bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The carrot and the stick
Authors: Bartneck Christoph , Reichenbach Juliane , Carpenter Julie
Published: June 2008

This paper presents two studies that investigate how people praise and punish robots in a collaborative game scenario. In a first study, subjects played a game together with humans, computers, and anthropomorphic and zoomorphic robots. The different partners and the game itself were presented on a computer screen. Results showed that praise and punishment were used the same way for computer and human partners. Yet robots, which are essentially computers with a different embodiment, were treated differently. Very machine-like robots were treated just like the computer and the human; robots very high on anthropomorphism / zoomorphism were praised more and punished less. However, barely any of the participants believed that they actually played together with a robot. After this first study, we refined the method and also tested if the presence of a real robot, in comparison to a screen representation, would influence the measurements. The robot, in the form of an AIBO, would either be present in the room or only be represented on the participants’ computer screen (presence). Furthermore, the robot would either make 20% errors or 40% errors (error rate) in the collaborative game. We automatically measured the praising and punishing behavior of the participants towards the robot and also asked the participant to estimate their own behavior. Results show that even the presence of the robot in the room did not convince all participants that they played together with the robot. To gain full insight into this human–robot relationship it might be necessary to directly interact with the robot. The participants unconsciously praised AIBO more than the human partner, but punished it just as much. Robots that adapt to the users’ behavior should therefore pay extra attention to the users’ praises, compared to their punishments.
Analyzing social situations for human–robot interaction
Authors: Wagner Alan R. , Arkin Ronald C.
Published: June 2008

This paper presents an algorithm for analyzing social situations within a robot. We contribute a method that allows the robot to use information about the situation to select interactive behaviors. This work is based on interdependence theory, a social psychological theory of interaction and interpersonal situation analysis. Experiments demonstrate the utility of the information provided by the situation analysis algorithm and of the value of this method for guiding robot interaction. We conclude that the situation analysis algorithm offers a viable, principled, and general approach to explore interactive robotics problems.
A cognitive approach to goal-level imitation
Authors: Chella Antonio , Dindo Haris , Infantino Ignazio
Published: June 2008

Imitation in robotics is seen as a powerful means to reduce the complexity of robot programming. It allows users to instruct robots by
simply showing them how to execute a given task. Through imitation robots can learn from their environment and adapt to it just as human
newborns do. Despite different facets of imitative behaviours observed in humans and higher primates, imitation in robotics has usually been
implemented as a process of copying demonstrated actions onto the movement apparatus of the robot. While the results being reached are
impressive, we believe that a shift towards a higher expression of imitation, namely the comprehension of human actions and inference of its
intentions, is needed. In order to be useful as human companions, robots must act for a purpose by achieving goals and fulfilling human
expectations. In this paper we present ConSCIS (Conceptual Space based Cognitive Imitation System), an architecture for goal-level imitation
in robotics where the focus is put on final effects of actions on objects. The architecture tightly links low-level data with high-level
knowledge, and integrates, in a unified framework, several aspects of imitation, such as perception, learning, knowledge representation,
action generation and robot control. Some preliminary experimental results with an anthropomorphic arm/hand robotic system are shown.
Testing sincerity
Authors: Duffy Gavan , Goh Evelyn
Published: June 2008

In strategic contexts actors may costlessly renege on verbal commitments. Many analysts consequently reject negotiation talk as an empirical basis for examining political interaction. They focus on deeds (e.g., missile deployments, troop movements, defense expenditures), which more likely than cheap talk signal sincere intent. Dialogical or pragmatic analysts, however, apply tools of linguistics and formal logic in systematic examinations of negotiation talk. They finesse the problem of insincerity by imposing upon themselves the burden of showing the consistency of actors possibly insincere utterances with their interests and prior commitments. We present a dialogical analysis of the initial conversations between US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Chinese leaders in February of 1973. The Chinese leaders test Kissingers sincerity by attempting to trap him in contradictions or drive him into implausible conversational commitments. This practice lends support to the heuristic proposed by dialogical/pragmatic analysts for finessing the problem of insincerity.
Dietary intake and nutritional status of women and pre-school children in the Republic of the Maldives
Authors: Golder Andrea M , Erhardt Jürgen G , Scherbaum Veronika , Saeed Mohamed , Biesalski Hans K , Fürst Peter
Published: June 2008

Objective:

Malnutrition and poor nutritional status among children are common problems in the Republic of Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. The aim of this study was to determine possible macro- and micronutrient deficiencies in the traditional Maldivian diet.

Design:

In five atolls, 333 women with children aged between 1 and 4 years who were no longer breast-fed were interviewed, using a 24-hour recall. Additionally, the weights and heights of both the women and children were measured, and blood samples from 15 women were collected for measurements of vitamins A and E, β-carotene, homocysteine, cholesterol and haemoglobin.

Results:

Of the women, 22% had a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5. Of the children, 41% were stunted, 14% were wasted and 51% were underweight. The women's and children's diets were sufficient in protein (14%) and carbohydrates (67%) but deficient in fat, which contributed only 19% to the total energy intake. Consumption of dietary substances that depend on vegetable and fruit intake (e.g. β-carotene, vitamin C, dietary fibre and folic acid) was low. The low intake of β-carotene was underlined by low plasma concentration. The estimated iron intake was low, although blood haemoglobin levels were normal.

Conclusions:

Marginal nutritional status and marginal malnutrition are due to low fat intake and selected micronutrient deficiency. Higher intakes of locally available vegetables and fruits and fat (especially for children) on a regular basis might reverse the deficits documented on the atolls.
Serum carotenoids as biomarkers of fruit and vegetable consumption in the New York Women's Health Study
Authors: Van Kappel Anne Linda , Steghens Jean-Paul , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Chajès Véronique , Toniolo Paolo , Riboli Elio
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To investigate the usefulness of serum carotenoids as biomarkers of fruit and vegetable consumption.

Design:

Reproducibility study on three repeat measurements of serum carotenoids. Correlation analysis of carotenoids and dietary food intake, and regression analysis of potential predictive parameters for serum carotenoid levels.

Setting:

New York, USA.

Subjects:

Women participating in the New York Women's Health Study, a prospective study of sex hormones, diet and breast cancer. Forty-eight women with three repeat blood samples and 302 women having a blood sample and a dietary history questionnaire.

Results:

Serum carotenoid concentrations were highly reproducible between one- and two-year repeat samples. Estimated fruit and vegetable consumption was positively correlated with serum carotenoid concentrations but correlation coefficients were low. Consumption of fruit was predictive for serum levels of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, while vegetable consumption was predictive for serum beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene. Serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides were predictive for serum carotenoids but adjustment for their levels had little or no influence on the correlation between fruit and vegetable consumption and serum carotenoid concentrations.

Conclusions:

One single serum measurement of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein can accurately rank subjects according to their usual serum level. Serum concentrations, however, correlate only moderately with estimated dietary intake of fruits or vegetables and should therefore be used with caution as biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake.
Nutrition and health in an adult urban homeless population in Germany
Authors: Langnäse Kristina , Müller Manfred J
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To assess the association between nutrition and health in an adult urban homeless population.

Design:

Cross-sectional – nutritional state (body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold (TSF), upper arm circumference), dietary habits (food frequency), socio-demographic data and self-stated diseases were assessed.

Setting:

Four sites for homeless people in Kiel and Hamburg, Germany.

Subjects:

Sample of 75 homeless people (60 males, 15 females) aged 19–62 years.

Results:

A lack of food was not found in the majority of the homeless. Seventy-six per cent of the study population showed a normal dietary pattern. Critical food groups were fresh fruit and vegetables, rice and noodles. However, 52 or 29% of the homeless were malnourished (i.e. they were below the 25th or 5th percentile of arm muscle area). In addition, 22.7% of the homeless were obese (i.e. BMI>30 kg m−2and/or TSF>90th percentile). Almost two-thirds of the population suffered from at least one chronic disease (prevalence of nutrition-related disorders 33.3%, gastrointestinal disorders 32.0%, dental diseases 22.7%, psychiatric disorders 18.7%, wasting diseases 6.7%). Smoking (prevalence rate 82%), drinking alcohol (51%) and drug abuse (20%) were frequent among homeless people. Food intake was not related to nutritional state, the prevalence of chronic diseases or addiction habits. By contrast, a poor nutritional state was associated with drug abuse and the prevalence of wasting diseases.

Conclusion:

Prevention of nutritional problems should be directed to health-related problems such as the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases and addiction habits.
High cassava production and low dietary cyanide exposure in mid-west Nigeria
Authors: Onabolu Adeyinka , Bokanga Mpoko , Tylleskär Thorkild , Rosling Hans
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To investigate if high cassava production levels indicate high consumption and high dietary cyanide exposure in three villages situated within the area of Nigeria with higher cassava production than predicted by a geographic model for cassava production in Africa.

Design:

Exploratory assessment of: cassava production and processing by qualitative research methods and quantification of residual cyanogens in products; cassava consumption by food frequency and weighed food records and dietary cyanide exposure by urinary thiocyanate and linamarin.

Setting:

Rural communities of Afuze, Ebue and Ofabo in mid-west Nigeria.

Subjects:

110 subjects from 42 households in three villages for food frequency interviews; 118 subjects in nine Ofabo households for weighed food records.

Results:

Cassava cultivation was reported to have increased in the preceding 20 years. It was consumed daily by 37 (88%) households, but its mean contribution to daily energy intake was only 13% (SD = 10). The range of residual cyanogens in cassava foods was 0 to 62 mg HCN equivalent/kg dry weight (dw). Ten samples (19%) had levels above the 10 mg HCN equivalent/kg dw FAO/WHO safety limit. Mean urinary thiocyanate and linamarin were 51 (SD = 35) and 20 (SD = 11) μmol/L, indicating low cyanogen intake and dietary cyanide exposure.

Conclusion:

High cassava production levels did not result in high consumption and high dietary cyanide exposure levels, therefore cassava production levels cannot be used to predict consumption or cyanide exposure levels in the study area. A large part of the production is explained by intensive sales.
Dietary inadequacies observed in homeless men visiting an emergency night shelter in Paris
Authors: Darmon Nicole , Coupel J , Deheeger M , Briend A
Published: June 2008

Objective

To assess the dietary intake and the nutritional status of homeless men.

Setting

A night emergency shelter in Paris, France.

Design

Dietary survey (48-h) including alcohol intake and a questionnaire on age, duration of homelessness, smoking habits. Subjects were also weighed and measured.

Subjects

Ninety-seven men aged 18–72 years (mean 43.3), of whom 54% were homeless for more than 18 months, 82% were smokers and 53% were regular and/or excessive drinkers.

Results

The BMI distribution was shifted towards low values, the percentage of wasted persons being four times higher than in the reference population. The mean total energy intake was 2376 kcal (SD = 879) and included a high and highly variable percentage of energy derived from alcohol (12.0% (SD = 18.1)). Among drinkers, the mean ethanol intake was 90 g (SD = 102) and there was a significant negative correlation between ethanol and non-alcoholic energy intakes. The median intakes of potassium, calcium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, and niacin were lower than European Population Reference Intakes but only the mean intake of vitamin B1 was significantly lower. Eighty percent of non-alcoholic energy was provided by charitable organisations. For most nutrients, the nutritional density of the shelter ration was not significantly different from the density of the foods purchased by the homeless.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the content of some nutrients should be increased in existing food assistance programs for homeless people in France.
The role of blood loss and diet in the aetiology of mild iron deficiency in premenopausal adult New Zealand women
Authors: Heath Anne-Louise M , Skeaff C Murray , Williams Sheila , Gibson Rosalind S
Published: June 2008

Objective

To investigate the role of blood loss and diet in the aetiology of mild iron deficiency (MID) in premenopausal New Zealand women. Mild iron deficiency was defined as low, but not necessarily exhausted, iron stores (i.e. serum ferritin <20 μg/L) in the absence of anaemia (i.e. haemoglobin ≥120 g/L).

Design

Cross-sectional study of a volunteer sample of premenopausal adult women. Information on habitual dietary intakes (using a specially designed and validated computerised iron food frequency questionnaire), health and demographic status, sources of blood loss (including menstrual blood loss estimated using a validated menstrual recall method), contraceptive use, height and weight, haemoglobin, serum ferritin and C-reactive protein were collected.

Setting

Dunedin, New Zealand during 1996/1997.

Participants

Three hundred and eighty-four women aged 18–40 years.

Results

The characteristics that were associated with an increased risk of MID were: low meat/fish/poultry intake, high menstrual blood loss, recent blood donation, nose bleeds, and low body mass index. The protective factors included shorter duration of menstrual bleeding, and multivitamin–mineral supplement use in the past year.

Conclusions

There are a number of potentially modifiable factors that appear to influence risk of MID. Women with low menstrual blood loss may be able to decrease their risk of MID by increasing their meat/fish/poultry intake, while those with a higher menstrual blood loss may be able to decrease their risk by decreasing their menstrual blood loss, perhaps by changing their method of contraception. Women should be encouraged to maintain a healthy body weight, and those who choose to donate blood, or who experience nose bleeds, should have their iron stores monitored.
Exclusive breast-feeding is rarely practised in rural and urban Morogoro, Tanzania
Authors: Shirima Restituta , Greiner Ted , Kylberg Elisabeth , Gebre-Medhin Mehari
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To investigate and compare feeding practices among infants of less than 7 months of age in a rural and an urban area in Tanzania.

Design:

Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based interview of mothers and focus group discussions with extension workers and community leaders.

Setting:

Eleven villages in a rural district and 10 wards in an urban district in the Morogoro region, Tanzania, west of Dar es Salaam.

Subjects:

Probability samples of mothers with infants of less than 7 months of age (n= 320 from each area).

Results:

Exclusive breast-feeding was rarely practised in either the rural or urban areas investigated. However, the urban mothers initiated breast-feeding earlier, discarded colostrum less frequently, breast-fed exclusively for a longer period, gave breast milk as the first feed more often and delayed the introduction of solid foods for longer than their rural counterparts. The rural mothers, on the other hand, breast-fed their previous infants slightly longer than the urban mothers.

Conclusions:

The better performance of urban mothers could be partly due to sustained breast-feeding support in hospital settings and other campaigns which may not have reached the rural areas. In both the rural and urban areas more efforts are needed to encourage exclusive breast-feeding, to avoid premature complementation and, in the case of the urban areas, to protect extended breast-feeding.
Healthy eating in Ukraine: attitudes, barriers and information sources
Authors: Biloukha OO , Utermohlen V
Published: June 2008

Objective

To identify the major perceived influences on food choice, to examine the use of and trust in information sources concerning healthy eating, and to assess attitudes towards and barriers to adopting healthy eating practices in a post-USSR country (Ukraine).

Design

A survey of an urban adult population. The questions were adopted from the Pan-European Union (EU) Survey of Consumer Attitudes to Food, Nutrition and Health (1995–1996).

Setting

Lviv city, Ukraine.

Subjects

The survey included 296 adults (84 males, 212 females) aged 18–55 years; they were primarily college students and subjects with tertiary education – the groups most likely to be both interested in healthy eating and affected by current socioeconomic downturns.

Results

The major factors in food choice were: ‘quality/freshness’ (cited by 80%), ‘price’ (58%) and ‘taste’ (47%); only 34% cited ‘trying to eat healthily’. More older people cited ‘price’ than ‘quality/freshness’, and men were more likely than women to cite ‘taste’. Sources of healthy eating information included: ‘relatives/friends’ (cited by 65%, trusted by 85%) and health professionals (trusted by 92%, but used by only 35%); while advertising was the least trusted source (cited by 28%). Fifty-three per cent of respondents considered their diet to be healthy enough without further changes; 50% thought of the nutritional aspects of the food they ate; fewer women than men considered their diet healthy, and more women than men thought about nutrition. Barriers to healthy eating included: ‘cost’ (cited by 65%), ‘lack of time’ (55%), ‘self-control’ (54%), ‘selection influences’ (41%), ‘lack of knowledge’ (32%), ‘unpleasant foods’ and ‘resistance to change’ (both 30%).

Conclusions

Strategies to encourage healthy eating in this population should involve word-of-mouth nutrition education concerning low-cost healthy alternatives.
Dietary intake of soybean protein and menstrual cycle length in pre-menopausal Singapore Chinese women
Authors: Jakes Rupert W , Alexander Lynn , Duffy Stephen W , Leong Joy , Chen Lin Han , Lee Wei Hong
Published: June 2008

Background

Intake of soybean protein was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in a case–control study. It has also been demonstrated to increase menstrual cycle length in an experimental setting.

Objective

To ascertain whether the association of soybean protein intakes with menstrual cycle length persists in an uncontrolled community setting.

Design

Cross-sectional food frequency dietary survey, menstrual cycle survey and prospective collection of menstrual cycle data.

Setting

A hospital clinic and a nursing college.

Subjects

Two hundred menstruating women.

Results

An association (P=0.034) of higher intakes of soybean protein with increased menstrual cycle length, as recorded by self report and by prospectively recording three consecutive cycles, was observed. The risk of menstrual cycle length being greater than the median, when comparing the upper quartile (8.7–35.2 g day−1) of soybean intake and the lowest quartile (0.1–3.3 g day−1) was double, and this approached statistical significance (OR=2.02, 95% CI=0.88−4.64 and OR=1.93, 95% CI=0.82−4.56 for self-reported cycle length and cycle length as recorded by diary, respectively). In terms of the absolute association with cycle length, subjects in the upper quartile of soybean intake demonstrated a cycle length 1–2 days longer than did subjects in the lowest quartile.

Conclusions

It is likely that the association between dietary intake of soybean protein and length of menstrual cycle prevails in the community setting. This is shown using both self-reported cycle length and cycle length as recorded in a prospective diary.
Identification of groups who report similar patterns of diet among a representative national sample of British adults aged 65 years of age or more
Authors: Pryer Jane A , Cook Adrian , Shetty Prakash
Published: June 2008

Objectives:

Using a national representative sample to identify groups within the UK male and female population over 65 years who report similar patterns of diet.

Design:

National representative dietary survey, using 4-day weighed dietary records of men and women aged over 65 years old and living in private households in Great Britain in 1994–1995. Cluster analysis was used to aggregate individuals into diet groups.

Setting:

United Kingdom.

Subjects:

558 women and 539 men.

Main outcome measures:

Consumption of predefined food groups, nutrient intakes, socio-economic, demographic and behavioural characteristics.

Results:

Three large clusters comprising 86% of the male population and three large clusters comprising 83% of the female population were identified. Among men, the most prevalent cluster was a ‘mixed diet’ with elements from a traditional diet and some elements from a healthy diet (48% of the male population); the second was a ‘healthy diet’ (21% of the male population); and the third was a ‘traditional diet high in alcohol’ (17% of the male population). Among women, the most prevalent diet was a ‘sweet traditional diet’ (33% of the female population); the second was a ‘healthy diet’ (32% of the female population); and the last was a ‘mixed diet’ with elements of the traditional diet and the healthy diet (18% of the female population). There were important differences in average nutrient intakes, socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics across these diet clusters.

Conclusions:

Cluster analysis identified three diet groups among men and three among women. These differed not only in terms of reported dietary intake, but also with respect to their nutrient content, social and behavioural profile. The groups identified could provide a useful basis for health promotion based upon the diet clusters.
Underreporting of energy intake in repeated 24-hour recalls related to gender, age, weight status, day of interview, educational level, reported food intake, smoking habits and area of living
Authors: Johansson Gunnar , Wikman Åsa , Åhrén Ann-Mari , Hallmans Göran , Johansson Ingegerd
Published: June 2008

Objective:

The aims of the present study were (1) to evaluate the degree to which underreporting of energy intake by repeated 24-hour recalls was related to gender, age, weight status, day of interview, educational level, smoking habits and area of living, and (2) to compare the dietary characteristics of underreporters with those of others.

Design:

Cross-sectional study. Ten 24-hour recalls were performed during a one-year period.

Setting:

The Västerbotten intervention programme of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Northern Sweden.

Subjects:

Ninety-four men and 99 women in four age groups: 30, 40, 50 and 60 years.

Results:

The prevalence of men and women with a food intake level (FIL; reported energy intake divided by estimated basal metabolic rate) below 1.2 was 44% and 47%, respectively. The youngest age group had higher FIL values than the oldest age group for both men (1.5 versus 1.1) and women (1.4 versus 1.1). The prevalence and magnitude of underreporting were directly related to body mass index (BMI; correlation coefficient: -0.47 (men) and -0.55 (women)). Smokers had a lower FIL value (1.1) than non-smokers (1.3). The nutrient density was lower for the group with high FIL values for protein and calcium and higher for fat and sucrose. The upper FIL group often had higher intake frequencies and larger portion sizes than the lower FIL group.

Conclusions:

Underreporting of energy intake is prevalent when 24-hour recalls are used, but the prevalence differs between sub-groups in the population. BMI was the main predictor of underreporting but also old age and smoking seem to contribute in this aspect. Socially desirable food items were not underreported to the same extent as socially undesirable food items. The intake frequencies and portion sizes partly explained the differences in FIL.
Obesity and weight change related to parity and breast-feeding among parous women in Brazil
Authors: Coitinho Denise C , Sichieri Rosely , D'Aquino Benício Maria Helena
Published: June 2008

Objective:

Studies on the independent role of parity in long-term body weight change in economically developing countries are scarce and inconclusive, and only a few studies have taken into account patterns of breast-feeding. This association was examined in a national cross-sectional survey representative of Brazilian parous women.

Design and setting:

The survey conducted in 1996 measured women's height and weight in the household and data on weight prior to the first pregnancy, parity and breast-feeding were recalled.

Subjects:

A sample of 2338 parous women, 15 to 49 years of age, 29 months after last delivery on average, had current body mass index (BMI, in kg m−2) modelled through hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis. Explanatory variables included parity, days of predominant breast-feeding, BMI pre-pregnancy, socio-economic, geographic, demographic and other reproductive variables.

Results:

Prevalences of overweight(BMI=25.0–29.9 kg m−2)and obesity(BMI<=30.0 kg m−2)were 25.2% and 9.3%. The overall mean weight gain per year after the first pregnancy was 0.90 kg for an average time since first pregnancy of eight years. BMI pre-pregnancy modified the association between current BMI and parity. Therefore, weight change attributed to parity calculated for a woman of average height (1.56 m) was 0.60 kg greater for primiparous women with a BMI pre-pregnancy of 30 kg m−2, compared with women with BMI pre-pregnancy of 25 kg m−2. This greater weight retention among obese women was 1.21 kg for women with two children and 1.82 kg for women with three or more children. Parity reduced the effect of weight loss associated with lactation (1.75 kg for six months of lactation among primiparous women and 0.87 kg among women with three or more children). For the sub-sample of 793 primiparous women, a weight decrease of 300 g was associated with each month of predominant breast-feeding for all prior BMI levels.

Conclusions:

In this study, weight change associated to reproduction was highly dependent on BMI previous to pregnancy and the effects of parity and lactation were small.
The potential contribution of increased vegetable and fruit consumption to health gain in the European Union
Authors: Joffe Michael , Robertson Aileen
Published: June 2008

Background:

The risk of many important diseases can be reduced by consuming a diet rich in vegetables and fruit. For this reason the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of more than 400 g person−1. The pattern of both the supply and intake of vegetables and fruit and the potential health gain achieved by increasing intake in the European Union (EU) and three accession countries are presented in this paper.

Methods:

Patterns of supply and dietary intake were assessed using (1) FAO food balance sheets, which allow comparison between the levels of supply in countries but do not reflect actual intake; and (2) survey data reflecting dietary intake. Using WHO mortality data for coronary heart and cerebrovascular disease and major cancers up to age 65 years, the number of preventable deaths is estimated, assuming vegetable and fruit consumption were levelled up to that of the highest consuming group, and assuming relative risks of 0.5, 0.7 or 0.9.

Results:

Vegetable and fruit consumption varies considerably between EU Member States. The populations of about half (seven) of the EU Member States have a mean daily intake of less than 275 g. Using the best current estimates of relative risk, over 26,000 deaths before the age of 65 years would be prevented annually in the EU if intake was levelled up to the highest consumption levels (and about double this number of deaths before the age of 75 years).

Conclusion:

Increasing the intake of vegetables and fruit is feasible and could result in considerable improvements in public health within the EU. Priority should be given to developing methods that demonstrate the burden of disease caused by too low intakes of vegetables and fruit. This would enable the appropriate social, cultural and economic policies to be developed within the EU.
Comparison of a picture-sort food-frequency questionnaire with 24-hour dietary recalls in an elderly Utah population
Authors: Wengreen Heidi J , Munger Ronald G , Wong Siew Sun , West Nancy A , Cutler Richard
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To evaluate the 137-item Utah Picture-sort Food-frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) in the measurement of usual dietary intake in older adults.

Design:

The picture-sort FFQ was administered at baseline and again one year later. Three seasonal 24-hour dietary recall interviews were collected during the year between the two FFQs. Mean nutrient intakes were compared between methods and between administrations of the FFQ.

Setting:

The FFQ interviews were administered in respondents' homes or care-centres. The 24-hour diet recalls were conducted by telephone interview on random days of the week.

Subjects:

Two-hundred-and-eight men and women aged 55–84 years were recruited by random sample of controls from a case–control study of nutrition and bone health in Utah.

Results:

After adjustment for total energy intake, median Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the two picture-sort FFQs were 0.69 for men aged ≤69 years, 0.66 for men aged >69 years; and 0.68 for women aged ≤69 years, 0.67 for women aged >69 years. Median correlation coefficients between methods were 0.50 for men ≤69 years old, 0.52 for men >69 years old; 0.55 for women ≤69 years old, 0.46 for women >69 years old.

Conclusions:

We report intake correlations between methods and administrations comparable to those reported in the literature for traditional paper-and-pencil FFQs and one other picture-sort method of FFQ. This dietary assessment method may improve ease and accuracy of response in this and other populations with low literacy levels, poor memory skill, impaired hearing, or poor vision.
Health benefits of physical activity with special reference to interaction with diet
Authors: Vuori IM
Published: June 2008

Regular physical activity causes numerous and substantial performance-improving And health-enhancing effects. Most of them are highly predictable, dose-dependent and generalizable to a wide range of population groups. Many of the biological effects of regular, moderate physical activity translate into substantially reduced risk of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, maturity onset diabetes, overweight and obesity, and osteoporosis. These effects also substantially reduce the risk of deterioration of functional capacity. In the genesis of these conditions, alack of physical activity and inadequate nutrition act synergistically and in part additively, and they operate largely through the same pathways. It is conceivable to suggest that the prevalence of, e.g, the above mentioned metabolic diseases is so high in Europe largely because of the high prevalence of sedentariness and inadequate nutrition. Thus, both physical activity and nutrition have to be given strong emphasis in policies, strategies and programmes that will be developed and implemented for improving the health of Europeans.
Dietary effects on dental diseases
Authors: Sheiham Aubrey
Published: June 2008

Dental caries is a highly prevalent chronic disease and its consequences cause a lot of pain and suffering. Sugars, particularly sucrose, are the most important dietary aetiological cause of caries. Both the frequency of consumption and total amount of sugars is important in the aetiology of caries. ‘The evidence establishing sugars as an aetiological factor in dental caries is overwhelming. The foundation of this lies in thenmultiplicity of studies rather than the power of any one.’1. That statement by the British Nutrition Foundation's Task Force on Oral Health, Diet and Other Factors, sums up the relationship between sugars and caries in Europe. There is no evidence that sugars naturally incorporated in the cellular structure of foods (intrinsic sugars) or lactose in milk or milk products (milk sugars) have adverse effects on health. Foods rich in starch, without the addition of sugars, play a small role in coronal dental caries.

The intake of extrinsic sugars beyond four times a day leads to an increase risk of dental caries. The current dose-response relationship between caries and extrinsic sugars suggests that the sugars levels above 60 g/person/day for teenagers and adults increases the rate of caries. For pre-school and young children the intakes should be proportional to those for teenagers; about 30 g/person/day for pre-school children.

Fluoride, particularly in toothpastes, is a very important preventive agent against dental caries. Toothbrushing without fluorides has little effect on caries. As additional fluoride to that currently available in toothpaste does not appear to be benefiting the teeth of the majority of people, the main strategy to further reduce the levels of caries, is reducing the frequency of sugars intakes in the diet.

Dental erosion rates are considered to be increasing. The aetiology is acids in foodsand drinks and to a much lesser extent from regurgitation.
Dietary guidelines for pregnancy: a review of current evidence
Authors: Jackson AA , Robinson SM
Published: June 2008

In a successful pregnancy maternal health is maintained, a healthy baby is delivered and the mother is able to nurture her newborn adequately. Despite continued interest in the role and importance of maternal diet in this process, we do not have a clear understanding of how the nutritional status of the mother influences fetal growth and development. Recent epidemiological evidence of an association between poor fetal growth and adult disease highlights the need to reconsider the influences which act on the fetus, and the role maternal nutrition may play.

Nutrient needs are increased in pregnancy. For the mother to be solely dependent upon her dietary intake to meet these demands, would represent a very high risk strategy. Hence adequate reserves are important for a successful outcome. Whilst there are numerous observational studies of diet during pregnancy, there are only limited data from well-controlled, randomised supplementation studies. A recent systematic review showed only dietary supplements balanced in energy and protein content to result consistently in improved fetal growth. There is no strong evidence that nutrient supplements confer benefit in women without overt deficiency.

To interpret future dietary studies in pregnancy we need to consider metabolic differences between women which may influence their ability to meet fetal nutrient demand, to allow for nutrient–nutrient interactions, and to take account of differences in timing in gestation. Consideration of these factors in studies of pregnancy, will lead to a clearer understanding of the links between maternal diet and fetal growth and development. Until we have this understanding, it is reasonable to expect that women entering pregnancy are provided with a diet which is adequate, based upon our normal understanding of requirements, and it is not acceptable for women to be expected to carry a pregnancy with an obvious or overt nutritional deficiency.
Analytical approaches to food-based dietary guidelines in the European setting
Authors: Hulshof KFAM , Valsta LM , Welten DC , Löwik MRH
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To show the effects of statistical approaches of data analysis to be used in the development of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG).

Setting:

Databases from dietary surveys in 6 European countries.

Results:

Quantile analysis based on iron intake among adult women resulted in differences among European countries regarding (macro) nutrient intake and consumption of food groups. However, in all countries women in the highest quartile had a higher intake of energy and dietary fibre and a higher intake of most food groups. In developing FBDG adjustment of energy intake is recommended. Discriminant analyses showed that among Dutch women potatoes, red meat, sausages, offal, savoury snacks, eggs and total vegetables were found to be the most predictive for differences in iron intake. Relatively high correlations were observed for iron and dietary fibre and iron and (some) B-vitamins. Examples from cluster and factor analysis showed that this type of analysis considers the complexity of the dietary pattern and could also be a helpful instrument in the development of FBDG.

Conclusions:

The use of a nutrient distribution can be used as a minimum approach in developing FBDG. More advanced methods can also be used in addition to set priorities for FBDG and to analyse complete dietary patterns.
Cancer prevention and diet: oppourtunities in Europe
Authors: Riboli Elio , Norat Teresa
Published: June 2008

Over the past 20 years, a large number of epidemiological studies, particularly case-control and cohort studies, have been conducted to investigate the role of diet and the risk of developing different types of cancer. The most consistent finding so far is the association observed between consumption of vegetables and fruit and reduced risk of cancers of the digestive and respiratory tracts. More recently, evidence has accumulated indicating that high consumption of red meat (mainly beef, lamp and pork) and of preserved meat (‘charcuterie’) is specifically associated with a modest but significant increase in colorectal cancer risk. Finally, there is epidemiological evidence supporting an association between the risk of developing gastric cancer and the intake of salt and-preserved foods.

Cancer incidence and dietary habits vary substantially across Europe, and the expected benefit of dietary changes may be somewhat difference in different populations. Despite some uncertainly, it is generally agreed that an increase in the consumption of vegetables and fruits and a decrease in the intake of red meat, processed meat, alcoholic beverages, salt and salt-preserved foods should contribute to a reduction in the incidence of cancers of the digestive and respiratory tract.
Evidence and theory based promotion of health-enhancing physical activity
Authors: Miilunpalo Seppo
Published: June 2008

Physical activity appears to improve health-related quality of life by enhancing psychological well being and by improving physical functioning, particularly in persons compromised by poor health. Health enhancing physical activity (HEPA) can in addition to, and instead of, structured and planned exercise and sports comprise other forms of physical activity, such as occupational activities, lifestyle activities and recreational activities. However, wide-range and long-term population strategies are needed for the promotion of physical activity in each of the categories of HEPA. It is necessary to create realistic opportunities for different population groups and individuals. The theoretical knowledge of the determinants of the target behaviour has to be translated to a practical form. On the basis of available empirical studies, the Predisposing, Enabling and Reinforcing factors in the PRECEDE –PROCEED model for health promotion, are all relevant and important for the adoption and maintenance of physical activity. In the end, promotional activities are needed where people live and work, i.e. at local level.
Food habits of young Swedish and Norwegian vegetarians and omnivores
Authors: Larsson Christel L , Klock Kristin S , Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug , Haugejorden Ola , Johansson Gunnar
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of vegetarianism and compare food habits among vegetarian and omnivorous adolescents in Sweden and Norway.

Design:

Cross-sectional study by questionnaire in Sweden and Norway to gather information about food habits.

Setting:

The municipalities of Umeå and Stockholm in Sweden, and Bergen in Norway.

Subjects:

In total 2041 ninth-grade students (578 from Umeå, 504 from Stockholm and 959 from Bergen), mean age 15.5 years, were included. The response rate was 95% in Umeå, 91% in Stockholm and 83% in Bergen.

Results:

There was a significantly higher prevalence of vegetarianism in Umeå (15.6%) than in Stockholm (4.8%) and Bergen (3.8%). Vegetarians generally wanted more information about a healthy diet and vegetarian females ate dietary supplements to prevent deficiencies more often than omnivorous females (P< 0.01). The young male vegetarians more or less excluded animal products from their diet without changing their food frequency intake or modifying their dietary habits in other respects, while the young female vegetarians more often consumed vegetables and dietary supplements (P< 0.05). However, there was no difference between the intake of fruits/berries, alcoholic beverages, ice cream, sweets/chocolates and fast foods by vegetarians compared with omnivores.

Conclusions:

There were three to four times more vegetarians in Umeå than in Stockholm and Bergen. The food habits of the young vegetarians differed from those of omnivorous adolescents and also in some respects from previously published comparative studies of vegetarians' and omnivores' food habits. It is uncertain whether the health benefits shown in previous studies on vegetarianism will be experienced by this young generation of vegetarians.
Monitoring of dietary changes by telephone interviews: results from Denmark
Authors: Haraldsdóttir Jóhanna , Holm Lotte , Astrup Arne Vernon , Halkjær Jytte , Stender Steen
Published: June 2008

Objectives:

To monitor trends in Danish food habits with respect to selected key elements, from 1995 to 1998, and to evaluate the appropriateness of the method developed for that purpose.

Design and method:

Two cross-sectional population surveys, in 1995 and 1998. Data collection by computer-assisted telephone interviews including 10 food-frequency questions, questions on type of fat used on sandwiches and drinking milk, and check questions on the previous day. Reproducibility was tested in a subgroup (n=222) in the 1998 survey.

Setting:

The Danish Nutrition Council initiated the survey.

Subjects:

Men and women aged 15–90 years, 1007 in 1995 and 1024 in 1998. Samples of private telephone numbers were drawn from regional telephone registers, geographically stratified. Participation rates were 62%.

Results:

Significant differences were observed between 1995 and 1998, some of these in accordance with dietary guidelines (decreased use of whole milk and fat spread on bread, increased use of skimmed milk, salad vegetables, rice/pasta and fish). Other changes were opposite to dietary guidelines (increased use of soft butter, decreased use of soft margarine and low-fat spreads, potatoes, and fresh fruit). Differences in average consumption frequency amounted to 4–13%. Several results were confirmed by comparison with other data, and the reproducibility of the method was acceptable. Data were suitable for analysis of food use patterns, a relevant approach when assessing food habits in a lifestyle context.

Conclusions:

The changes observed illustrate the dynamics of food habits and the need for frequent monitoring. This simple telephone method may be a valuable tool for that purpose, as a supplement to national dietary surveys, also in a public health context.
Dietary sugars and micronutrient dilution in normal adults aged 65 years and over
Authors: Gibson Sigrid
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To examine the relationship between non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES) concentration and micronutrient intakes and status in free-living older people.

Design:

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over; a cross-sectional study in Britain in 1994/5.

Subjects and methods:

Eight hundred and six men and women living in private households who were not on medication for nutritional disorders. Subjects were classified into four groups (Q1 to Q4), using cut-off points corresponding to quartiles of energy from NMES. Relationships were examined between dietary NMES concentration and intakes of calcium, iron, riboflavin, folate, vitamin C and vitamin D. Status indices were also assessed in each group.

Results:

Overall, a small proportion of men and women had intakes below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI) for calcium, iron, folate, riboflavin or vitamin C, while vitamin D intakes were universally low. Intakes of micronutrients tended to be highest at moderate levels of NMES in the diet (Q2 and Q3, equivalent to 8–15% of energy from NMES). Micronutrient status was low for riboflavin in 38% of the sample, while 15% had low vitamin C status and more than 10% were anaemic. There was little evidence that poorer nutrient status was associated with higher levels of dietary NMES. Although some indices of folate status were lower in Q4, this is most likely to reflect confounding by smoking. Energy intake accounted for 20–40% of the variance in micronutrient intakes, compared with less than 5% for NMES concentration.

Conclusions:

A diet moderately high in NMES (up to around 15% of energy) is unlikely to have a detrimental impact on micronutrient intake or status in this age group. Energy intake is the major determinant of micronutrient adequacy.