Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Other Gut Bacteria in Pigs by a Macroarraying Method

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) consist of many genera, Gram-positive, and nonspore-forming micro-organisms; some members being used as probiotics while some others have negative effects on pig health. Bacterial species in the gastrointestinal tract can produce antibacterial substances, reduce serum cholesterol in their host, or can be responsible for growth reduction, diarrhea, and intestinal epithelial damage. It is therefore important for the pig industry to evaluate the impact of food and farm management on the presence of "good" or "bad" bacteria and the risk for consumers. This articles focuses on the molecular identification of gut microflora species following different diets given to pigs in UK and correlating the data on growth, health, and welfare. First of all, pig feces were individually collected from sows before and after farrowing and also from piglets before and after weaning over several months. Bacteria colonies were grown on MRS agar plates from feces and DNA was extracted (QIAamp DNA stool kit) and amplified using 16S rDNA (27f and 519r) primers. DNA sequencing and sequence alignment allowed us to identify species-specific zones, which were used as probes in a macroarray system also known as reverse line blot hybridization. Some probes were found to be species specific for the following species: Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. animalis, L. gallinarum, L. kitasanotis, L salivarius, Streptococcus alactolyticus, S. hyointestinalis, and Sarcina ventriculi. Actual studies are now focusing on the impact of diets of the microflora in different gut parts and at different stages of the animal's life.

Nuclear overexpression of the E2F3 transcription factor in human lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The E2F3 transcription factor has an established role in controlling cell cycle progression. In previous studies we have provided evidence that nuclear E2F3 overexpression represents a mechanism that drives the development of human bladder cancer and that determines aggressiveness in human prostate cancer. We have proposed a model in which E2F3 overexpression co-operates with removal of the E2F inhibitor pRB to facilitate cancer development. Since small cell lung cancers (SCLC) have one of the highest reported frequencies of functional abnormalities in the pRB protein (90%) of any human cancer, we wish to assess to what extent E2F3 would be overexpressed in this and other classes of human lung cancer.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical techniques were used to assess the E2F3 status in 428 samples of lung cancers, lung carcinoids, normal bronchial epithelium and normal lung tissue.

RESULTS

E2F3 is overexpressed in 55-70% of squamous cell carcinomas and 79% of adenocarcinomas of the lung. In addition very high level expression of nuclear E2F3 is found in almost all small cell lung cancers analysed. When considered together with published data our observations indicate that co-operation between pRB functional knockouts and E2F3 overexpression may represent a mechanism of development of SCLC.

Role of E2F3 expression in modulating cellular proliferation rate in human bladder and prostate cancer cells

Amplification and overexpression of the E2F3 gene at 6p22 in human bladder cancer is associated with increased tumour stage, grade and proliferation index, and in prostate cancer E2F3 overexpression is linked to tumour aggressiveness. We first used small interfering RNA technology to confirm the potential importance of E2F3 overexpression in bladder cancer development. Knockdown of E2F3 expression in bladder cells containing the 6p22 amplicon strongly reduced the extent of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and the rate of cellular proliferation. In contrast, knockdown of CDKAL1/FLJ20342, another proposed oncogene, from this amplicon had no effect. Expression cDNA microarray analysis on bladder cancer cells following E2F3 knockdown was then used to identify genes regulated by E2F3, leading to the identification of known E2F3 targets such as Cyclin A and CDC2 and novel targets including pituitary tumour transforming gene 1, Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and Caveolin-2. For both bladder and prostate cancer, we have proposed that E2F3 protein overexpression may cooperate with removal of the E2F inhibitor retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) to drive cellular proliferation. In support of this model, we found that ectopic expression of E2F3a enhanced the BrdU incorporation, a marker of cellular proliferation rate, of prostate cancer DU145 cells, which lack pRB, but had no effect on the proliferation rate of PC3 prostate cancer cells that express wild-type pRB. BrdU incorporation in PC3 cells could, however, be increased by overexpressing E2F3a in cells depleted of pRB. When taken together, these observations indicate that E2F3 levels have a critical role in modifying cellular proliferation rate in human bladder and prostate cancer.

Animal production systems in the industrialised world

The production of food from animal origin is relatively stable in the industrialised world. However, animal production systems are changing dramatically with respect to location, herd size and specialisation. Increased pressure from a critical public is moving animal-based production towards systems such as organic production and loose-housing systems which allow the animals to better express normal behaviour. The focus on food safety promotes systems with a high degree of biosecurity, often associated with an increase in herd size and self-containment. The globalisation of agricultural trade and increased competition also favours an increase in herd size and specialisation. These trends also lead to regions with livestock-dense areas, giving rise to environmental concerns. Therefore, good farming practice regulations and systems to provide a higher level of transparency, such as quality risk management programmes, are being developed.

CDKL5 mutations cause infantile spasms, early onset seizures, and severe mental retardation in female patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of mutations in CDKL5 in both male and female patients with infantile spasms or early onset epilepsy of unknown cause, and to consider whether the breadth of the reported phenotype would be extended by studying a different patient group.

METHODS

Two groups of patients were investigated for CDKL5 mutations. Group 1 comprised 73 patients (57 female, 16 male) referred to Cardiff for CDKL5 analysis, of whom 49 (42 female, 7 male) had epileptic seizure onset in the first six months of life. Group 2 comprised 26 patients (11 female, 15 male) with infantile spasms previously recruited to a clinical trial, the UK Infantile Spasms Study. Where a likely pathogenic mutation was identified, further clinical data were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven likely pathogenic mutations were found among female patients from group 1 with epileptic seizure onset in the first six months of life, accounting for seven of the 42 in this group (17%). No mutations other than the already published mutation were found in female patients from group 2, or in any male patient from either study group. All patients with mutations had early signs of developmental delay and most had made little developmental progress. Further clinical information was available for six patients: autistic features and tactile hypersensitivity were common but only one had suggestive Rett-like features. All had a severe epileptic seizure disorder, all but one of whom had myoclonic jerks. The EEG showed focal or generalised changes and in those with infantile spasms, hypsarrhythmia. Slow frequencies were seen frequently with a frontal or fronto-temporal predominance and high amplitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

The spectrum of the epileptic seizure disorder, and associated EEG changes, in those with CDKL5 mutations is broader than previously reported. CDKL5 mutations are a significant cause of infantile spasms and early epileptic seizures in female patients, and of a later intractable seizure disorder, irrespective of whether they have suspected Rett syndrome. Analysis should be considered in these patients in the clinical setting.

Post-awakening cortisol secretion during basic military training

Salivary free cortisol concentrations in the first 30 min after awakening were assessed in 12 healthy army recruits at the beginning, middle and end of an 11-week intensive physical training course. To ensure strict adherence to protocol saliva collection was supervised and collected on each sampling day immediately on waking and again 15 and 30 min later. Self-rated psychological assessments of state levels of stress, arousal and fatigue were performed in the evening of each sampling day. A within-subjects repeated-measures analysis of participants who completed the course (12 of the original 20) showed a significant main effect of cortisol concentration across all three sampling points after awakening (F((2,22))=54.516, p<0.0001) and a significant main effect of weeks into the training course (F((3,33))=4.390, p=0.010). Further analysis of this effect of measurement-week revealed that at weeks 3 and 6 total cortisol secretion estimated by area under the curve was lower (F((3,33))=4.602, p=0.008) compared to the beginning and end of the course. Surprisingly self-reported stress, arousal and fatigue did not differ significantly across weeks, despite the large dropout rate (40%) and self-evident pressures of the course. We conclude that when controlling for many confounding variables, including participant adherence, post-awakening cortisol levels are sensitive to stressful challenge over a period of weeks.

Physical activity patterns and obesity in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women

PURPOSE

Cultural differences in diet and lifestyle patterns probably contribute to cancer rates among ethnic groups in the United States. In this paper, we describe physical activity patterns of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women living in the southwestern United States and the effects of these patterns on obesity.

METHODS

We use data from population-based controls (N = 2039) participating in the 4-Corner's Breast Cancer Study to evaluate associations between physical activity and language acculturation and the associated effects on obesity.

RESULTS

The majority of both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women did not perform 30 min of activity > or = 5 d x wk(-1), although a greater percentage of Hispanic women meet the goal if they reported higher levels of language acculturation. However, the type and intensity of activities performed by Hispanic and non-Hispanic women differed; Hispanic women reported more housework, dependent care giving, dancing, and work activity. Differences in activity patterns existed by level of language acculturation among Hispanic women. Hispanic women who had higher levels of language acculturation reported continued activity throughout their lives. Prevalence of obesity was greater among Hispanic than non-Hispanic white women for all levels of language acculturation. Women with intermediate levels of language acculturation had the greatest relative risk of obesity compared with non-Hispanic white women (odds ratio (OR) = 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.85-4.02); Hispanic women with higher levels of language acculturation also were at increased relative risk of obesity (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.28-2.47).

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions to increase physical activity among Hispanic women are needed to address the problems of physical inactivity and obesity in that population. Facilitating culturally relevant activities might be reasonable approaches to increasing physical activity.

Development of a framework for international certification by OIE of diagnostic tests validated as fit for purpose

Historically, the OIE has focused on test methods applicable to trade and the international movement of animals and animal products. With its expanding role as the World Organisation for Animal Health, the OIE has recognised the need to evaluate test methods relative to specific diagnostic applications other than trade. In collaboration with its international partners, the OIE solicited input from experts through consultants' meetings on the development of guidelines for validation and certification of diagnostic assays for infectious animal diseases. Recommendations from the first meeting were formally adopted and have subsequently been acted upon by the OIE. A validation template has been developed that specifically requires a test to be fit or suited for its intended purpose (e.g. as a screening or a confirmatory test). This is a key criterion for validation. The template incorporates four distinct stages of validation, each of which has bearing on the evaluation of fitness for purpose. The OIE has just recently created a registry for diagnostic tests that fulfil these validation requirements. Assay developers are invited to submit validation dossiers to the OIE for evaluation by a panel of experts. Recognising that validation is an incremental process, tests methods achieving at least the first stages of validation may be provisionally accepted. To provide additional confidence in assay performance, the OIE, through its network of Reference Laboratories, has embarked on the development of evaluation panels. These panels would contain specially selected test samples that would assist in verifying fitness for purpose.

Transportation of reagents, reference materials and samples: the international perspective

The International Regulations for the transport of infectious substances, which could include reagents, reference material and samples, are based on the 13th revision of the United Nations Model Regulations and are the standard for transport of infectious substances by all means of transportation. The 13th revision, effective January 2005 and further amended in March and July 2005, made major improvements in these shipping regulations. They specifically exempt certain substances, including those that have been neutralized or inactivated to destroy any pathogens and samples from "normal" animals. Infectious substances are divided into Category A, which includes primarily cultures of the more pathogenic agents and Category B, which includes all other substances that do not meet the Category A criteria. Tissue specimens, submitted for diagnosis, are included in Category B. Category A shipments must have a Dangerous Goods Certificate and meet other requirements; Category B shipments do not. The National requirements, such as import permits, and certain airline restrictions must also be met.

OIE laboratory standards for avian influenza

The principles are outlined by which the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) recognises diagnostic laboratory test procedures, based on the validation data and the fitness for purpose of any given test. The latest proposals for a definition of notifiable avian influenza are described, together with the place of vaccination, as part of the effort to control influenza in domestic poultry.

Tesaglitazar, a novel dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma agonist, dose-dependently improves the metabolic abnormalities associated with insulin resistance in a non-diabetic population

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Insulin resistance is associated with abnormalities in lipid and glucose metabolism, which are major components of metabolic syndrome and risk factors for vascular disease. This study examined the effect of tesaglitazar (Galida), a novel, dual-acting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma agonist, on lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with evidence of insulin resistance.

METHODS

A 12-week, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study compared the efficacy and safety of oral tesaglitazar (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/day) and placebo in 390 non-diabetic patients with hypertriglyceridaemia (plasma triglyceride concentration >1.7 mmol/l) and abdominal obesity (waist-to-hip ratio >0.90 for men and >0.85 for women).

RESULTS

A 1.0-mg dose of tesaglitazar reduced fasting triglycerides (the primary endpoint) by 37% (95% CI: -43% to -30%; p<0.0001), non-HDL-cholesterol by 15% (95% CI: -20% to -10%; p<0.0001) and NEFA by 40% (95% CI: -51% to -27%; p<0.0001), and increased HDL-cholesterol by 16% (95% CI: 8 to -24%; p<0.0001). At the end of treatment there was a dose-dependent increase in patients with pattern A LDL particle diameter (40% at baseline vs 87% at 12 weeks for tesaglitazar 1.0 mg). Tesaglitazar produced significant reductions in fasting insulin concentration (-35%; p<0.0001) and plasma glucose concentration (-0.47 mmol/l; p<0.0001). Respiratory infection and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common adverse events and were similarly frequent in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Tesaglitazar was well tolerated and produced significant, dose-dependent improvements in lipid and glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Tesaglitazar may have the potential to prevent vascular complications and delay progression to diabetes in these patients.

Is ritonavir boosting associated with gout?

Asymptomatic hyperuricaemia is associated with ritonavir therapy, but gout has rarely been reported. We present a retrospective cohort study of 1825 HIV-positive patients seen at one inner London HIV clinic over a two-year period. In all, 18 patients had gout, of whom 15 were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Seven had predisposing risk factors for gout (e.g. pyrazinamide therapy, haematological malignancy). Of the remaining 11 patients, two were on no medication and eight (73%) were receiving ritonavir as a boosted protease inhibitor (PI). By comparison, 11% of HIV-positive patients without gout were receiving ritonavir (odds ratio = 22; confidence interval = 5-104). Seven of the 18 patients had documented features of lipodystrophy and dyslipidaemia. Gout was seen in patients with known risk factors for gout or who were receiving ritonavir as a boosted PI and who also had lipodystrophy.

Pharmacokinetics of potassium bromide in adult horses

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pharmacokinetics of potassium bromide (KBr) in horses after single and multiple oral doses.

ANIMALS

Twelve adult Standardbred and Thoroughbred mares.

PROCEDURE

Horses were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Group 1 horses were given a single oral dose of 120 mg/kg potassium bromide. Part 2 of the study evaluated a loading dose of 120 mg/kg KBr daily by stomach tube for 5 days, followed by 40 mg/kg daily in feed for 7 days. Serum concentrations of KBr were measured to construct concentration versus time curves and to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters. Treated horses were monitored twice daily by clinical examination. Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride ions and partial pressures of venous blood gases were determined.

RESULTS

Maximum mean serum concentration following a single dose of KBr (120 mg/kg) was 423 +/- 22 microg/mL and the mean elimination half-life was 75 +/- 14 h. Repeated administration of a loading dose of KBr (120 mg/kg once daily for 5 d) gave a maximum serum concentration 1639 +/- 156 microg/mL. The administration of lower, maintenance doses (40 mg/kg once daily) was associated with decreased serum bromide concentrations, which plateaued at approximately 1000 microg/mL. Administration of KBr was associated with significant but transient changes in serum potassium and sodium concentrations, and possible changes in base excess and plasma bicarbonate concentrations. High serum concentrations of bromide were associated with an apparent increase in serum chloride concentrations, when measured on an ion specific electrode.

CONCLUSIONS

and clinical relevance Loading doses of 120 mg/kg daily over 5 d and maintenance doses of approximately 90 mg/kg of KBr administered once daily resulted in serum bromide concentrations consistent with therapeutic efficacy for the management of seizures in other species. The clinical efficacy of this agent as an anticonvulsant medication and/or calmative in horses warrants further investigation.

Provision of information for cancer patients: an appraisal and review

This article is based on an appraisal of Cancer Information and Support Services in Britain supported by the UK-based charity Macmillan Cancer Relief. Commissioned in 2002, the appraisal formed part of a wider review aimed at extending knowledge about Cancer Information and Support Services. It was also designed to ensure that the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service Model continues to reflect the needs of people whose lives are affected by cancer. The individual services reviewed for the appraisal vary widely in terms of resources, staffing and organizational structure, but many common themes emerge. The importance of outreach and networking are highlighted, along with the problem of isolation. Many post-holders saw a need to include a hospital base, while the role played by volunteers is widely acknowledged. A key aim of the review was to start to identify the factors that contribute to the success of a service, and a number of these emerge from the study. The creation of a culture that enables such a service to thrive appears to be as important as securing financial and other resources. The contribution made by Macmillan is explored, and ways in which the organization can support the dissemination of knowledge are put forward.

p53 alterations in colon tumors: a comparison of SSCP/sequencing and immunohistochemistry

This study compares single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP)/sequencing and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a population-based colon cancer study to determine the best methods to evaluate p 53 alterations in tumors. Epidemiologic data collected from the Utah portion of a multicenter case-control study of colon cancer (n = 268) was used to compare somatic p53 mutations detected using SSCP/sequencing of exons 5 through 8 with those with p53 protein overexpression detected by IHC. A total of 136 tumors (51%) had p 53 mutations identified using SSCP/sequencing. IHC detected 164 tumors (61%) with protein overexpression (using a cut point of > or =20% positive cells) and 142 tumors (53%) when > or =50% positive cells were used. Sensitivity of IHC (> or =20% level) using SSCP/sequencing as the reference method was 85%. Specificity of IHC (> or =20% level) using SSCP/sequencing as reference was 63%. When > or =50% positive cells were used, specificity increased to 77%. Associations with age, gender, tumor site, stage, and Ki-ras were similar for both methods. An inverse relationship between microsatellite instability and p 53 was detected with the higher threshold for IHC positivity and SSCP/sequencing. SSCP/sequencing was able to discriminate between mutated p 53 and wild-type p 53 when evaluating dietary associations whereas IHC was not able to discriminate between these tumor types. Using a level of 50% or more positive cells increases specificity relative to sensitivity in comparison with lower staining levels, and is comparable with sequencing in its ability to detect an inverse relationship with the MSI. Advantages gained by sequencing are its ability to examine specific mutations and the improved ability to discriminate between cases with p 53 mutation and wild type when evaluating associations.

Expression analysis onto microarrays of randomly selected cDNA clones highlights HOXB13 as a marker of human prostate cancer

In a strategy aimed at identifying novel markers of human prostate cancer, we performed expression analysis using microarrays of clones randomly selected from a cDNA library prepared from the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. Comparisons of expression profiles in primary human prostate cancer, adjacent normal prostate tissue, and a selection of other (nonprostate) normal human tissues, led to the identification of a set of clones that were judged as the best candidate markers of normal and/or malignant prostate tissue. DNA sequencing of the selected clones revealed that they included 10 genes that had previously been established as prostate markers: NKX3.1, KLK2, KLK3 (PSA), FOLH1 (PSMA), STEAP2, PSGR, PRAC, RDH11, Prostein and FASN. Following analysis of the expression patterns of all selected and sequenced genes through interrogation of SAGE databases, a further three genes from our clone set, HOXB13, SPON2 and NCAM2, emerged as additional candidate markers of human prostate cancer. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated the specificity of expression of HOXB13 in prostate tissue and revealed its ubiquitous expression in a series of 37 primary prostate cancers and 20 normal prostates. These results demonstrate the utility of this expression-microarray approach in hunting for new markers of individual human cancer types.

Prophylactic nasogastric decompression after abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

Routine use of nasogastric tubes after abdominal operations is intended to hasten the return of bowel function, prevent pulmonary complications, diminish the risk of anastomotic leakage, increase patient comfort and shorten hospital stay.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy of routine nasogastric decompression after abdominal surgery in achieving each of the above goals.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Search terms were nasogastric, tubes, randomised, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and references of included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Patients having abdominal operations of any type, emergency or elective, who were randomised prior tot he completion of the operation to receive a nasogastric tube and keep it in place until intestinal function had returned, versus those receiving either no tube or early tube removal, in surgery, in recovery or within 24 hours of surgery. Excluded will be randomised studies involving laparoscopic abdominal surgery and patient groups having gastric decompression through gastrostomy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were abstracted onto a form that assessed study eligibility, as defined above, quality related to randomizations, allocation concealment, study size and dropouts, interventions, including timing and duration of intubation, outcomes that included time to flatus, pulmonary complications, wound infection, anastomotic leak, length of stay, death, nausea, vomiting, tube reinsertion, subsequent ventral hernia.

MAIN RESULTS

28 studies fulfilled eligibility criteria, encompassing 4194 patients, 2108 randomised to routine tube use, and 2087 randomised to selective or No Tube use. Patients not having routine tube use had an earlier return of bowel function (p<0.00001), an insignificant trend toward decrease in pulmonary complications (p=0.07) and an insignificant trend toward increase in risk of wound infection (p=0.08) and ventral hernia (0.09). Anastomotic leak was no different between groups (p=0.70). Patient comfort, nausea, vomiting and length of stay seemed to favour No Tube, but the heterogeneity encountered in these analyses make rigorous conclusion difficult to draw for these outcomes. No adverse events specifically related to tube insertion (direct tube trauma) were reported. Other outcomes were reported with insufficient frequency to be informative.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Routine nasogastric decompression does not accomplish any of its intended goals and so should be abandoned in favour of selective use of the nasogastric tube.

Prophylactic nasogastric decompression after abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

Routine use of nasogastric tubes after abdominal operations is intended to hasten the return of bowel function, prevent pulmonary complications, diminish the risk of anastomotic leakage, increase patient comfort and shorten hospital stay.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy of routine nasogastric decompression after abdominal surgery in achieving each of the above goals.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Search terms were nasogastric, tubes, randomised, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and references of included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Patients having abdominal operations of any type, emergency or elective, who were randomised prior tot he completion of the operation to receive a nasogastric tube and keep it in place until intestinal function had returned, versus those receiving either no tube or early tube removal, in surgery, in recovery or within 24 hours of surgery. Excluded will be randomised studies involving laparoscopic abdominal surgery and patient groups having gastric decompression through gastrostomy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were abstracted onto a form that assessed study eligibility, as defined above, quality related to randomizations, allocation concealment, study size and dropouts, interventions, including timing and duration of intubation, outcomes that included time to flatus, pulmonary complications, wound infection, anastomotic leak, length of stay, death, nausea, vomiting, tube reinsertion, subsequent ventral hernia.

MAIN RESULTS

28 studies fulfilled eligibility criteria, encompassing 4194 patients, 2108 randomised to routine tube use, and 2087 randomised to selective or No Tube use. Patients not having routine tube use had an earlier return of bowel function (p<0.00001), an insignificant trend toward decrease in pulmonary complications (p=0.07) and an insignificant trend toward increase in risk of wound infection (p=0.08) and ventral hernia (0.09). Anastomotic leak was no different between groups (p=0.70). Patient comfort, nausea, vomiting and length of stay seemed to favour No Tube, but the heterogeneity encountered in these analyses make rigorous conclusion difficult to draw for these outcomes. No adverse events specifically related to tube insertion (direct tube trauma) were reported. Other outcomes were reported with insufficient frequency to be informative.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Routine nasogastric decompression does not accomplish any of its intended goals and so should be abandoned in favour of selective use of the nasogastric tube.