2009 Vol. 22, No. 2

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Simultaneous Determination of Melamine, Ammelide, Ammeline, and Cyanuric Acid in Milk and Milk Products by Gas Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry
HONG MIAO, SAI FAN, YONG-NING WU, LEI ZHANG, PING-PING ZHOU, JING-GUANG LI, HUI-JING CHEN, YUN-FENG ZHAO
2009, 22(2): 87-94.
Objective To develop an analytical method for simultaneously qualitative and quantitative determination of melamine and triazine-related by-products including ammelide, ammeline, and cyanuric acid in milk and milk products by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Methods Melamine and triazine-related by-products namely ammelide, ammeline and cyanuric acid in the samples were extracted in a solvent mixture of diethylamine, water, and acetonitrile (10:40:50, V/V/V). After centrifugation, an aliquot of the supernatant was evaporated to dryness under a gentle stream of nitrogen gas, and then melamine and triazine-related by-products were derivatized using BSTFA with 1% TMCS. The derivatives of melamine and its analogues were determined by gas chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry using multiple reactional monitoring (MRM) with 2, 6-Diamino-4-chloropyrimidine (DACP) being used as an internal standard. Results The linear detectable ranges were from 0.004 mg/kg to 1.6 mg/kg for melamine, ammelide, ammeline, and cyanuric acid with a correlation coefficient no less than 0.999. The recovery rates of the four compounds in spiked blank milk powder at concentrations 0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg were between 61.4%-117.2%, and the relative standard deviation was no more than 11.5% (n=6). The detection limits of melamine, ammelide, ammeline and cyanuric acid in milk powder were 0.002 mg/kg with a ratio of signal to noise of 3. Conclusion This GC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of melamine, ammelide, ammeline, and cyanuric acid in milk and milk products is sensitive and specific.
A Survey on Occurrence of Melamine and Its Analogues in Tainted Infant Formula in China
YONG-NING WU, YUN-FENG ZHAO, JIN-GUANG LI, MELAMINE ANALYSIS GROUP
2009, 22(2): 95-99.
Objective To investigate the occurrence and concentrations of melamine and its analogues in tainted infant formula and to identify the etiologic factors for the urinary stones epidemic in infants and young children in China in 2008. Methods Sanlu infant formula samples were collected from families of the affected children in Gansu province, and markets in Gansu and Hebei provinces and Beijing city. Melamine and its analogues, including cyanuric acid, ammeline, and ammelide were measured by gas chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry. Results High prevalence and concentrations of melamine were found in Sanlu infant formula samples, with low concentrations of cyanuric acid, ammeline and ammelide. Melamine were detected in 87 out of 111 Sanlu infant formula samples with a range of 118 to 4 700 mg/kg, Conclusion The results provide strong evidence for melamine as the etiological factor for the urinary stones epidemic in infants and young children in China in 2008.
Assessment on Dietary Melamine Exposure from Tainted Infant Formula
XU-DONG JIA, NING LI, ZHU-TIAN WANG, YUN-FENG ZHAO, YONG-NING WU, WEI-XING YAN
2009, 22(2): 100-103.
Objective To estimate the dietary melamine exposure in Chinese infants and young children from the consumption of melamine adulterated Sanlu infant formula. Methods Four age groups of infants and young children (3, 6, 12, and 24 months) were chosen as the assessed subjects and the maximum amount of infant formula consumption was estimated based on the recommended usage level in the package insert of Sanlu infant formula and other brands. Melamine was analyzed in 111 Sanlu infant formula samples collected from the markets in Beijing and Gansu province using the LC-MS-MS with a limit of quantification of 0.05 mg/kg. Four levels of melamine concentration were chosen to estimate the dietary intakes, including the mean, median, 90th percentile, and maximum. Results The infants of 3 months had the highest intake of melamine, and with the increase of the age (month), the intake decreased. Based on the median melamine concentration (1 000 mg/kg) as an example, the melamine intakes for the infants of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 23.4, 21.4, 15.0, and 8.6 mg/kg bw/d, respectively. Conclusion Dietary melamine intakes from tainted Sanlu infant formula significantly exceeded the TDI level (0.2 mg/kg bw/d) recommended by the WHO Expert Meeting in 2008. However, the present assessment has some limitations including the poor representative samples, the varied melamine concentrations in the adulterated Sanlu infant formula, and other brand infant formula possibly consumed by these infants.
Study on Migration of Melamine from Food Packaging Materials on Markets
JIE LU, JING XIAO, DA-JIN YANG, ZHU-TIAN WANG, DING-GUO JIANG, CONG-RONG FANG, JIE YANG
2009, 22(2): 104-108.
Objectives To study the migration of melamine into foods from plastic food packaging materials and dairy product containers commonly used in China. Methods 37 samples were collected from the market. The EU migration testing conditions were adopted with distilled water, 3% acetic acid, n-hexane and 15% ethanol being chosen as the simulating solutions. The HPLC method was used to detect melamine. Results No melamine was detected in 15 dairy product containers. Among the 22 plastic samples, 16 of polypropylene, and polycarbonate types had no delectable amount melamine while a low level of melamine was found in 3 of the 6 melamine resin containers. Conclusion Migration of melamine from food packaging materials in China market is in line with the requirements of EU.
What Can We Learn from the 2008 Melamine Crisis in China?
JUN-SHI CHEN
2009, 22(2): 109-111.
Biodegradation of Complex Bacteria on Phenolic Derivatives in River Water
GUANG-HUA LU, CHAO WANG, ZHE SUN
2009, 22(2): 112-117.
Objective To isolate, incubate, and identify 4-chlorophenol-degrading complex bacteria, determine the tolerance of these bacteria to phenolic derivatives and study their synergetic metabolism as well as the aboriginal microbes and co-metabolic degradation of mixed chlorophenols in river water. Methods Microbial community of complex bacteria was identified by plate culture observation techniques and Gram stain method. Bacterial growth inhibition test was used to determine the tolerance of complex bacteria to toxicants. Biodegradability of phenolic derivatives was determined by adding 4-chlorophenol-degrading bacteria in river water. Results The complex bacteria were identified as Mycopiana, Alcaligenes, Pseudvmonas, and Flavobacterium. The domesticated complex bacteria were more tolerant to phenolic derivatives than the aboriginal bacteria from Qinhuai River. The biodegradability of chlorophenols, dihydroxybenzenes and nitrophenols under various aquatic conditions was determined and compared. The complex bacteria exhibited a higher metabolic efficiency on chemicals than the aboriginal microbes, and the final removal rate of phenolic derivatives was increased at least by 55% when the complex bacteria were added into river water. The metabolic relationship between dominant mixed bacteria and river bacteria was studied. Conclusion The complex bacteria domesticated by 4-chlorophenol can grow and be metabolized to take other chlorophenols, dihydroxybenzenes and nitrophenols as the sole carbon and energy source. There is a synergetic metabolism of most compounds between the aboriginal microbes in river water and the domesticated complex bacteria. 4-chlorophenol-degrading bacteria can co-metabolize various chlorophenols in river water.
Efficacy of Different Iron Fortificants in Wheat Flour in Controlling Iron Deficiency
JIAN HUANG, JING SUN, WEN-XIAN LI, LI-JUAN WANG, AN-XU WANG, JUN-SHENG HUO, JUN-SHI CHEN, CHUN-MING CHEN
2009, 22(2): 118-121.
Objective To observe the different impacts of electrolytic iron, FeSO4, and NaFeEDTA on body iron store of anemic school students. Methods Four hundreds anemic students at the age of 11 -18 years were divided into four groups. Of which, three consumed different iron fortificants from wheat flour as food vehicle for six months and one consumed non-fortified flour (control). The fortification level of electrolytic iron, FeSO4, and NaFeEDTA was 60 mg Fe/kg, 30 mg Fe/kg, and 20 mg Fe/kg, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, and 6 months and hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), and transferrin receptor (TfR) were measured. Results The hemoglobin levels in three intervention groups increased, the increments of Hb in the NaFeEDTA group were significantly higher than that in the other groups. SF and TfR levels increased in the tested groups and body iron store in the NaFeEDTA group was higher than that in the other groups. These parameters did not show any significant changes in the control group. Conclusion NaFeEDTA and FeSO4 fortified wheat flour has positive impacts on iron status in anemic students and NaFeEDTA is more effective than FeSO4, while electrolytic iron is less effective in improving iron store in anemic students.
Modulating Effects of Chlorogenic Acid on Lipids and Glucose Metabolism and Expression of Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-a in Golden Hamsters Fed on High Fat Diet
SHU-YUAN LI, CUI-QING CHANG, FU-YING MA, CHANG-LONG YU
2009, 22(2): 122-129.
Objective To examine the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on lipid and glucose metabolism under a high dietary fat burden and to explore the possible role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) in these effects. Methods Twenty male golden hamsters were randomly divided into CGA treatment group (n=10, given peritoneal injection of CGA solution prepared with PBS, 80 mg CGA/kg body weight daily), and control group (n=10, given PBS i.p. at the average volume of the treatment group). Animals in both groups were given 15% high fat diet. Eight weeks after treatment with CGA, the level of biochemical parameters in fasting serum and tissues and the expression of hepatic mRNA and protein PPAR-a were determined. Results Eight weeks after treatment with CGA, the levels of fasting serum triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glucose (FSG), and insulin (FSI) were significantly lower in the GGA treatment group than in the control group. CGA also led to higher activity of hepatic lipase (HL), lower contents of TG and FFA in liver, and lower activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, CGA significantly elevated significantly elevated the expression level of mRNA and protein expression in hepatic PPAR-α. Conclusion CGA can modify lipids and glucose metabolism, which may be attributed to PPAR-αfacilitated lipid clearance in liver and improved insulin sensitivity.
Application of the WHO Growth Reference (2007) to Assess the Nutritional Status of Children in China
YAN-PING LI, XIAO-QI HU, JING-ZHAO, XIAO-GUANG YANG, GUAN-SHENG MA
2009, 22(2): 130-135.
Objective To assess the nutrition status of children and adolescents in China using the WHO growth reference (2007) in comparison with that defined by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and the Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC). Methods Overweight and obesity were defined by age-, sex-, specific BMI reference developed by WHO (2007), IOTF (2000), and WGOC (2004), respectively. Stunting and thinness were defined as height and BMI less than two standard deviations (SD) of the WHO growth reference (2007), respectively. Data of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years (n=54 857, 28 273 boys, 26 584 girls) from the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS) were used in the study. Results The prevalence of overweight, obesity, stunting and thinness among Chinese children and adolescents aged 5-19 years was 5.0%, 1.2%, 13.8%, and 7.4%, respectively when the WHO growth reference (2007) was used, whereas the estimated absolute total number affected by these 4 conditions were 14.6, 3.7, 40.6, and 21.8 million, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 18.1% in large cities, while the stunting prevalence was 25.1% in rural 4. Obesity prevalence assessed by the WHO growth reference was higher than that as assessed by the IOTF reference, and obesity prevalence assessed by the WGOC reference was lower than that as assessed by the IOTF reference. Conclusion The nutritional status of children and adolescents is not equal in different areas of China. Stunting is still the main health problem of the poor, while overweight and obesity are the main health problems in large cities.
Characterization of Salmonella Enterica Serotype Typhimurium from Outpatients of 28 Hospitals in Henan Province in 2006
MIN ZHU, ZHI-QIANG XIE, LI-SHI ZHANG, SHENG-LI XIA, WEI-ZHONG YANG, LU RAN, ZI-JUN WANG
2009, 22(2): 136-140.
Objective To characterize the diarrheal patients with Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) infections and to set up the first baseline for 5. typhimurium pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns in Henan province, thus laying a foundation for comprehensive surveillance of Salmonella in human as well as foods. Methods S. typhimurium isolates recovered from outpatients with diarrhea in Henan province from May to October of 2006 were characterized. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests of 8 antimicrobial agents and PFGE were carried out to analyze the 5. typhimurium isolates. Results Twenty-four (0.9%) S. typhimurium isolates were identified from 2661 stool specimens of diarrheal cases. Eighty-eight percent of isolates showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent. The resistance to chloramphenicol (79%) was most common. Fifty-eight percent of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. All the 14 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates were resistant to more than five antimicrobial agents. Thirty-three percent of 5. typhimurium isolates were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline (R-type ACSSuT). Eight antimicrobia-resistant phenotypes were found among the 24 isolates in 16 PFGE patterns. Conclusion The rate of multidrug-resistant S. typhimurium is relatively high in S. typhimurium PFGE patterns of Henan province. Multidrug-resistant S. typhimurium should be considered a public health threat.
Analysis of Age Dependent Effects of Heat Stress on EEG Frequency Components in Rats
RAKESH KUMAR SINHA
2009, 22(2): 141-150.
Objective To demonstrate changes in different frequencies of cerebral electrical activity or electroencephalogram (EEG) following exposure to high environmental heat in three different age groups of freely moving rats. Methods Rats were divided into three groups (i) acute heat stress - subjected to a single exposure for four hours at 38 ℃; (ii) chronic heat stress -exposed for 21 days daily for one hour at 38 ℃, and (iii) handling control groups. The digital polygraphic sleep-EEG recordings were performed just after the heat exposure from acute stressed rats and on 22nd day from chronic stressed rats by simultaneous recording of cortical EEG EOG (electrooculogram), and EMG (electromyogram). Further, power spectrum analyses were performed to analyze the effects of heat stress. Results The frequency analysis of EEG signals following exposure to high environmental heat revealed that in all three age groups of rats, changes in higher frequency components (β2) were significant in all sleep-wake states following both acute and chronic heat stress conditions. After exposure to acute heat, significant changes in EEG frequencies with respect to their control groups were observed, which were reversed partly or fully in four hours of EEG recording. On the other hand, due to repetitive chronic exposure to hot environment, adaptive and long-term changes in EEG frequency patterns were observed. Conclusion The present study has exhibited that the cortical EEG is sensitive to environmental heat and alterations in EEG frequencies in different sleep-wake states due to heat stress can be differentiated efficiently by EEG power spectrum analysis.
Establishment of a Stable PrPSc Panel from Brain Tissues of Experimental Hamsters with Scrapie Strain 263K
BAO-YUN ZHANG, CHAN TIAN, JUN HAN, CHEN GAO, QI SHI, JIAN-MING CHEN, HUI-YING JIANG, WEI ZHOU, XIAO-Ping DONG
2009, 22(2): 151-156.
Objective To establish a stable PrPSc panel from brain tissues of experimental hamsters infected with scrapie agent 263K for evaluating diagnostic techniques of human and animals' prion diseases. Methods Thirty brain tissue samples from hamsters intracerebrally infected with scrapie strain 263K and another 30 samples from normal hamsters were selected to prepare 10%, 1%, and 0.5% brain homogenates, which were aliquoted into stocks. PrPSc in each brain homogenate was determined by proteinase K digestions followed by Western blot assay and partially by immunohistochemistry. Stability and glycoforms of PrPSc were repeatedly detected by PrPSc-specific Western blots in half a year and 3 years later. Results PrPSc signals were observed in all 10% brain homogenates of infected hamsters. Twenty out of 30 stocks and 19 out of 30 stocks were PrPSc positive in 1% and 0.5% brain homogenatesof infected hamsters, respectively. Twenty-seven out of 30 stocks presented three positive bands in 10% brain homogenates, whereas none of 1% and 0.5% homogenates contained 3 bands. The detection of PrPSc-specific signals stored in half a year and 3 years later demonstrated that the ratio of PrPSc positive samples and glycoforms was almost unchanged. All normal hamsters' brain homogenates were PrPSc negative. Conclusion A PrPSc panel of prion disease can be established, which displays reliably stable PrPSc-specific signals and glycoforms.
Influence of Electromagnetic Fields on Bone Fracture in Rats: Role of CAPE
EKREM CICEK, OSMAN GOKALP, REMZI VAROL, GOKHAN CESUR
2009, 22(2): 157-160.
Objective To study the effects of radiation emitted by mobile phones on bone strength and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the changes induced by radiation. Methods Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Rats in the control group (first group) were left within the experimental setup for 30 min/day for 28 days without radiation exposure. Nine hundred MHz radiation group was broke down into 2 subgroups (group 1/2). Both subgroups were exposed to radiation for 28 days (30 min/day). The next group was also divided into 2 subgroups (group 3/4). Each was exposed to 1800 MHz of radiation for 28 days (30 min/day). The third and fifth groups were also treated with CAPE for 28 days. Treatment groups received ip caffeic acid phenethyl ester (10 μmol/kg per day) before radiation session. Bone fracture was analyzed. Results Breaking force, bending strength, and total fracture energy decreased in the irradiated groups but increased in the treatment groups. Conclusion Radiation and CAPE can significantly improve bone.
Effects of Cow's Milk on Reproduction in ICR Male Mice
YU-XIA MA, NAOYUKI EBINE, KAZUO AOKI, MASAHIRO KUSUNOKI, JUNICHI MISUMI
2009, 22(2): 161-163.
Objective To study the effects of Cow's milk on the reproduction in male mice. Methods Twenty-four male mice were divided randomly into two groups: milk group (M) and control group (C). Each mouse was given 10 mL milk per day from 4 to 16 weeks in the group M. At the age of 17 weeks, all the mice were sacrificed. Results Serum testosterone was decreased in the group M (P=0.037). No significant difference was found in weight of testes, seminal vesicle or adrenal gland of mice between the groups C and M. However, the weight of seminal vesicle decreased when expressed in g/100g body weight in the group M. Epididymal sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and sperm head number were not affected by milk. Conclusion Cow's milk has adverse effects on the reproductive system in ICR male mice. Further studies are needed to clarify the specific effects of milk on reproductive health.
Induction of Bone Matrix Protein Expression by Native Bone Matrix Proteins in C2C12 Culture
ZHEN-MING HU, SEAN A. F. PEEL, STEPHEN K. C. HO, GEORGE K. B. SANDOR, CAMERON M. L. CLOKIE
2009, 22(2): 164-169.
Objective To study the expression of bone matrix protein (BMP) induced by bovine bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in vitro. Methods Type I collagen, osteopontin (OPN), osteonectin (ON), osteocalcin (OC), and bone sialoprotein (BSP) were detected by immunohistochemistry in C2C12 cultured from day 1 to day 28. Results The signaling of bone matrix protein expression became weaker except for type I collagen, OC and BSP after 5 days. Fourteen days after culture, the positive signaling of type I collagen, OPN, ON, OC, and BSP was gradually declined, and could be detected significantly as compared with that of the negative control on day 28. BMP assay showed that the Ikaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was higher in C2C12 culture than in the control during the 14-day culture. Also, total protein and DNA significantly increased during the 14-day culture. High levels of ALP were seen in preosteoblasts and osteoblsts in vivo and in differentiating ostcoblasts in vitro. ALP was well recognized as a marker reflecting osteoblastic activity. Conclusion Native bovine BMP induces conversion of myoblasts into osteoblasts, produces type 1 collagen, and plays significantly role in osteoinduction and bone matrix mineralization of C2C12 in vitro.
Effects of Combined Treatment with Sansanmycin and Macrolides on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Formation of Biofilm
YUE LI, YUN-YING XIE, RU-XIAN CHEN, HONG-ZHANG XU, GUO-JI ZHANG, JIN-ZHE LI, XIAO-MIAN LI
2009, 22(2): 170-177.
Objective To observe the effects of combined treatment with sansanmycin and macrolides on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and formation of biofilm. Methods Micro-dilution method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of sansanmycin, gentamycin, carbenicillin, polymyxin B, roxithromycin, piperacillin, and tazobactam. PA1 and PA27853 biofilms were observed under optical microscope after staining and under SEM after treatment with sansanmycin at different dosages and combined treatment with sansanmycin and roxithromycin. Viable bacteria in PA1 and PA27853 biofilms were counted after treatment with sansanmycin at different dosages or combined treatment with sansanmycin and roxithromycin. Results The MIC of sansanmycin was lower than that of gentamycin and polymyxin B, but was higher than that of carbenicillin. Roxithromycin enhanced the penetration of sansanmycin to PA1 and PA27853 strains through biofilms. PA1 and PA27853 biofilms were gradually cleared with the increased dosages of sansanmycin or with the combined sansanmycin and roxithromycin. Conclusion Sub-MIC levels of roxithromycin and sansanmycin substantially inhibit the generation of biofilms and proliferation of bacteria. Therefore, combined antibiotics can be used in treatment of intractable bacterial infection.
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences INFORMATION FOR AUTHORS
2009, 22(2): 封3-封4.