Nazanin Zand

Essential and trace elements content of commercial infant foods in the UK.

There is a paucity of data in respect of the nutritional quality of complementary foods for infants and young children aged between 6 and 12months. The primary objective of this study was to examine nutritive values of such complementary infant food on the UK market in order to ascertain their suitability relative to dietary guidelines for the 6-9months age group. Quantitative analyses were conducted on eight different products representing four popular brands (meat and vegetable based) currently on sale in the UK. Eight major mineral and trace elements, namely: calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, sodium and selenium were measured by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. The results of these studies were referenced to the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) values for 6-9months old children, and a menu of entire daily intake of minerals and trace elements was composed taking into consideration the nutrient and energy intake from milk consumption. Based on these comparisons, all the food samples studied in this work contained less essential minerals than expected from the RNI values except for potassium in meat and vegetable based recipes. These results suggest that commercial complementary infant foods on the UK market may not contain the minimum levels of minerals required for the labelling declaration of micronutrient content (Commission Directive 2006/125/EC). This provides opportunities and scope for product optimisation to improve their nutritive value.

Elemental content of commercial ‘ready to-feed’ poultry and fish based infant foods in the UK

The study reported herein was conducted in order to establish the concentration of 20 essential and non-essential elements in a representative range of commercial infant foods in the UK targeted for infants aged between 6-12 months. The primary objective of this study was to examine the nutritive values and safety of such complementary infant foods on the UK market in relation to dietary and safety guidelines. Quantitative analyses were conducted on eight different products representing four popular brands (poultry and fish based) of ready to-feed infant foods currently on sale in the UK. Six essential elements, namely: calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc were determined by ICP-OES. The concentrations of six essential trace elements (selenium, molybdenum, cobalt, copper, chromium, manganese) and eight non-essential, potentially toxic, elements (arsenic, barium, nickel, cadmium, antimony, lead, mercury, aluminium) were determined by ICP-MS due to the higher sensitivity required. The total daily intakes of essential and trace elements from the consumption of such products were then estimated, based on the results of this study, and were referenced to the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) values and safety guidelines for 6-9 months old children. Based on these comparisons the concentration of essential, except for potassium, and trace elements were found to be inadequate in meeting the RNI. In terms of the risk of exposure to toxicity, the concentration of toxic elements in ready to feed products analysed in this study, were not considered to be of concern. These results suggest that commercial complementary infant foods on the UK market may not contain minimum levels of minerals required for labelling declaration of micronutrient content (Commission Directive 2006/125/EC). This provides opportunities and scope for product optimisation to improve their nutritive value.

Simultaneous determination of riboflavin and pyridoxine by UHPLC/LC–MS in UK commercial infant meal food products

An assay for the simultaneous quantitative determination of riboflavin and pyridoxine in eight different complementary infant meal products has been developed in order to (1) estimate the daily intake of these vitamins from commercial infant food consumption, and (2) ascertain their nutritional suitability relative to dietary guidelines for the 6-9 months age group. The method involves mild hydrolysis of the foods, an extraction of the supernatant by centrifugation followed by quantitative determination using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. Separation of the two water soluble vitamins is achieved within one minute and the resultant sample is also LC-MS compatible. Despite wide individual differences between brands (p=6.5e-12), no significant differences were observed in the level of pyridoxine between the meat and vegetable-based varieties (p=0.7) per 100g of commercial infant food. Riboflavin was not detected in any of the samples where the detection limit was below 0.07 μg/mL. In terms of the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) of pyridoxine for 6-9 months old infants, the complementary infant meal products analysed herein provided less than 15% of the RNI values with mean (SD) values of 12.87 (± 4.46)% and 13.88 (± 4.97)% for the meat- and vegetable-based recipes, respectively. The estimated total daily intake of riboflavin and pyridoxine from the consumption of commercial complementary food was found to be satisfactory and in accordance with the Dietary Reference Values (DRVs). The intake of both riboflavin and pyridoxine was estimated to be mainly derived from the consumption of formula milk which could be a cause of concern if the quality of an infants milk diet is compromised by an inadequate or lack of supplemented milk intake. The results of this study suggest that the selected commercial complementary infant foods in the UK market may not contain the minimum levels of riboflavin and pyridoxine required for the labelling declaration of the micronutrient content of such products as recommended by Commission Directive 2006/125/EC.

An investigation into the fatty acid content of selected fish-based commercial infant foods in the UK and the impact of commonly practiced re-heating treatments used by parents for the preparation of infant formula milks

The importance of dietary lipids during infancy is paramount for rapid growth and development. Linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) were quantified using RP-HPLC with charged aerosol detection in a range of complementary infant foods and formula milk. Total daily intake of fatty acids for infants aged 6-9 months was calculated based on the consumption of complementary infant foods and formula milk. Total daily intakes of ALA, AA and DHA were below, whereas LA was above the recommended intake. This provides scope for product optimisation, to improve the nutritive value of commercial infant food products. The impact of re-heating treatments by parents on fatty acid content of formula milk was investigated and statistically significant changes were observed. Furthermore, the transparency of the labelling information declared by the manufacturers was within recommendations despite a degree of significant variation.

Determination of essential fatty acids and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in complimentary infant foods in the UK

T extraction and analysis of soybean isoflavones represents an increasing interest because there are bioactive compounds with several in-vitro beneficial properties and effects on menopausal symptoms. Isoflavones are commonly extracted with organic solvent which is not suitable for food. Subcritical water conditions can be achieved in pressurized liquid extraction which allows the extraction of a wider range of compounds towards less polarity. This study provides a new way for the extraction of isoflavones using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) to evaluate the potential of pressurized water. A three levels Doehlert experimental design was conducted and surface methodology permitted to determine the effect of temperature, static time and amount of soy flour or soybean protein isolate on isoflavones extraction. The optimal conditions conducted to a high extraction yield of 85%. The amount of introduced material in the ASE cell was the overriding factor to achieve high yields with the different materials and secondly temperature with less influence. A larger proportion of proteins in the second material lowered the isoflavones yield to 63%. This study showed that a high water extraction yield of isoflavone was possible without organic solvents and provided information about the influence of proteins.The study reported herein was conducted to establish the concentration of two essential fatty acids; linoleic acid (LA) 18:2 n-6 and I±-linolenic acid (ALA) 18:3 n-3; and three long chain poly unsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA); eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 20:5 n-3, decosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 22:6 n-3 and arachidonic acid (AA) 20:4 n-6 in fish based commercial infant foods in the UK. Quantitative analyses were conducted on four different products using charged aerosol detection HPLC. The total daily intake of fatty acids from the consumption of such products was estimated based on the standard menu by Zand et al. The LA:ALA ratio was found to be higher than the recommended ratio. Furthermore the concentrations of DHA and AA were found to be lower than recommended adequate intakes, which may have negative effects vision and brain development of infants.I was reported recently that enzymes belonging to the emerging class of cellobiose 2-epimerases (CE) from various aerobic microorganisms converted lactose into epilactose in defined buffer systems. Lactose (4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-glucose) is a main component of cow milk, with an average content of about 4.5 % (w/v). Apart from this main sugar also traces of lactulose (4-O-β-D-galactosyl-D-fructose) and epilactose (4-O-β-D-galactosyl-D-mannose) can be found in UHT treated milk. These sugars are formed by isomerisation and epimerization during the heating process. Both lactulose and epilactose seem to possess prebiotic properties. Therefore, enzymatic in situ production of these sugars may introduce an added value for dairy products. We showed that CE from two mesophilic microorganisms, Flavobacterium johnsoniae DSM 2064 and Pedobacter heparinus DSM 2366, were capable of converting lactose into prebiotic epilactose in a complex milk system.

Nutritional quality of infants and young children’s diet in the UK: Calculating the optimised "Eat well" plate

H pressure (HP) and Pulsed electrical field (PEF) processing are nonthermal techniques of foods has been revealed as useful tools to extend their shelf-life and quality, they’re novel food preservation technique for microbial and enzyme inactivation and as well as to preserve their nutritional and functional characteristics and bioactive components in comparison with those of traditional thermal processing results. The impact of thermal, HP and PEF processing for mild pasteurization of fruit juices were compared on a fair basis, using processing conditions leading to an equivalent degree of microbial inactivation. The properties of widely common citrus juices including 100% orange, grapefruit, tangerine and apple juices, berry juices including cranberry, gojiberry, acaiberry, blackberry, raspberry juices, apricot, peach and grape juices and new developed funtional soft drinks were examined by measuring the possible changes in the physical-chemical microbiological parameters (pH, Brix°, electric conductivity, colour), aroma, acidity and majorly bioactive phenolics. The optimum applying technologies compared was PEF treatment with the parameters of 28 kV/cm with 50 pulses; HHP technology with the parameter of 600 MPa pressure for 10 min treatment time. For pectin methylesterase, peroxidase inactivation and bitter compounds, ascorbic acid, carotenoid profile, furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and all other quality parameters were scrutinized. High ascorbic acid retention and high anthocyanins (cyanidin, pelargonidin and their glycoside derivatives), petunidin, peonidin, malvidin glycosides were observed in HHP treated beverages following PEF. HHP and PEF processing could be feasible technologies to attain beverages with fruit juices and functional drinks with high vitamin content and antioxidant potential.F one-carbon metabolism has been the target of many therapies in diseases involving cell proliferation, as folate is essential in purine and thymidylate biosynthesis. We have been interested in studying how genetic variation in folate metabolic genes may affect human disease risk and clinically used antifolate drug sensitivity. The homozygous mutation (677TT) in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene reduces enzyme activity and alters cellular folate composition. Previous epidemiological studies reported a potential protective effect of MTHFR677C --> T against acute lymphocytic leukemia and malignant lymphoma, but the mechanism remains to be determined. We investigated the biochemical impacts of MTHFR677C --> T on cellular S-adenosyl methionine (adoMet) synthesis, global DNA methylation, and de novo purine synthesis, all of which are potential regulatory pathways involved in tumorigenesis. Metabolic fluxes of homocysteine remethylation and de novo purine synthesis were compared between Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblasts expressing MTHFR 677C and MTHFR 677T using stable isotopic tracers and GCMS. MTHFR TT genotype significantly reduced folate-dependent remethylation under folate restriction, reflecting limited methylated folates under folate restriction. Data also suggested increased formylated folate pool and increased purine synthesis when folate is adequate. The impacts of MTHFR 677T polymorphism appeared closely related to folate status, and such alterations may modulate metabolic pathways involved in cancer onset/progression. The advantage of de novo purine synthesis found in the MTHFR TT genotype may account for the protective effect of MTHFR in hematological malignancies. Using different cell models we further discovered that methotrexate and MTHFRC677T have distinctive impacts on 1-carbon metabolic pathways in different target tissues that may account for the increased tissue sensitivity of homozygous MTHFRC677T individuals. These studies shed lights on the interactions between folate pathway genetic variation and anti-folate therapies. These model systems are feasible for studying the consequences of human genetic variation on disease occurrence, progression, and antifolate immunoregulatory drugs in the future.S leads to oxidative stress associated with a reduced antioxidant status in humans and animals as reflected by increased oxidative damage and lowered plasma concentrations of antioxidants. In terms of reducing the negative effects of stress, antioxidants are used in the animal diets because of the reported benefits of these supplements including their anti-stress effects and also due to the fact that their utilization and thus normal concentrations are reduced during stress. In this review, we present evidence that numerous agents can interfere with several cell signaling pathways in animal models. The agents include epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG; green tea), lycopene (tomato) and resveratrol (red grapes, peanuts and berries). For instance, the cell-signaling pathways inhibited by EGCG alone include transcription factors [nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) that regulate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). We will also address some of the mechanisms proposed for the stress preventive activity of EGCG, lycopene and resveratrol focusing on the induction of antioxidant enzymes (phase II enzymes) through the activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE) transcription system.P microbiology has been extensively applied in food production to assess microbiological safety and shelf life of food products as well as to develop product formulation, processes, and control measures. Notable and widely adapted models include those in USDA Pathogen Modeling Program (U.S. Department of Agriculture), Combase (UK’s Institute of Food Research, USDA, and Australia’s Food Safety Center), and Seafood Spoilage and Safety Predictor (Technical University of Denmark). In the U.S., the consumption of refrigerated ready-to-eat (RTE) meats has increased significantly due to the demand for convenient foods by consumers. Since heating is not required prior to consumption, RTE meats may become a safety risk if they are contaminated with pathogens, particularly Listeria monocytogenes, which is capable of growing at refrigeration temperature. Several outbreaks of L. monocytogenes induced illnesses have been linked to the consumption of RTE meats. Studies were conducted to examine and develop predictive models for the growth behavior of L. monocytogenes in RTE meats as affected by the presence of lactate and diacetate, native microflora, and acid stress. Results showed that the growth of L. monocytogenes was significantly delayed by lactate and diacetate at <12°C and by the native microflora (Brochothrix spp.) at 4-8°C and when L. monocytogenes was subjected <pH 4 stresses. The effect of these factors on L. monocytogenes growth were described in mathematical models that can be used by RTE meat producers to select product formulations and assess product safety to reduce L. monocytogenes hazard in RTE meats.A of GPR119, a novel G-protein coupled receptor, is being rapidly developed as a pharmaceutical means of treating metabolic diseases. Research to-date has shown that GPR119 activation improves systemic glycaemia in rodents and in some instances exerts an anorectic effect. These findings are consistent with GPR119 activation being targeted for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Interestingly, the molecular mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of GPR119 agonism remain largely unknown. Furthermore, not all studies utilizing GPR119 agonists have yielded positive metabolic effects. Further research is therefore needed if GPR119 agonists are to be developed with confidence for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Our research focuses on the effect of activating GPR119 on the molecular signaling pathways which regulate skeletal and cardiac muscle nutrient metabolism and oxidation. These muscles contribute largely to the maintenance of overall systemic metabolic health through regulation of systemic adiposity, insulin sensitivity/resistance and cardiovascular health. These processes are known to be perturbed in obesity, T2DM and cardiovascular disease which leads to an increase in associated morbidity and premature mortality. Surprisingly, our results suggest that in both skeletal and cardiac muscle cells, GPR119 activation impairs key signaling pathways which promotes metabolism of glucose and fatty acids. This implies GPR119 agonists are unlikely to have large beneficial effects at the level of the muscle and may increase risk factors for metabolic disease. Thus, we suggest that caution is currently required if GPR119 agonists are to be further developed for the treatment of metabolic disease states.In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anticancer activities of ethanol extract from Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina and its fraction. Total phenolic contents of ethanol extract of and water fraction of P. vulgaris var. lilacina were 303.66 and 322.80 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight, respectively. Subsequently, the antioxidant activities of ethanol extract and solvent fractions were analyzed employing various antioxidant model systems including DPPH radical scavenging activity; FRAP activity; ABTS activity; SOD activity and production of reactive oxygen species. And anticancer activity was also tested using HepG2, HT29, A549, MKN45 and HeLa cancer cell lines. The ethanol extract and water fraction of P. vulgaris var. lilacina had a higher antioxidant and anticancer activities than other solvent fractions similar with the result of total phenolic contents. In addition, we confirmed the major compounds of P. vulgaris var. lilacina ethanol extract which were octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl linoleolate and hexadecanoic acid. These results suggest that the ethanol extract from P. vulgaris var. lilacina and its fraction could be applicable as natural source of the antioxidant and anticancer in food and pharmaceutical industry Biography Dr. Kyung-A Hwang completed her Ph.D at 2004 year from Sungkyunkwan University in Republic of Korea and Postdoctoral Fellow studies from Yale University School of Medicine. Currently, she has been working in Functional Food and Nutrition Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, senior researcher. Dr. Hwang’s main area of research is the correlation of obesity, diabetes and the immune system. Currently, she is focusing on the development of new molecular bio-markers for obesity-related. She has published various renowned journals such as British Journal of Nutrition (2012), Food Chemistry(2011), Mechanisms of ageing development(2009), Journal of Immunology(2012, 2008, 2007), Critical Reviews in Immunology(2008), etc.T increase in the prevalence of diabetes between 1994 and 2004 in Jordan was significant at a rate of 13.0% to 17.1%. Good glycemic control is crucial in reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. Despite the availability of evidence-based treatment guidelines, glycemic control appears to remain suboptimal. This cross-sectional study was enrolled 495 patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus who attending the governmental outpatient clinics in Zarqa Directorate during 2008. Body weight and height were measured; Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Fasting blood samples were taken to determine fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid levels. The mean age was 57.1 years. The large majority of the patients were either over-weight (34.8%) or obese (53.3%); the mean BMI was 30.6 kg/m2. The mean fasting blood glucose was 225 mg/dl. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin level was 9.0%. In 80.9% of the patients the glycosylated hemoglobin level was above the recommended target of 7%, hypertension (55%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 100 mg/dl (54.8%) and serum triglyceride levels > 150 mg/ dl (70%) were present in the study. In this population weight reduction, improved glycemic control, along with reduced LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, should be important goals of therapy in these patients to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the future.Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life improves the growth and health of the new born child. It also played an important role in the survival of the child. However, many infants in Nigeria are not breastfed exclusively for the recommended duration. This study examines the influence of social network on the breast feeding (BF) practices of lactating mothers. The study was carried out in Osun State of Southwestern Nigeria. Three hundred and forty mothers were randomly selected and interviewed about breastfeeding practices using a structured interview schedule. Breastfeeding practices were examined against initiation, duration, termination of BF, support from various social networks, decision of mothers on BF practices and the influence of various social networks on BF. Data were described and inferences were made with the appropriate statistical tools. Results revealed that most of the mothers were married (92.9%) and between the ages of 25-29 years (38.8%). Majority (82.9%) delivered their children in the hospital and had two children (33.5%). Some had secondary education (38.8%), tertiary education (39.4%) and only 45.9% were traders. Most (98.2%) of the mothers breastfed their infants, 66.5% initiated breastfeeding between 0-9 hours after delivery and breastfed on demand (74.7%). Mothers expressed breast milk for infants (34%) and fed infants with feeding bottles (54.7%). Only 56.4% of mothers had training on breastfeeding practices, 45.9% had their training in the hospital and 5.9% in religious centre but only 24.7% exclusively breastfed their infants. Half (50%) of the mothers care for their children themselves, 21.2% used the crèche and 28.8% were taken care of by the mother in-law. The social network involved in breastfeeding decision were nurses, doctors, mother inlaws, grandmother of the baby, traditional birth attendants (TBA) and friends. However, each of the networks had varied influences on decision for various BF practices. The four major social networks identified in order of influence on decision on breastfeeding practices were nurses, grandmother of baby, mother in-law and friends. However the mother of the infant played a major role especially in the use of feeding bottle (34.4%) and termination of breastfeeding (37.1%). For mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infant they will need the support of the grandmother of infant (76.5%), nurse (100%), mother inlaw (59.4%), friends (11.2%), husbands (67.1%) and workplace (54.1%). Mothers need help with household chores and care of the baby. Multivariate analysis revealed that mothers who received support from social networks tend to initiate BF early, feed colostrums, fed expressed breast milk and breastfed exclusively. Correlation analysis shows that educational status (r = 0.334), age of mothers (r = 0.162), and social network (r = 0.442) had positive significant relationship with duration of exclusive breastfeeding at P < 0.05. In conclusion, appropriate breastfeeding practices can be improved when mothers are supported from initiation through the breastfeeding period by various social networks at home, community and workplace. Therefore, intervention program on breastfeeding practices should focus on the mother as well as various social networks for the adoption of appropriate exclusive breastfeeding practices.C composition has been increasingly acknowledged as important to understand the complex inflammatory mechanism, which involve conditions such as: obesity, cancer, metabolic syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS). A more precise way to evaluate body composition can be obtained by using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). This study evaluated the association of the diagnosis OSAHS regarding the body fat measured by DXA, anthropometric parameters and biochemical variables. Was adopted cross-sectional study using a sample consisting of consecutive cases of fifty adult women, suspected of having OSAHS. The women carried out overnight polysomnography, anthropometric evaluations (BMI, neck and waist circumference), DXA and lipid profile, fasting glycemia, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein and serum leptin levels. OSAHS was defined by the apnea-hypopnoea index (AHI) from the overnight polysomnography. According to the AHI, the women were divided in two groups: with and without apnea. Twenty-seven of them had OSAHS (AHI = 22.04 + 17.55). The results were: (a) the BMI was not capable of predicting OSAHS in this study (p=0.204); b) for each 1% increase in TBF%, the probability of having sleep apnea increase by 12,8%; (c) Comparing all variables (anthropometrics, DXA and blood sample), the serum leptin was the only variable with a significant difference between the groups (p=0.0257). The results reinforce the role of total body fat and leptin in the etiology of OSAHS and the need to include the evaluation of corporal composition measures by DXA in studies of sleep apnea.This was a cross sectional study to measure any difference between Thai and Non-Thai households in the prevalence of food security and the effect of state and local buffering mechanisms on household food security status in Nong Loo Sub-district in Kanchanaburi Province. Seventy-five point eight percent of 211 households (120 Thai and 91 non-Thai households) were food insecure. Non-Thai households were found to be significantly more food insecure than Thai households (95.6% compared with 60.8%; OR=21.4). Non-Thais tended to have less knowledge of and access to buffering mechanisms; however, this was not statistically significant. Of interest, however, was that no statistically significant association was found between household food insecurity and lack of access to buffering mechanisms. Qualitative interview results suggested that landownership, possession of a Thai card (Government registration card), increased food prices, and a dependence on imported food from other districts were important factors associated with household food insecurity in the sub-district. This survey underlines the importance of the food insecurity as a problem among Thai and, more severely, among non-Thai households and provides stake holders with information that can be used to intensify programs to address this problem. Thailand has a long border area with a high proportion of non-Thai households, and it is likely that similar food insecurity problems exist in other areas also. Further research on nutrition security (as distinct from food security) of this population is recommended in order to better assess the impact of the observed food insecurity.M epidemiological studies link low levels of Vitamin D to increased cancer risk. Current clinical trials however failed to show the effectiveness of Vitamin D3 in cancer therapy. This may be due to the concentration needed at the tumor site. Therefore we developed calcitriol conjugated Quantum dots to specifically target calcitriol to the tumor site. We chose inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) as a model system. The overall survival rate for IBC patients is 40% for 5 years and 20% for 10 years compared to 87% for all breast cancers. IBC is therefore the most deadly breast cancer. Previous studies showed that high doses of calcitriol inhibit migration, invasion and emboli formation of IBC cells. Using our conjugated Quantum dots, we systemically injected mice with IBC tumors. Our data clearly show that the Quantum dots delivered the calcitriol to the tumor and may be used for IBC treatment. However, more research is necessary to determine the concentration needed to eradicate the IBC tumors.Virgin olive oil (VOO) is a natural fruit juice having exceptional organoleptic and nutritional properties. These quality properties are determined by the content of minor components formed during the oil extraction process from precursors already present in the fruit. The amount of these components in the oil is controlled by the levels of expression/activity of the corresponding genes/enzymes involved in their biosynthesis which depends on the olive cultivar. However, the selection of olive varieties has been traditionally based almost exclusively on agronomic criteria, paying less attention to the identification of markers of oil quality. Knowledge of the kinetic properties and regulatory mechanisms of genes/enzymes related to the synthesis of metabolites responsible for VOO quality would allow establishing control strategies to optimize this quality, both in the technological field and in breeding programs. From a technological point of view, new olive oils with tailored quality characteristics may be developed by modulating the relevant biochemical processes active during their extraction. On the other hand, identification of the most important genes/enzymes in relation to the oil quality and knowledge of their regulation can be used in the molecular marker assisted selection of olive clones with improved VOO quality features.2nd International Conference and Exhibition on Nutritional Science & Therapy July 15-17, 2013 Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, USABackground: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a fish oil-enriched parenteral nutrition regimen in trauma and burn patients Methods: Prospective, randomized, parallel group study carried out at the Intensive Medicine, Department of Critical Care, Amandeep Hospital, Amritsar, India. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A with Omega-3 fatty acid-enriched lipid emulsions were given and Group B: placebo. The patients with polytrauma and burns more than 30% were included in the study. Omega-3 fatty started after the 24 hours in group A. Results: The combined analysis showed that a fish oil-enriched parenteral nutrition regimen had a positive treatment effect on length of hospital stay (weighed mean difference=-2.98, P<0.001), length of intensive care unit stay, postoperative infection rate (odds ratio=0.56, P=0.04), and serum levels of Lactate level day 0, 1d, 5d, in these patients. The significant differences were found between the 2 groups in postoperative mortality; incidence of postoperative cardiac complications; serum levels of bilirubin, triglyceride. No serious adverse events related to fish oil treatment were reported. Conclusions: Based on the analysis, fish oil-supplemented parenteral nutrition was safe, improved clinical outcomes in trauma and burn patients. More laboratory parameters should be considered in future meta-analyses.Q Improvement (QI) initiatives can greatly impact clinical care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Historically, the provision of both parenteral and enteral nutrition in the NICU can be an inconsistent practice, with provider preference being the key driver. A knowledge gap was found in our practice between the literature evidence and practice. A SMART aim to increase growth velocity of infants ≤ 1500 grams was planned. A multi-disciplinary team formulated a plan after performing a needs assessment. Based upon the current literature and best practice models, multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were accomplished. The PDSA cycles included: creation of standardized TPN and enteral feeding guidelines, unit wide education, guideline compliance monitoring, team discussion on daily rounds with dietitian, and electronic report development for ongoing outcomes measurement. Key factors in the success were ongoing education of all staff and consensus building. QI initiatives aimed at standardization of practice resulted in improved growth velocity. Improvement culture change is difficult, but can be accomplished with patience and persistence.T ABCA1 is a highly polymorphic gene known for its role in HDL-C particle formation and pancreatic beta-cell function. The R230C/ABCA1 variant is of particular interest in America because it is private to Native-American and descendant populations, is frequent in Mexican-Mestizos and other Latin-American populations, has a functional effect decreasing cholesterol efflux and shows evidence of recent positive selection in Native-Americans. R230C/ABCA1 has been consistently associated with lower HDL-C levels, and inconsistently with obesity, type 2 diabetes and serum triglyceride levels. Gene-environment interactions have been explored in an effort to explain these inconsistencies and to identify additional factors that may further increase the metabolic risk of 230C allele-bearing individuals. The Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease (GEA) study includes 1500 control individuals who answered a questionnaire for dietary habits previously validated in the Mexican population, and were thoroughly assessed for anthropometric, biochemical and abdominal computed tomography measurements. In this cohort, the percentage of dietary carbohydrates showed significantly positive correlations with homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance, visceral to subcutaneous abdominal fat ratio and serum triglyceride levels, only in pre-menopausal women bearing the 230C allele, but not in menopausal women or men regardless of their genotype. Although all pre-menopausal women showed positive and significant correlations of dietary carbohydrate intake with BMI and waist circumference, the magnitude of the correlation was higher in women with 230C allele than in those without the 230C allele. These gender-specific gene-diet interactions may explain some inconsistencies in associations of this variant with obesity and other metabolic traits.I was announced by the United Nations in 2012, that pursuant to their Millennium Development Goals established in year 2000, the goal of reduction in extreme poverty had been met. In spite of this, the rates of reduction in child mortality and under-nutrition, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, are not on track to reach their targets by 2015. This study posits that although measures have been taken to alleviate this situation, some key economic, social, and political factors may have been overlooked in these attempts. If these factors can be isolated, policy changes might be undertaken to improve these circumstances and reduce the long-term negative impact of under-nutrition on child development and health. This paper will utilize a database constructed by the authors using secondary data from the World Bank database, Food and Agricultural Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations, the Demographic and Health Surveys and the World Health Organization along with indicators of political will. Factors explored as possible determinants of child under-nutrition include agricultural production, government expenditures, food prices, poverty, over population, lack of access to clean water, urbanization, gender parity in primary education, and governmental effectiveness. A mixed effects model will be utilized in a panel data setting with controls for the geographic region (India). The objective is to establish public policy and macroeconomic determinants of changes in child under-nutrition in order to isolate factors that can be successfully addressed through policy levers. Karan Singh, J Nutr Food Sci 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-9600.S1.008T is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, second only to water. There are three major tea types, green, oolong and black teas which are all processed from the buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is estimated that 78% of the world’s tea production is black tea and green tea production constitutes about 20%. Green tea is the least processed and contains less caffeine than both oolong and black teas. The major catechins, a group of polyphenols, in green tea include: (-)-epigallocatechin3-gallate (EGCG); (-)-epigallocatecin (EGC); (-)-epicatechin (EC); and (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG). The synthesis of catechins by tea leaves occurs during the day and is temperature dependent. The most abundant catechin component of green tea is (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been the focus of numerous in vitro and in vivo experiments. Cell culture, animal and clinical trials indicate that EGCG possesses antiproliferative, antimutagenic, antioxidant and chemopreventive effects. We will briefly summarize the mechanism of action(s) green tea exerts on cell proliferation. Additionally, we will provide an overview green tea as a chemopreventive agent in mouse cancer models.I the human-obesity genes, two types were found. One was the real obesity gene which might be necessary to stock energy in non-human primates (NHP) such as Gly16, Glu27 of adrenergic receptor beta2 (ADRB2), Arg64 of beta3 (ADRB3) and Pro12 in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG). Another was the gene whose substitution to thrifty type occurred only in the human lineage, such as -112C of UCP1. In the first type of genes, all NHPs (30 chimpanzees, 8 gorillas, 15 orangutans, 108 macaques) had thrifty type alleles. So these thrifty type genes may be necessary for NHPs to endure food shortage seasons. In the second type, although all NHPs had energy-expense type (-112A of UCP1), ADRBs could regulate UCP1 activity at upper stage of the signal transduction. Why only human could get the energy-expense alleles in the first type gene? Ancient human around 1.9 MYA, Homo erectus, left tropical rainforest for savanna, foraged plants and animals under strong solar radiation. Their body temperature was controlled by increased evaporation of sweat and reduction of body hairs to help water evaporation. At night, however, cold in the glacial period stimulated the adrenergic nervous system and increased thermogenesis through the newly appeared energyexpense alleles of the ADRBs to help the protection of entrails by higher body temperature. The increased total energy expense might have been supplemented by hunting large animals. After these energy-expense alleles spread among them, they migrated out of Africa. Then, we can see the energy-expense alleles in the world in high frequency.P such as curcumin, stevia, genistein and resveratrol, have been demonstrated to be effective to promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We report that polyphenols induce cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and cytochrome C induction, characteristics of apoptosis, in neurons and astrocytes in primary culture after induction with Alzheimer’s disease. Many cellular and biochemical effects of polyphenols in mouse transgenic APP/ Preseniline cells have been reported, such as inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) activity induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment, inhibition of tyrosine protein kinase activity, and inhibition of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. Our data indicate that phenolic compounds can trigger signal transduction pathways linked to apoptosis, such as caspases, p53, and bcl-2 genes. This programmed-cell death may be considered actually one of the important targets in a preventive approach against Alzheimer’s disease. How flavonoids do regulate and control the intracellular signaling cascades considered as relevant targets in neurodegenerative preventive approach remains to be elucidated. The results suggest that in neural cells, blocking the cellular signal transduction might trigger the induction of apoptosis and also polyphenols can regulate signaling cascades to stop conversion of a normal cell to an affected one by compounds in Alzheimer’s disease.O are multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption. Multinucleation enhances the resorbing efficiency of osteoclasts. Aberration of multinucleation or size control of osteoclasts is seen in some bone diseases such as Paget’s disease of bone and Cherubism of bone. The mechanism of size control of osteoclasts has been elusive. We have previously reported that the actin-rich superstructure, called a zipper-like structure specifically appeared during the cell fusion of large osteoclasts. Because the zipper-like structure is a derivative of the podosome belt, reagents that affect the structure or the function of podosome belt should produce smaller osteoclasts. The organization of podosome belt is regulated by a proto-oncogene; Src interacted with dynamin, an endocytic GTPase. We, here, examined the effect of pharmacological reagents on the multinucleation of osteoclasts differentiated from RAW 264.7 cells. A Src inhibitor, SU6656, inhibited the maintenance of the podosome belt and the zipper-like structure. SU6656 inhibited the formation of large osteoclast, but increased the number of small osteoclasts. Dynasore, an inhibitor of dynamin showed the similar effects. Furthermore, a stabilizer of actin stress fibers, jasplakinolide caused the osteoclasts smaller, suggesting the involvement of actin dynamics in the fusion of osteoclast. Taken together, the dynamic reorganization of actin filaments maintained via Src/dynamin signaling is involved in the hypermultinucleation of osteoclast. Because bone remodeling is regulated by nutritional factors, we will discuss the nutritional intervention for the size control of osteoclast.T study aimed to assess socioeconomic variables and the relationship with dietary diversity of school children in a region of southwestern, Nigeria. 600 school children attending both private and public schools were interviewed. A standardized FAO-published 24-hour diet recall questionnaire for calculating a dietary diversity score (DDS) was adapted, tested, and used to collect dietary diversity data. A structured interview scheduled was also used to elicit information on availability of household assets which was used as a proxy for wealth status used as socioeconomic indicator. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between dietary diversity and wealth status while descriptive statistics was also used. Mean age and household size of the respondents was 8.28±1.44 and 6.43±2.26 respectively; both higher in public than private schools. For the wealth status (39.3%) and DDS (30.0%) of private school children were categorized as high compared to 32.0% and 18.3% in public school respectively. DDS was more related to higher socioeconomic status in private school children. High (OR=1.05, CI=0.51-2.18) and moderate (OR=1.25, CI=0.05-3.16) wealth categories in private school children had an increased DDS compared with the low wealth status group. While among the public school children, only high wealth status group had a likelihoodof increased DDS (OR=1.84, CI=0.37-2.10). Wealth related inequalities existed for children from both school types. Socioeconomic inequalities determined the dietary diversity score of school children in the region of southwestern Nigeria.T Mediterranean diet has long been attributed with a variety of health promoting properties for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer. One aspect that has not received enough attention is the benefits of Mediterranean herbs. Specifically, rosemary and its polyphenolic diterpenes (carnosic acid and carnosol) are known to possess anti-oxidant activity that is beneficial as a food preservative. In fact, the European Union has even adopted the use of standardized rosemary extracts as food preservatives into its legislation. Another potential benefit of these diterpenes is that they may be beneficial in cancer control. Herein, we describe the in vitro and in vivo studies carried out towards understanding the molecular mechanisms of carnosic acid and carnosol leading to inhibition of prostate cancer. The reported findings suggest that these polyphenols target multiple signaling pathways involved in cell cycle modulation and apoptosis. Using a xenograft tumor model we have observed individual phytochemicals to suppress tumor growth compared to mice receiving placebo. These results are especially significant as it is becoming more likely that individuals will be consuming standardized rosemary extracts that are a part of a natural preservative system in various food preparations. Taken a step further, it is possible that the potential benefits that are often associated with a “Mediterranean Diet” in the future may begin to extend beyond those consuming a traditional Mediterranean diet.

Commercial infant foods in the UK: macro-nutrient content and composition

Early infant feeding provides nutrients for optimal growth and development. Currently in the UK, one in five children starts school overweight(1): recent data suggest that children who are overweight at an early age are likely to continue to be overweight. This in turn, increases the risk of developing chronic disease such as type II diabetes, heart disease and a variety of other co-morbidities at early adulthood(2,3). Over recent decades, changes in life style and food economy has contributed to shifting dietary patterns leading to increased consumption of energy-dense diets high in fat, particularly saturated fat, and low in unrefined carbohydrates(4). The modern lifestyle dynamic, therefore, has lead to an increased parental reliance on commercially marketed complementary foods in the UK, which may have potential implications for total energy and fat intake in addition to taste acquisition. The foregoing factors can negatively impact the risk of chronic non-communicable disease(4). The aforementioned trend enhances the importance of labelling in the areas of food safety and nutritional information. Quantitative analyses of the macronutrient content of eight popular commercial ‘ready to-feed’ baby meals for infants of 7–9 months old in the UK market has been undertaken in order to ascertain their nutritional suitability in relation to the total daily dietary intake as well as nutritional profiling of the products. The chemical analyses conducted included Kjeldhal for protein, acid hydrolysis and extraction for fat, phenol sulphuric acid for carbohydrate and AOAC 985.29 for fibre. The only significant difference found between different varieties (meat and vegetable-based) was with respect to the protein content (P = 0.04) per 100 g of food. The experimentally determined concentrations of macronutrients (g/418.4 kJ) were compared with the declared values provided by the manufacturers on the product labels and despite some variations, the values obtained comply with the regulatory requirements (Commission Directive 2006/125/EC). The total daily intake of fat (27.0 g/d) – based on the menu composed from commercial complementary food – is suggested to exceed the DRV of fat (27.1 g/d), if the intake of snacks and desserts are incorporated. The aforementioned results imply that the formulations of the recipes, based on a standard commercial menu, are of significant importance in relation to the nutritional quality of the infant’s diet.