bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous measurement of adenosine triphosphate release and aggregation potentiates human platelet aggregation responses for some subjects, including persons with Quebec platelet disorder
Authors: Hayward Catherine P. M. , Moffat Karen A. , Castilloux Jean-Francois , Liu Yang , Seecharan Jodi , Tasneem Subia , Carlino Stephen , Cormier Anik , Rivard Georges E.
Published: January 2012

Platelet aggregometry and dense granule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release assays are helpful to diagnose platelet disorders. Some laboratories simultaneously measure aggregation and ATP release using Chronolume®, a commercial reagent containing D-luciferin, firefly luciferase and magnesium. Chronolume® can potentiate sub-maximal aggregation responses, normalising canine platelet disorder findings. We investigated if Chronolume® potentiates human platelet aggregation responses after observing discrepancies suspicious of potentiation. Among patients simultaneously tested by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) on two instruments, 18/43 (42%), including 14/24 (58%) with platelet disorders, showed full secondary aggregation with one or more agonists only in tests with Chronolume®. As subjects with Quebec platelet disorder (QPD) did not show the expected absent secondary aggregation responses to epinephrine in tests with Chronolu-me®, the reason for the discrepancy was investigated using samples from 10 QPD subjects. Like sub-threshold ADP (0.75 μM), Chronolume® significantly increased QPD LTA responses to epinephrine (p<0.0001) and it increased both initial and secondary aggregation responses, leading to dense granule release. This potentiation was not restricted to QPD and it was mimicked adding 1–2 mM magnesium, but not D-luciferin or firefly luciferase, to LTA assays. Chronolume® potentiated the ADP aggregation responses of QPD subjects with a reduced response. Furthermore, it increased whole blood aggregation responses of healthy control samples to multiple agonists, tested at concentrations used for the diagnosis of platelet disorders (p values <0.05). Laboratories should be aware that measuring ATP release with Chronolume® can potentiate LTA and whole blood aggregation responses, which alters findings for some human platelet disorders, including QPD.
Incidence and Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation and Associated Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries: 1993–2007
Authors: Piccini Jonathan P. , Hammill Bradley G. , Sinner Moritz F. , Jensen Paul N. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Heckbert Susan R. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Curtis Lesley H.
Published: January 2012

Background—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and costly problem among older persons. The frequency of AF increases with age, but representative national data about incidence and prevalence are limited. We examined the annual incidence, prevalence, and mortality associated with AF among older persons.

Methods and Results—

In a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older diagnosed with AF between 1993 and 2007, we measured annual age- and sex-adjusted incidence and prevalence of AF and mortality following an AF diagnosis. Among 433 123 patients with incident AF, the mean age was 80 years, 55% were women, and 92% were white. The incidence of AF remained steady during the 14-year study period, ranging from 27.3 to 28.3 per 1000 person-years. Incidence rates were consistently higher among men and white beneficiaries. The prevalence of AF increased across the study period (mean, 5% per year) and was robust to sensitivity analyses. Among beneficiaries with incident AF in 2007, 36% had heart failure, 84% had hypertension, 30% had cerebrovascular disease, and 8% had dementia. Mortality after AF diagnosis declined slightly over time but remained high. In 2007, the age- and sex-adjusted mortality rates were 11% at 30 days and 25% at 1 year.

Conclusions—

Among older Medicare beneficiaries, incident AF is common and has remained relatively stable for more than a decade. Incident AF is associated with significant comorbidity and mortality; death occurs in one-quarter of beneficiaries within 1 year.
Quality of life impairment in a community sample of women with eating disorders
Authors: Mond Jonathan , Hay Phillipa , Rodgers Bryan , Owen Cathy
Published: January 2012

Objective: Studies of quality of life among individuals with eating disorders have relied almost exclusively on clinical samples. We examined impairment in quality of life in a community sample of women with eating disorders recruited as part of an epidemiological study.

Methods: Measures of health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short-Form Physical and Mental Component Summary scales) and subjective well-being (WHOQOL-BREF Psychological Functioning and Social Relationships subscales) were completed by women with eating disorders ( n = 159), primarily variants of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, and a comparison group of healthy women ( n = 232).

Results: When compared with healthy women, women with eating disorders reported substantial impairment in aspects of quality of life relating to mental health, although item-level analysis indicated considerable variation in the extent to which specific aspects of emotional well-being were affected. Impairment in social relationship and in physical health was less pronounced and due, at least in part, to between-group differences in age, body weight and demographic characteristics. Impairment in certain aspects of perceived physical health was, however, apparent among women with eating disorders, even after controlling for between-group differences in body weight.

Conclusions: Community cases of women with eating disorders experience marked impairment in quality of life as this relates to mental health functioning and at least some impairment in physical health functioning. Personality characteristics and ego-syntonic aspects of eating-disordered behaviour may complicate the interpretation of findings relating to impairment in specific aspects of quality of life.
Financial satisfaction and its relationship to depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults: Results from the FIN-D2D survey
Authors: Rautio Nina , Kautiainen Hannu , Koponen Hannu , Mäntyselkä Pekka , Timonen Markku , Niskanen Leo , Saaristo Timo , Oksa Heikki , Peltonen Markku , Puolijoki Hannu , Vanhala Mauno , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka
Published: January 2012

Background:

Studies using traditional measures of socio-economic position, such as education, income and occupation, have found inequalities in depressive symptoms, but less is known about the association between financial satisfaction and depressive symptoms.

Aims:

To examine the association of depressive symptoms with financial satisfaction in Finnish adults in a population-based cross-sectional FIN-D2D survey.

Methods:

Four thousand, five hundred randomly selected individuals aged 45–74 years were invited to the study. Participation rate for health examinations was 64%. Complete information on depressive symptoms and financial satisfaction was available for 2,819 individuals. Financial satisfaction was asked using a questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were measured by Beck Depression Inventory (≥ 10) and/or use of antidepressants.

Results:

Altogether 11.6% of individuals who were satisfied with their financial situation had depressive symptoms. Corresponding figures for individuals who were somewhat satisfied or dissatisfied were 20.6% and 42.6%, respectively. Individuals who were less satisfied with their financial situation were more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms even after adjusting for gender, age, marital status, number of chronic diseases, smoking, binge drinking, physical activity, education and household income.

Conclusions:

Instead of more traditional measures of socio-economic position, financial dissatisfaction seems to be associated with depressive symptoms in Finnish adults.
The Neoliberalization of the Water and Energy Sectors in South Africa and India
Authors: Narsiah Sagie , Ahmed Waquar
Published: January 2012

South Africa and India are viewed as incipient economic powerhouses of the developing world – South Africa is the biggest economy on the African continent and India a rising star in the global economy. Both countries have adopted neoliberal policies. The forms in which neoliberalism has unfolded, however, have been contingent upon the countries’ and utility sector’s historical-geographical context. In this paper we attempt to provide a comparative perspective demonstrating similar processes of neoliberalism in South Africa and India. We examine the contradictory nature of neoliberalism with respect to particular sections of the population – the poor in particular. A broadly political-economy approach is adopted. The paper reveals that there is particular state-market logic driving the delivery of basic services such as water and energy. It is this logic which has undermined the states’ attempts at providing basic services to the poor in particular.
The Sociological Role of Collective Singing during Intense Moments of Protest: The Disengagement from the Gaza Strip
Authors: Bensimon Moshe
Published: January 2012

Collective singing has been viewed as an important sociological component in the literature written about social movements. However, it has seldom been the explicit focus of examination. This study analyses the use of collective singing during the intense moments of the Yesha movement protest against Israel’s disengagement from the Gaza Strip. Content analysis of interviews with 14 protesters and 14 security force members (SFMs) shows that protesters used collective singing to evoke emotions that would help them raise morale, vent negative emotions, strengthen solidarity, experience spiritual transcendence, foster hope, empower themselves, mourn and achieve closeness to the SFMs. The results are discussed in the light of sociological theories.
Intersectionality: Multiple Inequalities in Social Theory
Authors: Walby Sylvia , Armstrong Jo , Strid Sofia
Published: January 2012

The concept of intersectionality is reviewed and further developed for more effective use. Six dilemmas in the debates on the concept are disentangled, addressed and resolved: the distinction between structural and political intersectionality; the tension between ‘categories’ and ‘inequalities’; the significance of class; the balance between a fluidity and stability; the varyingly competitive, cooperative, hierarchical and hegemonic relations between inequalities and between projects; and the conundrum of ‘visibility’ in the tension between the ‘mutual shaping’ and the ‘mutual constitution’ of inequalities. The analysis draws on critical realism and on complexity theory in order to find answers to the dilemmas in intersectionality theory.
Class Contestations and Australia’s Resource Boom: The Emergence of the ‘Cashed-up Bogan’
Authors: Pini Barbara , McDonald Paula , Mayes Robyn
Published: January 2012

This article examines the figure of the ‘Cashed-up Bogan’ or ‘Cub’ in Australian media from 2006 to 2009. It explains that ‘Bogan’, like that of ‘Chav’ in Britain, is a widely engaged negative descriptor for the white working-class poor. In contrast, ‘Cubs’ have economic capital. This capital, and the Cub’s emergence, is linked to Australia’s resource boom of recent decades when the need for skilled labour allowed for a highly demarcated segment of the working class to earn relatively high incomes in the mining sector and to participate in consumption. We argue that access to economic capital has provided the Cub with mobility to enter the everyday spaces of the middle class, but this has caused disruption and anxiety to middle-class hegemony. As a result, the middle class has redrawn and reinforced class-infused symbolic and cultural boundaries, whereby, despite their wealth, pernicious media representations mark Cubs as ‘other’ to the middle-class deservingness, taste and morality.
Brivaracetam Disposition in Renal Impairment
Authors: Sargentini‐Maier Maria Laura , Sokalski Antoni , Boulanger Pierre , Jacobs Tom , Stockis Armel
Published: January 2012

Brivaracetam is a novel high‐affinity SV2A ligand currently in clinical development for epilepsy. The objective was to characterize its disposition in patients with renal impairment. A single oral dose of 200 mg brivaracetam was administered to 9 patients with severe renal impairment not requiring dialysis (creatinine clearance <15 mL/ min, n = 6; 15–29 mL/min, n = 3) and 9 matched healthy controls. Plasma and urinary concentrations of brivaracetam and 3 pharmacologically inactive metabolites (acid, hydroxy, and hydroxyacid) were determined up to 72 hours postdose, and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters were derived. The Cmax of brivaracetam was unchanged relative to healthy controls, whereas AUC was slightly increased (mean ratio, 1.21; 90% confidence interval, 1.01–1.45). Nonrenal and renal clearances of brivaracetam decreased from 47 and 4.5 to 41 and 1.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. Exposure to the acid, hydroxy, and hydroxyacid metabolites was markedly increased: Cmax by 2.4‐, 2.0‐, and 11.7‐fold and AUC by 3.2‐, 4.1‐, and 21.5‐fold. Renal clearance of these rapidly cleared metabolites was decreased 10‐fold in patients with severe renal impairment. Nonclinical toxicology studies concluded to the absence of safety issues related to the increased levels of metabolites. These observations suggest that dose adjustment of brivaracetam should not be required at any stage of renal dysfunction.
A Comparative Review of Stratification Texts and Readers
Authors: Peoples Clayton D.
Published: January 2012

Social stratification is a core substantive area within sociology. There are a number of textbooks and readers available on the market that deal with this central topic. In this article, I conduct a comparative review of (a) four stratification textbooks and (b) four stratification readers.
Assessment of Student Learning
Authors: Muñoz Ed A. , Jaime Angela M. , McGriff Deborah L. , Molina Adrian H.
Published: January 2012

In recent years, academic programs have increasingly documented student learning. For many, this practice of measuring and analyzing student learning outcomes continues as an elusive endeavor fraught with resentment and misgiving. This article describes the development of a student learning assessment plan for the University of Wyoming’s Chicano Studies Program. An initial program assessment facilitated the development of a faculty agreed-upon mission, goals, and learning outcomes. A summative course embedded assessment strategy provides direct evidence for determining student learning achievement. Student exit interviews provide additional evidence suggesting that Chicana/o Studies curricula help in cultivating a critical cultural thinking framework oriented toward social justice and activism. Current anti-immigrant and anti-Latina/o sentiments provide the context for a discussion of the study’s implications.
Employment Prospects for Public Administration Graduates — An Analysis of First Employment 1976–78
Authors: Bourner Tom , Wistrich Enid
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the nature of employment of public administration graduates of first degree courses of British universities and polytechnics. Initially the current distribution of first employment destinations of British public administration graduates is investigated. The results are then disaggregated by sex and the degree of correspondence of employment experience of male and female graduates is identified. Finally systematic differences in the employment destinations of public administzation graduates from universities and polytechnics are examined.
Community and Local Government Re-Organisation
Authors: Fitch Jerry
Published: January 2012

The Local Government Commission for England has already reported on its proposals for re-organisation of the fitst tranche of local authorities that it is due to consider. The government envisages that the Commission should complete its review of the remainder of the country by the end of 1994. This paper looks at the ways in which the concept of “community” has been used in the debate on a unitary structure for local government. The author argues that attempts to equate administrative efficiency in the delivery of services with “community identity” are seriously flawed, and that there is an underlying political agenda behind the introduction of this concept in the first place.
Infant Food Allergy
Authors: Joneja Janice M. , Kerner John A.
Published: January 2012

For many years, the prevailing maxim for prevention of food allergy in at‐risk infants was to reduce allergic sensitization by avoiding exposure to highly allergenic foods until the baby's immune and digestive systems were sufficiently developed to cope with the allergen. Current thinking is completely different: exposure to food in the early stages of development may be the way to induce tolerance. Exclusive breastfeeding until 4–6 months, followed by introduction of complementary foods individually, is recommended. Any restrictions on mother's diet, other than avoidance of her own allergens during pregnancy and breastfeeding, are contraindicated. If a baby at high risk for allergy (defined as having 1 first‐degree relative with diagnosed allergy) cannot be exclusively breastfed to 4–6 months of age, the preferred method of feeding for the prevention of atopic disease is an extensively hydrolyzed formula. There appears to be no value in delaying the introduction of any food beyond 6 months of age. Most food allergy is outgrown in childhood, but allergy to some foods tends to persist. Induction of tolerance to foods to which a child is allergic may be achieved by low‐dose exposure in a process known as specific oral tolerance induction (SOTI). Early results indicate that some probiotic strains of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Lactobacillus F19, may reduce allergic sensitization.
Short‐Term Use of Parenteral Nutrition With a Lipid Emulsion Containing a Mixture of Soybean Oil, Olive Oil, Medium‐Chain Triglycerides, and Fish Oil
Authors: Rayyan Maissa , Devlieger Hugo , Jochum Frank , Allegaert Karel
Published: January 2012

Background: For premature neonates needing parenteral nutrition (PN), a balanced lipid supply is crucial. The authors hypothesized that a lipid emulsion containing medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs) and soybean, olive, and fish oils would be as safe and well tolerated as a soybean emulsion while beneficially influencing the fatty acid profile. Methods: Double‐blind, controlled study in 53 neonates (<34 weeks' gestation) randomized to receive at least 7 days of PN containing either an emulsion of MCTs and soybean, olive, and fish oils or a soybean oil emulsion. Target lipid dosage was 1.0 g fat/kg body weight [BW]/d on days 1–3, 2 g/kg BW/d on day 4, 3 g/kg BW/d on day 5, and 3.5 g/kg BW/d on days 6–14. Results: Test emulsion vs control, mean ± SD: baseline triglyceride concentrations were 0.52 ± 0.16 vs 0.54 ± 0.19 mmol/L and increased similarly in both groups to 0.69 ± 0.38 vs 0.67 ± 0.36 on day 8 of treatment (P = .781 for change). A significantly higher decrease in total and direct bilirubin vs baseline was seen in the test group compared with the control group P < .05 between groups). In plasma and red blood cell phospholipids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were higher, and the n‐6/n‐3 fatty acid ratio was lower in the test group (P < .05 vs control). Conclusions: The lipid emulsion, based on a mixture of MCTs and soybean, olive, and fish oils, was safe and well tolerated by preterm infants while beneficially modulating the fatty acid profile.
Telecare for Older People
Authors: Bowes Alison , McColgan Gillian
Published: January 2012

Drawing on interviews with 76 older people (aged 60 years and older) receiving telecare services at home and in housing with care and 16 family caregivers in West Lothian, Scotland, the authors consider how far telecare can support older people’s citizenship goals of independence, participation, and identity. They conclude that although these goals are to some extent supported by telecare, they are also supported by the model of care being applied and limited by aspects of the wider environment, such as ageism. The authors argue that in every case, contextual factors beyond the intrinsic capacities of a technological system and beyond the models of care developed and promoted by a service delivery organization must be explored if the impact of telecare is to be fully understood. Thus, the human use of technology and its moral context are critical to its success or limitation.
Chronic Illness Self-Management While Living Alone in Later Life
Authors: Haslbeck Jörg W. , McCorkle Ruth , Schaeffer Doris
Published: January 2012

Older people living alone (OPLA) are considered vulnerable because of fewer resources, such as social support. As self-management becomes increasingly important in chronic care, evidence is needed on how to better support OPLA. This review synthesizes the evidence from 32 publications on the challenges as well as strategies of OPLA in managing chronic conditions. On the basis of a systematic database search and review process, being independent and being at home were identified as crucial when living alone in later life; both involve decision making and the adjustment of routines to manage everyday life and chronic conditions. These findings show that OPLA are vulnerable because of difficult living situations, limited resources, or a lack of support, and they actively manage their conditions using various strategies to remain independent, but these may cause fragile arrangements that can jeopardize independence. Awareness of these strategies is a starting point to develop interventions for self-management support in chronic illness.
Religion, respect and Eberle’s agapic pacifist
Authors: Talisse Robert B.
Published: January 2012

Christopher Eberle has developed a powerful critique of justificatory liberalism. According to Eberle, justificatory liberalism’s doctrine of restraint, which requires religious citizens to refrain from publicly advocating for policies that can be supported only by their religious reasons, is illiberal. In this article, I defend justificatory liberalism against Eberle’s critique.
Breast Feeding Practices in Urban and Rural Health Centres: Impact of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Ojofeitimi E.O. , Esimai O.A. , Owolabi O.O. , Oluwabusi  , Olaobaju O.F. , Olanuga T.O.
Published: January 2012

The present study was carried out to assess the impact of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) on breast feeding practices. The variables used to evaluate the BFHI centre included time of initiation of breastfeeding (BF) after delivery, intended duration of BF, adoption of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in relation to educational status, location of health centre, and knowledge and practice of positioning the child at the breast. Observation, questionnaire and interview techniques were employed to collect the data among 217 and 214 nursing mothers (NMs) from Urban and Rural Health Centres. Of the 228 NMs who initiated BF within 30 minutes after delivery, 140 (61 %) were from a designated BFHI Centre and 88 (39%) were from an undesignated BFHI rural health centre. There was a significant relationship between the practice of EBF and designation of BFHI centre (P = 0.0001). The higher the level of education of the NMs, the higher the present of NMs subscribing to EBF (P = 0.0001). The present study has also confirmed that EBF which was once considered to be less than 3%, has increased significantly to 61 %. The success was not unconnected with the inauguration of BFHI. The BFHI is recording huge success in the urban area but the impact is still to be felt in the rural areas.
The Significance of Water in Sport and Weight Control
Authors: Naghii M.R.
Published: January 2012

Intake of food and drink during exercise can be effective in enhancing performance, in so far as it prevents or ameliorates exercise-induced changes to body homeostasis. Loss of body fluids containing water and electrolytes during exercise is mostly by sweating.

Sweat rates during a sporting event or activity will vary according to a number of factors, including the size of the athlete and his or her degree of acclimatization, the intensity of exercise, environmental conditions and the clothing worn. The mismatch of fluid intake and fluid losses may lead to a body water deficit.

It has generally been considered that decreases in performance become apparent when hypohydration exceeds 2% of body weight; that performance decrements become substantial when fluid losses exceed 5% of body weight; and that when fluid losses approach 6–10% of body weight, heat stroke and heat exhaustion become life-threatening. Hypohydration also affects mental functioning. Therefore, the effect of hypohydration on real-life sport may be greater than that shown in laboratory studies of physiological performance.
Effect of Wainan Rogo on Body Weight and Plasma Glucose in Wistar Rats
Authors: Chibuzo Elizabeth C. , Ajayi Olufumilayo A.
Published: January 2012

Wainan Rogo (WR) is a deep-fat fried dough made from grated fresh cassava. It was found in a cross sectional case-control study to have a risk factor 3.2 times higher in diabetic than non diabetic indigenes of Homo State of Nigeria.

This study examines the chemical composition, and effects of WR on body weight and blood glucose in Wistar rats.

The study found a higher fat and lower protein composition of the WR diet, and found a higher plasma glucose in the WR fed rats and a more significant weight loss in this group than in the control (CF) fed rats. The findings of this study seem to support the high risk for diabetes associated with WR in the cross sectional study. The chemical composition of WR and its effect on body weight and blood glucose are further discussed, with a call for further studies of the food as a marker in the search for the pathophysiology of Malnutrition-Related Diabetes Mellitus (MRDM).
Field Studies on the Effects of Food Content on Wakefulness
Authors: Landström Ulf , Knutsson Anders , Lennernäs Maria
Published: January 2012

The investigation included six drivers engaged in day driving and six drivers engaged in night driving. Changes in wakefulness were analysed by means of a questionnaire where the drivers were asked to rate their wakefulness on a 100 mm rating scale. Changes in wakefulness were analysed during intake of food with higher and lower contents of fat. The day-drivers had their intakes as breakfast and lunch, the night-drivers as dinner and between meals. No significant difference was observed between the two types of intake, meaning that the balance between fat, protein and carbohydrate does not effect the development of drowsiness.
Food Consumption Pattern and Nutrient Intake of Indian Obese Males
Authors: Gera T. , Khetarpaul N.
Published: January 2012

Mean daily intake of all foods except cereals Le. pulses, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, fruits, milk and milk products, sugar and fats of' Indian obese male respondents was higher than the values recommended by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR, 1987). The consumption of fat and sugar was 18 and 8 percent more than the recommended intake values respectively. However, their non-obese counterparts consumed significantly (P < 0.05) lower amounts of all the foods except cereals and pulses. The intake of various nutrients Le. energy, protein, fats, β-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vit B12, folacin, ascorbic acid and calcium by obese respondents was considerably higher than the recommended values (ICMR, 1990) and the control group. All the obese respondents were consuming adequate (100% and above) amounts of energy, protein and fats. Intake of carbohydrates was marginally adequate (75–99.9%) among 92 percent of the obese respondents whereas 8 percent were consuming adequate amount of carbohydrates. They had higher consumption of visible as well as invisible fat than the control group.
Analysis of Composite Diets of Rural Pregnant Women and Comparison with Calculated Values
Authors: Panwar Bharti , Punia Darshan
Published: January 2012

The composite diets of ninety pregnant women residing in rural areas of Haryana, Northern India, were analysed for protein, fat, calcium, iron, phytic acid, polyphenols, in vitro mineral (calcium, iron) availability and digestibility (in vitro) of starch and protein. The mean daily intakes of calcium and iron were lower than the recommended dietary allowances for pregnant women and their in vitro availability was only 4.07 and 3.09 per cent, respectively. Phytic acid and polyphenolic contents of diet were 616 and 563 mg %. In vitro digestibility of starch and protein were 74 mg maltose released/g meal and 78 per cent, respectively. Analysed values for protein, fat, calcium and iron were also compared with calculated values obtained using Indian Food Composition Tables. The calculated values for all nutrients were significantly higher than the analysed values. The study concludes that while carrying out diet composition studies of an individual or a population, unless we include laboratory analysis of composite diets, calculations from food composition tables will make little sense in assessing nutritional intake.
Nutritional Status of Public Primary School Children: A Comparison Between an Upland and Riverine Area of Ojo LGA, Lagos State Nigeria
Authors: Abidoye R.O. , Akande P.A.
Published: January 2012

This cross sectional study was carried out to compare the nutritional status of public primary school children in an upland and a riverine area of Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling method was used to select a total of 240 children, 120 from each of the two areas. The study population for each area had an equal sex distribution (60 boys and 60 girls). Dietary, anthropometric, clinical and laboratory methods were employed.

Using the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS/WHO) Reference values, a malnutrition prevalence of 20.8 and 30.81 for the upland and riverine populations respectively was found. There was a stunting in 15.8% of upland and 30.0% of riverine children; 3.3% and 1.7% of them were wasted, and 14.2% in the upland and 18.3% in the rural area were underweight. The mean weights and heights for boys and girls of different ages were lower for the riverine group, although no statistically significant differences were found. Anaemia occurred among 25.0% and 29.2% of the upland and riverine groups respectively. Intestinal helminth infection was found to be significantly associated with malnutrition. Ascaris had a prevalence of 46.7% in the upland and 63.3% in the riverine area. Trichuris had a prevalence of 15.0% and 19.2% in the upland and riverine area respectively. To address the malnutrition problem in these populations, efforts should be aimed at increasing food availability and quality, personal and environmental hygiene, supply of basic amenities, prevention and treatment of infection, and general living conditions of these populations.
Nutritional Status of Nursery School Children: A Comparison Between Lagos State (Southern Nigeria) and Jos, Plateau State (Northern Nigeria)
Authors: Abidoye R.O. , Pearce A.P.
Published: January 2012

This comparative study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of preschool children in the Southern part of Nigeria (Lagos) and los, Plateau State in the Northern part of Nigeria.

A total of 393 nursery school children aged 24–77 months in 5 schools (3 in Jos, 2 in Lagos) were randomly selected by multistage sampling. Anthropometric data (height, weight and age) were taken from the subjects and dietary information, weaning and breastfeeding history and general socio economic data were obtained from the parents by administering questionnaires.

Weight/Height Z-score (WHZ) differed significantly between Jos (3.0%) and Lagos (11.6%), while weight/age (WAZ) was found to have the same prevalence rate in both locations (2.5%) each. This WAZ score is the normal expected prevalence in a standard population of children. Height/Age Z-scores (HAZ) were not statistically different in both South and North, 2.5% HAZ < − 2.0 SO in Jos and 0.0% HAZ < − 2.0 SO in Lagos. The intestinal parasitosis rates in this study were as follows: in Jos, a 13.5% infection rate was found, and in Lagos, the infection rate was 8.8%.
Effect of Domestic Processing and Cooking Methods on the Carbohydrate Contents of Newly Released Moth Bean (Phaseolus Aconitifolius Jacq.) Cultivars
Authors: Negi Anju , Boora P. , Khetarpaul N.
Published: January 2012

Three newly high yielding cultivars, Jwala, RMO 225 and RMO 257, together with one local variety commonly used by the farmers of the area were studied.
Sociocultural Practices Influencing Under Five Nutritional Status in an Urban Community in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Esimai O.A. , Ojofeitimi E.O. , Oyebowale O.M.
Published: January 2012

Three hundred and forty four preschool children from Ilare district of Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria were assessed for nutritional status using selected and sensitive anthropometric techniques. The sociocultural practices of the parents were also examined. Approximately 53.8% and 54.7% of the children were identified to be malnourished and stunted respectively. The socioeconomic situation of the family was identified to have a significant influence on the child's nutritional status. Female children were observed not to be as adequately nourished as their male counterparts. However parity and food taboo had no significant influence on the child's nutritional status. The need for improvement in the socioeconomic status of the family and education of the community on the importance of female nutrition are discussed.
Onset of Drowsiness and Satiation After Meals with Different Energy Contents
Authors: Landström Ulf , Knutsson Anders , Lennernäs Maria , Stenudd Anita
Published: January 2012

The investigation consisted of a laboratory study with 10 healthy subjects who were both sleep and food deprived prior to each experimental condition. The aim of the study was to investigate the importance of energy content and the bulk of food on wakefulness and satiation. Each subject was tested in four conditions, each with equal food composition but different energy amounts: 100, 500 and 1000 kcal and 100 kcal with low bulk content. Recordings and ratings of wakefulness and satiations were carried out throughout the investigation, starting 30 minutes before and continuing until 90 minutes after intake of the food alternatives. No differences in wakefulness could be observed after the four food alternatives. However, subjects rated themselves as more satiated after the food alternatives with higher energy content and higher bulk.
Dietary Intakes among Croatian Schoolchildren and Adolescents
Authors: Barić Irena Colić , Cvjetić Selma , Šatalić Zvonimir
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary intakes among 575 schoolchildren and adolescents in Croatia because of the lack of data. The completely quantified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) method was used to identify dietary intakes. Body weight, height and body fat were measured also. Daily energy intake was 95.5 and 83.3% RDA in children and adolescents respectively. Protein intake was very high in both children and adolescents (235.9 vs. 139.6% RDA). Children achieved RDAs for more micronutrients than adolescents did. Children had significantly higher cholesterol (263.7 vs. 231.3 mg) and dietary fiber intake (84.7 vs. 69.2% of the “age + 5” rule). Adolescents consumed significantly more fruit than children (324.8 vs. 204.2 g/day) did. Consumption of vegetables did not differ significantly (269.1 and 255.7 g/day in children and adolescents respectively). In more than 60% of children and adolescents, breakfast provided more than 30% of daily energy intake. Soft drinks and fast food consumption correlated in both children (r = 0.29; P < 0.01) and adolescents (r = 0.43; P < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between BMI and dietetic parameters. Percentage of body fat negatively correlated with fruit intake in children (r = −0.20; P < 0.05) and with intake of cereal products (r = −0.34; p < 0.001) and milk (r = −0.22; P < 0.05) in adolescents.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Sources for the Developing Brain during Intrauterine Life
Authors: Yavin Ephraim , Glozman Sabina , Green Pnina
Published: January 2012

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22: 6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20: 4n-6) provision to the developing fetus, with emphasis towards brain and vascular system growth, is a subject of increasing concern particularly under pathological conditions associated with premature birth or in utero growth restriction following obstruction of the maternal-fetal blood flow. Most of DHA, but also AA accretion under physiological conditions, is maternally dependent and requires adequate maternal nutrition and normally functioning placental-fetal circulation. It has been demonstrated that unlike other fatty acids (FA), DHA is preferentially transported across the placenta into the fetal circulation. The selective transplacental DHA transfer is probably mediated by specific carrier proteins. While some of the latter may be acting in fetal organs, the mechanism(s) for the selective accumulation of DHA in brain is still unknown. The fetal brain and also the fetal liver are capable of producing DHA from linolenic (LnA, 18:3 n-3) acid. How effective this local elongation-desaturation mechanism for DHA provision is and to what degree this route is activated in premature births is not clear. Transfer of DHA via the fetal gastrointestinal tract is an additional route to provide DHA to other fetal organs. As indicated by animal model studies, it holds the potential for DHA supply when the maternal pathway is compromised.
Vitamin a during Pregnancy
Authors: Reifen Ram , Ghebremeskel Kebreab
Published: January 2012

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient throughout life. In areas of developing countries where vitamin A deficiency is endemic, an estimated 40% of the children are likely to be sub clinically deficient of the vitamin. Yet, the traditional view that preschool age children represent the main population at risk of vitamin A deficiency has been replaced by the growing awareness that sub clinical and even clinical vitamin A deficiency also occurs in women of reproductive age and infants less than 6 month of age. During the period of early foetal development the supply of vitamin A must be carefully managed to ensure that the developing foetus is exposed to neither too little not too much vitamin A because either condition can have teratogenic consequences. Towards the end of gestation, adequate maternal vitamin A status and dietary intakes are important to maximize the vitamin A transferred to the foetus in preparation for parturition and lactation. A review of the current knowledge and prospects for future research is presented.
Maternal Diabetes and Its Cell Membrane Abnormalities as They Affect the Foetus: Implications for the Mother and Birth Defects
Authors: Lowy Clara
Published: January 2012

My brief is to discuss maternal diabetes and its implications for birth defects. The perinatal mortality in Britain has fallen in the last 70 years from 60 per 1000 live births to less than 10. For the baby of the diabetic mother there has been a more dramatic decrease from 249 per thousand live births reported by Peel and Oakley in 1949 to approximately 30 in the Swedish cohort in 1993. However even in countries such as Sweden with one of the lowest figures there is still a three fold higher perinatal mortality for the baby of the diabetic mother compared with the background population. There has been a much less dramatic decrease in the incidence of congenital malformations. Peel and Oakley reported an incidence of 6.9% in 1949, and Hanson from Sweden in 1993 reported only a marginally lower incidence of 6.1%. Recent observations indicate that gestational diabetes (GDM) may be associated with increased incidence of fetal malformation and perinatal mortality. The most frequent and significant morbidity is fetal macrosomia, which in turn is associated with increased risk of birth injuries and asphyxia. (Persson and Hanson, 1998). Detection and definition of congenital malformation vary but in spite of this and the much better maternal diabetic control, congenital malformation today forms a major cause of the perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Can Science Give Us the Tools for Recognizing Possible Health Risks of GM Food?
Authors: Pusztai Arpad
Published: January 2012

Nearly ten years after the introduction of GM foodcrops there are still only a handful of published studies about their safety. Independent studies are even fewer, moreover, no peer-reviewed publications exist in which the results of clinical investigations on the possible effects of GM food on human health are described. Even though the evaluation of the safety or possible toxicity of GM foodstuffs is more difficult than that of drugs or food additives, this scarcity of data and the lack of a scientific database is curious particularly as descriptions of the results of chemical, nutritional and biological testing in some early (unpublished) studies or some more recent publications demonstrate the feasibility of carrying out proper and scientifically valid health risk assessment on GM foods. In this review, after critically examining some of the basic principles, past results and possible novel methods of future health safety assessment of GM foodstuffs, the conclusion appears to be that as the tools for the recognition and indeed for the elimination of the risks GM foods may present for us are available or can be developed, it is the will and the funding for such work that needs to be found.
A Short Dutch Questionnaire to Measure Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Relative Validity Among Adults and Adolescents
Authors: Van Assema Patricia , Brug Johannes , Ronda Gaby , Steenhuis Ingrid , Oenema Anke
Published: January 2012

A short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake was validated. Forty-nine adults and fifty-one adolescents (12–18 years old) completed the FFQ at home, and subsequently kept diet records for seven successive days. Mean daily intake of F&V was overestimated by the FFQ as compared to the 7-day diet records. for adults, spearman correlations of at least 0.5 were observed between the two methods for intake of total fruit and intake of citrus fruit. For adolescents, acceptable spearman correlations (0.53–0.64) were observed between the two methods for total F&V intake, total fruit intake and consumption of fruit juice. Low correlations (0.22–0.35) between the FFQ and the diet records were found for vegetable intake. Relatively large percentages (22–37%) of respondents were incorrectly classified by the short FFQ as eating according to the Dutch recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake. Based on the results of the present study as well as an overview of the results of 34 earlier validation studies of F&V FFQ's, it is concluded that the available FFQ's have only limited capability to make valid assessment of F&V intake levels. In spite of the practical advantages of the short FFQ tested in the present study and the :similar validity scores as compared with other often used F&V FFQ's, it needs further revision, especially to be used for valid measurement of vegetable intake as well as total F&V intake among adults.
A Suggested Method for the Prediction of the Oxidation Resistance of Low Density Lipoprotein by Determination of the Lag Time
Authors: Naghii M.R.
Published: January 2012

A simple clinical blood test, which measures the total antioxidant status of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and therefore its vulnerability to oxidative stress is suggested, and as a first stage this was tried on a small sample of eight healthy adult males.

The body's natural defence and repair systems try to handle all free radicals, but these systems are not hundred percent effective. Thereby, the role of antioxidants (particularly natural antioxidants) becomes evident and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and compounds like beta-carotene are under especially extensive study. Vitamin C is the most abundant water-soluble antioxidant acting in extracellular fluid, while Vitamin E is the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant, and it protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids within the LDL from oxidation and helps to prevent the process of atherogenesis.

The determination of ‘lag-phase’ during continuous monitoring of oxidation of LDL in vitro is a convenient and objective procedure for determining the susceptibility of LDL from different donors towards oxidation as well as of pro- and anti-oxidants. The Lag-time for LDL samples, obtained from eight healthy adult males was found to be between 40–50 minutes. The measurement of this Lag-phase could be a highly promising routine method for measuring the total antioxidant status of LDL.
Effect of Domestic Processing and Cooking Methods on Total, HCl Extractable Iron and in vitro availability of Iron in Spinach and Amaranth Leaves
Authors: Yadav S.K. , Sehgal S.
Published: January 2012

Spinach ( Spinacia oleracia) and amaranth ( Amaranthus tricolor) leaves were stored in polyethylene bags and without packing for 24 and 48 hours in a refrigerator at 5°C and 30°C in polyethylene bags. The fresh leaves were also dried (oven and sun), blanched (5, 10 and 15 min) and cooked in an open pan and a pressure cooker. The processed leaves were analysed for total iron, its availability and antinutrient content. The iron content of these leaves varied from 26.54 to 34.14 mg/l00g, dry weight and its HCl-extractability and in vitro availability were 62.11–67.18% and 3.03–3.97% of total respectively. Drying and storage had no significant effect on total iron content, Hel-extractability and availability ( in vitro), while blanching and cooking resulted in significant improvement of iron availability, and a significant reduction in oxalic acid content, while only blanching significantly reduced phytic acid and polyphenol contents. Thus cooking and blanching are good ways to improve HCl-extractability and in vitro availability of iron.
Postprandial Responses of Glucose, Insulin and Triglycerides: Influence of the Timing of Meal Intake During Night Work
Authors: Knutsson Anders , Karlsson Berndt , Örnkloo Katarina , Landström Ulf , Lennernäs Maria , Eriksson Kåre
Published: January 2012

The objective was to study the postprandial responses of glucose, insulin and triglycerides to meal intake at different clock times during night work. Eleven night shift working nurses participated. Identical test meals were ingested at 19:30, 23:30 and 03:30, and contained 440 kcal/1860 kJ of energy (33 E% fat, 51 E% carbohydrate, 16 E% protein). The food intake was standardized three days before the first test meal. Blood samples were drawn just before the test meals were ingested and thereafter at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 minutes. The postprandial responses were estimated as the total area under the curve (AUC) and significance testing was done using repeated measures ANOVA. The highest insulin level was found after meal intake at 23:30, and the lowest after meal intake 03:30. The glucose response showed the same pattern. The insulin response to food intake in night working nurses is more pronounced in the night compared with morning and evening. The results would have implications for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in night workers.