High TSP Research Articles

Phytochemicals-linked food safety and human health protective benefits of the selected food-based botanicals.

Phytochemicals-rich food-based botanicals including traditional or under-utilized plant-based ingredients can serve a dual functional role to help counter food contamination of bacterial origin, while also addressing the rise of diet-linked non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, chronic hypertension and the associated oxidative stress. Hence the screening of these food-based botanicals for their phenolic content and profile, as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertensive properties has relevant merit. Using in vitro assay models, hot water extracts of different forms (slice, pickle, or powder) of amla (Phyllanthus emblica), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), kokum (Garcinia indica), and garlic (Allium sativum) were analyzed for their total soluble phenolic content (TSP) and phenolic profile as well as antimicrobial activity against strains of Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli that are associated with food-borne disease outbreaks. In addition, the antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertensive activity of the extracts were also determined using in vitro assay models, with the goal of establishing a dual functional role of the food safety and health protective benefits of these botanicals. A high baseline TSP content was observed in all the extracts and the major phenolic phytochemicals detected were gallic, cinnamic, ellagic, benzoic, dihydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, and p-coumaric acid along with catechin and rutin. All extracts displayed significant antimicrobial activity against most of the bacterial strains tested and the antimicrobial activity was specific for each strain targeted in this study. Furthermore, significant antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and antihypertensive activity were observed among the botanical extracts, especially among the amla and kokum extracts. These results indicate that phytochemicals enriched botanicals, including amla and kokum, can be integrated into modern-day food preservation and dietary support strategies aimed at improving the food safety and health protective benefits of the food matrix.

Remediation options to reduce bioaccessible and bioavailable lead and arsenic at a smelter impacted site - consideration of treatment efficacy

In this study, smelter contaminated soil was treated with various soil amendments (ferric sulfate [Fe2(SO4)3], triple superphosphate [TSP] and biochar) to determine their efficacy in immobilizing soil lead (Pb) and arsenic (As). In soils incubated with ferric sulfate (0.6M), gastric phase Pb bioaccessibility was reduced from 1939 ± 17 mg kg−1 to 245 ± 4.7 mg kg−1, while intestinal phase bioaccessibility was reduced from 194 ± 25 mg kg−1 to 11.9 ± 3.5 mg kg−1, driven by the formation of plumbojarosite. In TSP treated soils, there were minor reductions in gastric phase Pb bioaccessibility (to 1631 ± 14 mg kg−1) at the highest TSP concentration (6000 mg kg−1) although greater reductions were observed in the intestinal phase, with bioaccessibility reduced to 9.3 ± 2.2 mg kg−1. Speciation analysis showed that this was primarily driven by the formation of chloropyromorphite in the intestinal phase following Pb and phosphate solubilization in the low pH gastric fluid. At the highest concentration (10% w/w), biochar treated soils showed negligible decreases in Pb bioaccessibility in both gastric and intestinal phases. Validation of bioaccessibility outcomes using an in vivo mouse assay led to similar results, with treatment effect ratios (TER) of 0.20 ± 0.01, 0.76 ± 0.11 and 1.03 ± 0.10 for ferric sulfate (0.6M), TSP (6000 mg kg−1) and biochar (10% w/w) treatments. Results of in vitro and in vivo assays showed that only ferric sulfate treatments were able to significantly reduce As bioaccessibility and bioavailability with TER at the highest application of 0.06 ± 0.00 and 0.14 ± 0.04 respectively. This study highlights the potential application of ferric sulfate treatment for the immobilization of Pb and As in co-contaminated soils.

Origin and Transport Pathway of Dust Storm and Its Contribution to Particulate Air Pollution in Northeast Edge of Taklimakan Desert, China

The Taklimakan Desert in Northwest China is the major source of dust storms in China. The northeast edge of this desert is a typical arid area which houses a fragile oasis eco-environment. Frequent dust storms cause harmful effects on the oasis ecosystem and negative impacts on agriculture, transportation, and human health. In this study, the major source region, transport pathway, and the potential contribution of dust storms to particulate air pollution were identified by using both trajectory analysis and monitoring data. To assess the source regions of dust storms, 48 h backward trajectories of air masses arriving at the Bugur (Luntai) County, which is located at the northeast edge of Taklimakan Desert, China on the dusty season (spring) and non-dusty month (August, representing non-dusty season) in the period of 1999–2013, were determined using Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model version 4 (HYSPLIT 4). The trajectories were categorized by k-means clustering into 5 clusters (1a–5a) in the dusty season and 2 clusters (1b and 2b) in the non-dusty season, which show distinct features in terms of the trajectory origins and the entry direction to the site. Daily levels of three air pollutants measured at a station located in Bugur County were analyzed by using Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) for each air mass cluster in dusty season. The results showed that TSP is the major pollutant, with an average concentration of 612 µg/m3, as compared to SO2 (23 µg/m3) and NO2 (32 µg/m3) in the dusty season. All pollutants were increased with the dust weather intensity, i.e., from suspended dust to dust storms. High levels of SO2 and NO2 were mostly associated with cluster 1a and cluster 5a which had trajectories passing over the anthropogenic source regions, while high TSP was mainly observed in cluster 4a, which has a longer pathway over the shifting sand desert area. Thus, on strong dust storm days, not only higher TSP but also higher SO2 and NO2 levels were observed as compared to normal days. The results of this study could be useful to forecast the potential occurrence of dust storms based on meteorological data. Research focusing on this dust-storm-prone region will help to understand the possible causes for the changes in the dust storm frequency and intensity, which can provide the basis for mitigation of the negative effects on human health and the environment.

Validation of the Glasgow Microenvironment Score in patients with colon cancer: A pathology-based prognostic tool.

206 Background: The Glasgow Microenvironment Score (GMS), comprised of assessment of the tumour inflammatory cell infiltrate (using Klintrup-Mäkinen (KM) grade) and tumour-associated stroma (TSP), has been reported as a stage-independent prognostic score in patients with colorectal cancer. The present study aims to validate the GMS and examines its prognostic utility in the context of stage and MMR status. Methods: Patients who had undergone resection of stage I-III colon cancer were included ( n= 495). GMS was scored by combining KM and TSP as follows: high KM scores 0; low KM with low TSP scores 1; low KM and high TSP scores 2. Cancer specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were primary endpoints. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the utility of GMS according to TNM, venous invasion and MMR status. Results: There were 30% of patients with GMS 0, 56% with GMS 1 and 14% with GMS 2. Five-year survival for GMS 0, 1 and 2 across the whole cohort were 89%, 74% and 66%, respectively. GMS was associated with age, mode of presentation, TNM, venous invasion and MMR status. On multivariate analysis, GMS was independently associated with CSS (HR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02-1.79, p= 0.04) and OS (HR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-1.48, p= 0.03); this was independent of emergency presentation ( p< 0.01), T-stage ( p= 0.03) and N-stage ( p< 0.001) for CSS. Subgroup analysis found that GMS was able to stratify CSS regardless of node-negative or node-positive disease (both p< 0.01), venous invasion ( p< 0.05), elective presentation ( p< 0.01) and MMR-proficient tumours ( p< 0.001), although it was not able to stratify emergency presentation ( n= 154) or MMR-deficient disease ( n= 102) due to small sample size. Universally, the prognosis for GMS 0 was good, but was poor for GMS 2. The prognosis for GMS 1 varied depending on MMR and nodal status. Conclusions: This study validates the use of the GMS as an independent prognostic pathology-based tool for stratification of colon cancer. It could be readily applied to routine clinical practice and may be used to aid decision making regarding adjuvant treatments in colorectal cancer. It should be further validated in prospective randomised trials.

Analysis of Ambient Air Quality Conditions of TSP Parameters and Its Source in Temon District

Air pollution as dust particles (TSP) is produced by nature or human activities. Some human activities that produce TSP include transportation and industrial activities. High TSP concentrations can cause disturbances ranging from visual disturbances to health problems. Temon District, Kulon Progo Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region Province is the location of Yogyakarta International Airport, so it is necessary to know the current ambient air quality, especially TSP and its source. This article shows the level of TSP concentration in the Temon District area and its sources. The analysis is done by linking the concentration of the TSP to the traffic volume and road condition. In Temon District, the level of TSP concentration ranges from 22 - 70.2 µg/m³. Traffic volume ranges from 1,720 - 2,099 passenger car unit (pcu)/hour in intersection and 19.51 -565.79 pcu/hour in the roads section. Road conditions start from very bad to good. In general, TSP parameters are still in good condition and do not cause health problems. Primary pollutant sources come from traffic and secondary pollutant sources come from road conditions

Tip 2 Diyabet hastalarının hastalıkları, tedavisi ve tedavi yan etkileri hususundaki farkındalıklarının değerlendirilmesi

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) management requires not only continuous medical care but also risk reduction strategies to prevent complications. Improving patients’ knowledge and awareness about DM and diabetes-related complications (DRC) is crucial for the management of DM. Increased awareness about DM and DRC, which leads to an eagerness to follow-up diet plans, and lifestyle modifications would help us to establish patient-specific goals. In this study, we would like to determine the awareness levels of diabetic patients about DM, DM management and DRC.Methods: Total of 300 adult patients (179 female, 121 male) with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) were included in this study. The data was collected through a survey based on face-to-face interviews. Total Survey score (TSP) for each participant was calculated by taking 1 point for each correct answer and TSP interval was evaluated between 0-24 points.. Results: The score of women was higher than that of men (14.72±3.14 vs. 13.07±3.30, p <0.001). Patients who did not work were more aware (14.53±3.22 vs. 13.64±3.31, p = 0.019). No significant difference in terms of awareness was observed between low educated and high-educated participants. Patients who had insulin in their treatment combination, anti-hypertensive, and lipid-lowering drug user had significantly higher TSP scores. A significant correlation was observed in BMI, HC, DBP, and age of Diabetes with awareness. Conclusions: The mean awareness score of the patients who participated in our study was 14 points. Since the maximum score that can be obtained at the highest awareness level is 24, the awareness level of our patients can be evaluated as 58%. Considering the morbidity, mortality and economic costs associated with diabetes, it can be said that more attention should be paid to patient education in order to achieve higher treatment success.

TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 Distribution Characteristics in the Thermal Power Plants in Korea

In this study, the emission characteristics and heavy metal contents of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants from three thermal power plants in Korea were investigated and compared to the electric production capacity, type of fuel and sort of air-pollution-control device. For the measurement and analysis, Korean standard test method US EPA method were used. The average concentration of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 emitted from Plant A were 7.39, 6.16, 4.83 mg/Sm3, Plant B was 5.82, 4.87, 2.35 mg/Sm3 and Plant C was 1.54, 1.40, 10.02 mg/Sm3, respectively. Plant A that uses heavy oil as the main fuel showed higher TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 than Plant B that uses mostly anthracite coal, and plant B showed higher TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 than Plant C that mainly uses bituminous coal. The concentration of fine particles decreased as electricity-production capacity increased. The fractions of PM10 and PM2.5 in TSP were relatively high in tested plants; this result means that more fine particles than coarse particles were emitted from all stacks. The distribution of heavy metals by particle size showed similar trends in all plants. The concentration of Zn and Mn in TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 showed higher than the others in all plants. These results confirm that the content of heavy metals in the particulate matter is influenced by the fuel that the plant uses.

Optical semitransparent silver nanostructured layer electrode toward semitransparent lithium ion batteries

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) layers have been grown by spray-pyrolysis technique by using different spray pyrolysis deposition times (tsp). AgNPs with ca. 80 nm mean diameter have been obtained for the lower tsp value, whereas as the spray-pyrolysis time value is increased, the Ag NPs diameters increased, reaching a AgNPs mean diameter of 190 nm for the highest tsp assayed value. X-ray diffraction patterns of the AgNPs layers samples exhibited a pure polycrystalline cubic silver phase, irrespective of the different tsp values. An optical visible light transmittance maximum of 60% at 550 nm has been observed for samples grown at tsp = 5 s and 10 s. For higher tsp values this optical transmittance decreases. A semitransparent lithium ion battery (tsp = 5 s) has been obtained, exhibiting an optical transmittance of about 49% at λ = 554 nm. Electrochemical measurements showed that the amount of lithium that reacted with the AgNPs layer was around 6 lithium/mol. By cycling a transparent Li/Ag-ITO single cell, good capacity retention was observed for the first ten cycles for which a high value of capacity is delivered: 706 A h kg−1.When assembling this electrode in a full semitransparent battery, the electrochemical processes resulted to be reversible and the transparency preserved.

Medicago sativa has Reduced Biomass and Nodulation When Grown with Soil Microbiomes Conditioned to High Phosphorus Inputs

Agricultural over-fertilization may adversely impact plant−microbial interactions affecting crop yield. It is unclear if soil microbiomes respond quickly to changes in fertilizer inputs once conditioned to specific nutrient regimes. We conducted a growth chamber study assessing the compositional and functional resilience of root-associated microbiomes of Medicago sativa to nutrient regime changes, and consequences for plant growth. Plants were grown with a common starting soil microbiome under four nutrient treatments: control (no fertilizer), organic phosphorus (compost added), low inorganic P (low triple superphosphate, TSP) and high inorganic P (high TSP). After several conditioning generations, in which microbiomes from rhizospheres of high biomass plants were transferred forward, microbiome composition was distinct across the four treatments. The resulting microbiomes were then transplanted into each of the nutrient treatments, leading generally to functional changes in hydrolytic enzyme activity and taxonomic convergence with other microbiomes transplanted into the same nutrient regime. However, high inorganic P-conditioned microbiomes were resistant to compositional change. Correspondingly, M. sativa grown with high inorganic P-conditioned microbiomes had lower biomass, fewer nodules, and lower %N than plants grown under the same nutrient regime with other microbiomes. These findings suggest that excessive inorganic P fertilization may change microbiomes such that they negatively affect plant growth.

Phenolic antioxidant-linked anti-hyperglycemic properties of rye cultivars grown under conventional and organic production systems

Rye (Secale cereale L.), is a temperate cereal food crop with diverse human health benefits partly linked to phenolic bioactives. Therefore targeting rye cultivars rich in phenolic bioactives and associated antioxidant properties has relevance to develop dietary support against chronic diseases, such as hyperglycemia linked to progression of type 2 diabetes. In this study we screened 9 rye cultivars and compared the impact of two different production practices (conventional and organic) on phenolic bioactive associated antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties using in vitro assay models. Total soluble phenolic content (TSP), phenolic acids profile, protein content, antioxidant activity (AA), and hyperglycemia relevant α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activities of aqueous extracts of rye cultivars were evaluated using in vitro models. Overall, rye grown under organic production had higher yield, 1000 kernel weight, α-amylase inhibitory activity, and ferulic and benzoic acid content. On the contrary rye grown under conventional production had higher TSP content, AA, and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity. Further significant differences in phenolic antioxidant-linked anti-hyperglycemic properties among 9 rye cultivars were observed. This study indicated that differences in cultivars and production practices had significant impact on human health relevant phenolic antioxidant and associated anti-hyperglycemic properties of rye cultivars.

Change characteristic of atmospheric particulate mercury during dust weather of spring in Qingdao, China

Atmospheric aerosol samples were collected during dust weather of spring from 2008 to 2011 in Qingdao, in which the concentrations of atmospheric particulate mercury (PHg) were measured to analyze its distribution characteristics and source. PHg concentration during the study ranged from 0.050 ng m−3 to 0.788 ng m−3 with the average 0.292 ng m−3 in dust day, while 0.085 ng m−3 to 0.444 ng m−3 with the average 0.188 ng m−3 in non-dust day. PHg concentration in dust day is far higher than that in some cities of South Korea and Japan and comparable to some cities in China. There was a statistically power function between PHg/TSP and TSP concentrations, which meant that intense dust (high TSP) brought particles with low mercury content. The estimated dry deposition flux of PHg is 0.9–14.2 ng m−2 h−1 with the mean 5.26 ng m−2 h−1 in dust day. The mercury deposition flux in a dust day accounts for almost 1% annual flux, which should be paid attention in the regional and global cycle of mercury. The trajectories are categorized into 4 sectors. Cluster 1 and cluster 4 were the main routes of dust to Qingdao, coming from Kazakhstan and north of Mongolia individually. There is higher TSP, and lower PHg/TSP in dust of cluster 4 compared with cluster 1, because of longer transport distance and faster movement speed. There is highest PHg/TSP in cluster 2 because of passing polluted East China. The slow transport speed, long stay at polluted developed region caused pollutants to accumulate in the aerosols. Differences of transport route, movement speed affects the mercury content significantly.

The relationship between the tumour stroma percentage, clinicopathological characteristics and outcome in patients with operable ductal breast cancer.

Background:The percentage of tumour stroma (TSP) has recently been reported to be a novel independent predictor of outcome in patients with a variety of common solid organ tumours. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between TSP, clinicopathological characteristics and outcome in patients with invasive ductal breast cancer, in particular node negative and triple negative disease.Methods:A total of 361 patients with primary operable invasive ductal breast cancer were included in this study. The TSP was assessed visually on the haematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections. With a cutoff value of 50% TSP, patients with ⩽50% stroma were classified as the low-TSP group and those with >50% stroma were classified as the high-TSP group.Results:A total of 109 (30%) patients had high TSP. Patients with high TSP were old age (P=0.035), had more Her-2-positive tumours (P=0.029), low-grade tumour inflammatory infiltrate (P=0.034), low CD68+macrophage infiltrate (P<0.001), low CD4+ (P=0.023) and low CD8+ T-lymphocytes infiltrate (P=0.017), tumour recurrence (P=0.015) and shorter cancer-specific survival (P<0.001). In node-negative patients (n=207), high TSP was associated with low CD68+macrophage infiltrate (P=0.001), low CD4+ (P=0.040) and low CD8+ T-lymphocytes infiltrate (P=0.016) and shorter cancer-specific survival (P=0.005). In triple negative patients (n=151), high TSP was associated with high tumour grade (P=<0.001), lymph node positivity (P=0.027), low CD68+macrophage infiltrate (P=0.011) and shorter cancer-specific survival (P=0.035). The 15-year cancer-specific survival rate was 79% vs 21% in the low-TSP group vs high-TSP group. In multivariate survival analysis, a high TSP was associated with reduced cancer-specific survival in the whole cohort (P=0.001), node-negative patients (P=0.007) and those who received systemic adjuvant therapy (P=0.021), independent of other pathological characteristics including host inflammatory response. However, TSP was not an independent prognostic factor for triple negative patients (P=0.151).Conclusions:A high TSP in primary operable invasive ductal breast cancer was associated with recurrence and poorer long-term survival. The inverse relation with the tumour inflammatory infiltrate highlights the importance of the amount of tumour stroma on immunological response in patients with primary operable ductal breast cancer. Implementing this simple and reproducible parameter in routine pathological examination may help optimise risk stratification in patients with invasive ductal breast cancer.

Decreased TSP-1 following percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with major adverse cardiac events in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

TSP-1 is a vasoconstrictive protein, which is released from both endothelium and cardiomyocytes during ischemia and promotes platelet aggregation and adhesion to subendothelial layers in atherosclerotic lesions. During myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, TSP-1 disturbs local microcirculation by disrupting both NO-signaling as well as VEGF-pathways by activation of CD47 and CD36. Furthermore, activation of TGF-ß might induce excessive fibrosis after infarction. It was assumed that TSP-1 is washed out after successful coronary reperfusion. In this study, we examined circulating TSP-1 post emergency PCI as a risk factor for major adverse cardiac events after STEMI with and without ventricular fibrillation. TSP-1 levels in platelet poor plasma were measured in 54 patients after ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Major adverse cardiac events were monitored for 426 days. Patients with decreased TSP levels after coronary stenting showed a significantly higher risk for MACE than patient with higher TSP levels (TSP-1[d0]: n = 46, no MACE = 16.38 ± 1.98 ug/mL vs. MACE 7.11 ± 1.54 ug/mL; p = 0.003). Kaplan-Meyer-analysis for MACE showed a better outcome above 10 ug/mL (p = 0.02). For MACE later than 3 months post-STEMI, the corresponding Kaplan-Meier-analysis yielded a p-value of 0.01. The number needed to diagnose for late MACE was 2.158. Low plasma levels of TSP1 after PCI are associated with MACE. Due to its procoagulant effects and dysregulation of microvascular tone, adequately powered prospective studies are warranted to test the impact of TSP-1 on cardiac microcirculation, endothelial function and remodeling. TSP-1 might serve as a new diagnostic and therapeutic approach in cardiovascular disease.

Estado inmunológico de terneras y terneros de lechería en la región Huetar Norte de Costa Rica. Año I.

The objective of this study was to characterize the immune status of dairy calves in the Northern Plains of Costa Rica. For the purpose of this study, failure of passive immunity was considered when TSP concentration was less than 5.5 g/dl. TSP concentration ranged from 2.8 to 11.0, with an overall mean of 6.2 g/dl. Of all the animals evaluated, 31.8% had failure of passive transfer. When considering sex of the calves, 31.4% of females and 25.3% of males failed to obtain adequate levels of immunity and concentration of TSP showed significant differences (6.2 vs. 5.9 g/dl, respectively). Calves born to Holstein x Jersey crosses had significant higher TSP concentrations than calves born to Holstein dams. When considering calving of the d

Single-particle Characterization of Aerosol Particles Collected Nearby a Lead Smelter in China

China has been a top producer and exporter of refined lead products in the world since the year 2000. After the phasing-out of leaded gasoline in the late 1990s, non-ferrous metallurgy and coal combustion have been identified as potential major sources of aerosol lead in China. This paper presents the single particle analytical results of ambient aerosol particles collected near a lead smelter using a scanning electron microscopy- energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Aerosol particle samples were collected over a 24-hour period, starting from 8 pm on 31 May 2002, using a high volume TSP sampler. For this near source sample, 73 particles among 377 particles analyzed (accounting for 19.4%) were lead-containing particles mixed with other species (S, Cl, K, Ca, and/or C), which probably appeared to be from a nearby lead smelter. Lead-containing particles of less than <TEX>$2{\mu}m$</TEX> size in the near source sample were most frequently encountered with the relative abundances of 42%. SEM-EDX analysis of individual standard particles, such as PbO, PbS, <TEX>$PbSO_4$</TEX>, <TEX>$PbCl_2$</TEX>, and <TEX>$PbCO_3$</TEX>, was also performed to assist in the clear identification of lead-containing aerosol particles. Lead-containing particles were frequently associated with arsenic and zinc, indicating that the smelter had emitted those species during the non-ferrous metallurgical process. The frequently encountered particles following the lead-containing particles were mineral dust particles, such as aluminosilicates (denoted as AlSi), <TEX>$SiO_2$</TEX>, and <TEX>$CaCO_3$</TEX>. Nitrate- and sulfate-containing particles were encountered frequently in <TEX>$2-4{\mu}m$</TEX> size range, and existed mostly in the forms of <TEX>$Ca(NO_3,SO_4)/C$</TEX>, <TEX>$(Mg,Ca)SO_4/C$</TEX>, and <TEX>$AlSi+(NO_3,SO_4)$</TEX>. Particles containing metals (e.g., Fe, Cu, and As) in this near source sample had relative abundances of approximately 10%. Although the airborne particles collected near the lead smelter contained elevated levels of lead, other types of particles, such as <TEX>$CaCO_3$</TEX>-containing, carbonaceous, metal-containing, nitrates, sulfates, and fly-ash particles, showed the unique signatures of samples influenced by emissions from the lead smelter.

Abstract 5610: Air pollution exposure and promoter methylation of E-cadherin, p16, and RAR-β in breast cancer tumors from cases in the WEB study

Abstract Purpose: Aberrant methylation has been shown to be associated with breast cancer tumor tissue samples and ambient air pollution exposure has been shown to be associated with aberrant methylation of gene promoter regions; we investigated potential associations between air pollution exposure in early life and promoter methylation of genes among breast cancer tumors. Methods: Paraffin embedded, formalin fixed tumor tissue blocks were obtained for 803 breast cancer cases participating in the WEB study and assayed for DNA methylation status of three promoters regions of E-cadherin, p16 and RAR-β. Methylation specific PCR was used to determine methylation status. Historical annual ambient total suspended particulate matter (TSP) concentration (μg/m3) was collected from 87 air monitoring sites in Erie and Niagara Counties dating as far back as the late 1950's. Residential addresses were obtained for the time of birth, time of menarche, time of first birth if applicable, and 10 years prior to diagnosis with breast cancer. Using Arc View software, the addresses were geocoded and overlaid with the air pollution information to estimate exposure to TSP at each time point. TSP exposures varied greatly over time, therefore they were categorized into high and low based on the mean exposure among the non-breast cancer controls in the WEB study. This analysis consists of case-case comparisons, comparing TSP exposure to DNA methylation status among breast cancer patients. Odds ratios and 95% confidence limits were calculated with unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. We stratified all analyses by menopausal status. Results: Among pre- but not postmenopausal women, there was an increased likelihood of a case having methylation of the p16 promoter region for those exposed to &amp;gt;109.03 μg/m3 of TSP at first birth compared to those exposed to ≤109.03 μg/m3 (n=123; OR=6.5, 95% CI: 1.2-34. 1). E-cadherin promoter region methylation was inversely associated with high TSP at birth (&amp;gt; 137.88 μg/m3) among the pre-menopausal women (n=138; OR=0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8) but not for post-menopausal women (n=289; OR=0.8, 95% CI: 0.4-1.6) nor for the other genes. There was no evidence of association between TSP exposures and RAR-β promoter region methylation for any of the time periods. Conclusion: Air pollution exposure at birth was much higher than exposure at later times due to increasing regulation. Exposure to higher levels of TSP at birth was associated with decreased likelihood of promoter region methylation for E-cadherin, particularly for premenopausal cases. TSP exposure at the time of a first birth was associated with increased likelihood of p16 promoter methylation in pre- but not postmenopausal breast tumors. While our results are necessarily preliminary, they suggest that exposure to air pollutants in early life may affect promoter methylation of E-cadherin and p16 genes. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5610. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5610

AGE-related differences in the hematological profile of Andalusian broodmares of Carthusian strain

Normal hematological values need to be defined for each equine breed and age in order to increase diagnostic precision. No published data on hematology exist for Carthusian horses. This research compares the hematological characteristics of pregnant Carthusian broodmares of different ages. Forty-four pregnant Carthusian broodmares were divided into three age Groups: A (4–7 years; &lt;I&gt;n&lt;/I&gt; = 18), B (8–12; &lt;I&gt;n&lt;/I&gt; = 15) and C (13–17; &lt;I&gt;n&lt;/I&gt; = 11). Jugular blood samples were taken every 14 days during pregnancy and data were pooled for each animal. The following hematological variables were determined: red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), volumetric indices, white blood cells (WBC) and platelets (PLT). Furthermore, the numbers and percentages of lymphocytes (LYMP), band (BNL) and total neutrophils (NL), eosinophils (EOS), monocytes (MON), basophils (BAS) and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/L) were counted on blood smears. Total serum protein concentrations (TSP) were also measured. The lower values of RBC, WBC, LYMP and PLT in the older broodmares (Group C) possibly reflected a decline in bone marrow activity. The lower RBC of these mares was compensated by an increased MCV. The higher NL values in Group C, both BNL and NL, could have represented subclinical infections, since these animals also presented the highest TSP. Likewise, the animals of Group C showed the highest EOS counts. This research demonstrated that ageing significantly influences the hematological values of Carthusian broodmares, with the most marked differences in mares older than 13 years and that these physiological variations must be taken into account in a clinical context.

Effect of a probiotic bacterium Bacillus circulans PB7 in the formulated diets: on growth, nutritional quality and immunity of Catla catla (Ham.)

Bacillus circulans PB7, isolated from the intestine of Catla catla, was evaluated for use as a probiotic supplement in the feeds for the fingerlings of Catla catla. The effect of supplement on the growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, and immune response was evaluated. Catla fingerlings (ave. wt. 6.48 +/- 0.43 g) were fed diets supplemented with 2 x 10(4) (feed C1), 2 x 10(5) (feed C2), and 2 x 10(6) (feed C3) B. circulans PB 7 cells per 100 g feed for 60 days at 5% of the body weight per day in two equal installments in triplicate treatments. The control feed (CC) was not supplemented with the B. circulans. All the feeds were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Fish fed with feed C2 displayed better growth, significantly (P < or = 0.05) highest RNA/DNA ratio, a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR), and a higher protein efficiency ratio (PER) than the other experimental diets. Highest carcass protein and lipid was also observed in the fish fed C2 feed compared to the others. Significantly (P < or = 0.05), highest protease was recorded in fish fed feed C2 (47.9 +/- 0.016) and lowest in fish fed feed C3 (32.10 +/- 0.009), where alpha-amylase activity did not differ significantly (P < or = 0.05) beyond the lowest inclusion level. ALP, ACP, GOT, and GPT in the liver of Catla catla were the highest (P < or = 0.05) in fish fed C2 feed. The highest TSP, albumin, and globulin was observed in fish treated with C2 feed after 60 days feeding trial, but the lowest glucose level was observed in the same treatment. After the feeding trial, the non-specific immunity levels and disease resistance of fish were also studied. Phagocytic ratio, phagocytic index, and leucocrit value were the highest in fish fed feed C2. After the feeding trial, the fish were challenged for 10 days by bath exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila (AH1) (10(5)c.f.u. ml(-1) for 1 h, and, after 7 days, 10(7)c.f.u. ml(-1) for 1 h). Highest survival percentage was observed in fish fed with feed C2 compared with only 6.66% in the controls, which indicated the effectiveness of B. circulans PB 7 in reducing disease caused by A. hydrophila.

Weekday/weekend differences in ambient aerosol level and chemical characteristics of water-soluble components in the city centre

Weekday and weekend ambient aerosol samples were collected from the city centre of Cairo, namely “Ramsis” during the summer season of the year 2006, and have been analyzed for water-soluble ionic species. The average concentrations of the total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and their water-soluble components were higher during weekdays than on weekends, indicating that the decreased traffic density on weekends leads to a decrease in the levels of the TSP and their water-soluble ionic species. The average concentrations of the TSP were 454 μg m −3 on weekdays and 298 μg m −3 on weekends. The weekday/weekend concentration ratios were 1.52 for TSP, 1.27 for SO 4 2−, 1.64 for Cl −, 1.54 for NO 3 −, 1.17 for NH 4 +, 1.67 for Ca 2+, 1.83 for Na +, 1.75 for K + and 1.73 for Mg 2+. City centre of Cairo has high levels of the TSP and their water-soluble ionic species compared with many polluted cities in the world. Among all of the measured water-soluble components, SO 4 2− was the most abundant species followed by Ca 2+ on weekdays and weekends. The average mass ratios of NO 3 −/SO 4 2− in the TSP were 0.41 on weekdays and 0.34 on weekends, suggesting that the stationary source emissions were more predominant. The NH 4 +/SO 4 2− molar ratios and its relation with the concentrations of TSP and Ca 2+ during the weekdays and weekends indicate that the chemical form of sulfate and ammonium in aerosol particles varies with TSP and Ca 2+ levels. At high TSP and Ca 2+ levels, and NH 4 +/SO 4 2− molar ratios less than one, SO 4 2− in aerosol particles may be present as CaSO 4 and (NH 4) 2SO 4·CaSO 4·2H 2O, whereas it is expected to be present as (NH 4) 2SO 4, (NH 4) 2SO 4·CaSO 4·2H 2O and CaSO 4 at low levels of TSP and Ca 2+, and NH 4 +/SO 4 2− molar ratios between 1 and 2. The mean pH values of the TSP were 7.65 on weekdays and 6.97 on weekends, indicating that aerosol particles brought a large amount of crustal species, and might alleviate the tendency of acidification. The relationships between the concentrations of acidic components (NO 3 − and SO 4 2−) and basic components (NH 4 +, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+) on weekdays and weekends indicate that the acidity of aerosol particles is neutralized. Ca 2+ and NH 4 + are the most dominant neutralization substances in Cairo atmosphere.

Effect of poultry decontaminants concentration on growth kinetics for pathogenic and spoilage bacteria

Various chemical compounds are currently under review for final approval as poultry decontaminants in the European Union (EU). Concentration is among the factors considered by the EU authorities in the evaluation of these treatments. The aim of this research was to compare the growth parameters for pathogenic and spoilage bacteria in presence of high and low concentrations of poultry decontaminants to assess whether such treatments could involve a potential sanitary risk for consumers. Growth curves for Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Brochothrix thermosphacta were obtained at different levels of trisodium phosphate (TSP; 1.74%; 0.58%), acidified sodium chlorite (ASC; 210 ppm; 70 ppm) and citric acid (CA; 0.27%; 0.09%). The modified Gompertz equation was used as primary model to fit observed data. ASC and TSP were the most effective compounds in increasing lag phase ( L) and reducing maximum growth rate ( μ) in Gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria were more influenced by CA. At high TSP levels, μ for Salmonella decreased. Low TSP levels increased μ for Salmonella and Listeria relative to control samples. In presence of 0.27% CA, Brochothrix showed the highest L and the lowest μ among strains tested. These results suggest that low TSP and high CA concentrations could favour the outgrowth of pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Salmonella) relative to spoilage bacteria, rending these treatments potentially dangerous for consumers. The findings of this study may be useful to the EU authorities and meat processors in their efforts to select adequate treatments for control of bacteria on poultry.