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Associations between daily food intake and excess adiposity in Irish adults: towards the development of food-based dietary guidelines for reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled in Ireland since 1990 and over half of the population has a large waist circumference (WC). No food-based, dietary guidelines exist in Ireland for a reduction in the prevalence of body fat or obesity. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between daily food intake and categories of body mass index and WC for the development of dietary guidelines to combat obesity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of a random representative sample of 1379 adults aged 18-64 years from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. MEASUREMENTS: Weight, height and WC were measured according to standard procedures. Diet was assessed using a 7-day food diary from which 28 food groups were generated and entered into logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Higher mean daily consumption of most of the 28 food groups was associated with an increased likelihood of being classified as obese or at waist action level 2, compared to normal weight and normal WC. The strongest associations were found for savoury snacks, butter and full fat spreads. Contrary to popular opinion, not one individual food group but rather a combination of many foods was associated with excess adiposity. CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index and WC in adults are strongly influenced by the amount of food consumed. Public health policies for a reduction in body fat and obesity may be more effective if the emphasis is placed on a reduction of food and beverages consumed as opposed to the traditional dietary recommendations for macronutrients.

Adiposity↗

Genetic and environmental sources on familial transmission in Biscayan families. III. The dynamometric strength.

The present research analyses a cross-sectional sample of 284 individuals (86 fathers, 86 mothers, 54 sons and 58 daughters) in 86 nuclear families living in the province of Biscay (Basque Country, Spain), with the aim of estimating both transmissible and non-transmissible components acting on familial resemblance for the maximum dynamometric strength of both hands, by means of a path analysis. Standardised data of each generation and sex were adjusted to a BETA model of path analysis independent of sex effects, allowing nevertheless the possibility to differentiate between transmissible (genetic and cultural) and non-transmissible (environmental) components acting on the observed phenotypic variance in Biscayan offspring. The results supported the full model of familial transmission for the two variables, in addition to other reduced models that gave rise to transmission effects regardless of any influence from the siblings' shared environment on the environmental transmitted component from their parents (b = 0), and without social homogamy between mates (u = 0). The most parsimonious model created, based on the previous ones, was accepted for both traits. The total transmissible variance (t2) explained between 21% (right hand) and 44% (left hand) of the observed phenotypic variation. These values are close to those from the literature (t2 = 37%). However, we should take into account that these kinds of estimations are specific for each group or population.

Adult↗

Comparative digestible energy requirements of adult beagles and domestic cats for body weight maintenance.

Digestible energy (DE) needs for body weight maintenance (BWM) of six adult Beagles and six domestic cats were comparatively assessed by using data from thirteen 14-day and nine 21-day consecutive apparent digestibility trials, respectively. In each trial the Beagles and cats were given different commercial foods, and feces were quantitatively collected excluding the first 7 days. The relationship between mean daily body weight change (delta BW) per trial and DE intake was examined by regression analysis of data for individual animals. Pooled mean (n = 6) data from 223 Beagle and 143 cats digestibility trials were analyzed by the same method. Significant (P less than 0.05) linear regressions between delta BW and DE intake were obtained (R2 = 0.43-0.93) for all individual Beagles, five of six cats and pooled mean data for both Beagles and cats. Mean (range) daily DE needs for BWM of six individual Beagles were 70 (63-78), 140 (127-146) and 173 (156-187) kcal for data scaled to kilograms, kilograms0.75 and kilograms0.67 BW, respectively. Respective values for six individual cats were 76 (56-89), 104 (86-114) and 114 (95-122) kcal. Analysis of group mean data for Beagles and cats generated daily DE costs for BWM of 76 and 66 kcal/kg, respectively, equivalent to 148 and 95 kcal/kg0.75. Thus adult cats had significantly (P less than 0.001) lower energy costs of BWM than Beagles when scaled to metabolic BW (kilograms0.75 or kilograms0.67), but not on an absolute BW basis.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

Ritual and rational action in hospitals.

Menzies argues that nursing hierarchies and ritual practices protect nurses from the anxieties provoked by encountering human suffering. This proposition is examined with particular reference to ritual practices in nursing. It is argued that Menzies studied nurses in isolation from the societal and subcultural norms and values which direct hospital activity. Her psychodynamic model is contrasted with a sociological model of human conduct and action. The characteristics of ritual and rational action, and the difference between non-rational and irrational rituals, is explored. The findings of three 5-month periods of participant observation are presented as illustrative case material to support the authors view, that ritual procedures are not only defence mechanisms against anxiety, but social acts which generate and convey meaning. Ritual practices described in this analysis include rituals surrounding birth, death, status and power. It is concluded that if nurses wish to change or alter ritual nursing practices in hospital it is necessary to understand their social as well as their psychological meaning.

Anxiety↗

The hepatitis B virus-specific CTL responses induced in humans by lipopeptide vaccination are comparable to those elicited by acute viral infection.

We have previously described the development of a lipopeptide-based vaccine, Theradigm-HBV, capable of inducing CTL responses in humans. This vaccine incorporates the HLA-A2.1-restricted CTL epitope hepatitis B core Ag 18-27, linked to the universal helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitope tetanus toxoid (TT) 830-843. Herein, we report the results of a phase I trial designed to examine the effects of Theradigm-HBV dose and regimen on the magnitude and duration of the memory CTL response. A total of four injections of up to 5 mg/dose were found to be a safe and effective means of generating substantial memory CTL responses. Precursor frequency analysis demonstrated CTL responses of similar magnitude to those previously observed in patients who successfully cleared hepatitis B virus infection and to influenza-specific memory CTL responses induced by natural exposure to influenza virus. Theradigm-HBV induced CTL responses that persisted for more than 9 months after the last injection. HTL responses were associated with significant CTL responses, and sustained HTL activity was necessary for development of persistent memory CTL activity. These results represent the first demonstration of the importance of HTL activity for development of long-lived memory CTL responses in humans. In conclusion, our results show that lipopeptides safely induce specific CTL activity in humans of such magnitude and persistence as to be of potential therapeutic significance.

Acute Disease↗

Multispectral magnetic resonance image analysis.

Multiecho magnetic resonance (MR) scanning produces tomographic images with approximately equal morphologic information but varying gray scales at the same anatomic level. Multispectral image classification techniques, originally developed for satellite imaging, have recently been applied to MR tissue characterization. Statistical assessment of multispectral tissue classification techniques has been used to select the most promising of several alternative methods. MR examinations of the head and body, obtained with a 0.35, 0.5, or 1.5T imager, comprised data sets with at least two pulse sequences yielding three images at each anatomical level: (1) TR = 0.3 sec, TE = 30 msec, (2) TR = 1.5, TE = 30, (3) TR = 1.5, TE = 120. Normal and pathological images have been analyzed using multispectral analysis and image classification. MR image data are first subjected to radiometric and geometric corrections to reduce error resulting from (1) instrumental variations in data acquisition, (2) image noise, and (3) misregistration. Training regions of interest (ROI) are outlined in areas of normal (gray and white matter, CSF) and pathological tissue. Statistics are extracted from these ROIs and classification maps generated using table lookup, minimum distance to means, maximum likelihood, and cluster analysis. These synthetic maps are then compared pixel by pixel with manually prepared classification maps of the same MR images. Using these methods, the authors have found that: (1) both supervised and unsupervised classification techniques yielded theme maps (class maps) which demonstrated tissue characteristic signatures and (2) tissue classification errors found in computer-generated theme maps were due to subtle gray scale changes present in the original MR data sets arising from radiometric inhomogeneity and spatial nonuniformity.

Brain↗

Comparative study of different weighting methods in non-linear regression analysis: implications in the parametrization of carebastine after intravenous administration in healthy volunteers.

The influence of different weighting methods in non-linear regression analysis was evaluated in the pharmacokinetics of carebastine after a single intravenous dose of 10 mg in 8 healthy volunteers. Plasma concentrations were measured by HPLC using an on-line solid-phase extraction method and automated injection. The analytical method was fully validated and the function of the analytical error subsequently determined. The parametric approach was performed using different weighting methods, including the homoscedastic method (W = 1) and heteroscedastic methods using weights of 1/C, 1/C2, and the inverse of the concentration variance calculated through the analytical error function (1/V), and the results were statistically evaluated according to the normal distribution. Statistically significant differences were observed in the representative parameters of the disposition kinetics of carebastine. The use of a multiple comparison test for statistical analysis of all differences among group means indicated that differences were generated between the homoscedastic method (W = 1) and the heteroscedastic methods (1/C, 1/C2, and 1/V). The results obtained in the present study confirmed the utility of the analytical error function as a weighting method in non-linear regression analysis and reinforced the importance of the correct choice of weights to avoid the estimation of imprecise or erroneous pharmacokinetic parameters.

Adult↗

Use of embryonic stem cells to study mutations affecting postimplantation development in the mouse.

The generation and analysis of insertional mutations that perturb early postimplantation development provide a means to identify genes required at this stage of embryogenesis. We have been studying two independently generated insertional mutations termed 413.d and H beta 58 that result in early postimplantation lethality. Each mutation is associated with a distinct phenotype. 413.d mutant embryos become profoundly abnormal around the time of gastrulation: no identifiable embryonic axis or mesodermal structures are formed. H beta 58 mutant embryos proceed further in development, forming a relatively normal anteroposterior axis before developmental arrest occurs. We isolated embryonic stem cell lines homozygous for each of these mutations and assessed their differentiation abilities and developmental potential in vitro and after their introduction into wild-type blastocysts. From these studies we conclude that the 413.d mutation acts in a non-cell-autonomous fashion: mutant cells appear capable of participating, in conjunction with wild-type cells, in the formation of derivatives of all three primary cell lineages of the embryo. H beta 58 mutant embryonic stem cells are clearly pluripotent but they appear to be more restricted in their developmental potential, suggesting that the H beta 58 gene product may be required by specific tissues of the embryo.

Animals↗

Toward on-chip X-ray analysis.

The possibility of performing chemical analysis and structure determinations with the use of X-rays in a microfluidic chip environment is explored. Externally generated radiation, radioisotope irradiation and on-chip generated X-rays were considered as excitation means for the performance of sample analysis with the techniques of X-ray fluorescence and diffraction. The absorption properties of chip-building materials by different radiation sources are reviewed and data on absorption coefficients calculated, upon which recommendations for optimisations with the use of various X-ray sources may be made. The capabilities and limitations of on-chip X-ray analysis are placed in perspective by preliminary experimental results of diffraction, fluorescence and on-chip X-ray generation experiments.

Absorption↗

Pharmacokinetics of mitomycin C in non-oat cell carcinoma of the lung.

The disposition kinetics of the cancer chemotherapeutic agent mitomycin C have been studied in six male patients receiving mitomycin C in combination with cisplatin and vinblastine for non-oat cell carcinoma of the lung. Following rapid IV administration of mitomycin C (10 mg/m2), serum concentration-time course data were biexponential, with biologic half-lives of 46.2 +/- 12.1 min (mean +/- SD). Pharmacokinetic analysis of data by the CSTRIP and NONLIN digital computer programs generated parameters which suggested extensive distribution (V area = 656.8 +/- 169.8 ml X kg-1, mean +/- SD) and, as reported for other alkylating agents, rapid elimination (total body clearance = 10.3 +/- 3.2 ml X kg-1 X min-1, mean +/- SD). Interpatient variations in pharmacokinetic parameters were relatively small, suggesting that close monitoring of mitomycin C therapy might be unnecessary in patients with normal renal and hepatic function.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗

Comparison of antibiotic dosage regimens using pharmacokinetic and microbiologic factors.

A pharmacokinetic meta-analysis was performed for 33 antibiotics used in treating infections caused by microorganisms for which the antibiotics are considered to be agents of first choice or primary alternatives. The pharmacokinetic indices assessed were the following components of the steady-state blood concentration-time profile: the magnitude of the peak antibiotic serum concentration at steady state compared with the minimum inhibitory concentration (CSSmax/MIC) and the intensity index, a dimensionless term that reflects the contribution of the peak serum antibiotic concentration and the duration that this concentration is above the MIC. Substantial differences in CSSmax/MIC and intensity-index values were observed among antibiotics within an antibiotic class for individual microorganisms and for groups of microorganisms. Piperacillin, amikacin, and tetracycline showed the best mean performances of the ureido penicillins, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines, respectively. For the cephalosporins, cefadroxil displayed the highest mean values of the first-generation cephalosporins; cefuroxime and cefotetan showed the greatest measures for the second-generation agents; and all third-generation cephalosporins demonstrated very high mean performance indices. Meta-analysis of pharmacokinetic performance factors is a useful technique for making intergroup and intragroup comparisons of antibiotics.

Aminoglycosides↗

Quantitative analysis of planar technetium-99m Sestamibi myocardial perfusion images. Clinical application of a modified method for the subtracton of tissue crosstalk.

Application of the Thallium-201 quantitative analysis method to Tc-99m Sestamibi planar myocardial perfusion images results in oversubtraction of tissue crosstalk, defined as 'activity within the myocardial image, which originated outside the heart'. A modified algorithm, specific for Tc-99m Sestamibi, was applied in 60 patients and the results of quantitative analysis to estimate the risk of coronary artery disease were compared with coronary angiographic findings and with visual analysis. New crosstalk planes were generated based on the results in 20 male healthy volunteers. The results in our study group indicate a higher diagnostic accuracy when circumferential profiles are generated on the basis of maximal counts compared to mean counts. Quantitative analysis was able to predict the presence or absence of CAD as accurately as visual analysis. Odds ratios were 1.07 and 1.32 respectively (P < 0.001) for both quantitative maximal uptake and visual uptake analysis. Sensitivity of visual analysis alone was 89%, increasing to 96% with combined visual/quantitative analysis. Specificity of visual analysis decreased from 79% to 64% with combined analysis. Although only minor differences are seen, the maximal count uptake profiles were found to have additional diagnostic value compared to visual analysis alone.

Adult↗

Postural control model interpretation of stabilogram diffusion analysis.

Collins and De Luca [Collins JJ. De Luca CJ (1993) Exp Brain Res 95: 308-318] introduced a new method known as stabilogram diffusion analysis that provides a quantitative statistical measure of the apparently random variations of center-of-pressure (COP) trajectories recorded during quiet upright stance in humans. This analysis generates a stabilogram diffusion function (SDF) that summarizes the mean square COP displacement as a function of the time interval between COP comparisons. SDFs have a characteristic two-part form that suggests the presence of two different control regimes: a short-term open-loop control behavior and a longer-term closed-loop behavior. This paper demonstrates that a very simple closed-loop control model of upright stance can generate realistic SDFs. The model consists of an inverted pendulum body with torque applied at the ankle joint. This torque includes a random disturbance torque and a control torque. The control torque is a function of the deviation (error signal) between the desired upright body position and the actual body position, and is generated in proportion to the error signal, the derivative of the error signal, and the integral of the error signal [i.e. a proportional, integral and derivative (PID) neural controller]. The control torque is applied with a time delay representing conduction, processing, and muscle activation delays. Variations in the PID parameters and the time delay generate variations in SDFs that mimic real experimental SDFs. This model analysis allows one to interpret experimentally observed changes in SDFs in terms of variations in neural controller and time delay parameters rather than in terms of open-loop versus closed-loop behavior.

Computer Simulation↗

Septic arthritis following arthroscopy, with cost/benefit analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Nine cases of septic arthritis following arthroscopy are reviewed retrospectively. All cases of septic arthritis followed arthroscopic surgery. The average age of the patients was 49 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by bacterial cultures of the joint aspirates. All cases were treated by appropriate antibiotics supplemented by repeat arthroscopy and placement of a suction irrigation system. The average stay in hospital was 21 days. The authors suggest that it is not possible to predict such a major complication based on risk factors and therefore present a cost/benefit analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis using first-generation cephalosporins as a possible means of reducing hospital costs and patient morbidity.

Adolescent↗

[Visual pattern analysis and reasoning: Ravens' Coloured Progressive Matrices in old-age and very-old-age adults].

Sixty-five non-demented elderly adults, born between 1895 and 1918 (mean age +/- sd: 80.0 +/- 5.4) were tested with Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). Subjects were recruited from homes for the aged and were rated by the staff as free from any symptoms of dementia or other psychiatric disease. Mean number of years of education was 8.2 (range 5 to 18). CPM scores ranged from 9 to 35 with mean +/- sd of 25.9 +/- 5.9. Subjects who had received more formal education performed better on the CPM (Pearson's r: 0.49). When education was controlled for in the analysis, the correlation between age and performance was attenuated and did not reach statistical significance (Pearson's r: -0.24). Test results appeared to be specific for generations, regardless of age. Mean performance in this sample was significantly higher than less recently published norms suggest. Analysis of item content revealed that the CPM consists of three main types of problems: two of a predominantly visuospatial type (12 items of simple continuous pattern-completion and 15 concrete items showing progressive changes in one or two directions) and 9 items of an abstract reasoning type. The concrete visuospatial items appear very useful in the assessment of visuoperceptive dysfunction, as for example in visual apperceptive agnosia. The abstract matrices were very difficult for most of our elderly subjects, so that these items cannot be used to detect deviations from normal old age.

Aged↗

Automated image analysis for monitoring oxidative burst in macrophages.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate oxidative bursts induced by phorbol myristate acetate in phagocytes at the single-cell level by automated image analysis. STUDY DESIGN: The generation of reactive oxygen species was quantitatively expressed by means of histograms displaying the percentage of cells corresponding to each of the total optical densities measured. RESULTS: Macrophage subpopulations were quantitatively defined. This method allows detailed analysis of the amount of formazan per cell and the sites of deposition of blue precipitate in each cell. CONCLUSION: Image analysis is a reliable quantitative, single-cell assay for studying various cellular characteristics associated with macrophage functions.

Animals↗

Comparative study of eight oxytocin antagonists by simulated annealing.

In this study, eight oxytocin (OT) antagonists were subjected to conformational analysis. By means of simulated annealing, 2,000 structures were generated to sample the conformational space. The preferred main-chain and side-chain dihedral angles, intramolecular H-bond interactions (types 1<--4 and 1<--3), and secondary-structure elements (beta-turns) were determined in the series of compounds. The influence of the modified amino acid on these structural elements was established; the values determined will be used as filtration criterion in preliminary research.

Hydrogen Bonding↗