bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PW01-253 - Personality Traits, Self-esteem and Sense of Meaning In Life As Predictors For Suicide: The Norwegian Hunt Cohort
Authors: Bjerkeset O. , Nordahl H.M. , Romundstad P.R. , Gunnell D.
Published: June 2010

Background

The role of mental illness in the aetiology of suicide is well-recognised whereas the importance of personality and other enduring psychological characteristics has received relatively little attention in prospective studies.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of men and women aged 20+ years who participated in the Nord- Trøndelag Health Study, Norway, in 1984-86 (HUNT 1, n=74,977) and 1995-97 (HUNT II, n=66,140). State and trait psychological measures (personality traits, self-esteem and sense of coherence) along with sociodemographic, life style and physical health factors known to influence mental health and suicide risk were self reported by participants. Study members were followed up until 31st of December 2004.

Results

There were 153 suicides amongst the study members included in the analyses. Traits of neuroticism and conscientiousness (dutifulness) were associated with a modest (30-80%) increased risk of suicide. Low self-esteem (hazard ratio 5.22 95% CI 0.90 to 30.42) and low sense of meaning in life (hazard ratio 4.88 95% CI 1.86 to 12.82) were associated with an increased suicide risk in the fully adjusted models even after controlling for common mental disorder.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that simple questions relating to markers of personality, self-esteem and meaningfulness (SOC) might be useful tools in clinical suicide risk assessment. However, findings need replication in future large scale prospective studies.
PW01-254 - Risk Factors For Suicide In The Observational Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes (soho) Study
Authors: Novick D. , Brugnoli R. , Haro J.M. , Rossi A. , Bortolomasi M. , Frediani S. , Borgherini G.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

To identify factors associated with suicide attempts using data from a large, 3-year, multinational follow-up study of schizophrenia (SOHO study).

Methods

All baseline characteristics of 8,871 adult patients with schizophrenia collected in patients included in the SOHO study were included in a GEE logistic regression post-hoc analysis comparing patients who attempted suicide during the study with those who did not.

Results

A total of 384 (4.3%) patients attempted or committed suicide. The risk factors that resulted statistically associated with suicide attempt were a lifetime history of suicide attempts (OR 3.6 [95% CI 2.8, 4.6; p< 0.0001]), suicide attempts in the last 6 months (OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.8, 3.4; p< 0.0001]), prolactin-related side effects (OR 2.0 [95%CI 1.4, 2.9; p=0.0002]), CGI depression (OR 1.2 [95% CI 1.1, 1.3; p=0.0004]) and history of hospitalization for schizophrenia (OR 1.4 [95% CI 1.1, 1.8; p=0.009]).

Conclusions

In view of the observational design of the study and the post-hoc nature of the analysis, the identified risk factors should be confirmed by ad-hoc specifically designed studies.
PS01-01 - Ethical Problems Related To The Use of Psychotherapy
Authors: Schnyder U.
Published: June 2010

Among the empirically supported psychiatric treatments, psychotherapy has produced a strong record of scientific evidence. This is especially so when looking at long-term, sustainable treatment gains. However, when performing psychotherapy, psychiatrists may encounter particular challenges regarding the following four basic ethical principles: respect for the patient's autonomy; beneficence; nonmaleficence; and justice. In balancing these principles, and applying them to an individual problem during psychotherapeutic treatment, the consequences to the patient and to others of different courses of action will have to be examined (utilitarian reasoning); comparing the problem with other, apparently similar problems may be another way of finding a solution; finally, in certain situations, absolute rules will be applied, e.g. the rule that therapists shall not exploit patients sexually or in other ways. A number of frequently occurring specific issues will be discussed: confidentiality and its possible exceptions, conflicts of interest, and consent to treatment. In addition, problems that arise specifically from the psychotherapeutic treatment setting will be addressed, such as imposing values in psychotherapy, sexual and non-sexual boundary violations. Ethical issues must be dealt with pro-actively and transparently throughout the psychiatrist's professional career. This can be done, e.g., in individual or group supervision and intervision. Awareness regarding ethical issues should be raised in psychiatric residents and psychotherapy trainees right from the beginning of their training.
PS01-02 - Ethical Issues Related To Coercive Measures In Psychiatry
Authors: Szmukler G.
Published: June 2010

I will examine a range of ‘treatment pressures’ in mental health care exerted on patients who are reluctant to accept treatment. Conceptual distinctions of moral relevance can be drawn between a number of interventions commonly termed 'coercive'. These include ‘compulsion’, ‘coercion’ (narrowly defined), ‘exploitation’, ‘deception’, ‘inducements’ (or offers), and ‘interpersonal leverage’. These pressures may be placed on a rough hierarchy of moral seriousness.

Justifications for coercive interventions will be briefly discussed and I will recommend a ‘capacity-best interests’ framework as applicable across the whole range of interventions.

Measures that may reduce the need for ‘coercion’ will be briefly discussed, the most promising being certain types of ‘advance statement’ which, among other effects, enhance patients' involvement in their treatment.
PS01-03 - Ethical Issues Related To The Early Treatment Of Psychotic Disorders
Authors: Klosterkötter J. , Schultze-Lutter F.
Published: June 2010

Prevention of severe mental disorders, and especially the indicated prevention, has become a main topic in psychiatric research and, consequently, a matter of ethical debates. Neuropsychiatric disorders, however, form a most heterogeneous group of disorders that, among others, strike first in different age groups, differ in outcome and in availability as well as safety of treatments, have more or less understood different aetiologies and are subject to different degrees of stigmatisation and discrimination. And, although the main focus and critic are on the accuracy of prediction and the safety of treatment, concerns and arguments vary with the different characteristics of the considered disorder.

Taking endogenous psychoses as an example, costs and benefits of an early detection, of an early intervention and of prevention research in the prodromal or premorbid phase will be reviewed. It will be argued that the best way to adhere to the major ethical principles in medicine - autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence and fairness - in research and clinical practice will have to be reassessed continuously against the background of the current state of knowledge as well as the public opinion. Thereby, great care has to be given to ensuring that the great expected ‘common good’ will not overcome an individual patient's right to his or her own good and that, especially in patients more vulnerable to misuse, i.e., minors and those already impaired in their decision-making capacity, autonomy is given priority.
SS01-04 - Clinical Experience With Agomelatine In Depressed Patients
Authors: Hajak G.
Published: June 2010

Agomelatine, the first melatonergic antidepressant, has been widely recognized as a true innovation since its launch in Europe one year ago. Agomelatine has a unique pharmacological profile: an agonist at MT1/MT2 melatonergic receptors and antagonist at 5-HT2C receptors, it resynchronizes altered circadian rhythms in depression.

Agomelatine has already become a first-line treatment option for patients with a first depressive episode, as well as those with recurrent depression. In daily practice, agomelatine can be used in all depressed patients, and is particularly indicated in patients complaining of sleep difficulties. Agomelatine ensures unimpaired daytime vigilance, cognition, gastrointestinal transit, and sexual functioning. Feedback to date from both inpatients and outpatients with major depression is positive: beyond the antidepressant effect, patients frequently report improvement in sleep-wake rhythms and daily functioning, as early as by the first week (mostly within the first 3 days), which differentiates agomelatine from other antidepressants. Most patients report improvement in mood and other symptoms after 2/3 weeks and satisfactory tolerability. The most frequently noted side effects are dizziness, headache, and nausea; liver function tests at initiation of treatment are not considered to be an issue. Because agomelatine, unlike conventional antidepressants, does not affect serotonin levels, in case of switch the initial antidepressant should be progressively downtitrated to avoid discontinuation symptoms, which risk masking the benefits of agomelatine.

In summary, the early effects of agomelatine shown in controlled studies are also experienced by the majority of patients in daily practice and reflect its ability to resynchronize circadian rhythms.
YPSP01-02 - Effectiveness, Quality Of Life And Changes In Burden Of Disease In Children And Adolescents With Adhd Transitioning To Oros Mph
Authors: Wolff C. , Mattejat F. , Dichter S. , Schaeuble B.
Published: June 2010

Objective

To explore effectiveness, quality of life outcomes, burden of disease in children and adolescents with ADHD transitioning from ER MPH or Atomoxetine onto PR OROS MPH.

Methods

Twelve week open label study including 224 patients (aged 6-18) with ADHD (ICD-10) transitioning from ER MPH (N=180), Atomoxetine (N=42) or both (N=2) onto flexibly dosed PR OROS MPH. Starting dose was based on clinical judgement. Assessments included Children's Global Assessment Scale, IOWA Conners' parent rating scale, quality of life (ILC), and open question related to late afternoon or evening activities.

Results

224 patients (85.3% boys, median age 11 yrs) were documented. 81% completed the study. Median starting and final dose of PR OROS MPH was 36 mg/d. Mean C-GAS improved from 58 ± 15 (previous ER MPH group) and 54 ± 11 (previous ATX group) to 71±16 (12±15; p< 0,01) and 64±18 (9±16; p< 0.001), respectively.

Playing with other children, doing household chores, behavior towards visitors and doing homework were improved after switching from ATX to OROS MPH (all p < 0.05), but not for going to bed (p = 0.57). All items improved in the previous ER MPH group (p < 0.0001). Symptoms measured on IOWA Connor's rating scale as well as burden of disease (ILC) improved in children, adolescents as well as their care givers (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Transition from ER MPH and ATX onto PR OROS MPH was associated with improved functionality, social interaction and decreased burden of disease in children and adolescents with ADHD.
YPSP01-03 - “No Country For Old Men”: Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Activities In A Geriatric Population
Authors: Ferrari S. , Forghieri M. , Pingani L. , Rigatelli M.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Eighteen percent of Italian population and 37% of admissions to general hospital are represented by over-65 subjects. Psychiatric comorbility of hospitalized elderly patients is an epidemiologically and clinically significant phenomenon for Consultation-Liaison (CL) psychiatrists. The aim of the work is to describe the experience of a CL Psychiatry Service with patients aged 65 and more.

Methods

A search through the clinical database of the Modena CL Psychiatry Service was conducted, to collect data on psychiatric consultations for over-65 patients. Demographics, data on the reason for referral and on outcome of consultations were collected and analyzed critically, with special focus on clinically relevant situations.

Results

Over-65 patients account for 43% of all consultations (males 44%, mean age 75±13). Sixty-seven percent of referrals come from Internal Medicine wards and the most common reasons for referral are depression (42%), agitation (10%) and confusion (8%), with the distribution of frequency of reasons for referral differing significantly from that of under-65 patients (p=.003). A medical-psychiatric comorbidity was assessed in 77% of cases, with adjustment reactions and mixed anxiety-depression as most common psychiatric diagnoses (67%). Prescription of psychothropic drugs was the outcome of the psychiatric assessment in 78% of cases.

Conclusions

CL Psychiatry activities for elderly patients in the general hospital are frequent and clinically challenging. Unmet needs for elderly inpatients might be the underestimated question concerning coping strategies and adjustment reactions toward the presence of a medical illness.
YPSP01-05 - Intermed From Training To Clinical Implementation: The Complex Patient In Different Care Settings
Authors: Disavoia A. , Zannoni E. , Ferrari S. , Ferri P. , Huyse F.J. , Rigatelli M.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

INTERMED is an instrument to assess bio-psycho-social case complexity in general health care by focusing on past, present and future health needs/risks of patients. It consists of a structured interview defining 20 variables and related anchor points. The total score ranges from 0 to 60, reflecting the level of complexity and the related care needs/risks. The aim of this work was to assess preliminary the effectiveness of a training program on the clinical use of INTERMED.

Methods

After a group training on the use of INTERMED carried out between April and September 2009, the method was applied to 30 female patients aged between 20 and 65, subsequently referring to three clinical settings: a GP clinic; a psychiatry day-care clinic; a CLP out-patient clinic. Demographic and clinical data were collected, together with administration of HADS and WHOQoL-bref.

Results

The mean INTERMED score was 20.8, borderline as to definition of complex cases. Patients from the GP clinic and in the CLP setting scored lower (respectively 16.5 and 18.2) than patients from the psychiatric day-clinic (27.8), suggesting that the presence of severe psychiatric disturbances might contribute to increasing the level of case-complexity. Concordance with results at HADS and WHOQoL was high.

Conclusions

A clinical practice in the use of INTERMED after the theoretical phase of the training process is necessary to reinforce effectiveness of the training. These preliminary positive results will hopefully open the way to a wider diffusion of this tool in clinical practice in the area of Modena.
YPSP01-08 - Are Psychopathological Symptoms In Patients With Dementia Related To Stress Perception In The Caregiver?
Authors: Pingani L. , Cataldo I. , De Bernardis M. , Ughetti M.L. , Fulvio A. , De Bernardis E. , Ferrari S. , Turrini G. , Rigatelli M.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

To test the presence of significant correlations between psychopathological symptoms in patients with dementia and the stress perceived by the primary caregiver.

Methods

Primary caregivers of patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of dementia admitted to the neuro-psycho-geriatric-rehabilitation ward of the private hospital “Villa Maria Luigia”, Parma - Italy, between May and November 2008 were asked to take part in the study. The NPI scale (UCLA Neuropsychiatric Inventory - Commings J.L. et al., 1994) and a socio-demographic data collection schedule were administered to the primary caregiver willing to be involved in the study.

Results

Only 30 of the 40 eligible subjects agreed to take part to the study (75%). 35 significant correlations (according to Spearman's Correlation Index) were found. Those most highly significant (p< 0.001) were between stress perception and the following NPI symptom categories: delirium, hallucination, agitation, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, aberrant physical activity and sleep disorders.

Conclusions

The psychopathological symptoms found to contribute mostly to distress of caregivers were those most showy and disruptive of behaviour; other symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, irritability and eating disorders are better tolerated as considered normal consequences of ageism. Interventions addressed to caregivers should provide them with detailed and structured coping instruments. Clear, therefore, the need for all health professionals, to structure an intervention aimed at caregivers characterized by two different phases:

1.

To provide more tools to recognize those disorders which don’t emotionally involve them;

2.

To give detailed, structured information useful to cope with these disorders in everyday life.
YPSP01-15 - Course Of Cognitive Functioning In First Episode Of Schizophrenia Prior To The Age Of Onset: 5-Year Follow Up Study
Authors: Zaytseva Y. , Korsakova N. , Gurovich I.
Published: June 2010

Background

Age of onset has been related to the severity of cognitive decline in learning, memory, attention and motor speed.

Methods

44 patients at their onset diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizophrenia form disorders performed neuropsychological testing based on Luria‘s methodology during 5-years follow-up. Assessment was done twice in acute state and twice in remission on the first and second years of observation and then annually in remission. The patients were assigned to subgroups within the onset: adult onset (n=33, 1st group mean age- 25, 33±5,64) and early onset (n=11, 2nd group, mean age-15, 61±2, 92).

Results

At the onset patients of the 1st group presented deficit of the main cognitive functions (verbal and visual memory, gnosis, spatial motor skills, verbal and non-verbal thinking, attention, neurodynamics and executive functioning) during the first 2 years which corresponded to the worsening of clinical state over time. Later on these variables remained stable with further decline of visual memory and visual gnosis by the end of the follow-up.

Neurocognitive parameters of the 2nd group such as praxis, gnosis, visual-spatial recognition, verbal thinking and non-verbal thinking, verbal and visual memory, neurodynamics and executive functioning were considerably poor at the onset in comparison to the 1st group. Moreover, no dynamics has been revealed during follow- up period except overpatching of non-verbal thinking, the parameter which has significantly improved in five years outcome (p< 0, 05).

Conclusions

The following results indicate different courses of cognitive deterioration in the follow-up period in patients with various age of onset.
YPSP01-16 - Teamwork In Psychiatry
Authors: Miselli M. , Pighi M. , Ferrari S. , Barbanti Silva V. , Mimmi S. , Rigatelli M.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Teamwork in psychiatry is a very specific property of care organization, especially in the Italian tradition and daily practice. The purpose of the study was to define and describe the main variables that might influence and determine it.

Methods

A 15-item ad hoc questionnaire was specially designed and administered to health professionals of Modena Department of Mental Health. This questionnaire contained socio-demographic data (age, sex, longevity of service), professional characteristics, personal level of satisfaction and identification, and opinions on “ideality” and “reality” of teamwork. Statistical analysis was conducted to explore significant correlations.

Results

Satisfaction rate was 46.2%, identification rate 59.1%. Teamwork seems to function well as far as “information circulation” and “making practical decisions”, but lacks in “reciprocal understanding” and “reciprocal emotional support”. The level of correspondence between ideal and real teamwork is strongly correlated to satisfaction (p = 0), identification (p = 0), but not to age, sex or duration of service. The priority of teamwork was “discussion of clinical cases”.

Conclusions

This study attempts to suggest difficulties and limits of contemporary care organization in Italian psychiatry, but also offers several ideas for organizational, administrative, clinical, and human improvements. It represents a first step to analyze and identify the qualitative determinants of psychiatric teamwork.
Stock Returns and the Volatility of Liquidity
Authors: Pereira João Pedro , Zhang Harold H.
Published: June 2010

This paper offers a rational explanation for the puzzling empirical fact that stock returns decrease with an increase in the volatility of liquidity. We model liquidity as a stochastic price impact process and define the liquidity premium as the additional return necessary to compensate a multiperiod investor for the adverse price impact of trading. The model demonstrates that a fully rational, utility maximizing, risk-averse investor can take advantage of time-varying liquidity by adapting his trades to the state of liquidity. We provide new empirical evidence supportive of the model.
Incorporating Economic Objectives into Bayesian Priors: Portfolio Choice under Parameter Uncertainty
Authors: Tu Jun , Zhou Guofu
Published: June 2010

This paper proposes a way to allow Bayesian priors to reflect the objectives of an economic problem. That is, we impose priors on the solution to the problem rather than on the primitive parameters whose implied priors can be backed out from the Euler equation. Using monthly returns on the Fama-French 25 size and book-to-market portfolios and their 3 factors from January 1965 to December 2004, we find that investment performances under the objective-based priors can be significantly different from those under alternative priors, with differences in terms of annual certainty-equivalent returns greater than 10% in many cases. In terms of an out-of-sample loss function measure, portfolio strategies based on the objective-based priors can substantially outperform both strategies under alternative priors and some of the best strategies developed in the classical framework.
Minimum dataset for endolaryngeal surgery: pilot study
Authors: Nixon I , Kunanandam T , MacKenzie K
Published: June 2010

Introduction:

Airway endoscopy carries a risk of detrimental effects. We aimed to develop a minimum endolaryngeal surgery dataset, for use in laryngology practice as an audit tool.

Materials and methods:

A minimum dataset was designed, incorporating pre- and post-operative clinical, surgical and patient-reported data. We prospectively recruited 272 consecutive patients between May 2007 and May 2009. The Voice Symptom Scale was used to assess patient-reported vocal morbidity.

Results:

Complete clinical and surgical details were obtained for 272 patients (100 per cent). Thus, information on diagnosis, procedure type and procedure aim was obtained for all patients. The Voice Symptom Scale was completed pre-operatively by 250 patients, and three months post-operatively by 169 patients (68 per cent). A statistically significant improvement in Voice Symptom Scale score was observed in patients undergoing surgery to improve their voice, compared with pre-operative measurements (p = 0.01).

Discussion:

We developed a minimum dataset to characterise endolaryngeal surgical activity and outcomes. This dataset could be used to determine best practice, and to audit endolaryngeal surgery outcomes for surgeon recertification and revalidation.
The livelihood impacts of the Namibian community based natural resource management programme: a meta-synthesis
Authors: SUICH HELEN
Published: June 2010

Community based natural resource management (CBNRM) programmes aim to achieve the joint objectives of biodiversity conservation and improved rural livelihoods by providing incentives to sustainably manage relevant resources. Since 1998, more than 50 natural resource management institutions, known as conservancies, have been established in order to manage wildlife resources, on communal lands in Namibia. The national programme is often cited as a CBNRM success; however, despite its rapid spread, there are few systematically collected or analysed household-level data which demonstrate the long-term ecological, social and economic impacts of Namibian programme. A meta-synthesis was undertaken to determine the range of positive and negative livelihood impacts resulting from CBNRM programme activities in two key regions, and the factors affecting how these impacts have been felt by households or individuals. Impacts were categorized according to any changes in access to and/or returns from the five key assets of the sustainable livelihoods framework, namely financial, human, natural, physical and social assets. Positive and negative impacts were felt on financial, human, natural and social assets; only positive impacts were identified as affecting physical assets. Individual- and household-level impacts differed depending on the specific activities implemented locally and, according to the duration, frequency and timing of the impacts, the circumstances and preferences of households and their access to particular activities and consequent impacts. If a greater understanding of the extent and importance of different impacts is to be gained in the future, more rigorous and comprehensive data collection and analysis will need to be undertaken. Analyses will need to consider the whole range of activities implemented, both the benefits and costs associated with these different activities, and will also need to provide contextual information to allow the relative importance of impacts resulting from CBNRM activities to be better understood.
Small-scale studies towards a rational use of bioaugmentation in an Antarctic hydrocarbon-contaminated soil
Authors: Ruberto Lucas , Vazquez Susana C. , Dias Romina L. , Hernández Edgardo A. , Coria Silvia H. , Levin Gustavo , Lo Balbo Alfredo , Mac Cormack Walter P.
Published: June 2010

Bioaugmentation is a controversial strategy. In this work, the effect of the inoculum size and the absence of natural microflora on the efficiency of hydrocarbon removal were studied. Two levels of inoculum (106and 109CFU g-1) were applied to soil microcosms containing sterile (S6 and S9) and non-sterile (NS6 and NS9) oil contaminated Antarctic soil. Community controls (CC) and biostimulated autochthonous microflora (BAM) were also included. Total heterotrophic aerobic (THAB) and hydrocarbon degrading (HDB) bacteria as well as total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were analysed. At day 0, THAB and HDB counts (CFU g-1) showed no differences among CC, BAM and NS6 but significantly higher values were observed in NS9 and S9. At day 60, three different levels of HDB were observed. The lower level was represented by CC (106CFU g-1), a second group (5 x 107CFU g-1) was represented by BAM, NS6, NS9 and S6, and the third level was constituted by S9 (1 x 109CFU g-1). TPH values at day 60 decreased significantly in all systems excluding the controls. NS6, NS9, S6 and S9 were not different from those corresponding to BAM. Results suggest that the bioaugmentation of a chronically diesel fuel-contaminated Antarctic soil is unlikely to be profitable or beneficial.
Generic and Illness-Specific Quality of Life in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Hauschildt Marit , Jelinek Lena , Randjbar Sarah , Hottenrott Birgit , Moritz Steffen
Published: June 2010

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and disabling disorder. It profoundly compromises various aspects of patients’ everyday life, thus affecting their quality of life (QoL). Using generic instruments, several studies have confirmed severely impaired health-related QoL in patients diagnosed with OCD. However, there has been a dearth of research on illness-specific QoL. Aims: The present study aimed to further investigate subjective QoL in individuals with OCD with a focus on illness-specific aspects. Method: To assess subjective QoL in a broad OCD sample, an internet survey was conducted with 123 participants with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The survey comprised both a generic (WHOQOL-BREF) and a novel self-developed OCD-specific QoL measure (QoLOC). Psychopathology was determined with diagnostic standard instruments (self-report forms of: Y-BOCS, OCI-R, BDI-SF). Results: Regression analyses confirmed depression as the best predictor for decreased QoL. In addition, participants reported high despair resulting from OCD-related problems that differed across symptom subtypes. An exploratory factor analysis suggested four domains of OCD-specific problems tapped by the QoLOC: (1) depressiveness in association with OCD; (2) constraints in activities due to OCD symptoms or avoidance; (3) problems with partner and/or family due to OCD symptoms or avoidance; (4) self-concept/coping of own illness. Conclusions: Results produced a comprehensive picture of QoL impairments and their relation to psychopathology in a representative OCD sample. Illness-specific concerns should be further addressed in QoL research in OCD because such problems are not sufficiently mirrored in generic QoL measures.
Neighbourhood food environments: are they associated with adolescent dietary intake, food purchases and weight status?
Authors: Laska Melissa N , Hearst Mary O , Forsyth Ann , Pasch Keryn E , Lytle Leslie
Published: June 2010

Objective

To examine neighbourhood food environments, adolescent nutrition and weight status.

Design

Cross-sectional, observational study.

Setting

Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan region, Minnesota, USA.

Subjects

A total of 349 adolescents were recruited to the study. Participants completed 24 h dietary recalls and had their weight and height measured. They also reported demographic information and other diet-related behaviours. Geographic Information Systems were used to examine the availability and proximity of food outlets, particularly those captured within the 800, 1600 and/or 3000 m network buffers around participants’ homes and schools.

Results

Adjusting for gender, age and socio-economic status, adolescents’ sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with residential proximity to restaurants (including fast food), convenience stores, grocery stores and other retail facilities within the 800 and/or 1600 m residential buffers (P≤ 0·01). BMIZ-score and percentage body fat were positively associated with the presence of a convenience store within a 1600 m buffer. Other individual-level factors, such as energy, fruit and vegetable intake, as well as convenience store and fast food purchasing, were not significantly associated with features of the residential neighbourhood food environment in adjusted models. In addition, school neighbourhood environments yielded few associations with adolescent outcomes.

Conclusions

Many factors are likely to have an important role in influencing adolescent dietary intake and weight status. Interventions aimed at increasing neighbourhood access to healthy foods, as well as other approaches, are needed.
Status of vitamins A and E in schoolchildren in the centre west of Tunisia: a population-based study
Authors: Fares Samira , Chahed Mohamed K , Feki Moncef , Beji Chiraz , Traissac Pierre , El Ati Jalila , Kaabachi Naziha
Published: June 2010

Objective

The present study was undertaken to assess the status of vitamins A and E (VA and VE, respectively) and their main determinants in Tunisian children.

Design

Cross-sectional population-based study.

Setting

Kasserine Governorate in the centre west of Tunisia.

Subjects

A total of 7407 children attending the first grade of elementary school were included. VA and VE were assessed by HPLC.

Results

The prevalence of moderate VA deficiency (VAD; <0·70 μmol/l) was 2·3 % and VE deficiency (VED; <6·97 μmol/l) was 5·4 %. Low status in VA (0·70–1·05 μmol/l) and VE (6·97–11·61 μmol/l) was observed in 17 % and 20·2 % of children, respectively. No child exhibited severe VA or VE deficiency (<0·35 and <2·32 μmol/l, respectively). The main predictors of VAD were advanced age (OR = 1·65; 95 % CI 1·13, 2·41;P= 0·05) and sickness within the past 2 weeks (OR = 1·51; 95 % CI 1·09, 2·09;P= 0·01). Predictors of VED were living in the peri-urban region (OR = 1·60; 95 % CI 1·28, 2·01;P< 0·001) and sickness within the past 2 weeks (OR = 0·75; 95 % CI 0·60, 0·94;P= 0·01).

Conclusions

Moderate VAD and VED were uncommon in Tunisian children. However, low status in VA and/or VE remains frequent. A reinforcement of the national strategies for children's nutrition and health is needed, particularly in disadvantaged regions. Supplementation of VA and VE is not necessary in Tunisia, but food fortification may be beneficial.
Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profiles in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Abdollahzad Hadi , Eghtesadi Shahriar , Nourmohammadi Issa , Khadem-Ansari Mohammadhasan , Nejad-Gashti Hossein , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: June 2010

Background and aims: The increase in oxidative stress is the main factor in acceleration of atherosclerosis, leading to death in hemodialysis patients. Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants that inhibits lipid peroxidation and improves endothelial function. This study aims to assess the effects of vitamin C supplementation on lipid profiles as well as markers of lipid peroxidation among hemodialysis patients. Materials and methods: In this double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, a total of 42 patients were randomly assigned to vitamin C (n=21) or placebo groups (n=21). Patients in the vitamin C group consumed 250 mg vitamin C and those in the placebo group were given placebo every other day for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the study to measure serum concentrations of lipid profiles, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin C. Results: After supplementation with vitamin C, serum vitamin C levels increased significantly in the vitamin C group as compared to baseline (p=0.033). There was also a significant difference in serum vitamin C levels between vitamin C and placebo groups (p=0.001). Serum MDA concentrations were marginally decreased in the vitamin C group after taking supplements (p=0.057). A significant difference was also seen in mean MDA changes between vitamin C and placebo groups (p=0.002). There was a significant difference in serum levels of total cholesterol (p=0.005), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (p=0.012), and LDL-C/high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) ratio (p=0.018) between the two groups; however, serum triglyceride and HDL-C levels were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Every other day supplementation with 250 mg vitamin C for 12 weeks increases serum vitamin C, decreases MDA levels, and improves lipid profiles in hemodialysis patients.
Influence of a Complex Micronutrient Supplement on the Immune Status of Elderly Individuals
Authors: Schmoranzer Fritz , Fuchs Norbert , Markolin Gertrude , Carlin Edda , Sakr Labiba , Sommeregger Ulrike
Published: June 2010

Nutritional status is known to have profound effects on immune function and resistance to infections, particularly in the elderly. We investigated the effect of a complex micronutrient supplement in elderly people on the changes in some of the cellular components of the immune system, on lymphocyte function, and on the antibody response to influenza vaccination. One-hundred-six subjects aged 62 to 98 were randomly assigned to receive a complex micronutrient supplement or a placebo for three months. Subjects were vaccinated against influenza after eight weeks. Clinical parameters, lymphocyte subsets, in vitro lymphocyte activation, and influenza antibody titers were assessed at baseline and after 90 days of supplementation. A significant increase in total lymphocytes (p=0.034) and white blood cells (WBC) (p=0.03) in the supplemented group was observed. A shift from CD4+/CD45RO+ “memory” cells to CD4+/CD45RA+ “naïve” T-cells in favor of CD4+/CD45RA+ “naïve” T-cells took place. The group consuming additional micronutrients showed an increase in CD45RA+ subsets (p=0.032) compared to the control group. A decrease of total cholesterol (from 228.72±56.11 to 210.74±52.58, p=0.002) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (from 145.75±48.86 to 125.47±41.72, p<0.001) was observed. Influenza antibody titers showed no correlation with micronutrient intake. We conclude that supplementation with a complex micronutrient formulation increases the number of various types of immune cells and decreases total cholesterol and LDL in elderly people. No beneficial effect on specific antibody response to influenza vaccination was observed. Further research is needed to evaluate whether enhanced cellular immune responses decrease the incidence of infections in elderly people.
Determinants of Homocysteine Levels in Ivorian Rural Population
Authors: Tiahou Georges , Dupuy Anne-Marie , Jaussent Isabelle , Sees Daniel , Cristol Jean-Paul , Badiou Stephanie
Published: June 2010

In the present study, homocysteine (Hcy) and vitamin B status were determined in healthy subjects living in two opposite regions of the Ivory Coast. Fifty-six subjects from a coastal region (Bodou) having a fish-based diet and 56 subjects from a mountainous area (Glanle) having a vegetarian diet were tested to sample Hcy, folate, vitamin B12, creatinine, and lipid levels, as well as inflammation and nutritional parameters. An increased prevalence of Hcy ≥15µmol/L was observed, reaching 60 % of all subjects. The Bodou group exhibited significantly higher Hcy levels than the Glanle group [20.1 (9.7 – 41.4) vs. 13.6 (5.5 – 48.7) µmol/L, p<0.0001], despite higher vitamin B12 levels [593 (163 – 1860) vs. 234 (83 – 585) pg/mL, p<0.0001]. Although folate levels were lower in subjects from Bodou compared to Glanle [3.2 (2.0 – 7.3) vs. 6.0 (1.9 – 18.2) ng/mL, p<0.0001], there was no significant relationship with Hcy levels in any groups. Interestingly, there were significantly higher creatinine levels in subjects from Bodou compared to Glanle and a significant positive relationship with Hcy levels was evident in each group. In conclusion, Hcy levels in an Ivorian population having a fish-based diet appeared significantly higher compared to subjects having a vegetarian diet. However, folate and vitamin B12 status did not emerge as the major determinants of this difference; a stronger relationship was observed with creatinine levels.
Plasma Levels of Vitamins A and E, Coenzyme Q10, and Anti-ox-LDL Antibody Titer in Children Treated with an Elimination Diet Due to Food Hypersensitivity
Authors: Mikoluc Bozena , Motkowski Radoslaw , Karpinska Joanna , Piotrowska-Jastrzebska Janina
Published: June 2010

Aim: Has elimination diet applied in children with food hypersensitivity in infancy any effect on plasma levels of anti-oxidative vitamins and antibodies to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (anti-ox-LDL antibody) titer in these children at their pre-school age?” Material: The study involved 92 children (3 to 7 years of age) with food hypersensitivity treated in their infancy and early childhood with soy formula or casein hydrolysate, as a milk substitute for at least 12 months. Control group comprised 62 children, who had never been treated with an elimination diet. Methods: The status of the anti-oxidative system was evaluated by determination of retinol, α-tocopherol, and coenzyme Q10 plasma levels by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The titer of antibodies to oxidized LDL lipoproteins was specified by immunoenzymatic assay. On the basis of the Results, the following Conclusions have been reached: 1. It was shown that α-tocopherol and retinol levels in pre-school children who had received dietary treatment in their infancy, were higher than in the control group. No deficiencies in anti-oxidative vitamins within the control group were found. 2. A type of milk-substitute formula applied in the elimination diet had no effect on the status of the anti-oxidative system in the children examined.
Investigation of β-carotene and Lutein Transport in Caco-2 Cells: Carotenoid-carotenoid Interactions and Transport Inhibition by Ezetimibe
Authors: OSullivan Laurie , Aisling S. Aherne , OBrien Nora M.
Published: June 2010

Carotenoid bioavailability is influenced by a number of factors including the presence of other carotenoids, which may enhance or inhibit the transport of one another by intestinal cells. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were: first, to determine carotenoid uptake and secretion (i. e. transport) by supplementing differentiated Caco-2 cells with increasing concentrations of either lutein or β-carotene (0 – 1 μM); second, to assess any interactions between β-carotene and lutein on their cellular uptake and secretion; and third, to a minor extent, to determine the effects of a carotenoid absorption inhibitor, ezetimibe, on β-carotene and lutein transport. The carotenoid mixes were used at molar ratios of 1:1 and 4:1. At equimolar concentrations, lutein had a negative impact on β-carotene transport and vice versa. However, these effects were not seen when the ratios were adjusted to 4:1. Following treatment with ezetimibe (25 – 100 μM) for 16 hours there was a reduction in β-carotene transport, whereas a non-significant reduction in lutein transport was observed. In conclusion, this study confirmed that β-carotene and lutein interact during their absorption, depending on the concentration/ratios used, and that carotenoid absorption is partially affected by ezetimibe.
A Comparative Study of the Effects of Erabu Sea Snake (Laticauda semifasciata) Lipids, Green Tea Extract and Conjugated Linoleic Acid on the Swimming Endurance of Mice
Authors: Zhang Guihua , Shirai Nobuya , Higuchi Tomoyuki , Suzuki Hiramitsu , Shimizu Eiji
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the interaction between physical and biochemical parameters in mice fed 1 % sea snake lipids (SSL) and compare these with animals fed diets containing 0.2 % green tea extract (GTE) or 0.5 % conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The swimming times of the SSL group were significantly increased at Weeks 12 and 16 (p<0.001), and those of the GTE group, at Week 12 (p<0.005), but not those of the control or CLA group, compared with those at Week 0. The increase tended to be significant in the SSL group compared with the control group at Week 12 (p=0.09). Both the SSL and GTE groups had significantly longer swimming times than the CLA group at Weeks 12 and 16 (p<0.001). After 5 minutes of swimming exercise, the SSL group exhibited significantly lower levels of plasma and muscle lactates (p<0.01), and plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) (p<0.001) than the control group. There were no significant differences in any of plasma glucose, muscle and liver glycogens, muscle lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT), or monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) between SSL and control groups. The results suggest that the intake of 1 % SSL improved endurance more than the intake of 0.2 % GTE or 0.5 % CLA in mice. This action may involve the promotion of lactate oxidation for utilization.
Production of runaway electrons by negative streamer discharges
Authors: Chanrion O. , Neubert T.
Published: June 2010

In this paper we estimate the probability that cold electrons can be accelerated by an ambient electric field into the runaway regime, and discuss the implications for negative streamer formation. The study is motivated by the discovery of ms duration bursts of γ‐rays from the atmosphere above thunderstorms, the so‐called Terrestrial Gamma‐Ray Flashes. The radiation is thought to be bremsstrahlung from energetic (MeV) electrons accelerated in a thunderstorm discharge. The observation goes against conventional wisdom that discharges in air are carried by electrons with energies below a few tens of eV. Instead the relativistic runaway electron discharge has been proposed which requires a lower threshold electric field; however, seed electrons must be born with energies in the runaway regime. In this work we study the fundamental problem of electron acceleration in a conventional discharge and the conditions on the electric field for the acceleration of electrons into the runaway regime. We use particle codes to describe the process of stochastic acceleration and introduce a novel technique that improves the statistics of the relatively few electrons that reach high energies. The calculation of probabilities for electrons to reach energies in the runaway regime shows that even with modest fields, electrons can be energized in negative streamer tips into the runaway regime, creating a beamed distribution in front of the streamer that affects its propagation. The results reported here suggest that theories of negative streamers and spark propagation should be reexamined with an improved characterization of the kinetic effects of electrons.
Gravity wave kinetic, potential, and vertical fluctuation energies as indicators of different frequency gravity waves
Authors: Geller Marvin A. , Gong Jie
Published: June 2010

An advantage of examining atmospheric gravity waves using high vertical‐resolution radiosonde data over other measurement techniques is that horizontal wind, temperature, and vertical ascent rate can be measured directly. This allows the kinetic, potential, and vertical velocity fluctuation energies to be derived independently. Each of these gravity wave energies is shown to have sensitivity to different gravity wave frequencies. Observed correlations among these energies are consistent with this, and simulations of these correlations are shown to constrain gravity wave frequency spectra. The climatology of these energies shows quite different variations with month of the year and with latitude such that the vertical fluctuation energy seems to be a better indicator of convectively forced higher‐frequency gravity waves.
Can Cassini magnetic field measurements be used to find the rotation period of Saturn's interior?
Authors: Sterenborg M. Glenn , Bloxham Jeremy
Published: June 2010

We investigate the determination of the rotation period of Saturn's interior using magnetic field measurements from Cassini. First, we vary the rotation period and search for the period that yields the smallest rms misfit of a magnetic field model to the data. Second, we search for the period that yields the most power in the non‐axisymmetric components of a magnetic field model. Neither method enables us to determine the rotation period. However, we are able to place a bound on the magnitude of the non‐axisymmetric component of Saturn's magnetic field finding it to be no greater than 4–5% of the axisymmetric component.
Evidence for stratosphere sudden warming‐ionosphere coupling due to vertically propagating tides
Authors: Pedatella N. M. , Forbes J. M.
Published: June 2010

Observations of the Global Positioning System (GPS) total electron content (TEC) are used to study the coupling between the 2009 sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) and ionospheric perturbations. The observations reveal both migrating and nonmigrating perturbations to the semidiurnal tide in the equatorial ionization anomaly crest region that are associated with changes in electric fields induced by the tidal dynamo. In particular, a significant enhancement is observed in the nonmigrating semidiurnal westward propagating tide with zonal wavenumber 1 (SW1) in GPS TEC during the SSW. The SW1 perturbations in the low‐latitude ionosphere are found to oscillate with a similar period as planetary wave‐1 activity in the Northern Hemisphere stratosphere. This connection is attributed to the nonlinear interaction between tides and planetary waves and strongly supports the theory that planetary wave‐tide interaction is the primary mechanism coupling SSWs to ionospheric variability. Enhancements are also observed in the nonmigrating semidiurnal tide with zonal wavenumber 0 (S0) during this time period and may be related to the nonlinear interaction between the migrating semidiurnal tide and planetary wave‐2. The connection between planetary wave‐2 and S0 is, however, less clear which may be attributed to differences in the zonal mean zonal winds in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere during the times of peak planetary wave‐1 and planetary wave‐2 activity. We conclude that the changing zonal winds during SSWs play an important role in the coupling between ionospheric variability and the forcing from planetary waves of lower atmospheric origin during SSWs.