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Abstract : Trans Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
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Abstract: Transfatty acids (TFA)are fatty acids that contain at least one double bond that is in thetransconfiguration. TFA are consumed mainly with industrial partially hydrogenated vegetable fats that are used in the production of margarines and “shortenings”. The consumption of ruminant TFA provide another source of TFA in European countries. TFA consumption generally increases total cholesterol and decreases high density lipoprotein cholesterol and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The results of some large-scale epidemiological studies suggest that the increased cardiovascular disease risk with the consumption of TFA is possibly greater than would be predicted from changes in plasma lipid levels alone. The experience from different countries shows that the elimination of TFA is a cost effective and feasible public health intervention. Based on the scientific evidence, the consumption of TFA should be further targeted aiming to further reduce of TFA in fast food products and the implementation of newer industrial methods that produce vegetable oils with lower (or even zero) amounts of TFA. Keywords: Trans fatty acids, fatty acids, lipids, diet, cardiovascular disease, cholesterol, hydrogenated oil. |
Abstract : Influence of Supplementing Pasture-Based Primiparous Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows with Crude Degummed Canola Oil on Milk Fatty Acid Composition
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Abstract: The quest for alternative sources of healthy nutrients that facilitate the modification of milk without compromising drinking quality is a continuous research endeavour. The objective of the study was to quantify the milk fatty acid composition of pasture-based primiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows supplemented with crude degummed canola oil (CDCO) with a view to improving the milk quality for beneficial health effects. This study tested the hypothesis that incremental supplementation of grazing primiparous Holstein-Friesian cows with CDCO will alter milk fatty acid composition towards increased total monounsaturates. Comparisons were made between unsupplemented grazing dairy cows and their peers on dietary supplements containing low (25ml/Kg DM), medium (35ml/Kg DM) or high levels (50ml/kg DM) of CDCO in addition to ad libitum grazing access to pasture. There was no significant effect (p>0.05) of CDCO supplementation for eight weeks on the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (tPUFA), omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids in milk. However, significant impacts of CDCO were observed on the proportions of 18:1ω9c, 18:1ω7t, total saturated (tSFA) and total monounsaturated (tMUFA) fatty acids (p<0.005), with a significant increase in the tMUFA/tSFA ratio in cows consuming CDCO. It was concluded that incremental levels of CDCO supplementation can modify the fatty acid composition of milk towards increased monounsaturates without any negative impact on grazing primiparous cows. Keywords: Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Saturated Fatty Acids, omega-3, omega-6. |
Abstract : Megestrol Acetate as a Treatment for Anorexia in Hemodialysis Patients
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Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of megestrol acetate as a treatment for anorexia in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: From 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2010, 29 patients in our Hemodialysis Unit were treated with megestrol acetate (initial dose: 160 mg / day) for anorexia associated with a decrease in dry body weight. Sixteen patients had a protein-energy wasting syndrome. Results: Appetite improved in 25 patients, but the initial dose of megestrol acetate had to be increased in 8 patients. At three months, there was an increase in dry body weight (63.4 vs 61.9 kg, p=0.002), serum albumin level (3.98 vs 3.77 g/dl, p<0.001), serum creatinine level (10.5 vs 9.6 mg/dl, p=0.016) and protein catabolic rate (1.21 vs 0.98 g / kg / day, p < 0.001). The response was independent of the cause of anorexia. A bioelectrical impedance analysis, carried out in 9 patients, showed that treatment with megestrol acetate increased the body cell mass and changed the distribution of body water by increasing intracellular water. The megestrol acetate treatment was well-tolerated and no patients left the study due to side effects or adverse reactions. Conclusions: Megestrol acetate improves appetite and nutritional parameters in anorexic patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis. Keywords: Anorexia, Hemodialysis, Malnutrition, Megestrol acetate. |
Abstract : Empirical Analysis of Body Constitution and Food Intake in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes from a TCM Perspective
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Abstract: This study examined the correlations between body constitution (BC) and food intake in a sample of persons with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) from a perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Past research on BC of persons with diabetes (DM) from a TCM perspective revealed imbalanced state of Yin and Yang in terms of Yin-deficiency (YID), Yang-deficiency (YAD), and Yin-Yang-deficiency (YYD). However, no studies have attempted to find out if daily food intake has an influence on Yin–Yang balance. The present study adapted a mixed method, which constituted of two phases. Phase one involved an exploratory case study (n=18) conducted between May and June 2011 and phase two, a descriptive correlation study (n=210) between October and December 2013. Results showed that in phase-one, three cases showed YID and higher food intake in hot/warm nature, 12 cases with YAD and higher food intake in cold/cool nature while three cases with Yin-Yang-deficiency (YYD) and extremely high food intake in cold/cool nature. In phase-two, Spearman’s correlation coefficient between food intake and YID presentations (YIDPs) (hot/warm food: rho=0.34, p=0.000; cold/cool food: rho= 0.18, p=0.006); YAD presentations (YADPs) (hot/warm food: rho=0.18, p=0.008; cold/cool food: rho=0.2, p=0.006); and YYD presentations (YYDPs) (hot/warm food: rho=0.29, p=0.006; cold/cool food: rho=0.2, p=0.003) have been noted. The findings concluded that persons with T2DM and YIDPs, YADPs, or YYDPs tend to have food intakes higher in hot/warm nature or cold/cool nature. Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes, Yin-Yang theory, Yin-Yang interaction, body constitution, Yin-deficiency, Yang-deficiency, Yin-Yang-deficiency, TCM food properties, mixed method study. |
