Satiety and memory enhancing effects of a high-protein meal depend on the source of protein

Objective: High- protein diets have become increasingly popular with various touted benefits. However, the extent to which protein quantity and source affects cognitive functioning through altering postprandial amino acid profiles has not been investigated. Further, whether all protein sources are similarly anorexigenic is uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of protein level and source on Barnes maze performance, satiety and plasma amino acid levels in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods: Rats were entrained to a meal-feeding schedule consisting of a 30 minutes meal, equivalent to 20% of average daily intake, one hour into the dark phase then ad libitum access to food for 5 h. On test days, rats received one of three isocaloric diets as their first meal, hereafter referred to as Egg White (EW), Wheat Gluten (WG), or Basal, and then were measured for cognitive performance, feeding behavior, or plasma amino acid levels via jugular catheter. Percentage energy from protein was 35% for both EW and WG and 20% for Basal with equal amounts provided by EW and WG proteins.

Results: Rats provided EW performed similarly to Basal on the Barnes maze, whereas WG performed worse. EW increased satiety, whereas WG reduced satiety relative to Basal. Both EW and WG increased postprandial concentrations of large neutral and branched chain amino acids relative to Basal, but in EW, concentrations were slower to peak, and peaked to a higher level than WG.

Discussion: Results demonstrate the importance of protein source for cognition and satiety enhancing effects of a high-protein meal.     

Adherence to the Western Pattern Is Potentially an Unfavorable Indicator of Asthenozoospermia Risk: A Case-Control Study

Objective: The aim of this case-control study was to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and asthenozoospermia risk.

Methods: In total, 107 incident asthenozoospermic men and 235 age-matched controls were interviewed through the infertility clinics in Tehran, Iran, from January 2012 to November 2013. Usual dietary intakes were collected using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and semen quality data were analyzed according to the fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis. The first tertile served as the reference category for regression analyses.

Results: In principal component analysis, 2 dietary patterns emerged: a “prudent pattern” (leafy green vegetables, yellow vegetables, other vegetables, tomatoes, fish and other seafood, fruits and natural fruit juices, legumes, whole grains, poultry, tea and coffee, low-fat dairy products, and vegetable oils) and a “Western pattern” (organ meats, red and processed meats, sugar, soft drinks and confectionary, pasta, rice and refined grains, potatoes, french fries and fast foods, high-fat dairy products, hydrogenated fats, mayonnaise and fatty sauces, and snacks). After adjustment for potential confounders, participants in the highest tertile of the prudent pattern scores had 54% lower risk of asthenozoospermia compared to those in the lowest (p for trend: 0.003). Being in the highest tertile of the Western pattern was positively associated with asthenozoospermia risk (odds ratio [OR] = 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83–2.97).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that adherence to the Western pattern is potentially an unfavorable indicator of asthenozoospermia risk and a diet composed mainly of plant-based foods may be associated with a reduced risk.     

Instant Oatmeal Increases Satiety and Reduces Energy Intake Compared to a Ready-to-Eat Oat-Based Breakfast Cereal: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Background: Foods that enhance satiety can help consumers to resist environmental cues to eat and help adherence to calorie restriction. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of 2 oat-based breakfast cereals on appetite, satiety, and food intake.

Methods: Forty-eight healthy individuals, 18 years of age or older, were enrolled in a randomized, crossover trial. Subjects consumed isocaloric servings of either oatmeal or an oat-based ready-to-eat breakfast cereal (RTEC) in random order at least a week apart. Visual analogue scales measuring appetite and satiety were completed before breakfast and throughout the morning. Lunch was served 4 hours after breakfast. The physicochemical properties of oat soluble fiber (β-glucan) were determined. Appetite and satiety responses were analyzed by area under the curve. Food intake and β-glucan properties were analyzed using t tests.

Results: Oatmeal increased fullness (p = 0.001) and reduced hunger (p = 0.005), desire to eat (p = 0.001), and prospective intake (p = 0.006) more than the RTEC. Energy intake at lunch was lower after eating oatmeal compared to the RTEC (p = 0.012). Oatmeal had higher viscosity (p = 0.03), β-glucan content, molecular weight (p < 0.001), and radius of gyration (p < 0.001) than the RTEC.

Conclusions: Oatmeal suppresses appetite, increases satiety, and reduces energy intake compared to the RTEC. The physicochemical properties of β-glucan and sufficient hydration of oats are important factors affecting satiety and subsequent energy intake.     

Changes in food habits among Pakistani immigrant women in Oslo, Norway

Design

Results

Conclusion

South Asians are generally known to have high prevalence of diabetes type 2 and coronary heart diseases. The Pakistani immigrant group in Norway constitute a high-risk subgroup of the population that needs a selective prevention approach. The main objective of this study was to provide information on dietary change and factors leading to these changes in Pakistani women after migration from Punjab, Pakistan to Oslo, Norway. Such information is important in designing appropriate strategies for dietary counselling.

Twenty-five Pakistani immigrant women, recruited through the Oslo Health Study 2000–2001, participated in focus group interviews. Each group met four times, aided by a moderator and professional interpreters. A model developed by Koctürk was tested for its usefulness in analysing the dietary changes. PRECEDE was used to organise and structure the factors that were found to cause the changes.

According to the women, life in Norway has led to several changes in meal pattern, meal composition and intake of different foods. In accordance with the Koctürk model, the cultural importance of breakfast and lunch has diminished, and dinner has become the most important meal. Meals on weekends tend to be more traditional than on working days. The study gives limited support to the hypothesis that changes occur predominantly among the accessory foods and least among staples. The focus group interviews revealed a rich variety of factors influencing dietary change: health aspects, children's preferences, work schedules, social relations, stress, traditional beliefs, climate, season and access of foods.

To develop effective intervention strategies, it is vital to understand both how changes do occur and how different factors influence dietary habits. The Koctürk model was useful to structure the various foods and changes that may occur. Strategies for dietary counselling should not only include dietary advice but also focus on the multitude of factors causing dietary changes.     

Occupational problems and barriers reported by individuals with obesity

Background: Even if occupational therapists meet many people with obesity in the course of their work, a majority of them do not seem to view weight management as within their area of professional practice.

Aim: To explore the occupational problems and barriers among persons with severe obesity from an occupational therapy perspective.

Materials and methods: The study used the Canadian Model of Occupation and Engagement (CMOP-E) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to identify and analyze prioritized occupational performance problems and barriers perceived by 63 individuals with obesity.

Results: The occupational problems individuals with obesity most frequently prioritized comprised playing with (grand)children, purchasing clothes, implementing regular meals and going to the swimming pool, while the barriers they most frequently described were dyspnea, musculoskeletal disorders, narrow chairs and seats, fear of glances and comments from others, and social anxiety.

Conclusion: Persons with obesity struggle with a large variety of occupational performance problems, which occur in the dynamic relationship between these individuals, their environment and their occupation. Occupational therapists have the skills to take more active role in helping persons with obesity to perform valued occupations and establish healthier everyday routines.     

Chemical afferent vagal axotomy blocks re-intake after partial withdrawal of gastric food contents

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the biological process by which animals regulate meal size. An experimental procedure for its study is to examine food re-intake after partial withdrawal of gastric food contents.

Methods: The aim of the present experiments was to investigate the role of vagal afferents in food re-intake after perivagal administration of capsaicin, a neurotoxin that specifically damages weakly myelinated or unmyelinated vagal sensory axons.

Results: In experiment 1, capsaicin-treated animals initially consumed higher amounts of food in comparison to controls (in first 24 hours) but their excess intake was compensated for in subsequent daily satiation tests. However, capsaicin treatment impaired the common short-term re-intake behavior observed in control rats after partial removal of gastric food nutrients, and the lesioned animals consumed significantly less food than had been withdrawn after completion of the initial meal; moreover, in this deficit condition, no counteraction was observed in subsequent repeated tests. This behavioral disturbance cannot be attributed to an indirect effect of capsaicin on gastric emptying volume, because the stomach contents were similar in both groups (Experiment 2).

Discussion: These findings are discussed in terms of the critical role played by vagal afferents in rapid visceral adjustments related to short-term food intake, as also observed in other gastrointestinal regulatory behaviors that require immediate processing of visceral sensory information.     

Rodent control in urban communities in Johannesburg,South Africa: from research to action

Introduction:

Rodents are troublesome urban pests, with potentially serious health implications. Preventive efforts require greater understanding of social contexts in which they are prevalent. This study aimed to determine rodent prevalence and identify factors associated with rodent infestations in urban residential settings.

Methods:

The Health, Environment and Development study is a longitudinal panel study conducted in five settlements across Johannesburg. Data on socio-economic status, domestic behaviour and housing quality are collected annually. Logistic regression revealed risk factors for rodent prevalence at household level.

Results:

Rodents are a major household problem in all study areas (prevalence 54%). Factors associated with increased prevalence of rats included lower income, living in informal areas, overcrowding, cracks in dwelling walls and internal damp.

Conclusion:

Socio-economic status, housing quality, domestic behaviour and environmental health services are associated with exposure to rodents in urban Johannesburg communities. This information served as a platform to launch rodent awareness campaigns at study sites.     

Reproductive and maternity health care services in Finland: perceptions and experiences of Somali-born immigrant women

Objective. To explore immigrant Somali women's experiences of reproductive and maternity health care services (RMHCS) and their perceptions about the service providers.

Design. Five focus group discussions were conducted from April 1999 to June 2000 using a purposeful sampling strategy in order to reach multiparous female Somali-born Immigrants with experiences from the maternity health care in Finland.

Participants. A total of 70 married Somali women aged 18–50 and mother of 2–10 children were studied. Among them, 18 came from Kenya, 32 from Mogadishu and 20 from Hargeysa.

Settings. Of the participants, 45 were living in the city of Vantaa, 22 in the city of Helsinki and 13 in the city of Turku.

Results. Participants were satisfied with the RMHCS they received in Finland. Despite their satisfaction, the health care providers' social attitudes towards them were perceived as unfriendly, and communication as poor.

Conclusions. The women's experiences revealed that they have access to good quality RMHCS in Finland. While their experiences are significant, their perceptions are important for physicians, nurses and midwives in order to achieve culturally competent care.     

Meanings of food,eating and health among African Nova Scotians: ‘certain things aren't meant for Black folk'

Objective. Most research on food, ethnicity and health in Canada is focused on the dietary acculturation of first of second generation migrants. ‘Failure’ to adopt nutritional guidelines for healthy eating is generally understood as lack of education or persistence of cultural barriers. In this study we explore the meanings of food, health, and well-being embedded in the food practices of African Nova Scotians, a population with a 400-year history in Canada.

Design

Design. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 2 or 3 members of each of 13 families who identified as African Nova Scotian. Interviews asked about eating patterns; the influence of food preferences, health concerns, cost, and culture; perceptions of healthy eating and good eating; how food decisions were made; and changes over time. In addition, research assistants observed a ‘typical’ grocery shopping trip and one family meal.

Results

Results. Participants readily identified what they perceived to be distinctively ‘Black ways of eating.’ Beyond mainstream nutrition discourses about reduction of chronic disease risk, participants identified three ways of thinking about food, health, and well-being: physical well-being, emphasizing stamina, energy and strength; family and community well-being; and cultural or racial well-being, emphasizing cultural identity maintenance, but also resistance to racism.

Conclusion

Conclusion. While culturally traditional eating patterns are often understood as costly in terms of health, it is equally important to understand that adopting healthy eating has costs in terms of family, community, and cultural identity. Dietary change unavoidably entails cultural loss, thus resisting healthy eating guidelines may signify resistance to racism or cultural dominance. Several suggestions are offered regarding how community strengths and beliefs, as well as cultural meanings of food and health, might inform effective healthy eating interventions.     

Occupations,perceived stress,and stress-related disorders among women and men in the public sector in Sweden

Background: Stress-related disorders are a public health problem and represent a significant burden to individuals and society. It is, therefore, of importance to regard stress in a wider context and identify risk factors not only at work but in all occupations in everyday life, to prevent ill health.

Aim/objective: The aim of this study was to examine potential associations between everyday occupations, perceived stress, and stress-related disorders as well as potential gender differences.

Material and methods: A survey was mailed to a random selection of 3481 employees in the public sector in Western Sweden. Cox regressions with constant time at risk were used, in order to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: The results showed a clear association between reporting imbalance between different everyday occupations and both perceived stress and stress-related disorders among men and women.

Conclusion: Imbalance between different everyday occupations seems to be an important risk factor for perceived stress and stress-related disorder among both women and men.

Significance: To enable people to achieve balance between different everyday occupations may be a useful way to prevent stress, stress-related disorders, and sick leave, and to promote better health and well-being.     

Managing occupations in everyday life for people with advanced cancer living at home

Background: People with advanced cancer are able to live for extended periods of time. Advanced cancer can cause functional limitations influencing the ability to manage occupations. Although studies have shown that people with advanced cancer experience occupational difficulties, there is only limited research that specifically explores how these occupational difficulties are managed.

Objective: To describe and explore how people with advanced cancer manage occupations when living at home.

Material and methods: A sub-sample of 73 participants from a larger occupational therapy project took part in the study. The participants were consecutively recruited from a Danish university hospital. Qualitative interviews were performed at the homes of the participants. Content analysis was applied to the data.

Results: Managing occupations were manifested in two main categories; (1) Conditions influencing occupations in everyday life and (2) Self-developed strategies to manage occupations.

Significance: The findings suggest that people with advanced cancer should be supported to a greater extent in finding ways to manage familiar as well as new and more personally meaningful occupations to enhance quality of life.     

Short-term Exposure to a Mediterranean Environment Influences Attitudes and Dietary Profile in U.S. College Students: The MEDiterranean Diet in AMEricans (A-MED-AME) Pilot Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether short-term exposure to a Mediterranean diet during a structured abroad experience could influence dietary habits and attitudes.

Design: This study used a cross-sectional design.

Setting: The study was conducted on the Florence University of the Arts (FUA) campus, Italy.

Subjects: Fifty-four (47 females, 7 males; mean age 21.1 ± 1.9 years) college students from 12 different states, mainly located in the central United States, were enrolled in this study.

Measures of Outcome: Outcome measures included adherence score to Mediterranean diet and self-reported perceptions of diet and food availability. A demographic survey was used to collect data regarding personal characteristics, anthropometrics, duration of stay, and residency status.

Analysis: Chi-square test, independent T-test, and Mann-Whitney test were used to perform analyses.

Results: At 3 weeks' follow-up, 94% of the population reported that availability of foods affected their food choices. Interestingly, students reported that they consumed less meat with respect to their usual dietary habits in the United States (p < 0.0001) and they reported significantly increased the consumption of olive oil, cereals, fruit, and alcohol (p < 0.05). The adherence score to a Mediterranean diet significantly increased by about 1 point, going from 9.9 ± 2.4 to 10.9 ± 2.0 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: After a 3-week stay in Italy, an increase in the adherence score to a Mediterranean diet was observed. Future research should explore the relationship between length of time spent in a foreign country and dietary adherence in a cultural context.     

A Delphi study of occurring information in housing adaptation certificates

Background: Since 1993, the Housing Adaptation Act has provided disabled people the opportunity to receive grants for adapting their homes. A housing adaptation certificate certifying the necessity of adaptations must accompany any application and if information in housing adaptation certificates is not sufficient, the applicant is risking not having necessary housing adaptations.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify and describe what information is missing, unnecessary or vague, in the housing adaptation certificates; to determine how often this occur, and how problematic this can be for the decision process.

Material and methods: 105 housing adaptation grant managers took part in a three-round Delphi survey.

Results: At least 65% consensus was reached regarding the following six statements: missing information about disability duration, possession of relevant assistive devices, consequences of the disability in housing, prognosis of consequences, who the informant is, or contains preferences for specific solutions. Missing, unnecessary or vague information pose serious or less serious problems and 38–72% of the participants reported that this often or always occur.

Conclusion: Housing adaptation certificates need to be improved.

Significance: The results of this study are used to design a checklist for use by housing adaptation certificate writers.     

Health-related quality of life among Mexican-origin Latinos: the role of immigration legal status

Objective: To assess the relationship between immigration legal status and related vulnerabilities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Mexican-origin Latinos living in a U.S.-Mexico border region.

Methods: Data were obtained using multistage sampling from 393 Latino adults who took part in the 2009 San Diego Prevention Research Center community survey.

Results: Significant differences in HRQoL were found across immigration legal status subgroups. Vulnerabilities associated with HRQoL varied across immigration legal status subgroups, and only depression was associated with HRQoL regardless of immigration legal status.

Conclusion: Results from this study emphasize the need for policies and programs to facilitate access to preventive services, including mental health services, in order to maintain the health of at-risk Latino immigrants.     

Effect of Different Obesity Phenotypes on Incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Tehranian Adults

Background: The aim of this community-based study is to ascertain the effect of different obesity phenotypes on the incidence of chronic kidney disease in Iranian adults.

Study Design: A prospective cohort study, the Tehran Lipid Glucose Study (TLGS).

Setting and Participants: Adults aged ≥ 20 years with a mean age of 40.38 years (54.8% female) who were free from chronic kidney disease (CKD) at baseline (phase 1) and were followed up at 3 time stages (phases 2, 3, and 4) for a mean duration of 9.4 years to assess the risk for CKD.

Predictor: Obesity phenotypes.

Outcome: Incidence of chronic kidney disease.

Measurements: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated from the simplified equation developed using data from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study.

Results: CKD events occurred in 1162 participants. The prevalence of the 2 known obesity phenotypes (metabolically obese normal weight [MONW] and metabolically healthy but obese [MHO]) in the overall population was 3.5% and 8.8%, respectively. According to Kaplan-Meier curves, rates of freedom from CKD in the MHO and MONW obesity phenotypes were 75.3% and 60.6%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Age- and sex-adjusted (model 1) hazard ratios for participants with MHO or MONW obesity phenotype were 1.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91–1.43) and 1.43 (95% CI, 1.09–1.88), respectively. After further adjustment for confounder variables (model 2), multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for CKD for participants with MHO or MONW obesity phenotypes were 1.23 (95% CI, 0.93–1.62) and 1.43 (95% CI, 1.08–1.90), respectively.

Conclusion: Adults with the MONW obesity phenotype compared to those with MHO obesity phenotype have a higher risk for incidence of CKD. The results indicate that having a normal weight is not the only factor to protect against incidence of CKD.     

Acute toxicological effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles in mice after intratracheal instillation

Background: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are increasingly being used in industry.

Objective: To evaluate the acute toxicology of ZnO NPs in Mice.

Methods: ZnO NPs were intratracheally instilled into mice at different dose (200, 400, 800 μg/kg), which was 1, 2, or 4 times of accumulative intake in one week according to the threshold limit value. Acute toxicity was assessed by animal mortality, organ/body weight ratios, hematology, blood biochemistry, and histopathology as well as by the determination of cells, proteins, and lactate dehydrogenase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Results: Exposure to ZnO NPs also resulted in bodyweight loss and a higher level of total cell number, total protein, and hydroxyproline content in BALF. Nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels in the lung homogenates were also increased. In addition, inflammatory and hyperplastic changes in the lungs were observed.

Conclusion: Threshold limit value (5 mg/m³) may unfit for ZnO NPs.     

Expanding beyond individualism: Engaging critical perspectives on occupation

Background: Perspectives that individualize occupation are poorly aligned with socially responsive and transformative occupation-focused research, education, and practice. Their predominant use in occupational therapy risks the perpetuation, rather than resolution, of occupational inequities.

Aim: In this paper, we problematize taken-for-granted individualistic analyses of occupation and illustrate how critical theoretical perspectives can reveal the ways in which structural factors beyond an individual’s immediate control and environment shape occupational possibilities and occupational engagement.

Method: Using a critically reflexive approach, we draw on three distinct qualitative research studies to examine the potential of critical theorizing for expanding beyond a reliance on individualistic analyses and practices.

Results: Our studies highlight the importance of addressing the socio-historical and political contexts of occupation and demonstrate the contribution of critical perspectives to socially responsive occupational therapy.

Conclusion and significance: In expanding beyond individualistic analyses of occupation, critical perspectives advance research and practices towards addressing socio-political mediators of occupational engagement and equity.     

Experiences of the return to work process after stroke while participating in a person-centred rehabilitation programme

Background: In Sweden, less than 50% of those getting stroke in working age return to work (RTW). Effective rehabilitation programmes need to be developed and therapeutic aspects understood.

Aim: To explore and describe how persons with stroke experience their RTW process while participating in a person-centred rehabilitation programme focusing on RTW.

Materials and methods: Seven persons with mild or moderate stroke were interviewed twice during the intervention in the vocational training phase using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using grounded theory.

Results: Having a coordinator by their side gave support and guidance during the RTW process. Knowledge of stroke, strategies and a straightforward communication created a structure for the RTW process. Expressing one’s own wishes increased opportunities to influence and decide which path to follow in order to reach the goal.

Conclusion: Straightforward, open and recurring communication facilitated the possibility to adapt to the situation. These aspects increased insight and awareness which facilitated the RTW process.

Significance: The findings indicate that a precondition for a fruitful RTW process was that suitable platforms at work were created in which the actors involved could cooperate. This knowledge might also be valuable in the RTW process for people with other diagnosis.