Effects of Pomegranate Juice on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: a Double-Blinded,Randomized Crossover Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to investigate the simultaneous effect of pomegranate juice on components of the metabolic syndrome, including high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as an inflammatory index and glycemic and lipid profile indices in patients with metabolic syndrome. In a double- blind 2*2 crossover study, 30 individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome received a daily dose of 500 mL pomegranate juice for a period of one week. After one week of wash out period, they received a placebo for one week. Lipid profile, blood glucose control indices including fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and hs-CRP were measured at the beginning and end of the study. To analyze the data, a repeated measure analysis of variance and a t-test were performed. The results indicated that in comparison to the placebo, pomegranate juice was more effective in reducing the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.00) and hs-CRP (p = 0.018). The level of triglyceride (p = 0.030) and very low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (VLDL-C) (p = 0.014) were increased after the consumption of pomegranate juice, as opposed to the baseline condition. The rest of lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin, and HOMA-IR of the participants did not show any significant difference. Natural pomegranate juice supplementation lowered the level of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome as well as their blood hs-CRP. However, it also increased their triglyceride and VLDL-C.     

Effects of Whole Grain Wheat Bread on Visceral Fat Obesity in Japanese Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Study

Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and has become increasingly common in Japan. Epidemiological studies show inverse associations between intake of whole wheat grains and metabolic syndrome, but few dietary intervention trials have investigated the effect of whole wheat grain consumption. It was investigated whether a diet in which refined wheat bread (RW diet) was substituted by whole grain wheat bread (WW diet) would reduce visceral fat obesity in Japanese subjects. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled intervention study was conducted in 50 Japanese subjects with body mass index (BMI)?≥?23 kg/m². Subjects were randomly assigned WW (WW group) or RW diets (RW group) for 12 weeks. Blood samples and computed tomography scans were obtained every 6th week. The WW group showed decrease (?4 cm²) in visceral fat area (VFA) (p <?0.05), whereas the RW group showed no significant changes. These time-dependent changes were significantly different between the groups. WW diet led to significant and safe reductions in VFA in subjects with BMI?≥?23 kg/m². WW diet may contribute to preventing visceral fat obesity.     

Effect of a Tart Cherry Juice Supplement on Arterial Stiffness and Inflammation in Healthy Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Tart cherries are a particularly rich source of anthocyanins. Evidence indicates that dietary intake of anthocyanins is inversely associated with arterial stiffness. We conducted an open-label randomised placebo controlled study to determine whether a tart cherry juice concentrate (Cherry Active®) reduced arterial stiffness, inflammation and risk markers for cardiovascular disease in 47 healthy adults (30–50 years). Participants consumed 30 ml of cherry concentrate diluted to a volume of 250 ml with water or the same volume of an energy matched control drink daily for six weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and at the end of the intervention. There was no effect of the intervention on arterial stiffness (P?=?0.218), c-reactive protein (P?=?0.220), systolic blood pressure (P?=?0.163), diastolic blood pressure (P?=?0.121), total cholesterol (P?=?0.342) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P?=?0.127). At the end of the intervention, plasma antioxidant capacity (measured as the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)) was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (P?=?0.012). We conclude that a tart cherry juice concentrate rich in anthocyanins has no effect on arterial stiffness, c-reactive protein and risk markers for cardiovascular disease, but evokes a minor increase in antioxidant status in healthy adults.     

Effect of Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) on Serum Uric Acid in Hyperuricemic Subjects: a Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled,Crossover Study

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), a food constituent with various health benefits, has been shown to suppress postprandial elevations of serum uric acid (SUA) levels...     

Limited Benefit of Marine Protein Hydrolysate on Physical Function and Strength in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Age-related muscle wasting can compromise functional abilities of the elderly. Protein intake stimulates muscle protein synthesis; however, ageing muscle is more resistant to stimuli. This double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial is one of the first registered studies to evaluate the effects of a supplement of marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) on measures of physical function and strength. Eighty-six older adults received nutritional supplements containing 3 g of MPH or a placebo for up to 12 months. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength and gait speed were measured, and dietary intake was registered at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. No difference was found between the intervention and control groups in mean change in SPPB (independent sample t-test, p = 0.41) or regarding time trend in SPPB, grip strength, or gait speed (linear mixed model). The participants in our study were well functioning, causing a ceiling effect in SPPB. Further, they had sufficient protein intake and were physically active. Differences in physical function between those completing the intervention and the dropouts might also have created bias in the results. We recommend that future studies of MPH be carried out on a more frail or malnourished population.     

Identification of QTLs for Cadmium Tolerance During Seedling Stage and Validation of qCDSL1 in Rice

Cadmium(Cd)is a non-essential toxic metal that is harmful to plants.To investigate the genetic mechanism of Cd tolerance in rice,quantitative trait loci(QTLs)associated with Cd tolerance at the seedling stage were analyzed using a recombinant inbred line(RIL)population derived from a cross between PA64s and 93-11.A total of 36 QTLs associated with shoot length,root length,shoot dry weight,root dry weight and total dry weight were detected in Hangzhou and Lingshui of China.Among them,15 QTLs were identified under the control condition and 15 QTLs were identified under the Cd stress condition,and 6 QTLs for Cd tolerant coefficient were detected on chromosomes 1,3,7 and 9.The qCDSL1.1 and qCDSL1.2 were identified in Hangzhou and Lingshui,respectively,and had overlapping intervals on chromosome 1.To further confirm the effects of qCDSL1.1 and qCDSL1.2,we developed a chromosome segment substitution line(CSSL),CSSLqCDSL1,in 93-11 background harboring qCDSL1.1/qCDSL1.2 from PA64s.Compared to 93-11,CSSLqCDSL1 had increased shoot length under the Cd stress condition.These results pave the way for further isolation of those genes controlling Cd tolerance in rice and marker-assistant selection of rice elite varieties with Cd tolerance.     

Antioxidant Efficacy of a Spirulina Liquid Extract on Oxidative Stress Status and Metabolic Disturbances in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Lipid peroxidation is associated with the development of some pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases. Reduction in oxidative stress by antioxidants, such as Arthrospira (formely Spirulina), helps improving this redox imbalance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the Arthrospira liquid extract “Spirulysat^®” on oxidative markers—in particular, oxidized LDL (oxLDL)/total LDL cholesterol—and isoprostanes and to investigate its impact on lipid and glucose metabolism in the metabolic syndrome subject. A controlled, randomised, double-blind design was conducted in 40 subjects aged 18 to 65 years with metabolic syndrome after a daily intake of Spirulysat^® or placebo for twelve weeks. Blood and urinary samples were collected at three visits (V1, V2, V3) in the two groups for parameters determination. Although the Spirulysat^® group showed a decrease at all visits of the oxLDL/total cholesterol ratio, there was no significant difference compared to the placebo (p = 0.36). The urinary isoprostanes concentration in the Spirulysat^® group was reduced (p = 0.014) at V3. Plasma triglycerides decreased at V3 (p = 0.003) and HDL-cholesterol increased (p = 0.031) at all visits with Spirulysat^®. In conclusion, Spirulysat^® did not change the oxidized LDL (oxLDL)/LDL ratio but decreased the urinary isoprostanes, plasma triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol, suggesting a beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome.     

Utility of a Hydrolysate from Overproduced Paralichthys olivaceus for Hypertension Treatment: Correlation between Physical Properties and Potent Anti-Hypertensive Activities

Aquacultured fish are the richest natural source of protein. However, their overproduced biomass is often discarded due to production imbalance, causing considerable losses to the fishery industry. Therefore, it is necessary to utilize surplus fish and add value to overproduced fish. We performed complex enzyme-assisted hydrolysis to determine the correlation between its physical characteristics and anti-hypertensive activity in vitro and in vivo using an SHR model. Protamex-Pepsin assisted hydrolysate from Paralichthys olivaceus (PO_ppH) produced by complex enzyme-assisted hydrolysis contained low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids with anti-hypertensive activity. PO_ppH regulated blood pressure and serum angiotensin II and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme levels, and histological and ultrasound image analysis revealed substantially reduced thickness and diameter of the carotid aorta in the PO_ppH-administered SHR group. Therefore, we propose to reduce food loss due to overproduction by utilizing the anti-hypertensive activity and physical properties of PO_ppH; the results demonstrate its application as a therapeutic agent.     

Medium Light and Medium Roast Paper-Filtered Coffee Increased Antioxidant Capacity in Healthy Volunteers: Results of a Randomized Trial

We compared the effects of medium light roast (MLR) and medium roast (MR) paper-filtered coffee on antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in healthy volunteers. In a randomized crossover study, 20 volunteers consumed 482?±?61?ml/day of MLR or MR for four weeks. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), oxidized LDL and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity were measured at baseline and after the interventions. MLR had higher chlorogenic acids-(CGA; 334?mg/150?mL) and less caffeine (231?mg/150?ml) than MR had (210 and 244?mg/150?ml, respectively). MLR also had fewer Maillard reaction products (MRP) than MR had. Compared with baseline, subjects had an increase of 21 and 26?% in TAS, 13 and 13?% in CAT, 52 and 75?% in SOD, and 62 and 49?% in GPx after MLR and MR consumption (P?相似文献   

Effects of Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame) on Postprandial Glycemia and Insulin Levels in Humans: a Randomized Crossover Trial

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Postprandial hyperglycemia is a known risk factor for the development of several health disorders, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease....     

A simple Method for Selection of Potato Lines with a Higher Root/Total Ratio at an Early Stage in the Seedling Generation

Abstract

The growth directions and elongation rates of axile roots that compose the framework of an upland rice root system are quite varied. The objective of this study was to elucidate the direction of growth of the axile roots relative to their root diameter and the structural characteristics of their root caps. The relationships of photosynthate translocation to either the growth direction or the elongation rate of the axile roots were also examined using a stable isotope 13G. The growth direction of the axile roots significantly correlated with their diameter. The axile roots with a relatively large diameter tended to elongate vertically in the vegetative stage, though the regression coefficients varied according to phyllochrons. The roots that emerged at the reproductive stage elongated horizontally relative to the large diameter. In the roots that emerged at the same phyllochrons, the prophyll roots elongated more vertically than the proximal roots did. The axile roots that elongated vertically formed wide columellae and large amyloplasts in the cap cells. The highest ¹³C abundance in the axile root tip zone was found at 21 hrs after feeding ¹³CO₂. The length of the apical unbranched zone behind the axile root tip positively correlated with the ¹³C abundance in the root apical zones during the first 21 hrs after feeding, indicating that the roots that elongated fast would be superior in photosynthate intake in the apical zone. The axile roots that elongated vertically took in more photosynthate in their apical zones, however, the relationship was not particularly close.     

甜菜糖分积累期遮光灌水对植株形态及生理指标影响的研究

糖分积累期遮光灌水促进了甜菜伸长生长,使叶片变薄,加速叶子分化速度,增加未成龄绿叶数,降低了植株各部位的干物质含量和比叶重;增加了块根,叶片、叶柄的全氮、游离氨基酸的含量;但降低了还原糖含量和糖氮比;减弱了过氧化物酶同工酶的活性;收获时,干物质产量减少,块根含糖率降低,产糖量亦降低。糖分积累期遮光灌水引起块根含糖率和产糖量大幅度降低,主要是生长中心逆转,致使氮代谢旺盛,糖代谢水平降低,糖氮比例失调。     

Comparison of steady- and unsteady-state drainage equations for determination of subsurface drain spacing in paddy fields: a case study in Northern Iran

In Northern Iran paddy fields, waterlogging is a serious problem. Provision of subsurface drainage seems to be a prerequisite for optimal crop production. Considering specific characteristics of the paddies, application of a suitable equation for planning of subsurface drainage systems is of great importance. In this study, five steady-state equations including Hooghoudt, Kirkham, Dagan, Ernst, and Ernst–Hooghoudt; and three unsteady-state equations including Glover–Dumm, Van-Shilfgard, and De-zeeuw–Hellinga were implemented to compute drain spacing. Required field data were obtained from 52 ha of paddy fields of “Haraz Human-Agriculture Resources Development Center,” located in Mazandaran province of Iran. The computed drain spacings were evaluated using dynamic equilibrium concept and DRAINMOD model. The minimum and maximum drain spacings were found to be 26 and 63 m corresponding to Glover–Dumm and Ernst equations, respectively. Based on the dynamic equilibrium concept, the averages of the computed water table depths for the drain spacings obtained by the unsteady-state equations were 0.5–0.63 m as compared with those obtained by the steady-state methods which were in the range of 0–0.43 m. According to the DRAINMOD model simulations, the maximum relative yield was 80.2 % which was obtained when the drain spacing was 26 m and it reduced to 73.5 % when the drain spacing was increased to 63 m. The computed drain spacings suggested by the unsteady-state equations were found to be more suitable than those obtained from the steady-state equations for the study area.     

Identification for Heat Tolerance in Backcross Recombinant Lines and Screening of Backcross Introgression Lines with Heat Tolerance at Milky Stage in Rice

The present study aimed at breeding new rice germplasms with similar genome but significantly differed in heat tolerance during the grain filling stage.A total of 791 BC1F8 backcross recombinant lines,derived from the cross of Xieqingzao B /N22 //Xieqingzao B,were used as materials.Each rice line was separated evenly into two groups,and the heat tolerance of all rice lines were evaluated at natural high temperature in fields.The rice lines with heat tolerant index higher than 90% or lower than 40% were sele...     

Comparison of outputs of a biophysical simulation model for pasture growth and composition with measured data under dryland and irrigated conditions in New Zealand

Simulation models have a role in predicting and understanding the consequences of weather and management perturbations to biophysical systems. One such model is EcoMod – a biophysical simulation model of a pastoral ecosystem. It comprises a range of sub-models that form the main components of pastoral ecosystems – namely plants, soils and ruminant livestock. These component models are integrated to simulate the complex interactions occurring within such systems. The purpose of this study was to test how well EcoMod simulated the changes in growth rate and plant composition of dryland and irrigated pasture production in a temperate climate through comparison with a long-term (1966–2003) data set measured in New Zealand. The general behaviour of the modelled pastures was similar to those of the observed pastures. There was also close agreement between the measured and modelled total annual and monthly growth rates of dry matter (DM), particularly after modifying some of the parameters of plant growth to better represent the characteristics of dominant species present under dryland and irrigation pastures. There was greater discrepancy between measured and modelled pasture composition but in the case of the simulation of the dryland pasture, the proportional differences in species composition were much greater than the absolute differences in species composition. In addition to comparing the outputs of EcoMod to data from actual pasture production, model testing issues and potential sources of error between model outputs and data were also examined.     

水稻低温敏核不育系株1S海南冬季高产稳产繁殖技术

水稻低温敏核不育系株1S近年在海南冬繁,产量可达3 t/hm2以上,种子纯度可达99.9%以上。介绍了其在海南冬繁的基地选择、主要栽培技术、田间小气候调节和防杂保纯技术等操作要点。     

Comparative Assessment of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Cystatin C as Early Biomarkers for Early Detection of Renal Failure in Patients with Hypertension

Background:

Hypertension is one the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). One of the major concerns in hypertensive patients is early detection of renal disorders. In the past, serum creatinine (Scr) concentration was used as a marker of kidney function, but it proffers a late reflection of reduced glomerular filtration rate. Cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) have been recently proven to be useful for quantification of CKD. Therefore, we compared the diagnostic value of NGAL with cystatin C and creatinine to evaluate kidney function in hypertensive patients.

Methods:

In this study, 42 hypertensive patients and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited. Serum cystatin C (Scys C) and plasma NGAL were measured using ELISA method. Creatinine, urea, hemoglobin, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein were measured according to the routine methods. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was considered as the gold standard method (cut-off value of < 78 ml/min/1.73 m².

Results:

In the patient group, plasma NGAL, cystatin C, and creatinine were all significantly correlated with eGFR, and plasma NGAL correlated best with eGFR. Receiver-operating characteristics analysis indicated that plasma NGAL was a better indicator than creatinine and cystatin C for predicting a GFR < 78 ml/min/1.73 m². The sensitivity and specificity for NGAL were 96% and 100%, for cystatin C were 92% and 60% and for creatinine were 76% and 47%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Plasma NGAL demonstrated a higher diagnostic value to detect kidney impairment in the early stages of CKD as compared to Scys C and Scr in hypertensive patients.Key Words: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), Cystatin C, Creatinine, Hypertension     

Comparison of haymaking strategies for cow-calf systems in the Salado Region of Argentina using a simulation model. 1. Effect of herbage mass at cutting and cow stocking rate under a rigid system of management

A simulation model was used to compare the long‐term performance of cow‐calf farm systems under different haymaking strategies on a 100‐ha farm. In the simulation, farm management was based on that which had been developed on Reserva 6, an experimental cow‐calf farm established in 1966 at Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria‐Balcarce Experimental Station, Argentina, where different technologies, including haymaking, have been adapted and applied in order to increase productivity of cow‐calf systems in the Salado Region of Argentina. The management of the system is based on a restricted mating season (2 months), early weaning (5–7 months of age) and forage conservation. The simulations showed that the effect of using hay with respect to the strategy without hay, in terms of calf liveweight (LW) production per hectare, was greatest at the cow numbers that maximized production (290–320 cows) with a proportionate increase of 0.25. On the other hand, the advantage of using hay was smallest when the herbage mass at cutting for hay was 6 t dry matter (DM) ha^?1, particularly when more than 0.50 of the farm area was allocated to haymaking. The differences among the haymaking policies increased with cow numbers, especially at high herbage masses at cutting for hay. The analysis also suggested that the LW production per hectare of cow‐calf farms would be maximized by harvesting 0.40–0.50 of the total farm area and aiming to cut hay at a herbage mass of 4 t DM ha^?1 and with medium quality.     

大豆子叶节和胚尖再生体系的比较及大豆SR1基因的遗传转化

以合丰23和合丰35的子叶节和胚尖为外植体,通过农杆菌介导对抗大豆疫霉根腐病基因SR1进行遗传转化。结果表明:合丰35胚尖和子叶节体系的出芽率(96.1%和79.1%)均显著高于合丰25(66.45%和74.4%);胚尖转化体系的平均再生周期(40 d)低于子叶节转化体系(68 d);在诱导培养基上培养20 d时胚尖转化体系的转化效率(96.1%)高于子叶节体系(77.8%)。以合丰35胚尖为外植体成功转化大豆抗疫霉根腐病基因SR1,共获得6株转基因植株。     

Comparison of three potato leafroll virus antisera and a single Beet western yellows virus antiserum for luteovirus detection in potato

Three potato leafroll virus (PLRV) antisera, representing European, British Columbian, and Californian isolates, performed similarly in detection of PLRV in ELISA tests of samples collected in three successive years at the Florida certification test plots and in tests of other samples collected in New York State. Although a range of absorbance values occurred, this was probably due to random variation in virus titers of samples rather than the occurrence of different virus strains or differential serological reactions by the antisera. Beet western yellows virus (BWYV) was detected in potato leafroll samples from nine states and provinces in North America. The BWYV-positive samples represented 40% in 1983 and 62.5% in 1984 of the total number of samples tested. These results confirm previous reports on the widespread occurrence of BWYV in potato with symptoms of leafroll.