bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Childhood Obesity in New York City Elementary School Students
Authors: Thorpe Lorna E. , List Deborah G. , Marx Terry , May Linda , Helgerson Steven D. , Frieden Thomas R. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We estimated overweight and obesity in New York City elementary school children. Methods. A multistage cluster sample of New York City public elementary school children was selected. Nurses measured children’s height and weight and used a standard protocol to determine body mass index (BMI). Demographic information was obtained from official school rosters. Overweight and obese were defined as BMI-for-age at or above the 85th and 95th percentiles, respectively. Results. Of 3069 sampled students, 2681 (87%) were measured. The prevalence of overweight was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 39%, 47%), more than half of whom were obese. Overall prevalence of obesity was 24% (95% CI = 21%, 27%), with at least 20% obesity in each grade, including kindergarten. Hispanic children had significantly higher levels (31%; 95% CI = 29%, 34%) than Black (23%; 95% CI = 18%, 28%) or White children (16%; 95% CI = 12%, 20%). Asian children had the lowest level of obesity among all racial/ethnic groups (14.4%, 95% CI = 10.9, 18.7). Conclusions. Obesity among public elementary school children in New York City is an important public health issue. Particularly high levels among Hispanic and Black children mirror national trends and are insufficiently understood.
Physical Education in Elementary School and Body Mass Index: Evidence from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study
Authors: Datar Ashlesha , Sturm Roland 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the effect of physical education instruction time on body mass index (BMI) change in elementary school. Methods. We examined data from a national sample of 9751 kindergartners in the United States who were reported on for 2 years. We used a difference-in-differences approach to examine the effect of an increase in physical education instruction time between kindergarten and first grade on the difference in BMI change in the 2 grades, using the same child as the control. Results. One additional hour of physical education in first grade compared with the time allowed for physical education in kindergarten reduces BMI among girls who were overweight or at risk for overweight in kindergarten (coefficient = −0.31, P < .001) but has no significant effect among overweight or at-risk-for-overweight boys (coefficient = −0.07, P = .25) or among boys (coefficient = 0.04, P = .31) or girls (coefficient = 0.01, P = .80) with a normal BMI. Conclusions. Expanding physical education programs in schools, in the form in which they currently exist, may be an effective intervention for combating obesity in the early years, especially among girls.
Changes in Diet Quality of American Preschoolers Between 1977 and 1998
Authors: Kranz Sibylle , Siega-Riz Anna Maria , Herring Amy H. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We determined diet quality trends among nationally representative samples of preschoolers between 1977 and 1998. Methods. Adjusted diet quality index scores, overall intake, and tertiles of total score were compared for combined samples and 2 age groups using t tests with Bonferroni correction; surveys used were the US Department of Agriculture’s National Food Consumption Survey 1977–1979 (n = 2342), Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII) 1989–1991 (n = 858), and CSFII 1994–1996 and 1998 (n = 5355). Results. Total scores increased slightly. Consumption of grains, fruits, and vegetables improved while added sugar and juice intake worsened. Conclusions. Diet quality improved marginally since 1977. Consumption of fruits and vegetables needs to be increased and that of total and saturated fat, juice, and added sugar decreased.
The Relation of Breastfeeding and Body Mass Index to Asthma and Atopy in Children: A Prospective Cohort Study to Age 6 Years
Authors: Oddy Wendy H. , Sherriff Jill L. , de Klerk Nicholas H. , Kendall Garth E. , Sly Peter D. , Beilin Lawrence J. , Blake Kevin B. , Landau Louis I. , Stanley Fiona J. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We investigated the relationship between breastfeeding, asthma and atopy, and child body mass index (BMI). Methods. From a prospective birth cohort (n = 2860) in Perth, Western Australia, 2195 children were followed up to age 6 years. Asthma was defined as doctor-diagnosed asthma and wheeze in the last year, and atopy was determined by skin prick test of 1596 children. Breastfeeding, BMI, asthma, and atopy were regressed allowing for confounders and the propensity score for overweight. Results. Using fractional polynomials, we found no association between breastfeeding and overweight. Less exclusive breastfeeding was associated with increased asthma and atopy, and BMI increased with asthma. Conclusions. Less exclusive breastfeeding leads to increases in child asthma and atopy and a higher BMI is a risk factor for asthma.
Barriers to Buying Healthy Foods for People With Diabetes: Evidence of Environmental Disparities
Authors: Horowitz Carol R. , Colson Kathryn A. , Hebert Paul L. , Lancaster Kristie 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. A community coalition compared the availability and cost of diabetes-healthy foods in a racial/ethnic minority neighborhood in East Harlem, with those in the adjacent, largely White and affluent Upper East Side in New York City. Methods. We documented which of 173 East Harlem and 152 Upper East Side grocery stores stocked 5 recommended foods. Results. Overall, 18% of East Harlem stores stocked recommended foods, compared with 58% of stores in the Upper East Side (P < .0001). Only 9% of East Harlem bodegas (neighborhood stores) carried all items (vs 48% of Upper East Side bodegas), though East Harlem had more bodegas. East Harlem residents were more likely than Upper East Side residents (50% vs 24%) to have stores on their block that did not stock recommended foods and less likely (26% vs 30%) to have stores on their block that stocked recommended foods. Conclusions. A greater effort needs to be made to make available stores that carry diabetes-healthy foods.
Replacing Fats and Sweets With Vegetables and Fruits—A Question of Cost
Authors: Drewnowski Adam , Darmon Nicole , Briend André 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the association between diet quality and estimated diet costs. Methods. Freely chosen diets of 837 French adults were assessed by a dietary history method. Mean national food prices for 57 foods were used to estimate diet costs. Results. Diets high in fat, sugar, and grains were associated with lower diet costs after adjustment for energy intakes, gender, and age. For most levels of energy intake, each additional 100 g of fats and sweets was associated with a €0.05–0.40 per day reduction in diet costs. In contrast, each additional 100 g of fruit and vegetables was associated with a €0.18–0.29 per day increase in diet costs. Conclusions. Diets high in fats and sweets represent a low-cost option to the consumer, whereas the recommended “prudent” diets cost more.
Length of Hospital Stays Among Obese Individuals
Authors: Zizza Claire , Herring Amy H. , Stevens June , Popkin Barry M. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined lengths of hospital stay among individuals categorized according to weight status. Methods. We used data from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Followup Survey to estimate length-of-stay differences. Results. Individuals with body mass indexes (BMIs) of 35 kg/m2 or above, those with BMIs of 30 to 34 kg/m2, and those with BMIs of 25 to 29 kg/m2 had crude length-of-stay rates greater than those of normal-weight individuals. Association between BMI and length of stay varied over time. Conclusions. Obese individuals experience longer hospital stays than normal-weight individuals.
Predictors of Help Seeking Among Connecticut Adults After September 11, 2001
Authors: Adams Mary L. , Ford Julian D. , Dailey Wayne F. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We conducted a population-based telephone survey in an attempt to determine correlates of formal and informal help seeking after September 11, 2001. Methods. Between October 15 and December 31, 2001, 1774 Connecticut Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System respondents were asked questions directly related to their experiences of September 11. Results. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that receipt of formal help was predicted by sleep problems, close association with a victim, reports of increased smoking or drinking, and receipt of informal help. Age, gender, reports of 1 or more problems, and formal help seeking predicted receipt of informal help. Conclusions. Public health planning and bioterrorism preparedness should include programs addressing increased smoking and drinking, sleep problems, and bereavement in the wake of disasters.
Usefulness of Tobacco Check Boxes on Death Certificates: Texas, 1987–1998
Authors: Zevallos Juan Carlos , Huang Philip , Smoot Monica , Condon Kenneth , Alo Celan 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We compared reports of deaths in which tobacco use was a contributing factor (“tobacco-associated deaths”) before and after the addition to death certificates in Texas of a check-box question asking whether tobacco use contributed to an individual’s death. Methods. We examined Texas vital statistics files from 1987 to 1998. We calculated differences in percentages of reported tobacco-associated deaths (and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for the periods 1987 to 1992, before the addition of the check-box question, and 1993 to 1998, after the additon of the check-box. Results. Reports of tobacco-associated deaths were significantly less frequent before addition of the check-box question (0.7%; 95% CI = 0.4%, 1.0%) than after addition of the question (13.9%; 95% CI = 13.0%, 14.7%). From 1993 to 1998, percentages of tobacco-associated deaths reported on the check-box question increased steadily. Conclusions. The addition of a tobacco-associated-death check box on Texas death certificates significantly increased reporting of tobacco use contributions to mortality.
Uncertainty Analysis of Primary Resource Savings at Cogeneration
Authors: Veidenbergs I. , Blumberga D. , Romagnoli F. , Vīgants E. , Rošā M. 
Published: December 2008

Uncertainty Analysis of Primary Resource Savings at Cogeneration
The article provides the uncertainty analysis for electricity and heat energy production measurements at a cogeneration plant. It is analysed how the uncertainty in the input data affects the uncertainty in the data on primary resource savings. In the work, the standard uncertainties have been estimated for both data sets. The uncertainty budget is defined for determination of the primary energy resource savings.
KPIM of Gas Transportation: Robust Modification of Gas Pipeline Equations
Authors: Falade A. , Olaberinjo A. , Oyewola M. , Babalola F. , Adaramola S. 
Published: December 2008

KPIM of Gas Transportation: Robust Modification of Gas Pipeline Equations
Studies of the flow conditions of natural gases in pipelines have led to the development of complex equations for relating the volume transmitted through a gas pipeline to the various factors involved, thus deciding the optimum pressures and pipeline dimensions to be used. From equations of this type, various combinations of pipe diameter and wall thickness for a desired rate of gas throughput can be calculated. This research work presents modified forms of the basic gas flow equation for horizontal flow developed by Weymouth and the basic gas flow equation for inclined flow developed by Ferguson. The modified equations incorporate non-iterative forms of the Colebrook-White friction factor into the original forms of the Weymouth's and Ferguson's equations. These modified equations thus eliminate the need for iteration in predicting the flow rate of gas through pipelines as is the case with their original forms when the Colebrook-White friction factor is used. The modified equations also have a wider range of application since the Colebrook-White friction factor is valid for turbulent gas flow as well as for gas flow in a transition zone. On comparing the results it can be seen that the modified Ferguson's equation gives a more accurate prediction of gas flow rates because it takes the pipeline elevation into account. Lower deviations from measured gas flow rates were observed with the modified Ferguson's equation than with the modified basic gas flow equation. The deviations observed using the modified Ferguson equation were found to range from -0.16% to +3.21%. Conclusively, these less cumbersome newly developed equations with high degree reliability will be useful in predicting the rates of gas flow for a wide range of its conditions, pipeline elevation and pipeline lengths.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Community Pharmacist—Initiated Screening and Intervention Program for Patients at High Risk for Osteoporosis—The OsteoPharm Study
Authors: Yuksel Nese , Majumdar S.R. , Biggs Catherine , Tsuyuki Ross T. 
Published: December 2008

Objective: To determine the effect of a community pharmacist-initiated screening intervention for high-risk patients on subsequent testing and treatment of osteoporosis. Methods: This was a randomized, controlled multisite trial with blinded ascertainment of outcomes in 15 community pharmacies in Alberta. Patients were recruited based on national guidelines for bone mineral density (BMD) testing, including patients 65 years or older, or between 50 to 64 years with a previous fracture or with multiple other risk factors. We excluded patients who had a BMD in the past 2 years or if they were on current treatment for osteoporosis. Patients randomized to the intervention group were given education, a quantitative heel ultrasound measurement and referred to their physician. Controls received “usual care” in the community. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of the performance of a BMD test or a new prescription for an osteoporosis medication within 4 months. Secondary outcomes included each component of the primary outcome, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, osteoporosis-related knowledge and quality of life. Results: From November 2005 to September 2007, 561 patients were screened. Overall, 262 were randomized as follows: 129 pharmacist interventions and 133 controls. Median age was 62 years, 65% were female and 17% of patients reported a previous fracture. The primary endpoint was reached in 28 patients in the intervention group (22%) compared with 14 patients in the control group (11%) (adjusted relative increase 2.14, 95% CI 1.19-3.85; p = 0.011). Calcium intake increased significantly more among intervention patients than controls (42% vs 25%, adjusted relative increase 1.69, 95% CI 1.13-2.54, p = 0.011); vitamin D intake was also greater in the intervention group, though not significant. There was no effect on knowledge or quality of life. In multivariable models, making an osteoporosis-specific appointment with the family physician, being female and having a heel ultrasound result indicating low bone mass predicted achievement of the primary endpoint. Conclusion: A multifaceted intervention program in community pharmacies directed at patients at high risk for osteoporosis doubled the number of patients getting the primary outcome. This study highlights the role community pharmacists can play in identifying and educating patients for preventive care.
Initial Pharmacist Experience with the Ontario-Based MedsCheck Program
Authors: Dolovich Lisa , Gagnon Antony , McAiney Carrie A. , Sparrow Linda , Burns Sheri 
Published: December 2008

Background: On April 1, 2007, community pharmacists in Ontario began providing a new medication review service called MedsCheck. MedsCheck is intended to help patients better understand their medication therapy, ensure that medications are being taken as prescribed and establish a medication history. This study explored the initial experiences with MedsCheck and identified barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of the service. Methods: This was a sequential, explanatory, mixed-methods study. Community pharmacists practising in Hamilton, Ontario, completed a semi-structured mailed survey. A subsample of participants also participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Results: A total of 88 pharmacists returned the survey and 13 participated in an interview. Respondents reported that it took an average of 30 minutes (standard deviation 11.2; range 10–60 minutes) to complete a MedsCheck. Barriers to providing the service included lack of time, physical space and patient awareness of and interest in the service. Facilitators included pharmacist overlap coverage, scheduling reviews during slower times, personally inviting patients to participate, reducing paperwork and using electronic or paper-based tools. Discussion: The MedsCheck program was well received. However, numerous barriers to its implementation were identified, most notably lack of time and a workflow that is not conducive to an appointment-based, 30-minute service. Further research suggests this time estimate may be low. Changes within the pharmacy could improve the implementation of this service. Conclusion: This study provided information on how to facilitate the implementation of MedsCheck. The results of this study can help pharmacists to improve the delivery of MedsCheck or similar services in community pharmacies.
Minimal residual disease monitoring after allogeneic transplantation may help to individualize post‐transplant therapeutic strategies in acute myeloid malignancies
Authors: Díez‐Campelo María , Pérez‐Simón José Antonio , Pérez Jose , Alcoceba Miguel , Richtmon Juan , Vidriales Belén , San Miguel Jesús 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study evaluates the prognostic value of minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring by multiparametric flow cytometry in 41 patients with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing allogeneic transplantation. MRD assessment after transplant (day +100) allowed to discriminate different risk populations, being the most significant cut‐off value for outcome level of MRD </≥10−3. Outcome was significantly better among patients with low (<10−3) versus high (≥10−3) MRD at day +100 after transplant. Thus, overall survival was 73% versus 25% at 4 years among patients with low versus high MRD at day +100 after transplant (P = 0.002); 74% of patients with low MRD were event free at 4 years as compared to 17% among patients with high MRD (P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, MRD value as well as chronic GVHD significantly influenced outcome. In conclusion, MRD monitoring early post‐transplant is an important tool for outcome prediction and should be considered in decision making after allogeneic transplantation. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The enhanced tool‐kit of two groups of wild bearded capuchin monkeys in the Caatinga: tool making, associative use, and secondary tools
Authors: Mannu Massimo , Ottoni Eduardo B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe use of stones to crack open encapsulated fruit is widespread among wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Cebus libidinosus) inhabiting savanna‐like environments. Some populations in Serra da Capivara National Park (Piauí, Brazil), though, exhibit a seemingly broader toolkit, using wooden sticks as probes, and employing stone tools for a variety of purposes. Over the course of 701.5 hr of visual contact of two wild capuchin groups we recorded 677 tool use episodes. Five hundred and seventeen of these involved the use of stones, and 160 involved the use of sticks (or other plant parts) as probes to access water, arthropods, or the contents of insects' nests. Stones were mostly used as “hammers”—not only to open fruit or seeds, or smash other food items, but also to break dead wood, conglomerate rock, or cement in search of arthropods, to dislodge bigger stones, and to pulverize embedded quartz pebbles (licking, sniffing, or rubbing the body with the powder produced). Stones also were used in a “hammer‐like” fashion to loosen the soil for digging out roots and arthropods, and sometimes as “hoes” to pull the loosened soil. In a few cases, we observed the re‐utilization of stone tools for different purposes (N=3), or the combined use of two tools—stones and sticks (N=4) or two stones (N=5), as sequential or associative tools. On three occasions, the monkeys used smaller stones to loosen bigger quartz pebbles embedded in conglomerate rock, which were subsequently used as tools. These could be considered the first reports of secondary tool use by wild capuchin monkeys. Am. J. Primatol. 71:242–251, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reproductive parameters in Guizhou snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi)
Authors: Yang Mouyu , Sun Dun Y. , Zinner Dietmar , Roos Christian 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this study, we present data on reproductive parameters and birth seasonality of Guizhou snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi). Our analyses are based on data from a small captive population collected over 15 years and on 5 years of observations of free‐ranging snub‐nosed monkeys. Captive females (n=4) mature at an age of 70.8±6.7 months and reproduce for the first time at 103.4±7.5 months. The mean interbirth interval was 38.2±4.4 months if the infant survived more than 6 months, which is longer than that in R. roxellana and R. bieti. In the wild and in captivity, births are very seasonal and occur only in a period from the end of March to the end of April. Our data suggest that population growth in Guizhou snub‐nosed monkeys is slow compared with the other two Chinese snub‐nosed monkey species. The risk of extinction is therefore particularly high in this species, given the small overall population size and slow population recovery potential. Am. J. Primatol. 71:266–270, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermooxidative reactions of polypropylene wax in the molten state
Authors: Salimi A. , Atai M. , Mirabedini M. , Mohseni M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThermooxidation of polypropylene wax was investigated in the molten state under an air‐flowing atmosphere. Calorimetric measurements were performed to investigate the effect of the inclusion of 1‐dodecanol as an efficient primary alcohol and to reveal the typical outlines of thermooxidation, that is, the induction time and oxidation rate. The same parameters were obtained and compared on the basis of the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) peaks of major oxidation products, such as ketones and hydroxyl groups. The results showed that 1‐dodecanol caused a change in the shape of the calorimetric thermogram and also yielded oxidized products with more clarity in color. With the Arrhenius equation, the apparent activation energy was calculated on the basis of the induction time and oxidation rate for carbonyl and hydroxyl groups individually. The obtained apparent activation energy was in agreement with the proposed mechanism based on bimolecular hydroperoxide decomposition involving dodecanol. With FTIR spectroscopy, no changes in the chain helical conformation or double‐bond concentration were observed during oxidation up to 500 min. An acid value of up to 6 mg of KOH per gram was obtained at this time. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009