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Functionally Defective High Density Lipoprotein is Pro-Oxidant: a Deviation from Normal Atheroprotective Character
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
92-101
Received:
10 April 2013
Published:
2 May 2013
Abstract: High-density lipoprotein is a potential life saving antiatherogenic molecule. However, not all HDL is function-ally similar, it can become dysfunctional and may increase atherosclerotic risk. At present, it is unknown, which structural alterations of HDL are essential accounting for its defective functionality and the precise pro-atherogenic mechanisms of action. This study is aimed at identification of the possible prevalence of dysfunctional HDL in subjects and its composi-tional and functional characterization in comparison to that of functional HDL. HDL was isolated from serum by ultracentrifugation and subjected to functional assays. HDL from majority of healthy subjects showed remarkable antioxidant property by inhibiting LDL oxidation. However, in those healthy subjects with systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory response as well as in those with known coronary heart disease, HDL was dysfunctional and promoted LDL oxidation. Dysfunctional HDL was truly pro-oxidant as it induced intracellular reactive oxygen species formation in cultured monocytes/macrophages. Functional deficiency in HDL did not show any association with HDL-cholesterol content. However, its characterization showed an enrichment of triglycerides, phospholipids, lipid peroxides, and diminished activity of paraoxonase-1, compared to functional HDL, which might render the particle dysfunctional and pro-oxidant.This study demonstrates the prevalence of dysfunctional HDL even among healthy subjects, despite normal HDL-C level, and in majority of subjects with known CHD, which is pro-oxidant in nature that might promote vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. The functional assay of HDL could lead to improved predictive accuracy of cardiovascular disease risk associated with circulating HDL.
Abstract: High-density lipoprotein is a potential life saving antiatherogenic molecule. However, not all HDL is function-ally similar, it can become dysfunctional and may increase atherosclerotic risk. At present, it is unknown, which structural alterations of HDL are essential accounting for its defective functionality and the precise pro-atherogenic mechan...
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Antimicrobial Activity of a Bacteriocin Produced by Lactobacillus Plantarum 29V and Strain’S Viability in Palm Kernel Oil
Zambou Ngoufack François,
Kaktcham Pierre Marie,
Tiogo Azemfack Huguette Noëlle,
Guetiya Wadoum Raoul Emeric
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
102-108
Received:
17 April 2013
Published:
2 May 2013
Abstract: The present investigation reports the characterization of the bacteriocin produced by the probiotic strain Lac-tobacillus plantarum 29V isolated from raw cow milk in the Western’s highlands of Cameroon, as well as the viability of this strain in the palm kernel oil. The antimicrobial compound synthesized by Lactobacillus plantarum 29V was sensitive to some proteolytic enzymes. It showed remarkable stability at high temperatures and in the presence of organic solvents, detergents and surfactants. It was also active in pH 2.0–10 and NaCl range of 1-7%. The neutralized cell-free supernatant of this bacterium inhibited the growth of several Lactobacillus spp., pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms. The results of this study showed that palm kernel oil maintains the viable cell numbers of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 29V, without any changes of peroxide and acid indexes of palm kernel oil.
Abstract: The present investigation reports the characterization of the bacteriocin produced by the probiotic strain Lac-tobacillus plantarum 29V isolated from raw cow milk in the Western’s highlands of Cameroon, as well as the viability of this strain in the palm kernel oil. The antimicrobial compound synthesized by Lactobacillus plantarum 29V was sensitive...
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Determinants of Eating Habits among Pre-Retired and Post-Retired Mauritians
Yashvee Dunneram,
Deerajen Ramasawmy,
Prity Pugo-Gunsam,
Rajesh Jeewon
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
109-115
Received:
18 April 2013
Published:
2 May 2013
Abstract: The aging population (60 years and above) is becoming a global phenomenon and so is in Mauritius and over the last 4 years there has been an increase of 20.4%. There is an inadequate nutrition-related data among the older adults in Mauritius and in addition the factors influencing eating habits warrant investigation. This study aimed to understand how socioeconomic factors (income level and employment status), physical activity level, body mass index, nutritional knowledge is associated with eating habits of pre-retired and post-retired Mauritians. A survey based questionnaire was used to elicit information of the various factors. Chi square test, Independent sample t-test, One-way variance analysis and Pearson correlation were the main statistical tests used to determine relationship between eating habits and the different factors. Healthy food items were more frequently consumed by high income earners as compared to low income earners. Similarly, post-retired participants and those having high physical activity level consumed healthy food items more frequently. Low physical activity level was associated with high consumption rate of fast food and low intake of fruits and vegetables. There was also positive influence of nutritional knowledge on eating habits. Income level, employment status, physical activity level and nutritional knowledge have a great impact on the eating habits whereas no relation was found between eating habits and body mass index.
Abstract: The aging population (60 years and above) is becoming a global phenomenon and so is in Mauritius and over the last 4 years there has been an increase of 20.4%. There is an inadequate nutrition-related data among the older adults in Mauritius and in addition the factors influencing eating habits warrant investigation. This study aimed to understand ...
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Malnutrition Among Children in the Sahel Region: Causes, Consequences and Prevention
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
116-121
Received:
12 April 2013
Published:
20 May 2013
Abstract: Childhood period is a period of rapid growth. Research has shown that malnutrition delays growth, retards mental development and predisposes affected individuals to, and aggravates health problems. In view of these deleterious consequences, the author examined the causes and consequences of malnutrition among children in the Sahel region and thereafter suggested workable strategies for its prevention in those countries
Abstract: Childhood period is a period of rapid growth. Research has shown that malnutrition delays growth, retards mental development and predisposes affected individuals to, and aggravates health problems. In view of these deleterious consequences, the author examined the causes and consequences of malnutrition among children in the Sahel region and therea...
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Maternal Knowledge of Optimal Breastfeeding Practices and Associated Factors in Rural Communities of Arba Minch Zuria
Dessalegn Tamiru,
Shikur Mohammed
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
122-129
Received:
3 May 2013
Published:
20 May 2013
Abstract: Breastfeeding is one of the components of Primary Health Care and considered as natural practices in Ethiopia. However, a wide range of harmful infant feeding practices is documented even after implementations of infant and young child feeding guidelines in 2004. Therefore the major objective of this study was to assess maternal knowledge about optimal breastfeeding practices and associated factors in rural communities of Arba Minch Zuria. Methods: A cross sectional community based study was carried out from January to February, 2012 in Arba Minch Zuria. Quantitative data were collected from 383 mothers supplemented with qualitative data from 10 key informants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Binary logistic regressions were used to see the strength of association between independent and dependent variables using odds ratios and 95% of confidence intervals. Finally a multivariate logistic regression analysis was made to identify the predictors of maternal knowledge about optimal breastfeeding practices. Results: Breastfeeding was considered as a natural gift in Arba Minch Zuria. More than half of mothers (57.2%) initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery and 213 (55.6%) were exclusively breastfed their children for 6 months. Three-hundred forty one (89%) mothers gave colostrum though a small number of mothers considered colostrum as an expired breast milk and discarded it. Maternal knowledge about optimal breastfeeding was positively associated with paternal education level, total number of births, attending antenatal care, having the radio, using family planning and giving birth by health workers. This study also showed there is a positive relationship between maternal knowledge of optimal breastfeeding with exclusive breastfeeding and timely introduction of complementary food. Conclusions: Findings from this study showed that maternal knowledge was directly related with paternal education level, attending antenatal care, having the radio, using family planning and giving birth by health workers. Maternal knowledge had a significant contribution in the promotion of optimal child feeding practices. Promotion of strong community based education and support to ensure optimal infant and young child feeding is recommended for the whole communities with health workers and community leaders to provide counseling and support related to infant and young child feeding practices.
Abstract: Breastfeeding is one of the components of Primary Health Care and considered as natural practices in Ethiopia. However, a wide range of harmful infant feeding practices is documented even after implementations of infant and young child feeding guidelines in 2004. Therefore the major objective of this study was to assess maternal knowledge about opt...
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Biochemical and Dietary Indicators among Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians: Findings from a Cross Sectional Study in Rural Bangladesh
Fahmida Dil Farzana,
Shahnawaz Ahmed,
Farzana Ferdous,
Lana Vanderlee,
Soroar Hossain Khan,
Anjan Kumar Roy,
Mohammod Jobayer Chisti,
Abu Syed Golam Faruque,
Sumon Kumar Das
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
130-136
Received:
5 May 2013
Published:
20 May 2013
Abstract: Well-planned vegetarian diet provides numerous health benefits and is appropriate for all stages of life cycle. On the other hand, vegetarians often suffer from lower level or are deficient with different micro as well as macro nutrients. This ultimately led the study to determine and compare dietary intake and biochemical concentration of macro and micronutrients of vegetarian and non-vegetarian individuals. This cross sectional study was conducted during April-September 2010. Sixty six vegetarian and 66 non-vegetarian healthy adult aged 40 years and above were enrolled from the Demographic Surveillance System area of Mirzapur sub-district under Tangail district of rural Bangladesh. Five milliliters (5.0 ml) of venous blood was collected for the biochemical analysis. Dietary assessment involved 24-hour food recall method. This study revealed that, vegetarians had similar BMI compared to non-vegetarians. Biochemical analysis unveiled mean level of folic acid to be significantly higher (23.1±12.7 vs. 16.9±8.8, p=0.002) and mean level of vitamin B12 (134.9±46.2 vs. 217.6±95.6, p<0.001) to be significantly lower in vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians. From dietary history, mean calorie intake (1671.9±788.5 kcal vs. 1908.9±574.5 kcal, p=0.013) and macronutrient (median value; per day) consumption was found lower [carbohydrate (334.5 gm vs. 385.1 gm, p=0.048); protein (34.9 gm vs. 53.9 gm, p<0.001); fat (7.7 gm vs. 12.7 gm, p=0.020)] in non-vegetarian group compared to vegetarian individuals. In multivariate analysis of biochemical indicators, individuals being vegetarian impacted on decreased level of vitamin B12 (74.02 pmol/L) and increased level of folic acid (6.34 nmol/L). Multivariate analysis of dietary indicators revealed, individuals being vegetarian has an impact on decreased intake of protein (7.85 gm) and increased intake of log transformed β-carotene (0.61 mcg). These results suggest that, vegetarians in rural Bangladesh have lower intake of protein and micronutrients specially vitamin B 12; but increased intake of folic acid and β-carotene. Assessment of these outcomes affirms further study
Abstract: Well-planned vegetarian diet provides numerous health benefits and is appropriate for all stages of life cycle. On the other hand, vegetarians often suffer from lower level or are deficient with different micro as well as macro nutrients. This ultimately led the study to determine and compare dietary intake and biochemical concentration of macro an...
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The Effect of Preparation of Boiled Foals’ meat by the Yakut Technique on the Nutritional Value of Yakut Horse Foals’ Meat
Alexey A. F.,
Petrova L. V.
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
137-141
Received:
6 May 2013
Published:
30 May 2013
Abstract: The results of the study on the effect of different cooking techniques of Yakut national meat products on the nutritional value of Yakut horse foals’ meat.
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Assessment of Therapeutic Nutritional Knowledge of Jordanian Nurses
Naseem M. Al-Shwaiyat,
Areej B. Sinjillawi,
Abdallah S. Al-Rethaiaa,
Alaa-Eldin A. Fahmy,
Riyad M. Al-Saraireh,
Mohammad M. Aqel,
Sabal M. Al-Hajjaj,
Alaa S. Al-Sbou
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
142-148
Received:
1 May 2013
Published:
10 June 2013
Abstract: Nurses have a great contact with hospitalized patients and play an important role in their nutritional management. The current research is a cross-sectional survey, carried out in Al-Hussein Hospital, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan, to study the level of therapeutic nutritional knowledge of Jordanian nurses. Two hundred and fifty registered nurses were invited to participate in this study; all of them were Jordanian of the Arabian ethnicity and were selected by simple random sampling method. Of those, two hundred nurses agreed to participate giving a response rate 80%. Data were collected by self-reported questionnaire of 31-items which its validity and reliability were established. We found that the mean correct-response rate for therapeutic nutritional knowledge of Jordanian nurses was suboptimal (58.8%). Moreover, the therapeutic nutritional knowledge related to diabetes (71.6%) was relatively higher than those related to obesity (59.0%) and cardiovascular diseases (54.9%). Woman nurses scored significantly higher correct-response rate for cardiovascular diseases-related therapeutic nutritional knowledge than men (56.6% vs. 51.9%). Twenty out of 31 questions were answered correctly by more than 50% of the nurses. The findings suggest an urgent need to improve the curricula of undergraduate nursing courses regarding the nutrition issues and to promote postgraduate continuing educational programs concerning therapeutic nutrition.
Abstract: Nurses have a great contact with hospitalized patients and play an important role in their nutritional management. The current research is a cross-sectional survey, carried out in Al-Hussein Hospital, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan, to study the level of therapeutic nutritional knowledge of Jordanian nurses. Two hundred and fifty regist...
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The Pysico-Chemical and Sensory Properties of Jackfruit (Artocarpus Heterophilus) Jam
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
149-152
Received:
17 May 2013
Published:
10 June 2013
Abstract: The potential of a nutritious fruit such as jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophilus) has remained largely untapped. Most tropical fruits can be processed and preserved in order to reduce post harvest loss in small scale operations using simple techniques. The proximate composition and sensory properties of jackfruit jam were investigated and pineapple jam was used as a control. Jackfruit jam was produced using the traditional open pan method. Proximate analysis showed protein content ranging from 0.19-1.12, ash from 0.27-1.50, vitamin C from 0.0037-0.0099, total acid from 0.054-0.313, pH from 3.35- 5.57 and oBrix from 23-70%. Result from Sensory evaluation using a five point hedonic scale to rate for color , aroma, taste, after taste, texture and general acceptability by untrained panelists indicated general acceptance of jackfruit jam. Results from sensory analysis showed that color ranged from 3.7-4.4, aroma from 3.7-4.4, taste from 3.8-4.6, after taste from 3.4-4.3 and general acceptability from 3.9-4.5, with jackfruit lower than the control in all cases, while texture ranged from 3.7- 4.3 and spreadability from 3.5-4.5 with jackfruit having a higher value in both cases. There was a significant difference at (P<0.05) in color, aroma, taste and general acceptability with control rated higher. While texture and spreadability showed no significant difference of (P>0.05). Assessors however scored jackfruit jam high for flavor and spreadability.
Abstract: The potential of a nutritious fruit such as jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophilus) has remained largely untapped. Most tropical fruits can be processed and preserved in order to reduce post harvest loss in small scale operations using simple techniques. The proximate composition and sensory properties of jackfruit jam were investigated and pineapple j...
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Consumer Perceptions of Agro-Food Products with Ethical Values in Serbia: An Exploratory Study
Driouech. Noureddin,
Capone. Roberto,
Dernini. Sandro,
Berjan. Sinisa,
El Bilali. Hamid,
Radovic. Mirjana,
Despotovic. Aleksandra,
Panin. Biljana
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2013
Pages:
153-159
Received:
18 May 2013
Published:
10 June 2013
Abstract: The renewed and intensified interest in issues of business ethics is typified by growth in demand of products encompassing ethical values such as organic and Fair Trade products. Consumer attitude to foods is mainly influenced by concerns (e.g. food safety, human health, environmental impact) and commodity attributes (e.g. quality, taste, freshness and packaging). The objective of this exploratory study is to get an insight on Serbian consumer perceptions of agro-food products with ethical values (AFPEV) namely organic, Fair Trade and traditional products. The paper is based on secondary data and an online self-administered questionnaire, carried out from December 2010 through June 2011 with 104 Serbian adult consumers, dealing with understanding of and knowledge about AFP and relationships with ethical values; AFPEV buying frequency; main criteria and reasons for buying AFPEV; opinion about AFPEV price and consumer willingness to pay; potential impacts on animal health and welfare as well environmental, economic social and civic impacts of buying AFPEV; purchasing channels; and main sources of information about AFPEV. Serbian consumers have a good knowledge about AFPEV that are bought by almost all the interviewees. Most of the respondents relate ethical values to the respect of environment and organic production. The main reasons for buying AFPEV are quality, organic certification and taste. Price seems less important. The main sources of information about AFPEV are mass media, newspapers and magazines. However, the majority of Serbian consumers prefer to get information directly from the supply chain actors mainly sellers and/or producers. AFPEV are bought mainly from the specialized shops and supermarkets to achieve personal satisfaction, for health, safety, natural resources conservation, and environment protection. Consumers do not always buy sustainable products as consequences of environmental concern or to benefit the community or due to personal beliefs but mainly to give priority to health. Ethical factors are important in some cases, but they may be overstated. Results indicated that most Serbian consumers perceived that AFPEV as healthier and portray a positive attitude towards AFPEV, thus showing a high willingness to pay higher prices. Serbian consumers seem to have a positive attitude towards organic, fair trade and typical products due to the sustainable benefits that they can bring about. Therefore, institutional and domestic market conditions should be improved for insuring long-term market development and information campaigns should be organized to increase Serbian consumers’ awareness and consciousness.
Abstract: The renewed and intensified interest in issues of business ethics is typified by growth in demand of products encompassing ethical values such as organic and Fair Trade products. Consumer attitude to foods is mainly influenced by concerns (e.g. food safety, human health, environmental impact) and commodity attributes (e.g. quality, taste, freshness...
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