5^th European Nutrition and Dietetics Conference June 16-18, 2016 Holiday inn Rome- Aurelia, Rome, Italy

Biography:

Maurizio Simmaco has completed his MD from Sapienza University and Postdoctoral studies from Molecular Biology Institute of Salzburg, Austria. He is the Director of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Units at IDI-IRCCS of Rome. He has published more than 118 papers in reputed journals (H-index 39). He is also a Board Member of European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Therapy and has been serving as an Editorial Board of Drug Metabolism and Personalized Therapy (DMPT).

Abstract:

Biography:

Ruqaiya Moosa Al Balushi is currently an Assistant Professor in Clinical Nutrition at the Nutrition and Health Department, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). She serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Professional Development. She has received her PhD in Clinical Nutrition from School of Medicine from University of Queensland in 2013. She has obtained her MSc degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Sultan Qaboos University and her BSc degree from the University of Jordan. She has worked as a Clinical Dietitian from 2003-2005 and the Head of the Dietetics Department at Royal Hospital in Oman from 2005-2014. She was an active Member in the Nutrition Support Committee at Royal Hospital and helped in planning the Enteral Nutrition Support protocols at Royal Hospital. Her main research interests include enteral and parenteral nutrition support. She is specifically interested in the field of immunonutrition and pharmaconutrition and the therapeutic effect of glutamine supplementation in critically ill patients and other patient populations. She is also interested in Hospital Malnutrition. She has a number of publications in peer reviewed journals and two book chapters. Her main goal is to increase the awareness about the importance of Nutrition Support in UAE and Oman.

Abstract:

Biography:

Marica Bakovic has completed her BSc in Chemistry and PhD in Biological Chemistry at the University of Alberta. She has received Postdoctoral awards from Medical Research Council and Alberta Heritage Foundation. Before coming to the University of Guelph, she has worked in the area of molecular and cell biology of lipid metabolism at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta. Currently, she is a Professor in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph. She has a long lasting interest in nutrition and metabolism, especially in the area of regulation of membrane phospholipids, fatty acids and methyl group donors.

Abstract:

Biography:

Carolyn E Moore has completed her PhD and Postdoctoral studies from the University of California at Los Angeles. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at Texas Woman’s University in Houston and a Registered Dietitian. She has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and has focused research efforts in the area of vitamin D and chronic disease.

Abstract:

Biography:

Catherine Wickham is a Doctoral Candidate and Research Assistant in the Nutrition Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, communication and nutrition education. She is a Registered Dietitian and obtained a MS in Nutrition from the University of Saint Joseph. She has taught courses in foodservice management, food preparation and food safety and has served as a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Elena Carbone at the Gustolab Institute, Rome, Italy. She has presented lectures on mhealth, the use of technology in diet assessment and obesity and has an extensive background in food service management.

Abstract:

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Martyn Caplin is a Professor of Gastroenterology & GI Neuroendocrinology at the Royal Free Hospital and University College London. He has published over one hundred and fifty peer review papers, written multiple book chapters and co-authored two books. He regularly lectures both nationally and internationally. From 2006-2012, he was the Clinical Lead for “NHS Evidence” for Gastroenterology and Liver diseases. He was a Member of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) upper-G.I. Cancer Committee 2006-2014. He is an international expert in Neuroendocrine Tumours and is the Chair of the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society. He has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the UK & Ireland Neuroendocrine Tumour Society in recognition of his Clinical Leadership and Research in the field of NETs.

Abstract:

The recent press has highlighted that our lifetime chance of developing cancer is almost 1 in 2. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research suggest that most cancer is preventable, through a combination of smoking/tobacco avoidance, appropriate diet, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight. We know there is a strong link between diet and cancer, although it is very complex. Expert consensus suggests 9-40% of cancers are directly linked to diet and this risk is even greater if you are obese. Eating a healthy balanced diet that is high in fibre, fruit and vegetables and low in red and processed meat and salt can reduce cancer risk. ‘Superfoods’ with anti-cancer properties have hit the headlines and while there may be some evidence that the chemicals in these foods have positive health benefits, most of the studies have been conducted in a laboratory with limited large scale studies. The World Health Organization (WHO) the EPIC study, involving more than half a million people in 10 European countries followed for almost 15 years. The study found strong evidence that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and better survival outcomes; dietary fibre protects against colon cancer; high intake of fat predisposes to breast cancer; diets high in flavonoids can reduce the risk of primary liver cancer and bladder cancer; and many more similar conclusions related to vitamin levels, diet and cancer. Other smaller studies point to the potential anti-cancer properties of a variety of diet derived chemicals including lycopene (from tomatoes), curcumin (from turmeric) and catechins (from green tea). Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer and liver disease/cancer. Studies suggest that curcumin inhibits many of mechanisms responsible for the development of cancer and may reduce the risk of a range of different cancers including those of the breast, bowel, pancreas and liver. There are also for example clinical trials of curcumin being added to chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced bowel cancer as previous experimental studies had shown benefit of the combination over chemotherapy alone. Green tea contains high levels of catechins, which have been shown in the laboratory to prevent the activation of oncogenic pathways and block the growth of tumour cells. Consumption of green tea has been linked with a reduction in the risk of bowel, prostate and pancreatic cancers. However not all vitamins are good for you. For example selenium which may be good for pancreatic conditions can be bad for you in combination with vitamin E if you have advanced prostate cancer. People who understand the importance of good nutrition on reducing their cancer risk often seek to augment their diets by eating specific foods or taking vitamins or supplements. However if going down the route of supplementation then the appropriate dosage and bioavailability are just two of the key factors. The message that most cancer is preventable has not as yet stimulated a population reaction or political agenda.

Biography:

Pedro Javier Siquier Homar has completed his Pharmacy degree from Santiago de Compostela University and Hospital Pharmacist studies from Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo. He is the Hospital Pharmacist of compounding area at Hospital Comarcal de Inca and the Director of Salutic Developments, a premier Bio-Soft service organization.

Abstract:

Objectives: To develop an integrated computer software application for specialized nutritional support, integrated in the electronic clinical record, which detects automatically and early those undernourished patients or at risk of developing undernourishment, determining points of opportunity for improvement and evaluation of the results. Methods: The quality standards published by the Nutrition Work Group of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH) and the recommendations by the Pharmacy Group of the Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SENPE) have been taken into account. According to these quality standards, the nutritional support has to include the following healthcare stages or sub-processes: Nutritional screening, nutritional assessment and plan for nutritional care, prescription, preparation and administration. Results: This software allows conducting in an automated way, a specific nutritional assessment for those patients with nutritional risk, implementing, if necessary, a nutritional treatment plan, conducting follow up and traceability of outcomes derived from the implementation of improvement actions and quantifying to what extent our practice is close to the established standard. Conclusions: This software allows standardizing the specialized nutritional support from a multidisciplinary point of view, introducing the concept of quality control per processes and including patient as the main customer.

Biography:

Teruyoshi Amagai has completed his MD and PhD from University of Tsukuba, Japan and Clinical Practice from the Birmingham Children’s Hospital in UK during 1993 and 1994. He is the Professor of Mukogawa Women’s University since 2007 and has been In-charge of drawing up member, “Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2015), developed by the Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare, Japanese Government. He is the Editorial Member, Nutrition in Clinical Practice, academic journal of American Society for Parent and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN).

Abstract:

Background: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommends hypocaloric, high protein feeding for critically ill patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30.0 kg/m2. However, Asians have a high prevalence of type-2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk factors even with a BMI of <25.0 kg/m2. Therefore, the optimal energy intake for critically ill, overweight/obese Asian patients remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in mechanically ventilated patients with a BMI of ≥25.0 kg/m2 in an emergency intensive care unit (EICU). Patients were categorized into two groups according to the percentage of energy intake/requirement during the first week in EICU: Group L, <50%; Group M, ≥50%. Energy requirement was estimated using the Penn State equation. Results: A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The median age and BMI of all patients was 66.2 years and 27.5 kg/m2, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the two groups for all-cause mortality, ICU-free days or length of hospital stay. Ventilator-free days (VFDs) were significantly higher in Group L than in Group M (20.0 [15.5-24.5] vs. 17.0 [2.0-21.0] days; P=0.042). However, when a multivariate regression analysis was performed to adjust for primary diagnosis, we found that % energy intake/requirement was not independently associated with VFDs (regression coefficient=0.019; 95% confidence interval, −0.115–0.076). Conclusion: Energy intake in the first week in EICU did not influence clinical outcomes in critically ill, overweight Japanese patients. Further large sample randomized trials are needed to confirm the results of this study.

Biography:

Marica Bakovic has completed her BSc in Chemistry and PhD in Biological Chemistry at the University of Alberta. She has received Postdoctoral awards from Medical Research Council and Alberta Heritage Foundation. Before coming to the University of Guelph, she has worked in the area of molecular and cell biology of lipid metabolism at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta. Currently, she is a Professor in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph. She has a long lasting interest in nutrition and metabolism, especially in the area of regulation of membrane phospholipids, fatty acids and methyl group donors.

Abstract:

It is well known that it is beneficial to reduce fatty acid availability in obesity however there is an unmet need for discovering new dietary compounds that can reduce fat accumulation and stimulate fatty acid oxidation under conditions of elevated obesity. We established that dietary choline could inhibit fatty acid formation by lipogenesis and stimulate mitochondrial oxidation. Metabolomic analysis of plasma and tissues established that choline supplementation stimulates one carbon cycle, membrane phospholipid turnover and adipose tissues triglyceride degradation by lipolysis, strongly directing fatty acids towards oxidation in a Pcyt2 deficient mouse model of metabolic syndrome. The extensive metabolic studies as well as analyses of the gene expression and insulin signaling pathways provided strong evidence for a direct stimulation of fatty acid metabolism with dietary choline. The impact of this work is not only how to expand the future use of choline but also to continue to investigate the regulation of the membrane phospholipid turnover and the basic function of the lipid regulator Pcyt2. This is the first time to be demonstrated that choline stimulates membrane biogenesis and mitochondrial metabolism under pathological conditions of metabolic syndrome.

Biography:

John Ellis Agens has received his MD degree from Rutgers Medical School in 1986. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. He began in solo Internal Medicine Practice in his hometown in New Jersey and then served 10 years as Geriatrician at Mayo Health System. In 2003, he has moved to Tallahassee, Florida as a Director of the Center for Chronic Care at Capital Health Plan while serving as Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine. In 2008, he became an Associate Professor and Geriatrics Clerkship Director for the required fourth year medical student experience.

Abstract:

Recent surveys of US medical schools suggest the number of hours dedicated to nutrition continue to be inadequate. Our fourth year medical students take a required geriatrics clerkship under the supervision of our faculty and write separate patient summaries in each of three areas: Complete functional assessment, comprehensive medication review and advanced illness/palliative care. They are increasingly asked to comment on nutritional status and plan on their complete functional assessment and advanced illness/palliative care patient care assignments with recent emphasis in the syllabus. After graduation, consenting students had their written reports studied in research approved by the IRB of Florida State University. Research Question: We hypothesized that over three academic years all students would make more comments on their selected patient’s nutritional status. 73 students comprised of three cohorts consented to have their assignments reviewed. These cohorts represented each of three academic years spanning 2013-2016. Assignments essentially represented 73 patients having a complete functional assessment and 73 patients with an advanced illness reflection by the students. Patients were of mean age 78 years. Almost half had cognitive impairment or dementia. Well over half were in a skilled nursing facility or assisted living facility. In the advanced illness patients, nutritional status was addressed by students in 52%, 39% and 56% of the cases with the greatest percentage in the most recent academic year. In the complete functional assessment, nutritional status was addressed by students in 13%, 24% and 50% of the cases with the greatest percentage in the most recent academic year.

Biography:

Martyn Caplin is a Professor of Gastroenterology & GI Neuroendocrinology at the Royal Free Hospital and University College London. He has published over one hundred and fifty peer review papers, written multiple book chapters and co-authored two books. He regularly lectures both nationally and internationally. From 2006-2012, he was the Clinical Lead for “NHS Evidence” for Gastroenterology and Liver diseases. He was a Member of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) upper-G.I. Cancer Committee 2006-2014. He is an international expert in Neuroendocrine Tumours and is the Chair of the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society. He has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the UK & Ireland Neuroendocrine Tumour Society in recognition of his Clinical Leadership and Research in the field of NETs.

Abstract:

Background & Aims: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) is chronic immune disorders of unclear etiology, in which the gastrointestinal tract is inflamed. Diet may be a potential pathogenic factor in the development of IBD and patients often take food supplements with no evidence base. We have thus assessed the evidence for food supplements in the management of IBD. Methods: A PubMed search was performed for the terms: Inflammatory bowel disease; nutritional deficiencies; dietary supplements; curcumin; green tea; vitamin D and other vitamins; folic acid; iron; zinc; probiotics; Andrographis paniculata and Boswellia serrate. PubMed was used to search for all relevant articles published during 1975-2015. Results: The most evidence was for curcumin, green tea, vitamin D and probiotics. Curcumin supplementation has been reported to be effective in reducing both the symptoms and the inflammatory indices in IBD patients. Similar results have been observed for green tea, however pertinent studies are limited. Vitamin D supplementation may help to both increase bone mineral density in patients with IBD and to reduce disease activity. IBD patients with ileal resections >20 cm may develop vitamin B12 deficiency which requires parenteral supplementation. Conversely, there is no current evidence to support fat soluble vitamin supplementation in IBD patients. Probiotics, particularly VSL#3, appears to reduce disease activity in IBD patients with pouchitis. Complementary and alternative medicines are used by IBD patients and some in vitro and animal studies have showed promising results. Conclusion: Attention to dietary factors such as curcumin, green tea and vitamins, including vitamin D and vitamin B12, appears to be beneficial and, if necessary, supplementation may be appropriate.

Biography:

Kaj Winther has specialized in Clinical Biochemistry. After working on the circadian variation of myocardial infarction at the Harvard Medical School, he showed more interest in herbal remedies and their impact on inflammation. He was the Director of the Department of Clinical Biochemistry at University Hospitals in Copenhagen. Since 2015 he serves as an Affiliated Professor at the Institute of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen.

Abstract:

The common cold is a widespread disease worldwide with great social and economic implication. The goal of this study was to test if a liquid form of a standardized rose hip preparation-Hyben-Vital, based mainly on shells of selected sub-species of Rosa canina L. (Rosacea), might reduce the incidence and symptoms of the common cold. A number of 120 middle-aged to elderly volunteers, mean age 61.5±7.3 years, were randomly allocated to daily treatments with either 2 g of the liquid rose hip preparation (RH) or placebo (P) for six months during the winter. Effect variables were the frequency of colds registered, the occurrence and severity of reported symptoms and general stiffness of muscles. In the RH-group 43% of volunteers reported cold as compared to 53% in the P group (p=0.348). After two month of treatment the numbers of volunteers (% incidence) who reported the different symptoms of cold in RH-group vs. P-group were: Pain in throat: 4% vs. 16%, (p=0.051); Muscus in nose: 8% vs. 20% (p=0.091); Headaches: 6% vs. 18%, p=0.072); and Fatigue: 8% vs. 21%, p=0.054); similar trend after 6 month treatment. Stiffness of muscles, evaluated over 6 month changed from initially: 2.40±2.32 to 2.02±2.15 in the RH group and from 2.37±2.40 to 2.93±2.50 in the P group, p=0.043 comparing groups. Our data suggests that administration of liquid rose hip might reduce the incidence of colds and lower the number of patients reporting the different symptoms of cold.

Biography:

Ernst Vermaak begins his professional career in 1973, working at the Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa till 1999 and also received degree M.Med.Sc. He has then worked as Senior Lecturer at the Central University of Technology, Free State and obtained a Research Doctorate for work done on HIV, Nutrition, Immunology and Pulmonary Function.

Abstract:

To maintain good health a person needs to consume a well balanced diet. This is even more relevant regarding HIV infection and AIDS. Nutritional status of HIV infected individuals is important as malnutrition is associated with an increased death rate. Chronic inflammation caused by HIV infection increases the metabolic needs of the human body and may lead to the depletion of essential nutrients resulting in a malnourished person with reduced immunity (PubMed). The study determined the baseline dietary intake of 40 HIV infected individuals living in Central South Africa. Dietary intake was determined using a validated Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire with a 90% reliability to determine types and quantities of food and drinks consumed by participants during six months prior to data collection. Macro and micronu¬trient intake was assessed with an analytical program (FoodFinder, Medical Research Counsel, South Africa). The median and mean energy and macronutrient intake for both male and female HIV infected individuals were higher than the Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) and Recommended Dietary Intake (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI). Inadequate intakes of calcium, selenium, folate and iodine were demonstrated. Vitamin A, D, E and K were also compromised with inadequate intakes. The results emphasize the need for nutritional intervention to ensure adequate dietary intake in these HIV infected individuals. Participants received daily selected nutritional supplementation with monthly visits to the clinic. The results show statistical significant decreases (p<0.0001) in the median viral load values of the study population and a stable CD4/CD8 count. Therefore nutritional supplementation may delay the onset of AIDS.

Biography:

Neeta Singh has completed his PhD from Oregon State University followed by MBA in International Affairs and she is a Registered Dietitian. She serves as Chair of Nutrition Program with School of Mathematics, Science & Engineering at University of Incarnate, San Antonio, Texas. Her initial research was in artificial intelligence applications in areas of food aid distribution. From past 7 years she has been working on various food sustainability projects as means of improving nutritional status among rural population in the Republic of Tanzania. She has presented her work at various international venues, published in books and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of several international journals.

Abstract:

Today, close to 1.2 billion people, approximately a fifth of the world’s population continues to live in conditions of abject poverty and almost 800 million people in the developing world are chronically hungry. A basic right to adequate and nutritious food, which most people take for granted, remains a distant dream for those who struggle with food shortages every day of their lives. The presence of extreme poverty and hunger on such a vast scale in a world of apparent opulence is a moral outrage. Evidence-based strategies for nutrition intervention commonly address direct determinants such as food/nutrient intake, whereas community-based intervention tends to take more holistic approach resulting in greater efficacy when combined with other proximal determinants such as women’s economic and social empowerment. We need to address not simply the immediate causes of malnutrition, but also their underlying and basic factors if we are to achieve nutritional well-being and reach full potential for functional and productive capacity in a population. It is thus imperative that food and nutrition programs succeed and that success is sustained. In the case of Bukoba rural, Republic of Tanzania identified direct determinants of undernutrition were lack of availability, accessibility and utilization of food whereas identified proximal determinants were women’s lack of sustainable purchasing power, decision making power, business acumen and horticultural and technical assistance. The proximal determinants imply the lack of women person and social empowerment in their family and community context. These data lead to a cooperative farming project creating a collective way to cultivate soybean crops to improve the quality of the existing diet (direct determinants) and an infrastructure to effect the women’s economic sustainability and empowerment (proximal determinants). The success of ongoing programs suggests when feeding programs and food-based safety nets are supplied from local production, there is a double benefit; not only are the hungry fed but local markets for food expand, opening income-earning and employment opportunities for the poor thereby creating sustainability. The body of evidence clearly suggests that nutrition interventions work best when it is designed with long-term sustainability as an explicit goal.

Biography:

Jasminka Z Ilich is the Hazel Stiebeling Professor of Nutrition at the Florida State University. She has earned her PhD at the Ohio State University and the University of Zagreb, Croatia in Medicinal Sciences and her MS at the University of Utah in Foods and Nutrition. Her research includes clinical studies in older women with nutritional interventions incorporating behavioral modification and modes of physical activity for augmentation of bone and body composition. She has recently identified a triad incorporating bone loss, muscle loss and adipose tissue expansion and termed it “osteosarcopenic obesity syndrome”. Recently, she started investigating the newly discovered hormone irisin, in connection with brown-fat, beige-fat activation. Her research also includes outreach to underserved communities for education and health promotion interventions to foster obesity prevention, improvement in cardiovascular risk factors and overall healthier lifestyle. On the molecular level, she investigates nutritional influences on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts and adipocytes lineages and cross-talk with myocytes.

Abstract:

The causes of overweight/obesity are numerous. Besides energy intake, various foods and nutrients have been implicated to impede or facilitate body weight/fat accumulation. Our objective was to investigate whether weight loss could be achieved easier with calcium (Ca) supplements or low-fat dairy products both as complements to the underlying hypocaloric diets. A special emphasis was placed on assessing body composition, fat distribution and changes in visceral fat. The study followed overweight/obese early-postmenopausal women over a 6 month-period, divided into 3 groups: Supplement (pills containing 630 mg Ca+400 IU of vitamin D/day); Dairy (low-fat dairy consumption, 4-5 servings/day); and Control (placebo pills). Each group included moderate energy restriction (~85% of energy needs). Anthropometry, including circumferences was measured by standard methods. Body composition of total body as well as android and gynoid regions, including fat and lean tissue was measured by lunar iDXA densitometer. A total of n=97 participants completed the 6 months follow-up and had complete data-sets. Overall, the participants lost 4.0% of body weight and 3.5% of body fat. The decrease in android and total body fat was the highest in the Dairy group, while the decrease in gynoid fat was significantly higher in Supplement and Dairy group compared to the Control group. The decrease of android and total body lean mass was significantly lower in Dairy group compared to two other groups, while the loss in gynoid lean mass was significantly higher in Dairy group. In conclusion, the hypocaloric diets with increased Ca intake either via low-fat dairy products or via Ca supplements was associated with greater body weight and fat loss supporting a healthier body composition, in comparison to the control group, with the best outcomes in a low-fat dairy group.

Biography:

Elena T Carbone is a health education/nutrition communications researcher. Her mixed methods work with communities integrates behavioral interventions to promote health and prevent complications related to obesity, diabetes and cancer. She is Associate Professor/Graduate Program Director of Nutrition and Founding Director of the Community-Engaged Research Program at UMass Amherst. She is a Registered Dietitian, a Gustolab Institute Visiting Professor and Editorial Board Member of several journals. She has made over 100 presentations nationally/internationally and authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to the field of nutrition, most recently from Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior.

Abstract:

Although still relatively low as compared to the US, Italy’s obesity rates and diet-related health problems are rising. Concurrent with this has been an increase in fast food restaurants and an influx of Westernized eating and work habits. Italy in general and Rome in particular, has a long and fascinating food history. Italy is the birthplace of the Slow Food movement (established in response to the opening of McDonald’s in Rome in 1986); it is also where artisanal foods and culinary traditions are part of the fabric of everyday life. Long before food was categorized as “fast” or “slow,” Rome’s cobblestone streets were lined with Botteghe Storiche -public places in ancient Rome where food was sold and Romans could eat, drink or sleep and hear news of the day. These shops are fast-disappearing, but there is a movement to preserve them. Today, an estimated 120 sites have obtained the title of Bottegastorica from the municipality of Rome. In their 2003 article “Return to traditional values? A case study of Slow Food” Jones and colleagues conclude that, “while slow food provides a valuable contrast to the seemingly all powerful fast food industry it seems unlikely to be able to promote widespread changes in the modern world’s eating habits.” In this presentation, we reexamine this conclusion by exploring Rome’s culinary traditions and how its food preparation methods, eating habits and cultural heritage have both shaped and been challenged by the passage of time.

Biography:

Teruyoshi Amagai has completed his MD and PhD from University of Tsukuba, Japan and Clinical Practice from the Birmingham Children’s Hospital in UK during 1993 and 1994. He is the Professor of Mukogawa Women’s University since 2007 and has been In-charge of drawing up member, “Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2015), developed by the Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare, Japanese Government. He is the Editorial Member, Nutrition in Clinical Practice, academic journal of American Society for Parent and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN).

Abstract:

Backgrounds: Human beings lives in 21st century have been struck by numerous disasters, such as earthquake, Tsunami, typhoon and nuclear accidents. However, to our knowledge, no common concepts to save victims’ health from nutritional standing points exist. Aim: To propose a novel nomenclature “Disaster Nutrition” (DN). Methods: Defining “Disaster Nutirion” DN as nutrition status and nutritional supports around disaster. Then, the validity of this novel concept in the latest disaster struck Japan in 11, Mar,2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster” (GEJED) were examined with data reported by mainly Japanese Government. Facts: Nutritional surveys have been poorly conducted; although relatively abundant nutritional interventions had been undertaken. The victims of GEJED were the older adults, children and handicapped persons as disaster challenged so that disaster related death (DRD) defined as death from indirect death after the disaster attack was mainly observed in these victims. The novel nomenclature of DN might save these disaster challenged. Proposal: The establishment of DN and to educate this in the non disaster times must be started as soon as possible all over the world to save the number of DRD.

Biography:

Zahra Alizadeh has completed her Sports Medicine Specialty from School of Medicine in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. She has founded Obesity Clinic in the Sports Medicine Department at related hospital, the first multidisciplinary obesity clinic in the Tehran University. She is also the Director of sports nutrition research group in Sports Medicine Research Center. She has published more than 10 papers about obesity and exercise.

Abstract:

In recent decades, obesity has become a major health problem. So far, several studies have showed that physical activity is related to creating negative energy balance and changes in appetite directly. However, few of the studies examined the effect of exercise time during the day on these factors. The main aim of the present study was demonstrating the effect of 6 weeks morning and evening aerobic exercise on appetite and anthropometric indices. Forty eight overweight females were recruited in this clinical trial. By the time of exercise, they were divided into two groups (morning or evening) and performed 6 weeks of aerobic exercise with the target heart rate on the ventilatory threshold. Appetite change, calorie intake and anthropometric indices were assessed. All of the variables were compared between two groups and within groups at baseline in the third and sixth week. Some parameters of appetite indices were changed significantly in morning and evening exercise groups in time point’s measurements. However, consistent changes in the appetite scores were not found along the 6 weeks (P>0.05). Calorie consumption of the morning group decreased along the 6 weeks significantly greater than evening group (P=0.02). In addition, significant changes in weight, BMI, abdominal skin fold thickness and abdominal circumference were seen in the morning group (P<0.05). It seems that moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise in the morning along 6 weeks could be considered as a more effective program than evening exercise on appetite control, calorie intake and weight loss.

Biography:

N Arlappa has completed his MD in Community Medicine from NTR University of Medical Sciences, India. He has been working as Nutrition Scientist in the Division of Community Studies, National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad, India, since 1997. He has 18 years research of experience in the field of Public Health Nutrition and published more than 50 scientific papers in peer-reviewed national and international journals. He has also published 4 book chapters, completed more than 40 research studies and published more than 250 technical reports. He has attended and presented more than 25 scientific papers in national and international conferences/workshops. He is the Faculty Member for the Courses of MPH (NIE), MSc (Nutrition) and PG Certificate course in Applied Nutrition at NIN and currently working as a Deputy Director.

Abstract:

Introduction: In spite of the green revolution and implementation of several national nutrition programs for more than four decades, the prevalence of undernutrition continues to be a major public health problem in India. Almost all the age and physiological groups in general and below five and school-age children, in particular are most vulnerable to malnutrition. India has the highest percent of undernourished and stunted children in world. The burden of hidden hunger i.e., multiple micro-nutrient malnutrition among the children of below five and school-age (7-12 years) children is a major nutritional problem of public health concern in India. Objective: To assess the magnitude of micro-nutrient deficiencies among the rural pre-school and school-age children in India. Materials & Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out by the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) during 2011-12 in 10 major states constituting two third geographical area of India by covering 12,004 (5,810 children of 1-6 years and 6,194) rural children. A one day (24 hour) recall diet survey was carried out to assess their dietary consumption and the median nutrient intakes were calculated and compared them with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). The deficit intake of each Nutrient (Against their RDAs) and Adequacy (consumption≥70% of RDA) status of various nutrients were assessed. Results: In general, the rural children were subsisting on inadequate diets and the intakes of all the nutrients except for proteins were below the RDAs. The proportion of children consuming adequate (≥70% of RDA) amounts of nutrients was poor with respect to vitamin A (10-12%) followed by calcium (15-16%), riboflavin (19.4-32.8), iron (27.8-34.8%) and vitamin C (14.6-31.8%). Similarly, the deficit intake of micro-nutrients as against their RDAs was highest for vitamin A (81.5-86.4%) followed by calcium (66-72%), iron (45-53%), riboflavin (50-53%) and vitamin C (49-63%). Likewise, the proportion of the rural children not meeting even 50% of their RDAs was 80-87% for vitamin A, 71-74% for Calcium, 51-59% for Riboflavin and 50-77% for Vitamin C and this proportion is significantly high among the children of marginalized communities, illiterate parents, laborers and those residing in the household where the facility of sanitary latrine is absent (p<0.001). Conclusions: In general, the rural children in India were subsisting on in adequate diets with gross deficit in multiple micronutrients. Hence, appropriate nutrition interventions to be initiated to meet suggested levels of all micronutrients and nutrition education to be imparted to the community.

Biography:

Masako Itoh has completed her Bachelor of Home Economics at Showa Women’s University and she is currently working as a Director of Department of Nutrition, Kikai Tokushukai Hospital, Japan.

Abstract:

Aim: To examine an effect of novel enteral formula with collagen peptide (CP) on outcome in patients with pressure ulcer (PU). Methods: All consecutive patients with PU treated in a single institute, between January 2013 and September 2015, were enrolled. The present study was conducted in a retrospective chart-review fashion. To examine an impact of CP formula on outcome in PU patients, the following data were collected: Demographics: Sex, age and actual body weight measured on admission. Nutritional supports: Actual energy and protein intake between treatment days which was defined as days between start (T1) and healing (T2) of individual PU, then cumulative energy and protein deficit were calculated, where deficit was defined that actual minus target values during treatment days. PU severity: DESIGN-R scoring, higher score means severity. Outcome indicators: Treatment days, difference of DESIGN-R score between T1 and T2. Then after subjects were divided into two groups with and without CP, collected data were compared. Results: To focus on quick improvement for PU to save medical budget, subject was limited them with 14 days to examine direct CP impact. As the results, 36 subjects were enrolled out of 75. Compared all data between two groups, iPU was more severe and longer period were required to heal significantly in CP group (p=0.002, <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The present study could not draw definitive conclusion to prove effectiveness of CP formulae to treat PU. However, CP might treat to heal relatively severe PU within 14 days.

Biography:

Homira Agah has completed her PhD from VUB University (Brussels, Belgium). She is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Iranian National University, Vice President of Research and Technology of Tabarsi Science and Technology University and Managing Director of the NGO “Association of Women and Children Supporting Environmental and Sustainable Development”. She has more than 20 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.

Abstract:

The human body is unable to synthesize essential poly-saturated fatty acids (PUFA), which should be taken in through diet. In this study obtaining these essential fatty acids from algae as one of the novel dietary sources of PUFA was investigated. The green alga Ulva fasciata, which is spread in intertidal zone of the Hormozgan Province at Persian Gulf, was collected from Qeshm Island (26° 58' 0'' N, 56°17'0''E), Iran. As there is limited information about this macro alga in this region, hence in addition to major fatty acid (FA) compositions, biochemical composition of Ulva fasciata were determined to obtain an oil rich in α-linolenic (ALA) essential fatty acid with a low ω6:ω3 ratio and its nutritional value. The biochemical compositions were consisted of moisture, ash, total lipid, Crude Protein (CP), Crude Fiber (CF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Gross Energy (GE), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (FE), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn). The moisture content in the alga was 76.6±0.28%. Total lipid contents of lyophilized Ulva sp. alga, extracted by Soxhlet using methanol for 6 hours was 3.6±0.6%, while lipid content using ethyl ether (EE) in two hours (0.35% dry weight) was much lower due to using different solvent and extraction time. Subsequently the extracted lipid was analyzed by Gas Chromatography with Mass detector (GC-MS). Although the total lipid content in this study was lower than that in comparing with other algae reported in literatures but the composition of fat is certainly interesting because of the high levels of PUFAs (53%). The results revealed that there were 38.9% Ash, 8.5% CP, 0.95% CF, 0.25% ADF, 16.9 % NDF, 1520 cal GE, 0.13 % P, 1.6 % Ca, 4.98% Mg, 3218 ppm Fe, 4.9 ppm Cu, 32 ppm Zn, 70.1 ppm Mn in the Ulva macro alga. The major fatty acids in total lipid were palmitic acid C16:0>Stearic acid C18:0>α-linolenic acid C18:3>Eicosadienoic acid C 20:5>Myristic acid C14:0>Arachidonic acid C18:1>Nervonic acid C24:1>Oleic acid>Heptadecanoic acid>Pentadecanoic acid. According to the results, in addition to the presence of two kinds of omega fatty acids in lipid content of Ulva, the ratio of ω-6 ω-3 was lower than one, which indicates that extracted oil from Ulva fasciata macro-algae is a good candidate for human consumption.

Biography:

Dr. Syed Haris Omar has more than 4 years’ teaching with research experience in pharmacology and is the author of over 16 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including research, reviews, book chapters and conference papers. Furthermore, he has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. He has completed his PhD from the School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Australia. His research interest lies in the area of pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and nutrition related neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, he is member of various scientific society including, The Australian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologist (ASCEPT), Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), American Chemical Society (ACS), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Phytochemical Society of Europe (PSE), and European Brain and Behaviour Society (EBBS).

Abstract:

Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can quite often be due to a deficiency or abnormality in the diet. AD is a huge global burden, affecting 44 million people worldwide and that this will grow to more than 100 million cases by 2050. There are 342,000 Australians living with dementia and expected to soar to almost 900,000 by 2050. Currently, no treatment and cure for AD, while the available US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication delay the condition's development. Due to the severity in side effect and narrow therapeutic effect, recent studies suggested dietary recommendation for AD including the minimize intake of saturated fats and trans fats, and increase the intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains. Olive (Olea europaea) fruit, leaves and extra virgin oil are a good sources of unsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, offering a number of health beneficial activities mainly attributed to their antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activity. Studies have shown that people who closely follow a Mediterranean diet (contains olive) are less likely to experience cognitive decline. The evidence continues to climb showing olive oil, particularly the phenolic compounds have multiple benefits for the aging brain. Despite the huge and increasing amount of the in vitro studies trying to unravel the mechanisms of action of biophenols, bioavailability, biotransformation, synergism, and finally the mechanisms of antioxidant activity are still unanswered. The neuroprotective effects of these olive biophenols in the various in vitro and preclinical models of AD are highlighted.

Biography:

Martyn Caplin is a Professor of Gastroenterology & GI Neuroendocrinology at the Royal Free Hospital and University College London. He has published over one hundred and fifty peer review papers, written multiple book chapters and co-authored two books. He regularly lectures both nationally and internationally. From 2006-2012, he was the Clinical Lead for “NHS Evidence” for Gastroenterology and Liver diseases. He was a Member of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) upper-G.I. Cancer Committee 2006-2014. He is an international expert in Neuroendocrine Tumours and is the Chair of the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society. He has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the UK & Ireland Neuroendocrine Tumour Society in recognition of his Clinical Leadership and Research in the field of NETs.

Abstract:

The recent press has highlighted that our lifetime chance of developing cancer is almost 1 in 2. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research suggest that most cancer is preventable, through a combination of smoking/tobacco avoidance, appropriate diet, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight. We know there is a strong link between diet and cancer, although it is very complex. Expert consensus suggests 9-40% of cancers are directly linked to diet and this risk is even greater if you are obese. Eating a healthy balanced diet that is high in fibre, fruit and vegetables and low in red and processed meat and salt can reduce cancer risk. ‘Superfoods’ with anti-cancer properties have hit the headlines and while there may be some evidence that the chemicals in these foods have positive health benefits, most of the studies have been conducted in a laboratory with limited large scale studies. The World Health Organization (WHO) the EPIC study, involving more than half a million people in 10 European countries followed for almost 15 years. The study found strong evidence that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and better survival outcomes; dietary fibre protects against colon cancer; high intake of fat predisposes to breast cancer; diets high in flavonoids can reduce the risk of primary liver cancer and bladder cancer; and many more similar conclusions related to vitamin levels, diet and cancer. Other smaller studies point to the potential anti-cancer properties of a variety of diet derived chemicals including lycopene (from tomatoes), curcumin (from turmeric) and catechins (from green tea). Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer and liver disease/cancer. Studies suggest that curcumin inhibits many of mechanisms responsible for the development of cancer and may reduce the risk of a range of different cancers including those of the breast, bowel, pancreas and liver. There are also for example clinical trials of curcumin being added to chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced bowel cancer as previous experimental studies had shown benefit of the combination over chemotherapy alone. Green tea contains high levels of catechins, which have been shown in the laboratory to prevent the activation of oncogenic pathways and block the growth of tumour cells. Consumption of green tea has been linked with a reduction in the risk of bowel, prostate and pancreatic cancers. However not all vitamins are good for you. For example selenium which may be good for pancreatic conditions can be bad for you in combination with vitamin E if you have advanced prostate cancer. People who understand the importance of good nutrition on reducing their cancer risk often seek to augment their diets by eating specific foods or taking vitamins or supplements. However if going down the route of supplementation then the appropriate dosage and bioavailability are just two of the key factors. The message that most cancer is preventable has not as yet stimulated a population reaction or political agenda.

Biography:

Mario Ciampolini directed the Gastroenterology Research Unit, a third level referral center in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florence (Meyer hospital) for 40 years. He worked at the Cornell University for a joined research with the University of Florence on energy expenditure in children.

Abstract:

Background: The will to eat is a decision associated with conditioned responses and with unconditioned body sensations that reflect changes in metabolic biomarkers. The body feelings described as hunger have often components that are conditioned by time, social behavior and sight of food. Blood glucose is a biomarker of current energy availability and of hunger. Extensive rat and human studies showed that blood glucose declines coincided with spontaneous feelings of hunger, with metabolic insufficiency and meal initiation. Objectives: Investigating whether the decision to eat can be delayed until blood glucose is allowed to fall to low levels, when feeding behavior is (mostly) unconditioned. Methods: 7-week pilot study was carried out. 158 adults suffering from diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia were recruited and randomized to experimental (trained; n=80) and control (untrained; n=78) groups. Subjects of experimental group were trained to ignore meal times and to pay attention to their earliest sensations of hunger or discomfort, so to measure glucose concentrations (blood glucose, BG) with glucometer. They were instructed to associate their sensations of hunger with BG value. The control group followed their normal routine. In the final investigative session (after compilation of a 7 days dairy) all patients were asked to estimate their preprandial BG and a blood sample was taken to measure BG through a glucose autoanalyzer. Results: At the end of the 7-week training period, estimated and measured glycemic values were found to be linearly correlated in the trained group (r=0.82; p=0.0001) but not in the control (untrained) group (r=0.10; p=0.40). Fewer subjects in the trained group were hungry than those in the control group (p=0.001). The 18 hungry subjects of the trained group had significantly lower glucose levels (80.1±6.3 mg/dL) than the 42 hungry control subjects (89.2±10.2 mg/dL; p=0.01). Moreover, the trained hungry subjects estimated their BG (78.1±6.7 mg/dL; estimation error: 3.2±2.4% of the measured BG) more accurately than the control group (75.9±9.8 mg/dL; estimation error: 16.7±11.0%; p=0.0001). In addiction the estimation error of the entire trained group (4.7 ± 3.6%) was significantly lower than that of the control subjects (17.1±11.5%; p=0.0001). Conclusion: Patients could be trained to accurately estimate their blood glucose and to recognize their sensations of initial hunger at low glucose concentrations. These results suggest that it is possible to learn a behavioral distinction between unconditioned and conditioned hunger, and to modulate intake to achieve three IH arousals per day.

Biography:

Eileen Kennedy is the Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and was the first Director of USDA's Centre for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. She holds an undergraduate degree from Hunter College, two Master's degrees from Pennsylvania State University and a Doctor of Science in Nutrition from Harvard's School of Public Health. She has long been involved in the academic arena of nutrition conducting research and teaching at Tufts, Columbia University, Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University. In 2008, he was named President of the "Smart Choices" Board.

Abstract:

Three nutrition assistance programs in the United States: SNAP (formerly Food Stamps), WIC and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves as the backbone of the nutrition safety net in the USA. These programs have been successful in achieving many of their initial goals of improving food purchases, food intake and/or nutritional status of low-income, vulnerable Americans. The emphasis in these programs has now broadened to also include an obesity prevention focus. Recent changes in program components demonstrate the revised objectives of the program. SNAP, WIC and the NSLP increase economic access to an adequate diet but access alone is unlikely to be the total solution to obesity prevention. An ecological approach, incorporating the nutrition programs, appears to be a more promising strategy to leverage the impact of SNAP, WIC and NSLP.

Biography:

Maurizio Simmaco has completed his MD from Sapienza University and Postdoctoral studies from Molecular Biology Institute of Salzburg, Austria. He is the Director of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Units at IDI-IRCCS of Rome. He has published more than 118 papers in reputed journals (H-index 39). He is also a Board Member of European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Therapy and has been serving as an Editorial Board of Drug Metabolism and Personalized Therapy (DMPT).

Abstract:

Personalized Medicine (PM) harbors the inbuilt ambition to develop Personalized Wellness and to shift from curative purposes to lifelong health maintenance. Pharmacogenomics, though being the propeller by which the PM concept spread out is not long enough to depict the real molecular fingerprint of our health state. It is time to look up to other information embedded in our genome as the way we react to the exposure to the actual environment we live in. That environment includes food; chemicals, pollutants and the way we interact with the environment rely on the symbiotic organism formed by ourselves and the microbiota leaving in ourselves. An approach looking at the interaction among our genomic make-up, the microbiota and the external stimuli is like to hit the challenge of depicting personal phenomics and find novel solutions to improve and maintain health.

Biography:

Ruqaiya Moosa Al Balushi is currently an Assistant Professor in Clinical Nutrition at the Nutrition and Health Department, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). She serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Professional Development. She has received her PhD in Clinical Nutrition from School of Medicine from University of Queensland in 2013. She has obtained her MSc degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Sultan Qaboos University and her BSc degree from the University of Jordan. She has worked as a Clinical Dietitian from 2003-2005 and the Head of the Dietetics Department at Royal Hospital in Oman from 2005-2014. She was an active Member in the Nutrition Support Committee at Royal Hospital and helped in planning the Enteral Nutrition Support protocols at Royal Hospital. Her main research interests include enteral and parenteral nutrition support. She is specifically interested in the field of immunonutrition and pharmaconutrition and the therapeutic effect of glutamine supplementation in critically ill patients and other patient populations. She is also interested in Hospital Malnutrition. She has a number of publications in peer reviewed journals and two book chapters. Her main goal is to increase the awareness about the importance of Nutrition Support in UAE and Oman.

Abstract:

Introduction: Despite the numerous clinical trials that have investigated the beneficial effects of glutamine supplementation in patients receiving enteral nutrition1, the results are conflicting and inconclusive. This study aimed to determine the effect of intravenous alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) supplementation on improving organ dysfunction and reducing infectious complications in multiple trauma patients receiving enteral nutrition. Methods: A triple-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted in multiple trauma patients. Participants were randomized to receive either intravenous Ala-Gln (0.5 g/kg body weight; n=15) or intravenous placebo (n=15). Results: The primary outcome, which was the pattern of change in total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score over 10 days was not significantly different between groups (intention-to-treat: Regression coefficient 0.4938, 95% CI=-0.8113-1.7988, p=0.46). Although there was no significant difference reported in infectious complications with Ala-Gln supplementation, there was a slight reduction in ventilator-associated pneumonia cases (2 vs. 6; p=0.21). Similarly, there were no significant differences in other secondary outcome measures (e.g. ICU and hospital length of stay). However, there was a significant increase in urea (p=0.001) and creatinine (p=0.01) levels in the Ala-Gln group. There was no significant difference in fat-free mass percentage (p=0.12) or fat mass percentage (p=0.12) between groups. Although there was a significant overall decrease in fat-free mass percentage over time in both groups (p=0.002), the rate of decline in the Ala-Gln group was slower, suggesting a beneficial effect. Conclusion: The benefits of intravenous Ala-Gln were not confirmed in this trial. A rigorous, multicentre trial is needed to confirm the efficacy of intravenous Ala-Gln in preserving lean-body mass in multiple trauma patients. Furthermore, the significant increase in urea and creatinine levels suggests further investigation about the safety of glutamine on renal function.

Biography:

Francesco Menichini is full Professor in Phytopharmacy at Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Italy. He has published more than 200 papers in international journals and 115 communications at national and international congress and 6 chapters in book series. He is a Referee of several international journals and Institutions.

Abstract:

The genus Salvia belongs to the Lamiaceae family and comprises numerous species that have been used since ancient times for the treatment of several disorders. Edible flowers are receiving renewed interest as rich sources of bioactive compounds. Salvia officinalis flowers were extracted by and investigated for their phytochemical content and in vitro bioactivity. Rutin, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol and myricetin were selected as standards and quantified by HPLC. DPPH, ABTS and β-carotene bleaching test were applied to screen the antioxidant potential. The hypoglycemic effects were investigated via the inhibition of α-amylase. S. officinalis showed a promising protection of lipids peroxidation with IC50 values 2.3 and 4.2 µg per mL after 30 and 60 minutes of incubation, respectively. The extract is able also to scavenge both DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC50 values 19.7 and 26.4 µg/mL, respectively. In type-2 diabetic patients, oxidative stress is closely associated with chronic inflammation that may play a role in the development of complications. The α-Amylase enzyme breaks down large insoluble starch molecules into absorbable molecules. This enzyme is found in the pancreatic juice and saliva. S. officinalis showed a percentage of inhibition of 28.2% at maximum concentration tested (1 mg/mL). These findings support the consumption of edible flowers as functional food.

Biography:

Anna Maria Aloisi has obtained her degree in Medicine at Siena University in 1985 and spent all her academic career in the Institute of Human Physiology at the University of Siena. Her research activity is characterized by a continuous interaction with many national and international groups and was focused on the study of pain mechanisms with particular attention on the sex differences in the pain-induced responses and on the role of gonadal hormone-induced effects in pain mechanisms in humans and rodents. Her further interest is on the role of the limbic system in feeding and behavior.

Abstract:

Background: In physiological conditions, the oxidation of glucose to water and carbon dioxide is practically the only mechanism that the brain possesses for the production of ATP. Hence glucose is its primary source of energy. When the glucose concentration falls below a critical level (hypoglycemia), there is a deterioration of cognitive skills, mental confusion, lethargy, clouding of consciousness and in more severe cases, coma. Aim: To investigate the relationship between blood glucose variations and cognitive performances and consequently the best integration for open skill sports. Methods: Neurophysiological parameters were recorded to evaluate cognitive performances: electroencephalography, electromyography, electrocardiography for heart rate variability. Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load were considered for the classification of carbohydrates. Results: In a comparison of low-GI and high-GI carbohydrates, the latter cause a greater rise in blood glucose and insulin, followed by a sharp fall in blood glucose that leads, in the immediate post-absorption period, to a reduced concentration of the two main sources of energy in our body: blood glucose and free fatty acids (FFA). High blood glucose variation seems to be correlated with difficult of concentration and in the end, with low performance levels. On the other hand, blood glucose stability leads to a reduction of high electroencephalography frequencies like beta-2, which are correlated with low performance levels. Conclusion: The best kind of integration involves low-GI carbohydrates and a low glycemic load.

Biography:

Lynnette R Ferguson has completed her DPhil (Oxon.) from the University of Oxford, UK, then returned to a Post-doctoral position at In University of Auckland, she had done her undergraduate degrees. She successfully competed for several grants before being offered a tenured position with the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre at The University of Auckland. In 1990, she was seconded to establish a new Discipline of Nutrition at the University, where she retains a half time position alongside her Research Centre appointment, She has successfully supervised more than 50 Postgraduate students to thesis completion

Abstract:

Recent advances in genomic medicine have opened up the possibility that nutrition tailored to the individual and informed by various OMICs technologies may eventually replace traditional “one size fits all” approaches to disease control. In addition to exploring the interactions between hosts and microbes, a variety of strategies can be tailored to an individual. The recent descriptions of epigenetic alterations in particular alterations in DNA methylation and microRNAs that have been observed during the development of a number of chronic diseases, encourage us to explore nutritional interventions as a means of targeting and correcting early evidence of disease susceptibility. These include genomic screening of patients at risk of developing disease complications and the discovery of proteome biomarkers to diagnose or predict disease risks. Collectively, these new technologies are leading to the development of early biomarkers for disease that target specific pathogenic mechanisms involved in disease susceptibility and progression. Importantly, they enable short term and highly sensitive studies that are strongly indicative of clinically relevant endpoints. Inflammatory bowel disease has been used as proof of principle in our studies.

Biography:

Natascia Bruni has completed her PhD from University of Turin and Postdoctoral studies from high synthesis school of Gargnano, Italy. She is the Director of Research and Development in Candioli Pharma Organization. She has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Introduction: When diet alone is not sufficient it is necessary to supplement the diet of CKD cats with specific substances. These are phosphate binders and alkalinizing agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a feed supplement containing a mix of substances to bind the phosphate and correct the metabolic acidosis in cats with CKD (IRIS, International Renal Interest Society, stage 3 and 4). Material & Methods: 10 cats (median BW 4 (3, 6) Kg, BCS 3/5(2, 4), 11 (9, 12) years) fed with a balanced renal diet were involved in the study. Treatment consisted in oral administration of the product (Renal, Candioli Pharma) containing calcium carbonate, calcium lactate gluconate, sodium bicarbonate and chitosan given for 60 days. The animals were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at 15, 30, 60 days (T0, T15, T30, T60) for: BW, BCS, food intake, blood pressure and for routinely hematochemical, biochemical and urinary parameters. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software. After checking normality data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. Results are expressed as median (interquartile range). Letters show differences among rows (P<0.05). Results & Discussion: Statistically significant reduction of serum phosphorus concentration was obtained through the study (reduction of 59% at T60 vs. T0). Also a statistically significant increase of bicarbonate was seen (7% from T0 to T60). At T60 was also recorded an increase of ionized calcium level, which however was in normal range. It was also detected a statistically significant difference for the albumin/globulin ratio between day 15 and day 60. Conclusion: Even if many studies on phosphate binders are conducted on healthy animals it is important to evaluate their efficacy also in cats with CKD. In fact the addition of a phosphorus binder may reduce food intake in azotemic cats but that effect was not seen in the present study. The feed supplement was effective to reduce blood phosphate levels and to increase blood bicarbonate levels thus improving cats’ clinical conditions for the duration of the study.

Biography:

Carolyn E Moore has completed her PhD and Postdoctoral studies from the University of California at Los Angeles. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at Texas Woman’s University in Houston and a Registered Dietitian. She has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and has focused research efforts in the area of vitamin D and chronic disease.

Abstract:

Nutrient deficiencies are common following bariatric surgery. Vitamin D deficiency occurs following 50-80% of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures and is common with sleeve gastrectomy. Moreover, low circulating levels of vitamin D are independently associated with increased body mass index and fat mass in adults. Gastric restriction reduces food intake and increases the risk of B vitamin deficiencies following RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy. The B complex vitamins are water soluble and therefore not stored in the body to a large extent which necessitates a continuous supply. Neurological complications associated with vitamin B12, thiamine and folate deficiencies have been estimated to occur in up to 16% of bariatric surgery cases resulting in compromised neurological function presenting within weeks to months following bariatric surgery. Few prospective studies have evaluated the appropriate supplementation dosages following bariatric surgery. This study assessed the response to 3 months supplementation of vitamin D and B complex vitamins in women following sleeve gastrectomy. Daily supplementation with 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 and 1,500 mg calcium significantly increased 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations and vitamin D deficiency decreased from 61% at baseline to 26% at 3 months (p<0.005). However, several women remained vitamin D deficient and more aggressive supplementation may be indicated. B vitamin supplementation resulted in a 48% increase of vitamin B12, modest increase of serum folate and no reduction of thiamine concentrations. Thus, nutritional screening and appropriate dietary supplementation to prevent nutrient deficiencies and improve long term outcomes following bariatric surgery is warranted.

Biography:

Gaspar Ros Berruezo is a Professor of Human Nutrition and Food Science (including Food Safety) at the University of Murcia (UM), serving this Institution for more than 25 years. He has been Post-Doc Fulbright Scholar from 1989-90 at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, USA. He is a Project Leader of the VITALIS Centre for Research in Food Science, Human Nutrition and Health in the Mediterranean area, under construction. His research interest is to functional foods and ingredients, the metabolism to nutritional functionality (including bioavailability and omics) for normal growth and development on infants and to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases or obesity.

Abstract:

For babies, breast milk is the adequate food because it provides the energy and nutrients needs to be healthy. Infant formulas are available for babies whose mothers are not able or decide not to breastfeed or after the period of lactation. Infants usually combines infant formulas and start eating solid foods between 4 and 6 months of age and introduce one new food at a time to identify any foods that cause allergies. With the new generation of complementary infant food and the better acknowledge of the mature mother’s milk (MMM) composition macronutrients as well as micronutrients have been reformulated at infant formulas. Nowadays challenges are mainly in those micronutrients present in MMM that are difficult to find in the amount and from needed for the baby during the growth period. Two of them are human lactoferrin (hLf) and polyamines. Lactoferrin, is a glycoprotein that belongs to transferrin family and specific polyamines (PAs) including spermine (SPM), spermidine (SPD) and putrescine (PUT) have been identified in the breast milk of mammalian species. Both are in higher concentration in MMM and low in infant formulas. Due to their nature the play key roles in the ability to enhance Fe bioavailability in the case of hLf and are essential for cell proliferation and differentiation involved in DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in the case of PAs, shearing common aspects related to immunity or microbiota regulation. Another important aspect if the baby feeding after lactation where beikost and specially homogenized baby food (MBF) provide the nutrient balance for normal growth and the early programming theory proposes that affect metabolic patters that may manifest them later in life. In this case the increasing prevalence of obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during infancy and childhood is a reality in some European countries that maybe influenced by the nutrition during infanthood. In this research will present several in vitro and in vivo studies facing the study of the solubility, bioavailability and metabolic pattern of hLf and PAson the immunity and microbiota, as well as the implication of macronutrients balance of HBF on the gene expression involved in the development of obesity especially in epididymal fat tissue.

Biography:

Elena T Carbone is a Health Education/Nutrition Communications Researcher. Her mixed methods work with communities integrates behavioral interventions to promote health and prevent complications related to obesity, diabetes and cancer. She is an Associate Professor/Graduate Program Director of Nutrition and Founding Director of the Community Engaged Research Program at UMass Amherst. She is a Registered Dietitian and an Editorial Board Member of two journals. She has made over 100 presentations nationally/internationally and authored over 30 peer reviewed publications. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to the field of nutrition, most recently from Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior.

Abstract:

Ensuring optimal outcomes for women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period requires an understanding that multiple complex issues interact to influence a woman’s capacity to use health information and services. Health literacy is recognized as an important determinant of public health. In fact, the WHO recommends promoting health literacy of parents in both developed and low resource countries as a global strategy to reduce the burdens of non communicable disease with origins in early development and attendant disparities. Simply providing information is ineffective to increase the capacity of mothers in poverty to maintain or enhance their health and that of their child. Our scoping review is the first step in a multi step research plan and addresses the following research question: What is known from the existing literature about how maternal health literacy is associated with maternal and child health outcomes throughout the prenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods? The focus of this presentation will be on diet related health outcomes. This is one of several countries specific literature reviews currently underway; together, they will inform the design of a multi country study to gain a deeper understanding of the factors felt by women to empower them to obtain and use information and services for personal and child health. Ultimately, our goal is to identify one or more universal strategies to promote maternal health literacy among mothers in poverty and methods to adapt the strategies to local cultures and systems.

Biography:

Cristina Pereira-Wilson has completed her PhD from the University of Tondheim, Norway and is currently a Professor at the University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. Her scientific interests are in the areas of Physiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition and Pharmacology. She has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Colon cancer is a major cause of cancer related deaths and is known to be strongly associated with diet. Both carcinogenic and chemopreventive effects of diet have been described. In colon cancer different molecular profiles determine the carcinogenic progression, malignancy and ultimately the response to radio and chemotherapy. Mutations in particular genes such as KRAS, BRAF and P53 are major players in the abnormal proliferation of cancer cells and constitute molecular targets for cancer therapy. Recent evidence shows that colon cancer cells with different mutation profiles respond differently to compounds present in traditional foods and other plant sources that may even potentiate the effects of therapeutic drugs. Activating mutations in the MAP Kinase pathway (KRAS or BRAF) or of the PI3K pathway both contribute to increased cell proliferation. However, anticancer responses are observed for rosmarinic acid in KRAS mutated cells whereas only cells with PI3K activation respond to ursolic acid, both compounds present aromatic herbs and other food plants. Importantly, compounds present in the diet may also potentiate the response to chemotherapeutic drugs, such as 5-FU, quercetin increasing p53 dependent cell death in response to 5FU and ursolic acid increasing p53 independent cell death. The implication is that not all tumors are sensitive to the same dietary constituents and that personalizing the diet according to the molecular profile of the patient’s tumor may be desirable to maximize the beneficial effects of diet.

Biography:

Julie Abayomi has previously worked as NHS Dietitian for 20 years, specializing in Women’s Health at Liverpool Women’s Hospital for twelve years. She has completed her PhD at Liverpool John Moores University, UK in 2010. She is currently the Program Leader of the BSc Nutrition program at Liverpool John Moores University. She has published more than 20 papers in health related journals and she is a Member of the British Dietetic Association and the UK Nutrition Society.

Abstract:

Currently there are no UK guidelines regarding safe weight gain in pregnancy. Obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2) and excessive weight gain in pregnancy are associated with serious health risks to both mother and baby including gestational diabetes, macrosomia, pre-eclampsia, caesarean section and post operative complications. In the absence of clear UK guidance, USA recommendations are often referred to which suggest that women with a pre-pregnancy BMI>29.9 kg/m2 should limit weight gain to 5-9 kg2. The aim of this study was to explore dietary intake and patterns of gestational weight gain in obese pregnancies in comparison to USA recommendations. Women with BMI>29.9 kg/m2 were recruited from antenatal clinic at booking-in appointments and agreed to being weighed and to complete a food diary at each trimester of pregnancy. Weight change was calculated and then compared with categorized pregnancy weight gain (<0 kg, 0-5 kg, 5-9 kg and >9kg). Dietary intake was calculated using micro diet and compared to UK dietary reference values. Between June 2009 and June 2010, 824 women consented to participate and weight data were collected for 756 women. Results suggest that a higher booking BMI was negatively associated with gestational weight gain (GWG) (β -0.25, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.19, p<0.001). Furthermore, despite adequate energy intakes, quality of diet was poor and deteriorated as pregnancy progressed. This study suggests that a focus on healthy eating and improving quality of diet may be more beneficial than a focus on energy intake and weight gain in obese pregnancies. A review of ante natal care provision for overweight pregnancies is urgently needed.

Biography:

Suhair Abdalla Khalil Abdallah has completed her PhD in Clinical Nutrition from Ahfad University for Women, Sudan. She is a Clinical Dietitian at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She has long experience of 18 years in clinical nutrition field.

Abstract:

Introduction: Serum albumin is the most commonly used malnutrition marker in clinical practice as hypoalbuminemia is considered to be a malnutrition risk among the patients on hemodialysis and a strong predictor of death. Low serum albumin levels are due to low intakes of energy and protein or insufficient energy intake resulting in poor protein utilization. Purpose: This was a prospective, clinical trial hospital based (intervention) study to evaluate the effect of nutritional counseling in the form of individualized meal plan on serum albumin level among hemodialysis patients. Methods: The study was conducted on maintenance hemodialysis patients attending Dr Salma Hemodialysis & Transplant Center outpatient clinic, Khartoum. 134 adult patients (males & females) were divided into a test group (n=77) and a control group (n=57). The test group after nutritional counseling consumed individualized diets for a period of 6 months that provided adequate amounts of energy and protein according to the recommendations of the National Kidney Foundation while the control group continued consuming their usual diets. Serum albumin was determined at baseline and every 2 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Serum albumin increased gradually from 3.14 g/dl at baseline to 4.32 g/dl at 6 months with test group. The study shows big differences in increasing of serum albumin level during the study with intervention group compared with control. The mean test group was (3.1, 3.3, 3.9 and 4.3) and the mean of control group was (3.2, 3.16, 3.19 and 3.84) in baseline, 2-4-6 months respectively. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that effective nutritional counseling rendered to maintenance hemodialysis patients in the form of individualized meal plans that provided adequate energy and protein was effective in the control and improvement of serum albumin level among these patients. Therefore, nutritional counseling by qualified dietitians should be mandatory in renal units as part of the medical therapy management to reduce the incidence of hypoalbminemia among hemodialysis patients.

Biography:

Mini Joseph is an Assistant Professor in Food & Nutrition at Government College for Women, Trivandrum, Kerala. She is presently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism at Christian Medical College, India. She is the recipient of Young Scientist Award from the Nutrition Society of India in 2012. Her interests are in community nutrition, energy expenditure research, sports nutrition and Diabetes.

Abstract:

Introduction: Type-1 diabetes mellitus patients are at a risk for developing eating disorders because of their intense diet consciousness which is imbibed at an early age. The main objectives of this study were to screen for the risk of developing of eating disorders amongst young adults with and without type-1 diabetes mellitus and study its associations with metabolic control in type-1 diabetes mellitus patients. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study with cases and gender-age matched controls was conducted on young adult type-1 diabetes mellitus patients (n=113) who were managed at the Young Adults Diabetes Clinic, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism of Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, India. They were screened using the Eating Attitude Test-26 questionnaire. Results & Discussion: With type-1 diabetes patients had a higher risk for developing eating disorders when compared to their counterparts without diabetes (p=0.000; 95% CI=8.7, 170.7, Odds Risk Ratio=38.5). The only factor associated with the risk of developing eating disorder was the duration of the disease. There was no significant difference in risks of developing eating disorder between the male and female subjects. Conclusion: Nutritionists and medical personnel should maintain a high index of suspicion when managing type-1 diabetes mellitus patients. Timely intervention with the help of mental health professional during routine hospital visits will enable better glycemic control and prevent diabetes related complications.

Biography:

Premdass Ramdas is a full time Lecturer at the International Medical University, Malaysia. His research interests involve: Breast cancer, vitamin E, genomics, quantitative proteomics and cancer informatics. He is also actively involved in technology enhanced learning activities at his university. His career aim is to find a niche in nutrition research field and to evolve as a professional educationist.

Abstract:

For many years now, scientists have understood that the onset of breast cancer is a gradual and stepwise process. Chemoprevention researches in recent days are focused on finding substances or components of natural sources that can prevent or inhibit carcinogenesis. Targeted cancer therapies using natural bioactive compounds in combination with chemoprevention drugs are also used to target specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as a gene or protein that allows the cancer cells to grow in a rapid or abnormal way. Therefore, chemoprevention of breast cancer, the attempt to use natural and synthetic compounds to intervene in the early precancerous stages of carcinogenesis before invasion begins, is undertaken as a measure to reduce breast cancer risk for women at high risk. A number of bioactive dietary components are of particular interest in the field of breast cancer. One such compound known as the sub-group of Vitamin E family, the tocotrienols display anticancer properties and may play a role in cancer prevention. To date, there are many studies, which show that tocotrienols can inhibit proliferation of human breast cancer cells in vitro. The inhibitory effects of four isoforms of tocotrienols on the human breast cancer cells appear to be different. The γ and δ-to

   cotrienols have been shown to have a more potent inhibitory effect on cell growth compared to α and β-tocotrienols. In this study, the effect of tocotrienol isomers (γ and δ) were used to postulate the mechanism of action of these compounds using an in vitro model. The integration of omics methodologies provided insights into functions and the mechanisms of tocotrienols action in breast cancer cellular and molecular environment.

Biography:

Eileen Kennedy is the Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and was the first Director of USDA's Centre for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. She holds an undergraduate degree from Hunter College, two Master's degrees from Pennsylvania State University and a Doctor of Science in Nutrition from Harvard's School of Public Health. She has long been involved in the academic arena of nutrition conducting research and teaching at Tufts, Columbia University, Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University. In 2008, he was named President of the "Smart Choices" Board.

Abstract:

Three nutrition assistance programs in the United States: SNAP (formerly Food Stamps), WIC and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves as the backbone of the nutrition safety net in the USA. These programs have been successful in achieving many of their initial goals of improving food purchases, food intake and/or nutritional status of low-income, vulnerable Americans. The emphasis in these programs has now broadened to also include an obesity prevention focus. Recent changes in program components demonstrate the revised objectives of the program. SNAP, WIC and the NSLP increase economic access to an adequate diet but access alone is unlikely to be the total solution to obesity prevention. An ecological approach, incorporating the nutrition programs, appears to be a more promising strategy to leverage the impact of SNAP, WIC and NSLP.

Biography:

Martyn Caplin is a Professor of Gastroenterology & GI Neuroendocrinology at the Royal Free Hospital and University College London. He has published over one hundred and fifty peer review papers, written multiple book chapters and co-authored two books. He regularly lectures both nationally and internationally. From 2006-2012, he was the Clinical Lead for “NHS Evidence” for Gastroenterology and Liver diseases. He was a Member of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) upper-G.I. Cancer Committee 2006-2014. He is an international expert in Neuroendocrine Tumours and is the Chair of the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society. He has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the UK & Ireland Neuroendocrine Tumour Society in recognition of his Clinical Leadership and Research in the field of NETs.

Abstract:

The recent press has highlighted that our lifetime chance of developing cancer is almost 1 in 2. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research suggest that most cancer is preventable, through a combination of smoking/tobacco avoidance, appropriate diet, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight. We know there is a strong link between diet and cancer, although it is very complex. Expert consensus suggests 9-40% of cancers are directly linked to diet and this risk is even greater if you are obese. Eating a healthy balanced diet that is high in fibre, fruit and vegetables and low in red and processed meat and salt can reduce cancer risk. ‘Superfoods’ with anti-cancer properties have hit the headlines and while there may be some evidence that the chemicals in these foods have positive health benefits, most of the studies have been conducted in a laboratory with limited large scale studies. The World Health Organization (WHO) the EPIC study, involving more than half a million people in 10 European countries followed for almost 15 years. The study found strong evidence that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and better survival outcomes; dietary fibre protects against colon cancer; high intake of fat predisposes to breast cancer; diets high in flavonoids can reduce the risk of primary liver cancer and bladder cancer; and many more similar conclusions related to vitamin levels, diet and cancer. Other smaller studies point to the potential anti-cancer properties of a variety of diet derived chemicals including lycopene (from tomatoes), curcumin (from turmeric) and catechins (from green tea). Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer and liver disease/cancer. Studies suggest that curcumin inhibits many of mechanisms responsible for the development of cancer and may reduce the risk of a range of different cancers including those of the breast, bowel, pancreas and liver. There are also for example clinical trials of curcumin being added to chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced bowel cancer as previous experimental studies had shown benefit of the combination over chemotherapy alone. Green tea contains high levels of catechins, which have been shown in the laboratory to prevent the activation of oncogenic pathways and block the growth of tumour cells. Consumption of green tea has been linked with a reduction in the risk of bowel, prostate and pancreatic cancers. However not all vitamins are good for you. For example selenium which may be good for pancreatic conditions can be bad for you in combination with vitamin E if you have advanced prostate cancer. People who understand the importance of good nutrition on reducing their cancer risk often seek to augment their diets by eating specific foods or taking vitamins or supplements. However if going down the route of supplementation then the appropriate dosage and bioavailability are just two of the key factors. The message that most cancer is preventable has not as yet stimulated a population reaction or political agenda.

Biography:

Regina Esiovwa Ahumareze is an experienced Pharmacist with a distinction in Drug Discovery (MSc) from the School of Pharmacy, University of London. She has worked for several years as the Superintendent Pharmacist at a reputable Nutraceutical company in Nigeria and she is particularly interested in the role of Nutraceuticals in Disease Prevention. She is the recipient of many awards including the Niger Delta Development Scholarship Award, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Award and the Delta State Scholarship Award. She is currently a PhD Researcher at the University of the West of Scotland.

Abstract:

Micronutrient deficiencies in people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been reported. Multivitamins can be used to address micronutrient deficiencies; however the benefits of multivitamins on health outcomes of PLHIV remain debatable. While some studies have reported the benefits of multivitamins in PLHIV, other studies have reported non-significant differences in outcomes of interest in control and multivitamin groups. With obvious differences in strength and composition of multivitamins used in the different studies, it is possible that the intervention (multivitamins) used for some of these studies may not have been dosed high enough to meet the level of micronutrient deficiencies in study participants resulting in non-significant results. It is possible that higher strength multivitamins may better meet existing micronutrient deficiencies resulting in better health outcomes in PLHIV. Hence we are currently conducting a double blind randomized controlled study in Lagos, Nigeria to compare three multivitamins. Multivitamin A: Contains 7 micronutrients at recommended daily allowance (RDA), Multivitamin B: Contains 22 micronutrients at RDA and Multivitamin C: Contains 22 micronutrients at 3 times the RDA. The aim of this six months study is to determine if any of the three multivitamins will produce better health outcomes in study participants. Participants are HIV positive children aged 5-12 years. Primary outcome is changes in CD4 count and secondary outcomes are changes in serum selenium and zinc levels. Baseline and midpoint samples have been collected and are being analyzed.

Biography:

Mihalis Panagiotidis holds a Personal Chair in Nutrition & Toxicology at the School of Life Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, UK. He has research expertise in the areas of molecular toxicology, molecular & biochemical nutrition and human carcinogenesis as evident by a number of peer-reviewed publications. He serves at the Editorial Board of a number of peer-reviewed journals whereas in the past he has been a Marilyn Gentry Fellow of the American Institute for Cancer Research & World Cancer Research Fund. He is a Recipient of a number of research awards including a Marie Curie International Reintegration Grant and a Nutricia Research Foundation International Training Fellowship.

Abstract:

Isothiocyanates are compounds characterized by the substitution of oxygen in the sulfur atom of the isocyanate group and can be isolated from cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, etc. They have been shown to inhibit cell growth and induce cell death in various in vitro and in vivo cancer models, properties which have formed the basis of their utilization in drug development. In regards to melanoma development, many reports indicate the involvement of deregulated cell death pathways; an observation which undoubtedly contributes to why the disease does not respond to current therapeutic strategies. Thus, the objective of the present study was the determination of the therapeutic effectiveness of specific isothiocyanate compounds (R, S-Sulforaphane; SFN, Phenethyl; PEITC and Benzyl; BITC) against an in vitro model of human skin cancer consisting of immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT; non-malignant); malignant melanoma (A375); and epidermoid carcinoma (A431; non-melanoma) cells. Our results show that SFN and PEITC potentiated cell death in A375 cells but not in A431 and HaCaT cells. On the other hand, BITC induced cell death in all cells involved (A375, A431 and HaCaT) but with a variable degree and dependent on cell type thus demonstrating its highly cytotoxic profile. Ongoing efforts are addressing the underlying molecular mechanisms by which these compounds induce cell death in order to enhance our understanding of their therapeutic potential in treating malignant melanoma.

Biography:

Manuela Merli has graduated from the University Sapienza of Rome in 1980. She is currently an Associate Professor in Gastroenterology at the University of Rome, teacher at the School of Medicine to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is involved as Hepatologist in the transplant team of the University Hospital. She has published more than 156 scientific papers in reputed journals, 39 book chapters (H-index 36 considering only documents published after 1995, 262 products in ISI web of knowledge, 4150 citations) I.F.467,62 . She has been invited to present original contribution in national and international conferences

Abstract:

Chronic liver disease has relevant consequences on nutritional status. Depletion in lean body mass defined as sarcopenia, is frequently encountered in patients with end stage liver disease which undergo liver transplantation. On the other hand, in the last decades, a trend showing an increase in patients with end stage liver disease and associated obesity has also been reported in developed countries. The importance of carefully assessing the nutritional status during the workup of patients who are candidates for liver replacement is widely accepted, since both sarcopenic and obese patients have an increased surgical risk; malnutrition may further impact morbidity, mortality and costs in the post transplantation setting. After transplantation, when liver function is restored, many metabolic alterations are corrected, dietary intake is progressively normalized and lifestyle changes may improve physical activity. Studies examining the modifications in body composition that occur in liver recipients have reported a progressive increase in fat mass, while muscle mass recovery is subtle and non significant by the end of the first year after transplantation. In some patients, unregulated weight gain may lead to over nutrition and may favor metabolic disorders leading to the so called ‘metabolic syndrome’, which may play a negative role on the overall survival of liver transplant patients. Careful monitoring of nutritional status after liver transplantation is important to identify patients who are at risk for a persistence of malnutrition or for a too rapid weight gain. Physical and nutritional interventions must be investigated to evaluate their potential beneficial effect on body composition and muscle function before and after liver transplantation.

Biography:

Claudio Adrian Bernal has completed his PhD from University of Litoral, Argentina and his Postdoctoral studies from University of Pittsburgh, USA. He is currently the Head of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Litoral. He has published more than 40 manuscripts, directed national and international research projects and received several Scientific Awards in the field of nutrition. He was the President of Argentine Chapter of the Latino American Society of Nutrition. His research focuses on the impact of dietary fats and functional compounds on experimental animals. In addition he is working in food analysis, infant formulas and functional foods.

Abstract:

High intake of trans-fatty acids (TFA) has been related with several adverse metabolic effects. Clinical and epidemiological findings have supported that high intake of Industrial TFA (I-TFA) has a negative impact on the plasma lipid profile and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers. Human and animal studies have shown that dietary TFA are highly incorporated in liver, adipose tissue, platelets, aorta and nearly all tissues. Most likely, through this incorporation, I-TFA lead to numerous alterations such as inhibition of n-3 and n-6 PUFA biosynthesis, changes in eicosanoids production and modifications of composition and biological properties of membranes. Additionally, I-TFA raise plasma LDL-Cholesterol, Lp(a) and triacylglycerol levels, lower HDL-Cholesterol concentrations and increase systemic markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Studies with Ruminant TFA (R-TFA) are scarce and have yielded conflicting results, however most epidemiological studies demonstrated no positive correlation between R-TFA and CVD. In a controlled nutritional study a very high intake of R-TFA showed a negative impact on serum lipoproteins but this effect was not observed at achievable intakes of these natural isomers. Results from our laboratory and others clearly showed that trans-vaccenic acid (TVA, the main R-TFA) has a higher metabolization rate compared to elaidic acid and, in addition, it is converted to Rumenic Acid (RA: c9,t11-Conjugated Linoleic Acid). Since RA might improve the lipid and glucose metabolism and reduce the inflammatory response, it is recognized as a functional FA. In conclusion, I-TFA clearly have a negative impact on CVD, whereas achievable consumption of R-TFA has not. However, the specific impact of R-TFA requires further investigation to establish the effects on CHD risk and potential health benefits.

Biography:

Mario Ciampolini is a retired professor from Università di Firenze, Dept Pediatrics, directed the Gastroenterology Research Unit, a third level referral center in the department of Pediatrics of the University of Florence (Meyer hospital) for 40 years. He worked at the Cornell University for a joined research with the University of Florence on energy expenditure in children. Three students came from Amsterdam Medical Center to learn “Recognizing Hunger” he made the first diagnoses of celiac disease in Tuscany and published 130 scientific articles, about 40 in international Press.

Abstract:

Background: Obesity, diabetes, asthma, autism, birth defects, dyslexia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia have increased in children in the last half century. These increases may depend on the widespread, well known error in energy balance: the unremitting addition of fat at any meal for an error in the formation of the will (decision) to eat. The decision arises as conditioned before energy exhaustion of the energy available from previous meals. After meal suspension for up to 48 hours, all healthy people develop hunger sensations (Initial hunger, IH) that are not conditioned. Objective: Diabetic people are different in this: they do not develop any hunger sensation after meal cessation. Methods: We have reported the achievement of 76.6 ± 3.7 mg/dL BG and hunger sensations before daily meals in healthy children and adults after training the recognition of Initial Hunger (IH) to recover from functional disorders of the bowel, to recover body weight decrease and recover insulin sensitivity. Healthy subjects recognized IH from conditioned sensations by subjective comparison with the hunger that they initially experienced after meal suspension for less than 48 hours. Thereafter, subjects adapted energy intake to let arise IH three times a day (Initial Hunger Meal Pattern, IHMP). Preprandial BG measurements by autoanalyzer checked the recognition in the hospital lab before breakfast in 64 trained people that we compared with 72 controls. IHMP is a healthy, safe, normal, freely chosen homeostatic way of Nutrition that is found in a third of recruited children and adults at baseline, before any training. We tried to implement this training in two obese, diabetic adults out of two consecutive recruitments. The two subjects consumed meals devoid of fats and carbohydrates (VLD) for 6 to 12 months. Results: We found a loss of BG decline to 76.6 ± 3.7 mg/dL and loss of any hunger sensation after eating cessation in two diabetic subjects (out of two) who showed a BMI of 39 and 33 at recruitment. Both subjects lost 20% of their body weight and recovered 76.6 ± 3.7 mg/dL of BG and hunger sensations before two – three meals a day, i.e.: went off diabetes. Conclusion: Diabetes develops for inveterate conditioned intake (when previous energy intake has not been fully exhausted before meals), excessive fattening, excessive post-absorption emission of fatty acids from fatty tissues, permanent loss of BG decline to 76.6 ± 3.7 mg/dL and permanent loss of physiological signals of hunger. A healthy, non-diabetic life may be recovered by a painless loss of 20% body weight (No fats, no carbohydrates) and may be maintained by implementing IHMP at reappearance of hunger sensations. This means accurate energy intake planning instead of hunger endurance.

Biography:

Susan Edgar Helm has completed her PhD in Physiological Chemistry at Univeristy of California Davis. She is the Director of the undergraduate and graduate Nutritional Science program at Pepperdine Unviersity, a private Liberal Arts Institution in Malibu, CA

Abstract:

Folate is critical for one carbon metabolism and has been implicated in mediation of Down syndrome symptoms. Both younger (<17 years) and older (>35 years) mothers are more prone to the experience of a Down syndrome infant. Red blood cell levels of folate of both mother and infant are low, implicating a dietary effect upon Down syndrome. Inconsistencies within the literature show dietary folate restriction to have preventive effects, whereas excess folate intake demonstrates adverse outcomes. MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate) is a key enzyme in folate metabolism and low dietary intake of folic acid may restrict this enzyme in Down syndrome offspring and their mothers. The effect of dietary folic acid upon four other regulatory enzymes of protein methylation and transulfuration are involved. Ts65Dn mouse model has been successfully used to demonstrate a reversal of the cognitive behaviors of Down syndrome using the Beta2 adrenergic agonist, Formoterol. The Ts65Dn mouse was used to study dietary folic acid intervention and its’ effect upon the most likely enzyme of folate metabolism (MTHFR) and cognitive assessments that may have preventive effect on Down syndrome. The hypothesis was measurement of the response of Ts65Dn mice to 3 different dietary intake levels of folic acid, 0,2 and 7 ppm with changes in MTHFR activity and plasma 5-methyl-THF metabolic concentration. MTHFR activity and concentration of 5-methyl-THF assays were completed. The results of both assays demonstrate positive metabolic results from varying the levels of dietary folic acid in the diet consumed by the Down syndrome mouse. Differences between the Ts65Dn model of Down syndrome and control mice were assessed by measurement of MTHFR activity and 5-CH3-THF concentrations in plasma. The study was conducted over a period of 6 months and with a total of 56 male mice provided the following dietary treatments (DS=Down Syndrome; C=Control; F=Folate; N=normal; L-low; H=High); n=9, DSNF; n=8, CNF; n=10 DSLF; n=10 CLF; n=9 DSHF; n=10 CHF. Statistical analysis revealed that the Control and Down syndrome mice were significantly different in terms of growth (p=0.003) and nesting behavior (p=0.000); with the Down syndrome having lower weight gain (M=1.9 g) and nesting behavior (M=2.35) compared to control weight gain (M=6.4 g) and nesting behavior (M=4.40). An analysis of the MTHFR activity has demonstrated no statistical difference between the control and Down syndrome mice in plasma MTHFR activity and yet, the Ts65Dn mice responded to the varying levels of dietary folic acid with changes in MTHFR activity and in plasma concentrations of 5-methyl THF. Dietary folic acid does impact the folate metabolism of the Ts65Dn mouse.

Biography:

Eileen Kennedy is the Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and was the first Director of USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Kennedy holds an undergraduate degree from Hunter College, two master's degrees from Pennsylvania State University, and a Doctor of Science in Nutrition from Harvard's School of Public Health. Kennedy has long been involved in the academic arena of nutrition conducting research and teaching at Tufts, Columbia University, Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University. In 2008, Dr. Kennedy was named president of the "Smart Choices" board. “Smart Choices” is a front of label nutrition benchmarking system, a program whose criteria are based on government dietary guidelines and widely accepted nutritional standards.

Abstract:

There is a renewed interest in nutrition globally. The second International Conference on Nutrition in Nov. 2014 committed to eradicating malnutrition in all its forms. A key strategy for many countries is a combination of direct nutrition interventions combined with nutrition sensitive, multi sector approaches. For both direct and indirect policies and programs to be successful, a key element is good governance. This paper will report the results of research from Ethiopia and Nepal on governance structures from national to sub national level. This research provides insights from key policy officials and stakeholders about how a range of policies and programs get translated from the design phase (on paper) to implementation (in practice).

Biography:

In 1987 Yasushi Miyazawa graduated from Kitasato University School of Nutrition. He was an overseas trainee. in the year 1993 in Emory University Hospital, USA. In 2009 he became the Department head of Clinical Nutrition, CHIKAMORI Hospital Kochi Japan. He is also the board Director of Japanese society of Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition and The Japan Heart failure Society. He is also a, Clinical Nutrition Professor of MIMASAKA University.

Abstract:

Stature and weight are important measures in assessing nutritional status. They are used to estimate basal energy expenditure, nutrient needs and to calculate BMI. For adults, accurate measurements of stature and weight depend upon who can be measured easily but many adults, especially the non-ambulatory and the very old are difficult or are unable to be measured. When stature and weight cannot be measured, they can be predicted. Prediction equations for stature and weight employ constituent body measurements that can be taken regardless of adult’s mobility status or health condition. The predictive accuracy of these equations is important so that the predicted values can be evaluated within known confidence limits and adjusted to meet nutritional recommendations. Accurate equations to predict stature and weight in adults have been developed. Equations developed from nationally representative samples have an increased utility among their general populations. Stature prediction equations have been developed separately for France, Taiwan, Italy, Mexico and Japan. In general, these population specific equations perform well but several have limited application because of the small samples used in development and the applicable age range. Also, there are no prediction equations for weight in any population outside of the U.S. The present study was undertaken to develop new accurate and more generalizable sex-specific stature and weight prediction equations using knee height and other body measurements to assist nutritional status assessments of the Japanese population. This study employed a large sample of 850 Japanese adults 21 years of age and older.

Biography:

Conxita Mestres has completed hers Pharmacy Doctor Degree at the age of 28 years from the University of Barcelona. Has worked as Clinical Pharmacist between 1984-2006 in the Hospital Sant Rafael of Barcelona and as Quality Control and Patient Safety Coordinator, between 2006-2012 in the same Hospital. In parallel she has worked as assistant professor in the Pharmacy School of the University of Barcelona, between 1992 and 2008. Since 2012, she is Pharmacy Director in Grup Mutuam Barcelona (Group that works in Health Care in Long Term and Nursing Homes), and since 1992 she is assistant professor at School of Health Sciences Blanquerna. University Ramon Llull.Barcelona. In this institution she teaches in the Degrees of Dietetics, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy. He has published more than 70 papers in reputed journals and has published two books about pharmacology for Dietitians and for Physiotherapists.

Abstract:

Since the description of the serious interaction between IMAO drugs and tyramine containing foods in the 50s, food-drug interactions have won increasing importance and care. This is an important issue taking in account the increasing use of medications, especially in frail older people that are often polymedicated. Nowadays, we also include all the relations between nutritional status and drug treatment in this area. However we still facing some difficulties, such as: - Lack of information in new commercialized drugs, due to the fact that these interactions are not studied or evaluated in premarketing assays - Very few are described in patient’s handout - There are few databases and information sources, where health care professionals could find reliable and complete information. Moreover, not always health care givers takes fully in account or give the importance due to this kind of interaction. Therefore, I think that more work is needed in this area. For instance, to continue increasing the assays and works to detect unknown food-drug interactions and to have more knowledge about its importance in the patient outcome. And what is also very important is to increase the knowledge and awareness between physicians, pharmacists, dietitians and nurses, initiating them since the degree studies

Biography:

Hyojee Joung is a Professor of Public Health Nutrition at the Seoul National University. She has authored and co-authored more than 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as several book chapters. She has served on dozens of scientific committees and advisory boards of academic associations in Korea and abroad.

Abstract:

Food insecurity has been reported to be associated with lower diet quality and lower intake of fruits and vegetables which might lead to decreased dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC). However, little is known about the association between food insecurity and dietary TAC. This cross sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship of food insecurity and dietary TAC among 33,527 Korean adults in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012. Dietary TAC was estimated from the 24 hours dietary recall data using a TAC database of common Korean foods. Results showed that 5.8% of male adults and 6.7% of female adults were in food insecure households. Mean dietary TAC was significantly lower in food insecure groups (total 378.85 mg VCE/d; male 392.01 mg VCE/d; female 368.25 mg VCE/d) compared to food secure groups (total 588.55 mg VCE/d; male 575.81 mg VCE/d; female 601.11 mg VCE/d). The major contributing food groups to dietary TAC were fruits, vegetables and legumes and legume products in both groups but dietary TAC from each food group was significantly lower in food insecure group (170.42 mg VCE/d, 141.39 mg VCE/d and 41.83 mg VCE/d) compared with food secure group (315.24 mg VCE/d, 176.01 mg VCE/d and 50.01 mg VCE/d). This study demonstrated that food insecurity is associated with lower dietary TAC in a representative Korean population. Further research on the health effects of reduced dietary TAC among food insecure Korean adults is needed.

Biography:

Sukru Gulec has received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Ankara University, Turkey. He has attended the Master of Science in Biotechnology, Ankara University College of Medicine and graduated in 2006. He has worked at Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) Department, University of Florida as a Biological Scientist. He was accepted as a PhD student and joined in nutritional science interdisciplinary program at FSHN Department, University of Florida in 2009. He has received his PhD from the University of Florida in 2013 and stayed in same department as Postdoctoral associate. He was hired as an Assistant Professor in Izmir Technical Institute in 2014.

Abstract:

Glucose is one of the nutritional factors that involves in developing of obesity and type 2 diabetes in human. The studies indicated that enterocyte cells on intestine might play a role in dietary glucose sensing during obesity. Obese people are consumed high amount of dietary glucose and enterocyte cells consequently are exposed to high glucose. Thus, we aimed to find relevant physiological pathways and genome-wide mRNA expression profiles that can be regulated by glucose in fully differentiated human intestinal epithelial (CaCo-2). The cells were maintained two different glucose levels (5.5 mM for control, 25 mM for high glucose) at least three passages. The cells were grown on transwell system for 21 days to mimic human intestine system. Transepithelial electrical resistances (TEER) were measured to control monolayer formation and polarization. RNA isolation was performed and whole genome mRNA expression profile was determined following gene ontology analysis to find affected molecular pathways. Compared to control relative glucose level was found high in basolateral site of CaCo-2 cells that were under high glucose condition without effecting TEER. GLUT2, SGLT1, GLUT5 mRNA levels were significantly reduced during elevated glucose levels which is consistent with literature. Significant fold change analysis showed that 351 genes up-regulated and 468 genes under high glucose condition. We found high glucose significantly leads changes of molecular pathways (down-regulated; insulin signaling, focal adhesion, inositol phosphate, fructose/mannose, glycolysis and up-regulated; ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, spliceosome, protein export). These results provide us better understanding and open new window for glucose metabolism of enterocytes during obesity.

Biography:

Raymond Gemen is Nutrition and Health Manager at the European Food Information Council (EUFIC). He has received BSc in Biology from Utrecht University and an MSc in Nutrition & Health from Wageningen University, both in the Netherlands. He has worked as a nutrition scientist in different public and private organizations in Europe. He has been involved in several international (EU funded) research projects and is an experienced science communicator. He currently sits on the scientific advisory board of Voeding Nu (Dutch nutrition journal for health professionals) and is an active alumnus of the European Nutrition Leadership Platform (ENLP).

Abstract:

Dietetic practice involves more than just the delivery of nutrition and bodyweight related advice. Dietetic practice is essentially involved in the complex processes of encouraging and supporting behavior change and maintenance. Recent work on the myPace project has sought to articulate emerging perspectives in behavior change theory and consider their application to both dietetic practice and the design of digital resources to support dietitians using behavior change in their practice. The Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy, developed mainly for research purposes at the University College London, served as a basis. We conducted interactive workshops with leading European dietitians and a survey of 585 dietitians across 27 European countries to determine dietitian requirements for digital support in applying behavior change techniques in their practice. These procedures identified the behavior change techniques dietitians use most often and those they would like to know more about. Tutorial videos were found to be the preferred mode of delivery for the digital resources. We identified and sorted 10 behavior change priorities to be addressed in our digital resources for dietitians. Both the development of the video outlines and the scenarios, as well as the recording of the actual videos, was done by dietitians to ensure the relevance and applicability of the behavior change techniques in practice. The behavioral components of the videos were developed with behavior change experts. The digital resources, developed to support not only dietitians but also other health professionals who use behavior change in practice, will be made available free of charge and hosted on the website of the European Federation of Associations of Dietitians (EFAD), in the course of 2016.

Biography:

Seolhyang Baek has completed her PhD from Pusan National University and worked twice as a Research Fellow at The University of Birmingham School of Psychology Medicine in 2003 as well as MRC-HNR NNedPro, Cambridge in UK in 2015. She is the Director of the office of international affairs at Dongguk University, as well as a Nursing Professor at School of Medicine. She has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as Member of the committee of behavioral modification the Korean Society of Study of Obesity in South Korea

Abstract:

Prevalence of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases has not been decreased but rather increased in UK, one of most developed countries in which huge amount of effort have been implemented by government and health care professionals. The statistic possibly indicates that ordinary nutritional instruction such as ‘eat less, move more’ has not worked appropriately, therefore, we may need to turn our perspective toward newly emerging care paradigm such as person centered care in order to provision of quality nutrition care. The person centered care has emerged alongside four themes such as ‘care with dignity, compassion, respect’ ‘coordinated care’ ‘personalized care’ and ‘enable care’. The objective of this review was firstly to elicit gaps alongside those four themes of person centered care from scientific surveys that had conducted inside the UK. Secondly, in order to respond questions such as how to resolve the gaps as well as to clarify health care professional’s roles and responsibilities, recommendations from government and non-government stakeholders were reviewed; as a results of the finding, a few elements including liaison, training and education and awareness should be undertaken by all health care professionals. Doctors should perform specific activities such as detection and solving nutritional problem, whilst nurses should aware their legal limits and consult when required. Dietitians should develop nutritional training packages as well as provide talks and lectures for all health care professionals.

Biography:

Alzahraa Mahmoud Hassan Motawei has been awarded her PhD in 2014 from Mansoura University and Postdoctoral research in Preventive and Clinical Nutrition studies from Copenhagen University, Faculty of Science for one year 2015-2016. She is a Lecturer at Food Industries Department, Faculty of Agriculture. She has experience in Molecular Biotechnology from FH Aachen in Germany, 2011, a premier applied bio-sciences institution.

Abstract:

Whole barley flour is a rich source of beta-glucan which is approved for cholesterol lowering effect. This makes barley a promising diet to improve health conditions related to metabolic diseases, especially Diabetes Mellitus. This study aims to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effect of Whole Barley Bread (WBB) on lipid profile composition in diabetes induced hyperlipidemic rats in comparison with Whole Wheat Bread (WWB). The biochemical effects of WBB compared with WWB were investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats which were fed high cholesterol diet to cause mild hyperlipidemia. Thirty five rats were divided into 5 groups (7 rats each) (G1 control (+) and G2 control (-) as references) and 3 treatments fed on experimental diets, containing 100% WWB (G3), (50% WBB+50% WWB) bread (G4) and 100% WBB (G5), for eight weeks. Lipid profile composition total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL, LDL and atherogenic index A.I. percentage) was investigated initially and after 8 weeks. At the end point, HDL was significantly higher in G5 than in G3 (24.03 mg/dl (+41.18%) and 16.67 mg/dl (-7.36%) (P=0.005)), respectively. The LDL-reducing effect in G5 was (57.57 mg/dl (-6.44%) compared to 14.8% increase in 100% WWB group from initial point. TG and TC decreased significantly (-16.14%, -7.01%, (p≤0.05)) in G5 compared with +3.59% and -3.59% in G3. By analysis of A.I. percentage the decrease was -36.49% and -4.21% in G5 and G3, respectively (p<0.005) comparing groups. G4 showed intermediate insignificant changes. Dietary supplementation with whole barley bread increases HDL cholesterol and also improves the total lipid profile and may be used as anti-diabetic diet replacing WWB.

Biography:

Hudson Nyabuga Nyambaka is an Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry with extensive research in Nutritional Chemistry and he is the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Kenyatta University. He has completed his PhD degree in Food Science from the University of Leeds, UK and MSc degree from Kenyatta University. His research focuses on nutrients in foods with emphasis on processing procedures and their effects on nutritional and sensory values, bioavailability & bioconversion and food formulations. He has published several articles in reputable journals. He has supervised several PhD and MSc students, examined several theses and refereed several articles in reputable journals.

Abstract:

Nutritional therapy has been embraced as important in the care of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), as a way of optimizing the immune system, improving drug response and lowering medical care cost due to reduced susceptibility to opportunistic diseases. Further, some scientists are of the opinion that AIDS is caused by chemicals, drugs and malnutrition. Deficiency of micronutrients among PLWHA is associated with faster clinical progression of HIV disease to AIDS and supplementation of these elements has shown to improve immune system. Various intervention studies using food formulations consisting of indigenous foods have been used to evaluate the levels of serum zinc, retinol and alpha tocopherol and immunity with results indicating improved levels of the micronutrients and improved immunity. Use of indigenous food supplements have shown both clinical and immunological benefits and near significant reduction in viral load implying that low doses of micro nutrients favored viral load reduction. Since the use of HIV and AIDS drugs present several challenges including adverse health effects, resistance and compliance, mainstreaming the use of nutritional formulations in healthcare delivery looks promising.

Biography:

Catherine Wickham is a Doctoral Candidate and Research Assistant in the Nutrition Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, communication and nutrition education. She is a Registered Dietitian and obtained a MS in Nutrition from the University of Saint Joseph. She has taught courses in foodservice management, food preparation and food safety and has served as a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Elena Carbone at the Gustolab Institute, Rome, Italy. She has presented lectures on mhealth, the use of technology in diet assessment and obesity and has an extensive background in food service management.

Abstract:

One in three adolescents in the US is overweight or obese. This is a serious public health concern as these adolescents are experiencing serious health conditions once only seen in adults. Adolescents are at a unique life style stage and are beginning to develop transitional decision making skills. Innovative food literacy programs that address decision making, promote the use of community based participatory methods and use engaging technology are needed. Low income, ethnically diverse adolescents 12-16 years old from Springfield, MA were recruited to participate in the FuelUp&Go! pilot. The program included focus groups and six in-person sessions. In addition, participants used a fitness tracker and app, received weekly text messages and visited the programs website. Twenty one participants attended the sessions and matched pre/post survey data were collected from nine. Overall, food related knowledge was low but increased slightly at post test (from 3.00 to 3.56 points out of 9 points). Attitudes toward fruits and water did not improve; however, attitudes toward vegetables, sugar sweetened beverages and physical activities trended positive. Participants’ reported small increases in the number of days they engaged in physical activity. Overall, most program components were well received with a mean of 4.0 or greater (1=didn’t like at all, 5=really liked a lot) including wearing a tracker, syncing the tracker, visiting the program website, receiving weekly tips and learning about food related topics. Phase two of this project will begin in January of 2016. Insight gained from the pilot will help inform the implementation of program components for phase two.

Biography:

Dr. Alba Naudí has completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences in the area of physiology at the Faculty of Medicine in the University of Lleida in 2010. Nowadays, she is professor in the Experimental Medicine Department from the University of Lleida, teaching Nutricionists, Biomedical and Medical students. Her field of research has focused on the study of the aging process and neurodegenerative diseases from the point of view of oxidative stress and how the nutritionals interventions can modulate this process. She has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and has served as a peer reviewer for a number of scientific journals.

Abstract:

Calorie restriction (CR) is the best known nutritional treatment for the modulation of the aging process and for the increase of the maximum longevity in species ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates. However, new findings challenge the traditional consensus that the reduction in caloric intake by itself may promote an increased in longevity. It is known that protein restriction (PR) and specially methionine restriction (MetR) mimic the effects of CR, producing 50% of the observed increase in longevity. Although, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this effect are not well elucidate. Our work focus on the study of factors that cause a reduction of oxidative stress and the mean and maximum longevity increase during dietary interventions, in order to try to unravel some of the fundamental mechanisms of aging. We have used different kinds of nutritional interventions in rodents, such as 40% of PR or 40-80% of MetR, among others. We have demonstrated that PR and MetR induce a significant decrease in endogenous oxidative molecular damage at the level of mitochondrial DNA and protein injury, derived from glyco and lipoxidative damage. These interventions also produce changes in the fatty acid composition and a decrease in the susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Specifically, we have observed a specific lipidomic signatures in the central nervous system compared with liver in MetR mice. All these results place the methionine as a key aminoacid to modulate oxidative stress and longevity in rodents and throw light upon a possible extrapolation for human beings as a healthy nutritional intervention.

Biography:

Lisette CPGM de Groot is a Professor of Nutrition and Ageing at the Division of Human Nutrition at Wageningen University, the Netherlands. She was trained in nutrition, physiology and epidemiology at the Wageningen University. With academic posts at several University departments she has gained 25 years of research experience in the field of nutrition and health of elderly people, both in nutritional epidemiology (including e.g., SENECA, Survey in Europe on Nutrition and the Elderly; EURRECA European micronutrient recommendations aligned; HALE; NuAge; Chances) and in intervention studies in old age. Her research interests centres around the role of nutrition in the maintenance of health in old age with due attention for nutritional ways to slow down ageing related functional decline.

Abstract:

The ageing process is influenced by a variety of factors including extrinsic, malleable lifestyle variables. This paper deals with the epidemiological evidence for the role of dietary patterns and key nutritional concerns in relation to survival and ageing related disorders that present themselves in later life. With basically similar nutritional requirements as the adult population at large, in old age both the quality and the quantity of the diet are important to ensure that requirements for both macronutrient and micronutrient intakes are met. Specific nutritional concerns are related to vitamin D, vitamin B12 and protein malnutrition. As older people age, they may need fewer calories because they are not as physically active as when they were younger and their metabolic rate slows down. As a result nutrients and food components need to be obtained with less energy intake and nutrient and food density of the diet needs to increase Healthful dietary patterns appear to be most relevant in old age. Unfortunately sustained adherence to such generic guidelines tends to be low. Effective strategies to enhance or sustain adherence to such guidance are therefore warranted, further to the development of age-specific and up-to-date guidelines or recommendations specifically for older adults An important challenge to further expand the knowledge base is currently addressed by the NuAge project, acknowledging the complexity of the ageing process and integrating different dimensions of research into human healthy ageing. In the mean time reversing poor adherence to existing guidelines for a healthy diet remains a first challenge in public health nutritional practices.

Biography:

Jara Pérez-Jiménez completed her PhD in 2007. She has worked in several research centres and universities in Spain and France focused on the study of food bioactive compounds, in particular polyphenols, using a multidisciplinary approach. She is co-author of more than 45 highly-cited papers in international scientific journals, and more than 50 works presented in scientific meetings and invited conferences in different universities. She is a member of the Experts Committee on Human Nutrition of the French Agency of Food Safety, as well as of the Editorial Board of Food Research International.

Abstract:

Epidemiological and clinical studies show that diets rich in antioxidants reduce the overall risk of several chronic diseases. However, these studies focus exclusively on low molecular weight or soluble antioxidants (vitamins C and E, phenolic compounds and carotenoids), ignoring macromolecular antioxidants. These are polymeric phenolic compounds or polyphenols and carotenoids linked to plant food macromolecules that yield bioavailable metabolites by the action of the microbiota, with beneficial effects either local and/or systemic after absorption. Despite the increasing evidence of the potential beneficial role of macromolecular antioxidants (Pérez-Jiménez et al., Nutr Res Rev, 2013), including recent content data in F&V (Pérez-Jiménez and Saura-Calixto, Food Res Intl, 2015), studies on their presence in foodstuffs are still limited. This study aimed to evaluate by the first time the macromolecular antioxidant content in peels from common fruits. The analysis of macromolecular antioxidants by validated methodologies (including HPLC-MS) was carried out in peels from ten fruits. The samples presented appreciable contents of macromolecular antioxidants, from 700 mg/100 g dm in watermelon to 11,730 mg/100 g dw in banana. Mango and kiwi were also rich in macromolecular antioxidants- about 5,000 mg/100 g dm. Indeed, fruit peels had a higher content in macromolecular antioxidants than the edible part of the fruit, with proportions from 1.1-fold (apple) to 4.7-fold (watermelon). This shows the need to encourage whole fruit consumption, since peels may contribute to the intake of macromolecular antioxidants. It also suggests the application of fruit peels- commonly discarded in industry- as source of this new type of antioxidants.

Biography:

K M Appleton graduated from the University of Southampton in 1993 with a B Sc (Hons.) in Psychology and from the University of Leeds in 1998 with a PhD in Biological Psychology / Nutrition. She has worked at the Universities of Leeds, Surrey and Bristol and at Queen’s University, Belfast, UK and joined Bournemouth University in Sept. 2012. She is a Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society, 2001) and a Registered Nutritionist (Nutrition Society, 2001), with research interests that focus on understanding and encouraging healthy eating in the general population.

Abstract:

Protein-specific under-nutrition is considered to affect 10-40% of older adults in Europe and the US, with potential detriments to health and wellbeing. This under-nutrition is considered to result, at least in part, from low protein intakes. Various reasons for the low consumption of protein-rich foods can be provided by older adults and analyses of these reasons in association with low intakes of animal-based protein-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products) identify both the reasons of greatest impact on consumption and the reasons of greatest impact on consumption in those most at risk from low protein status. These reasons centre on a low liking for the taste of protein-rich foods, perceptions of inconvenience due to the effort involved, perceptions of low value for money in terms of high cost and high spoilage and wastage and low perceptions of healthiness. Strategies to increase intakes of protein-rich foods that focus on these particular reasons may demonstrate increased success, in terms of intakes and improved protein status. Several studies have recently investigated the impact of increasing liking for and the tastiness of protein-rich foods via the addition of already-liked tastes in the form of condiments, sauces or seasonings, or the use of repeated exposure and positive experience to increase familiarity. These studies typically demonstrate success in terms of intakes and thus can be effective in the short term, but impacts in the long term and so the impacts of these strategies on protein status are yet to be established. Strategies focusing on convenience, value for money and healthiness have also been attempted, but the evidence here is less comprehensive. This talk provides the detail of the work completed so far, and considers the work still needed.

Biography:

Xolile Mkhize is a PhD student in food and nutrition at the Durban University of Technology and has over 8 years industrial experience in the food industry. She is currently working as senior lecturer in the Department of Community Extension at Mangosuthu University of Technology and seats in the faculty of natural science research committee. She has published two papers and has presented in international and local conferences. She is also involved in food security projects within KwaZulu Natal with key focus on vulnerable groups.

Abstract:

A food security project is an instrumental platform for students to demonstrate acquired knowledge and practical applications in a nutrition course. A vulnerable community was used by students as a service learning platform in order to improve dietary diversification among elderly within this community. The objective was to develop a sustainable project focusing on vegetable production, nutrition education and providing extension advisory services for the gardens established. This was to improve vegetable intake and enhance dietary diversification. Structured questionnaires were developed for each team and presented through interviews and focus group discussions during visits for phase-one of the project. Student teams had to perform various tasks through a situational analysis of the environment; design assessment tools then, provide relevant activities to address nutritional needs. There was evidence of conceptualized nutrition education through educational material developed (providing translations in isiZulu) for the elderly to understand nutritional terms and food based dietary guidelines. Students demonstrated a link between nutrition, agriculture and extension as a comprehensive intervention for community members to sustain the project. More strategies are needed to improve eating patterns, food habits and agricultural production within the limited financial budget of this community.

Biography:

Lucjan Szponar was graduated at the Faculty of Medicine Lublin M.D.Ph.D 1971. Active participation in eight international EU research and implementation projects as a head of polish part: PERIAPT, ERA-NET; SafeFoodNet, SAFEFOODERA; PorGrow EU Project; PHARE 2001; PHARE 2002, MONIQA. Director of the National Food and Nutrition Institute (NFNI) 1991 –2001. Head of Department of Food Safety and Nutrition 1991- 2008. He has been assoc prof of medicine in Nutrition and Dietetic Department (NFNI) since 2013. Author or co-author of over 425 scientific publications on different aspects of descriptive epidemiology of human nutrition, food safety and prevention of diet related diseases.

Abstract:

Cross sectional ,representative ,at country level, nutrition surveys of non pregnant and pregnant women has been carried out in the period 1985 -2014. It was estimated the content of energy and nutrients in about 5000 non-pregnant and 2000 pregnant women daily diets . In each part of surveys the data about pattern nutrition were collected using 24 hour recall method. The findings were used as a inputs for diagnosis and early identification of health risks of non-pregnant, pregnant women and their offsprings. Main nutrition faults: • high prevalence energy from total fat, saturated fat and deficiency of n-3 PUFA; • too high sodium, phosphorus intake from daily diet in pregnant and non-pregnant women; o the lower than recommended or inadequate intake of iodine, iron, vitamin D • calcium ,fiber, folates. Conclusions • This nutrition surveys of women at 15-49 years are the most representative at national level in the last three decades: • Without improvement of nutrition and state of nutrition of women population at procreative age, is impossible to reduce prevalence of low birth weight, macrosomia and other health disturbances caused by faulty nutrition • To strengthen public health system, it seems to arouse interest of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy

Biography:

Catherine Wickham is a Doctoral Candidate and Research Assistant in the Nutrition Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, communication and nutrition education. She is a Registered Dietitian and obtained a MS in Nutrition from the University of Saint Joseph. She has taught courses in foodservice management, food preparation and food safety and has served as a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Elena Carbone at the Gustolab Institute, Rome, Italy. She has presented lectures on mhealth, the use of technology in diet assessment and obesity and has an extensive background in food service management.

Abstract:

One in three adolescents in the US is overweight or obese. This is a serious public health concern as these adolescents are experiencing serious health conditions once only seen in adults. Adolescents are at a unique life style stage and are beginning to develop transitional decision making skills. Innovative food literacy programs that address decision making, promote the use of community based participatory methods and use engaging technology are needed. Low income, ethnically diverse adolescents 12-16 years old from Springfield, MA were recruited to participate in the FuelUp&Go! pilot. The program included focus groups and six in-person sessions. In addition, participants used a fitness tracker and app, received weekly text messages and visited the programs website. Twenty one participants attended the sessions and matched pre/post survey data were collected from nine. Overall, food related knowledge was low but increased slightly at post test (from 3.00 to 3.56 points out of 9 points). Attitudes toward fruits and water did not improve; however, attitudes toward vegetables, sugar sweetened beverages and physical activities trended positive. Participants’ reported small increases in the number of days they engaged in physical activity. Overall, most program components were well received with a mean of 4.0 or greater (1=didn’t like at all, 5=really liked a lot) including wearing a tracker, syncing the tracker, visiting the program website, receiving weekly tips and learning about food related topics. Phase two of this project will begin in January of 2016. Insight gained from the pilot will help inform the implementation of program components for phase two.

Biography:

Regina Esiovwa Ahumareze is an experienced Pharmacist with a Distinction in Drug Discovery (MSc) from the School of Pharmacy, University of London. She worked for several years as the Superintendent Pharmacist at a reputable Nutraceutical company in Nigeria and she is particularly interested in the role of Nutraceuticals in disease prevention. Regina Esiovwa Ahumareze is the recipient of many awards including the Niger Delta Development Scholarship Award, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Award and the Delta State Scholarship Award. She is currently a PhD Researcher at the University of the West of Scotland.

Abstract:

Micronutrient deficiencies in people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been reported. Multivitamins can be used to address micronutrient deficiencies, however the benefits of multivitamins on health outcomes of PLHIV remain debateable. While some studies have reported the benefits of multivitamins in PLHIV, other studies have reported non-significant differences in outcomes of interest in control and multivitamin groups. With obvious differences in strength and composition of multivitamins used in the different studies, it is possible that the intervention (multivitamins) used for some of these studies may not have been dosed high enough to meet the level of micronutrient deficiencies in study participants resulting in non-significant results. It is possible that higher strength multivitamins may better meet existing micronutrient deficiencies resulting in better health outcomes in PLHIV. Hence we are currently conducting a double blind randomized controlled study in Lagos, Nigeria to compare three multivitamins. • Multivitamin A: Contains 7 micronutrients at recommended daily allowance (RDA) • Multivitamin B: Contains 22 micronutrients at RDA • Multivitamin C:Contains 22 micronutrients at 3times the RDA The aim of this six months study is to determine if any of the three multivitamins will produce better health outcomes in study participants. Participants are HIV positive children aged 5 – 12 years. Primary outcome is changes in CD4 count, and secondary outcomes are changes in serum selenium and zinc levels. Baseline and midpoint samples have been collected and are being analysed. Final samples will be collected from December 2015 – January 2016. Results of this study will be presented at the conference.

Biography:

Jolene Mateko Azagba-Nyako is currently a PhD candidate in Department of Human and Health Sciences, University of Westminster, UK with a background in Dietetics, Food Science and Technology. Her areas of speciality pertain to the nutrition in emergency, nutrition policy drafting (optimization, implementation and surveillance), nutrition interventions (infant-maternal nutrition interventions) and the development of tailored food product. She has over 10 years experience in the dietetics, nutrition and food technology sector (Ghana/UK) and is currently part of Home Grown School Feeding Project Team at the Noguchi Memorial Institute Medical for Medical Research, Ghana. She is currently a Reviewer for Journal of Functional Foods in Health and Disease.

Abstract:

School feeding interventions like many other nutrition interventions in low-income economies are usually designed according to donor interest. Such interventions often do not reflect the indigenous dietary preference and patterns of target populations; failure to consider such key determinants of food consumption greatly affects the sustainability and effectiveness of donor driven interventions. This study is part of the tailored functional food recipe concept that seeks to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition interventions by employing indigenous knowledge of food composition and processing to improve bioavailability of micronutrients in local available foods without compromising palatability. The aim of this study was to develop model meals (SC meals) for the Ghana School Feeding Program by employing local agricultural produce as food-to-food fortification. Each meal was developed using dietary intake data from local mothers and local agricultural production data. Formulations were based on indigenous recipes using nutrition data from FAO West-African-Food-Composition-Table and optimized to contain at least 40% DRI of protein for school children. AOAC (2009) methods were used to analyze the nutritional content of the SC meals and two sets of sensory tests (15 member trained panel and 50 untrained panel) were performed to determine acceptability. SC meals had mean protein content of 49.18 g per 100 g and overall sensory acceptability scores of 7 7.71±0.70. In an18-week nutrition intervention with the SC meals, anemia prevalence decreased by 7.32±1.59% in the intervention group compared to the control groups. These findings illustrate that the application science to indigenous nutrition knowledge could be a plausible tool in enhancing the nutritional sensitivity of school feeding, building local capacity as well as promoting food sovereignty.

Biography:

Dr. Syed Haris Omar has more than 4 years’ teaching with research experience in pharmacology and is the author of over 16 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including research, reviews, book chapters and conference papers. Furthermore, he has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. He has completed his PhD from the School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Australia. His research interest lies in the area of pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and nutrition related neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, he is member of various scientific society including, The Australian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologist (ASCEPT), Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), American Chemical Society (ACS), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Phytochemical Society of Europe (PSE), and European Brain and Behaviour Society (EBBS).

Abstract:

Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can quite often be due to a deficiency or abnormality in the diet. AD is a huge global burden, affecting 44 million people worldwide and that this will grow to more than 100 million cases by 2050. There are 342,000 Australians living with dementia and expected to soar to almost 900,000 by 2050. Currently, no treatment and cure for AD, while the available US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication delay the condition's development. Due to the severity in side effect and narrow therapeutic effect, recent studies suggested dietary recommendation for AD including the minimize intake of saturated fats and trans fats, and increase the intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains. Olive (Olea europaea) fruit, leaves and extra virgin oil are a good sources of unsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, offering a number of health beneficial activities mainly attributed to their antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activity. Studies have shown that people who closely follow a Mediterranean diet (contains olive) are less likely to experience cognitive decline. The evidence continues to climb showing olive oil, particularly the phenolic compounds have multiple benefits for the aging brain. Despite the huge and increasing amount of the in vitro studies trying to unravel the mechanisms of action of biophenols, bioavailability, biotransformation, synergism, and finally the mechanisms of antioxidant activity are still unanswered. The neuroprotective effects of these olive biophenols in the various in vitro and preclinical models of AD are highlighted.

Biography:

Victoria Padula de Quadros has completed her completed Master of Sciences from University of Campinas, Brazil and she is currently involved in a Masters program in Human Nutrition at the Associazione Biologi Ambientalisti Pugliesi (ABAP), Italy.

Abstract:

The adequate ingestion of proteins is determinant to the acquisition and maintenance of bone and muscular mass, especially in post-menopausal women. The objective of this study is to understand the effects of a low protein diet on the metabolism of sexual hormone deficient subjects undergoing or not an estradiol hormone reposition therapy (HRT). Adult female Wistar rats were distributed into control group, ovariectomized and 17β-estradiol treated ovariectomized groups fed with control or an isocaloric low protein diet (6,6% protein). Body weight gain, metabolism rate and total body composition were assessed as well as serum hormone content. The results showed the protein deficiency caused alterations in growth, diminishing the body weight, increasing the final body fat percentage, reducing the muscle and bone mass and also the bone density. The metabolic rate was reduced in low protein groups compared to controls and the levels of growth hormone (GH) and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were diminished. In addition, the low protein diet had a diabetogenic effect, increasing the glycaemia and decreasing the insulin levels. Although the low protein ovariectomized group was more affected compared to the controls, the combination with HRT showed an improvement on minimizing the damaging effect of the low protein diet compared to the control groups. We concluded that protein restriction has adverse effects on metabolism, leading to a worse condition of the menopause state and that HRT could improve these affected points. Thus, HRT can be effective to improve the status of post-menopausal women but should be associated with a healthy nutritional pattern.

Biography:

Moeko Kitagawa is a graduate student of Mukogawa Women’s University and is studying Administration Food Sciences and Nutrition at Graduate School of Human Environmental Sciences.

Abstract:

Aims: To examine our working hypothesis that an anti-inflammatory factors, mainly n-3 fatty acids (FA) might affect survival days of patients with GI cancers. Methods: All consecutive patients with GI cancers admitted between December 2012 and September 2015, for their treatment were enrolled as the subject of the present study. This was retrospective chart-review in a single institute. Patients with liver (AST, ALT, T-Bil>1.5 upper limit of normal range) or renal (s-creatinine>1.5 upper limit of normal range) dysfunction was excluded. The following data were collected: Demographics-sex, age, site and stage of cancer, body weight (BW) measured at the first before treatment (T1) and/or the last before death (T2); blood tests drawn at T1, T2 to measure FA profiles; and correlation between FA profiles and residual living days (RLDs) were analyzed. Results: 31 patients were enrolled. Demographics at T1(T2) male/female=19(15)/12(8), age 73.0(75.6), site of cancer-stomach/colon/Liver/bile tract/pancreas=3(2)/7(6)/6(4)/10(6)/5(5), Among all FA profiles analyzed, sum of serum n-3 FA value showed significant invert correlation with RLDs (p<0.05), although each FA involved in n-3, such as alpha linolenic acid, EPA and DHA did not show any relationship. Conclusion: Sum of serum n-3 FA values might show invert correlation with survival days in patients with GI and hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancers. To our knowledge, this observation is the first report although it is not clarified whether this correlation is causality or association.

Biography:

Teresa has a degree in Veterinary and made a Master of Nutrition, Technology and Food Safety. Two years ago she obtained an official pre-doctoral fellowship of the Education Ministry of the Spain government and currently she is a PhD student in the official doctoral program in Food Technology, Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Murcia under supervision of Dr. Gaspar Ros Berruezo, Dr. Carmen Frontela Saseta and Dr. Rubén López Nicolás.

Abstract:

The mechanisms involved in the regulation of food intake are, complex and imply different mechanisms. In this abstract, we have focused on the role of gut microbiota as a contributor to the regulation of energy homeostasis and energy intake. Changes in bacterial composition have been seen in both obese animals and humans, with reductions in Bacteroidetes and concurrent increases in Firmicutes. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of whey protein on the human gut microbiota of three obese donors and three normo-weight donors. The prebiotic potential of these substrates were assessed through in vitro gastrointestinal digestion following of a faecal batch cultures fermentations (mimicking a colonic fermentation) for 48 hours. Along fermentation pH and gas production were measured, as well as changes of microbiota. Total bacteria, Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Firmicutes and E. coli were quantified using RT-PCR. Results indicated a pH decreased in all samples, because of the metabolites of bacteria (shorts chain fatty acids among others). In relation with gas production values were higher in normo-weigth donors than obese. There was significatly differences in bacterial species respect donors as well as total bacterial and substrates. A tendency was also mostly observed to increased bifidobacteria and total bacteria in lean and obese donors, but Lactobacillus spp. was higher in obese than in lean subjects. In general, there was an increase of Bacteroidetes and Bifidobacterium. As conclusion, whey protein could have a role, not only lowering the caloric value and increasing satiety, but also modulating the gut microbiota in a healthy manner.

Biography:

Marina Potesta is currently a PhD student in Immunology and Applied biotechnology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. She has contributed to several research projects concerning studies on multiparametric techniques of cellular analysis for the evaluation of cytotoxic antitumoral and antiviral effect and immunological modification of vegetal extract during the treatment in vitro, especially studying the mechanism of apoptosis in lymphoid cell, hepatic cancer cells and HIV infected cells. She has published 7 scientific papers in national and international journals and 11 extracts from national and international scientific meetings document her experience.

Abstract:

The Moringa oleifera Lam (MO) is one of the widely distributed species in the family Moringaceae used in African traditional medicine. Different study shown anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulatory and pro-apoptotic activities of MO leaf extract. The MO pro-apoptotic and immune-modulatory effect could be attributed to immunogenic cell death (ICD) signal with release of damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and immune response stimulation. Considering the limited data available regarding MO mature seeds we have evaluated in tumor cells and PBMCs from healthy donor (HD PBMCs), the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of different MO aqueous extracts. We investigated the possible role of MO mature seeds extract treatment in the ICD associated DAMPs production and in CD4+ T cells activation and differentiation. Our results demonstrate an anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect mediated by MO mature seeds aqueous extract on tumor cells but not HD PBMCs. In particular MO induced apoptosis in human cancer cell lines resulted associated to BCL2 down-modulation and HMGB1, HSP70 release. The MO treatment determines a different effect on activation (CD69, CD25) and differentiation (CD45RA, CCR7) of PBMCs respect to Jurkat cell line. Moreover we observe in PBMCs treated with a chemotherapeutic (cyclophosphamide) an immune restore of CD3+CD4+ subtype after MO treatment. In conclusion the MO mature seeds aqueous extract is able to regulate the proliferation, the apoptosis and immune response in a different way in healthy cells respect to cancer cells. The capacity of MO to inducer of ICD hallmarks highlighted the possibility use of MO mature seeds extract as adjuvant in traditional cancer therapy.

Biography:

Teresa Sanchez Moya has completed her degree in Veterinary and Master in Nutrition Technology and Food Safety. She has also obtained an official Pre-doctoral Fellowship of the Education Ministry of the Spain Government and presently she is a PhD student in the official doctoral program in Food Technology, Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Murcia under supervision of Dr. Gaspar Ros Berruezo, Dr. Carmen Frontela Saseta and Dr. Ruben Lopez Nicolas.

Abstract:

Nowadays, there are many studies that relate the overweight and obesity with different gut microbiota populations. Lean and over-weight people may present differences in the composition of their gut microbiota and several mechanisms could explain the correlation between intestinal flora and obesity such as energy production from fiber, bacterial lipopolysaccharide negative effects or gene regulation in energy homeostasis. Dietary changes are related with variations in gut microbiota over the most important phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria). Based on this, we propose thet green tea could have effect in weight control and gastrointestinal satiety hormones release. In this work we have studied the effect of this plant extract over gut microbiota. For that, after gastrointestinal in vitro digestion of green tea, batch cultures fermentations were run using fecal material from six healthy donors (three normal-weight and three obese). Finally, aliquots at 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours were taken to analyse short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and microbiota evolution. Results showed no differences in the production of SCFAs between donors and between green tea and controls and this may be due to inter-individual variability in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. RT-PCR analysis of microbial population showed a reduction of total bacteria, with a higher decrease observed in the phylum Firmicutes and to a lesser extent in the genus Bifidobacterium indicating that, probably, a possitive effect of green tea on intestinal microbiota is produced.

Biography:

Markus Lehnert is an internationally prominent Certified Hypnotherapist (CHt), Regression Coach and Holistic Life Coach was trained and certified in USA and Germany. In addition to his longstanding and successful private practice, he works worldwide as a speaker, book author and seminar facilitator. Before he pursued his therapeutic profession, he was employed as an Investment Banker in New York, London and Frankfurt for twelve years. Markus Lehnert’s way of working is independent of belief systems influenced by cultural, religious, esoteric, philosophical or political perspectives.

Abstract:

This lecture/workshop is based on the book of the same name published by Ullstein Buchverlag Allegria. For the first time, it empirically demonstrates that our diet does not determine our emotions but that our emotions decide our eating behavior. They are the basis for our illnesses, pain and other health complaints. Depending on its contents, our diet reflects suppressed feelings, fears, anger or unfulfilled life goals. So we eat what we need emotionally. The special contribution of this approach is the perception that there are no direct and causal correlations between diet and health. This means that illnesses are no longer due to inferior, imbalanced or poor nutrition but result from an ongoing, no longer compensable suppression and disregard of emotional needs and life goals. So there is an indirect relationship between the diet and physical complaints and this takes place exclusively through the emotions. Accordingly, no diet is objectively healthy and only objectively unhealthy food exists. This is why all forms of dieting and dietary changes are doomed to long run failure from the start. This completely new approach clears away many misunderstandings and illusions related to nutrition and the development of illnesses. It does not contradict the findings of modern conventional medicine and nutritional science since these fields are primarily related to the purely physical effects of the diet. Instead, it expands these areas by considering the essential aspect of the emotions.

Biography:

Jolene Mateko Azagba-Nyako is currently a PhD candidate in Department of Human and Health Sciences, University of Westminster, UK with a background in Dietetics, Food Science and Technology. Her areas of specialty pertain to the nutrition in emergency, nutrition policy drafting (optimization, implementation and surveillance), nutrition interventions (infant-maternal nutrition interventions) and the development of tailored food product. She has over 10 years experience in the dietetics, nutrition and food technology sector (Ghana/UK) and is currently part of Home Grown School Feeding Project Team at the Noguchi Memorial Institute Medical for Medical Research, Ghana. She is currently a Reviewer for Journal of Functional Foods in Health and Disease.

Abstract:

School feeding interventions like many other nutrition interventions in low-income economies are usually designed according to donor interest. Such interventions often do not reflect the indigenous dietary preference and patterns of target populations; failure to consider such key determinants of food consumption greatly affects the sustainability and effectiveness of donor driven interventions. This study is part of the tailored functional food recipe concept that seeks to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition interventions by employing indigenous knowledge of food composition and processing to improve bioavailability of micronutrients in local available foods without compromising palatability. The aim of this study was to develop model meals (SC meals) for the Ghana School Feeding Program by employing local agricultural produce as food-to-food fortification. Each meal was developed using dietary intake data from local mothers and local agricultural production data. Formulations were based on indigenous recipes using nutrition data from FAO West-African-Food-Composition-Table and optimized to contain at least 40% DRI of protein for school children. AOAC (2009) methods were used to analyze the nutritional content of the SC meals and two sets of sensory tests (15 member trained panel and 50 untrained panel) were performed to determine acceptability. SC meals had mean protein content of 49.18 g per 100 g and overall sensory acceptability scores of 7 7.71±0.70. In an18-week nutrition intervention with the SC meals, anemia prevalence decreased by 7.32±1.59% in the intervention group compared to the control groups. These findings illustrate that the application science to indigenous nutrition knowledge could be a plausible tool in enhancing the nutritional sensitivity of school feeding, building local capacity as well as promoting food sovereignty.

Biography:

Catherine Wickham is a Doctoral Candidate and Research Assistant in the Nutrition Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, communication and nutrition education. She is a Registered Dietitian and obtained a MS in Nutrition from the University of Saint Joseph. She has taught courses in foodservice management, food preparation and food safety and has served as a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Elena Carbone at the Gustolab Institute, Rome, Italy. She has presented lectures on mhealth, the use of technology in diet assessment and obesity and has an extensive background in food service management.

Abstract:

One in three adolescents in the US is overweight or obese. This is a serious public health concern as these adolescents are experiencing serious health conditions once only seen in adults. Adolescents are at a unique life style stage and are beginning to develop transitional decision making skills. Innovative food literacy programs that address decision making, promote the use of community based participatory methods and use engaging technology are needed. Low income, ethnically diverse adolescents 12-16 years old from Springfield, MA were recruited to participate in the FuelUp&Go! pilot. The program included focus groups and six in-person sessions. In addition, participants used a fitness tracker and app, received weekly text messages and visited the programs website. Twenty one participants attended the sessions and matched pre/post survey data were collected from nine. Overall, food related knowledge was low but increased slightly at post test (from 3.00 to 3.56 points out of 9 points). Attitudes toward fruits and water did not improve; however, attitudes toward vegetables, sugar sweetened beverages and physical activities trended positive. Participants’ reported small increases in the number of days they engaged in physical activity. Overall, most program components were well received with a mean of 4.0 or greater (1=didn’t like at all, 5=really liked a lot) including wearing a tracker, syncing the tracker, visiting the program website, receiving weekly tips and learning about food related topics. Phase two of this project will begin in January of 2016. Insight gained from the pilot will help inform the implementation of program components for phase two.

Biography:

Regina Esiovwa Ahumareze is an experienced Pharmacist with a distinction in Drug Discovery (MSc) from the School of Pharmacy, University of London. She has worked for several years as the Superintendent Pharmacist at a reputable Nutraceutical company in Nigeria and she is particularly interested in the role of Nutraceuticals in Disease Prevention. She is the recipient of many awards including the Niger Delta Development Scholarship Award, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Award and the Delta State Scholarship Award. She is currently a PhD Researcher at the University of the West of Scotland.

Abstract:

Micronutrient deficiencies in people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been reported. Multivitamins can be used to address micronutrient deficiencies; however the benefits of multivitamins on health outcomes of PLHIV remain debatable. While some studies have reported the benefits of multivitamins in PLHIV, other studies have reported non-significant differences in outcomes of interest in control and multivitamin groups. With obvious differences in strength and composition of multivitamins used in the different studies, it is possible that the intervention (multivitamins) used for some of these studies may not have been dosed high enough to meet the level of micronutrient deficiencies in study participants resulting in non-significant results. It is possible that higher strength multivitamins may better meet existing micronutrient deficiencies resulting in better health outcomes in PLHIV. Hence we are currently conducting a double blind randomized controlled study in Lagos, Nigeria to compare three multivitamins. Multivitamin A: Contains 7 micronutrients at recommended daily allowance (RDA), Multivitamin B: Contains 22 micronutrients at RDA and Multivitamin C: Contains 22 micronutrients at 3 times the RDA. The aim of this six months study is to determine if any of the three multivitamins will produce better health outcomes in study participants. Participants are HIV positive children aged 5-12 years. Primary outcome is changes in CD4 count and secondary outcomes are changes in serum selenium and zinc levels. Baseline and midpoint samples have been collected and are being analyzed.

Biography:

Syed Haris Omar has more than 4 years’ teaching with research experience in pharmacology and is the author of over 16 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including research, reviews, book chapters and conference papers. Furthermore, he has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute. He has completed his PhD from the School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Australia. His research interest lie in the area of pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and nutrition related neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, he is member of various scientific society including, The Australian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologist (ASCEPT), Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), American Chemical Society (ACS), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Phytochemical Society of Europe (PSE), and European Brain and Behaviour Society (EBBS).

Abstract:

Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can quite often be due to a deficiency or abnormality in the diet. AD is a huge global burden, affecting 44 million people worldwide and that this will grow to more than 100 million cases by 2050. There are 342,000 Australians living with dementia and expected to soar to almost 900,000 by 2050. Currently, no treatment and cure for AD, while the available US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication delay the condition's development. Due to the severity in side effect and narrow therapeutic effect, recent studies suggested dietary recommendation for AD including the minimize intake of saturated fats and trans fats, and increase the intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains. Olive (Olea europaea) fruit, leaves and extra virgin oil are good sources of unsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, offering a number of health beneficial activities mainly attributed to their antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activity. Studies have shown that people who closely follow a Mediterranean diet (contains olive) are less likely to experience cognitive decline. The evidence continues to climb showing olive oil, particularly the phenolic compounds have multiple benefits for the aging brain. Despite the huge and increasing amount of the in vitro studies trying to unravel the mechanisms of action of biophenols, bioavailability, biotransformation, synergism, and finally the mechanisms of antioxidant activity are still unanswered. The neuroprotective effects of these olive biophenols in the various in vitro and preclinical models of AD are highlighted.

Biography:

Moeko Kitagawa is a graduate student of Mukogawa Women’s University and is studying Administration Food Sciences and Nutrition at Graduate School of Human Environmental Sciences.

Abstract:

Aims: To examine our working hypothesis that an anti-inflammatory factors, mainly n-3 fatty acids (FA) might affect survival days of patients with GI cancers. Methods: All consecutive patients with GI cancers admitted between December 2012 and September 2015, for their treatment were enrolled as the subject of the present study. This was retrospective chart-review in a single institute. Patients with liver (AST, ALT, T-Bil>1.5 upper limit of normal range) or renal (s-creatinine>1.5 upper limit of normal range) dysfunction was excluded. The following data were collected: Demographics-sex, age, site and stage of cancer, body weight (BW) measured at the first before treatment (T1) and/or the last before death (T2); blood tests drawn at T1, T2 to measure FA profiles; and correlation between FA profiles and residual living days (RLDs) were analyzed. Results: 31 patients were enrolled. Demographics at T1(T2) male/female=19(15)/12(8), age 73.0(75.6), site of cancer-stomach/colon/Liver/bile tract/pancreas=3(2)/7(6)/6(4)/10(6)/5(5), Among all FA profiles analyzed, sum of serum n-3 FA value showed significant invert correlation with RLDs (p<0.05), although each FA involved in n-3, such as alpha linolenic acid, EPA and DHA did not show any relationship. Conclusion: Sum of serum n-3 FA values might show invert correlation with survival days in patients with GI and hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancers. To our knowledge, this observation is the first report although it is not clarified whether this correlation is causality or association.

Biography:

Victoria Padula de Quadros has completed her Master of Sciences from University of Campinas, Brazil and she is currently involved in a Masters program in Human Nutrition at the Associazione Biologi Ambientalisti Pugliesi (ABAP), Italy.

Abstract:

The adequate ingestion of proteins is determinant to the acquisition and maintenance of bone and muscular mass, especially in post-menopausal women. The objective of this study is to understand the effects of a low protein diet on the metabolism of sexual hormone deficient subjects undergoing or not an estradiol hormone reposition therapy (HRT). Adult female Wistar rats were distributed into control group, ovariectomized and 17β-estradiol treated ovariectomized groups fed with control or an isocaloric low protein diet (6,6% protein). Body weight gain, metabolism rate and total body composition were assessed as well as serum hormone content. The results showed the protein deficiency caused alterations in growth, diminishing the body weight, increasing the final body fat percentage, reducing the muscle and bone mass and also the bone density. The metabolic rate was reduced in low protein groups compared to controls and the levels of growth hormone (GH) and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were diminished. In addition, the low protein diet had a diabetogenic effect, increasing the glycaemia and decreasing the insulin levels. Although the low protein ovariectomized group was more affected compared to the controls, the combination with HRT showed an improvement on minimizing the damaging effect of the low protein diet compared to the control groups. We concluded that protein restriction has adverse effects on metabolism, leading to a worse condition of the menopause state and that HRT could improve these affected points. Thus, HRT can be effective to improve the status of post-menopausal women but should be associated with a healthy nutritional pattern.

Biography:

Syed Haris Omar has more than 4 years’ teaching with research experience in pharmacology and is the author of over 16 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including research, reviews, book chapters and conference papers. Furthermore, he has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute. He has completed his PhD from the School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Australia. His research interest lie in the area of pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and nutrition related neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, he is member of various scientific society including, The Australian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologist (ASCEPT), Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), American Chemical Society (ACS), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Phytochemical Society of Europe (PSE), and European Brain and Behaviour Society (EBBS).

Abstract:

Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can quite often be due to a deficiency or abnormality in the diet. AD is a huge global burden, affecting 44 million people worldwide and that this will grow to more than 100 million cases by 2050. There are 342,000 Australians living with dementia and expected to soar to almost 900,000 by 2050. Currently, no treatment and cure for AD, while the available US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication delay the condition's development. Due to the severity in side effect and narrow therapeutic effect, recent studies suggested dietary recommendation for AD including the minimize intake of saturated fats and trans fats, and increase the intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains. Olive (Olea europaea) fruit, leaves and extra virgin oil are good sources of unsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, offering a number of health beneficial activities mainly attributed to their antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activity. Studies have shown that people who closely follow a Mediterranean diet (contains olive) are less likely to experience cognitive decline. The evidence continues to climb showing olive oil, particularly the phenolic compounds have multiple benefits for the aging brain. Despite the huge and increasing amount of the in vitro studies trying to unravel the mechanisms of action of biophenols, bioavailability, biotransformation, synergism, and finally the mechanisms of antioxidant activity are still unanswered. The neuroprotective effects of these olive biophenols in the various in vitro and preclinical models of AD are highlighted.

Biography:

Teresa Sanchez Moya has completed her degree in Veterinary and Master in Nutrition Technology and Food Safety. She has also obtained an official Pre-doctoral Fellowship of the Education Ministry of the Spain Government and presently she is a PhD student in the official doctoral program in Food Technology, Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Murcia under supervision of Dr. Gaspar Ros Berruezo, Dr. Carmen Frontela Saseta and Dr. Ruben Lopez Nicolas.

Abstract:

The mechanisms involved in the regulation of food intake are complex and imply different mechanisms. In this abstract, we have focused on the role of gut microbiota as a contributor to the regulation of energy homeostasis and energy intake. Changes in bacterial composition have been seen in both obese animals and humans with reductions in Bacteroidetes and concurrent increases in Firmicutes. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of whey protein on the human gut microbiota of three obese donors and three normo-weight donors. The prebiotic potential of these substrates were assessed through in vitro gastrointestinal digestion following of a fecal batch cultures fermentations (mimicking a colonic fermentation) for 48 hours. Along fermentation pH and gas production were measured, as well as changes of microbiota. Total bacteria, Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Firmicutes and E. coli were quantified using RT-PCR. Results indicated a pH decreased in all samples, because of the metabolites of bacteria (shorts chain fatty acids among others). In relation with gas production values were higher in normo-weigth donors than obese. There was significant differences in bacterial species respect donors as well as total bacterial and substrates. A tendency was also mostly observed to increased bifidobacteria and total bacteria in lean and obese donors, but Lactobacillus spp. was higher in obese than in lean subjects. In general, there was an increase of Bacteroidetes and Bifidobacterium. In conclusion, whey protein could have a role, not only lowering the caloric value and increasing satiety but also modulating the gut microbiota in a healthy manner.