Absorption of dietary fats is generally in the form of emulsions. The present study assessed the preparation and gastrointestinal absorption efficiency of three emulsions of mustard oil containing three types of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in a rat model. Methods: Caprylic acid (C8:0), capric acid (C10:0) and lauric acid (C12:0) were chosen as the MCFAs. Mustard oil emulsions were formulated using each of the MCFAs and lecithin as an emulsifier. The characteristics of the formulations including optical microscopy, particle size, zeta potential analysis and viscosity studies were assessed. Thereafter the intestinal digestion patterns of the three MCFA rich mustard oil emulsions were compared using a single pass perfusion test. Results: The particle size of the emulsions varied between 212.70 nm and 312.70 nm. Physical characterisation such as a zeta potential study confirmed that all emulsions were thermodynamically stable. The absorption study was monitored at 30 min intervals of up to 2 h The absorption of C8:0 emulsion was found to be maximum (27.78%) followed by C10:0 emulsion (24.81%) and C12:0 emulsion (22.50%). The differences in absorption efficiency of the emulsions could be attributed to the smaller chain length of C8:0 which was more rapidly absorbed by the intestine. Conclusion: In vivo gastrointestinal absorption of MCFA rich mustard oil emulsions was compared; caprylic acid-rich mustard oil showed the highest absorption rate in comparison to the other two emulsions. Further in vivo studies are required to establish the mechanism of absorption of structured lipids containing MCFAs.

OBJECTIVETo explore reported willingness and factors associated with utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services by female sex workers (FSWs) in China and to offer recommendations to optimize use of such services.

METHODSA questionnaire to explore willingness to use VCT was designed based on social ecological theory and formative qualitative research. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FSWs from entertainment venues. Single and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to examine factors associated with reported willingness to utilize VCT.

RESULTSA total of 970 FSWs provided valid questionnaires, with 69% (669) expressing willingness to utilize VCT. Factors at the interpersonal level associated with reported willingness included knowledge about VCT, desire to get help if diagnosed as HIV positive, ability to imagine life after an HIV positive diagnosis, and perceived support for VCT from peers, managers, and family members. Availability of free antiretroviral (ARV) treatment represented a factor at policy level. Other factors included intention to leave sex work in the near future, having had a previous HIV test, and lack of a suspected STD history.

CONCLUSIONSThe rate of reported willingness to use VCT among FSWs was substantially higher than that of actual VCT utilization (11%). The next step is to explore the connection between reported willingness and actual use. Based on these findings, peer education, VCT knowledge dissemination, and free ARV treatment should be emphasized to increase FSWs' willingness to use VCT.

Adult ; China ; Counseling ; utilization ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Health Services Accessibility ; Humans ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care ; psychology ; Sex Work ; statistics & numerical data ; Sexual Behavior ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; diagnosis ; prevention & control ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Volition ; Voluntary Programs ; Young Adult