bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consumers' sensory and nutritional perceptions of three types of milk
Authors: Bus AEM , Worsley A 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjective:To identify consumer perceptions of whole milk, reduced-fat milk and soy milk, and to investigate demographic influences on perceptions and types of milk consumption.Design and setting:Questionnaires covering nutritional and sensory perceptions of three types of milk.Subjects:Three hundred and sixty-one randomly selected shoppers in Melbourne, Australia.Results:Generally, respondents held positive perceptions about milk. Milk was considered as having good sensory properties, providing a good source of nutrients, and being a convenient and safe product. However, despite these findings, misperceptions and unawareness about the nutrient content of milk were prevalent. Negative perceptions were most common for whole milk and were mostly related to its perceived high fat, cholesterol and energy contents. Soy milk received lower ratings on sensory quality and convenience than dairy milk. There were few sociodemographic differences in consumers' perceptions. Although reduced-fat milk consumption was more frequent among elderly people and type of milk consumption was related to parenthood, no other significant effects of demographic variables were found on the consumption of specific milk types.Conclusion:Although positive perceptions were common, negative perceptions and misperceptions appear to be prevalent, presenting a challenge for nutrition education. Sociodemographic factors were not shown to be important predictors of perceptions and type of milk consumption.
Vitamin A capsule distribution to control vitamin A deficiency in Indonesia: effect of supplementation in pre-school children and compliance with the programme
Authors: Pangaribuan Rosnani , Erhardt Jürgen G , Scherbaum Veronika , Biesalski Hans K 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a widespread vitamin A supplementation programme and to describe indicators of compliance with the programme in Indonesia.Design:Prospective cohort study. Children's anthropometric data were gathered at baseline (June 2000) and 4 months later (2 months after supplementation in August 2000). Serum retinol, haemoglobin, ferritin, α1-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and at follow-up. Caregivers of the children were interviewed using a questionnaire.Setting:Semi-urban and rural areas of Semarang district, Central Java, Indonesia.Subjects:Children (n = 400) aged 1–5 years.Results:After the supplementation, the proportion of children with a low concentration of retinol decreased in recipients from 18.8 to 14.5%. However, in non-recipients, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency increased from 31.9 to 37.5%, this prevalence being significantly higher than in recipients. A significant decrease occurred in the proportion of recipients with low ferritin (26.5 to 16.2%) and haemoglobin (25.7 to 15.3%), whereas the proportions did not show a significant change after supplementation for non-recipients. Modest linear growth was detected in recipients after supplementation but there was no effect on ponderal growth. The coverage rate of the supplementation in the study areas was 60%. There was an association between compliance of the caregivers and their knowledge about the potential benefit of vitamin A supplementation, the place where sick children were taken and age of the children.Conclusions:The vitamin A supplementation programme marginally decreased the proportion of vitamin A deficiency and had a marginal effect on the nutritional status of recipients. More than one micronutrient intervention is needed to increase the effectiveness of the supplementation programme. To increase compliance and coverage in the supplementation programme, nutrition communication and private healthcare practices need to be included in the programme.
A qualitative exploration of rural feeding and weaning practices, knowledge and attitudes on nutrition
Authors: Kruger R , Gericke GJ 
Published: April 2003

AbstractAim:An exploratory qualitative investigation was done to determine the feeding and weaning practices, knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition of mothers/caregivers of children up to 3 years old attending baby clinics in the Moretele district (South Africa).Methodology:Qualitative data collection on six relevant nutrition topics was done using focus group interviews. Trained moderators, using a pre-tested, structured interview schedule, interviewed participants in six age groups. Focus group interviews were taped, transcribed and translated. Content analysis produced systematic data descriptions and ethnography provided descriptive data.Results:Breast-feeding was the choice feed and bottle-feeding was only given when breast-feeding was impossible. Solid food was introduced early (at 2–3 months) and a mixed family diet at 7–9 months. Milk feeds were stopped completely from 18–24 months. Weaning diets were compromised due to poor food choices, preparation practices and limited variety. The participant's nutrition knowledge regarding specific foods, their functions and recommended quantities was poor. The women adhered to their cultural beliefs regarding food choices and preparation practices.Conclusion:The data analysis revealed that inadequate nutrition knowledge and adherence to cultural practices lead to poor-quality feeding practices. Cultural factors and taboos have a powerful influence on feeding practices and eating patterns. Young mothers often find it impossible to ignore their ill-informed elders or peer group. Nutrition knowledge needs to be changed in a first step towards implementing improved feeding practices. Facilitated group discussions could focus on possible solutions for the identified nutrition-related problems.
Therapeutic Benefits of Cilazapril in Patients with Syndrome X
Authors: Nalbantgil Istemi , Önder Remzi , Altintig Ahmet , Nalbantgil Sanem , Kiliçcioglu Bülent , Boydak Bahar , Yilmaz Hasan 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objectives:</b> Although the pathophysiology of syndrome X (angina pectoris, positive ECG test findings and normal coronary arteriogram) is unclear, it is generally accepted that intracellular metabolic changes resulting from abnormal constriction of prearteriolar vessels due to endothelium-dependent vasodilation abnormalities may play a role in the pathogenesis. We established the effect of long-term treatment with cilazapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, which prevents the effect of angiotensin II in the tonic control of vascular resistance. <b>Methods:</b> 18 patients (15 women and 3 men, mean age 43.2 ± 4.6 years) with syndrome X were included in this study. A randomized double-blind crossover placebo-controlled trial was done. After a 1-week washout period, patients received either cilazapril 2 × 2.5 mg or placebo for 3 weeks, followed by 3 weeks of the other therapy. At the end of two periods, an exercise ECG test (modified Bruce protocol) was employed. <b>Results:</b> The magnitude of ST segment depression was significantly decreased during treatment with cilazapril compared with placebo. On the other hand, total exercise time and time to 1 mm ST segment depression were significantly prolonged by cilazapril. However, rate pressure products were not significantly different at peak exercise at or at 1 mm of ST segment depression during both therapies. <b>Conclusion:</b> Cilazapril exerted a beneficial therapeutic effect in cases with syndrome X. The possible mechanism of this effect may be a modulation of coronary tone at the microcirculation level.
Downregulation of Endothelin B Receptors in Cardiomyopathic Hamsters
Authors: Wong Wendy H.Y. , Wong Bonita P.H. , Wong Eric F.C. , Huang Min-Huo , Wong Norman L.M. 
Published: April 2003

The mechanisms responsible for abnormal fluid retention in congestive heart failure (CHF) are unclear. Studies were conducted to elucidate how endothelin (ET) may contribute to salt and water retention. Cardiomyopathic (CM) hamsters with moderate heart failure were employed for in vivo and in vitro trials. Clearance methods were used to compare the level of renal function in CM hamsters and control animals. Radioligand binding studies were also performed to determine ET receptor distribution in the inner medullary collecting ducts. CM hamsters exhibited an attenuated response to ANF infusion (FE<sub>Na</sub>: 2.7 ± 0.5 vs. 5.9 ± 0.8%, p < 0.01; FE<sub>H2</sub>O: 1.7 ± 0.3 vs. 3.2 ± 0.4%, p < 0.01; U<sub>cGMP</sub>: 11.2 ± 2.3 vs. 16.6 ± 2.0 pmol/min, p < 0.05) and a decrease in total ET receptor density (532 ± 77 vs. 959 ± 154 fmol/mg protein, p < 0.005). Particularly ET<sub>B</sub> receptors were significantly reduced (214 ± 26 vs. 483 ± 88 fmol/mg protein, p < 0.003). Enalapril therapy simultaneously restored the natriuretic and diuretic effects of ANF and ET receptor density in the diseased animals. These studies suggest that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and ET hormonal system act together, via ET<sub>B</sub> receptor downregulation, to promote the abnormal fluid retention observed in CHF.
Serial Changes in Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Endothelin-1 Concentrations
Authors: Petersen Claus Leth , Munch Michael , Frandsen Erik , Nielsen Jens Rokkedal , Hesse Birger , Dige-Petersen Harriet 
Published: April 2003

<b>Aim:</b> The study was designed to assess temporal changes in atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and endothelin-1 (ET) concentrations in patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and their relationships to cardiac performance determined by radionuclide ventriculography. <b>Patients and Methods:</b> 20 patients with first AMI were studied. Blood samples were drawn within the first 4–18 h, after 18–24 h, and on days 2, 3 and 6. Plasma concentrations of ANP and ET were measured in blood samples taken simultaneously. Radionuclide ventriculography was performed on the day of discharge to determine left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left-ventricular end-diastolic volume index, end-systolic volume index and left-ventricular stroke volume index. <b>Results:</b> Median concentrations of ET decreased from 2.15 pmol/l on admission to 1.45 pmol/l at discharge (32%, p < 0.001). Median ANP rose from 29 to 79 pg/ml (172%, p < 0.001). The increment in ANP and the decrease in ET concentrations from admission to discharge was inversely correlated (r = –0.81, p < 0.005). ANP was inversely correlated to LVEF (r = –0.82, p < 0.001) and to the end-systolic volume index at discharge (r = –0.73, p < 0.003). <b>Conclusion:</b> Dynamic and inverse fluctuations in ET and ANP occur within the 1st week of AMI. The magnitude of endocrine activation in the ANP-ET system seems to reflect an impairment in the left-ventricular systolic performance.
Long-Term Effects on Cardiac Output and Peripheral Resistance in Patients Treated with Enalapril after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Edner Magnus , Caidahl Kenneth , Bonarjee Vernon V.S. , Nilsen Dennis W.T. , Carstensen Steen , Berning Jens , On behalf of the CONSENSUS IIMulti-Echo Study Group J. 
Published: April 2003

In the Cooperative New Scandinavian Enalapril Survival Study (CONSENSUS II), in which enalapril treatment was initiated intravenously within 24 h after acute myocardial infarction, there was a neutral effect on 6-month mortality, whereas a beneficial effect on the progression of congestive heart failure was noted. We studied the effect of enalapril on left ventricular systolic function in terms of cardiac output and mean acceleration time measured by pulsed-wave Doppler in the left ventricular outflow tract and peripheral resistance. Early angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition after acute myocardial infarction did not result in a general improvement of cardiac output. However, a small increase in cardiac output was observed in a subgroup of enalapril-treated patients with ejection fraction ≥45%, probably due to a reduction in peripheral resistance in these patients.
Influence of Thermal Stress on the Incidence of Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Temperate Climate
Authors: Fries Roland , Jung Jens , Özbek Cem , Bay Wolfgang , Schieffer Hermann , Heisel Armin 
Published: April 2003

Using a Poisson regression model the relative incidence of acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) prospectively registered in 8 hospitals within a radius of 50 km during a 2-year period was correlated with the outside conditions characterized by a complete thermophysiological model (Klima-Michel Model) defining thermal stress. An increase in the incidence of AMI related to thermal stress could be demonstrated neither by splitting the study period into 12 equally sized ‘felt-temperature’ classes by months of the year nor by single days. This was confirmed by correlation of the AMI rate with the mean felt-temperature level during the preceding 14 days. Thermal stress caused by the atmospheric conditions in a temperate climate may be too weak to influence significantly the incidence of AMI.
Intracellular Magnesium Predicts Functional Capacity in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Shechter Michael , Paul-Labrador Maura J. , Rude Robert K. , Bairey Merz C. Noel 
Published: April 2003

To determine whether increased intracellular levels of magnesium ([Mg]<sub>i</sub>) are associated with enhanced functional capacity, we performed symptom-limited exercise treadmill testing on 42 stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (37 men, 5 women, mean age 68 ± 9 years). [Mg]<sub>i</sub> was found to be an independent and significant predictor of exercise duration (R = 0.31, p = 0.02) in a multivariate stepwise regression model. Patients with > normal [Mg]<sub>i</sub> of 1.23 µg/mg protein (n = 13) had a significantly greater mean functional capacity, measured in higher achieved metabolic equivalents (10.6 ± 2.5 vs. 8.9 ± 2.3, p < 0.05) and exercise duration (9.4 ± 2.3 vs. 7.9 ± 2.2 min, p < 0.05) compared to patients with [Mg]<sub>i</sub> ≤ the normal (n = 29). Thus, functional capacity is greater in stable CAD patients with higher [Mg]<sub>i</sub>, suggesting that magnesium may play a role in CAD pathophysiology, possibly via ventricular unloading.
Relationship between Depressed Baroreflex Function and Exaggerated Sympathetic Response to Exercise in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Rostagno Carlo , Caciolli Sabina , Felici Massimo , Galanti Giorgio , Comeglio Marco , Boddi Maria , Coppo Mirella , Olivo Giuseppe , NeriSerneri Gian Gastone 
Published: April 2003

The relationship between impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BS) and the degree of sympathetic activation during exercise in patients with heart failure (HF) has not been studied in detail. For this purpose, we studied BS and measured plasma norepinephrine (NE) at rest, and during and after treadmill exercise in 15 patients and 10 controls. HF patients showed lower BS in comparison to controls (3.51 ± 3.62 vs. 9.74 ± 4.56 ms/mm Hg; p < 0.001), and higher levels of plasma NE at rest (449.3 ± 147.1 vs. 261.1 ± 82.48 pg/ml; p < 0.001) and during exercise (1,542 ± 361.2 vs. 524.6 ± 92.61 pg/ml; p < 0.001). BS was directly related to pVO<sub>2</sub> (r = 0.62; p = 0.0008) and inversely related to NE at peak exercise and to the increase in NE during exercise (r = 0.59, p = 0.005, and r = 0.53; p = 0.0058). Thus, during exercise, a marked sympathetic activation exists in patients with moderate HF. The relationship between increased plasma NE during exercise and decreased BS suggests that impaired baroreceptor function may be present in sympathetic activation in HF patients.
C-Reactive Protein in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kaneko Katsumi , Kanda Tsugiyasu , Yamauchi Yasuhiko , Hasegawa Akira , Iwasaki Tsutomu , Arai Masashi , Suzuki Tadashi , Kobayashi Isao , Nagai Ryozo 
Published: April 2003

The prognosis for patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is poor, although clinical features are variable. Prediction of outcome has been difficult in individual patients based on laboratory data. In some patients with DCM, myocardial damage secondary to viral or immune-mediated myocardial inflammation may persist. To objectively assess inflammation, we measured plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in 188 patients with idiopathic DCM over 5–8 years. All had dyspnea and fatigue at rest; all patients had a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% by echocardiography or by contrast or radionuclide ventriculography. We divided these patients into two groups: patients dying within 5 years following admission (n = 49) and the remainder surviving for at least 5 years (n = 139). CRP concentrations in the patients dying early were significantly higher than in the long-term survivors (1.05 ± 1.37 vs. 0.49 ± 1.04 mg/dl, p < 0.05). Sixty-two percent of the patients with CRP>1.0 died within 5 years. In addition to other laboratory tests including electrocardiography and echocardiography, routine CRP measurements proved to be valuable for identifying high-risk patients who require special treatment strategies.
Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism on the Left-Ventricular Function and Mass in Patients with Acromegaly
Authors: Erbas Tomris , Alikasifoglu Mehmet , Aksöyek Serdar , Unsal Ibrahim , Gedik Olcay , Tuncbilek Ergül 
Published: April 2003

In this study we have investigated the contribution of the ACE genotype to the development of left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and systolic and diastolic dysfunctions in acromegalic patients. The study group consisted of 30 acromegalic patients (21 women and 9 men, age: 37.9 ± 10.8 years, disease duration: 9.0 ± 6.9 years). The distribution of the DD, ID and II genotypes was 40.0 (n = 12), 46.6 (n = 14) and 13.3% (n = 4), respectively, being similar to frequencies observed in a healthy population. Plasma ACE levels were 55.0 ± 12.0 (45–84), 28.7 ± 15.7 (8–58) and 24.5 ± 12.0 (16–33) U/l in patients with the DD, ID and II genotype, respectively. The mean serum ACE activity in the DD genotype was significantly higher than in the heterozygous group (p < 0.0001). Serum ACE activity showed a significant negative association with the mean growth hormone level (r = –0.52, p = 0.007). The LV early diastolic flow velocity/LV presystolic flow velocity (E/A) ratios were 1.2 ± 0.4 for the DD genotype, 1.3 ± 0.3 for the ID genotype and 0.7 ± 0.1 for the II genotype. The E/A ratio was considerably lower in acromegalic patients with the II genotype compared to the other genotypes (p = 0.03). The LV mass index (LVMI) values were 131.5 ± 4.2 g/m<sup>2</sup> for the DD genotype, 141.7 ± 50.3 g/m<sup>2</sup> for the ID genotype and 159.6 ± 48.2 g/m<sup>2</sup> for the II genotype. However, there was no significant difference in LVMI among allelic groups. All other indices of systolic and diastolic function were not statistically different in the acromegalic patients. The present data fail to support a role of ACE gene polymorphism in determining LVH in acromegalic patients. However, the I allele may prove as a useful marker predicting the development of diastolic dysfunction in acromegalic patients.
Atrial Ejection Force in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Jahns Roland , Naito Johji , Tony Hans-Peter , Inselmann Gerhard 
Published: April 2003

Systemic autoimmune disorders may affect several organs, including the heart. We analyzed two-dimensional and pulsed Doppler echocardiograms of patients (n = 37) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n = 24) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n = 13) to determine whether atrial ejection force (AEF) could represent a suitable parameter for detecting left ventricular filling abnormalities in SLE and RA. In both patient subgroups, AEF was significantly higher than in healthy controls (n = 40) matched for gender and age (14.0 ± 5.4 vs. 11.0 ± 3.5 kdyn, p < 0.01). Because conventional echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular function failed to detect such a difference, AEF might serve as an additional sensitive parameter for detecting left ventricular diastolic filling abnormalities early in the course of a systemic autoimmune disease.
Continuous Infusion of Vancomycin in Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus Infection
Authors: Di Filippo A. , De Gaudio A.R. , Novelli A. , Paternostro E. , Pelagatti C. , Livi P. , Novelli G.P. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objective:</b> The aim of the study was to verify the therapeutic response of vancomycin in methicillin-resistant staphylococcus infection (MRSA/MRCNS) administered according to two different methods (intermittent infusion vs. continuous infusion). <b>Method:</b> Experimental plan: retrospective study; study environment: university hospital, two intensive care units. Twenty-five critically ill patients submitted to antibiotic treatment with vancomycin for infection from MRSA/MRCNS were studied. The patients, who were classified according to SAPS II scores, were divided into two groups: group A (n = 14): dose of vancomycin of 0.5 g × 4/day and group B (n = 11): dose of 2 g/day of vancomycin administered in a continuous infusion. Before the antibiotic therapy was started (T1) and prior to its end (T2), the following parameters were evaluated: degree of impairment of the main organs and systems by means of sepsis-related organ failure assessment score (SOFA) and count of the white blood cells (WBC). The length of the hospital stay during intensive care was calculated for both groups (statistics: Student t test). <b>Results:</b> No significant differences were found in the SAPS II scores and in the length of the hospital stay. In a comparison of the T1 and T2 results, we noted that patients of group A had no variations in the SOFA scores (4.84 ± 2.48 vs. 4 ± 3.9) and in the WBC mean values (12,415 ± 5,099 vs. 12,841 ± 6,864 cells/mm<sup>3</sup>). In contrast, in the patients of group B, we noted significant variations (p < 0.05) in the mean values of the SOFA scores (6.62 ± 2.2 vs. 4.37 ± 3.5) and in the mean values relative to the WBC count (17,242 ± 12,842 vs. 10,757 ± 3,610 cells/mm<sup>3</sup>). <b>Conclusions:</b> In critically ill patients suffering from MRSA/MRCNS infection, vancomycin administration in continuous infusions improved organ function and leukocyte response, but did not seem to modify the overall evolution of the disease.