In recent years, natural health products in food formats with higher levels of added vitamins and minerals, amino acids, herbal ingredients and bioactives sought and were granted market access in Canada. Since these food products, referred to as supplemented foods (SFs), are sold alongside conventional foods and lack features that clearly distinguish them from other foods, there is a potential for confusion among consumers as to the appropriate use of these products. There is no research evaluating the nutrition labelling approaches for these foods, and what consumers need in a labelling approach to be able to identify these food products and distinguish them from other foods, determine what the supplemental ingredients are and understand any directions or cautions for use of these foods. To determine key components of an appropriate labelling approach, interviews and discussion groups were conducted in the National Capital Region and the surrounding area to assess consumer access, understanding and appraisal of these foods, using current and tested labelling strategies. Consumer feedback consistently indicated that the current labelling is insufficient for awareness, understanding, appraisal and appropriate use of supplemented foods. Tested labelling components that facilitated awareness, understanding, and appraisal of supplemented foods included a symbol based supplemented food product identifier with the wording “Supplemented” on the front of the package, a “Supplemented” information box containing a listing of the name and amount of each supplemental ingredient and cautionary labelling in proximity to the supplemental ingredient labelling. These key labelling components are to be integrated into a web-based mock-package trial that will objectively test these labelling tools on a large sample of Canadian consumers (n=4000).

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-02-28Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:57:06Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 castro_mp_me_jabo.pdf: 1173204 bytes, checksum: 4b2d9fc607d98d467d9ed9a7e7e090e8 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O cromo trivalente é um micronutriente essencial para saúde dos animais atuando no metabolismo de carboidratos, gorduras e proteínas. Porém produz efeitos antagônicos como redução do cortisol plasmático e potencialização da insulina. A suplementação na dieta de peixes visa à redução de problemas decorrentes do estresse devido à melhora do sistema imune. Assim o presente trabalho avaliou o cromo trivalente como agente imunomodulador, utilizando 0, 12, 18, 36 mg de cromo/kg de dieta durante 90 dias, estudando o desempenho produtivo, a hematologia e a resposta celular na inflamação aguda induzida por infiltrado de Aeromonas hydrophila e tioglicolato na bexiga natatória de pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Para o ensaio de desempenho e hematologia os peixes foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial 4X2, sendo quatro tratamentos e duas repetições. Os dados revelaram que não houve interferência do cromo na conversão alimentar, no ganho de peso, no ganho de comprimento total, no ganho de comprimento parcial e na taxa de crescimento específico. O número de eritrócitos, hematócrito e o volume corpuscular médio embora apresentassem diferenças significativas (P<0,05) após 90 dias de suplementação em relação aos peixes não suplementados, mostraram amplas e inconclusivas oscilações. Portanto a suplementação com cromo trivalente não interferiu nestes parâmetros... / The trivalent chromium is an essential element animal’s health acting over carbohydrates, fat and proteins metabolism. However, this substance produces antagonist effects such as reduction of plasma cortisol and increase of insulin. The purpose of the supplemented given to fishes was to decrease disturbance caused by stressing factors due to immunity improvement. Therefore, the present work aimed to evaluate the trivalent chromium as an immunomodulator substance by using 0, 12, 18, and 36 mg/kg of chromium offered during 90 days, to study the growth, blood parameters and cellular response in acute inflammation induced by Aeromonas hydrophila and thioglycolate in the swim bladder of Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Fishes were allocated into four groups, at a 4X2 factorial and two replicates. Data revealed there was no influence of chromium on feed conversion, weight gain, total length gain, partial length gain and specific growth rate. Although some differences (P<0.05) were found for erythrocytes number, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) values after 90 days of experiment in comparison to non supplemented fishes, all differences found were wide and showed no conclusive oscillations. The fishes were euthanatized by deepening of anesthesia and exudates was collected. The results showed a progressive accumulation of total inflammatory cells after 6, 24 and 48 h for both stimulated groups. Control group was injected saline solution. The results showed a progressive accumulation of total inflammatory cells after 6, 24 and 48 h for both stimulated groups. Fishes fed diet consisting of 18 mg/kg of trivalent chromium presented an accentuated inflammatory reaction, with accumulation of thrombocytes, lymphocytes and of a lesser amount of macrophages in A. hydrophila induced fishes. Lymphocytes and thrombocytes were predominant in thioglycolate induced fishes...(Complete abstract, click electronic access below)

Orientador: Flávio Ruas de Moraes / Banca: Claudinei da Cruz / Banca: Eduarado Makoto Onaka / Resumo: O cromo trivalente é um micronutriente essencial para saúde dos animais atuando no metabolismo de carboidratos, gorduras e proteínas. Porém produz efeitos antagônicos como redução do cortisol plasmático e potencialização da insulina. A suplementação na dieta de peixes visa à redução de problemas decorrentes do estresse devido à melhora do sistema imune. Assim o presente trabalho avaliou o cromo trivalente como agente imunomodulador, utilizando 0, 12, 18, 36 mg de cromo/kg de dieta durante 90 dias, estudando o desempenho produtivo, a hematologia e a resposta celular na inflamação aguda induzida por infiltrado de Aeromonas hydrophila e tioglicolato na bexiga natatória de pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Para o ensaio de desempenho e hematologia os peixes foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial 4X2, sendo quatro tratamentos e duas repetições. Os dados revelaram que não houve interferência do cromo na conversão alimentar, no ganho de peso, no ganho de comprimento total, no ganho de comprimento parcial e na taxa de crescimento específico. O número de eritrócitos, hematócrito e o volume corpuscular médio embora apresentassem diferenças significativas (P<0,05) após 90 dias de suplementação em relação aos peixes não suplementados, mostraram amplas e inconclusivas oscilações. Portanto a suplementação com cromo trivalente não interferiu nestes parâmetros...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The trivalent chromium is an essential element animal's health acting over carbohydrates, fat and proteins metabolism. However, this substance produces antagonist effects such as reduction of plasma cortisol and increase of insulin. The purpose of the supplemented given to fishes was to decrease disturbance caused by stressing factors due to immunity improvement. Therefore, the present work aimed to evaluate the trivalent chromium as an immunomodulator substance by using 0, 12, 18, and 36 mg/kg of chromium offered during 90 days, to study the growth, blood parameters and cellular response in acute inflammation induced by Aeromonas hydrophila and thioglycolate in the swim bladder of Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Fishes were allocated into four groups, at a 4X2 factorial and two replicates. Data revealed there was no influence of chromium on feed conversion, weight gain, total length gain, partial length gain and specific growth rate. Although some differences (P<0.05) were found for erythrocytes number, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) values after 90 days of experiment in comparison to non supplemented fishes, all differences found were wide and showed no conclusive oscillations. The fishes were euthanatized by deepening of anesthesia and exudates was collected. The results showed a progressive accumulation of total inflammatory cells after 6, 24 and 48 h for both stimulated groups. Control group was injected saline solution. The results showed a progressive accumulation of total inflammatory cells after 6, 24 and 48 h for both stimulated groups. Fishes fed diet consisting of 18 mg/kg of trivalent chromium presented an accentuated inflammatory reaction, with accumulation of thrombocytes, lymphocytes and of a lesser amount of macrophages in A. hydrophila induced fishes. Lymphocytes and thrombocytes were predominant in thioglycolate induced fishes...(Complete abstract, click electronic access below) / Mestre

Ten young adults were divided into an exercising group (n = 6) and sedentary group (n = 4). Smoking, ingestion of alcohol, drugs and oral contraceptives were prohibited during 9 weeks of study. Diets were prepared by university food service. Food consumed was recorded and nutrient intakes were assessed. Cheese was consumed in 84 to 112 gram portions every day for two separate 14 day periods. All other dairy products were prohibited in the diet except 240 ml of two percent milk per day. When cheese was consumed, daily diets contained ca 400 kcal, 100 mg cholesterol, and 700 mg calcium more than diets consumed without cheese. Individual body weights were stable and no significant changes occurred in any anthropometric measure over nine weeks. A trend of becoming more lean existed in the exercise group. However, there was no significant change in serum total cholesterol, lipids, calcium, or anthropometric measures during the study. These results seriously question the advisability of recommending restricted consumption of dairy products to lower serum cholesterol.

Magister Curationis - MCur / The development of internet has provided an opportunity for offering online learning. Online learning otherwise known as ‘e-learning’ is a fast growing new concept of modern education. Substantial evidence indicates that many universities across the world have started offering study programmes through a variety of e-learning methods. Although e- learning environments are becoming popular, there is minimal research on learners’ attitudes toward online learning environments. Past research has recommended a variety of factors affecting user attitude so far as e-Learning is concern. It is thus against this background that this study purports to determine the attitudes of undergraduate nursing students toward e–learning at the University of the Western Cape. The study developed an integrated model with six dimensions: learners, instructors, courses, technology, design, and environment. A survey was conducted on 213 undergraduate nursing students to assess their attitudes toward e-learning. The study employed the survey methodology based on the questionnaire that was distributed randomly to students to assess their attitudes towards e-learning and to find out if any existing demographical factors impact on the students’ use of e- learning. The results revealed that males and females differed significantly in terms of satisfaction levels. When specific demographic variables with two outcome levels (age group, computer facility at home, computer training experience and experience in e-learning prior to registering at UWC) are considered, there is no statistically significant difference (from the sample t-test) in learner satisfaction between these groups. From a valid response rate (90% of the sample), statistical analysis (multivariate analysis) revealed that learner satisfaction as the control variable is influenced by perceived easy to use, gender and year level of participants. The findings also showed a significant difference between male and female satisfaction. In this regard, 4th year nursing students were proven to be less likely to be satisfied with e-learning than 2ndyear nursing students, whereas female nursing students are more likely to be satisfied with e-learning than male nursing students. Generally, the study’s findings demonstrate a favourable attitude towards e-learning among nursing students at University of the Western Cape.

[Truncated abstract] Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major malignancy complicating chronic liver disease. New therapies for the prevention of HCC are required due to the limited success and high tumour recurrence rates of existing treatments. Emerging evidence suggests that HCC arise from the transformation of adult liver progenitor cells (LPCs), which have the capacity to differentiate into hepatocytes and biliary cells during liver regeneration. LPC activation precedes neoplasia in experimental hepatocarcinogenesis. LPCs share antigenic epitopes with HCCs, including α-fetoprotein (AFP) and M2- pyruvate kinase (M2PK). In animal models of hepatocarcinogenesis, attenuation of the LPC response reduces the incidence of HCC following prolonged liver injury via a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) dependent mechanism. As TNF is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, these data suggest that anti-inflammatory agents may be effective in inhibiting LPC activation and hepatocarcinogenesis. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that mediates the production of many prostaglandins during inflammation and carcinogenesis. Recent investigations show that the administration of selective COX-2 inhibitors (SC2Is) may reduce the incidence of a variety of tumours including breast, colon and skin. The broad aim of this thesis was to conduct a series of detailed studies on the effects of a SC2I on LPC activation and the hepatic pathologies associated with hepatocarcinogenesis in order to test the hypothesis that S2CIs may be a beneficial therapy that can reduce liver injury and pre-neoplastic changes in the choline-deficient, ethionine supplemented (CDE) murine model of hepatocarcinogenesis. Administration of a SC2I (SC-236) significantly inhibited a variety of hepatic cell populations that expand during the first month of the CDE mouse model of hepatocarcinogenesis (a choline deficient, ethionine supplemented diet). Numbers of M2PK-positive LPCs (which are more hepatocytic in morphology and are also COX-2 positive) and inflammatory cells were all significantly reduced by SC-236. In contrast, numbers of A6-positive LPCs (which are more biliary cell-like in morphology and do not express COX-2) were unchanged. ... In summary, these data suggest that COX-2 inhibitors such as SC-236 inhibit LPC activation and a variety of pre-neoplastic liver pathologies as a result of COX-2 dependent and independent mechanisms that may be mediated through inhibition of Akt phosphorylation and induction of apoptosis. Moreover, SC2Is may be useful as preventative treatment strategies for HCC in patients with chronic liver disease.

<p>  </p> <p>In commercial settings, piglet weaning and transportation occur concurrently due to the expansive application of multi-site production systems across the United States and the combination of these events can be defined as an early life stressor. Early life stress is known to reduce pig performance, efficiency, and immune resilience contributing to reduced welfare and increased production losses. To combat the deleterious effects of stress on pigs, the essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp) supplemented above current National Research Council (NRC 2012) recommended levels, improves neuroendocrine responses to stress, lowers plasma cortisol and norepinephrine concentrations, and improves hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis recovery time following stress. However, there are discrepancies concerning the Trp requirement for nursery pigs, suggesting the 2012 recommendations for Trp may be inaccurate for optimizing growth performance and health in modern pigs. Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplemented standard ileal digestible Trp above NRC (2012) recommended levels on performance, feed efficiency, immune vigor, and stress tolerance. The objective of experiment 1 was to eliminate or reduce short- and long-term, transport-induced reductions in piglet feed efficiency and growth by supplementing Trp above NRC (2012) recommendations pre-weaning and/or during the nursery phase. An oral gavage of Trp or a control milk carrier was provided to pre-allotted piglets beginning at day 5 of lactation and continuing to weaning. At weaning all pigs were blocked by sex, weaning weight and pre-wean treatment and randomly assigned to transport and post-wean treatments. Pigs were fed in four nursery phases with diets containing 1X or 2X NRC recommended concentrations of SID Trp and a common grower diet fed in 6 phases during the grow-finish period. At market, loin characteristics were measured via ultrasound and carcass data was collected from the packing plant. Pre-weaning Trp supplementation had no effect on pre-weaning growth performance; however, post-wean Trp increased overall body weight and average daily gain in nursery pigs when Trp was supplemented pre-wean. The objective for experiment 2 was to mitigate the adverse effects of early life transport stress on subsequent immune challenges by providing supplemental Trp during the nursery period. At weaning, pigs were transported for 8 hours and assigned to treatments of vaccine-induced immune challenge and dietary treatment. Pigs were fed standard nursery diets, in four phases, over 35 days with pigs receiving 1X or 2X the NRC (2012) recommended Trp concentration. Half the pigs on each dietary treatment were subjected to a 3-wk vaccine challenge consisting of circovirus, mycoplasma, and influenza vaccines administered in wk 2, 3, and 4 post-wean, respectively. At market, loin characteristics were measured via ultrasound and carcass data was collected.  At the culmination of the nursery period, unchallenged pigs supplemented with Trp were heavier compared to control pigs. This resulted from an overall improvement in average daily gain for 2X Trp fed pigs. However, increasing Trp did not affect market weight, loin eye area, or lean percent in market pigs, although 2X Trp increased back fat. The objective of experiment 3 was to determine what ratio of SID tryptophan, relative to lysine, maximizes growth performance and feed efficiency in weaned pigs during the nursery period. Pigs were blocked by sex and weaning weight and randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments with Trp increasing stepwise by 0.33%-units, respectively. Pigs were fed standard nursery diets, in four phases, over 35 days with pigs receiving 1X, 1.33X, 1.66X, 2X, or 2.33X the NRC (2012) recommended Trp concentration.  Overall, there were no differences in performance or efficiency across dietary treatments during a 35-day nursery period in unstressed healthy pigs.  In conclusion, increasing Trp in swine diets prior to and/or following stress events can mitigate stress-related perturbations in performance and efficiency.      </p>

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2005. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.