RSS 1.0Clinical Sciences and Nutrition
The Department of Clinical Sciences and Nutrition has an experienced team of researchers, with an international reputation. Their main research themes are Public Health Nutrition and Physical Activity, Cardiometabolic Health, and Clinical Practice.
Collections in this community
Recent Submissions
-
Ketogenic diets for drug-resistant epilepsyBackground Ketogenic diets (KDs) are high in fat and low in carbohydrates and have been suggested to reduce seizure frequency in people with epilepsy. Such diets may be beneficial for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. This is an update of a review first published in 2003, and last updated in 2018. Objectives To assess the effects of ketogenic diets for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. Search methods For this update, we searched the Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web) and MEDLINE (Ovid, 1946 to 26 April 2019) on 29 April 2019. The Cochrane Register of Studies includes the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We imposed no language restrictions. We checked the reference lists of retrieved studies for additional relevant studies. Selection criteria RCTs or quasi-RCTs of KDs for people of any age with drug-resistant epilepsy. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently applied predefined criteria to extract data and evaluated study quality. We assessed the outcomes: seizure freedom, seizure reduction (50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency), adverse effects, cognition and behaviour, quality of life, and attrition rate. We incorporated a meta-analysis. We utilised an intention-to-treat (ITT) population for all primary analyses. We presented the results as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Main results We identified 13 studies with 932 participants; 711 children (4 months to 18 years) and 221 adults (16 years and over). We assessed all 13 studies to be at high risk of performance and detection bias, due to lack of blinding. Assessments varied from low to high risk of bias for all other domains. We rated the evidence for all outcomes as low to very low certainty. Ketogenic diets versus usual care for children Seizure freedom (RR 3.16, 95% CI 1.20 to 8.35; P = 0.02; 4 studies, 385 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and seizure reduction(RR 5.80, 95% CI 3.48 to 9.65; P < 0.001; 4 studies, 385 participants; low-certainty evidence) favoured KDs (including: classic KD, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) KD combined, MCT KD only, simplified modified Atkins diet (MAD) compared to usual care for children. We are not confident that these estimated effects are accurate. The most commonly reported adverse effects were vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea for both the intervention and usual care group, but the true effect could be substantially different (low-certainty evidence). Ketogenic diet versus usual care for adults In adults, no participants experienced seizure freedom. Seizure reduction favoured KDs (MAD only) over usual care but, again, we are not confident that the effect estimated is accurate (RR 5.03, 95% CI 0.26 to 97.68; P = 0.29; 2 studies, 141 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Adults receiving MAD most commonly reported vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea (very low-certainty evidence). One study reported a reduction in body mass index (BMI) plus increased cholesterol in the MAD group. The other reported weight loss. The true effect could be substantially different to that reported. Ketogenic diet versus ketogenic diet for children Up to 55% of children achieved seizure freedom with a classical 4:1 KD aDer three months whilst up to 85% of children achieved seizure reduction (very low-certainty evidence). One trial reported a greater incidence of seizure reduction with gradual-onset KD, as opposed to fasting-onset KD. Up to 25% of children were seizure free with MAD and up to 60% achieved seizure reduction.Up to 25% of children became seizure free with MAD and up to 60% experienced seizure reduction. One study used a simplified MAD (sMAD)and reported that 15% of children gained seizure freedom rates and 56% achieved seizure reduction. We judged all the evidence described as very low certainty, thus we are very unsure whether the results are accurate.The most commonly reported adverse effects were vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea (5 studies, very low-certainty evidence). Two studies reported weight loss. One stated that weight loss and gastrointestinal disturbances were more frequent, with 4:1 versus 3:1 KD,whilst one reported no difference in weight loss with 20 mg/d versus 10 mg/d carbohydrates. In one study, there was a higher incidence of hypercalcuria amongst children receiving classic KD compared to MAD. All effects described are unlikely to be accurate. Ketogenic diet versus ketogenic diet for adults One study randomised 80 adults (aged 18 years and over) to either MAD plus KetoCal during the first month with MAD alone for the second month, or MAD alone for the first month followed by MAD plus KetoCal for the second month. No adults achieved seizure freedom. More adults achieved seizure reduction at one month with MAD alone (42.5%) compared to MAD plus KetoCal (32.5%), however, by three months only 10% of adults in both groups maintained seizure reduction. The evidence for both outcomes was of very low certainty; we are very uncertain whether the effects are accurate.Constipation was more frequently reported in the MAD plus KetoCal group (17.5%) compared to the MAD only group (5%) (1 study, very low-certainty evidence). Diarrhoea and increase/change in seizure pattern/semiology were also commonly reported (17.5% to 20% of participants). The true effects of the diets could be substantially different to that reported. Authors' conclusions The evidence suggests that KDs could demonstrate effectiveness in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, however, the evidence for the use of KDs in adults remains uncertain. We identified a limited number of studies which all had small sample sizes. Due to the associatedr isk of bias and imprecision caused by small study populations, the evidence for the use of KDs was of low to very low certainty.More palatable but related diets, such as the MAD, may have a similar effect on seizure control as the classical KD, but could be associated with fewer adverse effects. This assumption requires more investigation. For people who have drug-resistant epilepsy or who are unsuitable for surgical intervention, KDs remain a valid option. Further research is required, particularly for adults with drug-resistant epilepsy.
-
Gestational diabetes and progression to type two diabetes mellitus: missed opportunities of follow up and prevention?Abstract Background: The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is increasing. Having a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a potent risk factor for the later development of T2DM. Aims: To explore the characteristics of women diagnosed with GDM in a single centre and their follow up for progression to T2DM. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using anonymised data of one hundred and fifty four (154) women with GDM receiving maternity care at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUHFT) in 2010 and their follow up until 2018. Results: The prevalence of GDM in women delivering in Oxfordshire in 2010 was 3.4%. 70% of pregnant women were overweight or obese (with 51% being obese) at booking. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was excessive in 29% of women, when compared to Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. Almost a quarter of women (23.4%) had no follow up after delivery. Over a median follow up of 3.5 years (range 0-8 years) nearly one in six (16.9%) of the total cohort (22% of those tested) went on to develop T2DM. 74% of women with GDM were multiparous, and 65% of nulliparous women were tested compared to 81% of multiparous women. There was a significant difference between multiparous women (53.8%) compared to nulliparous women (46.2%) developing T2DM (p=0.01). There was no significant difference in BMI (p=0.866) or GWG (p=0.83) in women who progressed to T2DM versus those who did not. Conclusion: The risk of T2DM after GDM is substantial however, follow up rates of this population is poor. Subsequent screening of women with GDM and their management crosses secondary and primary care with scope for improvement in counselling of women of the importance of annual reviews, in data collection and follow up in both obstetrics and general practice. The implementation of a recall system, an education programme for general practitioners and/or a registry of women diagnosed with GDM could be useful to identify those at high risk of developing T2DM as well as providing a platform for the potential development of interventions to prevent progression to T2DM after GDM.
-
Retention of cardiac rehabilitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic A joint position statement from the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) British Heart Foundation (BHF)The British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR), the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) have issued a joint position statement ‘Retention of cardiac rehabilitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic’.
-
Factors influencing dietary behaviours in urban food environments in Africa: a systematic mapping review.To identify factors influencing dietary behaviours in urban food environments in Africa and identify areas for future research. We systematically reviewed published/grey literature (protocol CRD4201706893). Findings were compiled into a map using a socio-ecological model on four environmental levels: individual, social, physical and macro. Urban food environments in Africa. Studies involving adolescents and adults (11-70 years, male/female). Thirty-nine studies were included (six adolescent, fifteen adolescent/adult combined and eighteen adult). Quantitative methods were most common (twenty-eight quantitative, nine qualitative and two mixed methods). Studies were from fifteen African countries. Seventy-seven factors influencing dietary behaviours were identified, with two-thirds at the individual level (45/77). Factors in the social (11/77), physical (12/77) and macro (9/77) environments were investigated less. Individual-level factors that specifically emerged for adolescents included self-esteem, body satisfaction, dieting, spoken language, school attendance, gender, body composition, pubertal development, BMI and fat mass. Studies involving adolescents investigated social environment-level factors more, for example, sharing food with friends. The physical food environment was more commonly explored in adults, for example, convenience/availability of food. Macro-level factors associated with dietary behaviours were food/drink advertising, religion and food prices. Factors associated with dietary behaviour were broadly similar for men and women. The dominance of studies exploring individual-level factors suggests a need for research to explore how social, physical and macro-level environments drive dietary behaviours of adolescents and adults in urban Africa. More studies are needed for adolescents and men, and studies widening the geographical scope to encompass all African countries.
-
Optimum nutritional strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation (BACPR)Nutrition has a central role in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) yet only relatively recently has food been regarded as a treatment, rather than as an adjunct to established medical and pharmacotherapy. As a field of research, nutrition science is constantly evolving making it difficult for patients and practitioners to ascertain best practice. This is compounded further by the inherent difficulties in performing double-blind randomised controlled trials. This paper covers dietary patterns that are associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes, including the Mediterranean Diet but also low-carbohydrate diets and the potential issues encountered with their implementation. We suggest there must be a refocus away from macronutrients and consideration of whole foods when advising individuals. This approach is fundamental to practice, as clinical guidelines have focussed on macronutrients without necessarily considering their source, and ultimately people consume foods containing multiple nutrients. The inclusion of food-based recommendations aids the practitioner to help the patient make genuine and meaningful changes in their diet. We advocate that the cardioprotective diet constructed around the traditional Mediterranean eating pattern (based around vegetables and fruits, nuts, legumes, and unrefined cereals, with modest amounts of fish and shellfish, and fermented dairy products) is still important. However there are other approaches that can be tried, including low-carbohydrate diets. We encourage practitioners to adopt a flexible dietary approach, being mindful of patient preferences and other comorbidities that may necessitate deviations away from established advice, and advocate for more dietitians in this field to guide the multi-professional team.
-
Physiological responses during performance of the 15-metre Multistage Shuttle Run Test (15mMSFT), with reference to the Police Fitness StandardsThe objective of this review is to provide a broad outline of the research surrounding the validity and reliability of the 15-metre multi-stage fitness test (MSFT) for measuring the aerobic fitness of police officers. Maintenance of optimal cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the emergency services is vital for health maintenance, injury prevention, and physical preparation for on-duty tasks. Police officers in England and Wales are required to attend annual fitness testing with minimal standards in place for entry into police safety training (PST). The current minimal standard is level 5:4, an estimated V̇O2max of 35ml·kg-1 ·min-1 , with the requirements increasing for specialist roles. This is assessed using the 15-metre MSFT previously developed and validated against laboratory obtained measures. Previous validation studies have compared the physiological responses between the 15-metre MSFT and training protocols for varying police roles. For example, Brewer, Buckle & Castle (2013) validated the level 5:4 standard by assessing the heart rate responses between the PST and level 5:4 of the 15-metre MSFT. Despite greater peak heart rate responses reported in the 15-metre MSFT (Peak heart rate: 175±13 b·min-1 vs. 152±12 b·min-1 ), the standard was maintained with concerns the aerobic fitness of police officers would be suboptimal for the role and below that of the general population. Using a similar methodology, the minimal entry requirements for 13 additional roles were developed and validated. However to date, the validity and reliability of the 15-metre MSFT has not been assessed using direct measures of gas analysis, previously relying on indirect measures to assess demands.
-
Ketogenic diets as an adjuvant therapy for glioblastoma (KEATING): a randomized, mixed methods, feasibility studyPurpose We conducted a feasibility study to investigate the use of ketogenic diets (KDs) as an adjuvant therapy for patients with glioblastoma (GBM), investigating (i) trial feasibility; (ii) potential impacts of the trial on patients’ quality of life and health; (iii) patients’ perspectives of their decision-making when invited to participate in the trial and (iv) recommending improvements to optimize future phase III trials. Methods A single-center, prospective, randomized, pilot study (KEATING), with an embedded qualitative design. Twelve newly diagnosed patients with GBM were randomized 1:1 to modifed ketogenic diet (MKD) or medium chain triglyceride ketogenic diet (MCTKD). Primary outcome was retention at three months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patients and caregivers (n=15). Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative outcomes and qualitative data were analyzed thematically aided by NVivo. Results KEATING achieved recruitment targets, but the recruitment rate was low (28.6%). Retention was poor; only four of 12 patients completed the three-month diet (MCTKD n=3; MKD n=1). Participants’ decisions were intuitive and emotional; caregivers supported diet implementation and infuenced the patients’ decision to participate. Those who declined made a deliberative and considered decision factoring diet burden and quality of life. A three-month diet was undesirable to patients who declined and withdrew. Conclusion Recruitment to a KD trial for patients with GBM is possible. A six-week intervention period is proposed for a phase III trial. The role of caregiver should not be underestimated. Future trials should optimize and adequately support the decision-making of patients.
-
Biochemical assessment of patients following ketogenic diets for epilepsy: current practice in the UK and IrelandObjective: Biochemical assessment is recommended for patients prior to initiating and following a ketogenic diet (KD). There is no published literature regarding current practice in the UK and Ireland. We aimed to explore practice in comparison to international guidelines, determine approximate costs of biochemical testing in KD patients across the UK and Ireland, and promote greater consistency in KD services nationally. Methods: A survey was designed to determine the biochemical tests requested for patients at baseline, 3-, 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-months+ on KD. The survey was circulated to 39 centres across the UK and Ireland. Results: 16 centres completed the survey. Full blood count, electrolytes, calcium, liver function tests (LFTs), lipid profile and vitamin D were requested at all centres at baseline, in keeping with international guidelines. Bicarbonate, total protein and urinalysis were less consistently requested. Magnesium and zinc were requested by all centres, despite not being specifically recommended for pre-diet evaluation in guidelines. Urea and electrolyte profiles and some LFTs were consistently requested at follow-up, in accordance with guidelines. Other LFTs and renal tests, full blood count, lipid profile, acylcarnitine profile, selenium, vitamin D and urinalysis were less consistently requested at follow-up. The mean costs of the lowest and highest number of tests requested at baseline in our participating centres was £167.54 and £501.93; the mean costs of the lowest and highest number of tests requested at 3-month follow-up was £19.17 and £450.06. Significance: Biochemical monitoring of KD patients varies widely across the UK and Ireland and does not fully correspond to international best practice guidelines. With an ongoing drive for cost-effectiveness within healthcare, further work is needed to streamline practice whilst ensuring patient safety.
-
Impacts of Reducing UK Beef Consumption Using a Revised Sustainable Diets FrameworkThe impact of beef consumption on sustainability is a complex and evolving area, as sustainability covers many areas from human nutrient adequacy to ecosystem stability. Three sustainability assessment frameworks have been created to help policy makers unpack the complexities of sustainable food systems and healthy sustainable dietary change. However, none of these frameworks have yet to be applied to a case study or individual policy issue. This paper uses a hybrid version of the sustainability assessment frameworks to investigate the impact of reducing beef consumption (with a concurrent increase in consumption of plant-based foods, with a focus on legumes) on sustainability at a UK level. The aim of this paper is to understand the applicability of these overarching frameworks at the scale of an individual policy. Such an assessment is important, as this application of previously high-level frameworks to individual policies makes it possible to summarise, at a glance, the various co-benefits and trade-offs associated with a given policy, which may be of particular value in terms of stakeholder decision-making. We find that many of the proposed metrics found within the sustainability assessment frameworks are difficult to implement at an individual issue level; however, overall they show that a reduction in beef consumption and an increase in consumption of general plant-based foods, with a focus around legumes production, would be expected to be strongly beneficial in five of the eight overarching measures which were assessed.
-
A UK consensus on optimising CVD secondary prevention care: perspectives from multidisciplinary team membersAlthough overall cardiovascular (CV) mortality has declined in recent years, patients with clinically manifest cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain at increased risk of recurrent CV events. To minimise the likelihood of future CV events following an acute myocardial infarction (MI), changes in diet and lifestyle, alongside pharmaceutical interventions, such as dual antiplatelet therapy, a β-blocker, an ACE inhibitor, and a statin, are recommended within current clinical guidelines. The use of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes has been shown to be highly effective in reducing mortality and morbidity following MI, and a cost-benefit analysis suggests that increasing the uptake of CR to 65% among eligible patient would result in potential cost savings of over £30 million annually for the NHS. The involvement of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of healthcare professionals is central to delivering post-MI care, with initial and/or ongoing input from cardiologists, hospital-based specialist pharmacists, specialist nurses, GPs, dietitians, smoking cessation specialists and practice-based and community pharmacists, among others. This consensus statement was developed based on a meeting of HCPs actively involved in delivering CV secondary prevention care at primary and secondary care centres across the UK. Recognising that HCP team configuration and availability of resources/services vary by location, the authors have focused on three common themes which have broad relevance in CVD secondary prevention, specifically: integration of care, medicines optimisation, and encouraging patient activation. Opportunities for MDT members to improve outcomes in post-MI patients are suggested and examples of best practice models which have been implemented successfully are described.
-
Western diet increases cardiac ceramide content in healthy and hypertrophied hearts.BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity and cardiac left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are recognised independent risk factors in the development of heart failure (HF). However, the combination of these factors may exacerbate the onset of cardiovascular disease by mechanisms as yet unclear. LVH leads to significant cellular remodelling, including alterations in metabolism which may result in an inappropriate accumulation of lipids and eventual lipotoxicity and apoptosis. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of dietary manipulation on cardiac metabolism in the obese and hypertrophied heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: LVH was induced via aortic constriction (AC) in an experimental model of cardiac hypertrophy and animals subjected to 9 weeks of dietary manipulation with either a standard, high fat, or a sucrose containing Western-style diet (SD, HFD and WD, respectively). This latter diet resulted in accelerated weight gain in both LVH/AC and control animals. LVH was greater in AC animals fed a WD, and both control and AC animals from this diet showed a significant reduction in cardiac fatty acid oxidation and increased triacylglycerol content. Ceramide content was significantly increased in the WD groups, with no additional effect of LVH. Comparison with a model of HF induced by exposure to Doxorubicin and WD showed exacerbated remodelling of cardiac ceramide species leading to increased C16 and C18 content. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the inappropriate accumulation and re-distribution of cardiac ceramide species in a diet-induced model of obesity and LVH, potentially increasing susceptibility to cell death. The combination of increased fat and sugar leads to greater pathological remodelling and may explain why this diet pattern is consistently linked with poor cardiovascular outcomes.
-
The effects of intake of bread with treated corn bran inclusion on postprandial glycaemic responseIn the current study, corn bran was treated with hydrothermal processing and then incorporated into bread. The consumption of bread with inclusion of treated corn bran (TCB) and control bread (CB) on postprandial glycaemic response was investigated in a randomised crossover intervention trial with eleven healthy participants and one hyperglycaemicparticipant, capillary blood samples were measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 minutes after consuming the bread. The results showed the baseline-adjusted peak value of postprandial blood glucose with consumption of CB, containing 75 g carbohydrate was 4.27 mmol/L at 60 min after meal, but with consumption of treated corn bran bread (TCBB), containing 75 g carbohydrate was 3.88 mmol/L at 45 min after meal. In addition, the postprandial blood glucose concentration with consumption of CB is consistently higher than that with the consumption of TCBB since the peak time to 120 min. However, there was no significant differences, in turn, the incremental area under the curves (IAUC) with baseline-adjusted for CB consumption is consistently higher than that of TCBB consumption, but not any significant difference either (p>0.05). However, it is interesting to notice that more considerable difference in rise of blood sugar at peak time and thereafter for hyperglycaemicparticipant between the consumptions of TCBB and CB. In conclusion, the consumption of bread with inclusion of TCB is able to reduce the postprandial glycaemic response to a lower level compared with the consumption of CB and the more obvious difference was observed with the hyperglycaemicparticipant and healthy group Key words: Corn bran, hydrothermal treatment, postprandial glycaemic response. Intervention trial.
-
The composition and oxidative stability of vegetarian omega-3 algal oil nanoemulsions suitable for functional food enrichmentAbstract Background: Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn3PUFA) nanoemulsion enriched foods offer potential to address habitually low oily fish intakes. Nanoemulsions increase LCn3PUFA bioavailability, but may cause lipid oxidation. This study examined oxidative stability of LCn3PUFA algal oil-in-water nanoemulsions created by ultrasound using natural and synthetic emulsifiers during 5-weeks of storage at 4, 20 and 40°C. Fatty acid composition, droplet size ranges and volatile compounds were analysed. Results: No significant differences were found for fatty acid composition at various temperatures and storage times. Lecithin nanoemulsions had significantly larger droplet size ranges at baseline and during storage regardless of temperatures. While combined Tween 40 and lecithin nanoemulsions had low initial droplet size ranges, there were significant increases at 40°C after 5-weeks storage. Gas chromatograms identified hexanal and propanal as predominant volatile compounds, along with 2-ethylfuran; propan-3-ol; valeraldehyde. The Tween 40 only nanoemulsion sample showed formation of lower concentrations of volatiles compared to lecithin samples. Formation of hexanal and propanal remained stable at lower temperatures although higher concentrations were found in nanoemulsions than bulk oil. The lecithin only sample had formation of higher concentrations of volatiles at increased temperatures despite having significantly larger droplet size ranges than the other samples. Conclusions: Propanal and hexanal were the most prevalent of five volatile compounds detected in bulk oil and lecithin and/or Tween 40 nanoemulsions. Oxidation compounds remained more stable at lower temperatures indicating suitability for enrichment of refrigerated foods. Further research to evaluate the oxidation stability of these systems 35 within food matrices is warranted.
-
Quality Control Systems of Gum Arabic in SudanGum arabic is the oldest tree gum exudate, and has been in use since 4000 BC. Currently, it is used as an emulsifier (E414) in a number of processes, such as producing sweets and soft drinks. This study examines local practices such as tapping, collecting, transporting, sorting, and storing in various production areas in Sudan. Furthermore, it also investigates statistical differences in the key variables such as moisture content, optical rotation, ash content, viscosity, pH, colour Gardner index, colour Lovibond and tannin content in various production regions in Sudan during four seasons, namely 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. This study offers originality as the first investigation to combine labour practices related to quality control systems in a Sudanese context, using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained from survey questionnaires (n=413 out of 800) distributed, giving a response rate of 52%, using chain-referral sampling among gum arabic farmers, managers, supervisors, and stakeholders. In addition to the questionnaires, open-ended (interview) questions were distributed to stakeholders and experts, by employing maximum variation sampling (n=15 out of 20 questions distributed, providing a response rate of 75%). Other primary data, namely, analytical and experimental data, were obtained from Nopec Quality Control Laboratory in Khartoum, and from the Hydrocolloids Research Centre at the University of Chester. Secondary data (national production) was obtained from the Sudan Customs Corporation via the Gum Arabic Board in Sudan. The findings of the survey questionnaires generally reveal that most workers tend to (i) work for relatively long time in the gum arabic industry, (ii) are knowledgeable about quality control systems, and (iii) aware about the best methods for maintaining product quality, collecting and storing gum arabic (r=-0.821). Specifically, the strongest correlation coefficient (p=0.001) were found between the worker’s age and the duration of working in the gum arabic industry (r=0.655). That is, the older respondents tend to be male while younger respondents tend to be female (r=-0.623). In addition, the majority of respondents (r=0.476) were knowledgeable about the production areas of gum arabic in Sudan as well as the location of the main auction market in Al Obeid. The findings from expert interviews indicate that there are both facilitative and hindrance factors that affect gum arabic development; these are related to infrastructure, technology, socio-economy, and relevant institution. The hindrance factors are, inter alia, the existence of relatively higher taxes, inefficient transportation, outdated technology and inconsistent quality control systems used by various gum arabic processing companies. Conversely, there are also facilitative factors such as financial assistance (the sheilla system) for farmers from banks, regular training, and methodical improvement of tapping through the use of modernised tools. The most significant factor is the agreement by all interviewees that better quality control systems should be a key to the development of this product therefore, allowing the suppliers to offer a quality product rather than a commodity. The results of secondary data reveal an increase in export trends from 2012 to 2018, indicating continuous growth in the industry and in particular for Acacia seyal compared to the previously held standard of Acacia Senegal. Finally, the findings of the analytical data reveal that key variables while differ across the various production season, the quality of the material from a given production area does not differ significantly. This is the major finding of this study whereby using reliable supply chain, traceability system and quality control measurements it would be possible to supply gum arabic with certain characteristics suitable for a given application. In conclusion, the findings are useful addition to our knowledge and potentially of commercial impact.
-
Acculturation and Food Intake Among Ghanaian Migrants in Europe: Findings From the RODAM StudyAbstract Objective This study examined the role of migration and acculturation in the diet of Ghanaian migrants in Europe by (1) comparing food intake of Ghanaian migrants in Europe with that of Ghanaians living in Ghana and (2) assessing the association between acculturation and food intake. Design Data from the cross-sectional multicenter study Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants were used. Food intake was assessed using a Ghana-specific food propensity questionnaire (134 items and 14 food groups); foods were grouped based on a model of dietary change proposed by Koctürk-Runefors. Setting Ghana, London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Participants A total of 4,534 Ghanaian adults living in Ghana and Europe, with complete dietary data. Of these, 1,773 Ghanaian migrants had complete acculturation data. Main Outcome Measure Food intake (the weighted intake frequency per week of food categories). Analysis Linear regression. Results Food intake differed between Ghanaians living in Ghana and Europe. Among Ghanaian migrants in Europe, there were inconsistent and small associations between acculturation and food intake, except for ethnic identity, which was consistently associated with intake only of traditional staples. Conclusions and Implications Findings indicate that migration is associated with dietary changes that cannot be fully explained by ethnic, cultural, and social acculturation. The study provides limited support to the differential changes in diet suggested by the Koctürk-Runefors’ model of dietary change.
-
Development, Digestibility and Oxidation Properties of LC3PUFA Nanoemulsion and Its Effects on Sensory Profile of FoodThe long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC3PUFA) in human diets are mainly derived from oily fish and fish oil based supplements. Currently, the consumption of oily fish in the UK is far below the recommended level. LC3PUFA's non-fish sources such as algal oil with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are particularly important for vegetarians, non-fish eaters, and pregnant women. In previous work, high DHA vegetative algal oil load 50% w/w was successfully used to develop an oil-in-water nanoemulsion system suitable for functional food enrichment. The aims of this study included to investigate the effect of selected emulsifiers on oil-in-water nanoemulsions of algal oil prepared using ultrasonic technology. To improve the stability and digestibility of nanoemulsions within an In vitro digestion model. To examine the oxidation stability of nanoemulsions of algal oil and bulk algal oil with composition and droplet size changes during a 5 weeks storage trial at a temperature of 4 °C, 20 °C and 40 °C respectively. To evaluate sensory properties and consumer acceptability of food products with the incorporation of resulted nanoemulsion and find out possible relationship between the sensory profile of foods and the characteristics of added nanoemulsion. Nanoemulsion of LC3PUFA algal oil was developed with selected 6% w/w emulsifiers, including Lecithin (LN), Tween 40 (TN), Tween 60, equal ratio of Tween 40 and lecithin (LTN), 50% w/w Algal oil and 44%w/w water using a homogenizer and ultrasound processor. The results show that the nanoemulsion has been stabilised with selected emulsifiers (LN, TN & LTN) and the smallest droplet size of nanoemulsion was obtained using the combination of lecithin and Tween 40 at ratio 50:50. The In vitro digestion experiments were conducted with a model of fed state gastric and duodenal digestion using method of Lin et al (2014). The results show that the omega-3 oil nanoemulsion (LE/TW 50:50) were stable over 60 min in the gastric phase, in contrast omega-3 nanoemulsion (LE 100%) was destabilised at the gastric phase in 60 min, in which the droplet size diameter was significantly larger than at the beginning of gastric phase (P ≤ 0.05). The droplet size, fatty composition and oxidised compounds were measured to compare bulk algal oil and nanoemulsions stabilised with lecithin (LN) and Tween 40 (TN) solely and in combination (LTN) over a storage period of 5 weeks at temperatures of 4, 20 and 40°C. The results show the droplet size of nanoemulsions had no significant changes for samples stored at tested temperatures over 5 weeks storage. There were no significant differences in DHA composition within the weeks and temperatures used. For the GCHS analysed results, the increase in temperature to 40 ºC and storage time had a significant effect on the development of propanal for all samples (P≤0.05). Nanoemulsions prepared with lecithin alone had significantly higher development of propanal in week 1 at both 40 ºC and 20 ºC (P≤0.05). Lecithin (sole and combination with Tween 40) had more significant increases in oxidised volatiles at 40°C, which may be due to the instability of linoleic acid found in lecithin molecules which located in the outer layer of the oil droplets. There were no significant increase in oxidised compounds from the beginning to the end of storage for all tested samples stored at 4 °C. The sensory testing was also conducted on white sauce incorporated with omega-3 nanoemulsions with selected emulsifiers and bulk algal oil. The results show that the sensory attributes and overall acceptability of foods enriched with omega-3 nanoemulsion were statistically significantly lower than that of control sample (P≤ 0.05). Overall, the smallest droplet size of nanoemulsion was achieved with combination of lecithin and Tween 40 at a ratio of 50:50 by using ultrasonic processor. The stability and digestibility of nanoemulsion with the combination of lecithin and Tween 40 was improved in an In vitro digestion approach. A storage period of 5 weeks and temperature have no significant effect on the droplet size of tested nanoemulsion samples. However, there is a significant increase of the oxidised volatiles at 40 °C for all samples. Sensory testing show the white sauce with nanoemulsion has a stronger fishy taste and less overall liking than with bulk oil, indicating the smaller drop size is more ready to spread and reach the sensors of the mouth.
