bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatty Acid Composition of Milk of Refugee Karen and Urban Korean Mothers. Is the Level of DHA in Breast Milk of Western Women Compromised by High Intake of Saturated Fat and Linoleic Acid?
Authors: Golfetto I. , McGready R. , Ghebremeskel K. , Min Y. , Dubowitz L. , Nosten F. , Drury P. , Simpson J.A. , Arunjerdja R. , Crawford M.A.
Published: January 2012

Background: Lower proportions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total n-3 metabolites have been reported in breast milk of European, Australian and North American women compared with milk of mothers from non-Western countries. This difference is not always explained by intakes of marine products.

Objective: We investigated the possibility that the relative composition of DHA and total n-3 metabolites in breast milk of non-Western mothers with low fat intakes is higher than the levels commonly reported in their Western counterparts.

Subjects: Mature milk of refugee Karen women from two different camps in Thailand (n = 26 and n = 53), and transition milk from urban Korean mothers (n = 12) in Seoul was collected. In common with their respective community, the mothers have low fat intake, which is predominately of plant origin.

Results: The percentage levels of DHA and n-3 metabolites in the milk of the Karen mothers were 0.52 ± 0.14 and 0.85 ± 0.24 (camp 1) and 0.54 ± 0.22 and 0.92 ± 0.42 (camp 2). In the Korean milk, DHA was 0.96 ± 0.21 and total n-3 metabolites 1.51 ± 0.3.

Conclusion: We postulate that the levels of DHA and total n-3 metabolites may be compromised in breast milk of mothers on the Western high fat diet. This calls into question the use of DHA composition of such milk as a reference for the formulation of milk designed, for infant feed or, to test the function of DHA in neuro-visual development.
Population Living in the Red Sea State of Sudan May Need Urgent Intervention to Correct the Excess Dietary Iodine Intake
Authors: Izzeldin H.S. , Crawford M.A. , Jooste P.L.
Published: January 2012

Background — Both inadequate and high intakes of iodine are associated with thyroid disease and associated abnormalities. Consumption of foods deficient in iodine induces hypothyroidism. Conversely, excessive intake of the nutrient precipitates hyperthyroidism. Iodine deficiency causes impairment of thyroid hormonogenesis resulting in goiter (struma), cretinism which is associated with increased prenatal and infant mortality, deafness, motor disabilities and mental retardation due to damage during fetal and neonatal brain development.

We have assessed the iodine status of school children from the locality of Port Sudan, Red Sea State of Eastern Sudan. The primary sources of iodine of the children are mainly iodized salt and rations supplied by local donors and various aid agencies operating in the Sudan.

Methods — Male and female children (n=141), aged 6 to 12 years (median age 9.8 years), were selected for the survey using a multistage random sampling technique, between May 22 and August 25, 2006. All the children were assessed for urinary iodine and visible goiter. In addition, the iodine content of twenty salt samples was determined using the Iodometric titration method and spot test kits. The components of other foods that are routinely consumed by the children and households were noted using a questionnaire form.

Findings — Urinary iodine concentration exceeded 300µg/l and 1000µg/l in 65% and 9.9% of the children, respectively. The highest urinary iodine level was 1470µg/l. The prevalence of visible goiter was 17%. All the salt samples collected from the schools had more than 150mg potassium iodate per kg of salt.

Conclusions — The results of this pilot survey reveal that excessive intake of iodine in children exists in Port Sudan. Inappropriate and unregulated local fortification of salt and lack of monitoring of the imported and donated salt is the primary reason for the excessive intake. There is an urgent need for a regulatory mechanism during the process of iodine fortification and at the point of entry of imported and donated iodized salt as well as the mode of delivery in order to avoid hyperthyroidism and associated disorders. In addition, independent professionals should critically evaluate the health impact of excessive consumption of the nutrient.
Biochemical Changes in Micro-Fungi Fermented Cassava Flour Produced from Low- and Medium-Cyanide Variety of Cassava Tubers
Authors: Oboh G. , Oladunmoye M.K.
Published: January 2012

Comparative studies were carried out on the ability of pure strain of Rhizopus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisae to alter the nutritional quality of cassava flour produced from low-and medium-cyanide variety of cassava tuber. Low- and medium-cyanide variety of cassava tubers were collected from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. These tubers were washed, peeled, grated and aseptically inoculated with pure strains of Rhizopus oryzae and Saccharomyce cerevisae in nutrient solution respectively, before allowing them to ferment aerobically for 3 days. The fermented mash was subsequently dried and milled into cassava flour. Subsequently, the proximate, mineral and the antinutrinet composition of the cassava flour were determined. The results of the study revealed that the unfermented flour from low-cyanide cassava variety had higher protein, fibre, ash, fat, Ca, Na and K; while those produced from medium-cyanide variety, had higher antinutrinet (tannin, cyanide & phytate), Zn, Mg and Fe content. However, solid substrate fermentation of the cassava mash using Rhizopus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisae respectively caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in the protein and fat content. The nutrient enrichment was significantly higher (P<0.05) in flour produced from low-cyanide cassava variety. In addition, Saccharomyces cerevisae fermentation brought about a higher increase in the nutrient content than Rhizopus oryzae fermentation. Conversely, fermentation of the cassava caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the antinutrient content of the flour; although, the level of decrease was more in the flour produced from low-cyanide variety than medium-cyanide variety. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the ability of the fungi to decrease the antinutrient (except phytate) of the cassava flour. Furthermore, micro-fungi fermentation did not cause a significant change (P<0.05) in mineral content (except Mg and K) of the fermented cassava flour. In conclusion, unfermented cassava flour produced from low-cyanide cassava tubers had high nutrient composition and low antinutrient content and more susceptible to micro-fungi nutrient enrichment and detoxification than medium-cyanide variety. Furthermore, Saccharomyces cerevisae was more efficient in the nutrient enrichment of the cassava flour than Rhizopus oryzae.
Coagulants Modulate the Antioxidant Properties & Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Tofu (Curdled Soymilk)
Authors: Oboh G. , Ekperigin M.M. , Akindahunsi A.A.
Published: January 2012

The recent increase in Soymilk and tofu (coagulated soymilk) consumption especially in Western Country is due to the recognition of the health benefits of soy foods; consumption of soybean would prevent heart diseases. In Nigeria Calcium salt, alum and steep water from pap production are usually used as coagulant in tofu production. The effect of those coagulants on the antioxidant properties of tofu and serum cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) level of albino rats fed tofu for 14 days is been assessed. The result of the study revealed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the tofu yield (17.6 – 18.3%), however steep water coagulated tofu had a significantly higher (P<0.05) total phenol (12.0 g/kg) content, reducing power (0.6 OD700) and DPPH free radical scavenging ability (69.1%) than tofu produced using other coagulants. Furthermore, feeding albino rats with tofu and water ad libitum for 14 days caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the serum cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins when compared with the control, while there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the average daily feed intake of the rats. Conversely, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the serum high-density lipoproteins when compared with the control. However, rats fed steep water coagulated tofu had the lowest serum level of cholesterol and LDL level followed by those fed CaCl2 and alum coagulated tofu respectively, while those fed with calcium chloride coagulated tofu had the highest serum HDL level, and closely followed by those fed steep water coagulated tofu. It was therefore concluded that of all the coagulant, steep water appeared to be the most promising coagulant with regard to the production of tofu with higher antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic effect.
Chemical Profile and Amino Acids Composition of Edible Mushrooms Pleurotus sajor-caju
Authors: Oyetayo F.L. , Akindahunsi A.A , Oyetayo V.O.
Published: January 2012

Two varieties of Pleurotus sajor-caju, obtained from the wild and cultivated (on shredded corncobs) were separated into cap and stalk and analysed on dry weight basis. The proximate composition (g/100g) showed that both varieties were highly concentrated in crude protein. The cultivated cap (Cc) was found to accumulate higher concentration of crude protein (26.34%) and ash (10.37%) than the wild cap (Wc), which had higher crude fat (3.90%) and crude fibre (16.32%) concentrations while the wild stalk (Ws) contained the highest concentration of crude fibre (26.14%). Amino acid analysis showed the mushroom protein to be a rich source of nutritionally useful essential amino acids with leucine as the most abundant occurring in highest concentration (mg/g) in the Cc (64.8±0.24). Methionine and cysteine concentrations were low as confirmed by their chemical scores (0.29–0.59). There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the distribution of amino acids in the mushroom varieties and parts. The total essential amino acid (TEAA) in the cultivated range between 42.91–43.69% while in the wild it was between 42.90–43.73 % of the total amino acid content. The amino acid concentration was a function of mushroom variety and part selected.
From Homicide to Happiness – A Commentary on Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Human Society
Authors: Hibbeln Joseph R.
Published: January 2012

The field of omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies as reversible risk factors in major psychiatric disorders has flourished in the last decade. Treatment recommendations of the American Psychiatric Association may be considered for application to more normative states of psychiatric health. Considered here is the proposition that an increased risk of personality disorders, and an increased sense of despair in normative populations, might be considered as symptoms of deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids. The major changes in the essential fatty acid composition of the food supply, including increased availability of the omega-6 linoleic acid, may be correlated not only with increased risks of homicide, but also increased risks of suicide and suboptimal social cohesion.
Attention Deficit Disorders – Drugs or Nutrition?
Authors: Matsudaira Toshiko
Published: January 2012

3–9% of schoolchildren in the UK suffer Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Since the 1950s stimulants have been used, particularly methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, with some 75% response rate. The first non-stimulant medication – atmoxetine hydrochloride, has also been used. However, side effects have included: growth retardation; appetite loss; headache; stomachache; heart problem; insomnia; seizure; change of character; addiction or even suicidal thoughts. Alternative treatments have been used including omega-3s, yet the way they benefit in ADHD is uncertain. They may be important in remodelling dendrites and synapses, and/or sustaining: blood brain barrier, neuronal membrane, neurotransmitter channel, receptors and ion channel. Stevens in 2003 found long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) effective for oppositional defiant disorder, whereas Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) specifically was helpful with disruptive behaviour. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important during gestation and early infancy, particularly for neurodevelopment. The Durham Trial by Richardson published in 2005, tested omega-3s with omega-6s on schoolchildren with developmental coordination disorder (many of them had ADHD symptoms), improving scores in co-ordination and short term memory.
'New Parenting', Psychotherapy, Prenatal and Perinatal Care
Authors: Dowling Terence
Published: January 2012

The health of future generations, both physical and psychological, depends upon good parental and early environment, free particularly from malnutrition, toxins and undue stress. Education about these negative influences is urgent, especially to encourage childbearing women in a healthy diet and lifestyle. The detrimental effects of cigarette smoking in pregnancy have been known since the 1970s, yet in Germany, for example, 60% of all children are conceived, carried, born into a household where at least one adult smokes. Even if the father desists from smoking at home, the nicotine in his body tissues is transmitted to anyone near him, for example his wife when they sleep near each other. More than one glass of beer, wine or spirits per week during the pregnancy can be detected at birth.

Alcohol in early in the pregnancy – just when many mothers are unaware they are pregnant – can produce significant physical malformation, especially in the face. Prenatal exposure to alcohol has significant effects on the intelligence and behaviour of the child. Many of these children are very restless. Even slight amounts of poisoning during the pregnancy are related to the development of a negative seli-image and the compensatory behaviour of the Narcissistic Personality Disorder in later life.

The Prenatal Deprivation and Poisoning Syndromes have not only been related to heart disease and eating disorders in the area of general health but also in the area of psychological health to the Borderline Personality Disorder. Undue stress of any kind during the pregnancy leads to problems for the developing child.
The Origins of Diversity: Darwin's Conditions and Epigenetic Variations
Authors: Marsh David E.
Published: January 2012

This short history of evolutionary thought during the last few centuries describes how some of our foremost thinkers have debated – and still do – the precise mechanisms at the roots of evolutionary change.

Commentators frequently contradicted themselves, as well as each other. The popularity of Christian fundamentalism waned following the World Wars. Eventually the rug was pulled from beneath it – till a more recent reaction.

Amidst all this babble coming from numerous towers of Babel over centuries, we failed to see Charles Darwin as the great environmentalist: who said environmental conditions, whilst working hand in glove with natural selection, constituted the more important 'law.'

A bird's eye view of 18th and 19th century evolutionary thought is considered against the climate of those times (politics, industrial revolution, trade, religious expansionism, etc). Darwinism superseded Lamarckism helped by the neo-Darwinism of Weismann, higher mathematics, population genetics – the 'Modern Synthesis' of 1935 – culminating in the discovery of the double helix by Watson, Crick et al, assuring us of the correctness of 'primacy of DNA theory'.

Stimulation and challenge is currently fuelled by exciting nascent knowledge of epigenetic variations and Cairnsian 'adaptive mutations'. The work of Marcus Pembrey and Barry Keverne tracking human and animal variation back generationally describing how 'genomic imprinting' causes reversible heritable change from slight variations in the chromosomes of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and parents to be.

The purpose of this thesis is to put forward a new theme proposed neither by Lamarck or Darwin. We stand on the threshold of the first paradigm change for 150 years.
The Significance of Genomic Imprinting for Brain Development and Behaviour
Authors: Keverne Barry
Published: January 2012

Professor Barry Keverne FRS, FMedSci – Behavioural Neuroscience, King's College, Cambridge, described how genomic imprinting provides for co-adaptation of mother and fetus, for maternal provision and fetal use of resources. On the other hand it is open to genetic transmission of clinical disorders, for instance Prada-Willli syndrome leading to obesity, and Angelman's syndrome with mental retardation. Among vertebrates, genomic imprinting only evolved in mammals and the placenta is a primary target for expression of imprinted genes.

There are certain autosomal genes in mammals that are only expressed if inherited from one parent rather than from the other. More often the paternal gene – allele – is expressed which means that the maternal allele is silenced, usually by methylation, bonding of a CH3 group. Genomic imprinting, distinct from epigenesis, occurs in germ-line cells, ensuring transgenerational effects. Epigenesis, in somatic cells, is usually restricted to one generation, although if it causes a change of behaviour – better mothering say – that can have consequences in the next generation by social transmission. Imprinting is reversible according to parent of origin and there is no change in the gene sequence, as occurs by mutation.

Genomic imprinting acts primarily through key regulatory genes which in turn have a cascade effect through other genes. Possible effects vary widely, for instance the mother's food intake and weight gain; maternal fat and blood glucose; letdown of milk and post-natal pup growth. Other affects include her maternal behaviour, nest-building, and placental hormones, placental blood flow and nutrient transfer, fetal growth, and early weaning and puberty onset. In these ways the placenta enables the fetus to regulate its own destiny, mainly by genomic co-adaptation affecting hormonal action on receptors in the maternal hypothalamus. The two genomes, infant and maternal, are co-adaptive for infant wellbeing and reproductive success. Offspring that have extracted “good” maternal nurturing through imprinted genes will themselves be genetically predisposed towards good mothering. Through imprinting, a gene contributing to fitness is established in the population more quickly, especially when paternally expressed due to the greater reproductive fitness of males expressing this allele.

Although genomic imprinting affects hormonal activity and nutrient metabolism, there is no evidence for hormones or nutrients affecting genomic imprinting. Hormones and nutrients can, particularly in early life, epigenetically affect the individual's future life for better or for worse, and significantly contribute to “foetal programming”.
Into the Future; Avoiding the Cost of Folly – Introducing a Discussion
Authors: Winkler Jack
Published: January 2012

386 Billion Euros is Europe's annual cost of brain and mental health disorders. Malnourishment of women is recognised by African politicians as retarding brain development of their offspring to the extent of retarding economic development – an important lesson yet to be learnt by governments of the developed world. To bring this home to Western governments, we have to call in agronomists and economists. We are all robustly challenged with the question: 'What action will each of us be taking to reduce these dire effects on the human race?

Contrasting with speakers' brilliance within their own specialty was some naivety speaking outside it; particularly in trivialising some well-established evidence on effects of prenatal and infant nutrition on brain development and particularly of omega-3s. Quoted in response were two powerful studies in 1973 involving animal trials and pathology, then corroborated by human studies, showing powerful effects of prenatal nutrition on brain development. These studies led to combined World Health and Food & Agriculture Organisations' (WHO-FAO) recommendations on reducing the omega6/3 ratio. Being against current industrial policy, however, these recommendations were never acted on. Decades have been wasted and the problem has multiplied. Would this evidence, fortified further by much since, yet bring governments now to act?
Assessment Study About Using Underground Water for Tilapia Culture for the First time in El-Bahria Oasis Desert, Egypt
Authors: Abbas Hossam H. , Ali Fagr Kh. , Kenawy Amany M.
Published: January 2012

The present study was carried out in El-Bahria Oasis desert (Giza-Egypt) for 8 months (March–October) as a new study to assess the culture of tilapia spp. in underground well water. The obtained results showed a significant increase (P<0.01) in the values of plasma total protein, glucose, AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), creatinine, uric acid, sodium, potassium and magnesium as well as a significant decrease (P<0.01) in plasma total lipids and calcium concentration. Furthermore, iron content in some selected vital organs was increased gradually with time, the studied organs are arranged according to their iron content in the following order: spleen < liver < kidney < gills < muscle. Remarkable changes were observed in the chemical muscle composition where the results showed a significant increase (P<0.01) in muscle water content, total lipids and ash. However, a significant decrease (P<0.01) in muscle total protein at the end of the study was observed. The growth of all male farmed tilapia in well water with a 3.2 mg/1 iron concentration was unexpected; despite the presence of this high concentration of iron, the weight gain of cultured fish was 250±14.5 g. Molecular techniques are used nowadays as a good indicator for assessing the alteration in the genomes. RAPD-PCR technique indicated appearance of some changes in polymorphism band patterns. There also exists a distinct distance between the band patterns of cultured fish (T) and control fish (C). Histopathlogical sections showed pathological alterations in liver, kidney gills and spleen and the obtained results were discussed.
Post-Harvest Losses of Fish in Developing Countries
Authors: Ahmed Asma A.
Published: January 2012

As the world population grows, increasing food supply becomes an evermore urgent priority. One vital aspect is the reduction of food loss after harvesting. For fish and seafood, being perishable, the situation is more crucial and the reduction in quantity and/ or quality is enormous and difficult to estimate. The effort to reduce these after harvest losses must begin with a quantitative assessment of the problem. The low accuracy of loss survey techniques and limitation of extrapolating means stands against reliable economic estimation in undeveloped countries where greater and more effective losses exist. In the present paper, post-harvest losses were assessed with special emphasis on the following topics: Cultural and socioeconomic aspects including traditional food conservation; economic factors for food conservation and cost-benefit; assessment of the effect of globalization and liberalization of food markets and the fish trade in artisanal fisheries. Strategies for loss reduction included estimation of loss, education and training for individuals and the organizations actively involved in post-harvest food conservation.
Fish Consumption, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease. The Science and the Clinical Trials
Authors: Galli Claudio , Risé Patrizia
Published: January 2012

Fats in fish and marine animals are rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids (FA with 5 or more double bonds) of the Omega 3 series. These FA, present in aquatic animals as an adaptation to the environmental conditions, reached the human diet through the food chain, with a significant impact on nutrition, life style and cultural conditions. Studies in the 70's showed that high fish consumption is associated with better cardiovascular health and this observation was subsequently confirmed in many studies (epidemiological, cohort, case-control). The evidence is stronger for secondary prevention and when the intakes of fish or omega 3 FA are assessed, rather than just estimated. The major effects are reduction of cardiac, especially sudden, death. Underlying mechanisms concern the antiarrhythmic activities, reduction of thrombotic and inflammatory processes and of serum triacylglycerol levels. In conclusion consumption of fish and its components should be promoted on a global scale especially in the case of subjects with cardiovascular problems. Although still some issues need to be faced especially in large scale interventions (Le. the assessment of the omega 3 fatty acid status, correlations between levels and cardiovascular indexes and bioavailability of different forms of administration), these recommendations are highly valuable.
Salt Fortification with Iodine: Sudan Situation Analysis
Authors: Izzeldin S.H. , Crawford M.A. , Ghebremeskel K.
Published: January 2012

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) constitute a severe public health problem in Sudan. IDD affects children and women throughout life. More than 2 out of 10 school age children have goiter. The prevalence reaches 40% in some regions of the country. Several interventional measures were introduced to control the IDD problem. While the situation with regard to production and supply of iodized salt was thus deteriorating, an Emergency Food Security and Nutrition Assessment Survey (EFSNA) revealed that the prevalence of IDD among adult women, as reflected in the presence of visible goiter, was as high as 25.5%.

We have conducted a situation analysis survey in the Republic of Sudan to review the prevailing situation and suggest a benchmark that would help in developing effective control measures and in monitoring their implementations. SWOT analysis, questionnaire, focus groups discussion beside a combination of rapid assessment approach and qualitative method were used to critically evaluate the salt iodization situation in the country and assess the prevailing IDD situation in and propose a plan of action to overcome the bottlenecks.

The survey concluded that Iodine deficiency affects children and women all through Sudan. The prevalence is even greater in some regions of the country and there is no supportive policy environment for successful universal salt iodization.

To overcome this aggravated situation Sudan will need to conduct a baseline study to provide data on the prevalence of IDD, geographic distribution, knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to iodine deficiency. This will provide a benchmark that will help in developing effective control measures and in monitoring their implementation. The study recommended a set of actions to the government to overcome the prevailing situation and strengthening the current policy and implementation.
The Supercourse of Fisheries: Importance of Sharing Educational Materials and Implications for Cancer and Chronic Disease Research
Authors: Linkov Faina , Hussein Izzeldin S. , Taioli Emanuela , Laporte Ronald , Al-Oufi Hamed Said
Published: January 2012

Epidemiologic research has demonstrated that fish is an important component of human nutrition. Existing information for the public about the benefits vs dangers of fish consumption is often contradictory and unclear. Education in the field of human nutrition, especially in the area of fish consumption could be markedly enhanced if there were better mechanisms for the development of customized high quality, low cost educational lectures

Researchers from the Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, in collaboration with the members of the Global Health Network Supercourse project are developing a library of lectures on nutrition, environmental health, and fisheries, for the use and share among the scientists of the world. With the growing demand for environmental health/nutrition awareness, there is an escalating demand for easily accessible and inexpensive teaching materials on nutritional information, including fish and fisheries.

The Supercourse has a network of 45,000 faculty members from 171 countries who have contributed more than 3400 public health lectures, providing forum for sharing the latest research developments in the areas of nutrition. This article outlines the importance of creating easily accessible educational modules on the issues of nutrition, environmental health challenges, and fisheries.
Fish Oil and the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Mattar Melanie , Obeid Omar
Published: January 2012

Hypertriglyceridemia, regarded as one of the independent clinical markers of metabolic syndrome, is a frequently observed disorder that has been shown to be common in the Arab region. Epidemiologic and clinical trials demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD); one of the mechanisms by which this effect is achieved is through reducing plasma triglyceride levels. There is strong scientific evidence from human trials that omega-3 fatty acids from either fish or fish oil supplements significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels and these benefits appear to be dose-dependent. The active ingredients of fish oils include the long chain fatty acids EPA and DHA. The ideal amount of omega-3 fatty acid that should be incorporated into the diet without provoking detrimental effects on other lipid components such as decreasing HDL-C and/or increasing LDL-C has not yet been elucidated.

Presently, a prescription form of omega-3 fatty acid has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) as an adjunct to the diet for the treatment of very high triglyceride levels (~ 500 mg/dl) in adults. Patients with hypertriglyceridemia have been shown to respond well to the use of omega-3 fatty acids even when used in conjunction with statins where greater improvements in the lipid profile were found as compared to treatment with statins alone. A determinant of the responsiveness to fish oil could be attributed to the ApoE genotype of individuals.
Schoolchildren, Maternal Nutrition and Generating Healthy Brains: the importance of lifecycle education for fertility, health and peace
Authors: House Simon H.
Published: January 2012

In order to generate healthy brains, the earlier in life that children develop a healthy lifestyle the better. At home and at school, with a good diet and physical activity, children need to experience and to understand the value of healthy metabolism. Continuous education is needed in lifecycle health, with awareness that the most vulnerable phase relates to reproduction. This is the way that most people can become parents of healthy children. Nutrient deficits, toxins, or uro-genital disease, often unnoticed, affect quality of sperm or ovum, and subsequent development. Early errors can have the most pronounced effect. Gene-switches are being set early in life. Any early flaw can be magnified by growth. Moreover children's habits become set and young couples are too busy to learn and adapt. Many are liable to unintended pregnancy. Adoption of a healthy lifestyle at a young age is the most reliable route to producing healthy babies.

The mother's state throughout pregnancy, emotions/hormones included, naturally continues to powerfully affect her child's development, therefore future physical and mental health, behaviour and ability. There has recently been a serious increase in babies conceived by schoolchildren, as well as a shift by working women towards childbearing in their late thirties or more. A return towards childbearing in the twenties and early thirties can reduce risks for the child. The mother needs to build her appropriate body-stores — vitamins and minerals, proteins, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and other essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) — to ensure optimal development of her child. Replenishment of reserves is important for maternal health and before bearing another child. A restorative time of three years is desirable.

Governments and school teachers need to guide and encourage parents in this health education and practice, and to use their authority to achieve it in schools. Empowerment with knowledge is the one way to fend off the growing pandemic of mental ill health and related disorders, and to make the most of a nation's genetic potential. There could be no better investment financially, let alone in enhancing people's lives.
Modified Egg as a Nutritional Supplement During Peak Brain Development: A New Target for Fortification
Authors: Shapira Niva
Published: January 2012

Background: Though eggs have the unique capacity, like breastmilk, to concentrate essential nutrients required for early growth and brain development of offspring — i.e. n-3 PUFA, increasingly deficient and sources contaminated — cholesterol and allergy concerns often exclude them from perinatal recommendations.

Objective: Egg's potential contribution of key nutrients required for peak brain development are re-evaluated vis-à-vis fortification, accessibility, and risks.

Methods: Contributions of standard (USDA) and fortified (selected market-available) egg compositions to perinatal requirements for critical brain-supporting nutrients were compared to human and cow milks, and risks and recommendations evaluated.

Results: Standard egg has already higher concentrations/kcal of iron, selenium, zinc, choline, vitamins B12 and E, and essential amino acids (plus taurine) than human milk. Fortified egg could further yield significant n-3 PUFA %recommendations for pregnancy-lactation (total n-3 69.6–75.0% [DRI=1400−1300mg/day]), including DHA (120.1–129.3%, mostly ≈80% [calculated DRI=140−130mg/day]), plus antioxidant vitamins A (9.0–15.2%) and E (51.6–65.3%), and minerals iodine (33.6–44.5%) and selenium (33.7–39.3%); %recommendations for children (1–3 y) even more. Cholesterol, important for nerve membranes and learning, may not be generally contraindicated in childbearing-aged women (≈10.5% hypercholesterolemia), and early-life egg exposure may increase tolerance. Egg-inclusive perinatal nutrition programs have shown significant contributions.

Conclusions: Eggs, especially target-fortified, may provide a unique nutritional supplement for peak brain development continously during pregnancy, nursing, and infancy (from 6 months), especially vs. insufficiencies. Missing nutritional opportunities by egg exclusion vs. concerns of hypercholesterolemia or allergy could be addressed individually, rather than as general recommendations, warranting further research and targeted egg design.
Iodine in Evolution of Salivary Glands and in Oral Health
Authors: Venturi Sebastiano , Venturi Mattia
Published: January 2012

The authors hypothesize that dietary deficiency or excess of iodine (I) has an important role in oral mucosa and in salivary glands physiology. Salivary glands derived from primitive I-concentrating oral cells, which during embryogenesis, migrate and specialize in secretion of saliva and iodine. Gastro-salivary clearance and secretions of iodides are a considerable part of “gastro-intestinal cycle of iodides”, which constitutes about 23% of iodides pool in the human body. Salivary glands, stomach and thyroid share I-concentrating ability by sodium iodide sylnporter (NIS) and peroxidase activity, which transfers electrons from iodides to the oxygen of hydrogen peroxide and so protects the cells from peroxidation. Iodide seems to have an ancestral antioxidant function in all I-concentrating organisms from primitive marine algae to more recent terrestrial vertebrates. The high I-concentration of thymus supports the important role of iodine in -the immune system and in the oral immune defence. In Europe and in the world, I-deficiency is surprisingly present in a large part of the population. The authors suggest that the trophic, antioxidant and apoptosis-inductor actions and the presumed antitumour activity of iodides might be important for prevention of oral and salivary glands diseases, as for some other extrathyroidal pathologies.
Vitamin B6 During Pregnancy
Authors: Pickard Barbara
Published: January 2012

A vitamin B6 deficiency develops during pregnancy and contributing factors include: a disturbance in vitamin B6 metabolism caused by increasing levels of oestrogens; increasing fetal demand for vitamin B6; a disturbance in vitamin B6 status caused by oral contraceptive usage prior to conception; a deficient intake of vitamin B6. Hormonal changes and increasing fetal requirements impose considerable stress on maternal vitamin B6 status but are the inevitable consequences of pregnancy. In contrast, longterm use of oral contraceptives before pregnancy and an inadequate vitamin B6 intake, both prior to and during pregnancy, are potentially avoidable. Dietary intakes of vitamin B6 in many women fall well below the recommended 1.5–2.0mg/day before pregnancy and 2.5mg/day during pregnancy. Although supplementation with synthetic vitamin B6 is advocated by many, much greater emphasis should also be placed on a wholesome, healthy diet. Examples are given of foods high and low in vitamin B6 and of a daily diet providing 2.5mg of vitamin B6.
Hypersensitivity to Mains Tap Water in Adults: its Clinical Features and Treatment
Authors: Wilson C. W. M.
Published: January 2012

The clinical features of sensitivity to fluoridated Irish Mains domestic water are described. Symptoms occur in the alimentary, genito-urinary, vascular, central and peripheral nervous systems, and in the skin. Challenge tests have been designed to investigate sensitivity to the mains water antigen in comparison with purified water. Skin challenge and prick tests, buccal and oral tests, induce positive reactions to the mains water. Neutralisation to the water antigen is performed by the serial dilution technique using non-allergenic purified water as the diluent. Neutralisation occurs at a concentration of about 10−3 water antigen. The Raynaud phenomenon serves as a sensitive challenge test to evaluate the efficacy of neutralisation. Persistence of the Raynaud effect is reduced by approximately 50% after successful neutralisation.
Selective Absorption in the Small Intestine
Authors: Moog Florence
Published: January 2012

The microvilli of the cells that line the small intestine form a continuous frontier at which membrane digestion takes place. Enzymes and carriers are differentially distributed along the length of the intestine, with corresponding regional differences in the digestion and absorption of foodstuffs and vitamins. Since the presence of essential enzymes and carriers is genetically determined, deficiency diseases may occur; lactase is absent from the adult intestines of whole populations.
Nutrition, Health and the Future
Authors: Yellowlees Walter
Published: January 2012

The health of the Scottish Highlander appears to be no better than that of the town dwelling Scotsman. Beautiful scenery, tranquility and freedom from the stress of the city do not prevent common degenerative diseases such as peptic ulcer or coronary heart disease.

The researches of T. L. Cleave and others strongly suggests that the increasing consumption of refined, processed food is the cause of these degenerative diseases. Changing food consumption in the Scottish Highlands and throughout the World has been accompanied by changing patterns of disease and by changing agriculture. In many countries imported canneed or preserved food has replaced home grown produce. The small-scale farmer is fast disappearing and is being combined in “collectives”; this results in massive depopulation and causes an imbalance between town and country.

In this country we have not solved this problem of land use which will ensure a sane future. Until our people can enjoy food which is fresh, varied, unrefined and grown on fertile soil our health is not likely to improve.
Ill Health in an Affluent Society
Authors: Butterfield John
Published: January 2012

A survey of 2165 Londoners in the 1960's found that only 5% of people were without complaints. This compares with a previous London survey of Pearse and Crocker in 1943 where 12% were free of complaints. At Cambridge final plans are being laid for a further national random household survey of health attitudes and behaviour.
Nurturing Intelligence: the Other Side of Nutrition
Authors: Pearce Joseph Chilton
Published: January 2012

Development of the child during the fetal and infantile stages is affected by mutual responses following birth. The nurture of the intelligence and the facilitation of the stages of growth are involved. Just as imprinting takes place with chicks so the human infant instinctively bonds to its mother by eye to eye and skin to skin contact in the 45 minutes following birth - if and when it is allowed to do so. The consequences of frustrating these instinctive processes are discussed.
Allergic Factors Affecting the Family
Authors: Wilson C. W. M.
Published: January 2012

Individual allergic sensitivities, and allergic sensitivities between family members are described in ten allergic families. Allergic sensitivities were diagnosed by clinical histories, food and water sensitivity analyses, and skin prick tests. Intra-family allergic sensitivity occurs as a consequence of introduction of human allergens between family members. Such sensitisation follows transfer of food antigens across the placental and mammary barrier, occurs during and following intercourse, and can be produced as a result of repeated skin contact within a family. Hand-holding provides a simple clinical challenge test which reproduces the allergic symptoms characteristic of intra-family sensitivity and those which occur during intercourse. Auto-Immune Buccal Urine Therapy desensitises family members to intra-family allergic challenge equally effectively whether the challenge is produced through breast-feeding, intercourse or skin challenge. The clinical and social consequences of intra-family allergic challenge are discussed.
Maternal Nutrition in Pregnancy: the Special Role of Dietary Fats and Socio-Economic Interactions
Authors: Doyle Wendy , Crawford M. A.
Published: January 2012

Maternal food intakes were assessed for one week in each trimester of pregnancy in 100 mothers from two socio-economically contrasting areas of London. There were significant differences in energy, fat and protein intakes as well as in many of the micro nutrients. There was also a significant difference in the mean birthweights with 11.8 per cent of the birthweights below 2500g and 50 per cent at or below 3000g in the lower socioeconomic group.
Strategies for Nutritional Fitness in Pregnancy: Selections from Canadian Experience
Authors: Bonham G. H.
Published: January 2012

Selected Canadian experiences directed to the improvement of maternal health and better birth outcome through nutritional enhancement are outlined. These experiences range from a pioneering food supplementation program in a clinical setting first reported from Toronto in 1942 to a combined pregnancy and pre-conception program about to begin in Calgary. The long-standing Canadian program for legislated food enrichment, the strategy of physician education by means of the adoption of an official position paper by organized medicine, and a trial use of television media supported by the issuance of a free attractive publication, are all described.

Intensive educational programs using computerized nutritional analysis in Vancouver designed to complement clinical care, outreach programs in urban and rural settings, using non-professional staff selected from immigrant groups and low income sectors of society, are described as useful and effective strategies and a new program planned for Calgary, Canada, is outlined embodying all the foregoing strategies.
Vitamin C and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ginter Emil , Chorváthová Viera
Published: January 2012

Several points of contact exist between the metabolism of glucose and vitamin C, which are two substances with a similar molecular structure. A deficiency of vitamin C provokes disorders in glycoregulation reminiscent of diabetes mellitus, and vice versa, diabetes brings about disorders in ascorbic acid metabolism, which may lead to a local vitamin C deficiency in some tissues. This vicious circle can be cut by an increased supply of ascorbic acid. Long-term administration of ascorbic acid depresses cholesterol level in blood serum in the majority of hypercholesterolemic diabetics. Prevention of chronic overt vitamin C deficiency in diabetics may play a positive role in the prevention of diabetic microangiopathies and atherosclerosis.
Nitrates, Nitrites, Nitrosamines and Cancer
Authors: Taylor Geoffrey
Published: January 2012

Geoffrey Taylor, who at the outbreak of the last war was Professor of Medicine in Lahore, here gives his medical history up to and including the cancer of the stomach from which he was suffering when he gave this address. He relates this to the high concentration of nitrates in our diet which he discusses in detail.
Hypersensitivity to Mains Tap Water in Children: Its Clinical Features and Treatment
Authors: Wilson C. W. M.
Published: January 2012

Clinical ecology is concerned with the relationship between human requirements and the human habitat in terms of the specific reaction of the patient to the environment as a biological unit. One of the most basic requirements of the human organism is for water. This paper is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of sensitivity of children to contaminants in domestic water.

The clinical features of domestic water sensitivity are described. Procedures for the diagnosis of water sensitivity have been developed and applied clinically to samples of children and adults. The clinical features of water sensitivity are related closely to the body tissues with which the water antigen principally comes into contact, namely the alimentary canal, the skin and the urinary system. The water antigen also produces symptoms in the peripheral and central nervous systems. As in the case of other allergens, water contaminants produce initial stimulation and subsequent depression of cellular activity during the development of cellular sensitivity. Recognition of this chain alteration in cell responses is of importance in the diagnosis of water contaminant sensitivity. Treatment of the symptoms in children can be successfully carried out by complete exclusion from contact with domestic water. Water exclusion is followed by a typical withdrawal syndrome in children and adults.
The Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: A Public Health Approach
Authors: George David St.
Published: January 2012

The recent media debate about the MRC trial of vitamin supplementation to prevent neural tube defects has tended to draw attention away from the underlying problem of inadequate micronutrient intake in the diet. From a public health perspective a broader approach must be adopted if we wish to significantly reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in the population. The prescription of vitamins can only be considered as a short-term, partial solution, and the long-term goal must be the elimination of the primary causes of micronutrient deficiencies. Particular emphasis must be placed on the nutrient losses and imbalances that arise from current food production and processing techniques.
Mycotoxins and Nutritional Deficiencies
Authors: Schoental Regina
Published: January 2012

Among the many already known mycotoxins, the ones most relevant as health hazards in Great Britain, and in other Countries in the temperate zones, are the secondary metabolites of Fusaria. These common moulds (often pink) can produce in stored high-moisture agricultural products, the oestrogenic, non-steroidal, zearalenone and/or T-2 toxin, and other irritant trichothecenes.

Significant levels of such mycotoxins may develop in cereal-grains harvested under very wet weather conditions, or when imported by sea.

Fusarium mycotoxins have been recognised as responsible for ‘alimentary toxic aleukia’ an often fatal illness, that followed eating bread made from mouldy millet by starving people in the USSR. They might also have been involved in pellagra, Wernicke's-Korsakoff encephalopathy and certain other disorders in which gastro-intestinal upset is a common feature.

Further studies are needed on the possible role of zearalenone, and its oestrogenic derivatives, in abnormalities and tumours of sex, and certain other, organs which are targets for oestrogenic agents.