bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on epizootic iridovirus infection among red sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel), cultured in Taiwan
Authors: Wang C S , Shih H H , Ku C C , Chen S N 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSince 1993, an epizootic viral disease has occurred in net‐cage cultured red sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel), in Peng‐hu Island located on the south‐western coast of Taiwan. The diseased fish exhibited abnormal swimming and were lethargic, but few visible external signs were observed. The cumulative mortality because of the disease sometimes reached 50–90% over 2 months. Histopathogical studies of the affected fish showed enlarged basophilic cells in the gill, kidney, heart, liver and spleen. These necrotic cells were Feulgen‐positive and stained blue using Giemsa. Transmission electron microscopy revealed icosahedral virions in the cytoplasm of the necrotic cells. The viral particles consisted of a central nucleocapsid (75–80 nm) and envelope, and were 120–150 nm in diameter. These results suggest that the virus belongs to the Iridoviridae. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), approximately 570 bp fragments were produced from the viral DNA using as a template 1‐F and 1‐R primers derived from red seabream iridovirus (RSIV) from red sea bream in Japan. Similar results were also obtained using nested‐PCR with different primer sets (1‐F, 2‐R and 2‐F, 1‐R). Although the size and some features of epizootics of this virus differed from RSIV in Japan, it shows close genetic affinities with the latter and it is suggested that RSIV has been introduced to Taiwan.
Changing practice nurses’ management of obesity
Authors: Ogden  , Hoppe  
Published: March 2003

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess ways of improving practice nurses’ (PNs) management of obesity.
Methods: PNs completed a questionnaire concerning their obesity‐related beliefs and behaviours, before and 1 month after being randomly allocated to either a ‘learner‐centred’ group (who received a leaflet and were invited to attend an interactive seminar), an ‘expert group’ (who received the leaflet), or a control group. At 1 month follow‐up, PNs were also asked to give a brief questionnaire to five consecutive patients who they saw for weight loss advice, concerning the content and style of the consultation. After 6 months, PNs and patients were sent a questionnaire about their consultation style and weight loss, respectively.Results: At baseline the PNs felt confident in giving weight loss advice, but stated that outcomes were poor and that the responsibility for this lay with the patients suggesting a professional‐centred approach to management. In terms of the intervention, the two educational packages had no differential effects on PNs’ beliefs about obesity. However, PNs in the ‘learner group’ reported spending longer on their consultations and being more patient centred, and their patients were more satisfied with the consultation and reported that they were offered calorie controlled diets the least frequently. In contrast, PNs in the ‘expert group’ reported giving weight loss advice more frequently and being less patient centred, and their patients reported greater confidence in the likelihood of weight loss and reported that they were more likely to be offered traditional weight loss interventions. The packages had no differential effects on patient weight. Conclusion: PNs’ management of obesity can be changed. However, being more patient centred may not always be the desired outcome. Perhaps a patient‐centred perspective should involve an assessment of whether this approach is best suited to each individual patient.
Treating obesity: can the stages of change model help predict outcome measures?
Authors: Macqueen C. E. , Brynes A. E. , Frost G. S. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Background: The transtheoretical model of behaviour change the ‘Stages of Change’ by Prochaska & Di Clemente (1982) has been advocated for enhancing dietary counselling. It has been suggested that understanding where people are in the stages of change model could lead to targeting of advice and improved outcome of dietetic management such as weight loss in the obese and reduced did not attend rates. This study assessed whether a six‐question staging model of the stages of change could predict which patients are most likely to not attend an appointment and predict those who will lose weight. Methods: Prior to the start of their dietetic interview, obese outpatients completed a simple ‘stages of change questionnaire’ (SCQ). This assessed where the patient was in the stage of change cycle, motivation to lose weight, how easy they thought this would be and attendance rate. Patients who did not attend were sent a SCQ in the post. Results: There were no significant differences in SCQ scores at visit one, between patients attending twice (group 1) and those who did not attend their second appointment (group 2). By visit two, 72% of group 1 who were in the action or maintenance stage of the cycle had lost 1.5±2.4% body weight, and were more optimistic and committed to doing so. There was no correlation between percentage weight loss and the first SCQ score in group 1 (r=0.05, P=0.73). It is of interest that no subject in group 3, i.e. those who did not attend both appointments, returned any of the SCQs after the first mailing and only 17% of this group returned one after a reminder was sent. Conclusion: Evidence from this study would suggest that the stages of change model does not distinguish between which patients will not attend a second appointment or lose weight. However, it may help identify motivated patients if used as a postal screening tool.
Frequency of consumption and nutrient composition of composite dishes commonly consumed in the UK by South Asian Muslims originating from Bangladesh, Pakistan and East Africa (Ismailis)
Authors: Kassam‐Khamis T. , Judd P. A. , Thomas J. E. 
Published: March 2003

Introduction This paper presents information on the nutrient composition of commonly consumed traditional dishes eaten by the three major South Asian Muslim groups residing in Britain, namely Bangladeshi, Pakistani and East African Ismaili Muslims.Methods Information regarding the most common dishes consumed by South Asian Muslims originating from Bangladesh, Pakistan and East Africa (Ismailis) and living in London was obtained from 7‐day menu records over two seasons. For each common dish, weighed recipes were collected in triplicate and the composition (energy and selected nutrients) was calculated from the ingredients and cooked weight of the dish.Results The three Muslim groups showed considerable variation in traditional foods commonly consumed as well as variation in fat and energy contents of similar recipes both within and between groups. Nutrient composition of commonly consumed dishes is presented calculated from the recipe nearest the average in terms of fat and energy for a particular dish.Discussion and conclusions The potential uses of the data, one of which would be to improve dietary compliance (especially to lower fat intakes) amongst the three diverse South Asian Muslim groups, are discussed.
The role of probiotics and prebiotics in the management of diarrhoea associated with enteral tube feeding
Authors: Whelan K. , Gibson G. R. , Judd P. A. , Taylor M. A. 
Published: March 2003

IntroductionDiarrhoea is a common and serious complication of enteral tube feeding, and has a range of aetiologies. Manipulation of the colonic microflora may reduce the incidence of enteral tube feeding diarrhoea via suppression of enteropathogens and production of short‐chain fatty acids. Probiotics and prebiotics are commonly used during enteral tube feeding to manipulate the colonic microflora; however, their efficacy is as yet uncertain.MethodsEnglish‐language studies investigating the pathogenesis of enteral tube feeding diarrhoea and the use of probiotics and prebiotics were identified by searching the electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE from 1980 to 2001. The bibliographies of articles obtained were searched manually.ResultsOnly two prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials have investigated the effect of a probiotic on enteral tube feeding diarrhoea; however, results are conflicting. No prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies have specifically addressed the effect of a prebiotic on the incidence of enteral tube feeding diarrhoea.ConclusionTheoretically, probiotics and prebiotics may be of benefit in prophylaxis against enteral tube feeding diarrhoea; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to support their routine use. Prospective, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies investigating their effect on diarrhoea are required. These observations are discussed with reference to the current literature.
Diabetes care in residential homes: staff training makes a difference
Authors: Deakin T. A. , Littley M. D. 
Published: March 2003

AimTo deliver an educational programme to care home staff in one residential home and assess its impact on staff knowledge and practice.MethodsOne home within Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, East Lancashire, was randomly selected for education programme delivery and evaluation. An initial assessment questionnaire was used to develop the two, 2‐h education sessions. Evaluation involved repeating the knowledge questionnaire 1 week and 12 months after the programme. A semi‐structured interview with the officer in charge further investigated staff knowledge and care practice.ResultsThere were 22 staff in the selected home; 12 participated in the programme. Pre‐ to post‐course knowledge gain was significant (P < 0.001) and knowledge retention at 12 months was 92%. The officer in charge also reported at interview that quality of care had improved.ConclusionsStaff education increases knowledge and is associated with improved quality of care up to a year after the intervention.
Treating obesity: a follow‐up study. Can the stages of change model be used as a postal screening tool?
Authors: Macqueen C. E. , Brynes A. E. , Frost G. S. 
Published: March 2003

AimsWe have previously shown that although a postal questionnaire based on the stages of change model (SCQ) failed to distinguish outpatients most likely to lose weight, it appeared to influence attendance rates. We therefore audited attendance upon receiving a pre‐appointment SCQ in the post and compared this to previous standard practice in 1996.Methodology and resultsSeventy‐eight obese outpatients (BMI 36.7 ± 6.7 kg m–2, age 43 ± 15 years) (mean ± SD) were included. Twenty‐nine per cent of patients failed to return an SCQ and were not sent an appointment and therefore did not block dietetic time. Eleven per cent returned an SCQ but did not attend (DNA) visit 1, whilst 21% attended visit 1 but DNA visit 2. Thirty‐nine per cent attended both appointments and lost a significant amount of weight (105 ± 23 vs. 103.2 ± 23 kg, P < 0.0001) in 4 weeks. There was no difference in SCQ results between groups. Overall attendance rate at initial and follow‐up appointments increased by 11%, while DNA rates fell by 20% compared with the 1996 audit.ConclusionThe SCQ has sifted out one in four patients who previously DNA an initial dietetic outpatient appointment. This has reduced waiting‐list time as appointments are only book on return on the SCQ form, increased effective use of dietetic time through increased attendance rates, and lowered the DNA rate of follow‐up appointments.
Relationship between ω3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status during early infancy and neurodevelopmental status at 1 year of age
Authors: Voigt R. G. , Jensen C. L. , Fraley J. K. , Rozelle J. C. , Brown F. R. , Heird W. C. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo determine the influence of α‐linolenic acid (ALA; 18 : 3ω3) intake and, hence, the influence of plasma and/or erythrocyte phospholipid content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22 : 6ω3) during early infancy on neurodevelopmental outcome of term infants.MethodsThe Bayley Scales of Infant Development (second edition), the Clinical Adaptive Test/Clinical Linguistic and Auditory Milestone Scale (CAT/CLAMS) and the Gross Motor Scale of the Revised Gesell Developmental Inventory were administered at a mean age of 12.26 ± 0.94 months to 44 normal term infants enrolled in a study evaluating the effects of infant formulas differing only in ALA content (0.4, 1.0, 1.7 and 3.2% of total fatty acids).ResultsAs reported previously [Jensen et al., Lipids 13 (1996) 107; J. Pediatr. 131 (1997) 200], the group fed the formula with the lowest ALA content had the lowest mean plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid DHA contents at 4 months of age. This group also had the lowest mean score on every neurodevelopmental measure. The difference in mean gross motor developmental quotient of this group versus the group fed the formula with 1.0% ALA but not of the other groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Across the groups, motor indices correlated positively with each other and with the plasma phospholipid DHA content at 4 months of age (P=0.02–0.03). The CLAMS developmental quotient correlated with the erythrocyte phospholipid content of 20 : 5ω3 (P < 0.01) but not with DHA.ConclusionsThese statistically significant correlations suggest that the ω3 fatty acid status during early infancy may be important with respect to neurodevelopmental status at 1 year of age and highlight the need for further studies of this possibility.
Five year results of a prospective very low calorie diet or conventional weight loss programme in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Paisey R. B. , Frost J. , Harvey P. , Paisey A. , Bower L. , Paisey R. M. , Taylor P. , I. Belka  
Published: March 2003

AimsTo complete 5‐year follow‐up of an intensive weight loss programme in established type 2 diabetic subjects.MethodsForty‐five obese type 2 diabetic subjects, Body mass index (BMI) > 30, expressed interest in an intensive weight loss programme. Group 1 comprised 15 who selected very low calorie diet (VLCD), Group 2, 15 selected intensive conventional diet and exercise (ICD), 15 failed to follow either programme. Group sessions of eight to 15 subjects continued weekly for 6 months, then monthly for 12 months with prospective recording at 3, 6 and 12 months and then annually of quality of life, BMI, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, serum fructosamine and serum lipids.ResultsWeight loss was slower in the intensive conventional diet group than in the VLCD group, but better maintained at 5 years: group 1, 4.8 ± 6 kg; group 2, 8.9 ± 4 kg. In the intensive conventional diet group, 5 year high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased 1.78 ± 0.26 mmol L−1 vs. 1.10 ± 0.32 mmol L−1 at baseline, and diastolic blood pressure reduced 74.5 ± 13.3 vs. 85.5 ± 13.3 at baseline, both P < 0.05.ConclusionsOut‐patient VLCD treatment proved safe and effective in overweight diabetic subjects but those who chose conventional diet and exercise had a slower but more sustained weight loss. Diabetic patients willing to attempt VLCD may safely lose sufficient weight to allow major surgery, but weight regain is inevitable. Patients willing to undertake a long‐term group programme of conventional diet can sustain significant weight loss for 5 years, but still require antidiabetic medication.
Fruit and vegetables – attitudes and knowledge of primary school children
Authors: Edwards J. S. A. , Hartwell H. H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectives  To evaluate whether children, aged 8–11 years could correctly identify commonly available fruit and vegetables; to assess the acceptability of these; and to gain a broad understanding of children's perceptions of ‘healthy eating’.Methods  Fruit and vegetables used were those readily available in retail outlets in the UK. Data were collected from three year‐groups (n = 221) using a questionnaire supported by semistructured interviews and discussions.Results  Overall, fruit was more popular than vegetables and recognition of fruit better; melons being the least well identified. Recognition of vegetables increased with age; the least well identified being cabbage which was confused with lettuce by 32, 16 and 17% of pupils in their respective age groups. Most children (75%) were familiar with the term healthy eating, citing school (46%) as the most common source of information. Pupils showed an awareness and understanding of current recommendations for a balanced diet, although the message has become confused.Conclusions  If fresh fruit and vegetables are to form part of a balanced diet, the ‘health message’ needs to be clear. Fruit is well liked; vegetables are less acceptable with many being poorly recognized, factors which need to be addressed.
A comparison of three methods for estimating height in the acutely ill elderly population
Authors: Hickson M. , Frost G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Most estimates of nutritional status rely on accurate recording of not only body weight but also height. Standing height is difficult to measure accurately in older adults due to mobility problems and kyphosis. Surrogate methods have been developed to estimate height including arm‐span, demi‐span and knee height. There are currently little data on the accuracy of these methods in the sick elderly population or which method is the most suitable in the clinical situation.Objective  To compare three commonly used clinical measurements that can estimate height and analyse their agreement with current height. Also to evaluate which method can be used most frequently.Methods  We used data collected as part of a larger intervention trial, in which elderly in‐patients (over 65 years), were measured for demi‐span, half arm‐span, knee height and standing height.Results  The results showed that demi‐span and half arm‐span could be measured in the largest proportions of our population, 75.6 and 72.3%, respectively. The correlation coefficients were high for all three estimates of height, r = 0.86 for demi‐span, r = 0.87 for arm‐span, and r = 0.89 for knee height (P < 0.0001 for all three). However, agreement analysis demonstrated very poor agreement between standing height and all the methods of estimation. The mean differences were 4.33 cm for demi‐span, 7.04 cm for arm‐span and −0.6 cm for knee height.
Snacking patterns influence energy and nutrient intakes but not body mass index
Authors: Hampl J. S. , Heaton C. L. B. , Taylor C. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective  To study dietary intake and body mass index (BMI) patterns among US adults, stratified by snacking patterns.Design  The 1994–1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) provided the study sample. Snacking episodes were defined as a ‘food and/or beverage break’, and subjects were classified as morning, afternoon, evening, multiple or never snackers.Subjects/setting  Our study included data from 1756 men and 1511 women who provided two nonconsecutive, multiple‐pass 24‐h dietary recalls.Statistical analyses  Mean values of each subject's two 24‐h recalls were used for analyses, and data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows and SUDAAN.Results  Compared with women, men were more likely to be evening, multiple or never snackers. Male multiple snackers had significantly higher energy intakes than did afternoon and never snackers, whereas female multiple snackers had higher energy intakes than did morning, evening and never snackers. At the same time, male and female multiple snackers had more prudent energy‐adjusted intakes of protein, cholesterol, calcium and sodium. Coffee, cola, milk, ice cream and fruits were among the most frequently consumed snacks by men and women. The BMI did not differ significantly across snacker categories.Conclusions  These data indicate that snacking patterns have some effects on energy and nutrient intakes but not on BMI. Snack food choices remain a concern, especially beverages, including those that are sweetened. Vegetables and fruits as snacks should be encouraged.
Epilepsy and intellectual disability
Authors: Bowley C. , Kerr M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA Medline and Psychline literature review of epilepsy in people with intellectual disability was performed. The review has highlighted the importance of the impact of epilepsy on the lives of individuals and their families, affecting physical morbidity, leading to an increased mortality and increasing the care‐giving burden. Interventions with a strong evidence base are mainly pharmacological with an increasing body of work on the novel antiepileptic drugs. Surprisingly little research exists into the quality of service provision for this population. The authors suggest three areas for future work: (1) an increasing application of research methodologies such as direct observation and qualitative studies into this field; (2) an exploration of the broad impact of treatment and (3) the possibility that epilepsy is a barrier to care provision.
Kinetic form discrimination in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Fox R. , Yang G. S. , Feurer I. D. , Butler M. G. , Thompson T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDiscrimination of the shape of motion‐produced forms generated by random elements (i.e. second‐order stimuli varying in element density and temporal correlation) was tested in four groups: (1) subjects with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), chromosome 15q deletion subtype; (2) subjects with PWS, uniparental maternal disomy (UPD) subtype; (3) equivalent non‐PWS controls; and (4) normal controls. The performance of the normal controls exceeded that of all other groups (78% correct, P < 0.009). The PWS deletion (66%) and the equivalent control groups (59%) did not differ (P < 0.95). The UPD group performed significantly less well (38%, P < 0.04) than all the other groups. The performance of the PWS deletion and equivalent control groups is consistent with other data indicating that these populations encounter difficulty meeting the processing demands posed by second‐order stimuli. The inferior performance of the UPD group may be attributed to receiving two active alleles of a maternally expressed gene influencing neural development. One candidate is the ubiquitin protein ligase gene (UBE3A), which is maternally expressed only and localized to the 15q region. Other possibilities include the requirement of a paternally expressed gene, residual mosaic trisomy 15 in the brain tissue or complex interactions including specific ratios of differentially spliced gene products.