bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of sowing ratio and stage of maturity at harvest on yield, persistency and chemical composition of fresh and ensiled red clover/lucerne bi‐crops
Authors: Marley C. L. , Fychan R. , Fraser M. D. , Winters A. , Jones R. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractTwo experiments investigated (1) the effect of stage of maturity at harvest in the first year on yield and persistency of red clover and lucerne when grown as monocultures and bi‐crops, and (2) the effect of ensiling differing ratios of red clover and lucerne on forage quality and degree of proteolysis. Red clover (cv. Milvus) and lucerne (cv. Vertus) were established in triplicate plots at five sowing ratios:1·00 red clover, 0·75 red clover:0·25 lucerne, 0·50 red clover:0·50 lucerne, 0·25 red clover:0·75 lucerne and 1·00 lucerne. In year 1, plots were harvested in three strips, at different stages of plant maturity, either 11 (early), 13 (mid) or 15 (late) weeks after sowing. In years 2 and 3, the whole plot was harvested at each of four harvests taken during the growing season. The DM yield of lucerne in years 2 and 3 was higher than that of red clover, leading to increased yields from bi‐crops with increasing proportions of lucerne. Strips harvested at the mid‐stage of maturity in the first year on the 0·25 red clover:0·75 lucerne plots produced the highest DM yields overall. Ensiling red clover and lucerne bi‐crops was found to combine the improved wilting properties of lucerne and the reduced proteolysis of ensiled red clover.
Leptin and leptin receptor in human seminal plasma and in human spermatozoa
Authors: Jope T. , Lammert A. , Kratzsch J. , Paasch U. , Glander H.‐J. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryLeptin, a 167 amino acid peptide, is known to influence the gonads via direct and indirect effects. Recent studies provide contradictory proposition about the peripheral impact of leptin in the male gonads. Thus, we examined leptin and its receptors in human seminal plasma and in human ejaculated spermatozoa by Western blot technique and fluorescence microscopy. In seminal plasma we found a free leptin band (16 kDa) by an anti‐leptin polyclonal antibody. Incubation of seminal plasma with recombinant leptin caused a statistically significant increase in the amount of free leptin (p < 0.01) and supports this finding. Furthermore, a soluble leptin receptor (145 kDa) was found in human seminal plasma in the same specimen. We also detected a 145‐kDa leptin receptor isoform in ejaculated spermatozoa as a possible target of leptin action in the male genital tract, which was localized at the tail of spermatozoa by immunofluorescence microscopy only. This receptor was significantly associated with the intactness of sperm plasma membranes. Spermatozoa with deteriorated membranes contained 49.2 ± 6.9% leptin receptor signal intensity compared with spermatozoa having intact membranes (p < 0.01). This finding is difficult to interpret and may be caused by a leakage of OB‐R due to loss of membrane integrity. In conclusion, these data provide further hints for a peripheral role of leptin in the male genital tract, possibly, by an interaction between leptin and spermatozoa via sperm leptin receptors.
Intercellular bridges and apoptosis in clones of male germ cells
Authors: Hamer Geert , Roepers‐Gajadien Hermien L. , Gademan Iris S. , Kal Henk B. , de Rooij Dirk G. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryWhen an As spermatogonium divides to form a pair of Apr spermatogonia the two daughter cells stay interconnected by an intercellular bridge. These cytoplasmic bridges form after every subsequent division leading to large clones of interconnected germ cells. Cohorts of spermatogonia maintain synchronous development throughout spermatogenesis, which has been attributed to the presence of these intercellular bridges. To examine whether apoptotic signals are transduced through the intercellular bridges we studied germ cell apoptosis in whole mounts of seminiferous tubules from non‐irradiated and irradiated mouse testes, using whole mount seminiferous tubules and confocal microscopy. This allowed us to use TUNEL staining of apoptotic germ cells and at the same time to study these apoptotic germ cells in their topographical context. Our results show that in response to ionizing radiation single spermatogonia within a clone can undergo apoptosis without affecting their neighboring cells. Additionally, also early spermatocytes were shown to undergo apoptosis individually. Both radiation‐induced spermatogonial apoptosis and spontaneous apoptosis of spermatocytes are caused by DNA damage of individual cells. Degeneration of healthy spermatogonia because of regulatory signals, however, follows other death inducing mechanisms, which lead to apoptosis of chains of interconnected spermatogonia.
Physicochemical, mechanical and thermal properties of brown rice grain with various moisture contents
Authors: Cao Wei , Nishiyama Yoshio , Koide Shoji 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe effects of moisture content on the mechanical and thermal properties of either a short‐grain variety (Akitakomachi) or two long‐grain varieties (Delta and L201) of brown rice were studied. Total starch contents of the three varieties were comparable, but the amylose content of L201 was significantly higher than that of the other two varieties. The maximum compressive strength of brown rice grain was much higher than the maximum tensile strength. L201 showed the highest maximum compressive and tensile strengths. The phase transition temperatures (glass transition temperature Tg and melting temperature Tm) were examined by differential scanning calorimetry. The Tg and Tm for L201 were higher than those for Delta and Akitakomachi. The maximum compressive strength, maximum tensile strength, Tg and Tm for the three varieties of brown rice grains decreased with increasing moisture content. The Tg of individual brown rice kernels decreased from 53 to 22 °C as moisture content increased from 12 to 25% wet basis. A statistical model was calculated by using linear regression to describe the change in Tg in terms of moisture content.
The functional properties of popped, flaked, extruded and roller‐dried foxtail millet (Setaria italica)
Authors: Ushakumari Singh R. , Latha Shrikantan , Malleshi Nagappa G. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryFoxtail millet grains were decorticated in rice‐milling machinery and the decorticated millet was processed to prepare flaked, extrusion cooked and roller‐dried products, whereas the native grains were subjected to high‐temperature, short‐time treatment to prepare popped millet. The nutrient composition and some of the functional properties of the products were determined, principally solubility and swelling power in water, oil absorption capacity and pasting characteristics. Carbohydrate and lipid profiles of the products were also studied. The changes in the starch granular structure caused by heat treatment were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The degree of starch gelatinization was highest in the case of roller‐dried millet followed by popped, flaked and extruded products. It was concluded that the cereal processing technologies that were investigated could be successfully applied to foxtail millet to prepare ready‐to‐eat or use products, thereby increasing its utilization as a food.
The nutritional and antinutritional attributes of sword bean [Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC.]: an under‐utilized tribal pulse from south India
Authors: Vadivel Vaikundaraman , Janardhanan Karnam 
Published: November 2004

SummarySix accessions [three with maroon‐coloured seed coat and three with white‐coloured seed coat) of sword bean (Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC.], were collected from six different locations in south India. They were analysed for their proximate and mineral composition, amino acid profiles of total seed proteins, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and certain antinutritional factors. The essential amino acid profile of total seed proteins compared favourably with FAO/WHO requirements, except that there were deficiencies of sulphur containing amino acids in all the six accessions and also the leucine, lysine and tryptophan contents were low in maroon‐coloured seed coat accessions. The IVPD of the accessions ranged from 63.39 to 76.92%. Antinutritional substances like total free phenolics, tannins, l‐DOPA (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine), trypsin inhibitor activity and phytohaemagglutinating activity were also investigated. The antinutritional factors that were detected were thought to have little nutritional significance if the beans are properly processed.
A comparison of the hydrolysis of sweet potato starch with β‐amylase and infrared radiation allows prediction of reducing sugar production
Authors: Sawai Jun , Nakai Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Atsushi , Shimizu Masaru 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe apparent reaction rate constants (k) of the reaction that generates reducing sugar (presented as mg maltose equivalents) from raw sweet potato starch by using β‐amylase were determined by varying enzyme concentration, starch concentration and pH. The Arrhenius plot of the k‐value reached a peak at approximately 86 °C; the activation energy and frequency factor were also determined. Moreover, the amount of reducing sugar produced in sweet potato heated by infrared irradiation was estimated by using the values of k and the kinetic parameters. The calculated amounts of reducing sugar produced generally agreed with the experimental values. These results indicate that the amount of reducing sugar produced in heat‐treated sweet potato can be predicted by the methodology described in this study.
An electron spin resonance study of radicals induced by radiation in oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Korkmaz Mustafa , Polat Mustafa 
Published: November 2004

SummaryA detailed electron spin resonance (ESR) investigation of the spectroscopic features and kinetic behaviours over a range of temperatures of the long‐life free radicals induced in a sample of ground oat that had been irradiated with γ‐radiation is reported. Unirradiated ground oat exhibited a weak, broad single‐line ESR spectra centered at g = 2.0048 ± 0.0008. The structure of this radical is unknown and is assigned as radical III in this work. The γ‐irradiation of oats yields radical III and other radical species. Although all these species are stable at 77 K, some of them are very unstable at room temperature. A model based on three radical species (designated I, II and III) was used to describe the room temperature spectra of their decay at room and at high temperatures. Annealing studies at six different temperatures were used to determine the kinetic behaviour and activation energies of the radicals induced by radiation. A dose–response curve was also constructed and it was concluded that ground oat is potentially a good dosimetric material. The presence of an ESR signal after a storage time of 90 days was interpreted as providing an opportunity to distinguish irradiated from unirradiated oats.
The optimization of conditions for the production of acid‐hydrolysed winged bean and soybean proteins with reduction of 3‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD)
Authors: Sim Choo Wee , Muhammad Kharidah , Yusof Salmah , Bakar Jamilah , Hashim Dzulkifly Mat 
Published: November 2004

SummaryResponse Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to establish the optimum time and temperature for production of acid‐hydrolysed winged bean protein (aHWBP) and acid‐hydrolysed soybean protein (aHSBP). Seven hours of hydrolysis at 125 °C was the optimum condition for producing aHWBP, whereas it was 5 h of hydrolysis at 125 °C for production of aHSBP. Although aHWBP and aHSBP produced using these conditions had favourable sensory qualities, they were found to have up to 25 mg kg−1 of 3‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD). This exceeds the maximum level permissible in Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001. However, additional alkaline thermal treatment at pH 8.5 for 2 h at 100 °C effectively reduced the 3‐MCPD contents of aHWBP and aHSBP to undetectable levels. aHWBP has a distinctive flavour, which is different from that of aHSBP. The former has higher mean scores for meaty and vegetable attributes but lower mean scores for soy, umami and beany attributes than the latter.
The effect of temperature on microbial growth in apple cubes packed in film and preserved by use of orange juice
Authors: Andrés Silvina C. , Giannuzzi Leda , Zaritzky Noemi E. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryRed delicious apple cubes were packed in fresh orange juice containing chemical preservatives (citric and ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate) and covered with plastic films of different gas permeabilities (polyethylene and EVA‐SARAN‐EVA) before storage at 4, 10 and 20 °C. The concentration of potassium sorbate in the product was optimized with respect to colour and microbial growth. Yeast and mould growth was modelled by Gompertz and linear equations to derive parameters such as lag phase, maximum microbial population and specific microbial growth or rates of decline. Activation energies for the specific growth rates were estimated from Arrhenius‐type equations and the time required to reach microbial counts of 106±0.2 CFU g−1 was determined in all cases. At 4 °C, these values were longer than 25 days in all systems tested. The use of a low gas permeability film and an adequate potassium sorbate concentration extended storage life at higher temperatures.
Measurement of dynamic rheology during ageing of gelatine–sugar composites
Authors: Choi Yun H. , Lim Seung T. , Yoo Byoungseung 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe effect of sugars (sucrose, glucose and xylose) at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) on the dynamic rheological properties of gelatine (2% w/w) was investigated during ageing. Storage moduli (G′), when measured at 5 °C, decreased with increasing concentration of added sugar. Xylose was found to induce the greatest reduction in the values of G′. G′ values, measured as a function of ageing time (10 h) at 5 °C, increased rapidly at the initial stage and then reached a pseudoplateau region after long ageing times. Increasing the sugar concentration resulted in a decrease in the pseudoplateau values. The rate constant (K) for structure development of gelatine during ageing was described by apparent first‐order kinetics. G′ and K values in gelatine–sugar composites increased in the following order: xylose < glucose < sucrose. The magnitudes of G′ at the end of ageing were much greater than those of G′′, showing a small dependence (slope = 0.005–0.088) on frequency (ω).
Increased intake of fruit and vegetables and a low‐fat diet, with and without low‐fat plant sterol‐enriched spread consumption: effects on plasma lipoprotein and carotenoid metabolism
Authors: Colgan H. A. , Floyd S. , Noone E. J. , Gibney M. J. , Roche H. M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground  Regular intake of plant sterol (phytosterol)‐enriched foods enhances the cholesterol lowering effect of diets. One side effect associated with plant sterol consumption is a modest reduction in plasma carotenoid concentrations. This study investigated the effect of consuming a low‐fat National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) Step 1 diet, including a low‐fat plant sterol ester (PSE)‐enriched spread on cholesterol metabolism to determine if specific dietary advice to increase daily fruit and vegetable intake could prevent reduced plasma carotenoid concentrations.Materials and methods  In this randomised, crossover double‐blind trial, 48 hypercholesterolaemic men received 21 g day−1 of a low‐fat PSE‐enriched spread or placebo for 3 weeks, interrupted by 3 weeks washout. Individuals also adhered to a NCEP Step 1 diet and repeated 3‐day food diaries monitored adherence. Specific advice was provided to increase dietary fruit and vegetable intakes. Fasting blood samples were collected at pre‐ and post‐intervention for lipoprotein and carotenoid analysis.Results  Plasma total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced, by 4.6 and 7.1%, respectively, after the PSE‐enriched low‐fat spread. Plasma apo B concentrations were significantly (P < 0.0005) lower after the PSE spread. PSE consumption was also associated with significantly (P < 0.05) lower total plasma β‐carotene concentrations, but this change was not significant after lipid standardisation. PSE consumption had no effect on retinol, α‐carotene, γ‐tocopherol, α‐tocopherol, lutein, zeaxanthin, β‐crypyoxanthin or lycopene concentrations.Conclusion  Dietary advice to increase daily fruit and vegetable consumption may be effective in preventing a reduction in plasma carotenoid concentrations previously associated with PSE consumption. Further, PSE incorporated in a low‐fat spread and consumed as part of a NCEP Step 1 diet are effective in reducing total and LDL cholesterol.
An audit designed to assess the need for planned pretreatment PEG placement in patients with stage III & stage IV oral cancer
Authors: Dawson F.R. , Jackson M. , MacGregor C.A. , Soutar D.S. , Robertson A.G. , Camilleri I. 
Published: November 2004

Background:  Nutritional support is a crucial and challenging part of treatment for patients with oral cancer. The aim of this audit was to assess the need for planned pretreatment percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement in this group of patients and to assess diet consistency as a predictor of poor outcomes.Method:  This was a retrospective study of 77 consecutive patients with stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity treated by radical surgery and post‐operative radiotherapy between January 1999 and December 2001. Information was taken from dietitians’ records. Patients were divided into two groups according to survival: group 1 (40 patients) comprised nonsurvivors and group 2 (37 patients), survivors. All patients were enterally fed post‐operatively. After approximately 10 days, swallowing was assessed and, if deemed competent, patients progressed to a fluid diet. Tube feeding was gradually reduced and then stopped when oral nutrition was sufficient to maintain weight. Patients progressed to soft diet as they were able. During radiotherapy, liquid diet or tube feeding was instigated as required.Results:  In group 1, 65% required tube feeding for less than 30 days (mean 17 days), 20% for 31–100 days (mean 51 days) and 15% for over 100 days (mean 231 days). The overall mean length of tube feeding was 97 days. Thirty‐eight per cent of nonsurvivors developed recurrence and went on to subsequent operations necessitating further tube feeding for an average of 129 days. In group 2, 70% were tube fed for less than 30 days (mean 11 days), 14% for between 31–100 days (mean 43 days), and 17% for more than 100 days. The overall mean length of tube feeding was 72 days. The dietary consistency of nonsurvivors was worse than survivors throughout treatment. At first presentation, only 37% of nonsurvivors managed a normal diet, 8% managed a near normal diet and 3% required tube feeding, whereas 48% of survivors managed a normal diet and 16% a near normal diet. At 1 year, there was a significant difference between the two groups’ diets. No patients in group 1 managed a normal or near normal diet, whilst 62% required tube feeding. In group 2, 12 and 32% managed a normal and near normal diet, respectively and only 9% required or wished to remain on tube feeding to supplement their diet. Five per cent of patients in this group remained nil by mouth due to fistula.Conclusion:  Deciding whether a patient has a naso‐gastric tube, PEG or radiologically inserted gastrostomy tube placed can be a difficult decision. However, a gastrostomy should be considered prior to treatment in patients whose diet is of poor consistency at presentation or who have an inadequate oral intake to maintain or increase weight and in those with a fistula, expected slow recovery of swallowing function, for example, pharyngeal tumour or undergoing brachytherapy or chemoradiotherapy.
National institute for clinical excellence (NICE) guidance for anti‐obesity medication: is it being followed?
Authors: Hayton B. 
Published: November 2004

Background:  Anti‐obesity medication is being used increasingly by some general practitioners (GP) for obesity management (Lawrence, 2002). The aim of this audit was to identify whether the anti‐obesity medication prescribed by GPs was in accordance with the NICE guidance (NICE, 2001a,b).Method:  The medical notes and electronic patient records of 154 patients prescribed either orlistat or sibutramine between September 2002 and April 2003, were examined. Information about patients’ weight, previous weight loss, previous dietary and physical activity advice, behaviour modification, time on medication, weight loss achieved and blood pressure were recorded and comparisons made with the NICE guidance.Results:

NICE guidance
Orlistat (n = 103)
Sibutramine (n = 51)

Only for individuals who have lost at least 2.5 kg in the preceding month
20% achieved this weight loss
56% attempted to lose weight

BMI calculated
66% calculated
71% calculated

Dietary advice given
80% received advice
49% received advice

Physical activity discussed
36% physical activity discussed
26% physical activity discussed

Behavioural modification
10% documented
0% documented

Weight loss after starting drug

4 weeks
None required by NICE
22% lost at least 2 kg weight

3 months
17% patients lost >5% of initial body weight
16% patients lost >5% of initial body weight

6 months
3% lost >10% of initial body weight
8% lost >10% initial body weight

Blood pressure /pulse rate monitoring
None required
74% BP initially checked; 20% BP >145/90 mm Hg; 9% pulse rate checked

No more than 12 months on medication
8% patients prescribed for >12 months
4% patients prescribed for >12 months

BMI, body mass index; BP, blood pressure.

Conclusion:  The results show that the majority of patients prescribed with orlistat and sibutramine are not treated in accordance with the NICE guidance. The recommendation is that GPs are given further training about the optimum treatment associated with the prescription of anti‐obesity medication.References: Lawrence, G. (2002) Prescribing Advisor. Personal communication.NICE (2001a) NHS National Institute for Clinical ExcellenceGuidance. Technology Appraisal Guidance No 22. Guidance on the use of orlistat for the treatment of obesity.NICE (2001b) NHS National Institute for Clinical Excellence Guidance. Technology Appraisal Guidance No 31. Guidance on the use of sibutramine for the treatment of obesity.