Vitamin B12 biofortification of soymilk through optimized fermentation with extracellular B12 producing Lactobacillus isolates of human fecal origin

The present study was designed to bio-fortify the soymilk (per se a B12-free plant food matrix). The PCR-based screening characterized the human fecal samples (4 out of 15 tested) and correspondingly identified novel lactobacilli isolates (n = 4) for their B12 production potential and rest (n = 62) as negative for this attribute. Further, 3 out of the 4 selected strains showed ability for extracellular vitamin production. The most prolific strain, Lactobacillus reuteri F2, secreted B12 (132.2 ± 1.9 μg/L) in cobalamin-free-medium with the highest ratio ever reported (0.97:1.00; extra-: intra-cellular). In next stage, the soymilk was biofortified in situ with B12 during un-optimized (2.8 ± 0.3 μg/L) and optimized (156.2 ± 3.6 μg/L) fermentations with a ∼54-fold increase at Artificial Neuro Fuzzy Inference System based R value of >0.99. The added-nutrients, temperature and initial-pH were observed to be the most important fermentation variables for maximal B12 biofortification. We report Lactobacillus rhamnosus F5 as the first B12 producing (101.7 ± 3.4 μg/L) strain from this species. The cyanocobalamin was extracted, purified and separated on UFLC as nutritionally-relevant B12. Besides, the vitamin was bioavailable in an auxotrophic-mutant. The lactobacilli fermentation is suggested, therefore, as an effective approach for B12 biofortification of soymilk.

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PCR-based real-time screening of human fecal samples for the presence of B12-related cbiK gene.

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Novel report of B12 production in Lactobacillus rhamnosus species (strain F5).

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A rare B12-producing phenotype of Lactobacillus reuteri F2 with highest ever ratio of extracellular vs total B12 (0.95:1.0).

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Sequential optimization (OFAT .→ GSD → ANFIS) enhanced post-fermentation soymilk B12 levels by 54-folds.

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One serving size (100 mL) of L. reuteri F2-biofortified fermented soymilk offered 6.5-fold higher B12 than human RDA.

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The produced B12 form is nutritionally-relevant and biologically active for humans.

Differential gene expression in liver of colored broiler chicken divergently selected for residual feed intake

Feed constitutes about 60-70% of the total cost of poultry production. So maximizing the feed efficiency will reduce production cost. The rapid growth in the juvenile period is essential to achieve higher body weight. Therefore, identifying the genes and pathways involved in rapid growth at an early age with a lesser requirement of feed is of utmost importance to further economize the broiler production. The efficiency of feed utilization was measured using RFI (residual feed intake). The present study aimed to estimate the RFI (0-5 week) in a population of indigenously developed colored broiler sire line chicken as well as identifying the differentially expressed genes influencing RFI in high and low RFI groups. The liver samples of high and low RFI broiler chicken aged 35 days were used for microarray analysis. A total of 2798 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, out of which 913 genes were downregulated and 1885 were upregulated. The fold change varied from - 475.17 to 552.94. A subset of genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR, and outcomes were matched well with microarray data. In the functional annotation study of DEGs, the highest significant GO (Gene Ontology) terms in the biological process included protein transport, protein localization, regulation of apoptosis, and mitochondrial transport. Gene network analysis of these DEGs plays an important role to understand the interaction among genes. Study of the important genes which were differentially expressed and the related molecular pathways in this population may hold the potential for future breeding strategies for augmenting feed efficiency.

Assessing inequities in community health worker’s interaction and its impact in Uttar Pradesh, India

Given the high Neo-natal mortality in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, an emphasis has been given to community health workers (CHW). CHW provides behavior push to pregnant women for utilizing health services, through the strategies of household contact and messaging. However, the disparity in health outcomes and interaction of CHW is profoundly affected by socio-economic determinants; still, the evidence is limited. This study aims to explore socio-economic inequities in quantity and quality of contacts by the CHW and its differential effect on health service utilization.

Multistage sampling design identified live births in the last 12 months across the 25 highest-risk districts of Uttar Pradesh(n = 3703). Regression models described the relation between household demographics and CHW contact & specific messaging and interactions of demographics and CHW contact & messaging in predicting health service utilization ( > = 4 antenatal care (ANC) visits, Institutional delivery and 100 iron folic acid (IFA) consumption).

No differential likelihood in contact of CHW and specific messaging is found. Further, association of CHW contacts and specific messaging with health outcomes were significantly affected by socio-economic determinants.2 or more contacts along with specific messaging increased the odds of 4+ ANC to a higher degree among illiterate women compared to literate women(AOR:3.39, 95% CI:2.28-5.04 vs AOR:1.44, 95% CI:1.09-1.92). Similarly, the odds of facility delivery increased to a higher degree among lower wealth women compared to higher wealth women (AOR:3.41, 95% CI:2.47-4.71 vs. AOR:1.53, 95% CI: 1.09-2.15).

Specific messaging, along with CHW contacts, have a higher magnitude of effects on the marginalized population. This study provides evidence for adjusting implementation strategies based on socio-economic determinants to achieve equitable health service utilization. However, further research on training of CHW on heterogeneous interaction is recommended

Key messages

There exists differential effects of quantity and quality of contact by community health workers on health service utilization across the different socio-economic strata. Implementation agencies in the LMIC can reduce health inequity by shifting from coverage-oriented target approach towards more prioritized and focused interaction across socio-economic groups.

Effect of different fat and protein levels in calf ration on performance of Sahiwal calves

Objective

The current study was carried out to examine the response of different levels of fat and protein in calf starter on nutrient utilisation, nitrogen metabolism, weight gain, blood parameters, and immunity level in pre-ruminant calves.

Methods

Twenty four calves (5 days old) were divided into six groups in a 2×3 factorial design, with two levels of fat (10% and 14%) and three levels of protein (18%, 21%, and 24%). The calves were kept in individual pens for 120 days and fed with whole milk (1/10th of body weight) and calf starter ad-libitum. Daily dry matter intake was recorded; whereas body weight was taken on fortnightly basis to calculate average daily gain. During the growth trial blood samples were collected at 30 days interval to estimate blood glucose, albumin, total protein, total leucocyte count, total immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin G levels. A metabolic trial of seven days was carried out to find out the digestibility of different nutrients.

Results

The dry matter intake was reduced (p<0.05) with higher fat and protein levels whereas feed conversion efficiency was improved (p<0.05) with higher protein level. Different levels of fat and protein in calf ration did not affect average daily gain in calves. The dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility were significantly (p<0.01) higher with increased level of protein. The nitrogen retention was also significantly higher (p<0.05) at 24% protein level, similarly the total immunoglobulin was significantly (p<0.05) high in higher protein fed groups, showed better immunity.

Conclusion

The present finding suggested that 10% fat and 18% protein level of calf starter could be used in Sahiwal calves for optimum performance in terms of weight gain and immunity.

Electrical and structural properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube–doped polymer electrolyte for photo electrochemical device

The present investigation deals with the preparation of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-doped plasticized polymer electrolyte. The nanocomposite has been prepared using solution casting method. Complex impedance spectroscopy study revealed the utmost room temperature conductivity of 5.6 × 10−4 S/cm when optimized plasticized polymer electrolyte (poly(ethyl methacrylate)+30% sodium iodide+60% ethylene carbonate) was doped with 7% MWCNT. Temperature dependence of conductivity showed Arrhenius behavior. The surface morphology and crystalline–amorphous deviation of the composite was observed using scanning electron microscope. Perfect complexation of various components of the composite was confirmed from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The transference number measurement was done to calculate the proportionate amount of ionic and electronic conductivity. A dye sensitized solar cell has been fabricated using maximum ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte and its electrical parameters measured at 1 sun condition.

Glutathione biosynthesis and activity of dependent enzymes in food-grade lactic acid bacteria harbouring multidomain bifunctional fusion gene (gshF)

AIMS

To assess glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis ability and activity of dependent enzymes in food-grade lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and correlating with genomic information on GSH system in LAB.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Whole-genome sequences of 26 food-grade LAB were screened for the presence/absence of a set of genes involved in de novo GSH system. Multiple strains of Streptococcus thermophilus (37), Lactobacillus casei (37), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (4), Lactobacillus paracasei (8) Lactobacillus plantarum (23) and Lactobacillus fermentum (22) were screened for biochemical evidence of the GSH system. Multiple sequence analysis of GshF sequences was carried out for comparing the genomic signatures between GSH-producing and nonproducing species.

CONCLUSIONS

Streptococcus thermophilus was found to have de novo GSH biosynthesis as well as import ability. Lactobacillus sp. were negative for GSH synthesis but could import it from the medium. All the species exhibited prolific GSH reductase and peroxidase activity. Sequence analysis revealed the absence of key amino acid residues as well as a truncated N-terminal region in lactobacilli.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study provides a comprehensive view on the status of an important antioxidative system (the GSH system) in LAB and is expected to serve as a primer for future work on the mechanistic role of GSH in the group.

Effect of developed acidity and neutralization of milk on sensory, microstructural and textural changes in khoa prepared from cow and buffalo milk

Khoa is a heat desiccated milk product which serves as base material for traditional dairy based Indian sweets. Sensory, textural and microstructural changes in khoa were studied to assess the effect of developed acidity and neutralization of milk. Noticeable changes were observed in sensory, textural and micro structural quality of khoa as affected by quality of milk. Lower hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and accordingly, gumminess and chewiness were observed in khoa manufactured using neutralized milk due to higher moisture retention as compared to control and acidic milk khoa. It was also evident from the Scanning Electron Microscopy that higher moisture retention in neutralized milk khoa resulted in elongation of native microstructure of khoa by suppressing the grain formation leading to smooth and plain surface while, developed acidity in milk resulted in greater granule formation in the resulting khoa causing shrinkage of native microstructure and acidic flavour in khoa. Similarly, acidification and subsequent neutralization of milk adversely affected sensory attributes of resulting khoa.

Characterisation of caecum and crop microbiota of Indian indigenous chicken targeting multiple hypervariable regions within 16S rRNA gene

A comparative analysis of caecum and crop microbiota of chick, grower and adult stages of Indian indigenous chickens was conducted to investigate the role of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract, which play an important role in host performance, health and immunity. High-throughput Illumina sequencing was performed for V3, V4 and V4-V6 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. M5RNA and M5NR databases under MG-RAST were used for metagenomic datasets annotation. In the crop, Firmicutes (~78%) and Proteobacteria (~16%) were the predominant phyla whereas in the caecum, Firmicutes (~50%), Bacteroidetes (~29%) and Actinobacteria (~10%) were predominant. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index suggested that sample richness and diversity increased as the chicken aged. For the first time, the presence of Lactobacillus species such as L. frumenti, L. antri, L. mucosae in the chicken crop along with Kineococcus radiotolerans, Desulfohalobium retbaense and L. jensenii in the caecum are reported. Many of these bacterial species have been found to be involved in immune response modulation and disease prevention in pigs and humans. The gut microbiome of the indigenous chicken was enriched with microbes having probiotic potential which might be essential for their adaptability.

Effect of laboratory-isolated Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 from gastrointestinal tract of guinea fowl on growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chicken

The study aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplements, viz Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 (laboratory isolate from GIT of Guinea fowl), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCDC, Karnal) and in-feed antibiotic bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on growth performance, FCR, carcass traits and immune organs weight, intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chickens. In a completely randomized design, CARIBRO-Dhanraja broiler chicks (n = 160) were used with four treatment groups. During the entire experimental duration of 35 days, treatment groups were provided with different dietary treatments (T1 - basal diet (negative control), T2 - antibiotic growth promoter BMD 20 g/100 kg feed (positive control), T3 - 1 × 10⁸  cfu of L. acidophilus/gm-fermented feed +MOS 1 g/kg feed and T4 - 1 × 10⁸  cfu of laboratory-isolated L. plantarum LGFCP4/gm-fermented feed+ MOS 1 g/kg feed. After 35 days of experimental period, no significant results have been observed in different growth performance traits among treatment groups. Cut-up parts and edible organs' weight remained unaffected by dietary supplementation, whereas weight of immune organs were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in L. plantarum LGFCP4-supplemented group. At the end of feeding trial, significantly (p < 0.05) lower E. coli count was observed in crop of T4 birds, while in ileum, T2 and T3 showed lower count. In caeca, T2 group showed lowest E. coli count. Salmonella count in crop and ileum was significantly (p < 0.05) low in T3 and T4, while in caeca, T2 group showed lowest count. In terms of histomorphometry, duodenal villous height (VH), crypt depth (CD) and VH:CD ratio were higher for T3 and T4 and lowest values were obtained for T2 group. The results of the study showed that L. plantarum LGFCP4 isolated from GIT of guinea fowl can effectively replace in-feed antibiotic growth promoters in broiler diets by altering intestinal villi morphology and improving the gut health by reducing the pathogenic microbial load.

Rayleigh-type waves in nonlocal micropolar solid half-space

Propagation of Rayleigh type surface waves in nonlocal micropolar elastic solid half-space has been investigated. Two modes of Rayleigh-type waves are found to propagate under certain approximations. Frequency equations of these Rayleigh type modes and their conditions of existence have been derived. These frequency equations are found to be dispersive in character due to the presence of micropolarity and nonlocality parameters in the medium. One of the frequency equations is a counterpart of the classical Rayleigh waves and the other is new and has appeared due to micropolarity of the medium. Phase speeds of these waves are computed numerically for Magnesium crystal and their variation against wavenumber are presented graphically. Comparisons have been made between the phase speeds of Rayleigh type waves through nonlocal micropolar, local micropolar and elastic solid half-spaces.

Probiotic and functional characterization of bifidobacteria of Indian human origin

AIMS

To identify and characterize the probiotic and functional attributes of bifidobacteria isolated from human sources by in vitro methods.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twelve isolates of bifidobacteria were obtained from different human sources viz; human milk, infant and adult faeces. The preliminary identification of isolates was done using genus-specific PCR followed by species level identification using 16S rRNA sequencing. All the isolates invariably showed potential probiotic characteristics. Finally, three most promising isolates were subjected to safety evaluation and were found to be safe. These were further evaluated for their potential functional characteristics like, antioxidative, antimutagenic and cholesterol assimilation. The isolates viz; NBIF-5 (73·55 ± 0·03%) and NBIF-7 (64·06 ± 0·03%) assimilated significantly higher cholesterol than NBIF-2. The maximum antioxidative activity was observed in NBIF-2 (56·56 ± 0·28% of radical inhibition). High percentage antimutagenicity scores of 52·41 ± 2·25% and 53·68 ± 1·98% against sodium azide (NaN3) were shown by NBIF-2 and NBIF-7 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Three strains (NBIF-2, NBIF-5 and NBIF-7) were found to be endowed with appreciable probiotic and functional activities.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

With growing demands for probioitcs and bifidobacteria being prominent ones, new strains of diversified origin have the potential to be explored for commercial and functional applications and thus can be added to the existing commercially available strains of this genera.

Effect of varying levels of formaldehyde treatment of mustard oil cake on rumen fermentation, digestibility in wheat straw based total mixed diets in vitro

Aim:

The aim of the current study was to protect the protein in mustard cake by different levels of formaldehyde treatment with a view to optimize the level of formaldehyde.

Materials and Methods:

Different levels of formaldehyde treatment (0, 1, 1.5 and 2% of crude protein) containing concentrate and roughages diet in 40:60 ratio were tested for their effect on nutrients digestibility, in vitro ammonia release, in vitro gas production and change in protein fractions. Non-significant (p≤0.05) effect on pH, microbial biomass, partitioning factor, total gas production (TGP), TGP per g dry matter and TGP per g digestible dry matter (ml/g) was observed in almost all the treatments.

Results:

Total volatile fatty acids at 2% formaldehyde treatment level of mustard cake was lower (p<0.05) as compared to other groups, while in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro organic matter digestibility were reported to be low in 1% formaldehyde treated group.

Conclusion:

On a holistic view, it could be considered that formaldehyde treatment at 1.5% level was optimal for protection of mustard oil cake protein.

Synthesis and properties of polyaniline, poly(o-anisidine), and poly[aniline-co-(o-anisidine)] using potassium iodate oxidizing agent

Polyaniline (PANI), poly( o-anisidine), and poly[aniline-co-( o-anisidine)] were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization with potassium iodate as an oxidizing agent in a hydrochloric acid (HCl) medium. The self-doped, doped, and undoped forms of these polymers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and the conductivity method. The observed decrease in the conductivity of the copolymer and poly( o-anisidine) with respect to PANI was attributed to the incorporation of methoxy moieties into the PANI chain. The homopolymer attained conductivity in the range of 3.75 × 10−3 to 7.40 S cm−1 after doping with HCl. The conductivity of the undoped form of poly[aniline-co-( o-anisidine)] and poly( o-anisidine) was observed to be lower than 10−5 S cm−1. The conductivity of the polymer sample decreased in the following order: PANI → poly[aniline-co-( o-anisidine)] → poly( o-anisidine). The undoped form of poly[aniline-co-( o-anisidine)] had good solubility in common organic solvents.

Microenvironment-induced downregulation of miR-193b drives ovarian cancer metastasis

The cross-talk between ovarian cancer (OvCa) cells and the metastatic microenvironment is an essential determinant of successful colonization. Micro(mi)RNAs play several critical roles during metastasis; however, the role of microenvironmental cues in the regulation of miRNAs in metastasizing cancer cells has not been studied. Using a 3D culture model that mimics the human omentum, one of the principal sites of OvCa metastasis, we identified and characterized the microenvironment-induced downregulation of a tumor suppressor miRNA, miR-193b, in metastasizing OvCa cells. The direct interaction of the OvCa cells with mesothelial cells, which cover the surface of the omentum, caused a DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) mediated decrease in the expression of miR-193b. The reduction in miR-193b enabled the metastasizing cancer cells to invade and proliferate into human omental pieces ex vivo and into the omentum of a mouse xenograft model of OvCa metastasis. The functional effects of miR-193b were mediated, in large part, by the concomitant increased expression of its target, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a known tumor-associated protease. These findings link paracrine signals from the microenvironment with the regulation of a key miRNA that is essential for the initial steps of OvCa metastatic colonization. Targeting miR-193b could prove effective in the treatment of OvCa metastasis.

3,3'-Diindolylmethane attenuates LPS-mediated acute liver failure by regulating miRNAs to target IRAK4 and suppress Toll-like receptor signalling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe and potentially lethal clinical syndrome. 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a natural plant-derived compound with anti-cancer activities. Recently, DIM has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we tested the hypothesis that DIM would suppress endotoxin-induced ALF.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We investigated the therapeutic potential of DIM in a mouse model of D-galactosamine/Lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-induced ALF. The efficacy of DIM treatment was assessed by survival, liver histopathology, serum levels of alanine transaminase, pro-inflammatory cytokines and number of activated liver macrophages. Effects of DIM on the expression of two miRNAs, 106a and 20b, and their predicted target gene were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Effects of DIM on the release of TNF-α from RAW264.7 macrophages transfected with mimics of these miRNAs and activated by LPS was assessed by elisa.

KEY RESULTS

DIM treatment protected mice from ALF symptoms and reduced the number of activated liver macrophages. DIM increased expression of miR-106a and miR-20b in liver mononuclear cells and decreased expression of their predicted target gene IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4), involved in signalling from Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In vitro transfection of RAW264.7 cells using miRNA mimics of miR-106a and 20b decreased expression of IRAK4 and of TNF-α secretion, following LPS stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

DIM attenuated GalN/LPS-induced ALF by regulating the expression of unique miRNAs that target key molecules in the TLR4 inflammatory pathway. DIM may represent a potential novel hepatoprotective agent.

Rumen modulatory effect of thyme, clove and peppermint oils in vitro using buffalo rumen liquor

AIM

The present study was conducted to examine the rumen modulatory effect of thyme, clove and peppermint oils on rumen fermentation pattern in vitro using roughage based diet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thyme, clove and peppermint oils were tested at concentration of 0, 30, 300 and 600 mg/l (ppm) of total culture fluid using in vitro gas production technique in wheat straw based diet (concentrate: Wheat straw 50:50). Different in vitro parameters e.g., total gas production, methane production, nutrient degradability, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and ammonia nitrogen concentration were studied using buffalo rumen liquor.

RESULTS

Thyme oil at higher dose level (600 ppm) reduced (p<0.05) total gas production, feed degradability and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration whereas total VFA concentration was significantly lower (p>0.05) in 300 and 600 ppm dose levels. 600 ppm dose level of clove oil reduced (p<0.05) total gas production, feed degradability, total VFA and acetate to propionate ratio. Methane production was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in 300 and 600 ppm dose levels of clove and peppermint oil.

CONCLUSION

Right combination of these essential oils may prove to enhance performance of animals by reducing methane production and inhibiting protein degradation in rumen.

Direct sac puncture and glue embolization of intraosseous AVM of the maxilla

The authors report an intraosseous maxillary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treated with direct sac injection of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and transarterial embolization. The case is presented because of its rarity and the efficacy of direct puncture glue embolization.

Effect of exopolysaccharide-producing strains of Streptococcus thermophilus on technological attributes of fat-free lassi

Sixty-four exopolysaccharide-producing thermophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from traditionally made Indian fermented milk products. On the basis of morphological and biochemical tests, these isolates were identified as the species of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus genera. Initial screening for technological attributes revealed that Streptococcus thermophilus IG16 was a promising isolate, and produced both capsular and ropy polysaccharides at the concentration of 211 mg/L. Exopolysaccharide produced by IG16 was a heteropolysaccharide containing rhamnose and galactose in a ratio of 5.3:1 and had a molecular weight of 3.3 x 10(4) Da. Use of IG16 as a starter culture controlled whey separation and improved viscosity, flavor, consistency, and color and appearance of lassi. Use of IG16 resulted in lassi having optimal acidity, less syneresis, high viscosity, and better scores for flavor, consistency, and color and appearance.

Folate: a functional food constituent

Folate, a water-soluble vitamin, includes naturally occurring food folate and synthetic folic acid in supplements and fortified foods. Mammalian cells cannot synthesize folate and its deficiency has been implicated in a wide variety of disorders. A number of reviews have dwelt up on the health benefits associated with increased folate intakes and many countries possess mandatory folate enrichment programs. Lately, a number of studies have shown that high intakes of folic acid, the chemically synthesized form, but not natural folates, can cause adverse effects in some individuals such as the masking of the hematological manifestations of vitamin B(12) deficiency, leukemia, arthritis, bowel cancer, and ectopic pregnancies. As fermented milk products are reported to contain even higher amounts of folate produced by the food-grade bacteria, primarily lactic acid bacteria (LAB), the focus has primarily shifted toward the natural folate, that is, folate produced by LAB and levels of folate present in foods fermented by/or containing these valuable microorganisms. The proper selection and use of folate-producing microorganisms is an interesting strategy to increase "natural" folate levels in foods. An attempt has been made through this review to share information available in the literature on wide ranging aspects of folate, namely, bioavailability, analysis, deficiency, dietary requirements, and health effects of synthetic and natural folate, dairy and nondairy products as a potential source of folate, microorganisms with special reference to Streptococcus thermophilus as prolific folate producer, and recent insight on modulation of folate production levels in LAB by metabolic engineering.

Plant polyphenolics as anti-invasive cancer agents

Because invasion is, either directly or via metastasis formation, the main cause of death in cancer patients, development of efficient anti-invasive agents is an important research challenge. We have established a screening program for potentially anti-invasive compounds. The assay is based on organotypic confronting cultures between human invasive cancer cells and a fragment of normal tissue in three dimensions. Anti-invasive agents appeared to be heterogeneous with regard to their chemical nature, but plant alkaloids, polyphenolics and some of their synthetic congeners were well represented. Even within this group, active compounds were quite diverse: (+)-catechin, tangeretin, xanthohumol and other prenylated chalcones, 3,7-dimethoxyflavone, a pyrazole derivative, an isoxazolylcoumarin and a prenylated desoxybenzoin. The data gathered in this system are now applied in two projects. Firstly, structure-activity relationships are explored with computer models using an artificial neural network approach, based on quantitative structural descriptors. The aim of this study is the prediction and design of optimally efficient anti-invasive compounds. Secondly, the metabolism of orally ingested plant polyphenolics by colonic bacteria is studied in a simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME) and in human intervention trials. This method should provide information on the final bioavailability of the active compounds in the human body, with regard to microbial metabolism, and the feasibility of designing pre- or probiotics that increase the generation of active principles for absorption in the gastro-intestinal tract. The final and global aim of all these studies is to predict, synthesize and apply in vivo molecules with an optimal anti-invasive, and hence an anti-metastatic activity against cancer.

Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of disintegrin (schistatin) from saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus)

This is the first report of crystallographic data on a disintegrin molecule from any source. The heterodimeric disintegrin with a molecular weight of 14 kDa from Echis carinatus venom is a potent antagonist of alpha4 integrins. The intact disintegrin, containing two subunits A and B, was isolated and purified using affinity and ion-exchange columns. It has been crystallized using 1.6 M ammonium sulfate as a precipitating agent. The crystals grew to dimensions of 0.25 x 0.20 x 0.20 mm and diffracted to 2.5 A resolution. The crystals belong to space group I4(1)22, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 91.7, c = 55.1 A. Assuming a molecular weight of 14 kDa, a V(M) of 2.1 A(3) Da(-1) is obtained for one molecule of disintegrin in the asymmetric unit.

Induction of hepatic cytochrome P-450 by phenobarbital in semi-aquatic frog (Rana pipiens)

Hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (equivalent to rat P4502B1 isozymic form, a CYPIIB gene product) can be induced by pentobarbital (PB) in the adults of the semiaquatic frog, Rana pipiens (as in other terrestrial vertebrates), but not in adults of the aquatic frog Xenopus laevis or in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). The activity of PB-induced P450 (2B1) towards aldrin and pentoxyresorufin increases respectively by about 2- and 10-fold. This enzyme is not inducible during larval and postlarval stages of R. pipiens. However, cytochrome P4501A1 (CYPIA1 gene product) is inducible by beta-naphthoflavone in all these species. Both CYPIA and CYPIIB genes are expressed, as determined by the catalysis of their protein products, during larval, postlarval, and adult stages of R. pipiens. The concentration of P450 increases slightly during the postlarval stages until the adult stage, ready to migrate to land, is reached. This increase seems to be mostly due to 2B1-type cytochrome P450 as judged by a large increase in aldrin epoxidase but not of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity. It is hypothesized that the evolution of true terrestrialness, and not the evolution of air-breathing lungs alone, is required for the transcriptional activation of CYPIIB gene by PB.

An unusual sincipital meningoencephalocele: a case report

A congenital nasoglabellar mass is usually either a meningocele or an encephalocele. Occasionally, lipoma, sarcoma, dermoid, glioma, or scalp angioma may resemble an encephalocele. This report describes a rather unusual sincipital meningoencephalocele in an 8-month-old boy.