Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences

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The 101L mutation in murine PrP can alter transmission across three species barriers
(2002) Barron, Rona; Jamieson, Elizabeth; Thomson, Val; Melton, David W.; Will, Robert; Ironside, James; Manson, Jean C.
25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in paediatric cancer patients from Scotland: A prospective cohort study
(Cambridge University Press, 2016-12-15) Revuelta-Iniesta, Raquel; Paciarotti, Ilenia; Davidson, Isobel; McKenzie, Jane; Brand, Celia; Chin, Richard; Brougham, Mark FH; Wilson, D. C.
Children with cancer are potentially at high risk of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] inadequacy and despite UK vitamin D supplementation guidelines their implementation remains inconsistent. Thus, we aimed to investigate 25(OH)D concentration and factors contributing to 25(OH)D inadequacy in paediatric cancer patients. A prospective cohort study of Scottish children aged <18 years, diagnosed with and treated for cancer (patients) between Aug 2010-Jan 2014 was performed, with control data from Scottish healthy children (controls). Clinical and nutritional data were collected at defined periods up to 24 months. 25(OH)D status was defined by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (2013); inadequacy [<50 nmol/L: deficiency (<25 nmol/L), insufficiency (25-50 nmol/L)], sufficiency (51-75 nmol/L), optimal (>75 nmol/L). Eighty-two patients [median(IQR) age 3.9(1.9-8.8); 56% males)] and 35 controls [median(IQR) age (6.2(4.8-9.1); 49% males] were recruited. 25(OH)D inadequacy was highly prevalent in the controls (63%; 22/35), and in the patients (64%; 42/65) at both baseline and during treatment (33-50%). Non-supplemented children had the highest prevalence of 25(OH)D inadequacy at every stage with 25(OH)D median(IQR) ranging from 32.0 (21.0-46.5) nmol/L to 45.0(28.0-64.5) nmol/L. Older age at baseline [R=-0.46; p<0.001], overnutrition (BMI ≥85th centile) at 3 months [p=0.005; RR=3.1] and not being supplemented at 6 months (p=0.04; RR=4.3) may have contributed to lower plasma 25(OH)D. Paediatric cancer patients are not at higher risk of 25(OH)D inadequacy than healthy children at diagnosis; however prevalence of 25(OH)D inadequacy is still high and non-supplemented children have a higher risk. Appropriate monitoring and therapeutic supplementation should be implemented.
A 12 week activity point system achieves weight loss in sedentary overweight and obese women: a pilot study
(Cambridge University Press, 2012) Findlay, Sally; Davidson, Isobel; Smith, Sara; Jones, Jacklyn
A comparative study of the formation of extracellular proteins by Aeromonas salmonicida at two different temperatures
(Wiley, 1987-04) Fyfe, Lorna; Coleman, G.; Munro, A. L.
Aeromonas salmonicida was grown in a supplemented 3% (w/v) tryptone soya broth medium at 10 degrees C, a temperature at the lower end of the range over which furunculosis has been observed to occur in the field, and 25 degrees C, the optimum temperature for growth. Similar bacterial densities in the range 2.35 +/- 0.05 mg dry wt/ml were achieved in the two cultures at the beginning of the stationary phase of the growth cycle, after 125 h at 10 degrees C and 18 h at 25 degrees C. At this point, at the higher temperature 1.5 times more exoprotein was formed, 80 +/- 2.8 micrograms/ml compared with 54 +/- 1.7 micrograms/ml. Exoprotein contained the same proportion of haemolysin at both temperatures and twice as much protease at the higher temperature. The most marked difference was in an unidentified 100 kD protein which was formed in a 10-fold greater amount at 10 degrees C.
A comparison of the characteristics of extracellular protein secretion by a Gram positive and a Gram negative bacterium
(Plenum Press, 1987) Coleman, G.; Abbas, A.; Sutherland, J.; Fyfe, Lorna; Finley, A.; Chaloipka, J.; Krumphanzi, V.
A comparison of the distribution of extracellular proteins produced by the protease-secreting organism Aeromonas salmonicida during aerobic and anaerobic growth
(1986) Fyfe, Lorna; Coleman, G.; Munro, A. L.
Aeromonas salmonicida was grown aerobically and anaerobically in supplemented 3% (w/v) tryptone soya broth medium for 24 h at 25 degrees C. Although the bacterial density achieved was 4.9 times higher in the aerobic culture, the exoprotein produced per unit of bacterial dry weight was only 1.9 times higher than in the anaerobic culture. However, the protease activity of the exoprotein showed a marked reduction anaerobically, being only one-tenth of that of the exoprotein produced aerobically. This finding was consistent with the differing SDS-PAGE patterns of the extracellular proteins from the two cultures, which also showed marked loss and reinforcement of other, as yet unidentified extracellular products.
A need to reconsider the definition of 'healthy participants' in epidemiological studies and clinical trials
(Nature, 2014-06) Farhat, Grace
Health is defined as the absence of disease with a state of physical, mental and social welfare.1 Overweight and obesity describe weight ranges that are above the healthy limits, and are frequently assessed by body mass index (BMI) and also by waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage.2 BMI provides a rough estimate of the body fat percentage for most people, with few exceptions as in the case of athletes (it overestimates fat mass) and older people (it underestimates fat mass). Central body fat distribution has been regarded as an important predictor of chronic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
A new taxonomy of current physiotherapy treatment approaches, developed with a stakeholder group, enables clinically relevant evidence synthesis within a Cochrane systematic review.
(Wiley, 2013-12) Baer, Gill; Campbell, P.; Morris, J.; Choo, P-L; Forster, A.; Pollock, A.
Introduction:-Clear, clinically relevant taxonomies of complex rehabilitation interventions are essential to enable objective evidence synthesis within systematic reviews. Classifications of current physiotherapy treatment approaches are generally inadequately defined, difficult to apply objectively, and lack universal international acceptance or interpretation. We aimed to determine an internationally, clinically relevant taxonomy of physiotherapy treatment approaches using language and terminology agreed by physiotherapists and stroke survivors. Method:-We systematically extracted descriptions of physiotherapy approaches from the trials currently included in the Cochrane review, and from foreign-language trials listed as 'awaiting assessment'. We convened a stakeholder group, comprising 13 purposively selected stroke survivors, carers and physiotherapists. Nominal group techniques were used to reach consensus decisions. The group debated the treatment components described within the trials of physiotherapy approaches, reached consensus on key types of intervention components, agreed descriptions of components and determined categorisation for synthesis of evidence within an update of a Cochrane review. Results:-84% of the stakeholder group agreed that the current categories were no longer clinically relevant. 27 intervention components were identified and described from the intervention components described within 31 trials. These were grouped into categories of: functional task training, musculoskeletal intervention (active), musculoskeletal intervention (passive), neurophysiological intervention, cardiopulmonary interventions, assistive devices and modalities. 100% of the stakeholder group agreed with these intervention component descriptions and categories. Conclusion:-A clinically relevant taxonomy of physiotherapy intervention components has been agreed, and will be used to categorise evidence within a major update of a Cochrane systematic review of physiotherapy treatment approaches.
A pilot study to investigate the effect of stage one thickened fluids on fluid and energy intake among healthy subjects
(Wiley, 2010) MacKemman, G.; Bannerman, Elaine; Davidson, Isobel; Jones, Jacklyn
A Randomised Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of a Nucleotide-Containing Supplement Nucell on Symptoms of Participants with the Common Cold - A Pilot Study
(ECronicon, 2016-05-20) Davidson, Isobel; Fyfe, Lorna
Objectives: To ascertain whether a nucleotide containing nutritional supplement Nucell attenuates self-reported symptoms of the common cold. Design: A randomised controlled trial. Setting: A University. Participants: Participants with self-reported symptoms of the common cold but otherwise healthy individuals. Intervention: Nucell capsules containing a yeast-based nucleotide preparation or placebo were provided over a 28 day period. Outcome Measures: Subjective ratings of symptoms were recorded by self-administered questionnaires using a nine-point scale. Salivary IgA concentrations were analysed from samples collected during the first 7 days and then at days 14,21 and 28 of supplementation. Total and white blood cell counts were also measured throughout the intervention. Results: Thirty-six participants completed the study. Nineteen received Nucell and 17 received the placebo. The mean age of participants was similar (29.8 + 2.5 in Nucell group v 30.7 + 2.7 in control group) and the time participants had been suffering from cold-related symptoms was not significantly different in each treatment group (2.5 + 0.40 days in Nucell v 2.9 + 0.47 days in control group). Severity of self-reported symptoms was significantly attenuated in the Nucell treated group in the first week of supplementation for questions asked with respect to taste, painful sinuses and earache (p< 0.05). Supplementation with Nucell did not adversely affect total or differential white blood counts. Conclusion: These results suggest that Nucell supplementation administered as a treatment for cold-related symptoms may reduce the severity of specific symptoms particularly in the early infective phase. In conclusion, Nucell supplementation may provide subjective relief of some cold-related symptoms and may be of significant benefit administered as a treatment in participants where sinus pain, earache and diminished taste are common symptoms.
A randomised trial of the impact of energy density and texture of a meal on food and energy intake, satiation, satiety, appetite and palatability responses in healthy adults
(Elsevier, 2014-10) Pritchard, Sarah J.; Davidson, Isobel; Jones, Jacklyn; Bannerman, Elaine
Background & aims: Texture modified diets may be enriched to optimise the opportunity for individuals to meet their required energy intakes; however there is insufficient evidence supporting this strategy. Thus we sought to investigate the effect of texture and energy density on food (g) and energy intakes (kcal), appetite (satiation and satiety), and palatability in healthy adults. Methods: A single blind within-subjects randomised crossover design, where 33 healthy adults consumed a test meal with either its texture and/or energy density altered, until satiation was reached whilst rating their appetite parameters. Subsequent intakes were recorded in a food diary to determine the effect of the treatments on satiety and identify any evidence of energy compensation. Results: Test meal energy intakes (kcal) were significantly higher with energy enrichment of both meals (standard texture; 315 kcal and texture modified; 303 kcal (p = 0.001)) and remained higher over the day for both (260 kcal/d and, 225 kcal/d respectively (p < 0.05)). Area under the curve (AUC) did not differ between meals for hunger, fullness, or desire to eat however palatability was significantly reduced with texture modification. Conclusions: Enriching meals (standard texture and texture modified) is an effective method to increase short term energy intakes in healthy adults over a 24 h period and may have application to optimise energy intakes in a clinical setting. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT00123456. 2013 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism.
A review of the biological and potential therapeutic actions of harpagophytum procumbens
(John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2007-11-24) McBean, Douglas; Grant, L.; Fyfe, Lorna; Warnock, Mary
Harpagophytum procumbens (Hp), commonly known as Devil's Claw is a perennial plant which thrives in arid conditions. For centuries, it has been used as a traditional treatment for a variety of illnesses, including fevers, skin complaints, arthritis and diseases of the digestive tract as well as an appetite stimulant. Since its introduction to Europe in the early twentieth century, it has become a popular antiinflammatory and analgesic preparation amongst herbalists for supportive or adjuvant treatment of degenerative joint diseases, tendonitis, headache, backache and menstrual pain. The validity of Hp as an effective antiinflammatory and analgesic preparation, particularly in the relief of arthritic symptoms, has been investigated in numerous animal, clinical and in vitro studies. Although some contradictory evidence exists, the majority of animal studies appear to indicate Hp as an effective antiinflammatory and analgesic preparation in the treatment of acute and subacute inflammation. Clinical trials support Hp as a beneficial treatment for the alleviation of pain and improvement of mobility in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Analysis of the in vitro and ex vivo studies that currently exist, indicate that Hp has significant effects on numerous proinflammatory markers. However, the exact mechanism(s) by which Hp may reduce inflammation remain to be elucidated.
A review on immunonutrition in parenteral and enteral nutrition
(1993) Fyfe, Lorna
A short study exploring the effect of the glycaemic index of the diet on energy intake and salivary steroid hormones
(2019-01-24) Al-Dujaili, Emad A. S.; Ashmore, Sophie; Tsang, Catherine
The glycaemic index or load (GI or GL) is a concept for ranking carbohydrate-rich foods based on the postprandial blood glucose response compared with a reference food (glucose). Due to the limited research investigating the effect of the GI or GL of the diet on salivary steroidal hormones, this explorative short study was conducted. 12 female participants consumed a low GI and a high GI diet for three days each, followed by a washout period between each intervention. Saliva was collected at baseline, and following the low or high GI diets. Cortisol and testosterone concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). GI and GL were significantly different between the low and high GI diets ( < 0.001). There was a small but significant increase in salivary cortisol after the high GI diet (7.38 to 10.93 ng/mL, = 0.036). No effect was observed after the low GI diet. Higher levels of testosterone were produced after the low GI diet (83.7 to 125.9 pg/mL, = 0.002), and no effect was found after the high GI diet. The total intake of calories consumed on the low GI diet was significantly lower compared to the high GI diet ( = 0.019). A low GI diet was associated with a small but significant increase in salivary testosterone, while a high GI diet increased cortisol levels. Altering the GI of the diet may influence overall energy intake and the health and wellbeing of female volunteers.
A stable analogue of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, GIP(LysPAL16), enhances functional differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into cells expressing islet-specific genes and hormones
(De Gruyter, 2006-07) Marenah, Lamin; McCluskey, Jane T.; Abdel-Wahab, Yasser H.; O'Harte, Finbarr P. M.; McClenaghan, Neville H.; Flatt, Peter R.
Embryonic stem (ES) cells can be differentiated into insulin-producing cells by conditioning the culture media. However, the number of insulin-expressing cells and amount of insulin released is very low. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) enhances the growth and differentiation of pancreatic beta-cells. This study examined the potential of the stable analogue GIP(LysPAL16) to enhance the differentiation of mouse ES cells into insulin-producing cells using a five-stage culturing strategy. Semi-quantitative PCR indicated mRNA expression of islet development markers (nestin, Pdx1, Nkx6.1, Oct4), mature pancreatic beta-cell markers (insulin, glucagon, Glut2, Sur1, Kir6.1) and the GIP receptor gene GIP-R in undifferentiated (stage 1) cells, with increasing levels in differentiated stages 4 and 5. IAPP and somatostatin genes were only expressed in differentiated stages. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed the presence of insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and IAPP in differentiated ES cells. After supplementation with GIP(LysPAL16), ES cells at stage 4 released insulin in response to secretagogues and glucose in a concentration-dependent manner, with 35-100% increases in insulin release. Cellular C-peptide content also increased by 45% at stages 4 and 5. We conclude that the stable GIP analogue enhanced differentiation of mouse ES cells towards a phenotype expressing specific beta-cell genes and releasing insulin.
A study of Fluid provision and consumption in a rehabilitation hospital in Scotland, UK
(Cambridge University Press, 2011-01) Williams, L.; Jones, Jacklyn; Davidson, Isobel; Bannerman, Elaine
A study of fluid provision and consumption in elderly patients in a long-stay rehabilitation hospital
(2015-07) Gaff, L.; Jones, Jacklyn; Davidson, Isobel; Bannerman, Elaine
Background Adequate hydration is key to good clinical care and essential for preventing problems in elderly patients such as constipation, pressure sores and confusion. The present study aimed to evaluate fluid provision and consumption in elderly patients against current standards for Scottish hospitals. Methods A service evaluation, of fluid provision and consumption over 24 h by elderly orthopaedic rehabilitation patients in a long-stay hospital in Scotland was conducted. Fluids provided and consumed from trolley services, those at meal times and beverages from jugs of water were measured. The average fluid content of a jug, cup and glass on each ward was determined. Each jug of water provided was recorded, as was the acceptance of hot and cold drinks offered. Intake was determined by measuring the leftover water in each jug when these were refreshed and any leftover liquid in patients' cups deducted from that provided. Observations were made with respect to the presentation and encouragement of fluids. Results Fifty-eight patients (12 males, 46 female, aged ≥65 years) were monitored, of whom 56 were provided with more than the recommended minimum fluid per day [mean (SEM) = 2379 (82) mL]; however, mean intake was lower than recommended [mean (SEM) = 1302 (60) mL; P = 0.002]. Provision of drinks from a trolley service [mean (SEM) = 956 (44) mL] was less than fluid from jugs [mean (SEM) = 1398 (54) mL; P = 0.002]; however, the consumption of drinks from the trolley was greater [77% consumed, mean (SEM) = 770 (46) mL] than from jugs [41% mean (SEM) = 514 (36) mL; P < 0.001]. Conclusions Patients consumed significantly more fluid from individual beverages than jugs. Consideration of the method of fluid provision is important with respect to influencing fluid intakes.
A study of the pathological effect of isolated Aeromonas salmonicida extracellular protease on Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar
(Wiley, 1986-09) Fyfe, Lorna; Finley, A.; Coleman, G.; Munro, A. L. S.
A comparison was made between the effects of Aeromonas salmonidda extracellular protease and total extracellular products (ECP) following intramuscular injection into juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. Thus, 20, 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.5 units of salt-free protease in 0.2 ml water were compared with ECP preparations with the same levels of proteolytic activity. The highest concentration of ECP produced a gross pathology with a large furuncular lesion 36 h after injection. The corresponding protease preparation had a lesser effect, although a furuncle was formed and tissue liquefaction was produced. These effects were less marked with reduced concentrations. At the lowest level studied, no significant effect was observed with protease alone but ECP (0.8 _g of protein) produced a small, characteristic lesion similar to that achieved with 5 units of isolated protease.
A study of wound healing in the E11.5 mouse embryo by light and electron microscopy
(Elsevier, 1993-04) McCluskey, Jane T.; Hopkinson-Woolley, James; Luke, Babara; Martin, Paul
In this paper we report our light and electron microscopic studies of the healing of a simple excisional lesion to the E11.5 mouse embryo hindlimb. The wounded living embryo is cultured in a roller bottle and under such conditions the lesion is completely re-covered with epithelium by 24 hr. We discuss how our studies of such a simple wound healing model may offer insight into the mechanisms of tissue repair generally.
A study to determine if moringa leaf powder is an acceptable supplement to combine with maize meal for Malawian children
(Nutrition Society, 2010) McLellan, L.; McKenzie, Jane; Clapham, Michael