Raloxifene, a new selective estrogen receptor modulator

There is evidence from observational studies that estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women can reduce the rates of morbidity and mortality of atherosclerotic heart disease. The mechanism of this cardiovascular protective effect is not yet established, but favorable actions of hormone therapy on plasma lipids and vascular endothelial function have been proposed. Estrogens can also increase the risk of breast and uterine carcinoma. The new selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) raloxifene appears to have benefits similar to estrogen on plasma lipids and osteoporosis, but it does not affect the rate of uterine carcinoma as does tamoxifen and estrogen. Animal studies suggest an anti-atherosclerotic action of raloxifene, but this needs to be confirmed in long-term human studies.

Inactivation of Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from the surface of alfalfa seeds and sprouts by combined antimicrobial treatments using ozone and electrolyzed water

Individual chemical and non-chemical treatments have failed to disinfect alfalfa seeds and sprouts from pathogens thoroughly. This study investigated the disinfection of alfalfa seeds and sprouts using a procedure combining ozone with acidic (pH 3.0) electrolyzed water (AEW). Inoculated alfalfa seeds with a cocktail of 3 strains Salmonella and 3 strains of STEC were treated sequentially with aqueous ozone followed by AEW. Treatment started by immersing the samples into ozonated water (5 mg/L ozone) for 15 or 20 min with persistent oxygen feeding pressurized with 10 psi. The samples then were immersed in 1 L of AEW for 15 min. Salmonella and STEC were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 3.6 and 2.9 log CFU/g on seeds respectively, and by 3.1 and 3.0 log CFU/g reduction on sprouts. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in the magnitude of the log reduction between Salmonella and STEC on seeds and between seeds and sprouts. Using combined treatments showed no significant changes in the quality, including shelf life, weight, and color in sprouts as compared to controls. The findings suggest that the combination of ozone and AEW is effective in inactivation of Salmonella and STEC on alfalfa seeds and sprouts with no adverse effects on sprouts quality.

Comparison between the Real-Time PCR and Crystal Diagnostic Xpress Immunoassay Methods for Detecting Salmonella and Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in the Air of Beef Slaughter Establishments

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) molecular method and the Crystal Diagnostic Xpress (CDx) immunoassay for detecting Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in air samples collected from abattoirs in Texas. The 70 air samples were collected from two small and two large meat processing plants in the spring and summer with a wetted wall cyclone air sampler. The samples were divided equally into two parts: one part was used for the qPCR assay, and the other part was enriched for 18 and 36 h and evaluated with the CDx immunoassay. All samples for which positive results were obtained were confirmed by plating and by biochemical and serological tests as recommended by AOAC International to verify results of rapid methods. With the qPCR and CDx assays and 36 h of enrichment, 37.5 and 57.1% of the samples, respectively, were positive for Salmonella (P < 0.05) and 65.0 and 60.7%, respectively, were positive for STEC (P > 0.05). Air samples required longer enrichment for the CDx immunoassay than recommended by the manufacturer for food samples. Recovery of Salmonella and STEC increased 16 and 47%, respectively, when enrichment was extended from 18 to 36 h. The prevalence of Salmonella and STEC obtained with both methods was affected by the size of the processing plant and the processing stage. Detection rates for samples from larger plants were higher for both pathogens. Significantly higher prevalence was obtained for samples from the stunning and dehiding areas than for those from the fabrication rooms and chillers. Salmonella detection was higher with the CDx assay than with the qPCR assay, but no differences were found for the detection of STEC by the qPCR and CDx assays. These results highlight the importance of method adjustments when testing matrices other than foods. More research is needed to understand the dynamics of pathogen dispersal in aerosols and how this affects the effectiveness of current rapid detection methods.

HIGHLIGHTS

Genomic insights into racing camels: inbreeding levels and positive selection linked to athletic traits

Racing dromedary camels are widely distributed across the Arabian Peninsula, predominantly concentrating in its northern and southeastern regions. Phenotypically, they are differentiated from other dromedary types, characterised by their smaller body size, longer limbs, reduced hump size, and thinner chest girth. In this study, the whole genome sequences of 34 racing camels were analysed to assess their genetic relationship with non-racing populations, estimate levels of inbreeding, calculate Wier and Cockerham's fixation index (Fst), assess effective population size (Ne), and identify candidate regions with signatures of positive selection. Both racing and non-racing camels exhibited comparable levels of genomic inbreeding (FROH = 0.21), with no significant genetic differentiation detected between them. The estimated Fst value between the two camel groups also revealed minimal genetic differentiation. A declining trend was observed in Ne estimations of both groups over the past 5 000 years, with slightly lower recent Ne in racing camels compared to their non-racing counterparts. Signatures of positive selection in the genomes of racing camels were identified through the application of two haplotype-based statistics, namely the integrated haplotype homozygosity score (iHS) and extended haplotype homozygosity between-populations (Rsb), along with runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis. A total of 33 regions under selection were detected via iHS, 19 via Rsb, and 24 through ROH. Candidate regions under selection were found to overlap with genes involved in diverse biological pathways potentially linked to athletic performance, e.g., musculoskeletal development, lipid metabolism, stress response, bone integrity, as well as endurance and power. These findings provide a foundation for further exploration of the racing dromedary genome, with the goal of defining variants and haplotypes that might be associated with athletic traits. Such insights could assist the development of genetically informed breeding programmes aimed at developing specialised racing dromedary lines, contributing to the broader understanding and preservation of animal athletic performance and selection in domesticated species worldwide.

No useful role for fine needle aspiration as a marker for familial breast cancer

A study of a single fine needle aspiration taken from the upper outer quadrant of 228 asymptomatic women attending a family history clinic has been performed. No abnormalities were detected. This is not a useful screening tool in asymptomatic women at risk of breast cancer.

Suggested reference ranges in clinical chemistry for apparently healthy males and females of Pakistan

Seven hundred and eighty six apparently healthy males (418) and females (368) aged 0-69 years were randomly selected for estimation of reference ranges of 24 serum analytes at the clinical chemistry laboratory of The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Of the total study samples, 56% (439/786) were in the paediatric age group (0-14 years) and 44% (347/786) in the adult (15 > or = 60 years) group. Beckman Astra Ideal Autoanalyzer was used for all the estimations. Mean and standard deviations (SD) were calculated for each of the age groups. Reference ranges were calculated following standard methods of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) and International Committee for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH).

Blood lipids in a healthy Karachi population

Serum levels for cholesterol and triglycerides were estimated in an apparently normal healthy population of Karachi, aged between 4 and 59 years. In total, there were 632 subjects, 322 males and 310 females. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as a cholesterol level greater than 6.2 mmol l-1 (240 mg dl-1) in subjects above 20 years of age. In the age groups 20-39 and 40-59 years hypercholesterolemia was present in 26-41% of the males and 10-38% of the females. When triglyceride levels of more than 2.8 mmol l-1 (250 mg dl-1) were taken as abnormal for healthy males and females, 0-2% of the females and 10-25% of the males above 20 years of age were hypertriglyceridemic. The mean cholesterol levels in the age groups 4-9 and 10-19 years varied from 4.4 to 4.9 mmol l-1 (169.8 to 189.1 mg dl-1).