Metabolic and satiating effects and consumer acceptance of a fibre-enriched Leberkas meal: a randomized cross-over trial

PURPOSE

The Western diet is poor in dietary fibre and previous efforts to increase fibre intake were not successful. The aim of this study was to develop sensorically appealing, fibre-enriched convenience foods. As a showcase, we prepared a fibre-enriched, fat-reduced Leberkas served in a roll and compared the reformulated product with the standard product.

METHODS

The design was a randomized, single-blinded cross-over study. A Leberkas meal enriched with 19.2 g of wheat fibre and resistant dextrin as well as fat- and energy-reduced (30% less calories) was served to 20 middle-aged healthy volunteers (10 male, 10 female) and compared to the standard product in a random order. Blood was repeatedly taken over a 4 h period to measure metabolic parameters as well as satiety hormones, such as glucagon-like-peptide 1, cholecystokinin, peptide YY. Satiety and consumer acceptance of the fibre-enriched meal were assessed by visual analogue scales and a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The fibre-enriched meal showed very small significant effects at only single time points in postprandial blood glucose (at 120 min, p = 0.050) and glucose_AUC fibre 22,079 ± 2819, standard 22,912 ± 3583 (p = 0.030). The profiles of satiety hormones were comparable between both meals. No differences in subjective satiation, taste and consumer acceptance were observed between the two products, despite a marked reduction in fat and energy content of the reformulated product.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to enrich a popular convenience product with dietary fibre and to markedly reduce energy content without loss of sensory qualities or satiety suggesting that development and promotion of healthier convenience foods may be a useful strategy to tackle obesity and other diet-related diseases.

Adherence of Streptococcus mutans to various restorative materials in a continuous flow system

A continuous flow system was developed to evaluate the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 to filling materials (Ariston, Tetric, Dyract, Compoglass, Vitremer, Aqua Ionofil, Ketac Fil, amalgam, Galloy and ceramics as controls). Streptococcus mutans was added to saliva-coated test specimens, and a nutrient broth permanently supplied over a time period of 48 h and then the weight of plaque, the number and viability of the bacteria adhering to the materials were determined. The weights of artificial plaque on all filling materials tested were higher than those on ceramics, the highest values were measured on the glass-ionomers. The amount of plaque correlates with the surface roughness, whereas there was no correlation of the surface roughness with the number of colony-forming units (CFU) of S. mutans. The CFU of adhering S. mutans also depends on the viability of the bacteria. The plaque on Ketac Fil contained a high number of viable bacteria. The fluorides of glass-ionomers do not efficiently prevent the attachment and the viability of S. mutans.

A new family of high-affinity transporters for adenine, cytosine, and purine derivatives in Arabidopsis

In many organisms, including plants, nucleic acid bases and derivatives such as caffeine are transported across the plasma membrane. Cytokinins, important hormones structurally related to adenine, are produced mainly in root apices, from where they are translocated to shoots to control a multitude of physiological processes. Complementation of a yeast mutant deficient in adenine uptake (fcy2) with an Arabidopsis cDNA expression library enabled the identification of a gene, AtPUP1 (for Arabidopsis thaliana purine permease1), belonging to a large gene family (AtPUP1 to AtPUP15) encoding a new class of small, integral membrane proteins. AtPUP1 transports adenine and cytosine with high affinity. Uptake is energy dependent, occurs against a concentration gradient, and is sensitive to protonophores, potentially indicating secondary active transport. Competition studies show that purine derivatives (e.g., hypoxanthine), phytohormones (e.g., zeatin and kinetin), and alkaloids (e.g., caffeine) are potent inhibitors of adenine and cytosine uptake. Inhibition by cytokinins is competitive (competitive inhibition constant K(i) = 20 to 35 microM), indicating that cytokinins are transported by this system. AtPUP1 is expressed in all organs except roots, indicating that the gene encodes an uptake system for root-derived nucleic acid base derivatives in shoots or that it exports nucleic acid base analogs from shoots by way of the phloem. The other family members may have different affinities for nucleic acid bases, perhaps functioning as transporters for nucleosides, nucleotides, and their derivatives.

A new family of high-affinity transporters for adenine, cytosine, and purine derivatives in Arabidopsis

In many organisms, including plants, nucleic acid bases and derivatives such as caffeine are transported across the plasma membrane. Cytokinins, important hormones structurally related to adenine, are produced mainly in root apices, from where they are translocated to shoots to control a multitude of physiological processes. Complementation of a yeast mutant deficient in adenine uptake (fcy2) with an Arabidopsis cDNA expression library enabled the identification of a gene, AtPUP1 (for Arabidopsis thaliana purine permease1), belonging to a large gene family (AtPUP1 to AtPUP15) encoding a new class of small, integral membrane proteins. AtPUP1 transports adenine and cytosine with high affinity. Uptake is energy dependent, occurs against a concentration gradient, and is sensitive to protonophores, potentially indicating secondary active transport. Competition studies show that purine derivatives (e.g., hypoxanthine), phytohormones (e.g., zeatin and kinetin), and alkaloids (e.g., caffeine) are potent inhibitors of adenine and cytosine uptake. Inhibition by cytokinins is competitive (competitive inhibition constant K(i) = 20 to 35 microM), indicating that cytokinins are transported by this system. AtPUP1 is expressed in all organs except roots, indicating that the gene encodes an uptake system for root-derived nucleic acid base derivatives in shoots or that it exports nucleic acid base analogs from shoots by way of the phloem. The other family members may have different affinities for nucleic acid bases, perhaps functioning as transporters for nucleosides, nucleotides, and their derivatives.

Identification of positional candidates for neurological disorders on chromsome 13q14-->q22

In the course of a research project aimed at the molecular characterization of balanced chromosome rearrangements associated with mental retardation (MR), several YACs spanning MR-associated chromosomal rearrangements in the 13q14-->q22 region were identified. To facilitate the search for relevant candidate genes, we have analyzed a total of 102 EST clones from this region. Sequence comparisons revealed that these 102 clones represent up to 72 distinct transcripts. When no physical mapping data were available, a minimal YAC contig was screened for each unique transcript by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or hybridization. Fifty-eight independent ESTs could be localized to YAC clones between the markers D13S1248 and D13S1201. Several ESTs are located on YAC clones detecting chromosomal rearrangements in MR patients. One EST was mapped within the critical region for Rieger syndrome type 2, and three transcripts were identified in the region for the nocturnal enuresis type 1. Some ESTs showed homologies to known genes, including the cadherin-related tumor suppressor gene from Drosophila, the yeast mitotic control protein DIS3, and the human alpha-2-macroglobulin receptor associated protein.

The autonomous innervation of the porcine testis in the period from birth to adulthood

The innervation of the porcine testis was studied in 20 pigs, aged from 3 days to 2.5 years, and revealed remarkable changes in the period from birth to adulthood. Testes in piglets of 3 to 5 weeks have the most intense and most constant innervation, which reaches the gonad by three different routes: the funicular, caudal and mesorchial. Nerve fibers supply the vascular structures of the spermatic cord, the tunica albuginea, nearly all the septula testis and the mediastinum. Only exceptionally are axons in contact with Leydig cells. Nearly all the testicular nerves are positive for DBH and therefore represent postganglionic sympathetic axons. From their association with blood vessels it can be concluded that the majority of nerves are vasomotor in function. No cholinergic and myelinated fibers can be detected in the porcine testis. NPY-immunoreactive fibers are the dominating peptide-containing neuronal component. In the testes of 3- and 7-day-old piglets the degree of septal and mediastinal innervation is significantly smaller than in 3- to 5-week-old animals. In 7- to 10-week-old pigs, testicular innervation shows varying degrees of withdrawal, and the testes of adult boars are completely devoid of intrinsic nerves. Only the funicular nerves supplying the testicular artery and pampiniform plexus are preserved in the adult age group. So, the vasomotor control of intratunical, septal and mediastinal vessels and of the complete micro-circulation within the testicular parenchyma is effected without any direct nerve participation in the sexually mature boar.

Identification of a novel Ran binding protein 2 related gene (RANBP2L1) and detection of a gene cluster on human chromosome 2q11-q12

The giant 358-kDa protein Ran binding protein 2 (RanBP2/Nup358) is localized at the cytoplasmic side of the nuclear pore complex and likely constitutes the Ran-GTP binding site at the cytoplasmic face of the complex. RanBP2/Nup358 furthermore acts as a chaperone for red/green opsin molecules. Here, we report on the physical mapping of human RanBP2 between markers D2S340 and D2S1893. A duplication of the 5'-end sequence of RanBP2 occurs within 3 Mb distal to RanBP2. Detailed sequence analysis resulted in primers specific for this distal duplication. Polymerase chain reaction-based screening of cDNA libraries indicates that this transcript, called RanBP2alpha (HGMW-approved symbol RANBP2L1), is expressed in several tissues. Screening of a fetal brain cDNA library yielded a 4057-bp partial cDNA clone for RanBP2alpha. Its 5'-end is almost identical to RanBP2, whereas its 3'-part is distinct from RanBP2. Northern blot analysis using a probe of the 3'-untranslated sequence of RanBP2alpha detected in several tissues an 8-kb transcript representing the full length of the transcript. In pancreas and placenta, an additional transcript of 14 kb was detected. PAC clones containing the bona fide RanBP2 sequences were localized to 2q11-q12 by FISH analysis, and a region of high similarity was detected on 2p11-p12. In summary, we have identified a RanBP2 gene cluster on 2q11-q12 together with a novel gene termed RanBP2alpha, with high sequence similarity to RanBP2.

Unrecognized elder abuse victims. Older abused women

Many older women are being abused by the family members they love. Spouses, partners, or adult children can use physical, sexual, or emotional abuse as tactics to dominate and control their victims. Current responses by case managers do not address older abused women's needs for safety and support. Case managers who believe caregiver stress is the primary cause of elder abuse often do not assess domestic violence in later life. Services offered in cases of caregiver stress are significantly different than those recommended for domestic abuse. Offering inappropriate interventions can put older abused women in greater danger. This article will give an overview of elder abuse and specifically domestic abuse in later life. An empowerment model for working with victims, strategies for working with the abuser, and suggestions for developing a coordinated community response are also discussed.

A patient with a high titer of antinuclear antibody and a functioning adrenal tumour

Reported is the case of a 60-year-old female who was referred to our rheumatology center because of a high titer of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). Initially several lupus-like features suggested a diagnosis of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD). Immunofluorescence of the patient's serum showed a nuclear dot pattern. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis for antibodies to Sm, RNP, SS-A and SS-B were negative. Immunoblotting revealed a band at 53 kD which did not correspond to known autoantigens. Several months later the patient presented to the emergency room with symptoms due to a hypertensive crisis. Check-up finally revealed a cortisone-producing tumour of the right adrenal gland. The adenoma was removed by surgery and the patient did well again.

Suppression of arthritis by an active center analogue of Cu2Zn2-superoxide dismutase

The anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of CuPu(Py)2 ([N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethylene)-1,4-butanediamine] (N,N',N",N"))-Cu(II), a serum-stable active center analogue of Cu2Zn2-superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), was tested in male DBA/1 x B10A (4R) mice suffering from potassium-peroxochromate-induced (PIA) or collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA). Parameters including the arthritis index, the plasma SOD activity, and the inhibition of phagocytic responses in unseparated blood were used for the assessment of disease activity. A dose-dependent suppression of arthritis was noted in both models. The ED50 was 2.5 +/- 0.4 mumol/kg/day of CuPu(Py)2 for PIA and 4.0 +/- 1.1 mumol/kg/day for CIA. The arthritis index correlated with both the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by phorbol ester-activated neutrophils and monocytes in unseparated blood (r = 0.892) and the SOD-like activity in plasma (r = 0.857). CuPu(Py)2 inhibited also the lipoplysaccharide-induced release of tumor necrosis factor alpha from human monocytes and neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike SOD, which exerts successful anti-rheumatic activity mainly upon intra-articular injection, the SOD-mimic CuPu(Py)2 can be applied systemically. Non-proteinaceous low molecular weight antioxidases may well be suited to control oxidative stress-derived damage in rheumatic diseases by modulation of ROS-dependent signal transduction pathways.

Recurrent overeating: an empirical comparison of binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and obesity

The goal of the study was to contribute empirical data to the discussion of appropriate diagnostic classification of obese and nonobese, binging, and nonbinging eating disordered patients. The study consists of two parts: (1) patients with binge eating disorder (BED) (N = 22) are compared to a matched sample of patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) and to 16 patients with obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30). These patient groups were cross-sectionally assessed using expert ratings (interview) and self-ratings. (2) A sample of 68 patients with BED were assessed longitudinally on admission and discharge of inpatient treatment and at a 3-year follow-up using the same instruments as in the first study. The study is the first to report longitudinal data on patients with BED. The general pattern of the cross-sectional data was that patients with BN not only had higher scores concerning disturbances of eating behavior and attitude but also for general psychopathology when compared to patients with obesity without marked binges. The scores of patients with BED had an intermediate position between BN and obesity but were closer to BN than to obesity. The BED group (and the obesity group) showed a high degree of body dissatisfaction, which, however, was accounted for by their high body weight. Concerning general psychopathology BED as well as BN had significantly higher scores than the obesity group in the Hopkin's Symptom Checklist (SCL) subscale anger and hostility, in the Complaint List, the PERI Demoralization Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results of the longitudinal study with BED showed marked improvement in specific and general psychopathology over time. Except for body weight this improvement largely persisted over the 3-year follow-up period. Severity of depression did not predict the course of body weight over time. Data are presented concerning the design of diagnostic criteria for eating disturbed patients not fitting criteria for BN or anorexia nervosa (AN). Arguments pro and contra the introduction of a new BED category in psychiatric diagnostic criteria are discussed. Although there is generally a need for developing or revising the diagnostic criteria for recurrent bingers, our data do not support inclusion of BED (as presently defined) as a separate diagnostic category in DSM-IV.

TAGGING B AND C QUARK EVENTS IN e+e− COLLISIONS WITH NEURAL NETWORKS

We give the different methods which were used to tag b and c quark events in e+ e− collisions using neural networks.