bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speciation analysis and the assessment of bioavailability of manganese in phytomedicines by extraction with octanol and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Shun‐xing Li , Feng‐ying Zheng , Xian‐li Liu , Wen‐lian Cai
Published: August 2005

Trace elements in phytomedicines are present in the form of metallic complexes. Since n‐octanol, a long‐chain alkanol, presents a conguration similar to that of carbohydrates and lipids, the lipophilicity and absorptivity of organic medicines may be assessed from their distribution coefcients between octanol and water. This strategy has been used in order to dene the species of manganese in a number of phytomedicines and to study the distribution of manganese in decoctions of phytomedicines in the stomach and the intestine. The concentrations of manganese in the original herbal materials and in octanol‐ and water‐soluble fractions were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following mixed acid digestion. The acidities of gastric and intestinal juices, the phytomedical composition and the compatibility of phytomedicines, i.e. the combination of single phytomedicines, greatly affected the manganese complexing ligands and determined the species and bioavailability of manganese. It is concluded that a knowledge of the level of octanol‐soluble manganese in a phytomedicine could form the basis of dosage design in order to avoid manganese overload. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantication of Aconitum alkaloids in aconite roots by a modied RP‐HPLC method
Authors: Jiang Zhi‐Hong , Xie Ying , Zhou Hua , Wang Jing‐Rong , Liu Zhong‐Qiu , Wong Yuen‐Fan , Cai Xiong , Xu Hong‐Xi , Liu Liang
Published: August 2005

The three Aconitum alkaloids, aconitine (1), mesaconitine (2) and hypaconitine (3), are pharmacologically active but also highly toxic. A standardised method is needed for assessing the levels of these alkaloids in aconite roots in order to ensure the safe use of these plant materials as medicinal herbs. By optimising extraction, separation and measurement conditions, a reliable, reproducible and accurate method for the quantitative determination of all three Aconitum alkaloids in unprocessed and processed aconite roots has been developed. This method should be appropriate for use in the quality control of Aconitum products. The three Aconitum alkaloids were separated by a modied HPLC method employing a C18 column gradient eluted with acetonitrile and ammonium bicarbonate buffer. Quantication of Aconitum alkaloids, detected at 240 nm, in different batches of samples showed that the content of 1, 2 and 3 varied signicantly. In general, the alkaloid content of unprocessed roots was higher than that of processed roots. These variations were considered to be the result of differences in species, processing methods and places of origin of the samples. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of different confinement regimes in site‐controlled pyramidal InGaN structures
Authors: Pérez‐Solórzano V. , Gröning A. , Schweizer H. , Jetter M.
Published: August 2005

We deposited InGaN on GaN micropyramids, which were grown by selective metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy on sapphire. We expected the formation of a quantum well on the side‐walls of the pyramids, a quantum wire on the edges, and a quantum dot on its apex. We studied the emission properties of these structures using low‐temperature time‐resolved photoluminescence. Our measurements showed three regions of different confinement within the emission in the wavelength range between 2.12 eV and 2.40 eV. By analyzing the decay behavior, the characteristics of the luminescence was determined to originate from localized states. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fluorescent Nanocrystals as Colloidal Probes in Complex Fluids Measured by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Liedl Tim , Keller Simon , Simmel Friedrich C. , Rädler Joachim O. , Parak Wolfgang J.
Published: August 2005

The diffusion properties of fluorescent colloidal CdSe and CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals (QDs) with different hydrophilic coatings were characterized in complex fluids such as actin solutions using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The hydrodynamic radii of the QDs were determined both in organic solvents and water. Attention was given to the potential artifacts arising from the fluorescence properties of the QDs. With increasing excitation intensities, the apparent particle concentration and diffusion times are overestimated if using a simple diffusion model. This can be explained by a numerical simulation. The diffusion behavior of QDs in actin networks of different concentrations was determined to demonstrate the potential use of nanocrystals as probes in soft biological matter. The decreasing diffusion coefficient of the nanocrystals with increasing actin concentration results in an intrinsic polymer viscosity of 0.12±0.02 ml mg−1, in accordance with literature values.
Combined arm exercise and dipyridamole stress thallium imaging for the detection of coronary artery disease
Authors: Deligiannis Asterios , Pandoulas Evangelos , Filindris Angelos , Kouidi Evangelia , Papanikitas Nikolaos , Tsifoutis Asterios
Published: August 2005

The safety and usefulness of combined isotonic-isometric arm exercise along with dipyridamolethallium 201 imaging for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) was tested in 50 patients. Dipyridamole (0.5 mg/kg) was injected i.v. for 4 minutes, followed by a 4-minute exercise of both arms. Fifty matched patients receiving dipyridamole only were imaged for comparison. Peak heart rate (mean 118 vs 77 b/minutes) and peak systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the exercised group. Evidence of myocardial ischemia, ST depression (82% vs 60%), Th-201 redistribution (85% vs 68%), and the target-to-background counts ratio were also more profound in this group, though side effects were fewer. It is concluded that arm exercise combined with dipyridamole-thallium imaging is safe and provides more reliable results in assessing CAD than dipyridamole alone followed by Th-201 imaging. It is therefore recommended for patients who are unable to perform lower limb exercise.
Role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in direct interactions between tumour cell spheroids and endothelial cell monolayer
Authors: Paduch Roman , Walter‐Croneck Adam , Zdzisińska Barbara , Szuster‐Ciesielska Agnieszka , Kandefer‐Szerszeń Martyna
Published: August 2005

Metastasis is a multistep process involving a variety of direct cell—cell, cell—matrix and paracrine interactions. In the present study, we examined some consequences of direct interaction between tumour cells and endothelial cells in vitro. When multicellular spheroids of two human tumour cell lines (HeLa and Hep‐2) were transferred onto a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayer, a peri‐spheroidal zone of damaged endothelial cells was observed after 24 h co‐culture. To determine the cause of this damage, the production levels of superoxide anion (O2
−), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) were measured both in co‐culture and in monocultures of the tumour cell spheroids and endothelial cells. Attachment of HeLa and Hep‐2 cellular spheroids to the HUVEC monolayer resulted in 1.6‐fold and 2.1‐fold increases in O2
− release, respectively. Also, the MMP‐2 level was five times greater in the co‐culture than in the tumour spheroid monoculture. The increase of IL‐6 in the co‐culture model, on the other hand, was only slight. However, a 2 h preincubation of endothelial cells with LPS (10 μg/ml) prior to the transfer of spheroids induced a significant increase in the production of this cytokine compared to an appropriate control (an LPS‐activated endothelial cell monolayer). These results strongly suggest that both ROS and MMP‐2 are involved in endothelial cell injury when tumour cells cross the endothelial barrier. Moreover, IL‐6, which participates in the inflammatory response, may also be involved in the extravasation of tumour cells.
Dutch translation of the Fear of Pain Questionnaire: Factor structure, reliability and validity
Authors: van Wijk Arjen J. , Hoogstraten Johan
Published: August 2005

Background The Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ‐III) is a 30‐item self‐report instrument measuring fear of a variety of pain‐related stimuli.

Aim The present study was undertaken to develop a Dutch version of the FPQ‐III, to assess the instrument's psychometric qualities, to examine the suggested factor structure, and to relate the FPQ‐III to other general psychological constructs in order to assess its construct validity.

Method The questionnaire was translated following the forward‐backward method. The final version was filled out by (n = 274) psychology freshmen. A random half of the subjects was re‐tested after five weeks.

Results Satisfactory psychometric qualities were obtained (average α = 0.90 and test‐retest reliability = 0.71). Factor analysis supported the three‐factor structure and also the results concerning divergent and convergent validity show strong similarity with the results from other studies.

Conclusions The Dutch translation of the FPQ‐III appears to be a valid equivalent of the original English version and does represent a unique construct.
Craving and other characteristics of the comorbidity of alcohol and nicotine dependence
Authors: Hertling Ines , Ramskogler Katrin , Dvorak Alexander , Klingler Anton , Saletu-Zyhlarz Gerda , Schoberberger Rudolf , Walter Henriette , Kunze Michael , Lesch Otto Michael
Published: August 2005

Purpose

In this cross-sectional study we compared alcohol-dependent smokers and non-alcohol-dependent smokers with respect to intensity of nicotine dependence, craving conditions, sleep disturbances, comorbidity with major depression, reasons for smoking, accompanying somatic diseases and patients' prolonged abstinence from smoking during the 3 years preceding the study.

Subjects and methods

Fifty-one alcohol-dependent smokers and 327 non-alcohol-dependent smokers diagnosed as ICD-10 and DSM-IV-nicotine dependent, were investigated by means of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, the Lübeck Craving-Recurrence Risk Questionnaire and the Lesch Alcohol Dependence Typology (both adapted to smoking).

Results

The intensity of nicotine dependence was more enhanced in alcohol-dependent smokers compared to non-alcohol-dependent smokers. Several variables of all factors of craving (“depressive mood”, “stimulation”, “relaxation”, “socially triggered tension”) were significantly increased in alcohol-dependent patients (P < 0.05). Alcohol-dependent smokers showed depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances, whilst non-alcohol-dependent individuals mainly smoked for stress release and weight control.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates that the intensity of nicotine dependence, several conditions of craving for nicotine, sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression appear to be enhanced in alcohol-dependent smokers compared with non-alcohol-dependent smokers.

Conclusions

It is hoped that the factors of craving and reasons for smoking identified in this study will contribute to a better understanding of smoking temptation in alcohol-dependent smokers and non-alcohol-dependent smokers in future.
A novel strong competitive inhibitor of complex I
Authors: Kotlyar Alexander B. , Karliner Joel S. , Cecchini Gary
Published: August 2005

Alkaline incubation of NADH results in the formation of a very potent inhibitor of complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase). Mass spectroscopy (molecular mass equal to 696) and absorption spectroscopy suggest that the inhibitor is derived from attachment of two oxygen atoms to the nicotinamide moiety of NADH. The inhibitor is competitive with respect to NADH with a K

i
of about 10−8
M. The inhibitor efficiently suppresses NADH‐oxidase, NADH‐artificial acceptor reductase, and NADH‐quinone reductase reactions catalyzed by submitochondrial particles, as well as the reactions catalyzed by either isolated complex I or the three subunit flavoprotein fragment of complex I.
Vermeidung von Medikationsfehlern durch elektronische Verordnungsunterstützung
Authors: Grandt D.
Published: August 2005

Trotz ärztlicher Kompetenz und Sorgfalt treten inadäquate Verordnungen auf. Erfahrungen in anderen Ländern zeigen, dass diese Medikationsfehler großteils vermeidbar sind, wenn ihre Ursachen nicht in persönlichem Verschulden, sondern in der Organisation des Medikationsprozesses gesucht werden. Die Einführung der elektronischen Gesundheitskarte in Deutschland 2006 soll elektronische Verordnungsunterstützung ermöglichen, um Medikationsfehler zu verhindern. Dass elektronische Verordnungsunterstützung bis zu 80 % der Medikationsfehler verhindern kann, zeigen internationale Studien. Was darunter zu verstehen ist, welche Funktionalität wichtig und welche Voraussetzungen gegeben sein müssen, wird dargestellt.
On the stability of subsonic thermal fronts
Authors: Ibáñez S. Miguel H. , Shchekinov Yuri , Bessega L. María C.
Published: August 2005

The stability of subsonic thermal fronts against corrugation is analyzed and an exact dispersion relation is obtained taking into account the compressibility of the gas. For heat fronts, this dispersion equation has an unstable root (Ωex) corresponding to the Landau–Darrieus unstable mode (Ω0) modified by the compressional effects. In particular, the exact solution shows a conspicuous maximum very close to the value of the intake Mach number M1 at which a Chapman–Jouguet deflagration wave behind the heat front is formed. Cooling fronts are stable for corrugation-like disturbances. A maximum damping as well as a maximum in the frequency occur at a value of M1 depending on the value of the normalized cooling q.
Electronic decoherence time for non-Born-Oppenheimer trajectories
Authors: Jasper Ahren W. , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: August 2005

An expression is obtained for the electronic decoherence time of the reduced density electronic matrix in mixed quantum-classical molecular-dynamics simulations. The result is obtained by assuming that decoherence is dominated by the time dependence of the overlap of minimum-uncertainty packets and then maximizing the rate with respect to the parameters of the wave packets. The expression for the decay time involves quantities readily available in non-Born-Oppenheimer molecular-dynamics simulations, and it is shown to have a reasonable form when compared with two other formulas for the decay time that have been previously proposed.
High magnetic field investigation of the field-induced transition in the Nd2Fe17Hx compounds
Authors: Isnard O. , Guillot M.
Published: August 2005

Nd 2 Fe 17 H x compounds are investigated by high-field magnetization measurements performed up to 230 kOe in the 4.2–300-K temperature range. It is shown that the magnetic properties of the Nd2Fe17Hx (x=1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4.9) compounds are very sensitive to the hydrogen content. Insertion of hydrogen within the crystal structure induces a large increase in the Curie temperature. The saturation magnetization is also very sensitive to the hydrogen content, but exhibits a peculiar behavior depending on the hydrogen content. The first-order anisotropy parameter decreases continuously when the hydrogen content increases. A metamagnetic field-induced transition is observed for four Nd2Fe17Hx hydrides corresponding to x=1, 1.5, 2, 3. This metamagnetic transition manifests itself by a step in the magnetization curves recorded when the field is perpendicular to the alignment direction. The temperature dependence of the field at which the transition occurs is determined for all the studied compounds. The thermal evolution of this metamagnetic transition as well as its evolution versus the hydrogen content has been determined. The field-induced transition remains present up to temperatures close to 250–300 K.
A solution of the effective-mass Schrödinger equation in general isotropic and nonparabolic bands for the study of two-dimensional carrier gases
Authors: Gómez-Campos F. M. , Rodríguez-Bolívar S. , López-Villanueva J. A. , Jiménez-Tejada J. A. , Carceller J. E.
Published: August 2005

In this paper we develop a suitable method for solving the effective-mass Schrödinger equation for two-dimensional electron and hole gases in semiconductor structures such as quantum wells using a general nonparabolic band structure. We present two different ways to treat barriers, the first being the exact solution and the second a suitable option when the band structure is not determined inside the gap. As a first application, this procedure was implemented to solve the effective-mass Schrödinger equation for holes in Si and Ge using an analytical valence-band model. Analyzing the results obtained enabled us to demonstrate the importance of nonparabolicity in energy quantization in these systems and to discuss the suitability of each of these two procedures for dealing with barriers.
Magnetic properties of template-synthesized cobalt∕polymer composite nanotubes
Authors: Nielsch K. , Castaño F. J. , Ross C. A. , Krishnan R.
Published: August 2005

An approach to fabricate ferromagnetic∕polymer composite nanotubes has been developed. The surfaces of the pores in self-ordered porous alumina membranes are wetted with a polystyrene or poly-l-lactide layer containing a metallo-organic precursor. Decomposition of the precursor leads to the formation of thin-walled magnetic tubes with diameters of 160–450nm and wall thicknesses of a few nanometers. The magnetic properties of the tube arrays are interpreted as a result of the tube morphology and microstructure.
Polarization-resolved measurements of picosecond laser-ablated plumes
Authors: Sharma A. K. , Thareja R. K.
Published: August 2005

We discuss the ablation of aluminum plasma using picosecond pulsed laser in vacuum and in ambient atmosphere of nitrogen. The plume dynamics of picosecond and nanosecond laser-ablated plumes in ambient atmosphere is discussed. The degree of polarization is measured using optical emission spectroscopy for the AlIII transition 4sS1∕22−4pP3∕2o2 at 569.6nm. Strong anisotropy is observed using picosecond laser pulse as compared to nanosecond laser pulse.
Dynamical instability and switching of resonant tunneling device under terahertz radiation
Authors: Zhang Y. H. , Cao J. C. , Feng S. L. , Liu H. C.
Published: August 2005

Using the Wigner-Poisson transport model, we have theoretically investigated dynamical instability and transient behavior of a double barrier resonant tunneling device driven by a terahertz field. It is found that switching between different current states may be triggered by terahertz electromagnetic radiation. The transition between high- and low-current states could be explained by time-dependent energy-level coupling and nonlinear processes. The characteristic switching times correspond to the terahertz frequency range, suggesting that the system may potentially act as a terahertz switch.
Persistent acceleration of positrons in a nonstationary shock wave
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroki , Kato Ken , Ohsawa Yukiharu
Published: August 2005

Long-time evolution of positrons accelerated in an oblique shock wave in an electron-positron-ion plasma is studied with relativistic, electromagnetic, particle simulations. In the early stage, some positrons move nearly parallel to the external magnetic field in the shock transition region and gain energy from the parallel electric field. The acceleration can become stagnant owing to the deformation of the wave profile. After the recovery of the shock profile, however, the acceleration can start again. By the end of simulation runs, ωpet=5000, positron Lorentz factors reached values ∼2000. In this second stage, three different types of acceleration are found. In the first type, the acceleration process is the same as that in the early stage. In the second type, positrons make gyromotions in the wave frame and gain energy mainly from the perpendicular electric field. In the third type, particle orbits are similar to curtate cycloids. Theoretical estimate for this energy increase is given.
Programmable ion mobility spectrometer: Time resolution improvement and ion counter comparison
Authors: Harrison R. G. , Wilding R. J.
Published: August 2005

Atmospheric ion mobility spectrometers operating on the aspirated electrode principle require switching of a bias voltage to select ions of different mobility. The ion spectrum can be obtained by sweeping across a set of bias voltages. If rapid temporal changes in atmospheric ion spectra are to be measured, however, such as for a balloon-carried instrument, the sweep time across the ion spectrum must be kept short. As bias voltage steps can generate saturation in the mobility spectrometer’s electrometer amplifier, the electrometer recovery time limits the ion mobility spectrum sweep rate. Here, active compensation of the charge injected at a bias voltage step is used to reduce the saturation time. Further, the optimal setting of the charge compensation circuitry provides a determination of the system capacitance, a necessary calibration parameter for absolute measurements. Using laboratory air, hourly variations in ion concentrations and air conductivity found using the voltage switching system were similar to those obtained with a traditional ion counter operating at a single mobility: ion growth, however, could only be detected using the ion spectrometer.
Gyromagnetic damping and the role of spin-wave generation in pulsed inductive microwave magnetometry
Authors: Schneider M. L. , Gerrits Th. , Kos A. B. , Silva T. J.
Published: August 2005

The dependence of the magnetodynamic response of thin permalloy films was measured with a pulsed inductive microwave magnetometer as a function of varying width of the coplanar waveguide center conductor (220to990μm), frequency (0.6to2GHz) and film thickness (25to93nm) to ascertain the role of magnetostatic spin-wave generation in the low-frequency enhancement of the measured decay rate. A component of the decay rate depends on δw, the ratio of film thickness to center conductor width as theoretically predicted. However, there is an anomalous contribution to the frequency dependence of the decay rate exists that cannot be attributed to the generation of spin-waves.
High-frequency gene targeting in
Arabidopsis
plants expressing the yeast
RAD54
gene
Authors: Shaked Hezi , Melamed-Bessudo Cathy , Levy Avraham A.
Published: August 2005

Gene targeting, which is homologous recombination-mediated integration of an extra-chromosomal DNA segment into a chromosomal target sequence, enables the precise disruption or replacement of any gene. Despite its value as a molecular genetic tool, gene targeting remains an inefficient technology in most species. We report that expression of the yeast
RAD54
gene, a member of the
SWI2
/
SNF2
chromatin remodeling gene family, enhances gene targeting in
Arabidopsis
by one to two orders of magnitude, from 10
-4
to 10
-3
in WT plants to 10
-2
to 10
-1
. We show that integration events, detected with an assay based on the use of a fluorescent seed marker, are precise and germinally transmitted. These findings suggest that chromatin remodeling is rate-limiting for gene targeting in plants and improves the prospects for using gene targeting for the precise modification of plant genomes.
Blockade of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors protects hippocampal neurons against global ischemia-induced death
Authors: Noh Kyung-Min , Yokota Hidenori , Mashiko Toshihiro , Castillo Pablo E. , Zukin R. Suzanne , Bennett Michael V. L.
Published: August 2005

Transient global or forebrain ischemia induced experimentally in animals can cause selective, delayed neuronal death of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. A striking feature is a delayed rise in intracellular free Zn
2+
in CA1 neurons just before the onset of histologically detectable cell death. Here we show that α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) at Schaffer collateral to CA1 synapses in postischemic hippocampus exhibit properties of Ca
2+
/Zn
2+
-permeable, Glu receptor 2 (GluR2)-lacking AMPARs before the rise in Zn
2+
and cell death. At 42 h after ischemia, AMPA excitatory postsynaptic currents exhibited pronounced inward rectification and marked sensitivity to 1-naphthyl acetyl spermine (Naspm), a selective channel blocker of GluR2-lacking AMPARs. In control hippocampus, AMPA excitatory postsynaptic currents were electrically linear and relatively insensitive to Naspm. Naspm injected intrahippocampally at 9-40 h after insult greatly reduced the late rise in intracellular free Zn
2+
in postischemic CA1 neurons and afforded partial protection against ischemia-induced cell death. These results implicate GluR2-lacking AMPA receptors in the ischemia-induced rise in free Zn
2+
and death of CA1 neurons, although a direct action at the time of the rise in Zn
2+
is unproven. This receptor subtype appears to be an important therapeutic target for intervention in ischemia-induced neuronal death in humans.
α1-Antitrypsin monotherapy prolongs islet allograft survival in mice
Authors: Lewis Eli C. , Shapiro Leland , Bowers Owen J. , Dinarello Charles A.
Published: August 2005

Islet transplantation for type 1 diabetic patients shows promising results with the use of nondiabetogenic immunosuppressive therapy. However, in addition to compromising the immune system of transplant recipients, long-term studies demonstrate that islet viability is impaired. Here, we demonstrate that, in the absence of immunosuppressive agents, monotherapy with clinical-grade human α1-antitrypsin (hAAT), the major serum serine-protease inhibitor, prolongs islet graft survival and normoglycemia in transplanted allogeneic diabetic mice, lasting until the development of anti-hAAT antibodies. Compared to untreated or albumin-control-treated graft recipients, which rejected islets at day 10, AAT-treated mice displayed diminished cellular infiltrates and intact intragraft insulin production throughout treatment. Using peritoneal infiltration models, we demonstrate that AAT decreases allogeneic fibroblast-elicited natural-killer-cell influx by 89%, CD3-positive cell influx by 44%, and thioglycolate-elicited neutrophil emigration by 66%. ATT also extended islet viability in mice after streptozotocin-induced beta cell toxicity.In vitro, several islet responses to IL-1β/IFNγ stimulation were examined. In the presence of AAT, islets displayed enhanced viability and inducible insulin secretion. Islets also released 36% less nitric oxide and 82% less macrophage inflammatory protein 1 α and expressed 63% fewer surface MHC class II molecules. TNFα release from IL-1β/IFNγ-stimulated islet cells was reduced by 99%, accompanied by an 8-fold increase in the accumulation of membrane TNFα on CD45-positive islet cells. In light of the established safety record and the nondiabetogenic potential of AAT, these data suggest that AAT may be beneficial as adjunctive therapy in patients undergoing islet transplantation.
Do the changes in energy balance that occur during pregnancy predispose parous women to obesity?
Authors: Harris H. E. , Ellison G. T. H.
Published: August 2005

The aim of this review was to re-assess whether the changes in energy balance that accompany pregnancy predispose parous women to obesity. A number of cross-sectional studies have sought to answer this question by examining the relationship between parity and maternal body weight. However, these studies were unable to control for the large number of sociobehavioural confounders that might be responsible for the apparent effect of parity on body weight. Longitudinal studies that examine changes in maternal body weight before and after regnancy avoid these problems by using each mother as her own control. Nevertheless, these studies have to overcome three methodological constraints: They must obtain an accurate measure of prepregnant body weight, they must give each mother sufficient time to lose any weight retained following delivery, and they must take into account the effect of ageing on maternal weight gain during pregnancy and the follow-up period. More than 90% of the studies reviewed found body weight to be greater after pregnancy than it was before (by 0.2–10.6kg). and previous researchers who have examined the evidence for pregnancy-related weight gains suggest that body weight increases by an average of 04–4.8kg following pregnancy. However, only three of the 71 longitudinal studies examined in the present review complied with the three methodological criteria. These studies concluded that mothers gain, on average, 0.9–3.3kg more weight following pregnancy than nonpregnant controls, and that mean body weight remained 0.4–3.0kg higher, even after controlling for a number of sociobehavioural confounders. This apparently modest increase in mean maternal body weight for women having one or two children conceals the fact that some mothers experience a substantial increase in body weight and become obese following pregnancy. It remains unclear whether these increases are simply the result of changes in energy metabolism during pregnancy and lactation, or whether they are influenced by inherent changes in lifestyle that accompany pregnancy and motherhood. Understanding the relative importance of these alternatives might help to explain the aetiology of maternal obesity.

“Clover was a stout motherly mare approaching middle life, who had never quite got her figure back after her fourth foal”

George Well (1945) Animal Farm. London: Secker and Warburg.
The principles, practices and some future applications of near infrared spectroscopy for predicting the nutritive value of foods for animals and humans
Authors: Givens D. I. , De Boever J. L. , Deaville E. R.
Published: August 2005

The current application and future potential of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in the evaluation of foods for domesticated animals and humans is enormous. Where used, NIR spectroscopy has revolutionized the analysis and nutritional evaluation of animal feeds and human foods by providing a rapid means of examination. The availability of accurate and rapid methods of evaluation is becoming increasingly important to meet the nutritional requirements of animals for meat, milk, wool and egg production. This is essential for efficient and economic animal production, to maintain animal health and to minimize environmental impact. Accurate evaluation methods are also needed in relation to national and international legislation that regulates the circulation, trade and inspection of foods and feeds, aids effective functioning of the market and guards the safety of animals and humans. The aim of this review is to outline the theory and principles of NIR spectroscopy and to focus primarily on its application in the field of animal nutrition. The vital role NIR spectroscopy is playing in the prediction of biologically meaningful feed characteristics, including data derivedin vivo, is demonstrated particularly through its application to forage evaluation, but also in the examination of raw materials and compound feeds. While the applications of NIR spectroscopy to different foods and drinks are extensive, this review gives an overview only of selected reported applications including its use for predicting nutritive value (mainly water, protein, fat, sucrose and starch content), monitoring food processing and for food authentication. The review provides clear evidence that the future application of NIR spectroscopy will undoubtedly increase, playing a vital role in the authentication of the quality and origin of foods and feeds and enabling the complex methods of feed evaluation required in the future to be put into widespread use.
Integrative models of nutrient balancing: application to insects and vertebrates
Authors: Raubenheimer D. , Simpson S. J.
Published: August 2005

We present and apply to data for insects, chickens and rats a conceptual and experimental framework for studying nutrition as a multi-dimensional phenomenon. The framework enables the unification within a single geometrical model of several nutritionally relevant measures, including: the optimal balance and amounts of nutrients required by an animal in a given time (the intake target), the animal's current state in relation to these requirements, available foods, the amounts of ingested nutrients which are retained and eliminated, and animal performance. Animals given a nutritionally balanced food, or two or more imbalanced but complementary foods, can satisfy their nutrient requirements, and hence optimize performance. However, animals eating noncomplementary imbalanced foods must decide on a suitable compromise between overingesting some nutrients and underingesting others. The geometrical models provide a means of measuring nutritional targets and rules of compromise, and comparing these among different animals and within similar animals at different developmental stages or in different environments. They also provide a framework for designing and interpreting experiments on the regulatory and metabolic mechanisms underlying nutritional homeostasis.
Exogenous enzymes for pigs and poultry
Authors: Bedford M. R. , Schulze H.
Published: August 2005

Many feed ingredients in use in monogastric diets contain significant quantities of antinutritional factors (ANF) which limit both their feed value and their use. Almost all enzymes currently being used address such factors to varying degrees, allowing for more economic utilization of raw materials. However, animal response to xylanase, β-glucanase and even phytase utilization reported in the literature tends to vary. Factors such as enzyme source, ingredient variety and environment under which the ingredient was grown, stored and processed into animal feed, age of animal, interaction with other dietary ingredients, and health status are shown to affect significantly the response obtained. As a result, the mode of action of xylanases and β-glucanases is still debated due to too much emphasis being placed on interpretation of individual trial results without regard to the interactive factors or the literature dataset as a whole. Better understanding of such factors will improve data interpretation. While results with phytase are not subject to such extreme variation, they are nevertheless inconsistent in the degree to which inorganic phosphorus can be replaced by this enzyme. Greater understanding of the ANF and factors which interact to govern the response to added exogenous enzymes will undoubtedly improve the economic return and confidence in their use. Improved knowledge of ANF structure will result in development of enzymes directed towards far more specific targets, which enhances the likelihood of success and should reduce the overall enzyme usage.
Does the study of feeding behaviour benefit from a teleonomic framework?
Authors: Kyriazakis Ilias , Day Jon E. L.
Published: August 2005

In this paper we respond to the criticisms of Provenza et al. (1998) that our framework of learning and feeding motivation (Day et al. 1998) resorts to higher order goals, which cannot be falsified by experimentation. We assert that in order to be able to predict the feeding behaviour of animals we first need to understand what they are trying to achieve (i.e. invoke teleonomy). We then detail our framework in such terms that one could envisage experiments that could quantitatively test its predictions. We contend that the framework of ‘the self-organization of behaviour’ proposed by Provenza et al. (1998) cannot lead to such quantitative predictions, since it is invoked to describe feeding behaviour of animals a posteriori. It is our own desire, by contrast, to assess feeding behaviour a priori, which leads us to propose and defend our framework of learning and feeding motivation.
Effects of reduced-fat diets with different fatty acid compositions on serum lipoprotein lipids and apolipoproteins
Authors: Aro Antti , Pietinen Pirjo , Valsta Liisa M , Turpeinen Anu M , Ehnholm Christian , Dougherty Rita M , Iacono James M
Published: August 2005

Objective:

To compare the effects on serum lipoproteins of three isocaloric diets with reduced total fat and saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents but with different proportions of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

Design:

A low-fat diet (LF) provided 20 en% fat, 7.9% SFA, 7.8% MUFA, 3.0% PUFA; a high-PUFA diet (HP) 26 en% fat, 7.5% SFA, 8.2% MUFA, 8.1% PUFA; and a high-MUFA diet (HM) 26 en% fat, 7.3% SFA, 14.1% MUFA, 3.2% PUFA. Diets were consumed for 8 weeks in a parallel design, after 2 weeks on a habitual diet with 33–34 en% fat, 13–14% SFA, 12% MUFA, 6% PUFA, and followed by an 8-week period on habitual diet. Compliance to diet was monitored by repeated food records and weekly visits to a nutritionist.

Subjects:

45 free-living, middle-aged couples who were randomly allocated into the three diet groups; 43 men and 44 women completed the study.

Results:

During the diet periods, a small but significant reduction in body weight of 0.4–1.0kg was observed in all groups. Similar and significantreductions of mean weight-adjusted serum total cholesterol (4–8%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (7–11%), and high-densitylipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (8–11%) were observed during the diets. HDL2-cholesterol and apoprotein (apo) A-I levels were reduced whereas HDL3-cholesterol and apoA-II increased. ApoB was significantly decreased during the HM diet only. Serum triglycerides increased significantly during diets LF (25%,P< 0.01) and HP (19%,P< 0.05) but not during diet HM (5%, NS).

Conclusions:

Reduction in the intake of total fat and saturated fatty acids reduced serum LDL-cholesterol and HDL2-cholesterol concentrations irrespective of the relative proportions of MUFA and PUFA in the diets. The results suggest that there might be some advantage in increasing the proportion of MUFA in low-fat diets, since the HM diet rich in MUFA reduced apoB and slightly attenuated the increase in serum triglycerides that is commonly associated with dietary fat reduction.
Magnitude, determinants and impact of under-reporting of energy intake in a cohort study in Greece
Authors: Gnardellis Charalambos , Boulou Chariklia , Trichopoulou Antonia
Published: August 2005

Objectives:

To investigate the frequency and the determinants of under-reporting in a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire used in the Greek segment of the European Prospective Study on Nutrition, Cancer and Health (EPIC study).

Design:

A food frequency questionnaire was completed by 9262 adult men and women. The questions included in this questionnaire covered the average intake of approximately 150 food items and beverages over 1 year. Evaluation of under-reporting was conducted on an individual basis taking into account the expected daily variation of nutritional intakes during the time period of recording. Individuals whose energy intake was lower than 1.14*BMR (basal metabolic rate) were defined as under-reporters.

Setting:

Urban and rural population of Greece.

Results:

The data indicated underestimation of energy intake by 11.8% of individuals enrolled. Results from a logistic regression model indicated that body mass index (BMI), gender, age and educational level were significant predictors of under-reporting. The proportion of overweight participants (BMI>30) who tend to under-report energy intake was more than twice that of normal-weight individuals. Men were significantly more prone to under-reporting compared to women, while low education individuals under-report more often than others. Exclusion of under-reporters generated, as expected, mean nutrient values that were significantly higher (by about 6%) than those derived from the total number of participants. When the nutrient values were energy-adjusted, however, or were expressed as percentages of energy intake for macronutrients or as nutrient densities for micronutrients, the emerging differences were minimal and generally statistically not significant.

Conclusions:

Under-reporting does exist and it is more extensive among men, those with low education levels and the overweight participants. Adjustment for energy intake minimizes the bias generated by under-reporting with respect to particular nutrients and their association with various disease outcomes in the cohort.
Plasma fibrinogen of black South Africans: the BRISK study
Authors: Vorster HH , Jerling JC , Steyn K , Badenhorst CJ , Slazus W , Venter CS , Jooste PL , Bourne LT
Published: August 2005

Objective:

To describe the distribution of plasma fibrinogen and relationships with other risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in the black population of the Cape Peninsula.

Design:

A cross-sectional survey of a stratified proportional sample of randomly selected black men and women.

Setting:

Households in Gugulethu, Langa, Nyanga, New Crossroads, KTC, Old Crossroads and Khayelitsha in the Cape Peninsula, South Africa.

Subjects:

One subject per household (352 men and 447 women), aged 15–64 years, voluntarily participated. Visitors, pregnant, lactating, ill, mentally retarded and intoxicated subjects were excluded.

Results:

Mean fibrinogen (thrombin time coagulation method) of men and women were higher than published data for Europeans but slightly lower than values of black Americans. Women aged 45–54 years had the highest level (3.13 ± 0.89g1−1) and men aged 15–24 years had the lowest (2.13 ± 0.88g1−1). Fifteen per cent of the men and 12% of the women had a level greater than 1 standard deviation of the mean for their age group. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed significant (P< 0.05) positive correlations of fibrinogen with smoking habit, age, body mass index (BMI), total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and white blood cell count, and significant negative correlations with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum iron and ferritin. The correlations with BMI, serum lipoproteins, iron, ferritin, and GGT suggest that nutritional status and therefore diet influences plasma fibrinogen.

Conclusions:

Relatively high fibrinogen levels, tending to cluster with other, including diet-related, risk factors for CHD and stroke, were observed in black South Africans. It is suggested that fibrinogen may contribute to the high stroke incidence of this population group.
Undernutrition and elevated blood lead levels: effects on psychomotor development among Jamaican children
Authors: Gardner Julie Meeks , Walker Susan P , Chang Susan M , Vutchkov Mitko , Lalor Gerald C
Published: August 2005

Objective:

We examined whether or not the effect of elevated blood lead levels on children's psychomotor development was modified by their nutritional status.

Design:

Anthropometry, developmental quotients (DQs), blood lead levels and haemoglobin were measured in lead exposed and unexposed children with different levels of nutritional status. Social background and maternal height and verbal intelligence were also measured. Testers, anthropometrists and interviewers established reliabilities with a trainer before the study began.

Setting:

Children were from two suburban areas in Kingston, Jamaica. All measurements on the children were carried out at a research unit. Social background and maternal measurements were carried out at the children's homes.

Subjects:

The exposed group comprised 58 children (3–6 years) attending the same preschool which was situated in a lead contaminated environment. The unexposed group comprised 53 children attending a nearby preschool without lead contamination.

Results:

The exposed children had significantly higher blood lead levels and lower DQs, and their homes had poorer facilities than the unexposed children. The deficit in DQ was greater (10.6 points) among children with weight for height less than –1 SD (National Center for Health Statistics references) than among better nourished Children (2 points).

Conclusions:

Undernourished children exposed to lead may have more serious developmental deficits than better nourished children.
The relationship between spermine content of human milk during the first postnatal month and allergy in children
Authors: Peulen Olivier , Dewé Walthère , Dandrifosse Guy , Henrotay Isabelle , Romain Nadine
Published: August 2005

Design:

Qualitative case study and mathematical model.

Setting:

Belgium.

Objectives:

To evaluate the correlation between the polyamine mean concentration of the milk drunk during the first postnatal month and the appearance of allergy in children who drank this milk.

Results:

A model that describes the dependence of the allergy appearance with the spermine mean concentration of milk drunk during the first postnatal month was established.

Conclusions:

This model shows that 5.02 nmol ml−1 of spermine is a critical value to prevent the appearance of allergy.
Factors which influence ‘healthy’ eating patterns: results from the 1993 Health Education Authority health and lifestyle survey in England
Authors: Margetts BM , Thompson RL , Speller V , McVey D
Published: August 2005

Objective:

This study explores the factors that influence eating patterns in a nationally representative sample of the English population.

Design:

Subjects were interviewed in 1993; questions covered basic demographic details, attitudes about nutrition, and they completed a short food frequency questionnaire that had previously been validated. Cluster analysis was used to summarize dietary intake into more or less healthy clusters.

Setting:

A random sample ofthe English population.

Subjects:

A cross-sectional survey of 5553 men and women (response rate 70%) aged between 16 and 74 years.

Results:

As defined from the cluster analysis about half the sample were currently reporting a more healthy diet; respondents in the better educated middle-aged demographic cluster were more likely to report eating a more healthy diet than respondents in the younger lower-income family cluster. About three-quarters of all respondents believed that they either already ate a healthy diet or had changed to a healthy diet in the last 3 years. For those respondents who said they were eating a healthy diet about half of them were eating a more healthy diet. Respondents who had not changed their diet were more likely than those who had to believe that healthy foods were just another fashion (men 34% v. 13%; women 30% v. 12%). or expensive (men 50% v. 35%; women 53% v. 40%); they were less likely to care about what they ate (men 45% v. 13%; women 27% v. 7%). Nearly three-quarters of all respondents agreed that experts never agree about what foods are good for you. Younger, low-income families, and those who smoked, were the group least likely to be eating a more healthy diet.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that about half of the population has reported a change to a healthier diet over the last 3 years and that overall about half of the population report eating a healthy diet. Those who had not made any change and were currently reporting a less healthy diet were more likely to smoke and come from the 'worse off' group in the survey; they were also more likely to hold negative attitudes about healthy eating. A more focused and integrated approach to promoting Dietary change healthy lifestyle in general is required, while at the same time ensuring that there is healthy eating continued support for the majority of the population who have made healthy dietary Cluster analysis changes.