Americans' Awareness, Knowledge, and Behaviors Regarding Fats: 2006-2007

In recent years, epidemiologic and clinical studies, public and regulatory policy activity, and media coverage have focused on issues related to trans fats. To help increase awareness and understanding of trans fats and other fats, the American Heart Association (AHA) launched the “Face the Fats” national consumer education campaign in April 2007. The AHA commissioned a quantitative tracking survey between 2006 and 2007 to measure changes in consumer awareness, knowledge, and behaviors related fats and oils and their perceived impact on heart disease. The survey was conducted by Cogent Research. Data were collected during March 2006 and May 2007. At both time points, the survey included a representative sample of the American population age 18 to 65 years (n=1,000). The sampling plan for the survey was designed based on the 2000 and 2003 US Census. The margin of error was ±3.10 percentage points. Awareness of trans fats increased during the 1-year study period. In 2007, 92% of respondents were aware of trans fats, an increase from 84% in 2006 (P<0.05). The 2007 level was similar to the awareness of saturated fats (93%). Perceptions that certain fats and oils heighten the risk of heart disease increased for trans fats (73% in 2007 vs 63% in 2006; P<0.05), saturated fats (77% in 2007 vs 73% in 2006; P<0.05), and partially hydrogenated oils (56% in 2007 vs 49% in 2006; P<0.05). Knowledge about food sources of different fats remained low. On an unaided basis, 21% could name three food sources of trans fats in 2007, up from 17% in 2006 (P<0.05). Knowledge of food sources of saturated fat remained unchanged at 30% in 2007. Significantly more respondents in 2007 reported behavioral changes related to trans fat information, such as buying food products because they show “zero trans fat” on labels or packages (37% in 2007 vs. 32% in 2006; P<0.05). Between 2006 and 2007, consumer awareness about trans fats increased and attained awareness levels similar to saturated fats. The increased awareness is associated with improved self-reported behaviors in grocery shopping. Nonetheless, overall knowledge, especially regarding food sources of saturated and trans fats, remains relatively low, underscoring the need for heightened consumer education activities. The positive change in consumer awareness about trans fats is likely attributable to the wide range of messages available to them, including the AHA “Face the Fats” national consumer education campaign.     

A case of primary lymphoma of the rectum

The Authors describe a case of primary rectal lymphoma. The primitive involvement of this area is infrequent. The Authors emphasize the difficulty of preoperative diagnosis. The therapeutic approach should allow for correct staging which is only obtained by means of diagnostic studies aimed at excluding multicentric localisation. Sensitivity to radiotherapy has led the Authors to propose it as primary treatment, at least in stage I; surgery must be considered elective in stage II or in cases of need. Chemotherapy is indicated alone or in association with radiotherapy or surgery.     

The effects of preservation on microvascular vein grafts in rats

Segments 15 mm in length were excised from the femoral veins of rats and preserved by refrigeration at 4 C in lactated Ringer's solution for periods up to 21 days. The findings show that veins can be preserved for up to seven days and successfully grafted to recipients. Although there was some success in preserving vein segments for more than seven days, a high rate of thrombosis occurred after implantation in the recipients. It is generally accepted that damaged endothelium causes thrombosis. The light and electron microscopic observations in this study, however, suggest that the condition of the endothelium may not be the only important factor in the patency of small vessels. A thickened and prominent elastic lamina may also play a role in keeping the lumen open.     

The characteristics of Hep-2 cell with multiple drug resistance induced by Taxol.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of Hep-2 cell with multidrug resistance (MDR) induced by Taxol. STUDY DESIGN: Hep-2 cells were exposed in stepwise escalating concentration of Taxol to develop the resistant cell line-Hep-2T. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and rhodamine accumulation were studied through flow cytometry. The MDR1 and MRP1 genes were detected through real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and the corresponding proteins were detected through Western blotting. RESULTS: The drug resistance of Hep-2T cells to Taxol, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, 5-FU, and cisplatin all increased. The percentage of G0/G1 phase and the antiapoptosis ability increased significantly compared with Hep-2 cells. Both MDR1 and MRP1 also increased at gene and protein level, though MDR1 was more prominent. CONCLUSION: More emphasis should be laid on MDR1/Pgp, the non-Pgp substrate chemotherapeutic agents, and the changes of cell cycle distribution to prevent MDR induced by Taxol. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings may provide theoretical support for the reverse of MDR.