Bioanalytical screening of low levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in pig meat (pork) for checking compliance with EU maximum and action levels using highly sensitive "third generation" recombinant H4L7.5c2 rat hepatoma cells.

Background: Low maximum and action levels set by the European Union for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in pig meat (pork) have led to a demand for reliable and cost-effective bioanalytical screening methods implemented upstream of gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry confirmatory technology, that can detect low levels of contamination in EU-regulated foods with quick turn-around times.

Results: Based on the Chemically Activated LUciferase gene eXpression (CALUX) bioassay, extraction and clean-up steps were optimized for recovery and reproducibility within working ranges significantly lower than in current bioassays. A highly sensitive "3rd generation" recombinant rat hepatoma cell line (H4L7.

Rapid extraction of total lipids and lipophilic POPs from all EU-regulated foods of animal origin: Smedes' method revisited and enhanced.

Background: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins, dioxin-like chemicals and non-dioxin-like PCBs causing adverse effects to human health bio-accumulate through the food web due to their affinity for adipose tissues. Foods of animal origin are therefore the main contributors to human dietary exposure. The European Union's (EU) food safety policy requires checking of a wide range of samples for compliance with legal limits on a regular basis.

Somatostatin and CXCR4 expression patterns in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung relative to small cell lung cancer.

Purpose: Lung cancer is highly prevalent and has an especially poor prognosis. Thus, new diagnostic and therapeutic targets are necessary. Two potential targets are somatostatin receptors (SST), which are overexpressed in well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms, and the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which is present mainly in highly proliferative and advanced tumours.

Absorption and metabolism of anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside in the isolated rat small intestine is not influenced by ethanol.

Anthocyanins are receiving renewed attention for their positive health attributes. High intakes and an adequate absorption rate of anthocyanins are necessary for efficient protection, though other dietary agents might influence absorption efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate intestinal handling of luminally administered cyanidin-3-glucoside in the absence and presence of ethanol in an isolated preparation of luminally and vascularly perfused rat small intestine.

Influence of cooking process on phenolic marker compounds of vegetables.

Phenolic compounds are secondary plant metabolites which have long been associated with flavor and color characteristics of fruits and vegetables. These phenolic compounds attract great interest due to their postulated health protecting properties. However, adequate intakes and absorption rate of phenolic compounds are necessary for these beneficial effects.