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A statewide outbreak of Salmonella bovismorbificans phage type 32 infection in Queensland.

Between 30 May and 1 June 2001, 10 cases of Salmonella Bovismorbificans infection were reported to Public Health Services, Queensland Health. Investigations included enhanced surveillance, case interviews, a matched case control study, environmental audit and microbiological testing of faecal isolates (phage typing) and implicated food products. Forty-one cases of S. Bovismorbificans infection were detected, 36 cases were phage type 32. A matched case control study identified that illness was associated with consumption of food from 15 outlets of a fast food chain, Company A (matched odds ratio [MOR] 17.5, 95% CI 2.0-657.3, p = 0.004) and consumption of a particular product, Product X (MOR undefined, p < 0.001) in the week before onset of illness. Manufacturers of Product X ingredients were audited. Deficiencies were identified in equipment cleansing at the salad mixture processing plant (Manufacturer M). A swab of food residue behind the cutting wheel rim of the lettuce shredder was positive for S. Bovismorbificans phage type 32. This appears to be the first reported Australian outbreak of salmonellosis associated with a lettuce product. The investigations suggest that inadequate maintenance of cutting equipment to prepare lettuce ingredients for Product X by Manufacturer M was a key factor in this statewide outbreak. The statewide nature of this outbreak demonstrates the role of timely serovar identification of Salmonella isolates by a reference laboratory as an aid to outbreak identification, and the importance of adherence to appropriate food safety procedures in the manufacture and preparation of mass produced food items for the public.

Adolescent↗

Self-care strategies to reduce fluid intake and control thirst in hemodialysis patients.

The purpose of this pilot study was to describe how often hemodialysis (HD) patients used particular self-care strategies to reduce fluid intake or relieve thirst, how effective each strategy was perceived to be, and whether they planned to use that strategy in the future. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. The sample of 20 participants from one Midwest dialysis unit verbally responded to the self-care items that were presented. Most of these patients reported they regularly avoided the sun, took medications with mealtime fluid, limited salt on their foods, avoided salty foods, stayed busy, stayed away from fast food restaurants, drank ice-cold drinks, and drank only when thirsty to reduce fluid intake and relieve thirst. They also planned to use these strategies in the future. Interestingly, the strategies perceived as most effective--measuring daily allotted fluids in a pitcher to drink from all day, spacing liquids over the entire day, and measuring the amount of fluid they drank--were not the same as those they used most. Replication of these findings with larger samples is strongly recommended.

Adult↗

The inhibition of gastric ghrelin production by food intake in rats is dependent on the type of macronutrient.

Ghrelin is a peptide mainly produced by the stomach that increases food intake and body weight. Ghrelin expression increases with fasting and is diminished by re-feeding, but although the expression of this hormone is regulated by the feeding state, the relation with diet composition is not yet well established. We have studied the inhibitory effect of the intake of two different macronutrients (fat and carbohydrates) on ghrelin production by the stomach in fasted rats, as well as the relation with another important signal in the regulation of energy balance, leptin. Ghrelin mRNA expression in the gastric mucosa was determined by Northern blotting, and leptin mRNA expression was determined by Northern blotting in the adipose tissue and by RT-PCR in the stomach; circulating and gastric concentrations of ghrelin and leptin were measured by enzyme immunosorbent assay and ELISA, respectively. Our results showed an increase in ghrelin mRNA levels in response to 14 h of fasting. Food intake for 20 min after the fast produced a decrease in ghrelin mRNA expression that was recovered in 45 min in rats that ate the fat diet, whereas levels remained low when rats ate the carbohydrate diet. Serum ghrelin followed a similar tendency. The decrease in ghrelin expression by feeding was associated with an increased expression of gastric leptin only when animals ate carbohydrates. We conclude that the inhibition of ghrelin production by the stomach after re-feeding of fasted rats is dependent on diet composition and can be related to the different satiating capacity of the ingested macronutrients, which is higher for carbohydrates than fat.

Adipose Tissue↗

Evolutionary and anthropological perspectives on optimal foraging in obesogenic environments.

The nutrition transition has created an obesogenic environment resulting in a growing obesity pandemic. An optimal foraging approach provides cost/benefit models of cognitive, behavioral and physiological strategies that illuminate the causes of caloric surfeit and consequent obesity in current environments of abundant food cues; easy-access and reliable food patches; low processing costs and enormous variety of energy-dense foods. Experimental and naturalistic observations demonstrate that obesogenic environments capitalize on human proclivities by displaying colorful advertising, supersizing meals, providing abundant variety, increasing convenience, and utilizing distractions that impede monitoring of food portions during consumption. The globalization of fast foods propels these trends.

Advertising↗

Factors associated with the offering and sale of competitive foods and school lunch participation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify factors that predict offering and sale of competitive foods, as well as factors that predict average daily participation in school lunch. DESIGN: Surveys were distributed to 271 school foodservice directors in a random sample of high schools in Pennsylvania that were selected to be representative of the entire population of high schools in Pennsylvania based on chosen demographic characteristics. SUBJECTS: Two hundred twenty-eight school foodservice directors (84%) returned surveys. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were done using SPSS version 11.5 (2002, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). RESULTS: Percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals and timing of lunch were significant predictors of a la carte sales. Enrollment was negatively associated with number of vending machines per student. The number of less nutritious food items offered in vending machines and existence of soft drink machines owned by soft drink companies, for which the school receives a percent of sales, both predicted number of vending machines per student. Enrollment was inversely related to average daily participation in school lunch. The percentage of students eligible for free/reduced-price meals and enforcement of a policy prohibiting parents or students from bringing food into the cafeteria from local fast-food establishments positively predicted average daily participation in school lunch. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may be useful to school wellness councils in developing wellness policies as mandated by the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, as well as in structuring school environments to promote more healthful food choices by students.

Adolescent↗

Intra-nasal midazolam in conscious sedation of young paediatric dental patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of 3 different doses of intra-nasal midazolam in the conscious sedation of young paediatric dental patients and to compare the effectiveness of the sedation in the fasting and non-fasting child. DESIGN: Double blind random controlled trial. SAMPLE AND METHODS: Thirty-eight uncooperative young children aged 2-5 years (mean age 4.02 years) were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups. The groups and the doses of midazolam administered intra-nasally were A: 0.3 mg/kg, B: 0.4 mg/kg, and C: 0.5 mg/kg body weight. Each child in each group had two visits for restorative treatment: one without food (fasting) and the other with soft drink and light food (non-fasting) before treatment. Child behaviour and sedative effects were evaluated using the scoring system of Houpt. The vital signs were monitored continuously using a pulse oximeter and Dinamap machine. RESULTS: There was rapid onset of sedation with the maximal effect between 8 and 15 minutes. This sedation lasted for 25-40 minutes in Groups A and B and for 60 minutes in Group C. Conscious sedation and dental treatment were achieved in 79%, 96% and 100% of the children in Groups A, B and C, respectively. Consistently higher Houpt scores were seen in Groups B and C, with statistically significant differences between Groups A and C, and B and C (Tukey's range test, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the general behaviour of the child, the onset and the duration of sedation between the fasting and the non-fasting child (nonparametric ANOVA P > 0.05). All the vital signs were within normal physiological limits and there were no significant adverse effects either with or without fasting. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 doses of intranasal midazolam were effective in modifying the behaviour of the uncooperative child patient to accept dental treatment. This was irrespective of fasting.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Dihydro-vitamin K1: primary food sources and estimated dietary intakes in the American diet.

Dihydro-vitamin K1 was recently identified as a dietary form of vitamin K produced during the hydrogenation of vitamin K1-rich vegetable oils. Dihydro-vitamin K1 is absorbed, with measurable levels in human plasma following dietary intake. To determine the primary food sources of dihydro-vitamin K1 in the American diet, 261 foods from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Total Diet Study (TDS) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Of these foods, 36 contained dihydro-vitamin K1. Fast-food items that were otherwise poor sources of vitamin K1, such as french fries and fried chicken, contained appreciable amounts of dihydro-vitamin K1 (36 and 18 micrograms/100 g, respectively). These nutrient values were then applied to the FDA TDS consumption model to determine average dietary intake of dihydro-vitamin K1 in 14 age-gender groups. With the exception of infants, all age-gender groups had estimated mean daily dihydro-vitamin K1 intakes of 12-24 micrograms, compared to mean daily vitamin K1 intakes of 24-86 micrograms. The vitamin K1 and dihydro-vitamin K1 intakes were summed, and the dietary contribution of dihydro-vitamin K1 was expressed as a percentage of total vitamin K intake. Children reported the highest intakes of dihydro-vitamin K1 (30% of total vitamin K intake), followed by a progressive decrease in percentage contribution with age. There are currently no data on the relative bioavailability of dihydro-vitamin K1 but given its abundance in the American diet, this hydrogenated form of vitamin K warrants further investigation.

Adolescent↗

Bakery foods are the major dietary source of trans-fatty acids among pregnant women with diets providing 30 percent energy from fat.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate intake and identify major dietary sources of trans-fatty acids consumed by healthy, pregnant women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional prospective study using a food intake questionnaire designed specifically to estimate trans-fatty acid intakes calculated from a trans-fatty acid food database developed by food analysis. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Healthy, pregnant women (n=60) were recruited in Vancouver, BC, Canada. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 9.0, descriptive statistics were applied to all variables and paired t tests were used to determine differences in intakes between second and third trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS: The mean fat intakes (in g/person/day) for the second and third trimesters, respectively, were: 85.8 and 73.9 total fat, 31.5 and 26.4 monounsaturated, 29.7 and 26.3 saturated, 13.6 and 12.2 polyunsaturated, and 3.8 and 3.4 trans. Fat represented 28% of dietary energy in both trimesters. The major sources of trans-fatty acids were bakery foods (33% of trans-fatty acid intake), fast foods (12%), breads (10%), snacks (10%), and margarines/shortenings (8%). APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Women following diets providing about 30% energy from fat consumed about 90% of trans-fatty acids as invisible fat, with less than 10% from table spreads. Dietitians should educate pregnant clients about hidden sources of trans-fatty acids and emphasize the importance of dietary fat composition.

Adult↗

Effect of parental mental health status on adolescents' dietary behaviors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore whether adolescents of substance-abusing and depressed parents were more likely to have poor dietary behaviors than those in the health comparison families. METHODS: The sample consisted of 841 adolescents in families of substance-abusing parents, depressed parents, and parents without a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. All adolescents were given a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Adolescents whose parents had substance abuse disorder had lower intakes of fruits and higher intakes of high fat foods, and also ate more frequently at fast-food restaurants and purchased more snacks. Adolescents whose parents were depressed had lower intakes of all food groups. Mother's mental health status impacted more on adolescents' dietary behaviors than did the father's mental health status. CONCLUSION: This research suggests that at-risk behaviors among youth of psychiatrically impaired parents may extend to food behaviors.

Adolescent↗

Children's food consumption during television viewing.

BACKGROUND: Television viewing is associated with childhood obesity. Eating during viewing and eating highly advertised foods are 2 of the hypothesized mechanisms through which television is thought to affect children's weight. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to describe the amounts and types of foods that children consume while watching television, compare those types with the types consumed at other times of the day, and examine the associations between children's body mass index (BMI) and the amounts and types of foods consumed during television viewing. DESIGN: Data were collected from 2 samples. The first sample consisted of ethnically diverse third-grade children, and the second consisted predominantly of Latino fifth-grade children. Three nonconsecutive 24-h dietary recalls were collected from each child. For each eating episode reported, children were asked whether they had been watching television. Height and weight were measured by using standard methods and were used to calculate BMI. RESULTS: On weekdays and weekend days, 17-18% and approximately 26% of total daily energy, respectively, were consumed during television viewing in the 2 samples. Although the fat content of the foods consumed during television viewing did not differ significantly from that of the foods consumed with the television off, less soda, fast food, fruit, and vegetables were consumed with the television on. The amount of food consumed during television viewing was not associated with children's BMI, but in the third-grade sample, the fat content of foods consumed during television viewing was associated with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of children's daily energy intake is consumed during television viewing, and the consumption of high-fat foods on weekends may be associated with BMI in younger children.

Body Mass Index↗

[Some nutritional habits of a group of overweight and obese women].

The aim of the project was to research the nutritional habits of overweight and obese women. The group under investigation consisted of 100 randomly chosen women from the region of Malopolska. Their diet turned out to be inconsistent with proper nutrition. The majority of the women (80%) confessed not to reducing the cholesterol intake. About 50% of the researched did not pay attention to the food products containing the salt and sugar. Fast-food products and fat meat were commonly. The women were aware that their diet was not proper from the nutritional point of view.

Adult↗

Dietary habits and nutritional status of school aged children in Spain.

The different dietary habits and nutritional status of Spanish schoolchildren have been analyzed. Nutrition affects health throughout the life cycle, and it is best to begin to prevent harm early on. Habits are formed early in life, and habits are a major determinant of food choice in later life. Two trends in particular are worthy of mention in this regard: the progressive globalisation of the food supply and the increase of food intake such as snacks, soft drinks and fast food, wich tipically apport a significant part of daily diet. In Spain, young people are abandoning the "Mediterranean Diet" in favour of industrial products, full of calories and saturated fatty acids but low in nutritional components, wich is contributing to obesity and rising cholesterol levels. Also, breakfast consumption has been identified as an important factor in the nutritional status of children and in Spain we are observing that an increasing percentage of children are omitting breakfast.

Adolescent↗

[Trans fatty acids: foods and effects on health].

Trans fatty acids can be found in foods derived from ruminant animals and foods that contain partially hydrogenated fat such as fast foods. The consumption of trans fatty acids is larger in the United States, Canada, and some European countries than in Japan and Mediterranean countries. The incidence of coronary heart diseases is higher in countries where the consumption of trans fatty is high. Studies show that trans fatty acids can contribute to increase LDL and lipoprotein [a], and to reduce the levels of HDL. In addition, trans isomeric seems to inhibit the action of desaturase enzymes of essential fatty acids (A5- and A6-desaturase) by holding back the biosynthesis of important fatty acids such as arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). With respect to pregnant women's and infant's health, concentrations of trans fatty acids ingested by the mother are associated to concentrations found in the maternal milk. Besides the milk, the trans fatty acids can be transferred to the newly born through the placenta. Studies suggest that trans fatty acids can affect intrauterine growth due to the inhibition of the conversion of essential fatty acids by desaturase enzymes. The inhibition of DHA can also cause early atherosclerosis lesion. However, studies on the effects of trans fatty acids on health are still inconclusive and there are no current recommendations on their consumption. Additionally, in Brazil, studies to determine the composition of trans isomeric in foods are still incipient, which indicates a great need of research in this area.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

Health and nutrition survey in a group of urban homeless adults.

Homeless persons eat foods from municipal and privately run shelters, fast-food restaurants, delicatessens, and garbage bins. Data on the adequacy of the diets and the nutritional status of homeless persons are sparse. Therefore, we surveyed the nutritional adequacy of the dietary intake, the quality of shelter meals, and objective clinical parameters indicative of nutritional status in a heterogeneous group of urban homeless persons. The group comprised mentally ill persons, alcohol and illicit drug users, and temporarily unemployed persons. Although 86 of the 96 subjects (90%) in our survey reported that they obtained enough to eat, a low dietary adequacy score, which was based on the basic four food groups, of 10.7 (norm = 16) indicated that the quality of their diets was inadequate. Shelter meals and diet records showed a high level of saturated fat and cholesterol. Serum cholesterol levels above the desirable limit of 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg) were observed in 79 subjects (82%). In addition to a prevalence of hypertension and obesity (observed in 37 subjects [39%], these homeless persons were at high risk for development of or worsening of cardiovascular disease. We conclude that homeless persons who obtain meals at shelters are getting enough to eat. However, the shelter meals should be modified to meet the nutritional needs and dietary prescriptions of the large number of clients who suffer from various health disorders.

Adult↗

Assessment of the nutritional status of urban homeless adults.

Homeless people eat foods at municipal and charity run shelters, fast-food restaurants, delicatessens, and from garbage bins. Data on the adequacy of the diets and the nutritional status of homeless persons are sparse. Therefore, nutritional indicators of 55 urban homeless subjects were assessed, and a high prevalence of risk factors was identified. Although 93 percent of subjects reported that they obtained enough to eat, a low dietary adequacy score of 10.1 (norm = 16) indicated that the quality of the diet was inadequate. Diet records showed a high intake of sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Serum cholesterol levels above the desirable limit of 200 mg per dl were prevalent. Anthropometric measurements were significantly different from percentile distributions of the U.S. population (P less than .001). Triceps skinfold measurement was above the 95th percentile in 25 percent of subjects. Upper arm muscle area, which reflects lean body mass, was below the 5th percentile in 23.3 percent of women and 44 percent of the men. These decreased levels of lean body mass and increased levels of body fat, together with the elevated serum cholesterol levels and the shortages of essential nutrients in the diet, may place the homeless at risk of developing nutrition-related disorders.

Adult↗

A method to assess sodium intake in populations.

Dietary sodium measurement in populations has severe limitations whether assessment is based on urinary excretion or on food intake methods. We have validated a simple instrument to determine total dietary sodium intake of populations in a pilot study of 10 women, 20 to 36 years old. Sodium intake determined by means of the sodium measurement instrument was correlated with sodium intake from food analysis, sodium intake calculated from food composition tables, and measurement of 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Sodium values obtained with the instrument are based on regression equations, which incorporate information as follows: an average measure of 7 days' actual table salt use, the average sodium contribution of 17 high-sodium foods from a food frequency checklist maintained for 7 days, a calculation of drinking water sodium, and measurements of height and weight to establish 24-hour energy needs, a surrogate estimate of sodium found in all foods not included in the food frequency checklist. Participants were studied for 16 days: 7 consecutive days on either a 2,000-mg or a 3,500-mg sodium diet, 2 days' adjustment, and 7 days' crossover. Participants were allowed to select foods from a diverse menu, eat at fast-food restaurants, and consume alcohol if desired. Mean of 7-day sodium intake obtained with the instrument was significantly correlated with mean of 7-day sodium intake determined by food analysis (r = .80), from food composition tables (r = .62), and from urinary excretion (r = .56).

Adult↗

Role of food prepared away from home in the American diet, 1977-78 versus 1994-96: changes and consequences.

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes, between 1977-78 and 1994-96, in the quantity and quality of food Americans consumed that was prepared at home versus away from home. DESIGN: Data were obtained from nationwide surveys of food consumption conducted by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1977-78 and 1994-96. To maximize comparability, we used "day 1" dietary data, which both surveys collected via 24-hour recall. SUBJECTS/SETTINGS: Individuals 2 years of age and over were selected. USDA sampling weights were used to generate nationally representative estimates. VARIABLES MEASURED: We categorized foods by preparation at home or at restaurants, fast-food establishments, schools/day care, and other non-home locations. We assessed percent calories from total fat and saturated fat, and the cholesterol, sodium, fiber, calcium, and iron densities of foods prepared at home versus those prepared away from home. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: T tests were calculated using accepted procedures to adjust for survey design effects. RESULTS: Between 1977-78 and 1994-96, consumption of food prepared away from home increased from 18% to 32% of total calories. Meals and snacks based on food prepared away from home contained more calories per eating occasion, and "away" food was higher in total fat and saturated fat on a per-calorie basis than at-home food. "Away" food contained less dietary fiber, calcium, and iron on a per-calorie basis. Among adults but not children, food prepared away from home was more sodium and cholesterol dense. IMPLICATIONS: When developing intervention messages and strategies, nutrition educators need to be aware of the increasing role of "away" food in Americans' diets.

Adolescent↗

Prevalence of EHEC O157:H7 in patients with diarrhoea in Lagos, Nigeria.

The prevalence of sorbitol-nonfermenting Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) was assessed in 100 patients with diarrhoea by stool culture on sorbitol MacConkey agar. The cytotoxicity of the EHEC strains was analysed by Vero cell assay and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined. Detection rate of EHEC O157:H7 was 6%. Five of the six patients were males. Three of the isolates were from children and one was from a teenager. All strains induced cytotoxic effects in the Vero cell assay. All isolates were susceptible to most of the antimicrobials tested. The results showed that diarrhoea caused by EHEC O157:H7, a potentially life-threatening pathogen, has remained common particularly among the child population of Lagos during the past 10 years (5). There must therefore be adequate meat and food inspection to improve the general hygiene of local fast food restaurants, so-called 'bukkas', which are regarded as likely sources of infection.

Adolescent↗