Plasma and Fecal Bioactive Mediators in Relation to the Prevention of Atherogenesis in LDL-r-KO Mice: Insights from an African Staple Food.

Our previous study revealed a significant anti-atherosclerotic effect of Kgengwe seed powder (KSP) in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDL-r-KO) mice. The importance of various lipid and protein metabolites, including certain amino acids and fatty acids on atherogenesis has been well established. Thus, we used plasma and fecal samples from our previous study to further study the association of such metabolites with atherosclerotic lesion development.

Effects of watermelon pulp fortification on maize physicochemical and sensory acceptability.

is a non-alcoholic fermented gruel processed from cereal grains, mostly maize and is widely consumed in the Southern African region. The refined maize meal used for processing is limited in dietary fiber, B-vitamins, vitamin C, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals because of bran removal during milling. Fortification with plant carotenoid sources may be an effective method to supply potent antioxidants such as lycopene and beta-carotene that help preventing vitamin A deficiency related diseases.

The Association of General and Central Obesity with Dietary Patterns and Socioeconomic Status in Adult Women in Botswana.

Dietary patterns and their association with general and central obesity among adult women were studied using a cross-sectional survey with multistage cluster sampling in urban and rural areas nationwide in Botswana. The participants in the study were adult women ( = 1019), 18-75 years old. The dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis, and their associations with the body mass index and the weight-for-height ratio were examined.

The efficacy of micronutrient-fortified sorghum meal in improving the immune status of HIV-positive adults.

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are common and compound the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Africa. Nutritional interventions, particularly vitamin A supplementation, may improve immune functioning and delay disease progression.

Aim: To investigate the effect of fortified sorghum meal provided for 12 months on the immune status of adults with HIV.

Validation and reproducibility of an FFQ for use among adults in Botswana.

Objective: To evaluate the validity and reproducibility of a 122-item interviewer administered quantitative FFQ developed to determine food and nutrient intakes of adults in Botswana.

Design: Relative validity of the FFQ was evaluated by comparing nutrient and food group intakes against four non-consecutive 24 h recalls administered over 12 months. The FFQ was repeated after 1 year to assess reproducibility.