Christine J. Bergman

Addressing the dilemmas of measuring amylose in rice.

ABSTRACT Amylose content is a parameter that correlates with the cooking behavior of rice. It is measured at the earliest possible stages of rice improvement programs to enable breeders to build the foundations of appropriate grain quality during cultivar development. Amylose is usually quantified by absorbance of the amylose-iodine complex. The International Network for Quality Rice (INQR) conducted a survey to determine ways that amylose is measured, reproducibility between laboratories, and sources of variation. Each laboratory measured the amylose content of a set of 17 cultivars of rice. The study shows that five different versions of the iodine binding method are in use. The data show that repeatability was high within laboratories but reproducibility between laboratories was low. The major sources of variability were the way the standard curve was constructed and the iodine binding capacity of the potato amylose used to produce the standard. Reproducibility is much lower between laboratories using ...

What is next for the dietary reference intakes for bone metabolism related nutrients beyond calcium: phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, and fluoride?

The science supporting the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, and fluoride was examined in this review. Along with the previous article on calcium in this series both of these reviews represent all the DRI for nutrients considered essential for bone metabolism and health, as reported in the Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride (Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), 1997). The Recomended Dietary Allowances (RDA) or adequate intake (AI), and the tolerable upper intake level (UL) were recommended for each of these essential nutrients. For adults and in the case of fluoride, for infants as well, UL were calculated since all of these nutrients have the potential for mild to detrimental side effects. Dietary intake data and controversies regarding the role these nutrients may play in other chronic diseases have also been discussed. Advances and controversies reported since the publication of the DRI for these nutrients were also addressed in this review. A recent Dietary Reference Intake Research Synthesis Workshop report identified an extensive range of suggested future research directions needed to improve our understanding of these bone-related nutrients and their contributions to human health.

Development of three allele-specific codominant rice Waxy gene PCR markers suitable for marker-assisted selection of amylose content and paste viscosity

Four Waxy haplotypes, previously identified as each having a different combination of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Waxy gene, were highly correlated with apparent amylose content and pasting properties, which are important grain quality traits for predicting cooked rice (Oryza sativa L.) texture and processing properties (Chen et al. in J Cereal Sci 47:536–545, 2008a; Chen et al. in J Cereal Sci 48:781–788, 2008b). Three allele-specific PCR markers were developed to genotype the three aforementioned functional SNPs in a single PCR amplification. Each marker contained two allele-specific primers and one common primer. For each marker, the two allele-specific primers differed by one base at the 3′-end to provide discrimination of SNP alleles, and were labeled with unique fluorescence probes. An additional mismatched base, the third base from the 3′-end, was inserted in some allele-specific primers to increase selectivity. The amplification step of the PCR thermal cycling program was initially set for 20× touch-down cycles with the annealing temperature of the first cycle approximately 6°C above the thermal melting temperature of all three primers at a touch-down rate of −0.3°C per cycle, and followed by 25× regular thermal cycles with the annealing temperature at their thermal melting temperature. The allelic genotypes for each SNP were distinguished from each other by both their differential primer-allele fluorescences and their amplification product lengths. The simplicity of these assays makes it easy to utilize these markers as part of a marker-assisted selection strategy in rice breeding programs selecting for these important grain quality traits.

Concentrations of oligomers and polymers of proanthocyanidins in red and purple rice bran and their relationships to total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and whole grain color

Proanthocyanidins, a flavonoids subgroup, are proposed to have chronic disease modulation properties. With the eventual goal of enhancing rice phytonutrient concentrations, we investigated the genotypic variation of the concentrations of individual oligomers and polymers of proanthocyanidins in red and purple rice brans. A 4.3-fold variation in total proanthocyanidins (sum of oligomers and polymers) in the extractable fraction was found and the concentration was highly correlated with total phenolics, total flavonoids and antiradical capacity. Variation in the proportion of oligomers and polymers existed, with monomers to trimers, 4-6mers, 7-10mers and polymers accounting for 7, 18, 26.5 and 48.7%, respectively, of the total. The redness value a(∗) of whole grain rice measured in CIE L(∗)a(∗)b(∗) color space was negatively and positively correlated with extractable and non-extractable proanthocyanidins, respectively. The variation found indicates it is possible to select rice with bran containing high levels of total proanthocyanidins and specific degree of polymerization profiles.

Factors That Impact Mature Customer Dining Choices in Las Vegas

As the mature consumer market continues to grow in importance, the foodservice industry needs to understand its purchasing behaviors. The city of Las Vegas is a popular tourism destination as well as a popular place to live for older adults. This study was designed to identify the restaurant attributes important to mature restaurant customers, specifically in three restaurant sectors—fine dining, buffet, and family/casual dining restaurants. A self-administered questionnaire was developed, tested, and applied in Las Vegas. The participants (n = 393) in this study were 50 years old or older. The results were analyzed using descriptive analysis and exploratory factor analysis. The study concluded that respondents highly valued the quality of food and service as well as comfortable restaurant facilities. It was also found that price promotions and nutritional menu information seem to be secondary concerns to mature customers, which is contrary to the reviewed literature.

Review of the Dietary Reference Intake for Calcium: Where Do We Go From Here?

In this article the science relied on to establish the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) specifically for calcium was examined. The latest dietary recommendations for the essential nutrients significant with respect to their roles in bone metabolism and health were reported in the Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride (1997) (NIM, 1997). For calcium an adequate intake was recommended because insufficient data were available at the time to determine specific Recommended Dietary Allowances. Dietary intake data and the controversies regarding the role calcium may play in other chronic diseases have also been discussed. Advances and continued dilemmas regarding these topics reported since the publication of the DRI were also addressed in this review. A recent Dietary Reference Intake Research Synthesis Workshop report identified an extensive range of suggested future research directions needed to improve our understanding of calcium and bone and health.

Soy Protein Extract (SPE) Exhibits Differential In Vitro Cell Proliferation Effects in Oral Cancer and Normal Cell Lines

ABSTRACT Prior research has demonstrated that specific isoflavones derived from soy may exhibit antitumor effects against many cancers, including oral cancer. Most of this prior research involved isolation and testing of individual soy components, such as genistein, daidzein, and glycitein, which exhibit cytotoxicity against cancerous cells but may also have residual cytotoxic effects on normal cells. Few studies have evaluated whole soy extract, containing a combination of these isoflavones, and other bioreactive compounds, which may function synergistically and more effectively against oral cancers. This study compared the antiproliferative effects of whole soy protein extract (SPE) on CAL 27 and SCC25 oral cancer cell lines in vitro. Administration of SPE significantly inhibited oral cancer growth and exerted these effects at lower concentrations compared with another class of flavonoids (proanthocyanidins) that were previously tested on these cell lines. This SPE-induced growth inhibition correlated with down-regulated mRNA expression in the oral cancer cell-cycle promoter ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), as well as upregulation of caspase-2 and caspase-8, initiators and effectors of apoptosis. These results suggest that SPE may represent a potential chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic option for oral cancer. Moreover, SPE may be more effective than other flavonoids currently used and may be effective at lower concentrations that approximate physiologic serum levels (0–2 μmol/l). This study may help to explain why diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and soy protein are associated with protection against development and progression of oral cancers, although further study is needed to develop specific public health recommendations for oral cancer treatment and prevention.

Bran data of total flavonoid and total phenolic contents, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and profiles of proanthocyanidins and whole grain physical traits of 32 red and purple rice varieties.

Phytochemicals in red and purple bran rice have potential health benefit to humans. We determined the phytochemicals in brans of 32 red and purple global rice varieties. The description of the origin and physical traits of the whole grain (color, length, width, thickness and 100-kernel weight) of this germplasm collection are provided along with data of total flavonoid and total phenolic contents, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total proanthocyanidin contents. The contents and proportions of individual oligomers, from degree of polymerization of monomers to 14-mers, and polymers in bran of these 32 rice varieties are presented (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.04.004) [1].

Differential Effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas In Vitro

ABSTRACT Objective: The inverse association between vitamin D and cancer risk is well-established, but the relationship with oral cancer is less well-understood. To further the understanding of these relationships, this study sought to evaluate any growth-inhibiting effects of vitamin D on well-characterized oral cancers. Methods: This study utilized 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 to evaluate any changes in growth using CAL27, SCC15, and SCC25 oral cancer cell lines at physiological and supraphysiological concentrations. Results: These assays revealed that the growth of all three cancer cell lines was significantly reduced by vitamin D administration, with maximal inhibition in SCC15 of –6.8% at 50 nmol, –19.7% in CAL27, and –43.6% in SCC25 at 100 nmol (p < .05). In addition, the observed decreases in growth were associated with significant decreases in viability (ranging from –18% in SCC15, –23% in CAL27, and –47% in SCC25 cells), as well as activation of two key apoptotic pathways (caspase and bcl:bax). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate the growth-inhibitory effects of vitamin D administration in specific oral cancer cell lines, which will enhance the understanding of oral oncologists and oral health researchers in developing standards for generalizing the health-protective effects of diet and dietary supplements as treatment options for patients with oral cancer.

Folate Supplementation Induces Differential Dose-Dependent Modulation of Proliferative Phenotypes Among Cancerous and Noncancerous Oral Cell Lines In Vitro

ABSTRACT Sufficient folate intake confers positive health benefits, while deficiency is linked with many health problems. Although the US policy of dietary folic acid fortification has reduced the incidence of these deficiency-related health problems, recent evidence has demonstrated an association between folic acid supplementation and increased colorectal cancer incidence. Few studies have explored the possibility that folate affects other slowly developing cancers. This study sought to determine whether folic acid supplementation is sufficient to alter the growth and development of existing oral cancers. A series of in vitro growth, viability, and adhesion assays were performed using the well-characterized human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, CAL27 and SCC25, to determine the effects of folic acid supplementation. Folic acid administration significantly stimulated CAL27 and SCC25 proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, but it was not sufficient to increase proliferation at any concentration tested in the normal control cell line, HGF-1. Neither oral cancer cell line harbored the common C677T DNA polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, which might reduce folate bioavailability. Overexpression of p53 mRNA was observed in both cancerous cell lines, but it was differentially altered by folic acid administration in only SCC25 cells. These findings suggest folic acid administration may significantly alter growth of oral cancers in vitro via p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways. As oral cancer rates continue to rise in specific geographic areas, and among specific subsets of the US population, understanding environmental mediators, such as folic acid supplementation, becomes increasingly important for nutrition and public health scientists.