A novel treatment to enhance survival for end stage triple negative breast cancer using repurposed veterinary anthelmintics combined with gut‑supporting/immune enhancing molecules

Patients with end‑stage metastatic disease have limited treatment options and those diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (Her2, Estrogen receptor, Progesterone receptor) have a poor prognosis. Using a triple negative mammary tumor model selected for brain metastasis (4T1Br4) in the mouse, treatment options that may increase survival when therapeutics are applied at post‑metastasis were assessed. Anti‑parasitic benzimidazoles (BZs) destabilize microtubules, inhibit metabolic pathways, reduce cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis in tumor cells. Co‑administration of two BZs was selected, oxfendazole (OFZ) and parbendazole (PBZ), shown to overcome resistance development in anthelmintic effects by imposing metabolic delay to assess if multiple BZ approach is also suitable to enhance anticancer effects. It has been previously reported that treatment of mammary tumor‑bearing mice at an early stage with chitin microparticles (CMPs) decreased tumor growth and metastases by enhancing both innate M1 macrophage and TH1 adaptive immune response. Oral administration of CMPs was previously revealed to affect the gut in intestinal inflammation. A combination BZ (OFZ/PBZ) and CMP treatment was tested to target tumor development and metastasis and effects were compared in response to monotherapies of the same compounds or to untreated mice. The results demonstrated increased survival, decreased tumor cell proliferation, decreased metastasis in lungs and brain, increased levels of fecal SCFAs butyric, acetic, propionic and valeric acids with increased butyric and propionic acid levels in brain biopsies in combination treated compared with untreated mice. At the primary tumor, SCFA receptor FFAR2 expression was increased in combination treatment compared with untreated mice, suggestive of a non‑invasive cancer phenotype. The superior cytotoxic effects of OFZ/PBZ were confirmed as opposed to single treatment with OFZ or PBZ using 3D spheroids generated from a human breast cancer cell line, MDA‑MB‑468. These data are compelling for treatment option possibility even at late stages of metastasized breast cancer.

Phase Diagram of Fatty Acid Langmuir Monolayers from Rheological Measurements

Langmuir monolayers of fatty acids and alcohols are two-dimensional systems with a rich equilibrium phase diagram. We have explored the temperature and surface-pressure-dependent shear response of monolayers formed by fatty acids of different chain lengths and a fatty alcohol. This has been accomplished with an interfacial shear rheometer utilizing magnetic tweezers and equipped with a refined temperature control and acquisition system. Our rheological results have allowed us to draw a phase diagram from the viscoelastic properties of these 2-D systems and show new phenomena that strongly depend on temperature: the existence of a maximum in viscosity at the L2' phase, the behavior of the elastic modulus to the storage modulus ratio at the L2 phase, and the increase or decrease in viscosity at the L2-LS phase transition. In addition, we unambiguously show that the LS phase displays a counterintuitive behavior in which the loss modulus increases with temperature. We demonstrate, through isothermal surface pressure sweeps and isobaric temperature sweeps, that the exponential dependence of the loss modulus on temperature at the LS phase appears for all hydrophobic tail lengths studied and for both acid and alcohol head groups.

Spongiatriol inhibits nuclear factor kappa B activation and induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the US, is highly resistant to all current chemotherapies, and its growth is facilitated by chronic inflammation. The majority of pro-inflammatory cytokines initiate signaling cascades that converge at the activation of the Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFκB), a signal transduction molecule that promotes cell survival, proliferation and angiogenesis. In an effort to identify novel inhibitors of NFκB, the HBOI library of pure compounds was screened using a reporter cell line that produces luciferin under the transcriptional control of NFκB. Seven compounds were identified through this screen, but in the case of five of them, their reported mechanism of action made them unlikely to be specific NFκB inhibitors. Spongiatriol, a marine furanoditerpenoid that was first isolated in the 1970s, is shown here to inhibit NFκB transcriptional activity in a reporter cell line, to reduce levels of phosphorylated (active) NFκB in the AsPC-1 cell line, to have an IC₅₀ for cytotoxicity in the low micromolar range against the AsPC-1, BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2 and Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines, and to induce moderate but significant apoptosis in both the AsPC-1 and the Panc-1 cell lines.

[Increase of intraepithelial lymphocytes in patients with irritable bowel syndrome]

Several studies have shown increased numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), mast cells, enterochromaffin cells in colonic mucosa of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Many of these findings are based is based on immunohistochemistry results, which is not available in general hospitals. Our objective is to study the histological findings observed in colon biopsies from patients with IBS compared with a group without IBS, using only histochemistry. Twenty five (25) patients were included: 16 with IBS and 9 without IBS. We found increased numbers of IEL in patients with IBS (p=0,002). A group of patients with IBS (41.9%) who fulfilled histological criteria for lymphocytic colitis were excluded. There was no significant difference in mast cells, enterochromaffin cells or eosinophils.

Total synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of macrocyclic hybrids and analogues of the antimitotic natural products dictyostatin, discodermolide, and taxol

The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of hybrids and analogues of the microtubule-stabilizing anticancer agents dictyostatin, discodermolide, and taxol is described. A 22-membered macrolide scaffold was prepared by adapting earlier synthetic routes directed towards dictyostatin and discodermolide, taking advantage of the distinctive structural and stereochemical similarities between these two polyketide-derived marine natural products. Initial endeavors towards accessing novel discodermolide/dictyostatin hybrids led to the adoption of a late-stage diversification strategy and the construction of a small library of methyl-ether derivatives, along with the first triple hybrids bearing the side-chain of taxol or taxotere attached through an ester linkage. Biological assays of the anti-proliferative activity of these compounds in a series of human cancer cell lines, including the taxol-resistant NCI/ADR-Res cell line, allowed the proposal of various structure-activity relationships. This led to the identification of a potent macrocyclic discodermolide/dictyostatin hybrid 12 and its C9 methoxy derivative 38, accessible by an efficient total synthesis and with a similar biological profile to dictyostatin.

Total synthesis of a library of designed hybrids of the microtubule-stabilising anticancer agents taxol, discodermolide and dictyostatin

A hybrid library of the marine natural products dictyostatin and discodermolide, incorporating the taxol or taxotere side chains, were synthesised; preliminary biological evaluation in the PANC-1 cancer cell line revealed significant antiproliferative activity, demonstrating that a macrolide scaffold is an effective surrogate for the baccatin core of taxol.

Liposomal doxorubicin and cisplatin as first-line chemotherapy in unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma: A phase II study

e13507

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a poor prognosis neoplasm. Its worldwide incidence is rising but until recently chemotherapy has not been shown to be effective in its treatment. The combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed is the approved “standard” treatment in unresectable MPM. Liposomal doxorubicin (LD) consists of pegylated phospholipid- vesicles that encapsulate doxorubicin conferring minimal capture from the reticulo-endothelial system resulting in a greater serum half- life, an enhanced liposome deposition in the tumor and a lower degree of toxicity. We evaluated the combination of LD and Cisplatin (Cis) in chemonaive patients with unresectable MPM. Methods: From September 2006 to October 2008, consecutive patients with stage III / IV MPM were included to receive LD 40 mg/m2 and Cis 60 mg/m2 every 21 days for a maximum of 4 cycles. Imaging studies were performed prior and after 2 cycles to assess response. Gamma camera images (GCI) of Tc-99m-labeled LD were acquired to evaluate LD accumulation in measurable tumor tissue. Patients gave written informed consent. Results: Twenty seven patients were included, 81.5% were stage III and 18.5% were IV. According to EORTC prognostic factors, 33.3% and 66.7% had poor and good prognosis, respectively. Median age was 59.2 years (33–80). Median follow-up was of 5.2 ± 0.8 months. Median survival has not been reached. The 2-year overall survival was 52.5% ± 14.2. Median time to progression was 5.0 ± 1.1 months (CI 95%, 2.7–7.3). Overall response was 45.5%, stable disease 36.4% and progression of 18.2%. GCI showed good accumulation and retention (60%) of the labeled LD in tumor tissue at 4 h after the initial injection. There were no toxic deaths. Conclusions: Cis+LD is a highly active regimen in MPM with comparable results to the most active regimens so far reported. A phase III trial is warranted to confirm these findings.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Total synthesis and biological evaluation of novel C2-C6 region analogues of dictyostatin

By exploiting a Still-Gennari HWE coupling with a common C11-C26 aldehyde, a series of C2-C6 modified analogues of the microtubule-stabilising marine natural product dictyostatin were synthesised and evaluated in vitro for growth inhibition against a range of human cancer cell lines, including the (P-glycoprotein efflux-mediated) Taxol-resistant NCI/ADR cell line. Removal of the C6 methyl substituent in dictyostatin was found to be well tolerated and led to the retention of antiproliferative activity in the low nanomolar range (IC(50)=43 nM in the NCI/ADR cell line), while partial and full saturation of the (2Z,4E)-dienoate region led to a progressive reduction in biological potency. The lactone ring size was found to be critical, as C21 to C19 translactonisation to afford 20-membered isodictyostatin analogues led to a significant loss of cytotoxicity. In a series of incubatory experiments performed on the PANC-1 cell line, all three of the 22-membered macrolide analogues acted in an analogous fashion to dictyostatin, through a mechanism of microtubule stabilization, causing both an accumulation of cells at the G2/M phase and formation of characteristic dense intracellular microtubule bundles.

Total synthesis and biological evaluation of potent analogues of dictyostatin: modification of the C2-C6 dienoate region

By exploiting a Still-Gennari olefination of a common C11-C26 aldehyde with a C4-C10 or C1-C10 beta-ketophosphonate, three modified C2-C6 region analogues of the 22-membered macrolide dictyostatin were synthesised and evaluated in vitro for growth inhibition against a range of human cancer cell lines, including the Taxol-resistant NCI/ADR-Res cell line. 6-Desmethyldictyostatin and 2,3-dihydrodictyostatin displayed potent (low nanomolar) antiproliferative activity, intermediate between dictyostatin and discodermolide, while 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrodictyostatin showed activity comparable to discodermolide. As with dictyostatin, these simplified analogues act through a mechanism of microtubule stabilisation, G2/M arrest and apoptosis.

Antiprotozoal activity of (8-hydroxymethylen)-trieicosanyl acetate isolated from Senna villosa

A white solid compound was isolated from the chloroform extract of the leaves of Senna villosa. The material was identified by (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, IR and EM methods as (8-hydroxymethylen)-trieicosanyl acetate, a new compound with biological activity, which was tested in vitro at concentrations of 1.65, 3.3 and 6.6 microg/ml for inhibition of the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes and tripomastigotes. We observed inhibition of growth at all concentrations tested, and the effect at concentrations of 3.3 and 6.6 microg/ml was greater than that of gentian violet (positive control). At the concentration of 6.6 microg/ml, the compound showed the greatest inhibitory effect against the growth of both forms of the parasite.

Reversible, high-voltage square-wave pulse generator for triggering spark gaps

A design is presented for a reversible, square-pulse generator that employs coaxial cables for charge storage and pulse formation and a thyratron as the switch. The generator has a nominal output voltage of 5-30 kV and a pulse duration determined by the cable's physical length. Two variations are presented: (1) a single-stage one consisting of cable that is charged via its shield on one end and discharged with a thyratron on the opposite end and (2) a two-stage one having an inverting circuit that uses a coaxial cable to reverse the polarity of the pulse. The generator operates with "flying shields," i.e., high-voltage pulses also propagate on the outside of the cables; this calls for a dedicated insulation that avoids breakdown between sections of the cable's shield. The rise time obtained is mostly dictated by the switching time of the thyratron; with the one we used in the tests, rise times in the range of 30-40 ns were obtained. We present the results obtained in the implementation of the generators as well as its application to fire a large Marx generator.

[Conservative management of the airway following iatrogenic tracheal rupture]

The trachea of a 39-year-old man ruptured following intubation for fiberoptic bronchoscopy; the complication became evident during surgery as extensive subcutaneous emphysema developed. The emphysema resolved with conservative treatment. Tracheobronchial lesions are generally caused by direct trauma to the chest. Tracheal rupture due to intubation maneuvers is one of the complications anesthetists fear most. Although infrequent, such lesions are potentially fatal. Signs and symptoms can vary widely, from self-limiting asymptomatic subcutaneous emphysema immediately following surgery to severe complications such as tension pneumothorax, acute respiratory failure, pneumomediastinum, or even pneumopericardium. The absence of complications in patients treated conservatively has increased interest in using this approach to management when conditions are favorable, always with fiberoptic assessment to evaluate whether the lesion has resolved completely and without sequelae.

Neopeltolide, a macrolide from a lithistid sponge of the family Neopeltidae

A new marine-derived macrolide designated as neopeltolide (1) has been isolated from a deep-water sponge of the family Neopeltidae. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation. Neopeltolide (1) is a potent inhibitor of the in vitro proliferation of the A-549 human lung adenocarcinoma, the NCI-ADR-RES human ovarian sarcoma, and the P388 murine leukemia cell lines, with IC50's of 1.2, 5.1, and 0.56 nM, respectively. Neopeltolide (1) also inhibited the growth of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.62 microg/mL.

Remote sensing study of emissions from motor vehicles in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City

Remote sensing was employed for the first time to measure nitric oxide (NO) levels of on-road light-duty motor vehicles of the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City (MAMC). The sensor placed at 12 different sites also measured the concentration of CO2, CO, and total hydrocarbons (THC) in the exhaust emissions. A database was compiled containing 122 800 readings, of which 84 650 (69%) records were valid emissions measurements. CO, HC, and NO valid readings were 68.9, 63.4, and 62.9%, respectively, of the total attempted measurements. Furthermore, 42 822 vehicles were number-plate-matched to model year with the information provided by the Inspection/Maintenance Program. The mean emissions of total valid readings for CO, HC, and NO were determined to be 1.31 vol %, 440 ppm (propane), and 914 ppm, respectively. In 1991 and 1994, remote sensing measurements of CO and HC tailpipe emissions were performed in the MAMC in five different locations (30 000 valid readings). Large drops in both pollutants were observed for the intervening years, but sufficient vehicle information was not available at that time to fully explain the observed trends. Compared with those reports, our results point out to a steady decrease in CO and HC exhaust emissions with vehicle model year. The fleet emissions measured exhibit a gamma-distribution, with 10% of the most polluting fleet studied being responsible for 45%, 25%, and 29% of the CO, HC, and NO emissions, respectively. NO emissions in taxis are the highest among the vintage of vehicles, a matter of concern since according to the distance traveled per year, they represent 22% of the total activity in the MAMC.

Evaluation of the vehicle inspection/maintenance program in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City

The Inspection/Maintenance Program in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City (MAMC) mandates a test every 6 months for all gasoline motor vehicles as one of the strategies to decrease emissions of vehicular pollutants. FTP-75 and ASM procedures were performed in our facilities to a fleet of 108 in-use motor vehicles before and after the approval of the I/M mandatory test When our laboratory-simulated ASM data were compared with those of the official certificate, a large difference was observed between them. On the other hand, audits at the test-only centers indicate poor maintenance of the analytical instruments and dynamometers. On the basis of our FTP results, an estimation of the emissions change for the MAMC fleet shows a net 4% decrease in CO emissions, while total hydrocarbons and NOx increased 9 and 8%, respectively. Our results indicate that the I/M system in the MAMC lacks the technical capability and investment to ensure that software and hardware are properly maintained, calibrated, and upgraded. Sometimes limited attention is paid to ensure adequate training of inspectors, auditors, and quality control staff.

Environmental implications on the oxygenation of gasoline with ethanol in the metropolitan area of Mexico City

Motor vehicle emission tests were performed on 12 in-use light duty vehicles, made up of the most representative emission control technologies in Mexico City: no catalyst, oxidative catalyst, and three way catalyst. Exhaust regulated (CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons) and toxic (benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene) emissions were evaluated for MTBE (5 vol %)- and ethanol (3, 6, and 10 vol %)-gasoline blends. The most significant overall emissions variations derived from the use of 6 vol % ethanol (relative to a 5% MTBE base gasoline) were 16% decrease in CO, 28% reduction in formaldehyde, and 80% increase in acetaldehyde emissions. A 26% reduction in CO emissions from the oldest fleet (< MY 1991, without catalytic converter), which represents about 44% of the in-use light duty vehicles in Mexico city, can be attained when using 6 vol% ethanol-gasoline, without significant variation in hydrocarbons and NOx emissions, when compared with a 5% vol MTBE-gasoline. On the basis of the emissions results, an estimation of the change in the motor vehicle emissions of the metropolitan area of Mexico city was calculated for the year 2010 if ethanol were to be used instead of MTBE, and the outcome was a considerable decrease in all regulated and toxic emissions, despite the growing motor vehicle population.

High-resolution localization of Drosophila Spt5 and Spt6 at heat shock genes in vivo: roles in promoter proximal pausing and transcription elongation

Recent studies have demonstrated roles for Spt4, Spt5, and Spt6 in the regulation of transcriptional elongation in both yeast and humans. Here, we show that Drosophila Spt5 and Spt6 colocalize at a large number of transcriptionally active chromosomal sites on polytene chromosomes and are rapidly recruited to endogenous and transgenic heat shock loci upon heat shock. Costaining with antibodies to Spt6 and to either the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II or cyclin T, a subunit of the elongation factor P-TEFb, reveals that all three factors have a similar distribution at sites of active transcription. Crosslinking and immunoprecipitation experiments show that Spt5 is present at uninduced heat shock gene promoters, and that upon heat shock, Spt5 and Spt6 associate with the 5' and 3' ends of heat shock genes. Spt6 is recruited within 2 minutes of a heat shock, similar to heat shock factor (HSF); moreover, this recruitment is dependent on HSF. These findings provide support for the roles of Spt5 in promoter-associated pausing and of Spt5 and Spt6 in transcriptional elongation in vivo.

[Familial recurrence of non syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Chilean populations]

BACKGROUND

The presence of major genes in the susceptibility of non syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) in Chile has been postulated, considering the high prevalence and familial aggregation of this condition.

AIM

To study the familial recurrence of CL/P in Chile.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The recurrence risk of CL/P was studied in 217 extended pedigrees where 33 (15.2%) were multiplex (21 male and 12 female propositi). These multiplex extended pedigrees (with more than one affected individual) represented 75 nuclear pedigrees, constituted by 840 males and 803 females and are the basic information of this study.

RESULTS

A significantly higher frequency of affected males (4.15%) than affected females (2.27%) was observed, independent of the difference in number of propositi by sex. Even though no differences were observed between families where both parents were unaffected, compared to those with only one affected parent, a higher proportion of affected descendants was found when the affected propositi was the mother. In multiplex families, the recurrence risk, according to the genetic proximity to the proband, was 10.1, 3.6 and 3.3% respectively for first, second and third degree relatives. The figures were 1.5, 0.5 and 0.4% respectively, when adjusted to the 217 extended pedigrees. Considering that the risk for the general population in Chile is approximately 0.16%, it is 10.3, 3.2 and 2.6 times higher among affected families.

CONCLUSIONS

The high heritability of CL/P and the risk encountered for the Chilean population supports the hypothesis of major genes involved in its susceptibility.

Transcription factor TFIIH is required for promoter melting in vivo

The Rad25 protein in yeast is a DNA helicase and a subunit of the general transcription factor TFIIH. While in vitro studies have led to the hypothesis that TFIIH helicase activity plays a role in promoter melting, in vivo tests are lacking. Using potassium permanganate, which preferentially modifies single-stranded DNA, we show that a temperature-sensitive rad25(ts) mutant severely reduces the normally extensive promoter melting observed in vivo on the highly expressed genes TDH2 and PDC1 and on the induced heat shock gene HSP82. Loss of promoter melting can be observed in as little as 30 s after a shift to the nonpermissive temperature and is accompanied by a dramatic reduction in transcription. These effects on the promoter are specific, since the mutation does not affect TATA box occupancy or, in the case of HSP82, recruitment of TATA-binding protein to the TATA element or that of heat shock factor to heat shock elements. Additionally, using the technique of formaldehyde cross-linking coupled with restriction endonuclease cleavage and ligation-mediated PCR, we were able to map the polymerase density on the promoter of HSP82. This high-resolution mapping allowed us to determine that the polymerase II (Pol II) density on the promoter is also dramatically reduced after inactivation of TFIIH. These data provide strong support for the hypothesis that TFIIH functions with Pol II in the transcriptionally required step of promoter melting and show, surprisingly, that the extent of TFIIH-dependent promoter melting observed in vivo is several times larger than that seen in vitro.

Purification and characterization of O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase isoenzymes from Datura innoxia

Three isoenzyme forms (designated A, B, and C) of O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase were purified from Datura innoxia suspension cultures. Isoenzyme A is the most abundant form, comprising 45-60% of the total activity. Isoenzymes C and B comprise 35-40% and 10-20% of the activity, respectively. The specific activities of the purified isoenzymes are similar (870-893 mumol of cysteine/min/mg of protein). Molecular masses for isoenzymes A, B, and C, estimated by analytical size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography, are 63, 86, and 63 kDa, respectively. Isoenzymes A and B are homodimers; isoenzyme C is a heterodimer. Spectral analysis indicates that these isoenzymes possess a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate cofactor that binds the O-acetylserine substrate. Binding is reversible by addition of the sulfide substrate. The O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase isoenzymes are active over a broad temperature range, with maximum activity between 42 and 58 degrees C. They are active only between pH 7 and 8, with optimal activity at pH 7.6. Kinetic analysis indicates these enzymes are allosterically regulated and exhibit positive cooperativity with respect to both substrates. They are inhibited by sulfide concentrations above 200 microM. The kinetic analysis together with the physical and spectrophotometric characteristics indicate that the O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase enzymes have two active sites.

[Potter syndrome caused by bilateral renal agenesis and duodenal atresia]

A case of Potter syndrome secondary to renal agenesia and duodenal atresia with anular pancreas is presented. The karyotype was 47 XY-21. We discuss the antenatal diagnosis and the perinatal management.

[Nutritional changes caused by the germination of legumes commonly eaten in Chile]

The changes promoted by germination on phytates, oligosaccharides, crude protein, amino acids and riboflavin contents of black and white cultivars of beans, lentils, chicken-pea and peas, were studied. Seeds germination was carried out in darkness at 25 degrees C and 85% RH during 72 hours, previously soaked overnight in a solution of sodium hypochlorite at a concentration of 50 ppm. Germination capacity was assessed by determining hypocotyl and epicotyl lengths and percent of sprouted seed. The seeds were milled and freeze-dried for the chemical analysis. Germination promoted a significant increase in crude protein content and reduction also significant in phytates levels. These changes were attributed to an increase of proteases and phytase activities. In fact, this enzyme would make a solubilization of phytates and would release soluble protein and minerals. A significant reduction of flatulence oligosaccharides took place, which was also explained by an increase of alpha-galactosidase concentration. Sprouted seeds showed a higher content of almost all amino acid than crude legumes, although this change was variable. Significant increase of riboflavin was also found. Finally, germination decreased ashes and fat contents. These findings were determined in all legumes, although both cultivars of beans showed a higher response to the biochemical changes.

Nutritional quality of lupine (Lupinus albus cv. Multolupa) as affected by lactic acid fermentation

The effects of selected NRRL strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. buchneri, L. cellobiosus and L. fermentum upon oligosaccharide, phytate and alkaloid contents, as well as on the nutritive value of lupine, were investigated. Lupine was processed to a 12% total solids suspension, inoculated with 1% (v/v) cultures and fermented until a final desired pH of 4.5. L. acidophilus B-2092 and L. buchneri B-1837 growth was related to a significant sucrose breakdown and decreases of phytates, whereas L. acidophilus B-1910 and L. fermentum B-585 reduced the content of flatulence oligosaccharides. The activity of L. acidophilus B-1910 was particularly associated with lowering of alkaloids and increase of riboflavin. Lactic acid fermentation produced slight changes in lysine and methionine contents. No significant differences in net protein ratio values and protein digestibility were found between fermented and unfermented lupine (P less than 0.05). A 1:1 ratio mixture of B-1910 and B-2092 strains of L. acidophilus lead to a final fermented lupine with nutritional advantages to those given by the individual cultures.

Heavy metals, chlorine and antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from ambulatory patients

The susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains isolated from ambulatory patients to heavy metals, chlorine and antibiotics was evaluated. It seemed that heavy metal resistance was associated with antibiotic resistance. On the other hand, chlorine resistant strains seemed to be more sensitive to antibiotics. Clinical and ecological implications of these results are discussed.

[Sweet lupine (Lupinus luteus, var. Aurea/Weico and Lupinus albus, var. Multolupa) proteins. II. Separation by electrophoresis]

The albumins and globulins extracted from Lupinus luteus var. Aurea/Weico and Lupinus albus var. Multolupa defatted flour samples were analyzed by polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis. The purpose was to determine the percentage distribution of pattern in the electrophoretograms and the relative mobility values of protein. The L. luteus albumins densitogram showed six fractions, two of them, No. 2 and No. 4, represented 58.1% of the total. On the other hand, the globulins densitogram revealed five fractions, numbers 1, 2 and 3 representing 90.7%. The densitogram of peak I from Sephadex G-100 globulins filtration indicated two fractions similar to those number 1 and 2 of the total globulins, showing low relative mobility values (from 0.26 to 0.39). The L. albus albumins resolved in four fractions, with No. 2 being the most prevalent (54.3%). In regard to the L. albus globulins, these showed five fractions identical in distribution with those of peak I, fraction 2 appearing as the most important (48.2%). It was found that Sephadex G-100 did not perform a good separation. As to the relative mobility values of globulins, fractions 2 and 3 were the most prominent (relative mobility of 0.35 and 0.48, respectively). It may be concluded that L. luteus albumins presented more components but with lower relative mobility values than those of L. albus. As for the globulins from both lupine flour samples, the gel separated fractions were classified in two groups of components, those of high and of low relative mobility.

[Sweet lupine (Lupinus luteus, var. Aurea/Weico and Lupinus albus, var. Multolupa) proteins. I. Extraction and filtration by Sephadex]

Samples of Lupinus luteus, var. Aurea/Weico and Lupinus albus var. Multolupa flours were analyzed. The flour proteins were extracted and fractionated by gel filtration, and the per cent pattern for both globulins and albumins was then determined. The dehulled seeds, previously analyzed for composition, were ground, defatted and consecutively extracted with distilled water (pH 5.0) and phosphate buffer (0.05 M, pH 8.5). The extracted protein content was measured by the Lowry simplified method. Globulins (pH 8.5 fraction) from both species were filtered through Sephadex G-100; besides, Lupinus albus globulins were filtered through Sephadex G-150, and absorbance of the collected fractions was measured at 280 nm. The dehulled seed (DS) of L. luteus and L. albus revealed a good protein content (58.2 and 41.0%, respectively). The protein extracted from L. luteus was constituted by 17% albumins and 58.4% globulins. In contrast, L. albus presented a higher albumin content (55.6%) than globulins (31.5%). The elution pattern for the Sephadex G-200 gel filtration showed for both lupine species analyzed a preponderant peak I corresponding in L. luteus to 55.0% and in L. albus to 84.1% of the total globulins content. From these results, it may be concluded that the dehulled seed protein content is 42.0% higher for the L. luteus sample than for the L. albus. The applied methodology indicated a predominant content of globulins above albumins in L. luteus, while in the case of L. albus, the albumin content was the highest.

Capacity of the Chilean mixed diet to meet the protein and energy requirements of young adult males

1. The capacity of the Chilean mixed diet to meet the daily protein and energy needs was tested in eight subjects aged from 20 to 31 years using the nitrogen balance method. This diet was tested at the protein levels of 0.40, 0.55 and 0.70 g/kg body-weight per d. 2. An egg reference diet providing 0.30, 0.45 and 0.60 g protein/kg per d was also assayed. 3. The mean daily energy intake was 207 kJ/kg per d according to subjects' previous intake and activity pattern. 4. The N balance response to each dietary protein level was taken as a measure of adequacy of protein intake, and regression analyses of N balance (Y) v. N intake (X) were calculated to estimate protein needs. The equations found were Y = 0.70X - 68.7 for the egg diet, and Y = 0.74X - 92 for the mixed diet. 5. From these equations the mean protein requirements for equilibrium were estimated to be 0.61 g/kg for egg and 0.78 g/kg for the mixed diet. 6. If the coefficient of variation is 15, the protein requirement for N equilibrium of 97.5% of the population would be 0.8 g/kg per d for egg and 1.0 g/kg per d for the mixed diet.

Obligatory urinary and faecal nitrogen losses in young Chilean men given two levels of dietary energy intake

1. The obligatory nitrogen losses were measured in young adult males of the low socio-economic group, consuming an N-free diet at 192 kJ (46 kcal)/kg per d from day 1 to 10 and 243 kJ (58 kcal)/kg per d from day 11 to 18. 2. All subjects, except one, lost weight compatible with N loss. 3. A kinetic evaluation of the results showed that the asymptotically derived urinary N loss after stability had been reached was 35.8 mg N/kg per d. The mean time to stability was 6.5 d. The subjects showed a trend toward decline in N loss while consuming the high-energy N-free diet. 4. The obligatory faecal N loss for days 1-10 was 16.1 mg N/kg per d and 8 mg N/kg per d for days 11-18. 5. Based on the factorial approach the total obligatory N loss of our subjects, for the initial 10 d, was 57.5 mg N/kg per d.

Heterogeneity of hereditary methaemoglobinaemia: a study of 4 Cuban families with NADH-Methaemoglobin reductase deficiency including a new variant (Santiago de Cuba variant)

NADH-methaemoglobin reductase deficiency has been found in 4 Cuban families; 3 subjects carried the mild form of the deficiency while in 2 sibs of the fourth family the deficiency was associated with neurological involvement. The parents in this family were consanguinous and the sibs were shown to be homozygous for a new fast electrophoretic variant. It was named Diaphorase Santiago de Cuba.