High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Monoand Disaccharides in Presweetened Cereals: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was conducted using a modified AOAC method (sugars in chocolate) for the determination of fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose in presweetened cereals by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Eight samples consisting of 6 products were analyzed in duplicate by the HPLC method and the AOAC Lane-Eynon method. The AOAC method was modified to use water-alcohol (1 + 1) and Sep-Pak C18 cartridges for sample cleanup. The HPLC results indicate precision comparable to the Lane-Eynon method and the chocolate method. The modified HPLC method has been adopted official first action.

High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Glycyrrhizic Acid or Glycyrrhizic Acid Salts in Various Licorice Products: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study determining glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhizic acid salts content of various licorice products has been conducted using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Five samples containing various concentrations of glycyrrhizic acid were analyzed in blind replicates by 8 collaborators. The results indicate excellent repeatability and reproducibility with coefficients of variation less than 7.5%. In addition, this method allows the determination of glycyrrhizic acid in less than 15 min compared with 3 days for the conventional gravimetric and colorimetric methods. The method has been adopted official first action.

Isolation of 1-(3',4'-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2″,4″,6″-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol from Grape Seed Extract and Evaluation of its Antioxidant and Antispasmodic Potential

HPLC profiling of phenolics in grape seed extracts revealed a prominent peak of an unknown substance with concentrations up to 5.3%. Spectroscopic data allowed the identification of the compound 1 as 1-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2″,4″,6″-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol. 1 is known to be produced from catechin and epicatechin through anaerobic bacteria from human, as well as the rat, intestines. It was hypothesized that the marc remaining after expression of juice from grapes became infested during storage, resulting in the production of 1. Because compound 1 is infrequently found in nature and has never been found in grape seeds, its presence may be considered a marker of an unwanted anaerobic bacterial process occurring during production. The antioxidant potential of 1 was determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays and compared to the potential of the following compounds: phloroglucine, pyrogallol, gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin. Furthermore, it was established that 1 significantly reduced guinea pig ileum contraction induced by histamine.

Influence of Degree-of-Polymerization and Linkage on the Quantification of Proanthocyanidins using 4-Dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) Assay

Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are naturally occurring flavonoids possessing health beneficial bioactivities. Their quantification often utilizes the 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) spectrophotometric assay with the assumption that molar absorption coefficients (MACs) are similar across the various PAC species. To assess the validity of this assumption, individual PAC monomers and oligomers were examined for their absorbance response with DMAC. Our results have shown that PAC dimers and trimers with interflavan linkage variations exhibited differential absorbance response. Absence of A-type linkage between the terminal and second units in PAC molecule not only impacts absorbance intensity at 640 nm but also elicits a prominent secondary 440 nm absorbance peak. Cranberry (A-type) and cocoa (B-type) oligomeric PACs exhibited differential absorbance (MACs) relationship with degree-of-polymerization. Thus, PAC structural variations have considerable impact on the resulting MAC. The use of DMAC assay in PAC quantification, especially in comparing across specific oligomers and compositions, should not assume MACs are similar.

Cocoa extracts reduce oligomerization of amyloid-β: implications for cognitive improvement in Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by pathological aggregates of amyloid peptide-β (Aβ) and tau protein. Currently available therapies mediate AD symptoms without modifying disease progression. Polyphenol-rich diets are reported to reduce the risk for AD.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we investigated the AD disease-modifying effects of cocoa, a rich source of flavanols, which are a class of polyphenols. We hypothesized that cocoa extracts interfere with amyloid-β oligomerization to prevent synaptic deficits.

METHODS

We tested the effects of three different cocoa extracts, viz. Natural, Dutched, and Lavado extracts, on Aβ42 and Aβ40 oligomerization, using photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins technique. To assess the effects of cocoa extracts on synaptic function, we measured long term potentiation in mouse brain hippocampal slices exposed to oligomeric Aβ.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that cocoa extracts are effective in preventing the oligomerization of Aβ, with Lavado extract being most effective. Lavado extract, but not Dutched extract, was effective in restoring the long term potentiation response reduced by oligomeric Aβ.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that cocoa extracts have multiple disease-modifying properties in AD and present a promising route of therapeutic and/or preventative initiatives.

Discovery of aryl ureas and aryl amides as potent and selective histamine H3 receptor antagonists for the treatment of obesity (part I)

A series of structurally novel aryl ureas was derived from optimization of the HTS lead as selective histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists. The SAR was explored and the data obtained set up the starting point and foundation for further optimization. The most potent tool compounds, as exemplified by compounds 2l, 5b, 5d, and 5e, displayed antagonism potencies in the subnanomolar range in in vitro human-H3R FLIPR assays and rhesus monkey H3R binding assays.

Inhibition of key digestive enzymes by cocoa extracts and procyanidins

This study determined the in vitro inhibitory effects of cocoa extracts and procyanidins against pancreatic α-amylase (PA), pancreatic lipase (PL), and secreted phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) and characterized the kinetics of such inhibition. Lavado, regular, and Dutch-processed cocoa extracts as well as cocoa procyanidins (degree of polymerization (DP) = 2-10) were examined. Cocoa extracts and procyanidins dose-dependently inhibited PA, PL, and PLA(2). Lavado cocoa extract was the most potent inhibitor (IC(50) = 8.5-47 μg/mL). An inverse correlation between log IC(50) and DP (R(2) > 0.93) was observed. Kinetic analysis suggested that regular cocoa extract, the pentamer, and decamer inhibited PL activity in a mixed mode. The pentamer and decamer noncompetitively inhibited PLA(2) activity, whereas regular cocoa extract inhibited PLA(2) competitively. This study demonstrates that cocoa polyphenols can inhibit digestive enzymes in vitro and may, in conjunction with a low-calorie diet, play a role in body weight management.

Preservation of cocoa antioxidant activity, total polyphenols, flavan-3-ols, and procyanidin content in foods prepared with cocoa powder

Little is known about the effects of common cooking processes on cocoa flavanols. Antioxidant activity, total polyphenols (TP), flavanol monomers, and procyanidin oligomers were determined in chocolate frosting, a hot cocoa drink, chocolate cookies, and chocolate cake made with natural cocoa powder. Recoveries of antioxidant activity, TP, flavanol monomers, and procyanidins ranged from 86% to over 100% in the chocolate frosting, hot cocoa drink, and chocolate cookies. Losses were greatest in the chocolate cake with recoveries ranging from 5% for epicatechin to 54% for antioxidant activity. The causes of losses in baked chocolate cakes were investigated by exchanging baking soda with baking powder or combinations of the 2 leavening agents. Use of baking soda as a leavening agent was associated with increased pH and darkening color of cakes. Losses of antioxidant activity, TP, flavanol monomers, and procyanidins were associated with an increased extractable pH of the baked cakes. Chocolate cakes made with baking powder for leavening resulted in an average extractable pH of 6.2 with essentially complete retention of antioxidant activity and flavanol content, but with reduced cake heights and lighter cake color. Commercially available chocolate cake mixes had final pHs above 8.3 and contained no detectable monomeric flavanols after baking. These results suggest that baking soda causes an increase in pH and subsequent destruction of flavanol compounds and antioxidant activity. Use of an appropriate leavening agent to moderate the final cake pH to approximately 7.25 or less results in both good leavening and preservation of cocoa flavanols and procyanidins.

Characterization of primary standards for use in the HPLC analysis of the procyanidin content of cocoa and chocolate containing products

This report describes the characterization of a series of commercially available procyanidin standards ranging from dimers DP = 2 to decamers DP = 10 for the determination of procyanidins from cocoa and chocolate. Using a combination of HPLC with fluorescence detection and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, the purity of each standard was determined and these data were used to determine relative response factors. These response factors were compared with other response factors obtained from published methods. Data comparing the procyanidin analysis of a commercially available US dark chocolate calculated using each of the calibration methods indicates divergent results and demonstrate that previous methods may significantly underreport the procyanidins in cocoa-containing products. These results have far reaching implications because the previous calibration methods have been used to develop data for a variety of scientific reports, including food databases and clinical studies.

Predicting zygoma fractures from baseball impact

The purpose of this study is to develop injury risk functions that predict zygoma fracture based on baseball type and impact velocity. Zygoma fracture strength data from published experiments were mapped with the force exerted by a baseball on the orbit as a function of ball velocity. Using a normal distribution, zygoma fracture risk functions were developed. Experimental evaluation of these risk functions was performed using six human cadaver tests and two baseballs of different stiffness values. High speed video measured the baseball impact velocity. Post test analysis of the cadaver skulls was performed using CT imaging including three-dimensional reconstruction as well as autopsy. The developed injury risk functions accurately identify the risk of zygoma fracture as a result of baseball impact. The experimental results validated the zygoma risk functions at the lower and upper levels. The injuries observed in the post test analysis included fractures of the zygomatic arch, frontal process and the maxilla, zygoma suture, with combinations of these creating comminuted, tripod fractures of the zygoma. Tests with a softer baseball did result in injury but these had fewer resulting zygoma bone fragments and occurred at velocities 50% higher than the major league ball.

Lateral and posterior dynamic bending of the mid-shaft femur: fracture risk curves for the adult population

The purpose of this study was to develop injury risk functions for dynamic bending of the human femur in the lateral-to-medial and posterior-to-anterior loading directions. A total of 45 experiments were performed on human cadaver femurs using a dynamic three-point drop test setup. An impactor of 9.8 kg was dropped from 2.2 m for an impact velocity of 5 m/s. Five-axis load cells measured the impactor and support loads, while an in situ strain gage measured the failure strain and subsequent strain rate. All 45 tests resulted in mid-shaft femur fractures with comminuted wedge and oblique fractures as the most common fracture patterns. In the lateral-to-medial bending tests the reaction loads were 4180 +/- 764 N, and the impactor loads were 4780 +/- 792 N. In the posterior-to-anterior bending tests the reaction loads were 3780 +/- 930 N, and the impactor loads were 4310 +/- 1040 N. The difference between the sum of the reaction forces and the applied load is due to inertial effects. The reaction loads were used to estimate the mid-shaft bending moments at failure since there was insufficient data to include the inertial effects in the calculations. The resulting moments are conservative estimates (lower bounds) of the mid-shaft bending moments at failure and are appropriate for use in the assessment of knee restraints and pedestrian impacts with ATD measurements. Regression analysis was used to identify significant parameters, and parametric survival analysis was used to estimate risk functions. Femur cross-sectional area, area moment of inertia (I), maximum distance to the neutral axis (c), I/c, occupant gender, and occupant mass are shown to be significant predictors of fracture tolerance, while no significant difference is shown for loading direction, bone mineral density, leg aspect and age. Risk functions are presented for femur cross-sectional area and I/c as they offer the highest correlation to peak bending moment. The risk function that utilizes the most highly correlated (R2 = 0.82) and significant (p = 0.0001) variable, cross-sectional area, predicts a 50 percent risk of femur fracture of 240 Nm, 395 Nm, and 562 Nm for equivalent cross-sectional area of the 5(th) percentile female, 50(th) percentile male, and 95(th) percentile male respectively.

Spring-Mediated Cranial Reshaping For Craniosynostosis

The evolution of modern craniofacial surgery has come full circle from the early strip craniectomies to the complete calvarial remodeling and now back to attempts at minimally invasive surgical interventions. The goal of the craniofacial surgeon has always been the correction of form and function with minimization of associated morbidity and mortality. Particularly problematic has been the ability to maintain the anatomical correction beyond the result seen on the operating room table secondary to changes with growth. The ability to improve the clinical result in a growing and developing child has been the impetus for dynamic treatment modalities. Dr Claes Lauritzen's pioneering work in this area has been particularly successful using internal springs to correct craniofacial deformities. The purpose of this study is to assess this treatment modality clinically in terms of safety and efficacy and to develop a methodology for the spring formation that would be easily reproducible. This is an institutional review board-approved prospective study of 15 children (11 male, 4 female) with non-syndromic sagittal suture synostosis. All patients were treated with a sagittal strip craniectomy and placement of 2 omega-shaped stainless steel springs at a mean age of 3.9 months. Patients were followed clinically and with cephalograms; after reossification of the intervening bone, the springs were removed at a mean age of 8.2 months. The mean force applied at initial placement of the springs was 6.9 N, and the mean spring deflection at formation was 6.87 cm. All patients completed the study protocol without any significant morbidity or any mortality. Perioperative variables, including blood loss, transfusion rate, operative time, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and hospital charges, were all significantly less (P < 0.05) in this study group compared with children with the same diagnosis treated with cranial vault reshaping during the same period. Furthermore, the preoperative mean cephalic index of 64.3 corrected to 77.6 after surgery and was maintained over time. Spring-mediated cranial reshaping is efficacious and safe for the treatment of sagittal synostosis. Long-term study of cranial development and clinical morphology are ongoing to validate further the effectiveness of this treatment modality.

Synchronization and phase-resetting by glutamate of an immortalized SCN cell line

SCN 2.2 cultures were stably transfected with luciferase reporter constructs driven by Ca(2+)/cAMP response element, E-box, or vasoactive intestinal peptide promoter to probe the circadian properties of this clock cell line. SCN 2.2 reporter lines displayed approximately 24-h rhythms of transcriptional activation after serum-shock. Serum-shocked cultures pulsed with glutamate exhibited phase-gated induction of phospho-CREB and of VIP, CRE, and E-box promoter activity. Glutamate-induced CRE promoter activity displayed restricted sensitivity to inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and cGMP-dependent protein kinase. The temporal pattern of these sensitivities paralleled those of the SCN to light and glutamate during the night. Taken together, our data indicate that serum-shock can synchronize the circadian clock of SCN 2.2 cells to a state consistent with the day/night transition and, thus, establishes a temporal context for this cell line.

Immortalized suprachiasmatic nucleus cells express components of multiple circadian regulatory pathways

We undertook an extensive antigenic characterization of the SCN 2.2 cell line in order to further evaluate whether the line expresses components of circadian regulatory pathways common to the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the central circadian clock in mammals. We found that differentiated SCN 2.2 cultures expressed a broad range of putative clock genes, as well as components of daytime, nighttime, and crepuscular circadian regulatory pathways found within the SCN in vivo. The line also exhibits several antigens that are highly expressed in a circadian pattern and/or differentially localized in the SCN relative to other hypothalamic regions. Expression of a broad complement of circadian regulatory proteins and putative clock genes further support growing evidence in recent reports that the SCN 2.2 cell line is an appropriate model for investigating the regulation of central mammalian pacemaker.

Transplacental transfer of the opioid growth factor, [Met(5)]-enkephalin, in rats

Placental transfer of the pentapeptide [Met5]-enkephalin, known to function as a growth regulating factor and neuromodulatory agent, was studied in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. Using separation by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and analysis by derivative spectroscopy, [Met5]-enkephalin was detected in 20-day-old fetal tissue including brain, heart, lung, and kidney. Fetal tissues from pregnant rats given an injection of 40 mg/kg [Met5]-enkephalin on gestation day 20 had markedly elevated levels of peptide within 1 h, indicating the transplacental transfer of this opioid. [Met5]-enkephalin levels were increased from control samples at 1, 2, 4, and 14 h post-injection of peptide, but not at 24 h. Evaluation of breakdown products of [Met5]-enkephalin, along with the related peptide [Leu5]-enkephalin, revealed that elution times differed substantially from [Met5]-enkephalin. These data indicate that [Met5]-enkephalin is present in fetal organs, crosses the placenta, does not appear to be restrictive in organ specificity, and is sustained in fetal tissues at detectable levels for at least 14 h. Given that [Met5]-enkephalin tonically inhibits DNA synthesis in the fetus, these results raise the question of whether an elevated level of this peptide (either maternally or from the fetus) may be detrimental to cellular ontogeny in the fetus, and perhaps have long-term implications for postnatal development.

Determination of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations in milk chocolate

The fatty acids from a series of milk-chocolate-based confectionery samples were analyzed as methyl esters by GC to determine the presence and amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). A single peak corresponding to the 9-cis,11-trans isomer and ranging from less than 0.1% to nearly 0.2% of the total fatty acids, corresponding to up to 0.3 mg per g of chocolate, was observed. One of the chocolate extracts and a milk extract were subjected to silver ion HPLC and GC-MS in order to confirm the identity of the major isomer and tentatively identity minor isomers.

Nitric oxide synthase imunolabeling in the molluscan CNS and peripheral tissues

NOS immunoreactivity was assayed in CNS and peripheral tissues of the sea slugs Pleurobranchaea californica, Tritonia diomedea and Aplysia californica using different antisera against mammalian nitric oxide synthase in Western blots. Polyclonal anti-nNOS labeled at 250, 185, 170, 155, 100, 75, and 65 kD in extracts of Pleurobranchaea CNS, salivary gland and esophagus but not of gills or muscle. The labeling pattern for Tritonia in bands at 250, 200, 120/110, 100, 69, 65, and 60 kD differed somewhat. Anti-nNOS labeling in Aplysia was markedly different, with bands labeled only at 69 and 60 kD in CNS extracts, and at 200, 190, 69 and 60 kD in salivary and esophagus extracts. The wide variation in NOS immunoreactivity is consistent with species differences in tissue localization and biochemical properties of molluscan NOS isoforms.

A rapid sample preparation method for the HPLC determination of the opioid antagonist naltrexone in serum

HPLC with UV and electrochemical detection has routinely been employed for the determination of the opioid antagonist naltrexone in serum. Sample preparation protocols range from liquid/liquid to solid phase extraction. The sample preparation described in this communication uses ultrafiltration as the mode of sample preparation prior to HPLC analysis. The method is accurate, precise and saves considerable time compared to previously published techniques.

Oscillation and light induction of timeless mRNA in the mammalian circadian clock

Circadian rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster depend on a molecular feedback loop generated by oscillating products of the period (per) and timeless (tim) genes. In mammals, three per homologs are cyclically expressed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), site of the circadian clock, and two of these, mPer1 and mPer2, are induced in response to light. Although this light response distinguishes the mammalian clock from its Drosophila counterpart, overall regulation, including homologous transcriptional activators, appears to be similar. Thus, the basic mechanisms used to generate circadian timing have been conserved. However, contrary to expectations, the recently isolated mammalian tim homolog was reported not to cycle. In this study, we examined mRNA levels of the same tim homolog using a different probe. We observed a significant (approximately threefold) diurnal variation in mTim expression within mouse SCN using two independent methods. Peak levels were evident at the day-to-night transition in light-entrained animals, and the oscillation persisted on the second day in constant conditions. Furthermore, light pulses known to induce phase delays caused significant elevation in mTim mRNA. In contrast, phase-advancing light pulses did not affect mTim levels. The mTim expression profile and the response to nocturnal light are similar to mPer2 and are delayed compared with mPer1. We conclude that temporal ordering of mTim and mPer2 parallels that of their fly homologs. We predict that mTIM may be the preferred functional partner for mPER2 and that expression of mTim and mPer2 may, in fact, be driven by mPER1.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of ochratoxin A in artificially contaminated cocoa beans using automated sample clean-up

A HPLC method is described for the analysis of ochratoxin A at low-ppb levels in samples of artificially contaminated cocoa beans. The samples are extracted in a mixture of methanol-water containing ascorbic acid, adjusted to pH and evaporated to dryness. Samples in this state are then placed onto a Benchmate sample preparation workstation where C18 solid-phase extraction operations are performed. The resulting materials are evaporated to dryness and analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. The method was evaluated for accuracy and precision with R.S.D.s for multiple injections of sample and standard calculated to 1.1% and 2.5% for sample and standard, respectively. Recoveries of ochratoxin A added to cocoa beans ranged from 87-106% over the range of the assay.

Naltrexone is not detected in preweaning rats following transplacental exposure: implications for growth modulation

Extracts of brain and heart from rats at birth and postnatal days 2 and 10 were evaluated for naltrexone following maternal injection of 50 mg/kg opioid antagonist throughout gestation. Samples were prepared by ultrafiltration, lyophilized, reconstituted in mobile phase, and separated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of naltrexone in tissues from neonates, but not in rats of 2 and 10 days, that were transplacentally exposed to drug. These results confirm earlier reports showing that naltrexone, maternally administered, passes through the placenta and enters the fetus. Moreover, the data suggest that the somatic and neurobiological acceleration observed in offspring exposed to naltrexone during gestation is not due to opioid receptor blockade during the postnatal period.

Transplacental transfer of naltrexone in rats

Extracts of fetal (20 days gestation) brain, heart, and liver were evaluated for naltrexone in rats 1 hour following maternal injection of 50 mg/kg opioid antagonist; adult plasma from the pregnant rats was analyzed. Samples were prepared by ultrafiltration, lyophilized, reconstituted in mobile phase, and separated by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. This qualitative analysis revealed the presence of naltrexone in all fetal tissues, as well as in adult plasma. These results indicate naltrexone, maternally administered, passes through the placenta and enters the fetus. The data would suggest that reports concerning somatic and neurobiological acceleration in offspring exposed to naltrexone during gestation may be the result of a direct opioid antagonist action in the fetus.

Localization and characterization of nitric oxide synthase in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus: evidence for a nitrergic plexus in the biological clock

Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence indicates that the biological clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) can be reset at night through release of glutamate from the retinohypothalamic tract and subsequent activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). However, previous studies using NADPH-diaphorase staining or immunocytochemistry to localize NOS found either no or only a few positive cells in the SCN. By monitoring conversion of L-[3H]arginine to L-[3H]-citrulline, this study demonstrates that extracts of SCN tissue exhibit NOS specific activity comparable to that of rat cerebellum. The enzymatic reaction requires the presence of NADPH and is Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent. To distinguish the neuronal isoform (nNOS; type I) from the endothelial isoform (type III), the enzyme activity was assayed over a range of pH values. The optimal pH for the reaction was 6.7, a characteristic value for nNOS. No difference in nNOS levels was seen between SCN collected in day versus night, either by western blot or by enzyme activity measurement. Confocal microscopy revealed for the first time a dense plexus of cell processes stained for nNOS. These data demonstrate that neuronal fibers within the rat SCN express abundant nNOS and that the level of the enzyme does not vary temporally. The distribution and quantity of nNOS support a prominent regulatory role for this nitrergic component in the SCN.

Resetting the biological clock: mediation of nocturnal CREB phosphorylation via light, glutamate, and nitric oxide

Synchronization between the environmental lighting cycle and the biological clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is correlated with phosphorylation of the Ca2+/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) at the transcriptional activating site Ser133. Mechanisms mediating the formation of phospho-CREB (P-CREB) and their relation to clock resetting are unknown. To address these issues, we probed the signaling pathway between light and P-CREB. Nocturnal light rapidly and transiently induced P-CREB-like immunoreactivity (P-CREB-lir) in the rat SCN. Glutamate (Glu) or nitric oxide (NO) donor administration in vitro also induced P-CREB-lir in SCN neurons only during subjective night. Clock-controlled sensitivity to phase resetting by light. Glu, and NO is similarly restricted to subjective night. The effects of NMDA and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) antagonists on Glu-mediated induction of P-CREB-lir paralleled their inhibition of phase shifting. Significantly, among neurons in which P-CREB-lir was induced by light were NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons of the SCN's retinorecipient area. Glu treatment increased the intensity of a 43 kDa band recognized by anti-P-CREB antibodies in subjective night but not day, whereas anti-alpha CREB-lir of this band remained constant between night and day. Inhibition of NOS during Glu stimulation diminished the anti-P-CREB-lir of this 43 kDa band. Together, these data couple nocturnal light, Glu, NMDA receptor activation and NO signaling to CREB phosphorylation in the transduction of brief environmental light stimulation of the retina into molecular changes in the SCN resulting in phase resetting of the biological clock.

Identification of [Met5]-enkephalin in developing, adult, and renewing tissues by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay

Extracts of adult corneal epithelium, and developing and adult cerebellum, aorta, and heart, from rats were evaluated for [Met5]-enkephalin. Samples were prepared by ultrafiltration and solid phase extraction with a C-18 Sep-pak, separated by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). This qualitative analysis revealed the presence of [Met5]-enkephalin in all tissues but the adult cerebellum. These results confirm and extend earlier reports that have used RIA or immunohistochemistry with regard to the presence of this opioid peptide in developing and renewing tissues, and indicate that [Met5]-enkephalin is indeed being recognized by immunological assays.

Ontogeny of the opioid growth factor, [Met5]-enkephalin, and its binding activity in the rat retina

The endogenous opioid peptide [Met5]-enkephalin is a tonically active opioid growth factor (OGF) with an inhibitory action on DNA synthesis in the developing rat retina. In this study, the ontogeny of the spatial and temporal expression of OGF and its binding activity was examined. OGF-like immunoreactivity was detected in the retina at gestation day (E) 20, but not at E18, and was localized to ganglion cell and neuroblast layers; immunochemical reaction was no longer seen in the retina by postnatal day 6. Native OGF was further identified and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) studies and immunodot assays, which revealed that [Met5]-enkephalin was present in the neonatal, but not adult, rat retina. OGF binding activity was detected as early as E18 using [125I]-[Met5]-enkephalin and in vitro receptor autoradiography. Little OGF binding activity was noted for prenatal retinas, but appreciable activity was observed from birth to postnatal day 4; no OGF binding could be detected after postnatal day 5 or in the adult. These results reveal the transient appearance of the OGF, [Met5]-enkephalin, and its receptor binding activity in the developing mammalian retina, and show that their ontogeny coincides with the timetable of DNA synthesis of retinal neuroblasts.

Use of capillary electrophoresis-isoelectric focusing for the determination of bovine hemoglobin variants

A capillary electrophoretic technique was developed to monitor patterns of hemoglobin production in young calves subjected to multiple phlebotomies. The method is similar to one previously described for the determination of human hemoglobin variants in whole blood using isoelectric focusing. After a single collection of one-half the circulating blood volume, there were obvious alterations in hemoglobin chain variants. HbA levels diminished as blood loss increased with minimum values corresponding to maximum blood loss. HbF levels did not appear to be affected. Also visible during the regenerative process were atypical overlapping peaks preceding the normal hemoglobin peaks. At the conclusion of the 18-day study, most of the electropherograms had returned to initial states. These changes were found to be a sensitive indicator of accelerated erythropoiesis in contrast to the standard technique of total hemoglobin determination by colorimetric means.

The response of various hematologic parameters in the young bovine subjected to multiple phlebotomies

Specific guidelines for the optimal collection of blood from calves maintained as donors do not exist. This investigation was conducted to document erythrocytic changes in calves subjected to controlled blood loss. Two groups of Holstein calves ranging in age from 2 to 5 months were compared. Six animals were designated controls and six were subjected to a series of three blood collections over an 8 day period. Each collection was roughly 50% of the total circulating blood volume (30 ml/kg of body weight). Hematologic values were compared for 18 days. All calves survived the study. There was no significant difference in circulating cortisol levels or growth rate between groups. Packed cell volumes (PCVs) for the phlebotomized group did not return to original levels during the monitoring period (initial 36%, final 26%), but were within normal limits at 30 days. All phlebotomized calves had a high reticulocyte count (0% control, 11% phlebotomized). Reticulocytes were not observed until the PCV fell below 20. HbF to HbA ratios were a sensitive and acute indicator of accelerated erythropoiesis. Variant ratios stabilized within 18 days. Other parameters compared were red cell indices, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, total plasma protein, total hemoglobin values, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios.

Pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in guinea pigs

The occurrence of antibiotic-related enterocolitis in guinea pigs restricts the use of many common antibiotics in this species. Cephaloridine, an antibiotic frequently recommended for this species, is no longer available and a substitute has yet to be explored. In this study, the potential therapeutic efficacy of cefazolin, also a first generation cephalosporin, was evaluated in guinea pigs by assessing pharmacokinetics, toxicity and the minimal inhibitory concentration for selected animal pathogens. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity were evaluated in four phases: single intramuscular injections, multiple intramuscular injections over 30 hours, multiple intramuscular injections over 5 days, and serum-protein binding studies. Antibiotic-related enterocolitis and irritation at the injection site occurred following high (100 mg/kg) repeated doses. At all dose levels, blood values exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration for Bordetella bronchiseptica for only 1 hour postinjection. For Streptococcus and Staphylococcus sp., the drug half-life was 0.5 hours with peak concentrations occurring within 0.25 hours of injection. The volume of distribution of 0.5 l/kg indicated that there was extensive tissue distribution. Serum protein binding was approximately 85%. The short half-life and rapid plasma clearance rate (10.4 ml/min/kg) indicated that cefazolin is eliminated very rapidly from the guinea pig and may be of questionable therapeutic value.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of the mycotoxins patulin, penicillic acid, zearalenone and sterigmatocystin in artificially contaminated cocoa beans

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed to allow the determination of patulin, penicillic acid, sterigmatocystin and zearalenone in samples of cocoa beans. When this method is combined with a method that was reported earlier for the determination of ochratoxin A [W. J. Hurst and R. A. Martin, Jr., J. Chromatogr., 265 (1983) 353], it allows for the determination of five mycotoxins. Samples were extracted with an acidic acetonitrile solution, partitioned with hexane to remove fat interferences and then partitioned with chloroform to remove the toxin containing fraction. Interferences were removed by the use of a bonded phase column followed by the final HPLC determination step, which uses a cyano column with a hexane-1-propanol-acetic acid mobile phase with dual channel UV detection at 245 and 280 nm. The method exhibits good linearity, accuracy and precision.

Nonaqueous reverse phase liquid chromatographic analysis for cholesterol in milk chocolate

A method using liquid chromatography was developed for the analysis of cholesterol in milk chocolate products. The method involves saponification of the sample with methanolic KOH followed by extraction with ether. Potentially interfering components are eliminated through the use of a silica Sep-Pak cleanup step before injection. The nonaqueous reverse phase LC system consists of a C18 column and an isopropanol-hexane mobile phase with direct detection at 205 nm. Recoveries of 1, 3, and 5 mg cholesterol added to 1 g sample of milk chocolate were 88.6, 102.8, and 110.1%, respectively. Studies conducted with [4-14C]-cholesterol were undertaken to further document the accuracy of the method.

High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of cholesterol in milk

A method was developed for analysis of cholesterol in whole milk powder and commercial liquid milk products. High performance liquid chromatography employed a nonaqueous reversed phase chromatographic system. Sample preparation was by saponification with methanolic potassium hydroxide followed by extraction with ether. Potential interfering substances were removed prior to injection by a simple clean-up procedure using a silica gel Sep-pakTM. The chromatographic system included a carbon-18 column with a hexane/isopropanol mobile phase and detection at 205 nm. Method validation and recovery studies using carbon-14 labeled cholesterol indicated excellent performance.

Carbohydrate composition of candy bars

The data in Table 1 show a wide variation among products and when added to other available data provide a more complete picture of the carbohydrate composition of candy bars. Interestingly, the sucrose content of the bars in Table 1 ranges from a low of 19.12% to a high of 56.06%. Extensive use of corn syrup is clearly evident in ingrediated bar types (categories e and f). Although the higher saccharides of corn syrup were not quantitated, we think that this article adds to the knowledge of the carbohydrate composition of the best-selling candy bars, since previously only a carbohydrate by difference value was available. This report provides the health professional with an update on carbohydrate composition of a large number of candy bars.

Liquid chromatographic determination of aflatoxins in artificially contaminated cocoa beans

A high pressure liquid chromatographic method is described for the extraction and determination of aflatoxins in artificially contaminated cocoa beans. Aflatoxins were extracted by using a CB extraction, column cleanup, and chromatography on a reverse phase column with UV detection at 365 nm for aflatoxins B1 and G1 and fluorescence detection for aflatoxins B2 and G2 (365 nm excitation and 455 nm emission). Recoveries from artificially contaminated cocoa beans of various roast conditions ranged from 77.50 to 107.35%. CV values ranged from 4.87 for G1 to 7.66 for G2 (n = 8). The method can be used for cocoa beans ranging from no roast to a heavy roast (12 min at 400 degrees F).

High pressure liquid chromatographic determination of mono- and disaccharides in presweetened cereals: Collaborative study

A collaborative study was conducted using a modified AOAC method (sugars in chocolate) for the determination of fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose in presweetened cereals by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Eight samples consisting of 6 products were analyzed in duplicate by the HPLC method and the AOAC Lane-Eynon method. The AOAC method was modified to use water-alcohol (1 + 1) and Sep-Pak C18 cartridges for sample cleanup. The HPLC results indicate precision comparable to the lane-Eynon method and the chocolate method. The modified HPLC method has been adopted official first action.

Ion pairing high pressure liquid chromatographic determination of amaranth in licorice products

A high pressure liquid chromatographic method is described for the determination of amaranth (FD&C Red No. 2; Red No. 2) in licorice products. The Red No. 2 is extracted with a basic buffer solution, cleaned up on a Sep-Pak column, Chromatographed on a reverse phase column in the ion pairing mode, and detected at 254 nm. The procedure is time-conservative with accurate and precise results. Recovery data ranged from 93 to 104%, and coefficients of variation were less than 4% for standards and samples.

Ion Pairing High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Amaranth in Licorice Products

A high pressure liquid chromatographic method is described for the determination of amaranth (FD&C Red No. 2; Red No. 2) in licorice products. The Red No. 2 is extracted with a basic buffer solution, cleaned up on a Sep-Pak column, chromatographed on a reverse phase column in the ion pairing mode, and detected at 254 nm. The procedure is time-conservative with accurate and precise results. Recovery data ranged from 93 to 104%, and coefficients of variation were less than 4% for standards and samples.

High performance liquid chromatographic determination of carbohydrates in chocolate: collaborative study

A collaborative study determining sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, and lactose in chocolate products was conducted using a previously published high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Five samples (2 milk chocolates, 1 dark chocolate, 1 powdered mix, and 1 sirup) were analyzed in duplicate by 7 collaborators. The results indicate adequate method precision. In addition, the HPLC method allows for the simultaneous determination of 5 saccharides in chocolate products in 15 min. The method has been adopted as official first action.

Production of aflatoxin in cocoa beans

Aflatoxin was produced in both non-autoclaved and autoclaved Ivory Coast cocoa beans inoculated with Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 under optimum laboratory growth conditions. Total aflatoxin levels ranged from 213 to 5597 ng/g substrate. Aflatoxin was quantitated by using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Raw, non-autoclaved cocoa beans, also inoculated with aspergilli, produced 6359 ng aflatoxin/g substrate. Variation in aflatoxin production between bean varieties was observed. Total aflatoxin levels of 10,446 and 23,076 ng/g substrate were obtained on Ivory Coast beans inoculated with A. parasiticus NRRL 2999 and NRRL 3240, respectively. Aflatoxin production on Trinidad and Malaysian beans was 28 and 65 ng aflatoxin/g substrate. These data support previously reported low level natural aflatoxin contamination in cocoa.

Determination of aflatoxins in peanut products using reverse phase HPLC

A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is described for the determination of the four major aflatoxins, B1, B2, G1 and G2, in peanut products. The aflatoxins are extracted by adapting a procedure developed by Pons (1) at the SRRC, USDA, and quantitated utilizing a new 5 mum reverse-phase column with NaCl/acetontrile/methanol mobile phase (3 + 1 + 1). The 5 mum column achieved baseline resolution of each of the four aflatoxins. Retention times and peak heights were reproducible. The procedure was successfully applied to several types of peanut products and was applicable to both roasted and unroasted peanuts, which is a decided advantage over the current CB and BF extraction methods. Additionally, it can be used for sweetened peanut matrixes with no interferences in the chromatography. The total time required for sample preparation and aflatoxin determination is less than 1.5 hours.