A molecular substitutional disorder case study suitable for instruction: L 2CrII(THF)/L 2[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]CrIII (L is 2,5-bis{[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]methyl}pyrrol-1-ide)

A solution of CrII and CrIII complexes, bis(2,5-bis{[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]methyl}pyrrol-1-ido)(tetrahydrofuran)chromium(II)–bis(2,5-bis{[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]methyl}pyrrol-1-ido)[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]chromium(III) (0.88/0.12), [Cr(C30H38N3)2(C4H8O)]0.88[Cr(C30H38N3)2(C4H11Si)]0.12 or L 2CrII(THF)/L 2[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]CrIII (L = 2,5-bis{[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]methyl}pyrrol-1-ide and THF is tetrahydrofuran), in pentane crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c. The structure obtained shows most of the atoms coincident but with THF disordered with the (trimethylsilyl)methyl ligand. Structures with this disorder, involving more than two or three atoms, seem to appear rarely in the literature; however, in this case, the data set is ideal for the crystallographic instruction of molecular substitution disorder.

Associations among gait score, production data, abattoir registrations, and postmortem tibia measurements in broiler chickens

Lameness and impaired walking ability in rapidly growing meat-type broiler chickens are major welfare issues that cause economic losses. This study analyzed the prevalence of impaired walking and its associations with production data, abattoir registrations, and postmortem tibia measurements in Norwegian broiler chickens. Gait score (GS) was used to assess walking ability in 59 different commercial broiler flocks (Ross 308) close to the slaughter d, 5,900 broilers in total, in 3 different geographical regions. In each flock, 100 arbitrary broilers were gait scored and 10 random broilers were culled to harvest tibias. Abattoir registrations on flock level were collected after slaughter. A total of 24.6% of the broilers had moderate to severe gait impairment. The broilers were sampled in 2 stages, first slaughterhouse/region, and then owner/flock. The final models showed that impaired gait is associated with first-week mortality (P < 0.05), region (P < 0.001), height of tibias mid-shaft (P < 0.05), and calcium content in the tibia ash (P < 0.05), and negatively associated with DOA (P < 0.05). The prevalence of impaired gait indicates that this is a common problem in the broiler industry in Norway, although the mean slaughter age is only 31 d and the maximum allowed animal density is relatively low. Impaired walking ability could not be predicted by the welfare indicators footpad lesion score, total on-farm mortality, and decreasing DOA prevalence. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between first-week mortality and gait score.

Use of Pharmacokinetic Data Under the FDA's Redbook II Guidelines for Direct Food Additives

Experience with food additive petitions submited after publication of the Food and Drug Administration's Redbook I (U. S. FDA, 1982) guide lines indicated a number of areas in which improvements were needed, and advances in toxicol-ogy testing during the last decade required additional rev is ions. In March 1993, the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) distributed copies of a draft of Redbook II for public comment. Since that time, revisions have been made based on comments received on the initial draft. This article describes the rationale for Redbook II guidance on the design of pharm acoki-netic studies and discusses some common problems the FDA has encountered in reviewing pharmacokine tic data submitted as part of food additive petitions. Points emphasized are that (1) pharmaco kinetic information is needed for the interpretation of toxicity studies and is most use ful when conducted before major toxicity studies, (2) the use of whole-body autoradiography is encouraged as a means to select tissues of interest, and as a substitute for dissection and tis-sue sampling, (3) kinetic and mechanistic studies conducted with blood compo-nents, tissue slices, hepatocytes, and othercell types in vitro ofien provide more useful information on the fate of chemicals in specific tissues than information extracted from whole-animal studies. The intention of th e new guide lines for pharmaco kinetic studies is to increase the information content of data gathered and to encourage the use of pharmaco kinetic models and results in the selection of doses for subchronic, chronic, and developmental toxicity studies.

In vitro digestion of purified β-casein variants A(1), A(2), B, and I: effects on antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory capacity

Genetic polymorphisms of bovine milk proteins affect the protein profile of the milk and, hence, certain technological properties, such as casein (CN) number and cheese yield. However, reports show that such polymorphisms may also affect the health-related properties of milk. Therefore, to gain insight into their digestion pattern and bioactive potential, β-CN was purified from bovine milk originating from cows homozygous for the variants A(1), A(2), B, and I by a combination of cold storage, ultracentrifugation, and acid precipitation. The purity of the isolated β-CN was determined by HPLC, variants were verified by mass spectrometry, and molar extinction coefficients at λ=280nm were determined. β-Casein from each of the variants was subjected to in vitro digestion using pepsin and pancreatic enzymes. Antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory capacities of the hydrolysates were assessed at 3 stages of digestion and related to that of the undigested samples. Neither molar extinction coefficients nor overall digestibility varied significantly between these 4 variants; however, clear differences in digestion pattern were indicated by gel electrophoresis. In particular, after 60min of pepsin followed by 5min of pancreatic enzyme digestion, one ≈4kDa peptide with the N-terminal sequence (106)H-K-E-M-P-F-P-K- was absent from β-CN variant B. This is likely a result of the (122)Ser to (122)Arg substitution in variant B introducing a novel trypsin cleavage site, leading to the changed digestion pattern. All investigated β-CN variants exhibited a significant increase in antioxidant capacity upon digestion, as measured by the Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity assay. After 60min of pepsin + 120min of pancreatic enzyme digestion, the accumulated increase in antioxidant capacity was ≈1.7-fold for the 4 β-CN variants. The ACE inhibitory capacity was also significantly increased by digestion, with the B variant reaching the highest inhibitory capacity at the end of digestion (60min of pepsin + 120min of pancreatic enzymes), possibly because of the observed alternative digestion pattern. These results demonstrate that genetic polymorphisms affect the digestion pattern and bioactivity of milk proteins. Moreover, their capacity for radical scavenging and ACE inhibition is affected by digestion.

Development of a physiologically based model to describe the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate in juvenile and adult humans and nonhuman primates

The widespread usage of methylphenidate (MPH) in the pediatric population has received considerable attention due to its potential effect on child development. For the first time a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model has been developed in juvenile and adult humans and nonhuman primates to quantitatively evaluate species- and age-dependent enantiomer specific pharmacokinetics of MPH and its primary metabolite ritalinic acid. The PBPK model was first calibrated in adult humans using in vitro enzyme kinetic data of MPH enantiomers, together with plasma and urine pharmacokinetic data with MPH in adult humans. Metabolism of MPH in the small intestine was assumed to account for the low oral bioavailability of MPH. Due to lack of information, model development for children and juvenile and adult nonhuman primates primarily relied on intra- and interspecies extrapolation using allometric scaling. The juvenile monkeys appear to metabolize MPH more rapidly than adult monkeys and humans, both adults and children. Model prediction performance is comparable between juvenile monkeys and children, with average root mean squared error values of 4.1 and 2.1, providing scientific basis for interspecies extrapolation of toxicity findings. Model estimated human equivalent doses in children that achieve similar internal dose metrics to those associated with pubertal delays in juvenile monkeys were found to be close to the therapeutic doses of MPH used in pediatric patients. This computational analysis suggests that continued pharmacovigilance assessment is prudent for the safe use of MPH.

Caffeic acid, naringenin and quercetin enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose sensitivity in INS-1E cells

AIMS

Caffeic acid, naringenin and quercetin are naturally occurring phenolic compounds (PCs) present in many plants as secondary metabolites. The aim of this study was to investigate their effect on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in INS-1E cells and to explore their effect on expression of genes involved in β-cell survival and function under normoglycaemic and glucotoxic conditions.

METHODS

For acute studies, INS-1E cells were grown in 11 mM glucose (72 h) and then incubated with the PCs (1 h) with 3.3/16.7 mM glucose; whereas, for chronic studies, the cells were grown in 11 mM glucose (72 h) with/without the PCs, and then incubated with 3.3/16.7 mM glucose (1 h); thereafter, GSIS was measured. For GSIS and gene expression studies (GES) under glucotoxic conditions, two sets of cells were grown in 11/25 mM glucose with/without the PCs (72 h): one was used for GES, using real time RT-PCR, and the other was exposed to 3.3/16.7 mM glucose, followed by measurement of GSIS.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated that the PCs can enhance GSIS under hyperglycaemic and glucotoxic conditions in INS-1E cells. Moreover, these compounds can differentially, yet distinctly change the expression profile of genes [Glut2 (glucose transporter 2), Gck (glucokinase), Ins1 (insulin 1), Ins2, Beta2 (neurogenic differentiation protein 1), Pdx1 (pancreatic and duodenal homeobox protein 1), Akt1 (RAC-α serine/threonine-protein kinase encoding gene), Akt2 (RAC-β serine/threonine-protein kinase encoding gene), Irs1 (insulin receptor substrate 1), Acc1 (acetyl CoA carboxylase 1), Bcl2 (β-cell lymphoma 2 protein), Bax (Bcl-2 associated X protein), Casp3 (Caspase 3), Hsp70 (heat shock protein 70), and Hsp90] involved in β-cell stress, survival and function.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the PCs tested enhance GSIS and glucose sensitivity in INS-1E cells. They also modulate gene expression profiles to improve β-cell survival and function during glucotoxicity.

Validation of biomarkers for loin meat quality (M. longissimus) of pigs

The aim of this study was to validate previously reported associations between microarray gene expression levels and pork quality traits using real-time PCR. Meat samples and meat quality data from 100 pigs were collected from a different pig breed to the one tested by microarray (Large White versus Pietrain) and a different country of origin (Denmark versus Germany). Ten genes (CARP, MB, CSRP3, TNNC1, VAPB, TNNI1, HSPB1, TNNT1, TIMP-1, RAD-like) were chosen from the original microarray study on the basis of the association between gene expression levels and the meat quality traits meat %, back fat, pH24, drip loss %, colour a*, colour b*, colour L*, WB-SF, SFA, MUFA, PUFA. Real-time PCR detection methods were developed for validation of all ten genes, confirming association with drip loss (two of two genes), ultimate pH (three of four genes), a* (redness) (two of six genes) and L*(lightness) (two of four genes). Furthermore, several new correlations for MUFA and PUFA were established due to additional meat quality trait information on fatty acid composition not available for the microarray study. Regression studies showed that the maximum explanation of the phenotypic variance of the meat quality traits was 50% for the ultimate pH trait using these ten genes only. Additional studies showed that the gene expression of several of the genes was correlated with each other. We conclude that the genes initially selected from the microarray study were robust, explaining variances of the genes for the meat quality traits.

Novel aspects of health promoting compounds in meat

Meat is an integral part of the human diet. Besides essential amino acids and nutritive factors of high quality and availability, meat provides often overlooked components of importance for human health. These are amino acids and bioactive compounds that may be very important in i) preventing muscle wasting diseases, such as in sarcopenia, ii) reducing food and caloric intake to prevent metabolic syndrome, iii) blood pressure homeostasis via ACE-inhibitory components from connective tissue, and iv) maintaining functional gut environment through meat-derived nucleotides and nucleosides. In addition, meat could be an important source of phytanic acid, conjugated linoleic acids and antioxidants. Further, it becomes increasingly apparent that design of in vitro meat will be possible, and that this development may lead to improved health benefits from commercially viable and sustainable meat products.

Human organ/tissue growth algorithms that include obese individuals and black/white population organ weight similarities from autopsy data

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models need the correct organ/tissue weights to match various total body weights in order to be applied to children and the obese individual. Baseline data from Reference Man for the growth of human organs (adrenals, brain, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, spleen, thymus, and thyroid) were augmented with autopsy data to extend the describing polynomials to include the morbidly obese individual (up to 250 kg). Additional literature data similarly extends the growth curves for blood volume, muscle, skin, and adipose tissue. Collectively these polynomials were used to calculate blood/organ/tissue weights for males and females from birth to 250 kg, which can be directly used to help parameterize PBPK models. In contrast to other black/white anthropomorphic measurements, the data demonstrated no observable or statistical difference in weights for any organ/tissue between individuals identified as black or white in the autopsy reports.

A model-free ensemble method for class prediction with application to biomedical decision making

OBJECTIVE

A classification algorithm that utilizes two-dimensional convex hulls of training-set samples is presented.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

For each pair of predictor variables, separate convex hulls of positive and negative samples in the training set are formed, and these convex hulls are used to classify test points according to a nearest-neighbor criterion. An ensemble of these two-dimensional convex-hull classifiers is formed by trimming the (m)C(2) possible classifiers derived from the m predictors to a set of classifiers comprised of only unique predictor variables. Because only two-dimensional spaces are required to be populated by training-set samples, the "curse of dimensionality" is not an issue. At the same time, the power of ensemble voting is exploited by combining the classifications of the unique two-dimensional classifiers to reach a final classification.

RESULTS

The algorithm is illustrated by application to three publicly available biomedical data sets with genomic predictors and is shown to have prediction accuracy that is competitive with a number of published classification procedures.

CONCLUSION

Because of its superior performance in terms of sensitivity and negative predictive value compared to its competitors, the convex-hull ensemble classifier demonstrates good potential for medical screening, where often the major emphasis is placed on having reliable negative predictions.

Using dietary exposure and physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling in human risk extrapolations for acrylamide toxicity

The discovery of acrylamide (AA) in many common cooked starchy foods has presented significant challenges to toxicologists, food scientists, and national regulatory and public health organizations because of the potential for producing neurotoxicity and cancer. This paper reviews some of the underlying experimental bases for AA toxicity and earlier risk assessments. Then, dietary exposure modeling is used to estimate probable AA intake in the U.S. population, and physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) modeling is used to integrate the findings of rodent neurotoxicity and cancer into estimates of risks from human AA exposure through the diet. The goal of these modeling techniques is to reduce the uncertainty inherent in extrapolating toxicological findings across species and dose by comparing common exposure biomarkers. PBPK/PD modeling estimated population-based lifetime excess cancer risks from average AA consumption in the diet in the range of 1-4 x 10 (-4); however, modeling did not support a link between dietary AA exposure and human neurotoxicity because marginal exposure ratios were 50-300 lower than in rodents. In addition, dietary exposure modeling suggests that because AA is found in so many common foods, even big changes in concentration for single foods or groups of foods would probably have a small impact on overall population-based intake and risk. These results suggest that a more holistic analysis of dietary cancer risks may be appropriate, by which potential risks from AA should be considered in conjunction with other risks and benefits from foods.

Postnatal growth considerations for PBPK modeling

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model and Windows-based program (called PostNatal) was developed that focuses on postnatal growth, from birth through adulthood, using appropriate growth curves for each species and gender. Postnatal growth algorithms relating organs/tissues weights with total body weight for male and female humans, dogs, rats, and mice are an integral part of the software and are utilized to assign the appropriate weight and blood flow for each of 22 organs/tissues for each simulation. Upper limits of body weight were chosen that reflect the available data used to define the algorithms; above these limits a set percent body weight was assigned to all organs/tissues.

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for acrylamide and its metabolites in mice, rats, and humans

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was developed for acrylamide (AA) and three of its metabolites: glycidamide (GA) and the glutathione conjugates of acrylamide (AA-GS) and glycidamide (GA-GS). Liver GA-DNA adducts and hemoglobin (Hb) adducts with AA and GA were included as pharmacodynamic components of the model. Serum AA and GA concentrations combined with urinary elimination levels for all four components from male and female mice and rats were simulated from iv and oral administration of 0.1 mg/kg AA or 0.12 mg/kg GA. Adduct formation and decay rates were determined from a 6 week exposure to approximately 1 mg/kg AA in the drinking water and subsequent 6 week nonexposure period. Human urinary excretion data and Hb adduct data were utilized to extrapolate to a human model. The steady-state human liver GA-DNA adduct level from exposure to background levels of AA in the diet was predicted to be between 0.06 and 0.26 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Pyrrolide-Diimine Complexes of Chromium

Lithium 2,5-bis{[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]methyl}pyrrol-1-ide (LiL) reacts with [CrCl3(thf)3] to yield the octahedral complex [(η2-L)CrCl2(thf)2] (1), in which only two of the three potential nitrogen donors are coordinated to chromium. In the presence of various alkyl aluminum cocatalysts, 1 catalyzes the polymerization of ethylene. Attempts to prepare alkyl derivatives of 1 were thwarted by an apparent disproportionation, yielding divalent [(η2-L)(η1-L)Cr(thf)] (2). The molecular structures of 1 and 2 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. The structure of 2 is unusual in that it features weak, but equivalent interactions of both imine groups of the η1-pyrrolide ligands with the chromium, giving rise to an approximately octahedral coordination geometry with two extremely long Cr-N distances.

Relationships between biomarkers of exposure and toxicokinetics in Fischer 344 rats and B6C3F1 mice administered single doses of acrylamide and glycidamide and multiple doses of acrylamide

Acrylamide (AA) is a widely studied industrial chemical that is neurotoxic, mutagenic to somatic and germ cells and carcinogenic in rodents. AA is also formed in many commonly consumed starchy foods during cooking. Our previous toxicokinetic investigations of AA and its important genotoxic metabolite, glycidamide (GA), in rodents showed that AA is highly bioavailable from oral routes of administration, is widely distributed to tissues and that the dietary route, in particular, favors metabolism to GA. Measurements of DNA adducts in many tissues supported the hypothesis that AA is carcinogenic in rodent bioassays through metabolism to GA. The current investigation describes the development and validation of methodology for measuring hemoglobin (Hb) adducts with AA and GA in the same rodents previously used for toxicokinetic and DNA adduct measurements. The goal was to investigate possible relationships between these circulating biomarkers of exposure and serum toxicokinetic parameters for AA and GA and tissue GA-DNA adducts in rodents from both single and repeated dosing with AA. Significant correlations were observed between GA-Hb and liver GA-DNA adducts for either single or multiple dosing regimens with AA. Using available GA-Hb adduct data, empirical and allometric relationships permitted estimation of liver DNA adducts in humans in the range of 0.06-0.3 adducts/10(8) nucleotides. This approach may prove useful in extrapolating human cancer risks from findings in rodent bioassays.

Hierarchical models for probabilistic dose–response assessment

Probabilistic risk assessment is gaining acceptance as the most appropriate way to characterize and communicate uncertainties in estimates of human health risk and/or reference levels of exposure such as benchmark doses. Although probabilistic techniques are well established in the exposure-assessment component of the National Research Council's risk-assessment paradigm, they are less well developed in the dose-response-assessment component. This paper proposes the use of hierarchical statistical models as tools for implementing probabilistic dose-response assessments, in that such models provide a natural connection between the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) components of dose-response models. The results show that incorporating internal dose information into dose-response assessments via the coupling of PK and PD models in a hierarchical structure can reduce the uncertainty in the dose-response assessment of risk. However, information on the mean of the internal dose distribution is sufficient; having information on the variance of internal dose does not affect the uncertainty in the resulting estimates of excess risks or benchmark doses. In addition, the complexity of a PK model of internal dose does not affect how the variability in risk is measured via the ultimate endpoint.

Database composition can affect the structure-activity relationship prediction

The percent active (A) and inactive (I) chemicals in a database can directly affect the sensitivity (% active chemicals predicted correctly) and specificity (% inactive chemicals predicted correctly) of structure-activity relationship (SAR) analyses. Subdividing the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) liver cancer database (NCTRlcdb) into various A/I ratios, which varied from 0.2 to 5.5, resulted in sensitivity/specificity ratios that varied from 0.1 to 6.5. As percent active chemicals increased (increasing A/I ratio), the sensitivity rose, the specificity decreased, and the concordance (% total chemicals predicted correctly) remained fairly constant. The numbers of chemicals in the various data sets ranged from 187 to 999 and appeared to have no affect on any of the 3 predictors of sensitivity, specificity, or concordance.

Creatine monohydrate and glucose supplementation to slow- and fast-growing chickens changes the postmortem pH in pectoralis major

The energy status of the chicken at slaughter has a large impact on the development of pH postmortem and thus on color and water-holding capacity (WHC). Supplementation of creatine monohydrate and glucose (CMH+GLU) may increase the creatine content in the muscles before slaughter, thereby delaying the formation of lactic acid and postponing the pH decline. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of supplementing CMH+GLU in the drinking water within the last 48 h before slaughter on the pH decline, meat color, and WHC in the pectoralis major from 2 strains of Ross chickens. Forty Ross 308 (fast-growing) female chickens and 40 Ross 1972 (slow-growing) female chickens had free access to drinking water either supplemented with CMH (15 g/ L) and glucose (50 g/L) within the last 48 h before slaughter or without supplementation. All chickens were slaughtered at 42 or 43 d of age irrespective of weight. Temperature and pH were measured at 1 and 30 min and at 1, 3, 8, and 24 h postmortem. Also, WHC measured as drip loss and color were determined postmortem. The CMH+GLU supplementation decreased pH (P < 0.05) at all time points between 1 min and 8 h postmortem in both strains, whereas at 24 h postmortem only pH in Ross 308 chickens were decreased significantly upon supplementation. Lightness was significantly increased in the meat from Ross 308 but not from Ross 1972 chickens upon supplementation. This interaction was significant (P < 0.05). The redness of the meat was decreased upon supplementation (P < 0.05), although only significantly in Ross 1972. The pH was lower for Ross 1972 chickens at the early time points (P < 0.01) and also a higher drip loss (P < 0.05), lightness (P < 0.01), and redness (P < 0.001) were observed. Thus, there seems to be no beneficial effect of CMH+GLU supplementation on chicken meat quality on the basis of results from this experiment.

Improving predictive modeling in pediatric drug development: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and mechanistic modeling

A workshop was conducted on November 18-19, 2004, to address the issue of improving predictive models for drug delivery to developing humans. Although considerable progress has been made for adult humans, large gaps remain for predicting pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) outcome in children because most adult models have not been tested during development. The goals of the meeting included a description of when, during development, infants/children become adult-like in handling drugs. The issue of incorporating the most recent advances into the predictive models was also addressed: both the use of imaging approaches and genomic information were considered. Disease state, as exemplified by obesity, was addressed as a modifier of drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics during development. Issues addressed in this workshop should be considered in the development of new predictive and mechanistic models of drug kinetics and dynamics in the developing human.

Steady State Pharmacokinetics of Oral Treatment with 13-cis-Retinoic Acid or all-trans-Retinoic Acid in Male and Female Adult Rats

Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally gavaged with 13-cis-retinoic acid (7.5 or 15 mg/kg) or all-trans-retinoic acid (10 or 15 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. Blood was collected out to 8 hr after the last gavage on day 7. HPLC serum concentrations of 13-cis-retinoic acid, all-trans-retinoic acid, and 13-cis-4-oxo-retinoic acid were subjected to model independent pharmacokinetic analyses. Peak serum levels of 563 to 1640 ng/ml were observed for rats treated with 13-cis-retinoic acid at 1.5-2 hr after gavage. Peak serum levels of 183 to 267 ng/ml at 1.5 hr after gavage were observed for all-trans-retinoic acids. The elimination half-life of 13-cis-retinoic acid was about 1.5 hr while the elimination half-life of all-trans-retinoic acid was slightly longer. There were no sex differences for any parameter. Serum levels resulting from the 7.5 mg/kg 13-cis-retinoic acid were similar to those of human Accutane users.

Classification ensembles for unbalanced class sizes in predictive toxicology

This paper investigates the effects of the ratio of positive-to-negative samples on the sensitivity, specificity, and concordance. When the class sizes in the training samples are not equal, the classification rule derived will favor the majority class and result in a low sensitivity on the minority class prediction. We propose an ensemble classification approach to adjust for differential class sizes in a binary classifier system. An ensemble classifier consists of a set of base classifiers; its prediction rule is based on a summary measure of individual classifications by the base classifiers. Two re-sampling methods, augmentation and abatement, are proposed to generate different bootstrap samples of equal class size to build the base classifiers. The augmentation method balances the two class sizes by bootstrapping additional samples from the minority class, whereas the abatement method balances the two class sizes by sampling only a subset of samples from the majority class. The proposed procedure is applied to a data set to predict estrogen receptor binding activity and to a data set to predict animal liver carcinogenicity using SAR (structure-activity relationship) models as base classifiers. The abatement method appears to perform well in balancing sensitivity and specificity.

Toxicokinetics of acrylamide and glycidamide in Fischer 344 rats

Acrylamide (AA) is a widely studied industrial chemical that is neurotoxic, mutagenic to somatic and germ cells, and carcinogenic in rodents. The recent discovery of AA at ppm levels in a wide variety of commonly consumed foods has energized research efforts worldwide to define toxic mechanisms, particularly toxicokinetics and bioavailability. This study compares the toxicokinetics of AA and its epoxide metabolite, glycidamide (GA), in serum and tissues of male and female F344 rats following acute exposure by intravenous, gavage, and dietary routes at 0.1 mg/kg AA or intravenous and gavage routes with an equimolar amount of GA. AA was rapidly absorbed after oral dosing, was widely distributed to tissues, was efficiently converted to GA, and produced increased levels of GA-DNA adducts in liver. GA was also rapidly absorbed, widely distributed to tissues, and produced increased liver DNA adduct levels. AA bioavailability after aqueous gavage was 60--98% and from the diet was 32--44%; however, first-pass metabolism or other kinetic change resulted in much higher internal exposures to GA (2- to 7-fold) when compared to the intravenous route. A similar effect on metabolism to GA following oral administration was previously observed under an identical exposure paradigm in mice. Furthermore, DNA adduct formation in rat liver showed the same proportionality with the respective GA AUC value as did mice in the previous study. These findings suggest that as the AA content in food is reduced, species-differences in GA formation and subsequent DNA adduct formation may be minimized. These findings provide additional information needed to assess genotoxic risks from the low levels of AA that are pervasive in the food supply.

Toxicokinetics of acrylamide and glycidamide in B6C3F mice

Acrylamide (AA) is a widely studied industrial chemical that is neurotoxic, mutagenic to somatic and germ cells, and carcinogenic in rodents. The recent discovery of AA at ppm levels in a wide variety of commonly consumed foods has energized research efforts worldwide to define toxic mechanisms, particularly toxicokinetics and bioavailability. This study compares the toxicokinetics of AA and its epoxide metabolite glycidamide (GA) in serum and tissues of male and female B6C3F1 mice following acute dosing by intravenous, gavage, and dietary routes at 0.1 mg/kg AA or intravenous and gavage dosing with an equimolar amount of GA. AA was rapidly absorbed from oral dosing, was widely distributed to tissues, was efficiently converted to GA, and increased levels of GA-DNA adducts were observed in liver after complete elimination from serum. GA dosing also resulted in rapid absorption, wide distribution to tissues, and produced liver DNA adduct levels that were approximately 40% higher than those from an equimolar dose of AA. While oral administration was found to attenuate AA bioavailability to 23% from the diet and to 32-52% from aqueous gavage, a first-pass effect or other kinetic change resulted in higher relative internal exposure to GA when compared to the intravenous route. A similar effect on relative GA exposure was also evident as the administered dose was reduced, which suggests that as dosing rate decreases, the conversion of AA to GA is more efficient. These findings are critical to the assessment of genotoxicity of AA at low doses in the food supply, which appears to depend on total exposure to GA.

Discriminant Function Analyses of Liver-Specific Carcinogens

The ability to predict organ-specific carcinogenicity would aid FDA reviewers in evaluating new chemical applications. A NCTR liver cancer database (NCTRlcdb) containing 999 compounds has been developed with three sets of descriptors. The NCTRlcdb has Cerius2, Molconn-Z, and (13)C NMR descriptors for each compound. Each compound in the database was assigned a liver cancer or a nonliver cancer classification. Compounds within the NCTRlcdb were evaluated for liver-specific carcinogenicity using partial least squares principal component discriminant function (PLS-DF) modeling. PLS-DF models based on estimated a priori classification probabilities of 0.29 for liver cancer and 0.71 for noncancer yielded an overall predictability of 70.6% which was comprised of a liver cancer sensitivity of 18.8% and a noncancer specificity of 90.8%. PLS-DF models based on equal a priori classification probabilities, 0.50 for liver cancer and 0.5 for noncancer, yielded an overall predictability of 61.0% which was comprised of a liver cancer sensitivity of 50.5% and a noncancer specificity of 65.3%.

Water-Holding Capacity in Chicken Breast Muscle is Enhanced by Pyruvate and Reduced by Creatine Supplements

In commercial production, chickens are subjected to feed withdrawal prior to slaughter and exposed to stress during transport and handling of the animals at the slaughterhouse; this causes plasma glucose and glycogen stores in liver and muscle to decrease, which has a negative impact on meat quality. The aim of the present study was to investigate how supplementation of the energy complements creatine and pyruvate during the fasting period would affect postmortem pH decrease, water-holding capacity, and color of the meat. Female Ross 208 broilers were supplemented with glucose combined with either pyruvate or creatine via the drinking water for 18 or 42 h prior to slaughter, i.e., before and throughout the fasting period. Chickens were slaughtered at 42 or 43 d of age. Temperature and pH were measured at 1, 10, 30, and 45 min and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h postmortem. The results showed that the pyruvate and glucose supplementation increased the pH at 45 min postmortem by 0.25 units and decreased drip loss of musculus pectoralis major (PM) by 50 to 65% in chickens supplemented for 42 h. The creatine and glucose supplementation reduced pH at 3 and 4 h postmortem by 0.32 to 0.42 units, increased the lightness (L*) by 2.3 to 5.6 units, and increased drip loss by 51 to 137% in the PM of chickens supplemented for 18 and 42 h. Pyruvate and glucose supplementation thus appear beneficial but whether this is concomitant with an overall improvement in meat quality remains to be determined.

The prediction of methylmercury elimination half-life in humans using animal data: a neural network/rough sets analysis

Artificial neural networks and Rough Sets methodology have been utilized to predict human pharmacokinetic elimination half-life data based on animal data training sets. Methylmercury (Hg) pharmacokinetic data was obtained from 37 literature references, which provided data on species, gender, age, weight, route of administration, dose, dose frequency, and elimination half-life based on either whole-body Hg analysis or blood Hg analysis. Data were categorized into various formats for analysis comparisons. Rough Sets methodology was utilized to identify and remove redundant independent variables. Artificial neural networks were used to produce models based on the animal data, which were in turn used to predict and compare to the human elimination half-life values. These neural network predictions were compared to allometric graphical plots of the same data. The best artificial neural network prediction was based on a "thermometer" categorical representation of the data.

Ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and oregano supplements reduce stress-induced deterioration of chicken meat quality

In order to ameliorate a negative effect of stress on meat quality characteristics, chickens were fed a diet supplemented with a combination of ascorbic acid (1,000 ppm) and alpha-tocopherol (200 ppm) or oregano (3%), which has a high content of antioxidants. Chickens were slaughtered by cervical dislocation in the stable (no stress) or after transport and electrical stunning at the slaughter plant (stress). Activities of antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathion peroxidase) in pectoralis major (PM), iliotibialis (IL), and liver were unaffected by supplementation. However, erythrocyte stability, which is a more complex model system for determining oxidative status, increased with ascorbic acid-alpha-tocopherol supplementation and tended to increase after oregano supplementation. In nonstressed birds, this improved antioxidative status was reflected in decreased TBA-reactive substances (TBARS) in PM and liver of ascorbic acid-alpha-tocopherol-supplemented chickens and likewise in liver from oregano-supplemented chickens compared to that of nonstressed control birds. However, postmortem temperature, pH, and water-holding capacity were not affected by supplementation. Drip loss from oregano-supplemented chickens showed increased protein oxidation in specific bands, but this did not relate to water-holding capacity or antioxidative status. When exposed to stress, the concentration of TBARS in the control animals increased in PM and IL. Ascorbic acid-alpha-tocopherol supplementation protected IL, and oregano supplementation protected PM from stress-induced increases in TBARS. This differential effect between muscles may indicate differences in protection mechanisms. In conclusion, ascorbic acid-alpha-tocopherol and oregano supplements to chickens protect against stress-induced increase in TBARS, in different muscles.

Plasma levels of parent compound and metabolites after doses of either d-fenfluramine or d-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) that produce long-term serotonergic alterations

Plasma levels of parent compounds and metabolites were determined in adult rhesus monkeys after doses of either 5mg/kg d-fenfluramine (FEN) or 10mg/kg d-3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) i.m. twice daily for four consecutive days. These treatment regimens have been previously shown to produce long-term serotonin (5-HT) depletions. Peak plasma levels of 2.0+/-0.4 microM FEN were reached within 40min after the first dose of FEN, and then declined rapidly, while peak plasma levels (0.4+/-0.1 microM) of the metabolite norfenfluramine (NFEN) were not reached until 6h after dosing. After the seventh (next to last) dose of FEN, peak plasma levels of FEN were 35% greater than after the first dose while peak NFEN-levels were 500% greater. The t(1/2) for FEN was 2.6+/-0.3h after the first dose and 3.2+/-0.2h after the seventh. The estimated t(1/2) for NFEN was more than 37.6+/-20.5h. Peak plasma levels of 9.5+/-2.5 microM MDMA were reached within 20min after the first dose of MDMA, and then declined rapidly, while peak plasma levels (0.9+/-0.2 microM) of the metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) were not reached until 3-6h after dosing. After the seventh (next to last) dose of MDMA, peak plasma levels of MDMA were 30% greater than the first dose while peak MDA levels were elevated over 200%. The t(1/2) for MDMA was 2.8+/-0.4h after the first and 3.9+/-1.1h after the seventh dose. The estimated t(1/2) for MDA was about 8.3+/-1.0h. Variability in plasma levels of MDMA and MDA between subjects was much greater than that for FEN and NFEN. This variability in MDMA and MDA exposure levels may have lead to variability in the subsequent disruption of some behaviors seen in these same subjects. There were 80% reductions in the plasma membrane-associated 5-HT transporters 6 months after either the FEN or MDMA dosing regimen indicating that both treatments produced long-term serotonergic effects.

Feed and strain effects on the use of outdoor areas by broilers

1. The use of outdoor areas by two broiler strains, known to have different growth rates and with access to either moderate (M) or low (L) energy feeds, was examined to assess the consequences for production, meat quality, health and welfare. 2. Sixteen groups of either Ross 208 (ROSS) or a Labresse cross (LAB) were fed either feed M or L. They were raised indoors until 42 d of age when groups of 102 birds were moved to outdoor houses with free access to an outdoor area. 3. The number of chickens standing and lying, respectively, in each of 5 zones in the outdoor area were recorded at intervals throughout the outdoor growth period until slaughter at 84 d of age. Production variables were measured, and gait, feather condition, litter quality, and dermal lesions on foot-pads and hocks were scored together with objective meat quality measures. 4. Both strains showed a diurnal rhythm with most birds observed outside around sunrise and before sunset. Feed and strain both affected the distribution of the birds on the outdoor area, with more birds on feed M than L observed outside, and with more LAB birds outside and using more of the outdoor area than ROSS. This was reflected in some of the carcase and meat quality measures. Feather pecking and cannibalism only occurred in LAB. 5. ROSS was found to have a faster growth rate, poorer litter quality, more dermal lesions and impaired mobility, reflected in low usage of outdoor area and poor gait score compared with LAB. 6. This together with the presence of pectoral myopathies make ROSS unsuitable for 12 week growth in free range production systems. The occurrence of feather pecking and cannibalism in LAB make this particular Labresse cross questionable for meat-type poultry production.

Toxicokinetics of riddelliine, a carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloid, and metabolites in rats and mice

Riddelliine is a representative pyrrolizidine alkaloid, a class of naturally occurring toxic phytochemicals present in plant species worldwide. Human exposure to pyrrolizidine alkaloids occurs through consumption of herbal dietary supplements, including comfrey, and through contaminated livestock products (e.g., milk). A recently completed 2-year bioassay of riddelliine carcinogenicity showed that male and female rats and male mice, but not female mice, developed liver tumors. The toxicokinetics of riddelliine and two metabolites, the N-oxide and retronecine, were determined in serum following an oral gavage dose in male and female rats and mice using a validated liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometric method. The results are consistent with extensive metabolism of riddelliine and its more polar metabolites prior to excretion. It is concluded that factors other than toxicokinetics are responsible for the observed species/sex specificity of gross toxicity or liver tumor induction in rats and mice.

Green tea extract only affects markers of oxidative status postprandially: lasting antioxidant effect of flavonoid-free diet

Epidemiological studies suggest that foods rich in flavonoids might reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of green tea extract (GTE) used as a food antioxidant on markers of oxidative status after dietary depletion of flavonoids and catechins. The study was designed as a 2 x 3 weeks blinded human cross-over intervention study (eight smokers, eight non-smokers) with GTE corresponding to a daily intake of 18.6 mg catechins/d. The GTE was incorporated into meat patties and consumed with a strictly controlled diet otherwise low in flavonoids. GTE intervention increased plasma antioxidant capacity from 1.35 to 1.56 (P<0.02) in postprandially collected plasma, most prominently in smokers. The intervention did not significantly affect markers in fasting blood samples, including plasma or haemoglobin protein oxidation, plasma oxidation lagtime, or activities of the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase. Neither were fasting plasma triacylglycerol, cholesterol, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, beta-carotene, or ascorbic acid affected by intervention. Urinary 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine excretion was also unaffected. Catechins from the extract were excreted into urine with a half-life of less than 2 h in accordance with the short-term effects on plasma antioxidant capacity. Since no long-term effects of GTE were observed, the study essentially served as a fruit and vegetables depletion study. The overall effect of the 10-week period without dietary fruits and vegetables was a decrease in oxidative damage to DNA, blood proteins, and plasma lipids, concomitantly with marked changes in antioxidative defence.

Decreased in vitro interaction between p53 and nuclear stress proteins in the p53-deficient mouse

In a previous study, the strength of the interaction between the nuclear stress proteins (sps) 25a, 70i, 72c, and 90 and the tumor suppressor protein p53 was determined by an in vitro fluorescence binding assay. The relative binding of the individual sps with p53, derived from the bone marrow of transgenic mice heterozygous at the p53 locus (p53+/-), was reduced compared to the interaction of sps and p53 derived from wild-type (p53+/+) mice. In order to determine if the genotype of the p53 donor or the genotype of the sp donor determined the binding efficiency, p53 expression was induced by retinoic acid and sp synthesis by bleomycin. P53 derived from either wild-type or heterozygous animals was cross-reacted with nuclear sps obtained from either wild-type or heterozygous animals. Each of the sps, 25a, 70i, 72c, and 90, bound to wild-type p53 with a similar efficiency, irrespective of the genotype of the sp donor mouse (p53+/+ or p53+/-). In contrast, when the sp interaction with p53 obtained from the heterozygous mouse was measured, the relative value of the fluorescence complex was significantly reduced. The data suggest that the strength of the interaction between p53 and nuclear sps is related to the genotype of the p53 donor, and not to the genotype of the animals from which the sps are derived.

Analysis of methylmercury disposition in humans utilizing a PBPK model and animal pharmacokinetic data

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models are excellent tools to aid in the extrapolation of animal data to humans. When the fate of the chemical is the same among species being compared, animal data can appropriately be considered as a model for human exposure. For methylmercury exposure, sufficient data exist to allow comparison of numerous mammalian species to humans. PBPK model validation entails obtaining blood and tissue concentrations of the parent chemical and metabolite(s) at various times following a known exposure. From ethical and practical considerations, human tissue concentrations following a known exposure to an environmental toxicant are scarce. While animal-to-human extrapolation demands that sufficient human data exist to validate the model, the validation requirements are less stringent if multiple animal models are utilized within a single model template. A versatile PBPK model was used to analyze the distribution and elimination of methylmercury and its metabolite, inorganic mercury. Uniquely, the model is formed in a generic way from a single basic template during the initial program compilation. Basic parameters are defined for diffferent PBPK models for mammalian species that span a relatively large range of sizes. In this article, the analyses include 12 species (mouse, hamster, rat, guinea pig, cat, rabbit, monkey, sheep, pig, goat, cow, and human). Allometric (weight-based) correlations of tissue binding coefficients, metabolism rate constants, and elimination parameters for both methylmercury and inorganic mercury are presented for species for which sufficient data are available. The resulting human model, in accord with the animal models, predicts relatively high inorganic mercury levels in the kidneys long after the disappearance of methylmercury from the blood.

Resonant scattering and mode coupling in two-dimensional textured planar waveguides

A heuristic formalism is developed for efficiently determining the specular reflectivity spectrum of two-dimensionally textured planar waveguides. The formalism is based on a Green's function approach wherein the electric fields are assumed to vary little over the thickness of the textured part of the waveguide. Its accuracy, when the thickness of the textured region is much smaller than the wavelength of relevant radiation, is verified by comparison with a much less efficient, exact finite difference solution of Maxwell's equations. In addition to its numerical efficiency, the formalism provides an intuitive explanation of Fano-like features evident in the specular reflectivity spectrum when the incident radiation is phase matched to excite leaky electromagnetic modes attached to the waveguide. By associating various Fourier components of the scattered field with bare slab modes, the dispersion, unique polarization properties, and lifetimes of these Fano-like features are explained in terms of photonic eigenmodes that reveal the renormalization of the slab modes due to interaction with the two-dimensional grating. An application of the formalism, in the analysis of polarization-insensitive notch filters, is also discussed.

A mechanistic approach to modelling the risk of liver tumours in mice exposed to fumonisin B1 in the diet

Data from the National Toxicology Program's carcinogenesis study of fumonisin B1 in B6C3F1 mice, conducted at the National Center for Toxicological Research, were used to fit the Moolgavkar-Venzon-Knudson (MVK) two-stage, clonal-expansion model of carcinogenesis. In addition to tumour data from the conventional 2-year bioassay, the study included data on tissue weights, cell proliferation, cell death, and sphingolipid metabolism in primary target organs. The model was used to predict 2-year liver tumour rates in female and male mice based on differences among dose groups in the effect of fumonisin B1 on the growth of normal tissue and on the proliferation of preneoplastic cells as a compensatory response to sphinganine-induced cell death. Fumonisin B1 was assumed to be non-genotoxic, i.e. the model did not include any effect of fumonisin B1 on either of the two mutation rates of the MVK model. The model was able to reproduce reasonably well the observed tumour rates in both female and male mice, predicting substantially increased rates above background only at the highest doses of fumonisin B1 in females.

Tissue sphinganine as a biomarker of fumonisin-induced apoptosis

NCTR measured sphinganine concentrations in the livers of mice and in the livers and kidneys of rats in conjunction with a tumour bioassay. In our model of the tumour incidence, target-tissue levels of sphinganine serve as a biomarker for a dose response of fumonisin B1 on cell death. Initially we questioned the utility of sphinganine levels in this role because they were highly variable when compared across time points. In spite of this concern, a conceptual framework and data are presented that support the use of sphinganine as a biomarker for a dose response of fumonisin B1 on cell death. This framework is reasonably consistent with observed sphinganine concentrations in the examined tissues, the literature on fumonisin's effects on sphingolipid synthesis, and our hypothesized mechanism through which fumonisin B1 increases age-specific tumour incidence.

Correlation of blood cholinesterase levels with toxicity of sarin in rats

The dose-mortality response curve for sarin when administered to pregnant rats is extremely steep. The pregnant animal either died during the treatment or survived with no observable fetal toxicity. Animals that died displayed many symptoms characteristic of anticholinesterase toxicity. The present study was conducted to determine whether the maternal deaths, clinical observations, and/or weight loss could be correlated with baseline blood cholinesterase levels in individual animals. Cholinesterase levels (plasma and erythrocyte) were obtained prior to, during, and following treatment of nonpregnant rats by gavage with 380 microg/kg/d sarin for 10 d. After the first dose, there was a drop in the plasma cholinesterase levels, which then remained low throughout the dosing period. There was a statistically significant correlation between body weight loss and plasma cholinesterase levels of the sarin dosed animals. The surviving animals also had lower plasma cholinesterase levels and lower body weights, both of which recovered on the cessation of dosing. The erythrocyte cholinesterase levels were not different between treated and nontreated rats. Neither plasma or erythrocyte baseline cholinesterase levels nor relative or absolute cholinesterase decline values could be used as predictors of mortality from sarin administration in rats.

Dose-response of retinoic acid induced stress protein synthesis and teratogenesis in mice

Stress proteins are synthesized in response to a variety of stressors, including several teratogenic agents. However, their role, if any, in the teratogenic process is unknown. We have previously demonstrated that all-trans-retinoic acid administered to pregnant CD-1 mice on gestational day 11 or 13 produced limb defects and cleft palate near term in a dose-responsive manner. This chemical also induced the synthesis of several nuclear stress proteins in embryonic tissues within several hours of dosing. The stress proteins were only observed in tissues that eventually became malformed and not in tissues that appeared normal at term. In the current work, we examined the stress response in embryonic target tissues after several different doses of retinoic acid. The nuclear stress proteins were synthesized in a dose-related manner and at a lower retinoic acid dose than doses producing malformations in the corresponding tissue at birth. Each individual stress protein and the total stress protein response were highly correlated, across dose, with the respective malformations observed at term.

Cement solidification of simulated off-gas condensates from vitrification of low-level nuclear waste solutions

Solidification in a cementitious matrix is a viable alternative for low-level nuclear waste management; it is therefore important to understand the behavior and properties of such wasteforms. We have examined the cementitious solidification of simulated off-gas waste streams resulting from the vitrification of low-level nuclear waste. Different possible methods for scrubbing the off-gasses from a vitrifier give rise to three possible types of waste compositions: acidic (from aqueous dissolution of volatile NOx and POx carried over from the vitrifier), basic (from neutralizing the former with sodium hydroxide), and fully carbonated (arising from a direct-combustion vitrifier). Six binder compositions were tested in which ordinary Portland cement was replaced at different proportions by fly ash and/or ground granulated blast furnace slag. A high solution to binder ratio of 1l/1 kg was used to minimize the volume of the wasteform and 10% attapulgite clay was added to all mixes to ensure that the fresh mix did not segregate prior to setting. The 28-day compressive strengths decreased when a high proportion of cement was replaced with fly ash, but were increased significantly when the cement was replaced with slag. The heats of hydration at early age for the various solids compositions decreased when cement was replaced with either fly ash or slag; however, for the fly ash mix the low heat was also associated with a significant decrease in compressive strength. High curing temperature (60 degrees C) or the use of extra-fine slag did not significantly affect the compressive strength. Recommendations for choice of binder formulations and treatment of off-gas condensates are discussed.

Ecology of Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), rodents, and birds in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Placer County, California

This study examined the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner in host-seeking adult and nymphal Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls and estimated the I. pacificus infestation and B. burgdorferi infection of rodent and avian hosts in the western Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California. Additionally, we identified species likely to participate in an enzootic cycle for B. burgdorferi in this yellow pine transition habitat. Evidence of infection with B. burgdorferi was identified in 7.3 and 5.4% of host-seeking I. pacificus adults and nymphs, respectively. Mean numbers of I. pacificus observed on rodents were 1.15 for Neotoma fuscipes Baird and 0.18 for Peromyscus spp. One of 104 ear punch tissues obtained from woodrats and none from 49 Peromyscus spp. yielded B. burgdorferi. A total of 291 collected birds representing 34 species had a mean of 0.27 I. pacificus per bird. The mean I. pacificus infestation of ground-dwelling birds was 2.5 ticks per bird. Forty-nine of 92 (53%) blood smears collected from birds were reactive to a B. burgdorferi specific antibody. This study presents the identification of a B. burgdorferi-like spirochete in birds in western North America. The tick burden and spirochete infection of birds suggests that birds may be involved in a local B. burgdorferi enzootic cycle and likely participate in the transport of ticks and spirochetes to other locations while rodents from this site do not appear to be major contributors.

The effect of grape-skin extract on oxidative status

Epidemiological studies indicate that moderate alcohol consumption, particularly wine, reduce the risk of CHD. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of grape-skin extract on markers of oxidative status. The study was designed as a randomised crossover. A diet with a low content of flavonoids was served with strict control of intake in two consecutive 1-week intervention periods to fifteen subjects (nine women, six men) divided randomly into two groups. During one of the weeks the subjects from either group consumed 200 ml grape-skin extract in water (1 mg extract/ml) at each of three daily meals (31.3 mg total phenolics, including 9.0 mg catechin). An increased activity of glutathione reductase and a borderline increase of glutathione peroxidase activity in erythrocytes were observed after grape-skin intervention, while the intervention had no significant effect on superoxide dismutase or catalase. Likewise, no effect was found on 2-aminoadipic semialdehyde (AAS) residues, a plasma protein oxidation product, or on malondialdehyde in plasma or in LDL, which are markers of lipoprotein oxidation. A marginal effect of grape-skin intervention was observed on plasma ascorbate levels. Intake of the experimental diet significantly reduced plasma vitamin C and plasma AAS in both groups. This effect was most pronounced in the particular week with no grape-skin extract addition. We speculate that grape-skin extract may have a sparing effect on vitamin C. The effects of the experimental diet may be partly ascribed to a low content of several fruit- and vegetable-related antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C and a relatively high content of carrot-derived antioxidants, such as carotenes.

Mathematical modeling of human embryonic and fetal growth rates

A mathematical model for human embryonic/fetal growth data from implantation to birth is developed. In previous work, it was shown that an unbiased estimate for human fetal growth data from about day 50 post-conception until term could be calculated from the Gompertz equation. This period represents a range of embryonic/fetal weights from one to 3500 g. When the Gompertz equation is extended, with no change of parameters, to the prenatal period before 50 days, the predicted weights have a consistent bias which might have a biological basis. Early embryonic growth immediately following fertilization is exponential; i.e., one cell goes to 2, then 4, then 8... etc., with essentially no decrease in relative growth rate. Except for possible small changes in cell size and cell mitosis cycle time, such exponential growth can be considered as a special case of the Gompertz equation with a, the relative rate of decrease of the relative growth rate, equal to zero. The relative growth rate begins to decrease about 20 days post-conception, at the time of cell differentiation into organ precursors. Although the "Hayflick Limit" of the maximum of 50 to 60 cell divisions for human cells would tend to cause a decrease in growth rate, it can be shown that the effect is insignificant during embryonic/fetal growth. The observed decrease in the growth rate might be a result of a decreasing fraction of cells in the pool of dividing cells. For the Gompertz equation model, a at this time changes from zero to a positive number. Analysis of fetal growth data shows that a rapidly becomes large and then decreases over a period of several days to become a constant positive value for the remainder of the prenatal term. Good fits of empirical embryonic/fetal growth data were obtained by nonlinear regression with calculation of the embryonic/fetal weights through numerical integration of the differential Gompertz equations and the functionality of alpha.

[Polyphenolic antioxidants in fruit juice. Urinary excretion and effects on biological markers for antioxidative status]

This intervention study was designed as cross-over (four women, one man) with three doses of black currant/apple (1:1) juice (750, 1000, and 1500 mL) for one week corresponding to an intake of 4.8, 6.4, and 9.6 mg quercetin per day. Urinary excretion of quercetin increased significantly with dose and with time. The fraction excreted in urine was constant 0.29-0.47%. Plasma quercetin did not change with juice intervention. Plasma ascorbate increased during intervention due to ascorbate from the juice. Total plasma malondialdehyde decreased with time during 1500 mL juice intervention. Plasma protein 2-adipic semialdehyde residues, increased with time and dose, and glutathione peroxidase increased with juice dose, whereas other selected markers of oxidative status did not change. These effects might be related to several components of the juice and cannot be attributed solely to its quercetin content.

Retinal pigment epithelial cell function on substrates with chemically micropatterned surfaces

Model substrates with desired chemical micropatterns were fabricated using a microcontact printing technique. The substrate surfaces contained organized arrays of circular glass domains with a diameter of either 10 or 50 microm surrounded and separated by regions modified with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The effects of surface patterning on in vitro cell attachment, proliferation, morphology, and cytoskeletal organization were evaluated using a human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line. Both micropatterns affected initial RPE cell attachment, limited cell spreading, and promoted the characteristic cuboidal cell morphology throughout the culture period. In contrast, RPE cells on plain glass control were elongated and appeared fibroblast-like prior to confluence. In addition, cells seeded at 30,000 cell/cm2 on the patterned surfaces maintained a normal pattern of actin and cytokeratin expression, and formed confluent monolayers within 4 days of culture. The cell density increased about 30-fold on both micropatterns by day 7. These results show that it is feasible to control RPE cell shape and expression of differentiated phenotype using micropatterned surfaces.

Induction of stress proteins by electromagnetic fields in cultured HL-60 cells

HL-60 cells in culture were exposed for 2 h to a sinusoidal 0.1 or 1 mT (1 or 10 Gauss) magnetic field at 60 Hz and pulse labeled after exposure with radioactive isotopes by incubation by using either [(35)S]methionine, [(3)H]leucine, or [(33)P]phosphate. The radioactive labels were incorporated into cellular proteins through synthesis or phosphorylation. Proteins were extracted from electrostatically sorted nuclei, and the heat shock/stress proteins (sp) were analyzed for synthesis and phosphorylation by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the control cultures (no exposure to the magnetic field), sp 72c (cognate form) was faintly observed. A 0.1 mT exposure did not show sp metabolism to be different from that of the controls; however, after a 1 mT exposure of the HL-60 cells, sp 70i (inducible form) was synthesized ([(35)S]methionine incorporation). Sp 90 was not synthesized at either field level, but was phosphorylated ([(33)P]phosphate incorporation) in the 1 mT exposure. Sp 27 (isoforms a and b) was induced after a 1 mT exposure as reflected by labeling with [(3)H]leucine. These sps were not detected after a 0.1 mT exposure. After a 1 mT exposure and labeling with [(33)P], sp 27 isoforms b and c were phosphorylated whereas isoform 'a' was not observed. Sps 70i, 72c, and 90 were identified by commercial sp antibodies. Likewise, polypeptides a, b, and c were verified as sp 27 isoforms by Western blotting. Statistical evaluation of sp areas and densities, determined from fluorographs by Western-blot analysis, revealed a significant increase in sps 90 and 27a after a 1 mT magnetic field exposure. The 1 mT magnetic field interacts at the cellular level to induce a variety of sp species. Bioelectromagnetics 20:347-357, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A direct comparison of the activities of two humanized respiratory syncytial virus monoclonal antibodies: MEDI-493 and RSHZl9

Two humanized monoclonal antibodies, MEDI-493 and RSHZ19, were developed independently as potential improvements over RSV-IGIV for prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. RSV-IGIV is a polyclonal human antibody preparation for intravenous infusion enriched for RSV neutralizing activity. A phase III clinical trial showed that MEDI-493 significantly reduced hospitalizations due to RSV infection. In a separate trial, RSHZ19 failed to show significant efficacy. In new studies, the in vitro and in vivo activities of MEDI-493 and RSHZ19 were compared to determine whether the different clinical results are related to differences in biologic activity. MEDI-493 was consistently 4- to 5-fold more potent than RSHZ19 in antigen binding, RSV neutralization, and fusion inhibition assays. Although both MEDI-493 and RSHZ19 were effective against A and B subtypes of RSV in the cotton rat model of RSV infection, 2- to 4-fold higher doses of RSHZ19 were required for similar protection. The enhanced activity of MEDI-493 compared with RSHZ19 may, in part, explain its better clinical effect.

Haematology and serum chemistry parameters of the pregnant rat

This study describes the baseline haematology and serum chemistry values found in non-pregnant, pregnant (gestational days [GD] 2-21) and lactating (postnatal days 1-9) Sprague Dawley rats (n = 3-10/day) from the NCTR breeding colony of Crl:COBS CD(SD)BR strain. Maternal body weights on GD0 ranged from 250 to 300 g. Multiple analytes were measured in both whole blood and serum of dams. Amniotic fluid, fetal serum, and postnatal pup serum analyte values were also acquired. Maternal blood was collected from the heart under subterminal carbon dioxide (CO2) anaesthesia. Most pregnant dam blood values were not appreciably different from values for non-pregnant dams until near term; near-term values for some analytes (red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total protein, glucose, total bilirubin, sodium, and chloride) decreased but returned to near-normal values soon after delivery. The most dramatic change was a three-fold elevation of serum triglyceride levels near term with a subsequent decrease at birth. Most serum chemistry analytes measured in progeny increased after birth except for alkaline phosphatase, calcium and potassium levels which decreased.