Assessment of saccharide fractionation by ultrafiltration and nanofiltration

This paper addresses the investigation of the fractionation of saccharide mixtures and saccharide mixtures with calcium using ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF). A set of cellulose acetate membranes covered a wide range of molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) ranging from 250 to 46,000 Da and the total feed concentration of saccharides mixtures varied from 1550 to 4700 ppm with the ratio of the two saccharides-solutes (glucose to raffinose) being kept constant at the value of 1.8. The evolution pattern of the saccharide concentration ratio in the UF/NF permeate streams displayed a dependence on the membrane MWCO, on the total sugar concentration and on the presence of calcium ions. For the highest total sugar content, the membranes with MWCO from 2000 to 7000 Da showed saccharide fractionation capability that was enhanced in the presence of calcium. The Steric Pore Flow Model was used to predict individual solute permeation behaviours and to assess the deviations to steric hindered transport of the solutes in multi-component saccharide solutions. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The D1822V APC polymorphism interacts with fat, calcium, and fiber intakes in modulating the risk of colorectal cancer in Portuguese persons

Background - Both genetic and environmental factors affect the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Objective - We aimed to examine the interaction between the D1822V polymorphism of the APC gene and dietary intake in persons with CRC. Design - Persons with CRC (n = 196) and 200 healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex in a case-control study, were evaluated with respect to nutritional status and lifestyle factors and for the D1822V polymorphism. Results - No significant differences were observed in energy and macronutrient intakes. Cases had significantly (P < 0.05) lower intakes of carotenes, vitamins C and E, folate, and calcium than did controls. Fiber intake was significantly (P = 0.004) lower in cases than in controls, whereas alcohol consumption was associated with a 2-fold risk of CRC. In addition, cases were significantly (P = 0.001) more likely than were controls to be sedentary. The homozygous variant for the APC gene (VV) was found in 4.6% of cases and in 3.5% of controls. Examination of the potential interactions between diet and genotype found that a high cholesterol intake was associated with a greater risk of colorectal cancer only in noncarriers (DD) of the D1822V APC allele (odds ratio: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.76). In contrast, high fiber and calcium intakes were more markedly associated with a lower risk of CRC in patients carrying the polymorphic allele (DV/VV) (odds ratio: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.94 for fiber; odds ratio: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.93 for calcium) than in those without that allele. Conclusion - These results suggest a significant interaction between the D1822V polymorphism and the dietary intakes of cholesterol, calcium, and fiber for CRC risk.