Physico-chemical characteristics, water absorption, soaking and cooking properties of some Sicilian populations of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The physical and physico-chemical properties of several Kabuli chickpeas originating from Sicily (South Italy) were determined. Twelve genotypes in all, including two controls (ILC484, of the ICARDA genebank, and 'Calia', a traditional Italian cultivar), were analysed. A large variability among genotypes was ascertained for swelling capacity (coefficient of variation [CV] = 27.9%), swelling index (CV = 30.5%) and calcium content (CV = 39.3%). The lowest variability was observed for seed coat (CV = 8.6%) and seed weight (CV = 9.6%). Genotype statistically affected all traits, whose mean values were: seed weight, 0.340 +/- 0.03 g; seed coat, 4.47 +/- 0.38%; seed volume, 0.292 +/- 0.04 ml; seed density, 1.18 +/- 0.15 g/ml; hydration capacity, 0.361 +/- 0.09 g/seed; hydration index, 1.05 +/- 0.21; swelling capacity, 0.346 +/- 0.10 ml/seed; swelling index, 1.21 +/- 0.37; cooking texture, 2.61 +/- 0.38 kg/cm(2); and calcium, 109.6 +/- 43.11 mg/100 g dry weight. Correlation coefficients among characteristics were also estimated. The genotype '44M33' was found to be interesting having good seed weight and low seed coat incidence and calcium content, all important attributes affecting cooking quality.     

Characteristics of Palm Oil Based Food Products Developed for a Nutritional Intervention Programme

Twelve Nigerian cowpea varieties were investigated for physical properties, iron contents and dialysable iron. The seed coat accounted for 5.8-11.4% of the weight of the seeds, leached solids 5.1-13.6%, swelling capacity 43.9-94.5% and the seed density ranged between 0.91-1.28g/cm³.

There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the iron contents of the whole, peeled, cooked and soaked cowpea samples. While processing procedures such as seed coat removal did not significantly affect the dialysable iron, cooking of the beans led to significant increases in the diffusibility of iron. However, the addition of ‘Kanwa’, an alkaline salt, lowered the dialysable iron significantly (P < 0.05). The implications of these results on the diets of Nigerians in relation to iron nutrition are discussed.     

Interindividual variations in the disposition and metabolism of ethanol in healthy men

Forty-eight healthy men each drank a dose of ethanol, 0.68 g/kg of body weight, as neat whisky at about 09.00, after fasting overnight. The drink was finished within 20 min and the concentrations of ethanol in samples of capillary blood were determined at 30–60 min intervals for 7 hr. Rectilinear regression lines were fitted to the elimination phase of blood concentration time profiles and blood-ethanol parameters were calculated as described by Widmark. In 23, 14, 8 and 3 subjects the peak blood ethanol concentrations were reached at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min timed from starting to drink. The highest concentration of ethanol in blood was 0.92±0.022 mg/ml (mean ±SE) and the coefficient of variation (CV) was 16.8%. The blood concentration of ethanol extrapolated to zero-time was 0.98±0.009 mg/ml (CV=6.5%) and the apparent volume of distribution (V_d) was 0.695±0.0064 L/kg (CV=6.4%). The rate of ethanol elimination from blood was 0.126±0.0018 mg/ml/hr (CV=9.9%) and the body clearance was 87.5±1.1 mg/kg/hr (CV=8.7%). The apparent volume of distribution of ethanol was inversely related to the subject's body weight (r=?0.59±0.118, p<0.001). The elimination rate from blood was lower in those subjects with larger distribution volume; the parameters were negatively correlated (r=?0.52±0.126, p<0.001). The results show that blood-ethanol parameters calculated according to Widmark's method have low intersubject variability when the dose of ethanol administered and the condition of the test subjects are carefully controlled. A more sophisticated mathematical treatment of ethanol pharmacokinetics may be unnecessary.     

Early LV remodelling patterns in overweight and obesity: Feasibility of cardiac CT to detect early geometric left ventricular changes

BackgroundObesity is an in independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.GoalTo describe the early LV remodelling pattern in patients with overweight and obesity and structurally normal hearts.MethodsConsecutive patients (n = 2374), with structurally normal hearts and BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m², undergoing prospective mid-diastolic ECG gated CTCA were selected. Left ventricular mass (LVM) and Left ventricular mid-diastolic volume (LVMDV) were measured. The concentricity index (LVM/LVMDV) were calculated. According to the definitions of the World Health Organization (WHO), the patients were divided into weight categories.ResultsThe mean LVM ± Std. deviation in the subgroups according to WHO classification was 101.68 ± 28.99 g (normal weight), 115.79 ± 29.14 g (overweight), 123.8 ± 33.44 g (class I obesity), 125.85 ± 32.89 g (class II obesity) and 132.45 ± 37.85 g (class III obesity). (p < 0.001)The mean LVMDV progressed with increasing WHO weight category from 112.37 ± 36.46 in patients with normal BMI to 140.26 ± 43.78 in patients with class III obesity. (p < 0.001)The concentricity index was 0.935 ± 0.216 g/ml in patients with normal BMI, 0.979 ± 0.253 g/ml, 1.058 ± 0.635 g/ml, 0.996 ± 0.284 g/ml and 0.9768 ± 0.244 g/ml in patients with BMI categories 25–29.99, 30–34.99, 35–39.99 and ≥40 kg/m², respectively.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates a non-linear (inverse U-shape) relationship between increasing BMI class and concentricity index, reaching its maximum at a BMI of 30–34.99 kg/m². Further increase in BMI results in LV dilation.     

Flour,dough and bread properties of wheat flour substituted with orange-fleshed sweetpotato flour

This study investigated some quality attributes of composite flours, dough and bread from wheat flour substituted with orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) flour at 0–30% levels. Chemical, functional and pasting properties of flours, rheological properties of dough, as well as chemical composition and physical properties of bread were determined. Protein content of composite flours decreased by 25.51–37.37% at 10–30% OFSP flour substitution. Flour composites were higher in ash (2.12–2.33%), crude fibre (3.28–4.34%), water (1.45–2.08 ml/g) and oil (1.45–1.67 ml/g) absorption capacities. Wheat flour (100%) had maximum peak viscosity of 117.71 Rapid Visco Units (RVU) which decreased by 0.71–30.80% with OFSP flour substitution. Dough from composites had higher hydration (82.15–112.10%) and breakdown torque (0.38–0.42 Nm) but lower stability (1.16–2.38 min), protein weakening (0.06–0.37 Nm), starch gelatinization (0.46–0.81 Nm), stability of hot gel (0.04–0.43 Nm) and starch retrogradation (0.46–0.81 Nm). Bread substituted with OFSP flour had higher total carotenoids (1565.50–5179.27 µg/100 g), weight (193.74–198.50 g) and crumb moisture (27.81–27.91%).     

Physical and chemical analysis of Passiflora seeds and seed oil from China

The physical and chemical properties of seeds and seed oil from ‘Tainung No. 1’ passion fruit in China have been analyzed in order to evaluate their nutritional value. Proximate analysis shows that the seeds have a high amount of protein (10.8±0.60%) and are rich in oil (23.40±2.50%). The seeds are found to be a good source of minerals. They contain considerable amounts of sodium (2.980±0.002 mg/g), magnesium (1.540±0.001 mg/g), potassium (0.850±0.001 mg/g), and calcium (0.540±0.002 mg/g). The passion fruit seeds contain the 17 amino acids that are found naturally in plant protein (tryptophan is not analyzed). The essential amino acids account for 34% of the 17 amino acids. The amino acid score of passion fruit seeds protein is 74 and the first limiting amino acid is methionine and cystine. The oil extracted by solvent and supercritical dioxide carbon is liquid at room temperature and the color is golden–orange. The specific gravity of the oil is about 0.917. Comparing the chemical properties of the oil extracted by solvent with that by supercritical dioxide carbon, the latter may be suitable as edible oil directly, while the former will be edible after it must be refined to improve on clarity. Fatty acid composition of the seed oil indicates that the oil contains two essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and linolenic acid), but the content of linoleic acid (72.69±0.32%) is by far greater than that of linolenic acid (0.26±0.00%). The present analytical results show the passion fruit seed to be a potentially valuable non-conventional source for high-quality oil.     

冷冻应激对Wistar雌性大鼠生殖周期与生育能力的影响

目的为观察低温应激对大鼠生殖周期与生育能力的影响及人参多糖对其调节,本实验研究了Wistar雌性大鼠生殖周期与生育能力的变化规律及人参多糖的生物学效应。方法将Wistar大鼠分16℃对照组、4℃低温应激实验组与4℃低温应激人参多糖实验组,生殖器官的发育和生殖周期变化采用称重法与观察法。LH与FSH水平检测采用放免分析法。结果对照组、4℃低温应激实验组与4℃低温应激人参多糖实验组的卵巢重量分别为(36±1.20)g、(24±1.31)g和(27±1.14)g;子宫重量为(0.64±0.03)g、(0.45±0.01)g和(0.49±0.02)g;开口率为68%、39%和43%;LH和FSH为(0.28±0.04)ng/ml、(0.11±0.07)ng/ml和(0.14±0.05)ng/ml与(0.35±0.01)ng/ml、(0.17±0.03)ng/ml和(0.21±0.02)ng/ml;与对照组比较P<0.05。动情周期、怀孕率及生仔数,与对照组比较P<0.05。结论低温应激抑制大鼠生殖器官发育,使动情期延长,怀孕率降,LH与FSH分泌水平降低,人参多糖对其有上调作用。     

Use of Calcium,Folate, and Vitamin D3–Fortified Milk for 6 Months Improves Nutritional Status But Not Bone Mass or Turnover,in a Group of Australian Aged Care Residents

In residential care, inadequate calcium and folate intakes and low serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations are common. We assessed whether daily provision of calcium, folate, and vitamin D₃–fortified milk for 6 months improved nutritional status (serum micronutrients), bone quality (heel ultrasound), bone turnover markers (parathyroid hormone, C-terminal collagen I telopeptide, terminal propeptide of type I procollagen), and/or muscle strength and mobility in a group of Australian aged care residents. One hundred and seven residents completed the study (mean (SD) age: 79.9 (10.1) years; body weight: 68.4 (15.4) kg). The median (inter-quartile range) volume of fortified milk consumed was 160 (149) ml/day. At the end of the study, the median daily vitamin D intake increased to 10.4 (8.7) μg (P < .001), which is 70% of the adequate intake (15 μg); and calcium density (mg/MJ) was higher over the study period compared with baseline (161 ± 5 mg/MJ vs. 142 ± 4 mg/MJ, P < .001). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased by 23 ± 2 nmol/L (83 (107)%, P < .001), yet remained in the insufficient range (mean 45 ± 2 nmol/L). Consumption of greater than the median intake of milk (160 ml/day) (n = 54, 50%) increased serum 25(OH)D levels into the adequate range (53 ± 2 nmol/L) and reduced serum parathyroid hormone by 24% (P = .045). There was no effect on bone quality, bone turnover markers, muscle strength, or mobility. Consumption of fortified milk increased dietary vitamin D intake and raised serum 25(OH)D concentrations, but not to the level thought to reduce fracture risk. If calcium-fortified milk also was used in cooking and milk drinks, this approach could allow residents to achieve a dietary calcium intake close to recommended levels. A vitamin D supplement would be recommended to ensure adequate vitamin D status for all residents.     

羊水中兴奋性氨基酸的临床意义研究

目的:探讨羊水中兴奋性氨基酸(EAAs):天门冬氨酸(Asp)、谷氨酸(Glu)与胎儿畸形及围产儿缺氧的关系。方法:采用高效液相法对201例孕产妇进行羊水中EAAs:Asp、Glu检测。将其分为正常妊娠组137例,胎儿宫内缺氧组48例,胎儿畸形组16例。结果:①羊水中EAAs:Asp、Glu水平在正常妊娠组孕14～27+6周时分别为8 .66±3 .56μg/ml、2 .25±1 .48μg/ml,至妊娠晚期(37～41+6周)时分别为14. 81±8 .54μg/ml、12 .26±4 .08μg/ml,随孕周增加呈上升趋势(P<0. 05);②正常妊娠组羊水中EAAs:Asp、Glu水平分别为13. 45±5. 74μg/ml、8 .31±2 .09μg/ml,胎儿宫内缺氧组分别为58 .83±11 .21μg/ml、16. 75±4 .08μg/ml,胎儿畸形组分别为97 .40±13 .68μg/ml、22 .88±10 .01μg/ml,胎儿宫内缺氧组与胎儿畸形组羊水EAAs水平明显高于正常妊娠组(P<0 .01),胎儿畸形组亦明显高于胎儿宫内缺氧组(P<0 .05)。结论:正常妊娠羊水中存在EAAs:Asp、Glu,且随妊娠进展而增加;胎儿畸形、胎儿宫内缺氧时羊水中EAAs:Asp、Glu水平升高,提示羊水中EAAs:Asp、Glu检测可望成为判断胎儿畸形、胎儿宫内缺氧状况的一项敏感而简单的生化指标。     

机械通气对新生儿血浆和支气管肺泡灌洗液中SP-A与SF的影响及意义

目的:观察机械通气对新生儿血浆和支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中肺表面活性物质蛋白A(SP-A)及血清铁蛋白(SF)的影响,探讨其在机械通气肺损伤(VILI)中的作用及其临床意义。方法:选择机械通气新生儿36例为机械通气组,未使用机械通气新生儿31例为非机械通气组。动态观察机械通气组患儿在机械通气后1、24、48、72h和撤机后24h血浆SP-A和SF水平及在机械通气后1、24、48、72hBALF中SP-A在各时段的变化,非机械通气组也以同样时段采集静脉血及BALF,用免疫印迹法检测血浆及BALF中SP-A水平,用放射免疫方法检测SF水平。应用SPSS10.0统计学软件进行统计学处理,所有数值以均数±标准差(x±s)表示;相关性分析应用直线相关公式计算关联系数r值。结果:机械通气组患儿血浆SP-A和SF水平明显升高,BALF中SP-A水平显著降低,与非机械通气组比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.05,P<0.01),且升高程度与使用机械通气天数呈显著相关性(r=0.451、-0.386、0.431,P<0.05)。机械通气后48h血浆和BALF中SP-A及SF水平出现明显变化,随着病情好转撤机,血浆SP-A及SF水平逐渐回落,提示机械通气后48h患儿可能开始出现肺损伤。结论:动态观察新生儿机械通气时血浆和BALF中SP-A及SF水平可能有助于监测VILI的发生,以指导临床诊治。     

Carotenoid content and in vitro bioaccessibility of lycopene from guava (Psidium guajava) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) by high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detection

The carotenoid content and in vitro accessibility of the ‘Sugar baby’ variety of watermelon and the ‘Horana red’ variety of guava from Sri Lanka was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The high-performance liquid chromatography chromatogram showed that the Guava ‘Horana red’ variety contained almost exclusively lycopene (45.3 ± 8.0 μg/g fresh weight (FW)), with a small amount of lutein (2.1 ± 0.6 μg/g FW), β-carotene (2.0 ± 0.2 μg/g FW) and β-cryptoxanthin. As far as carotenoids in the sugar baby variety of watermelon are concerned, it contained lycopene, lutein and β-carotene of 37.2 ± 4.0 μg/g FW, 2.1 ± 0.6 μg/g FW and 0.3 ± 1 μg/g FW, respectively. The studies showed that guava contains more lycopene (45.3±8.0 μg/g FW) than watermelon (37.2 ± 4.0 μg/g FW), and that the in vitro accessibility of lycopene in guava (73%) is more than that in watermelon (25.8%). Therefore it can be concluded that guava can be used as a better lycopene source than watermelon.     

Low-Carbohydrate Diet Versus Caloric Restriction: Effects on Weight Loss,Hormones, and Colon Tumor Growth in Obese Mice

Our objective was to compare the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet to a high-carbohydrate/calorie-restricted diet on weight loss, hormones, and transplanted colon tumor growth. Eighty male C57BL/6 mice consumed a diet-induced obesity regimen (DIO) ad libitum for 7 weeks. From Weeks 8 to 14, the mice consumed a 1) DIO diet ad libitum (HF); 2) low-carbohydrate diet ad libitum (LC); 3) high-carbohydrate diet ad libitum (HC); or 4) HC calorie restricted diet (HC–CR). MC38 cells were injected at Week 15. At the time of injection, the HC–CR group displayed the lowest body weight (25.5 ± 0.57 g), serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I; 135 ± 56.0 ng/ml), and leptin (1.0 ± 0.3 ng/ml) levels. This group also exhibited the longest time to palpable tumor (20.1 ± 0.9 days). Compared to the HF group, the HC group exhibited lower body weight (39.4 ± 1.4 vs. 32.9 ± 0.7 g, respectively), IGF-I (604 ± 44.2 vs. 243.4 ± 88.9 ng/ml, respectively), and leptin (15.6 ± 2.2 vs. 7.0 ± 0.7 ng/ml, respectively) levels but similar tumor growth. IGF-I levels were lower in the LC group (320.0 ± 39.9 ng/ml) than the HF group, but tumor growth did not differ. These data suggest LC diets do not slow colon tumor growth in obese mice.     

Acute Effects of a Glucagon‐Like Peptide 2 Analogue,Teduglutide, on Gastrointestinal Motor Function and Permeability in Adult Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome on Home Parenteral Nutrition

Background: Glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2) agonists decrease the need for parenteral nutrition (PN) in short bowel syndrome (SBS); mechanisms evaluated to date have focused on the intestinotrophic effect of GLP‐2 agonists such as increased absorptive capacity of the remnant intestine and increased citrulline levels. Other mechanisms may also play a role in effects of GLP‐2 agonists. Aim: To measure effects of a GLP‐2 agonist, teduglutide (TED), compared with placebo (PLA) on gastric emptying (GE), overall gut transit, fluid balance, intestinal monosaccharide absorption, and permeability in patients with SBS on home PN (HPN). Materials and Methods: In 8 adults with SBS on HPN, we compared daily subcutaneous TED (0.05 mg/kg) and PLA (crossover design, each treatment 7 days with a 14‐day washout) on gut transit, intestinal absorption, and permeability after oral mannitol (200 mg) and lactulose (1 g), as well as stool weight and urine volume over 8 hours. Analysis used the paired t test. Results: Of 8 patients, 4 were men, with a mean ± SD age of 54 ± 1 years, body mass index of 25 ± 4 kg/m², residual small intestine of 63 ± 12 cm, and 25% ± 15% of residual colon. The overall gut transit (% emptied at 6 hours) was 53.4% ± 15% for TED vs 62.4% ± 15.2% for PLA (P = .075), with no effect on GE (P = .74). TED increased urine mannitol excretion at 0–2 hours (16.2 ± 3.6 mg TED vs 11.3 ± 2.2 mg PLA, P = .20) and 0–8 hours (32.7 ± 5.9 mg PLA vs 48.8 ± 8.9 mg TED, P = .17). There were no differences in urine lactulose excretion or lactulose/mannitol ratio (0.024 ± 0.005 TED vs 0.021 ± 0.005 PLA). Over 8 hours, TED (vs PLA) numerically reduced stool weight (mean ± SEM, 77 ± 18 g TED vs 106 ± 43 g PLA, P = .42) and increased urine volume (408.9 ± 52.2 mL TED vs 365.7 ± 57.3 mL PLA, P = .34). Conclusion: Seven‐day TED treatment in 8 participants suggests beneficial effects on fluid balance and monosaccharide absorption, and it retarded overall gut transit with no effects on GE or mucosal permeability. Larger, longer, mechanistic studies of TED in SBS are warranted. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02099084.     

瘦素与新生儿体重的关系

目的探讨妊娠高血压综合征(妊高征)患者和正常孕妇血清中的瘦素浓度与胎儿体重的关系。方法采用放射免疫分析法,分别检测177例孕妇血清中的瘦素水平,并对其结果进行t检验。结果妊高征患者血清中的瘦素水平〔(31.2±10.4)ng/ml〕明显高于正常孕妇〔(18.2±7.3)ng/ml〕,P<0.01;重度妊高征组血清中的瘦素水平〔(39.6±10.1)ng/ml〕明显高于轻度妊高征组〔(24.4±8.6)ng/ml〕,P<0.01,亦高于中度妊高征组〔(33.8±8.5)ng/ml〕,P<0.05;妊高征组的新生儿体重〔(3088±364)g〕明显低于正常孕妇组〔(3437±649)g〕,P<0.01,重度妊高征组的新生儿体重〔(2478±353)g〕明显低于轻度妊高征组〔(3434±342)g〕,P<0.01,亦低于中度妊高征组〔(3058±378)g〕,P<0.01。结论检测孕妇血清中的瘦素水平对于评估胎儿的发育和体重具有重要意义,对妊高征的治疗和预后评估也有指导价值。     

Interactions of Lead,Calcium , Vitamin D,and Nutrition in Lead-Burdened Children

This study was undertaken to evaluate relationships between blood or serum levels of lead (Pb), calcium, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), within the framework of a nutritional survey of lead-burdened children. The results demonstrate that: regardless of blood Pb concentration and season of the year, serum 25-OHD concentration reflects vitamin D intake; high blood Pb (≥60μg/dl) was associated with decreased levels of 25-OHD (18 ± 1 ng/ml vs. 32 ± 1 in controls, P <C .001); concentrations of Pb and calcium were inversely correlated in control and lead-burdened children; and children in the high blood Pb group (≥60 μg/dl) had lower mean daily intakes of both calcium (610 ± 20 mg vs. 770±20 in controls, P < .001) and vitamin D (210±17 IU vs. 325±20 in controls, P < .001). These data indicate that, in Pb-burdened children, multiple factors modify the absorption and toxicity of Pb, and relative vitamin D deficiency, not excess, is associated with high blood Pb levels. Assessment of nutrition, calcium metabolism, and vitamin D status is recommended in evaluating children known to have undue absorption of Pb.     

Proximate Contents,Losses and Gains of Fat,Protein and Water Comparing Raw,Hospital- and Household-Cooked Pork Cuts

The contents of fat, protein and water were determined in raw and corresponding cooked pork cuts: three joints with rind (thin belly, neck boneless, loin boneless), two joints without rind (neck boneless, loin boneless) and three sliced joints (thick belly, neck, pork chops with and without bread). The meat was cooked in a household and a hospital kitchen. Cuts were cooked in oven without added fat and in pan with fat. For oven-cooked cuts no differences in fat losses between kitchen types were found (household kitchen: −4.5±2.9%; hospital kitchen: −4.9±3.4%;P=0.7), while fat losses for pan-cooked cuts differed slightly (household kitchen: +1.9±2.4%; hospital kitchen: +0.5±2.1%;P=0.02). Breaded pork chops gained more fat during cooking than non-breaded pork chops (+3.5±2.0 and +0.3±0.7%, respectively;P=0.02). Fat loss from neck and loin (whole joints) cooked without fat was somewhat higher than fat loss from the corresponding sliced joints cooked with fat (non-breaded) (−1.6±0.9 and +0.1±1.2%, respectively;P=0.001). Cooking causes small, if any, losses of meat protein. Water losses showed wide variations (range: −13.4±2.9 to −39.9±3.6%) and accounted for a major part of total weight loss. Positive correlations between water loss (r=0.40;P=0.01) and weight loss (r=0.47;P=0.01), and internal temperature could be demonstrated. An increase in the fat content calculated per 100 g of cooked meat was seen for all the cuts, indicating that losses of mainly water were relatively larger than fat losses. Fat (wt%) in raw and cooked meat for seven of nine cuts correlated significantly. Their pooled linear regression equation was as follows: fat in cooked meat (wt%)=1.02×fat in raw meat (wt%)+2.97; thus, fat content of cooked pork meat can be estimated irrespective of cooking methods.     

White Sesame Seed Oil Mitigates Blood Glucose Level,Reduces Oxidative Stress,and Improves Biomarkers of Hepatic and Renal Function in Participants with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives: The study was designed to investigate the impact of white sesame seed oil (WSSO) consumption on fasting blood glucose (GLU), insulin (INS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and hepatic antioxidant enzymes. A secondary aim was to check the influence on serum biochemistry, hepatic, cardiac, and renal functions.

Methods: Forty-six participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly divided into two equal groups: diabetic control (DCON) and diabetic sesame oil (DSO). At baseline and 30, 60, and 90?days, blood samples were drawn and analyzed. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the difference between groups and across time.

Results: In both groups, GLU, INS, and HbA1c were not significantly different at baseline (mean 187.07?±?5.63?mg/dl, mean 12.12?±?1.03 μU/ml, and mean 7.55?±?0.37%, respectively). At 90?days, GLU was significantly (p?<?0.05) decreased in DSO (137.83?±?3.16?mg/dl) when compared with DCON (218.13?±?5.92?mg/dl), while INS was significantly increased in DSO (23.13?±?1.15 μU/ml) as compared to DCON (7.93?±?0.38 μU/ml). At 90 days, HbA1c was significantly lower (p?<?0.05) in DSO as compared to DCON. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly lower (p?<?0.05) in DSO (1.08?±?0.05 [MDA] nmol/ml) as compared to DCON (2.26?±?0.07 [MDA] nmol/ml). In DSO, activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) increased while in DCON these activities decreased significantly (p?<?0.05) across the time period. Biomarkers of liver, cardiac, and renal functions improved significantly in DSO as compared to DCON.

Conclusion: WSSO as a functional food may play an important role in GLU regulation and against deleterious effects of diabetes in humans with type 2 diabetes.     

Copper,zinc, magnesium and cadmium levels of breast milk of Indian women

One hundred and seventy eight milk samples from healthy Indian women who had term delivery were analysed for Cu, Zn, Mg and Cd contents by wet digestion with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Cu level in colostrum was 0·72 ± 0·23 μg/ml, in transitional milk 0·62 ± 0·16 μg/ml and in mature milk 0·39 ± 0·09 to 0·21 ± 0·07 μg/ml. Zn level in colostrum was 9·32 ± 1·63 μg/ml, in transitional milk 6·71 ± 1·21 μg/ml and in mature milk 2·90 ± 0·47 to 2·16 ± 0·38 μg/ml. Mg level in colostrum was 46·22 ± 15·77 μg/ml, in transitional milk 40·71 ± 13·29 μg/ml and in mature milk 38·18 ± 14·21 to 39·66 ± 12·90 μg/ml. Cd level in colostrum was 2·0 ± 0·71 μg/dl, in transitional milk 1·5 ± 0·43 μg/dl, and in mature milk 1·6 ± 0·19 to 1·7 ± 0·13 μg/dl. Cu and Zn showed a significant fall in their levels from colostrum to transitional and mature milk. Mg level showed a slight fall in transitional milk and then remained stationary. Cd level showed no significant fall in its level from colostrum to mature milk.     

Lycopene content,antioxidant capacity and colour attributes of selected watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansfeld) cultivars grown in India

The present investigation reports variability in lycopene, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity and colour attributes of 12 watermelon cultivars grown in India. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using four in vitro assays, namely ferric reducing antioxidant power, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl. Among watermelon cultivars, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found with respect to lycopene content and antioxidant capacity. Lycopene content ranged from 03.46 to 8.00 mg/100 g fresh weight. Colour of watermelon flesh was described by an optimized colour index (CI). Cultivars ‘PWM25-4’, ‘Arun’, ‘Kiran’ and ‘Kareena’ were found to be the most promising ones with highest lycopene content, antioxidant capacity and CI. Results indicate that watermelon is a good source of dietary lycopene and there exists significant variation that can be exploited to produce high-quality cultivars.     

乳清蛋白肽对骨密度和骨钙含量的影响

目的利用胰蛋白酶水解乳清蛋白制备促钙吸收肽,研究乳清蛋白肽对生长期小鼠骨密度的影响。方法选用ICR小鼠,按体重随机分成低钙组、补钙组、正常组和样品组,样品组以灌胃方式给予钙和乳清蛋白水解肽。4w后处死,取小鼠双侧股骨湿重、干重、长度和股骨指数。结果含肽低、高剂量组的股骨长度分别为16.62±0.39和16.97±0.29 mm,均显著(P0.05)大于低钙对照组16.36±0.41mm;含肽低、高剂量组小鼠股骨密度分别为1.417±0.044和1.429±0.042 g/cm3,显著(P0.05)或极显著(P0.01)大于低钙对照组1.335±0.122 g/cm3;含肽高剂量组小鼠的股骨干重为0.0666±0.0042g,显著(P0.05)大于低钙对照组(0.0536±0.0022)和补钙组0.0596±0.0052 g;含肽低剂量组小鼠的股骨钙含量为221.16±6.24 mg/g显著(P0.05)大于低钙对照组213.46±12.65 mg/g;含肽高剂量组的股骨钙含量为228.55±5.18 mg/g极显著(P0.01)大于低钙对照组213.46±12.65 mg/g和补钙组215.32±15.72 mg/g。结论乳清蛋白水解肽对钙吸收有显著促进作用,并具有剂量效应。