Endosperm structure affects the malting quality of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Twenty-seven barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) samples collected from growing sites in Scandinavia in 2001 and 2002 were examined to study the effect of endosperm structure on malting behavior. Samples were micromalted, and several malt characteristics were measured. Samples were classified as having a mealier or steelier endosperm on the basis of light transflectance (LTm). Because endosperm structure is greatly dependent on protein content, three barley sample pairs with similar protein contents were chosen for further analysis. During malting, the steelier barley samples produced less root mass, but showed higher respiration losses and higher activities of starch-hydrolyzing enzymes. Malts made from steelier barley had a less friable structure, with more urea-soluble D hordein and more free amino nitrogen and soluble protein. The reason for these differences may lie in the structure or localization of the hordeins as well as the possible effects of endosperm packing on water uptake and movement of enzymes.

Effect of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on cardiopulmonary changes in very old patients.

Although routine gastroscopy is regarded as a safe examination, it is sometimes associated, especially in elderly patients, with serious arrhythmias. We studied the influence of gastroscopy in very old patients on the occurrence and number of ECG changes and on oxygen saturation. Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes on a 24 h Holter recording and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) changes measured by pulse oximetry were observed in 37 hospitalized patients aged 80 years or more undergoing gastroscopy without premedication or conscious sedation and with supplementary oxygen (2 l/min). Gastroscopy did not induce significant arterial oxygen desaturation. ST changes were greatest or equal to that during gastroscopy in 16 (48%) patients. The number of VES increased during the 1-h period after gastroscopy, especially in those patients with an ST level change of over 1 mm h after gastroscopy (P=0.01) and in patients suffering from heart disease (P=0.007). In other arrhythmias no significant change was observed and no fatal complications occurred. Gastroscopy is a safe procedure also in very old patients. However, it induces increased number of VES after endoscopy in patients suffering from heart disease. In those patients a close follow-up of adverse symptoms is advisable, also for a short period after gastroscopy.

Cardiac arrhythmias induced by ECT in elderly psychiatric patients: experience with 48-hour Holter monitoring.

Serious adverse events associated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are uncommon and consist mostly of cardiovascular complications, mainly arrhythmias. The risk of complications is increased in elderly and physically ill patients. In the current study, a 24-hour pre-ECT and 24-hour post-ECT Holter recording was performed on 26 elderly patients during their first ECT treatment. ECT caused a significant increase in bigeminy/trigeminy and supraventricular tachycardia, but did not increase other arrhythmias. Pre-ECT arrhythmias correlated with post-ECT arrhythmias. All patients in the current study completed the ECT course. Thus, the clinical significance of arrhythmias remains uncertain. The present findings support the usual practice of continuous electrocardiogram monitoring during ECT and recovery.