bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in dietary energy, fat, carbohydrate and protein intake in Chinese children and adolescents from 1991 to 2009
Authors: Cui Zhaohui , Dibley Michael J. 
Published: January 2012

Few studies have examined nutrition transition in children in China. Our aim, in the present study, was to examine temporal trends in dietary energy, fat, carbohydrate and protein intake in Chinese children aged 7–17 years. The analysis used individual level, consecutive 3 d dietary recall data from seven rounds of the China Health and Nutrition Surveys in 1991 (n2714), 1993 (n2542), 1997 (n2516), 2000 (n2142), 2004 (n1341), 2006 (n1072) and 2009 (n996). Mixed-effect models were constructed to obtain adjusted means and to examine trends after adjusting for intra-class correlation within clusters and for covariates including age, sex, urban/rural residence and income. From 1991 to 2009, daily energy intake steadily declined from 9511·0 to 7658·2 kJ (P < 0·0001). There was a steady decline in daily carbohydrate intake from 382·5 to 254·1 g (P < 0·0001), and in the proportion of energy from carbohydrate from 66·7 to 56·8 % (P < 0·0001). In contrast, daily fat intake steadily increased from 54·8 to 66·0 g (P < 0·0001), as did the proportion of energy from fat from 21·5 to 30·0 % (P < 0·0001). The proportion of children who consumed a diet with more than 30 % of energy from fat increased from 20·1 to 49·4 % (P < 0·0001). The proportion of energy from protein increased from 11·8 to 13·1 % (P < 0·0001), although daily protein intake dropped from 66·2 to 58·0 g (P < 0·0001). Our data suggest that Chinese children have been undergoing a rapid nutrition transition to a high-fat diet.
Effect of long-term intermittent supplementation with multiple micronutrients compared with iron-and-folic acid supplementation on Hb and micronutrient status of non-anaemic adolescent schoolgirls in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Faruk , Khan Moududur R. , Akhtaruzzaman Mohammad , Karim Rezaul , Williams Gail , Banu Cadi P. , Nahar Badrun , Darnton-Hill Ian 
Published: January 2012

The present study examined whether long-term supplementation with once- and twice-weekly multiple micronutrients (MMN-1 and MMN-2) can improve Hb and micronutrient status more than twice-weekly Fe–folic acid (IFA-2) supplementation in non-anaemic adolescent girls in Bangladesh. An equal number of 324 rural schoolgirls aged 11–17 years were given MMN-1 or MMN-2 or IFA-2 supplements for 52 weeks in a randomised, double-blind trial. Blood samples were collected at baseline, and at 26 and 52 weeks of supplementation. The girls receiving IFA-2 supplements were more likely to be anaemic than the girls receiving MMN-2 supplements for 26 weeks (OR 5·1, 95 % CI 1·3, 19·5;P = 0·018). All three supplements reduced Fe deficiency effectively. Both the MMN-1 and MMN-2 groups showed significantly greater improvements in vitamins A, B2and C status than the girls in the IFA-2 group, as might be expected. Receiving a MMN-1 supplement was found to be less effective than MMN-2 supplement in improving Fe, vitamins A, B2and folic acid status. Receiving micronutrient supplements beyond 26 weeks showed little additional benefit in improving micronutrient status. In conclusion, given twice-weekly for 26 weeks, MMN supplements can improve micronutrient status effectively with no significant increase in Hb concentration compared with IFA supplements in non-anaemic Bangladeshi adolescent girls. However, it significantly reduces the risk of anaemia. Before any recommendations can be made, further research, including into cost-effectiveness, is needed to see whether MMN supplementation has any additional longer-term health benefits over that of IFA supplementation in this population.
Evaluation of the effect of wheat aleurone-rich foods on markers of antioxidant status, inflammation and endothelial function in apparently healthy men and women
Authors: Price Ruth K. , Wallace Julie M. W. , Hamill Lesley L. , Keaveney Edel M. , Strain J. J. , Parker Michael J. , Welch Robert W. 
Published: January 2012

Observational data show an inverse association between the consumption of wholegrain foods, and inflammation and related diseases. Although the underlying mechanisms are unclear, wholegrains, and in particular the aleurone layer, contain a wide range of components with putative antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated the effects of a diet high in wheat aleurone on plasma antioxidants status, markers of inflammation and endothelial function. In this parallel, participant-blinded intervention, seventy-nine healthy, older, overweight participants (45–65 years, BMI>25 kg/m2) incorporated either aleurone-rich cereal products (27 g aleurone/d), or control products balanced for fibre and macronutrients, into their habitual diets for 4 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and on day 29. Results showed that, compared to control, consumption of aleurone-rich products provided substantial amounts of micronutrients and phytochemicals which may function as antioxidants. Additionally, incorporating these products into a habitual diet resulted in significantly lower plasma concentrations of the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (P = 0·035), which is an independent risk factor for CVD. However, no changes were observed in other markers of inflammation, antioxidant status or endothelial function. These results provide a possible mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of longer-term wholegrain intake. However, it is unclear whether this effect is owing to a specific component, or a combination of components in wheat aleurone.
Associations between frequency of tea consumption and health and mortality: evidence from old Chinese
Authors: Qiu Li , Sautter Jessica , Gu Danan 
Published: January 2012

Tea consumption may be associated with reduced risk of morbidity and mortality; however, this association is not conclusive and has rarely been investigated among very old adults. The present study examines how self-reported frequency of tea consumption in daily life is associated with health and mortality among very old adults in China. The data are from a national longitudinal data set that included 32 606 individuals (13 429 men and 19 177 women) aged 65 years and older: 11 807 respondents aged 65 to 84 years and 20 799 respondents aged 85 years and older. A total of four measurements between 1998 and 2005 resulted in 51 668 observations. Hazard regressions showed that men who drink tea almost every day have a 10–20 % lower risk of death compared to their counterparts who seldom drink tea, after adjusting for numerous confounders including baseline health. This relationship was stronger in younger male elders aged 65 to 84 years than in the oldest-old men aged 85 years and older. However, frequency of tea consumption was not significantly associated with mortality in women. Our analyses further show that high frequency of tea consumption is significantly associated with reduced OR of disability in activities of daily living, cognitive impairment, self-rated poor health, cumulative health deficits and CVD in both young elders and the oldest-old, and in both men and women. These results suggest that the health benefit of drinking tea is universal. We conclude that frequent tea consumption probably helps one achieve healthy longevity and that men benefit more from such lifestyles.
Attenuation of colonic inflammation by partial replacement of dietary linoleic acid with α-linolenic acid in a rat model of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Tyagi Anupama , Kumar Uday , Reddy Suryam , S. Santosh Vadakattu , B. Mohammed Saazida , Ehtesham Nasreen Z. , Ibrahim Ahamed 
Published: January 2012

Increasing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease may be due to imbalance in the intake ofn-6 andn-3 PUFA in the diet. This study investigates the impact of varying ratios of dietary linoleic acid (LA, 18 : 2n-6) to α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18 : 3n-3) on the inflammatory response in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Weanling male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups: a non-colitic group with a LA:ALA ratio of 215 (CON-215), and colitic groups with LA:ALA ratios of 215 (DSS-215), 50 (DSS-50), 10 (DSS-10) and 2 (DSS-2). Blends of groundnut, palmolein and linseed oils were used to provide varying LA:ALA ratios. All the rats were fed the respective experimental isoenergetic diets containing 10 % fat for 90 d and DSS was administered during the last 11 d. Colonic inflammation was evaluated by clinical, biochemical and histological parameters. The results showed attenuation of colitis in the DSS-2 group as evidenced by significant reductions in disease activity index, mucosal myeloperoxidase activity (P < 0·05), alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0·01) and increase in colon length (P < 0·01) compared to the groups fed with higher ratios (DSS-215). This was accompanied by significant reductions in mucosal proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α (P < 0·01) and IL-1β (P < 0·01) and improvement in the histological score. Further, ALA supplementation increased long-chain (LC)n-3 PUFA and decreased LCn-6 PUFA in colon structural lipids. These data suggest that substitution of one-third of LA with ALA (LA:ALA ratio 2) mitigates experimental colitis by down-regulating proinflammatory mediators.
Inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides have divergent effects on colitis and commensal microbiota in HLA-B27 transgenic rats
Authors: Koleva Petya T. , Valcheva Rosica S. , Sun Xu , Gänzle Michael G. , Dieleman Levinus A. 
Published: January 2012

Modulation of intestinal microbiota by non-digestible carbohydrates may reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on intestinal microbiota and colitis in HLA-B27 transgenic rats, a well-validated rodent model for IBD. In this study, 4-week-old rats were fed 8 g/kg body weight inulin or FOS for 12 weeks, or not. Faeces were collected at 4 and 16 weeks of age; and caecal samples were collected at necropsy. The effects of inulin and FOS on chronic intestinal inflammation were assessed using a gross gut score, histology score and levels of mucosal IL-1β. Intestinal microbiota were characterised by quantitative PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Colitis was significantly reduced in all FOS-fed rats compared to the control diet, whereas inulin decreased chronic intestinal inflammation in only half the number of animals. Quantitative analysis of caecal microbiota demonstrated that inulin increased the numbers of total bacteria and theBacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonasgroup, FOS increased bifidobacteria, and both fructans decreasedClostridiumcluster XI. In the faecal samples, both inulin and FOS decreased total bacteria,Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonasgroup, andClostridiumclusters XI and XIVa. FOS increasedBifidobacteriumspp., and mediated a decrease of gene copies of Enterobacteriaceae andClostridium difficiletoxin B in faeces. SCFA concentrations in the faecal and caecal samples were unaffected by the diets. In conclusion, FOS increased the abundance ofBifidobacteriumspp., whereas both fructans reducedClostridiumcluster XI andC. difficiletoxin gene expression, correlating with a reduction of chronic intestinal inflammation.
Glycaemic, insulin and ghrelin responses to traditional South Asian flatbreads in diabetic and healthy subjects
Authors: Khawaja Khadija I. , Fatima Aziz , Mian Saqib A. , Mumtaz Usman , Moazzum Amena , Ghias Muhammad , Masud Faisal 
Published: January 2012

In the South-East Asian subcontinent, flatbreads contribute the main portion of carbohydrate to a meal. There are no specific data on the effect of different flatbreads on satiety and recurrent hunger, as indicated by the duration of ghrelin suppression after a meal. The present study was designed to examine the glycaemic, insulin and ghrelin responses to traditional subcontinental breads in type 2 diabetic subjects and healthy volunteers. For this purpose, twelve normoglycaemic healthy volunteers and ten type 2 diabetic patients, in the fasting state, consumed one of five common flatbreads on consecutive days. Capillary blood glucose was examined in the fasting state and serially for 5 h after a meal. Serum insulin and ghrelin levels were determined at hourly intervals for 5 h after the consumption of bran and plain chapatti flatbreads. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was calculated for glycaemic and insulin responses, while the net AUC was used to assess the ghrelin response. The results showed that glycaemic and insulin iAUC were lowest for bran chapatti, and highest for plain chapatti. Furthermore, bran chapatti showed maximum ghrelin suppression in both normal and diabetic groups. In conclusion, the low-glycaemic index bran chapatti flatbread had a lower postprandial glycaemic excursion and insulin response, and a more prolonged suppression of ghrelin levels, compared with the plain chapatti flatbread, and in each case, the difference was greater for the diabetic subjects than for the normal subjects. The inclusion of these flatbreads in the diabetic/weight-reducing diet may help weight loss by promoting satiety and reducing hyperinsulinaemia.
β2-1 Fructans have a bifidogenic effect in healthy middle-aged human subjects but do not alter immune responses examined in the absence of an in vivo immune challenge: results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lomax Amy R. , Cheung Lydia V. Y. , Tuohy Kieran M. , Noakes Paul S. , Miles Elizabeth A. , Calder Philip C. 
Published: January 2012

β2-1 fructans are considered to be prebiotics. Current literature indicates that β2-1 fructans may modulate some aspects of immune function, improve the host's ability to respond to certain intestinal infections, and modify some inflammatory outcomes in human subjects. However, there is a need to find out more about the modulation of immune markers by β2-1 fructans in humans. Healthy human subjects aged 45–65 years were randomly allocated to β2-1 fructans (Orafti® Synergy1; 8 g/d; n 22) or the digestible carbohydrate maltodextrin as placebo (n 21) for 4 weeks. Blood, saliva and faecal samples were collected at study entry and after 4 weeks. Immune parameters were measured using the blood and saliva samples and bifidobacteria were measured in the faecal samples. Faecal bifidobacteria numbers increased in the Orafti® Synergy1 group (P < 0·001) and were different at 4 weeks from numbers in the placebo group (P = 0·001). There was no significant effect of Orafti® Synergy1 on any of the immune parameters measured (blood immune cell subsets, total serum Ig, salivary IgA, neutrophil and monocyte phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and respiratory burst in response to E. coli or phorbol ester, natural killer cell activity, T cell activation and proliferation, production of six cytokines by T cells). It is concluded that, compared with maltodextrin, Orafti® Synergy1 has a bifidogenic effect in healthy middle-aged human subjects but does not alter immune responses examined in the absence of an in vivo immune challenge.
Simulations of two-stream instability in opposite polarity dusty plasmas
Authors: CLARK S. ERIC , ROSENBERG M. , QUEST K. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractOne-dimensional Particle in Cell simulations of a dust–dust counterstreaming instability in a plasma containing dust grains of opposite charge polarity are presented. This dust–dust instability has potentially the lowest threshold drift for a dust wave instability in an unmagnetized dusty plasma. The linear and nonlinear development of this instability is investigated, including the effects of collisions with background neutrals, and a background electric field that acts as a driver to impart the drift velocities of the counter-streaming oppositely charged dust particles. The saturation of the linear instability appears to be due to dust heating related to dust trapping. Potential double layer formation from dust–dust instability turbulence is observed in cases with a high neutral collision rate. A comparative study is done with varying collision rates and background electric fields to explore the nonlinear development as a function of collision rate and background electric field. Applications to possible dusty plasma experimental parameters are discussed.
Modeling and assessment of the backlash error of an industrial robot
Authors: Slamani Mohamed , Nubiola Albert , Bonev Ilian A. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYThis paper proposes an experimental approach for evaluating the backlash error of an ABB IRB 1600 industrial serial robot under various conditions using a laser interferometer measurement instrument. The effects of the backlash error are assessed by experiments conducted on horizontal and vertical paths. A polynomial model was used to represent the relationship between the backlash error and the robot configuration. A strategy based on statistical tests was developed to choose the degree of polynomial representing the effect of the tool center point (TCP) speed and payload. Results show that the backlash error strongly affects the repeatability of the industrial robot. Statistical analyses prove that the backlash is highly dependent on both robot configuration and TCP speed, whereas it remains nearly unaffected by changes in the payload. It was discovered that the backlash error as measured at the TCP may exceeds 100 μm, and that the positive backlash error increases and the negative backlash error decreases when there is increase in TCP speed.
Sleep in older people
Authors: Woodward Michael 
Published: January 2012

SummaryInsomnia and other sleep disturbances are common in older people, with up to 40% reporting some difficulty sleeping. Insomnia is a syndrome with multiple causes including medications, other illnesses and environmental factors. An accurate diagnosis is needed for effective management. Sleep disturbances are associated with functional and cognitive impairment and excess mortality. Management should initially be non-pharmacological including sleep hygiene education and behavioural therapy. Medications, including benzodiazepines (BZDs), are second-line with little evidence to support long-term usage. BZD usage in older people is associated with a range of disorders including falls, accidents and cognitive impairment. The management of insomnia in specific situations such as residential care, those with dementia and depressed older people can be challenging. Additional research is needed, particularly on the risks/benefit of long-term pharmacotherapy and to determine whether therapy reduces the consequences of sleep disturbances.
Neighbourhoods and dementia in the health and social care context: a realist review of the literature and implications for UK policy development
Authors: Keady John , Campbell Sarah , Barnes Helen , Ward Richard , Li Xia , Swarbrick Caroline , Burrow Simon , Elvish Ruth 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe National Dementia Strategy in England has performed an essential role in transforming health and social care services and improving the commissioning architecture. However, to date, little attention has been paid to understanding the ways in which the outdoor and built environment impacts and intersects with the lives of people with dementia and their carers. One way of better understanding the outdoor and built environment is through a focus on the ‘neighbourhood’ as this is an area of public policy where attempts are being made across disciplines to unpack its meanings, significance and identity. This paper adopts a realist review method to detail the key findings and messages from the body of work that links the experience of living with dementia to the neighbourhood. Our findings from this review are assimilated and defined/presented under three headings, namely: outdoor spaces, built environment, and everyday technologies. These headings and our definitions are not discrete properties and there is some overlap in content. We found no research that sets out to enquire about how people with dementia might define their neighbourhood or that explores everyday neighbourhood practices for those living with the condition. Emerging concepts such as citizenship and, in the UK, the Coalition Government advancement of the ‘Big Society’, promote a vision of civic responsibilities and networked, dementia-capable communities, but evaluation of such initiatives are virtually absent from the literature. The review did uncover some interesting and innovative research methods that extend neighbourhood working, such as the ‘walking interview’. In order to develop a neighbourhood model for dementia, future research should examine the relationship and interaction between the neighbourhood as a social space and as a physical space alongside the active role of people with dementia as ‘place-makers’.
The absence of P2X7 receptors (P2rx7) on non-haematopoietic cells leads to selective alteration in mood-related behaviour with dysregulated gene expression and stress reactivity in mice
Authors: Csölle Cecilia , Andó Rómeó D. , Kittel Ágnes , Gölöncsér Flóra , Baranyi Mária , Soproni Krisztina , Zelena Dóra , Haller József , Németh Tamás , Mócsai Attila , Sperlágh Beáta 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore how genetic deletion and pharmacological antagonism of the P2X7 receptor (P2rx7) alter mood-related behaviour, gene expression and stress reactivity in the brain. The forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion (AH) tests were used in wild-type (P2rx7+/+) and P2rx7-deficient (P2rx7−/−) mice. Biogenic amine levels were analysed in the amygdala and striatum, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels were measured in the plasma and pituitary after restraint stress. Chimeric mice were generated by bone marrow transplantation. A whole genome microarray analysis with real-time polymerase chain reaction validation was performed on the amygdala. In the absence of P2rx7s decreased behavioural despair in the FST, reduced immobility in the TST and attenuated amphetamine-induced hyperactivity were detected. Basal norepinephrine levels were elevated in the amygdala, whereas stress-induced ACTH and corticosterone responses were alleviated in P2rx7−/− mice. Sub-acute treatment with the selective P2rx7 antagonist, Brilliant Blue G, reproduced the effect of genetic deletion in the TST and AH test in P2rx7+/+ but not P2rx7−/− mice. No change in behavioural phenotype was observed in chimeras lacking the P2rx7 in their haematopoietic compartment. Whole genome microarray analysis indicated a widespread up- and down-regulation of genes crucial for synaptic function and neuroplasticity by genetic deletion. Here, we present evidence that the absence of P2rx7s on non-haematopoietic cells leads to a mood-stabilizing phenotype in several behavioural models and suggest a therapeutic potential of P2rx7 antagonists for the treatment of mood disorders.