bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filamin-A fragment localizes to the nucleus to regulate androgen receptor and coactivator functions
Authors: Loy C. J. , Sim K. S. , Yong E. L.
Published: April 2003

The androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear transcription factor, mediates male sexual differentiation, and its excessive action is associated with prostate cancer. We have characterized a negative regulatory domain in the AR hinge region, which interacted with filamin A (FLNa), an actin-binding cytoskeletal protein. FLNa interfered with AR interdomain interactions and competed with the coactivator transcriptional intermediary factor 2 to specifically down-regulate AR function. Although full-length FLNa was predominantly cytoplasmic, a C-terminal 100-kDa fragment of FLNa colocalized with AR to the nucleus. This naturally occurring FLNa fragment repressed AR transactivation and disrupted AR interdomain interactions and transcriptional intermediary factor 2-activated AR function in a manner reminiscent of full-length FLNa, raising the possibility that the inhibitory effects of cytoplasmic FLNa may be transduced through this fragment, which can localize to the nucleus and form part of the pre-initiation complex. This unanticipated role of FLNa adds to the growing evidence for the involvement of cytoskeletal proteins in transcription regulation.
Structure of the GAT domain of human GGA1: A syntaxin amino-terminal domain fold in an endosomal trafficking adaptor
Authors: Suer Silke , Misra Saurav , Saidi Layla F. , Hurley James H.
Published: April 2003

The Golgi-associated, γ-adaptin homologous, ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-interacting proteins (GGAs) are adaptors that sort receptors from the trans-Golgi network into the endosomal/lysosomal pathway. The GGAs and TOM1 (GAT) domains of the GGAs are responsible for their ARF-dependent localization. The 2.4-Å crystal structure of the GAT domain of human GGA1 reveals a three-helix bundle, with a long N-terminal helical extension that is not conserved in GAT domains that do not bind ARF. The ARF binding site is located in the N-terminal extension and is separate from the core three-helix bundle. An unanticipated structural similarity to the N-terminal domain of syntaxin 1a was discovered, comprising the entire three-helix bundle. A conserved binding site on helices 2 and 3 of the GAT domain three-helix bundle is predicted to interact with coiled-coil-containing proteins. We propose that the GAT domain is descended from the same ancestor as the syntaxin 1a N-terminal domain, and that both protein families share a common function in binding coiled-coil domain proteins.
Influence of sources of dietary vitamin E on the maternal transfer of α-tocopherol to fetal and neonatal guinea pigs as determined by a stable isotopic technique
Authors: Hidiroglou N. , Madere R. , McDowell L. R. , Toutain P. L.
Published: April 2003

The accepted biological potencies of vitamin E (United States Phamacopeia, 1985) for 1 mg all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (synthetic form) is 1·00 IU and that of 1 mg (RRR)-α-tocopheryl acetate (natural form) is 1·36 IU. In the present study, a stable isotopic (2H) technique was employed to evaluate the bioavailability of naturalv.synthetic forms of vitamin E and to determine whether the potency of the forms is the stated relationship of 1·36:1·00 (RRR)-α-tocopheryl acetate:all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate. Sixty female in-bred guinea pigs received either 40 or 80 mg vitamin E/kg diet with equal levels of (RRR)-α-tocopheryl acetate and all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate throughout gestation and lactation. At late-term pregnancy (day 50 or 60) and during early lactation, dams and their corresponding fetuses or neonates were killed and various tissues collected for subsequent α-tocopherol analysis. Vitamin E analysis of fetal and neonatal tissues indicated a substantial transfer of2H-labelled α-tocopherol across the placenta and through the mammary gland. Total α-tocopherol concentrations were significantly influenced by tissue type and dose level, but not by stage of gestation or lactation. The relative bioavailability (d3:d6) across fetal and neonatal tissues was on average 1·81:1·00, with a range from 1·62:1·00 to 2·01:1·00. Maternal tissues had a mean ratio of 1·77:1·00. A higher relative bioavailability (P≤0·05) was observed with natural compared with synthetic α-tocopherol as shown by a higher d3:d6ratio in all tissues examined. Vitamin E was highest in colostrum on day 2 then declined through to day 5. Results from this present experiment further question the accepted biological potencies of natural:synthetic α-tocopheryl acetate of 1·36:1·00.
Low serum cholesteryl ester-docosahexaenoic acid levels in Alzheimer's disease: a case–control study
Authors: Tully A. M. , Roche H. M. , Doyle R. , Fallon C. , Bruce I. , Lawlor B. , Coakley D. , Gibney M. J.
Published: April 2003

Lown-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status may be associated with neuro-degenerative disorders, in particular Alzheimer's disease, which has been associated with poor dietary fish orn-3 PUFA intake, and low docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status. The present case–control study used an established biomarker ofn-3 PUFA intake (serum cholesteryl ester-fatty acid composition) to determinen-3 PUFA status in patients with Alzheimer's disease, who were free-living in the community. All cases fulfilled the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria for Alzheimer's disease. Detailed neuropsychological testing and neuroimaging established the diagnosis in all cases. The subjects (119 females and twenty-nine males) aged 76·5 (SD 6·6) YEARS HAD A CLINICAL DEMENTIA RATING (CDR) OF 1 (sd 0·62) and a mini mental state examination (MMSE) score of 19·5 (sd 4·8). The control subjects (thirty-six females and nine males) aged 70 (sd 6·0) years were not cognitively impaired (defined as MMSE score <24): they had a mean MMSE score of 28·9 (sd 1·1). Serum cholesteryl ester-eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA levels were significantly lower (P<0·05 andP<0·001 respectively) in all MMSE score quartiles of patients with Alzheimer's disease compared with control values. Serum cholesteryl ester-DHA levels were progressively reduced with severity of clinical dementia. DHA levels did not differ in patients with Alzheimer's disease across age quartiles: all were consistently lower than in control subjects. Step-wise multiple regression analysis showed that cholesteryl ester-DHA and total saturated fatty acid levels were the important determinants of MMSE score and CDR. It remains to be determined whether low DHA status in Alzheimer's disease is a casual factor in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Influence of very low dietary intake of marine oil on some fuctional aspects of immune cells in healthy elderly people
Authors: Bechoua Shaliha , Dubois Madeleine , Véricel Evelyne , Chapuy Paul , Lagarde Michel , Prigent Annie-France
Published: April 2003

Ageing is a multifactorial process involving decreased antioxidant defences and immune functions.n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been associated with human health benefits, especially against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, their immunomodulatory effects were usually observed with high dosages (>2 g/d) known to increase lipid peroxidation. In contrast, very low doses, that may prevent lipid peroxidation, might affect the immune system differently. To study the latter hypothesis further, we investigated whether the supplementation of healthy elderly people with very low doses of marine oil (MO), a docosahexaenoate (DHA)- and eicosapentaenoate (EPA)-rich triacylglycerol, was able to affect lymphocyte proliferation and biochemical markers known to be altered with age. In a randomized, double-blind design, twenty healthy elderly subjects were assigned to a placebo group (600 mg sunflower oil/d) or to a group consuming 600 mg MO/d providing 150 mg DHA + 30 mg (EPA) for 6 weeks. At day 42, the proliferative responses of lymphocytes to several mitogens were significantly (P<0·01) decreased in the MO group compared with control values. This was accompanied by a slight lowering of their cytosolic cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity, a marked and significant (P<0·05) increase of their particulate PDE activity (+56–57 %) and a slight but significant (P<0·05) increase in cyclic nucleotide intracellular levels. At the same time, the glutathione peroxidase activity was markedly and significantly (P<0·01) depressed in the MO group. None of these modifications could be seen in the placebo group. Collectively, these results demonstrate that even very low doses ofn-3 fatty acids are sufficient to affect the immune responses of elderly subjects.
Plasma vitamin A and zinc levels in HIV-infected adults in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Visser M. E. , Maartens G. , Kossew G. , Hussey G. D.
Published: April 2003

A cross-sectional study of 132 adults attending an HIV clinic in Cape Town, South Africa, was conducted to determine predictors of low plasma vitamin A and Zn levels. No patients were on antiretroviral therapy. The possible confounding effect of the acute-phase response was controlled by including C-reactive protein levels in multivariate analysis and by excluding active opportunistic infections. Retinol levels were low (<1·05 μmol/l) in 39 % of patients with early disease (WHO clinical stages I and II) compared with 48 and 79 % of patients with WHO stage III and IV respectively (P<0·01). Plasma Zn levels were low (<10·7 μmol/l) in 20 % of patients with early diseasev.36 and 45 % with stage III and IV disease respectively (P<0·05). C-reactive protein levels were normal in 63 % of subjects. Weak, positive associations were found between CD4+ lymphocyte count and plasma levels of retinol (r0·27; 95 % CI 0·1, 0·43) and Zn (r0·31; 95 % CI 0·25, 0·46). Multivariate analysis showed the following independent predictors of low retinol levels: WHO stage IV (odds ratio 3·4; 95 % CI 2·1, 5·7) and body weight (odds ratio per 5 kg decrease 1·15; 95 % CI, 1·08, 1·25), while only body weight was significantly associated with low Zn levels (OR per 5 kg decrease 1·19; 95 % CI 1·09, 1·30). CD4+ lymphocyte count <200/μl was not significantly associated with either low retinol or Zn levels. In resource-poor settings, simple clinical features (advanced disease and/or weight loss) are associated with lowered blood concentrations of vitamin A and/or Zn. The clinical significance of low plasma retinol and/or Zn levels is unclear and more research is required to establish the role of multiple micronutrient intervention strategies in HIV disease.
Effects of supplementation with purified red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on plasma lipids and insulin resistance in healthy premenopausal women
Authors: Blakesmith Sarah J. , Lyons–Wall Philippa M. , George Caroline , Joannou George E. , Petocz Peter , Samman Samir
Published: April 2003

Consumption of isoflavone-rich soyabean protein is reported to reduce total and LDL-cholesterol, but the specific components responsible are undetermined. In a previous crossover trial we showed that purified isoflavones, derived from red clover (Trifolium pratense), raised HDL3-cholesterol in premenopausal women; however, these findings were inconclusive due to period and carryover effects. In an attempt to overcome this problem, we utilised a parallel study designed to re-examine the effects of purified isoflavones on plasma lipoproteins and markers of insulin resistance in premenopausal women. Twenty-five healthy premenopausal women participated in a double-blind, randomised, parallel study. The treatment group (n12) consumed a placebo for the first menstrual cycle and an isoflavone supplement (86 mg/d, derived from red clover) for three cycles, while the placebo group (n13) consumed a placebo supplement for four menstrual cycles. Blood samples were collected weekly during cycles 1, 3 and 4. Supplementation with isoflavones resulted in a 15-fold increase in urinary isoflavone excretion (P<0·0001). There were no significant effects on total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, HDL subfractions, triacylglycerol, lipoprotein(a), glucose or insulin concentrations. Our present results indicate that purified isoflavones derived from red clover have no effect on cholesterol homeostasis or insulin resistance in premenopausal women, a group which is at low risk of CHD.
Effects of dietary protein on renal function and lipid metabolism in five-sixths nephrectomized rats
Authors: Chen Shu-Tzu , Peng Sheng-Jeng , Chen Jiun-Rong
Published: April 2003

The objective of the present experiment was to examine the effect of substituting different quantities of soyabean protein for casein on renal function and lipid metabolism in rats with chronic renal failure induced by a five-sixths nephrectomy. Experimental animals were subjected to a nephrectomy and fed either casein or soyabean protein (200 or 100 g/kg diet). The diets were isoenergetic with identical fat, Na, K and P contents. Rats ingesting 200 g casein/kg diet showed a significantly (P<0·05) accelerated course of chronic renal failure, while the soyabean-protein groups showed retarded progression of the experimentally induced renal disease and hypercholesterolaemic effects. Rats in the low-soyabean-protein diet (100 g/kg) also demonstrated increased serum albumin and decreased serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol concentrations and blood urea-N; however, the low-casein diet significantly (P<0·05) increased serum triacylglycerol. Results of the present study show that the replacement of casein by soyabean protein was related to the rate of progression of renal failure and improvement in lipid profiles in serum of five-sixths nephrectomized rats.
Cadmium absorption and retention by rats fed durum wheat (Triticum turgidumL. var.durum) grain
Authors: House W. A. , Hart J. J. , Norvell W. A. , Welch R. M.
Published: April 2003

A whole-body radioassay procedure was used to assess the retention and apparent absorption by rats of Cd in kernels of durum wheat (Triticum turgidumL. var.durum) harvested from plants grown hydroponically in109Cd-labelled nutrient solution. Wholegrain wheat, containing 5 μmol Cd (570 μg)/kg dry weight labelled intrinsically with109Cd, was incorporated into test meals fed to rats that had been maintained on diets containing marginally adequate, adequate or surplus levels of Zn (0·12 mmol (8 mg), 0·43 mmol (28 mg) or 1·55 mmol (101 mg) Zn/kg respectively), and either 0 or 50 g durum wheat/kg. Regardless of diet, all rats consumed about 99 % of the test meal offered. In rats fed diets without wheat, initial Cd absorption averaged 7·7, 4·6 and 2·4 % of the dose when the diet contained 0·12 mmol (8 mg), 0·43 mmol (28 mg) or 1·55 mmol (101 mg) Zn/kg diet respectively. In rats fed wheat-containing diets, initial Cd absorption averaged 3·8 and 2·6 % of the dose when dietary Zn concentration was 0·12 mmol (8 mg) and 0·43 mmol (28 mg)/kg diet respectively. The amount of Cd retained in the body at 15 d postprandial was <2 % of the dose in all rats, and decreased as Zn in the diet increased. Even at 15 d postprandial, 32 to 44 % of the Cd retained in the body was still in the gastrointestinal tract. The results show that: (1) the bioavailability to rats of Cd in wholegrain durum wheat was depressed when wholegrain wheat was part of the regular diet; (2) increased intake of dietary Zn lowered Cd absorption and retention; (3) retention of Cd in the body at 15 d postprandial from diets containing adequate Zn was <1·3 %.
Effect of a methionine-supplemented diet on the blood pressure of Wistar–Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Robin Sophie , Maupoil Véronique , Groubatch Frédérique , Laurant Pascal , Jacqueson Alain , Berthelot Alain
Published: April 2003

The objectives of the present work were to evaluate the effect of a methionine-supplemented diet as a model of hyperhomocysteinaemia on the systolic blood pressure (BP) and vasomotor functions of aortic rings in Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). WKY and SHR rats, randomised into four groups, were fed a normal semisynthetic diet or a methionine (8 g/kg)-supplemented diet for 10 weeks. Systolic BP was measured non-invasively. At the end of the experiment, plasma homocysteine, methionine, cysteine and glutathione levels were determined. Vasoconstriction and vasodilatation of aortic rings were measured. The methionine-supplemented diet induced a significant increase in plasma homocysteine and methionine concentration in both WKY and SHR rats, an increase in plasma cysteine concentrations in WKY rats and an increase in the glutathione concentration in SHR. The systolic BP of WKY rats fed the methionine-supplemented diet increased significantly (P<0·01), whereas systolic BP was reduced in SHR. An enhanced aortic responsiveness to noradrenaline and a decreased relaxation induced by acetylcholine and bradykinin were observed in the WKY rats fed the methionine-enriched diet. In SHR, the bradykinin-induced relaxation was reduced, but the sodium nitroprusside response was increased. In conclusion, a methionine-enriched diet induced a moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia and an elevated systolic BP in WKY rats that was consistent with the observed endothelial dysfunction. In SHR, discrepancies between the decreased systolic BP and the vascular alterations suggest more complex interactions of the methionine-enriched diet on the systolic BP. Further investigations are needed to understand the paradoxical effect of a methionine-rich diet on systolic BP.
Hypoxia-induced megaloblastosis in vitamin B12-deficient rats
Authors: Ebara Shuhei , Adachi Satoko , Takenaka Shigeo , Enomoto Toshiki , Watanabe Fumio , Yamaji Ryoichi , Inui Hiroshi , Nakano Yoshihisa
Published: April 2003

In rats, in contrast with human subjects who develop megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12deficiency, haematological abnormalities with anaemia were not observed under normoxic conditions even though plasma vitamin B12concentration was reduced to <15 % of a normal concentration by depleting dietary vitamin B12. To elucidate whether erythropoiesis was affected by vitamin B12deficiency in rats, these vitamin B12-deficient rats were exposed to hypoxia (10·5 % O2) to stimulate erythropoiesis. In the vitamin B12-sufficient control rats, erythrocyte count was significantly (P<0·05) increased 1 week after starting the hypoxic exposure. However, the hypoxia-induced erythropoiesis was affected by vitamin B12deficiency, and no significant increase in the erythrocyte count was observed even after 6-week exposure to hypoxia in the vitamin B12-deficient rats. In the vitamin B12-deficient rats in hypoxia, erythrocytes became abnormally enlarged, and haemoglobin concentration in peripheral blood was increased in proportion to the increase of mean corpuscular volume. However, the level of the increase in the haemoglobin concentration was significantly (P<0·05) lower in the vitamin B12-deficient rats compared with that in the -sufficient controls. In addition, in the vitamin B12-deficient rats, in contrast to the -sufficient rats, serum erythropoietin concentration was not normalized even after 6-week exposure to hypoxia. These results indicate that a megaloblastic anaemia-like symptom is induced when the vitamin B12-deficient rats are exposed to hypoxia.
Supplementation of barley straw withSesbania pachycarpaleavesin vitro: effects on fermentation variables and rumen microbial population structure quantified by ribosomal RNA-targeted probes
Authors: Muetzel S.
Published: April 2003

Tropical livestock is often maintained on roughage-based diets deficient in N, and therefore requires supplementation with protein-rich substrates to achieve reasonable production levels. The optimum inclusion rate of a potential supplement is usually determined byin vivofeeding trials or byin vitroincubation of the diet components to estimate the feed value of the complete diet. The present work simulates a supplementation experimentin vitro, by incubating a pure roughage (barley straw), a pure supplement (Sesbania pachycarpaleaves) and mixtures of the two, with increasing inclusion levels of the supplement, in a short-term batch incubation system. Fermentation kinetics were followed by the release of fermentation endproducts (gas and short-chain fatty acids). Microbial biomass was estimated using ribosomal (r) RNA as internal marker for bacteria and eukaryotes separately. Cell-wall-degrading subpopulations were quantified by hybridisation with taxon-specific oligonucleotide probes targetingChytridiomycetes,Fibrobacterspp.,Ruminococcus albusandR. flavefaciens. Carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) was assayed as an indicator for cell-wall-degrading activity. The addition ofS. pachycarpaleaves stimulated fermentation in all cases. Gas production, and especially rRNA concentration, showed clear maxima at 40 %S. pachycarpainclusion, rates that significantly exceeded the values interpolated from the incubations of the pure substrates. Short-chain fatty acid yield changed only slightly, but in the same way. The analysis of the microbial population structure showed that the positive effects were mainly mediated through enhanced growth ofRuminococcusspp. Increasing proportions ofS. pachycarpaleaves in the diet led to a drastic decline in the total eukaryotic population. This points to a defaunation, which may also have added to the positive effects. The eukaryotic subpopulation of the rumen fungi were affected to a lesser degree. Although the cell-wall-degrading organisms showed positive responses to the supplementation, the CMCase activity was not affected significantly by the supplementation. The present work shows that it is possible to predict optimum inclusion levels for a new feed supplementin vitroand thus reducein vivoexperiments. It was also demonstrated that true supplementation effects occur particularly for the microbial biomass production, which is the primary source of amino acids for the ruminant animal. The analysis of microbial population structure in context with conventional metabolic measurements adds valuable information to interpret the observed effects on production-related variables.
Protein-degradation products and bacterial enzyme activities in faeces of breast-fed and formula-fed infants
Authors: Heavey Patricia M. , Savage Shirley-Anne H. , Parrett Alison , Cecchini Cinzia , Edwards Christine A. , Rowland Ian R.
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of age and diet (breast milk, formula milk and weaning diet) on metabolic activities in faecal samples from infants aged 1 week to 1 year, and to compare these findings with activities found in samples from adults. Such activities can provide valuable information on functional changes in the microbiota that may have significance for the health of the host. Fresh faecal samples were collected from forty-four breast-fed infants (twenty-four males, twenty females) and thirteen formula-fed infants (three males, ten females) throughout the first year of life. The samples were analysed for protein-breakdown products, including the faecal concentrations of NH3, phenol andp-cresol, and faecal bacterial enzyme activities. There was wide individual variation in all variables measured; however, the values in infants were substantially lower then those found in adults. In pre-weaned infants, faecal NH3concentration and β-glucuronidase activity were the only endpoints that were significantly different in breast-fed and formula-fed infants (P<0·001 andP<0·05 respectively). This was not apparent after weaning. There was a significant difference between the breast-fed and formula-fed weaned groups and their pre-weaned counterparts only for NH3(P<0·05). β-Glucuronidase activity and phenol concentration were significantly (P<0·01) greater in weaned breast-fed infants compared with pre-weaned breast-fed infants. No differences were observed between pre-weaned and weaned formula-fed infants for any of the variables except for NH3concentration. It can be concluded from the present study that there are significant differences in two faecal characteristics between breast- and formula-fed infants and that changes occur as the infants grow older and are weaned onto solid foods.
The effect of dietaryn-3 fatty acids on serum concentrations of C-reactive protein: a dose–response study
Authors: Madsen Trine , Christensen Jeppe H. , Blom Mogens , Schmidt Erik B.
Published: April 2003

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker for low-grade inflammation. Long-chainn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect on serum levels of CRP ofn-3 PUFA at two different doses. We also investigated correlations between CRP and the cellular contents of PUFA. Sixty healthy volunteers (twenty-five women and thirty-five men) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups in a double-blind design. The subjects received a supplement of either 6·6 gn-3 PUFA/d, 2·0 gn-3 PUFA/d or placebo (olive oil) for 12 weeks. CRP was measured using a highly sensitive assay. The median serum CRP concentration was 0·78 mg/l. No significant correlations were found between CRP and the content ofn-3 PUFA in granulocytes or platelets. Subjects receivingn-3 PUFA had a significant (P<0·01) increase in the cellular contents of 20: 5n-3, 22: 5n-3 and 22: 6n-3, with the largest increase occurring in the group receiving 6·6 g PUFA/d. A significant (P<0·01) decrease in cellular content of 18: 2n-6 and 20: 4n-6 was observed simultaneously. Serum CRP concentrations, however, were unaffected by the PUFA-containing supplements. The present study shows that dietary supplementation with PUFA-containing supplements has no effect on serum concentrations of CRP, measured with a highly sensitive assay, in healthy subjects.
Longitudinal evaluation of energy expenditure in preterm infants with birth weight less than 1000 g
Authors: Bauer Jacqueline , Maier Kathrin , Hellstern Gerald , Linderkamp Otwin
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to obtain serial values of O2 consumption (VO2), CO2 production (VCO2) and energy expenditure (EE) in healthy but extremely-low-birth-weight infants (birth weight <1000 g), during the first 5 weeks after birth. A total of seventeen spontaneously breathing and appropriate-for-gestational-age (birth weight and body length above the 10th and below the 90th percentile) preterm infants with gestational age 25–28 weeks and birth weight 590–990 g were enrolled in the study. Calorimetry was performed using an open-circuit calorimeter on days 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 of postnatal life. During the 5 weeks of observation, VO2 increased from 4·7 (SD 0·5) TO 9·1 (sd 1·0) ml/kg per min, VCO2 from 4·5 (sd 0·4) to 8·3 (SD 0·6) ml/kg per min and EE from 115 (sd 12) to 310 (sd 71) kJ/kg per d. The energy intake was always higher than EE, even at days 6 and 12. The RER decreased from 0·99 (sd 0·09) at day 12 to 0·91 (SD 0·05) at day 30. On all study days, there were highly significant positive correlations between energy intake and weight gain, EE and weight gain, and EE and energy intake (P<0·05). Multiple regression analysis showed that on most study days EE was more affected by energy intake than by weight gain. We conclude that in healthy preterm infants with birth weight <1000 g, EE increases by about 150 % in the first 5 weeks after birth, and that the EE values are related to energy intake and weight gain independent of postnatal age.
Food and nutrient intakes among pregnant women in rural Tamil Nadu, South India
Authors: Andersen Lena Theilgaard , Thilsted Shakuntala Haraksingh , Nielsen Birgitte Bruun , Rangasamy Suguna
Published: April 2003

Objectives:

To study pregnant women's diet at food and nutrient levels and how these match recommendations; to describe how factors such as education level, economy and folk dietetics influence the women's food choice; and to give suggestions for the improvement of nutrition education in the existing antenatal care systems.

Design and subjects:

Thirty pregnant women in the last trimester were interviewed three times using a 24-hour dietary recall with weighing of foods and recipes of dishes. Interviews regarding health, nutrition and socio-economic status, and measurements of weight and height of the women, were conducted.

Setting:

Rural parts of Salem District, Tamil Nadu, South India.

Results and conclusion:

The women's diet (without supplements) was insufficient in energy and all nutrients except fat, compared with the Indian recommendations. Aggravating low intakes of micronutrients were found which were reflected in low intakes of foods other than rice. Eating customs and economy appeared to influence the women's food choice negatively in relation to recommendations while factors such as education level, family type, pregnancy number and folk dietetics did not seem to have a negative effect. The amounts of foods recommended, especially green leafy vegetables, must be shown to the women. The nutrition advice given by all levels of health providers must be the same and based on cheap, local, commonly consumed foods.
Physical activity, diet and cardiovascular disease risks in Chinese women
Authors: Ma, Jing , Liu, Zhaomin , Ling Wenhua
Published: April 2003

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between different types and levels of physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk factors, including oxidative stress, blood lipids and insulin resistance, in a healthy female population in China.

Method:

Healthy women (n= 761) aged 35 to 65 years participated in this study. The habitual physical activity was evaluated by self-administered questionnaire (MOSPA). The dietary intakes of nutrients were calculated from 3-day recall records. Anthropometric data of each subject were measured, fasting blood samples were taken, and erythrocytes and serum were prepared for the measurement of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, serum malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, insulin, glucose and lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein AI (apo A) and apolipoprotein B (apo B)) concentrations.

Results:

Low level of physical activity was related to a lower concentration of serum apo B, and higher energy expenditure from household physical activity had a reverse relationship with serum apo B and triglyceride levels. In the group with moderate occupational energy expenditure, the concentration of serum triglycerides was lower, but that of high-density lipoprotein was higher. Moderate energy expenditure (less than 1700 kcal day−1) from leisure-time physical activity was positively related to total antioxidant capacity and insulin sensitivity. However, heavy occupational physical activity may be not beneficial for the cardiovascular system.

Conclusion:

This study indicates that leisure-time, moderate occupational and household physical activity levels decreased risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Validation of a food-frequency questionnaire for cohort studies in rural Japan
Authors: Ogawa Keiko , Tsubono Yoshitaka , Nishino Yoshikazu , Watanabe Yoko , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Watanabe Takao , Nakatsuka Haruo , Takahashi Nobuko , Kawamura Mieko , Tsuji Ichiro , Hisamichi Shigeru
Published: April 2003

Objectives:

To examine the validity and reproducibility of a self-administered food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) used for two cohort studies in Japan.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Two rural towns in the Miyagi Prefecture, in north-eastern Japan.

Subjects:

Fifty-five men and 58 women.

Results:

A 40-item FFQ was administered twice, 1 year apart. In the mean time, four 3-day diet records (DRs) were collected in four seasons within the year. We calculated daily consumption of total energy and 15 nutrients, 40 food items and nine food groups from the FFQs and the DRs. We computed Spearman correlation coefficients between the FFQs and the DRs. With adjustment for age, total energy and deattenuation for measurement error with the DRs, the correlation coefficients for nutrient intakes ranged from 0.25 to 0.58 in men and from 0.30 to 0.69 in women, with median of 0.43 and 0.43, respectively. Median (range) of the correlation coefficients was 0.35 (−0.30 to 0.72) in men and 0.34 (−0.06 to 0.75) in women for food items and 0.60 (−0.10 to 0.76) and 0.51 (0.28–0.70) for food groups, respectively. Median (range) of the correlation coefficients for the two FFQs administered 1 year apart was 0.49 (0.31–0.71) in men and 0.50 (0.40–0.64) in women for nutrients, 0.43 (0.14–0.76) and 0.45 (0.06–0.74) respectively for food items, and 0.50 (0.30–0.70) and 0.57 (0.39–0.66) respectively for food groups. Relatively higher agreement percentages for intakes of nutrients and food groups with high validity were obtained together with lower complete disagreement percentages.

Conclusions:

The FFQ has a high reproducibility and a reasonably good validity, and is useful in assessing the usual intakes of nutrients, foods and food groups among a rural Japanese population.
Low-income consumers' attitudes and behaviour towards access, availability and motivation to eat fruit and vegetables
Authors: Dibsdall LA , Lambert N , Bobbin RF , Frewer LJ
Published: April 2003

Objective:

To determine low-income consumers' attitudes and behaviour towards fruit and vegetables, in particular issues of access to, affordability of and motivation to eat fruit and vegetables.

Design and setting:

Questionnaire survey mailed to homes owned by a large UK housing association.

Participants:

Participants were 680 low-income men and women, aged 17–100 years.

Results:

Age, employment, gender, smoking and marital status all affected attitudes towards access, affordability and motivation to eat fruit and vegetables. Few (7%) participants experienced difficulty in visiting a supermarket at least once a week, despite nearly half having no access to a car for shopping. Fruit and vegetables were affordable to this low-income group in the amounts they habitually bought; purchasing additional fruits and vegetables was seen as prohibitively expensive. Less than 5% felt they had a problem with eating healthily and yet only 18% claimed to eat the recommended 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables every day.

Conclusions:

Supported by research, current UK Government policy is driven by the belief that low-income groups have difficulties in access to and affordability of fruit and vegetables. Findings from this particular group suggest that, of the three potential barriers, access and affordability were only a small part of the ‘problem’ surrounding low fruit and vegetable consumption. Thus, other possible determinants of greater consequence need to be identified. We suggest focusing attention on motivation to eat fruit and vegetables, since no dietary improvement can be achieved if people do not recognise there is a problem.
Impact evaluation of efforts to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders in Nigeria
Authors: Egbuta John , Onyezili Frank , Vanormelingen Koen
Published: April 2003

Objective:

The objective of the present review is to assess the impact of universal salt iodisation in Nigeria during the last five years, with reference to some of the sentinel sites studied previously during a 1995 multi-centre study.

Design, setting and subjects:

The method of goitre classification by palpation was employed using the new internationally accepted method in which the classification is simply graded as 0, 1 or 2. The multistage random sampling method was used and states and local government areas were already selected by virtue of their known status for iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Schools were randomly chosen in each local government area and children aged 8–12 years in each school were determined. A percentage of the children was then included in the study to give a sample size greater than the minimum number allotted to the school. A total of 2372 schoolchildren (1420 males and 952 females) in 11 local government areas were examined; urine samples were collected from 537 children and analysed for urinary excretion of iodine. The method known as the Sandell–Kolthoff reaction was adopted, in which the iodide in the urine samples catalyses the reduction of ceric ammonium sulphate (yellow colour) to the cerous form (colourless) in the presence of arsenious acid. The degree of reduction in colour intensity of the yellow ceric ammonium sulphate is proportional to the iodine content in the urine sample.

Results:

The results from this study show that the median urinary iodine excretion for this sampled population in Nigeria, drawn mostly from IDD-endemic areas, is 14.65 μg dl−1 with a mean value of 13.39 μg dl−1.

Conclusion:

This finding would suggest that Nigeria, in general terms, has achieved the goal of universal salt iodisation and should now focus its attention on constant monitoring in order to sustain this iodisation level.
The influence of dietary intake on the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system across three ethnic groups: a population-based study
Authors: Heald AH , Cade JE , Cruickshank JK , Anderson S , White A , Gibson JM
Published: April 2003

Objective:

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Since dietary factors and ethnicity are considered contributory to the development of these diseases, we examined the IGF system in relation to nutritional intake by ethnic group.

Design, subjects and setting:

Dietary intake in 257 subjects of White European, African-Caribbean and Pakistani ethnic origin living in Manchester, UK was assessed using ethnic-group-specific food-frequency questionnaires to assess habitual nutrient intake over the previous 12 months. Fasting IGF-I, IGF-II and IGF-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) concentrations were determined and their relationship to specific dietary constituents was analysed.

Results:

Analysis by quintiles of nutrient intake showed a significant increase in circulating IGF-I concentration with increasing dietary fat intake (F for trend = 3.9, P < 0.01), saturated fat intake (F = 3.3, P = 0.01) and for protein intake (F = 4.2, P < 0.01). There was also a significant increase in IGF-II by quintiles of dietary protein intake (F = 2.7, P < 0.05). There was a trend for increasing IGF-I with increasing energy intake. The relationships between circulating concentration of IGFBP-1, an acute regulator of IGF action, and fat/protein intake were opposite to those for IGF-I and IGF-II. Multiple linear regression modelling showed that people of Pakistani origin and older subjects had lower levels of IGF-I (Pakistani origin vs. others, P < 0.001) (age, P < 0.001 for both). There was an independent inverse relationship between IGF-I and dietary carbohydrate intake (P = 0.036).

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence for a dietary contribution to regulation of the IGF system, although the effects of ethnicity on circulating IGF levels remain dominant. We propose that the IGF system's influences on cancer risk in specific ethnic groups are potentially modifiable by dietary intervention.
The socio-economic patterning of survey participation and non-response error in a multilevel study of food purchasing behaviour: area- and individual-level characteristics
Authors: Turrell Gavin , Patterson Carla , Oldenburg Brian , Gould Trish , Roy Marie-Andree
Published: April 2003

Objective:

To undertake an assessment of survey participation and non-response error in a population-based study that examined the relationship between socio-economic position and food purchasing behaviour.

Design and setting:

The study was conducted in Brisbane City (Australia) in 2000. The sample was selected using a stratified two-stage cluster design. Respondents were recruited using a range of strategies that attempted to maximise the involvement of persons from disadvantaged backgrounds: respondents were contacted by personal visit and data were collected using home-based face-to-face interviews; multiple call-backs on different days and at different times were used; and a financial gratuity was provided.

Participants:

Non-institutionalised residents of private dwellings (n= 1003), located in 50 small areas that differed in their socio-economic characteristics.

Results:

Rates of survey participation – measured by non-contacts, exclusions, dropped cases, response rates and completions – were similar across areas, suggesting that residents of socio-economically advantaged and disadvantaged areas were equally likely to be recruited. Individual-level analysis, however, showed that respondents and non-respondents differed significantly in their sociodemographic and food purchasing characteristics: non-respondents were older, less educated and exhibited different purchasing behaviours. Misclassification bias probably accounted for the inconsistent pattern of association between the area- and individual-level results. Estimates of bias due to non-response indicated that although respondents and non-respondents were qualitatively different, the magnitude of error associated with this differential was minimal.

Conclusions:

Socio-economic position measured at the individual level is a strong and consistent predictor of survey non-participation. Future studies that set out to examine the relationship between socio-economic position and diet need to adopt sampling strategies and data collection methods that maximise the likelihood of recruiting participants from all points on the socio-economic spectrum, and particularly persons from disadvantaged backgrounds. Study designs that are not sensitive to the difficulties associated with recruiting a socio-economically representative sample are likely to produce biased estimates (underestimates) of socio-economic differences in the dietary outcome being investigated.
Measuring socio-economic position in dietary research: is choice of socio-economic indicator important?
Authors: Turrell Gavin , Hewitt Belinda , Patterson Carla , Oldenburg Brian
Published: April 2003

Objectives:

To examine the association between socio-economic position (SEP) and diet, by assessing the unadjusted and simultaneously adjusted (independent) contributions of education, occupation and household income to food purchasing behaviour

Design:

The sample was randomly selected using a stratified two-stage cluster design, and the response rate was 66.4%. Data were collected by face-to-face interview. Food purchasing was examined on the basis of three composite indices that reflected a household's choice of grocery items (including meat and chicken), fruit and vegetables

Setting:

Brisbane City, Australia, 2000

Participants:

Non-institutionalised residents of private dwellings (n= 1003), located in 50 small areas (Census Collectors Districts)

Results:

When shopping, respondents in lower socio-economic groups were less likely to purchase grocery foods that were high in fibre and low in fat, salt and sugar. Disadvantaged groups purchased fewer types of fresh fruits and vegetables, and less often, than their counterparts from more advantaged backgrounds. When the relationship between SEP and food purchasing was examined using each indicator separately, education and household income made an unadjusted contribution to purchasing behaviour for all three food indices; however, occupation was significantly related only with the purchase of grocery foods. When education and occupation were simultaneously adjusted for each other, the socio-economic patterning with food purchase remained largely unchanged, although the strength of the associations was attenuated. When household income was introduced into the analysis, the association between education, occupation and food purchasing behaviour was diminished or became non-significant; income, however, showed a strong, graded association with food choice

Conclusions:

The food purchasing behaviours of socio-economically disadvantaged groups were least in accord with dietary guideline recommendations, and hence are more consistent with greater risk for the development of diet-related disease. The use of separate indicators for education, occupation and household income each adds something unique to our understanding of how socio-economic position is related to diet: each indicator reflects a different underlying social process and hence they are not interchangeable, and do not serve as adequate proxies for one another
Consumers' sensory and nutritional perceptions of three types of milk
Authors: Bus AEM , Worsley A
Published: April 2003

Objective:

To identify consumer perceptions of whole milk, reduced-fat milk and soy milk, and to investigate demographic influences on perceptions and types of milk consumption.

Design and setting:

Questionnaires covering nutritional and sensory perceptions of three types of milk.

Subjects:

Three hundred and sixty-one randomly selected shoppers in Melbourne, Australia.

Results:

Generally, respondents held positive perceptions about milk. Milk was considered as having good sensory properties, providing a good source of nutrients, and being a convenient and safe product. However, despite these findings, misperceptions and unawareness about the nutrient content of milk were prevalent. Negative perceptions were most common for whole milk and were mostly related to its perceived high fat, cholesterol and energy contents. Soy milk received lower ratings on sensory quality and convenience than dairy milk. There were few sociodemographic differences in consumers' perceptions. Although reduced-fat milk consumption was more frequent among elderly people and type of milk consumption was related to parenthood, no other significant effects of demographic variables were found on the consumption of specific milk types.

Conclusion:

Although positive perceptions were common, negative perceptions and misperceptions appear to be prevalent, presenting a challenge for nutrition education. Sociodemographic factors were not shown to be important predictors of perceptions and type of milk consumption.
Vitamin A capsule distribution to control vitamin A deficiency in Indonesia: effect of supplementation in pre-school children and compliance with the programme
Authors: Pangaribuan Rosnani , Erhardt Jürgen G , Scherbaum Veronika , Biesalski Hans K
Published: April 2003

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a widespread vitamin A supplementation programme and to describe indicators of compliance with the programme in Indonesia.

Design:

Prospective cohort study. Children's anthropometric data were gathered at baseline (June 2000) and 4 months later (2 months after supplementation in August 2000). Serum retinol, haemoglobin, ferritin, α1-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and at follow-up. Caregivers of the children were interviewed using a questionnaire.

Setting:

Semi-urban and rural areas of Semarang district, Central Java, Indonesia.

Subjects:

Children (n = 400) aged 1–5 years.

Results:

After the supplementation, the proportion of children with a low concentration of retinol decreased in recipients from 18.8 to 14.5%. However, in non-recipients, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency increased from 31.9 to 37.5%, this prevalence being significantly higher than in recipients. A significant decrease occurred in the proportion of recipients with low ferritin (26.5 to 16.2%) and haemoglobin (25.7 to 15.3%), whereas the proportions did not show a significant change after supplementation for non-recipients. Modest linear growth was detected in recipients after supplementation but there was no effect on ponderal growth. The coverage rate of the supplementation in the study areas was 60%. There was an association between compliance of the caregivers and their knowledge about the potential benefit of vitamin A supplementation, the place where sick children were taken and age of the children.

Conclusions:

The vitamin A supplementation programme marginally decreased the proportion of vitamin A deficiency and had a marginal effect on the nutritional status of recipients. More than one micronutrient intervention is needed to increase the effectiveness of the supplementation programme. To increase compliance and coverage in the supplementation programme, nutrition communication and private healthcare practices need to be included in the programme.