, Vogt HP, Hehr A, Gassner C, Paulmann B, Kowalzyk Z, Klatt M, Krauss S, Seifert D, Seifert B, Hehr U, Minasi MG, Ruberti A, Biricik A, Lobascio M, Zavaglia D, Varricchio MT, Fiorentino F, Greco E, Rubino P, Bono S, Cotarelo RP, Spizzichino L, Biricik A, Colicchia A, Giannini P, Fiorentino F, Suhorutshenko M, Rosenstein-Tamm K, Simm J, Salumets A, Metsis M. Reproductive (epi)genetics. Hum Reprod 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Yatsenko SA, Davis S, Hendrix NW, Surti U, Emery S, Canavan T, Speer P, Hill L, Clemens M, Rajkovic A. Application of chromosomal microarray in the evaluation of abnormal prenatal findings. Clin Genet 2012; 84:47-54. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Tsilia V, Devreese B, De Baenst I, Rajkovic A, Uyttendaele M, Heyndrickx M. Detection of enterotoxins produced by B. cereus isolates using mass spectrometry. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci 2012; 77:263-267. [PMID: 22558793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- V Tsilia
- Technology and Food Science Unit, ILVO, Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium
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Samapundo S, Everaert H, Wandutu JN, Rajkovic A, Uyttendaele M, Devlieghere F. The influence of headspace and dissolved oxygen level on growth and haemolytic BL enterotoxin production of a psychrotolerant Bacillus weihenstephanensis isolate on potato based ready-to-eat food products. Food Microbiol 2010; 28:298-304. [PMID: 21315987 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2010.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The major objective of this study was to determine the influence of the initial headspace and dissolved O(2) level and vacuum packaging on growth and diarrhoeal enterotoxin production by Bacillus weihenstephanensis on potato based ready-to-eat food products. In general, the lower the initial headspace or dissolved O(2) level the slower the maximum growth rate (μ(max), log(10) CFU g(-1) d(-1)), the longer the lag phase duration (λ, d) and the smaller the maximum population density (N(max), log(10) CFU g(-1)) became. The slowest μ(max), the longest λ and the smallest N(max) were generally found for growth under vacuum packaging. This implies shorter shelf-lives will occur at higher initial headspace or dissolved O(2) levels as the growth of B. weihenstephanensis to the infective dose of 10(5) CFU g(-1) in such atmospheres takes a shorter time. Significant consumption of dissolved O(2) only occurred when growth shifted from the lag to the exponential phase and growth generally transitioned from the exponential to the stationary phase when the dissolved O(2) levels fell below ca. 75 ppb. Diarrhoeal enterotoxin production (determined via detection of the L2 component of haemolytic BL) was similar for growth under initial headspace O(2) levels of 1-20.9%, and was only reduced when growth took place under vacuum packaging. The reduction in L2 production when growth took place under vacuum was most probably related to the low final cell densities observed under this condition. Both growth and L2 production were inhibited over a 32-day incubation period at 7 °C by 40% CO(2) irrespective of the headspace or dissolved O(2) levels. The results illustrate the importance of residual O(2) and CO(2) on the shelf-stability and safety of modified atmosphere packaged potato based ready-to-eat food products with regards to B. weihenstephanensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Samapundo
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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Garcia-Gonzalez L, Rajkovic A, Geeraerd A, Elst K, Van Ginneken L, Van Impe J, Devlieghere F. The development of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes variants resistant to high-pressure carbon dioxide inactivation. Lett Appl Microbiol 2010; 50:653-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2010.02839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Chlebowski RT, Kuller L, Anderson G, Mason J, Schenken R, Rajkovic A, Stefanick M, Sarto G, Ravdin P, Prentice R. Breast cancer after stopping estrogen plus progestin in postmenopausal women in the women's health initiative. Cancer Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Abstract #64
Background
 Following the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin (E+P) trial report (JAMA 2002;288:321), menopausal hormone therapy use decreased dramatically in the United States. Subsequently, breast cancer incidence also dropped substantially, suggesting possible causality (NEJM 2007;16:1680); however, the etiology remains controversial.
 Methods
 To define effects of stopping E+P on breast cancer incidence more precisely, additional analyses were conducted in the WHI randomized trial of daily conjugated equine estrogens (CEE, 0.625 mg) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, 2.5 mg) versus placebo. Furthermore, temporal trends for breast cancer diagnoses in the WHI observational study cohort were examined. Breast cancer risk factors, mammography utilization and calendar time-specific breast cancer incidence were assessed relative to E+P use.
 Results: The time-specific linear hazard ratio (HR) curves examining E+P influence on breast cancer in the E+P clinical trial (CT), and in the observational study (OS, the later adjusted for E+P use during follow-up) are attached.
 
 
 
 In the CT, breast cancer incidence, initially lower in the E+P group, increased with longer duration use but decreased postintervention despite closely comparable mammogram frequency between randomization groups. In the OS, breast cancer incidence was about two-fold higher in E+P users vs non-users (likely reflecting longer duration exposure) but decreased rapidly following year-to-year reductions in E+P use, while differences in mammogram frequency between E+P users and non-users were unchanged.
 Conclusion: These findings suggest that cessation of E+P use is associated with a rapid reduction in breast cancer incidence which is not explained by mammography utilization change and support the hypothesis that the recent reduction in breast cancer incidence seen in certain age groups is predominantly related to a decrease in combined menopausal therapy use.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 64.
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Affiliation(s)
- RT Chlebowski
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - L Kuller
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - G Anderson
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - J Mason
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - R Schenken
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - A Rajkovic
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - M Stefanick
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - G Sarto
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - P Ravdin
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - R Prentice
- 1 LABioMed, Torrance
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 4 Brigham & Women's Hospital, Chestnut Hill
- 5 University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- 6 Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- 7 Stanford University, San Jose
- 8 University of Wisconsin, Madison
- 9 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- 10 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
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Choi Y, Yoon TK, Rajkovic A. Characterization of Lhx8 DNA binding specificity and its regulation of Nobox promotors. Fertil Steril 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.07.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Rajkovic A, Uyttendaele M, Vermeulen A, Andjelkovic M, Fitz-James I, in 't Veld P, Denon Q, Vérhe R, Debevere J. Heat resistance of Bacillus cereus emetic toxin, cereulide. Lett Appl Microbiol 2008; 46:536-41. [PMID: 18363653 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2008.02350.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The study describes the effects of heating temperature and exposure time on the thermal stability of cereulide under different conditions (pH, presence/absence of oil phase and cereulide concentration). METHODS AND RESULTS Cereulide heat inactivation was investigated at 100, 121 and 150 degrees C under different alkaline pH values (8.6-10.6) and in the presence of oil phase (0.6-1.4%). Three different cereulide concentrations (0.5, 5 and 6 microg ml(-1)) were used. Cereulide detection was performed with computer-aided semen analyzer and with HPLC-MS. Highly alkaline pH was needed to achieve inactivation. At lower cereulide concentrations less drastic conditions were needed. Removal of alkaline buffer after the heat treatment resulted in the recovery of toxic activity. CONCLUSIONS Heat stability of cereulide has been proved to be remarkable, even at highly alkaline pH values, at all temperatures tested. The loss of activity appeared to be reversible. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The study demonstrates the inability of any heat treatment used in the food industry to inactivate cereulide. Food safety has to rely on prevention and cold chain maintenance. Cleaning practices also need to be adapted as cereulide may remain in its active form upon sterilization of used material.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rajkovic
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bio-science Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Skillern A, Rajkovic A. Recent Developments in Identifying Genetic Determinants of Premature Ovarian Failure. Sex Dev 2008; 2:228-43. [DOI: 10.1159/000152039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2008] [Accepted: 07/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Vermeulen A, Smigic N, Rajkovic A, Gysemans K, Bernaerts K, Geeraerd A, Van Impe J, Debevere J, Devlieghere F. Performance of a growth-no growth model for Listeria monocytogenes developed for mayonnaise-based salads: influence of strain variability, food matrix, inoculation level, and presence of sorbic and benzoic acid. J Food Prot 2007; 70:2118-26. [PMID: 17900091 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-70.9.2118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A previously developed growth-no growth model for Listeria monocytogenes, based on nutrient broth data and describing the influence of water activity (a(w)), pH, and acetic acid concentrations, was validated (i) for a variety of L. monocytogenes strains and (ii) in a laboratory-made, mayonnaise-based surimi salad (as an example of a mayonnaise-based salad). In these challenge tests, the influence of the inoculation level was tested as well. Also, the influence of chemical preservatives on the growth probability of L. monocytogenes in mayonnaise-based salads was determined. To evaluate the growth-no growth model performance on the validation data, four quantitative criteria are determined: concordance index, % correct predictions, % fail-dangerous, and % fail-safe. First, the growth probability of 11 L. monocytogenes strains, not used for model development, was assessed in nutrient broth under conditions within the interpolation region. Experimental results were compared with model predictions. Second, the growth-no growth model was assessed in a laboratory-made, sterile, mayonnaise-based surimi salad to identify a possible model completeness error related to the food matrix, making use of the above-mentioned validation criteria. Finally, the effect on L. monocytogenes of common chemical preservatives (sorbic and benzoic acid) at different concentrations under conditions typical of mayonnaise-based salads was determined. The study showed that the growth-no growth zone was properly predicted and consistent for all L. monocytogenes strains. A larger prediction error was observed under conditions within the transition zone between growth-no growth. However, in all cases, the classification between no growth (P = 0) and any growth (P > 0) occurred properly, which is most important for the food industry, where outgrowth needs to be prevented in all instances. The results in the sterile mayonnaise-based salad showed again that the growth-no growth zone was well predicted but that also, in real food systems, a transition zone between growth and no growth exists. This became even more obvious for lower inoculation levels. The maximum-allowed concentration of benzoic and sorbic acid in mayonnaise-based salads, according to the European Union legislation, eliminated the growth of L. monocytogenes. Concentrations of 600 and 300 ppm were already sufficient to inhibit growth at 7 and 4 degrees C, respectively, under conditions associated with mayonnaise-based salads (pH 5.6; a(w), 0.985).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vermeulen
- LFMFP, Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure Links, 653-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Krotz S, Ballow D, Buster J, Rajkovic A. Expression and localization of the novel and highly-conserved Germ-Cell Specific Factor 1 during early oogenesis. Fertil Steril 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ballow D, Meistrich ML, Matzuk M, Rajkovic A. Sohlh1 is essential for spermatogonial differentiation. Dev Biol 2006; 294:161-7. [PMID: 16564520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2006] [Revised: 02/01/2006] [Accepted: 02/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonia are adult germline stem cells that can both self-renew and differentiate into spermatocytes. Little is known about factors necessary for spermatogonial differentiation. We identified a novel germ-cell-specific transcription factor that we named Sohlh1 (testis and ovary expressed basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor). In males, Sohlh1 is preferentially expressed in prespermatogonia and Type A spermatogonia. Loss of Sohlh1 causes infertility by disrupting spermatogonial differentiation into spermatocytes. Seven-day-old testes without Sohlh1 still express the testis-specific transcription factors Etv5, Taf4b, Zfp148, and Plzf, overexpress a novel Tohlh2 bHLH transcription factor, but lack LIM homeobox gene Lhx8 and show reduced expression of Ngn3. Sohlh1 represents the first testis-specific bHLH transcription factor that is essential for spermatogonial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ballow
- Faculty Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1709 Dryden Street, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
Early ovarian folliculogenesis begins with the breakdown of germ cell clusters and formation of primordial follicles. Primordial follicles are the smallest ovarian follicle units continuously recruited to grow into primary and more advanced ovarian follicles. Genes expressed in the germ cells such as Figla, Nobox, Kit and Ntrk2, as well as genes expressed in the surrounding somatic cells such as Foxl2, Kitl and Ngf, play critical functions during early folliculogenesis. Transgenic mice continue to provide important insights into the genetic pathways that regulate early mammalian folliculogenesis. Genes critical in early folliculogenesis are important determinants of reproductive life span and represent candidate genes for human ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Faculty Center, 1709 Dryden Street, Suite 1100, Houston 77030, USA
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Rajkovic A, Uyttendaele M, Courtens T, Debevere J. Antimicrobial effect of nisin and carvacrol and competition between Bacillus cereus and Bacillus circulans in vacuum-packed potato puree. Food Microbiol 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2004.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Rajkovic A, Uyttendaele M, Debevere J. Impact of non typical food matrice and cell density on Bacillus cereus emetic toxin production. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci 2005; 70:11-3. [PMID: 16366265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Rajkovic
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
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Uyttendaele M, Rajkovic A, Benos G, François K, Devlieghere F, Debevere J. Evaluation of a challenge testing protocol to assess the stability of ready-to-eat cooked meat products against growth of Listeria monocytogenes. Int J Food Microbiol 2004; 90:219-36. [PMID: 14698103 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1605(03)00305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Challenge testing of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods with Listeria monocytogenes is recommended to assess the potential for growth. The present study was undertaken to evaluate a protocol for challenge testing applied to RTE cooked meat products. In order to choose L. monocytogenes strains with a representative behaviour, initially, the variability of the response of multiple L. monocytogenes strains of human and food origin to different stress and growth conditions was established. The strains were not inhibited in their growth at moderate acid pH (5.25) and the four strains tested in particular showed a similar acid-adaptive response. Growth of the various strains under four different combined stress conditions indicated that no L. monocytogenes strain had consistently significant longer or shorter lag phase or higher or lower maximum specific growth rates. The effect of choice of strain and history (pre-incubation temperature 7 or 30 degrees C) on growth of L. monocytogenes under optimum conditions (Brain Heart Infusion, BHI) and modified BHI simulating conditions of cooked ham and paté was studied. In general, all four L. monocytogenes strains behaved similarly. In BHI, no difference in lag phase was observed for the cold-adapted and standard inoculum, whereas in BHI adjusted to ham and pâté conditions, a ca. 40-h reduction of the lag phase was noted for the cold-adapted inoculum. Subsequently, microbial challenge testing of L. monocytogenes in modified atmosphere packaged sliced cooked ham and paté was performed. A mixed inoculum of four L. monocytogenes strains and an inoculum level of ca. 1-10 cfu/g was used. On vacuum packed sliced cooked ham, the concentration of 100 cfu/g, the safety limit considered as low risk for causing listeriosis, was exceeded after 5 days whereas ca. 10(5) cfu/g were obtained after 14 days when also LAB spoilers reached unacceptable numbers (ca. 10(7) cfu/g) whether standard or cold-adapted inoculum was used. The concentration of sodium lactate determined the opportunities for growth of L. monocytogenes in pâté. If growth of L. monocytogenes in pâté was noticed, the threshold of 100 cfu/ml was crossed earlier for the cold-adapted inoculum compared to the standard inoculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Uyttendaele
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences, Gent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify transcripts whose expression is restricted to germ cells. DESIGN Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from unfertilized egg libraries were utilized to perform in silico subtraction and identify germ cell-specific transcripts. SETTING Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. ANIMAL(S) C57BL/6J/129SvEv hybrid. INTERVENTION(S) Tissue harvesting from mice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Identification of germ cell-specific transcripts. RESULT(S) We have used the Unigene collection of mouse cDNA libraries to identify ESTs derived from unfertilized egg libraries. A total of 3,499 ESTs were identified from Knowles Solter and Ko unfertilized egg cDNA libraries. In silico subtraction identified 258 ESTs, which were found in these unfertilized egg libraries, but not in adult mouse tissue cDNA libraries. We performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on multiple adult tissues with 43 selected ESTs and found 5 of them where expression was absent in heart, lung, liver, brain, spleen, stomach, intestines, kidneys, and uterus, but restricted to ovaries and testes. Three ESTs were further analyzed, and they were exclusively localized to the oocytes by in situ hybridization. CONCLUSION We have shown that utilization of publicly available ESTs from murine EST libraries is a simple and rapid in silico approach to the identification of transcripts preferentially expressed in germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rajkovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Rajkovic A, Mahomed K, Rozen R, Malinow MR, King IB, Williams MA. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 C --> T polymorphism, plasma folate, vitamin B(12) concentrations, and risk of preeclampsia among black African women from Zimbabwe. Mol Genet Metab 2000; 69:33-9. [PMID: 10655155 DOI: 10.1006/mgme.1999.2952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a case control study at Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe. We genotyped a total of 171 cases with preeclampsia or eclampsia and 185 normotensive control subjects for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C --> T genotype. The wild-type allele frequency among cases and controls was 91.2 and 91.3%, respectively. Only one subject (0.3%) was homozygous for the 677 C --> T MTHFR genotype and this subject had preeclampsia. After adjustment for confounding factors, there was statistically no significant association between maternal MTHFR genotype and risk of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio = 1.0; 95% CI, 0.5-1.9). In addition, plasma homocyst(e)ine, vitamin B(12), and folate concentrations were not statistically different between normotensive control subjects with wild-type genotype as compared with normotensive subjects who were heterozygous for the mutant allele. Conversely, there was a strong graded association between maternal plasma folate concentration and risk of preeclampsia. Women with plasma folate concentrations less than 5.7 nmol/L experienced a 10. 4-fold increase in risk of preeclampsia. There was no clear pattern of preeclampsia risk and vitamin B(12) concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rajkovic
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.
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Abstract
Ovarian failure can result from several different genetic mechanisms-X chromosomal abnormalities, autosomal recessive genes causing various types of XX gonadal dysgenesis, and autosomal dominant genes. The number and precise location of loci on the X are still under investigation, but it is clear that, in aggregate, these genes are responsible for ovarian maintenance, given that monosomy X shows germ cells that undergo accelerated atresia. Despite recent hypotheses, at present there is no evidence for a gene directing primary ovarian differentiation; this process may be constitutive. Phenotypic/karyotypic correlation and limited molecular confirmation have long shown that proximal Xp and proximal Xq contain regions of the most importance to ovarian maintenance. Terminal deletions at Xp11 result in 50% primary amenorrhea and 50% premature ovarian failure or fertility. Deletions at Xq13 usually produce primary amenorrhea. Terminal deletions nearer the telomeres on either Xp of Xq bring about premature ovarian failure more often than complete ovarian failure. The X-linked zinc finger gene (ZFX) and diaphanous 2 Drosophila homologue (DIAPH2) are the only candidate genes for ovarian maintenance that map to the X chromosome. Additional, as yet unidentified, genes along the X chromosome must be involved. The search for these genes in humans is hampered by the lack of candidate genes that map to the X chromosome, the scarcity of patients with fortuitous autosomal translocations, and small pedigrees, which hinder mapping of the loci. In addition, difficulties with human germ cell research also make it challenging to dissect genes important to ovarian development. Autosomal genes also are involved in ovarian differentiation and gonadal failure. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and ataxia telangiectasia are examples of autosomal genes known to cause human ovarian failure. Transgenic mouse models point to many other candidate autosomal genes, and sequencing of the human homologues in affected women should lead to the discovery of new genes responsible for human ovarian failure. Identification, functional analysis, and mapping of novel genes specifically expressed in the ovary of mice and women eventually should lead to fruitful dissection of essential genes in mammalian ovarian development and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Simpson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Rajkovic A, Mahomed K, Malinow MR, Sorenson TK, Woelk GB, Williams MA. Plasma homocyst(e)ine concentrations in eclamptic and preeclamptic African women postpartum. Obstet Gynecol 1999; 94:355-60. [PMID: 10472859 DOI: 10.1016/s0029-7844(99)00304-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between plasma homocyst(e)ine and risk of eclampsia and preeclampsia among sub-Saharan African women who delivered at Harare Maternity Hospital in Zimbabwe. METHODS We ran a hospital-based, case-control study at Harare Maternity Hospital, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe comprising 33 pregnant women with eclampsia and 138 with preeclampsia. Controls were 185 normotensive pregnant women. Plasma was collected postpartum and homocyst(e)ine levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection. RESULTS Women with eclampsia or preeclampsia had significantly higher mean homocyst(e)ine levels than normotensive controls (12.54 or 12.77 micromol/L versus 9.93 micromol/L, respectively, P<.001). The odds ratio (OR) for eclampsia was 6.03 among women in the highest quartile of the control homocyst(e)ine distribution (median 13.9 micromol/L) compared with women in the lowest quartile (median 6.2 micromol/L). The corresponding OR for preeclampsia was 4.57. Nulliparas with elevated homocyst(e)ine had a 12.90 times higher risk of preeclampsia compared with multiparas without elevated homocyst(e)ine. CONCLUSION Postpartum plasma homocyst(e)ine concentrations are higher among Zimbabwean women with eclampsia and preeclampsia compared with normotensive women.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rajkovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Malinow MR, Rajkovic A, Duell PB, Hess DL, Upson BM. The relationship between maternal and neonatal umbilical cord plasma homocyst(e)ine suggests a potential role for maternal homocyst(e)ine in fetal metabolism. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998; 178:228-33. [PMID: 9500479 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(98)80005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Data on fetal blood homocyst(e)ine concentrations are not available. We tested the hypothesis that homocyst(e)ine crosses the maternal/placental/fetal interphases and is sequestered by the fetus. STUDY DESIGN The concentration of homocyst(e)ine was determined at parturition in peripheral venous plasma from 35 nulliparous healthy pregnant women and umbilical arterial and venous plasma from their conceptus. RESULTS Findings demonstrated a descending concentration gradient of plasma homocyst(e)ine from maternal vein to umbilical vein and to umbilical artery; the decrease at each interphase approximated 1 micromol/L. The neonate weight and gestational age were inversely related to maternal homocyst(e)ine concentrations. CONCLUSION The umbilical vein to umbilical artery homocyst(e)ine decrement suggests that uptake of homocyst(e)ine occurs in the fetus. The likely incorporation of homocyst(e)ine into the fetal metabolic cycle may implicate maternal homocyst(e)ine as having a potential nutritional role in the fetus. Further studies are required to explain the role of homocyst(e)ine in fetal metabolism and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Malinow
- Division of Pathobiology and Immunology, Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Beaverton 97006-3448, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether homocyst(e)ine, a relatively new risk factor for possible endothelial cell dysfunction and premature vascular disease, is elevated in nulliparous pregnant women with preeclampsia. METHODS We measured plasma homocyst(e)ine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels in 40 nulliparas, 20 with and 20 without preeclampsia at the time of their delivery. RESULTS Mean (+/- standard deviation) plasma homocyst(e)ine levels in the 20 nulliparous women with preeclampsia were significantly higher than in the 20 nulliparous women without preeclampsia (8.66 +/- 3.05 versus 4.99 +/- 1.11 mumol/L, P < .001). Folic acid and vitamin B12 concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION Homocyst(e)ine levels are elevated in pregnant nulliparas with preeclampsia at the time of their delivery. Further studies are necessary to determine what role homocyst(e)ine may play in the etiology of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rajkovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Case Western Reserve University, Metrohealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Rajkovic A, Davis RE, Simonsen JN, Rottman FM. A spliced leader is present on a subset of mRNAs from the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1990; 87:8879-83. [PMID: 2247461 PMCID: PMC55063 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.87.22.8879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We present evidence that a subset of mRNAs in the human parasitic trematode Schistosoma mansoni contain an identical 36-nucleotide spliced leader (SL) sequence at their 5' termini. The SL is derived from a 90-nucleotide nonpolyadenylylated RNA (SL RNA), presumably by trans-splicing. Neither the SL nor the SL RNA share significant sequence identity with previously described trans-spliced leaders and SL RNAs in trypanosomatid protozoans or nematodes. However, several features, such as predicted secondary structure, trimethylguanosine cap, and potential Sm binding site, suggest similarities among SL RNAs in widely divergent organisms. Our evidence also indicates that the exon 3 acceptor site of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase gene can be spliced either to the SL by trans-splicing or to an upstream exon, 2, by cis-splicing. The presence of a SL sequence in S. mansoni, a member of the phylum Platyhelminthes, suggests that transplicing may be a common feature of other lower invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rajkovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
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Rajkovic A, Simonsen JN, Davis RE, Rottman FM. Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase from the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1989; 86:8217-21. [PMID: 2813388 PMCID: PMC298251 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.86.21.8217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
cDNA clones encoding the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase [(S)-mevalonate:NADP+ oxidoreductase (CoA-acylating), EC 1.1.1.34] from the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni have been isolated and characterized. The composite 3459 base pairs of cDNA sequence contains a 2844-base-pair open reading frame corresponding to a protein of 948 amino acids. The predicted S. mansoni HMG-CoA reductase protein contains a hydrophobic amino terminus consisting of seven potential transmembrane domains that are structurally conservative but are not identical in amino acid sequence with HMG-CoA reductases from other species. The hydrophilic carboxyl terminus of the S. mansoni HMG-CoA reductase protein, however, shares 48-52% sequence identity with the carboxyl termini of other HMG-CoA reductases in a region that contains the catalytic domain. When expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli, the carboxyl-terminal domain of the schistosome protein exhibits HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rajkovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
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Davis RE, Davis AH, Carroll SM, Rajkovic A, Rottman FM. Tandemly repeated exons encode 81-base repeats in multiple, developmentally regulated Schistosoma mansoni transcripts. Mol Cell Biol 1988; 8:4745-55. [PMID: 3211127 PMCID: PMC365566 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.8.11.4745-4755.1988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The adult Schistosoma mansoni cDNA clone 10-3 encodes an antigen that is recognized by sera from infected humans. We characterized multiple developmentally regulated transcripts homologous to the 10-3 cDNA and portions of the complex genomic loci encoding those transcripts. Transcripts of approximately 950, 870, and 780 nucleotides were expressed in adults, whereas only the 780-nucleotide transcript was observed in the larval stage. These transcripts were highly similar, containing variable numbers of identical direct tandem repeats of 81 bases. Although the sequence of the repeating elements and sequences 3' to them were identical in all the transcripts, sequences 5' of the repeating elements exhibited variations, including a 27-base insertion, alternative start sites for transcription, and alternate 5' exon usage. These transcripts appeared to be derived in part by the developmentally controlled alternative splicing of small exons and the use of alternative transcription initiation sites from the one or two complex loci of at least 40 kilobase pairs. Each 81-base repeat in the transcripts was encoded by three dispersed 27-base-pair exons. These 27-base-pair exons were contained within highly conserved, reiterated 3-kilobase-pair genomic tandem arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Davis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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Nigro JM, Schweinfest CW, Rajkovic A, Pavlovic J, Jamal S, Dottin RP, Hart JT, Kamarck ME, Rae PM, Carty MD. cDNA cloning and mapping of the human creatine kinase M gene to 19q13. Am J Hum Genet 1987; 40:115-25. [PMID: 3031982 PMCID: PMC1684079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe the first isolation of a human creatine kinase M cDNA clone and its mapping of the gene to human chromosome 19. A human creatine kinase M cDNA clone, pJN2CK-M, harboring a 1,160-bp insert, was isolated by colony hybridization with a previously sequenced chicken creatine kinase M cDNA probe. The human cDNA was used as a probe in Southern transfers of TaqI-digested genomic DNA from mouse/human somatic-cell hybrids to localize the human creatine kinase-M gene to chromosome 19. In situ hybridization of the tritiated cDNA probe to metaphase chromosomes of peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal males revealed significant labeling to chromosome 19. These two independent methodologies assign the human creatine kinase-M gene to chromosome 19. Since greater than 69% of the grains of chromosome 19 label band q13, the human creatine kinase-M gene has been mapped to 19q13. On the basis of high-resolution G-banding, the predominant labeling site was 19q13.2-q13.3.
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Haribabu B, Rajkovic A, Dottin RP. Cell-cell contact and cAMP regulate the expression of a UDP glucose pyrophosphorylase gene of Dictyostelium discoideum. Dev Biol 1986; 113:436-42. [PMID: 3005092 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(86)90178-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
UDP glucose pyrophosphorylase (UDPGP) (EC.2.7.7.9) is a developmentally regulated enzyme of Dictyostelium discoideum. Two polypeptides of UDPGP are translated from Dictyostelium mRNA. Recently we isolated a cDNA clone which encodes one of the UDPGP polypeptides (B. R. Fishel, J. A. Ragheb, A. Rajkovic, B. Haribabu, C. W. Schweinfest, and R. P. Dottin (1985). Dev. Biol. 110, 369-381). By hybridization with the cDNA and by in vitro translation and immunoprecipitation, we examined the effect of cell-cell contact and cAMP on the regulation of UDPGP expression. Disaggregation of slugs resulted in a rapid loss of UDPGP mRNA. Addition of cAMP to these cells resulted in increased levels of UDPGP mRNA, though not to the same extent as seen during normal development. The two UDPGP polypeptides observed in vitro are coordinately regulated. Unaggregated cells, starved and shaken rapidly in suspension, did not show UDPGP mRNA accumulation. However, addition of cAMP to these cells caused UDPGP induction, suggesting that the requirement for cell-cell contact could be bypassed in part by cAMP addition.
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Fishel BR, Ragheb JA, Rajkovic A, Haribabu B, Schweinfest CW, Dottin RP. Molecular cloning of a cDNA complementary to a UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase mRNA of dictyostelium discoideum. Dev Biol 1985; 110:369-81. [PMID: 2991046 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(85)90096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Uridine diphosphoglucose pyrophosphorylase (UTP: -alpha-D-glucose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.9) is an essential enzyme for normal development of Dictyostelium discoideum and its specific activity increases 3- to 10-fold by the later stages of development. Previous experiments have shown that additional forms of the enzyme appear concomitantly with this increase and that two uridine diphosphoglucose pyrophosphorylase (UDPGP) polypeptides are immunoprecipitated from the in vitro translation products of total cellular RNA at any stage of development (B. F. Fishel, R. E. Manrow and R. P. Dottin, 1982, Dev. Biol. 92, 175-187). Using an in vitro translation-immunoprecipitation assay of UDPGP mRNA, we show that an increase in the amount of translatable mRNA is correlated with the accumulation of enzyme during development. A cDNA bank was constructed from a mRNA population that had been enriched for UDPGP mRNA by size fractionation on sucrose gradients containing methylmercuric hydroxide (C. W. Schweinfest, R. W. Kwiatkowski, and R. P. Dottin, 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79, 4997-5000). A 1.8-Kb cDNA complementary to a UDPGP mRNA was identified after screening the bank by hybridization selection and translation. Only the mRNA encoding the higher molecular weight in vitro translation product is hybrid selected by this cDNA. In hybrid-arrested translation experiments, the coding strand of this cDNA selectively inhibits the translation of only one of the two in vitro translation products. Therefore, there are two distinct UDPGP mRNAs.
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