Formation of whey protein-polyphenol meso-structures as a natural means of creating functional particles.

Whey proteins provide structure and nutritional properties in food, while berry juices are thought to have biological activity that can impart anti-inflammatory health effects. In combination, the two could be an excellent source of necessary and supplemental nutrients as well as expand the functionality of whey proteins in food structures. The objectives of this investigation were to (1) develop an approach for particle formation between whey protein and cranberry, blackcurrant, or muscadine grape juices, (2) determine resulting particle composition and physical characteristics, and (3) evaluate properties related to food structure stability and maintenance of phytochemical bioactivity. Particles were formed by combining 20% w/w whey protein with juice containing 50, 250, or 500 µg g(-1) total phenolics, adjusting pH to 4.5, and centrifuging to collect aggregated particles. Particles had an approximate molar ratio of 9-50 proteins per polyphenol, and the ratio increased with increasing phenolic content of the juice used to create the particles. Particle size ranged from 1-100 µm at pH 4.5, compared to 10 µm particles that formed when whey protein isolate alone was precipitated at pH 4.5. Polyphenols and other juice components, such as acids and sugars appeared to be involved in particle formation. Particles improved foam stability, and the anti-inflammatory properties of entrapped polyphenols were maintained in the particles. Highly functional protein-polyphenol particles can be designed to stabilize food structures and simultaneously deliver polyphenols associated with health benefits.

The influence of Corexit 9500A and weathering on Alaska North Slope crude oil toxicity to the ammonia oxidizing bacterium, Nitrosomonas europaea.

The toxicity of the water associated fraction (WAF) of Alaska North Slope Crude oil (ANSC), Corexit 9500A and the dispersant enhanced WAF (DEWAF) of ANSC:Corexit 9500A mixtures were examined on the model ammonia oxidizing bacterium, Nitrosomonas europaea. Corexit 9500A was not toxic at environmentally relevant concentrations. Corexit 9500A greatly increased the toxicity of ANSC by increasing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the DEWAF. However, a majority of the DEWAF compounds were not toxic to N. europaea. Weathered WAF and DEWAF were not toxic to N. europaea even though their COD did not change compared to non-weathered controls, suggesting that toxicity was due to a small volatile fraction of the ANSC. The over-expression of the NE1545 gene, a marker for aromatic hydrocarbon exposure, in N. europaea cells exposed to WAF and DEWAF suggests that aromatic hydrocarbons are bioavailable to the cells and may play a role in the observed toxicity.

I am doing the best that I can!: Living with inflammatory bowel disease and/or irritable bowel syndrome (part II).

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are 2 gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that are chronic, are debilitating, and diminish quality of life and have no known etiology. Persons with IBD and/or IBS share similar signs and symptoms, although IBS does not result in intestinal inflammation/alteration or increase one's risk for colorectal cancer as does IBD. The literature reports different mechanisms by which to cope with a GI disorder; however, few studies have focused on the life experiences/coping abilities from the perspective of those who have a GI disorder. As such, exploring the lived experiences of women diagnosed with IBD and/or IBS would provide information about coping strategies from the perspective of those affected, which in turn would be useful for other individuals affected by these conditions and individuals treating patients with GI disorders. PURPOSE: The overall objective of this research was to explore the lived experiences of women diagnosed with the GI disorders of IBD and/or IBS. This article will focus on the strategies that women used for coping with such a diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: Eight women diagnosed with IBD and/or IBS were recruited from a university in southern Ontario, Canada. Each woman completed a background questionnaire, an e-mail interview, and a face-to-face interview. These data were subsequently analyzed for trends using phenomenology to direct the analysis. RESULTS: Women reported using a number of strategies to help them cope with their diagnosis of IBD or IBS: positive attitude, support, controlling the situation and surroundings, distraction/ignoring the problem, relaxation techniques, and education/knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: This research enables women to share their experiences concerning their coping strategies used in the management of IBD and/or IBS. The qualitative nature of this study provides the "voice" of women who have a GI disorder, which is often lacking in the literature, thus providing healthcare professionals with insight into the feelings and experiences of these women. The inability to understand the experiences of individuals with chronic conditions can act as a barrier in the treatment and interaction/rapport between healthcare professional and client.

Beacon in the storm: an exploration of the spirituality and faith of parents whose children have cancer.

The purpose of this article is to describe the role of spirituality as a coping mechanism in the lives of parents of children with cancer. This exploratory study was conducted using a dominant-less dominant research design with phenomenology as the guiding theoretical orientation. Twelve parents (eight women and four men) were interviewed. Spirituality was described as playing a key role in the coping repertoire of these parents. In particular, spirituality's influence was described in both a religious and secularized manner with both aspects having a positive influence on coping behaviors among these parents. Health care professionals and nurses in particular have a role to play in facilitating access to spiritual resources as well as acknowledging and accepting the spiritual practices of the families they serve.