Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition
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Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and certainly the major cause of disability in the world. WHO has estimated that between 1990 to 2020 the world will witness an increase in stroke mortality of 78% in woman and 106% in man. ⋯ Of these, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidemia, homocysteinemia and alcoholism are obviously affected by lifestyle and nutrition. However, whilst epidemiology studies have noted an association of nutritional practice with stroke risk, further research is needed to show how nutritional interventions can be effective in stroke prevention.
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The food industry in the Asia Pacific region is gigantic in size, and is therefore a key element in the economic development prospects for the region. It is estimated that in 2000, for example, total expenditure on food and beverages in China was worth $US 188.5 billion, second only to that in Japan at $322 billion. Yet it is clear that given the expansion of both populations and incomes in the region this market will expand rapidly over the next few years. ⋯ These developments will put increasing pressures on quality standards at all levels, with a growing emphasis on food safety, integrity, quality, and nutritional and health impacts. This paper reviews the current status of the food industry and the food trade in the region, and presents some projections for future developments. Particular emphasis is given to policy choices that must be made to ensure that the food system in the region develops in ways that are sustainable and most beneficial to the population as a whole.
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Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · Jan 2007
The validity of the World Health Organisation's obesity body mass index criteria in a Turkish population: a hospital-based study.
Our aim was to determine the relationship between body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass index (BMI) and to evaluate the validity of World Health Organisation's BMI cut-off values for obesity. Adult out-patients (n=909, 249 men, 660 women), mean age; 40.5 +/- 14.1 years were included. According to WHO's BMI criteria, 440 subjects were obese (79 men, 361 women). ⋯ The increase was more pronounced in men (67.1% vs. 26.6%). The WHO cut-off values underestimated the frequency of obesity in this population. Further studies are warranted for different ethnic groups.
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Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · Jan 2007
Influences on maternal and child nutrition in the highlands of the northern Lao PDR.
In two remote northern provinces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, provincial and district teams were trained and subsequently conducted a qualitative study using a participatory approach to investigate people's knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices in relation to women's and children's nutrition. Using focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and structured observation, the teams found that certain nutrition behaviours, including food taboos, may contribute to the high prevalence of child malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in these northern provinces. ⋯ In particular, barriers to exclusive breastfeeding, food taboos and hygiene behaviour could be addressed. The study also demonstrated that with appropriate training, supervision and support, local teams are able to plan and conduct a large-scale qualitative study.
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Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · Jan 2007
Hypoalbuminemia is a predictor of delayed postoperative bowel function and poor surgical outcomes in right-sided colon cancer patients.
To determine the relationship between preoperative serum albumin and postoperative bowel function as well as surgical outcomes in right-sided colon cancer patients. ⋯ Hypoalbuminemia is a potential predictor of delayed recovery of bowel function postoperatively and significantly associated with postoperative complications in right-sided colon cancer patients undergone right hemicolectomy.