Rich Supplement Research Articles

Development and qualitative estimation of high fibre enriched bread fortified with carrot pomace

The study was conducted on development and qualitative estimation of high fibre enriched bread fortified with carrot pomace” using carrot pomace powder and refined wheat flour in varying ratio of 2.5:97g, 5:95g, 7.5:92.5g, and 10:90g, respectively. The carrot pomace was dried at 45 C and then was grinded into powder. Also a control sample without fortification was evaluated to assess the difference of physio-chemical parameters between the control and experimental samples during the storage period of 6 days. The parameters were evaluated and assessed on day 0, day 2, day 4 and day 6, respectively. Refined oil was used as shortening agent while sugar powder was added as rich supplement of free carbohydrate source for proper leavening. Preactivated yeast was used for leavening and making of dough. During storage there was loss in the amount of moisture, ash, fat, crude fiber, protein as far as physio-chemical parameters were concerned. The study conducted showed that fortification of carrot pomace directly influences the qualitative aspects of prepared bread while the organoleptic study suggested that bread was acceptable for consumption for a period of six days whileT 2 having 5g of carrot pomace was desirable for acceptability on most accounts. The F test was found significant at (P<0.05).

17. A 22:6 n-3 Rich Supplement Affects the Ruminal Microbial Community and Fermentation and Alters Plasma Metabolites

Abstract This study investigated the effects of a 22:6 n-3 rich supplement on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial changes, and also the effects of a 22:6 n-3 rich supplement on plasma metabolites by using rumen cannulated wether goats in a 4×4 Latin square design. The 22:6 n-3 rich supplement was infused into the rumen of the goats twice daily in equal portions at a rate of 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 g/d [corresponding to 0, 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.5% of diets (dry material base), respectively]. The concentration of NH3-N and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), and the molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were decreased by the supplement (P&lt;0.001). The supplement decreased diversity of the rumen bacterial community (P&lt;0.01), and reduced the abundance of Ruminococcus flavefaciens, R. albus, Fibrobacter succinogenes and protozoa (P&lt;0.01). However, it increased the abundance of ruminal fungi (P&lt;0.01). The supplement had no influence on the concentration of plasma glucose, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and urea but increased the concentration of triglycerides and total cholesterol (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the 22:6 n-3 rich supplement inhibited ruminal fermentation and this was accompanied by the decrease of the abundance of ruminal microbes, and also affected plasma metabolites.

A discussion of reasons and methods of prevention and cure for serious complications of radiofrequency ablations in the treatments of hepatocellular carcinomas

Objective To investigate the reasons and the methods of prevention and cure for serious complications of radiofrequency ablations in the treatments of hepatocellular carcinomas. Methods A total of 410 patients with BCLC at A or B stage of hepatocellular carcinomas in our hospital were enrolled between November 2014 and June 2009. These patients underwent a total of 504 times radiofrequency ablations for the treatments of liver lesions. This retrospective study analysed the reasons and the strategies of prevention and cure for the serious complications. Results In the patients with a total of 504 times radiofrequency ablations, 2 patients had massive hemorrhage caused by puncture injuries, 2 patients had the tumors which were close to the liver capsules and 1 patient had bile peritonitis caused by the injury of thermal ablation on the gallbladder. The maximum diameter of tumor was 5 cm. That tumor was close to the gallbladder. 2 patients had needle tract metastases caused by incompletely needle path ablations. 1 of the 2 patients had a tumor near the liver capsule, and the other patient had un-enough temperature for needle path ablation. Tumor outbreaks were happened in 2 patients. 1 of the 2 patients had a tumor which was located in the liver capsule and close to the portal vein. The other patient had a 12 cm diameter tumor with rich blood supplement. 2 patients had liver abscesses. 1 of the 2 patients had a tumor near the ascending colon, and the other patient had diabetes. 1 patient had colonic perforation caused by thermal ablation. The tumor in that patient was located in the right hepatic lobe segment and adjacent to the ascending colon. The incidence of serious complications was 1.98% (10/504). Conclusions The incidence of the serious complications of radiofrequency ablations for the treatments of hepatocellular carcinomas is relatively low. The main reasons for the serious complications were direct injuries caused by punctures, heat radiation injuries, tumors adjacent to large blood vessels, gallbladders and intestines, tumors with abundant blood supplement, needle paths fail to cross normal liver tissues, low scores of liver function, weak immune system and diabetes. The key points for avoiding and reducing the serious complications are preoperative evaluations of patients' basic situations, choices of appropriate puncture channels and control ranges of ablations when tumors are close to important blood vessels, intestines and gallbladders. Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Ablation technique; Postoperative complication; Diagnosis; Clinical protocol

Tocotrienol Rich Fraction supplementation increased the antioxidant enzymes activities in skeletal and heart muscle of aging mice

Aging is initiated from free radical reactions which interrupted the antioxidant/prooxidant balance and consequently causing aging-related disease. Tocotrienol Rich Fraction (TRF) has been reported as a potent antioxidant against oxidative damage by increasing antioxidant enzymes levels in many organs such as brain, bones and blood but not in muscle . This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of long term TRF supplementation on antioxidant status in skeletal and heart muscle of aging mice. Mice were divided into 3 groups, control without treatment (CWT), refined, bleach and deodorization (RBD) oil control and TRF supplementation groups. 13.5 months supplementation was done on 5 months-old rats (young mice) until they reach 18.5 months old (old mice). The activity of antioxidant enzymes, i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRx) in skeletal and heart muscles were measured. TRF supplementation increased SOD, CAT and GPx activities significantly in skeletal and heart muscles compared to both control groups. TRF supplementation increased the GRx activity significantly in skeletal and heart muscles compared to CWT but not RBD oil control group. In conclusion, long term TRF supplementation significantly increased the antioxidant enzymes activities in skeletal and heart muscles in aging mice.

Vasculoprotective Effects of Dietary Cocoa Flavanols in Patients on Hemodialysis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Hemodialysis (HD) per se entails vascular dysfunction in patients with ESRD. Endothelial dysfunction is a key step in atherosclerosis and is characterized by impaired flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Interventional studies have shown that cocoa flavanol (CF)-rich supplements improve vascular function. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flavanol-rich bioactive food ingredients on acute and chronic HD-induced vascular dysfunction in ESRD. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from 2012 to 2013. Fifty-seven participants were enrolled, ingested CF-rich beverages (900 mg CF per study day), and were compared with those ingesting CF-free placebo. This included (1) a baseline cross-over acute study to determine safety and efficacy of CF and (2) a subsequent chronic parallel group study with a 30-day follow-up period to study effects of CF on HD-mediated vascular dysfunction entailing (3) an acute substudy during HD in flavanol-naive patients and (4) an acute on chronic study during HD. Primary and secondary outcome measures included changes in FMD and hemodynamics. CF ingestion was well tolerated. Acute ingestion improved FMD by 53% (3.2±0.6% to 4.8±0.9% versus placebo, 3.2±0.7% to 3.3±0.8%; P<0.001), with no effects on BP or heart rate. A 30-day ingestion of CF led to an increase in baseline FMD by 18% (3.4±0.9% to 3.9±0.8% versus placebo, 3.5±0.7% to 3.5±0.7%; P<0.001), with reduced diastolic BP (73±12 to 69±11 mmHg versus placebo, 70±11 to 73±13 mmHg; P=0.03) and increased heart rate (70±12 to 74±13 bpm versus placebo, 75±15 to 74±13 bpm; P=0.01). No effects were observed for placebo. Acute ingestion of CF during HD alleviated HD-induced vascular dysfunction (3.4±0.9% to 2.7±0.6% versus placebo, 3.5±0.7% to 2.0±0.6%; P<0.001). This effect was sustained throughout the study (acute on chronic, 3.9±0.9% to 3.0±0.7% versus placebo, 3.5±0.7% to 2.2±0.6; P=0.01). Dietary CF ingestion mitigates acute HD-induced and chronic endothelial dysfunction in patients with ESRD and thus, improves vascular function in this high-risk population. Larger clinical trials are warranted to test whether this translates into an improved cardiovascular prognosis in patients with ESRD.

The refeeding syndrome in geriatric patients

Malnourishment is a common complication in geriatric patients because diseases, medical side effects, depression, and poor dental status reduce appetite [1,2]. Because earlier studies have shown that malnutrition increases the risk of morbidity and mortality during hospitalization [3], all geriatric patients are screened for malnutrition when admitted to geriatric sections. If diagnosed with malnutrition the patient is offered energy and protein rich supplements to quickly improve nutritional status. During periods of catabolic metabolism, where the intake of calories is lower than needed, the body reduces energy usage by loosening the strict control of electrolyte movement over cell membranes. This results in a flow of potassium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, and zinc from the intracellular liquid to the extracellular liquid. The excess electrolytes in the extracellular liquid are excreted through the kidneys, keeping serum levels stable. When the intake of calories increases, for instance during hospitalization, and corresponds to or exceeds the patient’s needs, the flow of electrolytes shifts from the extracellular liquid to the intracellular liquid, and hypopotassemia, hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypozincemia can occur. This can lead to respiratory distress, edemas, cardiac failure and arrhythmia, universal cramps, delirium, and death [4–7]. The condition is called the refeeding syndrome and is generally

Levodopa in Mucuna pruriens and its degradation.

Mucuna pruriens is the best known natural source of L-dopa, the gold standard for treatment of Parkinsonism. M. pruriens varieties are protein rich supplements, and are used as food and fodder worldwide. Here, we report L-dopa contents in seeds of fifty six accessions of four M. pruriens varieties, M. pruriens var. pruriens, M. pruriens var. hirsuta, M. pruriens var. utilis and M. pruriens var. thekkadiensis, quantified by HPTLC-densitometry. L-dopa contents varied between 0.58 to 6.42 (%, dr. wt.). High and low L-dopa yielding genotypes/chemotypes of M. pruriens could be multiplied for medicinal and nutritional purposes, respectively. HPTLC profiles of M. pruriens seeds on repeated extraction (24 h) in 1:1 formic acid-alcohol followed by development in butanol:acetic acid:water (4:1:1, v/v) showed consistent degradation of L-dopa (Rf 0.34 ± 0.02) into a second peak (Rf 0.41 ± 0.02). An average of 52.11% degradation of L-dopa was found in seeds of M. pruriens varieties. Since M. pruriens seeds and/or L-dopa are used for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and as an aphrodisiac both in modern and/or traditional systems of medicine, the finding of high level of L-dopa degradation (in pure form and in M. pruriens extracts) into damaging quinones and ROS is very significant.

Impairment of rumen biohydrogenation and bacteria of the Butyrivibrio group in the rumen of goats through a 20:5 n-3 (EPA) rich supplement.

Marine products can inhibit biohydrogenation in the rumen, but the mechanism is not clear. This study investigated a 20:5 n-3 rich supplement effects on rumen biohydrogenation, microbial change and fermentation characteristics in goats. The supplementation decreased 18:0 proportions in rumen fatty acids (P < 0.001), while it increased cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (P < 0.001) and trans-10, cis-12 CLA proportions (P < 0.001). The supplement reduced the number of Butyrivibrio spp. and B. proteoclasticus (P < 0.01). Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis redundancy analysis indicated that some species, mainly from the rumen of goats receiving the 2.5 and 5.0 g d(-1) supplement, were positively correlated with cis-9, trans-11 CLA proportions; some species, mainly from the rumen of control goats, were positively correlated with 18:0 proportions. The supplement reduced the NH3 -N concentrations and acetate molar proportions in the rumen (P < 0.05), but increased propionate and butyrate molar proportions (P < 0.01), and had no effect on total volatile fatty acid concentration. The supplement rich in 20:5 n-3 reduced the biohydrogenation of 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids with a significant reduction of the 18:0 proportion and this was coupled with the suppression of the abundance of biohydrogenating bacteria and unknown bacteria.

Characterisation of the Faecal Bacterial Community in Adult and Elderly Horses Fed a High Fibre, High Oil or High Starch Diet Using 454 Pyrosequencing

Faecal samples were collected from seventeen animals, each fed three different diets (high fibre, high fibre with a starch rich supplement and high fibre with an oil rich supplement). DNA was extracted and the V1–V2 regions of 16SrDNA were 454-pyrosequenced to investigate the faecal microbiome of the horse. The effect of age was also considered by comparing mature (8 horses aged 5–12) versus elderly horses (9 horses aged 19–28). A reduction in diversity was found in the elderly horse group. Significant differences between diets were found at an OTU level (52 OTUs at corrected Q<0.1). The majority of differences found were related to the Firmucutes phylum (37) with some changes in Bacteroidetes (6), Proteobacteria (3), Actinobacteria (2) and Spirochaetes (1). For the forage only diet,with no added starch or oil, we found 30/2934 OTUs (accounting for 15.9% of sequences) present in all horses. However the core (i.e. present in all horses) associated with the oil rich supplemented diet was somewhat smaller (25/3029 OTUs, 10.3% ) and the core associated with the starch rich supplemented diet was even smaller (15/2884 OTUs, 5.4% ). The core associated with samples across all three diets was extremely small (6/5689 OTUs accounting for only 2.3% of sequences) and dominated by the order Clostridiales, with the most abundant family being Lachnospiraceae. In conclusion, forage based diets plus starch or oil rich complementary feeds were associated with differences in the faecal bacterial community compared with the forage alone. Further, as observed in people, ageing is associated with a reduction in bacterial diversity. However there was no change in the bacterial community structure in these healthy animals associated with age.

Antioxidant rich diet supplements (Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp) mitigate hematological disorders in fluoride exposed mice

The effect of antioxidant rich diet supplements of Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp at 230 mg kg−1 body weight, separately as well as in combination, on various hematological parameters of Swiss albino mice exposed to fluoride for seven days at daily doses of 190 mg kg−1 body weight and for 90 days at daily doses of 94 mg kg−1 body weight is reported. Compared with controls, fluoride exposure decreased erythrocyte (12%–18%), leukocyte (16%) and platelet counts (7%, only for short-term exposure), hemoglobin (2%–17%) and packed cell volume (2%–14%) in Swiss albino mice reared on standard feed but these were altered little in the diet supplement groups. Fluoride exposure decreased lymphocytes in both standard feed (16%–21%) and diet supplement groups (5%–19%, but only after long-term exposure). Fluoride withdrawal led to recovery of the post-treated mice from long-term exposure. Spirulina alone and also in combination with tamarind fruit pulp was found more effective than tamarind alone in reducing hematological disorders in fluoride treated mice.

P070 Influence of a daily polyphenol rich whole food supplement on the decision to remain on prostate cancer surveillance – further results of the double blind RCT – The National Cancer Research Network Pomi-T study

P070 Influence of a daily polyphenol rich whole food supplement on the decision to remain on prostate cancer surveillance – further results of the double blind RCT – The National Cancer Research Network Pomi-T study

Abstract 137: Reversal of Endothelial Dysfunction Using Polyphenol Rich Foods and Supplements Coupled with Avoidance of Major Dietary Lectins

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is highly correlated with the development of coronary artery and vascular disease in general. While dietary factors have been previously implicated in the causation of endothelial dysfunction, a purposeful change in dietary habits, coupled with the addition of several polyphenol-containing supplements, has not been studied for their effects on endothelial function, as measured by Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT). 200 consecutive pts, aged 51-86, M:F ratio 3/2, with known vascular risk factors of HTN, DM, Hypercholesterolemia, hx of MI, Stent, CABG, were enrolled in a dietary program, which emphasizes large amts of leafy green vegetables, olive oil, radical reduction of grain, legumes, nightshades, and fruits; and generous amts of grassfed animal proteins, emphasizing Shellfish and avoiding commercial poultry (Diet Evolution). All pts were instructed to take 2-4,000 mg of high DHA fish oil, 200mg of Grape Seed Extract, and 50 mg of Pycnogenol per day. All pts had Endothelial Reactivity (ER) using PAT before and after a 5-minute arm occlusion using the EndoPAT 2000 (Itamar, Israel) at baseline and at 6 months. Baseline Endothelial Reactivity was 1.88+/-0.7 (range 1.0-3.3), with 145/200 pts (72%)having endothelial dysfunction (less than 1.60). At 6 months, ER increased to 2.25+/-0.5 (range 1.2-3.6) (p&lt;0.01). Only 40/200 (20%) remained with ED, but all had increased ER numbers. Ten pts stopped the polyphenols after a normal PAT; all developed ED on repeat PAT. We conclude that a limited grain, legume, nightshade, and fruit diet with emphasis on greens, olive oil and grassfed animal proteins, particularly Shellfish, with avoidance of commercial poultry, with supplemental fish oil and polyphenols dramatically improves endothelial function in a group of high risk patients.

Effect of fiber supplement on blood glucose level of niddm subjects

An investigation was undertaken to assess effect of fiber rich supplement on blood glucose level of type 2 diabetic patients. Fiber rich supplement was tested on eleven type 2 diabetic subjects for blood glucose lowering effect by undertaking an intervention of two months feeding trials. Results with respect to two months supplementation indicated that the fiber rich supplement was helpful in significantly reducing the fasting and postprandial blood glucose level of subjects. The reduction in the fasting blood glucose level after two months supplement intake was 30-70 mg/dl. While, the postprandial blood glucose values of the subjects were reduced by 92-140 mg/dl. There was reduction in the physiological symptoms at the end of the supplementation. It can be concluded from the study that the fiber rich supplement had therapeutic value as it was beneficial for lowering the blood glucose content of type 2 diabetics.

γ‐Tocopherol additionally improves vascular endothelial function following smoking cessation by decreasing pro‐inflammatory responses

Oxidative stress and inflammation that persist following smoking cessation limits the restoration of vascular endothelial function (VEF). We hypothesized that smoking cessation with γ‐tocopherol (γ‐T)‐rich supplementation would decrease oxidative stress and pro‐inflammatory responses and improve VEF beyond that of smoking cessation alone. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted in otherwise healthy smokers (≥10 cigarettes/d) who quit smoking for 7 d with placebo (n = 14) or γ‐T‐rich supplementation (n = 16; 500 mg γ‐T/d). Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), plasma cotinine, vitamin E, malondialdehyde (MDA), and pro‐inflammatory mediators were measured before and after 7 d of smoking cessation. Smoking cessation regardless of supplementation similarly decreased plasma cotinine whereas plasma γ‐T increased by 7‐fold (P&lt;0.05) only in those receiving γ‐T‐rich supplements. Smoking cessation with γ‐T‐rich supplementation increased FMD responses beyond that of smoking cessation alone (P&lt;0.05). Although MDA decreased similarly in both groups, myeloperoxidase and TNF‐α decreased only in those receiving γ‐T‐rich supplementation. These findings support that improvements in γ‐T status additionally improve VEF during smoking cessation likely by decreasing pro‐inflammatory responses. Funded by CT Department of Public Health.Grant Funding Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health

Responses to n-3 fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation of gestating gilts, and lactating and weaned sows

Feeding n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) to gilts or sows has shown different responses to litter growth, pre-weaning mortality and subsequent reproductive performance of the sow. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) that feeding a marine oil-based supplement rich in protected n-3 LCPUFAs to gilts in established gestation would improve the growth performance of their litters; and (2) that continued feeding of the supplement during lactation and after weaning would offset the negative effects of lactational catabolism induced, using an established experimental model involving feed restriction of lactating primiparous sows. A total of 117 primiparous sows were pair-matched at day 60 of gestation by weight, and when possible, litter of origin, and were allocated to be either control sows (CON) fed standard gestation and lactation diets, or treated sows (LCPUFA) fed the standard diets supplemented with 84 g/day of a n-3 LCPUFA rich supplement, from day 60 of first gestation, through a 21-day lactation, and until euthanasia at day 30 of their second gestation. All sows were feed restricted during the last 7 days of lactation to induce catabolism, providing a background challenge against which to determine beneficial effects of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on subsequent reproduction. In the absence of an effect on litter size or birth weight, n-3 LCPUFA tended to improve piglet BW gain from birth until 34 days after weaning (P = 0.06), while increasing pre-weaning mortality (P = 0.05). It did not affect energy utilization by the sow during lactation, thus not improving the catabolic state of the sows. Supplementation from weaning until day 30 of second gestation did not have an effect on embryonic weight, ovulation rate or early embryonic survival, but did increase corpora lutea (CL) weight (P = 0.001). Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were increased in sow serum and CL (P < 0.001), whereas only DHA levels increased in embryos (P < 0.01). In conclusion, feeding n-3 LCPUFA to gilts tended to improve litter growth, but did not have an effect on overall subsequent reproductive performance.

Incorporating electronic monitoring feedback into clinical care: A novel and promising adherence promotion approach

This paper presents case examples that document the preliminary clinical utility of using electronic monitoring (EM) feedback to tailor empirically validated adherence-promoting interventions, delivered in standard clinical practice. Challenges of utilizing EM in standard clinical practice as well as future directions are also discussed. Two adolescents referred for behavioral adherence promotion intervention are described. Each youth was provided a MEMS® bottle and one oral medication was chosen jointly by the therapist, family, and medical provider for adherence monitoring. Graphical MEMS® feedback was provided to families during intervention visits and subsequently used to tailor adherence interventions to target each family's unique needs. EM feedback was a feasible and clinically rich supplement to adherence-promoting interventions. EM facilitated identification of adherence barriers and successes, and open and non-adversarial discussions regarding adherence between patients, families, and clinicians, and provided real-time representations of patients' medication administration. These case presentations suggest that EM feedback can be a clinically useful tool when used as a supplement to an empirically supported intervention delivered in standard psychological practice aimed at adherence promotion among chronically ill youth.

Non-Waste Alternative Technologies in the Production of Heterologous Anti-Rabies Immunoglobulin

Presented is a comprehensive approach to utilization of the wastes that appear in the process of heterologous anti-rabies immunoglobulin production (packed red cells, fibrin, and alcohol-containing products). Specific immunoglobulin is extracted from the surface of red blood cells using desorption technique. Additional yields of immunoglobulin after exposure of erythrocytes to non-ionic detergent amount to 10-19 % of the output. Rich protein supplement feeding for horses-producers is obtained from spray-dried packed red cells. Solid nutritious substrate for microbiological media production is obtained from fibrin using enzymic hydrolysis method. The efficiency of the fibrin hydrolysate-based media is 1.5-2 times higher in comparison with that of the media based on the digest of meat and casein, as demonstrated by the results of Vibrio cholerae scaled cultivation. Furthermore, worked out is the technology of ethanol regeneration after the rivanol-ethanolic precipitation of gamma globulin, alcohol content by volume being (93±1) % after the regeneration. It is demonstrated that the regenerated alcohol can be used as a precipitator in the process of anti-rabies serum fractioning. All in all, the developed techniques make it possible to utilize the wastes of anti-rabies immunoglobulin production and provide for further use of derivatives while producing medical immunobiological preparations.

Intentions to Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Comparison of Protection Motivation Theory and Ordered Protection Motivation Theory

ABSTRACTThere has been limited research to date into methods for increasing people's intentions to use omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which have been linked with decreased risk of suffering from numerous major diseases. The present study employed a cross-sectional design with 380 university students, employees, and visitors to investigate the efficacy of the protection motivation (PM) theory and the ordered protection motivation (OPM) theory, to predict behavioral intention to consume omega-3 rich foods and dietary supplements. Analysis of model fit indicated that both the PM model and the OPM model adequately represented the structural relationships between the cognitive variables and intention to consume n-3 PUFA. Further evaluation of relative fit of the two competing models suggested that the PM model might provide a better representation of decision-making following evaluation of the health threat of n-3 PUFA deficiency. Path analysis indicated that the component of coping appraisal was significantly associated with the behavioral intention to consume n-3 PUFA. Threat appraisal was found to be significantly associated with behavioral intention to consume n-3 PUFA only for the OPM model. Overall, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the roles that cognitive appraisal processes play in young and healthy individuals’ protective health decision-making regarding consumption of n-3 PUFA. Implications of the findings and recommendations, which include (a) encouraging the consumption of n-3 PUFA as an effective barrier against the incidence of disease, and (b) effective health messaging that focuses on beliefs about the effectiveness of n-3 PUFA in reducing health risks, are discussed.

Body composition in older acute stroke patients after treatment with individualized, nutritional supplementation while in hospital

BackgroundIndividualized, nutritional support reduced undernutrition among older stroke patients and improved quality of life in our recent randomized, controlled trial. Weight control thus seems to be important after stroke, and methods for monitoring nutritional status need to be simple and non-invasive. Here we aimed to assess if the nutritional intervention altered body composition in men and women in this study cohort, and also to examine the correlation between the methods for assessing body-, fat- and fat-free mass.MethodsAcute stroke patients > 65 years at nutritional risk were randomized to either individualized, nutritional treatment with energy- and protein rich supplementation (intervention, n = 58) or routine, nutritional care (control, n = 66) while in hospital. Body composition was assessed with anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance. The follow-up period was three months.ResultsDuring the first week while in hospital, weight loss was smaller in the intervention group compared with the controls (P = 0.013). After three months weight- and fat loss were significant in both men and women. Whereas no significant differences were found in changes in body composition between the male study groups, in the women both weight loss (P = 0.022) and fat loss (P = 0.005) was smaller in the intervention group compared with the controls. A high correlation (r = 0.87) between mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and body mass index (BMI) was found.ConclusionsIndividualized nutritional support to older stroke patients in hospital was beneficial for maintaining an adequate body mass and body composition the first week and seemed to have a preventive effect on fat loss among women, but not among men after three months. Measurement of MUAC may be used in the assessment of nutritional status when BMI cannot be obtained.Trial registrationThis trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00163007.

Evaluation of various substrates and supplements for biological efficiency of Pleurotus sajor-caju and Pleurotus ostreatus

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different substrates namely wheat straw (Triticum aestivum), maize stover (Zea mays L), thatch grass (Hyparrhenia filipendula) and oil/protein rich supplements (maize bran, cottonseed hull [Gossypium hirsutum]) on biological efficiency of two oyster mushroom species (Pleurotus sajor-caju and P. ostreatus). Wheat straw had superior performance over maize stover and thatch grass when cultivating P. sajor-caju. However, maize stover was more suitable for P. ostreatus than wheat straw. Supplementation with cottonseed hull improved yields when cultivating P. ostreatus using wheat straw. These findings suggest that at 25% inclusion rate, farmers should not supplement with maize bran, as this would reduce yields significantly. Further investigations are needed to test both lower and higher rates of inclusion of supplements.