24.11.2008: Cloning of cells from material frozen for long time
Nuclear reprogramming [1]
Nuclear reprogramming is a term used to describe changes in gene activity that are induced experimentally by introducing nuclei into a new cytoplasmic environment.
The transplantation of a somatic cell nucleus to an enucleated egg results in a major reprogramming of gene expression and switch in cell fate. [2]
Tian and colleagues 2007 assessed nuclear reprogramming and the potential applications in agriculture and biomedicine, which were, however, found to be of low efficiency. The authors compared nuclear reprogramming cells to those generated by conventional reproduction. They found aberrant expression patterns of H19 and Igf2r as well as X-linked genes in term cloned calves, and the expression profiles of cloned blastocystst were considerably different from those of their nuclear donor cells.
The authors concluded that cloned embryos undergone nuclear reprogramming by the blastocyst stage. They stress that re-differentiation may result in gene expression aberrancies, and small initial nuclear reprogramming errors may increase during subsequent development.

Somatic cell nuclear reprograming factors present in the cytoplasm [3]
Bui and colleagues 2000 stress that genomic reprogramming factors are located in the nucleus rather than the cytoplasm of oocytes or zygotes, however, methods using nuclear factors have not succeeded in producing cloned mice from differentiated somatic cell nuclei.
The authors found that there are functional reprogramming factors present in the cytoplasm of germinal vesicle stage (GV) oocytes which could remodel somatic cell nuclei. Bui and colleagues concluded that genomic reprogramming factors are present in the cytoplasm of the GV oocyte and could be useful in cloning technology.

Nuclear reprogramming by somatic cell nuclear transfer timing [4]
According to Zuccotti experiments in 2000 have demonstrated that mouse oocyte can remodel the genetic programme of a somatic cells nucleus. The activation of zygotic genes occurs in the mouse by the 2-cell stage and it is a crucial event in the life of the newly formed mouse embryo as lack or wrong timing of zygotic gene expression leads to the death of the embryo.
The authors concluded that the genetic reprogramming due to the injected somatic nucleus must be completed before zygotic genome activation occurs. Better understanding of the process of cell differentiation and the reversible process, would allow reprogramming without the use of the female gamete.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer cloning {5}
Niemann and colleagues point out that somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is frequently associated with pathological changes in the foetal and placental phenotype and has significant consequences for development both before and after birth. It involves an erasure of the gene expression program of the respective donor cell and the establishment of the new sequence of expression. Implicated processes like DNA methylation, imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation and telomere length restoration in bovine development are discussed by the authors.

Demonstration of the technique of nuclear transfer into mouse oocytes [6]
Dieter Egli and Kevin Eggan explain the technique of nuclear transfer into unfertilized mouse oocytes. This demonstrates that the processes underlying development, differentiation and aging are epigenetic rather than genetic processes.

An epigenetic process is the attaching of a methyl group to a gene, altering or silencing its function, but does not change the gene itself.
The authors stress the possible derivation of stem cells from a patient to replace damaged or missing cells. The authors present a movie on the method of of nuclear transfer developed by the group of Prof. Yanagimachi (WAKAYAMA et al. 1998).

See the movie: Nuclear Transfer, Dieter Egli and Kevin Eggan, Harvard University at:
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=2504452&blobname=jove-1-116.wmv

Genetic marker to detect genetic alterations during nuclear transfer [7]
Studying the nuclear transfer (NT) techniques to generate embryonic stem (ES) cells, Wakayama and colleagues 2008 found that cloning is possible using adult somatic cells or embryonic stem cells, and nuclear transfer- embrionic stem cell lines (NT-ES) may be established.

The authors note, however, that embrionic stem cells derived from parthenogenetic embryos show epigenetic disorders.
Parthenogenesis is an asexual form of reproduction found in females where growth and development of embryos or seeds occurs without fertilization by a male. The offspring produced by parthenogenesis almost always are female. Parthenogenesis occurs naturally in some species, including most lower plants, a Kalanchoe succulent plant genus of South Africa, invertebrates (e.g. water fleas, aphids, some bees, some scorpion species, and parasitic wasps), and vertebrates (e.g. some reptiles, fish, and, very rarely, birds and sharks. This differs from hermaphroditic species which can reproduce by themselves because they contain reproductive organs of both sexes. [8]

The researchers conclude that nuclear transfer affects the epigenetic status of a few gene regions and suggest to use the change in the methylation status of U2af1-rs1 as a genetic marker to investigate the effects of nuclear transfer .

Cloning a 16 years frozen mouse has succeeded [9]
Wakayama and colleagues 2008 report a successful cloning animals by nuclear transfer from bodies kept frozen at −20 °C for up to 16 years without any cryoprotection.
The authors used brain cell nuclei and established embryonic stem cell lines from the cloned embryos, leading to healthy cloned mice.
The authors concluded that nuclear transfer techniques might clone frozen extinct species such as the woolly mammoth frozen extinct species.

[1] Tian XC, Smith SL, Zhang SQ, Kubota C, Curchoe C, Xue F, Yang L, Du F, Sung LY, Yang X. : Nuclear reprogramming by somatic cell nuclear transfer--the cattle story. Soc Reprod Fertil Suppl. 2007;64:327-39
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17491157

[2] Gurdon, J.B.; Byrne, J.A.; Simonsson, S.: Nuclear reprogramming and stem cell creation. PNAS. Published online before print August 14, 2003, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1834207100 PNAS September 30, 2003 vol. 100 no. Suppl 1 11819-11822
http://www.pnas.org/content/100/suppl.1/11819.full

[3] Bui HT, Wakayama S, Kishigami S, Kim JH, Van Thuan N, Wakayama T.
The cytoplasm of mouse germinal vesicle stage oocytes can enhance somatic cell nuclear reprogramming. Development. 2008 Dec;135(23):3935-45.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18997114

[4] Zuccotti M, Garagna S, Redi CA.· Nuclear transfer, genome reprogramming and novel opportunities in cell therapy. J Endocrinol Invest. 2000 Oct;23(9):623-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11079459

[5] Niemann H, Tian XC, King WA, Lee RS.: Epigenetic reprogramming in embryonic and foetal development upon somatic cell nuclear transfer cloning. Reproduction. 2008 Feb;135(2):151-63.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18239046

[6] Egli, Dieter; Eggan, Kevin: Nuclear Transfer into Mouse Oocytes. Journal of Visualized Experiments. 2006; (1): 116.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=18704178

[7] Hikichi, T.; Kohda, T,; Wakayama, S.; Ishino, F.; Wakayama, T.: Nuclear transfer alters the DNA methylation status of specific genes in fertilized and parthenogenetically activated mouse embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells. 2008 Mar;26(3):783-8. Epub 2008 Jan 10.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18192228

[8] Wikipedia: Parthenogenesis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenogenetic

 
[9] Wakayama, Sayaka; Ohta, Hiroshi; Hikichi, Takafusa; Mitzutani, Eiji; Iwaki, Takamasa; Kanagawa, Osami; Wakayama, Teruhiko: Production of healthy cloned mice from bodies frozen at −20°C for 16 years. PNAS Published online before print November 3, 2008, doi: 10.1073/pnas.0806166105 PNAS November 11, 2008 vol. 105 no. 45 17318-17322
http://www.pnas.org/content/105/45/17318

 

23.11.2008: US Navy may continue sonar training at California cost despite harming marine animals [1]
US Navy sonar training goes on, despite harming marine mammals. Environmental groups, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, brought a lawsuit against the US navy, alleging that sonar harms or even kill 37 species of marine mammals, such as sea lions and blue whales, disturbing their ability to navigate and communicate. Sonar has been linked to substantial and irreparable harm to marine mammals, like mass strandings and hemorrhaging around the brain and ears.

The lawsuit involved 14 training exercises off the California coast that began in February 2007 and ends in January 2009.

According to Chief Justice John Roberts, who prepared the judgement, the overall public interest favoured the Navy, which needs realistic training with active sonar to respond to the threat posed by enemy submarines. This  outweighs
environment interests.
President George W. Bush interfered in the judicial process citing the national security necessity of the training and exempting the Navy from the environmental laws.

[1] News Daily: U.S. top court rules for Navy in whales-sonar case 12-11.2008
http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre4ab51l-us-usa-navy-whales/

22.11.2008: Phytoestrogens in foods of animal origin [1]
Gunter Kuhnle and colleagues 2008 assessed the phytoestrogens content of foods of animal origin. The study focused on the isoflavones biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein, and glycitein; the lignans secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol; coumestrol; equol; enterolactone; and enterodiol in 115 foods of animal origin.

The authors detected phytoestrogens in all foods analyzed; the average content was 20 μg/100 g of wet weight (isoflavones, 6 μg/100 g; lignans, 6 μg/100 g; equol, 3 μg/100 g; and enterolignans, 6 μg/100 g). In infant soy formula, 19 221 μg/100 g phytoestrogens were detected (compared to 59 μg/100 g in non-soy formula). According to the study phytoestrogens in animal products are low when compared to foods containing soy, but the range is similar to that of many commonly consumed vegetables.

The controversy of phytoestrogens
The authors point out that, despite their potentially beneficial effects, dietary phytoestrogens may be involved in the occurrence of chronic diseases. Studies cite hormone-dependent cancers, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms, male infertility, obesity and type-2 diabetes. the compounds were found to be biologically active even at low levels in humans with the gene variants of the estrogen receptor (ESR1 and NR1, sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and probably aromatase (CYP19). [2] [3] [4]

New analysing technique
Kuhnle and colleagues present a modified technique to analyse phytoestrogens in food samples and publish their content in foods of animal origin.

The authors stress that actual data limited to isoflavones and ligans in fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds and very little concerning animal foods, may lead to an underestimation and misclassification of dietary exposure. They emphasize, therefore the need for chromatographic analytical systems using as many labeled standards as possible and urges not to rely only on single focused analytical methods based on immunofluorescence. They conclude that reliable information on the phytoestrogen content in animal foods is required to assess dietary exposure and disease risk in epidemiological studies


[1] Kuhnle, Gunter G. C.; Dell’Aquila, Caterina; Aspinall, Sue M.; Runswick, Shirley A.; Mulligan, Angela A.; Bingham, Sheila A.: Phytoestrogen Content of Foods of Animal Origin: Dairy Products, Eggs, Meat, Fish, and Seafood. J. Agric. Food Chem., 2008, 56 (21), pp 10099–10104. Publication Date (Web): October 16, 2008. Doi: 10.1021/jf801344x
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/jf801344x?cookieSet=1

[2] Low, Y.-L.; Taylor, J. I.; Grace, P. B.; Dowsett, M.; Scollen, S.; Dunning, A. M.; Mulligan, A. A.; Welch, A. A.; Luben, R. N.; Khaw, K.-T.; Day, N. E.; Wareham, N. J.; Bingham, S. A. Phytoestrogen exposure correlation with plasma estradiol in postmenopausal women in European prospective investigation of cancer and nutrition−Norfolk may involve diet−gene interactions Cancer Epidemiol., Biomarkers Prev. 2005 14 1 213 220
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/14/1/213

[3] Low, Y.-L.; Dunning, A. M.; Dowsett, M.; Folkerd, E.; Doody, D.; Taylor, J.; Bhaniani, A.; Luben, R.; Khaw, K.-T.; Wareham, N. J.; Bingham, S. A. Phytoestrogen exposure is associated with circulating sex hormone levels in postmenopausal women and interact with ESR1 and NR1I2 gene variants Cancer Epidemiol., Biomarkers Prev. 2007 16 5 1009 1016
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/16/5/1009

[4] Low, Y.-L.; Dunning, A. M.; Dowsett, M.; Luben, R. N.; Khaw, K.-T.; Wareham, N. J.; Bingham, S. A. Implications of gene−environment interaction in studies of gene variants in breast cancer: An example of dietary isoflavones and the D356N polymorphism in the sex hormone-binding globulin gene Cancer Res. 2006 66 18 8980 8983
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/66/18/8980

2.11.2008: Reseaches on the microbiology of raw milk [1]
Hantsis-Zacharov and Halpern 2008 investigated milk spoilage during cold storage after milk collection. The source of the bacteria are the teat of the cow, the udder, milk equipment and the milking environment. They found that psychrotrophic bacteria and their extracellular proteases and lipases, even refrigerated at 7°C, contribute to the spoilage of dairy products. The heat-stable enzymes still affect the flavour quality of milk and its products. Lipases release free fatty acids causing flavour defects in the milk, and proteases may cause bitter flavour.
The authors classified the psychrotrophic isolates in seven classes:

The microbiologic isolates related to the seasons of the year
Gammaproteobacteria in spring and winter, Bacilli in summer, and Actinobacteria in autumn. The four minor classes were Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Flavobacteria, and Sphingobacteria.

The enzymes
The dominant genera, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter (Gammaproteobacteria) were lipolytic , Microbacterium (Actinobacteria) was lipolytic and proteolytic, and the lactic acid bacteria (Lactococcus and Leuconostoc) displayed had only minor enzymatic activity.

Hantsis-Zacharov and Halpern stress that about 20% of the isolated bacteria were novel species and more studies are needed. They published the classification of a new species, the Chryseobacterium oranimense sp. Nov., which, together with two other novel bateria, Chryseobacterium haifense and Chryseobacterium bovis produce adverse effect on milk quality [2].

The authors conclude that monitoring the dominant psychrotrophic species could become a sensitive and efficient quality control in the dairy industry.

[1] Hantsis-Zacharov, Elionora; Halpern, Malka: Culturable Psychrotrophic Bacterial Communities in Raw Milk and Their Proteolytic and Lipolytic Traits. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, November 2007, p. 7162-7168, Vol. 73, No. 22
http://aem.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/22/7162

[2] Hantsis-Zacharov, Elionora; Shakéd, Tamar; Senderovich, Yigal; Halpern, Malka: Chryseobacterium oranimense sp. nov., a psychrotolerant, proteolytic and lipolytic bacterium isolated from raw cow's milk. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 58 (2008), 2635-2639; Doi 10.1099/ijs.0.65819-0
http://ijs.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/58/11/2635



21.11.2008: Biologic control of the Indian meal moth and the European corn borer
The wasp Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko, Hymenoptera Trichogrammatidae, is a a parasitoid of Lepidopteran eggs. This activity of T. brassicae is used to control the the European corn borer and is now available to fight the Indian meal moths (Plodia interpunctella) .

Indian meal moths [1]
According to the Colorado State University Extension adult insects are small and have a broad, grayish band on their bronze-colored wings. Immature Indian meal moths develope on dried food product, such as grain, dried fruits, nuts, crackers, powdered milk, bird seeds and dog food. Household infestations originate from purchase of infested foods, but come also from moths moving in from outdoors. Small, white worms and webbing indicate infested foods which must be discarded. To avoid losses the author suggests to place the food package in the freezer for several days, microwaving or warming up to 55°C for three hours, to kill insect eggs and larvae.

The biologic control of moths [2]
Some biologic companies such as AMW, Germany, sell cards with attached eggs of moths which are parasited with Trichogramma brassicae or T. evanescens wasps as pupae. These cards may be placed in the infested storage compartment. After some days the pupae of Trichogramma brassicae hatch. Females search for eggs of the moth and lay eggs within them. The resulting larvae eat up the content of the infested egg of the moth.

Biologic control of the corn stem borer (Chilo partellus) [2] [3] [4]
This biologic control was used to reduce the infestation of corn fields with the corn stem borer. Trichogramma spp are sensitive to insecticides such as pyrethroids.

The correct timing is necessary, fresh infected eggs are therefore provided in an interval of two to three weeks. The chemical corporation BASF made researches with Trichogramma spp to control the corn stem borer, but abandoned the project in face of an enormous personal investment. The company turned therefore to support the genetic modified Bt-Corn which produces a protein which is toxic to the larvae of the stem borer.

A renaissance of the biologic method using cards with moth eggs infested with Trichogramma brassicae to protect extensive fields of corn is triggered by the concerns related to GM safety.
Some companies such as Sautter & Stepper. Are specialised of a variety of biologic agents to control pests without chemicals.
With global tranportation of all kinds of goods, eggs, larvae and insects are being introduced in regions where these pests were unknown before. One pest is the box-tree pyralid (Glyphodes perspectalis), which migrated from East Asia to Europe causing damages in market garden. Its natural enemy is being surged for.

[1] Colorado State University Extension: Moths in the Home. by W.S. Cranshaw.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05572.html

[2] Spiegel Online: Tiere, Bestiarium des Guten Von Manfred Dworschak. 17.11.2008
http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/0,1518,591152,00.html

[3] Babendreier, D.; Schoch, D.;Kuske, S.; Dorn, S.; Bigler, F.: Non-target habitat exploitation by Trichogramma brassicae (Hym. Trichogrammatidae): what are the risks for endemic butterflies?  Agricultural and Forest Entomology, Volume 5, Number 3, August 2003 , pp. 199-208(10) Doi: 10.1046/j.1461-9563.2003.00180.x
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118898501/abstract

[4] Ramkumar; Ravi, K.C.; Deeba, Farah; Nandi, J.N.; Mohan, K.S.; Manjunath, T.M.: Tolerance of Bt corn (MON 810) to maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Plant Cells Reports. Doi:10.1007/s00299-005-0942-z
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=1662180


19.11.2008: Low calcium to magnesium ratio may reduce colorectal cancer risk [1]
Dr. Qi Dai presented the result of the Calcium Polyp Prevention Study in November 2008. According to the author the supplementation of 1,000 mg calcium daily for 4 years was found to have a moderate effect to prevent colorectal adenoma recurrence in subjects with a low calcium to magnesium intake ratio.

The study says that the protective effect occurred only if the dietary ratio of calcium to magnesium intake was low before treatment and remained low during treatment.
The authors suggests the use of a personalized ratio of calcium/magnesium ratio rather than supplementing with only one or the other alone.

No direct relation between calcium supplementation and colon cancer explained [2]
Weingarten, Zalmanovici and Yaphe 2008 reviewing the literature found two studies which suggest that there may be a moderate protective effect for dietary supplementation of at least 1200mg elemental calcium per day on the development of colorectal adenomatous polyps. The authors stress, however, that a direct relationship of an effect of calcium supplementation on colorectal cancer itself was not given.

[1] Weingarten, Michael Asher,M.A.; Zalmanovici, Anca.; Yaphe, John.: Dietary calcium supplementation for preventing colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD003548. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003548.pub4.
http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD003548/frame.html

[2] American Society of Clinical Oncology: Calcium to Magnesium Ratio Important in Colorectal Cancer Prevention. Nov. 17, 2008
http://www.asco.org/ASCO/News/Cancer+News?&reuterview=detail_view&reutersid=11838


18.11.2008: Two years animal tests of chemicals are insufficient for carcinogen evaluation [1]
Huff, Jacobson and Davis 2008 write in a commentary that two years animal testing of industrial chemicals and food additives is not long enough. According to the present praxis the chemicals are administered to lab rodents beginning shortly after birth and ending after two years.

According to the authors practically all rodent tests submitted to regulatory agencies are insufficiently sensitive. The authors argues that those tests sometimes understate human risks and should start in utero and continue as long as three years, the approximate life spans of rats and mice.
The paper highlights rodent tests on several chemicals that did not appear to be carcinogenic after two years, but did so in longer studies.

For instance, two-year rat tests on the artificial sweetener aspartame did not detect any tumors, but two tests, one of which began in utero, that monitored rats until they died showed increased lymphomas, leukemias, and kidney and other tumors. Two-year rat tests of the metal cadmium, which is used in batteries and other products, did not find the substance to be a carcinogen, but a two-and-a-half-year study found lung tumors. Similarly, two-year testing in rats of the solvent toluene did not detect cancer. But significant numbers of cancers did appear in animals exposed to toluene for two years and then allowed to live an additional six months.

Since exposure to many chemicals occurs before birth, tests on rodents should begin in utero, particularly for chemicals that may interfere with the endocrine and reproductive systems. The Food and Drug Administration normally requires such tests on potential food additives.

The paper cited bisphenol A, or BPA, as an example of a chemical that should be tested on animals before and after birth. BPA is widely used in plastic bottles and in the lining of metal cans, and has been increasing in the diets of infants and children. Fetuses are particularly sensitive to chemicals like BPA, which is an endocrine disruptor. Several governments have recently acted to restrict its use.

The authors recommend that government agencies involved in testing, including the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and National Toxicology Program compare the results of two-year and longer-term animal studies and then revise their “best practices.” This is strongly supported by the CSPI. [2]

[1] Huff, James; Jacobson, Michael F.; Lee Davis, Devra: The Limits of Two-Year Bioassay Exposure Regimens for Identifying Chemical Carcinogens. Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 116, Number 11, November 2008
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2008/10716/10716.html

[2] Center for Science in the Public Interest CSPI Newsroom: Longer Tests on Lab Animals Urged for Potential Carcinogens. November 17, 2008.
http://www.cspinet.org/new/200811172.html


13.11.2008: Austrian long-term study found GM maize to affect reproduction in mice. [1]
GM maize NK603xMON810 from Monsanto was found by Juergen Zentek and colleagues 2008 to affect reproduction in mice, but these findings cannot be applied on humans. Female mice that were fed with the genetic modified maize had fewer babies and fewer litters compared with mice fed with non-GM maize.

The study was presented by the Austrian health and food safety agency AGES, by Vienna's University of Veterinary Medicine. The authors of the study call for more research to confirm the effect of GM maize on other animals and on humans.

[1] The Straits Times: CM crops affect reproduction. 13.11.2008
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Tech%2Band%2BScience/Story/STIStory_301764.html


13.11.2008: Critics on the current system of publication of scientific data [1]
Young, Ioannidis and Al-Ubaydli 2008, looking at the current system of publication in biomedical research, found a distorted view of the reality of scientific data. The authors applied principles from the field of economics. They concluded that only a small number of results are published, retarding the self-correcting mechanism by the imbalance between the abundance of results and the limited number of publications, caused by the costs of printing and a belief that selectivity is equivalent to quality.
The current system of small number of publications favours a prescience which leads highly unpredictable future of the content of the publication. The authors call to reconsider how scientific data are judged and disseminated.

[1] Young, N.S.; Ioannidis, J.P.A.; Al-Ubaydli, O. (2008): Why Current Publication Practices May Distort Science. PLoS Med 5(10): e201 doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0050201
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0050201&ct=1

09.11.2008: The German BfR is concerned about fumigation of ship containers [1]
Ship containers are frequently treated with gas to combat pests or fungi. Dock workers who open the containers, warehouse workers who repack the goods and consumers who then purchase these goods, may be exposed to gas residues. Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel, President of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is concerned about the levels of residues of fumigants and other volatile chemicals in clothes, furnitures or foods transported in fumigated containers which may impair the health of consumers.

Measurements taken in the ports of Hamburg and Rotterdam revealed that the air in many containers contains higher concentrations of chemicals than are admissible according to the guidance values of occupational health and safety. These are not just residues of fumigants but also of other chemicals which are released during transport from the consumer goods or packaging materials.

In individual cases, Dutch examinations of foods transported in fumigated containers revealed that the maximum residue levels for fumigants had been exceeded. Products like textiles or furniture, which had been transported in import containers, continued to release fumigants and other chemicals, mostly for a few hours, in some goods, however, the chemicals could still be measured after weeks and months. The BfR calls for more research on consumer safety related to air treatment of ship containers.

[1] BFR: How dangerous are gases from ship containers for consumers? 5.11.2008
http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/26851


08.11.2008: Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host (FAO 2001). [1]

Probiotics in treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea [2]
Kligler and Cohrssen 2008 point out that probiotics may prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea and acute infectious diarrhea, be useful in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, and atopic dermatitis in children. Bacteria often used as probiotics are Lactobacillus sp., Bifidobacterium sp., Streptococcus thermophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii, in a dosages range from 5 to 10 billion living bacteria per day for children, and from 10 to 20 billion for adults. Probiotics taken orally should be resistant to acid and bile so that it can pass through the upper gastrointestinal tract and must be taken regularly to maintain colonization, otherwise they will be gone after 1 to 2 weeks.

Probiotics role in the health of children [3]
Kligler, Hanaway and Cohrssen 2007 stress that Probiotics are useful to reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and the duration of acute infectious diarrhea, are effective in preventing community-acquired diarrheal infections, reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. Help in the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis were noted. The authors hypothesize that the exact strain used is less important, important is the administration of a high dosis of living bacteria , typically 5 to 10 billion per day or higher.

[1] FAO/WHO: Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Evaluation of Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food Including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria. 1-4 October 2001.
http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/fs_management/en/probiotics.pdf

[2] Kligler B, Cohrssen A: Probiotics. November 1, 2008 Vol. 78 No. 9 Am Fam Physician. 2008;78(9):1073-1078

[3] Kligler B, Hanaway P, Cohrssen A.: Probiotics in children. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2007 Dec;54(6):949-67; xi. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18061785


06.11.2008: Table grape reduced salt-sensitive hypertension [1]
According to Seymor and colleagues 2008 eating grapes reduce salt-sensitive hypertension in elderly people. In this strudy a high salt diet with grape powder lowered blood pressure and improved cardiac function, compared with a high salt diet without grape powder supplement.The grape powder diet reduced systemic inflammation; reduced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and oxidative damage; and increased cardiac glutathione.

The authors concluded that intake of phytochemical such as table grape powder reduce salt-sensitive hypertension and diastolic dysfunction.

[1] Seymour, E. M.; Singer, Andrew A. M.; Bennink, Maurice R.; Parikh, Rushi V. ; Kirakosyan, Ara;Kaufman, Peter B.; Bolling, Steven F. : Chronic Intake of a Phytochemical-Enriched Diet Reduces Cardiac Fibrosis and Diastolic Dysfunction Caused by Prolonged Salt-Sensitive Hypertension. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 63:1034-1042 (2008)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18948553


06.11.2008: Caffeine consumption during pregnancy, advice 2008 [1]
The CARE Study Group found in a study published in 2008 that caffeine intake by pregnant women was linked to babies being born with a low birth weight, or even being miscarried. The Group recorded caffeine intake in the four weeks before and throughout pregnancy. Individual caffeine metabolism was calculated using a saliva sample test. The average caffeine intake during pregnancy was 159 mg/day. This is below of the UK government's recommended limit of 300 mg/day. Of the caffeine consumed, 62% came from tea, 14% from coffee, 12% from cola, 8% from chocolate and 2% from soft drinks.

Taking as the base pregnant women consuming less than 100 mg/day (the equivalent of one cup of coffee), the risk of having a lower birth baby increased by 20% for intakes of 100-199 mg/day, by 50% for those taking between 200-299 mg/day, and by 40% for over 300 mg/day. Women who metabolised caffeine more quickly presented a stronger link between caffeine and a reduced birth weight, compared with those of a low caffeine metabolism.

The CARE Study Group concluded that caffeine consumption during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of fetal growth restriction and this association continued throughout pregnancy. The group calls for a reduction of caffeine intake before conception and throughout pregnancy.

FSA new advice on caffeine consumption during pregnancy [2]
The Agency had previously recommended a maximum daily intake of 300mg. However, the new research, published by the CARE Study Groupe Nov. 2008, suggests a limit of 200mg per day will help to reduce this low risk even further. The FSA says that the new advice means that there is no need to cut out caffeine completely, pregnant women should, however, be careful not to have too much and to reduce caffeine as much as possible.

[1] Konje, Justin C.; Cade, Janet E. And the CARE Study Group: Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of fetal growth restriction: a large prospective observational study. BMJ. 2008 Nov 3;337:a2332. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a2332.
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/337/nov03_2/a2332

[2] FSA Pregnant women advised to limit caffeine consumption. 03.11.2008
http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2008/nov/caffeinenov08


06.11.2008:   The claim that EPA and DHA helps to promote thinking capacity is unfounded [1]
The European Food Safety Agency EFSA published an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to: I omega kids/Pufan 3 kids and thinking capacity.

Thinking capacity
According to the EFSA the evidence presented to support the claim that “EPA and DHA help to promote the thinking capacity of the child” in children aged one year to 12 years and older is based on seven intervention studies. The Panel found the claimed effect too vague and questions the validity of the proposed markers.

The Panel concluded that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of EPA and DHA and the promotion of thinking capacity in children aged one year to 12 years and older.

[1] Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies on a request from Pharma Consulting & Industries related to the scientific substantiation of a health claim on I omega kids/Pufan 3 kids and thinking capacity. The EFSA Journal (2008) 845, 1-2
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902157205.htm


04.11.2008: Vitamin K effect on diabetes [1]
Makiko Yoshida and colleagues 2008 in a study concerning the beneficial effect of vitamin K on insulin resistance, found that supplementation with 500 µg/day phylloquinone for 36 months improves the insulin resistance in older men and women. Insulin resistance was measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) at 36 months as primary outcome, and fasting plasma insulin and glucose were examined as the secondary outcomes.
The authors concluded that Vitamin K supplementation for 36 months at doses attainable in the diet may reduce progression of insulin resistance in older men, but not in women.

The role of Vitamin K1 in BMD, reduced bone fractures and cancer [2]
The BMD, or Bone mineral density score is determined by methods using X-ray Absorptiometry, Computed Tomography or Quantitative Ultrasound to determine osteopenia (low bone mass) or osteoporosis. The Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry or DXA is most frequently used in these cases.

According to Cheung and colleagues 2008 vitamin K, aside of its role in blood coagulation, the deficiency of vitamin K1 may play a role in low BMD and risk for fractures.

The authors found in a study that daily 5 mg vitamin K1 supplementation for 2 to 4 years increased serum vitamin K1 levels by 10-fold, and decreased the percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin and total osteocalcin levels (bone formation marker), but did not change C-telopeptide levels (bone resorption marker). Women which received supplementation of vitamin K had a reduced number of clinical fractures and cancers.

The authors concluded that daily 5 mg of vitamin K1 supplementation f does not protect against age-related decline in BMD, but may protect against fractures and cancers in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. The authors call for more studies oin this matter.

[1] Yoshida, Makiko; Jacques, Paul F.; Meigs, James B.; Saltzman, Edward; Shea, M. Kyla; Gundberg, Caren; Dawson-Hughes, Bess; Dallal,; Booth, Sarah L.: Effect of Vitamin K Supplementation on Insulin Resistance in Older Men and Women Diabetes Care 31: 2092-2096; published online before print as 10.2337/dc08-1204
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/31/11/2092

[2] Cheung AM, Tile L, Lee Y, Tomlinson G, Hawker G, Scher J, Hu H, Vieth R, Thompson L, Jamal S, Josse R.: Vitamin K supplementation in postmenopausal women with osteopenia (ECKO trial): a randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med. Published online October 14, 2008. 2008;5:e196.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18922041


02.11.2008: Whey protein coating of packaging to improve oxygen layer and enhance recyclability [1]
Coating packaging with whey protein is being developed to provide an oxygen, moisture and odour barrier. Whey is a by-product of the production on cheese. Its use may improve the ability of recycling the plastic. Oxygen barriers made of polyolefin films such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are laminated with synthetic polymers like ethylvinylalkohol (EVOH) and polyvinylidenchlorid (PVDC) copolymers. The different layers are very difficult to separate and have therefore a poor recyclability.

Whey coated materials will be low in cost and will be recyclable by chemical of enzymatic removal of the whey layer. The research is made by the WHEYLAYER project, run by IRIS and is sponsored by the European Union.

[1] Wheylayer: Whey protein-coated plastic films to replace expensive polymers and increase recyclability.
http://www.iris.cat/wheylayer.php

01.11.2008: Modified MyPyramid for Older People [1]
Lichtenstein and colleagues 2008 presented My Modified Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults based on their first issue of 1999. It is targets individuals aged 70 years and older, is intended to complement and not as a substitute for  MyPyramid graphic.
Core claims are whole grains and variety within the grains group; variety and nutrient density, with specific emphasis on different forms particularly suited to older adults' needs in the vegetables and fruits groups, fresh or frozen; low-fat and non-fat forms of dairy products including reduced lactose alternatives in the milk group; low saturated fat and trans fat choices in the oils group; and low saturated fat and vegetable choices in the meat and beans group, nutrient- and fibre-rich foods within each group and food sources of nutrients. The foundation of the pyramid for adults stresses good hydration with sufficient fluid intake. Regular physical activity which are appropriate to the age are illustrated. The potential need of calcium, and vitamins D and B-12 supplements is located at the top of the pyramid.

The potential overnutrition of older adults is a new concern highlighted in this study which considers the changes in body composition and metabolic rate of older people.
See the MyPyramid fore Older People at http://images.medscape.com/pi/editorial/news/art-mmn567940.fig1.gif

USDA MyPyramid graphic and further informations: USDA MyPyramid graphic and detailed informations are found under: http://www.mypyramid.gov/
MyPyramid for Preschoolars: http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/index.html
MyPyramid for Kids (6-11yrs): http://www.mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html
MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breatfeeding: http://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramidmoms/index.html
MyPyramid for Professionals: http://www.mypyramid.gov/professionals/index.html

USDA Dietary Guidelines: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005, gives science-based advice on food and physical activity choices for health. http://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/
The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
- Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
- Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

[1] Lichtenstein, AH, Rasmussen, H,Yu, WW, Epstein, S, Russell, RM.: Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults. Journal of Nutrition. 2008 (January); 138 (1).
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/138/1/5


01.11.2008: The status of the land and marine mammals [1]
Shipper and colleagues 2008 presented an assessment of the conservation status and distribution of all 5487 species of the world's mammals including marine mammals. According to the authors marine mammals are more threatened than land species because of accidental mortality and pollution, rather than habitat loss. Threads are highest in northern oceans, and lower in Southeast Asia. The authors point out that marine mammals are poorly known. The study presents data which may be helpful for conservation.

[1] Schipper et al. 2008: The status of the world's land and marine mammals: diversity, threat, and knowledge. Science. 2008 Oct 10;322(5899):225-30. Doi: 10.1126/science.1165115
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18845749