bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of a nutrition education programme on clinical status and dietary behaviours of adults with type 2 diabetes in a resource-limited setting in South Africa: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Muchiri Jane W , Gericke Gerda J , Rheeder Paul 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a participant-customised nutrition education programme on glycated Hb (HbA1c), blood lipids, blood pressure, BMI and dietary behaviours in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.DesignA randomised controlled trial. The control group (n 41) received education materials. The intervention group (n 41) received the same education materials and participated in eight weekly (2–2·5 h) group nutrition education sessions and follow-up sessions. Outcomes were assessed at 6 and 12 months. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. ANCOVA compared the groups (adjustments for baseline values, age, sex and clinic).SettingTwo community health centres, Moretele sub-district (North West Province), South Africa.SubjectsAdults (aged 40–70 years) with type 2 diabetes, HbA1c ≥8 %.ResultsDifferences in HbA1c (primary outcome) were −0·64 % (P=0·15) at 6 months and −0·63 % (P=0·16) at 12 months in favour of the intervention group. Starchy-food intake was significantly lower in the intervention group, 9·3 v. 10·8 servings/d (P=0·005) at 6 months and 9·9 v. 11·9 servings/d (P=0·017) at 12 months. Median energy intake was significantly lower in the intervention group at 12 months (5988 v. 6946 kJ/d, P=0·017). No significant group differences in BMI, lipid profile, blood pressure and intakes of macronutrients, vegetables and fruits were observed.ConclusionsNutrition education was not efficacious on HbA1c; however, it improved specific dietary behaviours. Group education and hands-on activities appeared to contribute to the improvement. Optimal goal setting and self-efficacy training/assessment could benefit future nutrition education programmes for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in resource-limited settings.
Investigating sex differences in psychological predictors of snack intake among a large representative sample
Authors: Adriaanse Marieke A , Evers Catharine , Verhoeven Aukje AC , de Ridder Denise TD 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveIt is often assumed that there are substantial sex differences in eating behaviour (e.g. women are more likely to be dieters or emotional eaters than men). The present study investigates this assumption in a large representative community sample while incorporating a comprehensive set of psychological eating-related variables.DesignA community sample was employed to: (i) determine sex differences in (un)healthy snack consumption and psychological eating-related variables (e.g. emotional eating, intention to eat healthily); (ii) examine whether sex predicts energy intake from (un)healthy snacks over and above psychological variables; and (iii) investigate the relationship between psychological variables and snack intake for men and women separately. Snack consumption was assessed with a 7d snack diary; the psychological eating-related variables with questionnaires.SettingParticipants were members of an Internet survey panel that is based on a true probability sample of households in the Netherlands.SubjectsMen and women (n 1292; 45 % male), with a mean age of 51·23 (sd 16·78) years and a mean BMI of 25·62 (sd 4·75) kg/m2.ResultsResults revealed that women consumed more healthy and less unhealthy snacks than men and they scored higher than men on emotional and restrained eating. Women also more often reported appearance and health-related concerns about their eating behaviour, but men and women did not differ with regard to external eating or their intentions to eat more healthily. The relationships between psychological eating-related variables and snack intake were similar for men and women, indicating that snack intake is predicted by the same variables for men and women.ConclusionsIt is concluded that some small sex differences in psychological eating-related variables exist, but based on the present data there is no need for interventions aimed at promoting healthy eating to target different predictors according to sex.
Patterns of fruit and vegetable availability and price competitiveness across four seasons are different in local food outlets and supermarkets
Authors: Valpiani Natalie , Wilde Parke , Rogers Beatrice , Stewart Hayden 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the effect of seasonality on fruit and vegetable availability and prices across three outlet types (farmers’ markets, roadside stands and conventional supermarkets).DesignCross-sectional survey of geographically clustered supermarkets, farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Enumerators recorded the availability and lowest price for eleven fruits and eighteen vegetables in each season of 2011.SettingPrice data were collected at retail outlets located in central and eastern North Carolina.SubjectsThe sample consisted of thirty-three supermarkets, thirty-four farmers’ markets and twenty-three roadside stands.ResultsOutside the local harvest season, the availability of many fruits and vegetables was substantially lower at farmers’ markets and roadside stands compared with supermarkets. Given sufficient availability, some items were significantly cheaper (P<0·05) at direct retail outlets in the peak season (e.g. cantaloupe cost 36·0 % less at roadside stands than supermarkets), while others were significantly more expensive (e.g. carrots cost 137·9 % more at farmers’ markets than supermarkets). Although small samples limited statistical power in many non-peak comparisons, these results also showed some differences by item: two-thirds of fruits were cheaper at one or both direct outlets in the spring and autumn, whereas five of eighteen vegetables cost more at direct retail year-round.ConclusionsCommonly consumed fruits and vegetables were more widely available at supermarkets in central and eastern North Carolina than at direct retail outlets, in each season. Contingent on item availability, price competitiveness of the direct retail outlets varied by fruit and vegetable. For many items, the outlets compete on price in more than one season.
Weight expectations, motivations for weight change and perceived factors influencing weight management in young Australian women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Holley Talisha J , Collins Clare E , Morgan Philip J , Callister Robin , Hutchesson Melinda J 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo examine young Australian women’s weight expectations, motivations for weight change and perceived factors influencing weight management, and to determine if these factors differ by age, BMI, marital status, education or income.DesignCross-sectional study. An online survey captured respondents’ weight, height, ideal weight, main reasons for wanting to change their weight and challenges to managing their weight.SettingOnline survey in Australia.SubjectsSix hundred and twenty women aged 18–30 years currently living in Australia who completed the survey between 31 July and 30 September 2012.ResultsApproximately half of participants (53·1 %) were a healthy weight, 25·2 % overweight and 19·0 % obese. Women unhappy at their current weight (78·1 %) reported a median ideal weight −12·3 % less than their current weight. The key motivators for weight change were to improve health (24·4 %, ranked 1), feel better in oneself (22·3 %) and improve self-confidence (21·5 %). Lack of motivation, time constraints because of job commitments and cost were the most commonly reported factors influencing weight management. Age, BMI, marital status, education and income were found to influence weight expectations, motivations for weight change and/or factors perceived to influence weight management.ConclusionsThe findings suggest potential implications for weight management interventions and public health messaging targeting young women, to improve long-term health outcomes. Strategies that promote the health benefits of physical activity and healthy eating, feeling better about oneself and improved self-confidence, and address the main factors influencing weight management including lack of motivation, time constraints and cost, may be used to engage this target group.
Calcium, vitamin D, casein and whey protein intakes and periodontitis among Danish adults
Authors: Adegboye Amanda RA , Boucher Barbara J , Kongstad Johanne , Fiehn Nils-Erik , Christensen Lisa B , Heitmann Berit L 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether intakes of Ca, vitamin D, casein and whey are associated with periodontitis and to investigate the possibility of interactions between them.DesignCross-sectional study. An Internet-based, 267-item FFQ was used to assess dietary intake. Intakes of casein (32·0 g/d), whey proteins (9·6 g/d) and vitamin D (5·8 μg/d) were classified as withinv.above the 50th percentile. Ca intake was classified as withinv.below age-specific recommendations. Severe periodontitis was defined as having ≥2 inter-proximal sites with clinical attachment loss ≥6 mm (not on the same tooth) and ≥1 inter-proximal site with pocket depth ≥5 mm. Since vitamin D influences Ca absorption, models were stratified by lower and higher (<5·8v. ≥5·8 µg/d) vitamin D intake.SettingDanish Health Examination Survey (DANHES) 2007–2008.SubjectsAdult participants (n3287) in the oral health study of DANHES 2007–2008.ResultsIntakes of Ca within recommendations (OR=0·76; 95 % CI 0·58, 0·99), whey ≥9·6 g/d (OR=0·75; 95 % CI 0·58, 0·97) and casein ≥32 g/d (OR=0·75 95 % CI 0·58, 0·97) were associated with lower likelihood of severe periodontitis after adjustment for age, gender, education, smoking, sucrose intake, alcohol consumption, number of teeth, daily brushing, regular visits to the dentist and chronic illness, irrespective of vitamin D intake levels. Intake of vitamin D alone was not associated severe with periodontitis.ConclusionsIntakes of Ca, casein and whey protein were inversely associated with periodontitis. Consumption of foods rich in Ca, casein and whey (e.g. dairy foods) should be promoted, as they may contribute to the prevention of periodontitis. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm these associations.
Encouraging vegetable intake as a snack among children: the influence of portion and unit size
Authors: van Kleef Ellen , Bruggers Ilse , de Vet Emely 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivePeople eat more unhealthy foods when served more (portion size effect) and when the food is served in larger units (unit size effect). The present study aimed to examine whether these effects can be used for the good: to increase vegetable consumption among children.DesignA 2×2 between-subjects experiment was conducted at two schools. Pupils were presented in class with cucumber that varied both in unit size (one piece v. pre-sliced) and portion size (one-third v. two-thirds of a cucumber). Children ate ad libitum during the morning break and filled in a survey.SettingPrimary schools in the centre of the Netherlands.SubjectsPrimary-school pupils (n 255) aged 8–13 years.ResultsChildren ate 54 % more cucumber when served a large compared with a smaller portion (difference of 49 g; P<0·001). Large units did not impact consumption (P=0·58), but were considered as less convenient to eat than small units (P=0·001).ConclusionsFindings suggest that children’s vegetable intake can be improved by serving larger portions in smaller-sized pieces.
Bone Diagenesis and its Implication for Disease Diagnosis: The Relevance of Bone Microstructure Analysis for the Study of Past Human Remains
Authors: Assis Sandra , Keenleyside Anne , Santos Ana Luísa , Cardoso Francisca Alves 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWhen bone is exposed to the burial environment it may experience structural changes induced by multiple agents. The study of postmortem alterations is important to differentiate decomposition phenomena from normal physiological processes or pathological lesions, as well as to assess bone tissue quality. Microscopy is of great utility to evaluate the integrity of bone microstructure and it provides significant data on long-term bone decomposition. A total of 18 human bone sections (eight archeological and ten retrieved from an identified skeletal collection) were selected for analysis under plane light and polarized light. The aim of this exploratory study was to analyze the impact of diagenesis and taphonomy on the bone microstructure, as well as on the differential diagnosis of pathological conditions. The results showed that the microscopy approach to bone tissues contributed materially as an aid in the detailed description of the main diagenetic changes observed. It showed that gross inspection does not provide a realistic assessment of bone tissue preservation, which can impact in the characterization of lesions present and subsequent disease diagnosis. Therefore, researchers should continue to consider the application of histological techniques if the aim is to comprehend tissue integrity and its association with decomposition or disease.
Defined benefit pension schemes: a welfare analysis of risk sharing and labour market distortions
Authors: DRAPER NICK , WESTERHOUT ED , NIBBELINK ANDRÉ 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTraditionally, collective defined benefit pension schemes have played an important role in the provision of pensions. Various trends such as population ageing put these schemes under serious pressure, however. Whether this is good or bad depends among other things on two factors: one is the value of the risk sharing between generations that is organized by pension schemes, and another is the cost of the distortions of labour supply decisions that these collective schemes imply. This paper constructs a model with overlapping generations of households and a pension scheme to assess the role of these two factors. The paper finds that the welfare gain from intergenerational risk sharing generally dominates the cost of labour supply distortions.
The effect of a pathology clinic on the mental state and adjustment of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Nagashima-Nishimaki Miyuki , Taniyama Kiyomi , Minami Hanae , Takebayashi Minoru 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjective:In this study, we examine whether a pathology clinic, conducted by pathologists, a novel medical tool that provides an explanation for the diagnosis of a cancer, can influence the mental state and adjustment of breast cancer patients.Method:We created a paper-based questionnaire and interviewed targeted breast cancer patients, who had undergone radical surgery, before and after they visited the clinic.Results:We found that there may be increased motivation for treatment, a greater sense of reassurance, and reduced anxiety (as indicated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)) in the group that attended the clinic.Significance of Results:Our results suggest that visiting the pathology clinic may reduce anxiety over the short term. On the other hand, Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) Anxious Preoccupation scores were significantly higher in this group as well, both before and after attendance, compared to the group that did not attend. The attending group may have reduced anxiety by such actions as collecting medical data on the cause of their anxiety and adopting healthier behaviors. Our findings suggest that appropriate emotional support and provision of medical information are very important in dealing with patient anxiety.
A widespread plant-fungal-bacterial symbiosis promotes plant biodiversity, plant nutrition and seedling recruitment
Authors: van der Heijden Marcel G A , de Bruin Susanne , Luckerhoff Ludo , van Logtestijn Richard S P , Schlaeppi Klaus 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Highly diverse microbial assemblages colonize plant roots. It is still poorly understood whether different members of this root microbiome act synergistically by supplying different services (for example, different limiting nutrients) to plants and plant communities. In order to test this, we manipulated the presence of two widespread plant root symbionts, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia bacteria in model grassland communities established in axenic microcosms. Here, we demonstrate that both symbionts complement each other resulting in increased plant diversity, enhanced seedling recruitment and improved nutrient acquisition compared with a single symbiont situation. Legume seedlings obtained up to 15-fold higher productivity if they formed an association with both symbionts, opposed to productivity they reached with only one symbiont. Our results reveal the importance of functional diversity of symbionts and demonstrate that different members of the root microbiome can complement each other in acquiring different limiting nutrients and in driving important ecosystem functions.
Climate-induced variations in global wildfire danger from 1979 to 2013
Authors: Jolly W. Matt , Cochrane Mark A. , Freeborn Patrick H. , Holden Zachary A. , Brown Timothy J. , Williamson Grant J. , Bowman David M. J. S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractClimate strongly influences global wildfire activity, and recent wildfire surges may signal fire weather-induced pyrogeographic shifts. Here we use three daily global climate data sets and three fire danger indices to develop a simple annual metric of fire weather season length, and map spatio-temporal trends from 1979 to 2013. We show that fire weather seasons have lengthened across 29.6 million km2 (25.3%) of the Earth’s vegetated surface, resulting in an 18.7% increase in global mean fire weather season length. We also show a doubling (108.1% increase) of global burnable area affected by long fire weather seasons (>1.0 σ above the historical mean) and an increased global frequency of long fire weather seasons across 62.4 million km2 (53.4%) during the second half of the study period. If these fire weather changes are coupled with ignition sources and available fuel, they could markedly impact global ecosystems, societies, economies and climate.
Optomechanically-induced transparency in parity-time-symmetric microresonators
Authors: Jing H. , Özdemir Şahin K. , Geng Z. , Zhang Jing , Lü Xin-You , Peng Bo , Yang Lan , Nori Franco 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOptomechanically-induced transparency (OMIT) and the associated slowing of light provide the basis for storing photons in nanoscale devices. Here we study OMIT in parity-time (PT)-symmetric microresonators with a tunable gain-to-loss ratio. This system features a sideband-reversed, non-amplifying transparency , i.e., an inverted-OMIT. When the gain-to-loss ratio is varied, the system exhibits a transition from a PT-symmetric phase to a broken-PT-symmetric phase. This PT-phase transition results in the reversal of the pump and gain dependence of the transmission rates. Moreover, we show that by tuning the pump power at a fixed gain-to-loss ratio, or the gain-to-loss ratio at a fixed pump power, one can switch from slow to fast light and vice versa. These findings provide new tools for controlling light propagation using nanofabricated phononic devices.
Quantum Emulation of Gravitational Waves
Authors: Fernandez-Corbaton Ivan , Cirio Mauro , Büse Alexander , Lamata Lucas , Solano Enrique , Molina-Terriza Gabriel 
Published: July 2015

AbstractGravitational waves, as predicted by Einstein’s general relativity theory, appear as ripples in the fabric of spacetime traveling at the speed of light. We prove that the propagation of small amplitude gravitational waves in a curved spacetime is equivalent to the propagation of a subspace of electromagnetic states. We use this result to propose the use of entangled photons to emulate the evolution of gravitational waves in curved spacetimes by means of experimental electromagnetic setups featuring metamaterials.
RNA editing differently affects protein-coding genes in D. melanogaster and H. sapiens
Authors: Grassi Luigi , Leoni Guido , Tramontano Anna 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWhen an RNA editing event occurs within a coding sequence it can lead to a different encoded amino acid. The biological significance of these events remains an open question: they can modulate protein functionality, increase the complexity of transcriptomes or arise from a loose specificity of the involved enzymes. We analysed the editing events in coding regions that produce or not a change in the encoded amino acid (nonsynonymous and synonymous events, respectively) in D. melanogaster and in H. sapiens and compared them with the appropriate random models. Interestingly, our results show that the phenomenon has rather different characteristics in the two organisms. For example, we confirm the observation that editing events occur more frequently in non-coding than in coding regions and report that this effect is much more evident in H. sapiens. Additionally, in this latter organism, editing events tend to affect less conserved residues. The less frequently occurring editing events in Drosophila tend to avoid drastic amino acid changes. Interestingly, we find that, in Drosophila, changes from less frequently used codons to more frequently used ones are favoured, while this is not the case in H. sapiens.
Adalimumab Reduces Photoreceptor Cell Death in A Mouse Model of Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Martínez-Fernández de la Cámara Cristina , Hernández-Pinto Alberto M. , Olivares-González Lorena , Cuevas-Martín Carmen , Sánchez-Aragó María , Hervás David , Salom David , Cuezva José M. , de la Rosa Enrique J. , Millán José M , Rodrigo Regina 
Published: July 2015

AbstractGrowing evidence suggests that inflammation is involved in the progression of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) both in patients and in animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Adalimumab, a monoclonal anti-TNFα antibody, on retinal degeneration in a murine model of human autosomal recessive RP, the rd10 mice at postnatal day (P) 18. In our housing conditions, rd10 retinas were seriously damaged at P18. Adalimumab reduced photoreceptor cell death, as determined by scoring the number of TUNEL-positive cells. In addition, nuclear poly (ADP) ribose (PAR) content, an indirect measure of PAR polymerase (PARP) activity, was also reduced after treatment. The blockade of TNFα ameliorated reactive gliosis, as visualized by decreased GFAP and IBA1 immunolabelling (Müller cell and microglial markers, respectively) and decreased up-regulation of TNFα gene expression. Adalimumab also improved antioxidant response by restoring total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity. Finally, we observed that Adalimumab normalized energetic and metabolic pattern in rd10 mouse retinas. Our study suggests that the TNFα blockade could be a successful therapeutic approach to increase photoreceptor survival during the progression of RP. Further studies are needed to characterize its effect along the progression of the disease.