SF Levels Research Articles

The Relation of Childhood BMI to Adult Adiposity: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Although many studies have found that childhood levels of body mass index (BMI; kg/m(2)) are associated with adult levels, it has been reported that childhood BMI is not associated with adult adiposity. We further examined these longitudinal associations. Cohort study based on examinations between 1973 and 1996. Bogalusa, Louisiana. Children (2610; ages 2-17 years old) who were followed to ages 18 to 37 years; the mean follow-up was 17.6 years. BMI-for-age and triceps skinfold thickness (SF) were measured in childhood. Subscapular and triceps SFs were measured among adults, and the mean SF was used as an adiposity index. Adult obesity was defined as a BMI >or= 30 kg/m(2) and adult overfat as a mean SF in the upper (gender-specific) quartile. Childhood levels of both BMI and triceps SF were associated with adult levels of BMI and adiposity. The magnitude of these longitudinal associations increased with childhood age, but the BMI levels of even the youngest (ages 2-5 years) children were moderately associated (r = 0.33-0.41) with adult adiposity. Overweight (BMI-for-age >or= 95th centile) 2- to 5-year-olds were >4 times as likely to become overfat adults (15 of 23 [65%]), as were children with a BMI < 50th centile (30 of 201 [15%]). Even after accounting for the triceps SF of children, BMI-for-age provided additional information on adult adiposity. Childhood BMI is associated with adult adiposity, but it is possible that the magnitude of this association depends on the relative fatness of children.

Diversity-Coding-Orthogonality Trade-off for Coded MC-CDMA with High Level Modulation

In MC-CDMA, the data rate can be increased by reducing the spreading factor SF or by allowing multicode transmission. In this paper, we examine by computer simulations which gives a better bit error rate (BER) performance-lower SF or multicode operation-when high level modulation is used in addition to error control coding. For a coded system in a frequency selective channel, there is a trade-off among frequency diversity gain due to spreading, improved coding gain due to better frequency interleaving effect and orthogonality distortion. It is found that for QPSK, the performance of OFDM (MC-CDMA with SF=1) is almost the same as that of a fully spread MC-CDMA system. However, for 16QAM and 64QAM, the BER performance is better for lower SF unlike the uncoded system, wherein higher SF gives a better BER.

Effects of iron supplementation on human serum level of transferrin receptor

To study trend of dynamic change in level of serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) in the process of iron supplementation to provide evidence for sTfR in evaluating the efficacy of iron supplementation. Totally, 942 child-bearing-age women aged 18 to 45 years were selected from Longfang City, Hebei Province and Shunyi County, Beijing. Biochemical indicators of iron metabolism were measured for all of them, including serum levels of ferritin (SF) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), and hemoglobin (Hb). According to the current criteria for assessing iron status, women were screened for iron deficiency erythropoiesis (IDE) or iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Seventy-two women agreed to participate in the study, and 59 of them finished whole dynamic observations with signed informed consent. Four capsules of ferrous L-threonate (containing 7 mg of iron element per capsule) were administered for women with IDE every other day and for women with IDA every day, respectively, for 12 weeks. Serum biochemical indicators and level of sTfR were measured in 0 wk, 3 wk, 6 wk, 9 wk and 12 wk, respectively, during the process of iron supplementation, and their dynamic changes were observed. Level of sTfR in women with IDE and IDA was (26.62 +/- 10.57) nmol/L and (41.25 +/- 21.96) nmol/L, respectively, significantly higher than normal level. During the process of iron supplementation, level of sTfR changed as the following characteristics. In women with IDE, level of sTfR kept stable within the first 3 weeks of iron supplementation, then dropped gradually and progressively, reached to normal, with (17.86 +/- 5.57) nmol/L, in the 12 wk after iron supplementation. In women with IDA, level of sTfR dropped quickly within the first 3 wk of iron supplementation, then dropped slowly until the 9th wk and kept stable, and reached to normal level in the 12 wk, with (19.54 +/- 5.94) nmol/L and a ratio of sTfR/SF of 12.23 +/- 4.34. Ratio of sTfR/SF changed as level of sTfR during the process of iron supplementation. Level of sTfR correlated reversely with levels of Hb and SF and positively with level of ZPP. Serum level of sTfR in child-bearing age women gradually decreased to normal with the restoration of their normal iron status during the process of iron supplementation and could be used as a specific indicator for assessing efficacy of iron supplementation.

Sensory evaluation of a milk formulation supplemented with n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and soluble fibres

The hypocholesterolemic effect of some polyunsaturated fatty acids and soluble fibres has been demonstrated mostly in epidemiological studies. Two types of fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic-EPA 20:5n-3 and docosahexaenoic-DHA 22:6n-3) and soluble fibres (oat flour and guar gum), were mixed in different proportions and used in a milk formulation according to a factorial design (3 2) with a repetition in the central point. The 10 assays were submitted to a sensory test, using a structured hedonic scale applied to heart surgery patients ( n=240), in order to evaluate the general acceptability of each mixture. Some of these ( n=137) answered a questionnaire, which was used to identify the target public for this product, using multivariate analysis and the correspondence technique. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model the polynomial quadratic regression which predicts the “sensory acceptability ( y)” as a function of variation from selected factors: x 1=(n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or n3PUFA)g/kcal and x 2=(soluble fibres or SF)g/kcal. The concentrations used in the mixtures were: 0.1–0.8 and 0.1–0.3 g/100 kcal, respectively. The coefficient of determination ( R 2) was 95.76%, indicating the good fit of the model to the experimental data. The high level of n3PUFA and SF significantly decreased the sensory quality of the product, limiting the maximum expression of the functional properties of these two factors. The contour plots obtained from the quadratic model permitted determination of the acceptability of the milk formulation, which was estimated in each possible combination of n3PUFA acid and SF. These procedures were essential for developing a good product with functional properties for human consumption.

Orientation of O(3) and SU(2)⊗ CI representations in cubic point groups ( Oh, Td) for application to molecular spectroscopy

We propose a detailed method for the symmetrization of the standard O(3) or SU(2)⊗ C I basis | j τ , m〉 ( τ= g or u) into the O h or T d point group. This is realized by means of an orientation matrix called G. The oriented basis obtained in this way allows matrix element calculations for rovibronic spectroscopic problems concerning octahedral or tetrahedral molecules. Particular attention has been put on careful phase choices. A numerical calculation of all the G matrix elements for both integer and half-integer j values up to 399/2 has been performed. Such high angular momentum values are necessary for the case of heavy molecules with high rotational excitation. To calculate the G coefficients with high precision at high j values we pre-calculated the necessary Wigner functions using symbolic MAPLE software and made then the numerical calculations with quadruple precision. The complete list of these coefficients can be obtained freely at the URL: http://www.u-bourgogne.fr/LPUB/group.html. As an illustration, we also present briefly an application to two typical spectroscopic calculations: the pure rotational levels of SF 6 in its ground vibrational state and the ν 3 band of ReF 6 (an open-shell molecule with an odd number of electrons and a fourfold degenerate electronic ground state).

Keratinocyte growth factor and scatter factor expression by regionally defined oral fibroblasts.

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (SF) are two signalling molecules thought to play important roles in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Expression of both factors by fibroblasts in subepithelial connective tissue may play a role in maintaining epithelial integrity in health and in the apical migration of junctional epithelium in periodontitis. The aims of this study were (a) to compare expression levels of KGF and SF by periodontal ligament (PDL) and gingival fibroblasts; and (ii) to determine the effects of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on KGF/SF expression by these cell populations. Three paired PDL and gingival fibroblast strains were developed. The KGF and SF protein levels were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relative levels of KGF and SF mRNA in cytokine-treated cultures were determined using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. No differences in the levels of KGF and SF produced by PDL and gingival (SOG) populations were found. In both cell types IL-1 beta stimulated KGF and SF expression, while TGF-beta 1 significantly inhibited expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Epidermal growth factor and PDGF-BB induced differing effects on expression, stimulating SF protein production but inhibiting KGF output in both fibroblast populations. Differences in response to EGF and PDGF were also seen between paired PDL and gingival fibroblasts.

High cellular accumulation of sulphoraphane, a dietary anticarcinogen, is followed by rapid transporter-mediated export as a glutathione conjugate.

Sulphoraphane (SF), a naturally occurring isothiocyanate, is a potent anticarcinogen in animal experiments. The mechanism of action of sulphoraphane includes induction of Phase 2 detoxification enzymes, inhibition of carcinogen-activating Phase 1 enzymes, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and anti-inflammation. We have recently found that it was accumulated in mammalian cells by up to several hundred-fold over the extracellular concentration, primarily by conjugation with intracellular GSH. The intracellular accumulation levels of SF can reach millimolar concentrations. The anticarcinogenic activity of SF is at least partly dependent on its accumulation levels in cells. Here we show, however, that the accumulated SF was rapidly exported mainly in the form of GSH conjugate (GS-SF) in cultured human cells. It appeared that to sustain the intracellular accumulation levels required a continuous uptake of SF to offset the rapid export of SF/GS-SF. These findings may have important implications for the development of an effective dosing regimen for SF. Moreover, the export was temperature-sensitive and was inhibited by known inhibitors of membrane pumps, suggesting the involvement of such a pump in exporting accumulated SF/GS-SF. Indeed, studies with human leukemia cells (HL60) with or without overexpression of multidrug resistance associated protein-1(MRP-1) and human myeloma cells (8226) with or without overexpression of P-glycoprotein-1 (Pgp-1) indicated that both MRP-1 and Pgp-1 are involved in the export of intracellular SF/GS-SF.

Apolipoprotein B-48 and retinyl palmitate are not equivalent markers of postprandial intestinal lipoproteins

This study compared retinyl palmitate and apolipoprotein (apo) B-48 as markers of postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Nine non-diabetic men received an oral vitamin A-containing fat load. We measured retinyl palmitate, apoB-48, apoB-100, and triglyceride levels in Sf > 400, Sf 60–400 and Sf 20–60 lipoproteins. The peak retinyl palmitate concentration was delayed compared to the peak apoB-48 concentration in each fraction. The discrepancy between retinyl palmitate and apoB-48 was further investigated in another study of 12 men. In that study, a fat load was given and 5 h later, lipolysis was stimulated in vivo with heparin (60 U/kg, i.v.) and the same parameters were followed. Thirty minutes after heparin, triglyceride levels decreased significantly in the three triglyceride-rich lipoprotein fractions (Sf > 400, Sf 60–400 and Sf 20–60). ApoB-48 levels also fell significantly in the three triglyceride-rich lipoprotein fractions. In contrast, retinyl palmitate concentrations did not change significantly in Sf > 400 and Sf 60–400 fractions and increased significantly in the Sf 20–60 fraction. Our results indicate that retinyl palmitate and apolipoprotein B-48 do not mark the same properties of postprandial intestinal lipoproteins. The metabolic pattern of apolipoprotein B-48 parallels that of triglyceride. One possible explanation for these observations is that the apoB-48-containing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins are metabolically heterogeneous and that older particles, those in circulation for a longer period of time, may be cleared more rapidly than newer ones.—Lemieux, S., R. Fontani, K. D. Uffelman, G. F. Lewis, and G. Steiner. Apolipoprotein B-48 and retinyl palmitate are not equivalent markers of postprandial intestinal lipoproteins. J. Lipid Res. 1998. 39: 1964–1971.

Intermediate-density lipoproteins, diabetes and coronary artery disease

The results of various studies suggest that hypertriglyceridaemia is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. It is unclear, however, which particular triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins contribute to the risk. Different types of TG-rich lipoprotein differ in function, composition, size and density. TG-rich lipoproteins in the range Svedberg flotation (Sf) 12–60 have been shown to be associated with angiographic severity in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. A study in people with type 2 diabetes found that those with moderate coronary artery disease had higher levels of both Sf 12–60 and Sf 60–400. Multivariate analysis showed that this association was independent of both low (LDL)- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The association was not seen in patients with severe coronary artery disease, suggesting that these lipoproteins may only be involved in the early stages of atherogenesis. Further research has indicated that the risk correlates positively to the postprandial levels of apolipoprotein B48 in the Sf 20–60 fraction. This suggests that elevated levels of chylomicron remnants are involved in progression of coronary artery disease.

Serum hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor levels in small cell lung cancer patients

Serum hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor ( HGF SF ) levels were measured in 25 patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), 16 patients with benign lung diseases and 15 healthy subjects with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients with SCLC did not have bacterial or interstitial pneumonia. Patients with benign lung diseases included eight with bacterial pneumonia, three with interstitial pneumonia, and five with benign lung tumor. Serum HGF SF levels were significantly higher in patients with SCLC (mean ± S.D.: 0.40 ± 0.17 ng/ml) than in healthy subjects (0.26 ± 0.093 ng/ml) ( P = 0.0083). Patients with bacterial pneumonia had significantly higher serum HGF SF (0.52 ± 0.19 ng/ml) than did those with benign lung tumors (0.27 ± 0.058 ng/ml) and healthy subjects ( P = 0.013 and P = 0.0019, respectively). By clinical stage of SCLC, HGF SF levels were 0.34 ± 0.12 and 0.47 ± 0.20 ng/ml in patients with limited disease and extensive disease, respectively; this difference was not significant ( P = 0.080). Although serum HGF SF levels were increased in patients with SCLC, this increase might not have been related to tumor burden.

Quantification of postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in healthy men by retinyl ester labeling and simultaneous measurement of apolipoproteins B-48 and B-100.

The metabolism of chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and their remnants in the postprandial state was studied in normolipidemic healthy men by measuring apoB-48 and apoB-100 and retinyl palmitate (RP) in fractions of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins after a mixed meal type of oral fat load supplemented with vitamin A. ApoB-48 was present at low concentrations in the fasting plasma samples in most subjects and increased in response to the test meal in Svedberg's flotation rate (Sf) > 20 lipoprotein fractions. Concomitantly, the level of Sf 60 to 400 apoB-100 (large VLDL) had doubled at 3 hours and returned to baseline at 9 hours. The number of apoB-48-containing lipoprotein particles did not exceed 20% of the total number of apoB-containing lipoproteins contained in Sf 12 to 400 fractions at any time point after fat intake. The peak plasma level of RP was delayed compared with the peak plasma concentration of apoB-48, suggesting that retinyl ester labeling of chylomicrons is questionable as a means of quantifying postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins of intestinal origin. Approximately 2000 and 4000 RP molecules were carried in each chylomicron particle in the 3- and 6-hour samples, respectively, in contrast to the remnant fractions in which 100 to 600 RP molecules were found for each lipoprotein particle. The limited RP exchange between lipoprotein particles indicates that the smaller intestinal lipoproteins do not originate primarily from larger Sf > 400 chylomicron particles but instead are secreted directly into the Sf 20 to 400 fraction and subsequently converted to smaller chylomicron remnants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intraperitoneal insulin delivery decreases the levels of chylomicron remnants in patients with IDDM.

To investigate whether intraperitoneal insulin (IPII) decreases the levels of circulating chylomicron remnants in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Eight nonobese, normolipidemic IDDM patients were studied twice: before (while on subcutaneous insulin) and 6 months after initiation of IPII by a programmable implanted medication system. Fasting and mean blood glucose, HbA1, and lipid values were determined. Blood samples were also drawn before and every 2 h for 10 h after ingestion of a fat meal (corn oil + Vitamin A). Triglycerides (TGs), apolipoprotein B (apoB), and retinyl esters were determined over time in two TG-rich lipoprotein subfractions (Sf > 100 and Sf20-100) isolated from plasma by density-gradient ultracentrifugation. IPII slightly decreased the mean blood glucose from 7.8 +/- 1.1 to 7.4 +/- 1.1 mmol/l (mean +/- SD, P = 0.027, paired Student's t test) and the HbA1 from 9.4 +/- 1.5 to 8.7 +/- 1.2 (NS). TG and apoB levels in postprandial Sf > 100 and Sf20-100 were not changed by IPII. On IPII, however, retinyl ester levels in Sf > 100 decreased (P = 0.05, analysis of variance [ANOVA]) and tended to be lower in Sf20-100 (P = 0.075). In addition, following IPII, the retinyl ester:apoB ratio was lower in Sf > 100 (P = 0.0002) and marginally lower (P = 0.06) in Sf 20-100. IPII decreased chylomicron remnant levels, which might decrease the atherosclerotic risk in IDDM. Since glycemic control was only slightly improved, the effect was most likely due to the intraperitoneal route of delivery.

A longitudinal study of cartilage matrix metabolism in patients with cruciate ligament rupture--synovial fluid concentrations of aggrecan fragments, stromelysin-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1.

This is the first study which quantifies aggrecan fragments, stromelysin-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in SF samples prospectively obtained from the same patient at different time intervals after a cruciate ligament injury of the knee. Aggrecan fragment concentrations were determined by dye precipitation with Alcian Blue. Stromelysin-1 and TIMP-1 were analysed by immunoassay. Ten healthy volunteers formed the reference group. Immediately after knee injury, all marker concentrations were higher as compared to the reference group. The high marker concentrations decreased gradually with time, and in samples obtained between 6 months and 6 years after the injury, median concentrations of some of the markers were not different compared to reference levels. This was in contrast to results from previous cross-sectional studies, where chronic phase median concentrations of all markers were consistently higher than reference levels. In previous cross-sectional studies, however, the samples were obtained at arthroscopy done because of knee complaints at different times after a knee injury. In the present study, the knee injured patients visited the orthopaedic outpatient ward only for SF sampling, and they had no or only minor knee symptoms. We conclude that the temporal changes of marker concentrations in joint fluid after knee injury, suggested from cross-sectional studies, have now been confirmed in a longitudinal, prospective cohort study. We further find that in patients with mild knee symptoms in the chronic phase after cruciate ligament injury, median SF levels of aggrecan fragments, stromelysin-1, and TIMP-1 are lower than in patients with significant knee complaints after the same type of injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) in synovial fluid of rheumatoid and nonrheumatoid joint effusions

IL-8 was measured in knee joint synovial fluid of 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 8 with gout, 6 with osteoarthritis and 4 with meniscus lesions. IL-8 could be demonstrated in most SF samples. The highest levels were observed in rheumatoid joint effusions, yet mean levels were not significantly different between the different subgroups (mean +/- SE; RA 1537 +/- 3049 pg/ml, gout 570 +/- 952 pg/ml, OA/ML 178 +/- 188 pg/ml). In RA patients, IL-8 levels could not be related to various serological, clinical or radiological parameters. However, a correlation was observed between SF levels of IL-8 with those of lactate, LDH, beta 2-microglobulin and glucose. These observations suggest that next to the laboratory parameters IL-8 will be a parameter of the activity of the local inflammatory process. The results also demonstrate that IL-8 is not a disease-specific marker of joint inflammation.

Interleukin-6 in synovial fluid is closely associated with chronic synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was detected at low levels in plasma [0.014 +/- 0.006 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM] and in high amounts in synovial fluid [SF; 2.6 +/- 2.2 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM)] of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. No correlation of IL-6 levels in plasma or SF with the ESR (n = 15) or with histological parameters of acute local synovitis (n = 10) was observed. In contrast, SF IL-6 was positively correlated with histological characteristics of chronic synovitis (n = 10; P < or = 0.01) and elevated plasma IgG concentrations (n = 15; P < or = 0.05). In vitro concentrations of IL-6 comparable to those detected in SF increased the production of both IgG and IgM by synovial membrane mononuclear cells. The present results contribute to the view that high local IL-6 concentrations in SF promote chronic synovitis in RA.

Laboratory methods for detecting disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): new aspects.

The objective was to diagnose a hypercoagulative state or "pre-DIC" with new laboratory tests. APACHE II score was used as a measure of primary illness. Ventilator time was used as a reflexion of secondary complications. Twenty-three ICU patients were divided into two groups depending on time on the ventilator: Group 1 > 7 days and Group II < or = 7 days. If, after admittance patients deteriorated or complications occurred, new quantitative coagulation tests were done: soluble fibrin, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, thrombin-antithrombin complex, D-dimer and elastase. We found a positive correlation between SF levels, the APACHE II score and the ventilator time. Diagnostic efficacy for SF was 87%, sensitivity 91%, specificity 83%, the predictive value of a positive result was 87% and the predictive value of a negative result 91%. The levels of the other new tests were also generally higher in the clinically worse group, although not significantly. Prothrombin complex, APTT, platelet count and AT III were pathologic to the same extent in both groups. The patients who developed most secondary complications, resulting in longer ventilator treatment (Group I), were also hypercoagulative. Soluble fibrin, in particular, seems to be valuable in the diagnosis of "pre-DIC" and possibly of predictive value for organ system complications.

A new biochemical marker for joint injury. Analysis of YKL-40 in serum and synovial fluid.

We report the development of the first radioimmunoassay for YKL-40, a M(r) = 40 kDa protein which is secreted at high levels by human synovial cells and articular cartilage chondrocytes, and by the human osteosarcoma cell line MG63. This assay uses YKL-40 purified from the conditioned medium of MG63 cells as standard and tracer, and as antigen for immunizing rabbits. With this assay we have discovered high levels of YKL-40 antigen in serum and SF. The molecular weight of serum and SF YKL-40 is identical to purified YKL-40. To evaluate the possible utility of YKL-40 in the assessment of joint disease, we measured YKL-40 in serum and SF of 49 patients with various forms of inflammatory and degenerative joint disease and in the serum of 50 normal adults. The YKL-40 level in serum was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the patients compared to the normal adults, but there was no difference in serum YKL-40 between the patients with inflammatory joint diseases and OA. The SF levels of YKL-40 were 15-fold higher than serum levels and there was a significant correlation (r = 0.55, P < 0.001) between YKL-40 concentration in SF and serum. Although the tissue distribution of YKL-40 secretion is presently unknown, these observations suggest that a major portion of serum YKL-40 in fact arises from the joint.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Discriminant analysis techniques for the identification of atmospheric pollutants from passive Fourier transform infrared interferograms

Discriminant analysis techniques are developed for the detection of analyte signals directly from passive Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) interferograms. The interferograms are preprocessed through the use of digital filters to isolate the spectral frequencies associated with a targeted analyte band. Subsequent application of the discriminant results in a yes/no decision regarding the presence of the analyte. Interferograms collected by a mobile FT-IR remote sensor are used in developing this methodology. Simplex optimization, coupled with a novel objective function, is found to produce the optimum discriminant for the prediction of the presence of the test analyte, SF 6. The developed discriminant is able to detect low levels of SF 6, while exhibiting a false alarm rate of less than 1%. This discriminant-based detection scheme can be implemented through the use of only a short interferogram segment, thereby decreasing the size of the interferogram that must be collected. This reduction in data collection requirements has great potential impact in the design of future FT-IR remote sensors.

Serum folic acid levels in epileptic mothers and their relationship to congenital malformations

Folic acid levels during pregnancy and in pre-pregnancy were determined in 51 epileptic mothers and those of matched controls. The serum folic acid (SF) levels of epileptic mothers were significantly lower than those of controls in all study periods. The SF levels of mothers of malformed offspring were significantly lower than those of mothers of normal offspring in the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy. These results suggest that SF concentrations are implicated in congenital malformations in the offspring of epileptic mothers.

Effects of pelleting diets containing sunflower meal on the performance of broiler chickens

Three isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 10 or 20% sunflower meal (SF) (32.6% crude protein, 18.4% crude fiber) were given ad libitum in two physical forms, mash or pelleted, to broiler chickens from 1 day to 7 weeks of age. Body weight gain (BG) over the 7-week trial was improved ( P < 0.02) by pelleting, irrespective of SF level in the diet. The inclusion of 10 or 20% SF reduced ( P < 0.01) BG. The beneficial effect of pelleting on BG was more pronounced with diets containing SF than with the control. Growth of chicks given the pelleted diet containing 10 or 20% SF was comparable with that of chicks given the pelleted control diet. Consequently, the SF × form of diet interaction effect on BG was significant ( P < 0.01). Improvements in growth were parallel to significant increases ( P < 0.01) in feed consumption (FC) caused by pelleting, irrespective of the level of SF in the diet. The inclusion of SF increased FC only when the diets were pelleted, thereby resulting in a significant ( P < 0.01) SF × form interaction effect on FC. Feed efficiency (FE) (kg of feed consumed per kg of BG) was improved ( P < 0.01) with pelleting, but was impaired ( P < 0.01) by the inclusion of SF in the diet. There was no significant interaction effect of SF × form of diet on FE. Nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (MEn) and utilization of nutrients were improved by pelleting, irrespective of the SF level in the diet. MEn consumed per kg of BG decreased with the inclusion of SF in the diet, irrespective of the form of the feed. This improvement was most evident in diets containing 20% SF. The results show that pelleting diets containing SF improved BG, increased FC and improved FE. The improvement in BG and FE could be attributed to increased feed consumption, an increase in MEn concentration of the diet and improved utilization of nutrients.