Barley, like oats, is a rich source of the soluble fibre β-glucan, which has been shown to significantly lower LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). However, barley foods have been less widely studied. Therefore, we evaluated the LDL-C-lowering effect of a concentrated barley β-glucan (BBG) extract as a vehicle to deliver this potential health benefit of barley. In a 10-week blinded controlled study, subjects were randomized to one of four treatment groups or control. Treatment groups included either high molecular weight (HMW) or low molecular weight (LMW) BBG at both 3 and 5 g doses. Treatment was delivered twice per day with meals in the form of two functional food products: a ready-to-eat cereal and a reduced-calorie fruit juice beverage. Levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and TAG were determined at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. The study group comprised 155 subjects. All treatments were well tolerated and after 6 weeks of treatment the mean LDL-C levels fell by 15 % in the 5 g HMW group, 13 % in the 5 g LMW group and 9 % in both the 3 g/d groups, versus baseline. Similar results were observed for total cholesterol. HDL-C levels were unchanged by treatment. Concentrated BBG significantly improves LDL-C and total cholesterol among moderately dyslipidaemic subjects. Food products containing concentrated BBG should be considered an effective option for improving blood lipids.

The association between the upper and lower airways has been recognised for almost 2000 years. Epidemiological data suggest that most asthma patients also suffer from allergic rhinitis, and that both diseases share similar trigger factors and pathophysiology. This IPCRG Guideline on the management of rhinitis in primary care is fully consistent with the ARIA guidelines. It highlights the treatment goals and the classification of the condition according to symptom frequency (intermittent or persistent) and severity (mild or moderate-severe). It covers the need for allergen avoidance, pharmacologic therapy including immunotherapy, alternative therapies, management of ocular symptoms, the management of co-existing allergic rhinitis and asthma, and the need for follow-up and ongoing care for patients with rhinitis.

Previous studies have shown that peptides derived from milk proteins can improve blood pressure. Therefore, the authors tested the blood pressure-lowering effects of a hydrolyzed whey protein supplement rich in bioactive peptides. In a 6-week controlled study, 30 prehypertensive or stage 1 hypertensive subjects (blood pressure >or=120/80 mm Hg and

In 1998, 48% of persons who had HIV testing at publicly funded sites in the United States failed to return for test results and posttest counseling. Opportunities for timely HIV therapy were lost; valuable resources were wasted. This study tested the hypothesis that rapid HIV testing enables a high percentage of high-risk outreach clients to learn their serostatus. We did on-site counseling and rapid HIV testing at community-based organizations (e.g., chemical dependency programs, homeless shelters) in North Minneapolis. The project tested 735 persons. All but one (99.9%) learned their HIV serostatus. African Americans made up 79% of subjects. Rapid testing has a role to play in HIV outreach. It is useful in populations who are at high risk of HIV infection, who currently are not accessing HIV testing, and who have high failure to return rates. Future developments in rapid testing technology will make this testing option more convenient and cost-effective.

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