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Biomedical subjects

A Worsley

Publications and source records attributed to A Worsley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Public views of the benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine consumers' perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. DESIGN: Mail survey that included questions on perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. SETTING: Victoria, Australia. SUBJECTS: Four hundred and fifteen randomly selected Victorian adults. RESULTS: The main perceived barrier to adoption of a plant-based diet was a lack of information about plant-based diets (42% agreement). Sex, age and education differences were present in over a quarter of the barrier items. For example, non-university-educated respondents and older people were less willing to change their current eating pattern than were university educated and younger respondents. The main benefits associated with plant-based diets were health benefits, particularly decreased saturated fat intake (79% agreement), increased fibre intake (76%), and disease prevention (70%). Age, sex and education differences with regard to benefits were apparent, although sex differences were more important than age or education differences. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of respondents perceived there to be health benefits associated with the consumption of a plant-based diet. Compared with the proportion of respondents who agreed that there were particular benefits of eating a plant-based diet, perceived barriers were relatively low. An understanding of the perceived benefits and barriers of consuming a plant-based diet will help formulate strategies that aim to influence beliefs about plant foods, plant food consumption, and, ultimately, public health.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Consumers' readiness to eat a plant-based diet.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine consumers' readiness to change to a plant-based diet. DESIGN: Mail survey that included questions on readiness to change, eating habits and perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. SETTING: Victoria, Australia. SUBJECTS: A total of 415 randomly selected adults. RESULTS: In terms of their readiness to eat a plant-based diet, the majority (58%) of participants were in the precontemplation stage of change, while 14% were in contemplation/preparation, and 28% in action/maintenance. Those in the action/maintenance stage ate more fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole-meal bread, and cooked cereals than those in earlier stages. There were statistically significant differences in age and vegetarian status between the stages of change, but not for other demographic variables. There were strong differences across the stages of change with regard to perceived benefits and barriers to plant-based diets. For example, those in action/maintenance scored highest for benefit factors associated with well-being, weight, health, convenience and finances, whereas those in the precontemplation stage did not recognise such benefits. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can be utilised to help provide appropriate nutrition education and advertising, targeted at specific stages of change. For example, education about how it is possible to obtain iron and protein from a plant-based diet and on the benefits of change, in addition to tips on how to make a gradual, easy transition to a plant-based diet, could help progress precontemplators to later stages. SPONSORSHIP: Australian Research Council.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

On the role of the starved codon and the takeoff site in ribosome bypassing in Escherichia coli.

Translating ribosomes can skip over stretches of messenger RNA and resume protein chain elongation after a "bypassed" region. We have previously shown that limitation for isoleucyl-tRNA can initiate a ribosome bypass when an AUA codon is in the ribosomal A-site. We have now generalized this effect to other "hungry" codons calling for four different limiting aminoacyl-tRNA species, suggesting that a pause at any A-site will have this effect. We have assessed bypassing in a large family of reporters with nearly every different triplet in the "takeoff site", i.e. the P-site on the 5' side of the hungry codon, and an identical "landing site" codon 16 nucleotides downstream. The different takeoff sites vary over a factor of 50 in bypassing proficiency. At least part of this variation appears to reflect stability of the codon Colon, two colons anticodon interaction at the takeoff site, as indicated by the following: (a) the bypassing proficiency of different tRNAs shows a rough correlation with the frequency of A Colon, two colons U as opposed to G Colon, two colons C pairs in the codon Colon, two colons anticodon association; (b) specific tRNAs bypass more frequently from codons ending in U than from their synonym ending in C; (c) an arginine tRNA with Inosine in the wobble position which reads CGU, CGC, and CGA bypasses much more frequently from the last codon than the first two synonyms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Consumers' health perceptions of three types of milk: a survey in Australia.

A survey was conducted among 345 randomly selected shoppers in Melbourne, Australia, to identify their perceptions of the healthiness of whole milk, reduced fat milk and soy milk and to investigate demographic influences on health perceptions and types of milk consumption. The survey revealed major differences in shoppers' perceptions of the three types of milk along the themes of bone health, weight control, disease prevention, and, allergy and disease causation. Generally whole milk was perceived more negatively than soy or reduced fat milk. There were few demographic differences in the shoppers' perceptions of the three products. Reported consumption of reduced fat milk was more frequent among women and elderly people, and whole milk consumption was positively related to parenthood. The findings suggest that previous marketing and education campaigns have been effective but the widespread uncertainty and erroneous beliefs about milk products suggest that many consumers have not assimilated new findings about milk products. This represents a challenge for industry and public health practitioners.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Income differences in food consumption in the 1995 Australian National Nutrition Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationships between an index of per capita income and the intake of a variety of individual foods as well as groups of food for men and women in different age groups. DESIGN: Cross-sectional national survey of free-living men and women. SUBJECTS: A sample of 5053 males and 5701 females aged 18 y and over who completed the Australian National Nutrition Survey 1995. METHODS: Information about the frequency of consumption of 88 food items was obtained. On the basis of scores on the Food Frequency Questionnaire, regular and irregular consumers of single foods were identified. The relationships between regularity of consumption of individual foods and per capita income were analysed via contingency tables. Food variety scores were derived by assigning individual foods to conventional food group taxonomies, and then summing up the dichotomised intake scores for individual foods within each food group. Two-way ANOVA (income x age group) were performed on the food variety scores for males and females, respectively. RESULTS: Per capita income was extensively related to the reported consumption of individual foods and to total and food group variety indices. Generally, both men and women in low income households had less varied diets than those in higher-income households. However, several traditional foods were consumed less often by young high-income respondents, especially young women. CONCLUSIONS: Major income differentials in food variety occur in Australia but they are moderated by age and gender. Younger high-income women, in particular, appear to have rejected a number of traditional foods, possibly on the basis of health beliefs. The findings also suggest that data aggregation has marked effects on income and food consumption relationships.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Public perceptions of the causes and prevention of obesity among primary school children.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate lay perceptions of the causes and prevention of obesity among primary school children. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected sample of adults in a shopping centre. SUBJECTS: 315 adults in Melbourne, Australia. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects completed a self-completion questionnaire, in which they rated the importance of 25 possible causes of obesity and the importance of 13 preventive measures on four-point scales: not important; quite important; very important; extremely important. Demographic information about the respondents' age, sex, marital status, education level and parental status was also collected. RESULTS: The most important reported causes of childhood obesity were related to overconsumption of unhealthy food, parental responsibility, modern technology and the mass media. The most popular prevention activities were associated with specific actions aimed at children. Principal components analysis of the causes data revealed eight factors, provisionally named: parental responsibility, modern technology and media, overconsumption of unhealthy food, children's lack of knowledge and motivation, physical activity environment, lack of healthy food, lack of physical activity and genes. Two prevention factors were also derived, named government action and children's health promotion. Parents saw modern technology and media, and government activities as more important causes, and government policy as a more important means of prevention than nonparents and men. Women's responses tended to be similar to those of parents. There were few educational differences, although nontertiary educated respondents reported that modern technology and media were more important causes of obesity than did the tertiary educated. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the public appears to hold quite sophisticated views of the causes and prevention of children's obesity. They suggest that a number of prevention strategies would be widely supported by the public, especially by parents.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Consumers' sensory and nutritional perceptions of three types of milk.

OBJECTIVE: 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.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Artifactually low glycated haemoglobin in a patient with severe hypertriglyceridaemia.

This report describes a case of artifactually low glycated haemoglobin (Hb) in a patient with type II diabetes and severe hypertriglyceridaemia. The effect of hypertriglyceridaemia on glycated Hb determination using the Abbott Vision method was investigated in a series of patients with diabetes. The interference of triglycerides in glycated Hb assays was also investigated by two other methods, the Beckman Synchron CX4 delta immunoturbidimetric method, and the Primus affinity chromatography high performance liquid chromatography assay.

Artifacts↗
PubMed2001

Influences on meat consumption in Australia.

In a study of influences on meat consumption, over 700 South Australians answered questions on frequency of meat consumption, beliefs about meat and nutrition, perceived difficulties with and benefits of vegetarian diets, personal values, number of vegetarian significant others, use in and trust of health/nutrition/food information sources, and demography. Perceived difficulties with vegetarian diets, the number of vegetarian significant others and beliefs about meat were important predictors of meat consumption. There were differences between men and women and members of different age groups, which should be taken into account when attempts are made to influence meat consumption. For example, health promotion campaigns that focus on whether or not meat is necessary in the diet may influence meat consumption, but would be most successful if directed predominantly at older people and men. In contrast, the meat consumption of women and younger people was strongly associated with more specific concerns about lack of iron and protein in the vegetarian diet. Some of the difficulties people find with vegetarian diets will also apply to plant-based diets generally, and such diets are becoming more widely acknowledged as providing health benefits. Therefore, the findings have important implications for public health.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

School and anaemia prevention: current reality and opportunities--a Tanzanian case study.

Iron deficiency anaemia is highly endemic in rural areas of Tanzania and in many developing countries. Its prevention among school children requires greater dissemination of knowledge of anaemia among children, teachers, parents and the general community. Associated improvements in the hygienic status of domestic and school environments are also often required. One-hundred-and-thirty-one anaemic children, 90 parents and 76 teachers were interviewed to ascertain their understanding of anaemia. Most children and parents had little knowledge of the symptoms, causes and prevention of anaemia. In addition to their iron-deficient diets, more than half of the children went to school without something to eat at breakfast and during school hours. However, parents and teachers were willing to work together to provide meals for the children. Poor sanitation in the children's homes and in schools was a little recognized factor which could pose a serious risk of anaemia. In addition, inadequate sanitation facilities and poor quality of physical environment prevailed both in the children's homes and in schools. The findings suggest the need for the establishment of a health-promoting schools network to provide a comprehensive framework for health promotion in schools as well as in homes in Tanzania and in other developing countries. Schools can be an ideal setting to positively influence a community's health status. Partnerships among teachers, parents and the wider community are required to identify, prioritize and ameliorate health problems.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Diet and hypertension in the Asia-Pacific region: a brief review.

In this paper, the possible reasons for the prevalence of hypertension in the Asia-Pacific region are examined, along with its likely dietary, nutritional and sociocultural causes. This brief survey indicates the need for more comprehensive blood pressure monitoring and surveillance throughout the region. Findings from research conducted in the region and elsewhere suggest that a variety of aetiological factors predict the occurrence of hypertension, most of which are similar to those observed in western populations. However, several lines of research suggest that obesity, abdominal obesity and a number of dietary constituents, in addition to salt. may play relatively greater roles than in western populations. It is argued that hypertension may be prevented via a combination of individual, community and governmental approaches which promote social capital, environmentally sustainable food production and the public health.

Asia↗
PubMed2001

Evidence-based nutrition and cardiovascular disease in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asia-Pacific region is undergoing a major change in both food and health patterns, with a connection between the two more than likely. Evidence for certain traditional Asia-Pacific foods as protective agents against chronic non-communicable disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD), in particular, is growing at a time when their usage diminishes. The nature of the evidence to establish relevant Asia-Pacific food-health linkages will include randomised placebo-controlled clinical trials, but is much more extensive and meaningful. Okinawans have probably achieved one of the most successful food cultures from a health point of view and serve as a reference point for the Asia-Pacific region. The expert working party has produced, in November 2000, the 'Okinawan Recommendations on Nutrition and CVD in the Asia-Pacific region'.

Asia↗
PubMed2000

Serum sialic acid in young type-1 diabetic patients.

It is well established that serum total sialic acid (TSA) is elevated in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) compared to non-diabetics. However, it is not clear whether serum TSA is also elevated in type-1 diabetic patients (IDDM). Twenty-one type-1 patients were studied along with age and sex matched normal non-diabetic subjects (ten males and 11 females). Their ages were 24.8+/-3.4 years (20-30) and 23.5+/-3.9 years (18-30) respectively. The duration of diabetes mellitus was 12.6+/-6.7 years (1-24) with a HBA1c of 9.0+/-2.2% (6.0-14.9). There was no significant difference in serum TSA of the type-1 diabetic patients 689+/-107 mg/l versus 670+/-119 mg/l in the normal subjects. Nor was there a significant correlation between serum TSA with patient age (r = -0.31), urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) (r = 0.25), HBA1c (r = 0.36), plasma random glucose (r = -0.04) or diabetes duration (r = -0.09) in the diabetic patients. However, there was a significant correlation between serum TSA and mean daily insulin dose (r = 0.51, P<0.02) and also serum cholesterol and triglyceride (r = 0.58, P<0.01 and r = 0.49, P<0.04, respectively) in the type-1 diabetic patients. In summary, we conclude that serum TSA is not elevated in young type-1 diabetic patients compared with normal age and sex matched control subjects. However, the relationship between serum TSA and serum lipids and also mean daily insulin dose merits further research.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Supplemental vitamin A improves anemia and growth in anemic school children in Tanzania.

We conducted a randomized controlled trial of the effects of dietary supplements on anemia, weight and height in 136 anemic school children from a low socioeconomic background in Bagamoyo District schools in Tanzania. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of dietary supplements on anemia and anthropometric indices of anemic school children. The supplements were vitamin A alone, iron and vitamin A, iron alone or placebo, administered in a double-blinded design for 3 mo. All supplements were provided with local corn meals. Hemoglobin concentration, body weight and height were measured at baseline and at follow-up after supplementation. Vitamin A supplementation increased the mean hemoglobin concentration by 13.5 g/L compared with 3.5 g/L for placebo [P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.19-13.57), the mean body weight by 0.6 kg compared with 0.2 kg for placebo (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.19-0.65) and the mean height by 0.4 cm compared with 0.1 cm for placebo (P = 0.0009, 95% CI 0.08-0.42). However, the group of children who received combined vitamin A and iron supplementation had the greatest improvements in all indicators compared with placebo (18.5 g/L, P < 0.0001, 95% CI 14.81-22.23; 0.7 kg, P < 0. 0001, 95% CI 0.43-0.88 and 0.4 cm, P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.22-0.56 for hemoglobin, weight and height, respectively). It is likely that vitamin A supplementation may have a useful role in combating the problems of vitamin A deficiency and anemia, as well as in improving children's growth, in developing countries.

Anemia↗
PubMed1999

How to improve the impact of nutrition guidance by general physicians: public health versus individual patient?

This paper will review the impacts that family physicians might exert over their patients' health, wellbeing and nutrition status. It commences with the examination of some of the characteristics of public health and family medicine as well as those of the societies in which family medicine is practised. This leads on to a discussion of several food, nutrition and consumer-related agendas which set the context for the work of family physicians. These agendas delineate the scope of family physicians' nutritional guidance. They suggest that current nutrition goals are one subset of a wider range of possibilities. Finally, several courses of action are proposed which may improve family physicians' impact on patients' lives.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1998

Teenage vegetarianism: prevalence, social and cognitive contexts.

The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of teenage vegetarianism and associated food habits and beliefs. Two thousand senior secondary school students (mean age 16 years), from 52 schools in South Australia, participated in a two part survey. The findings show that teenage vegetarianism is primarily a female phenomenon, ranging in prevalence, according to definition, from 8 to 37% of women and 1 to 12% of men. Support for vegetarian practices was high especially from mothers (63%) and classmates (46%). Generally, "teenage vegetarians" consumed fewer red meats than non-vegetarians but ate more chicken. They cited health, animal welfare and environmental reasons in support of their habits. The importance of operational definitions of vegetarianism is emphasized and the findings are discussed in relation to likely motivational influences.

Adolescent↗