bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At the Vigintennial of the Butcher–Oemler Effect
Authors: Pimbblet Kevin A.
Published: September 2003

In their study of the evolution of galaxies within clusters, Butcher and Oemler discovered evidence for a strong evolution in star-formation rate with redshift. Later studies confirmed this conclusion and uncovered several aspects of the effect: photometric, spectroscopic, and morphological. This article reviews a broad sample of these works and discusses selection effects, biases, and driving mechanisms that might be responsible for the changes in star-formation rate.
Phylogeny, historical ecology and systematics of some mushroom-associated mites of the genus Sancassania (Acari : Acaridae),with new generic synonymies
Authors: Klimov Pavel B. , OConnor Barry M.
Published: September 2003

Parsimony analysis of morphological data reveals that several species of acarid mites previously assigned to the genera Rhizoglyphus Claparède, Rhizoglyphoides Volgin and Mycetosancassania Klimov, and some undescribed species, represent a monophyletic group within the genus Sancassania Oudemans. The genera Rhizoglyphoides and Mycetosancassania syn. nov. are considered as junior synonyms of the genus Sancassania. Four new combinations are proposed: Sancassania rotundata (Nesbitt, 1944), comb. nov. (from Rhizoglyphus); Sancassania germanica (Berlese, 1921), comb. nov. (from Rhizoglyphus); Sancassania nidicola (Volgin, 1978), comb. nov. (from Rhizoglyphoides); and Sancassania grifolapholiotae (Klimov, 2000), comb. nov. (from Mycetosancassania). Sancassania nidicola and S. germanica are redescribed from type specimens, S. rotundata is redescribed from material from the USA (Michigan). Three new species are described: S. nesbitti, sp. nov., S.���ojibwa, sp. nov. (North America) and S. mironovi, sp. nov. (Northern Asia). This lineage, nidicola(grifolapholiotae(nesbitti, sp. nov. (germanica + mironovi, sp. nov.) (ojibwa, sp. nov. + rotundata))), probably originated in the Palaearctic region from relatively derived Sancassania with short supracoxal setae. The ancestor was probably polyphagous, dispersing on a variety of hosts. We hypothesise that S. nidicola, the most primitive species of the clade, may retain the ancestral ecology. The other members of the clade have specialised to feed on mushrooms and adapted their phenology to exploit this short-lived resource.
Production and processing of organically grown fiber nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and its potential use in the natural textile industry: A review
Authors: Vogl C.R. , Hartl A.
Published: September 2003

In Europe, the perennial stinging nettle was cultivated during the 19th century until the Second World War and has a long history as a fiber plant. Clone varieties dating back to the early 20th century are still maintained at European research institutions. The fiber content of clones ranges from 1.2 to 16% dry matter, and fiber yields range from 0.14 to 1.28 Mg ha−1. Varietal purity of fiber nettle can only be achieved by planting cuttings. The harvesting of fiber starts in the second year of growth and the crop may produce well for several years. Several agronomic practices influence fiber quality, but causal relations are not yet well understood. Various parts of the fiber nettle plant can be used as food, fodder and as raw material for different purposes in cosmetics, medicine, industry and biodynamic agriculture. Organically produced fibers are in demand by the green textile industry and show potential that is economically promising.
In-row residue management effects on seed-zone temperature, moisture and early growth of barley and canola in a cold semi-arid region in northwestern Canada
Authors: Arshad M. (Charlie) A. , Azooz Rahman H.
Published: September 2003

Spring crop growth is often influenced by water stress and lower soil temperature in the northern Canadian prairies. Tillage system effects on soil temperature, moisture and establishment of barley and canola in silt loam and sandy loam soils in northern British Columbia were investigated in 1992 and 1993. The tillage systems were: no-tillage (NT), modified no-tillage where surface residue was pushed aside from a 7.5cm zone above the planting rows (MNT), and conventional tillage (CT). The MNT and CT had higher weekly maximum and weekly mean seed zone temperatures than NT. Mean weekly maximum seed-zone soil temperature was 1.6°C lower in MNT and 3.7°C lower in NT than in CT during the first 10 weeks after planting (WAP) in 1992. Compared to NT and MNT, barley in CT was slow to establish during the first three WAP in the silt loam in 1992 and 1993, and in the sandy loam in 1992, due to early water stress from low rainfall. Barley emergence was delayed by 6 days in NT and 11 days in CT in 1992 and by 3 days in NT and 7 days in CT in 1993 compared to MNT in the silt loam soil. Early in the growing season, barley growth was retarded more in the CT than NT and MNT at both sites. Canola growth was significantly improved in the MNT over that in the NT and CT in 1993. The MNT was more beneficial for crop establishment during prolonged dry periods than CT, and for emergence and growth compared with NT under extremely wet soil conditions.
Improving the nutrient status of a commercial dairy farm: An integrated approach
Authors: Lynch Derek H. , Jannasch Rupert W. , Fredeen Alan H. , Martin Ralph C.
Published: September 2003

Minimizing nutrient surpluses and improving efficiency of nutrient use are key challenges for all dairy farming production systems, driven by economic, environmental and increasing regulatory constraints. Our study examined the efficiency of N, P and K use on a commercial dairy farm through an integrated approach that evaluated the nutrient status of all aspects of the production system of the case-study farm, a 75 lactating Holstein cow dairy in Kings County, Nova Scotia, Canada. During the decade after 1988, the farm owner implemented a series of changes in production practices, including diversification of the crop rotation, implementation of a management intensive grazing (MIG) regime and adoption of a systematic approach to soil and nutrient management. Milk production, and associated farm exports of N, P and K, increased by 666 kg cow−1 between 1990 and 2000. Purchases of N-P-K fertilizers were eliminated in 1990 and feed nutrient imports were dramatically reduced. Feed costs per liter of milk declined from 14.3 cents (CDN) liter−1 in 1990–92 to 11.6 cents liter−1 in 1998–2000, even as feed prices increased regionally by 10–20% over the same period. Modeling of current whole farm mass N, P and K balance indicated that 25.0% of all N inputs are recovered inform products, milk and meat. Non-legume-derived field N input (67kg Nha−1 before losses) was close to optimum for the predominantly legume/grass-based forage cropping system. Model-determined annual farm nutrient surpluses (outputs-inputs) for P (9.0kgha−1 yr−1) and K (8.2 kg ha−1 yr−1) were significantly lower than those previously reported for regional confinement-based dairy farms, which were more reliant on corn production. However, data from 16 years of soil analysis (1985–2001) indicated an increase in soil-test P levels of approximately 2 mg kg−1 yr−1. Recent refinements in dairy animal dietary P levels have further reduced the farm P surplus (2.6 kg ha−1 in year 2001) and are shown as key to a strategy for reversal of the trend in soil-test P levels. In summary, the combined approach of whole-farm system nutrient management, crop diversification and MIG increased milk production and minimized costs while reducing farm nutrient inputs. The study demonstrates how an approach to dairy farm nutrient management which integrates livestock and crop nutrient requirements may reduce dairy farm nutrient loading while maintaining productivity.
The performance of organic and conventional cropping systems in an extreme climate year
Authors: Lotter D.W. , Seidel R. , Liebhardt W.
Published: September 2003

The 1999 severe crop season drought in the northeastern US was followed by hurricane-driven torrential rains in September, offering a unique opportunity to observe how managed and natural systems respond to climate-related stress. The Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial has been operating since 1981 and consists of three replicated cropping systems, one organic manure based (MNR), one organic legume based (LEG) and a conventional system (CNV). The MNR system consists of a 5-year maize–soybean–wheat–clover/hay rotation, the LEG of a 3-year maize–soybean–wheat–green manure, and the CNV of a 5-year maize-soybean rotation. Subsoil lysimeters allowed quantification of percolated water in each system. Average maize and soybean yields were similar in all three systems over the post-transition years (1985–1998). Five drought years occurred between 1984 and 1998 and in four of them the organic maize outyielded the CNV by significant margins. In 1999 all crop systems suffered severe yield depressions; however, there were substantial yield differences between systems. Organic maize yielded 38% and 137% relative to CNV in the LEG and MNR treatments, respectively, and 196% and 152% relative to CNV in the soybean plots. The primary mechanism of the higher yield of the MNR and LEG is proposed to be the higher water-holding capacity of the soils in those treatments, while the lower yield of the LEG maize was due to weed competition in that particular year and treatment. Soils in the organic plots captured more water and retained more of it in the crop root zone than in the CNV treatment. Water capture in the organic plots was approximately 100% higher than in CNV plots during September's torrential rains.
Growing out of the niche – can organic agriculture keep its promises? A study of two Austrian cases
Authors: Milestad Rebecka , Hadatsch Sonja
Published: September 2003

The expansion of organic farming has taken off in the European Union and particularly in Austria, where 9% of farmland is certified organic. The main reasons for this development are subsidies and cooperation with supermarket chains. In Austria, many organic farms are located in the mountainous areas, while lowlands with arable cropping have fewer organic farms than the national average. Exploring two regions as case studies, this paper investigates whether the organic farming movement can keep its promises of environmental safety, economic viability and social justice. There is a high level of environmental concern among those who practice organic farming, but local differences are large. It is the individual farmer who determines whether environmental issues beyond the official organic regulations are considered. The economic situation for organic farms is positive due to the financial support from the government and cooperation with supermarket chains, but processing and marketing operations are still lacking for organic products. Regarding social justice, organic farming enjoys a high esteem among consumers, but relations and cooperation between organic and conventional farm sectors is poor. We conclude that it is crucial for the organic movement to focus on qualitative issues rather than quantitative expansion for further sound development of organic farming in Austria.
Agronomic performance and quality of spring wheat and soybean cultivars under organic culture
Authors: Nass H.G. , Ivany J.A. , MacLeod J.A.
Published: September 2003

Spring milling wheat (Triticum aestivum L em. Thell) and soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars were managed to International Organic Certification Standards on two organically certified farms to evaluate two physical weed control methods, cultivar performance and quality. Nutrients were supplied as manure and compost. There was no difference (P<0.05) between flaming plus fingerweeding versus fingerweeding twice, 10 days apart, on weed control, yield, and protein in both crops. The spring wheat cultivar, AC Barrie, may be particularly well suited to production under an organic system, as indicated by its superior performance to AC Walton at the Springfield site in 2000, when growth conditions were favorable. A severe drought in 2001 limited the mineralization of soil and manure nitrogen, with the result that all spring wheat cultivars at the Springfield site did not make 13.5% grain protein, required to meet milling quality criteria. Also, in 2001 at both sites, soybean yields were reduced by 50% compared to 2000 because of reduced moisture availability and weed competition. Delays in field operations, lack of sufficient soil moisture and reduced mineralization of manure during the 2001 growing season were major factors in influencing crop production, especially at Springfield.
Development of a food composition database for the estimation of dietary intakes of glucosinolates, the biologically active constituents of cruciferous vegetables
Authors: McNaughton S. A. , Marks G. C.
Published: September 2003

Evidence indicates that cruciferous vegetables are protective against a range of cancers with glucosinolates and their breakdown products considered the biologically active constituents. To date, epidemiological studies have not investigated the intakes of these constituents due to a lack of food composition databases. The aim of the present study was to develop a database for the glucosinolate content of cruciferous vegetables that can be used to quantify dietary exposure for use in epidemiological studies of diet–disease relationships. Published food composition data sources for the glucosinolate content of cruciferous vegetables were identified and assessed for data quality using established criteria. Adequate data for the total glucosinolate content were available from eighteen published studies providing 140 estimates for forty-two items. The highest glucosinolate values were for cress (389 mg/100 g) while the lowest values were for Pe-tsai chinese cabbage (20 mg/100 g). There is considerable variation in the values reported for the same vegetable by different studies, with a median difference between the minimum and maximum values of 5·8-fold. Limited analysis of cooked cruciferous vegetables has been conducted; however, the available data show that average losses during cooking are approximately 36 %. This is the first attempt to collate the available literature on the glucosinolate content of cruciferous vegetables. These data will allow quantification of intakes of the glucosinolates, which can be used in epidemiological studies to investigate the role of cruciferous vegetables in cancer aetiology and prevention.
Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the expression of transcription factor adipocyte determination and differentiation-dependent factor 1 and of lipogenic and fatty acid oxidation enzymes in porcine differentiating adipocytes
Authors: Hsu J. M. , Ding S. T.
Published: September 2003

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) regulate genes involved in lipid metabolism. The effects of polyunsaturated FA on the transcription factor adipocyte determination and differentiation-dependent factor (ADD) 1 and fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA in differentiating porcine adipocytes were measured using a stromal vascular cell culture system. Porcine stromal vascular cells were isolated from subcutaneous adi-pose tissues and plated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)–nutrient mixture F-12 Ham (F-12) plus fetal bovine serum (100 ml/l) for 24 h. Then cells were differentiated in DMEM–F12 plus insulin, hydrocortisone and transferrin without or with polyunsaturated FA at 6·25, 25·00 or 100·00 μm. The ADD1 mRNA was decreased by 100·00 μm-arachidonic acid, 6·25 to 100·00 μm-docosahexaenoic acid orcis-9,trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid. The polyunsaturated FA reduced the transcription rate of FAS, but not of ADD1. All three polyunsaturated FA accelerated degradation of ADD1 and FAS mRNA to reduce the abundance of ADD1 and FAS mRNA. Results also showed that polyunsaturated FA inhibit the ADD1 expression, not only of mRNA concentration, but also of mature ADD1 protein concentration, suggesting an overall reduction of ADD1 function by polyunsaturated FA. Our present experiments demonstrate that polyunsaturated FA regulate the gene expression of ADD1 and enzymes involved in lipid metabolism in porcine adipocytes.
Dose-dependent effect of capsaicin on endurance capacity in rats
Authors: Oh Tae-Woong , Ohta Fukio
Published: September 2003

The present study was designed to determine the effects of various levels of capsaicin (CAP) on endurance capacity in forty-nine male Sprague–Dawley rats, aged 4 weeks, which were assigned to four groups. Rats were given orally either control (0) or 6, 10 or 15 mg CAP/kg body weight 2 h before exercise by stomach intubations using a round-ended needle. The rats in each group were divided into two subgroups for resting or swimming exercise. Swimming exercise was performed with a weight corresponding to 3 % body weight attached to the tail, and endurance capacity was evaluated by swimming time to exhaustion. The highest dose (15 mg/kg) of CAP significantly (P < 0·05) increased endurance performance time and caused plasma non-esterified fatty acid to rise significantly by about 1·4-fold compared with that of non-CAP treated rats at exhaustion (P < 0·05). The highest dose of CAP had no effect on liver and gastrocnemius muscle glycogen (white and red) in resting rats, but significantly increased glycogen contents of both muscles at exhaustion (P < 0·05). At rest, plasma noradrenalin levels of the rats receiving the highest dose were greater than that of non-CAP-treated rats and remained greater until exhaustion. The effects of CAP on endurance capacity have received little attention and have conveyed conflicting impressions. Kim et al. (1997) failed to show the maximal effect of 10 mg/kg doses of CAP on swimming endurance time in mice. The influences of various doses of CAP on endurance capacity were still unclear. Matsuo et al. (1996) reported that the intake of CAP have little sparing effect on glycogen in the liver and soleus muscles at rest and during exercise in rats previously fed a CAP-containing diet ad libitum for 1 week. Our present results suggest more than the highest dose of CAP (15 mg/kg) can cause the increase of endurance capacity, which might be induced through the sparing of muscle glycogen and the rise of non-esterfied fatty acids following the increase of circulating catecholamine.
Iodine concentration in Norwegian milk and dairy products
Authors: Dahl Lisbeth , Opsahl Jill A. , Meltzer Helle M. , Julshamn Kåre
Published: September 2003

The present study was conducted to determine the iodine concentration in Norwegian-produced milk and a selection of dairy products. The iodine concentration of eighty-five samples of milk and dairy products was analysed by inductively coupled plasma–MS. Low-fat milk and organic milk were sampled from nineteen and seven different locations in Norway, respectively, during the summer and winter season of 2000. Other milk and dairy products were chiefly collected during the summer season. Low-fat milk from the summer season had significantly lower median iodine concentration (88 μg/l, range 63–122 μg/l) compared with low-fat milk from the winter season (232 μg/l, range 103–272 μg/l). The median iodine concentration of organic summer milk (60 μg/l) was significantly lower than the iodine concentration of organic winter milk (127 μg/l). There were no significant differences in the low-fat-milk samples with regard to geographical sampling location. Whey cheese (Tine Gudbrandsdalsost) iodine concentration was significantly higher (803 μg/kg) than the median iodine concentration in casein cheeses such as Jarlsberg and Norvegia of 201 and 414 μg/kg, respectively. With a recommended iodine intake of 150 μg/d for adults, a daily intake of 0.4 litres milk meets the requirement with 25% during the summer and more than 60% during the winter season. Thus, milk and dairy products are important determinants of iodine intake in Norway.
The leafy vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus) is a potent inhibitor of calcium availability and retention in rice-based diets
Authors: Larsen Torben , Thilsted Shakuntala H. , Biswas Sunil K. , Tetens Inge
Published: September 2003

Improvement in the nutritional quality of Bangladeshi rice-based diets is sought through increasing the amounts of vegetables, fish and legumes consumed. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of rice-based diets on selected parameters of Ca and P availability and retention in young, growing rats. The study was designed as a randomised balance trial with five diets, eight animals per diet, and two balance periods of 1 week each. Apart from diet 1, which was a pure rice diet, the other four diets were composite diets and included the leafy vegetable, amaranth leaves (Amaranthus gangeticus), the small fish, mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), and lentils (Lens culinaris) in different amounts to simulate the average rural rice-based diet, the recommended diet, the recommended diet diluted with starch, and the recommended diet excluding amaranth leaves. The inclusion of amaranth leaves, mola and lentils significantly improved N and growth retention in the rats compared with the pure rice diet. However, a minor addition of amaranth (0·66 g/100 g DM) significantly reduced the fractional Ca absorption and retention. Femur bone mass and Ca and P densities were significantly lower in the rats fed the diets that included amaranth leaves. The observed inhibitory effect of the amaranth leaves on Ca absorption and utilisation was probably due to the oxalate content. It is concluded that the formulation of a recommended diet cannot be based only on nutrient content values of individual food components due to interactions between nutrients and anti-nutrients in the diet.
Effects of dietary fibre-rich juice colloids from apple pomace extraction juices on intestinal fermentation products and microbiota in rats
Authors: Sembries Sabine , Dongowski Gerhard , Jacobasch Gisela , Mehrländer Katri , Will Frank , Dietrich Helmut
Published: September 2003

Effects of colloids isolated from apple pomace extraction juices (so-called B-juices) produced by enzymic liquefaction on food intake, body and faecal weights, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile and selected intestinal microbiota were investigated in rats. Ten male Wistar rats per group were fed diets without any apple dietary fibre (DF) (control) or supplement with 5 % B-juice colloids or an alcohol-insoluble substance (AIS) from apples for 6 weeks. Rats fed with apple DF (5 % B-juice colloids or AIS) gained less weight than control rats (P<0·05). B-juice colloids did not affect food intake, whereas feeding AIS resulted in a 10% higher food consumption than in control rats. Both juice colloids and AIS increased the weight of caecal contents in rats and lowered luminal pH values (P<0·05). In addition, SCFA concentrations and total yields were also raised (P<0·05) in caecum of these rats indicating good fermentability of apple substrates by gut microflora. Distinctly higher concentrations of acetate and propionate were found in intestinal contents of juice colloid-fed rats (P< 0·05), whereas AIS also increased butyrate yield. Changes in microbiota due to apple DF in diets were restricted in the caecum to theEubacterium rectalecluster (AIS;P<0·05) and in faeces to theBacteroidaceae(juice colloids and AIS;P<0·05). The present study shows the physiological effects of apple DF isolated from pomace extraction juices produced by enzymic liquefaction on intestinal fermentation. Results may be helpful for the development of such innovative juice products that are rich in DF of fruit origin.
Assessment of thiamin (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) status in an adult Mediterranean population
Authors: Mataix J. , Aranda P. , Sánchez C. , Montellano M. A. , Planells E. , Llopis J.
Published: September 2003

The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional status for thiamin (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) in an adult Mediterranean population, in order to identify patterns of intake, groups at risk for deficiency and factors that might influence this risk. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Andalusia, a western Mediterranean region in southern Spain. Nutrient intakes were studied in a random sample of 3390 subjects (1746 men, 1644 women) who were between 25 and 60 years of age. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical assays in a random subsample of 372 subjects (181 men, 191 women). Food consumption was assessed by 48 h recall. Vitamin B1and B2were measured as erythrocyte transketolase and as erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficients, respectively. Energy and vitamin intakes were significantly higher in men than in women. Intakes were below two-thirds of the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin B1in 7·80% of the men and 4·50% of the woman, and were below this level for vitamin B2in 18·00% of the men and 11·70 % of the women. Age, educational level, alcohol use and smoking were also associated with differences in the intake of these nutrients. Biochemical analyses showed that vitamin B1and B2status was deficient in 6·40 and 5·30% of the population, respectively. Although factors such as gender, age, level of education, drinking and smoking can have an effect on the risk of inadequate intake of these nutrients, these factors did not affect biochemical indices of nutritional status in the present study.
Nutritional and clinical relevance of lutein in human health
Authors: Granado F. , Olmedilla B. , Blanco I.
Published: September 2003

Lutein is one of the most widely found carotenoids distributed in fruits and vegetables frequently consumed. Its presence in human tissues is entirely of dietary origin. Distribution of lutein among tissues is similar to other carotenoids but, along with zeaxanthin, they are found selectively at the centre of the retina, being usually referred to as macular pigments. Lutein has no provitamin A activity in man but it displays biological activities that have attracted great attention in relation to human health. Epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent associations between high intake or serum levels of lutein and lower risk for developing cardiovascular disease, several types of cancer, cataracts and age-related maculopathy. Also, lutein supplementation has provided both null and positive results on different biomarkers of oxidative stress although it is effective in increasing macular pigment concentration and in improving visual function in some, but not all, subjects with different eye pathologies. Overall, data suggest that whereas serum levels of lutein have, at present, no predictive, diagnostic or prognostic value in clinical practice, its determination may be very helpful in assessing compliance and efficacy of intervention as well as potential toxicity. In addition, available evidence suggests that a serum lutein concentration between 0·6 and 1·05 μmol/l seems to be a safe, dietary achievable and desirable target potentially associated with beneficial impact on visual function and, possibly, on the development of other chronic diseases. The use of lutein as a biomarker of exposure in clinical practice may provide some rationale for assessing its relationship with human health as well as its potential use within the context of evidence-based medicine.
Evaluation of air-displacement plethysmography in children aged 5-7 years using a three-component model of body composition
Authors: Wells J. C. K. , Fuller N. J. , Wright A. , Fewtrell M. S. , Cole T. J.
Published: September 2003

The aim of the present study was to evaluate air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) in children aged 5–7 years. Body-composition measurements were obtained by ADP,2H dilution and anthropometry in twenty-eight children. Calculation of body volume by ADP was undertaken using adult and children's equations for predicting lung volume and surface area. Fat-free mass (FFM) was calculated using a three-component model. Measured FFM hydration was then compared with values from the reference child. Differences between measured and reference hydration were back-extrapolated, to calculate the error in ADP that would account for any disagreement. Propagation of error was used to distinguish the contributions of methodological precision and biological variability to total hydration variability. The use of children's equations influenced the results for lung volume but not surface area. The mean difference between measured and reference hydration was 0·6 (sd1·7) % (P< 0·10), equivalent to an error in body volume of 0·04 (sd0·20) litres (P< 0·30), and in percentage fat of 0·4 (sd1·9) (P< 0·28). The limits of agreement in individuals could be attributed to methodological precision and biological variability in hydration. It is concluded that accuracy of ADP was high for the whole group, with a mean bias of < 0·5 % fat using the three-component model, and after taking into account biological variability in hydration, the limits of agreement were around ±2% fat in individuals. Paediatric rather than adult equations for lung volume estimation should be used.
Quantification of unlabelled non-haem iron absorption in human subjects: a pilot study
Authors: Dainty Jack R. , Roe Mark A. , Teucher Birgit , Eagles John , Fairweather-Tait Susan J.
Published: September 2003

A method for measuring unlabelled Fe absorption has been investigated in a pilot study using a simple mathematical model. The metabolism of newly absorbed Fe can be approximated as a single-compartment model with the sampled compartment being the plasma pool. Five female volunteers (aged 30–55 years) were recruited to participate in the pilot study. After a 10 mg oral dose of unlabelled ferrous sulfate, the change in plasma Fe concentration over the following 6 h was used to estimate the quantity of absorbed Fe from the mathematical model. To assess the accuracy of the new technique, a 1 mg oral dose of 57Fe-labelled iron sulfate was given simultaneously with a 225 μg intravenous dose of 58Fe as iron citrate. The plasma appearance of the labelled Fe was used to estimate the absorption of the oral label from the traditional area under the curve method. There was no significant difference (P=0·61) between the geometric mean absorption of the unlabelled (19 (- 1 sd 12, +1 sd 28) %) and the labelled Fe (17 (- 1 sd 10, +1 sd 29) %). These initial results are encouraging, but further work needs to be undertaken with smaller doses, as typically found in meals. The effect of diurnal variation in serum Fe concentration on the estimation of unlabelled Fe absorption needs further assessment.
Methane-suppressing effect of myristic acid in sheep as affected by dietary calcium and forage proportion
Authors: Machmüller Andrea , Soliva Carla R. , Kreuzer Michael
Published: September 2003

The efficiency of myristic acid (14:0) as a feed additive to suppress CH4emissions of ruminants was evaluated under different dietary conditions. Six sheep were subjected to a 6 × 6 Latin square arrangement. A supplement of non-esterified 14: 0 (50 g/kg DM) was added to two basal diets differing in their forage:concentrate values (1:1/5 and 1: 0/5), which were adjusted to dietary Ca contents of 4/2 and 9/0 g/ kg DM, respectively. Comparisons were made with the unsupplemented basal diets (4/2 g Ca/kg DM). The 14:0 supplementation decreased (P< 0/001) total tract CH4release depending on basal diet type (interaction,P< 0/001) and dietary Ca level (P< 0/05,post hoctest). In the concentrate-based diet, 14:0 suppressed CH4emission by 58 and 47% with 4/2 and 9/0 g Ca/kg DM, respectively. The 14:0 effect was lower (22%) in the forage-based diet and became insignificant with additional Ca. Myristic acid inhibited (P< 0/05) rumen archaea without significantly altering proportions of individual methanogen orders. Ciliate protozoa concentration was decreased (P< 0/05,post hoctest) by 14:0 only in combination with 9/0 g Ca/kg DM. Rumen fluid NH3concentration and acetate:pro-pionate were decreased (P< 0/05) and water consumption was lower (P< 0/01) with 14:0. The use of 14:0 had no clear effects on total tract organic matter and fibre digestion; this further illustrates that the suppressed methanogenesis resulted from direct effects against methanogens. The present study demonstrated that 14:0 is a potent CH4inhibitor but, to be effective in CH4mitigation feeding strategies, interactions with other diet ingredients have to be considered.
Effects of including a ruminally protected lipid supplement in the diet on the fatty acid composition of beef muscle
Authors: Scollan Nigel D. , Enser Mike , Gulati Suresh K. , Richardson Ian , Wood Jeff D.
Published: September 2003

Enhancing the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and decreasing the saturated fatty acid content of beef is an important target in terms of improving the nutritional value of this food for the consumer. The present study examined the effects of feeding a ruminally protected lipid supplement (PLS) rich in PUFA on the fatty acid composition oflongissimus thoracismuscle and associated subcutaneous adipose tissue. Animals were fedad libitumon grass silage plus one of three concentrate treatments in which the lipid source was either Megalac (rich in palmitic acid; 16:0) or PLS (soyabean, linseed and sunflower-seed oils resulting in an 18:2n−6:18:3n−3 value of 2·4:1). Treatment 1 contained 100g Megalac/kg (Mega, control); treatment 2 (PLS1) contained 54g Megalac/kg with 500g PLS/d fed separately; treatment 3 (PLS2) contained no Megalac and 1000g PLS/d fed separately. The PLS was considered as part of the overall concentrate allocation per d in maintaining an overall forage:concentrate value of 60:40 on a DM basis. Total dietary fat was formulated to be 0·07 of DM of which 0·04 was the test oil. Total intramuscular fatty acids (mg/100g muscle) were decreased by 0·31 when feeding PLS2 compared with Mega (P<0·05). In neutral lipid, the PLS increased the proportion of 18:2n−6 and 18:3n−3 by 2·7 and 4·1 on diets PLS1 and PLS2v.Mega, respectively. Similar responses were noted for these fatty acids in phospholipid. The amounts or proportions of 20:4n−6, 20:5n−3 or 22:6n−3 were not influenced by diet whereas the amounts and proportions of 22:4n−6 and 22:5n−3 in phospholipid were decreased with inclusion of the PLS. The amounts of the saturated fatty acids, 14:0, 16:0 and 18:0, in neutral lipid were on average 0·37 lower on treatment PLS2 compared with Mega. Feeding the PLS also decreased the proportion of 16:0 in neutral lipid. The amount of 18:1n-9 (P=0·1) and the amount and proportion of 18:1trans(P<0·01) were lower on treatments PLS1 and PLS2 in neutral lipid and phospholipid. Conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9,trans-11) was not influenced by diet in the major storage fraction for this fatty acid, neutral lipid. The PUFA:saturated fatty acids value was increased markedly (×2·5) with inclusion of the PLS (P<0·001) while the σn−6:n−3 value increased slightly (×1·2;P=0·015). The results suggest that the protected lipid used, which was rich in PUFA, had a high degree of protection from the hydrogenating action of rumen micro-organisms. The PLS resulted in meat with a lower content of total fat, decreased saturated fatty acids and much higher 18:2n−6 and 18:3n−3. The net result was a large shift in polyunsaturated: saturated fatty acids, 0·28v.0·08, on feeding PLS2 compared with Mega, respectively.
Influence of diet on growth yields of rumen micro-organisms in vitro andin vivo: influence on growth yield of variable carbon fluxes to fermentation products
Authors: Blümmel M. , Karsli A. , Russell J. R.
Published: September 2003

The efficiency of rumen microbial production (EMP)in vitroandin vivowas examined for three roughages (lucerne (Medicago sativaL.) hay, oat (Avenia sativaL.)–berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinumcultivar BigBee) hay and maize (Zea maysL.) crop residue (MCR)) and for five isonitrogenous (106 g crude protein (N × 6·25)/kg) diets formulated from lucerne hay, oat–berseem clover hay, MCR, soya-bean meal and maize grain to provide degradable intake protein for the production of 130 g microbial protein/kg total digestible nutrients. EMPin vivowas determined by intestinal purine recovery in sheep and ranged from 240 to 360 g microbial biomass/kg organic matter truly degraded in MCR and in one of the diets respectively (P<0·05). EMPin vitrowas estimated by the substrate degraded: gas volume produced thereby (termed partitioning factor, PF (mg/ml)) at times of estimated peak microbial production and after 16·0 and 24·0h of incubation. For the diets, PF values were significantly related to EMPin vivoat peak microbial production (P= 0·04), but not after 16·0 (P= 0·08) and 24·0h (P= 0·66). For roughages, PF values were significantly related to EMPin vivoonly when measured after 16·0 h (P= 0·04). For MCR and diets, a close non-linear relationship was found between PF values at peak microbial production and EMPin vivo(R20·99,P<0·0001) suggesting a maximum EMPin vivoof 0·39. Low gas production per unit substrate degraded (high PF) was associated with high EMPin vivo.Thein vitrostudy of the products of fermentation, short-chain fatty acids, gases and microbial biomass (by purine analysis) after 16·0h of incubation showed very strong relationships (R2≥ 0·89,P<0·0001) between short-chain fatty acids, gases and gravimetrically measured apparent degradability. Except for maize grain, the true degradability of organic matter estimated by neutral-detergent solution treatment agreed with the sum of the products of fermentation (R20·81,P=0·0004). After 16·0h of incubation, the synergistic effects of diet ingredient on diets were greater for microbial biomass (18%) than for short-chain fatty acids and gas production (7 %). It is concluded that measurement of gas production only gives incomplete information about fodder quality; complementation of gas measurements by true degradability measurements is recommended.
Influence of different concentrations of disodium fumarate on methane production and fermentation of concentrate feeds by rumen micro-organisms invitro
Authors: Carro M. D. , Ranilla M. J.
Published: September 2003

Batch cultures of mixed rumen micro-organisms were used to study the effects of different concentrations of disodium fumarate on the fermentation of five concentrate feeds (maize, barley, wheat, sorghum and cassava meal). Rumen contents were collected from four Merino sheep fed lucerne hayad libitumand supplemented with 300 g concentrate/d. Disodium fumarate was added to the incubation bottles to achieve final concentrations of 0, 4, 7 and 10 mm-fumarate. In 17 h incubations, the final pH and total volatile fatty acid production increased (P<0·001) linearly for all substrates as fumarate concentration increased from 0 to 10 mm. Propionate and acetate production increased (P<0·05), while the value of the acetate:propionate ratio decreased (P<0·05) linearly with increasing doses of fumarate. In contrast,l-lactate and NH3-N concentrations in the cultures were not affected (P>0·05) by the addition of fumarate. For all substrates, fumarate treatment decreased (P<0·05) CH4production, the mean values of the decrease being 2·3, 3·8 and 4·8 % for concentrations of 4, 7 and 10 mm-fumarate respectively. Addition of fumarate did not affect (P>0·05) the total gas production. If the results of the present experiment are confirmedin vivo, fumarate could be used as a feed additive for ruminant animals fed high proportions of cereal grains, because it increased pH, acetate and propionate production and it decreased CH4production.
Effect of iron supplementation on mild to moderate anaemia in pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Devi Uma , Rao C. Mohan , Srivastava Vinod K. , Rath Pramod K. , Das Bhabani S.
Published: September 2003

Anaemia is a common complication of pulmonary tuberculosis. The precise mechanism of anaemia in pulmonary tuberculosis is not clearly known, but anaemia of inflammation as well as of Fe deficiency has been implicated. Both are common in developing countries. It is extremely difficult to distinguish anaemia of Fe deficiency from anaemia of inflammation with the haematological indices used routinely. Therefore, Fe preparations are usually prescribed for all anaemic patients irrespective of the aetiology. This approach has been questioned. The present study aimed to assess the effect of Fe supplementation on anaemic patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Adult male patients 15–60 years of age with pulmonary tuberculosis and a blood haemoglobin concentration 80–110 g/l were included in the study; healthy adult males matched for age and socio-economic status were taken as controls. Blood haemoglobin concentration, total erythrocyte count (TEC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin and serum Fe, total Fe-binding capacity and ferritin were estimated before treatment and 1, 2 and 6 months after treatment. The patients were divided randomly into three groups and during the initial 2 months of treatment were provided with one of three supplementary regimens consisting of placebo, Fe alone or Fe with other haematinics. Significant improvements in haematological indices and Fe status were noticed in all three groups. Blood haemoglobin concentration, MCV and PCV were significantly higher at 1 month in both Fe-supplemented groups than the placebo group. This difference, however, disappeared at 2 and 6 months with similar values in all three groups. The increase of other haematological indices was similar in all groups. Serum Fe and Fe saturation of transferrin were significantly higher in both Fe-supplemented groups than the placebo group up to 2 months; this effect, however, disappeared at 6 months. There was a consistent increase in TEC and decrease in ferritin values up to 6 months in all groups. Radiological and clinical improvement was similar in all three groups. These observations suggest that Fe supplementation in mild to moderate anaemia associated with pulmonary tuberculosis accelerated the normal resumption of haematopoiesis in the initial phases by increasing Fe saturation of transferrin. However, consistent improvement of haematological status was dependent only on the improvement of the disease process.
The effect of bovine whey protein on ectopic bone formation in young growing rats
Authors: Kelly Owen , Cusack Siobhan , Cashman Kevin D.
Published: September 2003

The beneficial effect of bovine whey protein (WP) on bone metabolism has been shown in adult human subjects and ovariectomised rats. However, its effect on bone formation in earlier life, particularly during periods of bone mineral accrual, has not been investigated. Twenty-one male rats (4 weeks old, Wistar strain) were randomised by weight into three groups of seven rats each and fedad libitumon a semi-purified low-Ca diet (3·0 g Ca/kg diet) containing 0 (control), 10 (diet WP1) or 20 (diet WP2) g bovine WP/kg for 47 d. On day 34 of the dietary intervention, all rats had two gelatine capsules containing demineralised bone powder implanted subcutaneously in the thorax region (a well-establishedin vivomodel of ectopic bone formation). At 14 d after implantation, alkaline phosphatase activity (reflective of bone formation) in the bone implants from animals fed WP1 and -2 diets was almost 2-fold (P<0·01) that of control animals. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I mRNA levels were about 3-fold (P<0·05) higher in implants from animals fed the WP diets compared with those from control animals. Serum- and urine-based biomarkers of bone metabolism and bone mineral composition in intact femora were unaffected by WP supplementation. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that bovine WP can enhance the rate of ectopic bone formation in young growing rats fed a Ca-restricted diet. This effect may be mediated by an increased synthesis of IGF-I in growing bone. The effect of WP on bone formation warrants further investigation.
Effect of capsaicin on substrate oxidation and weight maintenance after modest body-weight loss in human subjects
Authors: Lejeune Manuela P. G. M. , Kovacs Eva M. R. , Westerterp-Plantenga Margriet S.
Published: September 2003

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether capsaicin assists weight maintenance by limiting weight regain after weight loss of 5 to 10%. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, ninety-one moderately overweight subjects were randomly assigned to an intensive group that underwent all the measurements, and an extensive group that underwent the same measurements except the metabolism measurements. After a 4-week very-low-energy diet (VLED) intervention, a 3-month weight-maintenance period followed. During weight maintenance, subjects were divided into a capsaicin (135 mg capsaicin/d) and a placebo group. Body mass was measured before and after the VLED and after 1, 2 and 3 months of weight maintenance. The mean body-mass loss during the VLED was 6·6 (sd2·0) kg (7·8 (sd1·8)% initial body mass), and was not different between the subsequent treatment and placebo group. During weight maintenance, mean % regain during treatment was not significantly different compared with placebo (33·3 (sd35·7)v.19·2 (sd41·8)%,P=0·09). RQ was significantly less increased during weight maintenance in the treatment group compared with placebo (0·04 (sd0·06)v.0·07 (sd0·05),P< 0·05), indicating a relatively more sustained fat oxidation. Fat oxidation (g/h) after weight maintenance was higher in the capsaicin group compared with placebo (4·2 (sd1·1)v.3·5 (sd0·9),P< 0·05). These results indicate that capsaicin treatment caused sustained fat oxidation during weight maintenance compared with placebo. However, capsaicin treatment has no limiting effect on 3-month weight regain after modest weight loss.
Excess dietary histidine decreases the liver copper level and serum alanine aminotransferase activity in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats
Authors: Xu Hong , Sakakibara Shoji , Morifuji Masashi , Salamatulla Quazi , Aoyama Yoritaka
Published: September 2003

Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats spontaneously develop fulminant hepatitis, associated with excess Cu accumulation in the liver: thus, they are considered an animal model of Wilson's disease. In the present study, we investigated the ability of excess dietary histidine to reduce the excess accumulation of liver Cu in LEC rats by comparing them with Fischer rats. The results clearly showed that the excess-histidine diet markedly stimulated the Cu excretion in urine, and significantly decreased the liver Cu content in LEC rats by 47·5%. The serum Cu content in LEC rats was not influenced by excess dietary histidine. We also compared the effects of excess dietary histidine on some liver antioxidant enzyme activities, liver and serum lipid levels and serum alanine aminotransferase activity of LEC and Fischer rats. Dietary histidine decreased the activities of total and Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase in the liver of both strains. In LEC rats, the liver cholesterol content decreased, and serum cholesterol and phospholipids levels increased on feeding the excess-histidine diet. When fed on the basal diet, the serum alanine aminotransferase activity was higher in LEC rats than in Fischer rats, but a significant decrease in serum alanine aminotransferase activity of LEC rats was observed on feeding the excess-histidine diet. These results suggest that excess dietary histidine is effective in removing Cu ions from the liver of LEC rats. Thus, it may be of benefit in the prevention or treatment of liver injury in LEC rats and in patients with Wilson's disease.