Gamma irradiation of Sun-dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) for quality maintenance and quarantine purposes
The study is aimed at the optimization of gamma irradiation treatment of sun-dried apricots for quality maintenance and quarantine purposes. Sun-dried apricots pre-treated with potassium meta-bisulphite (KMS) at 2.5% w/v were procured from progressive apricot grower of district Kargil; Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state. The sun-dried apricots were packed in 250 gauge polyethylene […]
Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation
Background: Treatment of chronic constipation remains challenging with 50% of patients dissatisfied with current therapy. There is an unmet need for natural and safe alternatives. Dried plums (prunes) have been used traditionally for constipation but their efficacy is not known. Aim To assess and compare the effects of dried plums and psyllium in patients with […]
Targets of red grapes: oxidative damage of DNA and leukaemia cells
Abstract: Vitis vinifera is a widespread crop all over the world. The biophenols present in grapes have a remarkable influence on wine quality and also confer potential health-protecting properties to this fruit. The aim of the present work was to assess the beneficial properties of skin; seeds and pulp of red table grapes (RTG) (Vitis […]
Ursolic acid and its esters: occurrence in cranberries and other Vaccinium fruit and effects on matrix metalloproteinase activity in DU145 prostate tumor cells
BACKGROUND: Ursolic acid and its cis- and trans-3-O-p-hydroxycinnamoyl esters have been identified as constituents of American cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon); which inhibit tumor cell proliferation. Since the compounds may contribute to berry anticancer properties; their content in cranberries; selected cranberry products; and three other Vaccinium species (V. oxycoccus; V. vitis-idaea and V. angustifolium) was determined by […]
Crossover study of diets enriched with virgin olive oil; walnuts or almonds. Effects on lipids and other cardiovascular risk markers.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Virgin olive oil (VOO) and nuts are basic components of the Mediterranean diet; a heart-healthy dietary pattern. Nuts have well known cholesterol lowering effects; while evidence is unclear for VOO. We designed a study in hypercholesterolemic patients to assess the effects on serum lipids and other intermediate markers of cardiovascular risk of […]
Efficacy and safety of high-dose peanut oral immunotherapy with factors predicting outcome.
Background: Peanut allergy is severe and rarely resolves. Objective: To test the efficacy and safety of a new oral immunotherapy (OIT) protocol for peanut allergy. Method Twenty-two peanut-allergic children underwent oral challenge. OIT was administered by gradual updosing with 2-weekly increments (8-38 weeks) to 800 mg of protein (5 peanuts/day) followed by 30-week maintenance. Oral […]
Skin prick testing and peanut-specific IgE can predict peanut challenge outcomes in preschoolchildren with peanut sensitization.
BACKGROUND: The rise in peanut allergy is a source of considerable burden in the community. A growing number of pre-schoolchildren have been identified as peanut sensitized in the course of investigation of other allergic conditions. Although many have never knowingly ingested peanuts and their clinical reactivity is not known; it has been common practice to […]
Natural Inhibitors of Pancreatic Lipase as New Players in Obesity Treatment.
Abstract: Obesity is a multifactorial disease characterized by an excessive weight for height due to an enlarged fat deposition such as adipose tissue; which is attributed to a higher calorie intake than the energy expenditure. The key strategy to combat obesity is to prevent chronic positive impairments in the energy equation. However; it is often […]
Differential effects of walnuts vs almonds on improving metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS.
Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly associated with insulin resistance; dyslipidemia and increased inflammation; which all benefit from dietary intake of monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and n-3 PUFA). Our goal was to compare the effects of MUFA-rich almonds vs n-3/n-6 PUFA-rich walnuts on metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS. Subjects/Methods: Thirty-one […]
What Works? Process Evaluation of a School-Based Fruit and Vegetable Distribution Program in Mississippi.
BACKGROUND: During the 2004-2005 school year; the Mississippi Department of Education; Office of Child Nutrition; initiated a pilot program to distribute free fruit and vegetable snacks to students during the school day. This article describes the first-year implementation of the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program. METHODS: The process evaluation addressed where; when and how […]