http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/services/Feed ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:12356 Objectives: To examine altered amino acid homeostasis as a predisposing factor of fatigue in female radiotherapy breast cancer patients. Design and methods: Participants underwent breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant breast irradiation and were free from significant fatigue pre-radiotherapy. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy fatigue subscale was used to assess fatigue pre- and post-radiotherapy. Blood biochemistry factors and urinary and plasma amino acid levels were measured. Results: One third of 27 patients developed fatigue and were designated as the fatigued cohort. It was possible to differentiate between fatigued subjects pre- and post-radiotherapy based upon their urinary amino acid profiles. Univariate analysis supported altered amino acid homeostasis within the fatigued cohort. Urinary levels of histidine and alanine were increased pre-radiotherapy whilst threonine, methionine, alanine, serine, asparagine and glutamine levels were higher after 5 weeks of radiotherapy for the fatigued cohort. Conclusions: Fatigue was accompanied by altered amino acid homeostasis with increased amino acid excretion suggestive of a catabolic response. 2013-01-08T03:34:53.265Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11384 L-Arginine is a basic, semi-essential amino acid that was discovered in 1886 in lupin seedlings and then in 1895 in mammalian protein (Boger & Bode-Boger 2001). For humans L-arginine is considered to be a semi-essential amino acid or a conditionally essential amino acid, as requirements may increase during metabolic stress or when there is insufficient endogenous L-arginine for optimal growth or tissue repair; for birds and carnivores it is an essential amino acid. It is also the most abundant nitrogen carrier in animals and humans. 2012-08-27T22:27:55.536Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11383 There is a long history of consuming fermented foods and beverages containing microorganisms to improve health. The term 'probiotic' is derived from Greek and means 'for life: As far back as 1908, Metchnikoff, the Nobel laureate, stated that 'ingested lactobacilli can displace toxin-producing bacteria, promoting health and prolonging life' (Elmer 2001). The term 'probiotics' was first coined in 1965 and has since been applied to those live microorganisms that are able to promote health when consumed in sufficient quantities (FAO/WHO 2001). This is in contrast to the term 'prebiotics' which are dietary components. Although it has taken the most part of a century for scientists to investigate their health benefits, there are now several thousand studies published on probiotics, the majority published since 2000. 2012-08-27T22:27:12.709Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11382 Gibson & Roberfroid (1995) introduced the concept of prebiotic as 'a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon and thus improves health: This concept has been further developed to define prebiotics as 'selectively fermented ingredients that allow specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon host wellbeing and health'. 2012-08-27T22:26:36.565Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11311 Taurine occurs as one of the most abundant free amino acids in a wide variety of animal tissues; it is mostly absent from plants. In man and other mammals, the highest taurine concentrations are found in heart, retina, spleen and bone marrow. Blood cells such as platelets and leucocytes are also very rich in taurine. Traditionally taurine has been regarded as an end product of methionine metabolism. Other pathways for taurine biosynthesis exist but they have not been fully characterised and in mammals the cysteinsulfinate pathway seems to be the major pathway. 2012-08-22T00:40:07.983Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11233 In Western countries the increasing prevalence of obesity in young people is a major public health concern. While the focus has been on reducing obesity, paradoxically the success of these campaigns may result in unhealthy nutritional practices. The aim of this study was to investigate the use and impact of weight control techniques on the health of adolescent females. Using Analysis of Variance we compared physiological and biochemical markers of health against responses to a modified, Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) in 482 adolescent females (14-17 yrs) from secondary schools in the northern Sydney and Central Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia. Participants who ‘often’ used weight control methods had, on average, a healthy BMI of 22.5 (SD=3.7). However, comparison of blood derived markers between participants who ‘never’, ‘occasionally’ or ‘often’ used weight reduction techniques showed that, those who ‘often’ used weight control methods had significantly lower haemoglobin (p<0.05), alkaline phosphatase (p<0.001), bilirubin (p<0.05), albumin (p<0.05), total protein (p<0.05), and calcium (p<0.05), but higher blood levels of creatinine (p<0.05) and potassium (p<0.05). These data suggest that the use of common weight control techniques by healthy weight adolescent females can produce a metabolically divergent group whose biochemical markers are consistent with subtle levels of chronic under-nutrition. 2012-08-13T02:43:01.207Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:9502 This systematic review evaluates the current evidence base for eating behavior changes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). A literature search from 1990 to February 2010 was conducted to identify original studies that assessed eating behavior in adults who have undergone LAGB. Sixteen articles (14 separate studies) met inclusion criteria. Although strength of the evidence base was limited by observational study designs and methodological weaknesses, results suggest that positive changes in eating behavior occur after surgery, including reduced over-eating in response to emotional and situational cues. There is some evidence to suggest that uncontrolled eating behaviors persist in some individuals, and that this may be problematic for weight loss after surgery. Few studies examined the relationship between changes in eating behavior and weight loss; thus, optimal behavioral strategies for promoting positive weight outcomes remain unclear. Further interventional research addressing the inherent limitations of the current-evidence base is required to guide development of evidence-based management guidelines for LAGB in future. 2011-11-29T00:00:17.212Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7223 There is speculation amongst health professionals, the media, and the public regarding eating frequency (EF) and its impact on weight and health. Nutritional weight-loss and -maintenance interventions of longer than 1 week's duration were reviewed for associations between EF and weight and health. Of the 176 studies identified, 25 relevant studies matched the criteria and only 10 of these were weight-loss interventions. Generally, sample sizes were small, interventions were short-term, and a wide array of definitions was used to define an eating occasion. Several key outcomes such as physical activity, adherence to assigned EF, and hunger were often not measured. The limited evidence available suggests there is no association between EF and weight or health in either weight-loss or -maintenance interventions, with a possible inverse association between EF and lipids in weight-maintenance interventions. Longer term, larger studies that include important weight and health outcomes are needed. 2011-02-14T01:30:42.665Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:938 Objective: The present study aimed to identify those factors that influence the decision of a dietitian to consider working in a rural area. Design: A qualitative design using focus groups was chosen for this study to allow for in-depth data to be obtained. Setting: University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus. Subjects: Twenty-three students/new graduates from the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) degree at the University of Newcastle. Main Outcome Measures: Not applicable, this project was an exploratory study. Results: A number of factors that influence the decision of dietetic students and newly graduated dietitians to consider working in a rural area were identified. These fell into the following main thematic areas: job prospects; rural lifestyle; comfort zones; support networks; promotion opportunities/professional development; type of work/work role; rural needs; and time frame. Conclusions: The present study found that choosing a location to work (whether it be a rural one or not) is a complex process and involves a number of interacting factors. Also those factors that may influence one dietitian to choose a career in a rural area may also be the factors that influence another dietitian not to choose a career in a rural area. 2010-04-27T06:41:46.301Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:3022 Background and aim: Hyperlipidaemia is a major health concern, and general practitioners have a pivotal role in its management. This pilot study aimed to deliver an efficacious, truly multidisciplinary, hyperlipidaemia management package involving optimal genreal practice medical care together with dietician and nurse educator input. Methods: Subjects identified as having elevated cholesterol levels in a previous study together with their general practitioners (GPs) were recruited. The subjects received an intervention comprising dietician assessment and advice; and nurse-delivered exercise education. Their GPs participated in a workshop on hyperlipidaemia management and cardiovascular risk stratification. The acceptability of the intervention was assessed. Other outcome measures were serum cholesterol, other cardiovascular risk factors and dietary parameters, as well as GP knowledge and practice. Result: The intervention was acceptable to subjects. There were significant reductions in serum cholesterol levels and cigarette consumption. There was a non-significant trend for subjects to be doing more moderate-level or vigorous exercise. There were no changes in blood pressure, BMI or waist-to-hip ratio. There were favorable changes, though mainly non-significant, in dietary intake. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study were encouraging and the intervention is suitable for further study. 2010-04-27T06:32:48.418Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:1563 The present study tested the extent to which dietary preferences are altered by making aspects of the symbolic meaning of meat salient to participants. Individuals in the treatment group were informed of a previous scientific study which found that people who endorse social hierarchy and human dominance over nature consume more red and white meat, and that people who reject hierarchy and dominance eat more fruits and vegetables. The results showed that, compared to a control group, individuals in the treatment group who reject hierarchy and dominance (most participants) perceived red and white meat less favourably, decreased their liking of red and white meat, decreased their object identification with red and white meat, anticipated that they would eat more fruits and vegetables in the subsequent three days, and indeed consumed more fruits and vegetables in a follow-up study three weeks later. Moreover, the salience manipulation's ability to induce a negative response toward red and white meat and greater acceptance of fruits and vegetables was strongest for individuals in the treatment group for whom the salience manipulation made sense, individuals with less confidence in their diet choices, those who had previously considered reducing their meat consumption, and low/normal weight persons. These findings have implications for health promotion and for theories of food choice. 2010-04-27T06:27:43.834Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:2854 Convenience foods are usually discouraged in weight loss diets as they are associated with higher intakes of energy, fat, salt and sugar. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of including convenience foods in weight loss regimens. Obese adults (131F, 50M) were randomly assigned one of three iso-energetic (5,500–7,500 kJ), weight loss meal patterns – six meals a day (6D) (n = 61); three meals and three snacks (33D) (n = 59); and three meals (3D) (n = 61). Weight and body composition was assessed at baseline and three months using Tanita TBF300GS scale. Each diet pattern included convenience foods as part of options that participants could choose. More choices were available on the plans with more frequent eating occasions. During follow up sessions, limited samples of convenience foods such as biscuits, soups, juices, pre-packaged cheese and crackers, cooking stock and crisps, were offered to participants at no cost. Popular fast food suggestions were also provided as optional alternatives to fresh prepared selections. Preliminary data at 3 months (one way analysis of variance) showed more positive outcomes with small frequent meals with respect to weight −6.5% 6D vs. −4.8% 33D, −4.9% 3D p = 0.041, and fat weight loss −8.3% 6D vs. −2.9% 33D and −4.8% 3D p = 0.048. This suggests that including convenience foods in a weight loss diet does not negatively impact on weight and body composition. Further analyses are required to determine any long term effects of including convenience foods in weight loss diets. 2010-04-27T06:14:08.666Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:2855 Weight loss programs attract many volunteers, yet drop out rates can be high, reducing the quality of results and outcomes and making it difficult to assist consumers. Our current weight loss study, examining different iso-energetic meal patterns, recruited 181 adults (50 men, 131 women). Thirty-six (20%), (9 Men, 27 Women) declined follow up within the first month. The aim was to determine if there were any differences physiologically between the groups or if there were other reasons why volunteers declined to continue. Analysis revealed there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) with respect to initial weight, body composition (% body fat, lean body mass), serum lipid profile, insulin resistance, age, gender, BMI, waist, blood pressure or depression score (all assessed using standard methods) between those who continued and those who did not. We speculated that random allocation to an unwanted meal pattern may have contributed to dropping out. Results indicate that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) for a dropout’s baseline meal pattern between each of the three meal patterns, and for each gender. Interviews and qualitative data provided only 1 case where the meal pattern allocation had been the deciding factor to drop out. The remainder cited work, time constraints and family commitments as the primary reason. We conclude that a profile to reliably predict those who will quit a weight loss study could not be developed, and that we need to develop tools to evaluate lifestyle predictors more effectively. 2010-04-27T06:03:55.596Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4605 Objective: To investigate whether citrus fruit, noncitrus fruit, and other dietary factors act as environmental modifiers of iron status in the absence or presence of hemochromatotic HFE gene mutations. Participants and methods: Iron studies, HFE genotypic analyses, and dietary data from a survey conducted from March 21, 1994, through December 15, 1995, were analyzed for a group of 2232 residents (1105 men, 1127 women) aged 20 to 79 years recruited from the community electoral roll of Busselton in Western Australia. Data were analyzed by linear regression analysis and analysis of covariance. Results: Higher levels of fresh fruit intake (excluding citrus fruits and citrus juices) had a significant protective effect (P=.002) against high body iron status as gauged by ferritin levels in men, irrespective of HFE genotype. Consumption of 2 or more pieces of fruit per day on average reduced mean serum ferritin levels by 20% compared with average consumption of less than 1 piece of fruit per day. This effect was not observed in women. Consumption of citrus fruits and citrus juices had no significant effects in either sex. No protective effects were observed for tea consumption or any other dietary factors studied. Red meat and alcohol consumption correlated with high body iron stores (P<.05), consistent with previous studies, but did not interact with fruit with regard to effects on serum ferritin (P>.05). Conclusion: Noncitrus fruits are environmental modifiers of iron status independent of HFE genotype. This could have important implications for the provision of evidence-based dietary advice to patients with other iron-storage disorders. 2010-04-27T04:56:21.407Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:3985 This paper explores the identffication of a pilot sample of Australian failure to thrive (FTT) infants in a New South Wales community setting. It examines problems of infant recruitment to date and describes the subsequent shift in research focus since the onset of the proiect in 2000. Part II of the paper presents a clinical profile of failure to thrive in an Australian infant of 8 months. 2010-04-27T04:54:56.848Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:5975 Although dysphagia competency with clients of all ages is a professional requirement for speech pathologists working in Australia (see the Competency-Based Occupational Standards, Speech Pathology Australia, 2001), undergraduate speech pathology students have overall less clinical and theoretical exposure to paediatric dysphagia than adult dysphagia. Except for Jakobs (2004) and Mathisen (2003, 2004), no researchers have explored the extent to which the speech pathology profession is equipped to meet the increasing demand for service provision in paediatric dysphagia across the Australian health sector. This paper highlights the need for tertiary institutions to increase clinical and theoretical training in paediatric dysphagia at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. 2010-04-27T04:42:23.445Z ]]>