OAR@UM Collection:

Listeria Monocytogenes in fresh cheeselets.

2020-11-19T09:42:13Z

Title: Listeria Monocytogenes in fresh cheeselets. Abstract: Human listeriosis, the disease caused by the bacterium, has been previously linked to the consumption of cheeses. A study carried out in Portugal to detect and characterize L. monocytogenes in cheese production, established that although L. monocytogenes was not detected in cheese samples, 2 of 105 samples of raw milk destined to be used for cheese production were tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The isolates represented a ribotype that previously was linked to multiple human listeriosis outbreaks. The study also showed that during the ripenening of cheese, the physicochemical properties allowed the growth and the survival of L. monocytogenes (Kongo et al, 2006). Another study concluded that 6.3% of tested Latin-style Fresh cheese samples were found contaminated with L. monocytogenes. The most common isolated ribotype was previously linked to a multi state human listeriosis outbreak in the United States in 1998. According to this study, listeriosis outbreaks were previously linked to Latin-style fresh cheese made from unpasteurised milk, however the presence of the organism in pasteurized cheese products illustrates that persistent environmental contamination also represents an important source of finished product contamination (Kabuki et al, 2004). The aim of this dissertation is to establish whether locally produced Fresh Cheeselets can be considered safe from Listeria Monocytogenes. It should be kept in mind that results obtained from this study cover only the period when the study was carried out and is not a reflection of the past or the future. Description: B.SC.(HONS)ENV.HEALTH

Nutritional patterns in pre-school children from weaning to school age.

2020-11-16T09:49:03Z

Title: Nutritional patterns in pre-school children from weaning to school age. Abstract: Nutrition plays a critical role in athletic performance but many athletes do not follow a diet that helps them reach their full potential (Kleiner, 1997). Elite athletes utilise dietary knowledge as a critical and integral component of their training. In many studies dietary intervention has been shown to have a positive effect on athletic performance (Grandjean, 1997). It is not suggested that athletes need a diet which is substantially different from that recommended to the general population (American Dietetic Association et al, 2000). However, at the same time, different demands on speed or endurance do require a specific dietary regime pre, post and during an athletic event. Eating adequately from a variety of foods will satisfy the need for macronutrients and micronutrients (Kleiner, 1997). Generally speaking, athletes do not necessarily need vitamin and mineral supplements if intake of a wide variety of foods provides adequate energy to maintain body weight (ADA et al, 2000). Dietary choices are therefore a key to getting the best out of an athlete's performance for a given training regime, history and genetic makeup. It has been shown that knowledge of the right dietary practice is one of the main determinants of the diet adopted. For example in a study by Variyam et a/ (1998), higher education was found to promote more healthful food choices as a result of better access and use of health information. The eating choices people make are based on a wide variety of factors: economic, ethnic, religious, convenience, family, time, taste, health implications and many others. From these and other factors Thomas (1991 ), singles out knowledge of nutrition and beliefs about foods and health as the most amenable to modification and hence the quickest way to change dietary decisions. This study reports on a pilot project whose aim is to get an insight on the dietary practices of athletes and to see how their nutritional knowledge affects these dietary practices. The primary source of field data has been via questionnaires distributed to active athletes in four disciplines: volleyball, basketball, track and field athletics and football refereeing. Questions were designed to capture demographic and biometrical data, indication of commitment to sport, diet and eating habits. A food frequency questionnaire was also distributed to gain further insight on their dietary practices. The combination of this data allowed the author to extract their level of dietary knowledge and compare that to the nutritional practice followed. 200 questionnaires were distributed with an overall response rate of 29% With a distribution a cross sports disciplines as follows: 44% from football referees, 34% from track and field athletes, 28% from volleyball players and 12% from basketball players. The study found that dietary practice and nutritional knowledge do not vary significantly between genders or across sports discipline or by age. It has also been concluded that there is a significant positive correlation between nutritional knowledge and the diet adopted by local athletes. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS

A comparison of nurses' eating habits working in the operating theatres at the Maltese general hospital.

2020-11-16T08:53:36Z

Title: A comparison of nurses' eating habits working in the operating theatres at the Maltese general hospital. Abstract: This study sought to examine nurses' eating habits working in the operating theatres at the Maltese acute general hospital, Mater Dei hospital. Qualitative data was collected from 67 nurses working at the operating theatres in Mater Dei hospital. The data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was later on analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 16 and the Nutritionist Five computer program. There seemed to be no differences in the overall distribution of calories in day and night shift workers. However results showed that overall, nurses had high body mass indexes resulting from an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and increased intake of caffeine in both shift workers. Levels of stress seemed to be high in all workers. From the discussion various recommendations such as the importance of continuous health screening to all those working on shift basis, and the need for better education on eating and drinking for health shift workers have been put forward. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS

Comparison of body mass index versus waist circumference measurements in hypercholesterolemia sufferers : a comparative study.

2020-11-16T08:36:59Z

Title: Comparison of body mass index versus waist circumference measurements in hypercholesterolemia sufferers : a comparative study. Abstract: i. Aim The study attempted to identify whether the two anthropometric measurements; waist circumference and body mass index could predict hypercholesterolemia independently, and which tool was the most reliable in this prediction. Concurrently the study attempted to bring out similarities and discrepancies in health risk factors in patients who suffer from hypercholesterolemia and those that do not. ii. Method and Subjects In this comparative study 60 adults aged between 20 to 60 years were chosen. Thirty adult who had normal levels of total cholesterol (< 5mmol) were chosen randomly. These subject fit particular selection criteria such as; never suffered from hypercholesterolemia and suffered from no spinal and abdominal deformities. The experimental subjects suffered from high levels of total cholesterol; levels > 5mmol especially high LDL cholesterol. These subjects were referred from a Lipid consultant. All the subjects underwent the same assessments, which included standardized methods (as used by Ingrid Logfren eta! (2004)) of waist circumference and body mass index as well as personal information which investigated associated health risks with hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease. iii. Results and Discussion The relationship between waist circumference and body mass index and waist circumference (p=0.620) and physical activity, body mass index and physical activity (p=0.267), has resulted in a non-significant relationship, probably because of the small sample size used when compared to the whole population of Malta. Results have also been insignificant in the incidence of family history of hypercholesterolemia and hypercholesterolemia, job type (p=0.067) and hypercholesterolemia as well as those following a diet plan and suffering from hypercholesterolemia. On the other hand, it was observed that people suffering from hypercholesterolemia (group A) suffered considerably more from hypertension than non-sufferers (group B) (p=O.OO1).It was observed that most of the subjects in this sample population are under medical care (p=O.OOO). These relationships are significant. Most importantly the likelihood ratio of W.C (p=0.004) and hypercholesterolemia showed that W.C is a good predictor of hypercholesterolemia. The same was observed for BMI (p=0.949), but the likelihood ratio was stronger for the W.C iv. Conclusion and recommendations The study confirmed that body mass index and waist circumference can independently predict hypercholesterolemia. W.C has been shown to be a stronger predictor of incidence of hypercholesterolemia as waist measurements increased, independently form body mass index. Despite this it is still recommended to use both measurements together in a clinical setting. Ultimately it is clear that central fat distribution is strongly linked with hypercholesterolemia than general fat distribution which is measured by the body mass index. The study recommends that larger population studies need to be conducted for better validation of these tools. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS