Showing papers on "B vitamins published in 1985"

Footnotes to food tables. 2. The underestimations of intakes of lesser B vitamins by pregnant and lactating women as calculated using the fourth edition of McCance and Widdowson's 'The composition of foods'.

Abstract: In McCance & Widdowson's 'The composition of foods' many items lack information on the content of the lesser B vitamins, and dietary intakes can therefore be underestimated. The degree of this underestimation was assessed using data from a longitudinal study of the food intake of 63 pregnant and lactating mothers in Cambridge, UK, with a total of 3185 days of weighed diet records. The extra mean daily additional intake of each vitamin contributed by foods eaten by the mothers but lacking data in the food tables was estimated to be: vitamin B12, 0.1 micrograms, (1.5 per cent of total intake); vitamin B6, 0.04 mg (3.3 per cent); total folate, 10 micrograms (5.3 per cent); pantothenic acid, 0.6 mg (11.5 per cent); and biotin, 5 mg (14.3 per cent). Although many items in the tables lack data, most were eaten infrequently and made little contribution to vitamin intake. It was estimated that, if data were added for a limited number of frequently-eaten foods, namely, white toast, baked beans, biscuits, breakfast cereals and 'chicken with skin', then intakes of all five vitamins would be underestimated by less than 4 per cent.

Effects of intraindividual and interindividual variation in repeated dietary records

Abstract: In this study 5,115 daily diet records were collected from 151 women on two randomly selected days per sampling month (29 days) over a two-year period. Yearly estimates of the ratios of intraindividual (sigma w2) and interindividual (sigma b2) variance components were calculated for dietary intake of 15 nutrients and for dietary intake + vitamin/mineral supplements. From one year to the next, corresponding ratios of sigma w2/sigma b2 were nearly identical. Intraindividual variation in dietary intake of all 15 nutrients was greater than interindividual variation (sigma w2/sigma b2 greater than 1). Variance component ratios for highly supplemented nutrients such as iron, vitamin C and B vitamins were less than one (sigma w2/sigma b2 less than 1). Using the ratios of sigma w2/sigma b2, it was calculated that between six and 99 repeated records measuring dietary intake and between two and 31 records measuring total intake may be needed per individual to ensure that the estimate of the population correlation (rho DF) between an individual's "usual" dietary intake or total intake of a dietary risk factor and an individual's mean or usual level of a physiologic risk factor was within 10% of the true population correlation coefficient (rho xy). It was also found that twice as many dietary records per individual were required to estimate the population slope (beta xy) within 10%. These results have serious implications for the design and analysis of prospective nutritional studies.

Vitamin/mineral supplement use: a telephone survey of adults in the United States.

Abstract: Vitamin/mineral supplement use in the United States was assessed through a national telephone interview survey of an age-stratified random sample of 2,991 adults 16 years old and older. A vitamin/mineral supplement was defined as any product containing one or more of 33 specific vitamins, minerals, or "miscellaneous dietary components." Excluding pregnant/lactating women, 39.9% of the population consumed one or more supplements. Of those users, 52.4% consumed one supplement only; 10.9% consumed five or more (up to a maximum of 14 separate products). Confirming other research, above-average consumption of supplements occurred in the western United States. The most widely consumed product type was the single vitamin/miscellaneous dietary component (45.2% of supplement users). Vitamin C, either alone or in combination with other nutrients, was the most widely consumed nutrient (90.6% of supplement users). Use of supplements was more prevalent among women than among men in each of the three age groups examined: 16 to 24 years, 25 to 64 years, and 65 years and older. Although consumption of the B vitamins was more widespread among women than among men, more men than women consumed zinc, iodine, copper, magnesium, and manganese. There was a wide range of intake of both vitamins and minerals, which extended to 10 to 50 times the RDAs for individual nutrients.

Linkage of the major histocompatibility (B) complex and the nucleolar organizer in the chicken Assignment to a microchromosome

Abstract: The linkage relationship and chromosomal locations of the major histocompatl- bility (B) complex and nucleolar organizers (18S + 28S ribosomal RNA genes) were studied in normal and aneuploid chickens. The Balloantigens were defined by hemagglutin- ation, using monospecif c alloantisera. A chicken having three B haplotypes was detected and used in test matings to normal disomic chickens. Additional cases of birds having three different haplotypes were generated in the progeny of such matings. Analysis of the segregation patterns of B haplotypes suggested that the chickens with an additional haplotype were trisomics. Chickens having three B haplotypes also displayed a maximum of three nucleoli in somatic cells instead of the normal two nucleoln of diploids. This indicated the presence of an additional nucleolus organizing region (NOR). Cytogenetic and cytochemical studies were performed on cells of normal and putative trisomic chickens. All chickens displayed a normal array of chromosomes for pairs 1 through 9. Silver staining differentiated Ag-NORs on the long arms of two and three microchromosomes in disomic and trisomic types, respectively. Viable tetrasomic chickens, produced from nter se matings of trisomics, displayed four nucleoll and four Ag-NORs In somatic cell prepara- tions. These results indicate that the DNA sequences encoding the B histocompatibility antigens and the 18S + 28S ribosomal RNAs are linked on an acrocentric microchromo- some in the domestic chicken.

Analysis of Photosynthetic Antenna Function in a Mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Lacking trans-Hexadecenoic Acid'

Abstract: Several lines of evidence support the proposal that the unusual chloroplast-specific lipid acyl group Delta3,trans-hexadecenoic acid (trans-C(16:1)) stimulates the formation or maintenance of the oligomeric form of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b complex (LHCP). To assess the functional significance of this apparent association we have analyzed LHCP structure and function in a mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) which lacks trans-C(16:1) by electrophoretic analysis of the protein-chlorophyll complexes and by measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence under a variety of conditions. By these criteria the putative oligomeric form of LHCP appears to be slightly more labile to detergent-mediated dissociation in the mutant. The oligomeric PSI chlorophyll-protein complex, associated with PSI, was also more labile to detergent-mediated dissociation in the mutant, suggesting a previously unsuspected association of trans-C(16:1) with the PSI complex. However, no significant effect of the mutation on the efficiency of energy transfer from LHCP to the photochemical reaction centers was observed under any of the various conditions imposed. Also, the stability of the chlorophyll-protein complexes to temperature-induced dissociation was unaffected in the mutant. The role of trans-C(16:1) is very subtle or is only conditionally expressed.

Cytokinins modulate the expression of genes encoding the protein of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b complex.

Abstract: Tobacco cell suspension cultures responded to cytokinins (for instance kinetin) by full chloroplast differentiation. The hormone had the effect of stimulating the appearance of a few prominent plastid proteins. Synthesis of the light-harvesting chlorophyl a/b-binding protein (LHCP) in response to kinetin was noteworthy (Axelos M. et al.: Plant Sci Lett 33:201–212, 1984). Poly(A)+RNAs were prepared from cells grown in the presence of or without added kinetin. Poly(A)+RNA recovery and translation activity were not quantitatively altered by the hormone treatment. In vitro translation of polyadenylated mRNA into precursor polypeptides of LHCP (pLHCP) was quantified by immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE fractionation of pLHCP immunoprecipitates: pLHCP-mRNA translating activity was found to be stimulated in parallel to mature LHCP accumulation by kinetin-induced cells. Dot-blot and northern-blot hybridizations of poly(A)+RNA were carried out, using as a probe a pea LHCP-cDNA clone (Broglie R. et al.: Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 78: 7304–7308, 1981). A ten-fold increase of the level of pLHCP-encoding sequences was observed in poly(A)+RNA prepared from 9-d kinetin-stimulated cells, compared to control cells. Oligo(dT)-cellulose-excluded RNA fractions exhibited very low hybridization levels, in the same ratios as those obtained with poly(A)+RNA. Thus, the expression of LHCP-gene activity, in response to kinetin addition to tobacco cell suspension cultures, is regulated by the level of pLHCP-encoding mRNA rather than by translational or post-translational controls. re]19850218 rv]19850605 ac]19850613

Response to a physiologic dose of pyridoxine in type I primary hyperoxaluria.

Abstract: We measured urinary oxalate and glycolate excretion before and during pyridoxine administration (2 to 200 mg per day) in four patients with primary hyperoxaluria. In two patients with type I primary hyperoxaluria, urinary oxalate and glycolate excretion fell markedly in response to a physiologic dose of pyridoxine of 2 mg per day and became completely normal when the dose was increased to 25 mg per day. In the other two patients, who had a different type of primary hyperoxaluria (normal urinary glycolate excretion), there was no response to 2 mg of pyridoxine per day. In one of these patients, doses of 25 and 50 mg per day were also ineffective, but a moderate reduction in oxalate excretion took place with 200 mg per day; in the other patient there was a moderate reduction in oxalate excretion with 25 mg of pyridoxine per day. Our findings suggest that the degree of hyperoxaluria in this disorder may be only slight or moderate if the patient has been ingesting a pyridoxine-rich diet or multivitamin tablets containing small amounts of pyridoxine. Our results also suggest that smaller doses of pyridoxine than those heretofore employed should be tried in patients with primary hyperoxaluria.

Major histocompatibility (B) complex effects on acquired immunity to cecal coccidiosis.

Abstract: The influence of the major histocompatibility (B) complex on acquired immunity to the avian coccidium Eimeria tenella was studied in 217 F4 segregants (B2B2, B2B5, B5B5) of a cross between inbred lines 61 (B2B2) and 151 (B5B5) and segregating haplotype combinations of UNH105 (B23B23B23B24, B24B24), a noninbred line of New Hampshire chickens. Chickens were immunized at 6 weeks of age with 500 oocysts daily for 5 days, then challenged 14 days later with 10000 oocysts. Responses to infection were evaluated by cecal lesion scores, body weight gain, delayed wattle reaction (DWR), and spleen weight. The F4 segregants of genotypes B2B5 and B5B5 exhibited greater immunity to challenge than B2B2 chickens. B5B5 chickens showed a significantly greater DWR following immunization and larger spleens 6 days after the challenge than either of the other genotypes. However, both BIBS and B5B5 chickens demonstrated significantly lower lesion scores than B2B2 chickens. There were no significant differences in weight gain among these genotypes. Among 139 line UNH105 segregants, B23B23 hosts had significantly lower lesion scores than B24B24 chickens. No other differences in immune response among line UNH105 genotypes were detected.

B complex vitamins activate rat guanylate cyclase and increase cyclic GMP levels.

Abstract: Since B complex vitamins and the intracellular messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) have similar effects of promoting growth, DNA and protein synthesis, the present investigation was designed to determine if the B complex vitamins' mechanism of action might involve cyclic GMP. All of the B complex vitamins increased rat cyclic GMP tissue levels. The cause of these increased cyclic GMP levels was activation of the enzyme guanylate cyclase [E.C.4.6.1.2.] which was increased significantly (P less than 0.001) in a variety of tissues at the l nmol l-1 concentration of these vitamins. The maximal activation of this enzyme required the presence of manganese ion. The present investigation suggests that the guanylate cyclase-cyclic GMP system may play a role in the mechanism of action of B complex vitamins at the cellular level.

Production of B-group vitamins by mycorrhizal fungi and actinomycetes isolated from the root zone of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Abstract: Studies were carried out on synthesis of B-group vitamins by mycorrhizal fungi and actinomycetes (Streptomyces sp.) derived from soil, rhizosphere and mycorrhizosphere of pine. None of the fungal isolates produced biotin. The vitamin produced in largest amounts by the mycorrhizal fungi was thiamin. In general more actinomycetes isolated from the rhizosphere than from the root free soil produced B-group vitamins. This was particularly true for thiamin. The amount of vitamins produced was higher in actinomycetes than the amounts produced by the mycorrhizal fungi.

Nutritional state of elderly women on admission to mental hospital.

Abstract: Since nutritional deficiencies might worsen the severity of symptoms and prolong the length of illness in non-nutritional disorders, particularly in the elderly, we examined the nutritional status of 216 elderly women newly admitted to a mental hospital. Compared to healthy elderly women, they had lower values for plasma prealbumin, vitamin C, and B vitamins. This was particularly common in senile dementia, and appeared to be the result of inadequate intake of protein or vitamins. Regular hospital diet for one month corrected the very low levels of prealbumin, but supplements were essential to remove deficiency of the water-soluble vitamins. Although vitamin supplements did not influence the length of stay in hospital, we did not exclude the possibility that nutritional deficiencies have a significant effect on the severity of mental illness.

Effectiveness of B Vitamins as Uv Screens for the Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus

Abstract: Addition of p-aminobenzoic acid, inositol, thiamine, nicotinic acid, or choline chloride did not provide significant UV protection for gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV), while the addition of pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, and riboflavin protected NPV. Pantothenic acid and pyridoxine (at 1%) increased UV protection significantly by factors of 1.88 and 2.08, respectively, which resulted in 52–57% of original activity remaining. Folic acid (93% original virus activity remaining [OAR]) and riboflavin (94% OAR) were superior protectants, and enhanced UV tolerance by 3.3- and 3.4-fold, respectively. Riboflavin provided little protection at 0.10%, some protection at 0.25%, and significant protection at 0.50 and 1.00%. The effect was concentration-dependent, and 1.00% riboflavin preserved 80% of original viral activity. Even at 0.10% concentration, folic acid enhanced UV persistence, and 87% of original activity remained with addition of 1.00% folic acid. Folic acid is a substituted pteridine, with both p-aminobenzoic acid and glutamic acid in the side chain. A pterin, xanthopterin, was almost as effective as folic acid, and 89% of the folic acid activity could be accounted for by the pterin alone. However, both p-aminobenzoic acid and glutamic acid (at 1.00%) were ineffective, either alone or in combination.

California serogroup virus infection in a horse with encephalitis.

Abstract: A 4-fold or greater seroconversion to the snowshoe hare serotype of the California serogroup of viruses in a horse with acute encephalitis was demonstrated by hemagglutination-inhibition, complement-fixation, and neutralization tests. The horse had a mild fever, was ataxic, had a head tilt, and was observed to circle. Chloramphenicol, dexamethasone, and B complex vitamins were administered and the horse recovered. The snowshoe hare virus is a recognized human pathogen, but it has not been associated with disease in horses. It is unknown whether horses play a role as amplification hosts for the snowshoe hare virus in nature, and further studies appear indicated.

A shoot-specific mRNA from pea: Nucleotide sequence and regulation as compared to light-induced mRNAs

Abstract: The regulation of a mRNA encoding a shoot-specific polypeptide from developing pea seedlings was studied and compared to the regulation of mRNAs encoding two major light-induced nuclear-encoded polypeptides, the small subunit of the ribulose 1,5 biphosphate carboxylase (ssRuBPCase) and a polypeptide of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b complex (LHCP). By using cDNA clones as probes in Northern blottings of total cellular RNA it was found that both ssRuBPCase and LHCP mRNA could be induced in shoots by white and red light but to lower levels in roots and cotyledons. In contrast, the mRNA for the shoot-specific polypeptide was only found in shoots, and was present approximately two days after the start of germination. The shoot-specific mRNA sequence was predominantly found in stem tissue, irrespective of illumination, both in the young seedlings and adult plants. Only very low amounts could be detected in plumule and leaf. The shoot-specific sequence could also be detected in RNA isolated from developing shoots of another pea cultivar but not in those of other legumes and of cereals. The primary sequence of the complete coding portion and the deduced amino acid sequence of the mRNA encoding the shoot-specific polypeptide was determined. The observed codon usage is non-random and is consistent with data from other high plant genes. Possible polyadenylation signal sequences (AATAAG and AATAAT) were present at 55 and 124 bases 5′ of the poly(A) tail. The polypeptide encoded by the shoot-specific mRNA consists of 196 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 21 898. It contains a four times reiterated highly conserved unit of 26 amino acids. The NH2-terminal end is highly hydrophobic and resembles a signal polypeptide.

Crystallization of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b complex within thylakoid membranes.

Abstract: We have found that treatment of the photosynthetic membranes of green plants, or thylakoids, with the nonionic detergent Triton X-114 at a 10:1 ratio has three effects: (a) photosystem I and coupling factor are solubilized, so that the membranes retain only photosystem II (PS II) and its associated light-harvesting apparatus (LHC-II); (b) LHC-II is crystallized, and so is removed from its normal association with PS II; and (c) LHC-II crystallization causes a characteristic red shift in the 77 degrees K fluorescence from LHC-II Treatment of thylakoids with the same detergent at a 20:1 ratio results in an equivalent loss of photosystem I and coupling factor, with LHC-II and PS II being retained by the membranes However, no LHC-II crystals are formed, nor is there a shift in fluorescence Thus, isolation of a membrane protein is not required for its crystallization, but the conditions of detergent treatment are critical Membranes with crystallized LHC-II retain tetrameric particles on their surface but have no recognizable stromal fracture face We have proposed a model to explain these results: LHC-II is normally found within the stromal half of the membrane bilayer and is reoriented during the crystallization process This reorientation causes the specific fluorescence changes associated with crystallization Tetrameric particles, which are not changed in any way by the crystallization process, do not consist of LHC-II complexes PS II appears to be the only other major complex retained by these membranes, which suggests that the tetramers consist of PS II

The wernicke-korsakoff syndrome in queensland, australia: antecedents and prevention

Abstract: The Wernicke-Korsakoff (W-K) syndrome is commonplace in Queensland, Australia. In a population of mental hospital inpatients with the W-K syndrome, males, particularly single males and widowers, and subjects who had undergone partial gastrectomy were over-represented. Some possible antecedents of the W-K syndrome are examined by focusing, not on W-K patients, but on problem drinkers. The results of a cross-national comparison of drinkers from Queensland, Australia and Merseyside, in the United Kingdom, are presented. The data support the hypothesis that Queensland drinkers are comparatively less involved with their families than Merseyside drinkers. This parallels a social perspective which regards allegiance to a male drinking group as very important in confirming social solidarity and 'mateship' in Australia. Such groups attach no importance to eating, setting the stage for dietary neglect and thiamine deficiency of which the W-K syndrome may be the end result. The fortification of alcoholic beverages with thiamine in Queensland has been previously proposed and attracted much local publicity. It seems possible that this publicity may have contributed to an increased awareness by heavy drinkers in Queensland of the need for supplementary B vitamins. However, this awareness is not so complete as to rule out the need for futher measures aimed at reducing the incidence of the W-K syndrome in that state.

Leucine and tryptophan metabolism in rats.

Abstract: The rate of tryptophan metabolism in isolated liver cells from animals fed on a high-leucine diet was greater than for cells from control animals. Leucine inhibited tryptophan metabolism and tryptophan uptake in isolated liver cells, probably by competing for membrane transport. Leucine had no effect on tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase in vitro. 4-Methyl-2-oxovalerate increased tryptophan oxidation in incubations containing albumin, by displacing bound tryptophan and increasing the availability of the amino acid to the cell. The results suggest that, under extreme conditions, when the availability of tryptophan is low, leucine may be pellagragenic.

Nutritional nystagmus in infants.

Abstract: Two infants presented with acquired infantile nystagmus. On examination, they manifested peculiar facies, growth and developmental delay, failure to thrive, and a Wernicke's type of nystagmus. Suspicion of a B vitamin deficiency resulted in correct diagnosis of dietary deficiency and/or enzymatic defect. In both instances, dietary treatment with B vitamins resulted in resolution of the nystagmus and improved growth and development of both individuals. Physicians, especially pediatricians and ophthalmologists, should be alert to the possibility of a Wernicke's type nystagmus in such infants, since the diagnosis may be critical to accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Effects of dietary supplementation with ethoxyquin, magnesium oxide, methionine hydroxy analog, and B vitamins on tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) toxicosis in beef cattle.

Abstract: Dried tansy ragwort containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids was fed as 2.5% of a complete (control) diet to Hereford steers, with and without (basal) a mixture of additives. The additives provided a dietary supplement equivalent to 0.1% ethoxyquin, 1% methionine hydroxy analog, 2% MgO, 2.7 mg of vitamin B6/kg of diet, 50 micrograms of vitamin B12/kg of diet, 0.45 g of folic acid/kg of diet, and 0.2 g of cobalt/kg of diet. The additives did not alter tansy ragwort toxicity substantially, as assessed by liver histologic changes, sulfobromophthalein clearance rate, and serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity. After 281 days, 1 of 4 steers fed the basal diet was alive, whereas 3 of 4 steers in the basal plus additives group were alive, suggesting some protective activity. The chronic lethal dose of tansy ragwort in steers was 3.6% of initial body weight.

A stable pharmaceutical composition for treating ketosis containing propylene glycol

Abstract: The pharmaceutical composition for treating ketosis comprises 50 to 80 per cent by weight of calcium propionate, 1 to 15 percent by weight of dextrose, 2 to 20 percent by weight of propylene glycol and 0.1 to 3 per cent by weight of additives, wherein the propylene glycol is bound to a solid carrier consisting of magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium peroxide and/or silica and the amount of the carrier ranges from 33 to 300 per cent by weight, calculated on the propylene glycol. The composition may also contain B vitamins, mineral salts e.g. Cu, Zn, Mn and Co salts, nicotinamide, tripelenamine HCl, and/or amino acids.

Nutrition and atherosclerosis: some neglected aspects.

Abstract: This article suggests that atherosclerosis is a plurideficiency disease. Increasing only linoleic acid intake in daily nutrition to counteract atherosclerosis has failed to give satisfactory results. The use of lecithin affects the metabolism and transportation of cholesterol in the blood more efficiently than do the polyunsaturated fats. Furthermore, insufficient quantities of vitamins B6 and C in the blood contribute to lesions of the arterial endothelium, which are indistinguishable from the first stages of atherosclerosis. It is recommended, therefore, that these factors should be combined, and that, together with a sufficient quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the daily diet be supplemented with adequate doses of lecithin, vitamin B6 (in B complex), and vitamin C.

Nutrient content of milk and milk products: water soluble vitamins in baby milk formulae

Abstract: A study of the content of water soluble vitamins in the 12 baby milk formulae available in the UK in April 1983 showed that levels of vitamins in the individual brands were generally in excess of those declared by the manufacturer For cows' milk based formulae the mean excess of vitamins over the declared level was 94% Vitamin levels in prepared formulae averaged three times the minimum recommended level The average level of B vitamins in prepared cows' milk based formulae was six times higher than in mature human milk For the two soya based products, the levels of vitamins were generally in excess of the declared level and levels of vitamin B12, biotin and, in one sample, vitamin B6 were considerably in excess of those found in mature human milk

B Vitamins in Selected Variety Breads Commercially Produced in Major U.S. Cities

Abstract: Three enrichment vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin) and three other (folic acid, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6) B vitamins were determined in 10 types, up to four brands of each type, of variety breads (including tortillas) purchased from four major U.S. cities. In general, bread types traditionally enriched and not containing nonflour components as significant ingredients met the vitamin enrichment standards. In many products, the contents of all six vitamins varied appreciably from brand to brand. In contrast to wholewheat bread and some enriched breads, corn tortillas were consistently low in ail vitamins except vitamin B6.

Age-dependent complementation of the B (MHC) alleles and a non-B allele controlling resistance to progression of Rous sarcomas, and genetic independence of resistance to induction of tumours in the model of inbred lines of chickens.

Abstract: The effect of age on the resistance to progression of Rous sarcomas was investigated in chickens of different inbred lines and their hybrids. This genetic resistance depends on complementation of B-linked genes and complementation of genes outside the B complex. The reduction of tumour inducibility is controlled by genes outside the B complex, and this type of resistance is independent of the resistance to tumour progression that is primarily controlled by B-linked genes.