Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Fiber in human nutrition'

The ability of wheat bran and oat hulls to bind copper and zinc using a new chromatographic technique was investigated and compared to a centrifugation method. Also investigated was the bioavailability of copper which had been exogenously bound to wheat bran then fed to mice and rats. Wheat bran bound 6 mg Cu/g fiber when pH was raised to 7. Less binding occurred at lower pHs. Seven mg of zinc bound to wheat bran at pH 5 while only a trace bound at pH less than 2. Oat hulls bound 3 mg Cu/g fiber at pH 5, and less than 1 mg of zinc bound per g of oat hull at pH 6. Binding for both fibers depended on the level of mineral added to the fiber slurry during incubation. But only wheat bran binding capacity was influenced by pH. The two methods used did not compare favorably, in all cases, to the amount of mineral bound to fiber. Copper when bound to wheat bran, was utilized in both species, with differences occurring between species was noted. Rats fed the copper bound diet compared favorably with rats fed the copper-adequate diet as determined by body weight, weight gain, heart weight, liver copper concentration and heart copper concentration. Mice, on the other hand showed similar liver and heart concentrations of copper for mice fed either the copper-bound diet or the copper-adequate diets. The in vitro results showed that binding of copper or zinc to wheat bran occurred at a pH similar to the intestinal pH and wheat bran binds more copper and zinc than oat hulls. Oat hulls may prove to be a better dietary fiber source for those people who need to increase their dietary fiber, because oat hulls do not appear to bind copper or zinc and would not likely impair their absorption. Although wheat bran had a high binding capacity for copper, this binding did not significantly inhibit copper absorption as determined in animal studies suggesting that fiber-mineral binding (at least for copper bound to wheat bran) does not cause mineral deficiency symptoms as claimed by many researchers.

Mineral binding capacity of rice bran, oat hull, soy bran, wheat bran, peanut, apple, tomato, and barley fiber were investigated. Defatted fibers were analyzed for ash, protein, acid detergent fiber, and lignin. The fibers were washed with 1% HCl and Acid washed samples were studied for their mineral binding ability. The minerals tested were zinc, copper, and magnesium. Analysis of acid washed samples showed that most of the original minerals had been stripped from the fiber. In most of the fibers studied, the order of binding was copper > zinc > magnesium. Among the eight fibers studied, oat hull and apple fiber had the lowest consistent binding capacity for the three minerals investigated. This in vitro binding study has been run to duplicate intestinal condition of pH 6.8.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of different types and levels of dietary fiber on Heligmosomoides polygrus (Nematoda) in laboratory mice. BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of seven diets: no fiber, cellulose (5%, 10%, 20%), and pectin (5%, 10%, 20) and infected with H. polygyrus one week later. The length of intestine increased significantly with the concentration of pectin and was associated with longer villi, thicker mucosa and increased villus/crypt ratio. In contrast, changing concentration of cellulose had minimal effects on the gastrointestinal tract. More day 5 larvae were found in mice fed 20% pectin, but neither type nor level of dietary fiber affected worm survival or spatial distribution. An increase from 5% to 10% pectin increased per capita egg production both in vivo and in vitro, but a further increase to 20% pectin decreased per capita egg production in vivo to the low level seen in mice fed no fiber. However when the parasites from mice fed 20% pectin diet were cultured in vitro, they released very high numbers of eggs. Changing concentration of cellulose had no effect on parasite egg production in vivo or in vitro. Our study supports the hypothesis that pectin promotes the establishment and reproduction of Heligmosomoides polygyrus, and that this is closely related to the changes in gut morphology. Therefore we conclude that cellulose, not pectin, should be used to balance reduced content of macronutrients in studies on malnutrition and nematode infection.

[Truncated abstract] Obesity is now a major public health problem worldwide. More than half the Australian population is now overweight. This is an important public health concern primarily because of the impact of overweight and obesity on risk of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Many strategies have been proposed to fight the obesity epidemic. One possible strategy involves understanding of the role of dietary components in the control of food intake. In this regard, dietary protein and fibre appear to be the most satiating nutrients. Foods enriched in protein, replacing energy from carbohydrate, or dietary fibre can increase satiety and reduce energy intake in the short-term. Longer-term trials suggest benefits of increasing protein or fibre intake on weight loss and features of the metabolic syndrome. The effects of dietary approaches which increase both protein and fibre at the expense of refined carbohydrate are uncertain. A practical approach to increasing both protein and fibre content of processed foods is to incorporate high protein and fibre ingredients into high carbohydrate foods. Lupin kernel flour is a novel food ingredient derived from the endosperm of lupin. It contains 40 to 45% protein, 25 to 30% fibre, and negligible sugar and starch. Lupin kernel flour can be incorporated into refined carbohydrate rich foods such as bread to increase protein and fibre content at the expense of refined carbohydrate. ... Body weight was measured every 2 weeks throughout the 16 week intervention, and these data were analysed to determine whether there was any between group difference in the rate of change in weight over 16 weeks. Over 16 weeks, lupin bread compared to white bread resulted in a significant increase in protein (13.7 (2.3, 25.0) g/d) and fibre (12.5 (8.8, 16.2) g/d) intakes, and a decrease in carbohydrate intake (-19.9 (-45.2, 5.5) g/d). There was a significant difference between groups in the rate of weight change over the 16 weeks (P=0.05). However, at 16 weeks there was no significant effect on body weight (-0.4 (-1.3, 0.6) kg), fat mass (-0.5 (-1.2, 0.2) kg) or fat free mass (0.2 (-0.5, 0.8) kg). Plasma adiponectin and leptin were not altered. Mean 24 hour systolic blood pressure (-2.4 (-3.4, -1.3) mm Hg) and pulse pressure (-3.1 (-3.9, -2.3) mm Hg) were lower for lupin relative to white bread, but diastolic blood pressure was not significantly different between groups. Apart from a lower HDL cholesterol for lupin relative to white bread (-0.09 (-0.17, -0.01) mmol/L), there were no significant differences in other blood lipids and glucose and insulin concentrations. Interpretation of the results was not influenced after adjustment for potential confounding factors. These studies assessed effects of bread enriched in lupin kernel flour relative to white bread, resulting in a higher protein and fibre intake and lower refined carbohydrate intake. This increased satiety and reduced energy intake acutely, but did not significantly influence body weight over 16 weeks. Systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were significantly reduced. There were no significant improvements in blood lipids or glucose and insulin concentrations. Therefore, increasing protein and fibre intake at the expense of refined carbohydrate using lupin kernel flour may benefit satiety and blood pressure. Longer-term trials incorporating weight loss may be needed to observe benefits on body weight.

Several etiological models of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children have been proposed but no one model has been able to adequately account for the symptoms of all children with RAP. The present study proposed that symptom presentation may provide a basis for treatment selection. Two etiological models were tested in the present study: the constipation model and the operant learning model. Subjects were assigned to either model based upon whether or not they presented with symptoms of constipation. The treatments derived from these two models were: daily dietary fiber supplements, and teaching children relaxation skills and teaching parents to respond to their child’s pain complaints by encouraging their child to cope with pain through relaxation. Thirteen subjects between the ages of six and 12 years of age were treated in a nonconcurrent multiple baseline A-B or A-B-C design. To control for nonspecific effects, some subjects in each model received the treatment suggested by the alternative model first. All four subjects in the constipation model showed substantial reductions in stomachache activity following the introduction of the dietary fiber treatment. Of the nine subjects in the operant learning model, one showed substantial reductions in stomachache activity following the introduction of the relaxation and parent instruction treatment, two showed reductions during both treatments, four responded to the dietary fiber treatment, and two showed no response to treatment. Results support the effectiveness of a dietary fiber treatment for children with RAP with symptoms of constipation. Minimal support was obtained for the effectiveness of a relaxation and parent instruction treatment for children with RAP without symptoms of constipation. Limitations, implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Ph. D.

Orientador: Admar Costa de Oliveira
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos
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Resumo: O baixo valor nutritivo das proteínas de leguminosas representa um de seus maiores problemas, sendo tipicamente inferior ao das proteínas animais. Alguns fatores responsáveis são conhecidos, porém, tem sido conferida alguma atenção à ação das fibras alimentares e substâncias semelhantes no organismo, embora os estudos sejam poucos. Neste estudo foram determinados o valor nutritivo e os teores de fibra alimentar e amido resistente de dietas contendo grãos das leguminosas: ervilha (Pisum sativum L.), feijão-comum (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), grão-de-bico (Cicer arietinum L.) e lentilha (Lens culinaris Med.). As leguminosas foram utilizadas como fonte protéica (12%) das dietas fornecidas ad libitum em ensaio biológico de 14 dias, utilizando-se 96 ratos albinos machos da linhagem Wistar, com 21-23 dias de vida e peso de 45-50g. Foram realizados também tratamentos para controle contendo caseína igualmente ao nível protéico de 12% e aprotéico para fins corretivos. Conforme os dados de Digestibilidade Aparente e Corrigida pela Dieta Aprotéica (DA e DCDA, respectivamente), Quociente de Eficiência Protéica Líquida (NPR) e Eficiência Alimentar (QEA), o grão-de-bico foi a leguminosa de maior destaque devido aos teores próximos aos da dieta contendo caseína, reconhecida por sua qualidade nutricional e por não ter sido detectada fibra solúvel nos seus grãos. Os resultados obtidos com a dieta contendo grão-de-bico foram 74,80 ± 3,29% para DCDA, 4,28 ± 0,41 para o NPR, e 0,47 ± 0,05 para o QEA, enquanto que os da dieta contendo caseína foram 85,21 ± 2,97% para DCDA, 4,24 ± 0,41 para o NPR, e 0,48 ± 0,05 para o QEA. Para o valor nutritivo de dietas contendo ervilha também se constatou qualidade da proteína, pois se por um lado foi obtida digestibilidade inferior à dos demais grupos (à exceção da dieta de feijão-comum), por outro, os resultados de NPR (4,53 ± 0,71) e de QEA (0,47 ± 0,10), indicadores da qualidade e eficiência da proteína da dieta e da dieta, respectivamente, foram equivalentes ou até superiores aos do grupo controle. O valor nutritivo do feijão-comum e da lentilha foi inferior ao das leguminosas ervilha e grão-de-bico, sendo que a eficiência nutricional dos alimentos pode em parte estar relacionada à quantidade presente de fibras e substâncias semelhantes. Para fibra alimentar solúvel verificou-se correlação negativa significativa para todos os índices de valor nutritivo, indicando ser este um dos fatores responsáveis pela diminuição da digestibilidade de proteína (r = -0,6582, p<0,001), especialmente no caso da dieta de feijão-comum que demonstrou os maiores conteúdos de fibra alimentar solúvel (1,41 ± 0,15 g/100g) e os menores valores de digestibilidade (47,59 ± 10,04%). Maiores conteúdos de Fibra Alimentar Insolúvel foram associados ao menor Quociente de Eficiência Protéica Líquida ¿ NPR, (r = -0,5296, p<0,001), mas sem correlação significativa com a digestibilidade de proteína. Houve correlação positiva entre os teores de Amido Resistente nas dietas e a digestibilidade (r = 0,7098, p<0,001), com melhoria da digestão da proteína fornecida nas dietas experimentais
Abstract: The low nutritional value of legumes proteins represents one of its notable problems, being typically lower than animal proteins. Some responsible factors are known, however some attention has been given to the action of dietary fibers and similar substances in the organism, even so the studies are few. In this study, the nutritional value and dietary fiber and resistant starch levels of legumes grains: pea (Pisum sativum L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) e lentil (Lens culinaris Med.) were determined. Legumes were used as protein source (12%) of the diets supplied ad libitum in a biological assay of 14 days using 96 male albine Wistar rats with 21 to 23-days-old and 45-50g weight. Control treatments with casein also having protein level of 12% and free-protein diet for corrective proposals had been carried. According to the data of apparent digestibility and corrected by the free-protein diet (DA and DCDA, respectively), Net Protein Ratio (NPR) and Quotient of Alimentary Efficiency (QEA), chickpea was the leguminous of higher prominence due to values next to the ones of the casein diet recognized for yours nutritional quality and for not having been detected soluble fiber in its grains. The results founded for the diet containing chickpea were 74.80 ± 3.29% for DCDA, 4.28 ± 0.41 for the NPR, and 0.47 ± 0.05 for the QEA, while the results for the diet containing casein were 85.21 ± 2.97% for DCDA, 4.24 ± 0.41 for the NPR, and 0.48 ± 0.05 for the QEA. For the nutritional value of diets containing pea, protein quality was also verified, because if by one side it was founded a lower digestibility in comparison to the other groups (with exception to common-bean diet), on the other hand, the results of NPR (4.53 ± 0.71) and QEA (0.47 ± 0.10) indicators of quality and efficiency of the diet protein and the diet, respectively, values were equal or even higher than the control group. The nutritional value of common-bean and lentil were lower than the peas and chickpea legumes, considering that nutritional efficiency of foods can be, at least in part, associated with the levels of dietary fiber and related substances. For soluble dietary fiber it was verified significantly negative correlation for all nutritional value indices, indicating to be one of the responsible factors for diminishing the protein digestibility (r = -0,6582, p<0,001), especially for the diet containing common-bean, that has the highest contents of soluble dietary fiber (1.41 ± 0.15 g/100g) and the lowest values of digestibility (47.59 ± 10.04%). Higher levels of insoluble dietary fiber were associated with lower Net Protein Ratio ¿ NPR (r = -0.5296, p<0.001) but without significantly correlation with protein digestibility. There was positive correlation between resistant starch contents in the diets and digestibility (r = 0,7098, p<0,001), improving the digestion of the protein supplied by the experimental diets
Mestrado
Nutrição Experimental e Aplicada à Tecnologia de Alimentos
Mestre em Alimentos e Nutrição

The effect of diets with various dietary fiber sources on the plasma lipids, liver cholesterol, the histology of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, liver and kidney and the fecal neutral steroid excretion was investigated in hamsters. 155, 9-11 wk old, male Golden-syrian hamsters were fed a purified basal hypercholesterolemic diet (0.1% cholesterol, 10% fat, 4% dietary fiber) for 5 wk to elevate plasma lipid levels. Based on wk 4 plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels hamsters with elevated levels were randomly assigned, 16 animals/group, into six groups for another 4 wk: control, oat bran, guar gum, cellulose, xylan and sacrifice. After 4 wk of the fiber diets (10% dietary fiber), the plasma TC levels were significantly lowered in the oat bran, guar gum and xylan groups (16%, 12% and 15%, respectively) (p<.05). They were also significantly lower than the control and cellulose groups. Plasma HDL-C concentrations tended to be lower in all the treatment groups, but was significantly decreased only in the guar gum group (12%) (p<.05). The combined plasma VLDL-C + LDL-C was significantly lowered by the oat bran, cellulose and xylan diets (38%, 40% and 34%, respectively) (p<.05). The liver cholesterol concentration increased significantly from 1 mg cholesterol/g liver to 4.1 mg cholesterol/g liver (p<.05) after 4 wk of the control diet; this was further increased significantly only in the cellulose group (5.6 mg cholesterol/g liver), while the other treatment groups showed no significant changes or differences compared to the control diet group (wk 4). The total fecal neutral steroid excretion was significantly (p<.05) higher in the oat bran group compared to the other treatment groups. No major differences were observed in the tissue histology of the animals in the different treatment groups. In the present study, it appeared that oat bran, guar gum and xylan were effective hypocholesterolemic agents; however, their mechanism of action is still not clear.
Ph. D.

Orientador: Hilary Castle de Menezes
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos
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Resumo: Existem consideráveis perdas de produtos agrícolas nas diversas etapas da cadeia produtiva, desde a produção no campo até o momento de consumo, passando pela elevada geração de resíduos no processamento agroindustrial de produtos animais e vegetais. Estima-se que o aproveitamento das matérias¿primas vegetais não ultrapasse 80% a 85% e que os resíduos gerados possam chegar a até 30%. Além da preservação ambiental, o aproveitamento desses resíduos abrange questões econômicas e sociais. O Brasil é um grande produtor mundial de maracujá, principalmente o amarelo, e o albedo, resíduo do consumo ¿in natura¿ e do processamento, representa 12% a 32% da fruta. Os resíduos das frutas e hortaliças comumente podem conter fibras, vitaminas, minerais, substâncias fenólicas e flavonóides, entre outros, que podem ser benéficos à saúde humana, mas também podem possuir compostos tóxicos e antinutricionais que necessitam ser eliminados antes do uso. Pesquisas sobre os resíduos vegetais do processamento agroindustrial têm envolvido o tratamento dos resíduos; a extração de componentes específicos dos resíduos, como a pectina e o óleo das sementes do maracujá; e o aproveitamento integral dos resíduos em produtos alimentícios, como o uso de fibras da polpa de laranja em produtos de panificação e de casca de melancia para a produção de picles e cristalizado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de incrementar as informações sobre o albedo do maracujá e sugerir seu aproveitamento integral na elaboração de um produto alimentício de conveniência com frutas, disponibilizando um processo para a eliminação de seus compostos cianogênicos; determinar a composição e as propriedades físicas e funcionais do albedo; e obter o produto barra de cereais, adicionado do albedo de maracujá tratado, com maior teor de pectina, satisfatória aceitação sensorial, seguro e estável. O albedo de maracujá amarelo foi submetido a diversas formas de processamento para a eliminação dos compostos cianogênicos; caracterizado por análises da composição (sólidos solúveis totais; pH; acidez total titulável; composição centesimal; minerais ¿ cálcio, potássio e ferro; teor e composição da fibra alimentar; teor de pectina; compostos cianogênicos; inibição de tripsina; e taninos), das propriedades físicas (índices de absorção de água, de solubilidade em água e de absorção de óleo; volume de intumescimento; tamanho de partícula; viscosidade; cor objetiva) e funcionais (índice de retardamento na difusão de glicose e digestibilidade de amido, ambos in vitro) e por microscopia ótica da estrutura celular; e utilizado, após tratamento para a eliminação de compostos cianogênicos, na elaboração das barras de cereais. Este trabalho mostrou a interessante composição do albedo, principalmente quanto ao conteúdo de fibras, como a pectina, que conferem boas propriedades físicas e funcionais a esse resíduo; a presença de compostos cianogênicos no albedo de maracujá amarelo, que necessitam ser eliminados para o uso desse resíduo; algumas formas de processamento para a eliminação dos compostos cianogênicos do albedo, envolvendo o cozimento, e as baixas ações das enzimas endógenas e dos microrganismos contaminantes nesse processo; e a possibilidade de aproveitamento do albedo tratado na elaboração de barras de cereais
Abstract: Along the various stages of the productive chain, considerable losses of agricultural products occur, from the production in the field to the moment of consumption, with a considerable production of waste products during the agro-industrial processing of animal and vegetable products. It is estimated that the exploitation of vegetable raw materials never exceeds 80% to 85% and that the waste can reach 30%. In addition to environmental preservation, the exploitation of these waste materials also touches on economic and social aspects. Brazil is one of the greatest World producers of passion fruit, mainly the yellow variety, and the albedo, a waste product of both ¿in nature¿ consumption and processing, represents from 12% to 32% of the fruit. Fruit and vegetable waste usually contains fibres, vitamins, minerals and phenolic and flavanoid substances, amongst others, which could be beneficial to human health but which may also contain toxic and anti-nutritional compounds, which must be removed before use. Research on agro-industrial vegetable processing waste has involved treatment of the waste; the extraction of specific components from the residues, such as pectin and the seed oil from passion fruit waste; and the total exploitation of the waste in food products, such as the use of orange pulp fibres in bakery products and the use of water melon skin in the production of pickles and crystallized fruit. The objective of this work was to increment the information on passion fruit albedo and suggest its total exploitation in a convenience food product with fruits, making available a process for eliminating its cyanogenic compounds; determining the composition and physical and functional properties of the albedo; and obtaining a safe and stable cereal bar product with addition of the treated passion fruit albedo, presenting a high pectin content and satisfactory sensory acceptance. The passion fruit albedo was submitted to various forms of processing aiming at eliminating the cyanogenic compounds. It was characterised by being submitted to a component analysis (total soluble solids; pH; total titratable acidity; proximate composition; calcium, potassium and iron contents; composition and content of food fibre; pectin content; cyanogenic compounds; trypsin inhibition and tannin content). It was also submitted to an analysis of its physical properties (water absorption index, water solubility index, oil absorption index, swelling index, particle size, viscosity, objective colour evaluation) and to an analysis of its functional properties (in vitro determination of the glucose diffusion retardation index and starch digestibility index). It was also submitted to an optical microscope analysis of the cellular structure and used, after treatment for the elimination of the cyanogenic compounds, in the elaboration of a cereal bar. The study showed an interesting composition of the albedo, principally with respect to the fibre contents, such as pectin, which confer good physical and functional properties on the residue. It was also analysed with respect to the presence of cyanogenic compounds, which must be removed before use, and some forms of processing studied, aimed at eliminating the cyanogenic compounds from the albedo, including cooking, the weak action of endogenous enzymes and that of microbial contaminants. The possibility of exploiting the treated albedo in the elaboration of a cereal bar was also studied.
Doutorado
Tecnologia de Alimentos
Doutor em Tecnologia de Alimentos

Le maintien ou le renforcement de la masse et de la fonction musculaire, altérées chez les patients BPCO, est un objectif primordial pour préserver, voire améliorer leur tolérance à l'effort, leur qualité de vie et leur survie. Afin d'optimiser la prise en charge de cette dysfonction musculaire, la réhabilitation est complétée par des interventions nutritionnelles, encore appelées réhabilitations nutritionnelles. Dans ce contexte, l'apport d'acides gras polyinsaturés de la série n-3, et plus particulièrement d'acide docosahexaénoïque (DHA), pourrait s'avérer intéressant en raison de leurs effets bénéfiques démontrés dans plusieurs pathologies chroniques. L'objectif de ce travail était donc de caractériser les effets d'une supplémentation en DHA sur la tolérance à l'effort et sur le métabolisme énergétique des muscles squelettiques de rats adultes exposés à une hypoxie comme modèle de muscle de patient BPCO au stade de l'insuffisance respiratoire chronique. La tolérance à l'effort est améliorée par le DHA, que les rats soient conditionnés en normoxie ou en hypoxie. En normoxie, les mécanismes impliqués seraient liés à un effet du DHA mimétique de celui d'un exercice d'endurance, avec une activation de l'AMPK et une amélioration de la fonction mitochondriale étudiée sur fibres musculaires perméabilisées. En hypoxie, le DHA agirait différemment, réduisant les effets de l'hypoxie sur le muscle, sans que les mécanismes mimétiques de l'exercice d'endurance ne soient clairement retrouvés. La prise de DHA chez des rats entrainés et conditionnés en hypoxie permet également un gain d'endurance mais les mécanismes à l'origine de cet effet ne sont pas élucidés et nécessitent des travaux complémentaires. Au vu des résultats sur le muscle, la supplémentation en DHA pourrait donc être bénéfique dans la prise en charge de la dysfonction musculaire dans les maladies chroniques telles que la BPCO.

En els últims anys ha crescut considerablement l’interès per descobrir aliments naturals funcionals amb propietats beneficioses per a l’hoste. En aquest sentit, el cacau ha passat a ser un dels principals subjectes d’estudi pel seu contingut en flavonoides. Són molts els estudis que associen la ingesta de cacau amb efectes beneficiosos sobre la salut. A més, se li han atribuït propietats immunomoduladores en rata. En base a aquests efectes descrits, l’objectiu d’aquesta Tesi Doctoral va ser establir l’efecte de dietes enriquides amb cacau, flavonoides del cacau i fibra de cacau sobre la microbiota intestinal així com sobre la funció immunitària intestinals. Per tal d’assolir aquests objectius, s’han portat a terme estudis preclínics en rata amb una dieta enriquida amb cacau convencional al 10%, dietes elaborades a partir de dos extractes de cacau no fermentats i una dieta amb fibra de cacau. Pel que fa als resultats de microbiota, es va observar diferent patró de composició després de la intervenció nutricional amb les dietes enriquides amb flavonoides del cacau però únicament la dieta de fibra de cacau va mostrar un efecte prebiòtic al promoure el creixement dels gèneres Bifidobacterium i Lactobacillus. A més, la dieta de fibra de cacau va comportar els canvis més pronunciats en la producció d’AGCC en femtes i contingut cecal. Particularment, va augmentar la concentració a nivell fecal i cecal dels àcids acètic, propiònic i butíric. A més, les dietes de cacau i fibra de cacau van modular de forma diferencial l’expressió gènica de TLR en còlon. Quant a les immunoglobulines en el compartiment mucosal, totes les dietes enriquides amb polifenols del cacau van modular la secreció d’IgA intestinal, tot i que de forma no proporcional al seu contingut en flavonoides. La fibra de cacau, depenent del compartiment intestinal estudiat, va exercir un efecte o un altre. Pel que fa al compartiment extraintestinal, tot i que la dieta de fibra de cacau va mostrar el mateix efecte atenuador de la síntesi d’IgA i d’IgM que la dieta de cacau, el mecanisme d’acció va ser diferent. A més, totes les dietes enriquides amb flavonoides del cacau, van disminuir la seva proporció de bacteris fecals units a IgA independentment del seu contingut en flavonoides, mentre que aquest percentatge va incrementar amb la dieta de fibra de cacau. Únicament la dieta al 10% de cacau provoca un alentiment en la corba ponderal. Aquest efecte es correlaciona amb els canvis produïts en la microbiota i es pot associar amb la modificació de l’expressió en còlon dels gens implicats en el metabolisme lipídic. Pel que fa al perfil metabòlic en orina, les dietes de cacau i fibra de cacau van provocar patrons diferencials, els quals poden ser usats com a marcadors d’ingesta. El perfil metabòlic es correlacionen amb els efectes del cacau sobre el pes corporal, amb les hormones metabòliques, amb la immunitat intestinal i amb la composició de la microbiota. A més, aquestes variables també mostren correlació entre si. Els efectes del cacau són el resultat de la suma del efectes del components bioactius present en el cacau: polifenols i fibra de cacau, els quals exerceixen efectes sinèrgics o bé contraris depenent de la variable estudiada. Altres components del cacau també estan involucrats en aquests efectes.
In the last few years, cocoa has become one of the main subjects of study due to its high content in flavonoids. Several studies have associated the cocoa intake with health benefits. Moreover, immunomodulatory properties in rats have been also attributed to cocoa. On this basis, the aim of the present thesis was to establish the impact of diets enriched with cocoa, cocoa flavonoids or cocoa fiber on the fecal microbiota composition and its activity as well as on the immune function in the gut. To achieve this objective, preclinical studies were carried out in rats fed a 10% conventional cocoa-enriched diet, diets elaborated with different amounts of non- fermented cocoa extracts and cocoa fiber diet. Regarding microbiota results, differential composition pattern was observed after all the experimental diets intake but only the cocoa fiber diet increased the Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. proportion. In addition, the cocoa fiber diet was the one which caused the most pronounced changes in the short chain fatty acids (SCFA) production. Particularly, it increased the cecal and fecal concentration of acetic, propionic and butyric acids. Moreover, both the 10%-cocoa diet and cocoa fiber diets differentially modulated the TLR gene expression in the colon. Concerning the mucosal immunoglobulin production, all cocoa polyphenol-enriched diets modulated the intestinal IgA secretion although this effect was not proportional to their flavonoid content. The cocoa fiber diet also exerted an effect on intestinal IgA secretion but in a different way depending on the compartment. Focusing on the extraintestinal compartment, although the cocoa fiber diet showed the same down- modulatory effect on IgA and IgM secretion as the cocoa diet, its mechanisms were different. In addition, all cocoa flavonoid-enriched diets decreased IgA-coated bacteria proportion in a non-dose dependent manner whereas this percentage increased by the cocoa fiber intake The 10% cocoa diet was the only one that caused a slower body weight gain. This effect is correlated with the microbiota modulation. The change induced by cocoa diet on the expression of genes involved in the lipid metabolism in the colon could be also involved. Regarding the urinary metabolites, the cocoa and the coca fiber diets caused differential metabolic profile that can be used as consumption marker. The metabolic fingerprint correlated well with the body weight, the metabolic hormones, the intestinal immunity and the microbiota composition. Moreover, all these variables showed also an association between them. Therefore, the effects produced by cocoa intake are due to the differential effects caused by each one of its main bioactive compounds - polyphenols and fiber - which act in a synergistic or opposite manner depending on the variable. Other cocoa compounds are also involved in such effects.

2 pp.
Even dietary fiber is not considered a nutrient, health professionals agree that most Americans don't get nearly enough in their diet. So, why is fiber important? what does fiber do? This article answers the questions regarding diet fiber by providing information on the practical aspects of fiber in the diet as well as food sources and their dietary fiber content.

The Wheat Bran Fiber (WBF) trial was a double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial in which participants were randomized to receive a cereal fiber supplement of either 2.0 or 13.5 g/day to determine whether the high-fiber supplement could decrease the risk of recurrent colorectal adenomas. No effect of the supplement was observed. However, there are several issues in the WBF trial that remain to be explored, including whether there were non-supplemental dietary changes throughout the course of the study, and whether baseline fiber intake or the amount of fiber consumed by participants during the trial were associated with adenoma recurrence. With regard to changes in nutrient intake, no significant differences were found between the high-fiber and low-fiber groups at any of the three time points. Therefore, data from the two treatment groups were combined to assess longitudinal change during the study. Participants significantly decreased their fat intake during the trial, but the intake of most micronutrients was increased. With regard to food groups, the number of servings of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products did not change appreciably, while servings from the fat and meat groups were significantly decreased. The intake of cereals, breads and crackers increased significantly, possibly due to the addition of the cereal supplement to the diet. Furthermore, it is likely that the increase in micronutrient intake can be attributed to the consumption of the study supplement. The next issue was whether baseline fiber intake was associated with risk of adenoma recurrence. No association was found between the amount of fiber consumed at baseline and adenoma recurrence, nor did baseline fiber intake modify the effect of treatment group. Finally, it was important to determine whether the amount of fiber consumed during the WBF trial, regardless of treatment group, was associated with adenoma recurrence. There were no significant associations between amount of.

Conoscenze preesistenti: Le transglutaminasi (TGase) sono una classe di enzimi ampiamente diffusa tra gli organismi procarioti ed eucarioti. Gli enzimi di questa famiglia catalizzano modifiche post-traduzionali in molte proteine attraverso reazioni di trasferimento dell’acile, reazioni di deaminazione e di crosslinking (polimerizzazione) tra residui peptidici di lisina (accettore di acile) e glutammina (donatore di acile) intra- o inter-catena proteica. A causa della sua facilità di espressione e di purificazione, l’unica TGase ampiamente usata per le applicazioni industriali è la TGase microbica estratta da Streptomyces mobaraensis (MTGase). Oggigiorno la MTGase è disponibile in commercio ed è ampiamente usata nell’industria dei biopolimeri, in cosmetica, per applicazioni cliniche, nell’industria tessile della lana e soprattutto nell’industria alimentare. La sua abilità di catalizzare legami crociati in molti substrati proteici differenti è sempre più usata non solo per la produzione di salsicce, prosciutti e formaggi ma, molto recentemente, anche per la detossificazione della farina, come possibile terapia alternativa alla dieta senza glutine. Ne consegue che oggigiorno le applicazioni industriali della MTGase stiano aumentando, coinvolgendo sempre più settori e producendo una ricerca scientifica su questo argomento sempre più fervente, allo scopo di tentare di rispondere a specifiche esigenze industriali, come l’implementazione di sistemi di purificazione della MTGase più efficienti, la ricerca di fonti alternative di transglutaminasi microbica, e di fonti sicure di enzimi ricombinanti. Scopo del progetto di dottorato: lo scopo principale del progetto è l’identificazione di nuove forme di transglutaminasi microbica che possano diventare un’alternativa a quella attualmente in uso. È stata eseguita un’analisi approfondita delle sequenze note allo scopo di ottenere una classificazione delle TGase microbiche attraverso la loro similarità a forme note. Per selezionare le migliori candidate che possano essere forme attive in appropriate condizioni, le sequenze selezionate sono state soggette di modellamento molecolare e simulazioni molecolari. Per testare l’attività enzimatica, sono stati effettuati dei saggi sperimentali su una nuova forma trovata ed un’ulteriore nuova forma è stata espressa. Risultati: il presente lavoro propone in primo luogo un’analisi, ad oggi assente, dell’ampio panorama delle transglutaminasi microbiche, sviluppando la prima classificazione delle TGase microbiche basata sulle loro caratteristiche di sequenza e sulle loro specifiche strutture secondarie predette. Al fine di classificare ed analizzare le caratteristiche strutturali di tutte le sequenze annotate come aventi un TGase core, sono state utilizzate tecniche computazionali che coinvolgono analisi di sequenza, studi comparativi, costruzione di alberi filogenetici, modellamento per omologia e simulazioni di dinamica molecolare. Tramite questo approccio, è stata effettuata una classificazione preliminare di queste sequenze dividendole in cinque gruppi principali. Ogni gruppo è stato studiato dal punto di vista delle sequenze per analizzare la presenza di motifs specifici. Per tre di questi cinque gruppi, sono state studiate anche le strutture secondarie e, da questa analisi, sono state rilevate caratteristiche specifiche per ogni gruppo. Inoltre, due nuove forme di TGase microbica (mTGase) sono state studiate in dettaglio: K. albida mTGase e l’ipotetica mTGase da SaNDy (organismo non rivelato per possibilità di brevetto). Per la prima, in comparazione con la MTGase, sono state effettuate analisi della tasca relativa al sito attivo e simulazioni di dinamica molecolare. Per la seconda, invece, sono state utilizzate tecniche sperimentali per purificare l’ipotetico enzima al fine di testarne l’attività su substrati alimentari. Saggi sperimentali su entrambe le proteine sono ancora in corso, al fine di trovare le migliori condizioni di attività enzimatica e i migliori substrati di reazione. Le simulazioni di dinamica molecolare eseguite sulla mTGase di K. albida hanno suggerito alcune spiegazioni alla maggiore specificità di questo enzima rispetto alla MTGase, dimostrata sperimentalmente da Steffan e colleghi, ed alcune indicazioni per variare le condizioni di attività usate per testarla. Inoltre, l’analisi dei substrati ha permesso di trovare nuovi possibili substrati, sui quali l’enzima potrebbe essere impiegato ai fini della riduzione delle allergenicità. D’altro canto, l’enzima estratto da SaNDy, mostrando una più alta somiglianza con la MTGase, potrebbe essere meno selettivo della mTGase da K. albida nei confronti di specifici substrati, pertanto potrebbe essere possibile una sua applicazione anche su substrati gliadinici, tuttavia, per provare ciò, sono necessari ulteriori esperimenti. Note: il presente lavoro di dottorato è stato principalmente svolto presso il Laboratorio di Bioinformatica del CNR di Avellino sotto la supervisione del Dr. Facchiano, tuttavia, tutte le simulazioni di dinamica molecolare sono state eseguite presso il Dipartimento di Biochimica dell’Università di Zurigo, nel laboratorio di biologia strutturale e computazionale sotto la supervisione del Prof. A. Caflisch e del suo gruppo di ricerca (periodo di formazione all’estero obbligatorio). I saggi di attività sperimentale sul substrato gliadinico sono stati effettuati dal laboratorio di spettrometria di massa CeSMA-ProBio presso il CNR di Avellino; e l’ipotetica mTGase da SaNDy è stata invece clonata, espressa e purificata durante la collaborazione con il laboratorio di Molecular Sensing presso il CNR of Avellino.
Background: transglutaminases (TGase) are a class of enzymes widely spread in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Enzymes of this family catalyze post-translational modifications in many proteins by acyl transfer reactions, deamidation and crosslinking (polymerisation) between protein intra- or inter-chain glutamine (acyl donor) and lysine (acyl acceptor) peptide residues. Due to its facility of expression and purification, the only TGase enzyme widely used for industrial applications is the microbial TGase extracted from Streptomyces mobaraensis (MTGase). Nowadays the MTGase is commercially available and widely used in biopolymers industry, in cosmetics, in clinical applications, in wool textiles, and above all in the food processing industry. Its ability to catalyze crosslinks on many different protein substrates is increasingly used not only for sausage, ham and cheese production but, very recently, also for flour detoxification, as a possible alternative therapy to the gluten free diet. It follows that nowadays the industrial applications of MTGase have increased, covering more and more fields producing a very active scientific research about this topic aimed at attempt to meet specific industrial needs, as the implementation of more efficient system for MTGase production, the research of alternative sources of microbial TGase, and safe source of recombinant enzymes. Aims of the doctorate project: the main aim of the project is the identification of novel forms of microbial TGases that could become an alternative to that in use. A depth screening of known sequences has been performed, with the aim of obtaining a classification of microbial TGases for their similarity to known forms. To select the best candidates to be active forms under appropriate conditions, molecular modelling and molecular simulations have been performed on selected sequences. To test the enzymatic activity, experimental assays have been performed with a novel form, and another novel form has been expressed. Results: the present work proposes at first an analysis, lacking so far, of the wide microbial transglutaminase world, developing the first classification of the microbial TGase based on their sequence features and their specific predicted secondary structures. In order to classify and analyze the structural features of all the sequences annotated as having a TGase core computational techniques involving sequence analyses, comparative studies, building of phylogenetic trees, homology models and molecular dynamic simulations have been used. From this approach, a preliminary classification of these sequences was done by dividing them in five main groups. Each group has been investigated from the sequence point of view to analyze the presence of specific motifs. For three of this five groups, also the secondary structures have been investigated and, from this analysis, features specific for each group have been detected. Moreover, two novel forms of microbial TGase (mTGase) have been investigated in the detail: K. albida mTGase and the hypothetical mTGase from SaNDy (organism not disclosed for patent opportunity). Molecular dynamics simulations and active site pocket analyses have been performed for the first, in comparison with MTGase. For the second, instead, experimental technique has been used to purify the hypothetical enzyme in order to test it on food related substrates. Experimental assays on both the proteins are still ongoing, to find the best enzymatic activity conditions and the best substrates of reaction. The molecular dynamic simulations performed on K. albida mTGase have suggested some explanations to the higher specificity of this enzyme than MTGase, experimentally demonstrated by Steffen et colleague, and several indications to change the activity conditions used to test it. Moreover, the substrates screening has allowed to find novel possible substrates, on which this enzyme could be employed for the allergenicity reduction. On the other hand, the enzyme extracted from SaNDy, showing a higher similarity with MTGase, could be less selective than K. albida mTGase for specific substrates, so it could be possible its application also on the gliadin substrate, but to prove it further experiments are necessary. Note: the present PhD work has been mainly performed in the Bioinformatics Laboratory at the CNR of Avellino under Dr. Facchiano’s supervision, however all the MD simulations have been performed at the Biochemistry Department of the University of Zurich, in the computational and structural biology laboratory under the supervision of Prof. A. Caflisch and his research group (compulsory abroad training period). Experimental activity assays on gliadin substrate have been performed by the spectrometry mass CeSMA-ProBio lab at the CNR of Avellino; and the hypothetical mTGase from SaNDy was instead cloned, expressed and purified in collaboration with the Laboratory for Molecular Sensing at the CNR of Avellino.

Insoluble fiber fractions from raw and extruded oat, rice, and wheat brans were isolated, and phytate removed. Soluble and insoluble fiber contents were determined, and mineral binding studies conducted, in vitro. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine if extrusion screw-speeds (50, 70, and 100 rotations per minute) affect the brans' IF content, (2) to determine if extrusion screw-speeds (50, 70, and 100 rotations per minute) affect the IF mineral binding capacity, (3) to determine the total binding capacity of the brans' IF fraction, for Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Zn²⁺, after the removal of phytate, (4) to determine if extrusion processing affects the phytate content of the samples. Raw brans served as controls. A twin-screw extruder, model DNDG-62/20 D was used, where die temperatures, and pressure were: 156 to 169°C/36 to 44 bars, for oat bran; 123 to 130°C/6 bars, for rice bran; and 112 to 122°C/2 bars, for wheat bran. It was found that, extrusion screw-speed did not affect the insoluble fiber content of wheat bran, however, a decrease was observed in rice, and oat bran. High screw-speeds led to an increase in the IF content, of oat and rice bran, whereas wheat bran was not affected. Soluble fiber content increased in all brans, which was attributed to a redistribution of the insoluble fiber. Even after phytate removal, the insoluble fiber, from all brans, bound Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Zn²⁺. Oat bran bound more Cu²⁺ than wheat bran, which, bound more than rice bran. The brans bound equivalent amounts of Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺. Overall, extrusion processing did not affect the brans' insoluble binding fiber capacity, for Cu²⁺, but it seems to have affected the insoluble fiber binding capacity, from rice and oat bran, for Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺. Extrusion did not affect the brans' phytate content.

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la principal causa de mortalidad a nivel mundial. Aunque su origen es multifactorial, entre los factores de riesgo más destacables se encuentran el sobrepeso y la obesidad, así como niveles elevados de lípidos en sangre (dislipemias), cuyas causas más frecuentes son la inactividad física y los malos hábitos alimentarios. Más concretamente, las dietas malsanas suelen caracterizarse por un elevado consumo de calorías, sobre todo en forma de hidratos de carbono y grasa, y un bajo consumo de frutas y verduras. En consecuencia, existe un amplio consenso en torno a la importancia de reducir el consumo de alimentos con un alto contenido en grasa, especialmente en forma de grasas saturadas, trans y colesterol, ya que tienen un efecto hipercolesterolémico; y aumentar el consumo de frutas y verduras, debido a que son una buena fuente de micronutrientes esenciales y fibra. Sin embargo, las estadísticas demuestran que en la mayoría de países industrializados el consumo real de estos alimentos se aleja preocupantemente de las cantidades recomendadas. El consumo de dietas con una elevada presencia de fibra alimentaria se ha correlacionado con un descenso en la incidencia de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Esto es debido a que su consumo está asociado a numerosos efectos beneficiosos, como la capacidad de reducir la absorción de grasa y los niveles de lípidos plasmáticos. No obstante, es importante tener en cuenta que no todas las fibras presentan las mismas propiedades beneficiosas y que el efecto sobre el metabolismo lipídico que tienen los ácidos grasos, principales constituyentes de la grasa de la dieta, puede diferir considerablemente. En base a estos antecedentes, en la presente Tesis Doctoral se estudió y comparó la capacidad de reducir de manera selectiva la absorción de grasa de fibras con diferentes características fisicoquímicas. Más concretamente, se estudió en cobayas el efecto de la goma guar parcialmente hidrolizada, la maltodextrina resistente a la digestión y el quitosano. Para ello, se determinó el efecto de estas fibras sobre la excreción de lípidos, haciendo especial énfasis en la excreción de esteroles neutros, ácidos biliares y, sobretodo, ácidos grasos. Adicionalmente, se evaluó su repercusión sobre el perfil lipídico de muestras biológicas como el plasma o el hígado. Los resultados demuestran que todas las fibras estudiadas presentan capacidad hipolipidémica, aunque ésta puede ser atribuible a diferentes mecanismos. De las fibras estudiadas sólo la fibra quitosano presenta capacidad fat-binding (ligando de grasa) selectiva, ya que muestra menor afinidad por los ácidos grasos saturados de cadenas largas en comparación con aquellos de cadenas más cortas o a los ácidos grasos insaturados. Como resultado de la capacidad fat-binding selectiva del quitosano se observan cambios en el perfil de ácidos grasos del hígado, y sobre todo del plasma, debido a que puede alterar la relación entre ácidos grasos poliinsaturados n-6 y n-3. En conclusión, la presente Tesis Doctoral permite obtener un mayor conocimiento sobre la capacidad hipolipidémica y los mecanismos de acción de fibras de gran interés en la industria alimentaria debido a su posible incorporación en alimentos o a su uso como complementos alimenticios.
Study of the selective fat-binding capacity of dietary fibers and its repercussion on lipid metabolism. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Although its aetiology is multifactorial, high intakes of calories and fats, especially cholesterol-rich fats as well as saturated and trans fatty acids, are widely accepted as major contributing factors. Evidence shows that dietary fiber may play an important role in the prevention of CHD due to its capacity to lower plasma lipid concentrations. In general terms, this effect has mainly been associated with the capacity of dietary fiber to reduce carbohydrate absorption, fat digestibility and bile acid circulation. However, it is widely known that fatty acids, the main constituents of dietary fat, elicit different lipid metabolism responses. Moreover, the beneficial effect of dietary fiber depends on its physicochemical properties. The main aim of this Thesis was to compare the hypolipidemic effect and selective fat-binding capacity of different dietary fibers, namely partially hydrolyzed guar gum, digestion-resistant maltodextrin and chitosan. For this purpose, the effect of these fibers on fatty acid absorption and on neutral sterols and bile acid excretion was determined in guinea pigs. The repercussion of these fibers on the lipid profile of plasma and liver was also evaluated. All the dietary fibers in the study were able to increase lipid excretion, and thus reduce plasma lipids. However, only chitosan was able to selectively reduce fat absorption as its effect on fatty acid excretion was dependent on the chain length and unsaturation degree of the fatty acid. Consequently, chitosan was able to modify the fatty acid profile of liver and plasma, due to changes in the ratio of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, these results confirm that dietary fiber can exert different effects on lipid absorption and metabolism, and provide new insight into the hypolipidemic mechanisms of partially hydrolyzed guar gum, digestion-resistant maltodextrin and chitosan.

Chronic constipation is a common condition that is characterized by infrequent stools, sensation of incomplete defecation, and straining to have a bowel movement. There are no clear guidelines used across healthcare disciplines to diagnose constipation. The Adequate Intake (AI) for total fiber is based on observed median fiber intake level to achieve the lowest level of observed risk of coronary heart disease; while this level may help ameliorate constipation, this outcome was not used as the basis for the AI recommendation. Constipation was defined as < 3 bowel movements per week. There was a statistically significant difference in fiber intake (p < .001), magnesium intake (p = .004), and fluid intake (p = .015) among individuals with irregular bowel movements < 3 per week compared to individuals who had ? 3 bowel movements per week. No association was observed between constipation and regarding physical activity outside of work, both moderate and vigorous. Additional research is needed to address the potential of different types of fiber (soluble vs. insoluble), different fluid intakes (milk, sugar sweetened beverages, coffee, etc.), and how these factors collectively relate to constipation.

Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Human Nutrition
Mark D. Haub
Little is known about the impact of dietary fiber (DF) on children. Current recommendations are based on extrapolations from adult studies. Research is needed to provide science based evidence to determine how DF impacts the gut of children. Two studies were conducted to investigate the interactions of DF in the child large intestine. In the first study, the dose response of DF on breath hydrogen, methane, and total hydrogen content was investigated relative to Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended intakes in free-living preschool children. Only four of the 18 participants were able to comply with the treatment protocol. Although, no significant differences were noted in breath measures of fermentation across fiber consumption levels, there was a numerical pattern for increasing levels of DF to evolved increased gas production in the four compliers. In free-living individuals measures of acute fiber fermentation through breath was not sensitive enough over 6 hours to distinguish a difference in fermentative rate. Children, parents, and child care centers found this approach apparently acceptable. In study two, the impact of DF (10 g) fed over three weeks in children and their parents on metabolic markers of fermentation were evaluated. The body was able to adapt to 10 g/day DF consumption as bloating (p < 0.05) and flatulence (p = 0.06) decreased each week of the study. Fecal propionic acid was significantly increased over three weeks of DF supplementation. There was also an interaction (p=0.05) between time and age for butyric acid. Dietary fiber supplementation (10 g/day) over three weeks via a commercially available extruded cereal was well-tolerated by the participants, with no disturbances in bowel habit in children or adults. Alternatively, there were no improved bowel habit measures with increased DF consumption. This study provides evidence that this tolerable dose of DF supplementation over three weeks had similar impacts in free-living children and adults. However, the presence of increased butyric acid only in children may be reflective of different production or absorptive capacities between children and adults. Although not presented here, the bacterial ecological analysis may shed further insight into the interactions occurring in the large intestine. These are the first studies to my knowledge to have investigated these outcomes in young children. In addition to the gut health outcomes, this research provided a framework into the apparent feasibility of studying children in a gentle, non-invasive, and cost-effective manner.

The purpose of this research was to compare lemur species and characterize differences that are related to gastrointestinal morphology and physiology. Four lemur species that differ in feeding ecology, V. variegata, E. fulvus, P. verreauxi, and H. griseus, were selected for use in studies designed to focus on key aspects of gastrointestinal morphology or physiology that may differ. V. variegata, a frugivore, and E. fulvus, a generalist, were similar in many respects. Transit time through the gut was rapid (4.03 ± 1.6 h and 3.25 ± 1.6 h; mean ± SE ) and without discernable compartmental slowing. Gastric emptying of 1.5mm radio-opaque spheres (BIPS) was rapid for both species (0.25-0.50 h). Dry matter (DM) (55.5 ± 1.4% and 58.6 ± 1.4%) and insoluble fiber (IF) (19.7 ± 3.4% and 27.7 ± 3.4%) digestibility was low for both by comparison to H. griseus and P. verreauxi. However fecal inoculum from V. variegata fermented soluble fiber substrates (citrus pectin) at a greater rate at 3 h of total short-chain fatty acid fermentation (141.1 ± 12.1 µmol*h-1*g of original substrate (OS) for V. variegata vs. 44.4 ± 12.1 µmol*h-1*g of OS for E. fulvus), suggesting enhanced fermentation of soluble fiber (SF). H. griseus, a bamboo feeder, and P. verreauxi, a folivore, showed similarities, despite large differences in gastrointestinal morphology. The relative tract length compared to body length was 13:1 for P. verreauxi and 4.2:1 for H. griseus but both were equal in DM (72.0 ± 1.4% and 76.3 ± 1.4%) and IF (53.1 ± 3.4% and 62.3 ± 3.4%) digestibility. Within tract transit differed also in that gastric emptying of 1.5mm radio-opaque spheres was delayed (8.0-12.0 h) for P. verreauxi and was more immediate for H. griseus (1.0-2.0 h). TT and MRT of liquid and particle phase markers were also longest for H. griseus. These data add to the body of work available on primate feeding ecology, and also provide novel information useful for the nutritional management of lemurs.

The simultaneous effects of dietary fiber, temperature, and daylength on the gastrointestinal morphology and physiology in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were investigated. Voles were randomly divided (10 in each group) and placed in 15-day treatment regimes [cold (5 C) and warm (21 C), daylengths long (18L:6D) and short (6L:18D), and diets of high fiber (50% neutral detergent fiber [NDF]) and low fiber (5% NDF) content] followed by a 5-day digestibility trial to determine diet digestibility in relation to food intake. Total mass of individuals, length, wet mass and dry mass of the stomach, small intestine, caecum, large intestine, adrenal glands, liver, and kidneys was evaluated. Data was analyzed by ANOVA using the SAS system. Meadow voles increased food intake but decreased turnover time and digestive efficiency under low ambient temperature condition, short daylength, and/or high dietary fiber. Increased energy demand had a minimal effect on the gastrointestinal tissue mass but resulted in slightly increased length of all tissues except the small intestine. The increased food intake and small changes to gastrointestinal morphology during times of increased energy demands suggest that meadow voles are able to meet their energy needs primarily through increased food intake, and therefore more energetically expensive gastrointestinal changes are minimized.
Master of Science

The folates are a family of structurally similar, water-soluble, B vitamins, documented to play prominently in human health and disease. The potential impact of folate nutrition has been demonstrated by large-scale epidemiological and nutritional studies indicating that decreased folate intake increases the risk of cancer development. Human skin is particularly prone to the development of carcinomas and it is established that skin cancer risk correlates with exposure to the complete carcinogen ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the form of sunlight. Recently a link between skin, sunlight, and folate has emerged from studies demonstrating that folate species are degraded by exposure to wavelengths of UVR contained within the solar spectrum. It is hypothesized that the unique physiology, function, and environment of skin combine to make skin tissue prone to folate deficiencies and that folate supplementation is a promising strategy for the prevention of skin cancer. However, many questions regarding folate nutrition within human skin must be answered before strategies to modulate folate nutrition may be rationally designed and safely implemented. This work presents novel means to examine skin-specific folate nutrition, including an analytical method to quantify individual folate species in human keratinocytes adaptable for the analysis of intact skin tissue and innovative cultured keratinocyte models of both acute and chronic folate deficiencies. It is demonstrated that folate deficiencies in skin tissue are possible and even likely as proliferating human keratinocytes are unable to maintain intracellular folate concentrations when nutrient conditions are limited and exposure to UVR results in biologically relevant folate degradation. Folate deficiency in human keratinocytes is observed to have potential pro-carcinogenic consequences including S-phase proliferation arrest, increased inherent DNA strand breaks, increased uracil misincorporation into DNA, and deficiencies in DNA damage repair, which are reversed when folate nutrient levels are optimized. The presented work characterizes the relationship between intracellular folate species and environmental carcinogens known to induce skin cancer and addresses challenges facing supplementation strategies for specifically improving folate nutriture in human skin. In total, this report broadens our understanding of folate nutrition in human skin and demonstrates that optimization of folate nutrition holds promise as a cancer preventive strategy.

Thesis (MNutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction and purpose The aim of the study was to determine the renal handling of a once-off bolus dietary protein load in patients treated for nephroblastoma. Patients who have been managed for nephroblastoma always have suboptimal amounts of kidney tissue as a result of their medical management which includes nephrectomies, chemotherapy and or radiotherapy. Little data are available indicating the extent of renal impairment expected in such patients as a result of their disease and management. The study was to determine whether the use of regular screening tests such as serum urea, creatinine and urine microalbumin, in conjunction with a dietary protein load could help detect early progressive deterioration of kidney function in nephroblastoma patients. Methodology The study was a quantitative non-randomised intervention study in which patients served as their own control before and after a protein load. Thirty-four participants were included in the study. Each participant was provided with a supplemental protein drink providing 2 g/kg body weight of protein. Serum creatinine, urea and urine microalbumin were assessed at baseline and four hours after the intervention. These pre- and post intervention biochemical values were then analysed together with descriptive data relating to the participants, such as age, stage of nephroblastoma, aspects of medical management and the period of time since they had been treated for nephroblastoma, and statistical relationships were assessed. Data were collected from May 2010 to November 2010. Results Descriptive statistics indicated that the mean [± Standard deviation (SD)] age of the population was 92 (± 55) months, the mean age at diagnosis was 41 (± 27) months and the mean age from the diagnosis to the time of the study was 51 (± 53) months. There was a statistically significant increase (p = 0.00) in serum urea post intervention; however, no significant difference was noted between pre- and post intervention serum creatinine and urine microalbumin values. The stages of nephroblastoma failed to show a statistical correlation with the response to the dietary protein bolus load in terms of the difference in pre- and post intervention biochemical data. No statistical correlation was found between post-pubescence and response to the protein load. Similiarly, no statistical correlation could be demonstrated for a longer period between the diagnosis and the time of this study, on the one hand, and the prevalence of high values in the biochemical data, on the other. Conclusion The study was unable to demonstrate statistically that participants managed for nephroblastoma had poor renal handling of a once-off dietary protein load in terms of the objectives specified. The study had limitations including a small population with even smaller subgroups of participants, therefore results of the study need to be interpreted in context to the size of the population.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doel Die doel van die studie was om die renale hantering van ’n eenmalige bolus dieetproteïenlading by pasiënte wat vir nefroblastoom behandel word, te bepaal. Pasiënte wat vir nefroblastoom behandel word, het altyd ‘n subopitmale hoeveelheid nierweefsel as gevolg van hulle mediese behandeling wat nefrektomies, chemoterapie en / of radioterapie insluit. Min data is beskikbaar omtrent die omvang van die nierbelemmering wat in sulke pasiënte verwag word as gevolg van hulle siekte en behandeling. Die studie is uitgevoer om te bepaal of die gebruik van gereelde siftingstoetse soos serum-ureum, kreatinien en mikroalbuminurie, in samewerking met ‘n dieetproteïenlading, kan help om vroeë progressiewe agteruitgang van nierfunksie in nefroblastoom pasiënte, op te spoor. Metodologie Die studie was ‘n kwantitatiewe nie-ewekansige intervensie studie waar pasiënte as hul eie kontrole gedien het voor en na ‘n proteïenlading. Altesaam 34 deelnemers is by die studie betrek. Elke deelnemer het ’n proteïenaanvullingsdrankie ontvang wat 2 gram proteïen per kilogram liggaamsgewig voorsien het. Serumkreatinien, serum-ureum en mikro-albuminurie is op die basislyn sowel as vier uur na die intervensie gemeet. Hierdie biochemiese waardes voor en na die intervensie is daarna saam met beskrywende data van die deelnemers – soos ouderdom, stadium van nefroblastoom, aspekte van mediese behandeling en tydsverloop sedert behandeling vir nefroblastoom – ontleed. Statistiese verwantskappe is vervolgens beoordeel. Data is vanaf Mei 2010 tot November 2010 ingesamel. Resultate Beskrywende statistieke het op ’n gemiddelde [± Standaard afwyking (SA)] populasie-ouderdom van 92 (± 55) maande, ’n gemiddelde diagnose-ouderdom van 41(± 27) maande en ’n gemiddelde ouderdom van 51(± 53) maande vanaf diagnose tot en met die studie gedui. Ná die intervensie is ’n statisties beduidende toename (p = 0.00) in serum-ureum opgemerk, hoewel daar geen beduidende verskil in serumkreatinien en mikro-albuminurie waardes, voor en na behandeling, was nie. Biochemiese data voor en na die intervensie het geen statistiese verwantskap tussen die stadium van nefroblastoom en die reaksie op die dieetproteïenlading getoon nie. Boonop is geen statistiese verwantskap opgemerk tussen post-pubesensie en die reaksie op die proteïenlading, of tussen ’n langer tydsverloop tussen die diagnose en die studie en die voorkoms van hoë waardes in die biochemiese data nie. Gevolgtrekking Wat die studie-doelwitte betref, kon die navorsing nie statisties bewys dat deelnemers wat vir nefroblastoom behandel word, swak renale hantering van ’n eenmalige dieetproteïenlading toon nie. Die beperkinge van die studie sluit ‘n klein populasie met selfs kleiner subgroepe in; die resultate van die studie moet derhalwe in die konteks van die grootte van die populasie, geÏnterpreteer word.

Muscle fiber architecture, innervation, and differences in fiber-type composition were examined in the gluteus medius of four horses. In the anatomical part of this study, the gluteus medius of four adult horses were extracted, soaked in a 10% formalin solution, and examined for fiber architecture and innervation patterns. Based on architectural and innervation differences, two distinct anatomical compartments were defined: the dorsal region and the ventral region. The histochemical portion of this study examined the fiber composition of each region by classifying the fiber types on the basis of myosin-ATPase. The dorsal region had a significantly higher percentage of Type I fibers than the ventral region; whereas the ventral region had a significantly higher percentage of Type IIB fibers than the dorsal region. These findings suggest that this subdivided structure may be designed to allow functional independence within the muscle.

Contractile and cytoskeletal protein concentrations have been shown to differ on the basis of fiber type in whole muscle homogenates. The purpose of this study was to compare the content of the intermediate filament protein, desmin, between type I and type IIa single muscle fibers from a mixed muscle in human subjects. Biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis of six recreationally active males. Approximately 150 single muscle fibers were dissected from each sample and analyzed using SDS-PAGE to determine myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition. Following identification, muscle fibers were pooled into two groups (MHC I and MHC IIa). Desmin and actin content within the pooled samples was determined via immunoblotting. On average, muscle samples were composed of 51 ± 7 % type I, 2 ± 1% type I/IIa, 27 ± 5% type IIa, 19 ± 4% type IIa/IIx and 1 ± 1% type IIx MHC single fibers. Desmin and actin contents were 40% and 34% higher in type I fibers compared to type IIa fibers, respectively (P < 0.05). However the desmin to actin ratio was similar between pooled type I and IIa single muscle fibers within the vastus lateralis. These data suggest that desmin and actin content is a function of muscle fiber type. These differences in cytoskeletal protein content may have implications for differences in contractile function and eccentric damage characteristics between fiber types.

The present study was conducted with the use of data from the Freshmen Health Study, a longitudinal study of college freshmen aged 18 that examined change in diet, physical activity, and weight during the first year of college at Utah State University (USU). Participants were assessed at different data collection periods including the beginning and end of their first semester attending USU. Participants' height and weight were measured and they were given a self-administered Food Frequency Questionnaire at each data collection. Simple linear and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess how dietary calcium intake related to weight change over a 16-week study period (one semester). There were 153 (82%) subjects who completed the second data collection during December 2005. The difference in weight between the beginning and end of fall semester was considered the main outcome. Changes in dietary calcium, dairy intake, and milk intake were also assessed as main outcomes. Means and standard deviations were used to describe population characteristics. Analysis of variance (ANOV A) was used to compare means across gender and quartiles of calcium intake. Simple linear regression and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between dietary calcium intake and weight change. The multivariate logistic model controlled for gender, physical activity, baseline BMI, and fruit and vegetable intake. Risk of weight gain was not associated with increasing quartile of dietary calcium intake in either unadjusted or multivariable logistic regression models. Subjects' mean calcium and dairy intake decreased significantly from baseline (p < 0.001). Although the average calcium intake for this population was less than current recommendations set by the FDA, dietary calcium intake did not appear to have any influence on weight change. Dairy and milk intake decreased significantly from high school to college; therefore, specific interventions to increase calcium intake from dairy foods would be appropriate in the adolescent population, especially in college freshmen.

Thesis (Mnutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Inappropriate feeding practices are a major cause of malnutrition in young children. Within this context, it has been well documented that the incidence of malnutrition rises sharply during the period from six to 18 months of age in most countries. Complementary feeding typically covers the period from six to 24 months of age. Renewed focus has been placed on the promotion of breastfeeding. Similar attention should be paid to complementary feeding. Six percent of deaths per year are preventable through good complementary feeding practises. To improve infant nutrition it is important to know the local infant and young child feeding practises present in communities but also to identify and understand the underlying factors that influence these practises. Aim The study aimed to describe the various factors that influence complementary feeding practices of infants aged 6 – 12 months in 2 communities (Avian Park and Zweletemba) in the Breede Valley district of the Western Cape. Methods The study was conducted from May – July 2012. A descriptive study design was used. A qualitative approach was followed with the use of focus group discussions with mothers / primary caregivers, fathers and grandmothers of infants aged 6 – 12 months. Results The findings of this study provide insight into different aspects regarding early cessation of breastfeeding that could lead to early introduction of complementary foods. In both Avian Park and Zweletemba the age of introduction of liquids and solids ranged from birth to 12 months. Various liquids such as water, over the counter medicine, high concentrated sugar beverages and low nutrient beverages were given to infants from as young as two days post-partum by means of a feeding bottle. Cow’s milk was also introduced before six months of age for reasons such as affordability, availability and because cow’s milk does not need boiling water for reconstitution like formula milk, especially when access to electricity is inadequate. Infants from both communities also received meelbol (flour and water beverage) fed either via feeding bottles (as a beverage) or as porridge fed to the infant with a spoon. Porridge (especially rice cereal and maize meal porridge) was introduced to infants from one week post-partum and infants from both areas also received family “food from the pot” before the age of 6 months. In this study it was found that it was most often a female (either the mother or the grandmother) in the household who was responsible for buying and preparing food and for feeding the infant. Health care workers, members of the mothers’ household as well as community members were identified as key role players in conveying information regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding from birth to 1 year. Various factors were identified in this study that influenced suboptimal infant feeding practises in Avian Park and Zweletemba. The main factors identified were i) health, ii) physiological, iii) nutritional, iv) educational, v) behavioural, vi) financial and vii) social factors. Other aspects mentioned were viii) demographic and x) commercial factors. Conclusion Results indicated that the current practices and factors influencing the feeding practices in Avian Park and Zweletemba were similar there was very little to no cultural differences between the two communities in terms of current practices and influencing factors. The findings of this study have highlighted the importance of involving all household members in interventions, as well as the larger community in a public nutrition approach. Factors influencing current feeding practises should be considered carefully when planning future interventions to improve infant feeding practises.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Onvanpaste voedingspraktyke is ‘n groot oorsaak van wanvoeding in jong kinders. Binne hierdie konteks is dit goed gedokumenteer dat die voorkoms van wanvoeding skerp styg gedurende die tydperk vanaf ses tot 18 maande ouderdom in die meeste lande. Komplimentêre voeding dek tipies die tydperk van ses tot 24 maande oud. Hernude fokus word geplaas op die bevordering van borsvoeding. Komplimentêre voeding behoort soortgelyke aandag te kry. Ses persent van sterftes per jaar is voorkombaar deur goeie komplimentêree voedingpraktyke. Om kindervoeding te verbeter is dit belangrik om bekend te wees met plaaslike baba- en jong kind praktyke in gemeenskappe, en ook om die onderliggende faktore wat hierdie praktyke beïnvloed te identifiseer en verstaan. Doelwit Hierdie studie het gepoog om die verskillende faktore ten opsigte van die komplimentêre voeding praktyke van babas tussen 6 – 12 maande te beskryf in 2 gemeenskappe (Avian Park en Zweletemba) in die Breede Vallei distrik van die Wes-Kaap. Metodes Die studie is uitgevoer vanaf Mei – Julie 2012. ‘n Beskrywende studie ontwerp is gebruik. ‘n Kwalitatiewe benadering is gevolg met die gebruik van fokusgroepbesprekings met moeders / primêre versorgers, vaders en oumas van babas tussen 6 – 12 maande. Resultate Die bevindinge van hierdie studie voorsien insae in die verskillende aspekte van die vroeë beëindiging van borsvoeding wat kan lei tot vroeë bekendstelling van komplimentêre voeding. In beide Avian Park en Zweletemba het die ouderdomme van insluiting van vloeistowwe en vaste stowwe gewissel van geboorte tot 12 maande.Verskeie vloeistowwe soos water, oor-die-toonbank-medisyne, hoë konsentrasie suiker drankies en lae voedingswaarde drankies was aan babas gegee so vroeg as twee dae post-partum deur middel van ‘n voedingsbottel. Koeimelk was ook gegee voor 6 maande, om redes soos bekostigbaarheid, beskikbaarheid en omdat koeimelk nie kookwater benodig vir hersamestelling soos formule melk nie, veral in situasies waar toegang tot elektrisiteit onvoldoende is. Babas van beide gemeenskappe was ook meelbol (meel en water drankie) gevoer óf via voedingsbottels (as ‘n vloeistof) of as ‘n pap wat gevoer word met ‘n lepel. Pap (veral ryspap en mieliemeelpap) was gegee vanaf een week post-partum en babas van beide gebiede het ook familie kookkos ontvang “vanuit die pot” voor 6 maande. In hierdie studie is bevind dat dit heel dikwels ‘n vrou (óf die moeder of ouma) in die huishouding is wat verantwoordelik is vir die koop en voorbereiding van voedsel asook die voer van die baba. Gesondheidswerkers, lede van die moeder se huishouding sowel as lede van die gemeenskap is geïdentifiseer as belangrike rolspelers in die oordrag van inligting oor borsvoeding en komplimentêre voeding vanaf geboorte tot een jaar. Die belangrikste faktore geïdentifiseer was verwant aan: i) gesondheid, ii) fisiologie, iii) voedingswaarde , iv) opvoedkunde, v) gedrag, vi) finansies en vii) sosiale faktore. Ander aspekte genoem is: vii) demografiese en x) kommersiële faktore. Gevolgtrekking Resultate het aangedui dat die huidige voedingpraktyke soortgelyk was in Avian Park en Zweletemba en dat daar baie min kulturele verskille tussen die twee gemeenskappe was in soverre huidige praktyke en faktore wat dit beïnvloed. Die bevindinge van hierdie studie het die belangrikheid daarvan uitgelig om al die lede van die huishouding, sowel as die breër gemeenskap in te sluit in intervensies met ‘n openbare voeding benadering. Faktore wat die huidige babavoeding praktyke beïnvloed moet versigtig oorweeg word tydens die beplanning van toekomstige intervensies om babavoeding praktyke te verbeter.

Presented in this work is the investigation and successful illustration of a coupled model of the human nerve fiber. SPICE netlist code was utilized to describe the electrical properties of the human nervous membrane in tandem with COMSOL Multiphysics, a finite element analysis software tool. The initial research concentrated on the utilization of the Hodgkin-Huxley electrical circuit representation of the nerve fiber membrane. Further development of the project identified the need for a linear circuit model that more closely resembled the McNeal linearization model augmented by the work of Szlavik which better facilitated the coupling of both SPICE and COMSOL programs. Related literature was investigated and applied to validate the model. This combination of analysis tools allowed for the presentation of a consistent model and revealed that a coupled model produced not only a qualitatively comparable, but also a quantitatively comparable result to studies presented in the literature. All potential profiles produced during the simulation were compared against the literature in order to meet the purpose of presenting an advanced computational model of human neural recruitment and excitation. It was demonstrated through this process that the correct usage of neuron models within a two dimensional conductive space did allow for the approximate modeling of human neural electrical characteristics.

In an attempt to determine the relationship between dietary fiber and estrogen levels in premenopausal adult women, seven subjects completed all of the requirements as volunteers for this study. The subjects consumed two experimental diets using a cross-over experimental design. One-half of the subjects were randomly assigned to a low-fiber treatment group and one-half were assigned to a high-fiber treatment group. Food records were utilized to determine fiber intake throughout the study. Nutrient intake during the experimental periods demonstrated significant differences indicating the affect of the varied dietary regimens. No significant difference was seen in mean estrogen levels between the low- and high-fiber experimental periods, however, a positive significant correlation (p<.05) was observed with the change in estrogen level and insoluble fiber intake. Further study with a larger subject sample would be beneficial in determining recommendations for amounts of insoluble fiber intake for the general population.
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Thesis (Mnutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objective: To assess the impact of a continuous auditing process on nutritional support in a tertiary paediatric intensive care unit. Design: Prospective, longitudinal audit initiated in 1994. Re-auditing took place almost every 2 years: 1994-1995, 1997-1998 and 2001, leading to completion of the audit cycle. Setting: An 8 bed Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in StMary's Hospital London. Subjects: All ventilated patients admitted for more than a complete 24-hour period were included in the audit. The units' standard daily fluid charts were used for data collection. Data was collected until discharge from PICU or a maximum of 10 days. Incomplete and imprecise data was disregarded during the data analysis process. Outcome measures and interventions: The outcome measures include time taken to initiate nutritional support, the route of feeding and delivery of calories by day 3, judged by the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for energy. Feeding algorithms and protocols introduced after each audit: nasogastric feeding algorithm following the 1994-1995 audit, blind nasojejunal tube insertion technique and related feeding algorithms after the audit in 1997-1998. Results: Time taken to initiate enteral feeding was reduced from 15 hours (1994- 1995) to 5.5 hours (2001). The proportion of parenterally fed patients fell from 11% (1994-1995) to 1% (200 1 ). The proportion of enterally fed patients via the nasojejunal route rose from 1% (1994-1995) to 20% (2001). An increase was noticed in patients reaching 50% and 70% of energy requirement by day 3 following admission was documented: 7% in1994-1995 to 35% in 2001 for 70% of EAR (p = 0.0008) and 18% in 1994-1995 to 58% in 2001 for 50% of EAR. (p< 0.0001) Conclusion: This audit process demonstrates the effectiveness of continuous auditing in an intensive care unit in improving the quality of nutritional support. This is possible only with a multi-disciplinary team approach.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doel: Om die impak van 'n deurlopende ouditerings proses op die voedingsondersteuning in 'n tersi~re pediatriese intensiewesorg-eenheid te evalueer. · Studie Ontwerp: 'n Prospektiewe, longetudinale oudit is in 1994 geYnisieer. Herouditee·ring het ongeveer elke 2 jaar plaasgevind: 1994-1995, 1997-1998 en 2001. Dit het tot die voltooiing van 'n ouditering siklus gelei. Plek: 'n Agt-bed Pediatriese lntensiewesorgeenheid (PISE) in StMary's Hospitaal London, Engeland. Pasiente: Alle geventilleerde pasiente wat opgeneem was vir !anger as 'n volledige 24 uur-periode is by die oudit ingesluit. Die eenheid se standard daaglikse vogkaarte dokumentasie is gebruik vir data-insameling. Data-insameling het plaasgevind tot en met ontslag vanuit die PISE vir 'n maksimum van 10 dae. Onvolledige en onakkurate data is uitgesluit tydens die data analise proses. Uitkomste en Intervensie: Die uitkomste is gemeet deur die impak van die ouditerings proses te evalueer ten opsigte van tydsduur voordat daar voedings geYnisieer is, die voedingsroete en die hoeveelheid energie gelewer teen dag 3, vergelyk met die geskatte gemiddelde energie behoefte. Voedings-algoritmes en protokolle is geYmplementeer na elke oudit: nasogastriese voedings-algoritmes is na die 1994-1995 oudit geYmplimenteer, 'n blinde nasojejunale buisinplasingstegniek en I relevante voedings algoritmes het na die 1997-1998 oudit gevolg. Resultate: Die tydsduur om voedingondersteuning te inisieer het van 15 ure (1994- 1995) tot 5.5 ure (2001) verminder. Die persentasie pasiente wat parenterale voeding ontvang het, het gedaal van 11% (1994-1995) tot 1% (2001), met 'n toename in enterale voeding via die nasojejunale roete van 1 %(1994) tot 20% (2001). 'n Toename in pasiente wat meer as 50% en 70% van hul energie behoefte bereik het teen dag 3 is opgemerk: 7% in 1994-1995 en 35% in 2001 het meer as 70% van die geskatte gemiddelde behoefte vir energie ontvang. (p=0.0008) Agtien persent het in 1994-1995 en 58% in 2001 meer as 50% van hul gemiddelde energie behoeftes bereik (p < 0.0001). Gevolgtrekking: Hierdie ouditerings proses demonstreer die effektiewiteit van deurlopende ouditering in 'n intensiewesorg-eenheid deur die verbetering van die kwalitiet van voedingondersteuning. Dit is slegs moontlik met 'n multidissiplinere span benadering.

The objective of this study was to determine Thai women's nutrition awareness of folic acid and its role in the prevention of neural tube defects. Three hundred and two Thai women between 18-45 years completed a 30 itemized survey. There was a significant lack of nutrition awareness of folic acid. Many women (n= 274; 91.9%) had not heard of neural tube defects (NTD) and only 8.1 % (n=24) had heard of spina bifida/NTD. More than 50% (n=176) were unaware of NTD. Only 11.6% of the women (n=35) thought consuming vitamins during pregnancy would reduce the risk of birth defects. More than 80% of the women reported the best time to take folic acid supplement was during pregnancy. Less than 20% of the women indicated taking folic acid supplement before or after pregnancy. In this population, nutrition awareness of folic acid was minimal.
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Adult Type II diabetes is an increasing public health problem, particularly among very low-income minority populations. The purpose of this study was to create a nutritional guide for a diabetic specific meal plan with an accompanying food pantry nutrition packet for very low-income Type II diabetic patients at a rural Mississippi Free Clinic. The practice-focused question is: Will a nurse-prepared nutritional guide with supplemental food packets improve the glucose control in low income diabetic patients? The gap in practice is that there has been no structured nutrition education guide and no food pantry support plan for Type II adult diabetics. The theoretical framework is Cockerham's health lifestyle theory. A project goal was to prepare food packets specific to the Type II diabetic patients proved not viable due to limited donations of food resources, no regular source of fresh foods, and limited refrigeration space at the food pantry. However, education resources were developed for meal planning using the glycemic index, integration of cultural food preferences, and simple food log for the patient to chart daily meals. Recommendations include program evaluation of the use of these educational materials on patient A1c levels and weight in this population. The food pantry can offer diabetic specific meal packets with community social investment. Social change is addressing self-management of nutritional needs of very low income diabetic patients. Implication for nursing practice includes promotion of dialogue amongst different disciplines interested in the nutritional aspect of improving A1c and glucose levels.

Thesis (MNutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objectives: To measure the impact on nutrition knowledge; to ascertain the opinions and practices related to nutrition and physical activity, tuck shop visits, and dietary quality of Grade 4 learners; as well as the perceptions on and acceptability of the ‗Fun Food Game‘ (FFG) as nutrition education tool as evaluated in selected Grade 4 learners and educators. Design: A before-after, experimental study with analytical components. Setting: A purposive sample of four schools in the City of Cape Town district of the Western Cape province. Schools A and B in a higher socio-economic area served as intervention school (HIS) and control school (HCS), whereas schools C and D were in a lower socio-economic area and served as intervention school (LIS) and control school (LCS). Subjects: Grade 4 English-speaking boys (n=85), girls (n=90) and Life Orientation educators (n=10). Methods: Pre-tested questionnaires were used to determine change in nutrition knowledge, opinions and practices, both related to nutrition and physical activities in a pre-and post-setting, as well as the perceptions on and acceptability of FFG as a nutrition education (NE) tool for Grade 4 learners and educators. A ‗Dietary Diversity Questionnaire‘ was used to establish the ‗Dietary Diversity Score‘ (DDS), and to note tuck shop visits. Questionnaires were pre-tested in a pilot study. Results: Increased nutrition knowledge and improved opinion on nutrition and physical activities were measured in all schools, but practices related to nutrition and physical activities as well as visits to the tuck shop showed mixed results. In the pre- and post-setting, a DDS of 5 was measured in the HIS and HCS, with a DDS of 5 in the pre- and 6 in the post-setting in the LIS and LCS. Fewer learners had a DDS<4 in the post-setting. Consumption of most food groups and eating breakfast were higher in the post-setting. Bringing lunch boxes to school scored lower in the intervention schools. More tuck shop visits were reported in the LIS and LCS. Most (80% n=8) educators indicated a strong need for NE for themselves. All educators indicated self-learning as a means of familiarising themselves with the content of NE. Sources of nutrition advice included magazines (90% n=9), the Internet (80% n=8) and textbooks (70% n=7). A strong need for NE was expressed by all educators; however, they stated that it should not increase their work load. Educators ‗strongly agreed‘ that the educational nutrition board game FFG can be classified as ‗Health Promotion‘. Overall, learners indicated that playing FFG was a positive experience. Conclusion: Playing FFG and/or having an increased awareness regarding nutrition and physical activities at schools could have had a positive impact on nutrition knowledge and behaviour that could have resulted in positive behaviour, but no definite conclusion can be made in this regard. Nutrition behaviour was more positively influenced in the lower socio-economic schools. Implementing the Health Promoting Schools concept, where Nutrition Education Programmes form part of a multi-component strategy, is recommended.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doel: Om die impak van voedingskennis, opinies en praktyke verwant aan voeding en fisiese aktiwiteite, snoepiebesoeke asook dieetkwaliteit van Graad 4 leerders te bepaal, sowel as die persepsie en aanvaarbaarheid van ‗Fun Food Game‘ (FFG) as hulpmiddel in voedingsopleiding soos geëvalueer deur geselekteerde Graad 4 leerders en -onderwysers. Ontwerp: ‗n Voor-na, eksperimentele studie met analitiese komponente Omgewing: ‗n Doelbewuste groepskeuse van vier skole. Skole A en B in ‗n meer gegoede area het as intervensie skool (HIS) en kontrole skool (HCS) gedien, terwyl skole C en D in ‗n minder gegoede area as intervensie skool (LIS) en kontrole skool (LCS) gedien het in die Stad Kaapstad distrik van die Westelike Provinsie. Deelnemers: Graad 4 Engelssprekende seuns (n=85), dogters (n=95) en Lewensoriënteringsonderwysers (n=10) Metodes: Voorafgetoetsde vraelyste is gebruik om te bepaal of voedingskennis, opinies en praktyke beide verwant aan voeding en fisiese aktiwiteite, voor en na die studie verander het, asook die persepsie en aanvaarbaarheid van FFG as ‗n hulpmiddel in voedingsopleiding vir geselekteerde Graad 4 leerders en onderwysers. ‗n Dieetdiversiteit Vraelys (‗Dietary Diversity Questionnaire‘ – DDQ) is gebruik om ‗n Dieetdiversiteit Telling (‗Dietary Diversity Score‘ – DDS), sowel as snoepiebesoeke te bepaal. ‗n Loodsstudie is uitgevoer om die vraelyste te toets. Resultate: ‗n Toename in voedingkennis en verbeterde opinies oor voeding en fisiese aktiwiteite is in alle skole gevind, maar praktyke oor voeding en fisiese aktiwiteite, asook snoepiebesoeke het gemengde resultate getoon. In die voor- en na-toetsing is ‗n DDS van 5 in HIS en HCS bepaal, met ‗n DDS van 5 in die voor- en 6 in die na-toetsing in LIS en LCS. Minder leerders het ‗n DDS<4 in die na-toetsing gehad. Inname van die meeste voedselgroepe sowel as ontbyt het in die skole toegeneem. Die bring van kosblikke het in die intervensie skole verminder. Die hoogste frekwensie snoepiebesoeke kom voor by die LIS en LCS. Meeste (80% n=8) onderwysers het ‗n sterk behoefte aan voedingsopleiding vir hulself aangedui. Alle onderwysers dui aan dat die inhoud van voedingskennis deur selfleer verhoog word. Tydskrifte (90%, n=9), Internet (80%, n=8) en handboeke (70%, n=7) word as bronne van voedingsadvies beskryf. ‗n Sterk behoefte vir opvoedkundige voedingsopleiding is deur al die onderwysers aangedui, maar sonder dat dit hul werkslading moet verhoog. Die onderwysers is ―sterk oortuig‖ daarvan dat die opvoedkundige voedingsbordspeletjie FFG, as ―Gesondheidsbevordering‖ geklassifiseer kan word. In die algemeen het leerders dit baie positief ervaar om FFG te speel. Samevatting: Die speel van FFG en/of ‗n groter bewusmaking van voeding en fisiese aktiwiteit wat by die skole plaasgevind het, kon ‗n positiewe impak op voedingskennis en -gedrag gehad het, wat kon lei tot positiewe gedrag, maar geen definitiewe gevolgtrekking kan gemaak word in die verband nie. Voedingsgedrag in die mindergegoede skole is meer positief beïnvloed. Implimentering van die Gesondheidsbevorderende Skole konsep, waar Voedingsopleidingsprogramme deel vorm van ‗n multi-komponent strategie, word aanbeveel.