bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitual meal frequency in relation to resting and activity-induced energy expenditure in human subjects: the role of fat-free mass
Authors: Westerterp-Plantenga Margriet S. , Goris Annelies H. C. , Meijer Erwin P. , Westerterp Klaas R.
Published: September 2003

Habitual meal frequency was assessed as a possible function of components of energy expenditure (EE) in human subjects. Fifty-six subjects participated (four categories differing in body composition): ten older women (fat-free mass (FFM) 42·0 (sd6·3) kg, aged 59 (sd2) years, BMI 27·5 (sd6·9) kg/m2), fifteen younger women (FFM 45·5 (sd5·2) kg, aged 34 (sd10) years, BMI 21·9 (sd2·3) kg/m2), twelve older men (FFM 56·8 (sd5·9) kg, aged 62 (sd4) years, BMI 25·7 (sd3·3) kg/m2) and nineteen younger men (FFM 63·9 (sd7·5) kg, aged 23·1 (sd3·9) years, BMI 22·9 (sd1·8) kg/m2). Measurements consisted of habitual meal frequency by validated food-intake diaries, physical activity by tri-axial accelerometers and resting EE by a ventilated hood system. Habitual meal frequency was expressed as a function of resting EE (including resting EE as a function of FFM), and of activity-induced EE, using regression analysis. FFM differed according to gender and age categories (P< 0·01). Physical activity level was higher in the younger men than in the other categories (P< 0·05). No relationship of meal frequency with the variables assessed was observed in subjects with a low FFM (the women). In the subjects with a medium FFM (the older men), meal frequency was positively related to resting EE (r20·4,P< 0·05), but not to the residuals of resting EE as a function of FFM, and inversely related to activity-induced EE (r20·3,P< 0·05). Resting EE explained 40% of the variation in meal frequency; adding activity-induced EE increased this to 60%. In the subjects with a high FFM (the younger men), meal frequency was inversely related to resting EE (r20·8,P< 0·0001) and to the residuals of resting EE as a function of FFM (P= 0·03), and positively related to activity-induced EE (r20·6,P< 0·0001). Resting EE explained 85% of the variation in meal frequency; adding activity-induced EE increased this to 89%. Habitual meal frequency was a function of components of EE, namely resting EE and activity-induced EE, only in subjects with a medium to high FFM (men). FFM-related differences in these relationships suggest a role of physical activity.
The cannabinoid system: a role in both the homeostatic and hedonic control of eating?
Authors: Harrold Joanne A. , Williams Gareth
Published: September 2003

Knowledge of the cannabinoid system and its components has expanded greatly over the past decade. There is increasing evidence for its role in the regulation of food intake and appetite. Cannabinoid system activity in the hypothalamus is thought to contribute to the homeostatic regulation of energy balance, under the control of the hormone leptin. A second component of cannabinoid-mediated food intake appears to involve reward pathways and the hedonic aspect of eating. With the cannabinoid system contributing to both regulatory pathways, it presents an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of both obesity and eating disorders.
Consistency of food intake factors by different dietary assessment methods and population groups
Authors: Togo Per , Heitmann Berit L. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Osler Merete
Published: September 2003

Several studies have used factor analysis to identify food intake patterns in epidemiological studies as an alternative to nutrient-based analyses, but few have validated the factors in a larger population. Our present objectives were: to compare the factor scores based on a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with scores based on a 7 d diet record; to examine the consistency of the factor score correlations across strata of age, BMI, energy intake, education, physical activity and smoking and to compare factors identified in two sub-populations. In 879 men and 927 women, of the total population sample of 3785, scores on food intake factors, three for men (‘green’, sweet’ and ‘traditional’) and two for women (‘green’ and ‘sweet–traditional’), identified in data from the FFQ and the diet record, were compared. The loadings of foods on the factors were very similar and the correlations between the corresponding factor scores, based on the two dietary assessment methods, were: for men ‘green’ 0·61, ‘sweet’ 0·55, ‘traditional’ 0·34; for women, ‘green’ 0·61, ‘sweet–traditional’ 0·57. Stratification did not significantly modify the correlations, with a few inconsistent exceptions. Factors obtained in a different subsample of the population, for which there was only data from the FFQ, were almost identical to the factors found in the subsample, who provided both FFQ and diet record information with regard to food loadings and model fit. In conclusion, the food intake factors identified were reproducible using two different dietary assessment methods and, furthermore, independent of stratification.
Glycaemic index of different coconut (Cocos nucifera)-flour products in normal and diabetic subjects
Authors: Trinidad Trinidad P. , Valdez Divinagracia H. , Loyola Anacleta S. , Mallillin Aida C. , Askali Faridah C. , Castillo Joan C. , Masa Dina B.
Published: September 2003

The glycaemic index (GI) of commonly consumed bakery products supplemented with increasing levels of coconut (Cocos nucifera) flour was determined in ten normal and ten diabetic subjects. Using a randomized crossover design, the control and test foods were fed in random order on separate occasions after an overnight fast. Blood samples were collected through finger prick before and after feeding and were analysed for glucose levels using a clinical chemistry analyser. The significantly low-GI (< 60) foods investigated were: macaroons (GI 45·7 (sem 3·0)) and carrot cake (GI 51·8 (sem 3·3)), with 200–250 g coconut flour/kg (P<0·05). The test foods with 150 g coconut flour/kg had GI ranging from 61·3 to 71·4. Among the test foods, pan de sal (GI 87·2 (sem 5·5)) and multigrain loaf (GI 85·2 (sem 6·8)) gave significantly higher GI with 50 and 100 g coconut flour/kg respectively (P<0·05). On the other hand, granola bar and cinnamon bread with 50 and 100 g coconut flour/kg respectively gave a GI ranging from 62·7 to 71·6 and did not differ significantly from the test foods with 150 g coconut flour/kg (P < 0·05). A very strong negative correlation (r– 0·85, n 11, P < 0·005) was observed between the GI and dietary fibre content of the test foods supplemented with coconut flour. In conclusion, the GI of coconut flour-supplemented foods decreased with increasing levels of coconut flour and this may be due to its high dietary fibre content. The results of the present study may form a scientific basis for the development of coconut flour as a functional food. However, the fat content of coconut flour-supplemented food should always be considered to optimize the functionality of coconut fibre in the proper control and management of diabetes mellitus.
Gastric leptin: a putative role in the short-term regulation of food intake
Authors: Picó Catalina , Oliver Paula , Sánchez Juana , Palou Andreu
Published: September 2003

The discovery of the production of leptin by the stomach, in addition to its production by adipose tissue, has initiated new investigation into the possible role of this protein in the digestive physiology, in particular in the short-term control of energy balance. Leptin has been identified in the lower half of the stomach glands both in the pepsinogen granules of chief cells and in the granules of a specific endocrine cell type, suggesting that leptin action is exerted by both exocrine and endocrine pathways. Gastric leptin is sensitive to the nutritional state, being rapidly mobilized in response to food intake following fasting, or after the administration of satiety factors; this suggests a role for this protein in the short-term regulation of feeding, acting in collaboration with satiety peptides such as cholecystokinin. Leptin, produced by gastric cells and by adipocytes, could act on both acute and chronic regulation of feeding behaviour respectively, giving information to the brain on the availability of external (food) and internal (fat depots) energy resources, thus participating in short- and long-term satiation.
Enteral administration of soyabean lecithin enhanced lymphatic absorption of triacylglycerol in rats
Authors: Nishimukai Megumi , Hara Hiroshi , Aoyama Yoritaka
Published: September 2003

As the physiological roles of dietary lecithin have not yet been clearly defined, we examined the effects of lecithin on lipid absorption in male Wistar rats with a mesenteric lymph cannula. Lymphatic absorption was observed after the infusion of 1 ml emulsion containing 100 mg test oil emulsified with sodium taurocholate (10 g/l) in three separate experiments. Test oils (100 mg) were: soyabean oil (triacylglycerol (TG) source, SO) and soyabean oil + lecithin (75 mg soyabean oil+25 mg lecithin, LE) in Expt 1; SO, LE or soyabean oil + lysolecithin (75 mg soyabean oil plus 25 mg lysolecithin, LY) in Expt 2; hydrolysed soyabean oil (HSO) or HSO+lysolecithin (75 mg HSO+25 mg lysolecithin, HLY) in Expt 3. After LE and LY infusions, lymph flow and the lymphatic output of TG was higher than after SO infusion at 0-30 min and 0-90 min respectively (Expts 1 and 2). Lecithin-induced increases in lymph TG output remained constant when HSO was infused (Expt 3). There were no differences in the TG:phospholipid ratio in the lymph after infusion among the groups; nevertheless, the lymphatic output of TG was much higher after infusion with LE than with SO. Fatty acid was released more efficiently from SO than from LE and LY byin vitrodigestion with rat bile–pancreatic juice. These present results demonstrate that a TG emulsion containing soyabean lecithin or its hydrolysates promote lymphatic TG output and suggest that the increases in TG absorption do not depend on TG digestion.
Substitution of saturated with monounsaturated fat in a 4-week diet affects body weight and composition of overweight and obese men
Authors: Piers L. S. , Walker Karen Z. , Stoney Rachel M. , Soares Mario J. , O'Dea Kerin
Published: September 2003

A randomised crossover study of eight overweight or obese men (aged 24–49 years, BMI 25.5–31.3 kg/m2), who followed two diets for 4 weeks each, was performed to determine whether substitution of saturated fat with monounsaturated fat affects body weight and composition. Subjects were provided with all food and beverages as modules (selectedad libitum) of constant macronutrient composition, but differing energy content. The % total energy from saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat was 24, 13 and 3% respectively on the saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich diet and 11, 22 and 7% respectively on the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich diet. MUFA accounted for about 80% of the unsaturated fats consumed on both diets. Body composition, blood pressure, energy expenditure (resting and postprandial metabolic rates, substrate oxidation rate, physical activity), serum lipids, the fatty acid profile of serum cholesteryl esters and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured before and after each diet period. Significant (P≤0·05) differences in total cholesterol and the fatty acid composition of serum cholesteryl esters provided evidence of dietary adherence. The men had a lower weight (-2·1 (se0·4) kg,P=0·0015) and fat mass (-2·6 (se0·6) kg,P= 0·0034) at the end of the MUFA-rich diet as compared with values at the end of the SFA-rich diet. No significant differences were detected in energy or fat intake, energy expenditure, substrate oxidation rates or self-reported physical activity. Substituting dietary saturated with unsaturated fat, predominantly MUFA, can induce a small but significant loss of body weight and fat mass without a significant change in total energy or fat intake.
Metabolism of the soyabean isoflavone glycoside genistin in vitro by human gut bacteria and the effect of prebiotics
Authors: Steer Toni E. , Johnson Ian T. , Gee Jennifer M. , Gibson Glenn R.
Published: September 2003

The isoflavone genistein is found predominantly in soyabeans and is thought to possess various potent biological properties, including anti-carcinogenic effects. Studies have shown that genistein is extensively degraded by the human gut microflora, presumably with a loss of its anti-carcinogenic action. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of a prebiotic to divert bacterial metabolism away from genistein breakdown: this may be of benefit to the host. Faecal samples were obtained from healthy volunteers and fermented in the presence of a source of soyabean isoflavones (Novasoy™ (10g/l); ADM Neutraceuticals, Erith, Kent, UK). Bacterial genera of the human gut were enumerated using selective agars and genistein was quantified by HPLC. The experiment was repeated with the addition of glucose (10g/l) or fructo-oligosaccharide (10g/l; FOS) to the fermentation medium. The results showed most notably that counts of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. were significantly increased (P<0·05 and P<0·01 respectively) under steady-state conditions in the presence of FOS. Counts of Bacteroides spp. and Clostridium spp. were, however, both significantly reduced (P<0·05) during the fermentation. A decline in genistein concentration by about 52 and 56% over the 120h culture period was observed with the addition of glucose or FOS to the basal medium (P<0·01), compared with about 91% loss of genistein in the vessels containing Novasoy™ (ADM Neutraceuticals) only. Similar trends were obtained using a three-stage chemostat (gut model), in which once again the degradation of genistein was about 22% in vessel one, about 24% in vessel two and about 26% in vessel three in the presence of FOS, compared with a degradation of genistein of about 67% in vessel one, about 95% in vessel two and about 93% in vessel three in the gut model containing Novasoy™ (ADM Neutraceuticals) only. The present study has shown that the addition of excess substrate appeared to preserve genistein in vitro. In particular, the use of FOS not only augmented this effect, but also conferred an additional benefit in selectively increasing numbers of purportedly beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Effects of fructo-oligosaccharide-supplemented infant cereal: a double-blind, randomized trial
Authors: Moore Nancy , Chao Cewin , Yang Li-Ping , Storm Heidi , Oliva-Hemker Maria , Saavedra Jose M.
Published: September 2003

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may have potential benefits, since they exhibit many soluble dietary fibre-like properties. Foods currently available for weaning infants are generally low in fibre content and lack these potential benefits. Data documenting tolerance of FOS in weaning foods are greatly lacking. Our present objective was to evaluate the tolerance and gastrointestinal effects of FOS-supplemented infant cereal used as a daily addition to the diet of healthy infants. Healthy infants were randomly assigned to receive either 0·75 g FOS per serving of cereal or placebo for 28 d. The primary outcome of interest was gastrointestinal tolerance, which was assessed by daily parental reporting of functional variables for 28 d, including stool patterns and signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal tolerance. Secondary outcomes were also measured including: cereal intake (g cereal and g FOS/d), stool pH, changes in anthropometric measurements and adverse events. The study population included a total of fifty-six infants, age range 16·2–46·2 weeks with a mean age of 32·5 (sd8·9) weeks; twenty-nine infants were randomized to the control group (age 31·8 (sd9·0) weeks) and twenty-seven to the FOS-supplemented group (34·7 (sd8·9) weeks). Average daily total intake per infant and average intake per serving were similar in both groups. Average FOS consumption was 0·74 (sd0·39) g/d and as high as 3·00 g/d. Stool consistency was less likely to be described as ‘hard’, and more likely to be described as ‘soft’ or ‘loose’, in the FOSv.control group. The mean number of stools per infant was 1·99 (sd0·62) per d in the FOS-supplemented group compared with 1·58 (sd0·66) in the control group (P=0·02). There were no differences between the groups in reporting for crying, spitting-up or colic. No differences were found for stool pH. FOS-supplements added to cereal were well tolerated in doses of up to 3·00 g/d. FOS consumption led to more regular and softer stools, without diarrhoea, as well as less-reported frequency of symptoms associated with constipation such as hard stools or skipped days without stool. The present study is one of few studies documenting tolerance to increased fibre intake in the form of FOS as part of a weaning food.
The effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including conjugated linoleic acid, on calcium absorption and bone metabolism and composition in young growing rats
Authors: Kelly Owen , Cusack Siobhan , Jewell Christopher , Cashman Kevin D.
Published: September 2003

The effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in particular conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), on Ca and bone metabolism is unclear. In a 2 × 2 factorial design study, forty male 4-week-old rats were fed a control diet containing 70 g added fat (soyabean oil (SBO;n–6 PUFA-rich diet) or menhaden oil–safflower oil (MSO;n−3 PUFA-rich diet))/kg diet with 0 or 10 g CLA/kg for 8 weeks.Ex vivoprostaglandin E2biosynthesis by bone organ culture was significantly higher (P<0·001) in rats consuming SBO compared with MSO, irrespective of CLA. Addition of the CLA treatment to either diet further lowered (P<0·05)ex vivoprostaglandin E2production. Neither PUFA type nor CLA altered circulating or femoral mRNA levels of osteocalcin (a marker of bone formation) or insulin-like growth factor-I (a mediator of bone metabolism). While urinary pyridinium crosslinks levels (markers of bone resorption) were unaffected by CLA irrespective of PUFA type, they were significantly higher (P<0·05) in rats consuming SBO compared with MSO irrespective of CLA. Net fractional (%) and absolute (mg) Ca absorption were significantly (P<0·01 andP<0·05 respectively) higher in CLA-supplemented than unsupplemented animals fed on then−3 PUFA-rich diet, whereas CLA had no effect in animals fed then–6 PUFA-rich diet. There was no effect of CLA supplementation on bone mineral mass. In conclusion, CLA supplementation over 8 weeks appeared to enhance Ca absorption in young growing rats fed ann−3 PUFA-rich diet, but had no measurable effect on bone metabolism or bone mass over this time frame.
A western-style diet reduces bone mass and biomechanical bone strength to a greater extent in male compared with female rats during development
Authors: Ward Wendy E. , Kim Susie , Bruce W. Robert
Published: September 2003

Evidence from epidemiological and animal-feeding trials suggests that a western-style diet that is high in fat, and low in Ca, vitamin D and folic acid may result in low bone mass and poor bone quality: this leads to an increased risk of fragility fracture. The overall objective of the present study was to determine the effect of feeding a western-style diet (low in Ca (0·4 g/kg diet, Ca:P ratio 1:10), cholecalciferol (3 μg/kg diet), folic acid (0·23 mg/kg diet) and fibre (20 g/kg diet), and high in fat (200 g/kg diet)) for 17 weeks on bone mineral content (BMC) and the biomechanical bone strength of rat femurs. A secondary objective was to determine whether femurs from male and female rats (seven to eight rats per group) respond differently to the western-style diet. Male and female rats weighing 150–180 g were fed a western-style diet or a control diet for 17 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, femur BMC was measured by ashing, and biomechanical properties were determined by three-point bending. Femur BMC and the majority of biomechanical properties measured were lower (P<0·05) among male and female rats fed a western-style diet compared with a control diet, despite similar weight gain and final body weight within genders. However, the western-style diet had a greater negative effect on femur BMC and biomechanical strength properties among male rats compared with females. This may be because male rats experienced greater overall body growth, as assessed by weight gain, than female rats, and suggests that the nutrient composition of the western-style diet did not support the development of strong femurs.
Long-term monounsaturated fatty acid diets reduce platelet aggregation in healthy young subjects
Authors: Smith Ruth D. , Kelly Colette N. M. , Fielding Barbara A. , Hauton David , Silva K. D. Renuka R. , Nydahl Margaretha C. , Miller George J. , Williams Christine M.
Published: September 2003

The aim of the present study was to compare the response of a range of atherogenic and thrombogenic risk markers to two dietary levels of saturated fatty acid (SFA) substitution with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in students living in a university hall of residence. Although the benefits of such diets have been reported for plasma lipoproteins in high-risk groups, more needs to be known about effects of more modest SFA-MUFA substitutions over the long term and in young healthy adults. In a parallel design over 16 weeks, fifty-one healthy young subjects were randomised to one of two diets: (1) a moderate-MUFA diet in which 16 g dietary SFA/100 g total fatty acids were substituted with MUFA (n25); (2) a high-MUFA diet in which 33 g dietary SFA/100 g total fatty acids were substituted with MUFA (n26). All subjects followed an 8-week run-in diet (reference diet), with a fatty acid composition close to the UK average values. There were no differences in plasma lipid responses between the two diets over 16 weeks of the study with similar reductions in total cholesterol (P<0·001) and LDL-cholesterol (P<0·01) in both groups; a small but significant reduction in HDL-cholesterol was also observed in both groups (P<0·01). Platelet responses to ADP (P<0·01) and arachidonic acid (P<0·05) differed with time on the two diets; at 16 weeks, platelet aggregatory response to ADP was significantly lower on the high-MUFA than the moderate-MUFA (P<0·01) diet; ADP responses were also significantly lower within this group at 8 (P<0·05) and 16 (P<0·01) weeks compared with baseline. There were no differences in fasting factor VII activity (factors VIIc and VIIag), fibrinogen concentration or tissue-type plasminogen activator activity between the diets. There were no differences in postprandial factor VIIc responses to a standard meal (area under the curve) between the diets after 16 weeks, but postprandial factor VIIc response was lower than on the high-MUFA diet compared with baseline (P<0·01). In conclusion, a high-MUFA diet sustains potentially beneficial effects on platelet aggregation and postprandial activation of factor VII. Moderate or high substitution of MUFA for SFA achieves similar reductions in fasting blood lipids in young healthy subjects.
Lycopene in serum, skin and adipose tissues after tomato-oleoresin supplementation in patients undergoing haemorrhoidectomy or peri-anal fistulotomy
Authors: Walfisch Yossi , Walfisch S. , Agbaria R. , Levy J. , Sharoni Y.
Published: September 2003

Lycopene, the main carotenoid found in tomatoes and tomato-based products, has been reported to be protective against several types of cancer. Assessment of changes in plasma concentration of carotenoids following ingestion of lycopene-rich food sources does not necessarily predict changes in lycopene concentration or distribution of its isomers in other body tissues. Our aim was to determine the relationship between concentrations of lycopene and other tomato carotenoids in human serum and body tissues after tomato-oleoresin supplementation. Tomato lycopene oleoresin (30 mg/d) or a placebo was administered for 1 to 7 weeks to seventy-five volunteers undergoing elective haemorrhoidectomy or peri-anal fistulotomy. Carotenoid concentration and isomer distribution in blood and in the surgically removed skin and adipose tissues was measured by HPLC. The serum concentration of lycopene increased after supplementation from 0·26 (sd0·12) to 0·52 (sd0·25) μmol/l (n35;P<0·0001). In the placebo group (n40), lycopene serum concentration did not change significantly. Serum lycopene concentration after treatment was 2·2-fold greater in the lycopene group than in the placebo group, a slightly higher ratio than that found in skin and adipose tissue (1·6- and 1·4-fold higher than the placebo, respectively). A significant correlation between serum and tissue concentrations was found for both β-carotene and lycopene in the placebo group, whereas in the lycopene-supplemented group the correlation between serum and tissues remained the same for β-carotene but for lycopene was weak. Lycopene supplementation did not significantly change the proportion of all-trans v. cisisomers in the serum and tissues, despite the fact that more than 90 % of the supplemented lycopene was in the all-transform. These results show that tomato-oleoresin supplementation increases lycopene concentrations in serum and in adipose tissue and skin. The ability to increase lycopene levels in tissues is one of the prerequisites for using it as a food supplement with health benefits.
Comparison of the cytotoxic effects of β-sitosterol oxides and a cholesterol oxide, 7β-hydroxycholesterol, in cultured mammalian cells
Authors: Maguire Lindsay , Konoplyannikov Mikhail , Ford Alan , Maguire Anita R. , O'Brien Nora M.
Published: September 2003

Phytosterols are plant sterols found in foods such as oils, nuts and vegetables. Phytosterols, in the same way as cholesterol, contain a double bond and are susceptible to oxidation. The objective of the present study was to assess the potential toxic effects of β-sitosterol oxides on U937 cells. The effects of increasing concentrations (0-120 μM) of β-sitosterol oxides on cellular cytotoxicity, apoptosis, anti-oxidant status and genotoxicity was assessed over 12, 24 and 48h exposure periods. Following 12h, the viability of cells treated with 120 μM-β-sitosterol oxides was reduced to 51·7% relative to control. At 24 and 48 h, both 60 and 120 μM-β-sitosterol oxides caused a significant decrease in cell viability. For comparison, a decrease in viability of cells treated with a cholesterol oxide, 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OH, 30 μM), was evident at 24 h. An increase in apoptotic cells, assessed using Hoechst 33342, indicates that the mode of cell death in U937 cells following exposure to 7β-OH (30 μM) and β-sitosterol oxides (60 and 120 μM) was by apoptosis. The increase in apoptotic cells after 12h following treatment with 120 μM-β-sitosterol oxides was accompanied by a decrease in cellular glutathione. Similarly, 7β-OH (30 μM) treatment resulted in decreased glutathione at 12 h. Catalase activity was not affected by any of the treatments. β-Sitosterol oxides had no genotoxic effects on U937 and V79 cells as assessed by the comet and sister chromatid exchange assays respectively. In general, the results indicate that thermally oxidised derivatives of β-sitosterol demonstrate similar biological effects as 7β-OH in U937 cells, but at higher concentrations.
Effect of ammonia on Na+ transport across isolated rumen epithelium of sheep is diet dependent
Authors: Abdoun Khalid , Wolf Katarina , Arndt Gisela , Martens Holger
Published: September 2003

The cellular uptake of ammonia affects the intracellular pH (pHi) of polar and non-polar cells. A predominant uptake of NH3 and its intra-cellular protonation tend to alkalinise the cytoplasm, whereas a predominant uptake of NH4+ acidifies the cytoplasm by reversing this reaction. Hence, the well-known absorption of ammonia across the rumen epithelium probably causes a change in the pHi. The magnitude and direction of this change in pHi (acid or alkaline) depends on the relative transport rates of NH3 and NH4+. Consequently, the intra-cellular availability of protons will influence the activity of the Na+-H+ exchanger, which could affect transepithelial Na+ transport. The aim of the present study has been to test this possible interaction between ruminal ammonia concentrations and Na+ transport. The term ammonia is used to designate the sum of the protonated (NH4+) and unprotonated (NH3) forms. Isolated ruminal epithelium of sheep was investigated by using the Ussing-chamber technique in vitro. The present results indicate that ammonia inhibits Na+ transport across the rumen epithelium of hay-fed sheep, probably by binding intracellular protons and thus inhibiting Na+-H+ exchange. By contrast, ammonia stimulates Na+ transport in concentrate-fed and urea-fed sheep, which develop an adaptation mechanism in the form of an increased metabolism of ammonia in the rumen mucosa and/or an increased permeability of rumen epithelium to the charged ammonium ion (NH4+). Intracellular dissociation of NH4+ increases the availability of protons, which stimulate Na+ –H+ exchange. This positive effect of ruminal ammonia on Na+ absorption may significantly contribute to the regulation of osmotic pressure of the ruminal fluid, because intraruminal ammonia concentrations up to 40 mmol/l have been reported.
Cooking attenuates the ability of high-amylose meals to reduce plasma insulin concentrations in rats
Authors: Brown Marc A. , Storlien Leonard H. , Brown Ian L. , Higgins Janine A.
Published: September 2003

Postprandial glycaemic control is important in the prevention and therapy of type 2 diabetes and related diseases. Agents that may reduce postprandial glycaemia and/or insulinaemia, such as consumption of high-amylose foods, are considered beneficial; however, little is known about the dose–response relationship and the effects of cooking. The aim of the present study was to define the dose–response curve for postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic excursions following meals of different amylose content and to compare the dose–response curves for meals containing cooked and uncooked starches. Following an overnight fast, rats ingested a test meal and blood was sampled over 2 h. The meal was given at 1.0 g carbohydrate/kg body weight, with an amylose content of 0, 270, 600 or 850 g/kg total starch. The area under the glucose curve did not differ under any condition investigated. For the uncooked-starch diets, area under the insulin curve was higher for the 0 g amylose/kg total starch meal than all other meals (P = 0·0001). For the cooked-starch diets, area under the insulin curve was higher in the O than the 600 and 850 g amylose/kg total starch groups (P < 0·01), but did not differ from the 270 amylose/kg total starch group. These results suggest that even a relatively small proportion of uncooked amylose (270 g/kg total starch) is sufficient to achieve a maximal attenuating effect on postprandial insulin concentrations as compared with 0 g amylose/kg total starch. Following cooking, however, a much higher proportion of amylose (≥ 600 g/kg total starch) is needed to achieve a similar effect.
An algorithm for the clinical assessment of nutritional status in hospitalized patients
Authors: de Kruif J. Th. C. M. , Vos A.
Published: September 2003

Upon admission to hospital, 30–50% of patients either are or become malnourished. There is no generally accepted definition of malnutrition or guidelines on the best way to establish nutritional status. We consider it self-evident that the nursing staff have an important role in screening patients at risk of malnutrition on admission and thereafter at regular times. This is why we developed the nursing nutritional screening form (NNSF). The NNSF was tested by nurses, dietitians and clinicians, in pairs, to establish the extent of agreement in two phases on sixty-nine and forty patients. Later, the form was used in practice by nursing staff on five wards (334 patients). Based on the results of the NNSF, patients were referred to a dietitian. The dietitian established whether the patient was indeed at risk, or was actually malnourished, using a complete nutritional history. The degree of concurrence within pairs was reasonable to good. The same applied to the concurrence between nursing staff and dietitians, but concurrence between clinicians and nursing staff was less. In total, 334 patients were screened and sixty-nine of them were referred to the dietitian. It was established that 86% of the referred patients were potentially at risk of malnutrition or were malnourished. Without the NNSF, 39% (n27) of the patients referred to the dietitian would not have been referred, or would have been referred much later. The NNSF makes it possible for nurses to detect malnourished patients or patients at risk of malnutrition at an early stage of their hospitalization.
Breakdown of immunity to Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in lactating rats
Authors: Houdijk Jos G. M. , Jessop Neil S. , Knox David P. , Kyriazakis Ilias
Published: September 2003

The nutritional basis of breakdown of immunity to parasites may be addressed in a rodent model. We hypothesized that lactating rats would show a breakdown of immunity to Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, and that this breakdown of immunity would be sensitive to protein supply. Rats were immunized with 1600 infective N. brasiliensis larvae and subsequently mated. During lactation, these rats were offered foods with 90 (low protein; LP) or 210 (high protein, HP) g crude protein (N X 6.25)/kg and re-infected with 400, 800 or 1600 larvae on day 2 post-parturition. Immunized non-reproducing rats were offered a food containing 60 g crude protein/kg and re-infected with 1600 larvae. Seven days after secondary infection, lactating rats had more adult nematodes in their small intestine and nematode eggs in their colon contents than the non-reproducing rats. Protein supply did not affect worm or egg counts, although LP rats carried relatively more female nematodes than the HP rats. All lactating rats had lower intakes than expected from previous studies using similar nutritional protocols. This may have resulted in insufficient protein supply, even for the HP rats, and this could explain the absence of effects of protein supply on egg and worm counts. We conclude that a breakdown of immunity to N. brasiliensis can occur in lactating rats; this strongly suggests that the lactating rat is a suitable model for elucidating a possible nutritional basis of breakdown of immunity to parasites. However, sufficient protein intake must be achieved to address the hypothesis that breakdown of immunity to N. brasiliensis is sensitive to protein supply.
Plasma response to a single dose of dietary β-cryptoxanthin esters from papaya (Carica papayaL.) or non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin in adult human subjects: a comparative study
Authors: Breithaupt Dietmar E. , Weller Philipp , Wolters Maike , Hahn Andreas
Published: September 2003

Many orange-coloured fruits contain β-cryptoxanthin in its non-esterified as well as its esterified form. Information concerning the absorption of β-cryptoxanthin, especially with regard to the metabolism of its fatty acid esters, is rather scarce. The present study assessed the plasma concentration reached after consumption of a single dose of native β-cryptoxanthin esters from papaya (Carica papayaL.) or non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin in equal total amounts. In a randomized, single-blind crossover study, twelve subjects were served a portion of yoghurt containing esterified or non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin (1.3 mg absolute) together with a balanced breakfast. Between the two intervention days, there was a 2-week depletion period. After a fasting blood sample had been taken, futher samples were taken from the subjects at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h. The concentration of non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin in the whole plasma was determined by HPLC; β-cryptoxanthin identification was confirmed by liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–MS analyses. Irrespective of the consumed diet, the plasma β-cryptoxanthin concentrations increased significantly (P=0·05) and peaked after 6–12 h. The concentration curves, as well as the areas under the curves, were not distinguishable according to two-sidedFandttests (P=0·05). Standardization of β-cryptoxanthin concentrations to plasma triacylglycerol and cholesterol had no impact on the results. Thus, the present study indicates comparable bioavailability of both non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin and mixtures of β-cryptoxanthin esters. The results support the existence of an effective enzymatic cleavage system accepting various β-cryptoxanthin esters.
Relationship between body composition and blood pressure in Bahraini adolescents
Authors: Al-Sendi Aneesa M. , Shetty Prakash , Musaiger Abdulrahman O. , Myatt Mark
Published: September 2003

The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between body composition and blood pressure (BP) in Bahraini adolescents. A sample of 504 Bahraini schoolchildren aged 12–17 years (249 boys and 255 girls) was selected using a multi-stage stratified sampling procedure. BP measurements were performed on the students. Anthropometric data including weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, and triceps, subscapular and medial calf skinfold thicknesses were also collected. BMI, percentage body fat, waist:hip (WHR), and subscapular:triceps skinfold ratio were calculated. Mean systolic BP and mean diastolic BP were higher in males than in females. Weight and height in boys and weight only in girls were significantly associated with systolic BP independent of age or percentage fat. Nearly 14% of the adolescents were classified as having high BP. BMI and percentage body fat were significantly and positively associated with the risk of having high BP in the boys and girls. Adolescents with high WHR or WC, as indicators for central obesity, tended to have higher BP values. The results from the present study indicate that obesity influences the BP of Bahraini adolescents and that simple anthropometric measurements such as WHR and WC are useful in identifying children at risk of developing high BP. These findings together with the known tracking of BP from adolescence into adulthood underline the importance of establishing intervention programmes in order to prevent the development of childhood and adolescent obesity.
Fish-oil supplementation reduces stimulation of plasma glucose fluxes during exercise in untrained males
Authors: Delarue Jacques , Labarthe Francois , Cohen Richard
Published: September 2003

The present study examined the effects of a 3-week fish-oil supplementation (6 g/d) on the rate of plasma glucose disappearance (Rd glucose), hepatic glucose production (HGP), carbohydrate oxidation and lipid oxidation during exercise. Six untrained males (23±1 years; 67·6±2·7kg) performed two 90min cycling exercise sessions at 60% of maximal O2output separated by 20 d. During the 20 d before the first test, they ingested 6g olive oil/d, then 6g fish oil/d during the 20 d before the second test. Plasma glucose fluxes and lipolysis were traced using 6,6-[2H2]glucose and 1,1,2,3,3-[2H5]glycerol respectively. Substrates oxidation was obtained from indirect calorimetry. At rest HGP and the Rd glucose were similar after olive oil and fish oil (1.83 (se0·05)v.1·67 (se0·11) mg/kg per min). During exercise, fish oil reduced the stimulation of both the Rd glucose (5·06 (se0·23)v.6·37 (se0·12) mg/kg per min;P<0·05) and HGP (4·88 (se0·24)v.5·91 (se0·21) mg/kg per min;P<0·05). Fish oil also reduced glucose metabolic clearance rate (6·93 (se0·29)v.8·30 (se0·57) ml/min). Carbohydrate oxidation tended to be less stimulated by exercise after fish oil than after olive oil (12·09 (se0·60)v.13·86 (se1·11) mg/kg per min; NS). Lipid oxidation tended to be more stimulated by exercise after fish oil (7·34 (se0·45)v.6·85 (se0·17) mg/kg per min; NS). Glycaemia, lactataemia, insulinaemia and glucagonaemia were similarly affected by exercise after fish oil and olive oil. Lipolysis at rest was similar after fish oil and olive oil (2·92 (se0·42)v.2·94 (se0·28) μmol/kg per min) and similarly stimulated by exercise (6·42 (se0·75)v.6·77 (se0·72) μmol/kg per min). It is concluded that fish oil reduced the Rd glucose by 26% by reducing glucose metabolic clearance rate, possibly by facilitating fat oxidation, and reduced HGP by 21%, possibly by a feedback mechanism.
Absorption of dietary alkylresorcinols in ileal-cannulated pigs and rats
Authors: Ross Alastair B. , Shepherd Martin J. , Knudsen Knud Erik Bach , Glitsø L. Vibe , Bowey Elizabeth , Phillips John , Rowland Ian , Guo Zhao-Xia , Massy D. J. R. , Åman Per , Kamal-Eldin Afaf
Published: September 2003

Alkylresorcinols (AR) are amphiphilic 1,3-dihydroxy-5-alkyl phenolic lipids. AR in food are only found in the outer layers of wheat and rye grains, and in whole grains are present at concentrations of 500–1000 μg/g. In wheat and rye, there are five main homologues, differing in the length of the odd-numbered alkyl chain (from seventeen to twenty-five C atoms long). Because AR may be bioactive, and might serve as biomarkers for these cereals, their absorption was investigated in model experiments with pigs and rats. Pigs with a cannula in the terminal ileum were fed four diets containing rye fractions with different levels of AR and the ileal effluents were analysed. The ileal recovery of AR was found to vary between 21 and 40 %, with no major difference between different chain-length homologues. The absorption of AR by rats was investigated by feeding14C-labelled heneicosylresorcinol (C21:0). Of the total activity, about 34% was recovered in the urine, showing that the labelled AR was absorbed and metabolised by rats. AR were mostly cleared from rats by 60h. It is concluded that AR are absorbed in the small intestine of single-stomached animals and excreted in metabolised form in the urine, and might contribute to the nutritional qualities of wholegrain wheat and rye diets.
Effect of tartaric acid and dietary fibre from sun-dried raisins on colonic function and on bile acid and volatile fatty acid excretion in healthy adults
Authors: Spiller Gene A. , Story Jon A. , Furumoto Emily J. , Chezem Jo Carol , Spiller Monica
Published: September 2003

Sun-dried raisins are a source of dietary fibre and tartaric acid. The effects of tartaric acid on colon function have not been the focus of extensive research. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fibre and tartaric acid from sun-dried raisins on colon function and on faecal bile acid and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) excretion in healthy adults. Thirteen healthy subjects were fed 120 g sun-dried raisins/d or 5 g cream of tartar (equivalent to the tartaric acid in 120 g sun-dried raisins)/d for 9 weeks, divided into 3-week cycles. The experimental diets were fed in a crossover design after an initial control period. Faeces were collected for the last 4 d of each cycle for analysis of SCFA and bile acids. Intestinal transit time decreased from 42h on the baseline diet to 31h on cream of tartar (P<0·1) and to 28h on sun-dried raisins (P<0·05). Faeces were softer on both sun-dried raisins and cream of tartar, but sun-dried raisins increased faecal wet weight (P<0·05), while cream of tartar did not. Sun-dried raisins caused significant reductions from baseline values in total bile acid concentration (from 1·42 (sd 1·03) to 1·09 (sd 0·76) mg/g, P<0·05), whereas cream of tartar did not (1·40 (sd 1·06) mg/g). Sun-dried raisins also significantly reduced the lithocholic (LC):deoxylithocholic acid (DC) ratio (from 1·63 (sd 0·85) to 1·09 (sd 0·50), P<0·02), whereas cream of tartar reduced the ratio, but to a lesser extent (1·29 (sd 0·79), NS). Both faecal bile acids and the LC:DC ratio are indicators of reduced risk for colon cancer. Sun-dried raisins increased total SCFA excretion (from 5·6 (sd 3·4) to 7·6 (sd 3·0) g/4d, P<0·05), which remained unchanged with cream of tartar (5·6 (sd 3·0) g/4d). Both sun-dried raisins and cream of tartar appear to be good stool softeners and to shorten intestinal transit time, although the fibre in sun-dried raisins has the added benefit of increasing faecal weight. Both sun-dried raisins and cream of tartar modulate the composition of faecal bile acids and SCFA in a way that has potential health benefits.
The maternal endocrine environment in the low-protein model of intra-uterine growth restriction
Authors: Fernandez-Twinn D. S. , Ozanne S. E. , Ekizoglou S. , Doherty C. , James L. , Gusterson B. , Hales C. N.
Published: September 2003

Many adult diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, are related to low birth weight. The mechanistic basis of this relationship is not known. To investigate the role of fetal undernutrition, we used a rat model of maternal protein restriction in which dams were fed a diet containing 80 g protein/kg (v.200 g/kg in the control group) throughout gestation and lactation. Offspring were born smaller than controls and in adulthood developed diabetes, hyperinsulinaemia and tissue insulin resistance. To determine possible mechanisms of fetal programming, circulating levels of several hormones were measured in maternal plasma at gestational days 14, 17 and 21 and fetal plasma at gestational day 21. Several differences were noted at day 14, when glucose concentrations in maternal and feto–placental blood were raised significantly (P=0·04 andP=0·0001 respectively); insulin levels in the low-protein (LP) dams were raised (P=0·04), prolactin levels were raised (P=0·047) and progesterone levels were reduced (P=0·02). Circulating 17β-oestradiol in the LP dams was raised by 35% over those of the controls from day 17 to day 21 (P=0·008). A significant decrease in maternal leptin levels (P=0·004) was observed at gestation on day 21. Neither oestradiol nor leptin levels were altered in the fetal circulation at day 21. Maternal and fetal corticosterone levels were comparable with control levels, suggesting that they do not initiate the programming effects in this model. Our present results suggest that maternal protein restriction imposes changes in maternal levels of glucose, insulin, prolactin, progesterone, oestradiol and leptin; these changes could influence the programming of eventual adult disease in the developing fetus.
Body weight patterns in a country in transition: a population-based survey in Tirana City, Albania
Authors: Shapo Laidon , Pomerleau Joceline , McKee Martin , Coker Richard , Ylli Agron
Published: September 2003

Objective:

This paper reports the distribution and determinants of body mass index (BMI) and obesity in Tirana City (Albania).

Design:

Cross-sectional survey conducted in mid-2001.

Setting:

Tirana City.

Subjects:

One thousand one hundred and twenty adults aged 25 years and over (response rate 72.7%), selected using multi-stage cluster sampling.

Results:

Over three-quarters of male and female respondents had an excess body weight. The overall population prevalence of obesity in Tirana was estimated to be 22.0% in men and 30.9% in women. Obesity affected both genders (age-standardised prevalence in males 22.0%, females 30.9%; age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.89; 99% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–2.67) and all age groups, but most particularly middle-aged women. The age-standardised overall prevalence of central obesity was 21.6% in men and 29.4% in women (age-adjusted OR 1.58; 99% CI 1.11–2.25), increasing with age (P<0.01). In women, the likelihood of being obese was inversely related to educational achievement (trendP= 0.001) and alcohol consumption (trendP= 0.009). Income, smoking and leisure-time physical activity were not associated with obesity.

Conclusions:

Excess weight and obesity are major public health problems in the adult population of Tirana, but most particularly in middle-aged women. The high obesity prevalence observed along with the recent decrease in physical activity, dietary changes and increase in smoking prevalence make it probable that there will be substantial increases in many non-communicable diseases in Albania in the coming decades. Health promotion strategies are needed that prevent excess weight gain in the Albanian population.