Showing papers on "Low protein published in 1995"

Interactions in Undersaturated and Supersaturated Lysozyme Solutions: Static and Dynamic Light Scattering Results

Abstract: We have performed multiangle static and dynamic light scattering studies of lysozyme solutions at pH=4.7. The Rayleigh ratio R(sub g) and the collective diffusion coefficient D(sub c) were determined as function of both protein concentration c(sub p) and salt concentration c(sub s) with two different salts. At low salt concentrations, the scattering ratio K(sub c)(sub p)/R(sub theta) and diffusivity increased with protein concentration above the values for a monomeric, ideal solution. With increasing salt concentration this trend was eventually reversed. The hydrodynamic interactions of lysozyme in solution, extracted from the combination of static and dynamic scattering data, decreased significantly with increasing salt concentration. These observations reflect changes in protein interactions, in response to increased salt screening, from net repulsion to net attraction. Both salts had the same qualitative effect, but the quantitative behavior did not scale with the ionic strength of the solution. This indicates the presence of salt specific effects. At low protein concentrations, the slopes of K(sub c)(sub p)/R(sub theta) and D(sub c) vs c(sub p) were obtained. The dependence of the slopes on ionic strength was modeled using a DLVO potential for colloidal interactions of two spheres, with the net protein charge Z(sub e) and Hamaker constant A(sub H) as fitting parameters. The model reproduces the observed variations with ionic strength quite well. Independent fits to the static and dynamic data, however, led to different values of the fitting parameters. These and other shortcomings suggest that colloidal interaction models alone are insufficient to explain protein interactions in solutions.

Nutrition and mortality in hemodialysis.

Abstract: Protein-energy malnutrition is present in a large proportion of maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients, and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The protein requirements are increased because of the presence of endocrine and metabolic factors related to loss of renal function, the HD procedure, and comorbidity factors, which all stimulate net protein catabolism. The intake protein and energy are frequently reduced because of the underlying disease, psychosocial factors, and uremic anorexia. However, the extent to which underdialysis contributes to anorexia and malnutrition is still not well defined. Malnutrition is generally not recognized as a common direct cause of death as reflected in health statistics, except in the highest age groups. Anthropometric and biochemical signs of malnutrition are associated with increased mortality. A low serum albumin level is a strong predictive risk factor that may reflect not only or mainly protein malnutrition but also the influence of several other morbidity factors (overhydration, infection, chronic disease and others) that may entail an increased risk of death. Low levels of serum creatinine (low muscle mass), serum cholesterol (energy depletion), and BUN and low urea appearance rate (low protein intake) are also correlated to increased mortality. For the prevention and treatment of HD-associated malnutrition, measures should be taken to correct factors that may suppress appetite and increase net protein catabolism (underdialysis, acidosis, low energy intake, comorbid conditions, psychosocial and economic factors). Dietary advice should be given with the aim of ensuring an adequate intake of protein- and energy-giving products. Intradialytic parenteral nutrition may have positive effects on nutritional status when other measures fail. However, the indications for such treatment have not yet been well defined, and the effects on survival, morbidity, and quality of life are not sufficiently well proved. More and better data, generated in prospective, well-controlled studies, are obviously needed before intradialytic parenteral nutrition can be generally recommended as therapy for malnourished HD patients.

Ration size and protein intake affect circulating growth hormone concentration, hepatic growth hormone binding and plasma insulin-like growth factor-I immunoreactivity in a marine teleost, the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Abstract: The nutritional regulation of the growth hormone liver axis has been studied in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). In a first study, fingerling fish were fed three experimental diets with varying proportions of protein (34, 45 and 55%). A 60% decrease in plasma growth hormone concentration was observed with the increase of specific growth rates and dietary protein levels. An opposite response was observed in hepatic growth hormone-binding sites and plasma insulin-like growth factor-I immunoreactivity that would reflect the insensitivity of liver to growth hormone action during relatively low protein intake. In a second study, fish were fed a commercial diet (55% protein) at different feeding levels (0, 1.2, 2.7 and 5.5 g/(100 g body wt.d). An 84% decrease in plasma growth hormone concentration was observed with the increase of specific growth rates and feeding levels from 0 to 2.7 g/(100 g body wt.d). However, significantly greater growth hormone concentration was found in fish fed 5.5 g/(100 g body wt.d) when compared with fish fed 2.7 g/(100 g body wt.d). Hepatic growth hormone-binding sites and plasma insulin-like growth factor-I immunoreactivity increased with the increase of feeding levels from 0 to 2.7 g/(100 g body wt.d), but these values were lower in fish-fed 5.5 g/(100 g body wt.d) than in those fed 2.7 g/(100 g body wt.d). The physiological importance of these results remains to be clarified, though probably it is a part of the mechanism that diminishes feed utilization for growth at high feeding levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arginine metabolism in mammals

Abstract: Arginine (ARG), a semiessential amino acid, is taken up by cells using the y + transport system. ARG synthesis occurs from citrulline mainly in the liver and in the kidney. ARG is metabolized either in ornithine and urea mainly in the liver and the intestine or in citrulline and nitric oxide (NO • ) in a large number of cell types. Ornithine derived from arginine can be metabolized in citrulline (in the context of the urea cycle), in glutamate or in polyamines. Arginine taken up by the intestine is transformed into citrulline which is poorly taken up by the liver but mainly by the kidney. In the kidney, citrulline is transformed into arginine and subsequently released for peripheral tissues. Intestinal transformation of arginine into citrulline plays a keyrole in the metabolic adaptation to high/low protein diets. In the liver, arginine metabolism plays a pivotal role in the urea cycle, the rate of which is conditioned not only to metabolize extranitrogen, but also to maintain the acid-base homeostasis. Immune cells exhibit the ability to synthesize both polyamines and NO • which are potent immunomodulators. The modulation and balance between these two pathways remain to be elucidated. In the context of clinical nutrition, the use of ARG supplemented diets may be advocated while keeping in mind that in severe injury with organ failure such regimens could be detrimental. (J. Nutr. Biochem. 6:402-403, 1995.)

Sensory and Texture Quality of Dry-Cured Ham as Affected by Endogenous Cathepsin B Activity and Muscle Composition

Abstract: Hams were processed with standard cure adjuncts under two drying temperatures and analyzed after aging for 7 mo. Dried hams revealed that flavor and texture traits were affected by moisture and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) content and that NPN was enhanced by greater cathepsin B activity, lower salt levels and higher temperature. Two major defects of dry-cured ham, mushy mouthfeel and surface white film, occurred in about 15% of samples. Most of these hams had abnormal NPN values and were shown to originate from meat with high enzyme activity and low protein content. We concluded that this type of meat is prone to uncontrolled proteolysis and related undesired traits, and to be a potential hazard in dry-cured hams cured with less salt.

Determination of apparent ileal amino acid digestibility in barley and canola meal for pigs with the direct, difference, and regression methods.

Abstract: Three methods were evaluated for the determination of apparent ileal digestibility values of amino acids in feedstuffs with a low protein (barley, 10.2% CP) and a high protein content (canola meal, 38.2% CP). Five barrows, average initial BW 40 kg, were fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum and fed five diets according to a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Diet 1 contained 42.7% canola meal providing the sole source of dietary amino acids. Diets 2, 3, and 4 contained three graded levels of barley (22.5, 45.0, and 67.5%, respectively) and three graded levels of canola meal (36.6, 30.5, and 24.4%, respectively). Diet 5 contained 90.0% barley, which provided the sole source of dietary amino acids. With the exception of diet 5, the diets were formulated to contain 16% CP. Chromic oxide (.4%) was included as the digestibility marker. The pigs were fed twice daily, equal amounts, at 0800 and 2000. The dietary allowance was 1,800 g/d. Each experimental period comprised 8 d. Ileal digesta were collected for a total of 24 h during d 7 and 8 at 2-h intervals. Apparent ileal digestibility values of amino acids in barley were determined with the direct method from diet 5, with the difference method from diets 2, 3, and 4, and with the regression method from diets 1, 2, 3, and 4. Digestibility values of amino acids in canola meal were determined with the direct method from diet 1, with the difference method from diets 2, 3, and 4, and with the regression method from diets 1, 2, 3, and 4. There were no differences (P .05) in the digestibility values of canola meal when these were determined with the direct method, the difference method, when canola meal was included at 36.6% in the diet, and the regression method. In conclusion, amino acid digestibility values in feedstuffs with a low protein content should be determined with the difference or regression methods rather than with the direct method. Amino acid digestibility values in feedstuffs with a high protein content can be determined with either method.

Cultivar and environmental effects on malting quality in barley

Abstract: Improvements in malting quality are important if barley from south-eastern Australia is to remain competitive on export markets. Grain is desired that will produce high levels of malt extract and diastatic power but has moderate levels of grain protein. To examine cultivar and environmental effects, especially nitrogen (N) fertilizer, on levels of malting quality parameters and their correlations, seven cultivars of barley were grown in a fallow and pea stubble rotation with five levels of N fertilizer in the Wimmera region of Victoria in 1990 and 1991. The first season was relatively dry and warm, while the second was wetter and cooler. Grain yield and malt extract were markedly lower in 1990 than 1991, and grain protein concentration, grain screenings and diastatic power were significantly higher. Grain protein and diastatic power increased almost linearly with increasing N application, with a higher rate of increase in 1990 than in 1991. Malt extract declined almost linearly with increasing N application, but the change in rate of decline between seasons was less than the change of rate of increase of grain protein. Environmental correlations between protein concentration and malt extract, and between malt extract and diastatic power, were negative. They were close to -1.0 when the environmental factor varying was restricted to N fertilizer, but were of a smaller absolute magnitude when seasons and rotations were also allowed to vary. In contrast, genotypic correlations were of intermediate magnitude. Broad-sense heritabilities for malt extract and diastatic power were relatively high, even with such contrasting seasons. This indicates that it should be possible to develop cultivars for south-eastern Australia which have high malt extract and high diastatic power at low protein levels. However, applications of N fertilizer that raise grain protein concentration will reduce malt extract, with the effect much greater in drier, warmer seasons.

Adaptation of the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I axis to chronic and severe calorie or protein malnutrition.

Abstract: The hierarchy of diet components (e.g., protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals) influencing growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and their binding proteins (BP) is not well defined. Young adult rats were fed diets for 1 mo that included low protein or 60% and 40% of carbohydrate calories. We hypothesized that levels of both hormones, their dominant BPs and liver IGF-I mRNA would fall, and that part of the mechanism for decreasing serum IGF-I would be enhanced IGFBP-3 protease activity. By day 30, caloric deprivation to 40% lowered serum GH, GHBP, IGF-I and IGFBP-3, and liver IGF-I mRNA. This was the only condition resulting in body weight loss (-15%) vs 39% gain in controls. Restriction to 60% calories had no impact on BP levels, slightly lowered IGF-I (-12%) in the face of a 95% inhibition of GH levels, while allowing a modest 9% body weight gain. Protein deprivation lowered serum GH, IGF-I and IGFBP-3, and liver IGF-I mRNA, while GHBP levels were normal. The reduced total IGF-I under these dietary conditions could not be explained by an increase in IGFBP-3 protease activity, or a decrease in the association of IGF-I with IGFBP-3 and the acid labile subunit.

Effect of dietary protein, essential and non‐essential amino acids on the performance and carcase composition of male broiler chickens

Abstract: 1. The present study was conducted to determine the possibility of using low-protein broiler diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids. The effects on performance, carcase composition and nitrogen retention were evaluated. 2. A starter diet was given, ad libitum, from 7 to 21 and a finisher diet from 21 to 42 d of age. Body weight, weight gain, food intake and food conversion (FC) were determined at 3 and 6 weeks of age. Abdominal fat deposition (AFD), carcase yield, carcase fat and protein and nitrogen retention were determined at 6 weeks of age. During the starter period chicks were given a 231 g/kg crude protein (CP) diet and a low protein diet supplemented with synthetic amino acid, a: to National Research Council recommendations, b: to the concentration of the control diet, and c: in agreement with the pattern of body composition. Glutamic acid and glycine were added to some diets as sources of non-essential amino acids (NEAA). All diets contained 12.62 MJ metabolisable energy (AMEn)/kg. The diets administered between 3 and 6 weeks were comparable to the starter diets, except that they contained more AMEn (12.85 MJ/kg) and less protein. 3. Performance equal to that of high protein controls was obtained with birds fed a low protein diet supplemented with synthetic essential and NEAA to the amounts in the control diet or based on the amino acid profile of body protein. This was not achieved with low protein diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids to the amounts recommended by NRC. 4. Without altering performances, the efficiency of protein utilisation of birds fed on low protein diets was superior to that of birds fed on the commercial control diet and their nitrogen excretion was reduced by 26%. The percentage carcase yield and protein was unaffected by the dietary regimen but carcase fat content and AFD increased as the protein content of the diet decreased. 5. These results show that it is possible to obtain the same performances with low protein diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids, using an ideal amino acid balance. However, low protein diets result in a higher carcase fat content.

Characterization of outer membranes isolated from Treponema pallidum, the syphilis spirochete.

Abstract: Previous freeze-fracture electron microscopy (EM) studies have shown that the outer membrane (OM) of Treponema pallidum contains sparse transmembrane proteins. One strategy for molecular characterization of these rare OM proteins involves isolation of T. pallidum OMs. Here we describe a simple and extremely gentle method for OM isolation based upon isopycnic sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation of treponemes following plasmolysis in 20% sucrose. Evidence that T. pallidum OMs were isolated included (i) the extremely low protein/lipid ratio of the putative OM fraction, (ii) a paucity of antigenic and/or biochemical markers for periplasmic, cytoplasmic membrane, and cytosolic compartments, and (iii) freeze-fracture EM demonstrating that the putative OMs contained intramembranous particles highly similar in size and density to those in native T. pallidum OMs. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that the OMs contained a relatively small number of treponemal proteins, including several which did not appear to correspond to previously characterized T. pallidum antigens. Interestingly, these candidate rare OM proteins reacted poorly with syphilitic sera as determined by both conventional immunoblotting and enhanced chemiluminescence. Compared with whole cells, T. pallidum OMs were deficient in cardiolipin, the major lipoidal antigen reactive with antibodies in syphilitic sera. Also noteworthy was that other lipoidal constituents of OMs, including the recently discovered glycolipids, did not react with human syphilitic sera. These latter observations suggest that the poor antigenicity of virulent T. pallidum is a function of both the lipid composition and the low protein content of its OM.

Biomaterials with permanent hydrophilic surfaces and low protein adsorption properties.

Abstract: Low protein adsorbing polymer films have been prepared with which to fabricate intravenous containers, designed for compatibility with low concentrations of protein drugs. The material is economically manufactured utilizing physical melt blending of water-soluble surface-modifying polymers (PEO, PEOX, PVA, and PNVP) with a base polymer (EVA, PP, PETG, PMMA, SB, and nylon). Permanency of the hydrophilic surfaces so generated was confirmed by surface contact angle experiments and total organic carbon leachables analysis of the aqueous contacting solutions. Binding of IgG, albumin and insulin was studied. A sixfold reduction of protein adsorption was obtained by adding 5% PVA13K to EVA, for IgG at a bulk concentration of 2.5 ppm. Surface bound protein measured by micro-BCA colorimetry, agreed with the solution protein lost, as determined by the Fluoraldehyde procedure. Imaging of the protein exposed plastic surfaces by silver enhanced protein conjugated gold staining agreed with the quantitative assay determinations.

L-arginine may mediate the therapeutic effects of low protein diets.

Abstract: We have previously shown beneficial effects of dietary protein restriction on transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) expression and glomerular matrix accumulation in experimental glomerulonephritis. We hypothesized that these effects result from restriction of dietary L-arginine intake. Arginine is a precursor for three pathways, the products of which are involved in tissue injury and repair: nitric oxide, an effector molecule in inflammatory and immunological tissue injury; polyamines, which are required for DNA synthesis and cell growth; and proline, which is required for collagen production. Rats were fed six isocaloric diets differing in L-arginine and/or total protein content, starting immediately after induction of glomerulonephritis by injection of an antibody reactive to glomerular mesangial cells. Mesangial cell lysis and monocyte/macrophage infiltration did not differ with diet. However, restriction of dietary L-arginine intake, even when total protein intake was normal, resulted in decreased proteinuria, decreased expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA and TGF-beta 1 protein, and decreased production and deposition of matrix components. L-Arginine, but not D-arginine, supplementation to low protein diets reversed these effects. These results implicate arginine as a key component in the beneficial effects of low protein diet.

Protein consumption and hepatic encephalopathy in alcoholic hepatitis. VA Cooperative Study Group #275.

Abstract: Patients with alcoholic hepatitis frequently have moderate or severe malnutrition. Dietary protein intake may be restricted in these patients because of concurrent hepatic encephalopathy. To further evaluate the relationship between dietary protein intake and hepatic encephalopathy in alcoholic hepatitis, we evaluated prospectively gathered data from a study of 136 placebo-treated patients with moderate or severe alcoholic hepatitis conducted at eight Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.Physical examination, laboratory tests, and grade of hepatic encephalopathy were recorded at entry and every seventh day for the first 28 days of study. Average daily protein intake was calculated from dietary evaluation obtained by a registered dietitian at entry and again three times a week.Sixty-three percent of patients had hepatic encephalopathy at entry. Hepatic encephalopathy decreased over time. Time dependent regression analysis found low protein intake, along with high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and hig...

Caloric rather than protein deficiency predominates in stable chronic haemodialysis patients

Abstract: Background. The monitoring of energy and protein intake is considered fundamental in uraemic patients. However, in the clinical practice only protein ingestion is indirectely evaluated by the protein catabolic rate. Methods. In a cross-sectional study we evaluated the relationship between caloric and protein intake of 29 stable chronic haemodialysis patients (18M, 11F, mean age 49±17 years, 68±6 months on maintenance haemodialysis), and the validity of protein catabolic rate determination. Normalized protein catabolic rate was obtained according to Sargent's formula, and Watson's equation was used to calculate urea distribution volume. Caloric and protein intake were recorded during a 3-day period, and average daily ingestion of nutrients was calculated using a computerized diet analysis system. Results. A greater reduction of daily energy intake (26.8±11.9 Kcal/kg bw) than daily protein intake (1.02±0.4 g/kg bw) was observed. Fifty-nine percent of patients had low protein intake while 86% of patients had lower caloric intake than recommended. An inverse relationship between age and protein (r= -0.65, P<0.001) or caloric intake (r=-0.67, P<0.001) was observed. Negative relationships between daily protein (r=-0.60, P<0.01) and also caloric intake (r=-0.39, P<0.05) and the ratio between the urea generation rate and the total dietary nitrogen were found, indicating that in patients with low nutrient intake the nitrogen balance tends to be negative. Normalized protein catabolic rate was directly correlated with protein intake (r=0.77, P<0.001). A protein catabolic rate cut-off of 1 g/kg bw correctly identified all patients with normal daily protein intake, and 14 of 17 patients with deficient daily protein intake (<1 g/kg bw). Thus in only 10% of haemodialysis patients an imbalance between both parameters was observed. Moreover, patients with a daily protein intake lower than 1 g/kg bw were older and showed lower BUN and protein catabolic rate values than their counterparts. Conclusions. Nutritional abnormalities are frequently found, even in apparently clinically stable patients on chronic haemodialysis. Caloric rather than protein undernutrition is the major abnormality of their wasting. Inadequate intake of proteins and calories appears more commonly in older patients, and in association with lower BUN and protein catabolic rate values. Although normalized protein catabolic rate shows a direct correlation with a daily protein intake, the identity line shows that when daily protein intake was lower than 1 g/kg bw, it was overestimated by protein catabolic rate. Conversely, when daily protein intake is higher than 1 g/kg bw it is underestimated by the protein catabolic rate. This relationship should to be considered when interpreting the protein catabolic rate in a clinical setting.

Use of capillary zone electrophoresis for fish species identification. Differentiation of flatfish species

Abstract: A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method is described for the analysis of fish sarcoplasmic proteins at low pH. Aqueous extracts of eight flatfish species, containing the sarcoplasmic proteins, were subjected to the action of an electric field in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus ; the separated proteins were detected by means of an UV detector after less than 35 min. Acceptable resolution and reproducibility were obtained using low protein concentration (0.1 mg/mL) in the extracts analyzed. The CZE protein profiles that resulted were specific for each species and could be employed for differentiation and identification purposes.

Estimation of Quantitative Enzymuria in Dogs With Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicosis Using Urine Enzyme/Creatinine Ratios From Spot Urine Samples

Abstract: The correlation between 24-hour urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) with urine NAG and GGT/creatinine ratios was assessed in dogs with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicosis. Eighteen 6-month-oid male Beagles with normal renal function were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6. Each group was fed a different concentration of protein (high protein, 27.3%; medium protein, 13.7%; and low protein, 9.4%) for 21 days. After dietary conditioning, gentamicin was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg IM tid for 8 days and each group was continued on its respective diet. Endogenous creatinine clearance and 24-hour urinary excretion of NAG and GGT were determined after dietary conditioning (day 0) and on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 of gentamicin administration. In addition, urine NAG and GGT/creatinine ratios (IU/L ± mg/dL) were determined from catheterized spot urine samples obtained between 7 and 10 am on the same days. The correlation between 24-hour urinary enzyme excretion and urine enzyme/creatinine ratio in the spot urine samples was evaluated by simple linear regression analysis. Spot sample urine enzyme/creatinine ratios were significantly correlated with 24-hour urinary enzyme excretion through day 4 for dogs on low dietary protein, through day 6 for those on medium protein, and through day 8 for those on high dietary protein. Mean ± SD baseline values for urine NAG/creatinine ratio and 24-hour urinary NAG excretion were 0.06 ± 0.04 and 0.19 ± 0.14 IU/kg/24 hr, respectively. Baseline values for urine GGT/creatinine ratio and 24-hour urinary GGT excretion were 0.39 ± 0.18 and 1.42 ± 0.82 IU/kg/24 hr, respectively.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition during Gestation and Lactation in Rats Affects Growth Rate, Brain Development and Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism

Abstract: The influence of feeding a low protein diet to rat dams during gestation and lactation on lipid metabolism in pups was studied. Wistar rats were fed 5, 10, 15 and 25% dietary protein during gestation and lactation. Pup growth was monitored until weaning, and brain weight, protein concentration, proteolipid concentration and total lipid phosphorus concentration of brain were analyzed. The levels of fatty acids in dam milk as well as in pup liver phospholipids and brain prosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were determined. The progressive deprivation of maternal dietary protein produced a reduction in the total saturated fatty acid concentration of dam milk and an increment in the concentration of nonmetabolized linoleic acid. Pup body and brain weights as well as proteolipid, protein and total lipid phosphorus concentrations in brain were reduced in proportion to the degree of dietary protein deficiency. The products:precursor ratio of (n-6) fatty acids in liver phospholipids revealed an impairment in the elongation-desaturation pathway due to maternal protein deficiency. Both (n-6) and (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids within brain phosphatidylethanolamine were decreased by reduced maternal dietary protein intake, whereas only the linoleic acid-derived products were similarly affected in the corresponding phosphatidylcholine fraction. These results demonstrate the widespread and profound deleterious effects of low protein levels of maternal diet on the growth rate, brain development and fatty acid metabolism in rat pups.

Cultivation, preparation and consumption of ensete (Ensete ventricosum) in Ethiopia

Abstract: In Ethiopia almost 10 million people are dependent on ensete (Ensete ventricosum (Welw) Cheesman), also known as «false banana». In the Gurage area in Central Ethiopia, agronomic and nutritional aspects of ensete were studied in 60 households in six villages. Ensete is propagated vegetatively and has a 6-year growing cycle during which it is transplanted three or four times. Men harvest the plants; women scrape the pseudo stem in order to separate the starchy pulp from the fibre, and pulverise the corm. The pulp is fermented and stored for up to 5-7 years in earthen pits. The yield of ensete food (ko'cho) was found to be 34 kg per plant or 9-5 tons ha -1 per year. Compared with other foods grown in Ethiopia, the energy yield of ensete (6.1 MJ m -2 per year) was higher than that of all cereals, Irish potato, sweet potato and banana, but lower than that of cassava. The protein yield of ensete was higher (11.4 g m -2 per year) than all of the crops mentioned above, except for banana and Irish potato. To make ensete bread, fermented pulp is squeezed to make it drier, chopped to shorten the fibres and a 2 cm layer is baked for 15 min. Unfermented freshly harvested corm is also eaten after boiling. All foods have a low protein content (4-22 g kg -1 ). Bu'lla, white desiccated juice collected from the pulp, is more energy rich (8.5 MJ kg -1 ) than ko'cho (6.5 MJ kg -1 ). A dietary survey, conducted in 39 households comprising 237 persons, showed that the average daily intake of 0.55 kg ensete provided 68% of total energy intake, 20% of protein, 28% of iron but no vitamin A. Energy intake from all food consumed was very low, being only 60% of requirements, while protein intake at 107% was ample. Since ensete can be stored for years, is readily available throughout the year and can withstand dry periods, its cultivation can significantly improve household food security in highland areas prone to drought and famine

Phase-ii and pharmacokinetic study of lobaplatin in patients with relapsed ovarian-cancer

Abstract: In phase I studies, lobaplatin showed activity in ovarian cancer patients pretreated with platinum. A phase II trial with lobaplatin was performed in patients with refractory or relapsed ovarian cancer to define activity and pharmacokinetics. Twenty-two patients were treated with lobaplatin administered as an intravenous bolus every 4 weeks. Dependent on creatinine clearance (CRCL) patients received 30 or 50 mg m-2 lobaplatin as the starting dose. Twenty-two patients received 78 courses (median 3, range 1-6). In eight patients total platinum (TPt) in plasma and urine, free platinum (FPt) in plasma ultrafiltrate (both measured by atomic absorption spectrometry) and lobaplatin in plasma ultrafiltrate measured (by high-performance liquid chromatography) were measured. Toxicity was confined to mild nausea and vomiting, mild leucocytopenia (WHO grade 3 in 18% of the courses), and renal function-related thrombocytopenia (WHO grade 3/4 in 53% of the courses). A correlation was found between CRCL and reduction in platelet count (r = -0.77; P < 0.01). No renal toxicity was encountered. Five of 21 evaluable patients (24%) achieved a response (four complete remissions and one partial remission). Remissions occurred mainly in patients who relapsed more than 6 months after primary treatment. The median survival from start of lobaplatin treatment was 8 months. The mean areas under the curve (AUCs) were 4.2 +/- 0.5, 3.0 +/- 0.6, and 3.2 +/- 1.1 h mgl-1 for TPt, FPt and lobaplatin respectively. The free platinum fraction (FPt/TPt) was initially very high, indicating low protein binding. FPt was essentially present as intact lobaplatin. Four hours after infusion 54 +/- 5% and 24 h after infusion 74 +/- 3% of the lobaplatin dose was excreted in the urine. In conclusion, lobaplatin is a platinum compound with anti-tumour activity in patients with relapsed ovarian cancer, especially in those who have platinum-sensitive tumours. The main toxicity of lobaplatin is thrombocytopenia and its dose should be corrected according to renal function.

Effects of long-term malnutrition and rehabilitation on the hippocampal formation of the adult rat. A morphometric study.

Abstract: We have previously shown that the numerical density of dentate granule and CA3 pyramidal cells of adult rats is reduced after lengthy periods of low-protein diet. In this study, the total number of these neurons was estimated, together with those for the hilar and CA1 pyramidal cells in order to obtain a complete and unbiased insight into the effects of malnutrition and rehabilitation from malnutrition on the structure of the hippocampal formation. Groups of 2-month-old rats were fed a low protein diet (8% casein) for 6, 12 and 18 months and compared with age-matched control and recovery rats. The recovery group was fed a low protein diet for 6 months and then switched to normal diet during the same period. Total numbers of neurons of each hippocampal region were calculated from their numerical density, estimated with the physical disector, and from the volume of the respective cell layers, after correction for the tissue shrinkage factor. The total number of granule, hilar, CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cells was reduced in all groups of malnourished rats including the recovery group. No differences were found between malnourished and recovery groups. These findings indicate that a prolonged low protein diet, started in adult life, leads to a deficit in neuronal numbers in the hippocampal formation, and that it may also disrupt the normal process of cell acquisition in the dentate gyrus. Moreover, our data support the view that the morphological alterations induced by a low protein intake are irreversible.