bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of three different phosphatidylcholines on casein‐stabilized oil‐in‐water emulsions
Authors: Fang Yuan , Dalgleish Douglas G.
Published: March 2007

Soy oil‐in‐water emulsions, stabilized by casein, but incorporating one of three different phosphatidylcholines (PC), namely egg‐PC, di‐palmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and di‐oleyl phosphatidylcholine (DOPC), have been studied by photon correlation spectroscopy, light scattering, fast protein liquid chromatography, and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Egg‐PC enhanced the stability of emulsions made with low casein concentration, and it competed for space with casein at the oil‐water interface during the emulsification process, but no further displacement of protein was found. DPPC had little effect on emulsion stability nor did it show a detectable competition at the interface with casein during or after emulsification. DOPC, however, not only competed with casein at the interface during emulsification, it also removed casein from the interface during storage of the emulsion. The displacement of casein caused instability of the emulsions. Adding DOPC to emulsions also led to displacement of casein from the interface and caused instability of the emulsion, but the process was much slower and occurred to a smaller extent compared to emulsions prepared with DOPC. The different behavior of egg‐PC, DPPC, and DOPC on the oil‐water interface was in good agreement with their relative solubility in the oil phase as measured by spectrophotometry. All three lipids modified the hydrodynamic thickness of the adsorbed casein layer corresponding to their modification of the surface concentration of casein.
Epoxidation of natural triglycerides with ethylmethyldioxirane
Authors: Sonnet P. E. , Foglia T. A.
Published: March 2007

Phase‐transfer catalyzed biphasic epoxidation of a series of fats and oils with ethylmethyldioxirane in 2‐butanone was conducted. The series of glycerides studied varied from monounsaturated (olive) to highly polyunsaturated (flaxseed) oils. Best conversions for polyunsaturate‐containing oils were obtained with a molar ratio of 2.5:1 (oxidant/oil) with two‐step addition of oxidant. Conversion to epoxides was monitored by gas‐liquid chromatography, and oxirane content was determined by titration. The effect of phase‐transfer catalyst or solvent used for the epoxidation reaction also was investigated.
Survey of seed oils for use as diesel fuels
Authors: Kalayasiri Piyaporn , Jeyashoke Narumon , Krisnangkura Kanit
Published: March 2007

Fifty‐one out of 364 plant seeds being surveyed had fatty acid contents greater than 15% (dry weight), and their methyl esters had cetane indices higher than 50. Rambutan seed was an exception, with a lipid content of only 14.7%, but a high cetane index (67.1); thus, it was included in this report. Twenty seed oil methyl esters had cetane indices greater than 60. Three seed oils from the Sapindaceae family not only had high cetane indices but also contained long‐chain fatty acids of 20 carbon atoms. Gross heats of combustion of the fatty acid methyl esters were slightly higher than those of neat oil, ranging from 38.2 to 40.8 j/g, whereas the heating values of the oils ranged from 37.4 to 40.5 j/g. Thus, these plant seed oils have great potential for development as diesel fuel or diesel fuel extender.
Some compositional properties of seeds and oils of eightAmaranthus species
Authors: Budin John T. , Breene William M. , Putnam Daniel H.
Published: March 2007

Grain of 21Amaranthus accessions (eight species) was analyzed for crude fat, fatty acid profiles (FAP), and vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols). Contents of (1→3), (1→4) β‐glucan were determined in 12 accessions (four species), and trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in 20 accessions (six species). FAP and vitamin E profiles were compared to those of barley, buckwheat, corn, lupin, oat, and wheat oils. Crude fat content ranged from 5.2 to 7.7%, and of the oils examined, amaranth oil was most similar in FAP to corn and buckwheat oils. Amaranth was higher than all but wheat and lupin in tocopherol content but was virtually devoid of tocotrienols, which have been shown to have hypocholesterolemic activity. Amaranth grain did not contain (1→3), (1→4) β‐glucans and was low in trypsin inhibitor activity (≤4.3 trypsin units inhibited/mg). Any hypocholesterolemic effects of dietary amaranth are apparently due to substances other than (1→3), (1→4) β‐glucans or tocotrienols.
Stereospecific analysis of triacyl‐sn‐glycerols in Docosahexaenoic acid‐rich fish oils
Authors: Ando Yasuhiro , Ota Toru , Matsuhira Yukiko , Yazawa Kazunaga
Published: March 2007

This paper presents the positional distribution of fatty acids in docosahexaenoic acid (22∶6n‐3)‐rich fish oil triacyl‐sn‐glycerols (TG). Stereospecific analysis of TG was carried out by a nonenzymatic method. The TG of bonito head oil, obtained after a winterization process, contained 22∶6n‐3 at concentrations of 28,7, and 49 mole % in thesn‐1,sn‐2, andsn‐3 positions, respectively. In the TG of oil before the winterization process, 22∶6n‐3 was concentrated in thesn‐3 position, followed evenly by thesn‐1 andsn‐2 positions. Tuna orbital oil, obtained after winterization, showed the preferential association of 22∶6n‐3 to thesn‐3 position, followed by thesn‐1 position. This distribution pattern was similar to that observed for seal oil TG rather than sardine oil TG. The bonito head and tuna orbital oils are useful as fish oils with characteristics different from those of common fish oils, such as menhaden, sardine, and herring oils.
The mass spectra of the 4,4‐dimethyloxazoline derivatives of some conjugated hydroxy ene‐yne C17 and C18 fatty acids
Authors: Spitzer Volker
Published: March 2007

The mass spectra of the 4,4‐dimethyloxazoline derivatives from various fatty acids with a hydroxy group in conjugation with conjugated double‐triple bonds (7‐hydroxy‐trans‐10‐heptadecene‐8‐ynoic acid; 7‐hydroxy‐trans‐10, 16‐heptadecadiene‐8‐ynoic acid; 8‐hydroxy‐rans‐11‐octadecene‐9‐ynoic acid; 8‐hydroxy‐trans‐11, 17‐octadecadiene‐9‐ynoic acid) have been examined and compared with their analogous nonhydroxy derivatives. The position of the hydroxy group was unequivocally proven by characteristic odd‐numbered fragment peaks, explainable by α‐cleavage at the hydroxy group at the oxazoline end of the molecule. The weak ions produced by α‐cleavage at the other side of the hydroxy group indicated that the hydroxy group must be in conjugation with the ene‐yne system. Fragments that allow one to distinguish between ene‐yne or yne‐ene systems were absent. In conjunction, the weak molecular ion and the more intense M‐18 ion could confirm the molecular weight of each fatty acid.
Comparison of the composition and properties of canola and sunflower oil sediments with canola seed hull lipids
Authors: Liu H. , Przybylski R. , Dawson K. , Eskin N. A. M. , Biliaderis C. G.
Published: March 2007

The phase transition behavior and chemical composition of sediments from Canadian and Australian canola oils, as well as from sunflower oil, were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, polarized‐light microscopy, and chromatographic techniques. Australian canola sediment was similar to Canadian canola sediment in both melting and crystallization behaviors and chemical composition. Compared to canola sediment, sunflower sediment underwent phase transformation (melting and crystallization) at lower temperatures, and the enthalpies associated with the phase changes were greater. The X‐ray diffraction patterns for these materials were similar, indicating identical crystalline structures. Sunflower sediment contained mainly wax esters (99%), while canola sediment contained about 72–74% of waxes. Moreover, sunflower sediment consisted of shorter‐chainlength fatty acids and alcohols than canola sediment. A hexane‐insoluble fraction from Canadian canola hull lipids had fatty acid and alcohol profiles and X‐ray diffraction pattern similar to the corresponding oil sediment.
A preferred solvent system for high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis of soybean phospholipids with evaporative light‐scattering detection
Authors: Abidi S. L. , Mounts T. L. , Finn T.
Published: March 2007

Normal‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography separations of phospholipids (PL) depend heavily on the variation in mobile phases. Incorporation of pure tetrahydrofuran to a mobile phase of chloroform, methanol, and ammonium hydroxide improved the separation of polar phospholipids. However, impurities were often found to be present in tetrahydrofuran that caused severe peak interferences with PL analytes. The use of a common chromatographic solventtert.‐butyl methyl ether, in lieu of tetrahydrofuran in mobile phases, eliminated problems associated with solvent contamination and yielded reproducible results. The modified method has been applied for the quantitative analysis of phospholipids in crude soybean oils.
The amplified distillation of methyl esters of fatty acids
Authors: Weitkamp A. W.
Published: March 2007

Amplified distillation is a useful technique for the quantitative analysis of mixtures of fatty acid esters, especially for the detection and estimation of minor components and for the analysis of small samples. The amplified distillation of free fatty acids is largely limited to qualitative work on account of the formation of azeotropes with mineral oils.
Predicate diagrams for the verification of real-time systems
Authors: Kang Eun-Young , Merz Stephan
Published: March 2007

This article discusses a new format of predicate diagrams for the verification of real-time systems. We consider systems that are defined as extended timed graphs, a format that combines timed automata and constructs for modelling data, possibly over infinite domains. Predicate diagrams are succinct and intuitive representations of Boolean abstractions. They also represent an interface between deductive tools used to establish the correctness of an abstraction, and model checking tools that can verify behavioral properties of finite-state models. The contribution of this article is to extend the format of predicate diagrams to timed systems. We establish a set of verification conditions that are sufficient to prove that a given predicate diagram is a correct abstraction of an extended timed graph; these verification conditions can often be discharged with SMT solvers such as CVC-lite. Additionally, we describe how this approach extends naturally to the verification of parameterized systems. The formalism is supported by a toolkit, and we demonstrate its use at the hand of Fischer’s real-time mutual-exclusion protocol.
Building an active citizenry: the role of neighborhood problems, readiness, and capacity for change
Authors: Foster-Fishman Pennie G. , Cantillon Daniel , Pierce Steven J. , Van Egeren Laurie A.
Published: March 2007

Community‐building initiatives strive to involve residents as the drivers of the change process, involving them in an array of activities including collective action efforts. Recent evaluations of many of these initiatives, however, suggest that developing the levels of resident involvement needed in such efforts is challenging. This study examines the neighborhood conditions that are related to whether and how much residents become involved in individual activism and collective action efforts. A random‐digit‐dial phone survey of 460 residents in 7 distressed neighborhoods suggested that while demographic variables were relatively unimportant, resident perceptions of neighborhood readiness (i.e., hope for the future and collective efficacy) and capacity for change (i.e., social ties and neighborhood leadership), and the level of neighborhood problems were strongly related to whether and how much residents were involved in individual and collective action efforts. Moreover, different elements of these neighborhood conditions were more or less important depending on the type and level of resident involvement. For example, while perceptions of neighborhood problems was the strongest predictor of whether an individual became involved at all, perceived strength of neighborhood leadership was the strongest predictor of an individual's level of activity. The implications of these findings for practitioners and scientists are discussed.
The Use of Routine Wrist Radiography is Not Useful in the Evaluation of Patients with a Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist
Authors: Wong Andrew S. , Jebson Peter J. L. , Murray Peter M. , Trigg Stephen D.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of routine wrist radiography in the evaluation of patients with a wrist ganglion. In the setting of a University-based hand surgery practice, 103 consecutive patients with a dorsal or volar wrist ganglion underwent posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs of the involved wrist. There were 24 men and 79 women with an average age of 34 years (range 4–67 years). A retrospective review of the medical records was performed. Abnormalities on plain radiographs were noted in only 13 patients (13%). Findings included six cases of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis and one case each of an enchondroma, congenital distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) anomaly, DRUJ degenerative changes, intraosseous ganglion, carpal boss, radiocarpal arthritis, and thumb metacarpophalangeal joint osteoarthritis. In only one case (1%) did the findings alter the management. At our institution, the professional and technical charge for three views of the wrist is $172. This confers a cost of $17,716 per therapeutically significant finding in our series. We conclude that routinely performing wrist radiography is not cost-effective in the evaluation and treatment decision-making process in patients with a wrist ganglion.
Reconstruction for DRUJ Instability
Authors: Lawler Ericka , Adams Brian D.
Published: March 2007

The skeletal architecture of the DRUJ provides minimal inherent stability, as the sigmoid notch is shallow and its radius of curvature is 50% greater than that of the ulnar head [Af Ekenstam F, Hagert CG. Anatomical studies on the geometry and stability of the distal radio ulnar joint. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg 1985;19(1):17–25]. Due to its incongruent articulation, the DRUJ relies strongly on the surrounding soft tissues for stability. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is generally accepted as the major soft tissue stabilizer of the DRUJ of which the volar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments are the primary components. Restoration of the radioulnar ligaments offers the best possibility to restore the normal DRUJ primary constraints and kinematics. This article presents an update of the procedure developed by the senior author that anatomically reconstructs the palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments at their anatomic origins and insertions.
Effects of HgCl2 on porphobilinogen‐synthase (E.C. 4.2.1.24) activity and on mercury levels in rats exposed during different precocious periods of postnatal life
Authors: Peixoto N.C. , Kratz C.P. , Roza T. , Morsch V.M. , Pereira M.E.
Published: March 2007

Porphobilinogen‐synthase (PBG‐synthase) is an enzyme extensively used as a bioindicator of metals and other oxidizing agents. The objective of this study was to verify the effects of HgCl2 (5 mg/kg/day, s.c.), a metal that mainly affects the nervous and renal systems, on kidney, liver and brain from rats exposed during one of the phases considered critical for development. Mercury decreased PBG‐synthase activity from liver, kidney and brain and altered corporal, renal and cerebral weights. The kidney was the most sensitive tissue. It accumulated a large amount of metal and PBG‐synthase activity was decreased up to 50%. The second period seemed to be the most sensitive, because in this phase the rats presented alterations in body, brain and kidney weights, and there was also an expressive inhibition in hepatic and renal PBG‐synthase activities. In general, large quantities of metal accumulated in the tissues are in agreement with the inhibition verified in these tissues.
Expression of ATP binding cassette‐transporter ABCG1 prevents cell death by transporting cytotoxic 7β‐hydroxycholesterol
Authors: Engel Thomas , Kannenberg Frank , Fobker Manfred , Nofer Jerzy-Roch , Bode Guenther , Lueken Aloys , Assmann Gerd , Seedorf Udo
Published: March 2007

Oxysterols result from cholesterol by enzymatic or oxidative processes. Some exert cytotoxic effects leading to necrosis or apoptosis. Detoxification of these compounds mainly occurs in the liver and requires transport from peripheral tissues towards it. Some ATP‐binding cassette transporters are involved in export of cytotoxic compounds. In the current study, we investigated whether ABC transporter family member G1 (ABCG1) may be involved in oxysterol transport, since its gene expression is highly responsive to oxysterol loading. TetOff HeLa cells stably expressing ABCG1 showed decreased mass uptake of 7β‐hydroxycholesterol (7β‐HC) whereas that of other physiologically relevant oxysterols was unaffected. Application of 7β‐HC to ABCG1 expressing cells induced hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and production of reactive oxygen species, indicating energy consumption by the ATP‐binding cassette transporter when it is activated by its correct substrate. Our study points to detoxification as one of potential cellular functions of ABCG1. We assume that ABCG1 protects against 7β‐HC‐induced cell death, an important role in prevention of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease.
Cyclin B1/Cdk1 binds and phosphorylates Filamin A and regulates its ability to cross‐link actin
Authors: Cukier I. Howard , Li Yun , Lee Jonathan M.
Published: March 2007

Substantial actin remodelling occurs prior to mitosis as cells alter their shape in preparation for cytokinesis. In mammalian cells, mitosis is initiated by a heterodimer of cyclin B1 and the cyclin dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) serine/threonine kinase. In this report. we show that human cyclin B1 binds the actin cross‐linking protein Filamin‐A (FLNa). The proteins co‐immunoprecipitate and co‐localize in mitotic human cells. We find that cyclin B1/Cdk1 can phosphorylate FLNa in vitro and reduce its ability to gelate actin. We have also identified serine 1436 as one FLNa residue phosphorylated by cyclin B1/Cdk1 in vitro. Our results suggest a role for cyclin B1/Cdk1 in FLNa‐dependent actin remodelling.
Pre‐pregnant body mass index, weight gain and the risk of delivering large babies among non‐diabetic mothers
Authors: Kabali C. , Werler M.M.
Published: March 2007

Objective: Pre‐pregnancy overweight and excess weight gain during pregnancy have each been associated with an increased risk of delivering large babies. However, previous studies have focused on the separate effects of these two indices of weight in diabetic women. Method: This study analyzed both separate and combined effects of pre‐pregnant body mass index and weight gain in relation to macrosomia (≥ 4000 g) in offspring among 815 non‐diabetic women, using data collected from a retrospective study. Result: Compared to mothers with normal pre‐pregnancy BMI and pregnancy weight gain, risk of macrosomia in offspring was significantly elevated only in overweight women with excess weight gain (adjusted OR = 2.6, 95% CI [1.2,5.4]) but not among normal weight mothers with excess gain (adjusted OR = 1.1, 95% CI [0.5,2.4]) or overweight mothers with normal or low gain (adjusted OR = 1.1, 95% CI [0.4,3.1]). Conclusion: Given the complications that are associated with delivering large babies, overweight women may benefit from not gaining excess weight in pregnancy.
Genomic RNA sequence of feline coronavirus strain FCoV C1Je
Authors: Dye Charlotte , Siddell Stuart G.
Published: March 2007

This paper reports the first genomic RNA sequence of a field strain feline coronavirus (FCoV). Viral RNA was isolated at post mortem from the jejunum and liver of a cat with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). A consensus sequence of the jejunum-derived genomic RNA (FCoV C1Je) was determined from overlapping cDNA fragments produced by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification. RT-PCR products were sequenced by a reiterative sequencing strategy and the genomic RNA termini were determined using a rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR strategy. The FCoV C1Je genome was found to be 29,255 nucleotides in length, excluding the poly(A) tail. Comparison of the FCoV C1Je genomic RNA sequence with that of the laboratory strain FCoV FIP virus (FIPV) 79-1146 showed that both viruses have a similar genome organisation and predictions made for the open reading frames and cis-acting elements of the FIPV 79-1146 genome hold true for FCoV C1Je. In addition, the sequence of the 3′-proximal third of the liver derived genomic RNA (FCoV C1Li), which encompasses the structural and accessory protein genes of the virus, was also determined. Comparisons of the enteric (jejunum) and non-enteric (liver) derived viral RNA sequences revealed 100% nucleotide identity, a finding that questions the well accepted ‘internal mutation theory’ of FIPV pathogenicity.
Lycopene from heat-inducedcis-isomer-rich tomato sauce is more bioavailable than from all-trans-rich tomato sauce in human subjects
Authors: Unlu Nuray Z. , Bohn Torsten , Francis David M. , Nagaraja Haikady N. , Clinton Steven K. , Schwartz Steven J.
Published: March 2007

Lycopene is present mainly ascis-isomers in human serum and tissues whereas all-trans-lycopene predominates in tomato products, suggesting that all-trans-lycopene is isomerised in the body or is less bioavailable. The objectives of the present study were to develop processing conditions for tomatoes to obtain products with differentcis-trans-lycopene isomer distribution and to assess their bioavailability. Healthy adult subjects (n12) were recruited for this randomised cross-over trial. Each intervention was preceded by a 2-week washout period. Two tomato sauces, one rich in all-trans-lycopene (32·5 mg total lycopene/100 g sauce; 5 %cis-isomers), the other high incis-lycopene (26·4 mg total lycopene/100 g sauce; 45 %cis-isomers), were produced by different heat-processing techniques. Each sauce (150 g) was served in a standardised meal at 08.00 hours after overnight fasting. Plasma TAG-rich lipoprotein fractions over 9.5 h following test-meal consumption as a measure of lycopene absorption were obtained and expressed as baseline-corrected area under the concentrationv. time curves (AUC), using HPLC-electrochemical detection. AUC values adjusted for the amount lycopene consumed showed that total, totalcis-, and all-trans-lycopene responses were significantly higher from thecis-isomer-rich sauce, compared with the all-trans-rich sauce, being 7·30 (sem1·45)v. 4·74 (sem1·08) nmol × h/l (P = 0·002), 3·80 (sem0·76)v. 1·98 (sem0·37) nmol × h/l (P = 0·0005) and 3·50 (sem0·76)v. 2·76 (sem0·76) nmol × h/l (P = 0·01), respectively. The present study demonstrates significant lycopene bioavailability fromcis-lycopene-rich tomato sauce and highlights the importance of considering isomer-distribution for lycopene bioavailability. Furthermore, processing parameters can be controlled to alter isomer patterns of tomato products and influence lycopene bioavailability.
Effect of polydextrose on intestinal microbes and immune functions in pigs
Authors: Fava Francesca , Mäkivuokko Harri , Siljander-Rasi Hilkka , Putaala Heli , Tiihonen Kirsti , Stowell Julian , Tuohy Kieran , Gibson Glenn , Rautonen Nina
Published: March 2007

Dietary fibre has been proposed to decrease risk for colon cancer by altering the composition of intestinal microbes or their activity. In the present study, the changes in intestinal microbiota and its activity, and immunological characteristics, such as cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 gene expression in mucosa, in pigs fed with a high-energy-density diet, with and without supplementation of a soluble fibre (polydextrose; PDX) (30 g/d) were assessed in different intestinal compartments. PDX was gradually fermented throughout the intestine, and was still present in the distal colon. Irrespective of the diet throughout the intestine, of the four microbial groups determined by fluorescentin situhybridisation, lactobacilli were found to be dominating, followed by clostridia andBacteroides. Bifidobacteria represented a minority of the total intestinal microbiota. The numbers of bacteria increased approximately ten-fold from the distal small intestine to the distal colon. Concomitantly, also concentrations of SCFA and biogenic amines increased in the large intestine. In contrast, concentrations of luminal IgA decreased distally but the expression of mucosal COX-2 had a tendency to increase in the mucosa towards the distal colon. Addition of PDX to the diet significantly changed the fermentation endproducts, especially in the distal colon, whereas effects on bacterial composition were rather minor. There was a reduction in concentrations of SCFA and tryptamine, and an increase in concentrations of spermidine in the colon upon PDX supplementation. Furthermore, PDX tended to decrease the expression of mucosal COX-2, therefore possibly reducing the risk of developing colon cancer-promoting conditions in the distal intestine.
Minor compounds of olive oil have postprandial anti-inflammatory effects
Authors: Pacheco Yolanda M. , Bermúdez Beatriz , López Sergio , Abia Rocío , Villar José , Muriana Francisco J. G.
Published: March 2007

High postprandial levels of TAG may further induce endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in subjects with high fasting levels of TAG, an effect that seems to be related to oxidative stress. The present study investigated whether minor compounds of olive oil with antioxidant activity decrease postprandial levels of soluble isoforms of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), as surrogate markers of vascular inflammation, after a high-fat meal. A randomized crossover and blind trial on fourteen healthy and fourteen hypertriacylglycerolaemic subjects was performed. The study involved a 1-week adaptation lead-in period on a National Cholesterol Education Program Step I diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) containing 1125 mg polyphenols/kg and 350 mg tocopherols/kg, or refined olive oil (ROO) with no polyphenols or tocopherols. After a 12 h fast, the participants ate a high-fat meal enriched in EVOO or ROO (50 g/m2 body surface area), which on average provided 3700 kJ energy with a macronutrient profile of 72 % fat, 22 % carbohydrate and 6 % protein. Blood samples drawn hourly over the following 8 h demonstrated a similar postprandial TAG response for both EVOO and ROO meals. However, in both healthy and hypertriacylglycerolaemic subjects the net incremental area under the curve for sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were significantly lower after the EVOO meal. In conclusion, the consumption of EVOO with a high content of minor antioxidant compounds may have postprandial anti-inflammatory protective effects.
Malnutrition is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality following acute illness
Authors: Gariballa Salah , Forster Sarah
Published: March 2007

Four hundred and forty-five randomly selected hospitalised patients had their nutritional status assessed from anthropometric, haematological and biochemical data. Nutritional status was compared between survivors and non-survivors at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months. Using Cox's proportional hazard analysis, we measured the association between nutritional assessment variables and 1-year mortality after adjusting for disability, chronic illness, medications, smoking and tissue inflammation. Nutritional status was significantly worse amongst non-survivors compared with survivors, and non-survivors showed marked and significant deterioration in all measures of nutritional status compared with survivors. After adjusting for poor prognostic indicators the hazard ratios of death in the fourth, third and second quarters of both baseline serum albumin and mid-upper arm circumference distributions relative to the first were 0·68, 0·77 and 0·58 (trend P = 0·013) and 0·61, 1·0 and 0·87 (trend P = 0·005) respectively. Intervention studies are needed to determine whether the relationship between malnutrition and the poor outcome highlighted by the present study is causal or a mere association.
The effects of maternal and infant vitamin A supplementation on vitamin A status: a randomised trial in Kenya
Authors: Ayah R. A. , Mwaniki D. L. , Magnussen P. , Tedstone A. E. , Marshall T. , Alusala D. , Luoba A. , Kaestel P. , Michaelsen K. F. , Friis H.
Published: March 2007

Postpartum vitamin A supplementation of mothers and infants is recommended, but the efficacy has been questioned. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, Kenyan mother–infant pairs were randomised to maternal vitamin A (400 000 IU) or placebo < 24 h postpartum, and infant vitamin A (100 000 IU) or placebo at 14 weeks. Milk retinol was determined at weeks 4, 14 and 26, and maternal and infant serum retinol at weeks 14 and 26. Infant retinol stores were assessed at week 26, using a modified relative dose response (MRDR) test. Among 564 women, serum retinol at 36 weeks gestation was 0·81 (sd 0·21) μmol/l, and 33·3 % were < 0·7 μmol/l. Maternal serum retinol was not different between groups, but milk retinol was higher in the vitamin A group: (0·67 v. 0·60 μmol/l; 0·52 v. 0·44 μmol/l; 0·50 v. 0·44 μmol/l at 4, 14 and 26 weeks, respectively). When expressed per gram fat, milk retinol was higher in the vitamin A group only at 4 weeks. Infant serum retinol was not different between groups. However, although most infants had deficient vitamin A stores (MRDR>0·06 %) at 26 weeks, vitamin A to infants, but not mothers, resulted in a lower proportion of infants with deficient vitamin A stores (69 v. 78 %). High-dose postpartum vitamin A supplementation failed to increase serum retinol and infant stores, despite modest effects on milk retinol. Infant supplementation, however, increased stores. There is a need for a better understanding of factors affecting absorption and metabolism of vitamin A.
Absorption and pharmacokinetics of grapefruit flavanones in beagles
Authors: Mata-Bilbao Maria de Lourdes , Andrés-Lacueva Cristina , Roura Elena , Jáuregui Olga , Escribano Elvira , Torre Celina , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa Maria
Published: March 2007

The present study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of three different grapefruit flavanone forms in dog plasma and demonstrated their absorption after an oral intake of a grapefruit extract; pharmacokinetic parameters of these forms were also determined. Ten healthy beagles were administered 70 mg citrus flavonoids as a grapefruit extract contained in capsules, while two additional dogs were used as controls and given an excipient. The grapefruit flavanone naringin, along with its metabolites naringenin and naringenin glucuronide, was detected in dog plasma. Blood samples were collected between 0 and 24 h after administration of the extract. Naringin reached its maximun plasma concentration at around 80 min, whereas naringenin and naringenin glucuronide reached their maximun plasma concentrations at around 20 and 30 min, respectively. Maximum plasma concentrations of naringin, naringenin and naringenin glucuronide (medians and ranges) were 0·24 (0·05–2·08), 0·021 (0·001–0·3) and 0·09 (0·034–0·12) μmol/l, respectively. The areas under the curves were 23·16 l (14·04–70·62) min × μmol/for nariningin, 1·78 (0·09–4·95) min × μmol/l for naringenin and 22·5 (2·74–99·23) min × μmol/l for naringenin glucuronide. The median and range values for mean residence time were 3·3 (1·5–9·3), 2·8 (0·8–11·2) and 8·0 (2·3–13·1) h for naringin, naringenin and naringenin glucuronide, respectively. The results of the present study demonstrate the absorption of grapefruit flavanones via the presence of their metabolites in plasma, thus making an important contribution to the field since the biological activities ascribed to these compounds rely on their specific forms of absorption.
The effect of conventional v. à la carte menu on energy and macronutrient intake among hospitalized cardiology patients
Authors: Larsen Camilla S. , Toubro Søren
Published: March 2007

Undernutrition among hospitalized patients is highly prevalent. In contrast, the obesity pandemic is increasing in prevalence among all, including cardiology patients. The dietary challenge during hospitalization is to provide a healthy diet that stimulates the appetite and is suitable for both patients at risk of undernutrition and of cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study was to compare energy and macronutrient intake between a conventional hospital menu (Fixed) with a concept providing free serving hours and ad libitum intake à la carte (Free) among cardiology patients. The comparison was done between concepts for all lean (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and overweight and obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) patients and subgroups. Food intake was registered during a 3-week period on Fixed for forty-eight randomly selected patients and later by two similar time periods on Free1 for twenty-eight and Free2 for thirty-seven other patients. Free compared with Fixed increased the energy intake – but not above requirement – among the obese only (P < 0·001; Free v. Fixed). This was explained by an increase in the relative fat intake of 50 % (P < 0·001) and 37 % (P < 0·001) for Free1 and Free2 respectively. During Free1, the relative fat intake correlated positively with BMI (r 0·6; P < 0·01), and the relative carbohydrate intake negatively with BMI (r − 0·7; P < 0·01); the same pattern was seen during Free2, although insignificant. We conclude that the introduction of an ad libitum à la carte kitchen (Free) to cardiology patients slightly increases the average nutritional intake, but contains a potential health hazard for overweight cardiovascular patients, due to the selection of high-fat dishes and decreased carbohydrate intake. This emphasises the need for improvement in fat sources and in dietary advice when an ad libitum concept is applied during hospitalization.
n-3 Fatty acid supplementation and regular moderate exercise: differential effects of a combined intervention on neutrophil function
Authors: Hill Alison M. , Worthley Caroline , Murphy Karen J. , Buckley Jonathan D. , Ferrante Antonio , Howe Peter R. C.
Published: March 2007

CVD is associated with a cellular inflammatory/immune response.n-3 PUFA and moderate aerobic exercise independently alter cytokine production and leucocyte function. There is limited evidence for the combined effect of these treatments on immune function, particularly in patients with risk factors for CVD. We hypothesised that exercise would enhance the anti-inflammatory effects ofn-3 PUFA. In a randomised, placebo-controlled study, fifty volunteers were allocated double-blind to consume either sunflower oil (6 g/d, placebo) or DHA-rich fish oil (6 g/d; about 2 gn-3 PUFA; 1·6 g DHA /d) for 12 weeks. Volunteers were further randomised to undertake regular exercise (walking 3 d/week for 45 min at 75 % of maximum heart rate) or maintain their usual physical activity for 12 weeks. Immune functions were assessed in blood taken initially and after 12 weeks. There was no effect on cytokine production by T cells and monocytes. Superoxide anion production from stimulated blood neutrophils was decreased by fish oil (19·5 (sem8·5) %,P = 0·016) but not by exercise, and this change was negatively correlated with the incorporation of DHA into erythrocytes (r–0·385,P = 0·047). Participation in regular exercise maintained neutrophil bactericidal activity, which decreased in non-exercising subjects (2·9 (sem0·7) %,P = 0·013). Neutrophil chemotaxis and adherence were not significantly affected by exercise, oil, or the combination of the two. Thus the combination of moderate exercise and fish-oil supplementation, which reduces cardiovascular risk, may also help to counteract inflammation.
The guinea-pig is a poor animal model for studies of niacin deficiency and presents challenges in any study using purified diets
Authors: Thorn Stephanie L. , Young Genevieve S. , Kirkland James B.
Published: March 2007

The guinea-pig was previously reported as being sensitive to a niacin-deficient (ND), high-protein diet, suggesting that it is a suitable model for the low tryptophan to NAD+conversion observed in human subjects. However, these studies were based on growth rates and mortality. The objective of the present study was to determine whether guinea-pigs are suitable for ND studies based on measurements of blood and bone marrow NAD+. Using a 20 % casein diet, ND decreased blood NAD+after 4 weeks, but this parameter returned to normal after 9 weeks of feeding, while bone marrow was decreased by 35 % at this time point. Using a 15 % casein diet, 7 weeks of ND caused 44 and 42 % decreases in blood and bone marrow NAD+. Using a 10 % casein diet, ND decreased NAD+by 32 % in blood and 62 % in bone marrow at 7 weeks. Growth rates were directly related to the dietary tryptophan content, with the lowest growth rates seen with the 10 % casein diet. Changes in guinea-pig NAD+are comparable with the rat model at similar levels of dietary tryptophan, while mortality rates were dramatically higher in the guinea-pig model. The present study concludes that mortality in ND guinea-pigs is not indicative of poor tryptophan conversion, but is due to environmental stresses in guinea-pigs that are not observed with rats. We conclude that guinea-pigs are not suitable for research on niacin deficiency and they present challenges for any study requiring purified diets and wire-bottomed cages.
Self-retaining T-incision for difficult tracheotomy
Authors: Cohen D , Gurvitz Y , Friedman P , Raveh D , Perez R
Published: March 2007

Problem: To overcome difficulties in complicated tracheotomies through the use of a T-incision.

Study design: Retrospective.

Methods: A T-shaped incision allows the wound edges to retract aside spontaneously, without the use of retractors. Four hundred and twelve patients were retrospectively evaluated; 203 received traditional tracheotomy incisions and 209 received a T-incision.

Results: Complication rates were similar for the two groups: 3 per cent in the traditional incision group and 4 per cent in the T-incision group (difference non-significant).

Conclusions: The T-incision enables good control of bleeding and better exposure of the trachea. This incision was developed for use in difficult cases, such as patients with a short or thick neck, and complicated needle dilatation procedures. The T-incision is quick and suitable for a solo surgeon. Its cosmetic results are acceptable, and it has the same low complication rate as traditional incisions.
Parental eating behaviours, home food environment and adolescent intakes of fruits, vegetables and dairy foods: longitudinal findings from Project EAT
Authors: Arcan Chrisa , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne , Hannan Peter , van den Berg Patricia , Story Mary , Larson Nicole
Published: March 2007

Objective

To examine longitudinal associations of parental report of household food availability and parent intakes of fruits, vegetables and dairy foods with adolescent intakes of the same foods. This study expands upon the limited research of longitudinal studies examining the role of parents and household food availability in adolescent dietary intakes.

Design

Longitudinal study. Project EAT-II followed an ethnically and socio-economically diverse sample of adolescents from 1999 (time 1) to 2004 (time 2). In addition to the Project EAT survey, adolescents completed the Youth Adolescent Food-Frequency Questionnaire in both time periods, and parents of adolescents completed a telephone survey at time 1. General linear modelling was used to examine the relationship between parent intake and home availability and adolescent intake, adjusting for time 1 adolescent intakes. Associations were examined separately for the high school and young adult cohorts and separately for males and females in combined cohorts.

Subjects/setting

The sample included 509 pairs of parents/guardians and adolescents.

Results

Vegetables served at dinner significantly predicted adolescent intakes of vegetables for males (P = 0.037), females (P = 0.009), high school (P = 0.033) and young adults (P = 0.05) at 5-year follow-up. Among young adults, serving milk at dinner predicted dairy intake (P = 0.002). Time 1 parental intakes significantly predicted intakes of young adults for fruit (P = 0.044), vegetables (P = 0.041) and dairy foods (P = 0.008). Parental intake predicted intake of dairy for females (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The findings suggest the importance of providing parents of adolescents with knowledge and skills to enhance the home food environment and improve their own eating behaviours.
Three‐dimensional velocity structures of Mount Fuji and the South Fossa Magna, central Japan
Authors: Nakamichi Haruhisa , Watanabe Hidefumi , Ohminato Takao
Published: March 2007

We present the three‐dimensional structures of the P wave velocity (VP), S wave velocity (VS) as well as the P wave to S wave velocity ratio (VP/VS) beneath Mount Fuji and the South Fossa Magna, Japan, using arrival time data collected from 2002 to 2005 by a dense seismograph array. The high‐resolution data set and improved methodology reveal not only several velocity features that are consistent with previous studies but also important new details that clarify the velocity structures associated with volcanic processes beneath Mount Fuji and the collision tectonics of the South Fossa Magna. One such particular feature is a low‐VP, low‐VS and low‐VP/VS anomaly at depths of 7–17 km beneath Mount Fuji that corresponds with the locations of deep low‐frequency (DLF) earthquakes. The coincidence of the velocity anomaly and the DLF locations suggests that supercritical volatile fluid, such as H2O and CO2, may be abundant in the low‐VP/VS region and may play an important role in generating DLF earthquakes. This anomaly overlies a deeper low‐VP, low‐VS and high‐VP/VS anomaly at depths of 15–25 km that may represent a zone of basaltic partial melt. A low‐VP, low‐VS and low‐VP/VS anomaly is seen at depths of 6–14 km beneath Mount Hakone. Isovelocity surfaces (VP = 6.0 km/s and VS = 3.5 km/s) corresponding to the upper limit of hypocenter distribution below Mount Fuji may define the upper surface of the Philippine Sea plate whose existence in a seismic gap beneath Mount Fuji has been controversial.
Abrupt changes in rainfall during the twentieth century
Authors: Narisma Gemma T. , Foley Jonathan A. , Licker Rachel , Ramankutty Navin
Published: March 2007

Complex interactions in the climate system can give rise to strong positive feedback mechanisms that may lead to sudden climatic changes. The prolonged Sahel drought and the Dust Bowl are examples of 20th century abrupt climatic changes that had serious effects on ecosystems and societies. Here we analyze global historical rainfall observations to detect regions that have undergone large, sudden decreases in rainfall. Our results show that in the 20th century about 30 regions in the world have experienced such changes. These events are statistically significant at the 99% level, are persistent for at least ten years, and most have magnitudes of change that are 10% lower than the climatological normal (1901–2000 rainfall average). This analysis illustrates the extent and magnitude of abrupt climate changes across the globe during the 20th century and may be used for studying the dynamics of and the mechanisms behind these abrupt changes.
Simulation study of the interaction between large‐amplitude HF radio waves and the ionosphere
Authors: Eliasson B. , Thidé B.
Published: March 2007

The time evolution of a large‐amplitude electromagnetic (EM) wave injected vertically into the overhead ionosphere is studied numerically. The EM wave has a carrier frequency of 5 MHz and is modulated as a Gaussian pulse with a width of approximately 0.1 milliseconds and a vacuum amplitude of 1.5 V/m at 50 km. This is a fair representation of a modulated radio wave transmitted from a typical high‐power HF broadcast station on the ground. The pulse is propagated through the neutral atmosphere to the critical points of the ionosphere, where the L‐O and R‐X modes are reflected, and back to the neutral atmosphere. We observe mode conversion of the L‐O mode to electrostatic waves, as well as harmonic generation at the turning points of both the R‐X and L‐O modes, where their amplitudes rise to several times the original ones. The study has relevance for ionospheric interaction experiments in combination with ground‐based and satellite or rocket observations.
Interannual variation in air‐sea CO2 flux in the Ross Sea, Antarctica: A model analysis
Authors: Arrigo Kevin R. , Van Dijken Gert L.
Published: March 2007

Phytoplankton dynamics, primary production, and air‐sea CO2 exchange in the Ross Sea over a 6‐year period (1997–2003) were investigated using a combination of satellite remote sensing and numerical ecosystem modeling. Sea ice cover in the Ross Sea was highly variable during this time, with 3 years exhibiting a normal springtime retreat of the annual sea ice and 3 years exhibiting very heavy ice cover, particularly 2002–2003. Annual net primary production (NPP) during normal ice years ranged from 141 to 180 g C m−2 yr−1, dropping to 27.3–96.2 g C m−2 yr−1 during heavy ice years. The prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis antarctica was the phytoplankton taxa responsible for the bulk of the annual NPP, although diatoms increased in relative importance during heavy ice years. Reductions in surface water pCO2 due to phytoplankton CO2 fixation during spring and summer and the return of the annual sea ice in the autumn and winter (thus restricting gas exchange) made the Ross Sea a net sink for atmospheric CO2. The magnitude of the annual net flux of CO2 (FCO2) into the Ross Sea varied >twentyfold between years, from −0.07 mol C m−2 in 2002–2003 to −1.55 mol C m−2 in 1999–2000 (negative values denote flux from air to sea). In some regions, annual FCO2 was as high as −2.9 mol C m−2, with daily rates approaching −62 mmol m−2 d−1. These results rank the Ross Sea as one of the stronger ocean sinks for atmospheric CO2 and demonstrate the sensitivity of FCO2 in polar waters to changes in sea ice cover.