bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of peptides and amino acids on fermentation rate andde novosynthesis of amino acids by mixed micro-organisms from the sheep rumen
Authors: Atasoglu Cengiz , Valdés Carmen , Newbold C. James , Wallace R. John
Published: May 2019

The influence of different N sources on fermentation rate andde novoamino acid synthesis by rumen micro-organisms was investigatedin vitrousing rumen fluid taken from four sheep receiving a mixed diet comprising (g/kg DM): grass hay 500, barley 299·5, molasses 100, fish meal 91, minerals and vitamins 9·5. Pancreatic casein hydrolysate (P; comprising mainly peptides with some free amino acids; 10 g/l), free amino acids (AA; casein acid hydrolysate + added cysteine and tryptophan; 10 g/l), or a mixture of L-proline, glycine, L-valine and L-threonine (M; 0·83 g/l each) were added to diluted (1:3, v/v), strained rumen fluid along with15NH4Cl (A; 1·33 g/l) and 6·7 g/l of a mixture of starch, cellobiose and xylose (1:1:1, by weight). P and AA, but not M, stimulated net gas production after 4 and 8 h incubation (P< 0·05) in comparison with A alone. P increased microbial-protein synthesis (P< 0·05) compared with the other treatments. All of the microbial-N formed after 10 h was synthesizedde novofrom15NH3in treatment A, and the addition of pre-formed amino acids decreased the proportion to 0·37, 0·55, and 0·86 for P, AA, and M respectively.De novosynthesis of amino acids (0·29, 0·42 and 0·69 respectively) was lower than cell-N. Enrichment of alanine, glutamate and aspartate was slightly higher than that of other amino acids, while enrichment in proline was much lower, such that 0·83–0·95 of all proline incorporated into particulate matter was derived from pre-formed proline. Glycine, methionine, lysine, valine and threonine tended to be less enriched than other amino acids. The form in which the amino acids were supplied, as P or AA, had little influence on the pattern ofde novosynthesis. When the concentration of peptides was decreased, the proportion of microbial-N formed from NH3increased, so that at an initial concentration of 1 g peptides/l, similar to the highest reported ruminal peptide concentrations, 0·68 of cell-N was formed from NH3. Decreasing the NH3concentration at 1·0 g peptides/l caused proportionate decreases in the fraction of cell-N derived from NH3, from 0·81 at 0·53 g NH3-N/l to 0·40 at 0·19 g NH3-N/l. It was concluded that different individual amino acids are synthesizedde novoto different extents by mixed rumen micro-organisms when pre-formed amino acids are present, and that the source of N used for synthesis of cell-N and amino acids depends on the respective concentrations of the different N sources available; however, supplementing only with amino acids whose synthesis is lowest when pre-formed amino acids are present does not stimulate fermentation or microbial growth.
Ingestion of guar-gum hydrolysate partially restores calcium absorption in the large intestine lowered by suppression of gastric acid secretion in rats
Authors: Hara Hiroshi , Suzuki Takuya , Kasai Takanori , Aoyama Yoritaka , Ohta Atsutane
Published: May 2019

We examined the effects of feeding guar-gum hydrolysate (GGH), a highly fermentable form of dietary fibre with low viscosity, on Ca absorption in the small and large intestines in rats under conditions in which gastric acid secretion was suppressed by a proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole. We also examined the role of the caecum in influencing these effects. The study was designed in a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement with two diet (GGH-containing (50 g/kg diet) and GGH-free diets) groups, two injection (omeprazole and vehicle) groups and two operation (sham and caecectomy) groups. Apparent Ca absorption was lower in rats administered omeprazole (30 mg/kg body weight per d) for 8 d than in rats administered the vehicle. Ingestion of GGH led to partial restoration of Ca absorption decreased by omeprazole treatment. However, this increment in Ca absorption was not sufficient to meet requirements because the dietary Ca level (3·0 g/kg diet) was the minimum requirement for the intact rats. The small increment in Ca absorption caused by the GGH diet was completely abolished by caecectomy. Soluble Ca pools in the caecal and colonic contents were increased by feeding GGH, and the soluble Ca concentrations were much higher than theKt values of the Ca active transport system in the large intestine or the serum Ca concentration. These findings suggest that Ca solubilization is not a limiting factor for Ca absorption in the large intestine. Apparent Mg absorption was clearly lower in caecectomized rats than in sham-operated rats, and higher in the GGH-fed groups than in the groups fed on the GGH-free diet, even in the case of caecectomized rats. We conclude that Ca absorption lowered by inhibition of gastric acid secretion is partially restored in rats fed with GGH, but the increment is not sufficient to meet requirements.
Glutamine oxidation and utilization by rat and human oesophagus and duodenum
Authors: James L. A. , Lunn P. G. , Middleton S. , Elia M.
Published: May 2019

The rates of utilization and oxidation of glutamine and glucose by oesophageal and duodenal tissues have been investigated in both rats and human subjects. In the rat, glutamine utilization by oesophageal tissue was 2–3-fold lower than that in the duodenum, and this substrate contributed less than 10 % to the total oxidative metabolism of the tissue, even when glutamine was the only substrate provided. In contrast, rat duodenal tissue derived about 34 % of the total CO2 production from glutamine-C, and this contribution was not suppressed by the addition of either glucose or a mixture of the other substrates. Rates of glucose utilization and oxidation by the duodenum were lower than those for glutamine, and were significantly (P<0·001) suppressed by addition of glutamine. In both oesophageal and duodenal tissues, less than 10 % of the glutamine-C utilized was fully oxidized, approximately 60–70 % was converted to glutamate, and 30–40 % to alanine. Results obtained using human biopsy tissue samples were similar to those observed in the rat. Glutamine oxidation contributed 34 (sd 4) % of the total CO2 production by the duodenal tissue, but only 8 (sd 4) % to oesophageal tissue oxidation. The findings suggest that glutamine is not an important or preferred fuel for oesophageal tissue, whereas it is for duodenal tissue. Thus, these tissues can be expected to respond differently to glutamine administration.
Different dietary fats influence serum and tissue lipids and anti-cardiolipin antibody levels in autoimmune-prone NZB/W F1 mice
Authors: Chang Shih-Chen , Chiang Bor-Luen , Wu Wen-Mien , Lin Bi-Fong
Published: May 2019

To investigate the influence of different dietary fats on lipids and anti-cardiolipin antibody levels, autoimmune NZB/W F1 mice were fed on diets containing 200 g dietary fat as palm oil, lard–soyabean oil (1:1, w/w), soyabean oil, rapeseed oil or fish oil/kg. In addition, each dietary fat group was divided into an early-feeding group with feeding from 2 months of age, and a late-feeding group with feeding from 5 months of age. Serum levels of triacylglycerol, phospholipid, cholesterol and anti-cardiolipin antibody were measured at regular intervals, and mice were killed at the age of 7 months for analysis of hepatic lipid and fatty acids. The results showed that hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. In contrast, hepatic phospholipid content was higher in mice of the fish oil group than in those of the other four dietary fat groups. Composition profiles for both hepatic and renal oleic acid (18:1n-9), linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) were similar to those of the dietary fats in mice of both early-feeding and late-feeding groups. Fish oil intake decreased arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) concentration in kidney tissue but not in liver tissue. Serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol and phospholipid levels were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. Immunoglobulin (Ig) M anti-cardiolipin antibody was lower for the fish oil group than for the other groups. The IgG anti-cardiolipin antibody level was significantly lower in mice fed on fish oil compared with that of the palm oil group only in the early-feeding group. There was a positive correlation between serum IgM anti-cardiolipin antibody and phospholipid levels (early-feeding group r 0·902, P < 0·05; late-feeding group r 0·894, P < 0·05). These findings suggest dietary fish oil may affect both lipid levels and anti-cardiolipin antibody, contributing to alleviation of the autoimmune process in autoimmune-prone NZB×NZW F1 mice.
Evolution of infant nutrition
Authors: Cuthbertson W. F. J.
Published: May 2019

Homo sapienshas developed during the course of over two million years. The social and physical conditions of life, the availability of milk and infant foods as well as the presence of diseases have all undergone radical transformations from the Stone Age, at first without and then with fire, to the hunter–gatherer, farmer–herder, agricultural and, now, developed societies. These changes in the human environment may have induced modifications in the length of pregnancy, the development of the neonate at birth, the duration of lactation, the composition of breast milk and use of weaning foods and milk substitutes. Darwinian selection for the nutrient, anti-infective and other components of breast milk may have been determined by the effects of nutrition, through genetic variations in milk composition, on the survival of infants and perhaps also on fecundity and disease resistance in later adult life. Today Darwinian selection may no longer be effective in maintaining or modifying human mammary function, because modern hygienic environments, together with the availability of nutritionally adequate breast-milk substitutes, permit infant survival even under conditions of total lactational failure. National and international promulgations strictly control the composition of infant formulas offered as breast-milk substitutes or as weaning foods. These recommendations are modified as beliefs suggest, and research indicates, the effects of nutrients and other factors on the health and well-being of the child. Preliminary observations on child health have often proved valuable in furthering research. Unquestioning acceptance of apparently desirable, but untested, epidemiological associations have led to unexpected but dangerous iatrogenic problems. Recommendations for change cannot safely be made without proper comparisons with present products and procedures under practical conditions. Such tests are time consuming and require protocols of appropriate statistical design and power while still meeting the required sociological and ethical constraints, but are essential to identify possible harmful effects of any proposed change. It is suggested that no novel ingredients should be added, or major changes permitted in any component, until appropriate trials have established the value and safety of the proposed modifications. Breast-feeding is vital to maximize infant survival in developing countries. There are major difficulties in assessing any differences in morbidity and mortality of breast-fedv.artificially reared infants in the developed world. Carefully controlled studies with comparisons of health and well-being, not only in infancy but throughout life, are desirable if the effects of infant nutrition on adult well-being, suggested by epidemiological studies, are to be validated and ultimately applied. There are considerable variations in the composition of breast milk. This variance suggests that it may ultimately be possible to design formulas better able to meet the needs of individual infants than the milk available from the mother's breast.
Effect of mixed meal ingestion on fuel utilization in the whole body and in superficial and deep forearm tissues
Authors: Elia Marinos , Khan Kurshid , Jennings Graham
Published: May 2019

Six healthy lean male adults, given a mixed meal containing 3190 kJ (16% from protein, 44% from carbohydrate and 40% from fat) were studied for the next 370 min using arteriovenous cannulation techniques across superficial and deep forearm tissues. The meal produced no significant change in forearm blood flow or skin temperature. The major differences between superficial and deep forearm tissues were (a) creatinine release by deep tissues but not superficial tissues; (b) the release of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) by superficial tissues and uptake by deep tissues; and (c) the more prolonged large positive arteriovenous concentration difference for glucose across deep than superficial tissues. The similarities were (a) general pattern of individual amino acid exchanges and transient positive amino acid N balance after meal ingestion; (b) consistent uptake of glutamate and release of glutamine (the main carrier of N out of superficial and deep forearm tissues); (c) the magnitude of the arteriovenous concentration differences for glucose, NEFA and total amino acids were related to the changes in their circulating concentrations and to the oxidation of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the whole body; and (d) increases in the arterio–deep venous and arterio–superficial venous differences for glucose did not result in increased release of lactate, alanine or pyruvate, implying no increase in the activity of glucose–lactate and glucose–alanine cycles between forearm tissues and the liver. This study suggests that in a number of ways superficial and deep tissues can be regarded, at least qualitatively, as behaving as a ‘single metabolic unit’.
Effect of glucose supply on fasting nitrogen excretion and effect of level and type of volatile fatty acid infusion on response to protein infusion in cattle
Authors: Ørskov E. R. , Meehan D. E. , MacLeod N. A. , Kyle D. J.
Published: May 2019

Two experiments were carried out on cattle nourished entirely by intragastric infusion, to determine the extent to which glucose or a glucose precursor determines the response to protein infusion in energy-undernourished animals. In order to determine the requirement for glucose in 1-year-old fasting cattle, glucose was infused at increments to supply 0, 1·5, 2·5, 3·5, 4·5, 5·5 and 6·5 g/kg metabolic body weight (W0·75) and the effects on plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and N excretion were measured. At 5·5 g glucose/kg W0·75plasma β-hydroxybutyrate was reduced to a basal level of 1·65 mmol/l and fasting N excretion reduced from 529 to 280 mg N/kg W0·75. No further reduction was observed with the higher level of 6·5 g glucose/kg W0·75. In the second trial, three steers were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design and infused with a volatile fatty acid mixture of 65, 27 and 8 mol acetic, propionic and butyric acids respectively/100 mol, either at an estimated maintenance energy level of 450 kJ/kg W0·75and supplying a calculated glucose equivalent level of 13·0 g/kg W0·75(M1A), or at 1·5 × maintenance supplying a glucose equivalent of 20 g/kg W0·75(M1·5A). Another mixture infused at the maintenance energy level contained 49, 43 and 8 mol acetic, propionic and butyric acids respectively/100 mol but with a glucose equivalent of 20 g/kg W0·75(M1P). Casein was infused at each of these energy treatments to supply 0, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 2500 mg N/kg W0·75daily, and N balance and blood metabolites were measured. N retention increased linearly (r0·98) with casein infusion. The coefficients for N retention were 0·55, 0·57 and 0·64 for M1A, M1·5A and M1P respectively. The mean efficiency of N utilization was 0·58. The results suggest that provided the glucose need is met there is no relationship between energy supply and efficiency and level of protein retention. However, the results also indicate that glucose requirement in cattle may be higher than that previously observed in sheep.
Cholesterol reduction using manufactured foods high in monounsaturated fatty acids: a randomized crossover study
Authors: Williams C. M. , Francis-Knapper J. A. , Webb D. , Brookes C. A. , Zampelas A. , Tredger J. A. , Wright J. , Meijer G. , Calder P. C. , Yaqoob P. , Roche H. , Gibney M. J.
Published: May 2019

In two separate studies, the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was evaluated by means of a randomized crossover trial. In both studies subjects were randomized to receive either a high-MUFA diet or the control diet first, which they followed for a period of 8 weeks; following a washout period of 4–6 weeks they were transferred onto the opposing diet for a further period of 8 weeks. In one study subjects were healthy middle-aged men (n30), and in the other they were young men (n23) with a family history of CHD recruited from two centres (Guildford and Dublin). The two studies were conducted over the same time period using identical foods and study designs. Subjects consumed 38 % energy as fat, with 18 % energy as MUFA and 10 % as saturated fatty acids (MUFA diet), or 13 % energy as MUFA and 16 % as saturated fatty acids (control diet). The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of each diet was 7 %. The diets were achieved by providing subjects with manufactured foods such as spreads, ‘ready meals’, biscuits, puddings and breads, which, apart from their fatty acid compositions, were identical for both diets. Subjects were blind to which of the diets they were following on both arms of the study. Weight changes on the diets were less than 1 kg. In the groups combined (n53) mean total and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower at the end of the MUFA diet than the control diet by 0·29 (sd 0·61) mmol/l (P< 0·001) and 0·38 (sd 0·64) mmol/l (P< 0·0001) respectively. In middle-aged men these differences were due to a mean reduction in LDL-cholesterol of – 11 (sd 12) % on the MUFA diet with no change on the control diet (−1·1 (sd 10) %). In young men the differences were due to an increase in LDL-cholesterol concentration on the control diet of +6·2 (sd 13) % and a decrease on the MUFA diet of −7·8 (sd 20) %. Differences in the responses of middle-aged and young men to the two diets did not appear to be due to differences in their habitual baseline diets which were generally similar, but appeared to reflect the lower baseline cholesterol concentrations in the younger men. There was a moderately strong and statistically significant inverse correlation between the change in LDL-cholesterol concentration on each diet and the baseline fasting LDL-cholesterol concentration (r– 0·49;P< 0·0005). In conclusion, diets in which saturated fat is partially replaced by MUFA can achieve significant reductions in total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, even when total fat and energy intakes are maintained. The dietary approach used to alter fatty acid intakes would be appropriate for achieving reductions in saturated fat intakes in whole populations.
The effect of intake on protein metabolism across splanchnic tissues in growing beef steers
Authors: Lapierre H. , Bernier J. F. , Dubreuil P. , Reynolds C. K. , Farmer C. , Ouellet D. R. , Lobley G. E.
Published: May 2019

The contribution of the total splanchnic tissue (TSP; portal-drained viscera (PDV) plus liver) to whole-body protein metabolism was estimated in relation to intake (0·6, 1·0 and 1·6 × maintenance requirements), in six multicatheterized growing beef steers used in a double 3 × 3 Latin square design. At the end of each 21 d experimental period, [1-13C]leucine was infused into a jugular vein (1·05 mmol/h for 5 h, preceded by a priming dose of 1·05 mmol). Arterial, portal and hepatic blood samples were collected hourly during the infusion. The increment in TSP leucine irreversible loss rate (ILR) observed with increasing intake reached significance (P< 0·10) only for PDV, while whole-body ILR increased markedly (P< 0·001) with intake. The relative contribution of TSP to whole-body leucine ILR averaged 44 % (25 % from PDV and 19 % from the liver). Although these proportions were not affected by intake, on an incremental basis more than 70 % of the increase of whole-body leucine ILR between the 0·6 and 1·0 × maintenance originated from the changes in TSP ILR, while the corresponding value was below 13 % between 1·0 and 1·6 × maintenance. Total whole-body leucine oxidation and fractional oxidation increased (P< 0·05) with intake. Protein retention increased with intake (P< 0·01), as a result of a greater increase in protein synthesis compared with protein degradation. Protein breakdown had a major impact on protein turnover as 65 % of the protein synthesized was degraded when intake varied from 1·0 to 1·6 × maintenance. Net leucine portal absorption increased (P< 0·001) with intake and represented 1, 16 and 23 % of whole body leucine ILR, for 0·6, 1·0 and 1·6 × maintenance, respectively. Although leucine oxidation was not a major component of whole body ILR (9·3–19·9 %), it represented 69 % of the net available leucine (portal absorption) even at 1·6 × maintenance. The lower relative contribution of the TSP to whole-body leucine ILR at higher intake indicates the proportional increase in the metabolic activity of peripheral tissues as the animals moved into positive protein balance.
Formaldehyde treatment suppresses ruminal degradation of phytate in soyabean meal and rapeseed meal
Authors: Park Woong-Yeoul , Matsui Tohru , Konishi Chiaki , Kim Sung-Won , Yano Fumiko , Yano Hideo
Published: May 2019

Most of the P in oilseed meal is in the form of phytate P, and phytate forms complexes with protein. Phytate P has been considered to be absorbed easily in ruminants because of phytate degradation in the rumen. Treatment of oilseed meals with formaldehyde improves the nutritional value of protein through suppressing its ruminal degradation. The present experiment was conducted to study the effects of formaldehyde treatment on phytate degradation in the rumen. The ruminal degradation of phytate in formaldehyde-treated soyabean meal or rapeseed meal was determined by a nylon-bag technique in sheep. Soyabean meal and rapeseed meal were treated with formaldehyde at levels of 3, 5 or 10 g/kg. Treatment with formaldehyde suppressed phytate and protein degradation in both the oilseed meals. Compared with the regular soyabean meal, the regular rapeseed meal showed lower degradability of phytate in the rumen. These results suggest that treatment with formaldehyde suppresses ruminal degradation of phytate in oilseed meal. Thus, the absorption of P from oilseed meal is probably decreased by this treatment in ruminants.
Double-blind study of the addition of high-protein soya milkv. cows' milk to the diet of patients with severe hypercholesterolaemia and resistance to or intolerance of statins
Authors: Sirtori C. R. , Pazzucconi F. , Colombo L. , Battistin P. , Bondioli A. , Descheemaeker K.
Published: May 2019

Total substitution of soyabean protein for animal protein in the diet has been repeatedly shown to lower plasma cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. A new, highly palatable, high-protein soya drink may allow replacement of a significant percentage of animal protein in the diet. The soya drink was given, within a crossover designv. a cows' milk preparation of similar composition and taste, to twenty-one severely hypercholesterolaemic patients (mean baseline plasma cholesterol 8·74 mmol/l) with a history of resistance to or intolerance of statin treatment. Each dietary supplement was given for 4 weeks, with a 4-week interval between treatments, Plasma lipid levels were monitored every 2 weeks during each dietary sequence. The concomitant dietary treatment, which had been followed for a long time by all patients, was carefully monitored throughout the study. The soya supplementation reduced plasma total cholesterol level by 6·5%, when given first, and by 7·4% when given after cows' milk. When given first, cows' milk resulted in a small, non-significant reduction of plasma cholesterol level (-3·9%), and when given after soya, it changed total plasma cholesterol to a minimal extent (-1·6%). Changes in total and LDL-cholesterol levels after 2 and 4 weeks of soyav. cows' milk treatment were, thus, respectively -6·1, -7·0 and -6·2, -7·8% (bothP< 0·05). These first data from a double-blind study confirm a significant cholesterol-lowering effect of soyabean protein, even when only partly replacing animal protein in the diet, in individuals with extreme plasma cholesterol elevations.
Effect of modified dairy fat on fasting and postprandial haemostatic variables in healthy young men
Authors: Tholstrup Tine , Marckmann Peter , Hermansen John , Hølmer Gunhild , Sandström Brittmarie
Published: May 2019

It has been suggested that milk fat, due to its content of saturated fatty acids, may have a thrombogenic effect. In the present study the fatty acid profile of milk fat was modified by changing the feeding regimens of cows and the effect on haemostatic variables of a diet containing the modified milk fat (M) was compared with that of a diet containing milk fat of typical Danish composition (D). In the modified fat 16% of the saturated fatty acid (C12–C16) content was replaced mainly by oleic acid. Eighteen subjects were fed on two strictly controlled isoenergetic diets containing 40% energy from total fat (30% energy from the test fats) for periods of 4 weeks in a study with a crossover design. Fasting samples were taken in the last week of each study period. Postprandial samples were taken on day 21, 3 h after lunch (n18), and on the last day of the study 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after a fat load containing 1·2 g of one of the milk fats/kg body weight (n8). After 4 weeks' dietary intervention fasting plasma factor VII coagulant (FVIIc) activity, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) antigen and β-thromboglobulin did not differ between diets M and D. Postprandially FVIIc and t-PA activities increased (P< 0·001) and PAI-1 antigen and PAI-1 activity decreased (P< 0·001) as compared with fasting values, regardless of diet. After the fat load, the postprandial increase in FVIIc was marginally lower after diet M than diet D (diet effect,P< 0·05). In conclusion, the modified milk fat obtained by the applied feeding strategy had virtually the same effects on haemostatic variables as conventional milk fat.
Retinyl palmitate supplementation by inhalation of an aerosol improves vitamin A status of preschool children in Gondar (Ethiopia)
Authors: Biesalski Hans , Reifen Ram , Fürst Peter , Edris Melkie
Published: May 2019

We report successful vitamin A supplementation by inhalation of retinyl palmitate in a placebo-controlled pilot study in twenty-five preschool children (2–5 years of age) in the rural district of Gondar, Ethiopia. Preschool children (n161) were randomly selected from 220 households. Out of this cohort, twenty-five children were randomly assigned to each of two treatment groups: one receiving retinyl palmitate by inhalation of two puffs of an aerosol containing 1 mg (3000 IU) per delivery to give a total of 2 mg (6000 IU); and the other receiving an aerosol without retinyl palmitate. Both treatments were administered every 2 weeks for 3 months. Serum retinol and retinol-binding protein concentrations in the vitamin A-treated group were 0·68 (sd 0·31) μmol/l and 59·4 (sd 24·2) mg/l before and 1·43 (sd 0·46) μmol/l (P< 0·01) and 97·3 (sd 31·2) mg/l (P< 0·05) 3 months after supplementation with retinyl palmitate, suggesting that this novel method of delivery of retinyl palmitate by inhalation is effective in improving vitamin A status.
Effects of dietaryn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from plant and marine origin on platelet aggregation in healthy elderly subjects
Authors: Wensing A. G. C. L , Mensink R. P. , Hornstra G.
Published: May 2019

In the present intervention study we compared the effects of α-linolenic acid with those of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on platelet aggregationin vitroandex vivoin healthy non-institutionalized elderly subjects. We also compared the effects of α-linolenic acid on platelet aggregation in elderly subjects with those in younger volunteers. During a run-in period of 3 weeks all subjects (thirty-eight elderly (> 60 years) and twelve younger volunteers (< 35 years)) received a diet rich in oleic acid. For the next 6 weeks the elderly subjects received a diet rich in oleic acid (n11), α-linolenic acid (n14) (6·8 g/d) or EPA/DHA (n13) (1·05 g EPA plus 0·55 g DHA). The younger subjects were given a diet rich in α-linolenic acid. The diets did not affect ADP- or collagen-induced platelet aggregationin vitroin either platelet-rich plasma or whole blood. Theex vivoplatelet aggregation as measured with filtragometry was significantly decreased in the elderly group that received EPA/DHA compared with the α-linolenic acid (P= 0·006) and the oleic acid (P= 0·005) diet groups. Effects of α-linolenic acid were not age-dependent. Our results suggest that α-linolenic acid and EPA/DHA do not changein vitroplatelet aggregation. Compared with oleic acid, EPA/DHA, but not α-linolenic acid, favourably affectsex vivoplatelet aggregation in healthy elderly subjects.
Influence of feeding different vegetables on plasma levels of carotenoids, folate and vitamin C. Effect of disruption of the vegetable matrix
Authors: van het Hof Karin H. , Tijburg Lilian B. M. , Pietrzik K. , Weststrate Jan A.
Published: May 2019

Carotenoids, folate and vitamin C may contribute to the observed beneficial effects of increased vegetable intake. Currently, knowledge on the bioavailability of these compounds from vegetables is limited. We compared the efficacy of different vegetables, at the same level of intake (i.e. 300 g/d), in increasing plasma levels of carotenoids, folate and vitamin C and we investigated if disruption of the vegetable matrix would enhance the bioavailability of these micronutrients. In an incomplete block design, sixty-nine volunteers consumed a control meal without vegetables and three out of four vegetable meals (i.e. broccoli, green peas, whole leaf spinach, chopped spinach; containing between 1·7 and 24·6 mg β-carotene, 3·8 and 26 mg lutein, 0·22 and 0·60 mg folate and 26 and 93 mg vitamin C) or a meal supplemented with synthetic β-carotene (33·3 mg). Meals were consumed for 4 d and fasting blood samples were taken at the end of each period. Consumption of the spinach-supplemented meal did not affect plasma levels of β-carotene, although the β-carotene content was 10-fold those of broccoli and green peas, which induced significant increases in plasma β-carotene levels (28 (95 % CI 6·4, 55) % and 26 (95 % CI 2·6, 54) % respectively). The β-carotene-supplemented meal increased plasma concentrations of β-carotene effectively (517 (95 % CI 409, 648) %). All vegetable meals increased the plasma concentrations of lutein and vitamin C significantly. Broccoli and green peas were, when expressed per mg carotenoid consumed, also more effective sources of lutein than spinach. A significant increase in plasma folate concentration was found only after consumption of the spinach-supplemented meal, which provided the highest level of folate. Disruption of the spinach matrix increased the plasma responses to both lutein (14 (95 % CI 3·7, 25) %) and folate (10 (95 % CI 2·2, 18) %), whereas it did not affect the response to β-carotene. We conclude that the bioavailabilities of β-carotene and lutein vary substantially among different vegetables and that the bioavailabilities of lutein and folate from spinach can be improved by disruption of the vegetable matrix.
Time-course of the change in blood pressure level in magnesium-deficient Wistar rats
Authors: Laurant Pascal , Dalle Michel , Berthelot Alain , Rayssiguier Yves
Published: May 2019

To investigate the relationships between maternal, umbilical cord and piglet fatty acid status, multiparous sows (six per diet) were fed on diets containing supplements (30 g/kg) of either soyabean oil or tuna oil for the last 21 d of pregnancy. The proportions of most fatty acids differed between diets: in particular, the tuna-oil-containing diet supplied more 22:6n-3 and less 18:2n-6 fatty acids than the soyabean-oil-containing diet. Maternal plasma fatty acid concentrations (mg/l) were greater than those in umbilical plasma and 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 fatty acids were present in higher proportions (g/100 g fatty acids) in umbilical than maternal plasma. Feeding tuna oil increased the proportionate amounts (g/100 g fatty acids) of total n-3 fatty acids (particularly 22:6n-3) in umbilical cord, plasma and piglet tissues compared with feeding soyabean oil: in contrast, the proportion of 20:4n-6 was decreased by feeding tuna oil. Changes in piglet fatty acid proportions as a result of oil feeding were not influenced by piglet weight. While proportions of the long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in piglet liver, spleen and reproductive tract (ovaries plus uterus of the female, testes of the male) correlated well with those of umbilical plasma, those in brain and retina were poorly correlated. Therefore umbilical plasma cannot be used to predict the fatty acid status of piglet brain.
Effects of dietary coconut oil on fatty acid oxidation capacity of the liver, the heart and skeletal muscles in the preruminant calf
Authors: Piot Cécile , Hocquette Jean-François , Veerkamp Jacques H. , Durand Denys , Bauchart Dominique
Published: May 2019

The oxidative capacity of the liver, the heart and skeletal muscles for fatty acids were investigated in preruminant calves fed for 19 d on a milk-replacer containing either coconut oil (CO, rich in 12:0) or tallow (rich in 16:0 and 18:1). Weights of the total body and tissues did not differ significantly between the two groups of animals but plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were lower in the CO group. Feeding on the CO diet induced an 18-fold increase in the hepatic concentration of triacylglycerols. Rates of total and peroxisomal oxidation of [1-14C]laurate, [1-14C]palmitate and [1-14C]oleate were measured in fresh tissue homogenates. Higher rates of total oxidation in liver homogenate and of peroxisomal oxidation in liver, heart andrectus abdominismuscle homogenates were observed with laurate used as substrate. Furthermore, the relative contribution of peroxisomes to total oxidation was 1·9-fold higher in the liver and in the heart with laurate than with oleate or palmitate. Finally, the peroxisomal oxidation rate of oleate was 1·5-fold higher in the hearts of calves fed on the CO diet. Whatever the tissue, citrate synthase (CS,EC4.1.3.7) and cytochromecoxidase (COX,EC1.9.3.1) activities were similar between the two groups of calves but the COX : CS activity ratio was lower in the liver of the CO group. In conclusion, laurate is better catabolized by peroxisomes than long-chain fatty acids, especially in the liver. Elongation of lauric acid after partial oxidation might explain the hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation in calves fed on the CO diet.
Modifications induced by dietary lipid source in adipose tissue phospholipid fatty acids and their consequences in lipid mobilization
Authors: Portillo María P. , Tueros Ana I. , Perona Javier S. , Ruiz-Gutiérrez Valentina , Torres Isabel , Macarulla M. Teresa
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present work was to assess the influence of dietary lipid source on fatty acid phospholipid profiles and on lipid mobilization. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and fed on high-fat diets which provided olive oil, sunflower oil, palm oil or beef tallow. All rats received the same amount of energy to avoid hyperphagia and differences in energy intake among groups. Phospholipid fatty acids were determined by GC. Lipolysis was stimulated in subcutaneous and perirenal isolated adipocytes by several lipolytic agents, and assessed by the determination of released glycerol. After 4 weeks of feeding, differences in body and adipose tissue weights were not observed. Dietary regimens caused great changes in adipose tissue phospholipid composition: rats fed on palm oil and beef tallow had higher concentrations of saturated fatty acids and animals fed on olive oil or sunflower oil had greater amounts of oleic and linoleic acids, respectively. These modifications did not lead to important changes in adipocyte lipolysis. Significant differences were only observed between palm-oil- and beef-tallow-fed groups when lipolysis was stimulated by isoproterenol in subcutaneous adipocytes. The fact that our feeding protocol did not induce differences in fat accumulation among groups avoids misinterpretations due to adiposity changes. The differences observed between both saturated-fat-fed groups, therefore, should only be attributable to dietary lipids. Despite this effect, the data from this work indicate that some diet-induced changes in adipose tissue fatty acid composition may have little effect on overall function.
Wheat bran supplementation does not affect biochemical markers of bone turnover in young adult women with recommended calcium intake
Authors: Zittermann A. , Scheld K. , Danz A. , Stehle P.
Published: May 2019

We investigated the effect of wheat bran on biochemical indicators of Ca and bone metabolism in nineteen healthy women, aged 25·5 (se 0·9) years. Subjects received six wheat bran biscuits or six white flour biscuits per day for a period of 4 weeks (crossover). Wheat bran consumption increased fibre intake from 17·7 (se 1·3) to 29·6 (se 1·3) g/d (7 d food record) and enhanced P intake from 1225 (se 59) mg/d to 1663 (se 65) mg/d;P< 0·001. Mean daily Ca intake during wheat bran consumption (1110 (se 82) mg/d) significantly (P= 0·008) exceeded Ca ingestion during the white flour period (955 (se 67) mg/d). Wheat bran increased the number of defecations per week from 7·9 (se 0·8) to 12·2 (se 1·4) (P= 0·0018). Urinary Ca excretion over 24 h significantly (P= 0·021) decreased from 473 (se 53) μmol/mmol creatinine (control period) to 339 (se 37) μmol/mmol creatinine (wheat bran period). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 2 h fasting urinary Ca/creatinine excretions and 24 h urinary P excretion remained constant. No differences in serum levels of carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (biomarker of bone formation) or in 2 h fasting urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine excretions (biomarker of bone resorption) were observed at the end of the two cycles of dietary supplementation. We conclude that a high fibre intake of approximately 30 g/d has no significant adverse effects on bone turnover in subjects with Ca intakes above 1000 mg/d and that the reduction in 24 h urinary Ca excretion is most probably the result of an adaptation process, induced by a decrease in net absorbed Ca.
The effect of a model melanoidin mixture on faecal bacterial populationsin vitro
Authors: Ames Jennifer M. , Wynne Anthony , Hofmann Andrea , Plos Saskia , Gibson Glenn R.
Published: May 2019

The Maillard reaction produces coloured, macromolecular materials (melanoidins) in a variety of foods, on heating. Significant quantities may enter the human gut on a daily basis, but there is little information on their metabolism in the human colon. As the large bowel contains a diverse population of bacteria involved in normal bowel function, it is possible that melanoidins are metabolized therein. Depending on the bacteria involved, there may be disease or health implications. The aim of the present study was to usein vitromodels to determine the digestibility of melanoidins and the effect of melanoidins on colonic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Melanoidins were prepared and the effects of simulated upper-gut secretions on their stability determined in a model system. The effects of faecal bacteria were also determined, in batch culture, with a combination of phenotypic and genotypic (probes) criteria being used to identify the microbial diversity involved. Simulation of peptic and pancreatic digestion showed that the melanoidins did not produce detectable amounts of low-molecular-mass degradation products. However, melanoidins affected the growth of gut bacteria during mixed culture growth. The effect was to cause a non-specific increase in the anaerobic bacteria enumerated. Thisin vitrostudy indicates that melanoidins can affect the growth of human large-bowel bacteria and serves to demonstrate possible effects that may occurin vivo. Given the large and varied number of food items that contain Maillard reaction products, this may have relevance for lower-gut health.
Religion: A Contested Site in Theology and the Study of Religion
Authors: Fiorenza Francis Schüssler
Published: May 2019

I first became acquainted with Richard Niebuhr's scholarship and thought in a German graduate seminar on Friedrich Schleiermacher and Ernst Troeltsch. Niebuhr's book,Schleiermacher on Christ and Religion, was a required text for the course and was regarded as the most significant study on Schleiermacher. My interest in Karl Rahner's theology had led me to go to Germany for doctoral studies. Once there, I discovered that much of what I had admired in Rahner had already been anticipated a century and a half earlier in Schleiermacher's work. Professor Niebuhr's study on Schleiermacher was the source of this insight. It influenced my decision later to translate into English Schleiermacher'sOn the Glaubenslehre: Two Letters to Dr. Lücke. My topic for this article, the theological retrieval of the category of religion, is obviously suggested by Niebuhr's study of Schleiermacher, which sought to overcome the dichotomies associated with the category of religion by the then-dominant Neo-orthodoxy. This topic is also a theme of Niebuhr's ensuing book,Experiential Religion, in which he elaborated his own constructive account of religion and experience. In addition, this topic appropriately relates to Niebuhr's activity at Harvard University, where he helped establish a program of studies in religion within the Committee on the Study of Religion.
Mark and His Readers: The Son of God among Jews
Authors: Collins Adela Yarbro
Published: May 2019

First, a few remarks about the audience of the Gospel according to Mark. This study is based on the premise that Mark was read aloud in gatherings of Christians in the late first and early second centuries that were not necessarily liturgical in a narrow sense. Further, those who listened were not all equally committed to the Christian faith and probably assimilated and interpreted the instruction that they received in various ways. Some in the audience, even if they were familiar with the Pauline understanding of Jesus as the Son of God, may have preferred to de-fine Jesus' divine sonship in another, more traditionally Jewish way, to be discussed below. Finally, even if the Gospel was written primarily for insiders, it is likely that copies were available to interested or critical outsiders. Celsus's knowl-edge of the Gospels shows that this happened at least by the second half of the second century.
Self and Sacrifice: A Phenomenological Psychology of Sacred Pain
Authors: Glucklich Ariel
Published: May 2019

In a previous article published in this journal, I discussed the relation between the neurological system and some culturally prescribed forms of self-inflicted pain. I showed that the way humans experience and communicate pain depends on the cybernetic features of the peripheral and central nervous system. The body-self, our sense of coherent and embodied agency, was also discussed in its relation to neural function—Ronald Melzack's “neurosignature.” These topics traced a basic epistemology of self-inflicted pain. I showed that an intentional manipulation of systemic neural features could result in states of “self-transcendence,” or effacement, to which many mystics have aspired. These dynamics take place beneath the level of consciousness. They constitute a neuropsychology. But what happens at the conscious level, in the awareness of the self-mutilator? How do the neurological processes translate into decisions to hurt oneself, and what are the consequences of such pain? These questions are the subject of the present work. The discussion now moves to the psychological level of the experience of pain, but it builds carefully on the neurocybernetics of the previous article. There will be nodeus ex machinaSelf who becomes magically reborn through the ordeals of pain. For reasons that will become explicit shortly, I will adhere to the strict rules of phenomenology that regulated the first article. The subject who undergoes pain will only be discussed as an expansion of the body-self.
Pregnant cow nutrition and its effects on foetal weight – a meta-analysis
Authors: Zago D. , Canozzi M. E. A. , Barcellos J. O. J.
Published: May 2019

The prenatal development of cattle has influence on productive performance throughout postnatal life. The number of muscle and fat cells that the animal will have throughout its life is determined in the foetal stage and is influenced by nutrition of the pregnant cow. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of different energy levels (total digestible nutrient, TDN) and crude protein (CP) supplied to pregnant cows on foetal weight at 4 (FW4) and 8 months (FW8) and calf birth weight (CBW). Four studies and six trials involving 170 animals were assessed for FW4; four studies, four trials and 156 animals for FW8 and 48 studies, 125 trials and 9053 animals for CBW. High heterogeneity across studies was presented in FW4 (I2 = 94.4%), FW8 (I2 = 91.08%) and CBW (I2 = 96.9%). Dietary TDN and CP levels did not influence FW4. The FW8 was reduced by 2.24 kg when cows were fed 100% of their CP and TDN requirements (I2 = 0%), relative to those fed 70% of their requirements during the first and second trimesters. The CBW was reduced by 0.45 kg (I2 = 96.9%) when cows were fed 130% of their CP requirements relative to other dietary CP levels. When cows were fed 140% of their TDN requirements, CBW decreased by 2.71 kg (I2 = 98.3%) relative to other TDN levels. Dietary energy or CP levels fed above the requirements to pregnant cows restrict foetal development and CBW.
Accuracy of otoacoustic emissions, and automated and diagnostic auditory brainstem responses, in high-risk infants
Authors: Khaimook W , Pantuyosyanyong D , Pitathawatchai P
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic reliabilities of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions, automated auditory brainstem responses and brainstem auditory evoked responses for detecting hearing loss, and to use the information regarding hearing level of automated auditory brainstem responses for planning rehabilitation.

Methods

A total of 144 high-risk infants (288 ears) completed the 3 hearing tests. The sensitivity and specificity of otoacoustic emissions and automated auditory brainstem responses were compared using the chi-square test.

Results

Automated auditory brainstem response was the most reliable test of hearing levels, with a sensitivity of 91.7 per cent and specificity of 92.1 per cent; the sensitivity of otoacoustic emissions was 78.7 per cent and the specificity was 88.8 per cent.

Conclusion

Automated auditory brainstem responses have acceptably high sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, the hearing level from automated auditory brainstem responses can help the screeners explain to the parents the importance of further diagnosis and rehabilitation.