bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nodavirus infection of juvenile white seabass, Atractoscion nobilis, cultured in southern California: first record of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in North America
Authors: Curtis P A , Drawbridge M , Iwamoto T , Nakai T , Hedrick R P , Gendron A P
Published: March 2003

The viral aetiology of mass mortalities of white seabass, Atractoscion nobilis, cultured in southern California, USA was examined. Disease outbreaks occurred in juvenile fish reared at two culture facilities from June to December 1999, with clinical signs such as anorexia and erratic swimming motion. Microscopic lesions observed in moribund fish included marked vacuolation of brain, spinal cord and retina. The piscine nodavirus (Betanodavirus), the causative agent of viral nervous necrosis (VNN), was detected in the affected tissues by electron microscopy, indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), and isolation in cell culture. The agent was identified as one of the four known genotypes of piscine nodavirus. In addition, a similar nodavirus was also detected in fish samples from disease outbreaks at the same facility in 1992. In the last decade, VNN has been reported among cultured populations of marine fish worldwide and this paper is the first record of the agent in North America.
Development and validation of a new dot blot test for the detection of Paramoeba pemaquidensis (Page) in fish
Authors: Douglas‐Helders M , Carson J , Howard T , Nowak B
Published: March 2003

In this study, the development of a dot blot assay to assess amoebic gill disease (AGD) using non‐lethal gill mucus samples is described and its performance validated by comparing the assay with the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), the ‘gold standard’ test. The agreement between the two tests was high, with a positive predictive value of 95% and negative predictive value of 93%, with a corrected κ value of 0.88. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 97 and 91%, respectively. The dot blot is both sensitive and specific for Paramoeba pemaquidensis and is formatted so that large numbers of samples can be conveniently analysed.
Cutaneous antibodies in excised skin from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, immune to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: Xu D H , Klesius P H , Shelby R A
Published: March 2003

This study determined whether cutaneous antibodies were present in the excised skin of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, immune to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet (Ich). Theronts were immobilized on or near the excised skin from immune fish. The survival of immobilized theronts was significantly reduced after exposure for 8 h to the culture of excised skin from immune fish. Culture fluids from excised skin of immune fish immobilized theronts with a peak in the immobilization titre at 24 h post‐exposure. Immobility of theronts in the culture fluid from immune skin was removed after immunoabsorption with theronts. Indirect immunofluorescent staining of theronts treated with culture fluid from excised skin of immune fish revealed strong and uniform fluorescence on the cilia and cell surface of theronts. Western blot analysis of the culture fluid from immune fish revealed a 70‐kDa band which corresponded to the molecular weight of catfish immunoglobulin heavy chain. The results of this study show that cutaneous antibodies to Ich theronts were present in and released from the excised skin from fish immune to Ich. Immobilization and killing of the theronts are two characteristics of the antibody response that appear to prevent the successful invasion of theronts into excised skin.
Molecular characterization and pathogenicity of a grouper iridovirus (GIV) isolated from yellow grouper, Epinephelus awoara (Temminck & Schlegel)
Authors: Murali S , Wu M‐F , Guo I‐C , Chen S‐C , Yang H‐W , Chang C‐Y
Published: March 2003

Molecular characterization was carried out on an iridovirus isolated from yellow grouper, Epinephelus awoara. The major capsid protein (MCP) gene was located, sequenced and compared with homologous genes from other iridoviruses. The nucleotide sequence is 1392 bases long and contains a single open reading frame beginning at an ATG codon from the 5′ end and terminating at a TAA codon at the 3′ end. The open reading frame encodes a protein of 463 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 50 272 Da. Pairwise amino acid alignments detected a high degree of sequence identity between grouper iridovirus (GIV) MCP and the homologous genes of other iridoviruses. The MCP gene of GIV was most similar to the MCP gene from frog virus 3 (FV3) with 70% nucleotide and 73% amino acid sequence identity. The predicted molecular weight of the protein of this gene is comparable with the apparent weight obtained by SDS–PAGE. Pathogenicity of the GIV was investigated in yellow grouper by intraperitoneal injection of 107 and 104 TCID50 virus. Cumulative mortalities reached 100% within 11 and 25 days post‐infection, respectively, while no grouper died in the control group. The molecular studies demonstrated that GIV is a member of the genus Ranavirus.
Development of proliferative kidney disease in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), following short‐term exposure to Tetracapsula bryosalmonae infected bryozoans
Authors: Longshaw M , Le Deuff R‐M , Harris A F , Feist S W
Published: March 2003

The initial site of infection in the fish host for Tetracapsula bryosalmonae, causative agent of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) is poorly understood. Following the recent recognition that freshwater bryozoans harbour the infective stages to salmonid fish, experimental transmission studies were undertaken to investigate (1) the route of entry of the parasite into the fish host and (2) the minimum exposure time required to induce clinical signs of PKD. In‐situ hybridization (ISH) studies were carried out on naïve rainbow trout exposed to the naturally infected bryozoan Fredericella sultana for up to 90 min. The sporoplasm of T. bryosalmonae was detected entering the fish via mucous cells in the skin epithelium within the first minute of exposure. In addition, T. bryosalmonae cells were infrequently detected in the skeletal musculature of exposed experimental fish up to 72 h post‐exposure. The route of migration through the fish to the kidney and spleen was not determined. All fish exposed to infected, disrupted bryozoans for 10, 30 and 90 min and maintained for up to 8 weeks developed clinical PKD.
The persistence of infectivity of Tetracapsulabryosalmonae‐infected water for rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: De Kinkelin P , Gay M , Forman S
Published: March 2003

Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) is caused by the infection of susceptible salmonid fish with spores of the myxozoan Tetracapsula bryosalmonae, a parasite harboured and released by several species of bryozoans. Under natural conditions, PKD is a water‐borne infection of fish, whose outcome and spatio‐temporal dissemination depend on the viability of spores present in the water. In order to evaluate the duration of parasite infectivity, juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, were exposed for 20 h to T. bryosalmonae‐infected water at various times post‐water collection or after different filtration procedures. When infected water was held in a temperature range of 14.5–17 °C for up to 14 days, PKD was transmitted to the fish only between 0 and 12 h post‐water collection and its infectivity vanished between 12 and 24 h. Similarly, the infectivity of water passed through 25 μm but not through 1 μm mesh filters, and was lost in the material eluted from the 1 μm filtration membrane although the parasite's DNA was amplified from this material. The parasitic infectivity in water appears to be fragile and this may offer opportunities to decrease the impact of PKD in trout farms by the implementation of management procedures aimed at reducing the number of the bryozoan‐holding surfaces located in the river, immediately upstream from these farms.
Ultrasonic immunization of sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel), with a mixed vaccine against Vibrio alginolyticus and V. anguillarum
Authors: Zhou Y‐C , Wang J , Zhang B , Su Y‐Q
Published: March 2003

In order to clarify the effectiveness of ultrasonication on vaccine delivery, juvenile sea bream, Pagrus major, were treated with eight different ultrasonic methods. A mixed vaccine against Vibrio alginolyticus and V. anguillarum was used to immunize the fish. The intensity and frequency of the ultrasound were 280 mW cm–2 and 35 kHz, respectively. The ultrasonic methods included continuous or pulsed ultrasound for 3 min, and continuous or pulsed ultrasound for 3 min before and/or after immersion for 3 min. Of all the eight ultrasonic methods tested, `pulsed ultrasound followed by immersion' and `immersion, pulsed ultrasound, and followed by immersion again' provided the best protection, which were comparable with protection of fish immunized by intraperitoneal injection. Moreover, the convenience of applying these two ultrasonic methods for immunization was comparable with the immersion method and was much better than intraperitoneal injection. If 2 × 108 CFU mL–1 of this mixed vaccine was used for vaccination repeatedly five times by ultrasonic methods, it could still produce good protection for the immunized sea bream. Therefore, the ultrasonic method is an effective and practical approach for fish vaccination on a large scale.
Wild fish are not a significant reservoir for Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis (Page, 1987)
Authors: Douglas‐Helders G M , Dawson D R , Carson J , Nowak B F
Published: March 2003

Amoebic gill disease (AGD), caused by the protozoan Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis (Page, 1987) is the most important disease affecting salmon farms in Tasmania. Reservoirs for this protozoan parasite are largely unknown. This study investigated wild fish as a potential reservoir of N. pemaquidensis. A total of 325 wild fish, comprising 12 different fish species, were caught from and around salmon farms and examined for the presence of AGD. None of the wild fish were infected with AGD. In a laboratory trial, seahorse, Hippocampus abdominalis, greenback flounder, Rhombosolea tapirina, and Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, were challenged with N. pemaquidensis. Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis was detected on the gills on 10 of 15 (66.7%) flounder, nine of 24 (37.5%) seahorses, and six of six (100%) Atlantic salmon. However, paramoebae positive flounder and seahorse lacked the characteristic AGD gill pathology. It is concluded that AGD does not appear in wild fish and wild fish do not seem to be a reservoir of the pathogen.
Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida infection in naturally and experimentally infected cod, Gadus morhua L.
Authors: Magnadóttir B , Bambir S H , Gudmundsdóttir B K , Pilström L , Helgason S
Published: March 2003

Cod, Gadus morhua L., of wild origin, were reared at different temperatures for 12 months. During this period, moribund and newly dead fish were examined and samples collected for bacteriology and histopathology. Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida was isolated from 10 individuals reared at or above 7 °C. The isolates were homogeneous with respect to biochemical and antibiogram characters and similar to the ssp. achromogenes National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria, UK, type strain 1110 and reference strains that have been isolated from salmonids and haddock in Iceland. Histopathological analysis of the naturally infected cod showed typical ulceration associated with atypical A. salmonicida infection and also widespread granulomatous formations. One‐year‐old cod of farmed origin, kept at 9 °C, received intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection with different doses of atypical A. salmonicida, isolated from the above wild cod. Mortalities were monitored for 28 days and the LD50 calculated. The route of bacterial injection influenced the mortality rate and LD50 value and affected, to some extent, the pathological changes observed and humoral immune parameters. Pathological changes, including haemorrhage, early stages of granuloma formation and necrotic changes, were seen in several organs. Infection appeared to induce non‐specific antibody activity against trinitrophenyl (TNP)‐haptenated protein and may have activated the complement system. Specific antibody response against atypical A. salmonicida was not detected.
Morphological and molecular biological studies on intramuscular Myxobolus spp. of cyprinid fish
Authors: Molnár K , Eszterbauer E , Székely C , Dán Á , Harrach B
Published: March 2003

The validity of Myxobolus species infecting the skeletal muscles of six cyprinid fish species was studied by morphological and molecular biological methods. Intracellularly developing Myxobolus spores identified as M. cyprini from the common carp, M. musculi from the barbel, and M. pseudodispar from the roach, rudd, common bream and white bream were very similar in their shape and size. Nonetheless, in species identified as M. pseudodispar, the occurrence of spores with an asymmetrical shape was higher than in M. cyprini, while asymmetrical spores were only occasionally found in M. musculi. The DNA sequence analysis of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified 18S rRNA gene of Myxobolus spores from these fish showed a similar phylogeny to that of their host species. As morphological studies and DNA sequence analysis demonstrated slight but real differences in the spores infecting muscles of the six cyprinid species, it is suggested that M. musculi, M. pseudodispar and M. cyprini are valid species.
Studies on epizootic iridovirus infection among red sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel), cultured in Taiwan
Authors: Wang C S , Shih H H , Ku C C , Chen S N
Published: March 2003

Since 1993, an epizootic viral disease has occurred in net‐cage cultured red sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel), in Peng‐hu Island located on the south‐western coast of Taiwan. The diseased fish exhibited abnormal swimming and were lethargic, but few visible external signs were observed. The cumulative mortality because of the disease sometimes reached 50–90% over 2 months. Histopathogical studies of the affected fish showed enlarged basophilic cells in the gill, kidney, heart, liver and spleen. These necrotic cells were Feulgen‐positive and stained blue using Giemsa. Transmission electron microscopy revealed icosahedral virions in the cytoplasm of the necrotic cells. The viral particles consisted of a central nucleocapsid (75–80 nm) and envelope, and were 120–150 nm in diameter. These results suggest that the virus belongs to the Iridoviridae. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), approximately 570 bp fragments were produced from the viral DNA using as a template 1‐F and 1‐R primers derived from red seabream iridovirus (RSIV) from red sea bream in Japan. Similar results were also obtained using nested‐PCR with different primer sets (1‐F, 2‐R and 2‐F, 1‐R). Although the size and some features of epizootics of this virus differed from RSIV in Japan, it shows close genetic affinities with the latter and it is suggested that RSIV has been introduced to Taiwan.
Changing practice nurses’ management of obesity
Authors: Ogden  , Hoppe
Published: March 2003

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess ways of improving practice nurses’ (PNs) management of obesity.
Methods: PNs completed a questionnaire concerning their obesity‐related beliefs and behaviours, before and 1 month after being randomly allocated to either a ‘learner‐centred’ group (who received a leaflet and were invited to attend an interactive seminar), an ‘expert group’ (who received the leaflet), or a control group. At 1 month follow‐up, PNs were also asked to give a brief questionnaire to five consecutive patients who they saw for weight loss advice, concerning the content and style of the consultation. After 6 months, PNs and patients were sent a questionnaire about their consultation style and weight loss, respectively.

Results: At baseline the PNs felt confident in giving weight loss advice, but stated that outcomes were poor and that the responsibility for this lay with the patients suggesting a professional‐centred approach to management. In terms of the intervention, the two educational packages had no differential effects on PNs’ beliefs about obesity. However, PNs in the ‘learner group’ reported spending longer on their consultations and being more patient centred, and their patients were more satisfied with the consultation and reported that they were offered calorie controlled diets the least frequently. In contrast, PNs in the ‘expert group’ reported giving weight loss advice more frequently and being less patient centred, and their patients reported greater confidence in the likelihood of weight loss and reported that they were more likely to be offered traditional weight loss interventions. The packages had no differential effects on patient weight. Conclusion: PNs’ management of obesity can be changed. However, being more patient centred may not always be the desired outcome. Perhaps a patient‐centred perspective should involve an assessment of whether this approach is best suited to each individual patient.
Treating obesity: can the stages of change model help predict outcome measures?
Authors: Macqueen C. E. , Brynes A. E. , Frost G. S.
Published: March 2003

Background: The transtheoretical model of behaviour change the ‘Stages of Change’ by Prochaska & Di Clemente (1982) has been advocated for enhancing dietary counselling. It has been suggested that understanding where people are in the stages of change model could lead to targeting of advice and improved outcome of dietetic management such as weight loss in the obese and reduced did not attend rates. This study assessed whether a six‐question staging model of the stages of change could predict which patients are most likely to not attend an appointment and predict those who will lose weight.

Methods: Prior to the start of their dietetic interview, obese outpatients completed a simple ‘stages of change questionnaire’ (SCQ). This assessed where the patient was in the stage of change cycle, motivation to lose weight, how easy they thought this would be and attendance rate. Patients who did not attend were sent a SCQ in the post.

Results: There were no significant differences in SCQ scores at visit one, between patients attending twice (group 1) and those who did not attend their second appointment (group 2). By visit two, 72% of group 1 who were in the action or maintenance stage of the cycle had lost 1.5±2.4% body weight, and were more optimistic and committed to doing so. There was no correlation between percentage weight loss and the first SCQ score in group 1 (r=0.05, P=0.73). It is of interest that no subject in group 3, i.e. those who did not attend both appointments, returned any of the SCQs after the first mailing and only 17% of this group returned one after a reminder was sent.

Conclusion: Evidence from this study would suggest that the stages of change model does not distinguish between which patients will not attend a second appointment or lose weight. However, it may help identify motivated patients if used as a postal screening tool.
Frequency of consumption and nutrient composition of composite dishes commonly consumed in the UK by South Asian Muslims originating from Bangladesh, Pakistan and East Africa (Ismailis)
Authors: Kassam‐Khamis T. , Judd P. A. , Thomas J. E.
Published: March 2003

Introduction This paper presents information on the nutrient composition of commonly consumed traditional dishes eaten by the three major South Asian Muslim groups residing in Britain, namely Bangladeshi, Pakistani and East African Ismaili Muslims.

Methods Information regarding the most common dishes consumed by South Asian Muslims originating from Bangladesh, Pakistan and East Africa (Ismailis) and living in London was obtained from 7‐day menu records over two seasons. For each common dish, weighed recipes were collected in triplicate and the composition (energy and selected nutrients) was calculated from the ingredients and cooked weight of the dish.

Results The three Muslim groups showed considerable variation in traditional foods commonly consumed as well as variation in fat and energy contents of similar recipes both within and between groups. Nutrient composition of commonly consumed dishes is presented calculated from the recipe nearest the average in terms of fat and energy for a particular dish.

Discussion and conclusions The potential uses of the data, one of which would be to improve dietary compliance (especially to lower fat intakes) amongst the three diverse South Asian Muslim groups, are discussed.
Dietary treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: current evidence and guidelines for future practice
Authors: Burden S.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this literature review is to produce guidelines for dietetic practice in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by evaluating the research available. In this area randomized control trials (RCT) only account for a small proportion of the literature and have been concentrated in the modification of dietary fibre in patients with IBS. The bulk of the literature is mainly observational trials from which no indisputable conclusions can be extracted. In this review, the evidence available has been interpreted within the context of the current knowledge base. Conclusions are drawn to facilitate the development of guidelines, enabling a starting point for discussion and an evaluation of current practice. The literature available on therapeutic dietary manipulation in IBS patients is centred around non‐starch polysaccharides (NSPs), mono and disaccharide sensitivity and food intolerance. The production of these guidelines has focused on research examining the role of dietary components in the therapeutic management of patients with IBS. However, where there is a deficiency in the literature directly relating dietary intake to management of IBS patients, physiological function in relation to dietary components has been relied upon to produce practical guidelines which can be applied realistically in a clinical environment. An interpretation of the evidence has revealed a limited role for exclusion diets, a move away from high‐fibre diets towards the manipulation of fibre fractions in the diet, an evaluation of the effects of caffeine on gut function and the necessity for individual dietary assessment to identify dietary issues pertinent to the patient’s symptoms. These guidelines outline a positive role for dietitians in the treatment of IBS patients which draws on the unique skills possessed by dietitians regarding the assessment of habitual eating habits and therapeutic dietary manipulation.
The role of probiotics and prebiotics in the management of diarrhoea associated with enteral tube feeding
Authors: Whelan K. , Gibson G. R. , Judd P. A. , Taylor M. A.
Published: March 2003

Introduction

Diarrhoea is a common and serious complication of enteral tube feeding, and has a range of aetiologies. Manipulation of the colonic microflora may reduce the incidence of enteral tube feeding diarrhoea via suppression of enteropathogens and production of short‐chain fatty acids. Probiotics and prebiotics are commonly used during enteral tube feeding to manipulate the colonic microflora; however, their efficacy is as yet uncertain.

Methods

English‐language studies investigating the pathogenesis of enteral tube feeding diarrhoea and the use of probiotics and prebiotics were identified by searching the electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE from 1980 to 2001. The bibliographies of articles obtained were searched manually.

Results

Only two prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials have investigated the effect of a probiotic on enteral tube feeding diarrhoea; however, results are conflicting. No prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies have specifically addressed the effect of a prebiotic on the incidence of enteral tube feeding diarrhoea.

Conclusion

Theoretically, probiotics and prebiotics may be of benefit in prophylaxis against enteral tube feeding diarrhoea; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to support their routine use. Prospective, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies investigating their effect on diarrhoea are required. These observations are discussed with reference to the current literature.
Diabetes care in residential homes: staff training makes a difference
Authors: Deakin T. A. , Littley M. D.
Published: March 2003

Aim

To deliver an educational programme to care home staff in one residential home and assess its impact on staff knowledge and practice.

Methods

One home within Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, East Lancashire, was randomly selected for education programme delivery and evaluation. An initial assessment questionnaire was used to develop the two, 2‐h education sessions. Evaluation involved repeating the knowledge questionnaire 1 week and 12 months after the programme. A semi‐structured interview with the officer in charge further investigated staff knowledge and care practice.

Results

There were 22 staff in the selected home; 12 participated in the programme. Pre‐ to post‐course knowledge gain was significant (P < 0.001) and knowledge retention at 12 months was 92%. The officer in charge also reported at interview that quality of care had improved.

Conclusions

Staff education increases knowledge and is associated with improved quality of care up to a year after the intervention.
Treating obesity: a follow‐up study. Can the stages of change model be used as a postal screening tool?
Authors: Macqueen C. E. , Brynes A. E. , Frost G. S.
Published: March 2003

Aims

We have previously shown that although a postal questionnaire based on the stages of change model (SCQ) failed to distinguish outpatients most likely to lose weight, it appeared to influence attendance rates. We therefore audited attendance upon receiving a pre‐appointment SCQ in the post and compared this to previous standard practice in 1996.

Methodology and results

Seventy‐eight obese outpatients (BMI 36.7 ± 6.7 kg m–2, age 43 ± 15 years) (mean ± SD) were included. Twenty‐nine per cent of patients failed to return an SCQ and were not sent an appointment and therefore did not block dietetic time. Eleven per cent returned an SCQ but did not attend (DNA) visit 1, whilst 21% attended visit 1 but DNA visit 2. Thirty‐nine per cent attended both appointments and lost a significant amount of weight (105 ± 23 vs. 103.2 ± 23 kg, P < 0.0001) in 4 weeks. There was no difference in SCQ results between groups. Overall attendance rate at initial and follow‐up appointments increased by 11%, while DNA rates fell by 20% compared with the 1996 audit.

Conclusion

The SCQ has sifted out one in four patients who previously DNA an initial dietetic outpatient appointment. This has reduced waiting‐list time as appointments are only book on return on the SCQ form, increased effective use of dietetic time through increased attendance rates, and lowered the DNA rate of follow‐up appointments.
Relationship between ω3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status during early infancy and neurodevelopmental status at 1 year of age
Authors: Voigt R. G. , Jensen C. L. , Fraley J. K. , Rozelle J. C. , Brown F. R. , Heird W. C.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To determine the influence of α‐linolenic acid (ALA; 18 : 3ω3) intake and, hence, the influence of plasma and/or erythrocyte phospholipid content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22 : 6ω3) during early infancy on neurodevelopmental outcome of term infants.

Methods

The Bayley Scales of Infant Development (second edition), the Clinical Adaptive Test/Clinical Linguistic and Auditory Milestone Scale (CAT/CLAMS) and the Gross Motor Scale of the Revised Gesell Developmental Inventory were administered at a mean age of 12.26 ± 0.94 months to 44 normal term infants enrolled in a study evaluating the effects of infant formulas differing only in ALA content (0.4, 1.0, 1.7 and 3.2% of total fatty acids).

Results

As reported previously [Jensen et al., Lipids 13 (1996) 107; J. Pediatr. 131 (1997) 200], the group fed the formula with the lowest ALA content had the lowest mean plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid DHA contents at 4 months of age. This group also had the lowest mean score on every neurodevelopmental measure. The difference in mean gross motor developmental quotient of this group versus the group fed the formula with 1.0% ALA but not of the other groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Across the groups, motor indices correlated positively with each other and with the plasma phospholipid DHA content at 4 months of age (P=0.02–0.03). The CLAMS developmental quotient correlated with the erythrocyte phospholipid content of 20 : 5ω3 (P < 0.01) but not with DHA.

Conclusions

These statistically significant correlations suggest that the ω3 fatty acid status during early infancy may be important with respect to neurodevelopmental status at 1 year of age and highlight the need for further studies of this possibility.
Five year results of a prospective very low calorie diet or conventional weight loss programme in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Paisey R. B. , Frost J. , Harvey P. , Paisey A. , Bower L. , Paisey R. M. , Taylor P. , I. Belka
Published: March 2003

Aims

To complete 5‐year follow‐up of an intensive weight loss programme in established type 2 diabetic subjects.

Methods

Forty‐five obese type 2 diabetic subjects, Body mass index (BMI) > 30, expressed interest in an intensive weight loss programme. Group 1 comprised 15 who selected very low calorie diet (VLCD), Group 2, 15 selected intensive conventional diet and exercise (ICD), 15 failed to follow either programme. Group sessions of eight to 15 subjects continued weekly for 6 months, then monthly for 12 months with prospective recording at 3, 6 and 12 months and then annually of quality of life, BMI, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, serum fructosamine and serum lipids.

Results

Weight loss was slower in the intensive conventional diet group than in the VLCD group, but better maintained at 5 years: group 1, 4.8 ± 6 kg; group 2, 8.9 ± 4 kg. In the intensive conventional diet group, 5 year high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased 1.78 ± 0.26 mmol L−1 vs. 1.10 ± 0.32 mmol L−1 at baseline, and diastolic blood pressure reduced 74.5 ± 13.3 vs. 85.5 ± 13.3 at baseline, both P < 0.05.

Conclusions

Out‐patient VLCD treatment proved safe and effective in overweight diabetic subjects but those who chose conventional diet and exercise had a slower but more sustained weight loss. Diabetic patients willing to attempt VLCD may safely lose sufficient weight to allow major surgery, but weight regain is inevitable. Patients willing to undertake a long‐term group programme of conventional diet can sustain significant weight loss for 5 years, but still require antidiabetic medication.
Fruit and vegetables – attitudes and knowledge of primary school children
Authors: Edwards J. S. A. , Hartwell H. H.
Published: March 2003

Objectives  To evaluate whether children, aged 8–11 years could correctly identify commonly available fruit and vegetables; to assess the acceptability of these; and to gain a broad understanding of children's perceptions of ‘healthy eating’.

Methods  Fruit and vegetables used were those readily available in retail outlets in the UK. Data were collected from three year‐groups (n = 221) using a questionnaire supported by semistructured interviews and discussions.

Results  Overall, fruit was more popular than vegetables and recognition of fruit better; melons being the least well identified. Recognition of vegetables increased with age; the least well identified being cabbage which was confused with lettuce by 32, 16 and 17% of pupils in their respective age groups. Most children (75%) were familiar with the term healthy eating, citing school (46%) as the most common source of information. Pupils showed an awareness and understanding of current recommendations for a balanced diet, although the message has become confused.

Conclusions  If fresh fruit and vegetables are to form part of a balanced diet, the ‘health message’ needs to be clear. Fruit is well liked; vegetables are less acceptable with many being poorly recognized, factors which need to be addressed.
A comparison of three methods for estimating height in the acutely ill elderly population
Authors: Hickson M. , Frost G.
Published: March 2003

Background  Most estimates of nutritional status rely on accurate recording of not only body weight but also height. Standing height is difficult to measure accurately in older adults due to mobility problems and kyphosis. Surrogate methods have been developed to estimate height including arm‐span, demi‐span and knee height. There are currently little data on the accuracy of these methods in the sick elderly population or which method is the most suitable in the clinical situation.

Objective  To compare three commonly used clinical measurements that can estimate height and analyse their agreement with current height. Also to evaluate which method can be used most frequently.

Methods  We used data collected as part of a larger intervention trial, in which elderly in‐patients (over 65 years), were measured for demi‐span, half arm‐span, knee height and standing height.

Results  The results showed that demi‐span and half arm‐span could be measured in the largest proportions of our population, 75.6 and 72.3%, respectively. The correlation coefficients were high for all three estimates of height, r = 0.86 for demi‐span, r = 0.87 for arm‐span, and r = 0.89 for knee height (P < 0.0001 for all three). However, agreement analysis demonstrated very poor agreement between standing height and all the methods of estimation. The mean differences were 4.33 cm for demi‐span, 7.04 cm for arm‐span and −0.6 cm for knee height.
Snacking patterns influence energy and nutrient intakes but not body mass index
Authors: Hampl J. S. , Heaton C. L. B. , Taylor C. A.
Published: March 2003

Objective  To study dietary intake and body mass index (BMI) patterns among US adults, stratified by snacking patterns.

Design  The 1994–1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) provided the study sample. Snacking episodes were defined as a ‘food and/or beverage break’, and subjects were classified as morning, afternoon, evening, multiple or never snackers.

Subjects/setting  Our study included data from 1756 men and 1511 women who provided two nonconsecutive, multiple‐pass 24‐h dietary recalls.

Statistical analyses  Mean values of each subject's two 24‐h recalls were used for analyses, and data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows and SUDAAN.

Results  Compared with women, men were more likely to be evening, multiple or never snackers. Male multiple snackers had significantly higher energy intakes than did afternoon and never snackers, whereas female multiple snackers had higher energy intakes than did morning, evening and never snackers. At the same time, male and female multiple snackers had more prudent energy‐adjusted intakes of protein, cholesterol, calcium and sodium. Coffee, cola, milk, ice cream and fruits were among the most frequently consumed snacks by men and women. The BMI did not differ significantly across snacker categories.

Conclusions  These data indicate that snacking patterns have some effects on energy and nutrient intakes but not on BMI. Snack food choices remain a concern, especially beverages, including those that are sweetened. Vegetables and fruits as snacks should be encouraged.
Health screening for people with intellectual disability: the New Zealand experience
Authors: Webb O. J. , Rogers L.
Published: March 2003

People with intellectual disability have considerable health needs and variable health care. The introduction of annual health screens for IHC residents in New Zealand resulted in some 73% of screened people requiring follow‐up interventions. The introduction of the health screens raised a number of issues for management, staff, health professionals and clients who might subsequently be involved in an exercise of this type and magnitude. The importance of applying principles of management promoted by proponents of total quality management has been apparent throughout the whole exercise.
Epilepsy and intellectual disability
Authors: Bowley C. , Kerr M.
Published: March 2003

A Medline and Psychline literature review of epilepsy in people with intellectual disability was performed. The review has highlighted the importance of the impact of epilepsy on the lives of individuals and their families, affecting physical morbidity, leading to an increased mortality and increasing the care‐giving burden. Interventions with a strong evidence base are mainly pharmacological with an increasing body of work on the novel antiepileptic drugs. Surprisingly little research exists into the quality of service provision for this population. The authors suggest three areas for future work: (1) an increasing application of research methodologies such as direct observation and qualitative studies into this field; (2) an exploration of the broad impact of treatment and (3) the possibility that epilepsy is a barrier to care provision.
Kinetic form discrimination in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Fox R. , Yang G. S. , Feurer I. D. , Butler M. G. , Thompson T.
Published: March 2003

Discrimination of the shape of motion‐produced forms generated by random elements (i.e. second‐order stimuli varying in element density and temporal correlation) was tested in four groups: (1) subjects with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), chromosome 15q deletion subtype; (2) subjects with PWS, uniparental maternal disomy (UPD) subtype; (3) equivalent non‐PWS controls; and (4) normal controls. The performance of the normal controls exceeded that of all other groups (78% correct, P < 0.009). The PWS deletion (66%) and the equivalent control groups (59%) did not differ (P < 0.95). The UPD group performed significantly less well (38%, P < 0.04) than all the other groups. The performance of the PWS deletion and equivalent control groups is consistent with other data indicating that these populations encounter difficulty meeting the processing demands posed by second‐order stimuli. The inferior performance of the UPD group may be attributed to receiving two active alleles of a maternally expressed gene influencing neural development. One candidate is the ubiquitin protein ligase gene (UBE3A), which is maternally expressed only and localized to the 15q region. Other possibilities include the requirement of a paternally expressed gene, residual mosaic trisomy 15 in the brain tissue or complex interactions including specific ratios of differentially spliced gene products.
Police attitudes toward people with intellectual disability: an evaluation of awareness training
Authors: Bailey A. , Barr O. , Bunting B.
Published: March 2003

It is argued that more favourable police attitudes to people with intellectual disability (ID) are essential in meeting the police code of ethics, which stresses impartiality and respect for human dignity. The need to acknowledge and investigate the extent of support for eugenic attitudes in other key professionals who have a significant role in the successful inclusion of people with ID in community settings is discussed. The present paper reports on the evaluation of an awareness training event conducted by the Royal Ulster Constabulary in terms of the impact on attitudes towards people with ID held by police officers. The quasi‐experimental design involved the measurement of participants' attitudes prior to and following awareness training, and the comparison of these data with a control group of participants who did not undertake awareness exercises. The Attitudes toward Mental Retardation and Eugenics (AMRE) scale was the instrument used to measure attitudes. Analysis identified the presence of varying degrees of support for the application of eugenic principles to people with ID. Furthermore, the results indicate that participation in the awareness exercise and subsequent discussions is associated with a significant reduction in support for eugenic‐based attitudes towards people with ID by the police officers involved. Investment in training events which target attitudes towards people with ID can bring about a shift in reported attitudes. The importance of evaluating such awareness‐raising exercises and their impact on police behaviour is highlighted.
Patterns of offending among people with intellectual disability: a systematic review. Part II: predisposing factors
Authors: Simpson M. K. , Hogg J.
Published: March 2003

In the present study, the second part of a review of offending by adults with intellectual disability (ID), data on predisposing factors are presented and there is a discussion of the overall conclusions. The available data are shown to be problematic in a number of respects: there is no offence‐specific data; and a number of dimensions are under‐explored, specifically race, class and subjective accounts of offenders. Age and gender were the most highly correlated factors, as they are with offenders generally; however, there does appear to be evidence that the average age of offenders with ID is higher than for other offenders. The present authors note with concern the inattention to mainstream criminological research, and a tendency to downplay the extent to which an ‘offender’ is the outcome of complex and multifarious social processes. The authors also argue that the literature is dominated by unsubstantiated assumptions regarding the direction which policy and practice should take.
Psychometric properties of the revised Developmental Behaviour Checklist scales in Dutch children with intellectual disability
Authors: Dekker M. C , Nunn R , Koot H. M
Published: March 2003

The present study assessed the reliability and validity of the revised scales of the Developmental Behaviour Checklist (DBC) in a Dutch sample of children with intellectual disability (ID). The psychometric properties of the parent and teacher versions of the DBC were assessed in various subsamples derived from a sample of 1057 Dutch children (age range = 6–18 years) with ID or borderline intellectual functioning. Good test–retest reliability was shown both for the parent and teacher versions. Moderate inter‐parent agreement and high one‐year stability was found for the scale scores. Construct validity was satisfactory, although limited by high informant variance. The DBC scales showed good criterion‐related validity, as indicated by significant mean differences between referred and non‐referred children, and between children with and without a corresponding DSM‐IV diagnosis. The reliability and validity of the revised DBC scales are satisfactory, and the checklist is recommended for clinical and research purposes.
Children with intellectual disability in rural South Africa: prevalence and associated disability
Authors: Christianson A. L. , Zwane M. E. , Manga P. , Rosen E. , Venter A. , Downs D. , Kromberg J. G. R.
Published: March 2003

Background The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) and its associated disabilities in rural South African children aged 2–9 years. It was undertaken in eight villages in the district of Bushbuckridge, Northern Province, South Africa.

Methods A two‐phase design was utilized. The first phase involved screening children on a house‐to‐house basis by interviewing mothers or caregivers using an internationally validated questionnaire for detecting childhood disability in developing countries. The second phase consisted of a paediatric/neurodevelopmental assessment of the children who screened positive.

Results A total of 6692 children were screened; 722 (10.8%) had a paediatric evaluation and 238 children were diagnosed with ID, giving a minimum observed prevalence of 35.6 per 1000 children in this population. The prevalence of severe and mild ID was 0.64 per 1000 and 29.1 per 1000 children, respectively. The male:female ratio of children with ID was 3:2. In the affected children, a congenital aetiology for the ID was determined in 49 subjects (20.6%), an acquired aetiology in 15 (6.3%) and the aetiology was undetermined in 174 children (73.1%). Epilepsy (15.5%) and cerebral palsy (8.4%) were the commonest associated disabilities.

Conclusion The present study represents the first data on the prevalence of ID and associated disabilities in rural South African children. The prevalence of ID was comparable with results from a study performed in one other African country (Zambia) as well as those from other developing countries. The data provide an initial factual insight into ID and its associated disabilities for healthcare, social service and educational policy planners. This study provides a basis for the initiation and development of appropriate and integrated services for the best possible care of individuals affected with these disabilities, and for their possible prevention.
Intellectual disability amongst people on probation: prevalence and outcome
Authors: Mason J. , Murphy G.
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPrevious research has suggested that people with intellectual disability (ID) can be found in the criminal justice system. However, little is currently known about those supervised in the community on probation orders.

MethodsNinety people on probation in south‐east England were screened using the Learning Disabilities in the Probation Service (LIPS) screening tool, which was designed to be used by probation officers to identify those with possible ID. The LIPS incorporates two measures of cognitive functioning: (1) the Quick Test (QT); and (2) the Clock Drawing Test (CDT).

ResultsSeven per cent of participants were found to have QT IQs and CDT scores 1.6 SD below the mean. When compared to those who appeared to be functioning within the normal range, those with possible ID were found to be significantly younger. However, no differences were found between the two groups in terms of the final outcome of the probation order.

ConclusionsIt seems likely that the probation service contains a significant minority of people with ID. Despite the fact that no difference was found to exist in terms of outcome, people with ID or borderline ID are likely to have a number of support needs which could affect the success of their time on probation.
Mental health services and young people with intellectual disability: is it time to do better?
Authors: McCarthy J. , Boyd J.
Published: March 2003

Background There is evidence that the mental health needs of children with disabilities are inadequate. The aim of the present study was to determine the extent of specialist health service use during adolescence by a group of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and mental health problems.

Method The study population consisted of 80 young people with ID, who were examined in childhood and adolescence for psychiatric and behaviour disorder. These young people were interviewed again in early adult life for the presence of psychiatric and behaviour disorder. Evaluation questionnaires were used during the follow‐up study to assess service use from adolescence.

Results The key finding was that the great majority (64%) of subjects with persistent challenging behaviour from childhood into adult life and those with an established childhood psychiatric disorder received no specialist mental health care.

Conclusions The development of mental health services for this vulnerable group with complex psychiatric and behaviour disorders has been poor for a number of reasons, including lack of recognition at the primary care level and insufficient numbers of trained professionals within specialist services.