bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Click’ Chemistry in Polymer and Material Science: An Update
Authors: Binder Wolfgang H. , Sachsenhofer Robert
Published: June 2008

The metal catalyzed azide/alkyne ‘click’ reaction (a variation of the Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between terminal acetylenes and azides) has vastly increased in broadness and application in the field of polymer science. Thus, this reaction represents one of the few universal, highly efficient functionalization reactions, which combines both high efficiency with an enormously high tolerance of functional groups and solvents under highly moderate reaction temperatures (25–70 °C). The present review assembles an update of this reaction in the field of polymer science (linear polymers, surfaces) with a focus on the synthesis of functionalized polymeric architectures and surfaces.

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Levodopa therapy in a Lesch‐Nyhan disease patient: Pathological, biochemical, neuroimaging, and therapeutic remarks
Authors: Serrano Mercedes , Pérez‐Dueñas Belen , Ormazábal Aida , Artuch Rafael , Campistol Jaume , Torres Rosa J. , García‐Cazorla Angels
Published: June 2008

Lesch‐Nyhan disease (LND) is a hereditary disorder of purine metabolism causing severe neurobehavioral disturbances in which an abnormal central nervous system dopaminergic function has been implied. However, levodopa treatment has rarely been used, and reports describe heterogeneous responses. We report an LND patient with low dopamine metabolite values in cerebrospinal fluid for whom early levodopa/carbidopa therapy was begun with a notable clinical improvement. We propose that very early treatment of LND patients with levodopa may improve their neurological symptoms and may contribute to a better outcome. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
DOSY technique applied to palladium nanoparticles in ionic liquids
Authors: Durand Jérôme , Fernández Fernando , Barrière Clément , Teuma Emmanuelle , Gómez Kerman , González Gabriel , Gómez Montserrat
Published: June 2008

Multinuclear (1H, 31P, 19F and 11B) diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) technique has been applied to palladium nanoparticles systems dispersed in ionic liquids (ILs). Even if the nanoparticles themselves cannot be detected through NMR, observation of the solvent (methanol) and the IL ([BMI][PF6] or [BMI][NTf2]), their diffusion coefficients and their changes in the presence of nanoparticles allow us to draw significant assumptions about the organisation of palladium nanoparticles in the IL. For comparison, the corresponding molecular precursors ([PdCl2(cod)] or [Pd2(dba)3]) have been also studied. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐nuclear magnetic resonance study of Na3AlF6AlPO4 molten and solidified mixtures
Authors: Keppert M. , Rakhmatullin A. , Simko F. , Deschamps Michael , Haarberg G. M. , Bessada C.
Published: June 2008

Phosphorus is one of the predominant impurities in the Hall–Heroult process for industrial aluminium production. The nature of the dissolved phosphorus species in the Na3AlF6AlPO4 system has been investigated by in situ high‐temperature (HT) 19F, 23Na, 27Al, 17O, and 31P NMR. The combination of these experiments enables to define the presence of PO43−, AlF52− and (AlF4OPO3)4− anions in the melt, and then the formation of AlOP bonding. Melts solidified at different cooling rates were characterised using various solid‐state NMR techniques including multiple quantum magic angle spinning (MQMAS), rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) and heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC). The glass obtained by the rapid quenching of the hypereutectic melt has been carefully described in order to better understand the structure of the melt. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors that affect the optimal amount of central control in complex systems
Authors: Solow Daniel , Szmerekovsky Joseph
Published: June 2008

Whereas much of the previous research in complex systems has focused on emergent properties resulting from self‐organization of the individual agents that make up the system, this article studies one vital role of central organization. In particular, four factors are conjectured to be key in determining the optimal amount of central control. To validate this hypothesis, these factors are represented as controllable parameters in a mathematical model. For different combinations of parameter values, the optimal amount of central control is found, either analytically or by computer simulation. The model is shown to provide results that match well with the level of control found across a broad spectrum of specific complex systems. This model also provides general guidelines as to how combinations of these factors affect the desirable level of control and specific guidelines for selecting and evaluating leaders. These results indicate that all of these factors, though not exhaustive, should be considered carefully when attempting to determine the amount of control that is best for a system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Towards Standard Protocols and Guidelines for Urine Proteomics: A Report on the Human Kidney and Urine Proteome Project (HKUPP) Symposium and Workshop 6 October 2007, Seoul, Korea and 1 November 2007, San Francisco, CA, USA
Authors: Yamamoto Tadashi , Langham Robyn G. , Ronco Pierre , Knepper Mark A. , Thongboonkerd Visith
Published: June 2008

The Human Kidney and Urine Proteome Project (HKUPP) was initiated in 2005 to promote proteomics research in the nephrology field, to better understand kidney functions as well as pathogenic mechanisms of kidney diseases, and to define novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This project was first approved in 2005 by the Human Proteome Organisation (HUPO) as a Kidney Disease Initiative under an umbrella of the HUPO Disease Biomarker Initiative (DBI), and more recently was approved as the HKUPP Initiative in 2007. Several sub‐projects have been planned to achieve the ultimate goals. The most pressing is the establishment of “standard protocols and guidelines for urine proteome analysis”. This sub‐project had been extensively discussed during the first HKUPP symposium (during 6th HUPO Annual World Congress – October 2007, Seoul, Korea) and second workshop (during 40th American Society of Nephrology Renal Week – November 2007, San Francisco, CA, USA). Additional data and references have been collected after the symposium and workshop. An initial draft of standard protocols and guidelines for proteome analysis of non‐proteinuric urine (urine protein excretion ≤150 mg/day) will soon be released as the first HKUPP product.
Robust monotone gradient‐based discrete‐time iterative learning control
Authors: Owens D. H. , Hatonen J. J. , Daley S.
Published: June 2008

This paper considers the use of matrix models and the robustness of a gradient‐based iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm using both fixed learning gains and nonlinear data‐dependent gains derived from parameter optimization. The philosophy of the paper is to ensure monotonic convergence with respect to the mean‐square value of the error time series. The paper provides a complete and rigorous analysis for the systematic use of the well‐known matrix models in ILC. Matrix models provide necessary and sufficient conditions for robust monotonic convergence. They also permit the construction of accurate sufficient frequency domain conditions for robust monotonic convergence on finite time intervals for both causal and non‐causal controller dynamics. The results are compared with recently published results for robust inverse‐model‐based ILC algorithms and it is seen that the algorithm has the potential to improve the robustness to high‐frequency modelling errors, provided that resonances within the plant bandwidth have been suppressed by feedback or series compensation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soybean proteins in prudent‐diet foods
Authors: Hamdy M. M.
Published: June 2008

A review is presented on soybean proteins and their health, nutritional, convenience, stability, and economic attributes that justify usage in prudent‐diet foods. The concept of these foods is discussed with consideration the contributions of soybean proteins to caloric energy, ratios of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid, ratios of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, sodium ion, and levels of sugars. Soybean proteins provide technologists with a cheap, functional protein source for developing meat analogs. Inherent soybean flavors are considered the major unstabilizing problem in prudendiet foods. The energy requirement for producing one pound of meat analog is estimated at 12,300 BTU; soy flour used in it requires only 330 BTU, while cooked meat requires approximately 52,250 BTU per pound.
Chemical, functional, and nutritional properties of sunflower protein products
Authors: Sosulski F. , Fleming S. E.
Published: June 2008

Sunflower flours and protein concentrates have potential food uses because of their high protein content, white color, bland flavor, and absence of antinutritive factors. Procedures have been developed for removal of chlorogenic acid which forms green and brown colors under alkaline pH, and selection for low chlorogenic acid cultivars is underway in plant breeding programs. Further research is needed on dehulling techniques and possible problems associated with high levels of sugars in sunflower flour. Sunflower flours and concentrates have excellent fat absorption, oil emulsification, and whipping properties. Wieners supplemented with sunflower products showed low shrinkage during the smokehouse treatment and low cooking losses due to high fat and water absorptions. Sunflower‐supplemented wieners did score poorly in peelability and organoleptic tests. Sunflower proteins had an excellent amino acid balance except for low lysine content and, in feeding trials with rats, showed high protein efficiency ratios when blended with legume or meat proteins.
Variability in fatty acid composition amongArachis genotypes: A potential source of product improvement
Authors: Worthington R. E. , Hammons R. O.
Published: June 2008

Research on peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.) genotypes has shown a high degree of genetic variability in fatty acid composition. The two major oil fatty acids, oleic and linoleic, range between 36–69% and 14–40%, respectively, and together make up 75–85% of total fatty acids. The very long chain (C20–C24) fatty acids make up 4–9%, palmitic acid 7–13%, and stearic acid 2–5% of total fatty acids. Stability of oil samples as measured by length of autoxidation induction period at 60 C shows variable but statistically significant (P<0.01) correlations with levels of linoleic acid; peanut butter samples show similar patterns of stability. Selection for lower levels of linoleic acid in the development of new varieties of peanuts should results in products with significantly improved shelf life. Some genotypes show consistent differences in oil stability patterns that are not related to oil linoleic acid content. Analysis of entries from 16 wildArachis species collections revealed levels of oil linoleic acid higher than those found inA. hypogaea. One species,A. villosulicarpa, contained 49% linoleic acid and 21% very long chain acids. The range in linoleic acid withinA. hypogaea and availability of suitable techniques for measuring selection progress give scope for product improvement through breeding.
Evaluation of the food use potential of sixteen varieties of cottonseed
Authors: Lawhon J. T. , Cater C. M. , Mattil K. F.
Published: June 2008

Abstract and Summary

Sixteen new or experimental varieties of cotton‐seed, eight glandless and eitht glanded, were extensively analyzed in this study. Ginned seed from each were studied and then kernel samples and finally oil and flour samples prepared from the kernels. Mean values determined for each attribute measured are presented for each type seed. These data are useful for (a) showing the magnitude of particular desirable properties presently being achieved in varieties of each type seed, (b) showing something of the variation of these properties among varieties within seed types, and (c) comparing glandless and glanded seed types for compositional differences.
Comparison of ultracentrifugal stability parameters with long‐term shelf stability of emulsions
Authors: Vold Robert D. , Acevedo Milagros C.
Published: June 2008

Abstract and Summary

The validity of prediction of shelf stability from ultracentrifugal parameters determined on newly prepared Nujol‐in‐water emulsions stabilized with sodium dodecylsulfate (0.2 to 0.4%), cetylpyridiniumchloride (0.1 to 0.2%), Triton X‐100 (0.08 to 0.4%), or Tween 20 (0.08 to 0.4%) was tested by allowing samples to age for periods up to 3 yr. They were then reexamined visually, and an empirical rating scheme devised for describing their stability semiquantitatively. In some cases it was also possible to redetermine the ultracentrifugal parameters on the aged emulsions. None of the ultracentrifugal parameters of the fresh emulsions predicted the order of actual shelf stability correctly in all cases. Possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed.
Costs of back pain in Germany
Authors: Wenig Christina M. , Schmidt Carsten O. , Kohlmann Thomas , Schweikert Bernd
Published: June 2008

With 12‐month prevalence rates of more than 70%, back pain is currently one of the major health problems for German adults and entails major economic consequences. The aim of this study was to estimate back pain‐related costs from a societal perspective and to determine the impact of sociodemographic variables on costs. Based on back pain‐related survey data of a large German adult sample (9267 respondents, response rate 60%), costs were assessed using a prevalence‐based bottom‐up approach. Direct costs caused by utilisation of healthcare services, as well as indirect costs due to back pain‐related production losses were considered. All prices are expressed in 2005 Euros. Average total back pain costs per patient were estimated to be €1322 (95% CI [1173–1487]) per year. These costs are split between direct (46%) and indirect (54%) costs. Bivariate analysis showed considerable differences in total costs between the Von Korff back pain grades (GCPS Group I: Mean 414.4, 95% CI [333.2–506.3]; II: 783.6 [574.5–1044.4]; III: 3017.2 [2392.9–3708.6]; IV: 7115.7 [5418.5–9006.5]). Male gender, increasing age, single status, low education, unemployment, and increasing back pain grade had a significant positive impact on the cost magnitude in multivariate analysis. Despite several limitations, this study provides important information concerning the relevance of back pain as a health problem and its socioeconomic consequences. The information may be of value for decision‐making and allocation of research fund resources.
Thyrohyoid vocal fold augmentation with calcium hydroxyapatite
Authors: Rees Catherine J. , Mouadeb Debbie A. , Belafsky Peter C.
Published: June 2008

Objectives

To review the clinical results of the thyrohyoid approach for in‐office vocal fold augmentation with calcium hydroxyapatite.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

The charts of all persons who underwent in‐office thyrohyoid vocal fold augmentation between June 1, 2005 and June 1, 2007 were reviewed. Information with respect to patient demographics, indications, complications, and clinical outcome was abstracted.

Results

Fifty‐one thyrohyoid vocal fold augmentations were performed in 33 patients (26 men; mean age, 66 years). Six (13%) procedures were aborted as a result of an inability to achieve an appropriate injection angle. Two (6%) self‐limited complications included a vasovagal episode and a small ulcer near the petiole of the epiglottis. Pre‐ and postprocedure data were available for 62.5%. The mean 10‐item Voice Handicap Index improved from 27.9 (±8.40) preprocedure to 13.5 (±10.52) postprocedure (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In‐office vocal fold augmentation with the use of the thyrohyoid approach demonstrates excellent clinical results. It has become our technique of choice for vocal fold medialization with the patient under local anesthesia in the office setting. Complications are rare.
Computed tomography imaging of the paranasal sinuses: Direct versus reformatted coronal images
Authors: Pletcher Steven D. , Hoxworth Joseph M. , Goldberg Andrew N. , Murr Andrew H. , Glastonbury Christine M.
Published: June 2008

Objective

To evaluate the image quality of coronal reformatted CT images compared with direct coronal CT images.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional.

Subjects and Methods

Patients who underwent paranasal sinus CT scans using both direct coronal images (DC) and axially acquired images with coronal reconstructions (CR) were consecutively enrolled. Two reconstruction groups were evaluated: group CR1 with 1‐mm axial collimation and group CR2 with 0.625‐mm axial collimation. Scans were presented in a randomized, blinded fashion to two sinus surgeons and a neuroradiologist.

Results

When compared with CR1, DC images had higher image quality for each of five key anatomic landmarks (P <. 0001). DC images were more likely to be adequate preoperative imaging (P <. 0001). When compared with CR2, improved DC image quality was noted in the majority of key anatomic landmarks. No difference was noted in the “adequacy rating” between the DC and CR2 (0.625 mm) protocols.

Conclusion

The 0.625‐mm reformatted images were judged to be adequate preoperative imaging. The additional information provided by multiple‐image planes make reformatted 0.625‐mm axial images an acceptable approach.
The Political Origins of Coordinated Capitalism: Business Organizations, Party Systems, and State Structure in the Age of Innocence
Authors: MARTIN CATHIE JO , SWANK DUANE
Published: June 2008

This paper investigates the political determinants of corporatist and pluralist employers' associations and reflects on the origins of the varieties of capitalism in the early decades of the 20th century. We hypothesize that proportional, multiparty systems tend to enable employers' associations to develop into social corporatist organizations, whereas nonproportional, two-party systems are conducive to the formation of pluralist associations. Moreover, we suggest that federalism tends to reinforce incentives for pluralist organization. We assess our hypotheses through quantitative analysis of data from 1900 to the 1930s from 16 nations and case studies of the origins of peak employers' associations in Denmark and the United States. Our statistical analysis suggests that proportional, multiparty systems foster, and federalism works against, social corporatist business organization; employers' organization is also greater where the mobilization of labor, traditions of coordination, and economic development are higher. These factors also largely explain pre-World War II patterns of national coordination of capitalism. Case histories of the origins of employers' associations in Denmark and the United States further confirm the causal importance of political factors. Although Danish and American employers had similar interests in creating cooperative national industrial policies, trajectories of associational development were constrained by the structure of party competition, as well as by preindustrial traditions for coordination.
Accumulation of trauma over time and risk for depression in a twin sample
Authors: McCutcheon V. V. , Heath A. C. , Nelson E. C. , Bucholz K. K. , Madden P. A. F. , Martin N. G.
Published: June 2008

Background

Few genetically informative studies have examined the effects of different types of trauma on risk for depression over time. The aim of the present study was to examine the relative contributions over time of assaultive trauma, non-assaultive trauma, and familial effects to risk for depression.

Method

Histories of depression and trauma were obtained during structured diagnostic interviews with 5266 (mean age 29.9 years,s.d.=2.4) members of a volunteer Australian twin panel from the general population. Age at first onset of a DSM-IV major depressive episode was the dependent variable. Associations of depression with traumatic events were examined while accounting for the temporal sequence of trauma and depression and familial effects.

Results

Assaultive traumatic events that occurred during childhood had the strongest association with immediate and long-term risk for depression, and outweighed familial effects on childhood-onset depression for most twins. Although men and women endorsed equal rates of assaultive trauma, women reported a greater accumulation of assaultive events at earlier ages than men, whereas men reported a greater accumulation of non-assaultive events at all ages.

Conclusions

Early exposure to assaultive trauma can influence risk for depression into adulthood. Concordance for early trauma is a significant contributor to the familiality of early-onset depression.
Elicitation of the passé composé in French preschoolers with and without specific language impairment
Authors: ROYLE PHAEDRA , THORDARDOTTIR ELIN T.
Published: June 2008

This study examines inflectional abilities in French-speaking children with specific language impairment (SLI) using a verb elicitation task. Eleven children with SLI and age-matched controls (37–52 months) participated in the experiment. We elicited the passé composé using eight regular and eight irregular high frequency verbs matched for age of acquisition. Children with SLI showed dissimilar productive verb inflection abilities to control children (even when comparing participants with similar verb vocabularies and mean length of utterance in words). Control children showed evidence of overregularization and sensitivity to morphological structure, whereas no such effects were observed in the SLI group. Error patterns observed in the SLI group demonstrate that, at this age, they cannot produce passé composé forms in elicitation tasks, even though some participants used them spontaneously. Either context by itself might therefore be insufficient to fully evaluate productive linguistic abilities in children with SLI.
Early literacy in Arabic: An intervention study among Israeli Palestinian kindergartners
Authors: LEVIN IRIS , SAIEGH-HADDAD ELINOR , HENDE NAREMAN , ZIV MARGALIT
Published: June 2008

Arabic Literacy acquisition was studied among Israeli Palestinian low socioeconomic status kindergartners within the framework of an intervention study, implemented by teachers. On pretest, letter naming, alphabetic awareness, and phonological awareness were very low. Whereas the comparison group hardly progressed throughout the year, the intervention group progressed substantially on all three skills. The diglossic nature of the Arabic letter name system was manifested in children's transition from a mixture of two systems to preference for standard over colloquial names following the intervention. As in other alphabets, visual similarity and adjacency increased letter confusability. The unique features of Arabic literacy are discussed.
Decentralized robust control of robot manipulators with harmonic drive transmission and application to modular and reconfigurable serial arms
Authors: Li Z. , Melek W. W. , Clark C.
Published: June 2008

In this paper, we propose a decentralized robust control algorithm for modular and reconfigurable robots (MRRs) based on Lyapunov's stability analysis and backstepping techniques. In using decentralized control schemes with robot manipulators, each joint is considered as an independent subsystem, and the dynamical effects from the other links and joints are treated as disturbance. However, there exist many uncertainties due to unmodeled dynamics, varying payloads, harmonic drive (HD) compliance, HD complex gear meshing mechanisms, etc. Also, while the reconfigurability of MRRs is advantageous, modifying the configuration will result in changes to the robot dynamics parameters, thereby making it challenging to tune the control system. All of the above mentioned disturbances in addition to reconfigurability present a challenge in controlling MRRs. The proposed controller is well suited for MRR applications because of its simple structure that does not require the exact knowledge of the dynamic parameters of the configurations. Desired tracking performance can be achieved via tuning a limited set of parameters of the robust controller. If the numbers of degrees of freedom are held constant, these parameters are shown to be relatively independent of the configuration, and can be held constant between changes in configuration. This strategy is novel compared to existing MRR control methods. In order to validate the controller performance, experimental setup and results are also presented.
Short stature and hypertension in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Sichieri Rosely , Siqueira Kamile Santos , Pereira Rosangela Alves , Ascherio Alberto
Published: June 2008

Objective

Stature is a powerful indicator of poor nutrition early in life in nations where undernutrition is a public health problem. Hypertension in adults has been associated with factors present early in life such as low birth weight. We tested the hypothesis that short stature is associated with hypertension among adults.

Design and setting

A household survey of representative adults in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil was carried out in 1996.

Subjects

Blood pressure and anthropometric measures were collected from 2802 adults in their own households. Prevalence estimates and modelling incorporated the sample design and weights.

Results

Age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension for both sexes was lower in the third quartile of stature distribution. In women, but not in men, the odds ratio comparing the first quartile of stature with the fourth quartile was statistically significant with an odds ratio of 1.68 (95% CI 1.02–2.76). Adjusting for known risk factors for hypertension such as age, income, smoking, sodium and alcohol intake and race, the association among women, comparing the first with the fourth quartile for stature, was 1.84 (95% CI 1.03–3.30). With further adjustment for residual of weight on height the ratio reduced to 1.76 (95% CI 0.97–3.19, P value of trend = 0.03). Systolic blood pressure showed a U-shaped association with quartiles of stature, mainly among women, with a β-coefficient significantly lower at the third quartile.

Conclusions

This association of stature with hypertension supports the theory of an important ontogenetic dependence of adult blood pressure, at least among women.
Hepatotoxicity of botanicals
Authors: Stickel Felix , Egerer Gerlinde , Seitz Helmut Karl
Published: June 2008

Objective

Hepatic impairment resulting from the use of conventional drugs is widely acknowledged, but there is less awareness of the potential hepatotoxicity of herbal preparations and other botanicals, many of which are believed to be harmless and are commonly used for self-medication without supervision. The aim of this paper is to examine the evidence for hepatotoxicity of botanicals and draw conclusions regarding their pathology, safety and applications.

Design

Current literature on the hepatotoxicity of herbal drugs and other botanicals is reviewed. The aetiology, clinical picture and treatment of mushroom (Amanita) poisoning are described.

Results

Hepatotoxic effects have been reported for some Chinese herbal medicines (such as Jin Bu Huan, Ma-Huang and Sho-saiko-to), pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing plants, germander (Teucrium chamaedrys), chaparral (Larrea tridentata),Atractylis gummifera,Callilepsis laureola, and others. The frequency with which botanicals cause hepatic damage is unclear. There is a lack of controlled treatment trials and the few studies published to date do not clarify the incidence of adverse effects. Many plant products do not seem to lead to toxic effects in everyone taking them, and they commonly lack a strict dose-dependency. For some products, such as Sho-saiko-to, the picture is confused further by demonstrations of hepatoprotective properties for some components. Mushroom poisoning is mostly due to the accidental consumption ofAmanitaspecies. Treatment with silymarin, thioctic acid, penicillin and liver transplantation have been shown to be effective but require early diagnosis.

Conclusions

Severe liver injury, including acute and chronic abnormalities and even cirrhotic transformation and liver failure, has been described after the ingestion of a wide range of herbal products and other botanical ingredients, such as mushrooms. It is concluded that in certain situations herbal products may be just as harmful as conventional drugs.
Use of food labels and beliefs about diet–disease relationships among university students
Authors: Smith Shannon C , Taylor Jeffrey G , Stephen Alison M
Published: June 2008

Objective

The purpose of this study was to measure the reported use of nutrition information on food labels by a population of university students and to determine if label users differed from non-users in terms of gender and specific beliefs related to label information and diet–disease relationships, specifically fat and heart disease and fibre and cancer.

Design

A single-stage cluster sampling technique was used. Data was obtained using a self-administered, validated questionnaire.

Setting

The present investigation took place at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada in the autumn of 1997.

Subjects

A total of 553 students in randomly selected classes in the College of Arts and Science took part in the survey (92% response rate). The sample consisted of roughly equal numbers of males and females, most between the ages of 18 and 24.

Results

There were approximately equal numbers of label users and non-users among males, while label users outnumbered non-users by almost four to one among females. The importance of nutrition information on food labels was the only belief that differed significantly between label users and non-users for both sexes. For females, no other beliefs distinguished label users from non-users. However, for males, significant differences were found between label users and non-users on the beliefs that nutrition information is truthful and that a relationship between fibre and cancer exists.

Conclusions

Females appear to use food labels more often than do males. The only consistently observed difference between label users and non-users (male and female) was that users believed in the importance of nutrition information on food labels while non-users did not.
An evaluation of food photographs as a tool for quantifying food and nutrient intakes
Authors: Robson Paula J , Livingstone M Barbara E
Published: June 2008

Objective

To evaluate the errors incurred by young adults using single portion size colour food photographs to quantify foods and nutrients consumed at six meals on two non-consecutive days.

Design

Breakfast menus remained the same for the 2 days; but lunch and dinner menus varied. The amounts of food eaten by individuals were determined by weighing individual serving dishes pre- and post-consumption. The day after eating, all foods consumed were quantified in terms of fractions or multiples of the amounts shown in the food photographs.

Subjects

Thirty adult volunteers (15 male, 15 female), aged 18–36 years, completed the protocol for day one; 27 (90%) completed day two.

Results

Some foods were more difficult to quantify accurately than others. The largest error range was −38.9% to +284.6% (cheese), whereas the smallest errors were incurred for juice (−21.5% to +34.6%, day one). All subjects who consumed muesli (day one) overestimated (+3.7% to +113.7%). No other foods were consistently over-or underestimated. For foods consumed at breakfast by the same subjects on both days, individual estimation errors were inconsistent in magnitude and/or direction. At the group level, most nutrients were estimated to within ±10% of intake; exceptions were thiamin (+10.5%, day one) and vitamin E (−10.1%, day one; −15.3%, day two). Between 63% and 80% of subjects were correctly classified into tertiles on the basis of estimated intakes.

Conclusions

Despite some large food quantification errors, single portion size food photographs were effective when used to estimate nutrient intakes at the group level. It remains to be established whether, under the conditions used in this study, more photographs per food would improve estimates of nutrient intake at the individual level.
Fruit and vegetable consumption in relation to risk factors for cancer: a report from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study
Authors: Wallström Peter , Wirfält Elisabet , Janzon Lars , Mattisson Irene , Elmståhl Sölve , Johansson Ulla , Berglund Göran
Published: June 2008

Objective

To examine the associations between the consumption of fruit and vegetables and other markers of cancer risk.

Design

A cross-sectional survey within the population-based prospective Malmö Diet and Cancer (MDC) Study. Information on food habits was collected through the modified diet history method designed and validated for the MDC Study. Data on smoking and alcohol habits, leisure time physical activity, birth country, education, socioeconomic status and cohabitation status were collected through a questionnaire.

Setting

Malmö, the third largest city in Sweden.

Subjects

All subjects who entered the MDC Study during winter 1991 to summer 1994 (men and women living in Malmö, aged between 46 and 68 years), with a total of 15 173.

Results

Women consumed more fruit and vegetables than men. Low consumption of both fruits and vegetables was associated with unfavourable nutrient profiles: higher percentage of energy from fat and lower intakes of antioxidant nutrients and dietary fibre. Low consumption was also associated with smoking, low leisure time physical activity, low education and being born in Sweden. High age was associated with low vegetable consumption in both genders. Alcohol intake was positively associated with vegetable consumption in both genders, while both zero and high alcohol consumers had low fruit consumption. Men residing without a partner consumed less fruits and vegetables than other men. There were very weak or no independent associations between socioeconomic status and fruit/vegetable consumption.

Conclusion

This study indicates that several established risk markers and risk factors of cancer may be independently associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption. The findings suggest that the adverse effects of factors such as smoking, low physical activity and a high-fat diet could partly be explained by low consumption of fruit or vegetables. The implied health benefits of a low or moderate alcohol consumption may be similarly confounded by high consumption of fruit or vegetables.
Vitamin A and causes of maternal mortality: association and biological plausibility
Authors: Faisel Hala , Pittrof Rüdiger
Published: June 2008

Objective

To review the association between major causes of maternal mortality and vitamin A, trying to determine if these associations are causal in nature, and to highlight possible biological pathways that may explain vitamin A effects.

Design

Literature review, observational studies and clinical trials. The strength of association was determined by applying Bradford Hill criteria of causality.

Results

In a vitamin A deficient population, vitamin A is essential for adequate treatment of anaemia. While vitamin A does not seem to be capable of preventing uterine atony, obstetric or surgical trauma, which are important causes of haemorrhage, it might be capable of preventing or decreasing coagulopathy. Possible effects on the placenta as regards implantation, site and size are not clear. As regards pregnancy-related infections, vitamin A supplementation can improve wound healing by decreasing fibrosis and increasing transforming growth factor-β (TFG-β). It can increase resistance to infection by increasing mucosal integrity, increasing surface immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and enhancing adequate neutrophil function. If infection occurs, vitamin A can act as an immune enhancer, increasing the adequacy of natural killer (NK) cells and increasing antibody production. β-carotene in its provitamin form can act as an antioxidant by decreasing endothelial cell damage (the pathognomonic feature of pre-eclampsia) and promote the vasodilator effect of nitric oxide that might bring about a better outcome of toxaemia in pregnancy. It is unlikely that vitamin A or β-carotene has an effect on obstructed labour.

Conclusions

Plausible biomedical pathways can only be constructed for obstetric haemorrhage, anaemia in pregnancy, hypertension in pregnancy and pregnancy-related infections. A 40% reduction in the maternal mortality ratio, as observed in Nepal, is unlikely to be solely explained through the aforementioned pathways.
Dietary antioxidant intake and cognitive performance in middle-aged adults
Authors: Peacock James M , Folsom Aaron R , Knopman David S , Mosley Thomas H , Goff David C , Szklo Moyses
Published: June 2008

Objective

To assess the cross-sectional association of dietary and supplemental antioxidant (carotenoids, vitamins C and E) intake with cognitive function in 12 187 individuals, aged 48–67 years, participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Methods

Dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins, as assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, and use of supplements were analysed in relation to the results of three cognitive tests, the delayed word recall test, the Wechsler adult intelligence scale, revised (WAIS-R) digit symbol subtest and the word fluency test.

Results

After adjustment for covariates previously found to be associated with cognition in this sample, we found no consistent associations between dietary antioxidant vitamin intake or supplement use and any of the cognitive tests.

Conclusions

This study suggests little, if any, association between antioxidant vitamin intake and better cognitive function in middle-aged adults.
Factors associated with low serum retinol levels in children aged 6–24 months in a rural South African community
Authors: Faber Mieke , Benadé AJ Spinnler
Published: June 2008

Objective

To identify risk factors for variation in serum retinol levels in children younger than 2 years of age in a rural South African community.

Design

Children (n=97), 6–24 months of age, were divided into two groups according to their serum retinol levels, using 20 μg dl−1as the cut-off point. The chi-square test, Fischer exact two-tailed test and analysis of variance were used to identify related variables which were significantly different between the two groups. To evaluate simultaneously the association between several potential risk factors and low serum retinol levels, a multiple regression model for categorical data was developed which included potential risk factors that were statistically significant in the bivariate analysis as the independent variables, and either low or normal vitamin A status as the dependent variable.

Results

There was an association between serum retinol levels and: (i) the place of birth (hospital vs. home deliveries); (ii) the attitude of the care-giver towards family life; and (iii) the health status of the child. Although not included in the multiple variable model because of small numbers, all children who had a previous episode of measles, all underweight children, and all children of widowed care-givers were in the low serum retinol group.

Conclusions

The care-giver's attitude towards family life was positively associated with the child's vitamin A status, while home deliveries were associated with a low vitamin A status.
Efficacy and safety of a Ginkgo biloba extract
Authors: Le Bars PL , Kastelan J
Published: June 2008

This review of the literature documents the efficacy of a standard extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) in managing signs and symptoms associated with memory disorders and dementia. Analysis of the discrepant findings reveals that study outcomes may vary with the type of population studied, the outcome measurements selected, and the dosing tested. Overall, the efficacy of EGb was more frequently reported in trials enrolling dementia patients than healthy volunteers. In contrast to narrow memory tests, broad cognitive assessments were more likely to detect the treatment effect. Although a dose–response relationship is not yet established, 240 mg day−1 EGb seems to show a higher rate of treatment response than does 120 mg day−1. Regarding safety, in all trials reviewed the adverse event profile of EGb was not different from that of the placebo.
Use of medicines by older people in a large British national survey, and their relation to vitamin status indices
Authors: Bates Christopher J , Walmsley Catherine M , Prentice Ann , Finch Steven
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To describe the extent of use of medicines by older people living in Britain, and to explore relationships with vitamin status indices.

Design:

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over collected data from a British sample during 1994–95. The present study has made novel use of it, to relate medicine use with biochemical indices of vitamin status.

Setting:

Eighty postcode areas, selected randomly from mainland Britain.

Subjects:

1506 people, 65 years and over gave information about use of medication, and a 4-day weighed food record. Three-quarters gave blood for status indices.

Results:

78% of those living in the community and 93% of those in institutions were using medication. Certain vitamin status indices: plasma retinol, erythrocyte folate and riboflavin, paradoxically suggested better status in users than in non-users of antihypertensive, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, corticosteroid or diabetic drugs. There was evidence of a link with renal insufficiency, especially for plasma retinol, but neither this nor increased nutrient intake, acute phase effects or haemoconcentration could explain the paradoxical associations.

Conclusions:

Caution is needed in interpreting certain vitamin status indices, especially in older people who are extensively using medicines. New vitamin indices are needed, to avoid confounding interferences.
Development and testing of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for use in Gujarat, India
Authors: Hebert James R , Gupta Prakash C , Bhonsle Ramesh B , Sinor Pesi N , Mehta Hemali , Mehta Fali S
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To develop and test a quantitative, interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to ascertain nutrient intakes of individuals in northern India.

Design:

A 92-item FFQ was developed based on food use and market surveys of the study area. A validation study was conducted consisting of 24-h diet recalls (24HR) administered on 6 randomly selected days over 1 year. Two FFQs were administered, one each at the beginning and end of the 1-year period. FFQ and 24HR-derived nutrient scores were compared using correlation and regression analyses and by computing differences between nutrient intakes estimated by the two methods.

Setting:

Rural villages in Bhavnagar District, Gujarat, North India.

Subjects:

60 individuals who agreed to provide all necessary data.

Results:

Pearson (parametric) correlation coefficients averaged 0.69 in comparing nutrient scores derived from the 24HR with those from the first FFQ and 0.72 in comparing the second FFQ (P < 0.0001). Spearman correlation coefficients were virtually identical to the Pearson correlations, averaging 0.68 and 0.72, respectively. In regression analyses, most coefficients were close to 1.0 (perfect linear association). Nutrient scores were significantly and consistently higher on both FFQs relative to the 24HR.

Conclusions:

This FFQ produces results broadly comparable, and superior in some respects, to those commonly used in the West. Higher than average measures of association indicate its suitability for comparing exposures within this study population in reference to health-related endpoints.
Assessment of a narrative approach to the diet history
Authors: Tapsell LC , Pettengell K , Denmeade SL
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To assess the quality of a narrative form diet history (DH).

Design:

Reproducibility assessed with data obtained at 6-week intervals. Criterion validity assessed using energy intake to estimated energy expenditure (EI: BMR) cut-off limits. Relative validity assessed by comparing results for energy and macronutrients at baseline and month 2 of an intervention trial with those obtained from 3-day food records (FR).

Setting:

Community-based dietary intervention trials for the study of metabolic syndrome in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia.

Subjects:

Reproducibility: 43 healthy female volunteers. Mean age 58.72 years (range 50–67), mean body mass index (BMI) 25.79 (range 21–36). Validity: 45 healthy volunteers—18 males (mean age 46.9 years, mean BMI 27.8), and 27 females (mean age 45.7 years, mean BMI 26.2), attending a study on the effect of diet on metabolic variables.

Results:

Reproducibility: wide SD values indicated a high degree of intraindividual variation, but correlation coefficients were comparable to those of similar studies. Validity: underreporting was inconsistent with individuals, but was greater with the DH than the FR at each stage of the dietary trial (significant at month 1,P> 0.01). Underreporters indicated higher intakes of protein during the trial (P> 0.05). Weaker associations were found between the DH and FR data for energy values, but there was strong agreement for per cent fat consumed as saturated and monounsaturated fat at each stage of the trial.

Conclusions:

The narrative form DH performs as well as standardized interviews, but more work needs to be done at the micro level, focusing on aspects which deal with foods likely to be underreported in the particular study context. This can be achieved through continued research using combined methodologies.
Stages of change towards physical activity in a nationally representative sample in the European Union
Authors: Kearney John M , de Graaf Cees , Damkjaer Soren , Engstrom Lars Magnus
Published: June 2008

Objective

To examine the distribution of the stages of change towards physical activity across Europe and the influence of sociodemographic variables on this distribution.

Design

A cross-sectional study in which quota-controlled, nationally representative samples of approximately 1000 adults from each country completed a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire.

Setting

The survey was conducted in the 15 member states of the European Union between March and April 1997.

Subjects

The questionnaire was completed by 15 239 subjects (aged 15 years upwards). Data were weighted by population size for each country and by sex, age and regional distribution within each member state.

Results

Twenty-nine per cent of subjects were in the precontemplation stage, while a similar proportion (30%) were in the maintenance stage. Ten per cent had been physically active but had relapsed recently. Considerable intercountry variation existed with Scandinavian countries tending to be lower in the precontemplation stage and southern countries tending to be higher (particularly Greece and Portugal). Men and younger subjects with a higher education level were more likely to be in the maintenance stage. Overweight and obese subjects were more likely to be in the precontemplation stage than normal-weight subjects. In terms of barriers to participating in physical activity ‘not being the sporty type’ was more important for those in precontemplation stages, while ‘work/study commitments’ was more important for those people in the maintenance stage.

Conclusions

The model of the stages of behavioural change towards physical activity was able to distinguish people according to their level and attitude to physical activity. The considerable intercountry and sociodemographic variation in the distribution of stages of change suggest that targeted programmes aimed at specific subgroups in the population identified using the model may be more effective in promoting physical activity.