Validation of Three Rapid Screening Methods for Detection of Verotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Foods: Interlaboratory Study

An interlaboratory study was conducted for the validation of 3 methods for the detection of all verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in foods. The methods were a multi-analyte 1-step lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for detection of E. coli O157 and verotoxin (VT); an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeted against VT1, VT2, and VT2c (VT-ELISA); and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detection of VT genes (VT-PCR). Aliquots (25 g or 25 mL) of 4 food types (raw minced [ground] beef, unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized apple juice [cider], and salami) were individually inoculated with low numbers (<9 to 375 cells/25 g) of 6 test strains of E. coli (serogroups O26, O103, O111, O145, and O157) with differing VT-producing capabilities. Five replicates for each test strain and 5 uninoculated samples were prepared for each food type. Fourteen participating laboratories analyzed samples using the LFIA, 9 analyzed the samples by ELISA, and 9 by PCR. The LFIA for O157 and VT had a specificity (correct identification of negative samples) of 92 and 94%, respectively, and a sensitivity (correct identification of positive samples) of 94 and 55%, respectively. The VT-ELISA and VT-PCR

Treatment of multiple sclerosis with lofepramine, L-phenylalanine and vitamin B(12): mechanism of action and clinical importance: roles of the locus coeruleus and central noradrenergic systems

In a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trial a combination of lofepramine, phenylalanine and vitamin B(12) was found to be effective in relieving the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The effect occurred within 2-4 weeks, and improved all types of symptoms in all types of MS. The combination was also effective in relieving symptoms in patients with chronic pain and chronic fatigue. We hypothesize that the action of this combined therapy may relate to activation of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus/lateral tegmentum (LC/LT) system which has the potential to influence the functioning of large areas of the brain and spinal cord.