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German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel started a new strategy to make the protection of nature profitable. Gabriel also wants to get the private sector on board to help protect biodiversity. His Environment Ministry has launched a "Business and Biodiversity" initiative which so far has the participation of 34 companies from around the world.
This strategy is in line with the Harvard Professor Roberto Mangabeira Unger who is in charge of the industrialisation of the Amazon Region. Two new roads crossing the region will be asphalted and two hydroelectric power plants will be installed in the basin of the Amazon to assist the booming industry. Unger plans to develop Brazil to an agrar-giant which can replace 5 percent of crude oil with bio-alcohol.
Sugar cane today 70,000 square kilometres equals a square area with sides of 265 km.
In 4 years 120,000 square kilometres equals a square area with sides of 347 km.
By 2025 210.000 square kilometres equals a square area with sides of 458 km.
This is the size of Great Britain.
Germany, buying certificates from sugar cane from Brazil will heat up the climate, will impoverish the rural population and bring an ecological catastrophe to the country.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, announced at COP 9 that Germany would make an extra €500 million available to protect forests in the period 2009 to 2012. As of 2013, Germany will make €500 million available each year.
The money would be used to compensate developing countries for preserving rainforest reserves. Norway has also pledged funds but few other industrialized countries have yet put their support behind the scheme.
Life Web was launched by Germany enabling poorer countries who are seeking funding to establish and manage conservation areas to coordinate with possible donors. Indonesia, Brazil and Kongo applied for these funds. [2]
At the same time Brazil, however, opposed to the establishment of a certification regime for possible ecological standards for biofuel, regarding regulations imposed from outside as an attack on their sovereignty and veto any attempts at introducing definitive rules.
An alternative could be an international cooperation to use solar energy from the Arabian deserts for the production of electricity and hydrogen as fuel for car. This reduces the pressure on the Brazilian environment caused by the spread of monocultures of soy bean and sugar cane.
The EU Project DESERTEC [3] and the hydrogen project “ The Arabian Desert Energy Project” [4] are feasible solutions which might generate revenues to be used to protect the forests without imposing commercial pressure on these regions.
[1] Spiegel Online: Environmentalists say that the loss of biodiversity poses a threat to human survival comparable to that of climate change. The next conference will take place in Japan in two years' time. The value of Nature: UN Conference Divided over How to Protect Biodiversity 30.05.2008.
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,556727,00.html
[2] Life Web: Global Initiative on Protected Areas to be launched at CBD COP 9 in Bonn
http://www.bfn.de/fileadmin/MDB/documents/presse/Life_Web.pdf
[3] TREC Clean Power from Deserts: The DESERTEC Concept and the Studies
http://www.trecers.net/concept.html
[4] Desert Energy Project: The Arabian Desert Solar Energy Consortium Proposal
http://www.desertenergyproject.net/
31.05.2008: Organic milk is better during summer compared with conventional milk, but there is no difference when cows are kept indoor [1]
Gillian Butler and colleagues 2008 studied the differences in fatty acid (FA) and antioxidant profiles seasonal differences between organic, high-input, conventional, low-input, organic, and low-input non-organic milk. Lower input farming, relates to the reduced use, and possible complete elimination, of chemical-based fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides in the food supply.
The authors found that during the outdoor grazing period, milk from the organic and non-organic low-input systems had lower saturated FAs, but higher mono- and polyunsaturated FA concentrations compared with milk from the high-input system. Higher concentrations of nutritionally desirable FAs and antioxidants, conjugated linoleic and α-linolenic acids, α-tocopherol and carotenoids, and lower levels of more fatty acids like omega-6 and CLA10, which are linked to detrimental health impacts. compared with milk from conventional milk were also found.
However, high-input and low-input organic systems did not differ in composition when cows were housed. The authors concluded that milk composition is affected by production systems by mechanisms likely to be linked to the stage and length of the grazing period, and diet composition.
[1] Butler, Gillian; Nielsen, Jacob H; Slots, Tina; Seal, Chris; Eyre, Mick D; Sanderson, Roy; Leifert, Carlo: Fatty acid and fat-soluble antioxidant concentrations in milk from high- and low-input conventional and organic systems: seasonal variation. Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture. Volume 88, Number 8, June 2008 , pp. 1431-1441(11). Published online ahead of print
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jws/jsfa/2008/00000088/00000008/art00018
30.05.2008: Vienna University will ask editors to withdraw mobile telephone studies [1]
Despite the faked data used as basis for both articles published by Professor Hugo Rüdiger and Franz Adlkofer from the University of Vienna the authors did not withdraw the publication. Professor Wolfgang Schütz, rector of the University of Vienna will now contact the Int Arch Occup Environ Health (Springer-Verlag) and Mutation Research (Elsevier), editors of the publishing journal, and ask for their action.
The study was part of the € 3 million REFLEX study. A withdrawal of the faked publications brings serious doubts on the veracity of REFLEX. (See 25.05.2008: Faked data of two Austrian studies of mobile radiation effect force their withdrawal )
[1] Medizinische Universität Wien: Verdacht auf fehlerhafte Studie der ehemaligen Abteilung für Arbeitsmedizin. Rektor der Medizinischen Universität Wien fordert Autoren seiner Universität zur Rücknahme auf - Herausgeber der Publikation wird jedenfalls über den Verdacht auf wissenschaftliches Fehlverhalten informieren. 23.05.2008.
http://www.meduniwien.ac.at/homepage/news-und-topstories/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news
%5D=216&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=471&cHash=44de76750f
30.05.2008:Study says that excessive use of mobile phones should be avoided [1]
The number of complaints was higher for people using the digital (GSM) system with pulse modulated fields, than for those using the analogue (NMT) system. Our results correlate with the results observed by Sandstrom et al. [2]
In the present study, we found a relationship between headache, fatigue, dizziness, tension and sleep disturbances in subjects exposed to mobile phones emissions. It is advisable therefore; that the use of mobile phones is a risk factor for health hazards and suggest that excessive use of mobile phones should be avoided by health promotion activities, such as group discussion, public presentations and through electronic and print media sources. The authors call for preventive measures.
[1] Association of mobile phone radiation with fatigue, headache, dizziness, tension and sleep disturbance in Saudi population Thamir Al-Khlaiwi, Sultan A. Meo. Saudi Medical Journal 2004; Vol. 25 (6): 732-736
http://www.smj.org.sa/DetailArticle.asp?ArticleId=1887
[2] Sandstrom M, Wilen J, Oftedal G, Hansson MK. Mobile phone use and subjective symptoms. Comparison of symptoms experienced by users of analogue and digital mobile phones. Occup Med 2001; 51: 25-35.
30.05.2008: Illegal ephedra plant based drug used as “fat burner”linked with death in Denmark [1]
The
Danish Medicines Agency (DMA) reports a recent death caused by the
Therma Red, which is being used to loose weight and to boost
performance of sportspeople. The product contains ephedrine and
caffeine in extremely high concentrations. Serious reactions are
expected, such as increased blood pressure and blood clotting. The DMA
issued a warning of products containing ephedra and ephedrin.
Ephedrine is a stimulant and thermogenic, also known as ma huang. It is not allowed as a food or supplement ingredient in the European Union, US and other states. It caused several death.
The plant Ephedra sinica contains the
alcaloids ephedrin and pseudoephedrin as active constituents.
Haller
and Benowitz 2000 report adverse events related to the use of
supplements containing ephedra alkaloids such as hypertension,
palpitations, tachycardia, stroke, and seizures. These effects
resulted in death, and permanent disability. [2]
Instead of using dangerous supplements exercise and low fat and low caloric diet are recommended. Instead of beer drink green tea with no sugar, or just choose sparkling mineral water as a drink at the bar.
[1] Danish Medicines Agency warns against the weight-loss product Therma Power 27.05.2008.
http://www.dkma.dk/1024/visUKLSArtikel.asp?artikelID=13640
[2] Haller
C, Benowitz N (2000). "Adverse cardiovascular and central
nervous system events associated with dietary supplements containing
ephedra alkaloids". N Engl J Med343
(25): 1833-8. PMID 11117974
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11117974
29.05.2008: Tomato powder reduce prostata cancer risk in animals [1]
Valeri Mossine and colleagues 2008 report that the greatest protective effect of tomatoes against prostate cancer comes by rehydrating tomato powder into tomato paste.
Rats which were fed with tomato paste plus FruHis, a complex carbohydrate developed 10 per cent prostate tumors, compared with 30 percent of animals receiving tomato powder alone, 25 percent receiving tomato paste alone and 60 percent in the control group.
The authors write that processing of edible plants (heating, grinding, mixing, drying, etc.) may have an effect on the nutritional value of the product, largely due to changes that occur in organic carbohydrates. The authors conclude that the interaction of FruHis carbohydrate and lycopene which develops during the dehydration process of tomato powder is responsible for the beneficial activity of tomato powder.
This study gives the tomato soups, prepared with powder from the bag, a new healthy anti-cancer image.
[1] Mossine, Valeri et al.: Interaction of Tomato Lycopene and Ketosamine Against Rat Prostate Tumorigenesis. Cancer Research. June 68 (11)
28.05.2008 Sunflower oil from Ukraine contaminated with mineral oil from Ukraine of no health concern [1]
The EFSA found heavy mineral oil contaminating sunflower oil imported from Ukraine which was dispatched to several European states.
Other contaminants (heavy metals, PCB,pesticides (OCBs, OPBs, ONBs, synthetic
pyrethroids) were measured and none were of concern based on analytical data currently
available.
The EFSA concluded that samples of the Ukraine sunflower oil were found to contain high viscosity compounds. From the data received, no other contaminants were present in the samples. Exposure to such oil, although undesirable, would not be a public health concern.
[1] EFSA: Sunflower oil: contamination with mineral oil from Ukraine – Update 28.05.2008
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1178704296825.htm
27.05.2008: Coca-Cola will not remove sodium benzoate from majority of its products [1]
Coca-Cola reformulates Diet Coke but continues to use controversial sodium benzoate in Fanta and other products despite controversial two studies:
Study on sodium benzoate enforces the detrimental effects of free radicals [2]
Peter Piper, proposes a Saccharomyces cerevisiae petri dish test, using yeast superoxide dismutase mutants, to test oxidative stress
Using this test system, Piper found that weak organic acid food preservatives like sodium benzoate exert strong pro-oxidant action on aerobic yeast cells. and are also mutagenic toward the yeast mitochondrial genome.
The author concluded that sodium benzoate may generate oxidative stress within the epithelia of the gastrointestinal tract.
The Southampton Study [3] [4]
The study links sodium benzoate linked to hyperactivity behaviour
[1] FoodNavigator: Sodium benzoate removed frome Diet Coke. 27.05.08
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=85518&c=ENKi%2BzG3Xi3msS%2FIWotMiQ%3D%3D
[2] Piper, Peter W.: Yeast superoxide dismutase mutants reveal a pro-oxidant action of weak organic acid food preservatives. Free Radic Biol Med.1999. Dec;27(11-12):1219-27. doi:10.1016/S0891-5849(99)00147-1
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=10641714
[3] University of Southampton: Major study indicates a link between hyperactivity in children and certain food additives. News Release Ref: 07/99. 06 September 2007
http://www.soton.ac.uk/mediacentre/news/2007/sep/07_99.shtml
[4] McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, Crumpler D, Dalen L, Grimshaw K, et al: Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9 year-old children in the community a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet 2007; 370:1560-70
DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61306-3
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607613063/abstract
27.05.2008: Omega-3 enriched chocolate
Some chocolates contain roasted flax seeds, which contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an n−3 fatty acid. Studies have found evidence that ALA is related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanism is still unclear: The body converts ALA into the longer chain fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5, n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6, n−3), and it is unknown whether the protective effect against cardiac arrhythmia is exerted by ALA itself, or by these metabolic products. EPA and DHA fatty acids are readily available from fish.
To avoid oxidising of the fatty acids micro-encapsulation is used to avoid compromising odour and taste.
According to David Schardt, a nutricionist from CSPI, many foods with omega-3 claims have only mostly ALA from flax seed, which may not prevent anything. He recommends to get DHA and EPA from salmon, fish oil and algal oil capsules. [1]
The minimum intake of EPA and DHA [2]
An intake of about 500 mg of EPA+DHA per day is expected to significantly reduce risk of death from coronary heart disease in healthy adults.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that healthy adults consume at least 2 servings of fish weekly, particularly those that contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
The AHA further recommends that individuals with known cardiovascular disease consume approximately 1 g/day of EPA and DHA and that individuals with elevated TG levels may benefit from 2 to 4 g of EPA and DHA daily, since this dose usually results in TG reduction(AHA, Kris-Etherton 2003).
Note, however, that the FDA does not recommend a dose over 3 g/day of EPA and DHA from food and dietary supplements. [3]
Consumer looking to improve their omega-3 intake should look at the declaration of EPA and DHA and discard ALA.
[1] CSPI: Omega-3 madness: Fish oil or snake oil. Stick with fish or fish oil for best heart-health benefits, says Nutrition Action.
http://www.cspinet.org/new/200710011.html
[2] ISSFAL- fatty acids, lipids and health studies: ISSFAL Policy Statement 3. For cardiovascular health, a minimum intake of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid combined of: 500 mg/day
http://www.issfal.org.uk/lipid-matters/issfal-policy-statements/issfal-policy-statement-3-2.html
[3] American Heart Association: Fish and omega-3 fatty acids. AHA recommendation.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632
25.05.2008: Faked data of two Austrian studies of mobile radiation effect force their withdrawal [1]
According to the rector of the University of Vienna Wolfgang Schütz the data of a study published in 2005 and another from 2008 were manipulated by a coworker. The fake was discovered by outside readers of the studies and not by the publishing authors.
Elisabeth Kratochvil, being Diem here former name, compiled the faked data.
The two involved studies of the Vienna University
Diem et al 2005 [2]
According to Diem et al 2005, cultured human and rat cells presented DNA strand breaks when exposed to intermittent and continuous radiofrequency electromagnetic fields used in mobile phones, with different specific absorption rates and different mobile-phone modulations.
The author concluded that the DNA cannot be based on thermal effects. Effects were stronger with intermitent exposure, compared with continuous exposure to the radiation.
Schwarz et al 2008 [3]
The authors report that UMTS exposure may cause genetic alterations in human cultured fibroblastsin some but not with lymphocytes.
Doubts on the data of the studies [4]
Alexander Lerchl from the University of Bremen found inter-individual differences of the values compared with previously published data from the same group of researchers. He stressed that he data given in the figures and the tables reveal peculiar miscalculations and statistical oddities which give rise to concern about the origin of the reported data. These doubt leaded finally to unveil the fake of the two studies of the leading authors Hugo Rüdiger and Franz Adkofer.
The faked studies of the university Vienna were the core of REFLEX, a 3 Million Euro project of the European Commission held between 2000 and 2004. [5]
The EU REFLEX Project [6]
The Report of the European Union's REFLEX Project (Risk Evaluation of Potential Environmental Hazards from Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure Using Sensitive in vitro Methods) was released in November, 2004. The Project studied ELF and RF exposures to various cell types. Prof. Dr. Franz Adlkofer was project coordinator.
Mobile phone radiation effects on human health [7]
Michael Kundi comments data of thermal, nonthermal and microthermic effects of mobile phone radiation. Kundi describes genetic damages caused by low radiation of mobile phones.The author says that there are sufficient data from studies available to support precautionary measures promulgated by the Austrian Ministry for Health and Women :
T Mobile criticizes Austrian government expert on mobile telephone radiation study [8] [9]
Dr. Gerd Oberfeld , expert for mobile phone radiation and WLAN radiation of the Austrian government presented a study which underlines serious health concerns related to these radiations.
Margit Kropik from T-Mobile Austria presented critics on the methodology used in this study.
According to Heinz Münzer, director of the infrastructure of Mobilkom Austria, the study is based on untrue informations related to facts on network used in the region.
[1] Spiegel Online: Forschungsschwindel: Studien über Gefahren der Handystrahlung gefälscht
http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/mobil/0,1518,555130,00.html
[2] Diem et al 2005
Diem, Elisabeth; Schwarz, Claudia; Adlkofer; Franz; Jahn, Oswald; Rüdiger, Hugo: Nonthermal DNA breakage by mobile phone radiation (1800 MHz) in human fibroblasts and transformed GFSH-R17 rat granulosa cells in vitro. Mutation Researche/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis. Volume 583, Isue 2, 6 June 2005, Pages 178-183. Doi:10.1016/j.mrgentox.2005.03.006 Received 30 May 2003; revised; 23 March 2005. Available online 24 May 2005
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15869902
[3] Adlkofer et al 2008
Claudia Schwarz, Elisabeth Kratochvil, Alexander Pilger, Niels Kuster, Franz Adlkofer, Hugo W. Rüdiger: Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (UMTS, 1,950 MHz) induced genotoxic effects in vitro in human fibroblasts but not in Lymphocytes. Springer Berlin / Heidelberg ISBN 0340-0131 (Print) 1432-1246 (Online).Doi: 10.1007/s00420-008-0305-5
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18278508?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.
Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
[4] Lerchl, Alexander: Letter to the Editor: Comments on “Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (UMTS, 1,950 MHz) induce genotoxic effects in vitro in human fibroblasts but not in lymphocytes” by Schwarz et al. (Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2008: doi 10.1007/s00420-008-0305-5).
http://www.laborjournal.de/editorials/zweifelhaft.pdf
[5] EU-funded QLK4-CT-1999-01574 / REFLEX: Publications resulting from the project
http://www.verum-foundation.de.admin.excellent-ms.net/www2004/html/pdf/euprojekte01/
QLK4-CT-1999-01574_REFLEX_Publications.pdf
[6] Verum, Stiftung für Verhalten und Umwelt: REFLEX: Risk Evaluation of Potential Environmental Hazards from Low Energy Electromagnetic Field Exposure Using Sensitive in vitro Methods. A project funded by the EU under the programme "Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources", Key Action 4 "Environment and Health": QLK4-CT-1999-01574
http://www.verum-foundation.de/cgi-bin/content.cgi?id=euprojekte01
[7] Michael Kundi: Gesundheitliche Auswirkungen von Mobiltelephonen. Medical University Vienna, Environmental Hygiene Institut
http://www.bmgfj.gv.at/cms/site/attachments/3/8/7/CH0011/CMS1145440179802/10_
kundi-wien-mobiltelefonie_pdf.pdf
[8] Heise Online: Streit um Krebsstudie von Salzburger Mobilfunkgegner. 25.05.2008
http://www.heise.de/newsticker/Streit-um-Krebsstudie-von-Salzburger-Mobilfunkgegner--/
meldung/104036
[9] Salzburger Land: Elektrosmog und Gesundheit.
http://www.salzburg.gv.at/themen/gs/gesundheit.htm/umweltmedizin.htm/elektrosmog.
htm/elektrosmog_und_gesundheit.htm
25.05.2008: French bill sets tough penalties protecting GM crops [1]
On the 22.05.2008 the French parliament passed a bill on general principle for the freedom to produce and consume GM organisms as long as there is no harm to public health or to the environment. However, it does not say how the level of risk to public health will be determined. Long-term health risks on GM exposure are still unknown. [2]
According to the bill the nature and location of GM cultivation will be recorded in a national register. The distance between GM crops and conventional crops will be dependent on the type of plant. Environmentalists say the bill is to weak to prevent cross contamination of conventional crops.
The bill sets tough penalties for GM sabotage
Sabotage of the GM plantations will be severely punished with a two year jail term and a fine of €75,000 for destroying GM crops and more severe penalties if the destroyed crops were intended for research.
The new bill will not end the ban on GM crops in France, however, observers say it is a step back towards GM acceptance. France has the highest increase of GM cultivation in Europe.
[1] FoodNavigator: French GM bill lays policy foundations. 23.05.2008
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=85471-france-mon-gm
[2] France Nature Environment: Projet de Loi OGM
http://www.fne.asso.fr/PA/ogm/OGM-1.htm
25.05.2008: Food colours and preservative should be eliminated despite all-clear of EFSA [1]
Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and food additives
The
Southampton study found that a mix of food colours such as sunset
yellow (E110), tartrazine (E102), carmoisine (E122), ponceau 4R
(E124) quinoline yellow (E104), allura red (E129) and sodium benzoate
(E210). exacerbate hyperactive behaviour in children at least up to
middle childhood.
EFSA
review
The
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a review of the
Southampton study, as well as other studies and meta-analyses on
additives and hyperactivity. EFSA also concluded that the
Southampton study gave no basis for changing acceptable daily intakes
(ADI) of food additives.
EFSA stresses that hyperactivity results from a variety of social and biological causes, focusing on dietary strategy eliminating food additives alone may detract from the provision of adequate treatment.
Professor Kemp position
At
present, there are three main approaches to tackling ADHD: drugs,
behavioural therapy, and dietary management.
Despite all
controversies Professor Andrew Kemp writes that behavioural therapy
is still considered necessary for adequate treatment even though
there is less evidence for its efficacy than there is for eliminating
food additives. He calls not to neglect the dietary factors. Cutting
out colours and preservatives from the diets of hyperactive children
should be standard part of the treatment of ADHD.
[1]
Kemp, Andrew: Editorial:
Food additives and
hyperactivity. British Medical Journal 2008; 336:1144 DOI:
10.1136/bmj.39582.375336.BE
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/336/7654/1144
24.05.2008: Nutrition information front of pack needed [1]
Consumer associations fight for a nutrition label on front on pack to guide the buyer in its choice. This is most important for segment of beverages cereals, dairy products an cookies for children, where extreme high sugar contents are responsible for growing obesity.
The different labelling proposals
Labelling per serving and traffic lights
Horst Seehoven, German Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, is in favour of the declaration of the content in one serving. Consumer organisations reject this proposal alleging that food producers use unrealistic low servings sizes, such as one pizza considered to be two servings. The serving of fish ready to eat meal Fish is being labelled as 150 g . Beverages like Fanta, Cola and other fruit flavoured drinks are calculated on servings of 250 ml.
They also use a 2000 calorie diet as a daily energy whereas a daily requirement of 1.700 calories is more appropriate for the normal population.
The traffic lights such as proposed by the UK FSA are being opposed by Seehover alleging that products,normally high in fat would be discriminated. Consumer associations say that the minister protects the agrar-industry .
EU [2]
Nutrition labelling is harmonised throughout the European Union. It is optional, but becomes compulsory if a nutrition claim appears on the label or in advertising.
The European Commission issued a proposal for a new Food Information Regulation on 4 February 2008. This proposal follows an EU-wide review of both general food and nutrition labelling legislation, which began in 2004. This regulation will introduce the mandatory labelling of nutrients on the front of pack. [3]
Other regulations on nutrition facts.
Council Directive 90/496/EEC of 24 September 1990 on nutrition labelling rules of foodstuffs and amendments.
US [4]
In the U.S., the nutritional facts label lists the percentage supplied required in one day of human nutrients based on the average 2000 calorie a day diet. With certain exceptions, such as foods meant for babies, the following Daily Values are used (CFR 101.9(c)8(iv)). These are called Reference Daily Intake values and were originally based on the highest 1968 Recommended Dietary Allowances for each nutrient
Mexico [5]
Food products sold in Mexico use the NOM-051-SCFI-1994 "Información nutrimental" product labelling standard (which is very similar to "Nutrition Facts" in the U.S.)
UK [6]
The traffic light proposal is being supported by the UK Food Standards Agency
Canada [7]
In Canada, a standardized "Nutrition Facts" label was introduced as part of regulations passed in 2003, and became mandatory for most prepackaged food products on December 12, 2005. (Smaller businesses were given until December 12, 2007 to make the information available.)
[1] Spiegel Online: Nährwertkennzeichnung: Seehofer will Farbe - aber nur eine 23.05.2008
http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/0,1518,555095,00.html
[2] Europa, Summaries of Legislation: SCADPlus: Nutrition Labelling
http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l21092.htm
[3] Europa: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/labellingnutrition/foodlabelling/publications/proposal_regulation_ep_council.pdf
[4] 21 CFR 101.9 Labelling regulation in the U.S.
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/21cfr101_02.html
[5] Official Mexican Standard NOM-051-SCFI-1994, General Specifications for Labelling Prepackaged Foods and Nonalcoholic Beverages
http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/Conformity/upload/nom-51.pdf
[6] Food Standards Agency: Traffic light labels
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/foodlabels/trafficlights/
[7] Canada: Nutrition Labelling
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/nutrition/index_e.html
23.05.2008:Biosaline Agriculture and aquaculture in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region[1]
West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region has extensive desert areas and high salinity of the soil due to the invasion of sea water and the irrigation with saline water. Recovering unproductive salty areas with halophyte plants may help food security in these regions.
The Inter-Islamic Network for Biosaline Agriculture INBA, together with International Center for Biosaline Agriculture ICBA promote biosaline agriculture coordinates the researche on biosaline agriculture and the development of a database on this subject.
Halophyte plants [2]
A halophyte plants grows where it is affected by salinity in the root area or by salt spray, such as in saline semi-deserts, mangrove swamps, marshes and sloughs, and seashores. An example of a halophyte is the salt marsh grass Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass). Relatively few plant species are halophytes - perhaps only 2% of all plant species. The large majority of plant species are "glycophytes," and are damaged fairly easily by salinity. [2]
One quantitative measure of salt tolerance is the "total dissolved solids" in irrigation water that a plant can tolerate. Sea water typically contains 40 grams per liter (g/l) of dissolved salts. Beans and rice can tolerate about 1-3 g/l, and are considered glycophytes (as are most crop plants). At the other extreme, Salicornia bigalovii (dwarf glasswort) grows well at 70 g/l of dissolved solids, and is a promising halophyte for use as a crop. Plants such as barley (Hordeum vulgare) and the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) can tolerate about 5 g/l, and can be considered as marginal halophytes.
Seed collection of halophytes for the WANA region [1]
ICBA maintains a collection of seeds of salt-tolerant grasses, vegetables. It also develops sustainable water management systems to irrigate food and forage crops and ornamental plants with marginal and saline water. The collection comprises seeds from other regions such as fodder beet, brassica/rape from Denmark and indigenous plant species from the Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, seeds will be produced in sufficient quantity for distribution among partner countries in the
WANA region for evaluation and trials.
Other plants of interest for the region are sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)
ICBA says that the saltbush Atriplex and buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) have significant potential for saline environment, including . Seeds from promising varieties were multiplied. Wheat (triticum aestivum) salt-resistant seeds from Oman were planted for seed multiplication.
The center newly acquired germplasm of sunflower, canola, guar, pigeonpea, cowpea and chickpea, quinoa, barnyard millet, fodder beet, hyacinth bean, sorghum, pearl millet barley and lupine.
Salinity-tolerant sorghum and pearl millet and barley varieties for saline lands
Large areas are potentially vulnerable and could easily be damaged by salinization through irrigation. The development of salt-tolerant crop varieties is a cost-effective option for the management of salt-affected lands. Both pearl millet and sorghum are two main fodder crops of the WANA region that can play a significant role in filling gaps in farm productivity and crop-livestock systems.
Pearl millet and sorghum were evaluated under field conditions at three salinity levels (EC 5, 10 and 15 dS m-1) at ICBA , in Oman, India , Iran, and Egypt. Pearl millet and sorghum are the fifth
and sixth most important cereal crops worldwide.
Drip irrigation on raised beds in Bangladesh
This technology is being proposed by researchers of ICBA for Bangladesh to bring salt-affected lands estimated at 0.88 million hectares under cultivation.
During the driest months of March and April, salinity problems resulting from seawater intrusion are acute and no cultivation is possible. Cash crops like tomato, watermelon, cucumber and chili may, however, be cultivated using the drip irrigation on raised mulch beds technology. This permits the leaching of salts from the root zone and provides a fourfold crop compared with traditional practices.
ICBA says that rainwater harvesting provides a reliable source of irrigation water during the dry season. The ponds where water is stored can also be used for aquaculture.
Return Water from Prawn farm in Saudi Arabia
The National Prawn Company NPC located on the Red Sea coast in Al-Laith, about 450 km from Jeddah. has an annual production of 10,000 tons.
Seawater is pumped to the shrimp ponds. The return water contains a significant load of nutrients and organic residue from the prawn farming activities, is being used in agricultural production as well as coastal rehabilitation. A nearby lagoon has potential for rehabilitation with local mangrove species (Avicennia marina) along the inner shores.
The return seawater for the production of halophytes for forage, environmental beautification, biomass energy and organic fertilizers. Further mangrove plantation will be expanded at the barrier island and the return water canal.
ICBA scientists planted seedlings in the field, for use mainly as windbreaks. Conocarpus and Salvadora spp. were sufficiently sturdy to protect other species inside the area. Mangrove seeds collected from the coastal plantations were acclimatized under different salinity conditions and currently kept in the shallow water of the lagoon at high salinity levels.
Mangroves species [3]
According to ICBA around 42 per cent of mangroves grow in South and South East Asia, 27 per cent in Americas, 16 per cent in West Africa, 10 per cent in Australia, 6 per cent in East Africa and the Middle East. Avicennia marina is the only native mangrove species growing in the UAE.
Forage production systems using nonconventional salt-tolerant grasses and highly saline water
A long-term field studies on sustainable and economically feasible forage production systems using nonconventional salt-tolerant grasses and highly saline water were performed. The researchers from ICBA found two highly salt-tolerant grass species, Sporobolus virginicus and Distichlis spicata suitable as forage production systems.
The authors concluded that maximum dry matter yield is achieved at higher levels of fertilizer and irrigation in Distichlis and by high levels of fertilizer and medium levels of irrigation in Sporobolus. Both plants were found to be extremely productive under saline irrigation presenting good quality of the forage nearly comparable to green barley.
Distichlis can be irrigated with the salinity equivalent of seawater, and Sporobolus presents a high growth at high salinity level.
Atriplex species under high salinity conditions
Atriplex lentiformis, A. nummularia and A. halimus are salt tolerance and value are high-protein
animal feed. However, animals do not thrive if fed solely on Atriplex because it contains high concentrations of mineral salts. A 50:50 mixture of salt-tolerant Atriplex shrubs and grasses such as Sporobolus can provide a balanced diet, and lead to growth comparable to that of Rhodes grass.
Recovering salinity damaged land
A farm which had been abandoned due to high salinity damage was recovered with highly salt-tolerant plants and halophytes in 2006 using grasses and shrubs such as Sporobolus, Distichlis and Atriplex .
Cenchrus ciliaris (buffelgrass) and fodder beet were among the few non-halophytic species which gre w there. An African Cenchrus ciliaris variety showed excellent growth under Irrigation water salinity reaching up to EC 20-22 dS m-1.
Development of sustainable salt-tolerant forages for sheep and goat production
This project aims at improving the sustainability of sheep and goat production systems by increasing the availability of forage resources through the introduction of salt-tolerant forages.
Halophytic grasses: Sporobolus virginicus, Distichlis spicata, Paspalum and Kallar grass, all provided by ICBA, showed excellent growth under different salinity treatments.
Shrubs and trees: Three shrubs (Atriplex lentiformis, A. nummularia and A. halimus) and one tree species (Acacia ampliceps) showed excellent growth under salinity treatment.
Fodder beet. Varieties Turbo, Adagio and Abando showed the highest yield, despite high salinity level.
NyPa Grass
Halophytes that can flourish under seawater irrigation have huge potential in many coastal regions. NyPa grass (Distichlis spicata var.Yensen 4a) developed by NyPa International is one such halophyte. It can be grown with seawater and has a good forage/forage/fodder value. The variety is currently marketed internationally as NyPa Forage.
ICBA and NyPa signed an MoU to test the germplasm for its growth and forage potential in the coastal conditions - both arid and humid - of the Middle East. Using seawater for irrigation, NyPa Forage has proved to be successful and feasible, providing an excellent opportunity for converting barren coastal areas into forage production areas.
Water logging is also not an issue with NyPa Forage due to specialised tissue running the length of the root system, which allows oxygen from the leaves to be transported down to the roots, allowing them to grow in waterlogged conditions, the same mechanism which allows rice to grow in waterlogged conditions. It has a deep roots system, that has been traced down to 1.5m, which allows it to access the watertable. Currently NyPa Forage is being assessed across Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. [4]
Agroforestry
Agroforestry trial using Acacia ampliceps, Sporobolus arabicus and Paspalum vaginatum at different salinity levels
An agroforestry system includes production of tree species along with other plants so that the species benefit each other through nutrient and water management. Sporobolus (foreground) and Acacia (background) have proved complementary crops in agroforestry trials.
Date palms
Among imported cultivars, Um-Al-Hamam showed the weakest performance and could not survive at any salinity levels. Among other varieties, Ajwat-ul-Madinah, Nabatat Saif, Nabatat Sultan and Sukkari showed best growth indicators. Average fruit production of the imported varieties was lower than the local varieties. Ajwat-ul- Madinah, Rhothan and Sukkari showed best performance among the varieties tested.
[1] ICBA. 2007. Annual Report 2006 (1426-27H). International Center for Biosaline
Agriculture, Dubai, UAE.
http://www.biosaline.org/admin/pressreleases/Annual_Report_2006.pdf
[2] Wikipedia: Halophyte
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halophyte
[3] UAE interact: Experts call to protect mangroves posted on 24/12/2001
http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/Experts_call_to_protect_mangroves/2327.htm
[4] What is NyPa Forage?
http://www.nypa.com.au/Forage.html
21.05.2008: Carbon nanotubes asbestos-like pathogenicity in Mice [1]
According to Craig Poland and colleagues 2008, carbon nanotubes are found to have needle-like fibre shape, similar to asbestos. Researchers fear that carbon nanotubes may increase the risk of mesothelioma, a lung cancer which was found after exposure to asbestos. In a mice study, long multiwalled carbon nanotubes resulted in asbestos-like pathogenic reactions known as granulomas.
The authors stress that carbon nanotubes, like those used for the study, are widely used in many products alleging that they are no mare hazardous than graphite. The autors call for further research great caution before marketing those products to avoid long-term harm.
Mesothelioma: is a cancer of the mesothelium, the protective sac that covers most of the body's
internal organs. It can involve lining of lungs, heart, gut. Mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos. It is not caused by cigarette smokin. It is fatal, and average survival is about 18 months.
Many naturally occurring and man-made fibers can induce mesothelioma, lung cancer and/or pulmonary fibrosis. According to Rick Kelly factors of toxicity are the diameter below 1000 nm, length over 5000 nm , biopersistance by low solubility and a poor pulmonary clearence. [2]
[1] Poland, Craig; Duffin, A. Rodger; Kinloch, Ian; Maynard, Andrew; Wallace, William A. H.; Seaton, Anthony; Stone, Vicki; Brown, Simon; MacNee, William; Donaldson, Ken: Carbon nanotubes introduced into the abdominal cavity of mice show asbestos-like pathogenicity in a pilot study. Nature Nanotechnology. Published online: 20 May 2008 | :10.1038/nnano.2008.111
http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nnano.2008.111.html
[2] Kelly, Rick: What Do We Know About The Potential Toxicity of Inhaled Carbon Nanotubes?
Materials Sciences Division and The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
http://www.lbl.gov/msd/msd_safety/assets/CarbonNanotubeToxSummary2.pdf
20.05.2008: Special foods "suitable for diabetics" are superfluous [1]
According to Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel, President of the German BfR the classic strict diet with no sugar and instructions to keep an exact tally of bread units (BE) for diabetics are not necessary.
New scientific findings reveal that, in case of diabetes, there is no need to impose a strict control of sugar in the diet or to switch to foods with sugar substitutes, for instance fructose. Instead, diabetics should follow the nutrition recommendations for the population at large.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment BfR recommends the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables because of their content of antioxidants and high level of roughage. Special diabetic foods with sugar substitutes such as fructose, are not needed. There is no need for special guidelines for diabetic foods. Extended, uniform nutrition labelling on packaged foods, instead, should make it easier for diabetics to make their selection.
The BfR stresses that diabetes is not just a “sugar disease”. Besides normal blood sugar levels, optimised blood fat levels, normal blood pressure and normal body weight must be observed in the treatment of diabetes. They can best be achieved by a diet that is rich in roughage and vitamins. Fruit, vegetables, salad, pulses and wholemeal products should feature in the daily diet of diabetics. Fatty sausage and cheese varieties, chocolate, cakes and crisps should be avoided. Diabetics should preferably drink low fat dairy products and use oil instead of butter for cooking. Their diet should be low in table salt. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, for instance one to two glasses of wine a day, says the BfR.
Professor Hensel says that special foods presented and labelled as “suitable for diabetics” are not necessary. This is particularly true as labelling fails to fulfil its purpose. There are many other foods which are suitable for diabetics but which are not labelled as such.
The German Diabetic Association DDG says that foods labelled as ” suitable for diabetics” or “diabetics-product” are superfluous and harmful. Such labelling may induce diabetics to believe they may eat these foods unboundedly. Many of the are built on saturated fats which increase obesity problems. [2]
German Regulation on Dietetic Foods [3]
The German diet regulation from 2005, with an update in January 2008 rules, among others, foods for persons with glucose metabolic disorders (Diabetics). Foods may be labelled as “ Suitable for diabetics” when :
1- Fat and alcohol level is not higher that traditional foods.
2 - Glucose, invertsugar, dissacharides, maltodextrin and glucose syrup is not used, small amouts are are allowed when used in blends with sweeteners or as carrier of other ingredients. On their place fructose and artificial sweeteners are used.
The BfR recommends uniform nutrition labelling
The BfR calls for an extended, uniform nutrition labelling with not only of calorific value, proteins, carbohydrates and fat but also of total sugar content, saturated fatty acids, roughage, sodium and table salt on packaged foods would make it easier for diabetics and all consumers to select suitable products.
[1] Federal Institut for Risc Assessment: Diabetics do not need any special foods
BfR, therefore, recommends uniform nutrition labelling 10/2008, 05.05.2008
http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/11165
[2] Deutsche Diabetiker Gesellschaft: Kennzeichnung von Diabetiker-Lebensmitteln muss sich ändern
http://www.deutsche-diabetes-gesellschaft.de/redaktion/news/Kennzeichnung_von_
Diabetiker-Lebensmitteln_28102007.pdf
[3] Verordnung über diätetische Lebensmittel vom 28.04.2005 (BGBl. I S. 1161), zuletzt geändert durch Art. 5 der VO vom 30.01.2008 (BGBl. I S. 132)
http://www.diaetverband.de/download/downloads/DiaetV_300108_070508.pdf
20.05.2008:Artificial sweeteners promote weight gain [1]
Several studies claim that artificial non-caloric and low-caloric sweeteners promote weight gain as they disrupt the calorie prediction of the body and its capability to react accordingly to the nutritional intake. According to Tracy Hampton low-calorie sweeteners may promote weight gain.
Bellisle, Drewnowsku, 2007 in a review of studies about the effect of low-calorie sweeteners presented inconclusive results. [2]
Non-caloric sweetener disrupts the ability of the body to predict calorie intake [3]
Guido K.W. Frank and colleagues found that brain response distinguishes the caloric from the non-caloric sweetener, however, the conscious mind could not notice the caloric difference.
Sugar is a caloric predictor regulating energy balance, artificial sweeteners do not [4]
According to Swithers and Davidson 2008 sweet taste of sugar is a predictor of the caloric or nutritive consequences of eating. It evokes physiological responses that underlie tight regulation. The authors say that non-caloric sweeteners disrupt the validity as a caloric predictor, and contribute to deficits in the regulation of energy.
They concluded that artificial sweeteners may lead to increased body weight and obesity by interfering with positive energy balance through increased food intake and/or diminished energy expenditure.
Non-caloric sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame and sucralose and low-caloric sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol and maltitol, should be avoided in weight reduction diets. Intensive sweet tasting foods promote weight gain. These recent findings support general nutritional rules which call for a change of the nutritional habits. Changing from sweetened artificial flavoured foods and beverages to fruits, vegetables and low fat foods together with exercise will improve weight regulation and general health condition.
[1] Tracy Hampton: Sugar substitutes linked to weight gain. Journal of the American Medical Association. May 14 2008, Volume 299, 2137-2138. No 18, doi: 10:1001/jama.299.18.2137
[2] Bellisle, F.; Drewnowski, A.: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Volume 61, Pages 691-700, doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602649
Intense sweeteners, energy intake and the control of body weight
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v61/n6/abs/1602649a.html;jsessionid=
DB2D090FF8BDD4B90E8CC27F8BBC794B
[3] Frank, Guido K.; Oberndorfer, Tyson A.; Simmons, Alan N.; Paulus, Martin P.; Fudge, Julie L.; Yang, Tony T.; Kaye, Walter H.: Sucrose activates human taste pathways differently from artificial sweetener.
Neurimage 2008; 39(4): 1559-1569
http://lib.bioinfo.pl/auid:8164696
[4] Swithers, Susan E.; Davidson, Terry L.: A Role for Sweet Taste: Calorie Predictive Relations in Energy Regulation by RatsBehavioral Neuroscience. February 2008, Volume 122, Number 1, 161–173 doi: 10.1037/0735-7044.00.0.000
http://www.apa.org/journals/releases/bne-feb08-swithers.pdf
18.05.2008 COP 9 Action: Bio Alcohol from Brazil destroys the rain forest
The 9th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will take place from 19 to 30 May 2008 in Bonn. The CBD strengthens the principle under international law that countries have sovereign rights over their biological resources, but at the same time stressing the common interest of mankind in conserving and using these resources in a sustainable way.
By 2025 the area covered by the monoculture of sugar cane will have the size of Great Britain.
Germany together with USA will dispel concerns about these monocultures driven by interests of the car makers and soy bean corporations. Minister Gabriel, an ardently defender of bio alcohol, heading COP 9, will have to explain how a biodiversity can be achieved in the sugar cane region.
The German energy politic presently is at a dead end. Heavy reaction of the population arise against new coal power plants and car makers are unwilling to reduce fuel consumption. There is no consistent plan to provide enough clean electricity and clean fuel for cars. On the other side, a nuclear power plant alliance between France and Italy leave Germany outside of energy talks.
Brazil bio alcohol heavily supported by German environment Minister Gabriel:
Sugar cane today 70,000 square kilometres equals a square area with sides of 265 km.
In 4 years 120,000 square kilometres equals a square area with sides of 347 km.
By 2025 210.000 square kilometres equals a square area with sides of 458 km.
This is the size of Great Britain.
Germany, buying certificates from sugar cane from Brazil will heat up the climate, will impoverish the rural population and bring an ecological catastrophe to the country.
18.05.2008: Sweet potato starches and their use [1]
Lockwood, King and Labonte studied the starch of white- and orange-fleshed Beauregard sweet potato and the effects of amino acid additives, aspartic acid, leucine, lysine, and methionine, on their pasting and thermal characteristics.
The authors found that starch from orange-fleshed sweet potato could easier be cooked, had a lower retrogradation and stability during heating than the white-fleshed sweet potato starch.
The addition of charged amino acids, aspartic acid and lysine, altered pasting characteristics of the 2 starches more than the neutral amino acids, leucine and methionine.
The positively-charged amino acid, lysine and negatively charged aspartic acid, decreased the viscosity of starch paste of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes improving the cooking time.
Lysine increased the stability of orange-fleshed sweet potato starch during cooking.
Aspartic acid had similar effects on both starches, reduced the cooking stability and lowered retrogradation.
The authors concluded that the addition amino acids can be used to alter properties of sweet potato starches can be altered. Blends of sweet potato starches with amino acids may avoid the use of modified starches such as oxidyzed starches, phosphate starches, or acetylated starches.
[1] Lockwood, S.; King, J.M.; Labonte, D.R.: Altering Pasting Characteristics of Sweet Potato Starches through Amino Acid Additives. Journal of Food Science. Published online ahead of print, 13 May 2008, doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00755.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00755.x
17.05.2008: The pesticide clothianidin is responsible for dying of German bees at the Rhine valley
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment BVL has stopped the use of the insecticide PONCHO with the chemical clothianidin widely used to fight the corn borer, following analyses of dead honeybees which were positive for the insecticide. The use of clothianidin to treat corn seed and rape seed was stopped by the BVL on 16.05.2008.
According to the German Minister of Agriculture Peter Haug clothianidin plays an important role in the death of bees. [1]
The Julius-Kühn Institute, the federal research institute for cultivated plants confirmed the presence of clothianidine in all dead bees which were examined. Experts say that special seed pneumatic machines loosened the pesticide from the corn seeds during sawing. This may be the way the pesticide was liberated and then spread by the local wind. The Institute says that it is unclear wether honey of the region is contaminated or not with the pesticide which is extreme water soluble. [2]
The stopped pesticides
The trademarks of the chlothianidin containing products are: [3]
| Trademark | BVL Licence Number |
| Antarc | 4674-00 |
| Chinook | 4672-00 |
| Cruiser 350 FS | 4914-00 |
| Cruiser OSR | 4922-00 |
| Elado | 5849-00 |
| Faibel, | 4704-00 |
| Mesurol flüssig | 3599-00 |
| Poncho | 5272-00 |
[1] Spiegel Online: Bienensterben im Rheintal Behörde nimmt Insektengift vom Markt. 17.05.08
http://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/natur/0,1518,553814,00.html
[2] Julius-Kühn Institut: Mit Clothianidin gebeiztes Saatgut ist nach Untersuchungen des Julius Kühn-Instituts Ursache für aktuelle Bienenschäden in Baden-Württemberg. Dr. Gerlinde Nachtigall, Pressestelle 16.05.2008
http://idw-online.de/pages/en/news?id=260637
[3] BVL: BVL ordnet das Ruhen der Zulassung für Saatgutbehandlungsmittel an. 16.05.2008
http://www.bvl.bund.de/
17.05.2008 Green tea catechin Polyphenols reduces oxidative stress in sleep-disordered breathing [1]
Obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing problems during sleep where soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep increasing risk of oxidative stress and changes in the brain tissue in areas involved in learning and memory. This sleep-disordered breathing is characterised by intermittent hypoxia which impairs spatial learning and increases NADPH oxidase activity and oxidative stress in rodents. [2]
Isabel C. Burckhardt and colleagues 2008 studied the effect of oral supplements of green tea-derived polyphenols to reduce the neural susceptibility to intermittent hypoxia during sleep in rodents.
The authors write that green tea catechin polyphenols (GTPs) may attenuate intermittent hypoxia-induced neurobehavioral deficits by reducing intermittent hypoxia-induced NADPH oxidase expression, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation.
Following the results of their study the authors conclude that oral GTP attenuates intermittent hypoxia-induced spatial learning deficits and mitigates intermittent hypoxia-induced oxidative stress through multiple beneficial effects on oxidant pathways.
The authors suggest further studies on the therapeutic role of green tea catechin polyphenols in sleep-disordered breathing to reduce oxidative processes underlying neurocognitive deficits associated with these sleep disorders.
Habitual snoring are also associated with impair of neurocognitive functions [3]
Michael S. Urschitz and colleagues found in 2003 that habitual snoring (i.e., snoring frequently or always) was associated with poor academic performance in these primary school children. This was only partially related to intermittent hypoxia. Urschitz concluded that primary snoring and/or upper airway resistance syndrome rather than obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome were the cause cognitive impairments. The authors stress that habitual snoring (i.e., snoring frequently or always) without intermittent hypoxia, up to now largely considered benign, may impair neurocognitive functioning in children and, thereby, their performance at school.
The findings of Urschitz and colleagues extend the possible potential benefits of green tea polyphenols also to habitual snoring.
[1] Burckhardt, Isabel C.; Gozal, David; Dayyat, Ehab; Cheng, Yu; Li, Richard C.; Goldbart, Aviv D.; Row, Barry W.:Green Tea Catechin Polyphenols Attenuate Behavioral and Oxidative Responses to Intermittent Hypoxia. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 1135-1141, (2008) doi: 10.1164/rccm.200701-110OC
http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/177/10/1135
[2] Wikipedia: Sleep apnea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_apnea
[3] Urschitz, Michael S.; Guenther, Anke; Eggebrecht, Esther; Wolff, Judith; Urschitz-Duprat, Pilar M.; Schlaud, Martin; Poets, Christian F.: Snoring, intermittent hypoxia and academic performance in primary school children. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Aug 15, 2003. FindArticles.com. 17 May. 2008.
http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/full/168/4/464
16.05.2008: Enterolactone, a metabolite of Ligan, reduces the proliferation of prostate cancer cells in vitro [1]
According to Marc J. McCann and colleagues 2008 ecological data suggest that a long-term diet high in plant material rich in biologically active compounds, such as the lignans, can significantly influence the development of prostate cancer. Ligan is metabilised by gut bacteria to enterolactone. The authors performed an in vitro study which suggests that the antiproliferative activity of enterolactone of the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line in vitro is a consequence of altered expression of cell cycle associated genes. According to the authors this study provides evidence for the antiproliferative properties of a pure lignan in prostate cancer.
[1] McCann, Mark J.; Gill, Chris I. R.; Linton, Trevor; Berrar, D.; McGlynn, Hugh; Rowland, Ian R.:Enterolactone restricts the proliferation of the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line in vitro. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research Published online ahead of print, 8 April 2008, doi: 10.1002/mnfr.200700052
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/117954792/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
16.05.2008: Supercritical CO2 extraction for omega-3 fatty acids
Fish oil supercritical fractioning [1]
Ana Paula Antunes Corrêa and colleagues 2008 verified the possibility of using supercritical CO2 to concentrate polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids in the form of natural fish oil. The authors found that 7.8 MPa and 301.15 K were the best oil fractioning conditions. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) could not be fractionalized.
Omega-3 fatty acids supplements obtained by supercritical extraction [2]
Espinosa and colleagues 2008 studied the thermodynamics, the simulation and the optimization of supercritical extraction of fish oil fatty acid ethyl esters with ethane as alternative solvent to carbon dioxide for the production of pharmaceutical grade concentrates of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docohexaenoic acid (DHA) esters, which are the most valuable omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid esters. The study included ethane-ester interaction parameters.
The authors found a higher solubility of fatty acid ethyl esters in ethane, as well as a slightly better selectivity to EPA and DHA.
[1] Ana Paula Antunes Corrêa, Camila Arantes Peixoto, Lireny Aparecida Guaraldo Gonçalves, Fernando Antonio Cabral: Fractionation of fish oil with supercritical carbon dioxide. Journal of Food Engineering, Volume 88, Issue 3, October 2008 , Pages 381-387
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2008.02.025
[2] Espinosa, S.; Diaz, M.S.; Brignole, E.A. : Food additives obtained by supercritical extraction from natural sources. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, Volume 45, Issue 2, June 2008, Pages 213-219
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.supflu.2008.02.006
15.05.2008: Getting prepared for the worst [1]
The rain forest defender Marina Silva resigned on 13. May as Brazil's environment minister , alleging she lacked the necessary political support to protect the Amazon.
Marina Silva in talks with the German environment Minister Gabriel played down the environment pressure on the Amazon. Based on the affirmations of Marina Silva Minister Gabriel prevaled Chancellor Merkel on signing the alcohol deal which will boost the cut down of the Amazon forest.
Days after meeting the German Minister Marina Silva noted that their affirmation were a fake and could not be pushed through. The expansion of sugar cane and soy will inexorably clear the rain tree forest. This leaves German politicians before the fait accompli of a deal which encourages environment wreckful Brazilian project to replace 5 percent of total fossil fuel with alcohol.
Merkel and Lula have agreed to cooperate on the new plan for the sustainable development of the Amazon known as PAS which had been prepared by Marina Silva. Lula, however,gave PAS to the minister for strategic affairs, Roberto Mangabeira Unger. This was the reason of Marina´s resign.
Unger forces a settlement of the region, to avoid an invasion from abroad using billions to build industry and infrastructure in the Amazon region with strategies from the dr