Antioxidant activity and phenolics content of selected Brazilian wines

The levels of total phenolics, resveratrol (cis- and trans-isomers), quercetin, monomeric anthocyanin and the antioxidant activity of monovarietal northeastern Brazilian wines were investigated. Antioxidant activities of wine samples were determined after extraction using ethyl acetate at different pH values, yielding three fractions for each sample assayed. The most active fraction against DPPH radical was from a Tannat wine sample (CE₅₀ = 3.4 ± 0.1 μg/mL), while the most active fraction at the ABTS⁺ assay was from a Shyraz sample (CE₅₀ = 1.6 ± 0.03 μg/mL), which was more active than Trolox (CE₅₀ = 2.9 ± 0.05 μg/mL). The total phenolic content of some of the wine samples studied was considerably higher than the values reported in literature for red wines. Levels of trans-resveratrol (determined by HPLC) varied from 0.04 to 1.26 mg/L and were considerably lower than the levels of cis-resveratrol (0.72–5.49 mg/L, average of 2.7 mg/L) and quercetin (average of 2.5 mg/L). Total monomeric anthocyanin content ranged from 5.1 to 20.7 mg monomeric anthocyanin/L. Our results confirm previously published reports showing that the levels of cis-resveratrol are considerably higher than those of trans-resveratrol in some Brazilian wines.     

Acrylamide levels in cooked rice,tomato sauces and some fast food on the Italian market

This study reports the results of evaluation of acrylamide levels in some foods that are common on the Italian market. Three foods commonly found in the national diet (rice, tomato sauce and fast food), were examined with the gas chromatograph (GC)/mass spectrometer (MS) analytical method. Results show that rice differs from risotto with respect to acrylamide levels: values of less than 50 μg/kg, for boiled rice, increase to 113 μg/kg when various ingredients are added to produce risotto. Similar results were found for tomato sauce on the Italian market: acrylamide values were less than 50 μg/kg for simple tomato sauce, to 124 μg/kg when other ingredients such as olives and capers were added. Fast foods (e.g., fried potatoes) contained the highest observed acrylamide levels, probably from cooking methods and acrylamide-rich precursors. For two fried potatoes of the same type, very differentiated values resulted (136 and 294 μg/kg).     

Comparison of AS03 and Alum on immune responses elicited by A/H3N2 split influenza vaccine in young,mature and aged BALB/c mice

IntroductionThere is great interest in developing more effective influenza vaccines for the elderly. Oil-in-water adjuvants can boost humoral responses to seasonal vaccines in elderly subjects but relatively little is known about their mechanism of action.MethodsWe compared humoral and cellular immune profiles in young adult (2 months), mature (11–12 months) or aged (16–17 month) female BALB/c mice following two doses of Alum or AS03-adjuvanted A/H3N2 split-virus antigen (A/Uruguay/716/2007) at 0.75 or 3 μg hemagglutinin (HA) per dose intramuscularly versus 3 μg HA without adjuvant.ResultsOverall, hemagglutination inhibition (HAI), microneutralization (MN) and end-point ELISA titres were higher in the young mice and when an adjuvant was used. Both adjuvants increased humoral responses in older animals but the highest titres across all groups were observed in the AS03-adjuvanted groups. Neither IgG avidity nor A/H3N2-specific splenocyte proliferation was influenced by age, antigen dose or adjuvant. In contrast, cytokine production by ex vivo-stimulated splenocytes differed widely between groups. Most cytokine levels in older mice vaccinated with antigen alone (3 μg HA/dose) were ≤50% of those in young animals. In young mice, cytokine levels increased modestly with Alum and significantly with AS03. Increases tended to be greatest at the lower antigen dose (0.75 μg versus 3 μg HA). In the older animals, Alum had little impact on cytokine production but responses in the AS03 groups paralleled those of the young mice (broad activation of Th1, Th2, and Th17-type cytokines) and the greatest increases were seen with the higher antigen dose (3 μg HA).ConclusionsIn both young and aged mice, Alum and AS03 increased the magnitude of humoral and cellular responses to split influenza virus vaccination. Overall, these effects were most pronounced in the younger animals and the groups receiving AS03. These data support the use of oil-in-water adjuvants in influenza vaccines targeting the elderly.     

Radical scavenging,antioxidant and metal chelating activities of Annona cherimola Mill. (cherimoya) peel and pulp in relation to their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents

This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, radical scavenging activity (by DPPH and ABTS tests) and antioxidant capacity (by β-carotene bleaching test) of Annona cherimola (cherimoya) fruits cultivated in Italy for human consumption. The metal chelating activity and ferric reducing power were also determined. A. cherimola peel and pulp were characterized by a total phenolic content of 14.6 and 12.6 mg chlorogenic acid equivalents/100 g fresh weight, respectively. A similar trend was observed with flavonoid content. Both extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity through different mechanisms of action. In particular, peel extract demonstrated the strongest free radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 57.7 μg/mL. The same extract was more effective in preventing β-carotene oxidation (IC₅₀ value of 63.5 μg/mL after 60 min) and showed higher chelating ability (IC₅₀ value of 79.6 μg/mL) than pulp extract. This work demonstrated the high quality of cherimoya fruits cultivated in Italy, and recommends the peel of this fruit product that may be of interest from a functional point of view as a major source of natural antioxidants.     

Interchangeability of meningococcal group C conjugate vaccines with different carrier proteins in the United Kingdom infant immunisation schedule

An open, non-randomised study was undertaken in England during 2011–12 to evaluate vaccine antibody responses in infants after completion of the routine primary infant immunisation schedule, which included two doses of meningococcal group C (MenC) conjugate (MCC) vaccine at 3 and 4 months. Any of the three licensed MCC vaccines could be used for either dose, depending on local availability. Healthy term infants registered at participating general practices (GPs) in Hertfordshire and Gloucestershire, UK, were recruited prospectively to provide a single blood sample four weeks after primary immunisation, which was administered by the GP surgery. Vaccination history was obtained at blood sampling. MenC serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) and IgG antibodies against Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib), pertussis toxin (PT), diphtheria toxoid (DT), tetanus toxoid (TT) and thirteen pneumococcal serotypes were analysed according to MCC vaccines received. MenC SBA responses differed significantly (P < 0.001) according to MCC vaccine schedule as follows: MenC SBA geometric mean titres (GMTs) were significantly lower in infants receiving a diphtheria cross-reacting material-conjugated MCC (MCC-CRM) vaccine followed by TT-conjugated MCC (MCC-TT) vaccine (82.0; 95% CI, 39–173; n = 14) compared to those receiving two MCC-CRM (418; 95% CI, 325–537; n = 82), two MCC-TT (277; 95% CI, 223–344; n = 79) or MCC-TT followed by MCC-CRM (553; 95% CI, 322–949; n = 18). The same group also had the lowest Hib geometric mean concentrations (0.60 μg/mL, 0.27–1.34) compared to 1.85 μg/mL (1.23–2.78), 2.86 μg/mL (2.02–4.05) and 4.26 μg/mL (1.94–9.36), respectively. Our results indicate that MCC vaccines with different carrier proteins are not interchangeable. When several MCC vaccines are available, children requiring more than one dose should receive MCC vaccines with the same carrier protein or, alternatively, receive MCC-TT first wherever possible.     

Determination of taxifolin in Polygonum orientale and study on its antioxidant activity

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed to determine taxifolin in Polygonum orientale. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Lichrospher ODS column. The mobile phase consisted of CH₃OH–0.3%CH₃COOH (35:65, v/v) with a flow-rate of 0.8 mL/min. The chromatographic peak area was linear to the concentration of taxifolin in the range of 5.0–100 μg/mL with a detection limit of 0.23 μg/mL. Good recovery results were also obtained with the range of 97.4–101.2%. In addition, radical scavenging capacity of taxifolin was studied by means of 1,1-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical. The IC₅₀ value was 4.11 μmol/L, which indicated that taxifolin had a very potent antioxidant activity.     

Specific memory B cell response and participation of CD4+ central and effector memory T cells in mice immunized with liposome encapsulated recombinant NE protein based Hepatitis E vaccine candidate

BackgroundLiposome encapsulated neutralizing epitope protein of Hepatitis E virus (HEV), rNEp, our Hepatitis E vaccine candidate, was shown to be immunogenic and safe in pregnant and non-pregnant mice and yielded sterilizing immunity in rhesus monkeys.MethodsThe current study in Balb/c mice assessed the levels and persistence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies by ELISA, frequencies of B, memory B, T and memory T cells by flow cytometry and HEV-specific IgG secreting memory B cells by ELISPOT till 420 days post immunization (PI) with 5 μg rNEp encapsulated in liposome based adjuvant (2 doses, 4 weeks apart). Mice immunized with a lower dose (1 μg) were assessed only for anamnestic response post booster dose.ResultsVaccine candidate immunized mice (5 μg dose) elicited strong anti-HEV IgG response that was estimated to persist for lifetime. At day 120 PI, frequency of memory B cells was higher in immunized mice than those receiving adjuvant alone. Anti-HEV IgG titers were lower in mice immunized with 1 μg dose. A booster dose yielded a heightened antibody response in mice with both high (>800 GMT, 5 μg) and low (⩽100 GMT, 1 μg) anti-HEV IgG titers. At day 6th post booster dose, HEV-specific antibody secreting plasma cells (ASCs) were detected in 100% and 50% of mice with high and low anti-HEV IgG titers, respectively, whereas the frequencies of CD4⁺ central and effector memory T cells were high in mice with high anti-HEV IgG titers only.ConclusionsTaken together, the vaccine candidate effectively generates persistent and anamnestic antibody response, elicits participation of CD4⁺ memory T cells and triggers memory B cells to differentiate into ASCs upon boosting. This approach of assessing the immunogenicity of vaccine candidate could be useful to explore the longevity of HEV-specific memory response in future HEV vaccine trials in human.     

Determination of nitrofuran metabolites in seafood by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry

A new analytical method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 4 nitrofuran metabolites in seafood by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QqQ-MS/MS). The extraction procedure was based on a simultaneous acidic hydrolysis and derivatization using 2-nitrobenzaldehyde (2-NBA), followed by a solid-phase extraction (SPE). Recovery was studied by spiking blank samples at two concentration levels (1 and 10 μg/kg) and recoveries ranged from 73 to 100% and 79 to 103%, respectively. Precision values, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) were ≤19% and ≤23% for intra-day and inter-day precision, respectively. Linearity was studied in the range 1–50 μg/kg and the obtained determination coefficients (R²) were ≥0.9900 for all compounds. Limits of detection (LODs) for the derivatized nitrofuran metabolites were 0.5–0.8 μg/kg and limits of quantification (LOQs) were established at 1 μg/kg, whereas decision limit (CC_α) and detection capability (CC_β) ranged from 1.5 to 2.6 μg/kg and 1.6 to 3.1 μg/kg, respectively. Finally, the method was applied to real food samples, but nitrofurans were not found.     

Quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography photo-diode array (HPLC-PDA) analysis of benzophenones and biflavonoids in eight Garcinia species

Eight Garcinia species including seven edible fruits, Garcinia aristata, G. hombroniana, G. intermedia, G. livingstonei, the “superfruit” G. mangostana, G. spicata, and G. xanthochymus, and the wood of G. kola were analyzed using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography photo-diode array (HPLC-PDA) method. Three benzophenones, guttiferone A, guttiferone E, and xanthochymol, and four biflavonoids amentoflavone, fukugeside, fukugetin, and volkensiflavone were identified and quantified by HPLC-PDA with authentic standards to verify their identity. Garcinia intermedia (IC₅₀ = 60.1 ± 27.3 μg/mL) and G. mangostana (IC₅₀ = 64.3 ± 11.3 μg/mL) fruits demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. The highest level of xanthochymol was found in G. spicata (70.50 ± 1.10 mg/g dry weight), while the highest quantity of guttiferone A was detected in G. intermedia (43.00 ± 0.30 mg/g dry weight), and thus was determined to be rich in total phenolic content.     

Anthocyanin content,antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of blackberry and raspberry fruits

Fresh or processed berries are considered to be beneficial for health by many consumers. Fruits of closely related species of plants sometimes possess strikingly different phytochemistry and biological activities. Therefore, even though similar research has been conducted on a number of Rubus berries, there is much relevance associated with the investigation of species that have not been previously studied. In the current report, the fruits of three wild Jamaica-grown species: Rubus jamaicensis, Rubus rosifolius and Rubus racemosus, and of the Michigan-grown Rubus acuminatus, Rubus idaeus cv. Heritage and Rubus idaeus cv. Golden were analyzed for their anthocyanin contents, and lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase enzyme and human tumor cell proliferation inhibitory activities. It was revealed that the fruits contained superior levels of anthocyanins (146–2199 mg/100 g fresh weight) to those previously reported for other raspberry and blackberry species, and their hexane, EtOAc and MeOH extracts showed good antioxidant activity, the majority of the extracts exhibiting over 50% lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity at 50 μg/mL. The hexane extracts of the Jamaican Rubus spp. demonstrated moderate COX inhibitory activity (27.5–33.1%) at 100 μg/mL, and exhibited the greatest potential to inhibit cancer cell growth, inhibiting colon, breast, lung, and gastric human tumor cells by 50, 24, 54 and 37%, respectively. The high anthocyanin content and biological activities of these fruits indicate that their consumption would be beneficial to health, and that they may be useful in the production of functional foods containing an efficacious dose of anthocyanins.     

Vaccination status and immune response to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in asplenic individuals

Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) is immediately life-threatening and vaccination against encapsulated bacteria, in particular pneumococci, decreases its incidence.First, we investigated the adherence to vaccination guidelines in a retrospective study of the hospital records of splenectomised patients. Second, patients were asked to complete a questionnaire and invited to participate in a study where 12-valent pneumococcal serotype-specific IgG concentrations were determined before and 4 to 6 weeks after vaccination with PCV13.Of 79 individuals who underwent splenectomy between 2000 and 2012: 81.0% received pneumococcal vaccine, 51.9% received vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type B and 22.8% received meningococcal vaccine. 31 individuals were deceased. 33 individuals completed questionnaires and accepted participation in the second part of the study. The participants consisted of two groups: (1) prior PPV23 (n = 24) and (2) prior PPV23 + PCV13 (n = 9). In group 1, pre-PCV13 GMC's ≥ 0.35 μg/mL were observed for serotypes 1, 4, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F, and GMC's < 0.35 μg/mL for serotypes 3 and 5, significant increases pre- to post-PCV13 were found for serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 7F, 18C, 19A, 23F (p ≤ 0.001) and 19F (p = 0.01) and all 12 serotypes-specific GMC were above 0.35 μg/mL after vaccination. Group 2 did not receive vaccine in this study, but blood tests showed all 12 serotype-specific GMC > 0.35 μg/mL.Adherence to guidelines regarding primary pneumococcal vaccination was adequate but only a minority received the recommended meningococcal vaccination.High levels of pneumococcal serotype-specific antibodies were observed in the previous PPV23 vaccinated group, and more pronounced in the previous PCV13 group, and our data suggests that PCV13 is immunogenic for serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 7F, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F, if used as a booster dose in asplenic patients with previous PPV23 vaccination.     

Immunogenicity and safety of a high-dose hepatitis B vaccine among patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment: A randomized,double-blinded,parallel-controlled trial

Background and aimsTo explore whether the immunization with high-dose (60 μg) hepatitis B vaccines in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) could yield a superior protection against hepatitis B infection than did the standard dose (20 μg).MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double-blinded, parallel-controlled trial in MMT patients. Patients with serologically negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to receive three intramuscular injections of 20 μg or 60 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine at months 0, 1, and 6. Serum HBsAg and anti-HBs were measured at months 7 and 12 post-vaccination to assess the immunogenicity.ResultsA total of 196 MMT patients were randomized and 195 received at least one injection (98 and 97 in 20 and 60 μg vaccine groups, respectively). The 60 μg vaccine group showed a seroconversion of anti-HBs of 87.3%, high-level response rate of 56.3%, and GMC of 742.9 mIU/mL at month 7. While these results were numerically higher than the 20 μg group, a statistical difference was not found. HIV infection and concomitant drug abuse were negatively associated with the robust immune responses. 7.7% of MMT patients receiving at least one dose of vaccine reported solicited adverse reactions within 7 days after vaccination, 2.6% reported unsolicited adverse reactions within 28 days after vaccination. None of the MMT patients reported serious adverse events or became HBsAg positive during the follow-up.ConclusionsThe three-dose regimen of 60 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine at months 0, 1, and 6 can yield a similar immunogenicity among MMT patients as compared to the 20 μg vaccine.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02991599     

Immunogenicity and safety of a tetravalent E. coli O-antigen bioconjugate vaccine in animal models

BackgroundExtra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) are major human pathogens; however, no protective vaccine is currently available. We assessed in animal models the immunogenicity and safety of a 4-valent E. coli conjugate vaccine (ExPEC-4V, serotypes O1, O2, O6 and O25 conjugated to Exotoxin A from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (EPA)) produced using a novel in vivo bioconjugation method.MethodsThree doses of ExPEC-4V (with or without aluminum hydroxide) were administered to rabbits (2 μg or 20 μg per O-antigen, subcutaneously), mice (0.2 μg or 2 μg per O-antigen, subcutaneously) and rats (0.4 μg or 4 μg per O-antigen, intramuscularly). Antibody persistence and boostability were evaluated in rats using O6-EPA monovalent conjugate (0.4 μg O-antigen/dose, intramuscularly). Toxicity was assessed in rats (16 μg total polysaccharide, intramuscularly). Serum IgG and IgM antibodies were measured by ELISA.ResultsRobust antigen-specific IgG responses were observed in all animal models, with increased responses in rabbits when administered with adjuvant. O antigen-specific antibody responses persisted up to 168 days post-priming. Booster immunization induced a rapid recall response. Toxicity of ExPEC-4V when administered to rats was considered to be at the no observed adverse effect level.ConclusionsExPEC-4V conjugate vaccine showed good immunogenicity and tolerability in animal models supporting progression to clinical evaluation.     

Quantification of bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity of Chinese yellow wine

Rice wines have been consumed in China for more than 9000 years. Chinese yellow wine (CYW) is one of the traditional fermented alcoholic beverages of rice. Studies have shown that CYW improves atherosclerotic plaque in LDL-receptor-knockout mice. Rice wine consumption at a level of alcohol >12.8 g/day in Chinese women has been associated with a 34% lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome compared to non-drinkers. However, evidence for the health benefits of CYW is still very limited. In the present study, phenolic compounds, amino acids, γ-aminobutyric acid and hydroxymethylfurfural in 5-year-old Guyuelongshan CYW were characterized and quantitated as a first step in launching the studies of potential health benefits of CYW. Our results show that three of the nine phenolic compounds characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS were not previously documented in the CYW. Fifteen free amino acids and γ-aminobutyric acid quantitated by the HPLC-fluorescence method and the protein assay demonstrate that CYW is a good source of amino acids (2923 μg/mL), γ-aminobutyric acid (10.1 ± 0.3 μg/mL) and peptides/proteins (4210 ± 430 μg/mL). The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of CYW (1.76 ± 0.07 mM) is higher than white wines but lower than red wines.     

Safety,tolerability, and immunogenicity of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in older infants and young children in China who are naive to pneumococcal vaccination: Results of a phase 4 open-label trial

BackgroundThis postlicensure study was conducted to assess immunogenicity and safety of PCV7 catch-up regimens in previously unvaccinated older infants and young children in China.MethodsHealthy children 121 days to <72 months were grouped by age and immunized with 1 of 4 PCV7 dosing regimens. Serotype-specific IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and percentage of subjects with IgG ≥ 0.35 μg/mL were assessed before vaccination and 1 and 12 months postvaccination. The incidence of clinically important adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs), AEs leading to study withdrawal, and protocol-related AEs were assessed throughout the study.ResultsPrevaccination serotype-specific GMCs were generally low in subjects <24 months; the majority of children 24 to <72 months had IgG concentrations ≥0.35 μg/mL. One month postvaccination, GMCs were similar across groups for the 7 PCV serotypes, ranging from 3.95 to 13.02 μg/mL; the highest antibody levels were observed for serotype 14. Regardless of dosing regimen, >90% of subjects had IgG ≥ 0.35 μg/mL for each PCV serotype. At 12-month follow-up, IgG GMCs ranged from 0.65 to 5.19, and all remained above prevaccination IgG GMC; >70% of subjects had IgG ≥ 0.35 μg/mL. Older children generally had the most robust immune response both at 1 month postvaccination and during 12-month follow-up. PCV7 was well tolerated. Pyrexia, which was mild to moderate in severity, was the most common AE. Two subjects reported SAEs (n = 4), and there was 1 study withdrawal; none of these were considered treatment related.ConclusionIn China, PCV7 catch-up vaccinations given to older infants and young children naive to pneumococcal vaccines resulted in a robust immune response to all serotypes; this response persisted after 1 year. PCV7 was well tolerated in Chinese infants and children.     

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam combination versus ceftazidime alone

ObjectiveTo compare the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) combination versus ceftazidime alone (TZ) for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.Patients and methodsMIC comparison was performed by E-tests. We assumed that CZA was more effective in vitro than TZ alone when CZA led to a category change from “Resistant” with TZ alone to “Susceptible” or “Intermediate” with CZA, or if the MIC of CZA was at least 4-fold lower than the MIC of TZ for TZ-susceptible isolates.ResultsFor the 54 clinical isolates included in the study, CZA showed better results in terms of the proportion of susceptible isolates (66.7% vs. 38.9%, P < 0.01), MIC₅₀ (2 μg/mL vs. 12 μg/mL, P < 0.05), and MIC distribution. According to our definition, CZA was also more effective in vitro than TZ alone for 50% of the isolates.ConclusionUsing CZA for empirical treatments in severe or polymicrobial infections with S. maltophilia seems appropriate.     

Expression of H5 hemagglutinin vaccine antigen in common duckweed (Lemna minor) protects against H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus challenge in immunized chickens

A synthetic hemagglutinin (HA) gene from the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus A/chicken/Indonesia/7/2003 (H5N1) (Indo/03) was expressed in aquatic plant Lemna minor (rLemna-HA). In Experiment 1, efficacy of rLemna-HA was tested on birds immunized with 0.2 μg or 2.3 μg HA and challenged with 10⁶ mean chicken embryo infectious doses (EID₅₀) of homologous virus strain. Both dosages of rLemna-HA conferred clinical protection and dramatically reduced viral shedding. Almost all the birds immunized with either dosage of rLemna-HA elicited HA antibody titers against Indo/03 antigen, suggesting an association between levels of anti-Indo/03 antibodies and protection. In Experiment 2, efficacy of rLemna-HA was tested on birds immunized with 0.9 μg or 2.2 μg HA and challenged with 10⁶ EID₅₀ of heterologous H5N1 virus strains A/chicken/Vietnam/NCVD-421/2010 (VN/10) or A/chicken/West Java/PWT-WIJ/2006 (PWT/06). Birds challenged with VN/10 exhibited 100% survival regardless of immunization dosage, while birds challenged with PWT/06 had 50% and 30% mortality at 0.9 μg HA and 2.2 μg HA, respectively. For each challenge virus, viral shedding titers from 2.2 μg HA vaccinated birds were significantly lower than those from 0.9 μg HA vaccinated birds, and titers from both immunized groups were in turn significantly lower than those from sham vaccinated birds. Even if immunized birds elicited HA titers against the vaccine antigen Indo/03, only the groups challenged with VN/10 developed humoral immunity against the challenge antigen. None (rLemna-HA 0.9 μg HA) and 40% (rLemna-HA 2.2 μg HA) of the immunized birds challenged with PWT/06 elicited pre-challenge antibody titers, respectively. In conclusion, Lemna-expressed HA demonstrated complete protective immunity against homologous challenge and suboptimal protection against heterologous challenge, the latter being similar to results from inactivated whole virus vaccines. Transgenic duckweed-derived HA could be a good alternative for producing high quality antigen for an injectable vaccine against H5N1 HPAI viruses.     

Environmental implication of iodine in water,milk and other foods used in Saharawi refugees camps in Tindouf,Algeria

A cross-sectional survey among Saharawi refugees in four camps carried out in 2007 revealed enlarged thyroid volume and high urinary iodine concentration in women and school children. The purpose of this paper is to describe the content of iodine in food and water and explore whether any sources in the environment can explain the situation. Samples of water (n = 143), milk (n = 19) and salt (n = 89) were collected. Different wells supplied the camps with water and the median iodine concentration was 108 μg/L (range 55–545 μg/L) and significantly higher in two of the camps (El Aiune and Ausserd; 300 μg/L (range 55–545 μg/L)), compared to the two other camps (Smara; 87 μg/L (55–127 μg/L) and Dakla; 70 μg/L (55–96 μg/L)). In local goat milk the median iodine concentration was 370 μg/L (70–13,070 μg/L). The median content of iodine in salt was 6 μg/g (0–51 μg/g). Water and local milk were the most important sources of iodine for women. High levels of iodine in water seem to be one of the main sources of iodine that affects humans as well as animals.     

Vaccination with recombinant paramyosin in Montanide ISA206 protects against Schistosoma japonicum infection in water buffalo

BackgroundSchistosomiasis japonica is a zoonosis and presents significant public health problems in China and the Philippines. Vaccines targeting domestic animals constitute attractive control measures.MethodsWe conducted three vaccine trials to evaluate the protective efficacy of recombinant full-length paramyosin (rSj97) in water buffalo. Animals were immunized with 3 doses of rSj97 adjuvanted with ISA206 at 250 μg/dose or 500 μg/dose at 4 wk intervals before challenge with 1000 Schistosoma japonicum cercariae. The primary outcome was worm burden assessed by portal perfusion 8–10 weeks post challenge. Safety measures included weight, temperature, body condition score, hemogram and routine assays for hepatic and renal function.ResultsThe three-dose regimen was well tolerated in all three trials. In the first trial, vaccinated buffalo had 51.5% lower worm burden post challenge compared to controls. In the second trial, buffalo immunized with 500 μg/dose of rSj97 had 57.8% lower worm burden compared to controls (p = 0.026). A similar but not significant reduction (60.9%) was observed with animals administered with 250ug rSj97/dose. In the third trial, buffalo immunized with a 500 μg/dose of rSj97 had 57.8% lower worm burden compared to controls (p = 0.014).ConclusionsThese findings indicated that rSj97 is a safe and promising vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis japonica in water buffalo.     

HPLC determination of carotenoids in Bulgarian berries

Carotenoids are bioactive substances in foods with powerful antioxidant activity. Based on the health benefits from berries, more information on the content of bioactive substances such as carotenoids is required. The aim of the present study was to determine lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene and β-carotene content in berries, which form part of the Bulgarian diet. Study covered six different berry species: strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, black currant and red currant. For each berry five individual samples were analyzed. An HPLC gradient elution system with monomeric C₁₈ column and UV detection at 450 nm were used for separation and quantification of the carotenoids. Lycopene was not detected in any of these fruits. Blackberry had the highest levels of carotenoids. Strawberry had the lowest carotenoid content. Lutein was present in raspberry in higher levels (317.0 μg/100 g), followed by blackberry (270.1 μg/100 g). The highest zeaxanthin levels were found in blackberry (29.0 μg/100 g), followed by blueberry (14.0 μg/100 g). Blackberry has the highest value of β-cryptoxanthin (30.1 μg/100 g). α-Carotene was present in highest levels in raspberry (23.7 μg/100 g). Blackberry had the highest β-carotene content (101.4 μg/100 g), followed by black currant (61.6 μg/100 g). Our data will be included in the Bulgarian National Food Composition Database.