bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training, maturation, and genetic influences on the development of executive attention
Authors: Rueda M. Rosario , Rothbart Mary K. , McCandliss Bruce D. , Saccomanno Lisa , Posner Michael I.
Published: September 2005

A neural network underlying attentional control involves the anterior cingulate in addition to lateral prefrontal areas. An important development of this network occurs between 3 and 7 years of age. We have examined the efficiency of attentional networks across age and after 5 days of attention training (experimental group) compared with different types of no training (control groups) in 4-year-old and 6-year-old children. Strong improvement in executive attention and intelligence was found from ages 4 to 6 years. Both 4- and 6-year-olds showed more mature performance after the training than did the control groups. This finding applies to behavioral scores of the executive attention network as measured by the attention network test, event-related potentials recorded from the scalp during attention network test performance, and intelligence test scores. We also documented the role of the temperamental factor of effortful control and the
DAT1
gene in individual differences in attention. Overall, our data suggest that the executive attention network appears to develop under strong genetic control, but that it is subject to educational interventions during development.
Evidence from opsin genes rejects nocturnality in ancestral primates
Authors: Tan Ying , Yoder Anne D. , Yamashita Nayuta , Li Wen-Hsiung
Published: September 2005

It is firmly believed that ancestral primates were nocturnal, with nocturnality having been maintained in most prosimian lineages. Under this traditional view, the opsin genes in all nocturnal prosimians should have undergone similar degrees of functional relaxation and accumulated similar extents of deleterious mutations. This expectation is rejected by the short-wavelength (S) opsin gene sequences from 14 representative prosimians. We found severe defects of the S opsin gene only in lorisiforms, but no defect in five nocturnal and two diurnal lemur species and only minor defects in two tarsiers and two nocturnal lemurs. Further, the nonsynonymous-to-synonymous rate ratio of the S opsin gene is highest in the lorisiforms and varies among the other prosimian branches, indicating different time periods of functional relaxation among lineages. These observations suggest that the ancestral primates were diurnal or cathemeral and that nocturnality has evolved several times in the prosimians, first in the lorisiforms but much later in other lineages. This view is further supported by the distribution pattern of the middle-wavelength (M) and long-wavelength (L) opsin genes among prosimians.
Molecular characterization of closely related species in the parasitic genus Encarsia (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene
Authors: Monti M.M. , Nappo A.G. , Giorgini M.
Published: September 2005

The genus Encarsia Förster includes parasitoid species that are effective natural enemies of whitefly and armoured scale insect agricultural pests. Within this genus, several species groups have been recognized on the basis of morphological similarity, although their monophyly appears uncertain. It is often difficult to separate morphologically similar species, and there is evidence that some species could in fact be complexes of cryptic species. Their correct identification is fundamental for biological control purposes. Recently, due to unreliability of morphological characters, molecular techniques have been investigated to identify markers that differentiate closely related species. In this study, DNA variation in an ~900 bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was examined by both sequencing and PCR–RFLP. Two pairs of species that are difficult to distinguish morphologically were analysed: Encarsia formosa Gahan and Encarsia luteola Howard, belonging to the luteola group, and two populations of Encarsia sophia (Girault & Dodd) from Pakistan and Spain, belonging to the strenua group, recently characterized as cryptic species. High sequence divergence and species-specific restriction patterns clearly differentiate both species pairs. Parsimony analysis of the nucleotide sequences was also performed, including Encarsia hispida De Santis (luteola group) and Encarsia protransvena Viggiani (strenua group). Two monophyletic clades supporting the two groups of species considered were resolved. The results of this study support the use of the COI gene as a useful marker in separating species of Encarsia, for which morphological differences are subtle. Moreover, the COI gene appears potentially useful for understanding phylogenetic relationships in this genus.
Application of DL-β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) as a root drench to legumes inhibits the growth and reproduction of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Hodge S. , Thompson G.A. , Powell G.
Published: September 2005

DL-β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) is a non-protein amino acid that is an effective inducer of resistance against a variety of plant pathogens. However, examples of BABA-induced resistance against insect herbivores have not been reported. We applied BABA as a soil drench to legumes and monitored its effects on the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). On tic bean (Vicia faba var. minor), BABA increased aphid mortality, caused a reduction in the mean relative growth rate of individual insects and lessened the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm). BABA also caused significant reductions in the growth rate of A. pisum on pea (Pisum sativa), broad bean (Vicia faba var. major), runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). No direct toxic effects of BABA against A. pisum were found, and no phytotoxic effects that may have caused a reduction in aphid performance were detected. Possible mechanisms behind this BABA-induced inhibition of aphid performance are discussed.
Macrogeographic population structure of the tsetse fly, Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Ouma J.O. , Marquez J.G. , Krafsur E.S.
Published: September 2005

Tsetse flies are confined to sub-Saharan Africa where they occupy discontinuous habitats. In anticipation of area-wide control programmes, estimates of gene flow among tsetse populations are necessary. Genetic diversities were partitioned at eight microsatellite loci and five mitochondrial loci in 21 Glossina pallidipes Austin populations. At microsatellite loci, Nei's unbiased gene diversity averaged over loci was 0.659 and the total number of alleles was 214, only four of which were shared among all populations. The mean number of alleles per locus was 26.8. Random mating was observed within but not among populations(fixation index FST = 0.180) and 81% of the genetic variance was within populations. Thirty-nine mitochondrial variants were detected. Mitochondrial diversities in populations varied from 0 to 0.85 and averaged 0.42, and FST=0.51. High levels of genetic differentiation were characteristic, extending even to subpopulations separated by tens and hundreds of kilometres, and indicating low rates of gene flow.
The effect of overnourishing singleton-bearing adult ewes on nutrient partitioning to the gravid uterus
Authors: Wallace Jacqueline M. , Milne John S. , Aitken Raymond P.
Published: September 2005

Overnourishing the singleton-bearing adolescent sheep throughout pregnancy promotes maternal tissue synthesis at the expense of the nutrient requirements of the gravid uterus. Consequently, the growth of the placenta is impaired and results in the premature delivery of low-birth-weight lambs relative to moderately fed adolescents of equivalent age. To establish if this phenomenon is unique to the growing animal, singleton pregnancies to a single sire were established by embryo transfer into primiparous adult ewes who had attained the normal mature body size for their genotype. Thereafter ewes were offered a maintenance or a high level of a complete diet throughout gestation. High maternal intakes resulted in elevated maternal insulin, no significant change in growth hormone or glucose, and attenuated progesterone and NEFA concentrations. Live weight gain during the first 93 d of gestation was 48 and 244 g/d, and adiposity score at term was 2·4 and 3·7 in the maintenance and high groups, respectively (P<0·001). In spite of achieving levels of adiposity similar to overnourished adolescents, placental (477 (sem 30) v. 518 (sem 41) g) and fetal (5190 (sem 320) v. 5420 (sem 250) g) weights were equivalent in maintenance and high groups. Gestation length was shorter (P<0·01) and colostrum yield at parturition lower (P<0·05) in high v. maintenance dams. Thus, adult sheep appear to be relatively insensitive to the oversupply of nutrients during pregnancy and have the ability to meet the nutrient requirements for normal conceptus growth in spite of their increased adiposity.
Day-to-day variation in iron-status measures in young iron-deplete women
Authors: Belza Anita , Henriksen Marianne , Ersbøll Annette K , Thilsted Shakuntala H , Tetens Inge
Published: September 2005

In intervention and observational studies, it is necessary to determine the number of blood samples required to estimate the true value of Fe-status measures. The aim of the present study was to determine the number of days for blood sampling required in order to measure the ‘true value’ of five Fe-status parameters in young Fe-depleted women and to investigate the effect of menstrual cycle on these measures. Twelve women (aged 23–30 years), non-anaemic but with low Fe stores, participated in the study. Venous blood samples were collected under standardised conditions on fifteen non-consecutive days during a 5-week period. All blood samples were analysed for Hb, serum ferritin (SF), serum transferrin receptors (sTfR), red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW) and reticulocytes (RET), and body Fe stores were calculated as the ratio between sTfR and SF. No systematic changes were found in the investigated parameters during the study. When analytical variations were accounted for, the day-to-day variations (CV%) were as follows: Hb 2·9 %, SF 8·2 %, RET 26·0 %, RDW 2·4 % and sTfR 8·1 %. Calculating the ‘true value’ with a 5 % significance level and 80 % power showed that one blood sample was sufficient for Hb, SF, sTfR and RDW, whereas seven blood-sampling days were needed for RET. In this study, no significant differences in Fe status were found across the menstrual cycle. The conclusions from this study are valid for studies conducted under similar strict conditions.
Efficiency of a few retinoids and carotenoidsin vivoin controlling benzo[a]pyrene-induced forestomach tumour in female Swiss mice
Authors: Goswami Umesh C. , Sharma Namita
Published: September 2005

The anticarcinogenic effect of vitamin A2(dehydroretinol and 3-hydroxyretinol) compounds was studied and compared with that of vitamin A1(retinoic acid, retinol and retinal) and carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) in the benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P)-induced forestomach tumour model of female Swiss micein vivo. Tumour growth and gross tumour incidence observed after the administration of B(a)P (eight doses of 1 mg, twice weekly for 4 weeks) and retinoids/carotenoids (2·5 and 4·7 μm per animal per d, 2 weeks before, during and 2 weeks after B(a)P) showed that the groups supplemented with lutein and 3-hydroxyretinol produced the best results in inhibiting tumour growth and had low tumour incidence compared with the control group given B(a)P only (P<0·05). Weights recorded after the different treatments showed that the β-carotene-supplemented group exhibited maximum weight gain, followed by retinal, retinol, retinoic acid, lutein, dehydroretinol and 3-hydroxyretinol. These results indicate that the anticarcinogenicity of the compounds is not related to the vitamin A biopotencies. Vitamin A2compounds having half the biopotency of the vitamin A1compounds were seen to be anticarcinogenic. Again, among the carotenoids, lutein, having 50 % less biopotency, showed more significant results than β-carotene. Thus it is imperative to conclude that the low animal growth achieved with these compounds has a correlation with the highest suppression of tumour occurrence in the present experiment. Therefore, the daily consumption of foods having high content of lutein and vitamin A2should be given due importance and weight in further studies.
Impact of menstrual blood loss and diet on iron deficiency among women in the UK
Authors: Harvey Linda J. , Armah Charlotte N. , Dainty Jack R. , Foxall Robert J. , Lewis D. John , Langford Nicola J. , Fairweather-Tait Susan J.
Published: September 2005

Women of childbearing age are at risk of Fe deficiency if insufficient dietary Fe is available to replace menstrual and other Fe losses. Haem Fe represents 10–15 % of dietary Fe intake in meat-rich diets but may contribute 40 % of the total absorbed Fe. The aim of the present study was to determine the relative effects of type of diet and menstrual Fe loss on Fe status in women. Ninety healthy premenopausal women were recruited according to their habitual diet: red meat, poultry/fish or lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Intake of Fe was determined by analysing 7 d duplicate diets, and menstrual Fe loss was measured using the alkaline haematin method. A substantial proportion of women (60 % red meat, 40 % lacto-ovo-vegetarian, 20 % poultry/fish) had low Fe stores (serum ferritin <10 μg/l), but the median serum ferritin concentration was significantly lower in the red meat group (6·8 μg/l (interquartile range 3·3, 16·25)) than in the poultry/fish group (17·5 μg/l (interquartile range 11·3, 22·4) (P<0·01). The mean and standard deviation of dietary Fe intake were significantly different between the groups (P=0·025); the red meat group had a significantly lower intake (10·9 (sd 4·3) mg/d) than the lacto-ovo-vegetarians (14·5 (sd 5·5) mg/d), whereas that of the poultry/fish group (12·8 (sd 5·1) mg/d) was not significantly different from the other groups. There was no relationship between total Fe intake and Fe status, but menstrual Fe loss (P=0·001) and dietary group (P=0·040) were significant predictors of Fe status: poultry/fish diets were associated with higher Fe stores than lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets. Identifying individuals with high menstrual losses should be a key component of strategies to prevent Fe deficiency.
Evaluation of diet and growth in children with and without atopic eczema: follow-up study from birth to 4 years
Authors: Laitinen Kirsi , Kalliomäki Marko , Poussa Tuija , Lagström Hanna , Isolauri Erika
Published: September 2005

Current research into dietary factors contributing to the development of allergic diseases is directed towards new active approaches instead of passive elimination diets. The present study aimed to investigate the explanatory role of the diet in a probiotic intervention study on the appearance of atopic eczema (AE) in childhood and the safety of perinatal supplementation with probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosusstrain GG; ATCC 53 103). A prospective follow-up study from birth to 48 months of children (n159) with a family history of allergic disease was carried out. Outcome measures included growth, dietary intake assessed with 4 d food diaries and their association with AE by logistic regression models. Increased intakes of retinol, Ca and Zn, with perinatal administration of probiotics, reduced the risk of AE, whilst an increase in intake of ascorbic acid increased the likelihood of AE. Perinatal administration of probiotics was safe, as it did not influence the height (mean difference 0·04 (95 % CI −0·33, 0·40) sd scores,P=0·852) or the weight-for-height (mean difference −3·35 (95 % CI −7·07, 0·37)%,P=0·077) of the children at 48 months with and without perinatal administration of probiotics. Up to 48 months, AE did not affect height (mean difference −0·05 (95 % CI −0·42, 0·33) sd scores,P=0·815), but mean weight-for-height in children with AE was −5·1 % (95 % CI −8·9, −1·2 %) lower compared with children without (P=0·010). The joint effects of nutrients and probiotics need to be considered in active prevention and management schemes for allergic diseases.
Effects of isomalt consumption on gastrointestinal and metabolic parameters in healthy volunteers
Authors: Gostner A. , Schäffer V. , Theis S. , Menzel T. , Lührs H. , Melcher R. , Schauber J. , Kudlich T. , Dusel G. , Dorbath D. , Kozianowski G. , Scheppach W.
Published: September 2005

The polyol isomalt (Palatinit®) is a well established sugar replacer. The impact of regular isomalt consumption on metabolism and parameters of gut function in nineteen healthy volunteers was examined in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over trial with two 4-week test periods. Volunteers received 30 g isomalt or 30 g sucrose daily as part of a controlled diet. In addition to clinical standard diagnostics, biomarkers and parameters currently discussed as risk factors for CHD, diabetes or obesity were analysed. Urine and stool Ca and phosphate excretions were measured. In addition, mean transit time, defecation frequency, stool consistency and weight were determined. Consumption of test products was affirmed by the urinary excretion of mannitol. Blood lipids were comparable in both phases, especially in volunteers with hyperlipidaemia, apart from lower apo A-1 (P=0·03) for all subjects. Remnant-like particles, oxidised LDL, NEFA, fructosamine and leptin were comparable and not influenced by isomalt. Ca and phosphate homeostasis was not affected. Stool frequency was moderately increased in the isomalt phase (P=0·006) without changes in stool consistency and stool water. This suggests that isomalt is well tolerated and that consumption of isomalt does not impair metabolic function or induce hypercalciuria. In addition, the study data indicate that isomalt could be useful in improving bowel function.
Polyphenol levels in human urine after intake of six different polyphenol-rich beverages
Authors: Ito Hideyuki , Gonthier Marie-Paule , Manach Claudine , Morand Christine , Mennen Louise , Rémésy Christian , Scalbert Augustin
Published: September 2005

Dietary polyphenols are suggested to participate in the prevention of CVD and cancer. It is essential for epidemiological studies to be able to compare intake of the main dietary polyphenols in populations. The present paper describes a fast method suitable for the analysis of polyphenols in urine, selected as potential biomarkers of intake. This method is applied to the estimation of polyphenol recovery after ingestion of six different polyphenol-rich beverages. Fifteen polyphenols including mammalian lignans (enterodiol and enterolactone), several phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic,m-coumaric, gallic, and 4-O-methylgallic acids), phloretin and various flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, hesperetin, and naringenin) were simultaneously quantified in human urine by HPLC coupled with electrospray ionisation mass-MS (HPLC-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry) with a run time of 6 min per sample. The method has been validated with regard to linearity, precision, and accuracy in intra- and inter-day assays. It was applied to urine samples collected from nine volunteers in the 24 h following consumption of either green tea, a grape-skin extract, cocoa beverage, coffee, grapefruit juice or orange juice. Levels of urinary excretion suggest that chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, epicatechin, naringenin or hesperetin could be used as specific biomarkers to evaluate the consumption of coffee, wine, tea or cocoa, and citrus juices respectively.
The effects of polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acids ratios and peroxidisability index values of dietary fats on serum lipid profiles and hepatic enzyme activities in rats
Authors: Kang Min Jeong , Shin Myoung Suk , Park Jung Nan , Lee Sang Sun
Published: September 2005

Raising the dietary PUFA:saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio has been recommended for the prevention of CVD. However, a high PUFA:SFA (P:S) ratio diet enhances oxidative stress because PUFA are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Thus, we focused on the role of the dietary P:S ratio and peroxidisability index (PI) value on serum and liver tissue and investigated the effects of dietary P:S ratios (0·4, 1·0, and 4·8) with a fixed PI value (81) on serum lipid parameters and hepatic enzyme activities (experiment 1). To elucidate whether those phenomena were unique to the P:S ratio, we examined the effects of dietary PI values (36, 81, 126, and 217) with a constant P:S ratio (1·0) (experiment 2). Female Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 240–280 g were fed experimental diets for 4 weeks. When dietary PI value was maintained at 81, serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) increased with increasing dietary P:S ratio. When the P:S ratio was fixed at 1·0, HDL-C was the lowest with mid–low PI (MLPI) (PI value of 81). In both experiments, serum LDL-cholesterol:HDL-C ratio kept in the range of 0–2. The hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations were the highest in the lowest dietary P:S ratio group (experiment 1). GSH-Px, glutathione-S-transferase, and TBARS were the lowest in rats fed the MLPI diet (experiment 2). In conclusion, these results indicate that a P:S ratio of 1·0–1·5 and a PI value of 80–90 in the diet are within a favourable range to reduce the risk of CVD.
The role of the mitochondria in apoptosis induced by 7β-hydroxycholesterol and cholesterol-5β,6β-epoxide
Authors: Ryan Lisa , O'Callaghan Yvonne C. , O'Brien Nora M.
Published: September 2005

Oxysterols are oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol that may be formed endogenously or absorbed from the diet. Significant amounts of oxysterols have frequently been identified in foods of animal origin, in particular highly processed foods. To date, oxysterols have been shown to possess diverse biological activities; however, recent attention has focused on their potential role in the development of atherosclerosis. Oxysterols have been reported to induce apoptosis in cells of the arterial wall, a primary process in the development of atheroma. The aim of the present study was to identify the role of the mitochondria in the apoptotic pathways induced by the oxysterols 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OH) and cholesterol-5β,6β-epoxide (β-epoxide) in U937 cells. To this end, we investigated the effects of these oxysterols on mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-8 activity, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and cytochromecrelease. 7β-OH-induced apoptosis was associated with a loss in mitochondrial membrane potential after 2 h, accompanied by cytochromecrelease from the mitochondria into the cytosol after 16 h. Pre-treatment with a range of inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore protected against 7β-OH-induced cell death. In contrast, β-epoxide induced a slight increase in caspase-8 activity but had no effect on mitochondrial membrane potential or cytochromecrelease. The present results confirm that 7β-OH-induced apoptosis occurs via the mitochondrial pathway and highlights differences in the apoptotic pathways induced by 7β-OH and β-epoxide in U937 cells.
Effects of a flaxseed mixture and plant oils rich in α-linolenic acid on the adenoma formation in multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice
Authors: Oikarinen Seija I. , Pajari Anne-Maria , Salminen Irma , Heinonen Satu-Maarit , Adlercreutz Herman , Mutanen Marja
Published: September 2005

Flaxseed is a dietary source of possible chemopreventive compounds such as lignans and α-linolenic acid (ALA). To study the effects of a flaxseed mixture on adenoma formation in multiple intestinal neoplasia mice, the mice were fed a diet containing 2·7 % flaxseed, 4·5 % fibre and 3·7 % ALA. To elucidate the effect of oils of the mixture we also composed a diet without flaxseed but with the same oil composition. The median number of adenomas in the small intestine was fifty-four for the control group, and thirty-seven (P=0·023) and forty-two (P=0·095) for flaxseed and oil groups, respectively. Compared with controls (1·2 mm), the adenoma size was smaller in the flaxseed (0·9 mm; P=0·002) and oil (1·0 mm; P=0·012) groups. Both diets changed the proportions of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in the colonic mucosa. Membrane β-catenin and protein kinase C (PKC)-ζ levels were reduced in the adenoma v. mucosa (P<0·05), and an inverse association was found between the membrane PKC-ζ in the mucosa and the adenoma number (r −0·460, P=0·008, n 32). Only the flaxseed diet increased lignan levels in the caecum (P=0·002) and in plasma (P=0·002) but they were not associated with tumour formation. The results suggest that the preventive effect of flaxseed on colon carcinogenesis may be due to the oil part of flaxseed, and the loss of β-catenin and PKC-ζ from the membranes of the mucosal tissue may play a permissive role in intestinal tumour development.
A nutrigenomics database – integrated repository for publications and associated microarray data in nutrigenomics research
Authors: Saito Kenji , Arai Soichi , Kato Hisanori
Published: September 2005

In the current situation where microarray data in the field of nutritional genomics (nutrigenomics) are accumulating rapidly, there is imminent need for an efficient data infrastructure to support research workflow. We have established a web-based, integrated database of the publications and microarray expression data in the field of nutrigenomics. The registered data include links to external databases such as PubMed of the National Center for Biotechnology Information and public microarray databases that contain Minimum Information About a Microarray Experiment-compliant microarray expression data. Using this database, all data sets created will be effectively utilized and shared with other researchers. This database is built on an open-source database system and is freely accessible via the World Wide Web (http://a-yo5.ch.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp/index.phtml</url).
Emotions generated by meat and other food products in women
Authors: Rousset S. , Deiss V. , Juillard E. , Schlich P. , Droit-Volet S.
Published: September 2005

Eating behaviour depends partly on food preference, which is itself determined by different types of emotions. Among the emotions generated by food, disgust with red meat is common in women and can lead to reduced meat consumption. We tested the hypothesis that low meat intake is related to different negative emotions towards meat but does not affect the emotions expressed towards other food categories. Food intake of sixty women was followed throughout each day for 1 week and allowed us to assign women to two groups (lowv. high meat-eating women). They were then invited to assess the intensity of twenty-six emotions described by words and induced by thirty food pictures. We determined the number of necessary dimensions to describe the space created by the twenty-six words. The results showed differences in emotions between the low and high meat-eating women. As expected, there were overall differences in the emotions generated by the thirty food pictures. Six clusters of emotions were necessary and sufficient to summarise the emotional space. These dimensions were described by ‘disappointment’, ‘satisfaction’, ‘guilt’, ‘doubt’, ‘amused’ and ‘indifference’. As expected, the low meat-eating women felt more ‘disappointment’, ‘indifference’ and less ‘satisfaction’ towards meat than did the high meat-eating women. However, the low meat-eating women also stated other negative emotions such as ‘doubt’ towards some starchy foods. The only foods that they liked more than high meat-eating women were pears and French beans. In conclusion, low meat consumption was associated with specific negative emotions regarding meat and other foods.
Distribution, depletion and recovery of docosahexaenoic acid are region-specific in rat brain
Authors: Xiao Ying , Huang Yu , Chen Zhen-Yu
Published: September 2005

The present study examined: (i) age-induced regional changes in fatty acid composition of brain phospholipids; (ii) α-linolenic acid deficiency-induced regional depletion and recovery of DHA in the brain. DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) did not distribute evenly in the brain. In weaning and adult rats, the region with the highest DHA percentage was the cortex whereas the medulla had the lowest DHA percentage. In the aged rats, both the cortex and cerebellum were the regions with the highest DHA percentage whereas in the neonatal rats, the striatum had the greatest percentage of DHA, and the hypothalamus and hippocampus had the least percentage of DHA. Regarding AA, the hippocampus was the region that had the highest percentage whereas the medulla was the region with the lowest percentage except for the neonatal rats, whose cerebellum, hypothalamus, striatum and midbrain had AA percentage lower than hippocampus and cortex. DHA was not proportionally depleted in various regions of brain when the rats were maintained on ann-3-deficient diet for two generations. The results demonstrated that the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum and hypothalamus had DHA depleted by >71 %, whereas the midbrain and medulla had only 64 and 57 % DHA depleted, respectively. The most important observation was that the diet reversal for 12 weeks resulted in complete DHA recovery in all regions except for the medulla where the recovery was only 62 %. It was concluded that the location of DHA,n-3 deficiency-induced DHA depletion and reversibility of DHA deficiency across the brain were region-specific.
Lycopene supplementation attenuated xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase activities in skeletal muscle tissues of rats after exhaustive exercise
Authors: Liu Chieh-Chung , Huang Chi-Chang , Lin Wan-Teng , Hsieh Chin-Cheng , Huang Shih-Yi , Lin Su-Jiun , Yang Suh-Ching
Published: September 2005

Strenuous exercise is known to induce oxidative stress leading to the generation of free radicals. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of lycopene, an antioxidant nutrient, at a relatively low dose (2·6 mg/kg per d) and a relatively high dose (7·8 mg/kg per d) on the antioxidant status of blood and skeletal muscle tissues in rats after exhaustive exercise. Rats were divided into six groups: sedentary control (C); sedentary control with low-dose lycopene (CLL); sedentary control with high-dose lycopene (CHL); exhaustive exercise (E); exhaustive exercise with low-dose lycopene (ELL); exhaustive exercise with high-dose lycopene (EHL). After 30 d, the rats in the three C groups were killed without exercise, but the rats in the three E groups were killed immediately after an exhaustive running test on a motorised treadmill. The results showed that xanthine oxidase (XO) activities of plasma and muscle, and muscular myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in group E were significantly increased compared with group C. Compared with group E, the elevations of XO and MPO activities of muscle were significantly decreased in group EHL. The malondialdehyde concentrations of plasma and tissues in group E were significantly increased by 72 and 114 %, respectively, compared with those in group C. However, this phenomenon was prevented in rats of the ELL and EHL groups. There was no significant difference in the GSH concentrations of erythrocytes in each group; however, exhaustive exercise resulted in a significant decrease in the GSH content of muscle. In conclusion, these results suggested that lycopene protected muscle tissue from oxidative stress after exhaustive exercise.
Attainment of precision in implementation of 24h dietary recalls: INTERMAP UK
Authors: Robertson Claire , Conway Rana , Dennis Barbara , Yarnell John , Stamler Jeremiah , Elliott Paul
Published: September 2005

Collection of complete and accurate dietary intake data is necessary to investigate the association of nutrient intakes with disease outcomes. A standardised multiple-pass 24 h dietary recall method was used in the International Collaborative Study of Macro- and Micronutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP) to obtain maximally objective data. Dietary interviewers were intensively trained and recalls taped, with consent, for randomly selected evaluations by the local site nutritionist (SN) and/or country nutritionists (CN) using a twelve-criterion checklist marked on a four-point scale (1, retrain, to 4, excellent). In the Belfast centre, seven dietary interviewers collected 932 24 h recalls from 40–59-year-old men and women. Total scores from the 134 evaluated recalls ranged from thirty-four to the maximum forty-eight points. All twelve aspects of the interviews were completed satisfactorily on average whether scored by the SN (n53, range: probing 3·25 to privacy of interview 3·98) or CN (n19, range: probing 3·26 to pace of interview and general manner of interviewer 3·95); the CN gave significantly lower scores than the SN for recalls evaluated by both nutritionists (n31, Wilcoxon signed rank test,P=0·001). Five evaluations of three recalls identified areas requiring retraining or work to improve performance. Reporting accuracy was estimated using BMR; energy intake estimates less than 1·2 × BMR identifying under-reporting. Mean ratios in all age, sex and body-mass groups were above this cut-off point; overall, 26·1 % were below. Experiences from the INTERMAP Belfast centre indicate that difficulties in collection of dietary information can be anticipated and contained by the systematic use of methods to prevent, detect and correct errors.
Putting cardiovascular disease and vitamin D insufficiency into perspective
Authors: Zittermann Armin , Schleithoff Stefanie S. , Koerfer Reiner
Published: September 2005

The aetiology of CVD is still not completely understood. The present review article summarises data supporting the hypothesis that an insufficient vitamin D status may contribute to the worldwide high prevalence of CVD. Human vitamin D status primarily depends on skin exposure to the UVB spectrum of the sunlight. Epidemiological data indicate that geographic latitude, altitude, season, and the place of residence (urban or rural) are associated with CVD mortality. Interestingly, all these factors also have an influence on human UVB exposure and thus on vitamin D status. Several mechanisms might be responsible for a protective role of vitamin D in CVD. These mechanisms include the inhibition of vascular smooth muscle proliferation, the suppression of vascular calcification, the down regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the up regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the action of vitamin D as a negative endocrine regulator of the renin–angiotensin system. The first intervention trials indicate that vitamin D may suppress cardiovascular risk markers. However, more controlled clinical trials are needed to investigate whether optimal oral vitamin D supplementation is able to reduce CVD morbidity and mortality.
Defining transient and persistent seed banks in species with pronounced seasonal dormancy and germination patterns
Authors: Walck Jeffrey L. , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. , Hidayati Siti N.
Published: September 2005

The most often used time-line for distinguishing a transient seed bank from a persistent seed bank is one calendar year. Thus, species whose seeds live in or on the soil for <1 year have a transient seed bank, whereas those whose seeds live for ≥1 year have a persistent seed bank. However, dormancy cycling of seeds buried in soil has not been given due consideration in these models. When dormancy cycling is considered, it is shown that seeds of both autumn-germinators and spring-germinators are in the dormant state when they are 1 year old. Thus, unless the seeds live until at least the second germination season (i.e. usually 16–18 months following dispersal), they are, in effect, part of a transient seed bank, having lived through only one germination season. We propose that for seeds of such species to be considered part of a short-term persistent seed bank, they should remain viable and germinable until at least the second germination season, and to be part of a long-term persistent seed bank, until at least the sixth germination season. Our definitions are applicable to seeds with physiological, physical or morphophysiological dormancy, which often require >1 year after maturity to come out of dormancy in nature. We discuss modifications of the seedling emergence method for detection of a soil seed bank, so that they correspond to our definitions of seed-bank strategies.
Molecular analysis of the hull-less seed trait in pumpkin: expression profiles of genes related to seed coat development11
Authors: Bezold Todd N. , Mathews Dennis , Loy J. Brent , Minocha Subhash C.
Published: September 2005

We undertook a comparative study of molecular changes during development of seed coats in the wild-type and a recessive hull-less mutant of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepoL.), with the goal of identifying key genes involved in secondary cell wall development in the testa. The mature mutant testa has reduced amounts of cellulose and lignin as compared to the wild type. The expression patterns of several genes involved in secondary cell wall biosynthesis during the development of the testa are described. These genes are:CELLULOSE SYNTHASE,PHENYLALANINE AMMONIA-LYASE,4-COUMARATE-CoA LIGASE, andCINNAMOYL-CoA REDUCTASE. Additionally, the expression patterns of a few genes that were differentially expressed in the two genotypes during testa development (GLUTATHIONE REDUCTASE,ABSCISIC ACID RESPONSE PROTEIN E, aSERINE-THREONINE KINASE, and aβ-UREIDOPROPIONASE) are presented. The results show a coordinated expression of several genes involved in cellulose and lignin biosynthesis, as well as marked differences in the level of their expression between the two genotypes during testa development. There is generally a higher expression of genes involved in cellulose and lignin biosynthesis in the wild-type testa as compared to the mutant. The molecular data presented here are consistent with anatomical and biochemical differences between the wild-type and the mutant testae. An understanding of the genes involved in cell wall development in the testa will facilitate the manipulation of seed coat development inCucurbitaand other species for diverse commercial applications.
Characterizing critical phases of germination in winterfat and malting barley with isothermal calorimetry
Authors: Qiao Youming , Wang Ruojing , Bal Yuguang , D. Hansen Lee
Published: September 2005

The heat production of seeds during germination comes from metabolism as well as hydration. Previous studies either lack continuous measurements, or are based on samples composed of more than one seed, thus failing to characterize differences among the critical phases of germination. This study examines the potential of isothermal calorimetry to characterize water uptake and metabolism in single seeds. Seeds of malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and winterfat [Krascheninnikovia lanata (Pursh) A.D.J. Meeuse & Smit], two species with contrasting seed size, structure, composition and selection history, were used to determine patterns of heat production rate by isothermal calorimetry during water uptake and germination. Embryos of malting barley contributed less than 4% of total seed weight, and metabolic heat production during Phase I of germination was negligible compared to that due to hydration. Embryos accounted for 74% of seed mass for winterfat, and the majority of heat produced in Phase I was due to metabolic heat release. The total heat production rate in Phase I decreased rapidly in malting barley due to slowing of hydration reactions, but increased gradually in winterfat due to an increasing metabolic rate. The heat production rate at the end of Phase II was about twice as high in malting barley as in winterfat. This indicates a higher metabolic activity for malting barley than for winterfat seeds during germination, which may have also contributed to the rapid increase in the heat production rate of malting barley seedlings during Phase III, compared to the gradual increase in heat production rate of winterfat. The comparison between excised embryos and intact seeds indicates that the covering tissues delay radicle emergence in malting barley, but not in winterfat, due to differences in seed structure between the two species.
Annual rhythm of germination of seeds of Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum 32 years after collection
Authors: Gutterman Yitzchak , Gendler Tanya
Published: September 2005

Dry plants of Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L. (Aizoaceae), with mature seeds enclosed in their dry capsules, were collected in the Judean Desert near Jericho, Israel, in the summer of 1972, and have been stored dry under room conditions [15–30°C, 15–25% relative humidity (RH)] since then. More than 31 years after maturation, these unimbibed seeds retained an annual rhythm of germination. A significantly higher percentage of seeds originating from the terminal, central and basal parts of the capsules germinated in February or March compared to other months of the year. This phenomenon was repeated in all three groups of seeds in 2001, 2002 and 2003 for germination in darkness at 15°C, and in terminal seeds germinated at 25°C in darkness for 4 years from 2001 to 2004. The annual rhythm of M. nodiflorum germination may regulate the season and percentage of seeds that germinate at the proper time of the year, even after many years. But the open question still remains: how do dry seeds measure time, and what are the mechanisms involved?
The Irresistible Rise of a Right
Authors: Banisar David
Published: October 2005

NOT ALL INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IS A DANGEROUS THING. IT HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN THE SPREAD OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACTS AND RIGHTS OF ACCESS ACROSS THE WORLD
From Brighton To Camp Delta
Authors: Smith Clive Stafford
Published: October 2005

‘OMAR DEGHAYES IS A BRITISH RESIDENT WHO IS BEING HELD IN GUANTANAMO BAY ON EVIDENCE THAT IS DEMONSTRABLY FALSE,’ SAYS HIS LAWYER, THE ONLY FRIENDLY FACE ALLOWED ACCESS TO OMAR SINCE HE WAS SEIZED FROM HIS HOME AND DISAPPEARED INTO CAMP DELTA THREE YEARS AGO
Unaccountable Europe
Authors: Bunyan Tony
Published: October 2005

UNKNOWN TO MOST OF ITS CITIZENS, BEHIND THE CLOSED DOORS OF BRUSSELS THE EUROPEAN UNION IS MAKING SERIOUS INROADS ON THEIR PRIVACY
It Is the Very Model of a Modern Igo
Authors: Möller Christian
Published: October 2005

BUT DOES THE OSCE LIVE UP TO ITS SELF PROCLAIMED MANDATE AS AN EXCEPTIONAL INTER-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION?
Harnessing harm reduction in Australia: an interview with the Hon. Neal Blewett
Authors: ALLSOP STEVE
Published: October 2005

The National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) was established in April 1985. Aiming to provide a national framework to minimize the harmful consequences of drug use, the original 3‐year programme was extended to 1997. A key figure in the NCADA, Dr Neal Blewett, was interviewed to gain his perspective on the development and implementation of the Campaign over its first 10 years.
Defining harm reduction
Authors: SINGLE ERIC
Published: October 2005

Harm reduction attempts to reduce the adverse consequences of drug use among persons who continue to use drugs. It developed in response to the excesses of a “zero tolerance approach”. Harm reduction emphasizes practical rather than idealized goals. It has been expanded from illicit drugs to legal drugs and is grounded in the evolving public health and advocacy movements. Harm reduction has proved to be effective and it has gained increasing official acceptance; for example, it is now the basis of Canada's Drug Strategy. However, the concept is still poorly defined, as virtually any drug policy or programme, even abstinence‐oriented programmes, attempt to reduce drug‐related harm. The principle feature of harm reduction is the acceptance of the fact that some drug users cannot be expected to cease their drug use at the present time. Harm reduction is neutral about the long term goals of intervention while according a high priority to short‐term realizable goals. Harm reduction should be neutral about legalization. The essence of the concept is to ameliorate adverse consequences of drug use while, at least in the short term, drug use continues.
Barbiturate withdrawal—a nomogram for supplementary dosing after the phenobarbitone loading technique
Authors: BUCKLEY NICHOLAS A. , FOY AIDAN
Published: October 2005

A case of a woman who presented with a multiple drug overdose and then subsequently had a withdrawal syndrome complicated by seizures and delirium highlights the seriousness of the barbiturate withdrawal syndrome. The patient had a short elimination half‐life for phenobarbitone and required supplementary phenobarbitone doses to prevent and treat these complications. We have devised a nomogram which in conjunction with serum levels allows a rapid determination of whether and how much supplementary doses are required during barbiturate withdrawal.
Interstate tourists and the estimation of per capita alcohol consumption
Authors: CRUNDALL IAN
Published: October 2005

A telephone survey of domestic Australian tourists was conducted to determine the relative contribution they make to estimates of per capita alcohol consumption. The overall drinking patterns of interstate tourists were examined, along with contrasts between those who visit the Northern Territory and those who visit other parts of the country. The results show that drinking generally increased when people were on holiday. Amount of alcohol consumed did not differ by destination, but destination did distinguish the prevalence of holiday drinkers and the amounts of alcohol usually consumed by tourists when they are at home. The self‐reported reasons for increased or decreased drinking by people when they are on holidays are also presented. The implications of these various findings for the calculation of per capita consumption estimates for the Northern Territory and other jurisdictions are discussed.
Drivers' biased perceptions of the adverse consequences of drink‐driving
Authors: ALBERY IAN P. , GUPPY ANDREW
Published: October 2005

The decision to drink and drive may involve the subjective process of weighing the perceived risks of adverse consequences of the behaviour against perceived utility components. Deterrence theory proposes that an individual will refrain from drink‐driving if the perceived chances of experiencing negative outcomes associated with the behaviour are high. Previous research has demonstrated that there may be a mechanism of judgemental bias which influences individuals' perceived probabilities of rarely occurring events. In general driver age and gender have been shown independently to be both indicative and non‐indicative for the operation of the bias in terms of subjective perceptions of driver skill, safety and accident involvement. Little evidence has been presented to describe the nature of the bias in the specific domain of drink‐driving. Responses from more than 1000 UK drivers were examined to establish whether a system of bias operated for judgements of the likelihood of experiencing several possible adverse consequences of drink‐driving across males/females, age groups and offenders/non‐offenders. In general drivers were found to perceive themselves as less likely than the average driver to be accident involved while impaired and non‐impaired by alcohol. Drivers reporting previous drink‐driving behaviour indicated the greatest bias. The age and gender of the driver, independently and in interaction, were not shown to be important in the operation of these perceptual inconsistencies. Findings are discussed for implications of deterrence based drink‐driving counter‐measures.