bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental apparatus for studying rotating magnetic field current drive in plasmas
Authors: Giersch Louis , Andreason Samuel , Slough John T.
Published: September 2005

This article describes the design and operation of an experimental apparatus that was constructed for studying rotating magnetic field (RMF) current drive in plasmas formed in a metal vacuum chamber. The device was designed to enable the study of various RMF coil geometries that are fully enclosed inside the vacuum chamber. To date, the apparatus has been used with three distinct RMF coil geometries, one of which was fully immersed in the RMF-driven plasma.
Similarity of vegetation dynamics during interglacial periods
Authors: Cheddadi Rachid , de Beaulieu Jacques-Louis , Jouzel Jean , Andrieu-Ponel Valérie , Laurent Jeanne-Marine , Reille Maurice , Raynaud Dominique , Bar-Hen Avner
Published: September 2005

The Velay sequence (France) provides a unique, continuous, palynological record spanning the last four climatic cycles. A pollen-based reconstruction of temperature and precipitation displays marked climatic cycles. An analysis of the climate and vegetation changes during the interglacial periods reveals comparable features and identical major vegetation successions. Although Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11.3 and the Holocene had similar earth precessional variations, their correspondence in terms of vegetation dynamics is low. MIS 9.5, 7.5, and especially 5.5 display closer correlation to the Holocene than MIS 11.3. Ecological factors, such as the distribution and composition of glacial refugia or postglacial migration patterns, may explain these discrepancies. Comparison of ecosystem dynamics during the past five interglacials suggests that vegetation development in the current interglacial has no analogue from the past 500,000 years.
Regulatable atrial natriuretic peptide gene therapy for hypertension
Authors: Schillinger Kurt J. , Tsai Sophia Y. , Taffet George E. , Reddy Anilkumar K. , Marian Ali J. , Entman Mark L. , Oka Kazuhiro , Chan Lawrence , O'Malley Bert W.
Published: September 2005

Hypertension (HTN) is a disease that begins with dysfunctional renal-sodium excretion and progresses to a syndrome of highly elevated systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures. Inadequacies in the therapy of HTN have led to the investigation of the gene therapy of this disease by using systemic overproduction of vasodilatory peptides, such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). However, gene-therapy approaches to HTN using ANP are limited by the need for long-term ANP gene expression and, most important, control of ANP gene expression. Here, we introduce a helper-dependent adenoviral vector carrying the mifepristone (Mfp)-inducible gene-regulatory system to control
in vivo
ANP expression. In the BPH/2 mouse model of HTN, Mfp-inducible ANP expression was seen for a period of >120 days after administration of vector. Physiological effects of ANP, including decreased systolic blood pressure, increased urinary cGMP output, and decreases in heart weight as a percentage of body weight were also under the control of Mfp. Given these capabilities, this vector represents a paradigm for the gene therapy of HTN.
Value of traditional foods in meeting macro- and micronutrient needs: the wild plant connection
Authors: Grivetti Louis E. , Ogle Britta M.
Published: September 2005

The importance of edible wild plants may be traced to antiquity but systematic studies are recent. Anthropologists, botanists, ecologists, food scientists, geographers, nutritionists, physicians and sociologists have investigated cultural aspects and nutrient composition of edible species. Important contributions to the diet from edible wild plants are well documented and numerous studies reveal roles played by ‘lesser-known’ species when meeting macro- and micronutrient needs of groups at risk, whether infants and children, pregnant and/or lactating women, or the elderly. The literature is vast and scattered but information on the macro- and micronutrient content of wild plants and their importance to the human diet appear in five kinds of publications: cultural works by social scientists, descriptions and inventories by botanists, dietary assessment studies by nutritionists, intervention programmes managed by epidemiologists and physicians, and composition data generally conducted by food scientists and chemists. Many macro- and micronutrient-dense wild species deserve greater attention but lack of adequate nutrient databases, whether by region or nation, limit educational efforts to improve diets in many Third World areas. Limited and uneven compositional data generally reflect factors of cost and personal interest in key nutrients. Whilst edible wild plants are regularly deprecated by policy makers and considered to be the ‘weeds of agriculture’, it would be tragic if this led to loss of ability to identify and consume these important available species.
The effect of calcium on iron absorption
Authors: Lynch Sean R
Published: September 2005

The experimental and epidemiological evidence demonstrating that Ca inhibits Fe absorption was reviewed, with the objectives of estimating the potential impact of variations in Ca intake on dietary Fe bioavailability and of providing some guidelines for predicting the effects on Fe status of recent recommendations for higher dietary Ca intake. In animal models Ca salts reduced both haem- and non-haem-Fe absorption, the effect being dependent on the amount of Ca administered rather than the Ca:Fe molar ratio; dairy products had a variable effect; factors other than Ca may have been important. In single-meal human absorption studies, both haem- and non-haem-Fe absorption was inhibited by Ca supplements and by dairy products, the effect depending on the simultaneous presence of Ca and Fe in the lumen of the upper small intestine and also occurring when Ca and Fe were given in the fasting state. The quantitative effect, although dose dependent, was modified by the form in which Ca was administered and by other dietary constituents (such as phosphate, phytate and ascorbic acid) known to affect Fe bioavailability. The mechanism by which Ca influences Fe absorption has not been elucidated. The effects of factors that modulate Fe bioavailability are known to be exaggerated in single-meal studies, and measurements based on several meals are more likely to reflect the true nutritional impact. The results of most multiple-meal human studies suggest that Ca supplementation will have only a small effect on Fe absorption unless habitual Ca consumption is very low. Outcome analyses showed that Ca supplements had no effect on Fe status in infants fed Fe-fortified formula, lactating women, adolescent girls and adult men and women. However it should be noted that the subjects studied had adequate intakes of bioavailable Fe and, except in one study, had relatively high habitual Ca intakes. Although cross-sectional analyses in Europe have shown a significant inverse correlation between Ca intake (derived primarily from dairy foods) and Fe stores, the quantitative effect was relatively small. The general conclusion is that dietary Ca supplements are unlikely to have a biologically significant impact on Fe balance in Western societies unless Ca consumption is habitually very low; however, increased consumption of dairy products may have a small negative effect that could be functionally important in pregnancy if Fe supplements are not taken. It is uncertain whether the inverse relationship between consumption of dairy products and Fe status is due entirely to increased Ca intake; substitution of milk proteins for meat may also have negative effects on Fe balance.
Nutrition and neurodevelopment: mechanisms of developmental dysfunction and disease in later life
Authors: Dauncey M. J. , Bicknell R. J.
Published: September 2005

Nutrition plays a central role in linking the fields of developmental neurobiology and cognitive neuroscience. It has a profound impact on the development of brain structure and function and malnutrition can result in developmental dysfunction and disease in later life. A number of diseases, including schizophrenia, may be related to neurodevelopmental insults such as malnutrition, hypoxia, viruses orin uterodrug exposure. Some of the most significant findings on nutrition and neurodevelopment during the last three decades, and especially during the last few years, are discussed in this review. Attention is focused on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms by which diet exerts its effects. Randomized intervention studies have revealed important effects of early nutrition on later cognitive development, and recent epidemiological findings show that both genetics and environment are risk factors for schizophrenia. Particularly important is the effect of early nutrition on development of the hippocampus, a brain structure important in establishing learning and memory, and hence for cognitive performance. A major aim of future research should be to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying nutritionally-induced impairment of neurodevelopment and specifically to determine the mechanisms by which early nutritional experience affects later cognitive performance. Key research objectives should include: (1) increased understanding of mechanisms underlying the normal processes of ageing and neurodegenerative disorders; (2) assessment of the role of susceptibility genes in modulating the effects of early nutrition on neurodevelopment; and (3) development of nutritional and pharmaceutical strategies for preventing and/or ameliorating the adverse effects of early malnutrition on long-term programming.
Alterations in endothelium-associated proteins and serum thyroid hormone concentrations in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Komaki Gen , Tamai Hajime , Mukuta Toshio , Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Mori Kenji , Nakagawa Tetsuya , Kumagai Lindy F.
Published: September 2005

Plasma concentrations of endothelium-associated proteins (EAP) (plasma fibronectin (PFN), angio-tensin-converting enzyme, factor VIII-related antigen (F VIII-R:Ag)) and tissue plasminogen activator and serum thyroid hormone concentrations were studied in nine patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), before and after weight gain. Before weight gain (-35.9 (se 2.3)% of standard body-weight) PFN was significantly reduced and F VIII-R:Ag was significantly increased in AN patients compared with the concentrations in control subjects (211.5 (se 14.9)v.274.7 (se 16.6) μg/ml,P< 0.05; 129.2 (se 14.1)v.88.2 (se 9.7)%,P<0.05 respectively). Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and free T3 levels were also significantly lower before weight gain in AN patients (0.85 (se 0.07)v.1.53 (se 0.08) nmol/l,P< 0.001; 2.57 (se 0.23)v.5.31 (se 0.34) pmol/l,P< 0.001 respectively), although serum thyroxine (T4), free T4, and thyrotropin concentrations were within the normal range throughout the study periods. Following weight gain, PFN and F VIII-R: Ag concentrations normalized as did the thyroid hormone levels. The incremental changes in PFN levels correlated significantly with those in serum thyroid hormone concentrations (T3,r0.79,P<0.01; free T3,r0.84,P< 0.01). These findings suggest that PFN levels may be directly related to serum T3 concentrations in AN patients.
Effects of subcutaneous melatonin implants during long daylength on voluntary feed intake, rumen capacity and heart rate of red deer (Cervus elaphus) fed on a forage diet
Authors: Domingue B. M. Françoise , Wilson P. R. , Dellow D. W. , Barry T. N.
Published: September 2005

Subcutaneous melatonin implants were administered to castrated hand-reared male red deer (Cervus elaphus) during a 63 d period in spring, after which effects on voluntary feed intake (VFI), rumen pool size, rumen capacity (i.e. volume) and heart rate were measured on four occasions, evenly spread over a 12-month period, with the deer individually fed indoors on a diet of lucerne (Medicago sativa) chaff. Blood samples for hormone determinations were taken at intervals throughout the study. Day-time plasma melatonin concentration was approximately 5 pg/ml in control animals, whereas during melatonin administration it increased to 60–150 pg/ml and declined to 30 pg/ml by 142 d after the last implantation. Melatonin administration markedly depressed plasma prolactin concentration during the period of implantation, but thereafter plasma prolactin concentration rose in the treated animals during autumn and winter, whilst it declined in control animals over this period. VFI, rumen pool size and heart rate in control animals attained highest values in summer and lowest values in winter, showing a pronounced seasonal cycle. Melatonin administration depressed all these values in late spring and summer and increased all the values in autumn and winter, relative to control animals, and appeared to move the cycles by approximately 6 months. Melatonin-treated animals showed maximum values for all these measurements during winter. The castrated male deer showed little seasonal change in live weight, which was not affected by melatonin administration. The findings support the view that melatonin probably mediates the effect of daylength on digestive function in red deer. Rumen capacity remained relatively constant throughout the year, but rumen pool size as a proportion of rumen capacity increased with increasing VFI.
True protein digestibility and amounts of endogenous protein measured with the15N-dilution technique in piglets fed on peas (Pisum sativum) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Huisman J. , Heinz Th. , Van Der Poel A. F. B. , Van Leeuwen P. , Souffrant W. B. , Verstegen M. W. A.
Published: September 2005

The faecal and ileal true protein digestibilities of the raw pea (Pisum sativum) varieties finale and frijaune and the ileal true protein digestibility of steam-processed common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were measured in piglets using the15N-dilution technique. The faecal true protein digestibility of both pea varieties was about 97. The ileal true protein digestibility was between 93 and 95, indicating that the pea protein is almost completely enzymically digested in the small intestine. The faecal apparent protein digestibility was 85 for both varieties while at the ileal level it was 79 and 74 respectively. The lower ileal apparent protein digestibility of peas can be attributed completely to the excretion of endogenous protein. The ileal apparent protein digestibility of toasted common beans was about zero (–4); the ileal true protein digestibility was about 66. This indicates that the protein of the common bean, although toasted, was highly resistant to enzymic digestion. It was calculated that per kg ingested bean protein, 340 g undigested bean protein and 700 g endogenous protein passed the terminal ileum. The results of the present study explain why in previous experiments a strongly reduced weight gain and even weight loss was observed in piglets fed on raw and toasted common beans.
Dietary iron deficiency and sports anaemia
Authors: Weight Lindsay M. , Jacobs Peter , Noakes Timothy D.
Published: September 2005

In order to determine whether dietary inadequacies can explain the sub-optimal iron status widely documented in endurance-trained athletes, the food intake records of Fe-deficient and Fe-replete distance runners and non-exercising controls of both sexes were analysed. In all the male study groups the mean dietary Fe intake met the recommended dietary allowances (RDA; > 10 mg/d (US) Food and Nutrition Board, 1989). However, both female athletes and controls failed to meet the RDA with regard to Fe (< 15 mg/d) and folate (< 200 μg/d). There was no difference in the total Fe intakes of Fe-deficient and Fe-replete athletes and the controls of each sex. However, Fe-deficient male runners, but not female runners, consumed significantly less haem-Fe (P= 0.048) than their comparative groups. This suggests that the habitual consumption of Fe-poor diets is a factor in the aetiology of athletes' Fe deficiency.
Compensatory growth in broiler chicks fed on Lemna gibba
Authors: Haustein A. T. , Gilman R. H. , Skillicorn P. W. , Guevara V. , Díaz F. , Vergara V. , Gastañaduy A. , Gilman J. B.
Published: September 2005

The growth of broiler chickens on diets containing various levels of Lemna gibba was evaluated. Groups of broiler chicks were fed on diets containing 0-400 g Lemna gibba/kg for 3 weeks. These chickens were then changed to standard diets for a further 2 weeks. As the level of Lemna gibba increased, feed consumption and weight gain decreased. However, when diets were changed to the standard diet, compensatory growth was observed. In a second experiment, diets were formulated with a metabolizable energy of 5.02 MJ (1200 kcal)/kg Lemna gibba and included a finer-milled Lemna gibba. Chickens were fed on diets containing 0-300 g Lemna gibba/kg for 4 weeks. Each group was then divided into two subgroups. For the next 2 weeks one of these sub-groups was maintained on the experimental (Lemna gibba) diets (LL), while the other sub-group was changed to a standard diet (LS). Bird fed at levels above 150 g Lemna gibba/kg had decreased consumption and weight gain. These birds when changed to a standard diet tended to have increased weight gain compared with chickens continuously fed standard rations. LS birds had significantly higher weight gains and feed consumption and lower feed conversion than LL birds. In contrast to older birds, chicks fed on Lemna gibba at high concentrations showed growth retardation. When changed back to a standard diet they demonstrated normal or compensatory growth.
Responses in tissue protein synthesis to sub- and supra- maintenance intake in young growing sheep: comparison of large-dose and continuous-infusion techniques
Authors: Lobley G. E. , Harris Patricia M. , Skene Pat A. , Brown D. , Milne E. , Calder A. G. , Anderson Susan E. , Garlick P. J. , Nevison I. , Connell Alexmary
Published: September 2005

In ten lambs (average live weight 33 kg), five offered 300 g/d (approximately 0.6 x maintenance; L) and five 900 g/d (1.8 x maintenance; H), tissue protein synthesis was measured by three procedures simultaneously. The techniques involved continuous infusion of [U-14C]phenylalanine and [1-13C]leucine over 7–8 h followed by a terminal large dose of [15N]phenylalanine during the last 30 or 60 min. Rates of protein synthesis were then calculated based on the free amino acid or oxo-acid isotopic activity in either arterial, iliac venous blood or tissue homogenate for the continuous-infusion studies, or on plasma or tissue homogenate for the large-dose procedure. For muscle (> 99%), and to a lesser extent skin (85–93%), effective flood conditions were achieved with the [15N]phenylalanine but were either not established or maintained for liver and tissues of the gastrointestinal tract (< 50%). The large dose of phenylalanine also caused changes in the concentration and isotopic activity of blood leucine and 4-methyl-2-oxo-pentanoate. Based on the assumption that the large-dose procedure yields the closest value for the true rate of protein synthesis (L 1.97%/d, H 2.85%/d) then, for muscle, only values based on the homogenate as precursor gave comparable results for both leucine (L 1.83%/d, H 3.01%/d) and phenylalanine (L 1.67%/d, H 2.71%/d) continuous infusion. The values based on the arterial or venous amino or oxo-acid were significantly less, more so at the lower intake. In contrast, for skin, a tissue dominated by export protein synthesis, values from the large-dose procedure (L 6.37%/d, H 10.98%/d) were similar to those derived with arterial or venous metabolites as precursor (L 5.23 and 6.93%/d, H 9.98 and 11.71%/d for leucine), but much less than those based on homogenate data. Based on the large-dose technique, protein synthesis increased with intake in muscle (P< 0.001), skin (P= 0.009) and liver (26.7v.30.5%/d;P= 0.029). The contributions of muscle and skin to total protein synthesis were approximately equal. The incremental efficiency of conversion for muscle of synthesized protein into deposition appeared to be similar to values reported for rodents
Gastrointestinal implications in the rat of wheat bran, oat bran and pea fibre
Authors: Hansen Inge , Knudsen K. E. Bach , Eggum B. O.
Published: September 2005

The gastrointestinal (GI) effects of three different dietary fibre (DF) sources: wheat bran (WB), oat bran (OB) and pea fibre (PF), were compared with a low-fibre diet in a 4-week trial with rats (initial body-weight 210 g). The DF sources varied widely in chemical composition, solubility and water-holding properties, and particle size. The DF sources were mixed into diets to comprise the same amount of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP; 135 g/kg dry matter (DM)). Compared with the control diet, all fibre-containing diets reduced apparent digestibility of DM, energy, and protein significantly but to different extents. The ranking order of faecal DM bulking followed that of NSP recovery in the faeces: WB > OB > PF > control. The elongating effect of the diets on the GI tract was most pronounced in the rats fed on the OB diet. The mean transit time (MTT) of the OB diet was similar to that of the control diet (approximately 37 h), which was significantly slower than the MTT of the WB and PF diets (approximately 23 h). The study confirms that no simple cause and effect relationship exists between chemical composition, physical properties, and physiological effects of dietary fibre and their effects along the GI tract
Efficacy of massive oral doses of retinyl palmitate and mango (Mangifera indicaL.) consumption to correct an existing vitamin A deficiency in Senegalese children
Authors: Carlier Cécile , Etchepare Michel , Ceccon Jean-François , Mourey Marie-Sophie , Amédée-Manesme Olivier
Published: September 2005

Administration of large oral doses of retinyl palmitate has become the most widely practised vitamin A deficiency prevention strategy in developing countries. We conducted a follow-up study among 220 Senegalese children aged 2–7 years suffering from moderate undernutrition to determine the efficacy of vitamin A treatment on their vitamin A status assessed by biochemical and cytological (impression cytology with transfer) methods. The first examination (T= 0 m[onth]) was carried out during April 1989, before the mango (Mangifera indicaL,) harvest. The second examination (T= 2 m) was carried out 2 months after vitamin A treatment during June 1989 when ripe mangoes become widely available. Conjunctival cells of the eyes of the children with or without ocular inflammation were responsive to vitamin A administration (P< 0.01). There was a significant increase (P< 0.001) in mean serum retinol and β-carotene levels betweenT= 0 m andT= 2 m. Mean serum retinol-binding protein (RBP) and transthyretin (TTR) levels did not differ significantly (P> 0.05) atT= 0 m andT= 2 m. Despite the intake of vitamin A, 54% of the children who had abnormal cytology atT= 0 m remained abnormal atT= 2 m. This was due to inadequate levels of TTR and RBP, presumably due to the cereal diet eaten by the Senegalese population. Children with abnormal eye cytology had lower serum retinol levels than those with normal eyes atT= 0 m, and β-carotene values did not correlate with eye cytological abnormalities atT= 0 m. Children with normal cytology had higher serum retinol and also β-carotene levels than those with abnormal cytology after massive oral doses of vitamin A and consumption of mangoes atT= 2 m. Retinyl palmitate may, therefore, only lead to partial cytological improvement due to a lack of retinol-carrier proteins but dietary β-carotene may also be involved
The effects of varying protein and energy intakes on the growth and body composition of pigs
Authors: Kyriazakis I. , Emmans G. C.
Published: September 2005

The objective of the experiment was to define the form of the relationship between varying levels of protein and energy intake and the performance of young pigs. Forty-four young pigs were assigned at 12 kg live weight for 6 weeks either to an initial slaughter group (n 8) or to one of the nine feeding treatments (n 4); three allowances of a high-protein food with 355 g crude protein (nitrogen × 6.25; CP)/kg (P1, P2, P3) at three levels of feeding (L, M and H). Each feeding level was met by supplementing the allowance of feed P with the appropriate amount of starch and each treatment had two males and two females. The rate of protein deposition was not affected by feeding level at the two lowest allowances of basal feed P (P1 and P2), but it increased with increasing the feeding level for the pigs on treatment P3. Males deposited more protein than females, but this effect was more pronounced with treatment P3. The rate of lipid deposition increased with each increase in the level of feeding and decreased with increasing the allowance of feed P. The calculated efficiency of protein utilization (ep) was expressed as a function of the energy: protein ratio in the feed (MJ metabolizable energy/kg digestible CP). The best model to describe the relationship was a linear-plateau model, with the maximum value for ep of 0.814 at 73 MJ/kg. This relationship provided the basis of a model that could predict the response of a growing pig to its diet as rates of protein and lipid retention
Influence of ascorbic acid supplementation on copper metabolism in rats
Authors: Van Den Berg Gerrit J. , Beynen Anton C.
Published: September 2005

An attempt was made to unravel further the mechanism by which high dietary concentrations of ascorbic acid influence copper metabolism. The addition of ascorbic acid to the diet of rats caused about a twofold increase in plasma ascorbate concentrations and reduced group mean plasma and tissue concentrations of Cu. The effect of 10 g ascorbic acid/kg diet was greater than that of 1 g/kg. Ascorbic acid feeding reduced blood haemoglobin concentrations and packed cell volume values. Dietary ascorbic acid caused a significant decrease in apparent Cu absorption from the intestine. Ascorbate, intravenously administered together with64Cu, caused an increase in64Cu in the liver. Ascorbate, at concentrations occurring in plasma after ascorbic acid feeding, promoted the uptake of64Cu by isolated hepatocytes. Thus, ascorbate stimulated the efficiency of hepatic uptake of Cu. Ascorbate, intravenously administered together with64Cu, stimulated accumulation of64Cu in bile of rats with a bile duct cannula. In rats fed on ascorbic acid, intravenously administered64Cu was recovered in bile at increased rates. Dietary ascorbic acid enhanced the recovery of intraperitoneally administered64Cu in faeces. The ascorbate-induced stimulation of biliary64Cu excretion may reflect an increased hepatic uptake of64Cu and be caused by an increased specific activity of Cu in liver pools. It is suggested that dietary ascorbic acid reduces tissue Cu concentrations primarily by interfering with intestinal Cu absorption. Ascorbate increases the efficiency of hepatic uptake of Cu, but this effect may not be causatively related with the reduced tissue Cu concentrations after ascorbic acid feeding
A study of whole-body isotope dilution of [14C]ascorbic acid in guinea-pigs with graded ascorbate intakes
Authors: Bates C. J. , Tsuchiya Harumi , Evans P. H.
Published: September 2005

The purpose of the present study was first to assess the extent to which unlabelled ascorbate in the diet of guinea-pigs can exchange with labelled ascorbate within their organs when the dietary intake is varied over a wide range, and second to determine whether the retention of label might be used to assess either the amount of ascorbate intake or its biological availability where these are not known. The retention of [14C]ascorbate in the body and in various organs of guinea-pigs were, therefore, measured following a 13 d period of graded dietary intakes of ascorbate. It was found first, that the amount of label retained in each of the organs, 13 d after the initial dose of labelled ascorbate, was much more closely related to the amount of ascorbate intake after labelling than to the intake (and tissue ascorbate levels) before and at the time of labelling. Second, most of the individual internal organs exhibited a constant relationship between the specific activity at 13 d and the dietary intake, except for brain which was flushed to a smaller extent. Third, in agreement with several previous studies a high proportion of the radioactive label in the tissues was found to be still present in ascorbate. The specific activity of column-purified ascorbate was very similar to the estimated specific activity in the crude extract, which implies that it may be possible to estimate specific activities (or stable isotope enrichments) at certain sites without rigorous isolation procedures. Fourth, the amount of radioactivity appearing in the urine 2 d before killing the animals was correlated with the amount of ascorbate intake and with tissue specific activities, suggesting that intakes (or bioavailability) might be predicted from the patterns of label-appearance in the urine
Effect of vitamin A deficiency and Newcastle disease virus infection on IgA and IgM secretion in chickens
Authors: Rombout Jan H. W. M. , Sijtsma S. Reinder , West Clive E. , Karabinis Yannoula , Sijtsma Oscar K. W. , Van Der Zijpp Akke J. , Koch Guus
Published: September 2005

The effect of vitamin A deficiency or the lentogenic La Sota strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection, or both, on immunoglobulin (IgA and IgM) levels in bile and plasma were investigated. In addition, tissue distribution of IgA-, IgG- and IgM-containing cells was studied to establish the source of these Ig. Chickens (1-d-old) with limited vitamin A reserves were fedad lib.on diets containing either marginal or adequate levels of vitamin A. At 4 weeks of age, half the chickens in each group were infected with NDV. The number of IgA- and IgM-containing cells was not significantly affected by vitamin A deficiency, demonstrating that neither class-switching nor homing of Ig-containing cells is influenced by vitamin A deficiency. Although bile IgM levels were not significantly different in vitamin A-deficient chickens compared with normal chickens, IgA levels were significantly lower. This decrease was even more pronounced in deficient NDV-infected chickens, despite the higher number of IgA-containing cells found in these birds. These results, together with the slightly increased levels of IgA in plasma of vitamin A-deficient chickens, suggest that the hepatobiliary transport of IgA is impaired by vitamin A deficiency and possibly also by NDV infection, although disturbed secretion by IgA-containing cells cannot be excluded
Effect of casein, casein phosphopeptides and calcium intake on ileal 45Ca disappearance and temporal systolic blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Kitts David D. , Yuan Yvonne V. , Nagasawa Takashi , Moriyama Yoshio
Published: September 2005

Paracellular 45Ca absorption and temporal systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements were recorded in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) ratsfed on casein (C) and soya-bean-protein isolate (S) diets, containing 20 (H), 5 (M) and 0.5(L)g Ca/kg. Similar measurements were also taken in SHR rats only fed on C-M and S-M dietssupplemented with 30 g caseinophosphopeptides (CPP)/kg. Absorption of 45Ca fromthe ileal loop was equivalent in both SHR and WKY animals and largely affected by the level ofdietary Ca. In addition, animals fed on C diets exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) greater ileal absorption of 45Ca compared with S-fed animals. This result was attributed to the presence of CPP and a greater (P < 0.05) proportion of soluble 45Ca inthe contents of the ileum. Animals fed on S diets supplemented with CPP confirmed this finding.The SBP of SHR rats was higher (P < 0.01) than WKY controls after 9–10 weeks of age. The temporal pattern of observed hypertension was independent of dietary influence in the SHR. The severity of hypertension in SHR rats was affected only by dietary Ca deficiency, and not byCa supplementation or CPP enhancement of Ca bioavailability. These findings suggest that trypticdigestion products of casein in milk can enhance Ca bioavailability by increasing Ca solubility; however, this action had no effect in reducing hypertension in SHR.
Effects of encapsulated green tea and Guarana extracts containing a mixture of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and caffeine on 24 h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in men
Authors: Bérubé-Parent Sonia , Pelletier Catherine , Doré Jean , Tremblay Angelo
Published: September 2005

It has been reported that green tea has a thermogenic effect, due to its caffeine content and probably also to the catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The main aim of the present study was to compare the effect of a mixture of green tea and Guarana extracts containing a fixed dose of caffeine and variable doses of EGCG on 24 h energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Fourteen subjects took part to this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study. Each subject was tested five times in a metabolic chamber to measure 24 h energy expenditure, substrate oxidation and blood pressure. During each stay, the subjects ingested a capsule of placebo or capsules containing 200 mg caffeine and a variable dose of EGCG (90, 200, 300 or 400 mg) three times daily, 30 min before standardized meals. Twenty-four hour energy expenditure increased significantly by about 750 kJ with all EGCG–caffeine mixtures compared with placebo. No effect of the EGCG–caffeine mixture was observed for lipid oxidation. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased by about 7 and 5 mmHg, respectively, with the EGCG–caffeine mixtures compared with placebo. This increase was significant only for 24 h diastolic blood pressure. The main finding of the study was the increase in 24 h energy expenditure with the EGCG–caffeine mixtures. However, this increase was similar with all doses of EGCG in the mixtures.
Low amounts oftrans18 : 1 fatty acids elevate plasma triacylglycerols but not cholesterol and alter the cellular defence to oxidative stress in mice
Authors: Cassagno Nadège , Palos-Pinto Antonio , Costet Pierre , Breilh Dominique , Darmon Michel , Bérard Annie M.
Published: September 2005

Transfatty acids are found mainly in processed foods. It has been shown that when their intake is high, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerols are elevated, while HDL-cholesterol decreases. To evaluate a possible effect of these compounds, even in low amounts, C57Bl/6J mice were fed for 7 weeks a diet containing 13·6 % energy as partially hydrogenated rapeseed oil-enriched diet (Trans diet). The Trans diet contained 3 % energy astrans18 : 1 fatty acid (elaidic acid). Control mice were on an isologous diet containing native rapeseed oil (Rapeseed diet) in whichtransfatty acids were undetectable. Total, free and HDL-cholesterol as well as reverse cholesterol transport did not change. However, plasma triacylglycerol and VLDL levels increased. Hepatic gene expression in the Transv.Rapeseed diet were compared using quantitative RT–PCR. The Trans diet produced a 2–3-fold elevation in mRNA of fatty acid synthase and microsomal transfer protein mRNA, explaining (at least in part) the observed increase in triacylglycerols and VLDL. In addition, mice on the Trans diet developed a deficiency in plasma vitamin E accompanied by a higher concentration of F2-isoprostanes, indicative of increased oxidative stress. The 78 kDa glucose-related protein (GRP78) mRNA expression increased 3–4-fold in liver, suggesting that a response against apoptosis was provoked by lipid peroxidation.
Regulation of the somatotropic axis by dietary factors in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Gómez-Requeni Pedro , Calduch-Giner Josep , Vega-Rubín de Celis Silvia , Médale Françoise , Kaushik Sadasivam J. , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: September 2005

The activity of the somatotropic axis was analysed in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed either a fishmeal-based diet (FM) or graded levels of plant proteins to replace 50 % (PP50 diet), 75 % (PP75 diet) or 100 % (PP100 diet) of the fishmeal protein. For this purpose, partial cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding rainbow trout growth hormone receptor (GHR) was first accomplished by RT-PCR, using degenerate primers based on the sequences of non-salmonid fish GHR. Growth rates and energy retention were lowered by the PP75 and PP100 diets and a concurrent and progressive increase in plasma levels of growth hormone (GH) was found. However, no changes in hepatic GH binding and total plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels were observed among the four experimental groups. This fact agrees with the lack of changes in hepatic measurements of GHR and IGF-I transcripts. No consistent changes in IGF transcripts were found in peri-visceral adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, but GHR mRNA was up-regulated in the peri-visceral adipose tissue of fish fed the PP75 and PP100 diets, which would favour the lipolytic action of GH. Two specific bands (47 and 33 kDa) of IGF-binding proteins were found in the plasma of all analysed fish, but the sum of the two integrated areas increased progressively with plant protein supply, which might reflect a reduced free IGF availability. Therefore, in our experimental model, the growth impairment could be due, at least in part, to a lowered availability of biologically active IGF (free IGF fraction) rather than to liver GH desensitization or defect in IGF synthesis and release at the systemic and/or paracrine–autocrine level.
Poultry litter as a fuel
Authors: Dagnall S.P.
Published: September 2005

In the UK about 1.4 million tonnes of used poultry litter are produced each year. Its disposal by direct use as a fertilizer or by landfill can, in some circumstances, have an adverse environmental impact. Waste-to-energy schemes which generate revenue from the energy produced and may provide fertilizer as a valuable byproduct offer an alternative and environmentally acceptable means of disposal.
The Housing Ladder, the Housing Life-cycle and the Housing Life-course: Upward and Downward Movement among Repeat Home-buyers in a US Metropolitan Housing Market
Authors: Morrow-Jones Hazel A. , Wenning Mary V.
Published: September 2005

This research models US home-owners' decisions to move up or down in price. The models are based on three common conceptualisations: the housing ladder, the housing life-cycle and the housing life-course that use age of the householder as a measure of position in life. Age can be a proxy for many characteristics and we test several alternative measures using unique survey data that allow us to examine specific life-course variables. We conclude that, on an empirical level, age works reasonably well. However, we prefer a more complete formulation that includes presence of children, divorced or separated householder, income, age at first homeownership and duration of ownership as being conceptually more accurate and more useful in policy-making.
Financial and Social Returns in Housing Asset Management: Theory and Dutch Housing Associations' Practice
Authors: Gruis Vincent
Published: September 2005

This paper discusses how financial and social returns can be measured in relation to asset management in Dutch housing associations. The potential applications of performance measurement in housing asset management are assessed as well as the indicators that can be used to measure financial and social returns. An explorative survey among Dutch housing associations indicates that practice is poorly developed. As far as the measurement of financial return is concerned, a few associations operate in accordance with the theoretical 'ideal'. However, many of them still follow a traditional book-keeping approach, which is unsuitable for supporting asset management decisions. As far as social return is concerned, the survey indicates that, although associations collect a lot of data, they do not really evaluate their performance by comparing their output against pre-set targets or benchmarks. The poorly developed evaluation of performance makes it difficult for housing associations to achieve the various objectives offered by performance measurement within their own asset management. This, in turn, hampers both internal and external accountability, raises questions about the impact of municipal performance agreements and indicates that housing associations are not actively striving to use their financial surpluses in the interest of housing.
A Critical Analysis of Housing Finance Reform in a 'Super' Home-ownership State: The Case of Armenia
Authors: Stephens Mark
Published: September 2005

Communist countries in central and eastern Europe commonly lacked market-based mortgage finance systems. The establishment of such systems is generally regarded as being a crucial part of the transition process across the region, even though the emphasis placed on home-ownership varies greatly. A framework for analysing the adequacy of the housing reform process is applied to Armenia as an example of a 'super' home-ownership state. The housing, economic and political context suggests that, even if an efficient mortgage finance system were to be established, the housing needs of large sections of the population would remain unmet. This is because they would still be unable to afford to access finance or because of the nature of their housing need. Such is the prevalence of housing need and poverty that conventional subsidy programmes, no matter how well designed, are unlikely to fill the gap. Instead, there is a need to draw on examples from development literature, such as micro-finance, whereby relatively small loans aimed at improving the quality of often self-built housing without full legal title are made available. The system of micro-finance relies on connecting individuals with the formal financial system usually through an NGO and can be combined with the provision of core housing units for low- to moderate-income households. In the case of Armenia, if confidence in the banking system is not restored, it would still be necessary to create a formal financial sector, quite possibly on the principles of low-risk retail operations. A large challenge would remain to 'collectivise' micro-finance for use in multifamily apartments. While the need for sources of finance outside the formal system remains especially acute in Armenia, these solutions may be relevant to other transition economies, especially those with large home-owner sectors, self-built housing and widespread poverty
Diethylstilbestrol (DES): Carcinogenic Potential in Xpa−/−, Xpa−/−/p53+/−, and Wild-Type Mice During 9 Months’ Dietary Exposure
Authors: McAnulty Peter A. , Skydsgaard Mikala
Published: September 2005

DES carcinogenicity has been investigated in 2 mouse knockout models, the Xpa homozygous knockout, and the combined Xpa homozygous and p53 heterozygous knockout. Wild-type (WT) mice were also included. Xpa mice received diets containing DES at concentrations of 0, 100, 300, and 1500 ppb for 39 weeks; Xpa/p53 and WT mice received diets containing 0 or 1500 ppb. There were 15 of each sex per group. Both Xpa and WT mice had a similar incidence of tumors at the high dosage of 1500 ppb, including pituitary adenomas in 4 WT mice and 7 Xpa mice, and single incidences of osteosarcoma ( Xpa), T-cell lymphoma (WT and Xpa), and testicular interstitial cell adenoma (WT and Xpa). The incidence of tumors was higher in the Xpa/p53 mice at 1500 ppb, mainly attributable to 5 osteosarcomas in males and 2 in females, but also 4 pituitary adenomas, testicular interstitial cell adenomas in 4 males, and single incidences of cerebral glioma, phaeochromocytoma, and cervical fibrosarcoma. The incidence of osteosarcomas was related to the severity of fibro-osseous lesions in the bone marrow. It was concluded that for carcinogenicity screening, Xpa mice were no more sensitive than wild-type mice for compounds like DES, but the Xpa/p53 model showed an increased sensitivity.
Genetic Alterations in Brain Tumors Following 1,3-Butadiene Exposure in B6C3F1 Mice
Authors: Kim Yongbaek , Hong Hue-Hua L. , Lachat Yan , Clayton Natasha P. , Devereux Theodora R. , Melnick Ronald L. , Hegi Monika E. , Sills Robert C.
Published: September 2005

The nervous system of the B6C3F1 mouse has rarely been a target for chemical carcinogenesis in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) bioassays. However, 6 malignant gliomas and 2 neuroblastomas were observed in B6C3F1 mice exposed to 625 ppm 1,3-butadiene (NTP technical reports 288 and 434). These mouse brain tumors were evaluated with regard to the profile of genetic alterations that are observed in human brain tumors. Alterations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene were common. Missense mutations were observed in 3/6 malignant gliomas and 2/2 neuroblastomas and were associated with loss of heterozygosity. Most of the mutations occurred in exons 5–8 of the p53 gene and were G → A transitions, and did not involve CpG sites. Loss of heterozygosity at the Ink4a/Arf gene locus was observed in 5/5 malignant gliomas and 1/1 neuroblastoma, while the PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue) gene locus was unaffected by deletions. One of 2 neuroblastomas had a mutation in codon 61 of H-ras, while H-ras mutations were not observed in the malignant gliomas examined. Only 1 brain tumor has been reported from control mice of over 500 NTP studies. This malignant glioma showed no evidence of alterations in the p53 gene or K - and H-ras mutations. It is likely that the specific genetic alterations observed were induced or selected for by 1,3-butadiene treatment that contributed to the development of mouse brain tumors. The observed findings are similar in part to the genetic alterations reported in human brain tumors.
Induction of Acute Lung Injury after Intranasal Administration of Toxin Botulinum A Complex
Authors: Taysse L. , Daulon S. , Calvet J. H. , Delamanche S. , Hilaire D. , Bellier B. , Breton P.
Published: September 2005

The inhalation of aerozolized botulinum toxin may represent a potential significant hazard to both military and civilian personnel. Since the lung is the primary target organ for inhaled toxin, the investigation reported herein was conducted to examine lung function in mice exposed to botulinum toxin A complex by intranasal route. Data includes lethality, symptomatology, measurement of respiratory function (minute ventilation, respiratory frequency, and tidal volume), and histopathology of the lungs. The clinical signs of intoxication are similar to those observed in foodborne botulism. Plethysmography revealed severe impairment of all respiratory parameters tested from 7 hours postexposure. Severe lung lesions, possibly secondary to the intoxication, were observed in mice who survived 14 days after the toxin challenge. These included intra-alveolar hemorrhage and interstitial edema. Mice immunized by the pentavalent (ABCDE) toxoid were protected against the neurotoxin (4 LD50) as revealed by the decrease of lethality and severity of nervous signs of intoxication, but not against histopathological changes in the lungs. These effects are nonspecific and require further experiments in order to specify the relationships between the pathology and the inflammatory process in the lung due to mediators such as cytokines, and possibly permanent physiological sequelae.