Protein quality and iron availability of intermediate moisture beef stored at 38 degrees C

The longissimus dorsi of a bull and steer were cut into cubes 1.5 cm3 and processed to a water activity (aw) 0.85 by canning in a solution of 9.5 p. 100 sodium chloride, 0.5 p. 100 potassium sorbate and a pre-determined amount of glycerol and water for sixteen hours with continuous tumbling on an end over shaker. After partial drying the intermediate moisture (i.m.) meat pieces were stored at 38 degrees C for periods up to 24 weeks and then freeze-dried before milling and incorporation into test diets fed to rats. Protein quality of fresh cooked beef and i.m. meat stored at 38 degrees C was measured in terms of net protein utilisation (NPU). There was no significant difference in NPU between cooked beef and freshly processed i.m. beef. There were no changes in NPU of i.m. meat from bull up to 9 weeks of storage. After 3 weeks of storage of the meat from the steer however, the NPU fell to 53.0, a level characteristic of cereal protein. This fall in NPU was associated with a decrease in the levels of all essential amino acids (in the protein hydrolysate). Valine and threonine being first and second limiting amino acids. Further storage of i.m. beef after 3 weeks produced a slower rate of decrease in NPU, the value at 24 weeks being 32.1 (61 p. 100 fall). Available lysine decreased by only 15 p. 100 after twenty-four weeks, this measurement under-estimating the fall in protein quality. The decrease in solubility of the meat in SDS/beta-mercaptoethanol on storage was of similar magnitude to that of NPU. Iron availability of i.m. meat, measured by haemoglobin regeneration in rats, showed improved iron availability compared to freshly cooked beef, even though marked changes had occurred in the meat heamatin complexes.     

Antioxidant and anticholinesterase effects of frequently consumed cereal grains using in vitro test models

The ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts obtained from eight varieties (Faikbey, Y-1779, CI-8357, Cheokota, Seydi?ehir, Y-330, Sivas and YVD-18) of oat (Avena sativa L.), one variety (Larende) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), one variety (Tatlicak 97) of triticale (Triticale sp.) and one rye variety (Aslim 95) (Secale cereale L.) were investigated for their antioxidant effects in seven test systems. Anticholinesterase activity of the extracts was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microplate reader. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were calculated using Folin Ciocalteau and AlCl? reagents, respectively. All of the extracts were ineffective in cholinesterase inhibition assays and had weak-to-moderate activity in antioxidant assays. The extracts exerted better activity in iron-chelation capacity ranging between 43.17 ± 2.04 and 62.97 ± 1.29%. Triticale extracts showed higher activity in reducing power experiments. A notable difference in the results of the antioxidant activity assays was observed among the oat varieties.     

Antioxidant and anticholinesterase effects of frequently consumed cereal grains using in vitro test models

The ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts obtained from eight varieties (Faikbey, Y-1779, CI-8357, Cheokota, Seydi?ehir, Y-330, Sivas and YVD-18) of oat (Avena sativa L.), one variety (Larende) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), one variety (Tatlicak 97) of triticale (Triticale sp.) and one rye variety (Aslim 95) (Secale cereale L.) were investigated for their antioxidant effects in seven test systems. Anticholinesterase activity of the extracts was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microplate reader. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were calculated using Folin Ciocalteau and AlCl₃ reagents, respectively. All of the extracts were ineffective in cholinesterase inhibition assays and had weak-to-moderate activity in antioxidant assays. The extracts exerted better activity in iron-chelation capacity ranging between 43.17 ± 2.04 and 62.97 ± 1.29%. Triticale extracts showed higher activity in reducing power experiments. A notable difference in the results of the antioxidant activity assays was observed among the oat varieties.     

Determination of marker and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in grains of selected cereals and cereal products

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in wheat and barley grain and wheat bran samples collected from the domestic market. High resolution gas chromatographic system coupled to a low resolution ion trap mass spectrometer was used for the purpose of this study. Seven so-called marker and twelve dioxin analogue (dioxin-like) PCB congeners were determined. The results indicated low concentrations of PCBs in the analyzed cereal products: concentration of 7 marker PCBs did not exceed value of 1 ng g(-1) in any sample. Concentration of PCB dioxin-like congeners expressed as a Toxic Equivalent WHO-TEQ did not exceed 0.4 pg TEQ g(-1) in any sample.     

高效液相色谱-串联质谱法测定谷物中呕吐毒素及其衍生物

目的 建立同位素稀释-高效液相色谱-串联质谱法测定谷物中呕吐毒素及其衍生物残留量的方法。 方法 样品经(86+14,v/v)乙腈水超声提取,HLB小柱净化,经C18色谱柱分离后,在质谱负离子多反应监测模式下测定。 结果 DON和3-ADON在2.0~500 μg/L,15-ADON在10.0~1 000 μg/L时,具有良好的线性关系,相关系数(r)均大于0.9990。DON及其衍生物的LOD在0.10~1.6 μg/kg之间,LOQ在0.35~6.0 μg/kg之间,加标回收率范围为80.3%~115.4%,相对标准偏差(RSD,n=6)在5.1%~14.6%之间。 结论 该方法快速简便,定量准确,可满足谷物中呕吐毒素及其衍生物的残留检测要求。     

Session: whole cereal grains,fibre and human cancer wholegrain cereals and cancer in Italy

The relationship between frequency of consumption of whole-grain foods and cancer risk has been analysed using data from an updated series of case-control studies conducted in Northern Italy between 1983 and 1997. The overall dataset included the following incident histologically-confirmed neoplasms: oral cavity and pharynx 524, oesophagus 410, stomach 745, colon 955, rectum 625, liver 435, gallbladder 65, pancreas 402, larynx 388, soft tissue sarcomas 217, breast 3412, endometrium 750, ovary 971, prostate 127, bladder 431, kidney 190, thyroid 428, Hodgkin's disease 201, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas 529, multiple myelomas 185. Controls were 10 058 patients admitted to hospital for acute non-neoplastic conditions unrelated to long-term modifications in diet, tobacco or alcohol use. The multivariate odds ratios for the highest category of wholegrain cereal consumption were 0.3-0.5 for upper digestive tract and respiratory neoplasms and colon, 0.6 for rectum and liver, 0.4 for gallbladder, 0.8 for pancreas, 0.2 for soft tissue sarcomas, 0.9 for breast and endometrium, 0.7 for ovary, 0.7 for prostate, 0.4 for bladder and kidney, 1.1 for thyroid and about 0.5 for lymphomas and 0.6 for myelomas. In this population whole-grain food consumption is an indicator of reduced risk of several neoplasms.     

Effect of soil properties on copper release in soil solutions at low moisture content

Copper partitioning at moisture content of 1.2-fold the field moisture capacity (corresponding to a soil water potential of 7.84 J/kg; pF = 1.9) was studied in 11 soils with pH 3.4 to 6.8 and an organic matter content of 4.1 to 233 g C/kg. Soil solutions were separated with the centrifuge method and analyzed to determine pH, Cu2+ activity, dissolved organic carbon, and Cu, Ca, Mg, and Na concentrations. Soil organic matter content, total Cu content, and soil pH were the main variables explaining variation in Cu activity in soil solutions. Based on total Cu, soil organic matter content, and soil solution pH, the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM) VI assemblage model provided estimates of Cu2+ activity, {Cu2}, with a root mean square error of the predicted pCu (i.e., -log{Cu2+}) of 0.77.     

Surface-to-food pesticide transfer as a function of moisture and fat content

Transfer of pesticides from household surfaces to foods may result in excess dietary exposure in children (i.e., beyond that inherent in foods due to agricultural application). In this study, transfer was evaluated as a function of the moisture and fat content of various foods. Surfaces chosen for investigation were those commonly found in homes and included Formica, ceramic tile, plastic, carpet, and upholstery fabric. Each surface type was sprayed with an aqueous emulsion of organophosphates, fipronil, and synthetic pyrethroids. In the first phase of the study, multiple foods (apples, watermelon, wheat crackers, graham crackers, white bread, flour tortillas, bologna, fat-free bologna, sugar cookies, ham, Fruit Roll-ups, pancakes, and processed American cheese) were categorized with respect to moisture and fat content. All were evaluated for potential removal of applied pesticides from a Formica surface. In the second phase of the study, representative foods from each classification were investigated for their potential for pesticide transfer with an additional four surfaces: ceramic tile, plastic, upholstery, and carpet. Moisture content, not fat, was found to be a determining factor in most transfers. For nearly all surfaces, more efficient transfer occurred with increased hardness (Formica and ceramic tile). Comparatively, the polymer composition of the plastic delivered overall lower transfer efficiencies, presumably due to an attraction between it and the organic pesticides of interest.     

Effects of GI vs content of cereal fibre of the evening meal on glucose tolerance at a subsequent standardized breakfast

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the improved glucose tolerance previously observed at breakfast following an evening meal with boiled barley kernels derives from colonic events related to the fermentation of the elevated amounts of indigestible carbohydrates present and/or from the low-GI features. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers aged 19-30 years. DESIGN: High-GI white wheat bread (WWB), WWB+barley dietary fibre (DF) corresponding to the DF content of barley kernels, low-GI spaghetti+ barley DF, spaghetti+double amounts of barley DF (2(*)DF), spaghetti+oat DF, or whole grain barley flour porridge, were provided as late evening meals. At a subsequent standardised WWB breakfast, B-glucose, s-insulin, p-SCFA, p-FFA, and breath hydrogen (H(2)) were measured. RESULTS: The B-glucose response (incremental areas under the curves (IAUC) 0-120 min and total areas under the curves 0-180 min) to the standardized breakfast was significantly lower after consuming spaghetti+2*DF in the evening compared with barley porridge (P=0.012). The spaghetti+2*DF meal also resulted in the highest breath H(2) excretion (P<0.02). The glucose IAUC (0-120 min) after the standardized breakfast was positively correlated to fasting p-FFA (r=0.29, P<0.02), and the total glucose area (0-180 min) was negatively correlated to the p-propionate level (0-30 min) (r=-0.24, P<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The prolonged digestive and absorptive phase per se, like with a low-glycaemic index (GI) spaghetti evening meal, did not induce overnight benefits on glucose tolerance. Addition of barley DF in high amounts (2*DF) was required to improve overnight glucose tolerance. The correlations observed between glycaemia and p-propionate implicate colonic fermentation as a modulator of glucose tolerance through a mechanism leading to suppressed free fatty acids levels. It is proposed that the overnight benefits on glucose tolerance previously reported for boiled barley kernels is mediated through colonic fermentation of the prebiotic carbohydrates present in this product.     

Total,insoluble and soluble dietary fiber values measured by enzymatic–gravimetric method in cereal grains

Cereal grains produced in southern Brazil and collected in production trials carried out in 1996 were evaluated as to total fiber (TF), insoluble fiber (IF) and soluble fiber (SF) contents by the enzymatic–gravimetric method of (Prosky et al., J. Assoc. Anal. Chem. Int. 75 (1992) 360). Wheat (BR 23, CEP 24, EMBRAPA 16, EMBRAPA 48 and EMBRAPA 49), triticale (BR 4, EMBRAPA 17 and EMBRAPA 18), barley (BR 2, EMBRAPA 43 and PFC 9205), rye (BR 1), oats (UFRGS 14, UFRGS 15 and UFRGS 17), corn (BR 351 and BR 5202 Pampa) and sorghum (A 9904 and BR 300) cultivars were analyzed. Differences (P<0.05) in TF and IF were found among the species. Wheat, triticale, oats and sorghum cultivars presented significant differences in total and IF levels, and oats cultivars in IF levels. The SF levels (difference between total and IF) of wheat and sorghum cultivars were also different. Although the results may have been affected by gravimetric corrections, the total and IF values obtained suggest the possible use of different species and different cultivars of cereal grains in specific strategies for animal and human nutrition.     

The content of histamine and tyramine dependent of microbiological quality of salted herring stored at different temperatures

Twenty six samples of salted herring from Warsaw food market were analyzed. Herrings in high-salted brine (with 26% content of salt) were stored for 21 days at temperature of 4 degrees C and 22 degrees C; low-salted (16% content of salt in brine) herring were stored for 42 days at temperature of 4 degrees C and 22 degrees C. Microbiological contamination level was assessed by standard methods for fish products, and biogenic amines--histamine and tyramine content by spectrofluorometric methods. There was no level change of both amines in high-salted herrings. Significant increase of tyramine content was observed in low-salted samples, depending on the time of storage. The highest level of tyramine up to 318 mg/kg--was observed after 6 weeks of storage. Histamine content increased in low-salted sampled up to 35 mg/kg during the period of storage. Aerobic microflora in the amount up to 10(6)/g was detected during storage of low-salted samples. Such level changes were not observed in high-salted herring samples.     

Availability to pigs of amino acids in cereal grains. 1. Endogenous levels of amino acids in ileal digesta and faeces of pigs given cereal diets

1. Endogenous levels of amino acids in ileal digesta were determined as the output from pigs given protein-free diets and by extrapolation to zero intake of linear regressions of ileal amino acid output v. dietary amino acid intake. The protein-free diets included 0 or 50 g cellulose/kg and extrapolations were made from two series of four diets which contained graded levels of wheat or barley as the only source of protein. Within each series, dietary fibre level (mg/g) was maintained at approximately 140 or 190 neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) respectively. Endogenous amino acid levels in faeces were also determined. 2. Endogenous amino acid output in faeces was linearly related to dietary fibre level; endogenous ileal output increased with dietary fibre up to approximately 100 mg NDF/g, after which endogenous output no longer increased. 3. The amino acid composition of endogenous ileal protein varied little among levels of output and among different experiments. The composition appears to be determined by the predominance of mucin protein, the slow absorption of some acids and the methods commonly used to measure output. The very high levels of proline and glycine in ileal digesta seemed characteristic only of protein-free and low-protein diets. 4. The amino acid composition of endogenous faecal protein also varied little among different estimates, but was considerably different from that of endogenous ileal protein. Furthermore, the similarity of bacterial and faecal proteins suggested that much of the endogenous faecal protein was of bacterial origin.     

Breastfeeding rates and duration in Germany: a Bavarian cohort study

Breastfeeding is the recommended feeding for all healthy infants. The aim of our study was to assess the current state of breastfeeding prevalence, duration and behaviour in Bavaria, Germany as a basis for targeting breastfeeding promotion measures. The Bavarian Breastfeeding Study is a prospective cohort study of 3822 mothers who delivered in April 2005 in Bavaria, Germany. Breastfeeding duration and determinants such as socioeconomic status, attitudes towards breastfeeding, birth mode and breastfeeding problems were assessed by questionnaires 2-6 d after birth and 2, 4, 6, and 9 months after birth. The initial breastfeeding rate was 90 %. After 4 months 61 % still breastfed (any breastfeeding). In the multivariate analyses the main influencing factor reducing breastfeeding initiation was the partner's negative attitude towards breastfeeding (OR 21.79; 95 % CI 13.46, 35.27). No initial breastfeeding was also associated with lower education, maternal grandmother's negative attitude and pre-term birth. Protective factors were primary breastfeeding experience and information on breastfeeding before birth. Breastfeeding duration < 4 months was strongly associated with breastfeeding problems (OR 7.56; 95 % CI 6.21, 9.19), smoking, lower education, partner's negative attitude and Caesarean section. Since the attitude of family members is an important influencing factor on breastfeeding rates, breastfeeding promotion should also target the partners of pregnant women and the families of newborn infants. Public health interventions such as more effective support for the management of breastfeeding problems, especially in lower social status families, should be implemented and their effectiveness should be critically evaluated.     

Smoking, cereal consumption, and supplementation affect cadmium content in breast milk

Breast milk might be a source of potentially toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd). The purpose of the present study is to provide data pertaining to the influence of maternal lifestyles on Cd concentrations in breast milk in the Austrian setting. Breast milk was obtained from 124 Austrian women. Each participant provided 10 ml of milk. A second group of eight mothers were recruited to investigate changes in their milk cadmium levels at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks post partum. The study participants filled a questionnaire concerning nutrition, supplementation, and smoking habits. The samples were analyzed using GF-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean Cd content in breast milk was among the lowest in Europe (0.086 +/- 0.085 microg/l, 95% CI: 0.07-0.10; n = 124). Increased Cd levels in breast milk were found to be significantly associated with frequent cereal consumption and smoking. Smokers had a two-fold higher concentration than did non-smokers (0.15 versus 0.07 microg/l; P = 0.000). In contrast, low Cd levels in breast milk were associated with the intake of supplements containing trace elements or vitamins and trace elements (P < 0.05). This protective effect of supplements on Cd levels was only observed in non-smokers. The Cd levels registered in the present investigation were far below critical levels. We conclude that the current maternal Cd levels in Austria signify no risk for the breastfed infant of a healthy mother. Further research will have to focus on the specific effects of supplementation and smoking on Cd concentrations.