A subnutrição é uma das comorbidades mais freqüentes que atinge os pacientes oncológicos. Entender as conseqüências do câncer nas alterações do metabolismo energético é necessário para o estabelecimento de estratégias que previnam o desenvolvimento e tratem a má-nutrição. A carnitina desempenha papel fundamental no metabolismo energético lipídico. Sendo que o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis plasmáticos nos pacientes com câncer no pré cirúrgico e relacionar com os resultados da história alimentar, antropometria, impedância bioelétrica, calorimetria indireta, aminoacidemia e valores urinários de carnitina e nitrogênio. Trata-se de um trabalho prospectivo no qual foram escolhidos aleatoriamente 4 grupos, sendo um de pacientes portadores de câncer esofágico ou gástrico (n=24), e os outros 3 considerados controles. O primeiro grupo controle foi o obesos (n=16), o segundo de voluntários saudáveis (n=12), enterectomizados (n=6) Os valores médios de carnitinemia , em todos os grupos, variou entre 60 e 80 µM no plasma e urinária entre 78 e 124 µM, sem diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos. Quando avaliados os níveis de carnitina plasmático, 80% (p<0.05) dos pacientes com câncer apresentaram deficiência associados à excreção urinária inferior a 5 mol/kg/dia, consumo insuficiente de proteínas e baixa reserva adiposa. No entanto os níveis de metionina e lisina, bem como o gasto energético de repouso não apresentaram diferença com os controles. A deficiência de carnitina nestes pacientes pode comprometer o metabolismo energético além de estar associado à ocorrência de fadiga e piora da qualidade de vida. / The malnutrition is one most common comorbidity among hospitalized patients. Understanding cancer consequences in energetic metabolim changes is necessary in order to avoid malnutrition or to treat it. Carnitine has a important role in lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of serum carnitine in patients with stomach and esophagus cancer and correlated with dietary intake, body composition, resting energy expenditure, carnitine and amino acid serum levels and urinary excretion of carnitine. Twenty-four cancer patients were assessed. Cancer patients were compared with obese (n=16), healthful (n=12) and short bowel disease (n=6). The mean values of serum carnitine and urinary carnitine among all groups were 60-80 µM and 74-124 µM respectively. Serum carnitine levels between cancer patients and other groups were significantly different. 80% of cancer patients had low serum levels, which was associated with urinary below 5 µmol/Kg/day, decreased protein and low adipose tissue. However, the methionine and lysine levels, as well as the resting energy expenditure had no difference when compared with the healthy volunteers. Carnitine deficiency in cancer patients can affect energetic metabolism and contribute to the progression of cachexia.

Melhorar o peso dos leitões ao nascimento e consequentemente ao desmame é um os principais desafios da suinocultura moderna, uma vez que ao serem melhoradas para produzir uma quantidade maior de leitões ao nascimento, as matrizes hiperprolíficas acabaram desenvolvendo uma característica indesejável, que é a produção de leitegadas com maior desuniformidade, e um número elevado de leitões com baixo peso ao nascimento. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a variação do nível de fibra bruta na dieta fornecida dos 74 aos 114 dias de gestação, sobre a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e da energia na gestação, desempenho produtivo e respostas sanguíneas das fêmeas nos períodos de lactação e gestação. Foram utilizadas 33 porcas distribuídas em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. Os níveis de fibra bruta (FB) nos tratamentos (T) foram: 3,3%, 7,0% e 10,1%. Para aumentar o nível de fibra a quirera de arroz e o farelo de soja foram substituídos parcialmente por farelo de arroz desengordurado e casca de soja. O consumo diário de nutrientes e energia foi similar para todo o período de gestação estudado, diferindo apenas o volume de ração consumida, que para o período dos 74 aos 90 dias de gestação foi de 2,10, 2,21 e 2,40 kg/dia, e para 91 a 111 dias de 2,47, 2,65 e 2,85 kg/dia para T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo procedimento MIXED do SAS, e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Fisher (LSD). Análise de regressão foi realizada, utilizando-se a regressão linear ou quadrática conforme o melhor ajuste. Na gestação, o aumento de fibra da dieta proporcionou um decréscimo linear (P<0,05) na energia digestível (ED) e no coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) (%) da matéria seca (MS), energia bruta (EB), proteína bruta (PB), carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF) e matéria orgânica (MO). Os níveis sanguíneos, na gestação, de proteína total e globulinas apresentaram um efeito quadrático (P<0,05) ao nível de fibra da dieta, já o colesterol apresentou um efeito linear crescente (P<0,05). Aos 105 dias de gestação e aos 4 dias de lactação os níveis de creatinina (P<0,05) foram maiores nas fêmeas que consumiram 10,1% de FB. O desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo das fêmeas na gestação e lactação, e o peso dos leitões ao nascimento não foram influenciados (P>0,05) pelos T, no entanto, o ganho médio diário das leitegadas apresentou um efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) com o aumento da FB da dieta. Concluindo, o aumento da fibra na dieta causou diminuição na digestibilidade dos nutrientes e energia, sem, contudo afetar o desempenho das matrizes na gestação, lactação e dos leitões ao parto. O uso da fibra na gestação melhorou o ganho de peso dos leitões na lactação. / Improving the weight of piglets at birth and consequently at weaning is one the key challenges of modern pig industry, since by being improved to produce greater amount of piglets at birth, hyperprolific matrices end up by developing an undesirable characteristic, which is the production of littermates with lack of uniformity and high number of piglets with low birth weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the variation in crude fiber level in the diet provided at 74 to 114 days of gestation on the digestibility of nutrients and energy in pregnancy, production performance and blood responses of sows in periods of lactation and pregnancy. Thirty-three sows were distributed in a completely randomized design. Crude fiber levels (CF) in treatments (T) were 3.3%, 7.0% and 10.1%. To increase the fiber level, broken rice and soybean meal were partially replaced by defatted rice bran and soybean hulls. The daily intake of nutrients and energy was similar for the entire pregnancy period, differing only in the amount of diet consumed, and for the period from 74 to 90 days of pregnancy, levels were 2.10, 2.21 and 2.40 kg/day and from 91 to 111 days of 2.47, 2.65 and 2.85 kg/day for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The data were submitted to analysis of variance using the SAS MIXED procedure, and means were compared using the Fisher test (LSD ). Regression analysis was performed using the linear or quadratic regression according better fit. During pregnancy, the increase in dietary fiber provided a linear decrease (P <0.05) in digestible energy (DE) and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) (%) of dry matter (DM), crude energy (CE), crude protein (CP), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) and organic matter (OM). Blood globulins and total protein levels in pregnancy showed a quadratic effect (P <0.05) to the dietary fiber level, but cholesterol showed an increasing linear effect (P <0.05). At 105 days of pregnancy and after 4 days of lactation, creatinine levels (P <0.05) were higher in females who consumed 10.1% CF. The productive and reproductive performance of females during pregnancy and lactation, and the weight of piglets at birth were not affected (P> 0.05) by T; however, the average daily gain of piglets showed a linear increase (P <0.05) with increasing CF in the diet. In conclusion, increasing fiber in the diet caused a decrease in the digestibility of nutrients and energy, without; however, affecting the performance of matrices during pregnancy, lactation and weight of piglets at birth. The use of fiber during pregnancy improved the weight gain of piglets during lactation.

Objetivo: Investigar o consumo alimentar de açúcares de adição em adolescentes residentes no município de São Paulo, assim como os fatores que influenciam tal consumo. Métodos: Obteve-se uma amostra probabilística de 793 adolescentes por conglomerados. Aplicou-se um recordatório alimentar de 24 horas e um segundo recordatório em uma subamostra. O consumo alimentar habitual de energia, nutrientes e alimentos foi estimado pelos métodos propostos pela Iowa State University (ISU) e pelo National Cancer Institute (NCI). Resultados: Em média, os açúcares de adição contribuíram com 12,28% da energia consumida pelos adolescentes (sem diferença entre os sexos), sendo o refrigerante o alimento que mais contribuiu para esta ingestão. A escolaridade do chefe da família e a consumo de outros macronutrientes (proteínas, gorduras e carboidratos exceto açúcares de adição) exerceram efeito independente sobre o consumo de açúcares de adição. O aumento do consumo de calorias provenientes dos açúcares de adição determinou aumento da ingestão de gorduras e redução da ingestão de carboidratos exceto açúcares de adição e proteínas. Maior porção mediana do consumo de leite, carnes, frutas, suco industrializado, refrigerante e achocolatado em pó foi identificada entre os adolescentes com consumo excessivo de açúcares. Conclusões: A contribuição percentual dos açúcares de adição à energia consumida pelos adolescentes do município de São Paulo está acima das recomendações atuais e o consumo excessivo de açúcares exerceu efeito na ingestão e na adequação do consumo de macro e micronutrientes e no consumo de alimentos de maior densidade nutritiva. Essas evidências corroboram as recomendações nacionais e internacionais para redução do consumo de açúcares e apontam a necessidade de ações educativas sobre alimentação saudável direcionadas aos adolescentes. / Objective: To measure added sugar intake and assess the effect of this intake on the diet of adolescents living in the city of São Paulo. Methods: The study sample comprised 793 male and female adolescents selected from a population-based cross-sectional study based on a household survey conducted between March and December 2003. Food intake was assessed through 24-hour food recalls and then an adjustment approach was applied using repeat data. Food intake of energy, nutrients and foods was measured by the methods developed at Iowa State University (ISU) and National Cancer Institute (NCI). Results: Added sugars contributed on average to 12.28% of energy consumed in adolescents (no difference between males and females). Their main source was soft drinks. Family head schooling and other macronutrients intake had an independent effect on added sugar intake. Increased intake of calories from added sugars resulted in increased fat intake and decreased consumption of carbohydrates except sugars and protein. Higher median percent intake of milk, meat, fruit, processed juice, soft drink and chocolate milk was seen among adolescents with excess sugar intake. Conclusions: The percent contribution from added sugars to energy consumed among adolescents in the city of São Paulo is higher than current recommendations. Excess sugar intake had a negative effect on macronutrient and micronutrient intake and adequacy on the consumption of foods of high nutrient density. These findings corroborate Brazilian and international recommendations for reduction of sugar intake and points to the need of education actions targeting adolescents to promote healthy eating.

Uma dieta adequada em ferro biodisponível é fundamental para a prevenção da anemia por deficiência de ferro entre mulheres na idade reprodutiva, que são grupo de alto risco para essa morbidade. Dados da Organização Mundial da Saúde indicam que no Brasil, 19% das mulheres não grávidas em idade reprodutiva são anêmicas. Identificar fatores dietéticos associados com o status de ferro pode nortear políticas atuais voltadas à redução da prevalência de anemia, como é a fortificação de farinhas de trigo e milho com ferro. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre o consumo habitual de alimentos e o status de ferro de mulheres saudáveis na idade reprodutiva. Foram incluídas 127 mulheres entre estudantes de graduação e de pós-graduação de uma Universidade de São Paulo, com idades entre 18 e 45 anos, saudáveis (relato de menstruação regular e ausência de doenças crônicas ou parasitose intestinal) e não expostas a fatores não dietéticos associados com a deficiência de ferro (gravidez, lactação ou doação de sangue recentes). Foram excluídas do estudo as mulheres com alterações hematológicas ou do status inflamatório e aquelas com dados dietéticos inválidos. A partir de três registros alimentares (RA) e de um questionário de frequência alimentar (QFA), estimou-se o consumo habitual de 30 grupos de alimentos, utilizando a estratégia estatística Multiple Source Method (MSM). Os marcadores do status de ferro utilizados foram ferritina sérica, saturação de transferrina e hemoglobina. Associações foram testadas por análise de regressão linear múltipla, controlando-se pelas covariáveis: ingestão energética habitual, índice de massa corporal, uso de anticoncepcionais hormonais, nível de atividade física, cor de pele autodeclarada, tipo da dieta autodeclarada, idade e escore de fluxo menstrual. As análises foram realizadas no programa SPSS versão 21. Do total de 127 mulheres avaliadas, 16 (12,6%) apresentaram deficiência de ferro (ferritina sérica <15 ng/mL), sendo que 4 delas (3,1%) eram anêmicas (Hb<12g/dL). Valores de ferritina foram positivamente associados com o consumo de \"carnes totais e embutidos\" (&#946; = 0,3%; p = 0,032). Por outro lado, o grupo de \"frutas e sucos naturais\" associou-se negativamente com esse biomarcador (&#946; = - 0,1%; p = 0,039). Uma associação direta entre valores de saturação de transferrina e o consumo de \"carnes bovinas\" foi também encontrada (&#946; = 0,078; p = 0,030). Nenhuma estimativa de consumo habitual de alimentos correlacionou-se com as concentrações circulantes de hemoglobina, ainda que uma forte associação negativa entre esse biomarcador e o relato de restrição dietética de carnes tenha sido observada (&#946; = -0,582; p = 0,006). Entre mulheres adultas saudáveis, estimativas de consumo habitual de carnes e frutas podem predizer variações interindividuais nos biomarcadores do status de ferro. Visando a redução do risco para deficiência de ferro, as recomendações de ingestão desses alimentos devem ser contextualizadas num padrão alimentar saudável e variado, com foco especial na adequação do consumo de carnes não processadas, frutas e sucos naturais. / Dietary adequacy in bioavailable iron is essential to prevent iron deficiency anemia among women at childbearing age, population groups at high-risk for this morbidity. Data from the World Health Organization indicate that, in Brazil, 19% of non-pregnant women at childbearing age are anemic. Identifying dietary factors associated with iron status may guide current policies aimed at lowering the prevalence of anemia, such as the fortification of wheat and corn flours with iron. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of usual food intake with iron status biomarkers among healthy women at childbearing age. We included 127 students of University of São Paulo aged 18 to 45 years, healthy (self-reporting of regular menstruation and lack of a diagnosed chronic diseases or an intestinal parasitosis) and not exposed to non-dietary factors associated with iron deficiency (recent pregnancy, lactation or blood donation). Cases of hematologic or inflammatory status alterations as well as those with invalid dietary data were excluded from the study. Data from three diet records (DR) and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were used to estimate the usual intake of 30 food groups by employing as the statistical approach the Multiple Source Method (MSM). Biomarkers of iron status were serum ferritin, transferrin saturation index and hemoglobin. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test associations, with adjustments for the covariates: energy intake, body mass index, hormonal contraceptive use, physical activity level, self-reported skin color, self-reporting of meat dietary restriction, age and a menstrual blood loss score. Analysis were performed in the SPSS program version 21. Among all women, 16 (12.6%) had iron deficiency (serum ferritin < 15 ng/mL), 4 of them (3.1%) were anemic (Hb<12g/dL). In the adjusted models, ferritin values were positively associated with \"total meat and sausages\" intake (&#946; = 0.3%; p = 0.032). On the other hand, \"fruits and natural juices fruits\" intake was negatively associated with this biomarker (&#946; = -0.1%; p = 0.039). A direct association between the transferrin saturation values and \"bovine meat\" intake was also found (&#946; = 0.078; p = 0.030). None of the usual food intake measures was correlated with circulating hemoglobin concentrations, although a strong negative association between this biomarker and self-reporting of meat dietary restriction has been observed (&#946; = - 0.582; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Among adult healthy women, estimates of usual meat and fruit intakes may predict between-person variability of iron status biomarkers. In order to reduce iron deficiency risk, recommendations regarding habitual consumption of these foods must be contextualized in a healthy and varied diet, focusing on the choice of non-processed meats,fruits and natural fruit juice.

Introdução: A estimativa da ingestão habitual de alimentos requer o uso de técnicas estatísticas apropriadas. Para alguns alimentos, é possível observar consumo igual a zero em um ou vários dias de coleta, mesmo em indivíduos que os consomem periodicamente. Assim, os métodos devem ser capazes de tratar duas questões: 1) a distribuição com zero inflacionado; e 2) a correlação existente entre a probabilidade de consumir um alimento e a quantidade (tamanho da porção) consumida do mesmo. Objetivo: Investigar aspectos metodológicos do um método para estimar o consumo habitual de alimentos, bem como sua aplicação em estudo na população. Métodos: Inicialmente, utilizando amostra do National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2008, foram estimadas distribuição do consumo habitual de vegetais verdes escuros a partir de amostras de diferentes tamanhos e diferentes percentuais de indivíduos com dois recordatórios de 24 horas (R24h). Posteriormente, foram utilizados dados do Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo, estudo transversal, de base populacional, (n=716), cujos participantes responderam dois R24 horas e um questionário de freqüência alimentar (QFA). Verificou-se o efeito da inclusão do QFA como co-variável na melhora da predição do modelo do consumo de alimentos. Por fim, utilizando modelagem bivariada, estimou-se a ingestão habitual de porções de grupos alimentares recomendado pelo Guia Alimentar para População Brasileira, e calculou-se o percentual de indivíduo que não atingiram a recomendação. Para os três propósitos, a ingestão habitual foi estimada pelo método do National Cancer Institute. Resultados: A precisão das estimativas de consumo habitual reduziu quando menores taxas de replicação foram utilizadas. Para estudos que objetivam o cálculo da média ou o percentual de indivíduos com consumo abaixo de um dado ponto de corte, a redução da precisão pode não representar um importante viés. Para alimentos com elevado percentual de não consumidores, a inclusão simultânea do QFA e de uma variável indicadora de consumo resultou em melhor predição, ressaltando que a inclusão de somente a variável indicadora já se mostrou satisfatória. O percentual de indivíduos com consumo habitual das porções dos grupos de alimentos abaixo do recomendado pelo Guia Alimentar foi: 88 por cento para cereais, tubérculos, raízes e derivados; 43 por cento para feijões; 11 por cento para carnes e ovos; 100 por cento para leite e derivados; 95 por cento para frutas e sucos de frutas naturais; 72 por cento para legumes e verduras; 83 por cento para açúcares e doces; e 93 por cento para óleos, gorduras e sementes oleaginosas / Introduction: The estimation of the habitual food intake requires the use of proper statistical techniques. For some foods, it is possible to find consumption equal to zero in one or several days, even to individuals who usually consume them. Then, methods must be able to deal with two concerns: the zero-inflated distribution; and the correlation between probability and amount of consumption. Objective: To investigate methodological issues of a method to estimate habitual food intake to use it to analyze dietary data from a population. Methods: First, using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2008, it was estimated the habitual dark green vegetable intake from a samples with different size and percentual of individuals with two 24-hour recall (24hr). After, it was used a subsample of the Inquerito de Saúde de São Paulo, a population-based cross-sectional study (n=716), in which the participants answered two 24hr and one food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). It was verified the effect of the FFQ as covariate on the prediction improvement of the models to estimate habitual food intake. Finally, using a bivariate modeling, it was estimated the habitual serving consumption of the food groups with recommendation of consumption in the Brazilian Food Guide. The percentual of individual who did not meet the recommendations were calculated as well. To all purposes, the habitual food consumption was estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Results: The precision of the usual intake estimates decreases when low replication rates are used. For studies that aim to estimate the average or the percentual of individual with consumption bellow the cut-offs, the loss of precision may not represent an important bias. Considering foods with moderate to high percentual of non consumers, the simultaneously inclusion of the FFQ and a indicator of consumption variable (consume yes or not) was enough. The percentual of individuals with consumption bellow the recomandation were: 88 per cent for cereals, tubers and roots; 43 per cent for beans; 95 per cent for fruits, including fresh juices; 72 per cent for vegetables; 100 per cent for milk and dairy products; 11 per cent for meat and egg; 93 per cent for oils, fats and oil seeds; and 83 per cent for sugar and sweets

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes concentrações de quitosana nas dietas de novilhos Nelore canulados no rúmen sobre o consumo e digestibilidade aparente total da matéria seca e nutrientes, fermentação e síntese de proteína microbiana ruminal, concentrações de parâmetros sangüíneos, e os balanços de energia e de nitrogênio. Foram utilizados 8 novilhos canulados da raça Nelore. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 2 quadrados latinos 4 x 4 balanceados e contemporâneos, para receber as seguintes rações experimentais: 1) Controle (Q0), composta por ração sem a inclusão de quitosana; 2) Q50, com a inclusão de 50 mg/kg de peso corporal de quitosana; 3) Q100, com a inclusão de 100 mg/kg de peso corporal de quitosana; e 4) Q150, com a inclusão de 150 mg/kg de peso corporal de quitosana. Diariamente foram realizadas pesagens das quantidades dos volumosos e concentrados fornecidos e das sobras de cada animal, para estimativa do consumo. As amostras de sobras, silagem e fezes foram coletadas do 15° ao 18° dias de cada período experimental, armazenadas em sacos plásticos em freezer à 20°C, e posteriormente submetidas a análises químico-bromatológicas dos principais nutrientes. Na determinação da digestibilidade aparente total dos nutrientes a quantidade total de matéria seca fecal excretada foi estimada pela concentração de fibra em detergente ácido indigestível (FDAi). As amostras de líquido ruminal foram coletadas no último dia de cada período, sendo uma coleta realizada antes da alimentação (0 hora), e seis coletas com intervalos de 2 horas após a alimentação (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 e 12 horas). Foram determinados no líquido ruminal o pH, as concentrações de nitrogênio amoniacal e as concentrações dos ácidos graxos de cadeia curta. As amostras spot de urina foram obtidas de no 16º dia de cada período experimental, quatro horas após a alimentação matinal, durante micção espontânea. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas em tubos vacuolizados (vacutainer) por punção da veia jugular. Houve efeito quadrático com menores valores sobre o consumo de FDN, expressos em kg/dia e porcentagem de peso vivo (PV) para o tratamento Q150 (P<0,05). A inclusão de quitosana na dieta proporcionou aumento linear crescente (P<0,05) da digestibilidade da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), carboidratos totais (CT), FDN e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Houve efeito quadrático (P<0,05) sobre a concentração de N-NH3 com redução no tratamento Q150. A inclusão de quitosana na dieta não causou diferenças nas concentrações totais de AGCC (P>0,05), porém alterou as proporções molares de AGCC individualmente. Houve efeito linear crescente (P>0,05) das concentrações e porcentagens molares de propionato (mmol/L) à medida que se elevou as concentrações de quitosana na dieta. Houve diminuição (P>0,05) da relação acetato: propionato, principalmente para o tratamento Q150. Foi observado efeito linear decrescente para as proporções molares de acetato e butirato com a inclusão de quitosana. Houve efeito linear crescente sobre as concentrações plasmáticas de glicose com os tratamentos. As concentrações de quitosana utilizadas não influenciaram a síntese de proteína microbiana. O balanço de energia não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o balanço de nitrogênio, porém ocorreu decréscimo na excreção do nitrogênio total (NT) nas fezes em porcentagem de NT. A quitosana quando utilizada como aditivo modulador da fermentação ruminal, resultou em alterações que possibilitam sua utilização como alternativa ao uso de ionóforos para bovinos. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of chitosan on intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbial protein, balance of energy and nitrogen and blood parameters. Eight Nellore steers cannulated in the rumen were divided into two 4 x 4 balanced Latin squares. The daily doses of chitosan were 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg BW respectively the treatments Q0 (Control), Q50, Q100 and Q150. The diets consisted of corn silage and concentrate in ratio 60:40 and the chitosan were inserted directly through the ruminal cannula, twice a day before feeding. Daily weights of the amounts of corn silage and concentrated supplied, and the orts refused of each animal, were recorded for estimate the nutrient intake. Samples of orts and feedstuffs were analyzed for composition and subsequent nutrient intake calculation. For determination of total apparent digestibility of nutrients, the total amount of fecal dry matter excreted was estimate by indigestible detergent acid fiber (ADFi). The feces were collected in the 15th until the 18th day of each experimental period, and frozen in freezer at -20°C. In the end of the collection period it was made composed sample by animal with base in the dry matter, and analyzed. Samples of ruminal fluid were collected at 0 (before feeding) and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours after feeding. Spot urine samples were collected on day 16 of the experimental period. The estimation of microbial protein synthesis was performed by the method of total excretion of purine derivatives. Blood samples were collected by puncture of jugular vein. Intakes (kg/d) of DM, OM, CP, ether extract , total carbohydrates , non-fiber carbohydrates and TDN were not different, however, NDF intake decresead quadratically (P<0,05) when expressed as kg/d and percent of BW. Digestibility in the total digestive tract increased linearly to NDF, DM, OM as well as improved the digestibility of CP and TC, accordingly there was a positive effect on TDN with the inclusion of chitosan. All the ruminal fermentation parameters were influenced by the time after feeding. The NH3-N concentration decreased quadractically with Q150 treatment and there were no difference in total VFA concentration, however the individual VFA proportions were affected. Propionate concentration was higher with Q150 and similarly increasing linearly the proportion of propionate (P<0,05) which means an increase of 7.47% (Q0 vs. Q150). Chitosan decreased linearly the molar proportion of acetate and butyrate .Was observed linear and quadratic decrease effect on acetate: propionate ratio. The plasmatic metabolites and enzymes had no effect by the treatments, nevertheless the glucose concentration was markedly superior with the supplementation corresponding to an increase of 18.58%, 26.35%, 23.68% for Q0 versus Q50, Q100 e Q150 respectively. The energy and nitrogen balance had no effect with the treatments, however there was a decrease of fecal total nitrogen (%) excretion. Chitosan when used as modulator of ruminal fermentation resulted in changes that allow its use as an alternative to the use of ionophores for cattle without showing damage to the health of the animal.

The relationship between calcium intake and hypertension is receiving increased research attention. The prevalence of hypertension is high among the obese populations. Calcium is a mineral that influences blood pressure. The aim of the study was to examine the association between calcium intake and hypertension in a large nationally representative sample of obese American adults. A total of 14 408 obese adults aged 20 years or older were obtained from the 1999–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Analysis of variance and linear regression models were used to examine relationships between calcium intake and systolic blood pressure (SBP) as well as diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between calcium intake and hypertension after adjusting for potential confounders and interactions, including: age, race, education level, alcohol use, smoking, diabetes status, sodium intake and potassium intake. Calcium intake was significantly lower for the hypertensive group compared with the normotensive group (P < 0.0001), especially among those obese female young adults aged 20–44 years and among non-diabetic obese adults. Based on ordinary linear regression analysis, a significant inverse relationship was detected, SBP and DBP decreased if calcium intake increased (SBP: regression coefficient estimate=−0.015, P < 0.0001; DBP: regression coefficient estimate=−0.028, P < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression showed that calcium intake was negatively associated with the probability of hypertension (odds ratio (OR)=0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–0.87, P < 0.0001). In stratified analysis, calcium intake in youngest adults (age 20–44 years) had the lowest likelihood of hypertension (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.64–0.93, P < 0.0001), the inverse relationship between calcium intake and probability of hypertension was stronger among females (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.55–0.84, P < 0.0001), when compared with the whole sample including all of 14 408 obese adults. The protective effect of calcium intake and hypertension was found significantly in obese non-diabetic adults (OR: OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.67–0.89, P < 0.0001) not in obese diabetic adults. SBP, DBP and calcium intake were log transformed for both ordinary linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis. Our study findings underscore the need to explore the physiological mechanism between calcium intake and hypertension. In this study, increased calcium intake was associated with the lowest risk of hypertension. Future studies utilizing longitudinal research designs are needed to quantify therapeutic levels of calcium for control of hypertension among obese adults. Increasing calcium intake among American adults may offer promise as a cost-effective strategy to improve hypertension among obese adults; however, further scientific exploration is warranted.

We recently showed a critical role of Trpm5 in the transduction pathway for long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the present study, I have begun to investigate dietary fat preference and the propensity to develop dietary-induced obesity in Trpm5-/- mice. My preliminary data shows that in male mice placed on a high fat diet, Trpm5-/- mice did not enhance their caloric intake as observed in wild type mice. Most surprisingly, however, was that I did not observe the same differences in between female mice, which posits a potential gender effect of this pathway on dietary fat intake. Also, I show that the preference for dietary fat is not disrupted in Trpm5-/- mice since there is no difference in dietary fat preference between Trpm5-/- and wild type mice. Wild type and Trpm5-/- mice both have a strong preference for the high fat diet, as demonstrated by the fact that they solely consumed the high fat diet. Consistent with our original hypothesis that these responses are specific for high fat feeding, I did not observe any differences in caloric intake in male mice on a high sucrose diet. Again, gender differences were observed, with Trpm5-/- female mice displaying a higher caloric intake than wild type female mice. Furthermore, I used a paired-feeding approach via oral gavage to delve further into whether the effect of Trpm5 disruption was due to pre- or post-ingestive effects. The results from this experiment show that all animals have a reduction in body weight and body fat with no significant difference between wild type and Trpm5-/- mice. This result suggests that the expression of Trpm5 in the oral cavity is necessary for the changes in body weight and composition observed during ad libitum feeding. Also, the fact that Trpm5-/- mice lost body weight and fat mass is contrary to our previous observations. When these animals consume the roughly same number of calories on a high fat diet ad libitum, we observe an increase in body weight and fat mass. This suggests that there might be another mechanism accountable for the response observed in Trpm5-/- mice when fed ad libitum. In conclusion, the results from these experiments suggest a link between dietary fat consumption and development of adiposity.

Evidence has accumulated for a link between the adequacy of lifetime calcium intake, and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis increases in prevalence with age and is of concern as it results in irreversible and debilitating effects. The result has been an increased recognition of the need to survey the consumption patterns of foods that contribute to calcium intake levels in Australia, the focus being milk and milk products.. A better understanding of calcium intake in women and the factors influencing it across the lifespan is of increasing importance as the longevity of Australian women continues to increase. Without preventive measures the costs incurred in managing osteoporosis will continue to escalate. An understanding of women's food behaviour is important if calcium intake levels in women are to effectively increase. A self administered questionnaire assessed the calcium intake levels and food sources in 158 premenopausal and 142 postmenopausal women. It also assessed significant differences in calcium intake levels and the relative contributions of food sources to this intake. The questionnaire comprised a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and closed end questions. The closed ended questions measured psychosocial factors, stage of dietary change, levels of physical activity and demographic factors. These factors formed the basis of an investigation into factors best associated with the levels of adequacy of intake. The results suggest no significant difference in calcium intake (milligrams per day) in the two groups of women. There was a significant difference in the relative levels of adequacy of the estimated calcium intake levels. Milk and milk products contributed up to 84% of the daily calcium intake with 72.2 and 84.7% as the respective contributions in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Fortified milk types have a relatively higher calcium content than unfortified types. A higher consumption of fortified milk noted in the postmenopausal women could explain the higher though not significant mean intake values post-menopausally. Several of the enabling factors but none of the predisposing factors were noted to influence intake of fortified milk. Taste generally influenced intake of fortified milk in the whole sample of 300 women whereas perceived costs and health concerns were an issue with the premenopausal women only. Other enabling factors such as the perceptions of the adequacy of the present diet, and the feeling that there was too much nutrition information that was in itself confusing influenced the intake of fortified milk in postmenopausal but not premenopausal women.The influence of change related factors was also noted. The importance ratings for nutrient issues influenced the intake of fortified milk intake in the whole sample. Food preference was the only enabling factor found to influence the adequacy of calcium intake in the both the premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Change related factors, were also noted to influence the adequacy of calcium intake in the premenopausal and postmenopausal women and these included; the stage of change for adopting a high calcium diet, the importance ratings for; increasing intake of milk and milk products and the perceived adequacy of this intake. The other suggested determinants of the adequacy of intake varied between the two groups of women. These inc1uded;enabling factors; perceived cost of milk and milk products, milk allergies, social support, availability of milk at home on a daily basis and the frequency of meal preparation in the premenopausal group. Change related factors on the other hand determined the postmenopausal intake and these included importance ratings for eating low fat foods, perceived adequacy of fruit and vegetable intake, and importance rating for an increased dietary calcium intake. The enabling factors; preferences, social support and perceived adequacy of milk and milk products' intake were the best predictors of the adequacy of premenopausal calcium intake whereas the change related factors; the importance rating for a high calcium diet and the reluctance to change a diet considered to be enjoyable best predicted the adequacy post-menopause. Knowledge is a predisposing factor for behaviour change. The results show that knowledge on the importance of a high calcium intake exists in the sample population. This knowledge is however not being effectively translated into food behaviour. This highlights the need for Nutrition education programs that stress the importance of food behaviours. These programs should aim at increasing women's calcium intake levels and destroying the few existing misconceptions regarding milk and milk product consumption. The factors identified as determinants of intake in the premenopausal and postmenopausal women are the basis of these education programs.

<p>The general purpose of this dissertation is to study the causes and the consequences of the formal structure of intake of potential social assistance clients at Swedish social welfare offices. The focus lies on the social welfare offices, their organizational framework and routines concerning intake. A focus on the formal structure of the intake may provide information about the importance of organization for people seeking help but also for the municipalities themselves. The data used in the analyses comes from two surveys of welfare offices augmented with register data.</p><p>Study 1 examines the very first contact between social assistance inquirers and the social welfare offices. Telephone intake and first personal visits are documented and a considerable variation in the share of inquirers who received an appointment for further assessment was found. Considerable variation was also found in the share who were granted social assistance after the assessment during the personal visit. An examination of the offices’ intake routines and organization provided some indications that the unequal priority given to intake is an important explanation behind the variation.</p><p>Study 2 analyzes the link between intake organization and the degree of selection taken place at telephone intakes by focusing on those inquirers not becoming clients. The relationship between intake organization and the social workers’ reasons for selection is examined and several selection strategies could be found. The results confirm the fact that Swedish municipalities have great autonomy in designing the social services and in addition show that offices within the same municipality may choose different organizational solutions.</p><p>The aim of study 3 is to investigate how intake of social assistance inquirers is organized in Swedish municipalities and what factors determine intake organization. The results show that there are three different intake types. One of them, called special intake units, is distinct from the other two in that the intake staff has relatively high qualifications. Examining factors likely to affect the creation of special intake units, the results show that mainly professional and organizational factors related to the organization of work within the whole social assistance unit are important.</p><p>The purpose of study 4 is to examine the connection between organizational factors and local social assistance expenditures in Swedish municipalities. The organization of the social assistance unit, in particular to the intake of social assistance inquirers, and its potential implication for local social assistance costs are emphasized. The results show a cost reducing effect of special intake units first when analyzed together with additional specialization and taking account for staff resources. Thus, specialized intake organization by itself does not play a cost reducing role, but in combination with certain other factors describing internal organization.</p><p>In an introductory part the studies are located in a broader framework starting with a historical description of different strategies and classification systems traditionally used when distributing poor aid. The expansion of the welfare state changed the importance of a last safety net. Specific characteristics of public organizations administering social assistance are described and the legal framework is outlined focusing on the right to apply for social assistance is outlined. Different aspects of intake are then discussed: stages of the intake process, the organization of intake in Sweden and elsewhere, intake organization as a fashion, and possible functions of the intake. Finally, implications of the four studies with regard to access to benefit and the issue of specialization as well as further research are discussed.</p>