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Anti Gastritic and Antiulcerogenic Effects of Solanum Nigrum in Laboratory Animals
Maddala Rajeswari,
Subbulakshmi Gurumurthy,
Sandhya Kamat
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
266-271
Received:
22 August 2013
Published:
20 October 2013
Abstract: Leaves and berries of Solanum nigrum are commonly used in South India for the treatment of gastric ulcers, gastritis and other gastric problems. The present study investigated the Solanum nigrum leaf and berry extracts for their protective effect on ethanol induced gastritis and aspirin induced gastric ulcers of pylorus ligated rats. Sucralfate and Ranitidine were used as standard Drugs. Oral administration of aqueous extract of leaf (80 mg/Kg and 250 mg/Kg respectively) and berry (50 mg/Kg) significantly reduced the concentration of Evans blue in both gastric contents and glandular tissue indicating decreased vascular permeability and mucosal damage with respect to that of control. The berry aqueous extract offered more protection against gastritis than the leaf extracts. Pretreatment with aqueous extracts of Leaf (250 mg/Kg) and berry (50 mg/Kg) significantly reduced the Ulcer Index. The results tend to confirm the popular use of the plant.
Abstract: Leaves and berries of Solanum nigrum are commonly used in South India for the treatment of gastric ulcers, gastritis and other gastric problems. The present study investigated the Solanum nigrum leaf and berry extracts for their protective effect on ethanol induced gastritis and aspirin induced gastric ulcers of pylorus ligated rats. Sucralfate and...
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Anthropometric Measurements and the Effect of Breakfast Sources in School Achievement, Physical Activity and Dietary Intake for 6-13 Years Old Primary School Children Girls in Makkah City
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
272-279
Received:
6 June 2013
Published:
20 October 2013
Abstract: Background: Many studies run in Saudi Arabia to seize obesity and food related diseases, but lack of data on anthropometric status and related health problems in primary school girls in western area promoted further research. Objectives: To determine the patterns of growth status on children, to compare between home and school breakfast with the consumption of macronutrient and minerals, physical activity. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out in randomly selected 165 students girls from 3 schools in Makkah in primary schools aged between (6 and 13 years). Their height and weight were measured and weight for age, height for age and body mass index (BMI) for age were calculated. The children's information was obtained by interview and 24hr recall was completed by mothers for accuracy. Frequencies, mean, SD, differences between groups using chi square test and 24hr recall dietary analysis, were measured by SPSS package (Version 16.0). Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity, underweight, wasting, and stunting were 29.5%, 20%, 20% and 11% respectively. Lower vitamin B12 intake was associated with stunting. There was association between underweight and stunting. The mean for the macronutrients was high, except for fat mean which was within RDI. Total calories come from carbohydrate 48.9%, Protein 18.5%, and Fat 32.6%. A higher percentage of school breakfast consumers had low physical activity level compared to their counterparts (50.6% vs. 28.8%). Moreover, the former group had lower school achievement level vs. home breakfast consumers (89%vs.57.8%). Conclusion: Preventive measures should be instituted by health authorities to prevent further increase in the prevalence of overweight, wasting, and stunting in school- aged children. It is becoming a priority to establish school and adolescent nutrition and health programmes, with the emphasis on increasing physical education and consumption of healthy diet.
Abstract: Background: Many studies run in Saudi Arabia to seize obesity and food related diseases, but lack of data on anthropometric status and related health problems in primary school girls in western area promoted further research. Objectives: To determine the patterns of growth status on children, to compare between home and school breakfast with the co...
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Arabic Coffee with Two Doses of Cardamom: Effects on Health Biomarkers in Healthy Women
Maha M Badkook,
Randa M Shrourou
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
280-286
Received:
12 September 2013
Published:
20 October 2013
Abstract: Background: Arabic coffee is a form of boiled unfiltered coffee rich in diterpenes, components shown to raise cholesterol. Cardamom, a component of Arabic coffee, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. This study investigates the effects of daily consumption of Arabic coffee with two different doses of cardamom on blood pressure, lipids, heart, and liver function biomarkers. Materials and Methods: Healthy adult females (n=36) were divided in three groups. Each was given daily 500 ml Arabic coffee, either with no cardamom (3:0, Control), or with one proportion of cardamom (3:1, ACLC), or with two proportions of cardamom (3:2, ACHC) 5 days/week, for a period of 4 weeks. Fasting blood was withdrawn at baseline, and end of intervention. Serum was analyzed for lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), heart, and liver enzymes. Blood pressure was measured at the beginning and end of intervention. Results: TC was elevated in ACLC group, while TC and LDL-C increased in ACHC group. GGT significantly decreased in both groups. Coffee consumption with both cardamom doses showed no differences in blood pressure, lipids, heart and liver enzymes, or CRP compared to non-cardamom Arabic coffee. Conclusion: Daily consumption of 500 ml of Arabic coffee with regular or high doses of cardamom might be a risk factor for CVD due to elevation of TC and LDL-C especially with the high cardamom dose, despite its nil effect on blood pressure and inflammation, and beneficial effect on liver GGT enzyme.
Abstract: Background: Arabic coffee is a form of boiled unfiltered coffee rich in diterpenes, components shown to raise cholesterol. Cardamom, a component of Arabic coffee, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. This study investigates the effects of daily consumption of Arabic coffee with two different doses of cardamom on blood pressure,...
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Nutritional and Sensory Analysis of Millet Based Sponge Cake
Kwaw Emmanuel,
Sackey,
Augustina Sackle
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
287-293
Received:
29 September 2013
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: Food companies are faced with an increased demand by health professionals and consumers for healthier food products. The need for flours that are free of gluten (such as millet, tapioca, potato, soy, flax, etc.) are becoming progressively more popular and are offering new sales potentials for food companies. It is against this background that the study was undertaken to produce millet based sponge cakes with the view of improving the sensory and nutritional values of the product. In addition to a control sample using only wheat flour, ten different cake formulations were prepared using varying wheat and millet flours ratios. Sensory analysis using forty untrained panel and proximate analyses were performed. The results revealed that significant differences in visual puffiness, appearance, texture/mouthfeel, moistness and smell acceptability were not observed among these products. Superimposition of the optimal areas having a score greater than 6.0 from each attribute was done to obtain an optimal formulation range. However, the sensory assessments of the products on the 9-point hedonic scale depicted that all products scores were more than 6 on the scale which is an indication that all sensory attributes were at least liked slightly in each case by the panel. Panel was able to correctly discriminate between the different samples in terms of the sensory attributes on the 9-point hedonic scale. However, the overall liking of the samples as perceived by the panel indicated that all products were acceptable with Sample E being the most preferred. Positive purchase intent was noticed among the panel hence offering new sales potential for the millet based cakes. There was improvement on the nutritional content (carbohydrate, fat and ash) of the formulations as the proximate analysis generally showed a mean increase of 2.08±0.36% for ash and 33.41±3.32% for fat against the control sample of 1.53% and 30.96% respectively. No significant change was observed in the protein content (7.43±0.92% against 7.44%). However, there was a decrease (71.41±5.38%) in carbohydrate content against control sample of 77.43%.
Abstract: Food companies are faced with an increased demand by health professionals and consumers for healthier food products. The need for flours that are free of gluten (such as millet, tapioca, potato, soy, flax, etc.) are becoming progressively more popular and are offering new sales potentials for food companies. It is against this background that the s...
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Low level of Ochratoxin A enhances Aflatoxin B1 Induced Cytotoxicity and Lipid Peroxydation in Both Human Intestinal (Caco-2) and Hepatoma (HepG2) Cells Lines
Kouadio James Halbin,
Brou Kouakou,
Gnakri Dago
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
294-300
Received:
1 October 2013
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are contaminants which co-occurred in the same food such as cereals. The few studies performed on their interactive effect had revealed additive or antagonistic cytotoxic effect according to cells endpoints and concentrations of both mycotoxins. The aim of the present study was to investigate in a possible influence of very low level of ochratoxin A in aflatoxin B1 toxic action regarding cellular endpoints such as malonedialdehyde (MDA) production and cells viability as evaluated by lysosome and mitochondria integrities and cell lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. OTA (20nM) and AFB1 were tested in combination in both human intestinal (Caco-2) and hepatoma (HepG2) cells lines. As results, OTA alone tested at 20nM was not cytotoxic and did not induce MDA production in both Caco-2 and HepG2 cells line. Interestingly, combined to AFB1 (10µM), OTA enhanced markedly AFB1 cytotoxic effect. OTA significantly increased cell lysosomes damage induced by AFB1 from 24% to 38% (+14%) and from 28% to 43% (+15%) respectively in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells line (p<0.05). Similarly, OTA enhanced inhibition of mitochondria succinate dehydrogenase activity induced by AFB1 until to +15% and +6% respectively in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells line (p<0.05). On cell necrosis marker, the mixture of OTA and AFB1induced more LDH leakage when compared to AFB1 alone with increase of +14% and +12% respectively in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells line (p<0.05). Finally, on MDA production, AFB1 + OTA induced more intensively MDA production when compared to AFB1 alone with +49% and +110% of increasing in both Caco-2 and HepG2 cells line (p<0.01). Taken together, our results suggested that combined AFB1 and OTA induced all the toxicities observed with the mycotoxins separately but more intensively suggesting synergistic or potentiating effect. Moreover, AFB1 or its association with OTA had been found very potent in human hepatic cells HepG2 in necrosis induction but especially in lipids oxidative damage confirming oxidative stress as one of keys pathways in toxic action of AFB1.
Abstract: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are contaminants which co-occurred in the same food such as cereals. The few studies performed on their interactive effect had revealed additive or antagonistic cytotoxic effect according to cells endpoints and concentrations of both mycotoxins. The aim of the present study was to investigate in a possible...
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Enhancement of Pork Quality from Pigs Fed Feeds Supplemented with Antioxidants Containing Defatted Sesame Dregs and Dried Barley Leaves
Myung-Hwa Kang,
Kwan-Sik Min,
Takayuki Shibamoto
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
301-306
Received:
7 October 2013
Published:
10 November 2013
Abstract: Moisture content, crude fat content, fatty acid composition, pH, water-holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBsf), and meat color were measured to evaluate the quality of meats from pigs fed a special diet of feed supplemented with defatted sesame dregs and barley leaf (DSBL). Slight differences in moisture content, water-holding capacity, color, and pH were seen in meats from the pigs fed the special diet. However, the DSBL (5% each of defatted sesame dregs and barley leaf in feed) supplemented diet considerably improved pork quality as evaluated using WBsf values, suggesting that these supplements contain antioxidants. Crude fat content in meats from the pigs decreased with increased percentages of DSBL in the diets. Generally, compositional decrease was observed in margaric, stearic and linoleic acids in the meats from the pigs fed the special diet. The results suggest that supplementing antioxidants in feeds improve pork quality.
Abstract: Moisture content, crude fat content, fatty acid composition, pH, water-holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBsf), and meat color were measured to evaluate the quality of meats from pigs fed a special diet of feed supplemented with defatted sesame dregs and barley leaf (DSBL). Slight differences in moisture content, water-holding capacity...
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Comparative Study of Antibacterial Activity of Vancomycin and Chemically Treated Chitosan Prepared from Shrimp (Macrobrachium Rosenbergii) Waste
Rashna Gulshan,
Md. Tanvir Sarwar,
Md. Abdullah Al Mamun,
Md. Jahangir Alam,
Sabir Hossain,
M. Masihul Alam
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
307-311
Received:
15 August 2013
Published:
20 November 2013
Abstract: Chitosan is derived from exoskeleton of crustaceans (such as crabs and shrimp) and cell walls of fungi has a number of commercial and possible biomedical uses is produced commercially by deacetylation of chitin is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1-4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit). The structural element This study was conducted to compare the antibacterial activity of chitosan with the combination of chitosan and vancomycin against gram negative Escherichia coli and gram positive Staphylococcus aureus. Optical density (OD) value measurement technique was undertaken to measure antibacterial activity. After incubation, turbidimetric measurements of bacterial growth of sets of test tubes were taken after every 4 hours, for 48 hours and then compared. For S. aureus and chitosan the average absorbance were found as 0.448, 0.457, 0.492, 0.532, 0.582, 0.645, 0.683, 0.724, 0.751, 0.793, 0.840, and 0.896, while for S. aureus with both chitosan and vancomycin, absorbance were 0.267, 0.286, 0.321, 0.346, 0.386, 0.431, 0.467, 0.475, 0.509, 0.541, 0.565, and 0.629. Again for E. coli and chitosan the average absorbance were found as 0.407, 0.429, 0.464, 0.506, 0.564, 0.6, 0.645, 0.703, 0.756, 0.815, 0.850, and 0.901, while E. coli with both chitosan and vancomycin, absorbance were 0.213, 0.233, 0.322, 0.347, 0.409, 0.446, 0.475, 0.511, 0.545, 0.582, 0.628, and 0.647. Both of these revealed that chitosan and vancomycin together possess higher antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram-negative bacteria than chitosan solitarily used. Statistical analysis of the both study also represented in Mean±3SD. Comparison of the antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus revealed that chitosan and vancomycin posses similar antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.
Abstract: Chitosan is derived from exoskeleton of crustaceans (such as crabs and shrimp) and cell walls of fungi has a number of commercial and possible biomedical uses is produced commercially by deacetylation of chitin is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1-4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (ac...
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Determination of Microbial Growth and Survival in Salad Vegetables through in Vitro Challenge Test
Farahnaaz Feroz,
Jessica Das Senjuti,
Rashed Noor
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
312-319
Received:
4 November 2013
Published:
30 November 2013
Abstract: Current study attempted to examine the growth and subsequent survival of the common spoilage bacteria in vegetable samples collected from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Carrot, cucumber, tomato and lettuce samples were obtained from local markets and rendered free of contaminants. Each sample was then inoculated separately with an array of 9 test bacteria, resulting in the initial load of 105 cfu/g. The results revealed more than 6-log reduction of Salmonella spp. in carrot and tomato samples, Shigella spp. in carrot, lettuce and cucumber samples, Aeromonas spp. in tomato samples, Pseudomonas spp. in lettuce samples, and Listeria spp. in cucumber samples. No significant reduction in E. coli was observed in the cucumber samples, while in carrots and tomato samples, approximately 2- log reductions was found. Demonstration of the capacity of vegetables to influence microbial growth would further aid in the maintenance of the food quality and stability as well as their shelf life. Conducting such experiments after the quantification of spoiling microorganisms thus imparts a complete bacteriological profile, which is of public health significance.
Abstract: Current study attempted to examine the growth and subsequent survival of the common spoilage bacteria in vegetable samples collected from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Carrot, cucumber, tomato and lettuce samples were obtained from local markets and rendered free of contaminants. Each sample was then inoculated separately with an array of 9 test bacteria, res...
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Nutritional Status of Upper Primary School Pupils in a Rural Setting in Ghana
Angelina Opoku Danquah,
Adwoa Nyantakyiwaa Amoah,
Clara Opare-Obisaw
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
320-326
Received:
3 December 2013
Published:
20 December 2013
Abstract: Malnutrition continues to be a major problem among school-aged children in developing countries. In Ghana, there is not much documented data on the nutritional status of this category of children. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of 120 upper primary school pupils, comprising 60 males and 60 females in a rural setting. These pupils were randomly selected from 3 public schools in 3 villages with similar socioeconomic characteristics in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti region of Ghana. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics and food consumption patterns of the pupils while an electronic bathroom scale and microtoise stadiometer were used to obtain their weights and heights, respectively. A 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess the nutrients and energy intakes and the ESHA food processor nutrients database was employed in the analysis of energy and nutrients. To assess stunting and underweight among the respondents, WHO/Epi software was used. T-test and chi-squared statistic were used to analyze differences between variables. The results of the study revealed that almost half of the pupils reported eating three times daily with breakfast and lunch mainly consumed from the school canteen. The 24-hour recall showed that the pupils did not meet their energy and nutrient requirements except for five out of the twelve nutrients investigated. The prevalence of stunting and underweight were 56.7% and 45.8%, respectively, among the respondents. More males than females were either stunted or underweight. However, no significant difference was found between males and females in the incidence of stunting and underweight. The prevalence of thinness also showed that 5% of the males were thin and 13.5% females were overweight/obese. It was concluded that the nutritional status of the respondents was poor since the incidence of stunting and underweight were high while energy and some nutrients were below the recommended intakes. The researchers recommended that there should be more effort in designing intervention programs to improve the quality of meals the pupils consume and also there should be more emphasis on nutrition education at the primary level in rural areas.
Abstract: Malnutrition continues to be a major problem among school-aged children in developing countries. In Ghana, there is not much documented data on the nutritional status of this category of children. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of 120 upper primary school pupils, comprising 60 males and 60 females in...
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Moulds and Ochratoxin A Occurrence in Cola Nitida Fresh Nuts after Treatment by Fungicide Epoxiconazole and Stored for Several Months in Various Containers
Nimaga Daouda,
Kouadio James Halbin,
Nindjin Charlemagne,
Tetchi Fabrice Achille,
Amani Georges
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
327-331
Received:
27 November 2013
Published:
20 December 2013
Abstract: The conservation of fresh kolanuts produced in Côte d’Ivoire and intended for the export, poses a veritable problem for the farmers. After 2 or 3 months of storage, the stock of kolanuts dramatically diminished occasioning high loss of economic resources. The aim of the present study was to find strategies for the best conservation for long period by investigation in appropriated nature of container, temperature of storage and in a possible fungicide adequate for kolanuts. Three (03) containers namely traditional made from the leaves of Thaumatococcus daniellii (Benn.) Benth., polyvinyl chloride (PVC) container and perforated cardboard have been studied. The temperatures of storage investigated were 26°C and 29°C while epoxiconazole is used as the fungicide. Fungi and Ochratoxin A (OTA) occurrence have been taken as bio-indicators of kolanuts healthy. Fungi were isolated by using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and standard laboratory methods while OTA was extracted with a methanol/3% sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and purified using an immunoaffinity column prior to HPLC analysis with fluorescence detection. As results, the best temperature of storage could be 26°C and the container PVC had been found more efficient in fungi reduction in kolanuts when compared to traditional container made from leaves of Thaumatococcus daniellii (Benn.) Benth. In addition, OTA levels are stayed lows after 10 months of kolanuts storage. Moreover, the fungicide epoxiconazole was able to prevent Aspergillius flavus proliferation and retarded both Penicillium sp. contamination and OTA secretion in kolanuts until 6 months of storage. Taken together, the results suggested that a combination of the using of PVC container and fungicide epoxiconazole and 26°C as temperature of storage could improve significantly the conservation of fresh kolanuts for several months.
Abstract: The conservation of fresh kolanuts produced in Côte d’Ivoire and intended for the export, poses a veritable problem for the farmers. After 2 or 3 months of storage, the stock of kolanuts dramatically diminished occasioning high loss of economic resources. The aim of the present study was to find strategies for the best conservation for long period ...
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Milk Consumption is Not Affected by C/T-13910 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in a Tajik Population in a Southern Region of Uzbekistan
Sharaf Kasimov,
Margus Lember
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
332-336
Received:
4 December 2013
Published:
30 December 2013
Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of adult-type hypolactasia in the Tajik population living in the south of Uzbekistan by genotyping of allelic variants C/T-13910 and identifying their tolerance to milk. Methods: 100 ethnic Tajik adults were examined for C/T-13910 single nucleotide polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism. Milk tolerance was analyzed by a questionnaire developed to assess dyspepsia after milk and dairy consumption. Results: A genetic marker of hypolactasia - C/C-13910 genotype was detected in 83% of the adult Tajik population. However, despite the high prevalence of lactose intolerance in the Tajik population, the majority consume between 100-200 ml of milk per day. Conclusion: The Tajik population is characterized by a high prevalence of hypolactasia. Milk consumption is not affected by the determined genotypes since people of Tajik ethnicity consume milk in small quantities.
Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of adult-type hypolactasia in the Tajik population living in the south of Uzbekistan by genotyping of allelic variants C/T-13910 and identifying their tolerance to milk. Methods: 100 ethnic Tajik adults were examined for C/T-13910 single nucleotide polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction/restriction frag...
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A Study about Microbiological Quality and Species Identification of Frozen Turkey Meat
Aydın Vural,
Mehmet Emin Erkan,
Husnu Sahan Guran,
Halil Durmusoglu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
337-341
Received:
5 December 2013
Published:
30 December 2013
Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify potential health risks and evaluate the microbiological quality of frozen turkey meat sold in Diyarbakır, Turkey. In this study, a total of 110 frozen turkey meat samples were collected from retail markets in the city of Diyarbakır. The samples were analyzed by using standard analysis methods for total mesophilic aerobe bacteria, coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus-Micrococcus spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, sulfite reducing anaerobe bacteria, mould&yeast, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Detection of meat species samples were determined by ELISA. The mean counts of microorganism in the frozen turkey meat which were analyzed, total mesophilic aerobe bacteria were found as 9.5x106 cfu/g, coliform bacteria as 2.7x104 cfu/g, Escherichia coli as 1.1x103 cfu/g, Staphylococcus-Micrococcus spp. as 3.4x104 cfu/g, Yersinia enterocolitica as 3.3x104 cfu/g, sulfite reducing anaerobe bacteria as 4.5x101 cfu/g, mould&yeast as 2.2x104 cfu/g. The existence of Salmonella spp, and Listeria monocytogenes in the examined samples were found as 3.63% and 17.27%, respectively. All samples analyzed were found to be turkey meat. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that some pathogens, including Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes, E. coli and Yersinia enterocolitica are present in frozen turkey meat. Also, the presence of these organisms indicated that there were poor hygienic conditions during the slaughtering, packaging, storage and sales process. Therefore, this food is a serious risk to the public health. Temperature control also is a key issue in producing frozen turkey meat. In addition, it is also important that the products must be manufactured under good hygienic practices.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify potential health risks and evaluate the microbiological quality of frozen turkey meat sold in Diyarbakır, Turkey. In this study, a total of 110 frozen turkey meat samples were collected from retail markets in the city of Diyarbakır. The samples were analyzed by using standard analysis methods for total mesophil...
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Utilization of Prune Juice or Puree as a Laxative for Constipation Pregnant Rats Induced Iron Intake during Pregnancy and the Impact on Newborns
El-Dakak Abeer M. N. H.,
El-Nahal Dalia. M. M.,
Sayed-Ahmed E. F.
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
342-351
Received:
8 December 2013
Published:
10 January 2014
Abstract: Iron supplementation during pregnancy causes constipation in pregnant women and newborn babies; especially on high doses. Prune juice and prune puree were tested to avoid the constipation in pregnant women and newborn babies. Phenolic compounds, vitamin C and sugar alcohols of prune juice and prune puree were determined. Forty two pregnant female rats fed a basal diet for 6 weeks. At the 10th day of pregnancy they were divided randomly into 7 groups. Group 1, was the negative control (N. control). Rats from group 2 to group 4 fed on basal diet and received 1mg Fe2+/kg b.w. Group 3 and group 4 administered 0.5 ml prune juice and prune puree twice daily, respectively. Moreover, rats from group 5 to group 7 fed on basal diet and received 2.5 mg Fe2+ /kg b.w. Group 6 and group 7 administered 0.5 ml prune juice and prune puree twice daily, respectively. Group 2 and 5 were considered positive control 1 and 2, respectively. The mothers rats were received Fe2+ (ferrous fumarate dosage form) daily until parturition; however, they were administrated prune juice and prune puree until weaning at the end of experiment (42 days). The mothers of rats and puppies were killed at the end of breast feeding. The results of HPLC-UV detector indicated that quantification of phenolic compounds, vitamin C, sorbitol and xylitol in prune puree were higher than prune juice. Concerning the results of biological experiment, it could be noticed that Fe2+ (ferrous fumarate form) significantly decreased the pellet number, weight, and % moisture of feces in pregnancy, lactating, in male and female infant rats. Moreover, gastrointestinal movements were significantly reduced in rats administrated with 1 or 2.5mg Fe2+/Kg b.w represented in the G2 and G5 compared to the negative control (G1). Moreover, prune juice and prune puree utilization improved the tested parameters for pregnancy, lactating and infant rats whether they were male or female. The results clearly showed that prune juice or puree can prevent or treat constipation via normalizing the bowel movement resulting from Fe2+administration in pregnant rats and their puppies (newborn and infant).
Abstract: Iron supplementation during pregnancy causes constipation in pregnant women and newborn babies; especially on high doses. Prune juice and prune puree were tested to avoid the constipation in pregnant women and newborn babies. Phenolic compounds, vitamin C and sugar alcohols of prune juice and prune puree were determined. Forty two pregnant female r...
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Core Concepts of Human Rights and Vulnerable Groups in Nutrition Policy of Sudan
Nafesa Bedri,
Mutamad Amin,
Amani Elkhatim,
Ahmed Gamal Eldin,
Malcolm MacLachlan,
Hasheem Mannan
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
352-359
Received:
8 January 2014
Published:
20 February 2014
Abstract: To provide equitable health care, and to realize the United Nations’ call for Health for All, health policies have to be committed to core concepts of human rights and be inclusive of vulnerable groups. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which the Sudan Nutrition Policy addresses core concepts of human rights and the inclusion of vulnerable groups using a novel policy framework (EquiFrame). The overall quality assessment of the policy was Moderate, scoring 67% for vulnerable groups, 57% for core concepts of human rights and 29% for Core Concept Quality. In conclusion, if this policy is to be improved, it is important to integrate the wider notions of human rights within the policy document and link these explicitly to specific and carefully selected vulnerable groups.
Abstract: To provide equitable health care, and to realize the United Nations’ call for Health for All, health policies have to be committed to core concepts of human rights and be inclusive of vulnerable groups. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which the Sudan Nutrition Policy addresses core concepts of human rights and the inclusion of vuln...
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Self-Reported Weight Patterns and Perceptions among Female Students of Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Survey
Suneetha Epuru,
Ala’a Eideh,
Shahida Banu Shamsuddeen,
Sara Faraj Ammash Al Shamarry
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2013
Pages:
360-365
Received:
12 January 2014
Published:
20 February 2014
Abstract: Background: Young adults are known across the world for the concern for weight and their perceptions of weight are known to be influenced by factors like media, culture, societal norms, parental and peer group expectations. Objective: This study explores the associations between body mass index (BMI), weight perceptions, and attempts to lose weight in female university students from university of Hail. Methodology: Data were collected from 100 university female students, using self-reported weight, height, self, parent and peer perception of weight, and weight loss strategies. BMI was calculated from weight and height and was categorized into International and Asian clinical criteria. Results: The total mean age ± SD was 21.66 ± 1.39 years (range 19-25) and mean± SD BMI was 22.96 ± 3.74. Nearly 16 % and 4 % of study population were overweight and obese respectively according to BMI International cut off whereas around 34 % and 11 % of study population were overweight and obese respectively according to BMI Asian cut off. Self, parents and peer perceptions are either skewed towards underweight or obese indicating the need for educating the knowledge of actual BMI status in these populations. Currently 22 % agree that they are on dieting while 31 % agree that they do physical exercise as weight management strategy. Cohen’s Kappa suggests a very poor agreement of self-perception with actual weight status. Conclusions: Our study has shown that among female university students, there is significant misperception of weight, with one third of students misclassifying themselves. Weight perceptions were not good indicators for weight management practices.
Abstract: Background: Young adults are known across the world for the concern for weight and their perceptions of weight are known to be influenced by factors like media, culture, societal norms, parental and peer group expectations. Objective: This study explores the associations between body mass index (BMI), weight perceptions, and attempts to lose weight...
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