Marijuana has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. Many people think of marijuana in the context of an illegal drug. Because of the antimarijuana attitude, research with cannabinoids was neglected for a long time. Although this substance is related to social problems, scientists are interested in its action and possible medicinal properties. Since the identification of the structure of Î 9--tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, there has been increased interest in this compound. Following the discovery of two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors, it was determined that CB1 receptors are in high density in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are found primarily in the immune system. The endogenous cannabinoid ligands, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, were observed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Endocannabinoids differ from other "classical" neurotransmitters because they do not appear to be stored in synaptic vesicles, and they act as retrograde messengers within the brain. The endogenous cannabinoid signaling system includes cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands called endocannabinoids, and the proteins for their synthesis and inactivation. The cannabinoid system appears to act as a neuromodulatory system. During the past ten years, the endogenous cannabinoid system has been implicated in a variety of physiological functions including pain reduction, motor regulation, learning, memory, and reward. Because obesity and eating disorders are prevalent, scientists are working at the molecular level to study the mechanisms controlling body weight and regulation of food intake. Several of the neuropeptides present in hypothalamic nuclei contribute to energy balance and food intake regulation. Endogenous cannabinoid and cannobinoid receptors are found in the hypothalamus and are associated with the regulation of food intake. Although the mechanisms whereby cannabinoids influence food intake remain unclear, results suggest that the cannabinoid system will be an important target in future studies in obesity. Most research on cannabinoids has focused on their role in food intake regulation in mammalian species. It is important to determine the role of endocannabinoids in other species. The effect of intracerebroventricular injection of agonists and antagonists of both CB1 and CB2 receptors in 8 to 11 week-old male Single Comb White Leghorn and 3 to 6 weeks old male broilers was investigated. It was found that agonists of both the CB1 and CB2 receptor increased food intake significantly; however, the CB2 receptor agonist had a stronger and longer lasting effect. Antagonists of both receptors decreased food intake significantly. The CB1 receptor antagonist appeared to block both cannabinoid receptors in birds, whereas the CB2 receptor antagonist did not block both receptors. Previous studies have indicated that the CB2 receptor is found only outside the brain and spinal cord, and is involved with the immune system. From the present results, it appears that both cannabinoid receptors are present in the chicken brain. Furthermore, the CB2 receptor may also be localize in the chicken brain. There are also differences in cannabinoid system between Leghorn and broilers. / Master of Science

Background: People in Cameroon are experiencing a dietary transition characterized by changing from traditional food habits to increased intake of highly processed sweet and fatty food. The rapid change in food pattern combined with an increased sedentary lifestyle has resulted in a rather high prevalence of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Nutritional intake is important during adolescence for growth spurt, health, cognitive development and performance in school. Objective: The aim of this thesis was to assess dietary intake, anthropometry and physical activity of adolescents according to sex and socioeconomic status (SES) and to investigate food perceptions of adolescents living in urban and rural areas of Cameroon. Methods: Girls and boys, 12-16 years of age, were randomly selected from schools in urban and rural areas. Food frequency questionnaire, 24-hour dietary and physical activity recalls, anthropometric measurements, qualitative interviews and a background questionnaire were used for data collection. Results: The proportion of overweight was three times higher in girls (14%) compared to boys (4%). Stunting and underweight were more common among boys (15% and 6%) than girls (5% and 1%). The prevalence of stunting was two times higher among the urban adolescents with low SES (12%) compared to those with high SES (5%). The rural adolescents had the highest proportion of stunting but more muscle that the urban adolescents. The rural adolescents ate in order to live and to maintain health. Urban adolescents with low SES ate in order to maintain health, while those with high SES ate for pleasure. More than 30% of the adolescents skipped breakfast in the urban area. Urban adolescents with high SES and girls reported a more frequent consumption of in-between meals and most food groups compared to the rural adolescents, boys and those with low SES. Over 55% of the adolescents had a protein intake below 10% of the energy (E%). Twenty-six percent of the adolescents had fat intake below 25 E%, and 25% had fat intake above 35 E%. A large proportion of the adolescents had an intake of micronutrients below the estimated average recommendation. Boys and the adolescents with low SES reported a higher energy expenditure and physical activity level than girls and the adolescents with high SES, respectively. Both under- and over-reporting of energy intake were common among the adolescents. Conclusions: The present study showed that nutrient inadequacy, stunting, underweight, as well as overweight and obesity were common among the adolescents in Cameroon. Therefore an intervention program targeting both under- and overnutrition among school adolescents is needed. Sex and socioeconomic differences also need to be considered.

Introdução: A adolescência destaca-se como um período de elevada demanda de nutrientes. No entanto, a dieta deste grupo freqüentemente tem sido descrita como elevada em gorduras saturadas e sódio, e pobre em diversos nutrientes. Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de inadequação da ingestão de nutrientes e estimar os componentes de variância da ingestão de nutrientes entre adolescentes do município de São Paulo. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com amostra representativa da população de adolescentes do município de São Paulo, conduzido no ano de 2003. Foi coletado um recordatório de 24 horas (R24h) para cada participante (n=525), além de dados socioeconômicos e antropométricos. A medida de variabilidade da ingestão foi calculada por meio de duas replicações do R24h em uma subamostra desta população, nos anos de 2007 e 2008. A ingestão habitual foi estimada utilizando o software PC-SIDE, que utiliza o método desenvolvido pela Iowa State University. As prevalências de inadequação foram calculadas pelo método da EAR com ponto de corte, entre os sexos e entre os estratos de renda familiar per capita (RFPC), escolaridade do chefe da família, estado nutricional e etilismo, posteriormente comparados utilizando o teste de proporções. Para a estimativa da contribuição do dia da semana e do mês do ano para variância total da ingestão dos nutrientes e de energia, foi utilizado modelo de efeitos aleatórios. Foram calculadas as razões de variância (RV) intra-pessoal sobre a inter-pessoal, e o número de coletas de R24h necessárias para estimativa da ingestão habitual de nutrientes e energia entre adolescentes. Resultados: As prevalências de inadequação mais elevadas foram relativas às vitaminas E (99% e 99%), magnésio (89% e 84%), vitamina A (78% e 71%), vitamina C (79% e 73%, p<0,05) e fósforo (49% e 71%, p<0,05), para o sexo masculino e feminino, respectivamente. A proporção de indivíduos com ingestão superior ao recomendado de cálcio foi menor que 1%. A prevalência de inadequaçãoda ingestão das vitaminas A, C, B6, B12, fósforo e riboflavina foi mais elevada (p<0,05) nos estratos de menor RFPC e escolaridade do chefe da família. A contribuição para a variância total da ingestão relativa ao dia da semana e mês do ano foi inexpressiva (<8%). As RVs variaram de 1,15 para o cálcio a 7,31 para a vitamina E. O número de R24h necessários para estimar a ingestão habitual variou de acordo com o nutriente: em torno de 15 para o sexo masculino e 8 para o sexo feminino. / Introduction: The adolescence stands out as a high demand stage of nutrients. Nonetheless, food practices of this group often have been characterized as having high consumption of saturated fat and poor in nutrient-rich foods. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake and to calculates the variance components of energy and nutrient intake in adolescents from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from a representative sample of adolescents living in Sao Paulo, carried out on 2003. It was collected one 24-hour recall (24hr) for each subject (n=525) and also information about socioeconomic status and anthropometry. The intake variability measurement was performed using two replicates of 24hr in a subsample of this population, during 2007 and 2008. The usual nutrient intake was estimated using PC-SIDE software, that use the method developed at Iowa State University. The EAR cut-point method was chosen to calculate prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake between sexes and between familiar income per capita (FIPC) and parental educational levels, nutritional status and alcohol consumption. The groups were compared by proportions test. Contribution of the day of week and month of year in total variance were estimated using random effect models. It were calculated within- to between-person variance ratio (VR) and the number of replicates required to estimate habitual nutrient and energy intake in adolescents. Results: The highest prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake were regarding to vitamin E (99% e 99%), magnesium (89% e 84%), vitamin A (78% e 71%), vitamin C (79% e 73%, p<0.05) and phosphorus (49% e 71%, p<0.05), for male and female respectively. The proportion of individuals with calcium intake above recommended value was less than 1%. The prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamins A, C, B6 and B12, phosphorus and riboflavin is higher in lower FIPC and parental educational levels (p<0.05). The variance component analyses appointed out to unexpressive contribution (less than 8%) of the day of week and month of year to total variance. The VRs ranged from 1.15 for calcium to 7.31 for vitamin E. The number of replicates needed to estimate habitual nutrient intake ranged according to nutrient. It is approximately 15 for male and 8 for female.

Para avaliar os possíveis efeitos que os corantes artificiais podem causar à saúde, é de grande importância possuir dados relativos à exposição a estas substâncias. O fato de diversos estudos apontarem problemas de saúde relacionados ao consumo do corante artificial Amarelo Crepúsculo (AC) justifica a necessidade de verificar se a ingestão desta substância, através do consumo de alimentos industrializados, ultrapassa a Ingestão Diária Aceitável (IDA). O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar e caracterizar a ingestão de AC pela população brasileira. Para isso, primeiramente foram verificados quais os alimentos comercializados por uma das maiores redes de supermercados do país que continham AC na sua formulação. Foi avaliada a ingestão média destes alimentos utilizando as Pesquisas de Orçamento Familiar (POF, 2008-2009) e determinada a Ingestão Diária Máxima Teórica (IDMT) de AC, através dos valores estipulados pela legislação brasileira para a concentração máxima permitida deste corante nos diferentes grupos de alimentos. Posteriormente foram realizadas analises, através de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE), para avaliar o teor de Amarelo Crepúsculo em refrescos em pó, refrigerantes, bebidas isotônicas, gelatinas e balas, e verificar as faixas de utilização deste corante e a adequação à legislação vigente. Através dos dados obtidos, verificou-se que a IDMT para AC, considerando o consumo médio per capita de alimentos, não supera a IDA para nenhuma das distribuições populacionais estudadas. No entanto, ao considerar a prevalência de consumo alimentar, a IDMT é superior à IDA para adolescentes de 10 a 18 anos (277% da IDA), adultos (181% da IDA) e idosos (140% da IDA) das áreas urbanas e rurais e nas cinco regiões do país Em relação às amostras analisadas, pode-se constatar que, considerando-se as médias obtidas, os produtos que mais contêm AC são na ordem: Refrigerantes (7,91 mg/100 mL); Bebidas Isotônicas (6,22 mg/100 mL); Refrescos em pó (5,96 mg/100 mL); Gelatinas (5,92 mg/100 mL) e Balas (menor que 1,25 mg/100 g). Através da realização deste trabalho, conclui-se que considerando o consumo médio per capita a ingestão diária representa entre 14 e 31% da IDA, não representando risco à saúde. No entanto, verificou-se que alguns indivíduos de todos os grupos populacionais podem estar ingerindo o corante em quantidades superiores às recomendadas. Cabe destacar que a POF (2008-2009), utilizada como fonte de dados nesta pesquisa, entrevistou crianças a partir dos 10 anos de idade. Visto que neste estudo o consumo de AC aumentou ao diminuir a faixa etária, é provável que esta tendência se aplique para crianças com menos de 10 anos. Diante do exposto, torna-se necessário um maior rigor no emprego e na fiscalização do uso de Amarelo Crepúsculo em produtos alimentares, visto que o consumo elevado deste corante pode ocasionar reações adversas aos seus consumidores. / To evaluate the possible effects that artificial dyes can cause health is very important to have data on exposure to these substances. The fact that several studies suggest health problems related to the consumption of artificial dye Sunset Yellow (SY) justifies the need to verify that the ingestion of this substance through consumption of processed foods, exceeds the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize the SY intake by the Brazilian population. For this, they were first checked which foods marketed by one of the country's largest supermarket chains containing SY in its formulation. the average intake of these foods using the Household Budget Surveys were evaluated (HBS 2008-2009) and determined the Theory Maximum Daily Intake (TMDI) SY, through the values set by the Brazilian legislation for the maximum permitted concentration of the dye in the different groups of food. Later analyzes were performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate the Yellow Twilight content in powdered drinks, soft drinks, isotonic drinks, gelatins and candy, and check the use of bands of this dye and the adequacy of legislation current. Through the data, it was found that the TMDI for SY, considering the average per capita consumption of food does not exceed the ADI for any of the studied population distributions. However, when considering the prevalence of food consumption, the TMDI is higher than the ADI for adolescents 10-18 years (277% of ADI), adults (181% of ADI) and the elderly (140% ADI) in urban areas and rural and in five regions of the country. Regarding the samples, it can be seen that, considering the averages, the products that contain SY are in order: Soft drinks (7.91 mg/100 mL); Isotonic drinks (6.22 mg/100 mL); powdered drinks (5.96 mg/100 mL); Gelatins (5.92 mg/100 mL) and candy (below 1,25 mg/100 g) Through this work, it is concluded that considering the average consumption per capita daily intake is between 14 and 31% of ADI and do not represent a health risk. However, it was found that some individuals of all population groups may be ingesting the dye in amounts greater than those recommended. It should be noted that the HBS (2008-2009), used as a data source in this research, interviewed children from 10 years old. Since in this study the use of SY increased by reducing the age, it is likely that this trend will apply to children under 10 years. Given the above, it is necessary a greater rigor in applying and monitoring the use of Sunset Yellow in food products, as the high consumption of this dye can cause adverse reactions to their consumers.

O objetivo do experimento I foi determinar o efeito da inclusão de narasina na mistura mineral para novilhas alimentadas com forragem. Foram utilizadas 30 novilhas Nelore, distribuídas em 10 baias (3 animais/baia) com peso médio inicial de 222 &plusmn; 3,0 kg. As novilhas foram alimentadas diariamente com pré-secado de cynodon spp. Os tratamentos experimentais foram 0, 650 e 1300 mg de narasina/kg de mistura mineral (0N, 6,5N e 13N, respectivamente). As variáveis analisadas foram consumo de matéria seca (CMS), consumo de mistura mineral (CMM) diário, ganho médio diário (GMD), conversão alimentar (CA) e variação na ingestão da IMM. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi change-over (todas as baias passaram por todos os tratamentos), com um período experimental de 28 dias, e 7 dias destinado ao período tampão (wash-out). A adição de narasina não afetou o CMM (P &#61; 0,75) e nem o CMS (P &#61; 0,69). No entanto, o tratamento 13N aumentou o GMD (P &#61; 0,02) e, consequentemente, melhorou a CA (P &#61; 0,05) em comparação com os animais do grupo 0N e 6,5N. Os resultados indicam que houve uma variação da IMM de cada baia e ao longo do período experimental, e essa variação foi semelhante para todos tratamentos. O objetivo do experimento II foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de narasina no suplemento mineral para o desempenho de novilhas alimentadas com dietas contendo alto teor de concentrado. Foram utilizadas 60 novilhas Nelore, distribuídas em 20 baias (3 animais/baia) com peso médio inicial 245 &plusmn; 4,3 kg. As novilhas foram alimentadas diariamente com uma dieta contendo aproximadamente 16% de bagaço de cana e 84% de concentrado. Os tratamentos experimentais foram 0N e 13N. As variáveis analisadas foram as mesmas do experimento I. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi cross-over (todas as baias passaram por todos os tratamentos), com um período experimental de 28 dias, e 7 dias destinado ao período tampão (wash-out). A inclusão de 1300 mg de narasina/kg de mistura mineral não afetou o GMD (P &#61; 0,06), CMS (P &#61; 0,56) ou CMM (P &#61; 0,33). No entanto, a adição de narasina diminuiu a CA (P &#61; 0,05) em relação ao grupo controle. Semelhante ao experimento I, houve uma grande variação no CMM entre baias e ao longo do período experimental. O objetivo do experimento III foi avaliar se a inclusão de cloreto de sódio (NaCl) como inibidor e o milho moído como estimulador de consumo de mistura mineral, poderia regularizar a frequência e o consumo individual desse suplemento. Foram utilizadas 30 novilhas Nelore (22 meses), distribuídas em 10 baias (3 animais/baia) com peso médio inicial 294 &plusmn; 3,7 kg. As novilhas foram alimentadas diariamente com pré-secado de Cynodon spp. ad libitum. Os tratamentos experimentais foram controle (mistura mineral), 10MM (90% mistura mineral e 10% milho moído), 10M25NaCl (65% mistura mineral, 10% milho moído e 25% NaCl) e 10M50NaCl (40% mistura mineral, 10% milho moído e 50% NaCl). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi igual ao Experimento I. O período experimental teve duração de 15 dias, 7 dias destinados ao período tampão (washout). A análise de variação do CMM utilizado, foi o erro padrão da média (&#42;EPM) de cada dia para cada tratamento (VCMM). O CMS (P &#61; 0,81), GMD (P &#61; 0,27) e CA (P &#61; 0,31) não diferiram entre os tratamentos. A adição de milho moído aumentou e a inclusão de NaCl reduziu o CMM (P &lt; 0,01). O mesmo aconteceu com a VCMM (P &lt; 0,01), onde o EPM aumentou com a inclusão de milho e reduziu quando adicionado de NaCl / The objective of the first trial was to determine the effect of narasin inclusion into the mineral mix for heifers fed high forage diets. Thirty Nellore heifers with initial body weight of 222 &plusmn; 3.0 kg were used and they were distributed in ten pens (three animals per pen) and fed daily with Cynodon spp. haylage. The experimental treatments were 0N, 6.5N and 13N, with the inclusion of 0, 650 and 1300 mg of narasina/kg of MM, respectively. The variables analyzed were dry matter intake (DMI), mineral mix intake (MMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed:gain ratio (F:G) and MMI variation (MMIV). The experimental design used was change over, where all pens go through all treatments, with a 28 days&#39; experimental period and seven days of wash out. The addition of narasin did not affect neither the MMI (P &#61; 0.75) nor the DMI (P &#61; 0.69). However, when compared to 0N and 6.5N, the addition of 1300 mg of narasin increased ADG (P &#61; 0.02), consequently improving the F:G (P &#61; 0.05). The results indicate that there was a MMIV in each pen and over the experimental period, and that variation was similar for all treatments. The objective of the second trial was to evaluate the effects of narasin inclusion into the MM over the performance of heifers fed high concentrate diets. Sixty Nellore heifers with initial BW of 245 &plusmn; 4,3 kg were used. They were distributed in 20 pens (3 animals/pen) and fed daily with a diet containing approximately 16% sugar cane bagasse and 84% concentrate. The experimental treatments were 0N and 13N, with the inclusion of 0 and 1300 mg of narasin/kg of MM, respectively. The experimental design was cross over, in which all pens go through all treatments, with a 28 days experimental period and seven days of wash out. The inclusion of 1300 mg of narasin/kg of MM did not affect the ADG (P &#61; 0.06), the DMI (P &#61; 0.56) and the MMI (P &#61; 0.33). However, it did improve the F:G (P &#61; 0.05) when compared to the control. Similar to the first trial, there was a big variation in MMI between the pens and along the experimental period. The objective of the third trial was to evaluate if the inclusion of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) as an inhibitor and ground corn (Gc) as a MM intake stimulator could regularize the individual frequency and amount of the supplement intake. Thirty Nellore heifers with 22 months old and an initial BW of 294 &plusmn; 3,7 kg were used. They were distributed in ten pens (3 animals/pen) and fed daily, ad libitum, with Cynodon spp. haylage. The experimental treatments were control (100% MM), 10%Gc (90% MM and 10% Gc), 10%Gc&#43;25%NaCl (65% MM, 10% Gc and 25% NaCl) and 10%Gc&#43;50%NaCl (40% MM, 10% Gc and 50% NaCl). The experimental design used was the same as the first trial, with a 15 days&#39; experimental period and 7 days of wash out. The variance analysis used was the mean standard error of each day for each treatment. The DMI (P &#61; 0.92), ADG (P &#61; 0.51) and F:G (P &#61; 0.98) did not differ between treatments. But the addition of Gc increased the MMI and the inclusion of NaCl decreased it (P &lt; 0.01). The same happened with the MMIV (P &lt; 0.01), where the mean standard error increased with the inclusion of Gc and decreased when NaCl was added

O objetivo do experimento I foi determinar o efeito da inclusão de narasina na mistura mineral para novilhas alimentadas com forragem. Foram utilizadas 30 novilhas Nelore, distribuídas em 10 baias (3 animais/baia) com peso médio inicial de 222 &plusmn; 3,0 kg. As novilhas foram alimentadas diariamente com pré-secado de cynodon spp. Os tratamentos experimentais foram 0, 650 e 1300 mg de narasina/kg de mistura mineral (0N, 6,5N e 13N, respectivamente). As variáveis analisadas foram consumo de matéria seca (CMS), consumo de mistura mineral (CMM) diário, ganho médio diário (GMD), conversão alimentar (CA) e variação na ingestão da IMM. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi change-over (todas as baias passaram por todos os tratamentos), com um período experimental de 28 dias, e 7 dias destinado ao período tampão (wash-out). A adição de narasina não afetou o CMM (P &#61; 0,75) e nem o CMS (P &#61; 0,69). No entanto, o tratamento 13N aumentou o GMD (P &#61; 0,02) e, consequentemente, melhorou a CA (P &#61; 0,05) em comparação com os animais do grupo 0N e 6,5N. Os resultados indicam que houve uma variação da IMM de cada baia e ao longo do período experimental, e essa variação foi semelhante para todos tratamentos. O objetivo do experimento II foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de narasina no suplemento mineral para o desempenho de novilhas alimentadas com dietas contendo alto teor de concentrado. Foram utilizadas 60 novilhas Nelore, distribuídas em 20 baias (3 animais/baia) com peso médio inicial 245 &plusmn; 4,3 kg. As novilhas foram alimentadas diariamente com uma dieta contendo aproximadamente 16% de bagaço de cana e 84% de concentrado. Os tratamentos experimentais foram 0N e 13N. As variáveis analisadas foram as mesmas do experimento I. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi cross-over (todas as baias passaram por todos os tratamentos), com um período experimental de 28 dias, e 7 dias destinado ao período tampão (wash-out). A inclusão de 1300 mg de narasina/kg de mistura mineral não afetou o GMD (P &#61; 0,06), CMS (P &#61; 0,56) ou CMM (P &#61; 0,33). No entanto, a adição de narasina diminuiu a CA (P &#61; 0,05) em relação ao grupo controle. Semelhante ao experimento I, houve uma grande variação no CMM entre baias e ao longo do período experimental. O objetivo do experimento III foi avaliar se a inclusão de cloreto de sódio (NaCl) como inibidor e o milho moído como estimulador de consumo de mistura mineral, poderia regularizar a frequência e o consumo individual desse suplemento. Foram utilizadas 30 novilhas Nelore (22 meses), distribuídas em 10 baias (3 animais/baia) com peso médio inicial 294 &plusmn; 3,7 kg. As novilhas foram alimentadas diariamente com pré-secado de Cynodon spp. ad libitum. Os tratamentos experimentais foram controle (mistura mineral), 10MM (90% mistura mineral e 10% milho moído), 10M25NaCl (65% mistura mineral, 10% milho moído e 25% NaCl) e 10M50NaCl (40% mistura mineral, 10% milho moído e 50% NaCl). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi igual ao Experimento I. O período experimental teve duração de 15 dias, 7 dias destinados ao período tampão (washout). A análise de variação do CMM utilizado, foi o erro padrão da média (&#42;EPM) de cada dia para cada tratamento (VCMM). O CMS (P &#61; 0,81), GMD (P &#61; 0,27) e CA (P &#61; 0,31) não diferiram entre os tratamentos. A adição de milho moído aumentou e a inclusão de NaCl reduziu o CMM (P &lt; 0,01). O mesmo aconteceu com a VCMM (P &lt; 0,01), onde o EPM aumentou com a inclusão de milho e reduziu quando adicionado de NaCl / The objective of the first trial was to determine the effect of narasin inclusion into the mineral mix for heifers fed high forage diets. Thirty Nellore heifers with initial body weight of 222 &plusmn; 3.0 kg were used and they were distributed in ten pens (three animals per pen) and fed daily with Cynodon spp. haylage. The experimental treatments were 0N, 6.5N and 13N, with the inclusion of 0, 650 and 1300 mg of narasina/kg of MM, respectively. The variables analyzed were dry matter intake (DMI), mineral mix intake (MMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed:gain ratio (F:G) and MMI variation (MMIV). The experimental design used was change over, where all pens go through all treatments, with a 28 days&#39; experimental period and seven days of wash out. The addition of narasin did not affect neither the MMI (P &#61; 0.75) nor the DMI (P &#61; 0.69). However, when compared to 0N and 6.5N, the addition of 1300 mg of narasin increased ADG (P &#61; 0.02), consequently improving the F:G (P &#61; 0.05). The results indicate that there was a MMIV in each pen and over the experimental period, and that variation was similar for all treatments. The objective of the second trial was to evaluate the effects of narasin inclusion into the MM over the performance of heifers fed high concentrate diets. Sixty Nellore heifers with initial BW of 245 &plusmn; 4,3 kg were used. They were distributed in 20 pens (3 animals/pen) and fed daily with a diet containing approximately 16% sugar cane bagasse and 84% concentrate. The experimental treatments were 0N and 13N, with the inclusion of 0 and 1300 mg of narasin/kg of MM, respectively. The experimental design was cross over, in which all pens go through all treatments, with a 28 days experimental period and seven days of wash out. The inclusion of 1300 mg of narasin/kg of MM did not affect the ADG (P &#61; 0.06), the DMI (P &#61; 0.56) and the MMI (P &#61; 0.33). However, it did improve the F:G (P &#61; 0.05) when compared to the control. Similar to the first trial, there was a big variation in MMI between the pens and along the experimental period. The objective of the third trial was to evaluate if the inclusion of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) as an inhibitor and ground corn (Gc) as a MM intake stimulator could regularize the individual frequency and amount of the supplement intake. Thirty Nellore heifers with 22 months old and an initial BW of 294 &plusmn; 3,7 kg were used. They were distributed in ten pens (3 animals/pen) and fed daily, ad libitum, with Cynodon spp. haylage. The experimental treatments were control (100% MM), 10%Gc (90% MM and 10% Gc), 10%Gc&#43;25%NaCl (65% MM, 10% Gc and 25% NaCl) and 10%Gc&#43;50%NaCl (40% MM, 10% Gc and 50% NaCl). The experimental design used was the same as the first trial, with a 15 days&#39; experimental period and 7 days of wash out. The variance analysis used was the mean standard error of each day for each treatment. The DMI (P &#61; 0.92), ADG (P &#61; 0.51) and F:G (P &#61; 0.98) did not differ between treatments. But the addition of Gc increased the MMI and the inclusion of NaCl decreased it (P &lt; 0.01). The same happened with the MMIV (P &lt; 0.01), where the mean standard error increased with the inclusion of Gc and decreased when NaCl was added

This study was designed to compare the fatty acid and fruit and vegetable intake of people with and without periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects approximately 15 percent of the developed world population. Participants filled out a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for both fruit and vegetable and fat intake. A sample of whole blood (EDTA) was collected to determine the fatty acid profile of participants’ red blood cell (RBC) membrane. This analytical procedure determines the average fatty acid intake of the participant over the previous 90 to 120 days. Participants were classified as case (n=10, patients diagnosed with periodontal disease) or control group (n=10, patients without periodontal disease). Our hypothesis was that the case group would have higher fat intake and lower fruit and vegetable intake, with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids and higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the RBC membrane. FFQ results indicated that case participants consumed significantly higher amounts of total fat (109.02 vs. 94.46g/d; p= .05), saturated fat (35.102 vs. 28.242g/d; p= .033) and their diets had a higher percentage of total dietary fat (38.73% vs. 34.99%; p=.044). FFQ for fruit and vegetable intake showed no significance between the case and control groups (4.41 vs. 4.56 servings/d; p=.871). For the most part, there were no significant differences between the percent composition of the individual fatty acids isolated from the RBC membrane or in ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid groups as determined by RBC fatty acid analysis. Results indicated a numerically lower intake of omega-3 fatty acids in the case than in the control group. Likewise, there was a numerically higher intake of omega-6 fatty acids in the case group. These numbers demonstrate a trend towards the hypothesis being correct and patients with periodontal disease consuming more omega-6 fatty acids and less omega-3 fatty acids.

The rise of unhealthy beverage consumption, such as soft drinks, in children and youth for the last 25 years has increased the risk of low bone mass density by replacing milk (a major source of calcium intake), compromised dental health, and possibly contributed obesity. A school-based nutrition education intervention was developed to promote a change in this behavior. This study examined the effectiveness of this nutrition education program, called FUEL (Fluids Used Effectively in Living), in promoting healthy beverage consumption among high school students. The FUEL nutrition education manual consisted of six classroom sessions; it was delivered in four classes of grade nine students using different approaches, either multiple or single strategies. The nutrition intervention used multiple teaching methods which included six lessons delivered as visual, group interaction, tactile, individual, and auditory teaching styles. The multiple strategies approach was delivered through peer educators (led by a dietitian) in one class and dietitian-only in another class. In the single strategy approach, also called self-taught, two classes received only the handouts in the FUEL manual. This latter approach was considered the control to the nutrition intervention. The two classes that received either peer education or self-taught approach were in two high schools in Saskatoon. The two classes with either dietitian-taught or self-taught approaches were in a high school in Prince Albert. The beverage intake, knowledge, and attitude of students were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire before the intervention, a week after the intervention, and three months after the intervention. In Saskatoon only, a one year follow-up beverage intake assessment was performed. None of the schools in the FUEL study provided healthy beverage choices for the students. Generally, students in our study consumed an adequate amount of milk, but they drank sugary beverages daily. There was a tendency to replace milk and 100% fruit juices with sugary drinks. After the intervention, students in multiple teaching strategies decreased their sugary beverage intake significantly. The findings indicated that a school-based nutrition education with multiple teaching strategies may lead to positive knowledge, attitude and behavioural change which will have beneficial effect on long-term health.

The rise of unhealthy beverage consumption, such as soft drinks, in children and youth for the last 25 years has increased the risk of low bone mass density by replacing milk (a major source of calcium intake), compromised dental health, and possibly contributed obesity. A school-based nutrition education intervention was developed to promote a change in this behavior. This study examined the effectiveness of this nutrition education program, called FUEL (Fluids Used Effectively in Living), in promoting healthy beverage consumption among high school students. The FUEL nutrition education manual consisted of six classroom sessions; it was delivered in four classes of grade nine students using different approaches, either multiple or single strategies. The nutrition intervention used multiple teaching methods which included six lessons delivered as visual, group interaction, tactile, individual, and auditory teaching styles. The multiple strategies approach was delivered through peer educators (led by a dietitian) in one class and dietitian-only in another class. In the single strategy approach, also called self-taught, two classes received only the handouts in the FUEL manual. This latter approach was considered the control to the nutrition intervention. The two classes that received either peer education or self-taught approach were in two high schools in Saskatoon. The two classes with either dietitian-taught or self-taught approaches were in a high school in Prince Albert. The beverage intake, knowledge, and attitude of students were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire before the intervention, a week after the intervention, and three months after the intervention. In Saskatoon only, a one year follow-up beverage intake assessment was performed. None of the schools in the FUEL study provided healthy beverage choices for the students. Generally, students in our study consumed an adequate amount of milk, but they drank sugary beverages daily. There was a tendency to replace milk and 100% fruit juices with sugary drinks. After the intervention, students in multiple teaching strategies decreased their sugary beverage intake significantly. The findings indicated that a school-based nutrition education with multiple teaching strategies may lead to positive knowledge, attitude and behavioural change which will have beneficial effect on long-term health.

Objectives were to characterize residual feed intake (RFI) and determine the phenotypic correlation between performance, feed efficiency, and other biological measurements in Brahman heifers, as well as the relationship between RFI determined in confinement and measurements of grazing activity on pasture. Three separate 70 d feeding trials were performed, and RFI was determined as the residual between actual and predicted dry matter intake (DMI) for a given level of production. Brahman heifers (n = 103; 5-to-9 mo of age) were individually limit-fed a pelleted 12% CP complete ration daily in Calan gates. Weekly body weight (BW) and DMI data were collected, and predicted DMI was determined by linear regression of actual DMI on mid-test metabolic BW. Ytterbium chloride was used to evaluate digestive kinetics, and fecal samples were collected to determine fecal volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration and determine apparent dry matter digestibility (DMD) utilizing acid insoluble ash as an internal marker. Measurements of temperament were evaluated on all heifers at weaning. High (n = 6) and low (n = 6) RFI heifers (Exp. I) grazed fescue and ryegrass to determine variation in grazing behavior, DMI, and apparent DMD. Data from all three experiments were pooled, and RFI was not correlated with average daily gain (ADG), DMI, BW, partial efficiency of gain, feed conversion ration, fecal VFA concentration, or any measures of temperament. There were no significant differences in digestive kinetics between the RFI efficiency groups. Fecal samples taken for acid detergent insoluble ash (ADIA) determination were not collected at frequent enough intervals to account for weekly variation in fecal ADIA concentration. Pasture measurements were not different between the efficiency groups for heifers evaluated for grazing behavior, as well as estimated intake as a proportion of BW, or apparent DMD. Results of this study suggest that Bos indicus cattle appear to have similar efficiency traits as Bos taurus and Bos indicus influenced cattle, making this measure of efficiency equally as valid for use in both types of cattle. This indicates that selection based on RFI can be made to increase feed efficiency without affecting ADG or BW in Brahman cattle.