bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutritional status of preschool children in informal settlement areas near Bloemfontein, South Africa
Authors: Dannhauser A , Bester CJ , Joubert G , Badenhorst PN , Slabber M , Badenhorst AM , Du Toit E , Barnard HC , Botha P , Nogabe L 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the nutritional status and household resources of preschool children.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SettingTwo informal settlement areas, Joe Slovo (JS) and JB Mafora (JBM) in Mangaung, near Bloemfontein, South Africa.SubjectsPreschool children (<72 months) of a randomly selected sample of households in JS (experimental) (n = 162) and JBM (control) (n = 186) were included. Standard methods were used to obtain household and care-giver particulars, weight and height measurements, blood and stool samples, and 24-hour dietary recalls.ResultsBreast-feeding and dietary intake in the two areas were nearly similar; breast-feeding was continued for 12 months and longer. Although the children's total protein intake was sufficient, their energy intake was low. A low median intake of micronutrients prevailed, including iron, zinc, calcium, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamins C, B6, A and D. The prevalence of being underweight (JS = 19.8%; JBM = 18.8%), stunted (JS = 29%; JBM = 21.5%) and wasted (JS = 6.5%; JBM = 3.7%) were fairly similar in both areas, as well as the prevalence of marginal vitamin A deficiency, anaemia, iron deficiency and parasite infestations. No significant associations could be found between household and nutritional status indicators, probably due to the small number of well-nourished children and the generally poor household situation of the participants.ConclusionsThe generally poor nutritional status and environmental conditions emphasize the urgency of intervention for these children.
Energy and macronutrient intake in relation to dental caries incidence in urban black South African preschool children in 1991 and 1995: the Birth-to-Ten study
Authors: MacKeown Jennifer M , Cleaton-Jones Peter E , Edwards Arthur W 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo study energy and macronutrient intake in relation to dental caries incidence among urban black South African children at the ages of 1 and 5 years.Design and subjectsFood frequency questionnaires and WHO caries diagnostic criteria were used. The study sample of 1639 urban black children with nutrition and dental information from the 1991 and/or 1995 Birth-to-Ten (BTT) Study interceptions comprised true longitudinal (n = 259) and cross-sectional (n = 1216 for 1991 and n = 164 for 1995) subjects. For the longitudinal group true dmfs (decayed, missing, filled surfaces) incidence and average intakes of energy and macronutrients between 1991 and 1995 were calculated.SettingSouth Africa.ResultsMedian macronutrient intakes were not significantly different between the cross-sectional and longitudinal samples. Dental caries prevalences at age 1 were 1.2% and 1.5% for the cross-sectional and longitudinal samples, respectively. By age 5 these values were 60.4% and 62.2%, respectively. The median dmfs score at age 1 was 0. At 5 years this was 2 for all children and 5 for those with caries. Statistical analysis for trend at age 5 showed a significant increase in caries prevalence with increasing energy, carbohydrate and added sugar in the cross-sectional sample only. The only significant changes in dmfs scores were seen for energy and added sugar for the whole sample. The r values between log(dmfs incidence + 0.3) and the average nutrient log variables were low, and a general linear models analysis showed no statistically significant effects on log(dmfs incidence + 0.3) of any of the log nutrient variables.ConclusionsFor the relationship between macronutrient intake and caries (prevalence and incidence), a cross-sectional and true longitudinal study gave similar results.
Types of fat intake and body mass index in a Mediterranean country
Authors: González Carlos A , Pera Guillem , Quirós José R , Lasheras Cristina , Tormo María José , Rodriguez Mauricio , Navarro Carmen , Martinez Carmen , Dorronsoro Miren , Chirlaque María Dolores , Beguiristain José M , Barricarte Aurelio , Amiano Pilar , Agudo Antonio 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the fatty acid fractions provide similar metabolizable energy, the type of dietary fat consumed could be relevant to the development of obesity.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), obesity and the consumption of different types of fat and olive oil in a Mediterranean country with high prevalence of obesity, and high intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and olive oil.SubjectsThe study was carried out in Spain among 23 289 women and 14 374 men, aged 29–69 years, who were participants of a large European prospective cohort.MethodsInformation on usual food intake was collected by interviewers by means of a dietary history questionnaire. The association between obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg m2), dietary fat, other dietary patterns and other non-dietary factors were tested using multilinear regression analysis. The ratio of reported energy intake to energy requirement was used as an estimation of dietary underreporting.ResultsThe association between fatty acid fractions intake (saturated fatty acids (SFA) in women, and MUFA and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in both sexes) and BMI was very weak, accounting for less than 1% of variance. All dietary and non-dietary variables accounted for 21% of variance in the measurement of BMI in women and only 6.7% of variance in men. Estimated underreporting of energy intake was 17.5% in obese women and 5.5% in obese men.ConclusionsThe association between consumption of specific types of dietary fat, olive oil and obesity in Spain is not very important. However, because of the cross-sectional design and some level of underreporting of energy intake observed in overweight subjects and overreporting in underweight subjects, systematic bias cannot be completely discarded.
The impact of consuming iron from non-food sources on iron status in developing countries
Authors: Harvey Philip WJ , Dexter Patricia B , Darnton-Hill Ian 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the impact of contaminant iron and geophagy on iron intake and status of persons living in developing countries.DesignLiterature for review was identified by searching Medline and Agricola, from appropriate other texts and from three reports from the Opportunities for Micronutrient Interventions (OMNI) Project of USAID.SettingThe dietary intake of iron by people living in developing countries is generally high but iron deficiency remains prevalent. This apparent paradox is because the iron being consumed is predominantly in the non-haem form, which is poorly absorbed. Some of this non-haem iron is from contamination of food with iron from soil, dust and water; iron leaching into food during storage and cooking; contamination during food processing such as milling; and the practice of geophagy.ResultsAlthough the contribution of contaminant iron to overall iron intake is well documented, its absorption and thus its impact on iron status is not. To be available for absorption, contaminant iron must join the common non-haem pool, i.e. be exchangeable. The absorption of exchangeable contaminant iron is subject to the same interactions with other constituents in the diet as the non-haem iron that is intrinsic to food. The limited available evidence suggests wide variation in exchangeability. In situations where a significant fraction of the contaminating iron joins the pool, the impact on iron status could be substantial. Without a simple method for predicting exchangeability, the impact of contaminant iron on iron status in any particular situation is uncertain.ConclusionsInterventions known to increase the absorption of iron intrinsic to foods will also increase absorption of any contaminant iron that has joined the common pool. Any positive effect of geophagy resulting from an increased intake of iron is highly unlikely, due to inhibiting constituents contained in soils and clays. The efficacy of approaches designed to increase the intake of contaminant iron remains encouraging but uncertain. An approach using multiple interventions will continue to be essential to reduce iron deficiency anaemia.
Anaemia in Bangladesh: a review of prevalence and aetiology
Authors: Ahmed Faruk 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveThis paper provides a comprehensive review of the changes in the prevalence and the extent of anaemia among different population groups in Bangladesh up to the present time. The report also focuses on various factors in the aetiology of anaemia in the country.Design and settingAll the available data have been examined in detail, including data from national nutrition surveys, as well as small studies in different population groups.ResultsOver the past three decades a number of studies including four national nutrition surveys (1962/64; 1975/76; 1981/82 and 1995/96) have been carried out to investigate the prevalence of anaemia among different population groups in Bangladesh, and have demonstrated a significant public health problem. Since the 1975/76 survey the average national prevalence of anaemia has not fallen; in 1995/96, 74% were anaemic (64% in urban areas and 77% in rural areas). However, age-specific comparisons suggest that the rates have fallen in most groups except adult men: in preschool children in rural areas it has decreased by about 30%, but the current level (53%) still falls within internationally agreed high risk levels. Among the rural population, the prevalence of anaemia is 43% in adolescent girls, 45% in non-pregnant women and 49% in pregnant women. The rates in the urban population are slightly lower compared with rural areas, but are high enough to pose a considerable problem. It appears that severe anaemia in the Bangladeshi population is less frequent, possibly present among only 2–3% of the population. The data on the aetiology of anaemia reveal that iron deficiency may be a substantial cause of anaemia in the Bangladeshi population. Other dietary factors in addition to parasitic infestations may also precipitate the high prevalence of anaemia.ConclusionsWhile the overall prevalence of anaemia among the Bangladeshi population is still very high, the rates of severe anaemia are almost non-existent. A large proportion of anaemia can be attributed to iron deficiency. There is a need for a comprehensive strategy for the prevention and control of anaemia in Bangladesh.
Risk factors for poor iron status in British toddlers: further analysis of data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of children aged 1.5–4.5 years
Authors: Thane CW , Walmsley CM , Bates CJ , Prentice A , Cole TJ 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine risk factors for poor iron status in British toddlers.DesignNational Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) of children aged 1.5–4.5 years.SettingMainland Britain, 1992/93.SubjectsOf the 1859 children whose parents or guardians were interviewed, a weighed dietary intake was provided for 1675, and a blood sample obtained from 1003.ResultsMean haemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin levels were significantly lower in younger (1.5–2.5 years) than in older (3.5–4.5 years) children, with boys having significantly lower ferritin levels than girls. Poor iron status (Hb>110 g l−1, ferritin >10 μg l−1, or low values for both indices) was associated with lower socioeconomic and employment status. Iron status was directly associated with meat and fruit consumption and inversely with that of milk and milk products, after adjustment for age and gender. The latter association remained significant after further adjustment for sociodemographic variables, energy intake and body weight. Children consuming <400 g day−1of milk and cream were less likely to consume foods in other groups, with those also consuming little meat, fish, fruit and nuts at greatest risk of poor iron status. Few associations were observed between poor iron status and individual nutrient intakes, and iron status was not associated with either iron intake or with consumption of a vegetarian diet.ConclusionsOverdependence on milk, where it displaces iron-rich or iron-enhancing foods, may put toddlers at increased risk of poor iron status. However, this becomes non-significant when moderate-to-high amounts of foods known to enhance iron status (e.g. meat and/or fruit) are also consumed. Milk consumption in this age group should ideally be part of a mixed and balanced diet including all food groups, and particularly lean meat (or other iron-rich or fortified foods) and fruit. This is particularly relevant for households of lower socioeconomic and employment status.
Herbal medicine: from the past to the future
Authors: Tyler Varro E 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA brief discussion of the history of the use of herbal medicines from prehistoric times to the mid-twentieth century precedes an explanation of why usage of such remedies in the United States declined in the 1940s but returned to popularity in the 1980s. The provisions of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 are presented together with its perceived influence, both positive and negative, on the health of the American people. Possible futures of herbal medicines are considered. The negative viewpoint that they will ultimately be rejected is refuted, and the more optimistic prediction that herbs are ultimately destined to become a part of mainstream medicine is defended. Stumbling blocks to such acceptance are evaluated and methods of overcoming them suggested. The urgent need for the development of a sensible regulatory environment encouraging the approval of botanicals as drugs is emphasized. After predicting a bright future for rational phytomedicines, the author opines that many of them will eventually play significant roles in medicinal practice.
Epidemiologic challenges in the study of the efficacy and safety of medicinal herbs
Authors: Arab Lenore 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAlthough clinical trials are needed to prove the efficacy of medicinal herbs and pharmacological studies are essential to the long-term goal of identifying the active ingredients in plants, these will not be forthcoming rapidly enough to meet the acute public health needs for knowledge on efficacy and safety since these substances are currently being widely consumed at various dosages. Resulting from the ongoing ‘natural experiment’ well-conducted observational epidemiology can bridge the gap and determine whether, as consumed its use is of benefit or detrimental, for whom and when in the course of disease prevention or minimization of disease severity. The classic study designs (cohort and case-control) and the more recent development of case-only studies can be put to service for these purposes. The challenges are in dose assessment, understanding mechanisms of effect, determining the relevant time period of exposure for a given disease or symptom, controlling for confounding factors such as disease status, and the special challenges presented by irregular use of medicinal herbs and concurrent use of multiple products and multiple sources.
Efficacy and safety of St. John's wort for the treatment of major depression
Authors: Nangia Monica , Syed Waqar , Doraiswamy P Murali 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveExtracts of St. John's wort have been widely used in the treatment of depression. Our aim was to review information related to the efficacy and safety of St. John's wort as an antidepressant.Data sourcesPrimary and review articles were identified by a search of Medline (1960 to February 2000) and through secondary sources.Study selectionAll the articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all relevant information was included in this review. The pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, efficacy, side effects and drug interactions of St. John's wort have been examined in various studies.ConclusionSt. John's wort is a promising investigational antidepressant, but the data are not yet sufficient to accept hypericum as a first line antidepressant preparation for treatment of depression. Besides the need for dose standardization and adequate trial lengths, there is a need for studies in severely depressed patients and long-term studies to assess the risk of relapse and recurrence.
The efficacy and safety of comfrey
Authors: Stickel Felix , Seitz Helmut K 
Published: June 2008

AbstractHerbal medication has gathered increasing recognition in recent years with regard to both treatment options and health hazards. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with substantial toxicity after their ingestion as tea and in the setting of contaminated cereals have led to endemic outbreaks in Jamaica, India and Afghanistan. In Western Europe, comfrey has been applied for inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, thrombophlebitis and gout and as a treatment for diarrhoea. Only recently was the use of comfrey leaves recognized as a substantial health hazard with hepatic toxicity in humans and carcinogenic potential in rodents. These effects are most likely due to various hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as lasiocarpine and symphytine, and their related N-oxides. The mechanisms by which toxicity and mutagenicity are conveyed are still not fully understood, but seem to be mediated through a toxic mechanism related to the biotransformation of alkaloids by hepatic microsomal enzymes. This produces highly reactive pyrroles which act as powerful alkylating agents. The main liver injury caused by comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is veno-occlusive disease, a non-thrombotic obliteration of small hepatic veins leading to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. Patients may present with either acute or chronic clinical signs with portal hypertension, hepatomegaly and abdominal pain as the main features.Therapeutic approaches include avoiding intake and, if hepatic failure is imminent, liver transplantation. In view of the known serious hazards and the ban on distributing comfrey in Germany and Canada, it is difficult to understand why comfrey is still freely available in the United States.
Assessing the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy
Authors: Carriquiry Alicia L 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:To describe an approach for assessing the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy in a group, using daily intake data and the new Estimated Average Requirement (EAR).Design:Observing the proportion of individuals in a group whose usual intake of a nutrient is below their requirement for the nutrient is not possible in general. We argue that this proportion can be well approximated in many cases by counting, instead, the number of individuals in the group whose intakes are below the EAR for the nutrient.Setting:This is a methodological paper, and thus emphasis is not on analysing specific data sets. For illustration of one of the statistical methods presented herein, we have used the 1989–91 Continuing Survey on Food Intakes by Individuals.Results:We show that the EAR and a reliable estimate of the usual intake distribution in the group of interest can be used to assess the proportion of individuals in the group whose usual intakes are not meeting their requirements. This approach, while simple, does not perform well in every case. For example, it cannot be used on energy, since intakes and requirements for energy are highly correlated. Similarly, iron in menstruating women presents some difficulties, due to the fact that the distribution of iron requirements in this group is known to be skewed.Conclusions:The apparently intractable problem of assessing the proportion of individuals in a group whose usual intakes of a nutrient are not meeting their requirements can be solved by comparing usual intakes to the EAR for the nutrient, as long as some conditions are met. These are: (1) intakes and requirements for the nutrient must be independent, (2) the distribution of requirements must be approximately symmetric around its mean, the EAR, and (3) the variance of the distribution of requirements should be smaller than the variance of the usual intake distribution.
Dietary intake of Indians living in the metropolitan area of Durban
Authors: Wolmarans P , Seedat YK , Mayet FGH , Joubert G , Wentzel E 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:To report on energy and nutrient intakes, as a risk factor for coronary heart disease in Indian South Africans.Design:Cross-sectional dietary study as part of a coronary heart disease survey.Setting:Metropolitan area of Durban, South Africa.Subjects:Free-living Indian men (n = 406) and women (n = 370) 15–69 years of age.Methodology:Dietary data were collected by three interviewers using a 24-h dietary recall and expressed as median intakes of macronutrients.Results:Results reported a low energy intake and the percentage of energy derived from total fat varied between 32.3 and 34.9% in men and between 33.1 and 36.1% in women. The energy intake to basal metabolic rate (EI: BMR) ratios were low for all age groups suggesting potential under-reporting. Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was high, more than 10% of energy, with a median polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio (P: S ratio) that varied between 1.38 and 1.96 for the various age and sex groups. Dietary cholesterol varied between 66 and 117 mg per 4.2 MJ in men and between 76 and 109 mg per 4.2 MJ in women. Dietary fibre intakes were low and varied between 8.0 and 11.0 g per 4.2 MJ in men and between 7.6 and 9.6 g per 4.2 MJ in women.Conclusions:The dietary P:S ratios were high and the effect of such a high P:S ratio on the oxidation of low density lipoprotein in this population, with a high prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), should be investigated as a possible risk factor for CHD.
Methods used to conduct the pan-European Union survey on consumer attitudes to physical activity, body weight and health
Authors: Kearney JM , Kearney MJ , McElhone S , Gibney MJ 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of conducting this survey was to identify data on consumer attitudes towards and beliefs about physical activity, body weight and health among the 15 countries of the EU.DesignA cross-sectional study to get a picture of the attitudes to physical activity, body weight and health in the EU. For this, it was considered important that samples be nationally representative so that inferences drawn from the data could be applied to the population in each country as well as to the EU population as a whole. Using a non-probability sampling method employing quota controls (and the national weight) we obtained large sample sizes from each country which were nationally representative in terms of the variables age, sex and regional distribution. To ensure samples were truly nationally representative a national weight was used when analysing the data using the same characteristics as those used to define quotas. When examining pooled estimates for the total EU sample a population weight was applied.ResultsIn total, 15 239 subjects aged 15 years and upwards in the EU completed the survey. This article gives details on the methods used in carrying out the survey from design of the questionnaire to sample selection, questionnaire administration and analysis of the data. The methods and their limitations are discussed.