bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dicer loss in striatal neurons produces behavioral and neuroanatomical phenotypes in the absence of neurodegeneration
Authors: Cuellar Trinna L. , Davis Tigwa H. , Nelson Peter T. , Loeb Gabriel B. , Harfe Brian D. , Ullian Erik , McManus Michael T.
Published: April 2008

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that can act to repress target mRNAs by suppressing translation and/or reducing mRNA stability. Although it is clear that miRNAs and Dicer, an RNase III enzyme that is central to the production of mature miRNAs, have a role in the early development of neurons, their roles in the postmitotic neuron
in vivo
are largely unknown. To determine the roles of Dicer in neurons, we ablated Dicer in dopaminoceptive neurons. Mice that have lost Dicer in these cells display a range of phenotypes including ataxia, front and hind limb clasping, reduced brain size, and smaller neurons. Surprisingly, dopaminoceptive neurons without Dicer survive over the life of the animal. The lack of profound cell death contrasts with other mouse models in which Dicer has been ablated. These studies highlight the complicated nature of Dicer ablation in the brain and provide a useful mouse model for studying dopaminoceptive neuron function.
Longitudinal and Radial Gradients of PO2 in the Hamster Cheek Pouch Microcirculation
Authors: Carvalho Helena , Pittman Roland N.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine longitudinal and radial gradients in oxygen tension (PO2) in microvessels of the hamster cheek pouch.

Methods: We measured PO2 using the phosphorescence‐quenching method in two orders of arterioles (45.8 ± 5.5 and 19.9 ± 1.8 μ m diameter), capillaries, and two orders of venules (50.5 ± 3.4 and 21.4 ± 2.0 μ m diameter) in order to determine the longitudinal PO2 gradient. At the arteriolar and venular sites, we also measured PO2 at four different sites for an analysis of radial PO2 gradients: centerline, inside wall (larger arteriole and venule only), outside wall, and interstitium. We used 10 hamsters weighing 115 ± 27 g anesthetized with pentobarbital intraperitoneally and maintained with alpha‐chloralose intravenously. The cheek pouch was everted and a single‐layered preparation was studied by intravital microscopy. Albumin‐bound Pd‐porphyrin was infused into the circulation and excited by flash illumination at 10 Hz, with a rectangular diaphragm limiting the excitation field to 5 × 25 μ m.

Results: In the longitudinal direction, intravascular PO2 decreased significantly (P < 0.01) from large arterioles (39.5 ± 2.3 mmHg) to small arterioles (32.2 ± 0.3 mmHg), then to capillaries (30.2 ± 1.8 mmHg), and on to small venules (27.3 ± 2.1 mmHg) and large venules (25.5 ± 2.2 mmHg). In the radial direction, PO2 decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in and around larger arterioles, and to a lesser extent, around the smaller ones (P < 0.05). There was no significant PO2 gradient, longitudinal or radial, associated with venules. The PO2 difference from the centerline to the outside wall in large arterioles was 8.3 ± 1.4 mmHg, and most of the decline in PO2 in the radial direction was contributed by the intravascular difference (4.7 ± 2.1 mmHg) and only about 1.0 ± 2.7 mmHg by the transmural difference.

Conclusions: Our data show that there are large intra‐arteriolar radial PO2 gradients, but no large transmural PO2 differences, suggesting that the oxygen consumption of the microvessel wall is not exceptionally high.
Xanthine Oxidase Interaction with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis
Authors: Kou Baijun , Ni Jinsong , Vatish Manu , Singer Donald R. J.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: Reduced capillary density occurs early in cardiovascular diseases. Oxidant stress is implicated in endothelial apoptosis. We investigated the effects of xanthine oxidase (XO) on endothelial survival signaling: protein kinase B/Akt, its cross‐talk with p38 MAPK and apoptosis pathways, and its effect on vascular tube formation in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐simulated human umbilical vein cells.

Methods: We studied primary cultured human endothelial cells from the umbilical cord. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by dihydroethidium staining, cell‐signaling pathways by western blots, cell survival by western blots, and nuclear chromatin and angiogenesis response by MTT proliferation assay and three‐dimensional Matrigel cultures.

Results: Exogenous XO increased cellular ROS production and caused superoxide‐dependent inhibition of Akt phosphorylation and enhancement of p38 MAPK phosphorylation in a time‐and dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, application of the XO inhibitor oxypurinol or allopurinol inhibited VEGF‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation, indicating that endogenous XO promotes VEGF‐induced endothelial cell (EC) survival signaling. Exogenous XO induced activation of caspase‐3 and reduced expression of the anti‐apoptosis protein Bcl‐2. Exogenous XO also reduced EC viability, proliferation, and vascular tube formation by p38 MAPK‐dependent, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) reversible mechanisms; whereas VEGF promoted EC survival by PI3‐K‐dependent, p38 MAPK‐independent effects.

Conclusions: Exogenous XO activity is an important contributor to endothelial mechanisms for microvascular rarefaction, by modulation of cell survival signaling pathways; however, endogenous XO is necessary for maintaining EC survival.
HOPS Proofreads thetrans-SNARE Complex for Yeast Vacuole Fusion
Authors: Starai Vincent J. , Hickey Christopher M. , Wickner William
Published: April 2008

The fusion of yeast vacuoles, like other organelles, requires a Rab-family guanosine triphosphatase (Ypt7p), a Rab effector and Sec1/Munc18 (SM) complex termed HOPS (homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting), and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). The central 0-layer of the four bundled vacuolar SNAREs requires the wild-type three glutaminyl (Q) and one arginyl (R) residues for optimal fusion. Alterations of this layer dramatically increase the Kmvalue for SNAREs to assemble trans-SNARE complexes and to fuse. We now find that added purified HOPS complex strongly suppresses the fusion of vacuoles bearing 0-layer alterations, but it has little effect on the fusion of vacuoles with wild-type SNAREs. HOPS proofreads at two levels, inhibiting the formation of trans-SNARE complexes with altered 0-layers and suppressing the ability of these mismatched 0-layer trans-SNARE complexes to support membrane fusion. HOPS proofreading also extends to other parts of the SNARE complex, because it suppresses the fusion of trans-SNARE complexes formed without the N-terminal Phox homology domain of Vam7p (Qc). Unlike some other SM proteins, HOPS proofreading does not require the Vam3p (Qa) N-terminal domain. HOPS thus proofreads SNARE domain and N-terminal domain structures and regulates the fusion capacity of trans-SNARE complexes, only allowing full function for wild-type SNARE configurations. This is the most direct evidence to date that HOPS is directly involved in the fusion event.
Drug Misuse
Authors: Bolland Will
Published: April 2008

The definition of drug misuse varies according to perspective, cultural practices and beliefs and local legislation. Attitudes to drugs also change with time as is evident by the political debate in recent years regarding drug legislation and, in particular, the use of cannabis. For the purposes of this article, drug misuse refers to the use of illegal drugs and the misuse, whether deliberate or unintentional, of prescribed drugs and substances such as solvents.
Identification and analysis of ancestral hominoid transcriptome inferred from cross-species transcript and processed pseudogene comparisons
Authors: Huang Yao-Ting , Chen Feng-Chi , Chen Chiuan-Jung , Chen Hsin-Liang , Chuang Trees-Juen
Published: March 2008

Comparative transcriptomics studies in hominoids are difficult because of lack of EST information in the great apes. Nevertheless, processed pseudogenes (PPGs), which are reverse-transcribed ancient transcripts present in the current genome, can be regarded as a virtual transcript resource that may compensate for the paucity of ESTs in non-human hominoids. Here we show that chimpanzee PPGs can be applied to identification of novel human exons/alternatively spliced variants (ASVs) and inference of the ancestral hominoid transcriptome and chimpanzee exon loss events. We develop a method for comparatively extracting novel transcripts from PPGs (designated “CENTP”) and identify 643 novel human exons/ASVs. RT-PCR-sequencing experiments confirmed >50% of the tested exons/ASVs, supporting the effectiveness of the CENTP pipeline. With reference to the ancestral transcriptome inferred by CENTP, 47 chimpanzee exon loss events are identified. Furthermore, by combining out-group and PPG information, we identify 20 chimpanzee-specific exon loss and 10 human-specific exon gain events. We also demonstrate that the ancestral transcriptome and exon loss/gain events inferred based on comparisons of current transcripts may be incomplete (or occasionally inappropriate) because ancestral transcripts may not be represented in the ESTs of existing species. Finally, functional analysis reveals that the novel exons identified based on chimpanzee transcripts are significantly enriched in genes related to translation regulatory activity and viral life cycle, suggesting different expression levels of the associated transcripts, and thus divergent splicing isoform composition between human and chimpanzee in these functional categories.
Structure-directing weak phosphoryl XH...O=P (X = C, N) hydrogen bonds in cyclic oxazaphospholidines and oxazaphosphinanes
Authors: van der Lee A. , Rolland M. , Marat X. , Virieux D. , Volle J.-N. , Pirat J.-L.
Published: March 2008

The structures of six cyclic oxazaphospholidines and three cyclic oxazaphosphinanes have been determined and their supramolecular structures have been compared. The molecules differ with respect to the functional groups attached to the central five- or six-membered rings, but have one phosphoryl group in common. The predominant feature in the supramolecular structures is the existence of relatively weak intermolecular phosphoryl XH...O=P (X = C, N) hydrogen bonds, creating in nearly all cases linear zigzag or double molecular chains. The molecular chains are in general linked to each other via very weak CH...π or usual hydrogen-bond interactions. A survey of the Cambridge Structural Database on similar XH...O=P interactions shows a very large flexibility of the XH...O angle, which is in agreement with the DFT calculation reported elsewhere. The strength of the XH...O=P interaction can therefore be considered as relatively weak to moderately strong, and is expected to play at least a role in the formation of secondary substructures.
Deuterated γ-malonic acid: its neutron crystal structure in relationship to other polymorphs of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids
Authors: McMullan R. K. , Klooster W. T. , Weber H.-P.
Published: March 2008

Three complete neutron diffraction datasets have been collected for deuterated malonic acid single crystals, DOOC(CD2)COOD, above (153 K), just below (56 K) and further below (50 K) the low-temperature phase transition (T
c = 57 K). The structural details obtained for this transition, studied previously solely by spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques, clearly establish its first-order nature. At 153 K, the space group is P\bar 1, Z = 2, Z′ = 1. The molecules are packed as linear chains linked end-to-end by asymmetric hydrogen bonds so that the carboxyl groups form cyclic dimers. The deuterons in the carboxyl links are ordered. Neighboring chains are cross-linked through C—D...O hydrogen bonds. Upon cooling through the transition the cell doubles along the a axis. Molecules which are equivalent by symmetry above T
c become independent below T
c owing to conformational changes in alternate chains. At 50 K, the space group is P\bar 1, Z = 4, Z′ = 2. Thermal motion analysis, using for all three temperatures the same segmented rigid-body model, reveals a large torsional motion around the one COOD group associated with the conformational change. Refinements were carried out on all three datasets with an anharmonic structural model, including higher-order displacement tensors (Gram–Charlier expansion up to fourth order). Only atoms involved in torsional motion exhibit a significant anharmonic component which increases with temperature.
Structures of mono-unsaturated triacylglycerols. III. The β-2 polymorphs of trans-mono-unsaturated triacylglycerols and related fully saturated triacylglycerols
Authors: van Mechelen Jan B. , Peschar Rene , Schenk Henk
Published: March 2008

The β-2 crystal structures of a series of saturated and trans-mono-unsaturated triacylglycerols (TAGs) have been solved from high-resolution powder synchrotron diffraction data. The series comprises symmetric as well as asymmetric even-numbered TAGs and the trans-mono-unsaturated ones all have a single elaidoyl chain. The structures have been solved with the direct-space parallel-tempering program FOX and refined with the Rietveld program GSAS. The β-2 structures all crystallized in the space group P\bar 1 with the same molecular conformation. Within the resolution of the data no significant difference in packing or conformation is observed between trans-mono-unsaturated TAGs and saturated (stearoyl or palmitoyl) chain-containing analogues, in spite of the lower melting points of the former. An analysis of the position of the stepped methyl end-plane in the various subgroups of TAGs confirms most but not all suppositions found in the literature.
Structure and ligand binding of the soluble domain of a Thermotoga maritima membrane protein of unknown function TM1634
Authors: McCleverty Clare J. , Columbus Linda , Kreusch Andreas , Lesley Scott A.
Published: March 2008

As a part of the Joint Center for Structural Genomics (JCSG) biological targets, the structures of soluble domains of membrane proteins from Thermotoga maritima were pursued. Here, we report the crystal structure of the soluble domain of TM1634, a putative membrane protein of 128 residues (15.1 kDa) and unknown function. The soluble domain of TM1634 is an α‐helical dimer that contains a single tetratrico peptide repeat (TPR) motif in each monomer where each motif is similar to that found in Tom20. The overall fold, however, is unique and a DALI search does not identify similar folds beyond the 38‐residue TPR motif. Two different putative ligand binding sites, in which PEG200 and Co2+ were located, were identified using crystallography and NMR, respectively.
Overexpression of osteopontin in clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: close association with HNF‐1β expression
Authors: Kato N , Motoyama T
Published: April 2008

Aims:  Transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)‐1β is selectively expressed in clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the ovary. One of the potential HNF‐1β target genes is osteopontin (OPN). Although elevation of OPN mRNA has been reported in CCC, it remains unclear whether CCC cells overexpress OPN protein. The aim was to investigate the expression of OPN protein and its correlation with HNF‐1β status in CCC.

Methods and results:  Three CCC and two serous adenocarcinoma (SA) cell lines were evaluated for expression of OPN by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. OPN expression, at both the mRNA and protein levels, was higher in the three CCCs than in the two SAs. HNF‐1β expression was detected in the CCCs but not in the SAs. Subsequently, 60 surgical specimens (30 CCCs and 30 SAs) were examined immunohistochemically for expression of OPN and HNF‐1β. All 30 CCCs showed immunopositivity for both OPN and HNF‐1β. The 12 (40%) CCCs with a high OPN score all had a high HNF‐1β score. In contrast, SAs rarely showed immunoreactivity for OPN or HNF‐1β.

Conclusions:  OPN expression is elevated in ovarian CCC and is closely associated with HNF‐1β overexpression. HNF‐1β is likely to participate in OPN up‐regulation in CCC.
Genetic alterations of CCND1 and EMSY in breast cancers
Authors: Kirkegaard T , Nielsen K V , Jensen L B , Campbell F M , Müller S , Tovey S M , Brown S , Cooke T G , Bartlett J M S
Published: April 2008

Aims:  CCND1 and EMSY, on 11q13, are frequently amplified in breast cancer. CCND1 is implicated in cell cycle progression and EMSY is a BRCA2‐associated repressor protein. The aim was to investigate gene copy numbers of CCND1 and EMSY and to determine if CCND1 amplification is associated with reduced survival of tamoxifen‐treated breast cancer patients.

Methods and results:  Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on 111 consecutive and 354 oestrogen receptor (ER)+ tamoxifen‐treated breast cancers. In the consecutive set, CCND1 and EMSY were amplified in 14.8% and 7.2%, respectively, and deleted in 8.7% and 13.5%, respectively. In the ER+ set, CCND1 and EMSY were amplified in 20.6% and 9.6%, respectively, and deleted in 1.7% and 4.2%, respectively. CCND1 and EMSY gene amplifications were associated with decreased overall survival (OS) (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively) of patients in the ER+ set.

Conclusion:  As hypothesized, CCND1 amplifications are associated with poor OS in ER+ patients. EMSY amplification is also associated with poor OS. However, as >70% of EMSY amplifications were CCND1 amplified, EMSY may not have any additional effect on survival of ER+ breast cancer.
How people with motor neurone disease talk about living with their illness: a narrative study
Authors: Brown Janice , Addington‐Hall Julia
Published: April 2008

Title.  How people with motor neurone disease talk about living with their illness: a narrative study.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study which explores patients’ experiences and how they talk about living and coping with motor neurone disease.

Background.  Living with motor neurone disease is challenging, frightening and disabling. It leads to progressive physical decline, normally with a prognosis of 3–5 years. Patients have to deal with many problems, including loss of mobility and the inability to communicate. There is little evidence about how people manage these problems or live with this illness.

Method.  Narrative case studies were used, the unit of analysis being a patient living in their own home or a care home. Thirteen adults were recruited through purposeful sampling. Longitudinal narrative interviews were conducted at three‐monthly intervals over an 18‐month period in 2005–06. Interviews were analysed focusing on the form and content of the patients’ narratives.

Findings.  Four types of narrative, or storyline were identified. The sustaining storyline is about living life as well as possible through keeping active and engaged in life. In contrast, the enduring storyline concerns living in an insurmountable situation leaving the person feeling disempowered, unable to fight for life or against death. Survival is the essence of the preserving storyline, while the fracturing storyline concerns loss and fear of what is to come.

Conclusion.  Storylines help make sense of complex narratives by encouraging closer attention and active listening to the stories and serve as organizing threads to help patients, families and healthcare professionals better understand living with motor neurone disease.
Are diet records using household measures comparable to weighed intakes?
Authors: Cade J. E.
Published: March 2008

Two pilot studies were carried out in developing a diet record method in household measures for use in a study of diet in three English towns. The pilot studies involved taking a one‐day food diary from 22 middle‐aged subjects in Southampton and 33 middle‐aged subjects in Stoke‐on‐Trent. Foods consumed were weighed and described in household measures. Comparison of nutrient intake using the two methods showed that men were more likely than women to report lower intakes using household measures compared to the weighed intake. Adding a ruled edge to the food diary and using portion shapes at interview to aid household measures description improved agreement between the methods. The differences were less than 10% for all the nutrients considered except fibre and vitamin A in both men and women.
A comparison of the Petra food recording system with the conventional weighed inventory technique
Authors: Barker Margo E. , McKenna P. G. , Reid Norma G. , Strain J. J. , Thompson Kate A. , Williamson A. P. , Wright Marion E.
Published: March 2008

This study was designed to test the efficacy of the Portable Electronic Tape Recording Automated (PETRA) scale compared to a digital scale (SOEHNLE) and diary for the collection of dietary data in a large field trial. One hundred and fifty subjects were randomly selected from the Household Valuation List, Northern Ireland, and 102 eligible subjects (aged 16–64 years) were asked to keep a seven‐day dietary record. The cooperating sample (n=80) was divided into cells by sex, age and social class. PETRA and SOEHNLE scales were then randomly allocated to equal numbers of subjects within each cell. Failure to complete the seven‐day record was marginally greater using the SOEHNLE scale but the effect was not statistically significant. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in recorded energy and nutrient intakes between PETRA‐ and SOEHNLE‐subjects within any sex, age or social class grouping. From questionnaire data, the PETRA system was found to surpass the traditional system in terms of ‘user friendliness’; but at an added cost in time spent by the field team.
Enteral nutrition and liver function test abnormalities
Authors: Richardson Rosemary A. , Garden O. J. , Shenkin A.
Published: March 2008

There have been reports of liver enzyme abnormalities among enterally fed patients. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of liver function tests (LFTs) in patients on enteral nutrition support receiving a minimum of 1500 kcal/day for at least two weeks. In addition, factors which might be responsible for such changes were defined. Patients with normal LFTs at the start of the study period had liver function tests repeated weekly during nutritional support. Body weight, arm muscle circumference, triceps skinfold and serum albumin were measured on entry to the study.

Nineteen patients fulfilled the study entry criteria. Eleven patients (Group 1) developed abnormal LFTs; in the remaining eight patients LFTs remained normal (Group 2). There was no significant difference between the two groups at the start of enteral feeding with respect to anthropometric measurements or serum albumin. Six of the 11 patients in Group 1 developed septic complications. No patient in Group 2 had clinical or bacterial evidence of infection during nutritional support.

Abnormalities in LFTs are more likely to be due to associated clinical complications than the enteral nutritional support alone.
Metabolic response to beet fibre test meals
Authors: Hagander B. , Holm J. , Asp N.‐G. , Efendi S. , Lundquist I. , Nilsson‐Ehle P. , Scherstén B.
Published: March 2008

Test meals with 10.9 g dietary fibre from sugar beet and corresponding control meals were given to eight healthy subjects, aged 67 ± 9 years. The postprandial glucose, triglyceride, hormone and glycerol responses were monitored during 3 hours. After the beet fibre meal the insulin and C‐peptide areas were reduced by 28 (P < 0.01) and 22% (P > 0.025), respectively, and the somatostatin levels increased by approximately 30% (P > 0.05). Further, the maximum relative postprandial reduction of plasma glycerol levels was less evident after the fibre‐rich meal than after the control meal (36 ± 4% v. 46 ± 4%, P < 0.05). There was no apparent difference in the overall glycaemic response between the meals. The triglyceride levels were similar after both test meals.

Suspension of beet fibre bread given to rats by oro‐gastric intubation induced lower blood glucose response than a control bread at 15 and 30 min (P < 0.001), respectively, but a similar insulin response.

The results suggest an effect of beet fibre on the rate of carbohydrate absorption, expressed as a lower insulin response in the healthy volunteers and a reduced glucose response in the rat.

The mechanism behind this effect in healthy subjects could possibly be mediated by an increased somatostatin response.
Intake of vitamin C and other nutrients by elderly patients receiving a hospital diet
Authors: Jones Eleri , Hughes R. E. , Davies H. E. F.
Published: March 2008

Food ingested by elderly patients living in hospital was measured and intake of nutrients calculated. Portion sizes provided and quantities eaten were both substantially smaller than those reported in previous studies. The hospital diet provided daily 4.78 MJ (1140 kcals), 44 g protein and 17 mg ascorbic acid. Mean ‘plate wastage’ for individual components varied from 23% for mashed potatoes to 66% for Brussels sprouts. The resulting daily ingestion of energy, protein and ascorbic acid by a group of 30 patients was 3.13 MJ, 29 g and 11 mg, respectively. The ‘nutritional content’ of the hospital diets examined was compared with that of several nineteenth century hospital diets for which data are available.
Problems with folacin status with use of orange juice substitutes in a geriatric institution
Authors: Flint Delia M. , Wahlqvist M. L. , Prinsley D. M.
Published: March 2008

An increased range of orange drinks is now available with varying proportions of orange juice. These have begun to appear in institutions for the care of elderly people. With evidence of folacin deficiency in such elderly people, we evaluated the effect of either 100% orange juice or an orange drink (at least 5% juice) on folacin status in 19 institutionalized elderly people over a 13‐week period. Serum folacin increased from 8.5 ± 0.8 to 13.2 ± 0.8 nmol/l (P < 0.001) in 13 weeks, with 100 ml orange juice daily, but did not change from baseline (8.9 ± 0.8 nmol/l) to 13 weeks (8.5%± 0.7 nmol/l) with orange drink. By 6 weeks the difference between orange juice (11.0 ± 1.0 nmol/l) and orange drink (8.6 ± 0.7 nmol/l) was significant. Thus, not only is the choice of orange drink important, but small regular orange juice supplements can produce a significant increase in biochemical folacin status.
Food intake and nutritional status in stable Crohn's Disease
Authors: Coyle B. L. , Sladen G. E. , Reshef R.
Published: March 2008

Food intake was assessed in 25 normal weight and 15 underweight patients with stable Crohn's Disease. Normal weight was taken as 90% or more of ideal body weight (body mass index > 20) and this was based on a larger study of patients with various gastrointestinal disorders.

There was no significant difference in the energy intake of the two groups. A comparison of selected nutrients (protein, fat, fibre, zinc, vitamins D and E and essential fatty acids) showed that the intake of protein and zinc was higher in the underweight female group than in normal weight females, but no other significant differences were observed. The intake of micronutrients by both groups was generally low compared with published recommendations.

It is concluded that the nutritional intake of underweight patients with Crohn's Disease, in a stable condition, is similar to that of the normal weight group. It is likely that they have increased requirements as a result of increased expenditure or malabsorption. Body weight may be a poor guide to the adequacy of intake of micronutrients.
Dietary and alcohol intake patterns of a sample of homeless men in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Darnton‐Hill Ian , Ash Susan
Published: March 2008

Dietary intakes of food and beverages, including alcohol, were collected by questionnaire and prompted 24‐h recall on a sample of 107 homeless men living in Inner Sydney. Over 70% reported drinking at least twice a week and drinking heavily (> 80g alcohol) on those occasions. Forty‐one per cent reported regularly drinking beverages supplying over 240 g at a time and over half (60%) claimed not to eat while drinking, which would increase their chances of developing disorders such as the Wernicke‐Korsakoff syndrome. Biochemical markers of high alcohol consumption, such as alkaline phosphatase and γ‐glutamyl transferase, were elevated in 35–41% of the men and were significantly correlated with reported high alcohol consumption. Using 24‐h recall methodology, thiamin, magnesium, zinc, pyridoxine, folate and energy appeared to be the nutrients most at risk for this group.
The Harrow Slimming Club: report on 1090 enrollments in 50 courses, 1977–1986
Authors: Bush Anne , Webster Joan , Chalmers Gillian , Pearson Morag , Penfold Patricia , Brereton Pamela , Garrow J. S.
Published: March 2008

The Harrow Slimming Club is a non‐profit making group run by Harrow Health Authority using Health Service premises, and with trained dietitians as counsellors. The administration structure, recruitment procedure and nutrition advice are described.

Data is presented on 1090 enrollments in 50 courses. The club members were typically women about 13 kg overweight, and 30–50 years old, although there was a wide range in both age and degree of obesity. Men (114) attended either mixed courses or men only courses.

During the first initial 10‐week course the average attendance was 8.4 with a 5.4 kg weight loss for members who later attended another course or courses. Members who attended only one course lost 3.82 kg during 6.8 attendances. Men who attended men‐only courses attended more frequently and lost more weight than men on mixed courses.

The results presented are similar to those obtained from the first 14 courses (Seddon et al., 1981)
A controlled study of the performance of five enteral feeding pumps
Authors: Torrance A. D. , Harrison C.
Published: March 2008

The performance of five enteral feeding pumps was investigated in terms of flow volume delivered at selected rate settings using three commercial enteral feeds of differing weight per millilitre values. There were significant differences in the performances of pumps over the range of settings, particularly at levels >100 ml/h with the highest density feed. The mean accuracy of delivery was within ±10% of that expected on all but one occasion. The significance of the observations in relation to possible sources of error is discussed.
Dietary management of patients after vertical banded gastroplasty
Authors: Abraham R. , Owen E. R. T. C.
Published: March 2008

Gastric reduction surgery for treatment of morbid obesity has evolved because of the refractory nature of this hazardous disorder. Vertical banded gastroplasty limits food intake by partitioning of the stomach. Guidelines are given here to ensure an adequate nutritional intake and safe weight loss. The rationale, patient selection and biochemical complications are reviewed along with the long‐term management and some of the problems encountered.
Longitudinal study of food intake of psychiatric patients following food policy implementation
Authors: Wallis Catherine , Poulter Jennifer
Published: March 2008

In order to evaluate the effects of food policy implementation, a study was made of food chosen and eaten by male patients on a medium‐stay psychiatric ward at Horton Hospital, Epsom, Surrey. Data was collected for five consecutive days at the same point in the menu cycle inn August of 1985 and 1986. The educational component of the District Food Policy was initiated at this hospital in January 1985.

There appeared to be a trend towards a healthier dietary balance in 1986, as significant changes in the proportion of calories derived from fat and carbohydrate were found. Indeed, the distribution of energy in 1986 resembled short‐term NACNE targets (NACNE, 1983). This was observed together with a higher average consumption of dietary fibre, but salt intake appeared to increase as well. These differences are explained in terms of more varied food choices, together with recipe development and changes in catering practice. As expected, long‐term NACNE recommendations (NACNE, 1983) were not fully met at any stage in the study and therefore more awareness and action is required on the part of catering, paramedical and medical staff to achieve dietary goals set out in the district food policy document.
Individual variation in the dietary intake of a group of Scottish men
Authors: Thomson Marjory , Elton Robert A. , Fulton Mary , Brown Sandra , Wood David A. , Oliver Michael F.
Published: March 2008

The variability of nutrient intake within individuals has been examined using data from a 7‐d weighed inventory record from a population sample of 164 middle‐aged men. Four main aspects of within‐person variation were examined: variation according to day of the week, daily variation as a proportion of individual mean values, daily variation in relation to betweenperson variation, and long‐term variation, in mean daily intake.

The intake of some nutrients showed a significant day of the week variation, but apart from alcohol and energy, most of these variations were small. The within‐person coefficient of variation generally showed wide ranges for most nutrients.

To assess the individual intake of 90% of the men, to within a s.e. of 10% a weighed record of seven days was sufficient for the calculation of the percentage of energy derived from protein, fat and carbohydrate, but not for nutrients such as linoleic acid and fibre. Seven days was adequate to classify 80% of these men into their appropriate third of true rank order of intake for all dietary constituents studied, except for amounts of linoleic acid and cholesterol.

Considerable long‐term stability in mean nutrient intake was shown in the 30 men who completed a 7‐d weighed record after a period of two years but evidence of long term changes in dietary habit was also found.
Dietary variety during and after pregnancy in Scotland and England
Authors: Wheeler Erica , Stewart Judith , Schofield Claire
Published: March 2008

Interviews were carried out with 265 Scottish and English women from all social groups during and after pregnancy. Their consumption frequency of 123 food categories was elicited, with details of brands and types used. A simple ‘food groups’ concept of dietary variety did not differentiate any subgroup. When dietary variety was defined as numbers of different foods used within categories, the English ‘non‐manual’ group in early pregnancy ranked highest, and the Scottish ‘manual’ group lowest. During pregnancy about 30% of Scots and 25% of English reported a high consumption frequency of several processed foods. Generally, ‘fresh’ foods were more popular in England, and with the ‘non‐manual’ group. Regional and social class differences in dietary variety correspond broadly with differences in micronutrient intake and in knowledge of nutritional ‘messages’.
Whole protein liquid diet in the treatment of acute uncomplicated Crohn's disease
Authors: Coyle B. L. , Sladen G. E.
Published: March 2008

Twelve patients with active, uncomplicated Crohn's disease were treated for four weeks with an exclusive, liquid ‘polymer’ diet (containing whole milk protein and long chain triglycerides) followed by the gradual re‐introduction of normal food over the following four weeks in an uncontrolled trial. Three other patients were excluded because they could not tolerate the regimen. Of the 12, eight showed considerable subjective benefit but in only four was this maintained following the re‐introduction of normal food. The other four patients failed to improve but did not deteriorate. In the group as a whole, there was a significant reduction in a disease activity index during the eight‐week period, accompanied by a significant fall in C‐reactive protein concentration in plasma and a significant rise in plasma prealbumin concentration during the first four weeks only. These temporary improvements are similar to those reported by others in response to elemental diets and to total parenteral nutrition, but the relapse rate was high and the time to relapse short following the re‐introduction of normal food. However, a few individuals obtained prolonged benefit and this treatment is feasible in well motivated out‐patients.
Content of major and minor mineral elements in weekly diets of eleven Finnish hospitals
Authors: Sinisalo Mikko , Kumpulainen Jorma , Paakki Maija , Tahvonen Raija
Published: March 2008

As part of the research programme of the Sub‐network on Trace Element Status in Foods and Diets of the FAO Cooperative Network on Trace Elements, the concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo and Ni were determined in homogenized weekly diets collected from 11 hospitals throughout Finland. Samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry using certified reference materials to ensure analytical quality control. The average energy content of the diets was 8.6 MJ (2045 kcal). The average mineral concentrations were as follows: Na 0.45 g/MJ; K 0.49 g/MJ; Ca 160 mg/MJ; Mg 42 mg/MJ; Fe 1.6 mg/MJ; Zn 1.6 mg/MJ; Mn 0.70 mg/MJ; Cu 0.18 mg/MJ; Mo 12 μg/MJ; and Ni 14 μg/MJ. In conclusion, the quality of Finnish hospital diets with regard to major and minor mineral elements is acceptable with the exceptions of iron, zinc and copper, whose intake may be limited at low energy levels.
The problem of rickets in UK Asians
Authors: Clements M. R.
Published: March 2008

A large body of work relating to the occurrence of rickets in UK Asians is reviewed. Several theories of the aetiology of this condition are shown to be untenable: it is not exclusively a function of sunlight deprivation or of darker pigmentation; nor is it simply due to phytate‐induced losses of calcium from the gut. Asian rickets, however, is associated with a high consumption of cereals, and experiments with rats have suggested a mechanism. In the absence of adequate vitamin D from sunlight, the low‐calcium, high cereal intake of the UK Asian population may induce a state of mild secondary hyperparathyroidism which enhances the destruction of vitamin D and leads to a progressive reduction in vitamin D status and, ultimately, to the development of clinical rickets.
Restoration and mintenance of nutritionin Crohn's disease: a case study
Authors: James Ruth
Published: March 2008

This case study illustrates the effectiveness of two complementary feeding regimens in facilitating improvement of nutritional status in a young patient with extensive small bowel Crohn's disease with a severe concomitant malabsorption syndrome. It highlights the role of parenteral feeding in short term restorative hyperalimentation and contrasts it with sip feeding using an elemental diet to maintain and improve nutritional status. Also emphasized is the importance of improving nutritional status prior to surgery in order to minimize complications (Mullin et al., 1980).
Marriage and diet in elderly Australians: results from a large random survey
Authors: Horwath Caroline C.
Published: March 2008

Living arrangement, marital status and dietary patterns were examined for a representative sample of 2195 people aged 65 years and over residing in Adelaide, South Australia. Several indicators of food consumption patterns, dietary variety, and energy and nutrient intake from a self‐completed semiquantitative food‐frequency questionnaire were analysed. Elderly men living with a spouse generally had more favourable dietary patterns than those living alone. Women living alone, on the other hand, had largely similar dietary patterns, and nutrient intakes equal to or greater than those of women living with a spouse.
Patient menus in New South Wales hospitals
Authors: Williams P. G. , Brand J.C.
Published: March 2008

Patient menus in Australian hospitals were studied using two methods: (1) a written questionnaire completed by catering officers from 270 hospitals in new south wales (74% of the hospitals in State), and (2) an examination of the printed menus collected from 128 of those hospitals. Of the hospitals 96% used a fixed menu cycle, most being 14 days in length, and 89% of hospitals allowed patients to select their own menu choices. Most hospitals did not offer more than two hot choices at meals, but larger hospitals provided a wider range of choice than smaller ones. Twenty‐four percent of small hospitals (fewer than 50 beds) using polyunsaturated oil for frying food, while only 7% of larger hospitals did so. Almost all hospitals offered high fibre breakfast cereals and wholemeal bread on the menu, 66% had polyunsaturated margarine as an alternative to butter, and only 25% routinely offered a low‐fat milk option. Highly salted foods made up 13% of main menu items and one in five mainmeal choices could be classified as high in fat. Hospitals employing dietitians had signficantly fewer high‐fat food items on their menus. The percentage of unpopular food items included on the menus ranged from 12% for soups to 21% for desserts. Ten recommendations are made to improve the standards of hospital menus.
The effect of dietary advice on nutrient intakes: evidence from the diet and reinfarction trial (DART)
Authors: Fehily Ann M. , Vaughan‐Williams Elaine , Shiels Kathleen , Williams Ann H. , Horner Margaret , Bingham Georgina , Burr Michael L. , Holliday Ruth M.
Published: March 2008

The effect of dietary advice on nutrient intakes was examined in a random subsample of 459 men who were taking part in a randomized controlled trial of secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. The trial is of factorial design, to examine the effect of three dieteary aims, alone and in combination:

A reduction in total fat to 30% of energy, together with an increase in polyunsaturated/saturated fat ratio (P/S) to 1.0.

An increase in fatty fish consumption to at least 300 g/week (3 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)).

An increase in cereal fibre intake to 18 g/day (total fibre 30 g/day). Men were randomly allocated to one of the eight regimens (fat, fish, fibre, fat plus fish, fat plus fibre, fish plus fibre, fat plus fish plus fibre, or none of these) and are being followed up for at least two years. Six months after the advice was given, nutrient intakes were assessed from 7‐d weighed intake records. Of those advised to reduce fat intake and increase P/S ratio, mean intakes were 31% of energy and 0.85, respectively. This compared with 35% of energy and 0.45 for those not given this advice. Mean EPA intake was 2.5 g/week for the fish advice group and 0.79 g/week for the no fish advice group. Mean cereal fibre intake of the fibre advice group was 15 g/d (26 g/d total fibre) compared with 9 g/d (20 g/d total fibre) for the no fibre advice group. Thus for each of the dietary aims, the advice had a substantial effect on intakes.
Improving oral energy intake in older children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Williams J. , Handy D. J. , Weller P. H.
Published: March 2008

The effect of intensive dietary counselling in 28 older children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis was monitored over a one‐year period, assessing dietary intake and nutritional status. There was a significant improvement in energy intake (P<0.01) and fat intake (P<0.01) in the group as a whole, including control patients. The most significant improvement was in the group who received intensive counselling and standard pancreatic enzyme supplements (P<0.02). Correlation with change in nutritional status was poor.

We conclude that energy intake can be improved in this difficult group of patients but that more individualization of intake to achieve normal growth is required.
Dietary determinants of bone mass and fracture risk: a review
Authors: Fehily Ann M.
Published: March 2008

There is considerable controversy concerning the relationships between nutrient intakes and both bone mass and fracture risk. This paper reviews the evidence for each of the dietary variables which have been suggested to be of relevance: calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, protein, dietary fibre, fluoride, caffeine and alcohol. Most surveys have concentrated on calcium intake and other nutrients have been relatively neglected. Peak bone mass appears to be a critical factor in determining bone health in the postmenopausal years, and calcium intake in childhood and adolescence may be an important determinant of peak bone mass. Calcium intake may also affect the rate of bone loss in middle‐aged and elderly subjects. However, further study is required in all these areas. Furthermore, few surveys have investigated the relative contributions of nutrition and other factors to bone loss, but it is likely that oestrogen concentrations and physical activity have a greater effect than diet in both middle‐aged and elderly women.
A modified lactose tolerance test for determining the degree of lactose malbsorption in an individual
Authors: Tadesse K.
Published: March 2008

The loss of intestnal lactase in primary lactose malabsorption is partial and variable. The amount of lactose that a malabsorber can handle depends on the remaining lactase activity. As there are no satisfactory clinical tests to evaluate the degree of malabsorption, the Possibility of using the breath hydrogen test to determine the threshold of lactose absorption in individuals was investigated. Eighteen fasted primary lactose malabsorbers were challenged with graded. volumes of cow's milk on different days. Malabsorption was assessed indirectly. by measuring the change in end‐expiratory breath hydrogen. Each subject was able to take a specific quantity of milk without a significant change in the level of hydrogen excretion in the breath. A very small increase in intake above this level increased the breath hydrogen excretion indicating malabsorption. The breath hydrogen test applied in this manner is a suitable, appropriate and acceptable technique for determining the threshold of lactose malabsorption.
Dietary intake of Aberdeen primigravidae in 1950/51 and 1984/85.
Authors: Thompson Barbara , Skipper Debbie , Fraser Cynthia , Hewitt Angela , Huter David
Published: March 2008

In 1984‐85 a randorn sample of maried primigravidae in Aberdeen completed a 7‐d weighed diet survey in the seventh month of pregnancy. The results are compared with a similar local survey conducted in 1950/51 and with other recent studies in the United Kingdom. Daily intake of nutrients were less in 1984/85 then in 1950/51. Although it is likely that there has been a real reduction, problems arise about direct comparison of values because of methods of calculation. Both surveys came to certain conclusions, including that taller women ate more than shorter women, that birthweight was not associated with distary intake and that smokers had a significantly reduced intake of ascorbic acid. Although wives of non‐manual workers tended to have higher nutrient intakes than other wives, the difference only reached marginal significanc for ascorbic acid in 1950/51 and for protein and calcium in 1984/85. The wife's occupation was more discriminating than that of the husband, particularly in 1984‐85, although the changes in the occupational structure necessitated a redivision of occupations. In 1984/85, women in professional occupations ate significantly more of all items except energy, fat and thiamin compared with clerical and other workers. Although 34 years apart, the two surveys showed that the proportion of energy derived from fat was unchanged (38.5%) whereas the proportion of protein had increased, offset by a reduction in carbohydrate. There were no significant differences in the components of energy by occupational group in either survey, irresective of the classification used. Evidence indicates by NACNE (1983). The recent study adds to the accumulation evidence that the DHSS (1979) recommendations for the diet of pregnant women are unrealistic.