"September 2002" / Bibliography: leaves 207-230. / x, 230 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / The broad aims of this thesis were to develop a cellular model for studying reperfusion injury, in order to investigate the reported protective effects of n-3 PUFAs, and to examine the underlying mechanisms associated with such protection. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Physiology, 2002

Computation is employed to incredible success in a massive variety of applications, and yet it is difficult to formally state what our computations are. Finding a way to model computations is not only valuable to understanding them, but central to automatic manipulations and formal verification. Often the most interesting computations are not functions with inputs and outputs, but ongoing systems that continuously react to user input. In the automata-theoretic approach, computations are modeled as words, a sequence of letters representing a trace of a computation. Each automaton accepts a set of words, called its language. To model reactive computation, we use Büchi automata: automata that operate over infinite words. Although the computations we are modeling are not infinite, they are unbounded, and we are interested in their ongoing properties. For thirty years, Büchi automata have been recognized as the right model for reactive computations. In order to formally verify computations, however, we must also be able to create specifications that embody the properties we want to prove these systems possess. To date, challenging algorithmic problems have prevented Büchi automata from being used as specifications. I address two challenges to the use of Buechi automata as specifications in formal verification. The first, complementation, is required to check program adherence to a specification. The second, determination, is used in domains such as synthesis, probabilistic verification, and module checking. I present both empirical analysis of existing complementation constructions, and a new theoretical contribution that provides more deterministic complementation and a full determination construction.

Computation is employed to incredible success in a massive variety of applications, and yet it is difficult to formally state what our computations are. Finding a way to model computations is not only valuable to understanding them, but central to automatic manipulations and formal verification. Often the most interesting computations are not functions with inputs and outputs, but ongoing systems that continuously react to user input. In the automata-theoretic approach, computations are modeled as words, a sequence of letters representing a trace of a computation. Each automaton accepts a set of words, called its language. To model reactive computation, we use Büchi automata: automata that operate over infinite words. Although the computations we are modeling are not infinite, they are unbounded, and we are interested in their ongoing properties. For thirty years, Büchi automata have been recognized as the right model for reactive computations. In order to formally verify computations, however, we must also be able to create specifications that embody the properties we want to prove these systems possess. To date, challenging algorithmic problems have prevented Büchi automata from being used as specifications. I address two challenges to the use of Buechi automata as specifications in formal verification. The first, complementation, is required to check program adherence to a specification. The second, determination, is used in domains such as synthesis, probabilistic verification, and module checking. I present both empirical analysis of existing complementation constructions, and a new theoretical contribution that provides more deterministic complementation and a full determination construction.

Objectives: The main objective was to assess the effectiveness of early postoperative enteral feeding with an arginine, omega-3 fatty acids and RNA-supplemented formula in improving the wound healing process in patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer. The assessment was done both measuring local hydroxyproline deposition as an index of reparative collagen synthesis and qualitative indicators of wound healing, including the presence or absence of complications derived from the healing process failure. As a secondary objective, it was assessed the effectiveness of early postoperative administration of the formula in reducing the number of infectious complications. Additional outcome variables were overall morbidity and length of hospital stay.Summary background data:Early postoperative immunonutrition has invariably demonstrated significant improvements in the patients' immunological status , inflammatory response and patient outcome. Even though one of the most frequent complications in patients with neoplastic disease and associated malnutrition is the delay or failure of surgical wound healing, the influence of early immunonutrition on the wound healing process has not yet been evaluated.Methods: Sixty patients of both genders with a preoperative diagnosis of gastric cancer were prospectively randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive early enteral feeding with either an arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and RNA-supplemented formula or an isocaloric, isonitrogenous control formula, both administered through a jejunostomy tube for 7 days. Six out of them did not complete the study and were excluded from the statistical analysis. Hydroxyproline deposition in subcutaneously placed catheters (Goodson and Hunt method), postoperative wound healing complications and infectious complications were analyzed as main outcome variables.Results: Patients treated with immunonutrition showed higher local hydroxyproline levels (59.7 nmol (5.0 - 201.8), vs. 28.0 nmol (5.8 - 89.6) p: 0.0018), significantly lower episodes of surgical wound healing complications (0 Vs 8 (26.7%) p: 0.005), significantly lower number of infectious complications (2 (6.7%) vs. 9 (30%) p: 0.01) and lower overall morbidity (4 (13.3%) vs. 13 (43.3%) p: 0.01) when compared to patients treated with standard enteral nutrition. Median length of hospital stay was shorter for patients treated with the study formula (13 days vs. 15 days, p: 0.02). Multivariate analysis to evaluate the endpoint 'presence of any postoperative complication' found the feeding group to be a significant predictor after adjusting by patient age and initial weight (OR=2.49 p: 0.001). Conclusions: Early postoperative enteral nutrition with a formula supplemented with arginine, omega 3 fatty acids and RNA increased hydroxyproline synthesis, improved surgical wound healing and significantly reduced the number of postoperative infections and the general morbidity in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Sixteen horses (2 to 4 yr; 357 to 439 kg BW) were utilized in a randomized complete block design for a 140 d trial to determine effect of omega 3 PUFAs (n-3) supplementation on markers of inflammation in young horses in training. Horses were fed treatments consisting of a control diet (n = 8) fed at 1% BW (as fed) or a treatment diet (n = 8) of concentrate fed at 0.75% BW (as fed) and 350 g of a marine n-3 supplement formulated to provide 15 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 20 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Body weight and body condition scores (BCS) were obtained biweekly and concentrate adjusted accordingly. Horses were exercised 5 d/wk by students in an equine training course. Type of activity and duration was monitored, along with heart rate to quantify workload. Exercise protocol was divided into 2 phases: phase I (d 0 to110) consisted of ground work and early training under saddle, and phase II (d 111 to 140) consisted of advance maneuvers and moderate workload. Synovial fluid was obtained from right radial carpal joint by arthrocentesis every 28 d and was analyzed for white blood cell count (WBC), total protein (TP), and specific gravity (SG). Serum concentrations of carboxypeptide type II collagen (CPII) and chondroitin sulfate 846 (CS-846) were analyzed by ELISA kits. Dietary treatment did not affect synovial WBC, TP, or SG. Also, concentrations of WBC and TP also did not differ over time. SG increased over time (P < 0.001) as horses moved from phase I to phase II of the trial. Dietary treatment did not influence concentrations of CPII or CS-846. CS-846 tended to increase over time (P = 0.09) and CPII concentrations also increased (P < 0.001) in response to changes in exercise. Furthermore, all horses gained BW and BCS throughout the trial (P < 0.001), but values were not influenced by treatment. This data indicates further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of n-3 supplementation as a preventative measure against development of osteoarthritis.

There is limited information on the utilization of sorghum for human consumption in El Salvador. Increased wheat prices have driven the baking industry to seek alternative cereals for manufacturing of their products. The white color and bland taste characteristics of Salvadorian sorghum is ideal for use as a partial substitute of wheat (up to 50 percent) or alone in baked goods and a wide variety of foods. Further information on the grain quality, milling characteristics and impact on end-product was assessed to make better use of the available grain. Three different varieties of improved and local cultivars (RCV, Native and ZAM 912) were evaluated for their grain, flour and end-product quality. Grain hardness, color and composition of the grains varied from hard to intermediate to soft. Burr, hammer and roller milling were used for sorghum flour production. Impact of grain characteristics and milling quality was evaluated through the flours produced and their end-product quality. Grain hardness significantly affects flour and final product characteristics. Harder grain, RCV, produced flours more difficult to cook and with a grittier texture than those produced from Native cultivars (floury endosperm). Cupcakes produced from harder grain flours had lower volume and harder texture than cupcakes made from the Native varieties. ZAM 912 was an intermediate hard sorghum variety and produced the darkest flour and darkest cupcakes due to its pericarp hue. Appropriate use of this grain’s flour can be used in baked products with a darker hue (e.g. chocolate pastries). Harder grain flours can be utilized in coarse crumb products (e.g. cookies, horchata, and atole). Hammer mills produced the coarsest particles for all the varieties evaluated. Burr mills produced flour with similar cooking and end-product texture qualities as the roller mill. However, burr mills are not suitable for production of large quantities of whole sorghum flour. Nevertheless, they are more affordable for small entrepreneurs. Cultivars analyzed produce quality flour that can be used in an array of baked foods, i.e. ethnic beverages, porridges, cookies, flour mixes, tortillas, sweet breads. Whole sorghum flour substitution as low as 25 percent in wheat-based foods can represent significant cost savings for its users.

This Ph.D. dissertation presents results that shed light on whether there is an association between dietary intake and depressive disorder, feelings of sadness, or thoughts of death. This question is investigated in the context of a secondary data analysis using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002. Subjects in this study were identified as a subpopulation of the NHANES survey that completed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview questionnaire for major depression. The presence of depression may lead to a decline in dietary intake and nutritional status. Conversely, poor dietary intake may have a role in the etiology of depression. Specifically, depression is associated with lower plasma, erythrocyte, phospholipid, and adipose tissue omega-3 fatty acids. Little is known about the comprehensive dietary intake of those with depression or depressive symptoms. Initially, comparisons of the dietary profile between those with and without depression or depressive symptoms were investigated. Secondly, analysis was done to determine the relationship between dietary omega-3 fatty acids and depression or depressive symptoms. Lastly, to clarify the relationship between diet and depression, misreporting of dietary energy intake was evaluated.No significant differences in the dietary profile or nutritional biochemistries were found between the altered mood and normal mood groups. No significant differences were found in dietary omega-3 fatty acids between the depressed and non-depressed groups, even after adjusting for confounding variables. Misreporting of energy intake was not significantly associated with altered mood status and remained non-significant after adjusting for confounding variables. In both groups, a significant decreasing trend in the ratio of energy intake to estimated basal metabolic rate (EI:BMRest) was found as body mass index increased.Based on dietary intake alone, the relationship between depression and specific nutrients may not be apparent. Dietary intake among those with depression and depressive symptoms appears to be adequate, but adequacy may not be sufficient as a route for prevention or management of depression. Further investigation of diet and depression ought to measure diet, including nutrition supplements, and biochemical levels of nutrients from a broader age range of adults and children and those with comorbid illnesses.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common consequence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with the least severe form of NAFLD being hepatic steatosis, which is the accumulation of intrahepatic fat. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 PUFAs) are fatty acids in our diets commonly found in marine animals (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and certain plants (α-linoleic acid [ALA]). Although past studies have examined the consumption of marine sources or plant sources on hepatic steatosis and MetS parameters, individual n3 PUFA have yet to be compared to each other. Thus fa/fa Zucker rats were provided n3 PUFA diets containing ALA, EPA or DHA for 8 weeks relative to a linoleic acid (LA)-rich n6 PUFA diet provided to fa/fa and lean Zucker rats. Comparisons were to baseline fa/fa Zucker rats. It was shown that DHA prevented the progression of hepatic steatosis and was associated with improvements in insulin resistance.

No description available.

Kännedom om Omega-3 började med att man upptäckte att omega-3 har en effekt på kardiovaskulära sjukdomar, sedan dess har man börjat utforska allt fler områden där omega-3 har visat sig ha en positiv effekt. Syftet med den här uppsatsen är att undersöka huruvida Omega-3 har en effekt på demens och den vanligaste demenssjukdomen Alzheimer. Demens orsakas bland annat av en omfattande celldöd i hjärnan och uttrycker sig genom att minnet och kognitionen blir gradvis försämrat eftersom det episodiska minnet är försämrat hos dementa. Alzheimer i sin tur har visat sig ha låga nivåer av DHA i hippocampus. Studier har visat att ett intag av fisk och Omega-3 kan förebygga en uppkomst av demens och Alzheimer och förbättra den kognitiva försämringen som sker vid demenssjukdom. Slutresultaten är motsägelsefulla. De flesta studier visar att Omega-3 påverkar och förbättrar kognitionen hos Demens och Alzheimer patienter och kan verka förebyggande och även som behandling. Emellertid finns det de studier som visar på att Omega-3 inte har visat någon signifikant effekt, eller enbart har en förebyggande effekt och endast ifall demenssjukdomen inte är starkt genetiskt betingad.