bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scientific or Social Priorities for Brain Science? – Making a Difference
Authors: Ashcroft Richard E.
Published: January 2012

How we ought to prioritise research spending is a difficult problem.

On the one hand, we may wish to target research resources on the problems of most pressing social need, but this may be to pose questions which science is not in a position to answer. On the other hand, we may wish to target research resources on the problems which are for scientific reasons most interesting or most tractable, accepting that this might not be to target the most pressing social needs. Current thinking is that research priorities can be set most fairly not by specifying principles of justice in research spending, but rather by making the decision-making process more open, transparent and perhaps democratic. This can involve patient or citizen involvement in research programme design or research funding decision-making.
Effect of Different Types of Fish on Rats Suffering from Diabetes
Authors: Abdel-Megeid Ashraf A. , Attia Abd El-Rahman M , Elmarasy Sonia S. , A Ibrahim Abdou M
Published: January 2012

The present work was conducted to study the beneficial effect of different types of fish on diabetic rats and diabetic rats treated with insulin. This study investigated the chemical composition of four types of fish (Mackerel, Sardines, Smoked herring and Bolti) and also the effects of these types on the nutritional value and the levels of serum (glucose, lipid fractions, kidney and liver functions) of diabetic rats.

The chemical composition “on dry bases matter” of processed fish types revealed that the bolti fish had the highly percent of protein, while the highest percent of fat was found in mackerel and sardines. The mackerel had the highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acid, followed by sardines, herring and bolti.

Seventyfive male Albino rats used in this study, weighing (150 ± 5 g) were divided into three main groups (n = 25). The first main group was considered negative control. The second main group was injected with 150-mg/kg-body weight of recrystallized alloxan to induce hyperglycemia. The third main group was injected with 150-mg/kg-body weight of recrystallized alloxan to induce hyperglycemia and treated with insulin injection. Each main group was divided into five subgroups. The first subgroup from each main group fed on a casein diet, while the second, third, fourth and fifth subgroups fed on basal diet containing mackerel, sardines, herring and bolti, respectively.

Feeding diabetic rats with the different types of diet (fish diet) resulted in an improvement of the nutritional parameters. The mean values of serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, HDL-c, VLDL-c, uric acid, urea nitrogen, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) decreased in all treated groups especially with the mackerel and sardine diet, followed by bolti, as compared to the positive control groups (fed on a casein diet), while the levels of serum cholesterol and LDL-c increased in the groups fed on the herring diet. On the other hand, diabetic rats that were treated with a low insulin dose and fed on the mackerel diet, showed non-significant differences in the levels of all parameters, as compared to non-diabetic rats.
Designing Fish for Improved Human Health Status
Authors: Cotter Paul A. , McLean Ewen , Craig Steven R.
Published: January 2012

The time-course of accumulation of dietary organic and inorganic selenium (Se; 1.5 mg Se kg−1 dry weight feed) was examined for muscle and hepatic tissues of hybrid striped bass (HSB) over 6 weeks. Animals, which had been fed a Se deficient diet for 2 months prior to study, were maintained in a recirculating life support system at 28 ± 1°C. PIT tagged fish were randomly assigned to one of 24 120 L aquaria (n = 5 per tank) and subsequently fed one of four diets: a fishmeal-based diet (control), soybean-casein-based feeds either supplemented with organic (SelPlex®) or inorganic (sodium selenite) Se or as a basal diet, purposefully deficient in Se. Fish were fed twice daily on a 4% body weight basis. Samples taken at trial start (week 0), mid-way (3 weeks) and at trial end (6 weeks) included weight and length data, hepatosomatic (HSI) and visceral (VSI) indices, intraperitoneal fat (IPF) and muscle (MR) and feed conversion (FCR) ratios, serum protein (SP), hematocrit (PCV), and serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and muscle and heaptic Se concentrations. Survival was also monitored throughout the study.

Muscle and hepatic Se levels increased in fishmeal and Se supplemented diets throughout the study. At trail end, greatest weight gain (P < 0.05) was observed in fish fed the control, fishmeal-based diet. Comparison of tissue Se levels indicated that the liver accumulated this mineral at greater concentrations than the muscle with highest levels being observed in the inorganic Se fed fish (P < 0.05). Se accumulation in control and inorganic Se fed fish was similar, whilst Se in the liver of fish fed the Se deficient diet was lowest among groups (P < 0.05). Muscle Se accumulation was found to be greatest in organic Se containing diets (P < 0.05), whereas the basal, Se deficient diet group, returned lowest levels (P < 0.05). Plasma GPx activity was similar in HSB fed the fishmeal and organic Se diets. The fishmeal fed group expressed higher (P < 0.05) GPx levels than that recorded for either the inorganic or basal diets. At trial end, no differences were recorded between groups for PCV or HSI, VSI or IPF. SP levels and MR were higher (P < 0.05) in fishmeal control fed fish. FCRs were lowest in fishmeal fed fish and highest for the Se deficient or basal diet. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of producing cultured fish with heightened levels of Se using simple dietary manipulations for 4–6 weeks or less before harvesting.
Cholesterol Levels in Later Life Amongst UK Channel Islanders Exposed to the 1940–45 German Occupation as Children, Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Head Rosemary F. , Gilthorpe Mark S. , Ellison George T.H.
Published: January 2012

Background: To clarify the nature of the relationship between: food deprivation and undernutrition during pre- and postnatal development; and cholesterol levels in later life, this study examined the relationship between birth weight (as a marker of prenatal nutrition) and cholesterol levels among 396 Guernsey islanders (born in 1923–1937), 87 of whom (22%) had been exposed to food deprivation as children, adolescents or young adults (i.e. to postnatal undernutrition) during the 1940–45 German occupation of the Channel Islands, and 309 of Whom (78%) had left or been evacuated from the islands before the occupation began.

Methods: Three sets of multiple regression models were used to investigate: Model A — the relationship between birth weight and cholesterol levels; Model B — the relationship between postnatal exposure to the occupation and cholesterol levels; and Model C — any interaction between birth weight, postnatal exposure to the occupation and cholesterol levels. Model A and Model B also tested for any interactions between: birth weight/occupation exposure and sex; and birth weight/occupation exposure and parish of residence at birth (as a marker of parish of residence during the occupation and related variation in the severity of food deprivation).

Results: Before (and after) adjusting for potential confounders, no statistically significant relationships were observed between either birth weight (before adjustment: 0.09mmol/1 per kg increase, 95% CI: −0.30, 0.16; after adjustment: 0.08mmol/1 per kg increase, 95%CI: −0.17, 0.34) or exposure to the occupation (before adjustment: 0.01 mmol/l for exposed group, 95%CI: −0.24, 0.27; after adjustment: 0.041llmol/1 for exposed group, 95%CI: −0.26, 0.33) and cholesterol levels in later life. There was also little evidence of significant relationships between birth weight, exposure to the occupation and cholesterol levels in later life when Model A and Model B were stratified by sex or parish of residence at birth, although there was a significant positive relationship between birth weight and cholesterol levels in women (0.44mmol/1 per kg increase, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.81).

Conclusions: These analyses provide little support for the theory that birth weight is inversely related to cholesterol levels in later life, and do not offer any evidence in support of a relationship between undernutrition in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood and cholesterol levels in later life. However, further research may determine whether undernutrition at different stages of the life-course may influence cholesterol levels in later life.
Optimum Intake of Vitamin C for the Human Organism
Authors: Ginter Emil
Published: January 2012

Vitamin C has, besides its basic biological role to protect against scurvy (i.e. its role in collagen synthesis), various extra-antiscorbutic functions: in microsomal hydroxylating reactions including cytochrome P-450 cycle (i.e. in cholestrol catabolism and in detoxication of xenobiotics); in carnitine biosynthesis; in neurotransmitter metabolism and in immunological processes. It is probable that maximum steady-state levels of ascorbate in tissues are optimum for these, functions and for human health. These maximum levels could be achieved only with vitamin C intake several fold higher than officially recommended doses.
A Global and Agriculture Policy for Western Countries: Laying the Foundations
Authors: Hill Stuart B.
Published: January 2012

The food system of industrialized countries is characterised as being deficent in the areas of nourishment, fulfillment and sustainability. Improvements will require that these areas be recognized as dominant goals, even where they conflict with the more common goals of productivity, profit and power. Policy implications and methods of implementation of such changes are examined.
Breast Feeding: a Foundation of Preventive Medicine
Authors: Whittlestone W. G.
Published: January 2012

Breast milk, like the milk of all mammals, is matched to the requirements of the growing young. The fat content is lower than that of cow's milk and varies greatly throughout suckling, providing from 30 to 55% of the baby's energy requirements. The unsaturated fatty acid percentage is twice that of cow's milk, while the lipase level of the milk provides for the digestion of the fat before the infant gut lipase develops. The lactose level is much higher than in cow's milk, meeting the human need for more galactose. The protein structure is matched to the digestive requirements of the human infant gut particularly in the way curd formation takes place. Lactoferrin and lysozyme in the protein fraction control gut flora development, suppressing pathogens, being assisted by the immunoglobulins which provide anti-infective action until the infant immune system develops. Thus breast feeding provides protection against infection and a fully balanced diet.
Nitrates in Vegetables: Some Possible Toxic Effects
Authors: Claude Aubert M.
Published: January 2012

Nitrates in soil relate to nitrates in plants, and, at times to nitrates, nitrites and nitrosamines ingested by man. How nitrogenous and other fertilisers affect these relationships is discussed. The toxic effects of nitrites and nitrosamines are outlined and reference is made to the relationship of nitrosamine to cancer.
Essential Fatty Acids in Clinical Medicine
Authors: Horrobin David F. , Manku Mehar S.
Published: January 2012

There are two types of essential fatty acids (EFAs), the n-6 derived from linoleic acid and the n-3 from alpha-linolenic acid. They play major roles in the structure of all organs and determine some of the properties of all membranes. The EFAs also act as precursors for the eicosanoids, the prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The body requires adequate intakes of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids but must also be able to metabolize them normally. Abnormalities of EFA intake and absorption are exceedingly rare except in patients with known malabsorption or who are on total parenteral nutrition. Abnormalities of EFA metabolism, in contrast, appear to be rather common. Patients with atopic eczema seem to have a defect at the delta-6-desaturase level which leads to elevated blood levels of the two main dietary precursors but significantly reduced levels of all metabolites. Patients with premenstrual syndrome appear to have low n-6 metabolites and elevated n-3 metabolites, those with premenstrual breast disease to have low n-6 and near normal n-3 metabolites and those with non-cyclic breast disease to have a deficiency of both n-6 and n-3 acids. Both diabetes and alcoholism lead to defective delta-6–desaturase function and low concentrations of EFA metabolites. There is considerable clinical evidence that gamma-linolenic acid can correct some of the abnormalities in EFA patterns and can also lead to simultaneous clinical improvement, suggesting that the EFA abnormalities are playing a causative role. As Sinclair predicted 30 years ago, understanding of EFA metabolism seems likely to bring about major practical advances in clinical medicine.
Recent Research on the Behavioral Effects of Tryptophan and Carbohydrate
Authors: Spring Bonnie
Published: January 2012

Animal and human studies indicate that diet can alter plasma and brain concentrations of neurotransmitter precursors, with possible implications for the synthesis and release of brain neurotransmitters. The best known example is serotonin, whose synthesis is limited by the availability of its precursor, tryptophan, in the brain. Consuming tryptophan or a carbohydrate-rich, protein-poor meal increases brain levels of tryptophan and serotonin. Although a carbohydrate meal itself lacks tryptophan, the meal causes insulin to be secreted. Insulin, in turn, decreases plasma levels of large neutral amino acids that would ordinarily compete with tryptophan for transport across the blood-brain barrier. Resulting brain changes in serotonin provide a plausible mechanism whereby diet could affect behaviour.

Research on human subjects suggests that ingesting tryptophan or carbohydrate can reduce subjective alertness and possibly influence some aspects of objective performance. Effects on sleep latency and on pain perception have also been detected. Behavioral effects may come about via the action of tryptophan on brain serotoninergic pathways, although other mechanisms may operate and must still be ruled out before the mechanism is certain.
Nutrition after Ileostomy
Authors: Mcneil N. I.
Published: January 2012

The nutritional consequences of life with an ileostomy have been reviewed. Ileostomists tend to eat earlier in the day and to avoid fruit and vegetables when compared to people without an ileostomy. They are generally well nourished but may be prone to salt and water depletion because of the continual losses in the ileal effluent. The reservoir and absorptive capacities of the intact colon are demonstrated by these studies conducted on people with an ileostomy.
The Political Economy of Famine
Authors: Hay Roger W.
Published: January 2012

This paper explores some of the reasons why the well-laid plans of the 1970's failed to be an effective bulwark against hunger. It is reflective rather than critical because we are faced with the certainty that just as surely as the famines of the 1980's followed the famines of the 1970's, the 1990's will again see drought, crop failure and, unless things change a great deal, famine as well.

The analysis of the causes of hunger current in the 1970's can be summarized somewhat brutally as follows. Either there is not enough to eat, or what is available is poor in nutritional quality. Poor nutrition is synergistic with disease. Together they result in increasing debility and finally death. Famine is an unusual event, precipitated by this same triad of factors, on a catastrophic scale.

The strategies which emerged from this analysis can be placed similarly under three broad headings. The first is that food production must be increased so that there is more available for everyone. The second is that national food security strategies should be developed and implemented. The third is that nutritional quality of people's diets should be improved. These ,Ire three major goals which have dominated international thinking for a decade.

This paper argues that this analysis is at the very least incomplete and that the strategies based upon it have failed to make a marked impact on the risk vulnerable households face to famine. It goes on to suggest that, irrespective of the quantity and quality of food generally available, the households, poorer communities and poorer countries are able to lay claim to a share of what is available. These claims are mediated by a hierarchy of relationships - households within communities, communities within countries and countries in the world at large -and the nature of the relationships constitutes the 'political economy' within which famines arise and must be analysed.
The Gayaza Farm-Diet Scheme: an Education Programme in Uganda
Authors: Goode Pamela M.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a scheme in which the production of food and the provision of a well-balanced diet became an integral part of the educational programme at a Senior Secondary Girl's Boarding School in Uganda.

An account is given of the development of the school farm including crop and livestock enterprises. The part played by the girls in the day-to-day running of the various units of the farm is explained. The way in which the school diet was improved and nutrition education was given greater emphasis in the school curriculum, is described.

The strength of the Farm-Diet Scheme was the integration of good farming practice and sound nutrition education with the formal pattern of secondary education.

The follow-up project describes the way in which a preliminary assessment of the value of the scheme, was made. Women are predominantly the food crop farmers in Uganda and are largely responsible for the health and well-being of the family.

A scheme of this nature has far reaching effects upon the community through girls who during their formal secondary education had their horizons widened regarding the importance of agriculture and nutrition in relation to good health.
Towards Better Nutrition: Lip Service or a Realistic Fight?
Authors: Ritchie Jean A.S.
Published: January 2012

Progress towards the objective of the World Food Conference of 1974 that “no child should go to bed hungry” is reviewed. The low market price of primary products keeps developing countries poor. Yet in these countries industry rather than agriculture has been supported by governments. All regions are increasing total food production but population growth threatens to offset this increase. In some areas there is decrease in food production per head of population.

In many countries the social situation of women affects the nutrition of families. Other causes of malnutrition are discussed and future policies are recommended.
Whither Goest Nutrition?
Authors: Wagner Marsden G.
Published: January 2012

Three aspects of nutrition are identified. They are food, its production and availability, eating, human metabolism. Nutrition is multifactorial. Medical men are not taught about nutrition. They are concerned with illness, not health. Science, caught up in a Cartesian dichotomy, is hampered by a reductionist approach. The World Health Organisation recommends that nutrition should be approached from the standpoint of health promotion. The implications of such an approach are expounded.
The Effect of Fungal Toxins on the Sexual Behaviour of Rabbits
Authors: Nilsson Nils , Lindahl Olov , Lindwall Lars
Published: January 2012

Feeding rabbits with mycelium from Fusarium roseum is shown to produce infertility, the disappearance of aggressivity, and homosexual behaviour in males, while the effect of the females is only infertility. This mycelium contains the mycotoxin zearalenon which has effects similar to those of the female hormone. This fungus willingly grows uncommon crops and is consumed both by people and animals—although normally in very low doses. It cannot be ruled out that an increased growth of fungus, due to artificial fertilization, which then can be demonstrated to be found in food and consumed, can be a factor which increases the incidence of homosexual behavior in people.

One of the authors (Nilsson) has observed as a farmer that a change occurs in the crops with increased artificial fertilization of fields and forests, so that hay, grain and forest berries, for example, become mouldy more easily and more rapidly than when they are cultivated and grown without artificial fertilizers. And animals which are raised on crops which are cultivated this way become sicker and show both decreased capacity for reproduction and altered sexual behaviour (Roine et al. 1971).

Since fungi are well-known as producers of mycotoxins, it has been reasonable to attribute these changes to. the increased growth of fungi. In an earlier study the authors were able to show that blueberries from artificially fertilized forest land make hens infertile in that after eating these berries they laid eggs without shells or with defective shells. In large doses the blueberries were so toxic that all the hens died. There is reason to suspect that the toxic effects were caused both by mycotoxins and the absorption of very soluble aluminium compounds into the crops after artificial fertilization with ammonium nitrate or calcium nitrate (Nilsson & Lindahl, 1985).

The following study with rabbits has been carried out to test the effects of certain fungal toxins on sexual behavior.
Are the Changes of Mood in Children with Coeliac Disease Due to Abnormal Serotonin Metabolism?
Authors: Challacombe D. N. , Wheeler E. E.
Published: January 2012

Children with untreated coeliac disease are characteristically unhappy and after a few days of treatment with a gluten-free diet their mood improves. This improvement in mood can be rapidly reversed by introducing gluten into their diet again which suggests that a humoral agent could be involved in this process. As serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain and abnormalities of serotonin metabolism have been reported in coeliac disease, this biogenic amine could be the humoral agent that mediates the changes of mood in coeliac disease. In this review the relationship between the mood changes in coeliac disease and serotonin metabolism will be further examined.
Nutrition of Women in Anticipation of Pregnancy
Authors: Wynn A.H.A. , Crawford M.A. , Doyle Wendy , Wynn S.W.
Published: January 2012

A causal connection between maternal nutrient intake and birth outcome is not universally accepted. In this paper further empirical support is provided, particularly in relation to the impact of maternal nutrition around the time of conception or very early in pregnancy. It is argued that the hypothesis that maternal nutrition has no connection with birthweight is very easily refuted.

It is suggested that there should be a new category of recommended dietary allowances; “women in anticipation of pregnancy”. The diet of 513 pregnant London women were recorded for 7 days during the first trimester of their pregnancy. Birthweight and nutrient intakes were found to be significantly correlated but only over the lower half of the birthweight range. The optimum birthweight range with the lowest perinatal and infant mortalities is 3,500–4,500 g and it is suggested that the nutrient intake of the 165 women who had babies in this optimum weight range provide tentative values for nutrient intake recommendations in anticipation of pregnancy, but are not claimed to be representative. The need for adjustments of recommendations for the individual, for example for a low body mass index, is discussed. A body mass index of 24 kg/m2 is recommended based on the median of the 165 women.
Introducing Healthy Catering Practice into Hospitals: A Case Study from Wales
Authors: Clarkson Johanna , Nutbeam Don
Published: January 2012

This paper describes results from a study examining the introduction of policies to promote healthy catering in 102 hospitals in Wales. Policy development and implementation followed the publication of two major reports in the UK highlighting the relationship between poor nutrition and subsequent high levels of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Changes in hospital catering services were advocated in response to these reports. The study examines the translation of policy intentions into practical action in hospitals. It identifies achievements in implementing changes in catering practice, and promotion of healthier meals for staff, patients and visitors to hospitals. Important organisational problems and external constraints, including cost, are also highlighted. The authors recommend that greater effort is put into the implementation process following policy decisions, including consideration of training needs, the development of effective communication, and establishment of mechanisms for feedback and review.
What is Life?
Authors: Barlow Kenneth
Published: January 2012

All that science can do is to look into processes which, apparently first began to operate four billion years ago before any scientists were present to observe or comment. These processes fall into three categories—energetics, chemistry and life. Energetics and chemistry have been documented but what about life.
Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease—a Brief Review of Epidemiological Studies in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Heizo , Yamaguchi Momoko , Date Chigusa , Nakayama Takeo , Yamamoto Takashi , Yoshi-Ike Nobuo , Iwaya Masako , Matsumura Yasuhiro , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Noji Ariko , Kushiro Wakako , Cho Byung Mann
Published: January 2012

The relationship between dietary intake and the frequency of cardiovascular disease in Japan during the 20th century is reviewed.
Breast Versus Bottle Feeding
Authors: Salariya E.M.
Published: January 2012

Significant or highly significant differences were found between groups of breast and bottle-fed infants with respect to the incidence of jaundice, time to passage of first yellow stool and early weight changes. Experimental parameters were carefully defined, and a simple stool colour comparator has been designed and developed.

Breast feeding should be encouraged for its incidence is low in many European countries and it is the responsibility of the attending midwife to ensure that correct suckling techniques are achieved by mothers and infants at the earliest possible time after delivery.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Diseases
Authors: Polani P.E.
Published: January 2012

Research on cerebral palsy—and related neurodevelopmental disorders—should ultimately aim at primary prevention, and, following examination of existing knowledge of causes and mechanisms of origin, a comprehensive and strategic approach to causes and mechanisms is needed.
Bipedalism
Authors: Morgan Elaine
Published: January 2012

Reasons why mammalian bipedalism is so rare. Problems encountered by the larger arboreal mammals when they descend to ground level. Reasons for believing that hominid ancestors were never knuckle-walkers. Primate models which combine arboreal life with incipient bipedalism. Disadvantages of mammalian bipedalism. Critique of some of the savannah-based theories on the origins of human bipedalism.
The Adverse Effects of Tobacco Smoking on Reproduction and Health: a Review from the Literature
Authors: Tuormaa Tuula E.
Published: January 2012

This paper compromises a short literary review of the adverse consequences of tobacco smoking on reproduction, as well as on infant and adult health. Furthermore, attention is drawn to the bad effects of smoking on the nutritional status.
Contribution of Street Foods to Nutrient Intakes by Nigerian Adolescents
Authors: Oguntona Clara R.B. , Kanye O.
Published: January 2012

The food and nutrient intake and the proportion of these supplied by street foods was studied in a group of 142 adolescent Nigerians, using structured questionnaire, 24-hour recall and weighed intake protocols.

The results show that all the major groups of foods are represented in the menu and street food providing, overall, the major sources of dairy, meat, fish and egg.

Mean intake of energy was 10.85 MJ for the cohort with street foods contributing almost 25%. For male subjects, 21% of the energy came from street foods while for females, the proportion was 29%. Also out of the mean intake of 62g total protein, street foods supplied over 50% for both male and female. The proportion was even higher for calcium (64%) and vitamin A (almost 60%). For all the other minerals and vitamins examined, street foods supplied over 50% of the intake.
Appetite and Nutrition in Relation to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus Syndrome (AIDS)
Authors: Summerbell Carolyn
Published: January 2012

Why are we interested in what people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome (AIDS) eat? Interest in what people with HIV infection and AIDS eat focuses on the possibility that by consuming a certain type of diet, or by ingesting a certain amount of a particular nutrient, the HIV-positive individual can live longer. This is not an unreasonable suggestion since there is a popular belief that evidence exists for an ‘anti-heart disease diet’, so why not an ‘anti-AIDS diet’?
Occurrence of Nitrate, Nitrite and Volatile Nitrosamines in Certain Feedstuffs and Animal Products
Authors: Ologhobo A.D. , Adegede H.I. , Maduagiwu E.N.
Published: January 2012

Nitrate, nitrite and nitrosamines were analysed in poultry feeds, meat and eggs. The poultry meat was boiled and roasted while the eggs were raw and boiled, and the effects of these processing treatments on the level of these compounds were investigated.

Nitrate levels in the meat samples were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by boiling and roasting, with boiling being more effective. Nitrite levels were also reduced significantly by processing (P < 0.05). The feed samples contained levels of nitrate which were significantly different (P < 0.05) from one producer to another. Nitrite levels were generally low in all feed samples.

Nitrosamines were not detected in any of the feed samples and in the meat samples except in two samples of boiled meat which contained 0.001 g/kg each.
Prevention of Nutrient Loss During Preparation of the Most Popular Weaning Diet in Nigeria—Practical Considerations
Authors: Ojofeitimi E.O. , Abiose S.
Published: January 2012

A pilot study is presented as an attempt to modify the traditional method of preparing maize gruel ‘ogi’ the most popular weaning diet in Nigeria. The modification consists of completely grinding the food to a fine paste without sieving. Cooked samples of the unsieved maize gruel were taken for proximate chemical analysis and organoleptical evaluation. Analysis revealed that protein, fat and mineral losses in the unsieved maize gruel were much less. The majority (58%) of mothers of malnourished children rated the cooked modified maize gruel favourably and the overall acceptability was positively rated by 61%. The inference to be drawn is that through food demonstrations and nutritional health information at the nursing mothers' level, the traditional method of preparing the most popular weaning diet in Nigeria can be modified to advantage.
Probiotic Fermentation: Effect on Antinutrients and Digestibility of Starch and Protein of Indigenously Developed Food Mixture
Authors: Binita Rani , Khetarpaul N.
Published: January 2012

An indigenously developed food mixture which contained huskless barley flour, green gram dhal flour, skimmed milk powder and tomato pulp (“BGMT” mixture) was autoclaved, cooled and fermented with L. acidophilus at 37°C for 24 h at a dosage of 100,000 cells/ml. This process markedly reduced the phytic acid and polyphenol content and significantly improved the in vitro digestibility of starch and protein. Starch digestibility almost doubled in the fermented mixture. A significant negative relationship was obtained between the contents of antinutrients and digestibility.
The Effect of Diet on Blood Vitamin K Status and Urinary Mineral Excretion Assessed by a Food Questionnaire
Authors: Sakamoto Naomasa , Nishiike Tamako , Iguchi Hiroshi , Sakamoto Kunihiro
Published: January 2012

To assess Vitamin K (VK) status by food questionnaire, healthy young males (32) and females (9) were given a food list of 50 VK rich foods (identified in the 4th edition standard tables of food composition in Japan). After checking the food names and approximate amount eaten for 7 days, early morning blood and urine samples were collected. Prothrombin and hepaplastin was tested and plasma protein induced by VK absence factor II (PIVKA-II), osteocalcin, and calcium, phosphorous and magnesium in plasma and urine were determined. Participants who have a habit of eating natto, a traditional Japanese food very rich in Vitamin K, VK were excluded, and lowest and highest VK consumers were compared (males; lowest 7 vs. highest 7, females; 3 vs. 3). Plasma PIVKA-II levels, and urinary calcium and magnesium excretion of the lowest was significantly higher, but urinary phosphorus was lower, than that of the highest in females. In the natto eaters, daily mean VK intakes and hepaplastin test results of natto eaters were significantly higher, but urinary calcium excretions were lower than that of non natto eaters in males. These results suggest that Daily VK intake estimated from a questionnaire, is well related to real VK status, and also that natto is a good dietary source of vitamin K.
Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity among Kuwaiti Kindergarten Children aged 3–5 Years
Authors: Al-Isa Abdulwahab Naser , Moussa Mohamed A.A.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of the study was to investigate factors associated with overweight and obesity among Kuwaiti children aged 3–5 years. A cross-sectional sample of 3473 pupils (1748 boys and 1725 girls) was selected for the study from kindergartens using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Overweight and obesity were defined as weight-for-height (WIH) ≥ 90th–< 95th and ≥95th centiles of the NCHS/CDC reference population, respectively. Questionnaires were used to obtain information about birth order, parents' education and occupation, family income, number of servants, eating habits, grandparents and number of persons living at home, number of siblings, socioeconomic status (SES), which was based on parents' education and occupation, family income, area of residence and number of servants. Weight and height were measured and the pupils' dental status was assessed. Factors that were found to be significantly associated with overweight and obesity were gender, age, region (govemorate), parents' education, birth order, dental status, eating regular meals and SES. Factors that were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among males were age, governorate eating regular meals, number of persons living at home and SES. Among females these factors were govemorate, dental status, number of servants and SES. The logistic regression analysis showed that the same factors shared by both genders significantly contributed to the development of overweight and obesity except father's education. This study concludes that ecological factors play an important role in the development of overweight and obesity, especially those related to affluence; Kuwait has been undergoing modernization and increasing affluence and changes to sedentary lifestyle and increased food consumption may have contributed to changes in overweight and obesity among the children.
Nutritional Status of Adolescent Girls in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abahussain Nada A. , Musaiger Abdulrahman O. , Nicholls Paul J. , Stevens Robert
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status of Saudi adolescent girls using weight and height measurements. A cross-sectional sample of 676 girls aged 12 to 19 years were selected from AI-Khober city, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. At all ages median (50th percentiles) heights of Saudi girls are below the 50th percentiles of the international standards. However, the median weight falls between the 75th and 50th of the standards, which may indicate a trend toward obesity. Using the body mass index for determining the nutritional status of the girls, it was found that 11% of girls were underweight, 61 % were normal and 28% were overweight or obese. The findings revealed that adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia face two contrasting nutrition situations, underweight and overweight. Similar findings were reported in other Arabian Gulf countries, indicating the need for intervention programmes to promote better nutrition among school children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia.
Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling Without Bruising: The Breakthrough Programme for High Ability Girls
Authors: Maltby Florence , Devlin Maria
Published: January 2012

This paper describes how females are disadvantaged in many professions compared with their male counterparts and suggests some possibilities to ‘even up the odds’. Research relating to female students and academics in universities is used as an illustration of what is generally occurring in the whole professional community. A number of factors affecting high ability females in schools, (which eventually contributes to the disadvantage of females in the professional workforce), are discussed, and a variety of strategies to deal with them, outlined. Lastly, the Breakthrough Programme for high ability girls is described. The major goal of the Breakthrough Programme is to help the participants become aware of what is happening to them, and to become more self-confident and strategic in their approach and actions.
Educational Policy and Practice Regarding More Able Students in Spain: Some Research Results
Authors: Roselló Candido Genovard , Sánchez Lola Prieto , Castejón Costa Juan Luis , Castelló Tarrida Antonio
Published: January 2012

In this study we shall analyze the current situation of identifying, evaluating, and educating more able students in Spain. We mention, in the first place, the lack of specific legislation normalizing the identification of and educational attention to more able students. We include the latest legal regulations in which a few measures are taken for the education of more able students, but they are still quite insufficient and do not take teacher training into account at all.

Despite the lack of support and educational resources in the field of higher abilities, some universities have carried out research projects aimed at identifying and studying the characteristics of more able students. Additionally, we incorporate the first studies on the identification of more able students and the educative attention given to their diversity. These studies were undertaken at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (in northeastern Spain) under the supervision of Professor Genovard and at the University of Murcia (in southeastern Spain) under Professor Prieto.

Finally, we shall present our program for teacher training, which we began at the University of Murcia in the academic year 1996–97 with support from the regional delegation in Murcia of the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Supporting Gifted Students in Hong Kong Secondary Schools: School Policies and Students' Perspectives
Authors: Fai Pang Ming
Published: January 2012

In Hong Kong, support for gifted students is still at the embryonic stage. School based provision and enrichment programmes have been promoted as the main strategy to support academically gifted students. This study uses a case study approach to examine school-based policies and the perceptions of gifted students towards the regular classroom environment before and after they attend the main source of planned support, namely enrichment courses. It was found that the schools examined had not developed explicit policies and most pupils were dissatisfied with the regular classroom learning. More alarmingly, their level of dissatisfaction was exacerbated after attending enrichment courses outside schools.
Cognitive Complexity and Ego Identity in Talented Israeli Adolescent Boys
Authors: Fisherman Shraga
Published: January 2012

Ego identity was defined by Erikson as a one-dimensional and continuous variable. The concept was expanded by Marcia, becoming a two-factor dichotomous variable which yields a typology. Tzuriel went a step further, constructing a complex, multi-factor continuous variable. It seems that, in order to consolidate so complex an identity, an adolescent must have many cognitive and combined abilities, such as processing and organization of information, induction and deduction, and decision-making. The assumption underlying the present study is that gifted adolescent boys with high levels of cognitive complexity will have consolidated and complex ego identities.

Eighty-five adolescent boys studying at a school for the talented, and 27 adolescent boys studying at a regular school filled out ego identity questionnaires and cognitive complexity questionnaires. The results showed that the talented boys had higher cognitive complexity scores than the others. Furthermore, relative to the regular-school pupils, the talented boys scored higher on two dimensions of ego identity: (a) meaningfulness versus alienation and (b) naturalness and truthfulness. No significant differences were found on the other dimensions of identity. Meaningfulness and truthfulness are the most ideological and central dimensions of male adolescent identity, especially at age 15. At this age, a boy's moral development and interest in moral issues peaks. He is less interested in issues of vocational commitment. This explains why significant differences were found on the two cited dimensions only. There is reason to expect that, at later stages of adolescence differences would be found on additional dimensions of identity.
Some Principles of Brain Research for Challenging Gifted Learners
Authors: Clark Barbara
Published: January 2012

Evidence from the neurosciences indicates that the potential of brain development is essentially unlimited for most individuals. Children are not born gifted, but with a limitless potential based on the existence of over a hundred billion brain cells. They become gifted only with appropriate stimulation of their vast, unique genetic potential. Intelligence and the growth of the brain have been found to be dynamic with high levels of intelligence actualized only when appropriate challenge is provided. Stimulation, actions, sensations, and memories are constantly shaping both the function and the anatomy of the brain. The static, genetically inherited, immutable view of intelligence can no longer be justified. Also, because of this research the definition of intelligence and its nurture can no longer be restricted to the linear, rational cognitive function, but must include the integration of all of the functions of the brain; the cognitive (both linear and spatial), the emotional-social, the physical, and the intuitive. Parents and educators can now become better informed regarding how the brain develops, the impact of early experience on the brain, and how they might make learning and teaching more effective and efficient. Understanding the implications from brain research allows a clearer understanding of giftedness and its development. The challenge now becomes to provide experiences that can optimize learning and maximize each child's potential. In this article principles of teaching and learning supported by the brain research are discussed so that this potential may be actualized and the challenge of gifted development can be met.
A Whirlwind Tour of the Major Considerations for Developing Differentiation in the Classroom
Authors: Raffan Johanna
Published: January 2012

The following paper gives an overview of some of the key factors which need to be born in mind when planning for effective classroom differentiation: namely, Long term planning, An equitable definition of ‘exceptionality’, Consideration of multiple intelligences together with varying learning styles, Classroom strategies for differentiation and Higher Order Thinking Skills.
Teachers Attitudes towards Giftedness — A Comparison Between American and Israeli Teachers
Authors: Rosemarin Shoshana
Published: January 2012

47 American and 66 Israeli teachers were asked to state their opinion on the following topics included in a check list questionnaire, which consisted of statements related to the education of the gifted: Significance of cognitive abilities; Preferred educational setting; The role of the parents; Heredity vs. environment; The competence of teachers to identify the gifted, and to prepare special programs for them; The need for special training; There were no differences between teachers who taught in regular classes, and those who taught the gifted.

The Israeli group related more significance to the cognitive abilities; the power of heredity; the competence of the teachers to identify gifted, and to prepare special programs for them. They preferred to include the gifted in the regular classes. The American group related more significance to hard work, and believed, more than their associates, in the modifiability of human characteristics.

In general it may be concluded that the Israeli teachers are more concerned with the class, while the American ones — with the individual.
Facing the Challenges — Using Information and Communications Technology to Support Teaching and Learning
Authors: Heaney Liam
Published: January 2012

This article explores some of the key issues associated with the use of information and communications technology in the classroom. It discusses the relevance of an education technology strategy and the implications of such a strategy for both teachers and pupils alike. The integration of ICT into the curriculum is considered by many as the means whereby pupils, and learners in the broader context of education, can enhance their knowledge, skills and understanding. As a way of demonstrating how this might be achieved, a detailed teaching project is presented for the reader's consideration. The project focuses on a topic on ‘Dinosaurs’ which has been developed with pupils aged 10 to 11 years of age. A detailed scheme of work and lesson plans are included, as are teaching notes, for those who wish to carry out the project for themselves. The article concludes with the proposition that ICT has the potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning within the classroom. Inevitably this will require facing a number of challenges. One such challenge is that of coping with the change that will inevitably result from the new technologies.
Enrichment Programs and Counselling at the Budapest Centre for the Gifted
Authors: Herskovits Maria
Published: January 2012

The age group which is the subject of our work, is mostly not taken in to consideration when speaking about Science education, and definitely is not the traditional target for it. Young children are interested in natural phenomena, but they are mostly satisfied with superficial explanations fitting to their age. At this developmental stage it is not required, and most children are really not able to use the necessary mental operations safely: (Persistent attention, reasoning and drawing consequences from many steps, and particularly the use of abstract concepts). However highly able children show often a deep interest, they want to understand the everyday phenomena in their depth. Due the precocious development of their thinking they are able to elaborate their experiences in a more scientific way than is usual for their age, if they get some proper help. The Centre for Gifted in Budapest provides these kinds of programs, helping these children to maintain their interests, developing their science minded way of thinking and preparing them for later scientific work -whatever would be the chosen field. We would like to place our work in broader context, in the field of gifted education in Hungary.