bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can safety assurance procedures in the food industry be used to evaluate a medical screening programme? The application of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system to an antenatal serum screening programme for Down's syndrome. Stage 2: overcoming the hazards in programme delivery
Authors: Derrington M. Clare , Draper Elizabeth S. , Hsu Ronald T. , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives An adaptation of the first stage of the systematic qualitative tool, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system from the food industry, was used to identify problems in the delivery of a district‐wide antenatal screening programme for Down's syndrome. The aim of the second stage, described here, was to develop specific solutions (termed controls) for these problems.Methods The views of staff delivering the programme and of members of the Down's screening steering group were used to identify control measures. The steering group members were also asked to identify which controls were critical to a risk management strategy, i.e. whether a control was essential to eliminate the hazard or if other control measures operating further down‐line would be sufficient. The control measures were piloted both to determine if they were operationally feasible and whether they were practical in the context of staff workload and attitude. Two main control measures were the development of a rolling education programme for staff and of a written protocol with a checklist to verify stepwise delivery of the Down's screening programme. The checklist was designed to be included in the notes of every pregnant woman to enable audit of the offer of screening and delivery of each step of the screening programme. The control measures were all tailored specifically to overcome the problems reported by staff during the first stage of the work, the hazard analysis.Results and conclusions The HACCP system proved useful in confirming the existence of problems in delivery of a Down's serum screening programme and in determining solutions tailored to overcome those problems. Future work is required to monitor and evaluate the usefulness of the control measures implemented.
Are health states ‘timeless’? A case study of an acute condition: post‐chemotherapy nausea and vomiting1
Authors: Franic Duska M. , Pathak Dev S. , Gafni Amiram 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe objective was to test whether individuals’ responses to standard gamble (SG) and visual analogue scale (VAS) questions do not depend on the time horizon of the health scenario presented.MethodsFace‐to‐face interviews were conducted in a convenience sample of 18 women aged 22–50 years with no history of breast cancer or cancer requiring chemotherapy. Data were collected from March 2000 to June 2000 at a university in the Midwest of the United States of America. Preference weights were estimated using SG top‐down titration method and VAS scaled from zero (death) to one (perfect health). Subjects were asked to rate their preferences if faced with two scenarios: post‐chemotherapy nausea and vomiting (PCNV) occurring for 3 days (scenario 1), and PCNV lasting for the rest of their lives (scenario 2). Three PCNV health states of varying severity were tested: complete alleviation, partial alleviation, and no alleviation.ResultsPaired‐t‐test analysis showed statistically significantly lower preference weights (P< 0.05) when the health state was for the rest of the respondent's life vs. 3 days. Mean SG weights for scenario 1 vs. scenario 2 were: 0.968 vs. 0.927 (complete alleviation), 0.942 vs. 0.810 (partial alleviation) and 0.866 vs. 0.644 (no alleviation). Mean VAS weights for scenario 1 vs. scenario 2 were: 0.741 vs. 0.676 (complete alleviation), 0.490 vs. 0.307 (partial alleviation) and 0.276 vs. 0.136 (no alleviation).Discussion and conclusionsFor the majority of respondents the utility independence assumption for SG and VAS did not hold. Similar to Balaet al., the results of this study indicated that preference weights as measured by SG and VAS techniques were not ‘timeless’. Regardless of the preference measure used, both SG and VAS yielded higher scores when PCNV lasted for a shorter period of time.
Vibrio spp. isolated from salmonids with shallow skin lesions and reared at low temperature
Authors: Benediktsdóttir  , Helgason  , Sigurjónsdóttir  
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn Iceland the rearing temperature of salmonid fish, mostly Atlantic salmon, is generally below 10°C. Infections most often characterized by shallow skin lesions that may cause considerable mortality have been endemic in the country since rearing in salt water started. A variety of Vibrio spp. has been isolated from the diseased fish. In the present study, a total of 58 strains isolated from salmonid fish and 21 reference strains were subjected to a numerical taxonomy study. The results show that two phena are most common in the diseased fish; one of them includes V. marinus, whereas the other does not include a reference strain but has similarities to V. logei. Challenge tests showed that a representative strain of the phenon that included V. marinus is pathogenic for Atlantic salmon with an LD50 lower than 3.5 × 103.
Further studies on acquired resistance to amoebic gill disease (AGD) in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Findlay  , Munday  
Published: March 2003

AbstractTrials were designed to test the efficacy of freshwater treatments for amoebic gill disease (AGD) of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and the effect they had on the acquisition of resistance to reinfection with AGD. The first trial involved fish being given an industry‐simulated freshwater bath of 2–3 h duration which simulated treatments given on farms. These fish did not display appreciable resistance to reinfection. The second trial involved four groups of fish which had been infected with and treated for AGD in a number of different ways. Once again the fish that had been infected for the first time and given a single 2–3 h freshwater bath and then re‐exposed did not exhibit appreciable resistance to reinfection. In contrast, those fish that had been given a second 2–3 h freshwater bath and those that had been maintained in freshwater for 4 weeks displayed high levels of resistance. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that this resistance could be related to stimulation of the non‐specific immune system.
Loma salmonae‐associated growth rate suppression in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), occurs during early onset xenoma dissolution as determined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Speare D. J. , Daley J. , Markham R. J. F. , Sheppard J. , Beaman H. J. , Sanchez J. G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractExperimental infection of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), juveniles with Loma salmonae at a water temperature of 15 °C yielded detectable parasite DNA within the gills by week 2 post‐exposure (PE) and detectable spore‐wall antigen within developing xenomas by week 3 PE, as determined by in situ hybridization and monoclonal antibody (Mab) based immunohistochemistry, respectively. The microsporidian was most commonly located within endothelial cells of lamellar basal channels. Whereas the onset of xenoma formation appeared to be relatively synchronous, as expected from previous studies, xenoma dissolution followed an unexpected biphasic pattern with peaks at weeks 4 and 9 PE. The onset of significant growth rate suppression, at week 4 PE in exposed fish, was temporally associated with the appearance of gill lesions which, in turn, were centred about sites of premature xenoma dissolution. The latter was determined by the detection of spore‐wall antigen within lesions. Co‐habitant control fish began developing xenomas by week 10, indicating the infective potential of those spores released from the principal fish during early xenoma dissolution. Although infection with L. salmonae significantly affects fish growth rates, the time‐course of this suppression is limited, and as an unexpected finding, growth rate recovery commences prior to the infection’s resolution.
A sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (S‐ELISA) for detection of MrNV in the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man)
Authors: Romestand B , Bonami J‐R 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (S‐ELISA) was developed to improve diagnosis of white tail disease of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, caused by the nodavirus, Mr NV. Polyclonal antibodies were produced by immunization of Balb/C mice using a purified suspension of the virus and IgG anti‐MrNV were purified from ascitic fluid. A sandwich method was successfully developed, coating first with unlabelled antibody and detecting trapped antigens with a second biotinylated antibody. Reaction was demonstrated using an avidin–peroxidase conjugate. Tissue extracts from M. rosenbergii infected with MrNV or purified viral extracts (control) were successfully identified in an individual ELISA, thus confirming the validity of the method. This S‐ELISA should be the technique of choice for epidemiological studies of this disease and is a rapid and inexpensive assay with high specificity and sensitivity.
A survey of viral diseases in farmed and feral salmonids in Switzerland
Authors: Knuesel R , Segner H , Wahli T 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA field survey was carried out to study the occurrence and distribution of viruses causing diseases of major impact in fish farming, namely viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS), infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) and infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in farmed and wild fish in Switzerland. The presence of VHS virus (VHSV), IHN virus (IHNV) and IPN virus (IPNV) in the tissue samples was tested by virus isolation in cell cultures, and subsequent virus identification by immunofluorescence. The sera were screened for anti‐VHSV antibodies (VHSV‐AB) using a serum plaque neutralization test with complement addition. These data were then compared with results of a similar survey performed in 1984/85, and with data from routine diagnostic work completed at the Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI) of the University of Bern from 1978 to 2001. Sampling sites included private and government fish farms as well as natural habitats from all major river catchments in Switzerland. In 2000/01, 522 tissue samples and 1910 sera were collected from 3400 fish. In 1984/85 1239 tissue samples and 694 sera were collected from 1628 fish. During the last 24 years of routine diagnostics at the FIWI, 1776 tissue samples were examined for presence of viruses. The results of the tissue analysis from the surveys in 1984/85 and 2000/01 showed low numbers of sites with virus‐positive fish (five VHSV, three IPNV and three VHSV, one IPNV, respectively) in Swiss fish farms and rivers. The sites with virus‐positive fish were located throughout the country. The decline in virus‐positive cases observed between the two surveys agrees with data from the routine diagnostic work of the FIWI which show a decrease in total virus isolations from approximately 35 cases per year in the late 1970s, to approximately 10 cases per year during the last 10 years. However, in 1984/85 8.3% (58 of 694 serum samples) and in 2000/01 6.3% (121 of 1910 serum samples) proved to be positive for VHSV‐AB. The 58 positive samples in 1984/85 originated from 40 of 175 sites (23%) and the 121 positive samples in 2000/01 were from 84 of 217 (29%) sites. These results are indicative of a wider distribution of VHSV than expected from the results of the virus isolations.
Can clinically significant weight loss be achieved and sustained? An evaluation of a general practice based weight control clinic
Authors: Sleath  
Published: March 2003

Background and aims: An evaluation was carried out of a general practice based weight control advice clinic to determine if clinically significant weight loss can be achieved and maintained in patients by this means. The weekly clinic was run by a health visitor for 8 years during which time 198 patients attended. Patients were seen individually by appointment on average between 1 and 4 weeks following referral by the GP, nurse or health visitor. The intervention was based on dietary and lifestyle advice. Methods: Short‐term outcomes were determined from retrospective inspection of clinic data for all 198 patients. One hundred and five patients were followed‐up at least 1 year after completion of the programme of clinic attendance and weighed to determine the long‐term outcome. Results: One hundred and ninety‐three (97%) patients achieved some weight loss during the programme, 33% achieved a 10% reduction in weight and 52% of patients achieved a reduction of BMI from above to below 30 kg/m2. Long‐term follow‐up showed that 6% patients maintained a 10% weight loss and 18% maintained a reduction of BMI from above to below 30 kg/m2. Conclusion: The results of this evaluation suggest that research on appropriate follow‐up to enable patients to maintain weight loss is needed.
Evaluation of an Asian women’s healthy eating and exercise group
Authors: Williams  , Sultan  
Published: March 2003

Background: A healthy eating and exercise group for Asian women was established in April 1996. A community dietitian, fitness instructor and link worker took part in running the group and funding was provided by Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust and Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council. The group was run as a 14‐week pilot project, however, due to a positive response the group was continued. Aims: To follow up participants in the programme and examine their perceptions of the programme and changes in weight. Methods: Thirteen of the 15 overweight or obese women who attended the initial pilot group were followed up and qualitative evaluation was undertaken using a semistructured interview. Measurement of weight change was also made. Results: Formal methods of recruiting participants appear to have had little impact. Verbal recommendation of the group by the Link Worker and participants appear to have been effective routes for recruiting. Respondents suggested that the group fulfilled social and weight loss functions, both functions being interrelated and affecting weight. Important reasons for no longer attending the group seem to include difficulty getting to the venue and prioritization of the needs of the family over the women’s own needs. Conclusions: Some implications for the group are that women should be encouraged to walk to the group with others and it should be stressed that coming to the group and learning about healthy eating and exercise is important for the women’s health and also that of their families. Exercise was a popular aspect of the group and it is recommended that exercise sessions are held more frequently for a trial period. The resulting effects on attendance could then be assessed. All women could relate their weight change to diet and exercise in some way. The women who reported that they would definitely re‐attend the group were generally those with a higher BMI (body mass index).
Perception of body image as indicator of weight status in the European Union
Authors: Sánchez‐Villegas A. , Madrigal H. , Martínez‐González M. A. , Kearney J. , Gibney M. J. , De Irala J. , Martínez J. A. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo identify the factors associated with an adequate perception of body image in relation to body weight.Material and methodsAn observational, cross‐sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of the European Union (7155 men and 8077 women). Body Mass Index (BMI) was grouped into four categories, perceived body image was assessed using the nine silhouettes drawing scheme. A multivariable logistic regression model for each sex was used to adjust for potentially confounding variables.ResultsUnderweight men and women classified themselves better than other groups (92.9% of correct answers among men and 79.3% among women). Overall, women classified themselves better than men (57.6% vs. 32.7%).DiscussionPerceived body image as a method of assessment for body weight has different validity depending on sociodemographic or attitudinal categories. Perceived body image as an estimate of the nutritional status has a limited individualized application. Thus, perhaps it could be applied as a proxy measure of adiposity among slim males and among slim and overweight females, but not among the other groups.
Dietary intakes of elite female athletes in Greece
Authors: Hassapidou M. N. , Manstrantoni A. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAlthough there is a great interest in sports in Greece, there are very few data regarding dietary intakes and habits of Greek elite female athletes. The present study assesses the dietary intakes and the energy balance of elite female athletes of four different sports (volleyball, middle distance running, ballet dancing, and swimming) and a non‐athletic control group.MethodsData were collected over two seasons, the training and the competitive, using 7‐day weighed dietary records. Energy expenditure was calculated from 7‐day activity records. Anthropometric measurements were also taken for all athletes.ResultsAthletes and controls had similar BMI values. Per cent body fat was lower for athletes compared with controls. Between sports, middle distance runners had the lowest per cent body fat. No significant differences were found between mean energy intake of athletes and controls. Mean energy intake was found lower than calculated energy expenditure, for all four teams.Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of the athletes were not statistically different from those of the non‐athletic control group. Mean micronutrient intakes were found above the recommended values with the exception of iron. Both athletes and controls had a high intake of vitamin C that is a characteristic of the population of the Mediterranean countries.ConclusionsEnergy intakes varied between sports and between athletes of the same sport. Calculated energy expenditure was higher from the reported energy intake for most athletes. Athletes with the lowest energy intakes reported menstrual abnormalities.
The principles of dietary management of gestational diabetes: reflection on current evidence
Authors: Dornhorst A. , Frost G. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundGestational diabetes (GDM) is the commonest metabolic disorder of pregnancy. Most women with GDM are treated with nutritional management alone. There are conflicting guidelines surrounding its dietary management and this has resulted in a lack of conformity to the dietary advice currently prescribed. There is also conflicting opinions to the effectiveness of dietary management of GDM on pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this review was to examine the scientific evidence for the optimal nutritional management of GDM.MethodsA Medline search of all English papers published between 1995 and 2001 that cross‐referenced GDM with diet was under taken. Because of the poor quality of many of these papers, literature prior to 1995 known to the authors and considered relevant to the review were also included.ResultsThe evidence base in this area is of poor quality. One systematic review based on randomized control trials failed to show any benefit from dietary intervention in GDM. However, that review did not include informative clinical and observational studies that are not classified as randomized controlled trials. Overall current evidence points to the effectiveness of dietary advice as a means of improving maternal hyperglycaemia and reducing the risk of accelerated foetal growth. The evidence surrounding energy restriction, carbohydrate and fat manipulation in GDM remains controversial.ConclusionsCurrent but limited evidence supports dietary alterations to reduce rates of accelerated foetal growth. There is a clear need for good quality randomized control trials in this area.
A behavioural intervention in a child with feeding problems
Authors: Blissett J. , Harris G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim  This case study aimed to describe an intervention with a 2‐year‐old child with growth problems and moderately severe feeding difficulties.Method  The intervention was based on cognitive behavioural principles and psycho‐physiological techniques, and focused on reducing parental anxiety and returning the control of feeding to the child.Results  The child's feeding behaviour considerably improved over a 6‐month period, and growth and weight were significantly increased. These positive changes have been maintained for a 3‐year subsequent period.Conclusion  The principles described can be applied to children with a wide range of feeding problems with multivariate causes.
Changing from a mixed to self‐selected vegetarian diet – influence on blood lipids
Authors: Robinson F. , Hackett A. F. , Billington D. , Stratton G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective  To observe any changes in serum concentrations of lipids, when UK meat‐eaters switch to a self selected vegetarian diet for 6 months.Design  Observational study using capillary blood samples and 3‐day estimated dietary diary.Setting  Free‐living subjects in the North‐West of England.Subjects  Twelve male and 31 female adult volunteers aged between 18 and 42 years.Outcome measures  Serum lipids; nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements at baseline and 6 months after switching to a self‐selected vegetarian diet.Results  Total energy intake and amount of energy derived from saturated fatty acids decreased significantly after changing to a vegetarian diet (P < 0.05) whereas energy derived from carbohydrate, and intakes of nonstarch polysaccharide intake increased. On switching to a vegetarian diet, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were not significantly changed, but HDL‐C was 21% higher than at baseline (1.21 mmol L−1 vs. 1.47 mmol L−1; P = 0.001).Conclusions  These results suggest that beneficial changes to diet occurred on changing to a self‐selected vegetarian diet. Changing to a self‐selected vegetarian diet appears to be one way of achieving a better blood lipid profile.
Life expectancy of people with intellectual disability: a 35‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Patja K. , Iivanainen M. , Vesala H. , Oksanen H. , Ruoppila I. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 35‐year follow‐up study based on a nation‐wide population study of the life expectancy of people with intellectual disability (ID) was undertaken. The study population consisted of a total of 60969 person‐years. A prospective cohort study with mortality follow‐up for 35 years was used and the life expectancy of people with ID was calculated for different levels of intelligence. Proportional hazard models were used to assess the influence of level of intelligence and associated disorders on survival. People with mild ID did not have poorer life expectancy than the general population and subjects with mild ID did not have lower life expectancy in the first 3 decades of life. In cases with profound ID, the proportion of expected life lost was > 20% for almost all age groups. The female preponderance was manifested from the age of 60 years onwards, 25 years later than in the general population. Respectively, survival between sexes differed less. Epilepsy and/or hearing impairment increased the relative risk of death for all levels of ID. The prevalence of people with ID over 40 years was 0.4%. People with ID now live longer than previously expected, and the ageing of people with mild ID appears to be equal to that of the general population, posing new challenges to health care professionals.