Clinical application of the 21-gene oncotype recurrence score in an older cohort: A single center experience

BACKGROUND

In early luminal breast cancer, the Oncotype DX® Recurrence Score (RS) prognostic and predictive value with regards to chemotherapy (CHT) application benefit has been broadly validated. In older patients its value has not been deeply addressed. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of RS testing and to look at differences in treatment allocation for these patients when compared with younger ones.

METHODS

We included data from consecutive patients with early luminal HER2-negative breast cancer, treated between 2010 and 2022 at the University Hospital Basel and Cantonal Hospital Baselland, Switzerland. The older cohort included 63 (19%) patients aged ≥70, and the younger cohort 263 (81%) patients aged <70.

RESULTS

Older breast cancer patients had more co-morbidities (N = 36, 57% vs. N = 92, 35%, p = 0.002) and a higher clinical risk status (N = 49, 78% vs. N = 155, 59%; p = 0.01) when compared to younger patients. Histopathologic characteristics were significantly different between the two cohorts. Although older patients had a higher clinical risk status (78% vs. 59%) (p = 0.01), most of them (74%) received no CHT. Specifically, adjuvant CHT was administered less frequently in older than in younger patients (13% vs. 22%; p = 0.01). Moreover, older patients were less likely to complete CHT (>4 cycles: 78% vs. 97%).

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer patients aged ≥70 have higher clinical risk status, more co-morbidities, higher clinical stage (driven by larger tumor size), and more often RS ≥26. However, they receive fewer adjuvant RT and CHT than those aged <70. RS maintains its independent prognostic value in older patients. However, assessing the predictive value of additional CHT benefit remains challenging due to significant differences in CHT administration. Although therapy decision-making in older patients with breast cancer still follows RS-based guidelines, clinical practice indicates an individualized treatment approach.

C1q-fixing human leukocyte antigen assay in immunized renal patients: correlation between Luminex SAB-C1q and SAB-IgG

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus about the impact of thresholds of complement-fixing antibody assays. Recently, a C1q-SAB assay has been developed to identify complement-fixing HLA antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity. Our aim was to determine the correlation between IgG single antigens beads (SAB) and C1q-SAB assay results among patients on the renal waiting list.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Serum samples from immunized renal waiting list patients as well as negative and positive controls were valided by Luminex (LMX). These sera, which were positive for 166 antibody specificities, were tested for HLA class I in parallel by LMX-IgG and LMX-C1q.

RESULTS

Comparison of antibody detection revealed no correlation based on median fluorescent intensity (MFI), levels between the IgG SAB and the C1qSAB assay (P > .05). IgG-positive sera with MFIs as low as 700 were able to fix C1q, whereas other sera with MFIs as high 14,500 did not. Furthermore, there appeared to be disparities in the profiles of class I antigens able to fix C1q-SAB. In our series, only 34% class I IgG SAB antibodies were also C1qSAB+. In several patients, we detected C1qSAB+ against IgGSAB- that was surely due to IgM antibodies. So, the C1qSAB assay detected IgM antibodies that fix complement.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that the C1q-SAB assay could be an important method to evaluate pretransplant virtual crossmatch and to define nonpermitted specificities (C1q-fixing) in kidney transplantation.

Demonstration of ignition radiation temperatures in indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion hohlraums

We demonstrate the hohlraum radiation temperature and symmetry required for ignition-scale inertial confinement fusion capsule implosions. Cryogenic gas-filled hohlraums with 2.2 mm-diameter capsules are heated with unprecedented laser energies of 1.2 MJ delivered by 192 ultraviolet laser beams on the National Ignition Facility. Laser backscatter measurements show that these hohlraums absorb 87% to 91% of the incident laser power resulting in peak radiation temperatures of T(RAD)=300 eV and a symmetric implosion to a 100 μm diameter hot core.

High prevalence of growth hormone deficiency in severe fibromyalgia syndromes

CONTEXT

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by widespread pain and fatigue and is considered a syndrome with different pathogenic mechanisms. Controversial data on GH axis disturbances have been published. Some preliminary trials have shown promising effects of GH therapy on tender points and quality of life in FM.

AIM

The aim was to study the patterns of GH secretion/sensitivity in a cohort of severe FM patients.

SETTING

The study was conducted in five tertiary hospitals.

METHODS

A total of 493 FM women (1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria) recruited from five centers, having more than 16 tender points, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores above 75, more than 1 yr of stable medication (serotonin reuptake inhibitors, amitriptyline, and opioids), and body mass index below 35 kg/m(2) underwent baseline IGF-I/GH determinations; an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and a modified IGF-I generation test were performed in those cases showing IGF-I of 150 microg/liter or less.

RESULTS

A total of 169 of the 493 patients (34.2%) showed IGF-I of 150 microg/liter or less. Mean peak GH during ITT was 13.3 +/- 9.9 ng/ml in 127 patients in which the test was performed. In 22 of 127 (17.3%), ITT peak GH was 5 microg/ml or less, and in eight of them (6.3%), the peak GH was 3 ng/ml or less. Mean baseline GH (n = 127) was 1.47 +/- 2.58 ng/dl, and eight of 120 (6.8%) showed an insufficient IGF-I response (<50% over baseline) to the IGF-I generation test.

CONCLUSION

FM patients show a high prevalence of GH axis dysfunction. A significant number of patients show biochemical patterns of GH deficiency as well as some degree of GH resistance and might be potential candidates for substitution treatment.

Effect of molecular structure of phenolic families as hydroxycinnamic acids and catechins on their antioxidant effectiveness in minced fish muscle

The antioxidant effectiveness of two different families of phenolic compounds, hydroxycinnamic acids and catechins, added as a power (0.001% w/w) to chilled minced horse mackerel muscle was evaluated. Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, o-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid were selected as hydroxycinnamic acids with similar molecular structures. Commercial catechins with different numbers of hydroxylic groups, including catechin, gallocatechin, catechin gallate, and gallocatechin gallate, were also tested. The effectiveness found was individually discussed for each family as a function of the molecular structure. The capacity of hydroxycinnamic acids for donating electrons seems to play the most significant role for retarding the development of rancidity in fish muscle. Conversely, the properties related to the ability for chelating metals and the distribution between oily and aqueous phases were not correlated with the inhibitory activities. Among hydroxycinnamic acids, the results highlighted the potent antioxidant activity of 10 ppm caffeic acid in inhibiting lipid oxidation in fish muscle. Its antioxidant efficacy was similar to that of propyl gallate. Among catechins, catechin showed the highest antioxidant activity. There was an increment of efficacy in fish muscle using concentrations ranging between 10 and 100 ppm of both caffeic acid and catechin.

Ovine pulmonary adenomatosis in Patagonia, Argentina

An outbreak of pulmonary adenomatosis (OPA) occurred in sheep in Patagonia, Argentina's southernmost region. On the affected farm, nine animals died over a 6-month period with pulmonary lesions of OPA. In all cases, the histology of the lungs was characterized by proliferation of cuboideal and prismatic cells lining the alveoli. Inflammatory exudates and accumulation of alveolar macrophages were marked in most cases, but in six of the cases there was no excess fluid in the airways. The presence of the Jaagsiekte retrovirus was demonstrated in the lungs by immunocytochemistry and PCR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of OPA in Patagonia.

Echinococcus granulosus protoscolex formation in natural infections

Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic platyhelminth that is responsible for cystic hydatid disease. From the inner, germinal layer of hydatid cysts protoscoleces are generated, which are are the infective forms to the dog. Systematic studies on the cell biology of E. granulosus protoscolex formation in natural infections are scarce and incomplete. In the present report we describe seven steps in the development of protoscoleces. Cellular buds formed by a clustering of cells emerge from the germinal layer of hydatid cysts. The buds elongate and the cells at their bases seem to diminish in number. Very early on a furrow appears in the elongated buds, delimiting anterior (scolex) and caudal (body) regions. Hooks are the first fully-differentiated structures formed at the apical region of the nascent scolex. In a more advanced stage, the scolex shows circular projections and depressions that develop into suckers. A cone can later be seen at the center of the hooks, the body is expanded and a structured neck is evident between the scolex and the body. During protoscolex development this parasitic form remains attached to the germinative layer through a stalk. When fully differentiated, the stalk is cut off and the infective protoscolex is now free in the hydatid fluid.

Solid-phase microextraction method for the determination of atrazine and four organophosphorus pesticides in soil samples by gas chromatography

A simple and rapid solid-phase microextraction (SPME) based method is presented for the simultaneous determination of atrazine and four organophosphorus (i.e. parathion-methyl, chlorpyriphos, methidathion and carbophenothion) in soils. After optimisation of the different experimental variables affecting the SPME of the target compounds from aqueous solutions by using an experimental design, a consensus strategy was adopted which allowed the use of the SPME method developed for the simultaneous screening of all the analytes selected. The complete analytical procedure finally proposed consisted of a 15-min ultrasonic extraction of the target compounds from a 0.5-g soil sample with 5 ml of methanol and the dilution of this extract to up 10% methanol followed by the addition of NaCl to a final concentration of 10% (w/v). The analytes in this aqueous extract were preconcentrated for 30 min in the SPME fiber and subsequently desorbed by heating of the fiber at 260 degrees C for 5 min in the gas chromatograph injection port. Final determination was carried out with an electron-capture detector. The recoveries of the pesticides studied in soils ranged from 72 to 123%, except for atrazine, and the SDs were below 16%. The feasibility of the procedure finally proposed for the screening of the endogenous pesticides irrespective of the properties of the soil selected has been shown.

Pemphigus vulgaris: environmental factors. Occupational, behavioral, medical, and qualitative food frequency questionnaire

BACKGROUND

There have been reports suggesting the involvement of environmental factors in the disease process of pemphigus. Factors suggested include exposure to pesticides or certain drugs.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association of pemphigus with environmental exposure to various agents, including smoking, recreational and occupational insults, drugs, and food.

DESIGN AND SETTING

In-person interviews of pemphigus patients and control subjects were conducted by trained medical investigators using a structured questionnaire. Questions included occupational, behavioral, medical, and qualitative food frequency details. The multicenter study was conducted at outpatient services of teaching hospitals in Bulgaria, Brazil, India, Israel, Italy, Spain, and the USA.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 126 pemphigus patients (55 men, 71 women; age, 54 +/- 17 years) and 173 healthy controls (87 men, 86 women; age 50 +/- 19 years) were interviewed in the period between October 1, 1999 and March 31, 2000. The diagnosis of pemphigus was based on clinical, histologic, immunohistologic, and immunohistochemical criteria. The disease duration was 2-27 years (8.4 +/- 7.2 years). Individuals with skin diseases other than pemphigus were selected as control subjects.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Information on drugs, foods, and occupational, environmental, constitutional, and other possible risk factors was analyzed by t-tests and chi-squared tests as applicable. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to the data to study simultaneously the independent relationship between each risk factor and pemphigus vulgaris.

RESULTS

The risk for pemphigus vulgaris was lower for ex-smokers and current smokers than for patients who had never smoked. Exposure to pesticides and occupational exposure to metal vapor were associated with an increased risk of pemphigus. Pemphigus patients had more pregnancies than controls. There were differences in environmental factors between countries, with exposure to gardening materials and pesticides being highest among patients from Bulgaria, followed by Israel. Disease characteristics also exhibited differences between countries. Bulgarian patients less frequently had oral mucous membrane lesions: 66% compared to 92% for Israeli patients and 83% for Italians. The distribution of the disease in skin and mucous membranes was similar among patients from all countries. Exclusive skin involvement was seen in 50% of patients, mucous membranes alone in 23% of patients, and both skin and mucous membranes in 27% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The beneficial effect of smoking on pemphigus might be explained by its effect on the immune system. In addition, smoking has an antiestrogenic effect, while pesticides have an estrogenic effect. The lower numbers of smokers among patients, the higher exposure rates to pesticides, and the higher number of female patients who had been pregnant may point to the contribution of estrogens to the disease process. It remains to be determined whether measures, such as avoiding exposure to pesticides or metal vapor, may be beneficial in the clinical context. As the present study was a survey, more definitive studies should be conducted to validate the results.

Xanthones from Calophyllum teysmannii var. inophylloide

Further study of the wood of Calophyllum teysmannii Miq. var. inophylloide yielded xanthones 7-hydroxy-1,2,8-trimethoxyxanthone, 6-hydroxy-1,2,5-trimethoxyxanthone, and 2-carbomethoxy-6-methoxyxanthone in addition to 3,8-dihydroxy-1,2,4-trimethoxyxanthone, 3-hydroxy-2,4-dimethoxyxanthone, 1,7-dihydroxy-3-methoxyanthone (gentisin) and 2-hydroxyxanthone.

Xanthones from Calophyllum teysmannii var. inophylloide

Further study of the wood of Calophyllum teysmannii Miq. var. inophylloide from Thailand yielded the xanthones 1,2,8-trimethoxyxanthone, 6-hydroxy-1,2,5,7-tetramethoxyxanthone and 3-(3'-carboxybutyl)-4-methoxyxanthone (teysmannic acid) in addition to scriblitifolic acid, 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone and the benzoic acid derivative leiocarpic acid.

Congener-specific determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in shark and grouper livers from the northwest African Atlantic Ocean

Concentrations of 24 individual PCB congeners have been measured in livers of groupers (Epinephelus marginatus) and eight shark species (Centroscymnus coelolepis, Centrophorus squamosus, Dalatias licha, Hydrolagus affinis, Deania profundorum, Centroscymnus cryptacanthus, Etmopterus princeps, Deania histricosa) collected between 1994 and 1995 from the northwest African Atlantic Ocean. The concentration range of the total PCBs was 39.4-4,723 ng/g (wet weight). The TEQs found were between 0.15 and 197 pg/g (wet weight). Analysis has revealed differences in PCB content and PCB profiles among the eight shark and grouper species. The location and depth at which the shark lives and the liver lipid content were related with their PCB liver concentrations. The PCB profiles were dominated by congeners 138 and 153, and among the most toxic congeners the order of abundance was PCB 77 > 126 > 169. Chiral PCBs 95, 132, 136, 149, and 174 were found to be racemic or nearly racemic in almost all the groupers (E. marginatus) studied. The PCB profiles of shark species and groupers were compared by principal component analysis. Samples were separated into groups according their trophic levels and geographical variations.

Identification of wheat and tritordeum chromosomes by genomic in situ hybridization using total Hordeum chilense DNA as probe

Total genomic Hordeum chilense DNA probe was hybridized to somatic chromosome spreads of Triticum aestivum 'Chinese Spring' and to four advanced tritordeum lines, the latter being the fertile amphiploid between H. chilense and durum wheat (2n = 6x = 42, AABBH(ch)H(ch)). The probe hybridized strongly to the B-genome chromosomes and to one or two bands on the A-genome chromosomes present in both wheat and tritordeum alloploids. Bands on chromosomes 1D, 2D, and 7D from hexaploid wheat were also detected. Genomic H. chilense DNA probe identified 16 chromosome pairs of the chromosome complement of hexaploid wheat and all A- and B-genome chromosomes present in the tritordeum amphiploids. The in situ hybridization patterns observed correspond to those previously reported in wheat by both N-banding and in situ hybridization with the GAA-satellite sequence (Pedersen and Langridge 1997), allowing the identification of these chromosomes. Variation among the tritordeum amphiploids for hybridization sites on chromosomes 2A, 4A, 6A, 7A, 4B, 5B, and 7B was observed. Despite of this polymorphism, all lines shared the general banding pattern. When used as probe, total H. chilense genomic DNA labeled the H. chilense chromosomes over their lengths allowing the identification of 14 H. chilense chromosomes present in the tritordeum amphiploids. In addition, chromosome-specific telomeric, interstial, and centromeric hybridization sites were observed. These hybridization sites coincide with N-banded regions in H. chilense allowing the identification of the individual H. chilense chromosomes in one of the amphiploid. The N-banded karyotypes of H. chilense (accessions H1 and H7) are presented.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Xanthones from Calophyllum teysmannii var. inuphylloide

Nine xanthones, including 3-(4-hydroxy-3-metnylbutyl)-4,8-dihydroxyxanthone, were isolated from the wood of a Thai collection of CALOPHYLLUM TEYSMANNII Miq. var. INUPHYLLOIDE (King) P. Stephen. Immunomodulatory activities of eight of these have been investigated.

Occurrence of organochlorine insecticides, PCBs and PCB congeners in waters and sediments of the Ebro River (Spain)

Organochlorine insecticides and poychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in water and sediment samples taken from thirteen sites along the Ebro River (Spain), the most agricultural and industrial basin in the North of the Iberian Peninsula. Concentrations of 10 insecticides, PCBs and 13 PCB congeners were determined: grouping all chemicals by structural affinity, these can be arranged in descending order as follow: PCBs > total DDT > total cyclodiene insecticides > total HCH. Higher levels of organochlorine pollutants were detected in sediments from the middle and lower parts of the stream where are located the main important inputs in Ebro River.

Chiral separation of polychlorinated biphenyls by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with sodium cholate

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) with one kind of bile salt (sodium cholate) was used to separate three chiral polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs; 84, 95, and 176), each one in its two enantiomers. Sodium cholate was used as chiral surfactant in a 2-(N-cyclohexylamino) ethanesulfonic acid (CHES) buffer under alkaline (pH 10) conditions containing urea (2 M). The influence of bile salt concentration on the efficiency and the resolution between the two enantiomers of PCBs 84 and 95 was established. The chiral separation of three PCBs was successfully achieved in less than 30 min (approximately 23 min for PCB 176 and approximately 29 min for PCBs 84 and 95).

Inorganic pentavalent arsenic methylation by rats: effect of concentration and dichromate

The effect of the administered arsenic (As) dose and the dichromate ion (Cr) on the methylation process of arsenic was studied in rats exposed to arsenate to elucidate the biotransformation of As. After oral administration of different As (V) and Cr (VI) concentrations, the different As metabolites (inorganic, methylarsonic acid [MMA] and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA] were separated by cation-exchange chromatography and measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Administration of high doses of As produced enzymatic saturation and non-enzymatic depletion, with decreases in DMA levels. The presence of the dichromate ion supported arsenate methylation as it favored reduction of As (V) to As (III), but Cr (VI) produced a significant decrease in the total As excreted.

Fish oil, lipid peroxidation and mammary tumor growth

There is evidence that the level and especially the type of dietary fat can be an important determinant of mammary tumor development and growth. Diets containing high levels of fish oil have been shown to inhibit or suppress mammary tumor growth. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain this modulatory activity of dietary fish oil or fats in general on tumor growth; of special interest is lipid peroxidation. The oxidation of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids present in fish oil, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can produce an array of secondary products of lipid oxidation that may possess a cytostatic or cytolytic capacity.

Gastrointestinal absorption of inorganic arsenic (V): The effect of concentration and interactions with phosphate and dichromate

The absorption of inorganic pentavalent arsenic (As) by the rat small intestine was investigated using 2 different procedures: In vivo determination of overall extent of gastrointestinal absorption; and an intestinal perfusion technique. The aim was to determine the effect of concentration and the interaction with phosphate and dichromate anions on gastrointestinal absorption of As to understand the mechanism of As absorption at intestinal level. The results indicate there is a direct relationship, although not proportional, between the received dose and the absorbed amount of As. Intestinal absorption of As appears carried out by a saturable transport process. The phosphate produces a pronounced decrease in the intestinal absorption of As due to the fact that phosphate and As can share the same transport mechanism which is an active secondary carrier-mediated system depending on Na+ and H+ gradient. Addition of dichromate to perfusion buffers significantly (p > 0.05) increased As absorption. Several hypothesis may explain this fact: Dichromate produces pH modifications at the intracellular level, providing an adequate H(+)-gradient for As absorption; dichromate exerts a caustic effect, which damages the intestinal wall at the microvilli level. This allows free diffusion of As through the resulting openings.

Evaluation of the protein to energy ratio concept in broiler and turkey nutrition

The main objective of feed formulation should be to maximize profits, the difference between returns (growth response) and costs [feed intake (FI)]. For broilers and growing turkeys it is necessary to predict the BW and feed intake responses in order to estimate which protein and energy levels maximize profits for the producer. Data from the literature were collected to evaluate whether growth and FI responses can be better predicted from the dietary protein to energy ratio than protein and energy levels. The Ordinary Least Squares method was applied to estimate the coefficients (Bn) of each model. The best model was selected through the J-test. The protein to energy ratio model was not selected in any case by the J-test. The model based on the protein and energy levels was selected by the J-test to predict the BW response in eight out of nine cases and to predict FI in six out of nine cases. A nested selection was performed to find models for each data set that only include coefficients that are significantly different from zero. The nested selection showed that BW and FI responses can be predicted successfully from protein and energy levels with coefficients of determination between .79 and .97 for broiler chickens and between .45 and .65 for turkeys. Nutritionists should consider the use of models, like the protein and energy levels model, that explain and predict BW and FI responses. Future modeling research should consider important factors in broiler production, like age, sex, and temperature.

Dietary fish oil inhibits human breast carcinoma growth: a function of increased lipid peroxidation

Female athymic nude mice were implanted subcutaneously with human breast carcinoma MDA-MB231. Seven to ten days later, the mice were divided into groups and fed a purified diet containing the following types of fat (% of diet): (i) 20% corn oil (CO); (ii) 15% CO:5% fish (menhaden) oil (FO); (iii) 10% CO:10% FO; (iv) 5% CO:15% FO; (v) 1% CO:19% FO; and (vi) 1% CO:19% FO plus antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol acetate, 2000 IU/kg diet and tertiary butyl-hydroquinone, 2% of total fat). The linoleic acid levels (% of diet) of the groups were 12.0, 9.1, 6.2, 3.3, 0.9 and 0.9%, respectively. After 6-8 wk, the carcinomas were assessed for tumor volume (cm3) and assayed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Human breast carcinoma growth was suppressed in mice consuming FO diets without antioxidants as compared to mice fed CO; the greater the amount of dietary FO fed, the greater the carcinoma growth suppression (P < 0.05). The addition of antioxidants to the FO diet significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the FO-induced carcinoma growth suppression. Concentrations of TBARS in the human breast carcinomas were increased in all the FO (without antioxidants) fed mice, compared to mice fed CO; the level of increase in TBARS was directly related to the increase in the level of FO fed (P < 0.05). The addition of antioxidants to the FO diet significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the concentration of TBARS in the breast carcinomas.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lipid peroxidation products are elevated in fish oil diets even in the presence of added antioxidants

Purified corn and fish oil diets with different types and concentrations of antioxidants were evaluated for oxidation products. In addition, a determination of different organ and carcass oxidation product levels was performed. Peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid assays were performed on the diets immediately after mixing (0 h) and 24, 48 and 72 h after being fed to mice. The AIN-recommended level of antioxidant addition (butylated hydroxytoluene, 0.02 g/100 g oil) and even the addition of 100 times this level (2 g/100 g oil), although decreasing the level of oxidation products, failed to totally prevent oxidative deterioration in diets high in fish oil. Furthermore, other antioxidants added in excess to the fish oil diets also failed to completely suppress oxidative deterioration of the diets and, in addition, when fed daily to mice for a period of 4 wk, caused an accumulation of lipid peroxidation products in certain organs (e.g., heart, skeletal muscle, mammary glands) and in the carcass. These results provide evidence that in the preparation of fish oil diets, the addition of antioxidants at the AIN-recommended level, or even levels substantially higher, does not completely suppress oxidative deterioration of experimental diets.

Comparison of equations for predicting the metabolisable energy intake of laying pullets

1. The accuracy of equations to predict metabolisable energy intake of laying hens was compared using a random sample of the data set of Marsden and Morris (1987). 2. The equation of Pesti et al. (1992) was found to be significantly better at predicting metabolisable energy intake than the equations of Byerly (1941), Emmans (1974), Byerly et al. (1980), and the National Research Council (1984) when equation residual mean square errors were tested. 3. The equation of Pesti et al. (1992) had the highest coefficient of determination (R2), the smallest average residual, and smallest mean square error. The NRC equation predicted the average metabolisable energy intake best, indicating that over- and under-predictions offset each other. 4. The equations of Emmans (1974) and Pesti et al. (1992) were essentially without bias across temperature zones: less than 20, greater than = 20 less than 25, greater than = 25 less than 30, and greater than = 30 degrees C. The equation of Byerly (1941) over-predicted below 25 and above 30 degrees C, but under-predicted between 25 and 30 degrees C. The equation of Byerly et al. (1980) under-predicted below 30 degrees C while the NRC (1984) equation under-predicted above 20 degrees C.

Model for predicting egg output and metabolisable energy intake of laying pullets

1. The data compiled by Marsden and Morris (1987) to examine the relationships between environmental temperature and the long-term, adapted responses of laying pullets were divided at random into two subsets of 99 and 113 observations. The first subset was used to estimate regression coefficients for an econometric model, and the second subset to validate the model. 2. Equations to predict inputs (costs) and outputs (returns) were estimated with a three-stage least-squares regression model. Three stage least-squares estimation is a technique which corrects for the simultaneity of variables within the model and correlation across equations of the model. This results in more efficient estimates of the regression coefficients. 3. The final output and output equations were: MEI = 253.86-190.31EM+5.766EM2-0.546EM3 + 0.7034T-0.004388T3 + 695.08BW-120.23BW2 + 397.37ME-13.132ME2-1.06MEXT; R2 = 0.86; EO = 119 + 0.025MEI -0.0000045MEI2-1.462T-0.0791T2-135.3BW + 38.31BW2-1.483T X BW + 0.0288T2 X BW + 0.673 delta BW; R2 = 0.59 where MEI = daily metabolisable energy intake (kJ/bird d), T = environmental temperature (degree C), EO = egg output (g/bird d), BW = body weight, and ME = metabolisable energy concentration (kJ/g). The values for R2 indicate very good fits considering that the data were recorded over a 26-year period in 14 different laboratories. 4. This statistical model can serve as the basis for an econometric model of egg production to determine the environmental temperature that maximises profits from laying pullets of different body weights.

Lipid peroxidation and tumor growth: an inverse relationship

Lipid peroxidation may play a very important role in cell proliferation especially those of tumors. Secondary products of lipid peroxidation may interact in an inhibitory manner with various cell processes and/or cycle phases that are essential for cell division resulting in a decreased tumor growth rate by killing actively dividing cells of the growth fraction and probably increasing cell loss. The inhibitory or static action of diets containing elevated levels of fish oil on tumor growth may be via lipid peroxidation control over cell proliferation.

Constituents of Knema laurina and Knema tenuinervia ssp. setosa

Extraction of the stem bark of KNEMA LAURINA Warb. and KNEMA TENUINERVIA W. J. J. O. de Wilde ssp. SETOSA de Wilde furnished 3-(12-phenyl-8 Z-dodecenyl)-phenol and 3-(8 Z-pentadecenyl)-phenol together with 8-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3- N-pentylisocoumarin, respectively. 2-Carboxy-3-(12-phenyldodecyl)-phenol) and 2,4-dihydroxy-6-(10-phenyldecyl)-acetophenone were common to both extracts.

Effect of dietary fat on growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 human breast carcinomas in athymic nude mice: relationship between carcinoma growth and lipid peroxidation product levels

Human breast carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 were transplanted s.c. to female athymic nude mice at 3-4 weeks of age. At 7-10 days after transplantation, the mice were divided into groups and fed for 6-8 weeks one of the following semi-purified diets containing different amounts and types of fat, i.e. 5% corn oil, 20% corn oil, 20% butter, 19% beef tallow/1% corn oil and 19% fish (Menhaden) oil/1% corn oil. In addition experiments, the fish oil diets were supplemented with antioxidants (vitamin E, 8 g or 2000 IU/kg diet plus tertiary butyl hydroquinone, TBHQ, 4 g/kg diet) or ferric citrate (3 g/kg diet). Tumor peroxidation product levels were assessed by measuring 2-thiobarbituric acid reactants (TBA assay). At the termination of the studies (6-8 weeks of diet feeding) mean human breast carcinoma volume (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) was the largest in mice fed the 20% corn oil diet, intermediate in mice fed the butter or beef tallow diets and the least in mice fed the fish oil diet. The difference in mean tumor volumes among mice fed the 20% corn oil diet and those fed the fish oil diet was significant (P less than 0.01). When comparing low (5% corn oil) and high (20% corn oil) fat diets, numerical increases in human breast carcinoma volume (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) were consistently observed in the high-fat diet groups but these differences were not always significant. Tumor lipid peroxidation product levels were determined on the MDA-MB231 tumors; tumor lipid peroxidation levels were significantly (P less than 0.01) increased only in mice fed the fish oil diets. Supplementation of the fish oil diets with antioxidants (vitamin E + TBHQ) significantly reduced the level of tumor peroxidation products and significantly increased tumor volume (P less than 0.05). When tumor lipid peroxidation product levels in the fish oil plus antioxidant fed mice were reduced to the level of that observed in the tumors of the corn oil fed mice, no significant differences in tumor volumes were observed in these two groups. In contrast, supplementation of the fish oil diets with ferric citrate, significantly (P less than 0.05) increased tumor lipid peroxidation product levels and decreased tumor volume. Thus, the type of dietary fat can clearly affect the growth of human breast carcinomas (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) maintained in athymic nude mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Antigenic stability of foot-and-mouth disease virus variants on serial passage in cell culture

Two neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb)-resistant variants selected from an isolate of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) type A5 were repeatedly passaged in cell culture and monitored for susceptibility to neutralization by the selecting MAb. A variant isolated with a MAb to a conformational epitope (1-OG2) lost resistance in 20 passages, while a variant isolated with a MAb to a linear epitope (1-HA6) persisted for 30 passages. In both cases, the virus population emerging after passage was antigenically and genetically indistinguishable from the original wild-type parental virus (FMDV A5 Spain-86). Coinfection assays with the wild type and each variant, and between the variants, showed rapid conversion to a homogeneous population. Wild-type virus prevailed over the variants and for coinfection between the variants, the linear epitope variant 1-HA6. While both variants arose from a single nucleotide substitution and reversion to wild type occurred for each, it appears that the variant based on the continuous epitope (1-HA6) was more stable. We discuss the implications of these results for the antigenic diversity of FMDV and its relationship to virus evolution.

Identification of neutralizing antigenic sites on VP1 and VP2 of type A5 foot-and-mouth disease virus, defined by neutralization-resistant variants

Five neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nMAbs) obtained against type A5 Spain-86 foot-and-mouth disease virus were used to generate a series of neutralization-resistant variants. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that the variants were fully refractory to neutralization by the selecting nMAb. On the basis of cross-neutralization and binding assays, two neutralizing antigenic sites have been located on the virus surface; one, located near the C-terminus of VP1, displayed a linear epitope, and the second, located on VP2, displayed two conformational epitopes. Nucleotide sequencing of RNA of the parental and variant capsid protein-coding region P1 has placed the amino acid changes at position 198 of VP1 for the first site and at positions 72 and 79 of VP2 for the related epitopes in the second site. The relative importance of these two sites in the biological properties of foot-and-mouth disease virus is discussed.

Serum concentrations and cellular uptake of vitamin E

The high affinity receptor for low density lipoprotein (LDL) is demonstrated to function as a mechanism for delivery of vitamin E to cells. It is suggested that LDL which serves as its carrier is specific for d-alpha tocopherol which in turn is the most active biological form of vitamin E in human adults; also, its concentration is the highest in human adults serum as compared to other forms such as beta, gamma, delta, alpha tocopherol succinate and acetate when serum concentrations of human adults were measured after ingestion of various alpha tocopherol preparations the highest concentration in serum was achieved by d-alpha tocopherol over other forms as alpha tocopherol acetate or alpha tocopherol succinate. This data permits one to conclude that the most important biological form of vitamin E for absorption, transport and utilization is the d-alpha tocopherol. Specific receptor sites are apparent for d-alpha tocopherol in LDL, for which a high affinity receptor exists in the cells. This has been demonstrated to be a mechanism for cellular uptake of d-alpha tocopherol and cholesterol by cells.

Antigenic comparison of different foot-and-mouth disease virus types using monoclonal antibodies defining multiple neutralizing epitopes on FMDV A5 subtypes

Thirteen monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were elicited with A5 Spain-86 virus, the cause of the most recent foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) outbreak in Spain. The MAbs were tested for ability to bind 140S virions and 12S protein subunits by liquid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA), and to bind VP1 capsid protein by Western immunoblot assay. One of the thirteen MAb was virion (140S) specific, seven recognized 140S and 12S subunits, one bound to 140S, 12S and VP1 and four were 12S specific. These MAbs presented varying binding patterns when tested against different FMDV subtypes and serotypes, indicating the presence of conserved and non-conserved epitopes among FMDV serotypes and subtypes. Neutralization assays, in vivo and in vitro, showed that none of the 140S specific MAbs or 12S specific MAbs were neutralizing, but notably several of the 12S specific MAbs bound to all the different FMDV serotypes and can be useful diagnostic reagent for the detection of FMDV. The remaining MAbs showed varying behavior with the different types tested: not all types to which the MAbs bound were neutralized, demonstrating that the presence of an epitope and subsequent neutralization of infectivity are not necessarily correlated. Five type A12 neutralizing MAbs, previously characterized, have been used in this work. Four bound to A5 Spain-86 virus, but only one neutralized viral infectivity. On the basis of differential reactivity and neutralization among various FMDV subtypes and serotypes, and cross-inhibition binding assays between these MAbs, seven neutralization related epitopes have been defined on A5 Spain-86 virus.

Modeling of peak profiles. Application to the preparative liquid chromatography of steroids

The solution of the mass balance equations in liquid chromatography describes the propagation of signals of finite concentration through the column. The general numerical solution requires the prior determination of the partition isotherm. For low solute concentrations, when the isotherm equation can be replaced with a two-term expansion, an analytical solution for the peak profiles is obtained. The theory is applied to predict, as a function of solute concentrations, the elution profiles of two steroids of similar structure, cis- and trans-androsterone, with organic solvents as the mobile phase and buffered silica gel as the stationary phase. At infinite dilution both steroids are well resolved, the trans isomer being eluted before the cis isomer. At high concentrations their adsorption isotherms intercept each other and, for large amounts injected, their elution order is reversed, with marked differences in the elution peak shapes of both steroids.

Mercury in human hair: a study of residents in Madrid, Spain

The mercury content in hair of the population in Madrid (chosen randomly) was in the range of 1.29-129.47 micrograms/g (geometric mean = 7.96 micrograms/g). The mean mercury content in hair of occupationally exposed workers was 12.70 micrograms/g (range = 2.91-65.43 micrograms/g). The highest means, which were found in two families (i.e., 67.89 micrograms/g and 92.47 micrograms/g, Families A and B, respectively), probably resulted from external factors. No statistically significant variations in the mercury concentrations in hair were found with regard to sex, age, or dental fillings. A significant correlation (r = 0.785; P less than .01) was found between the concentration of the total mercury found in nursing infants and their mothers.