Bifidobacterium bifidum in probiotic Edam cheese: influence on cheese ripening.

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Edam cheese as a carrier of probiotic bifidobacteria. Probiotic Edam cheese containing 10(7) viable cells of Bifidobacterium bifidum was monitored over a period of 3 months for ripening changes. Lactose in control as well as experimental cheeses was depleted within 15 days. Moisture decreased from 46.61 and 47.24 % to 42.06 and 42.46 % in control and experimental samples, respectively while pH in both the cheeses increased from ~5.20 to ~5.45. The free fatty acids increased from 2.23 % and 2.31 % on 0-day to 2.78 % and 2.83 % after 3 months, in control and probiotic cheeses, respectively. The 0-day and 3-month values of total volatile fatty acids in both samples were ~2.30 and ~2.95 ml NaOH (0.1 N) used per 10 g cheese, respectively. The soluble protein increased respectively from 5.42 and 5.30 % to 15.00 and 14.96 % after 3 months of storage in control and experimental cheeses. More of α-casein was degraded than ß-casein after 3 months in both the samples. The study demonstrated that Edam cheese may be a suitable vehicle for delivering probiotic bifidobacteria to the end user.

Proteinuria and perinatal lethality in mice lacking NEPH1, a novel protein with homology to NEPHRIN.

A high-throughput, retrovirus-mediated mutagenesis method based on gene trapping in embryonic stem cells was used to identify a novel mouse gene. The human ortholog encodes a transmembrane protein containing five extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains that is structurally related to human NEPHRIN, a protein associated with congenital nephrotic syndrome. Northern analysis revealed wide expression in humans and mice, with highest expression in kidney. Based on similarity to NEPHRIN and abundant expression in kidney, this protein was designated NEPH1 and embryonic stem cells containing the retroviral insertion in the Neph1 locus were used to generate mutant mice. Analysis of kidney RNA from Neph1(-/-) mice showed that the retroviral insertion disrupted expression of Neph1 transcripts. Neph1(-/-) pups were represented at the expected normal Mendelian ratios at 1 to 3 days of age but at only 10% of the expected frequency at 10 to 12 days after birth, suggesting an early postnatal lethality. The Neph1(-/-) animals that survived beyond the first week of life were sickly and small but without edema, and all died between 3 and 8 weeks of age. Proteinuria ranging from 300 to 2,000 mg/dl was present in all Neph1(-/-) mice. Electron microscopy demonstrated NEPH1 expression in glomerular podocytes and revealed effacement of podocyte foot processes in Neph1(-/-) mice. These findings suggest that NEPH1, like NEPHRIN, may play an important role in maintaining the structure of the filtration barrier that prevents proteins from freely entering the glomerular urinary space.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases: results and prognostic factors.

This study was conducted to determine prognostic factors for tumor response and patient survival after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastasis. Eighty-four patients with brain metastasis underwent SRS at a single institution. After fixation of the head with a stereotactic frame, computed tomography treatment planning was performed. The metastatic lesion was treated with multiple arcs to a median dose of 19 Gy. Forty-seven patients (56%) had a solitary brain lesion. Fifty-nine patients (70%) had evidence of extracranial disease at the time of SRS. The median survival duration from SRS was 7 months. Sixty-three percent of the patients had an objective radiographic response to SRS, which in turn was associated with superior central nervous system control. Age, collimator size, number of arcs, tumor location, and histology did not influence objective response rates. Patients who had a solitary lesion or who received treatment within 2 weeks after diagnosis were more likely to have an objective response than were those who did not (P < 0.05). Progressive brain disease accounted for 37% of the deaths. Nineteen patients (23%) had an in-field relapse. Four severe complications were attributed to SRS. This study confirms the role of SRS as an acceptable treatment option for patients with solitary or limited brain metastases. Int. J. Cancer (Radiat. Oncol. Invest.) 90, 157-162 (2000).

Use of total whey constituents for human food.

In recent years, utilization of whey has been felt to be an inexorable necessity in view of the current requirements for alleviating environmental pollution as well as using available nutrients for feeding the malnourished segments of human population. Presence of several nutritionally important constituents having excellent functional characteristics enhances opportunities for a wide-range application of whey and whey constituents in the food industry. Technology is being developed to utilize whey for the manufacture of a variety of new food products as well as for the replacement of comparatively costly food ingredients. Various aspects of utilization of whey for human nutrition are described.