bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with low serum retinol levels in children aged 6–24 months in a rural South African community
Authors: Faber Mieke , Benadé AJ Spinnler 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo identify risk factors for variation in serum retinol levels in children younger than 2 years of age in a rural South African community.DesignChildren (n=97), 6–24 months of age, were divided into two groups according to their serum retinol levels, using 20 μg dl−1as the cut-off point. The chi-square test, Fischer exact two-tailed test and analysis of variance were used to identify related variables which were significantly different between the two groups. To evaluate simultaneously the association between several potential risk factors and low serum retinol levels, a multiple regression model for categorical data was developed which included potential risk factors that were statistically significant in the bivariate analysis as the independent variables, and either low or normal vitamin A status as the dependent variable.ResultsThere was an association between serum retinol levels and: (i) the place of birth (hospital vs. home deliveries); (ii) the attitude of the care-giver towards family life; and (iii) the health status of the child. Although not included in the multiple variable model because of small numbers, all children who had a previous episode of measles, all underweight children, and all children of widowed care-givers were in the low serum retinol group.ConclusionsThe care-giver's attitude towards family life was positively associated with the child's vitamin A status, while home deliveries were associated with a low vitamin A status.
Efficacy and safety of a Ginkgo biloba extract
Authors: Le Bars PL , Kastelan J 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis review of the literature documents the efficacy of a standard extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) in managing signs and symptoms associated with memory disorders and dementia. Analysis of the discrepant findings reveals that study outcomes may vary with the type of population studied, the outcome measurements selected, and the dosing tested. Overall, the efficacy of EGb was more frequently reported in trials enrolling dementia patients than healthy volunteers. In contrast to narrow memory tests, broad cognitive assessments were more likely to detect the treatment effect. Although a dose–response relationship is not yet established, 240 mg day−1 EGb seems to show a higher rate of treatment response than does 120 mg day−1. Regarding safety, in all trials reviewed the adverse event profile of EGb was not different from that of the placebo.
Use of medicines by older people in a large British national survey, and their relation to vitamin status indices
Authors: Bates Christopher J , Walmsley Catherine M , Prentice Ann , Finch Steven 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:To describe the extent of use of medicines by older people living in Britain, and to explore relationships with vitamin status indices.Design:The National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over collected data from a British sample during 1994–95. The present study has made novel use of it, to relate medicine use with biochemical indices of vitamin status.Setting:Eighty postcode areas, selected randomly from mainland Britain.Subjects:1506 people, 65 years and over gave information about use of medication, and a 4-day weighed food record. Three-quarters gave blood for status indices.Results:78% of those living in the community and 93% of those in institutions were using medication. Certain vitamin status indices: plasma retinol, erythrocyte folate and riboflavin, paradoxically suggested better status in users than in non-users of antihypertensive, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, corticosteroid or diabetic drugs. There was evidence of a link with renal insufficiency, especially for plasma retinol, but neither this nor increased nutrient intake, acute phase effects or haemoconcentration could explain the paradoxical associations.Conclusions:Caution is needed in interpreting certain vitamin status indices, especially in older people who are extensively using medicines. New vitamin indices are needed, to avoid confounding interferences.
Development and testing of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for use in Gujarat, India
Authors: Hebert James R , Gupta Prakash C , Bhonsle Ramesh B , Sinor Pesi N , Mehta Hemali , Mehta Fali S 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:To develop and test a quantitative, interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to ascertain nutrient intakes of individuals in northern India.Design:A 92-item FFQ was developed based on food use and market surveys of the study area. A validation study was conducted consisting of 24-h diet recalls (24HR) administered on 6 randomly selected days over 1 year. Two FFQs were administered, one each at the beginning and end of the 1-year period. FFQ and 24HR-derived nutrient scores were compared using correlation and regression analyses and by computing differences between nutrient intakes estimated by the two methods.Setting:Rural villages in Bhavnagar District, Gujarat, North India.Subjects:60 individuals who agreed to provide all necessary data.Results:Pearson (parametric) correlation coefficients averaged 0.69 in comparing nutrient scores derived from the 24HR with those from the first FFQ and 0.72 in comparing the second FFQ (P < 0.0001). Spearman correlation coefficients were virtually identical to the Pearson correlations, averaging 0.68 and 0.72, respectively. In regression analyses, most coefficients were close to 1.0 (perfect linear association). Nutrient scores were significantly and consistently higher on both FFQs relative to the 24HR.Conclusions:This FFQ produces results broadly comparable, and superior in some respects, to those commonly used in the West. Higher than average measures of association indicate its suitability for comparing exposures within this study population in reference to health-related endpoints.
Assessment of a narrative approach to the diet history
Authors: Tapsell LC , Pettengell K , Denmeade SL 
Published: June 2008

Abstract:Objective:To assess the quality of a narrative form diet history (DH).Design:Reproducibility assessed with data obtained at 6-week intervals. Criterion validity assessed using energy intake to estimated energy expenditure (EI: BMR) cut-off limits. Relative validity assessed by comparing results for energy and macronutrients at baseline and month 2 of an intervention trial with those obtained from 3-day food records (FR).Setting:Community-based dietary intervention trials for the study of metabolic syndrome in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia.Subjects:Reproducibility: 43 healthy female volunteers. Mean age 58.72 years (range 50–67), mean body mass index (BMI) 25.79 (range 21–36). Validity: 45 healthy volunteers—18 males (mean age 46.9 years, mean BMI 27.8), and 27 females (mean age 45.7 years, mean BMI 26.2), attending a study on the effect of diet on metabolic variables.Results:Reproducibility: wide SD values indicated a high degree of intraindividual variation, but correlation coefficients were comparable to those of similar studies. Validity: underreporting was inconsistent with individuals, but was greater with the DH than the FR at each stage of the dietary trial (significant at month 1,P> 0.01). Underreporters indicated higher intakes of protein during the trial (P> 0.05). Weaker associations were found between the DH and FR data for energy values, but there was strong agreement for per cent fat consumed as saturated and monounsaturated fat at each stage of the trial.Conclusions:The narrative form DH performs as well as standardized interviews, but more work needs to be done at the micro level, focusing on aspects which deal with foods likely to be underreported in the particular study context. This can be achieved through continued research using combined methodologies.
Stages of change towards physical activity in a nationally representative sample in the European Union
Authors: Kearney John M , de Graaf Cees , Damkjaer Soren , Engstrom Lars Magnus 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the distribution of the stages of change towards physical activity across Europe and the influence of sociodemographic variables on this distribution.DesignA cross-sectional study in which quota-controlled, nationally representative samples of approximately 1000 adults from each country completed a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire.SettingThe survey was conducted in the 15 member states of the European Union between March and April 1997.SubjectsThe questionnaire was completed by 15 239 subjects (aged 15 years upwards). Data were weighted by population size for each country and by sex, age and regional distribution within each member state.ResultsTwenty-nine per cent of subjects were in the precontemplation stage, while a similar proportion (30%) were in the maintenance stage. Ten per cent had been physically active but had relapsed recently. Considerable intercountry variation existed with Scandinavian countries tending to be lower in the precontemplation stage and southern countries tending to be higher (particularly Greece and Portugal). Men and younger subjects with a higher education level were more likely to be in the maintenance stage. Overweight and obese subjects were more likely to be in the precontemplation stage than normal-weight subjects. In terms of barriers to participating in physical activity ‘not being the sporty type’ was more important for those in precontemplation stages, while ‘work/study commitments’ was more important for those people in the maintenance stage.ConclusionsThe model of the stages of behavioural change towards physical activity was able to distinguish people according to their level and attitude to physical activity. The considerable intercountry and sociodemographic variation in the distribution of stages of change suggest that targeted programmes aimed at specific subgroups in the population identified using the model may be more effective in promoting physical activity.
Recent body-weight changes and weight loss practices in the European Union
Authors: Lappalainen R , Tuomisto MT , Giachetti I , D'Amicis A , Paquet S 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to describe recent weight changes and weight loss practices in the EU, and in particular to describe the group of subjects who were in a recent state of weight gain.Design and subjectsOverall, 15 239 adults aged 15 years and upwards composed of 1000 from each EU member state were selected to complete the interview-assisted face-to-face questionnaire. In each member state, sample selection was quota-controlled to ensure national representativeness.ResultsThis survey points to a fairly alarming tendency of more normal weight, overweight or obese European people being in a state of weight gain rather than weight loss. But it is also worrying that almost a fifth of underweight people are in the process of losing more weight. The recommendations for interventions to promote weight loss might be somewhat different between countries in the EU as the common weight loss practices differ between such countries. Overall, a campaign alone may not be effective in encouraging people to do more physical activity in Europe. Additional methods should be found. Furthermore, a combination of diet and exercise as a method of weight control is underestimated or undervalued by the general population who are either overweight or obese.
Body image perception in relation to recent weight changes and strategies for weight loss in a nationally representative sample in the European Union
Authors: McElhone Sinead , Kearney John M , Giachetti Ismene , Zunft Hans-Joachim Franz , Martínez J Alfredo 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo assess body image perception and satisfaction with current body image across the EU and to explore the influence of sociodemographic variables, body-weight change and strategies for losing weight on body image perception.DesignA cross-sectional study in which quota-controlled, nationally representative samples of approximately 1000 adults from each country completed a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire.SettingThe survey was conducted in the 15 member states of the EU between March and April 1997.SubjectsThe questionnaire was completed by 15 239 subjects (aged 15 years and upwards). Data were weighted by population size for each country and by sex, age and regional distribution within each member state.ResultsJust 39% of respondents in the EU were satisfied with their weight and these were more likely to be male (46%) rather than female (31%). Across the EU 29% of Finnish subjects were content with their weight compared with 47% in Belgium and 48% in Luxembourg. The highest percentage of subjects who were content with their body weight was among females who were underweight (58%) and males who were normal weight (66%). A further 20% of underweight females wished to be lighter compared to only 5% of males. Diet was the most frequently selected method for losing weight especially among females wishing to be considerably lighter (27%) while males were as likely to use exercise as diet as a strategy to lose weight.ConclusionsGeographical and sociodemographical influences on body image perception are evident across the EU. There were clear gender differences in the desire to be thinner with a high proportion of females who were underweight being content to be so.
Assessment of advice to reduce dietary fat and non-milk extrinsic sugar in a free-living male population
Authors: Drummond Sandra , Kirk Terry 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effect of advice to reduce both dietary fat and sugar with advice to reduce fat alone on subsequent dietary intake in Scottish men.DesignA parallel design intervention study was employed to measure compliance to the two types of dietary advice. Subjects were randomly assigned to Group 1 (advice to reduce fat and non-milk extrinsic (NME) sugar), Group 2 (advice to reduce fat only, ad libitum sugar) or a control Group 0 (no advice). Compliance was assessed by two 4-day food diaries over 6 months.SettingThe study was conducted in the Strathclyde area of Scotland.SubjectsSubjects were normal to moderately overweight Scottish men. The men recruited were non-dieting and volunteered for a ‘healthy eating’ study with the aim to improve the ‘healthiness’ of their diet.ResultsGroups 1 and 2 achieved the dietary target for fat, reducing their mean intake to below 35% energy. Group 1 achieved a statistically significant reduction in percentage energy from NME sugar in the short term (6 weeks), decreasing their mean intake from 9.9% to 7.2% energy. This initial decrease appeared to slip back towards baseline levels at 6 months (8.1% energy from NME sugar) and was no longer significantly different from baseline. At 6 months Group 1 reported a significantly lower mean energy intake than at baseline, whereas Group 2 adjusted for an initial decrease in energy intake and by 6 months energy intakes were not significantly different from baseline intakes. Group 2 appeared to compensate for the absolute reduction in dietary fat with a slight increase in total sugars and the maintenance of NME sugar intakes.ConclusionsSubjects in Group 1 complied with advice to reduce both fat and sugar over 6 weeks but to a lesser extent over 6 months. The 1.8% reduction in percentage energy from NME sugars in Group 1 at 6 months may not have reached significance due to the small sample size. Alternatively it may be that free-living populations find it hard to maintain concurrent reductions in fat and sugar owing to the well-documented inverse relationship between intakes of these macronutrients when expressed as a proportion of energy.
Supermarket sales data: a tool for measuring regional differences in dietary habits
Authors: Närhinen Maria , Berg Mari-Anna , Nissinen Aulikki , Puska Pekka 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess how well supermarket sales data from a major supermarket chain can reflect on regional differences in dietary behaviour by comparing the sales data with the results provided by the annual health behaviour surveys.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingThe study was carried out in six Finnish cities situated in different parts of Finland. For the study supermarket sales data of milk, sour milk, fats and oils for 1 month, September 1997, were obtained from eight supermarkets. Proportional sales of different types of dairy products were calculated as well as mean salt and fat per cent and the proportion of saturated fat to total fat. The health behaviour surveys from spring 1995, 1996 and 1997 provided information about dietary habits of the adult population in the cities. The reported use of dairy products was compared with the percentage sales.ResultsThe proportional sales of dairy products varied between the cities. In Pori in western Finland the sale of milk fat was highest in all food groups. In Oulu, northern Finland, the sale of non-fat milk was high. In the capital region the sale of oil was highest. Regional differences could also be seen in the survey data. The similarity between the two different datasets was high.ConclusionsThe use of supermarket sales data for assessing regional differences in health behaviour is feasible. The challenge will be to get supermarket managers willing to provide sales data on a routine basis for monitoring and research.
Nutrition and diet for healthy lifestyles in Europe: the ‘Eurodiet’ Project
Authors: Kafatos Anthony , Codrington Caroline A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe aims of this project are to formulate a strategy and action plan for developing and implementing European dietary guidelines. The project is supported by DGV/F/3 and was initiated in October 1998. The work plan has entailed the formation of Working Parties composed of prominent experts from the member states to prepare consensus documents on the state of the art in Europe and the added value of European population-based guidelines. These groups are addressing 4 inter-linked components of the project: (1) evaluation of the role of diet and lifestyles in health & disease patterns in Europe; (2) the feasibility of developing an EU-wide framework for food-based dietary guidelines; (3) public health nutrition strategies for implementing FBDGs and for enhancing physically active lifestyles in Europe and (4) an evaluation of policy, trade, economic and technological aspects to improving nutritional status and lifestyles in the EU. Stakeholders from the spectrum of interests involved are invited to assess and debate the science and policy implications of these documents, which will be presented at a European Conference in May 2000. Recommendations in the form of a practical, evidence based policy document will be presented to the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.
Interaction of physical activity and diet: implications for insulin-glucose dynamics
Authors: Grimm Jean-Jacques 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn Western countries 25–35% of the population have insulin resistance syndrome characteristics.The defects most likely to explain the insulin resistance of the insulin resistance syndrome include: 1) the glucose transport system of skeletal muscle (GLUT-4) and its different signalling proteins and enzymes; 2) glucose phosphorylation by hexokinase; 3) glycogen synthase activity and 4) competition between glucose and fatty acid oxidation (glucose-fatty acid cycle).High carbohydrate/low fat diets deteriorate insulin sensitivity on the short term. Howewer, on the long term, high fat/low carbohydrate diets have a lower satiating power, induce low leptin levels and eventually lead to higher energy consumption, obesity and more insulin resistance. Moderately high-carbohydrate (45–55% of the daily calories)/low-fat diets seem to be a good choice with regard to the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors as far as the carbohydrates are rich in fibers.Long-term interventions with regular exercise programs show a 1/3 decrease in the appearance of overt diabetes in glucose intolerant subjects. Furthermore, diet and exercise interventions "normalise" the mortality rate of patients with impared glucose tolerance.Therefore, moderately high carbohydrate/low fat diets are most likely to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes. Triglycerides should be monitored and, in some cases, a part of the carbohydrates could be replaced by fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. However, total caloric intake is of utmost importance, as weight gain is the major determinant for the onset of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.Regular (when possible daily) exercise, decreases cardiovascular risk. With regard to insulin resistance, resistance training seems to offer some advantages over aerobic endurance activities.
Interaction of physical activity and diet: implications for lipoprotein metabolism
Authors: Hardman Adrianne E 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:To consider how physical activity interacts with diet to modify lipoprotein metabolism and comment on implications for human health.Design:An overview of lipoprotein metabolism is followed by a summary of the main effects of physical activity on lipoprotein metabolism. Interactions with dietary practice and the disposition of dietary lipid are reviewed, with comment on links with body fatness.Setting:Literature is reviewed in relation to the risk of atherosclerotic disease.Subjects:Although some data are presented on athletic groups, evidence relating to individuals with normal physical activity habits is mainly discussed.Results:Physical inactivity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and one mechanism may involve changes to lipoprotein metabolism. The consensus is that aerobic activity involving an expenditure of >= 8 MJ · week-1results in an increase in HDL cholesterol and probably decreases in fasting triacylglycerol. These changes occur despite the spontaneous increase in the proportion of dietary energy from carbohydrate which accompanies increased exercise. For this reason, exercise may be a means of reducing the hypertriglyceridaemic and HDL-lowering effects of low fat (high carbohydrate) diets. Decreases in total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol are sometimes, but not always, reported in sedentary individuals beginning exercise. One mechanism linking all these changes may be alterations to the dynamics of triacylglycerol-rich particles, particularly in the fed state.Conclusions:The expenditure of considerable amounts of energy through regular, frequent physical activity increases the turnover of lipid substrates, with effects on their transport and disposition which may reduce the progression of atherosclerosis.
Diet, physical activity and cancer risk
Authors: Hill Michael J 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThere is a clear and consistent association between overweight and risk of hormone-related cancers, large bowel cancer and cancer at some other sites. Overweight is the consequence of an excess of energy intake over expenditure, but there is little evidence of an association between high energy intake and cancer risk in humans at any site other than the endometrium. This may be because of the difficulties in measuring total energy intake in the tens of thousands of individuals used in large prospective epidemiological studies. In contrast, despite the difficulties in measuring physical activity in the large numbers of persons needed in epidemiology, there is a growing body of evidence that a high level of recreational physical activity is protective against cancer at all sites associated with overweight.