Effects of moisture content,hybrid variety,kernel size,and microwave wattage on the expansion volume of microwave popcorn

This study investigated several independent variables affecting the expansion volume of microwave popcorn; (a) different hybrids were used, (b) hybrids were popped at different moisture contents, (c) microwave ovens with various wattages were employed, and (d) kernels were separated by size. The greatest expansion volume was achieved with Hunt-Wesson 214 at 11% moisture. Overall, the large-capacity bag and the 1000-watt microwave oven produced the greatest expansion volume. Medium-sized kernels produced the greatest expansion volume.     

Effects of moisture content, hybrid variety, kernel size, and microwave wattage on the expansion volume of microwave popcorn

This study investigated several independent variables affecting the expansion volume of microwave popcorn; (a) different hybrids were used, (b) hybrids were popped at different moisture contents, (c) microwave ovens with various wattages were employed, and (d) kernels were separated by size. The greatest expansion volume was achieved with Hunt-Wesson 214 at 11% moisture. Overall, the large-capacity bag and the 1000-watt microwave oven produced the greatest expansion volume. Medium-sized kernels produced the greatest expansion volume.     

The economic burden of Hepatitis B in Germany

Despite the widespread distribution of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the ongoing controversy about HBV immunization, surprisingly few published studies examined in detail the economic impact of HBV infection in Europe. Therefore, we investigated a cohort of 180 patients throughout Germany to evaluate the economic burden of HBV-associated disease. In 58 patients with acute and 122 patients with chronic HBV infection, cost-consuming events including direct medical costs and work-loss costs were documented. The direct costs were DM 7702 (95% confidence interval (CI): 5473–9931) for each acute HBV infection and DM 4247 (CI: 1601–6893) per patient-year of chronic HBV infection, with marked differences between different stages of HBV disease. The derived overall costs (1997 price levels) per year were DM 10,018 (CI: 7613–12,421) and DM 4860 (CI: 2185–7536), respectively. Based on crude population-based estimates (30,000 acute and 420,000 chronic HBV cases), we calculated the total HBV-related costs in Germany to exceed DM 1200 millions in 1997 (CI: 924.2–1536.7), with the treatment of patients with chronic active HBV disease as the major cost determinant. Previously published data from Germany probably overestimated the financial impact of acute HBV infection. In summary, our results illustrate the ongoing economic importance of this potentially life-threatening, but preventable disease and support the call for more accurate HBV surveillance and control in Germany.     

Content of Ash components in the Fresh and Preserved Broad Bean (Vicia faba v major)

The content of minerals was determined in fresh and preserved broad bean seeds. Four cultivars in the stage of milk maturity were considered. The analyses concerned raw and blanched material, canned seeds and also frozen seeds before and after cooking after 6-month storage. In the products ready for consumption the variants of intact and dehulled seeds were investigated. Depending on the cultivar, fresh material contained in 100 g dry matter 4.22–4.51 g ash, 1418–1601 mg K, 596–703 mg P, 57.1–83.8 mg Ca, 91.5–98.6 mg Mg, 7.4–13.5 mg Fe, 8.1–12.6 mg Zn, 1.22–1.80 mg Cu, and 1.15–1.30 mg Mn. In relation to the raw vegetable, in both products the level of ash and potassium was significantly lower. Also, that of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese was lower, though the difference was not statistically verified. The canned seeds contained slightly more potassium, calcium, zinc, and copper and less ash, phosphorus, and magnesium than the cooked frozen products. Dehulled seeds contained more phosphorus, copper, and manganese, and less ash, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc than the intact ones.     

Potato genotype differences in nutritionally distinct starch fractions after cooking, and cooking plus storing cool

Rapidly digestible (RDS), slowly digestible (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) were measured in 9 New Zealand supermarket potatoes and in 37 lines from a potato breeding program by in vitro digestion immediately after cooking, and after storing at 4 °C for 44 h post-cooking. The aim was to measure the range in the tendency to form SDS and RS in the potato gene pool in New Zealand. Immediately after cooking, the potatoes contained (mean and across-cultivar range, dry matter basis) 68% RDS (range 62–73%), 3% SDS (range 0–8.5%), and 3.9% RS (range 3–6.4%). Cool storage after cooking altered the distribution and ranges to 44% RDS (range 33–53%), 23% SDS (range 15–34%) and 7% RS (range 4.7–15.8%). There was no significant relationship between RS and SDS in the cooked-cooled potatoes. In the 37 potato lines, SDS ranged from 7 to 37% of total starch, RS from 12 to 27% of total starch after the post-cooking cool treatment. The results suggest that the glycaemic impact of some potatoes may be substantially reduced by cool-storing after cooking, and that the differences between cultivars in the tendency to form cold-induced SDS and RS are sufficient for these traits to be used in conventional plant breeding.     

Nutritional Composition,In Vitro Starch Digestibility and Antioxidant Activities of Composite Flour Made from Wheat and Mature,Unripe Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Fruit Flour

Due to the rise in the number of people suffering from diet-related noncommunicable diseases, major scientific studies have recently been focused on the development of functional foods that are rich sources of resistant starch and bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. The nutritional composition, in vitro starch digestibility, and antioxidant properties of composite flour derived from wheat and mature, unripe pawpaw fruit flour are all discussed in this study. The proximate composition, functional and pasting properties, in vitro starch digestibility, antioxidant activities and storage stability of the composite flours were determined. When compared to 100% wheat flour, the crude fiber, ash, water absorption capacity, swelling capacity, and bulk density of the composite flours increased by 40.5–63.3%, 209.7–318%, 2–109%, 3–66%, and 28–162%, respectively. Increased addition of mature, unripe pawpaw fruit flour to wheat flour resulted in a rise in the composite flour’s TPC, ABTS, and ORAC values. Comparing the composite flour made with 50% mature, unripe pawpaw fruit flour to 100% wheat flour, the resistant starch and slowly digested starch rose by 2836% and 1321%, respectively. Additionally, compared to 100% wheat flour, the composite flours also demonstrated decreased fat acidity. It can be argued that the composite flour is a good source of resistant starch and bioactive ingredients that can be used in a variety of functional food products.     

Effects on parameters of glucose homeostasis in healthy humans from ingestion of leguminous versus maize starches

Summary Background: Due to their lower glycaemic index, leguminous seeds affect human carbohydrate metabolism lesser than do cereals. Problems, however, could arise from side effects, e.g., increasing flatulence. Aim of the study and methods: In 26 healthy subjects, metabolic and symptomatic responses following acute ingestion of equivalent amounts of pure pea starch (NASTAR (Cosucra BV, Rosendaal/The Netherlands), crude yellow pea flour (CPC Deutschland, Germany), and modified and unmodified cornstarches (SNOWFLAKE and SIRONA, Cerestar/Germany) were assessed, i.e., plasma glucose, serum insulin, C-peptide, hydrogen exhalation, and flatulence. Results: Pure pea starch elicited less hyperglycaemia (minus 47 %), hyperinsulinaemia (minus 54 %), and C-peptide secretion (minus 37 %) as compared to cornstarch (p<0.05), while the responses to modified versus unmodified corn starch were similar (8 subjects, n.s.). Pure pea and corn starches were equally well tolerated, while flatulence and breath hydrogen concentration were increased only after the intake of crude pea flour. Maldigestion of pea flour was calculated to be around 10 % (reference lactulose). Conclusions: The well-known metabolic advantages of pea starch over cornstarch were confirmed. Tolerability of pure pea starch was excellent, but not of crude pea flour. Provided it has the same technical characteristics, pure pea starch as a “prebiotic” could replace cornstarch in industrial food production. Received: 15 January 1999, Accepted: 12 July 1999     

The Effect of Anthracene and Phenanthrene on the Growth,Photosynthesis, and SOD Activity of the Green Alga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scenedesmus armatus</Emphasis> Depends on the PAR Irradiance and CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Level

Short-term (24-h) experiments were performed to examine the effect of phenanthrene (PHE) and anthracene (ANT) on algae grown in a batch culture system at irradiances of 12, 33, 48, and 64 W m^–2 of the PAR range. Cultures were aerated (0.1 or 2% CO₂) or nonaerated. As a result of aeration the concentration of ANT dropped from 0.45 mg L^–1 at the beginning of the experiment (t₀) to an undetectable value after 10 h. The PHE concentration dropped from 9.36 mg L^–1 at t0 to 0.17 mg L^–1 after 24 h. ANT at nominal concentrations exceeding 0.05 mg L^–1 inhibited the growth of the algae in a concentration- and irradiance-dependent manner. The algistatic effect of ANT observed at 64 and 48 W m^–2 was independent of the CO₂ level, whereas the growth inhibition at 33 and 12 W m^–2 was much greater in cultures aerated with 2% than with 0.1% CO₂. PHE inhibited the growth only at a concentration of 10 mg L^–1 (about 50% of the control) regardless of the irradiance or the CO₂ concentration. The toxicity of both PHE and ANT was similar in aerated (0.1% CO₂) and nonaerated cultures. ANT and PHE had a distinct effect on the photosynthesis. At 0.1% CO₂, the irradiance-dependent inhibition (ANT) and stimulation (PHE) of the photosynthesis was observed. The inhibitory effect of ANT was enhanced when algae were grown at 2% CO₂, but at the same CO₂ concentration PHE did not affect the photosynthesis. ANT stimulated the total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the cells, this effect being generally more pronounced at elevated CO₂ levels and increasing with the irradiance. The total SOD activity was 250–300% higher in cells treated with PHE aerated with 0.1% CO₂. At 2% CO₂ no effect of PHE on the enzymes activity was noted. The results obtained indicate that ANT acts as a photosensitizer causing an oxidative damage of cells, while PHE seems to affect the macromolecular synthesis.     

Chemical composition of hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) grown in New Zealand

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) samples were collected from all replications of six different cultivars of trees grown in an experimental orchard at Lincoln University. Five cultivars were originally imported from overseas, three from the USA and two from Europe, and one cultivar was selected locally. Representative samples of nuts were harvested from 12-year-old trees in autumn 1995. The total oil content of the hazelnuts ranged from 54.6 to 63.2% while the crude protein ranged from 14.3 to 18.2%. Dietary fibre ranged from 9.8 to 13.2% while the starch and free glucose content together made up no more than 5% of the remaining portion of the kernel. The amino acid content of the hazelnuts was similar between each cultivar and the pattern of essential amino acids was characteristic of a high quality protein.     

The feasibility of using lead in hair concentration in monitoring environmental exposure in children

Summary The feasibility of lead in hair as an indicator of lead exposure has been compared to that of lead in blood and zinc protoporphyrin in blood levels in 1–3-year-old children living within 1 km of a lead smelter. Lead exposure was measured as lead in house dust, outdoor and indoor lead in air concentrations, outdoor and indoor lead depositions, and subjective assessment of indoor dustiness. Lead in blood ranged from 51–353 g/l and lead in hair from 0.8–114 g/g. It can be concluded that within the range of environmental exposure studied, and for the age group concerned, measurement of lead in blood and of the zinc protoporphyrin in blood levels appear to be better biological parameters to assess both total environmental exposure and health risk than measurement of lead in hair level alone.Part of this study was supported by a grant from the Prevention Fund and the Ministry of Health and the Environment     

Condition and pyloric caeca as indicators of food web effects in fish living in metal-contaminated lakes

Variations in fish condition, pyloric caeca (PC) mass and tissue metal concentrations were examined in two consecutive summers in yellow perch collected along two polymetallic gradients in Canada, Sudbury (ON) and Rouyn-Noranda (QC). The potential of PC mass variations to help interpret food web-mediated changes in condition was also evaluated. The lack of relationships between PC weight and condition, even in reference lakes, indicated that factors other than feeding rate influenced fish condition. Inter-annual variations in fish condition (12–58%), PC weight (14–20%) and tissue metal concentrations (30–550%) were often of greater magnitude than differences between reference and contaminated fish sampled in the same year. The apparent lack of correspondence between feeding rate and condition and the large inter-annual variation in examined metrics highlight the need to better understand the ecological underpinnings that influence metal toxicity in field situations.     

Lack of oxidative stress in a selenium deficient area in Ivory Coast

Summary Background Previous studies have described an important selenium deficiency in a mountain region (Glanle) in the west of Ivory Coast. Aim of the study To assess the antioxidant capacity of subjects from a selenium deficient area in Ivory Coast (Glanle region). Methods This study involved 57 subjects, 18 to 69 years old, living in the Glanle region and 56 healthy controls living in the southern coastal region (Bodou). In the Glanle region families consume basically a vegetarian and crude palm oil diet, whereas in the Bodou region, families eat a fish–based diet with principally refined palm oil. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess the following parameters: lipid status (plasma total lipids; total–, HDL and LDL–cholesterol; triglycerides; phospholipids; fatty acid composition), plasma protein status (total protein, albumin, transthyretin, orosomucoid, CRP, transferrin), antioxidant capacity (plasma selenium, uric acid, retinol, –tocopherol and tocotrienols levels, plasma seleno–glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP)). Results The mountain region samples (Glanle) were characterized by significantly lower plasma albumin, total–, HDL– and LDL–cholesterol, retinol and selenium levels, plasma PUFA content and GSHPx activity, but significantly higher alpha–tocopherol index and total tocotrienol level, than controls from the coastal area (Bodou). These results suggest a higher exposure risk to oxidative stress for the mountain region subjects. However, the absence of oxidative damage in this group provides evidence of a selenium independent protection mechanism against oxidative stress. This protection is related to lower plasma LDL cholesterol and PUFA content, and to higher –tocopherol index, and total tocotrienols. Conclusion The long–term consumption of crude palm oil could be considered as an effective protective factor against oxidative stress.     

Fatty Acids Profile and Cholesterol Contents of Three Brazilian Brycon Freshwater Fishes

This study was carried out to determine the cholesterol and fatty acids in muscle tissue (filet) of three in natura species of Brazilian fishes Brycon cephalus (matrinxã), B. microlepis (piraputanga) and B. orbignyanus (piracanjuba). The non-native fishes were collected in farms (cultured in pond and cages) near Maringá. The native species were collected in Cuiabá–Manso rivers (B. microlepis), and Paraná river (B. orbignyanus) that belong to the Platina hydrographic basin. Differences were observed (P<0.05) for moisture (70.48–74.06%), ashes (1.05–1.32) and crude protein (18.84–20.03%). The total lipids and cholesterol contents were found in the range of 2.49–7.94% and 40.99–52.79 mg/100 g, respectively. The native species presented the smallest values when compared to the non-native. All species presented oleic acid, C18:1 n -9, as predominant, (38.34–48.77%), followed by palmitic acid, C16:0, (21.90–26.57%) and stearic acid, C18:0, (8.32–15.66%). The largest amount of total n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed in the wild B. microlepis (3.61%) and B. orbignyanus (3.06%).     

Health behaviors, social networks, and healthy aging: Cross-sectional evidence from the Nurses' Health Study

Physical function is a significant component of health-related quality of life among older adults. Potential correlates of healthy aging, including health behaviors and social network characteristics, were examined among 56,436 US women aged 55–72 in 1992. Healthy aging was assessed by maintenance of physical function measured by four sub-scales of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF)-36 Health Survey: physical functioning; role limitations; freedom from bodily pain; and vitality. Individual health behaviors, defined as current smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary behavior, and being overweight each contributed to significant decrements in functioning across all age-groups. After controlling for these health behaviors and other confounders (age, race, education, and co-morbid conditions), elements of a woman's social network were significantly correlated with functional status. Strong predictors of high functioning among older women were having close friends and relatives and presence of a confidant. For example, the absence of a confidant was associated with a 4.44 point reduction in physical functioning (95% CI: –7.0, –1.9), and a 5.68 point reduction in vitality (95% CI: –7.9, –3.4). These effects were comparable in magnitude to those observed among heavy smokers, or women in the highest category of body mass index.     

Is maternal asthma a risk factor for low birth weight?

The association between history of asthma in the mother and low birth weight (<2,500 g) was studied in 2,929 primary schoolchildren, randomly selected from three areas of the Lazio Region, Italy, and enrolled in a cross-sectional survey to assess their health status in relation to environmental factors. A history of asthma in the mother was associated with a higher prevalence of low birth weight, with a crude OR of 2.95 (95% CI 1.10–6.72). After stratification for other variables, an association was still present only for males (OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.01–12.53), when mothers had smoked in pregnancy (OR 8.02; 95% CI 1.63–32.28) and were resident in an industrial town (OR 10.21; 95% CI 2.69–32.27). An OR of 6.43 was also found when mothers belonged to low social class, but the 95% CI included the unity. These results suggest that a history of asthma in the mother is a risk factor for low birth weight, but only when other adverse factors are concurrently present.     

Precision Nutrition Model Predicts Glucose Control of Overweight Females Following the Consumption of Potatoes High in Resistant Starch

Individual glycemic responses following dietary intake result from complex physiological processes, and can be influenced by physical properties of foods, such as increased resistant starch (RS) from starch retrogradation. Predictive equations are needed to provide personalized dietary recommendations to reduce chronic disease development. Therefore, a precision nutrition model predicting the postprandial glucose response (PPGR) in overweight women following the consumption of potatoes was formulated. Thirty overweight women participated in this randomized crossover trial. Participants consumed 250 g of hot (9.2 g RS) or cold (13.7 g RS) potatoes on two separate occasions. Baseline characteristics included demographics, 10-day dietary records, body composition, and the relative abundance (RA) and α-diversity of gut microbiota. Elastic net regression using 5-fold cross-validation predicted PPGR after potato intake. Most participants (70%) had a favorable PPGR to the cold potato. The model explained 32.2% of the variance in PPGR with the equation: 547.65 × (0 [if cold, high-RS potato], ×1, if hot, low-RS potato]) + (BMI [kg/m²] × 40.66)—(insoluble fiber [g] × 49.35) + (Bacteroides [RA] × 8.69)—(Faecalibacterium [RA] × 73.49)—(Parabacteroides [RA] × 42.08) + (α-diversity × 110.87) + 292.52. This model improves the understanding of baseline characteristics that explain interpersonal variation in PPGR following potato intake and offers a tool to optimize dietary recommendations for a commonly consumed food.     

Hepatic content of free sulfhydryl compounds in animals exposed to vinyl acetate

Summary The content of free non-protein thiols (–SH) was investigated in the livers of guinea pigs, rats and mice after intraperitoneal injection of vinyl acetate (VA). A rapid change of the hepatic -SH level was found in guinea pigs after injection of 500 mg/kg VA. This resulted in a 50% decrease in –SH content, In mice the decrease was slower and amounted to only 23% four hours after injection of 300 mg/kg VA. Rats responded to a single dose of 450 mg/kg VA with only a 10% reduction of the –SH content of the liver. An approximately 20% decrease was observed after chronic intermittent exposure (5 h d^–1 for 6 months) to 10, 100 or 500 mg/m³ VA.Supported by the Programme MZ-IX, 1.13     

Toxicity and removal of heavy metals (cadmium, copper, and zinc) by Lemna gibba

Effects of cadmium, copper, and zinc on the aquatic plant Lemna gibba were determined under controlled conditions; in parallel their removal from the growth medium was followed. The results showed that the three heavy metals affected growth, a physiological stress index defined as the ratio of Chlorophyll to phaeophytin (D665/D665a), and the contents of proline. After 4 days, 10⁻³–10⁻¹ mg/L Cd inhibited growth by 25–100%, reduced D665/D665a by 35–89%, and increased proline content by 44–567%. Under the same conditions, 10⁻⁴–10⁻¹ μg/L Cu inhibited growth by 36–75%, reduced D665/D665a by 19–81%, and increased proline content by 67–288%. Comparable concentrations of Zn had little effect. However, higher concentrations (4, 30, and 50 mg/L) inhibited growth by 50–79%. Also, 0.1 and 30 mg/L induced a small reduction of D665/D665a (−3.8% and −22%) and an increase in proline contents (+144% and +177%). When it was observed, proline accumulation was always transient and the maximum was reached after 4 days. Monitoring metal concentration in the medium showed that L. gibba was able to remove metals from the medium. Zn and Cu removal was biphasic, it was rapid during the first 2 days (> 60% reduction) and slow (10–20%) during the following 8 days. For Cd, removal was linear and depended on the initial concentration. It reached approximately 90% after 6 or 8 days for initial concentrations of 10⁻¹ and 10⁻³ mg/L, respectively.     

Similar cholesterol-lowering properties of rice bran oil, with varied gamma-oryzanol, in mildly hypercholesterolemic men

Summary Background The cholesterol lowering properties of rice bran oil (RBO) containing differing amounts of non–saponifiable components have not been studied in humans, to our knowledge. Aim of the study To evaluate cholesterol lowering effects of RBO, with low and high amounts of –oryzanol (ferulated plant sterols) in mildly hypercholesterolemic men. Methods Mildly hypercholesterolemic men, 38–64 y, starting cholesterol 4.9–8.4 mmol/l (n = 30), consumed 50 g/d peanut oil (PNO) in vehicles for 2 wks during a run–in period, then, without wash–out, were randomly equilibrated (based on initial level of cholesterol) into two groups to consume 50 g/d RBO low (0.05 g/d) or high (0.8 g/d) –oryzanol for 4 wks, in a randomized, controlled, parallel design study. Subjects were free–living and consumed habitual diets with some restrictions. Plasma concentrations of total, LDL–,HDL–cholesterol and triacylglycerol were measured at base line and after 2, 4, and 6 wks. Results The two RBO types were not significantly different with respect to effects on various cholesterol parameters, at 2 and 4 wks, including total cholesterol, LDL–, HDL– and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio. Low and high –oryzanolcontaining RBO feeding for 4 wks lowered total plasma cholesterol (6.3 %), LDL–C (10.5 %) and the LDL–C/HDL–C ratio (18.9 %). Conclusions RBO supplementation at ca. 50% total fat intake improved lipoprotein pattern in mildly hypercholesterolemic men. Methylated sterols in –oryzanol are thought to be largely ineffective at inhibiting dietary cholesterol absorption, but could enhance cholesterol–lowering ability of 4–desmethylsterols. Assuming all ferulated sterols become de–ferulated in the gut, low and high –oryzanolcontaining RBOs provided intestinal loads of 453 and 740 mg/d free 4–desmethylsterols, respectively. This intestinal load of 453–740 mg/d of efficacious free plant sterol equivalents had identical effects on lipoproteins.*This work appeared in part in FASEB J. 14: A250, 2000     

Levels of organic solvents in printer's inks

The contents of organic solvents in 29 samples of printer's inks used for serigraphy have been analyzed by headspace gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The inks contained 46 different solvents in various combinations. The total solvent content in the printer's inks were 20–80% (W/W, weight/weight). The common solvents present in the inks were aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, C₂-C₄ alcohols and acetates, a variety of glycol ethers and glycol ether acetates, isophorone, diacetone alcohol and cyclohexanone. The possibility of substitution of toxic solvents in printer's inks by relatively less toxic solvents should be evaluated.