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Biomedical subjects

A J Hill

Publications and source records attributed to A J Hill.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

New software for computer-assisted dental-data matching in Disaster Victim Identification and long-term missing persons investigations: "DAVID Web".

In 1997 an internally supported but unfunded pilot project at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) Australia led to the development of a computer system which closely mimicked Interpol paperwork for the storage, later retrieval and tentative matching of the many AM and PM dental records that are often needed for rapid Disaster Victim Identification. The program was called "DAVID" (Disaster And Victim IDentification). It combined the skills of the VIFM Information Technology systems manager (VW), an experienced odontologist (JGC) and an expert database designer (JC); all current authors on this paper. Students did much of the writing of software to prescription from Monash University. The student group involved won an Australian Information Industry Award in recognition of the contribution the new software could have made to the DVI process. Unfortunately, the potential of the software was never realized because paradoxically the federal nature of Australia frequently thwarts uniformity of systems across the entire country. As a consequence, the final development of DAVID never took place. Given the recent problems encountered post-tsunami by the odontologists who were obliged to use the Plass Data system (Plass Data Software, Holbaek, Denmark) and with the impending risks imposed upon Victoria by the decision to host the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne during March 2006, funding was sought and obtained from the state government to update counter disaster preparedness at the VIFM. Some of these funds have been made available to upgrade and complete the DAVID project. In the wake of discussions between leading expert odontologists from around the world held in Geneva during July 2003 at the invitation of the International Committee of the Red Cross significant alterations to the initial design parameters of DAVID were proposed. This was part of broader discussions directed towards developing instruments which could be used by the ICRC's "The Missing" project that seeks to identify the victims of civil unrest and other atrocities. The most significant of these recommendations was that the next version of DAVID should be web-based allowing it to be used anywhere in the world and on any computer platform. The original intention that the software should be made available as freeware was strongly reiterated and endorsed. During 2005 these recommendations have been realized. This paper will describe the design parameters of the new software "DAVID web" and compare its features and performance with alternative packages.

Database Management Systems↗
PubMed2004

Negative mood-induced overeating in obese binge eaters: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypotheses that induction of negative mood in obese binge eaters would increase food intake, and that this would be greatest in those who were highly restrained. DESIGN: Experimental manipulation of mood (neutral vs sad film) prior to the presentation of food in a taste test. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 40 obese female binge eaters (41.7 y, mean BMI=40.2 kg/m(2)). MEASURES: Visual analogue assessment of mood and hunger motivation, dietary restraint (Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire), and food intake. RESULTS: Exposure to the sad film resulted in a significant decrease in mood for both restrained and unrestrained participants. Those in the negative mood condition ate significantly more food, and the restrained eaters consumed the most. However, the expected restraint by mood interaction just failed to reach significance (P=0.06) CONCLUSIONS: The salience of negative mood in promoting overeating was confirmed. Conversely, dietary restraint had no significant impact on food intake. Further experimental work on binge eating in this group would be of value in clarifying the role of dieting and informing treatment approaches.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Children's weight-loss camps: psychological benefit or jeopardy?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the change in body image, self-esteem, and worries in obese adolescents attending a residential, weight-loss camp. DESIGN: A longitudinal intervention study, with a nonintervention comparison group of lean adolescents. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 57 obese adolescents (age: 13,11; BMI: 32.6 kg/m(2)) and 38 normal weight comparison adolescents. MEASURES: Self-esteem, salience of weight-related issues, body shape preference, weight and height at the start, and end of the weight-loss camp (mean stay: 4 weeks). RESULTS: The obese adolescents lost 5.6 kg, reduced their BMI by 2.1 kg/m(2), and BMI s.d. score by 0.28 while comparison children gained weight. Body shape dissatisfaction significantly decreased and self-esteem increased on measures of global self-worth, athletic competence, and physical appearance, in the camp attendees. This improvement took place without any exacerbation of existing worries about appearance or weight. CONCLUSIONS: While obese adolescents had lower self-worth and greater body dissatisfaction relative to the comparison children at the start of the camp, the intervention improved their psychological state. Greater weight loss was associated with greater psychological improvement, indicating the value of the intervention and the relevance of psychological change in effective treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Ultrapermeable, reverse-selective nanocomposite membranes.

Polymer nanocomposites continue to receive tremendous attention for application in areas such as microelectronics, organic batteries, optics, and catalysis. We have discovered that physical dispersion of nonporous, nanoscale, fumed silica particles in glassy amorphous poly(4-methyl-2-pentyne) simultaneously and surprisingly enhances both membrane permeability and selectivity for large organic molecules over small permanent gases. These highly unusual property enhancements, in contrast to results obtained in conventional filled polymer systems, reflect fumed silica-induced disruption of polymer chain packing and an accompanying subtle increase in the size of free volume elements through which molecular transport occurs, as discerned by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. Such nanoscale hybridization represents an innovative means to tune the separation properties of glassy polymeric media through systematic manipulation of molecular packing.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Dietitians' views of overweight and obese people and reported management practices.

OBJECTIVES: To examine dietitians' views of overweight and obese people, to explore the role of level of severity on these perceptions (overweight vs. obesity), and to explore the relationship between dietitians' views and their reported weight management practices. DESIGN: An independent measures survey, questioning dietitians about either overweight or obese people. PARTICIPANTS: One-hundred and eighty-seven members of the British Dietetic Association. MEASUREMENTS: A questionnaire exploring beliefs about the causes, attitudes, perceptions of responsibility and reported weight management practices. RESULTS: Physical inactivity was identified as an important causative factor for both overweight and obesity. Mood, eating too much of the wrong foods, repeated dieting and interpersonal factors were also seen as relatively important for both groups. Attitudes were mixed, but were generally neutral to positive. The most negative attitudes were described in terms of perceived reduced self-esteem, sexual attractiveness and health. Dietitians rated obese people more negatively than overweight people. They viewed both overweight and obese people as being responsible for their excess weight. They also reported very similar management practices for overweight and obese people. Beliefs about the causes of overweight explained more of the variance in practice than dietitians' attitudes towards or perceived responsibility of overweight and obese people. However, these associations were not consistent and strong, and other factors not investigated here are likely to have a greater influence on weight management practices.

Affect↗
PubMed2002

Efficient embedding technique for preparing small specimens for stereological volume estimation: zebrafish larvae.

Stereological sampling regimes, in particular volume and number estimation, often require systematic uniformly random sections throughout a specimen. A method has been developed to increase the efficiency of preparing fish larvae for sectioning prior to histological or stereological analysis. Embedding a group of larvae in a resin block using this technique greatly reduces the quantity of sections produced and allows easy assessment of sample groups. Saving time in this way therefore makes stereology a more viable research tool.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Evaluation of implementation and effect of primary school based intervention to reduce risk factors for obesity.

OBJECTIVES: To implement a school based health promotion programme aimed at reducing risk factors for obesity and to evaluate the implementation process and its effect on the school. DESIGN: Data from 10 schools participating in a group randomised controlled crossover trial were pooled and analysed. SETTING: 10 primary schools in Leeds. PARTICIPANTS: 634 children (350 boys and 284 girls) aged 7-11 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Response rates to questionnaires, teachers' evaluation of training and input, success of school action plans, content of school meals, and children's knowledge of healthy living and self reported behaviour. RESULTS: All 10 schools participated throughout the study. 76 (89%) of the action points determined by schools in their school action plans were achieved, along with positive changes in school meals. A high level of support for nutrition education and promotion of physical activity was expressed by both teachers and parents. 410 (64%) parents responded to the questionnaire concerning changes they would like to see implemented in school. 19 out of 20 teachers attended the training, and all reported satisfaction with the training, resources, and support. Intervention children showed a higher score for knowledge, attitudes, and self reported behaviour for healthy eating and physical activity. CONCLUSION: This programme was successfully implemented and produced changes at school level that tackled risk factors for obesity.

Child↗
PubMed2001

Randomised controlled trial of primary school based intervention to reduce risk factors for obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess if a school based intervention was effective in reducing risk factors for obesity. DESIGN: Group randomised controlled trial. SETTING: 10 primary schools in Leeds. PARTICIPANTS: 634 children aged 7-11 years. INTERVENTION: Teacher training, modification of school meals, and the development of school action plans targeting the curriculum, physical education, tuck shops, and playground activities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index, diet, physical activity, and psychological state. RESULTS: Vegetable consumption by 24 hour recall was higher in children in the intervention group than the control group (weighted mean difference 0.3 portions/day, 95% confidence interval 0.2 to 0.4), representing a difference equivalent to 50% of baseline consumption. Fruit consumption was lower in obese children in the intervention group (-1.0, -1.8 to -0.2) than those in the control group. The three day diary showed higher consumption of high sugar foods (0.8, 0.1 to 1.6)) among overweight children in the intervention group than the control group. Sedentary behaviour was higher in overweight children in the intervention group (0.3, 0.0 to 0.7). Global self worth was higher in obese children in the intervention group (0.3, 0.3 to 0.6). There was no difference in body mass index, other psychological measures, or dieting behaviour between the groups. Focus groups indicated higher levels of self reported behaviour change, understanding, and knowledge among children who had received the intervention. CONCLUSION: Although it was successful in producing changes at school level, the programme had little effect on children's behaviour other than a modest increase in consumption of vegetables.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed2001

Eating disorders and health in elite women distance runners.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the presence of eating disorder syndromes in elite women distance runners in the United Kingdom and any associated differences in training, dieting, general health, and well-being. METHOD: Athletes were selected from the top of their respective ranking lists for all middle and long-distance races in 1996/1997. All running disciplines were included (track, road, cross-country, and fell/mountain running). Athletes were sent the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire and a questionnaire on demographics, athletic training, diet, and health. Of the 226 athletes identified, 181 (81%) completed and returned the questionnaires. RESULTS: Twenty-nine athletes (16%) had an eating disorder at the time of the study (7 had anorexia nervosa [AN], 2 had bulimia nervosa [BN], and 20 had eating disorders not otherwise specified [EDNOS]) and a further 6 had received previous treatment. Comparing the eating disorder group with the rest of the sample showed no difference in age, height, preferred race distance, or the number of hours/week spent training. However, they had a significantly lower body mass index (BMI), lower self-esteem, and poorer mental health. Current and past dieting were significantly more common in the eating disorder group. DISCUSSION: The levels of AN and EDNOS are higher than would be expected in similarly aged, nonathletic women. The demands for leanness rather than exercise intensity appear to be the main risk in these elite runners. The early detection and prevention of eating disorders in women athletes should have high priority.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Health professionals' views of overweight people and smokers.

OBJECTIVES: To examine health professionals' views of overweight people, to compare these to their views of smokers, and to explore the role of level of severity on these perceptions. DESIGN: A postal survey of health professionals employing a two by two, independent factorial design. The health category (overweight or smoker) was divided by level of severity (moderate or extreme), so that respondents received questionnaires about either: (i) moderately overweight people; (ii) extremely overweight people; (iii) moderate smokers; or (iv) heavy smokers. PARTICIPANTS: Two-hundred and fifty-five general medical practitioners and clinical psychologists in the north of England. MEASUREMENTS: A questionnaire was designed to explore beliefs about the causes, attitudes towards, and perceptions of responsibility of overweight people and smokers. RESULTS: Moderately and extremely overweight people were perceived as having reduced self-esteem, sexual attractiveness and health, and to be moderately responsible for changing their situation (but less so than smokers). There were clear level effects in the perceptions of overweight, but not so for smokers. Of the four groups, moderately overweight people were viewed most positively and extremely overweight (obese) people were viewed least positively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, health professionals' attitudes to overweight people were neutral to negative rather than entirely negative. However, where apparent negative attitudes were more likely to be directed at obese people than moderately overweight people. As obesity is a risk to health, the practice implications of health professionals' negative attitudes or patients' reticence to visit professionals who treat them with disregard must be addressed.

Attitude↗
PubMed2000

Inhibition of Escherichia coli glucosamine synthetase by novel electrophilic analogues of glutamine--comparison with 6-diazo-5-oxo-norleucine.

A series of electrophilic glutamine analogues based on 6-diazo-5-oxo-norleucine has been prepared, using novel synthetic routes, and evaluated as inhibitors of Escherichia coli glucosamine synthetase. The gamma-dimethylsulphonium salt analogue of glutamine was found to be one of the most potent inactivators of this enzyme yet reported, with an apparent second order rate constant (k2/Ki) of 3.5 x 10(5) M(-1) min(-1).

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic↗
PubMed1999

Dieting and the family context of eating in young adolescent children.

OBJECTIVES: The potential for undernutrition and links with eating disorders make early dieting an issue of concern. The aim of this research was to examine the eating patterns, social circumstances of eating, and parental use of food in young adolescent dieters. METHODS: Four hundred and two 12-year-old children (200 girls, 202 boys) completed assessments of dieting, eating patterns, food-related nurturance, and parental control of eating, together with body weight, height, and self-perception. RESULTS: Current dieting (20% girls, 8% boys) was strongly associated with fasting and dietary restraint. Highly restrained children ate fewer meals and snacks and reported significantly greater parental control of their eating. However, they did not differ in the social context of eating or in food-related nurturance. Dieting status was a stronger determinant than body weight of all these differences. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that 12-year-old dieters are quite serious in their nutritional intentions. They also confirm an active role for parents in their children's dieting. Both children and their parents are in need of age and gender-specific advice concerning eating and weight.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Vegetarianism in young women: another means of weight control?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the links between vegetarianism (meat avoidance) and weight control in young women. METHODS: Self-reported food habits (indicating meat avoidance and weight loss dieting) and dietary restraint (using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire [DEBQ]) were collected from 131 young adult women. Restraint scores and weight loss behavior were compared between vegetarians and nonvegetarians. In addition, reasons for meat avoidance were identified in the vegetarian subjects. RESULTS: Vegetarianism, broadly defined, was reported by 34.3% of participants. Vegetarians had significantly higher dietary restraint, but did not differ in current dieting. DISCUSSION: The relationship between vegetarianism and weight control is complex. Vegetarianism may be best seen as a method for complicating the normalization of eating rather than a simple risk factor for eating disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Dieting awareness and low self-worth: related issues in 8-year-old girls.

OBJECTIVES: Since weight concerns and dieting are apparent before adolescence, this study examined the factors predictive of early dieting awareness. It was hypothesized that early dieting awareness would be negatively associated with perceived self-worth, particularly in girls. METHODS: One hundred seventy six 8-year-old children (86 girls, 90 boys) completed assessments of body shape preference, body and self-esteem, dieting awareness, and body weight and height. RESULTS: Children were more likely to advise a fictitious character, "Mary-Jane," to diet than they were to report dieting themselves. However, self-endorsed dieting was more strongly correlated with negative self-perception, especially in girls. Significant predictors of dieting awareness in girls included global self-worth (negatively), body mass index (BMI), and frequency of mother dieting (positively). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the view that young girls are drawn to weight control to improve their self-worth, and that mothers are influential in this regard. This early pattern of association is of questionable acceptability.

Body Image↗
PubMed1998

Food advertising on British children's television: a content analysis and experimental study with nine-year olds.

OBJECTIVES: The nature and significance of food advertising during children's television was examined in two studies: a content analysis of advertising (Study 1) and an investigation of the impact of food adverts on the self-perception of overweight children (Study 2). PARTICIPANTS: Study 1 monitored 91 h of children's broadcasting on four terrestrial and satellite stations in the UK. In Study 2, 103 children aged 9.75 y viewed two videotaped cartoons containing either food or non-food product advertisements. MEASURES: Study 1 used a detailed record of advertisement style and content. Study 2 included a self-report measure of current state, and measures of self-esteem, dietary restraint, body weight and height. RESULTS: Half of the 828 adverts were for food products, 60% of which were for breakfast cereals and confectionery/ snacks. Food advertisements used significantly more animation, stories, humour and the promotion of fun/happiness/mood alteration. In Study 2, significant interactions between advertisement type and overweight were observed on ratings of perceived health and appetite for sweets. CONCLUSION: While small changes are apparent, advertisements during children's television are still dominated by those for foods of questionable nutritional value, in a manner designed to engage attention and emotional response. That overweight children appeared more influenced by their personal enhancement message, suggests the value of further work identifying who is most influenced and by what features of advertising.

Advertising↗
PubMed1998

Fat, plain, but not friendless: self-esteem and peer acceptance of obese pre-adolescent girls.

OBJECTIVES: Poor self-esteem is assumed, but not consistently found, in obese children and adolescents. The aims of this study were a detailed analysis of body weight influences on self-esteem and peer acceptance in pre-adolescent girls. DESIGN: A cross-sectional comparison of girls in four weight (body mass index [BMI]) groups; underweight (< 10%), normal weight (10-85%), overweight (85-95%), and obese (> 95%). MEASURES: Assessments of body weight and height, body shape preference, self-esteem and peer nominations of popularity and attractiveness were collected from 313 girls aged 9y. RESULTS: Obese and overweight girls had significantly lower physical appearance and athletic competence self-esteem than their normal weight peers. Body weight had no impact on girls' rated importance of self-esteem domains. Heavier girls were significantly less likely to be peer nominated as pretty, but did not differ in their popularity. CONCLUSIONS: Prior to adolescence, physical appearance rather than global self-esteem is affected by overweight, and popularity preserved. Further research is required into the mechanisms of peer influence, and its consequences, in obese and overweight young adolescents.

Body Constitution↗