bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PrimeScreen, a brief dietary screening tool: reproducibility and comparability with both a longer food frequency questionnaire and biomarkers
Authors: Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L , Willett Walter C , Lobb Rebecca , Kotch Jamie , Dart Charles , Gillman Matthew W 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveDiet is an important determinant of health outcomes, but physicians have few ways to identify persons with suboptimal diets. The purposes of this study were to examine the reproducibility of a short dietary assessment questionnaire (PrimeScreen) and to compare its results with those of a longer food frequency questionnaire and with plasma levels of selected nutrients.DesignEach subject completed two PrimeScreen questionnaires at an interval of 2 weeks and one full length, 131-item, semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ), and had a sample of blood drawn. We compared the PrimeScreen with two reference standards, the SFFQ and plasma levels of selected nutrients.SettingA large managed care organization in New England.SubjectsA total of 160 men and women, aged 19–65 years, participated.ResultsFor foods and food groups, the mean correlation coefficient (r) was 0.70 for reproducibility and 0.61 for comparability with the SFFQ. For nutrients, the mean r was 0.74 for reproducibility and 0.60 for comparability with the SFFQ. No substantial differences were evident by sex, race, body mass index, occupation or education. Correlation coefficients for the comparison of vitamin E, β-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin intakes from the PrimeScreen with plasma levels were 0.33, 0.43 and 0.43, respectively. These values were similar to those comparing the SFFQ with plasma levels. The median time to complete PrimeScreen was 5 min; 87% of participants required fewer than 10 min.ConclusionsA quick way to assess quality of diet among adults, PrimeScreen has adequate reproducibility and its results compare well with a longer food frequency questionnaire and biomarkers.
Agreement between a brief food frequency questionnaire and diet records using two statistical methods
Authors: Ambrosini GL , de Klerk NH , Musk AW , Mackerras D 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare intra- and inter-method reliability of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed specifically to measure beta carotene (BC) and retinol intake, using two methods – the limits of agreement (LOA) and the correlation coefficient.DesignA cross-sectional study of dietary intake.SettingA randomized trial of vitamin A supplements in 2769 subjects with past asbestos exposure.SubjectsData from 57 men and 26 women, aged 28–72 years, living in Western Australia.MethodsThe FFQ was administered at baseline (FFQ1) and repeated 1 year later (FFQ2). Four 1-week diet records (DRs) were completed during the year.ResultsMean agreement between FFQ2 and FFQ1 was 120% for BC and 98% for retinol. LOA were 47–306% and 21–459%, respectively. Mean agreement between FFQ2 and the DR was 149% for BC and 63% for retinol; LOA were 50–447% and 11–349%, respectively. Mean agreement and LOA varied across energy intakes. Between the DR and FFQ2, correlation coefficients were 0.36 for BC and 0.51 for retinol. These varied considerably across age, gender and energy intakes and were not in accordance with limits of agreement findings.ConclusionAlthough correlation coefficients were positive and significant, there was less than ideal intra-method and inter-method reliability shown by the limits of agreement method. Bias was uneven across the range of intakes, the LOA were wide and, compared with the DR, the FFQ significantly over-estimated BC and under-estimated retinol. This shows the limitations of calculating correlation coefficients alone, for assessing reliability and validity.
What do users of reduced-fat dairy products know about the fat in their diets?
Authors: Harper Stephanie , Rutishauser Ingrid HE 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the fat intake and knowledge about the fat content of foods consumed by a sample of self reported users of reduced-fat dairy products.DesignCross-sectional study of a population-based sample of women shoppers.SettingA small, rural town (population approximately 6000) in central Victoria, Australia.SubjectsSeventy-eight women aged 25–50 years, who regularly used at least one reduced-fat dairy product.ResultsMean reported intake of total fat was lower while intake of dairy fat was similar to that of a national sample of women of the same age both in the whole sample and when under-reporters were excluded. The ability to identify major sources of fat in the diet as reported appeared to be limited. Less than half of the subjects were able to correctly estimate the fat content of reduced-fat dairy products relative to regular products and about one quarter of subjects reported replacing one kind of oil or fat with another as a strategy to reduce fat intake. Subjects were generally aware of the need to ‘eat less fat’ but few could articulate specific recommendations. A number of subjects reported using low fat diets to control their weight but few subjects appeared to understand the connection between fat intake and energy intake.ConclusionsThe findings of this study raise important questions about how nutrition advice is understood and implemented by consumers, particularly the message to reduce fat intake and the role of energy balance in weight management. They also highlight the difficulty of interpreting information on food intake, in subjects who have modified their diet by reducing intake of specific foods.
A household food inventory for North American Chinese
Authors: Satia Jessie A , Patterson Ruth E , Kristal Alan R , Hislop T Gregory , Pineda Michele 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether a short set of questions about foods in the household can provide information about the fat-related dietary behaviour of individual household members in less-acculturated Chinese populations.DesignCross-sectional survey.ParticipantsThe study population included 244 adult females of Chinese ethnicity in Seattle, WA, and Vancouver, BC, Canada.SettingBilingual interviewers collected information on the presence of 14 high-fat foods and seven reduced-fat foods in the household. Respondents were also asked about the consumption of foods and behaviour reflective of adoption of Western dietary practices, fat-related dietary behaviour, changes in consumption of high-fat foods since immigration, and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsAlthough this was a less-acculturated sample, many households had Western foods such as butter (58%), lunchmeats (36%), snack chips (43%), and 1% or skim milk (48%). Households with respondents who were younger, married, employed outside the home, and lived with young children had significantly more high-fat foods, while high education and longer percentage of life in North America were significantly associated with having more reduced-fat foods (P≤ = 0.05). Participants living in households with more high-fat foods had higher-fat dietary behaviour than those with fewer high-fat foods (fat-related dietary behaviour score, 1.54 versus 1.28;P< 0.001). Women in households with more reduced-fat foods had a significantly decreased consumption of high-fat foods since immigration compared with those in households with fewer reduced-fat foods (P< 0.001). Western dietary acculturation was higher among women in households both with more high-fat foods and more reduced-fat food counterparts (P≤ 0.05).ConclusionsOur inventory of household foods was strongly associated with current dietary behaviour, changes in food consumption, and westernization of dietary patterns. This simple, practical measure may be a useful alternative dietary assessment tool in less-acculturated Chinese populations.
Vitamin supplement use and breast cancer in a North Carolina population
Authors: Moorman Patricia G , Ricciuti Mary F , Millikan Robert C , Newman Beth 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:Laboratory data suggest that several different vitamins may inhibit the growth of mammary cancers, however epidemiologic data on the relationship between vitamin supplement use and breast cancer are inconsistent. We examined the association between self-reported vitamin supplement use and breast cancer among black women and white women.Design and setting:The data came from a population-based, case–control study conducted in North Carolina between 1993 and 1996. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for breast cancer associated with the use of multivitamins or individual vitamin supplements.Subjects:Eligible cases were aged 20 to 74, and approximately 40% of the study population were black women. The analyses included 861 cases and 790 controls.Results:Among all women, there was little evidence for an association between any vitamin supplement and breast cancer. Modest inverse associations were observed among white women for use of multivitamins (OR = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59–1.12), vitamin C (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.54–1.14) and vitamin E (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.49–1.13). There was no evidence that vitamin supplements reduced the risk of breast cancer among black women.Conclusions:This study provided very limited support for the hypothesis that vitamin supplements may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Although dietary factors are likely an important influence in breast cancer aetiology, reductions in risk are most likely to be achieved through dietary modification rather than through vitamin supplementation.
Maternal knowledge, attitude and practice regarding folic acid intake during the periconceptional period
Authors: Sen S , Manzoor A , Deviasumathy M , Newton Cindy 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:To study the knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women regarding periconceptional folic acid (FA) intake.Design:Questionnaire-based prospective study.Setting:Antenatal clinic of a District General Hospital.Subjects:Three-hundred pregnant women in an antenatal clinic.Results:Nearly all (298/300) had heard of FA. A majority (275/300, 91%) knew that FA could prevent neural tube defects, and married women (P <0.001), those with higher education (P <0.001), those of Social Classes 1–3 (P <0.01) and women over 30 years of age (P <0.05) were more likely to be thus aware. Knowledge about the correct timing of FA intake was seen in 76% and was more likely in those with higher education (P <0.001), married women (P <0.001) and women age over 30 years (P <0.05). Intake of FA in the periconceptional period was seen in 134/300 (44.6%) women and was most likely in the married, Social Classes 1–3, women with higher education (all P <0.001), non-smokers (P <0.01), women with a planned pregnancy and women aged 30 years and over (P <0.05).Conclusions:The knowledge of the correct timing of FA intake was present in only 76%. Less than half (44.6%) had taken FA in the periconceptional period, and this was far more common in the more ‘privileged’ classes. Low socio-economic status, age less than 30 years, lower educational status and unplanned pregnancy were high risk factors for not taking FA. The challenge to the medical profession for targeting this group cannot be over-emphasised.
Ecological variation of intake of cassava food and dietary cyanide load in Nigerian communities
Authors: Onabolu AO , Oluwole OSA , Bokanga M , Rosling H 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim:To study the ecological variation of intake of cassava foods and dietary cyanide load.Design:Ecological study design.Setting:Five communities in south-western Nigeria where tropical ataxic neuropathy (TAN) was described as endemic (area A), 11 communities in south-western Nigeria where TAN was described as absent (area B), and five communities in northern Nigeria (area C).Subjects:Subjects were randomly sampled from selected communities. Intake of cassava foods was estimated from dietary history and dietary cyanide load was estimated from urine thiocyanate concentrations. Residual cyanogens in cassava food samples from the community markets were determined.Results:In total, 1272 subjects from 21 communities – 238 from area A, 659 from area B and 375 from area C – were selected. Intake of cassava food per person per week was 17 meals in area A, 10 meals in area B, and one meal in area C. Geometrical mean urine thiocyanate concentrations were 73 μmol l−1, 51 μmol l−1 and 17 μmol l−1 in areas A, B and C, respectively. Mean residual cyanogen content in cassava food samples was 16 mg HCN eq kg−1 (confidence interval (CI) 13–18) in area A, and 13 mg HCN eq kg−1 in area B (CI 11–14).Conclusion:This study shows that the intake of cassava foods and dietary cyanide load is high in several communities in south-western Nigeria, predominantly in communities where TAN has been reported. Dietary cyanide load in these communities appears to be determined by the combination of frequency of intake and cyanogen content of cassava foods. Measures to improve the effectiveness of removal of cyanogen from cassava roots during processing are needed in the affected communities.
Is the link between nutrients and foods understood? The case of fibre and folate
Authors: Cashel KM , Crawford D , Deakin V , Talbot B 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:To assess and contrast awareness of the link between dietary fibre and folate and their major food sources (fruit, vegetables, bread and cereals).Design and setting:Mailed questionnaire investigating changes made to dietary intake of fibre, folate, fruit, vegetables, bread and cereals in the previous six months.Setting:The survey was conducted between June and November 1998 in the Australian Capital Territory.Subjects:One thousand one hundred and twenty-six adults randomly selected from the electoral roll.Results:More women than men in both older (50 + years) and younger (18–49 years) age groups reported increasing their consumption of folate, fibre, fruit and vegetables in the prior six months. In contrast, more men than women reported increased consumption of bread, cereals, rice and pasta in the previous six months. For food categories and fibre, less than 4% of respondents were unsure about changes in these food habits. However, 26% of men and women were ‘not sure’ about changes to folate intake. Similar proportions of men and women (about 33%) reported consuming more fruit, vegetables or cereal-based foods over the prior six months, yet only 6% of these men and 14% of these women reported consuming more folate. In contrast, 44% of men and 51% of women who reported consuming more plant foods also reported consuming more dietary fibre.Conclusions:The results suggested that subjects, particularly the younger age group, had a poor understanding of the relationship between folate intake and its major food sources. The understanding of the relationship between fibre intake and its food sources appeared substantial, but confusion about specific food sources was still evident. These outcomes question the effectiveness of nutrition education used to date, particularly for the current priority of increasing folate intake in younger women in the new, ‘health claims’ environment.
Cattle eradication and malnutrition in under five's: a natural experiment in Botswana
Authors: Boonstra Eelco , Lindbæk Morten , Fidzani Boga , Bruusgaard Dag 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground:An outbreak of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in the northern part of Botswana in 1996 was contained through eradication of all heads of cattle in Ngamiland district (Ngami East and West) in the period April 1996 to February 1997. This disaster posed a serious threat to those who depended on the livestock sector for sustenance and to the nutrition security of the population, especially the under five's.Aim:The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the cattle eradication on the nutritional status of children.Method:A secondary analysis of existing data from the Botswana National Nutrition Surveillance System enabled us to study the impact of this disaster on malnutrition in the under five's by comparing quarterly malnutrition rates for Ngami East with national figures for the period of January 1995 to March 1998.Results:While the risk for malnutrition among under five's in Ngami East increased from 0.046 to 0.105 during the study period, giving a relative risk of 2.299, the increase in risk for Botswana was from 0.133 to 0.139, giving a relative risk of 1.048. The attributable risk for cattle eradication impact on malnutrition was 4.6% for Botswana and 54.4% for Ngami East.Conclusion:The cattle eradication impacted seriously on the food and nutrition security of the under five's in Ngami East, compared with the country as a whole.
Serum carotenoids and radiographic knee osteoarthritis: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Authors: De Roos Anneclaire J , Arab Lenore , Renner Jordan B , Craft Neal , Luta Gheorghe , Helmick Charles G , Hochberg Marc C , Jordan Joanne M 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:Antioxidant intake has been associated with less progression of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA), but studies of carotenoid biomarkers and OA have not been done. We examined associations between serum concentrations of nine naturally occurring carotenoids and radiographic knee OA.Design:The study design was matched case–control. Sera were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography for nine carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin, α- and β-cryptoxanthin,trans- andcis-lycopene, α-carotene, andtrans- andcis-β-carotene. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between tertiles of each carotenoid and radiographic knee OA, independent of body mass index, education, serum cholesterol, and the other carotenoids.Setting:Johnston County, North Carolina, United States of America.Subjects:Two-hundred cases with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren–Lawrence grades ≥2) and 200 controls (Kellgren–Lawrence grade = 0) were randomly selected from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, and were matched on age, gender and race.Results:Participants with serum levels of lutein or β-cryptoxanthin in the highest tertile were approximately 70% less likely to have knee OA than controls {odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 0.28 [0.11, 0.73] and 0.36 [0.14, 0.95], respectively}. Those in the highest tertile oftrans-β-carotene (OR = 6.40 [1.86, 22.1]) and zeaxanthin (OR = 3.06 [1.19, 7.85]) were more likely to have knee OA.Conclusions:While certain carotenoids may protect against knee OA, others may increase the odds of knee OA. Further study of carotenoids and knee OA are warranted before clinical recommendations about these substances and knee OA can be made.
Diet, genetic susceptibility and carcinogenesis
Authors: Vineis Paolo 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAt least six types of gene–environment interactions (GEI) have been proposed (Kouhry and Wagener, 1993) In the first type, neither the environmental exposure (EE) nor the genetic risk factor (GRF) have any effect by themselves, but interaction between them causes disease. This is the case of phenylalanine exposure and the phenylketonuria genotype. Type 2 is a situation in which the GRF has no effect on disease in the absence of exposure, but exacerbates the effects of the latter. This is the most important type of GEI in relation to metabolic susceptibility genes and human carcinogenesis. The third type is the converse of the second (EE is ineffective per se, but enhances the effect of GRF). Type 4 occurs when both EE and GRF increase the risk for disease, but the combination is interactive or synergistic: an example is the interaction between Xeroderma Pigmentosum and UV radiation. Types 5 and 6, according to the classification proposed by Kouhry, refer to cases in which the GRF is protective.The model of GEI that is emerging as the most important in chemical carcinogenesis refers to metabolic susceptibility genes. The general population can be divided into subgroups depending on their susceptibility to the action of carcinogens, based on their ability to metabolize such compounds to electrophilic, reactive metabolites (which form adducts with DNA), or, respectively, electrophobic metabolites that are excreted. The present contribution is a short review of the relevant literature, with particular emphasis on some polymorphisms involved in dietary exposures. In addition, the practical implications of genetic testing in this field are discussed.
Iodine deficiency disorders in Europe
Authors: Vitti Paolo , Rago Teresa , Aghini-Lombardi Fabrizio , Pinchera Aldo 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are related to the degree of iodine deficiency. In european countries, characterized by mild to moderate iodine deficiency, neurological deficits or minor neuropsychological impairments have been described. Urinary iodine excretion (UIE) ranged from 30 to 170 mcg/L, 141 millions of people were at risk of IDD, 97 millions were affected by goiter and 0.9 millions had an impaired mental development.Iodine prophylaxis is devoid of adverse reactions with the exception of sporadic cases of transitory hyperthyroidism, associated to the severity of iodine deficiency before the prophylaxis. The International Council for Control of IDD recommends an universal iodine prophylaxis, instituted gradually in severe iodine deficient countries. The total cost of universal iodine prophylaxis is very cheap compared to the social cost of goiter and cretinism.In conclusion, most european countries are still characterized by mild to moderate iodine deficiency. Iodine prophylaxis programs are already operating, its cost is irrelevant with respect to the undebatable beneficial impact on the health. Adverse effects are not observed except in severe iodine deficient areas where iodine intake was abruptly increased.