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Relation between food preference and food-elicited vocalizations in golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia).

We report the results of 2 studies on food-elicited vocalizations in golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia). First, we investigated the preferences of 10 golden lion tamarins for 6 foods. Tamarins prefer mealworms and raisins significantly more than apple, egg, carrot, or marmoset diet. Food preference rank was significantly and positively correlated with the rank of latency to choose a particular food. Second, we investigated the relation between food preference and 15 vocal parameters measured from the calls emitted by 5 tamarins to a subset of the foods. Only 1 parameter was significantly correlated with food preference across animals. Within-subjects multivariate analysis of variance showed that the vocalizations to foods are significantly different. Our results support an hypothesis that food-elicited vocalizations vary in ways that correspond to the caller's preference but not in a manner that labels food type.

Affect↗

Dietary exposure to chemicals within the process of risk assessment: possible applications to substances that may cause allergic reactions.

Exposure assessment is one of the key parts of the risk assessment process. This task is crucial when evaluating substances for which only intake of toxicologically-important amounts can lead to adverse health effects. Ideally, dietary exposure to hazardous substances can be assessed by combining data on concentration in all food products with data on their consumption. However, it is considered to be neither cost-effective nor necessary to collect detailed data for every substance, and a stepwise procedure is commonly used to focus resources on the most important issues. Screening methods, designed to look for 'worst case' situations, are first used to target chemicals that might be of health concern for the general population or for certain at-risk groups. The quality of the dietary exposure assessments not only depends on the quality of the data collected, but also on the integration tools used for initial screening or for the eventual more precise estimations. A particular challenge is the evaluation of food allergens and components causing other forms of intolerances, since no reliable data seem to be currently available on the type of exposure (amounts and duration) required to induce a food allergy. A different approach from that used for dietary exposure to other hazardous substances has to be adopted. However, the methodologies (such as those used to collect food consumption data) and databases (in particular, information about food labels) developed in such a context could be useful to investigate the exposure conditions leading to the development of food allergies.

Allergens↗

Diabetes in urban African Americans. V. Use of discussion groups to identify barriers to dietary therapy among low-income individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Dietary therapy remains an integral part of diabetes management. The study objective was to identify potential barriers to dietary adherence among low-income, urban black patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Forty-five patients participated in discussion group interviews that consisted of open-ended questions. Four problem areas were identified: habitual, economic, social, and conceptual. Most patients felt that the recommended meal plans were lacking in taste, and the cost of low-fat and sugar-free items was perceived as a major drawback. Lack of family support and family pressure to use fat-containing food seasoning were frequent problems. Participants had trouble following the food exchange system and analyzing food labels. Feedback suggested that dietary strategies may need to be revised to provide appropriate menus, identify low-cost foods, involve patients' families, and teach patients how to make healthy food choices. The discussion group approach was quick, simple, and could be easily translated to other settings.

Black or African American↗

Determination of niacin in infant formula and wheat flour by anion-exchange liquid chromatography with solid-phase extraction cleanup.

Niacin content must be included on food labels of infant formula products and bakery products containing enriched flour. Liquid chromatographic (LC) determination of niacin in complex food matrixes is complicated by the presence of endogenous compounds that absorb at the commonly used wave-length of 260 nm. Also, the presence of particulate matter in the standard sulfuric acid extraction procedure results in reduced life of LC columns and precolumns. A simple, rapid, solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure for separation and cleanup of niacin from a complex food matrix digest has been developed. By using a vacuum manifold with the SPE column system, multiple samples can be processed quickly and efficiently for LC analysis, compared with gravimetric column cleanup. Sulfuric acid sample digest is passed over an aromatic sulfonic acid cation-exchange (ArSCX-SPE) or a sulfonated Florisil SPE column. Niacin is eluted with 0.25M sodium acetate-acetic acid, pH 5.6 buffer in vacuo. LC chromatograms of the resulting eluate are free of interference from other components absorbing at 260 nm at the retention time of niacin. Validation of the method was obtained from agreement of analytical results on available reference materials. For both SPE methods, values for niacin in SRM 1846 Infant Formula (milk-based powder) were within uncertainty ranges of the certified value. Use of several calibration procedures (the LC computer program, a peak area response graphic standard curve, or the method of standard additions) with both SPE procedures resulted in niacin values for 3 RM-Wheat Flours (not certified for niacin) in agreement (90-105%) with their respective values reported in the literature. Several commercial wheat flours showed a broad 260 nm interference, resulting in high niacin values. Niacin recoveries from spiked soy-based liquid infant formulas ranged from 95-107% with the ArSCX-SPE column. Calibration curves of niacin were linear up to 400 micrograms/mL, with a detection limit of 0.2 microgram/mL.

Chromatography, Ion Exchange↗

Nutritional guidance to soccer players for training and competition.

Strategies for a nutrition education as applied to individual soccer players provide a key to guiding them towards appropriate food selection. Scientific investigations have associated energy requirements, composition of the diet and carbohydrate intake with muscle glycogen storage, and adequacy of fluids with optimal athletic performance. In general, soccer players appear to consume adequate energy but low carbohydrate diets. The training diet should be comprised of 55-65% carbohydrate, 12-15% protein and less than 30% fat. The goal of the training diet is to provide adequate energy for weight maintenance, and 7-10 g of carbohydrate per kg body weight for maximizing glycogen storage. Nutritional needs for competition include eating prior to and after matches. Consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods for energy needs and glycogen resynthesis are key behaviours soccer players need to focus on daily. Qualified dietitians should be on hand to provide personal nutrition counselling, carbohydrate resource lists and education on food labels as simple and quick nutrition education strategies to guide soccer players, their parents, coaches and trainers towards improved food selections.

Dietary Carbohydrates↗

[Survey of the present-day supply of fortified food products in Germany].

A survey and critical evaluation of the present-day supply of fortified common food products on the German market is presented concerning products, nutrients and amounts for fortification. The data were collected from the original food labels by personal informations from the manufacturers (40 asked, 68% answered) and by a local market survey in Dortmund (spring 1994). A total of 288 fortified food products (78 manufacturers) were found out of 6 different food products (78 manufacturers) were found out of 6 different food categories (manufacturers/products): beverages (26/95), sweets (24/57), cereals (5/53), milk products (7/35), powdered instant beverages (10/31), ready-to-eat meals (6/17). Sugar was added to 56% of the fortified products. A total of 10 vitamins (E, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid) and 7 minerals (Na, K, Cl, Ca, P, Mg, Fe) were used for fortification. The number of nutrients used for fortification in single products ranged from 1 (94 products) to 16 (3 products). The amounts used for fortification per average portion varied considerably among the different products and the different nutrients in the food categories. In a considerable number of cases, amounts for fortification of more than 100% (maximum 660%) of the recommended daily dose of a nutrient (EC-directive for nutrition labelling) have been observed. Relatively to the contribution of a portion to meet the energy requirement, the fortification of cereals and milk-products (about 30%) as well as of sweets (about 10%) could be rated as acceptable whereas the fortification of beverages (about 50-100%) was overdone. The present-day supply of fortified food is extremely heterogenous from the qualitative and quantitative point of view. Therefore, it is rather difficult for the consumer to reach an overall nutrient intake that is in accordance with the recommendations. The specific requirements of children, who are a preferred group for food advertising, are not at all considered adequately.

Advertising↗

Food allergy and its relevance to industrial food proteins.

Food allergies can be defined as IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions and are quite distinct from food intolerances, such as Coeliac disease, with symptoms usually appearing within a matter of minutes of exposure. Around 1-2% of adults and up to 5-7% of children suffer from some type of food allergy with foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy, cow's milk, egg, fish and shellfish being responsible for the majority of reactions. The macromolecules recognised by IgE (generally proteinaceous in nature) are termed allergens. A brief description of the allergenic components present in the major allergenic foods is given followed by a short discussion regarding their importance in industrial proteins in the light of recent food labelling legislation for allergens.

Allergens↗

Motivations for exercise and weight loss among African-American women: focus group results and their contribution towards program development.

OBJECTIVE: African-American women are more likely to be sedentary and maintain higher body weights compared with Caucasian women, although some are physically active and able to maintain weight loss. To develop effective intervention strategies, we need to understand why some women are successful. DESIGN: We conducted focus groups on four distinct groups of African-American women (currently physically active; currently sedentary; successful weight loss for > or = 1 year; unsuccessful weight loss) to explore motivations and intervention strategies. Open-ended questions, probes, and visual aids were used to stimulate discussions. Transcripts of sessions were read to highlight themes and concepts. RESULTS: Results indicated that motivators for the exercisers to start exercising were health concerns, weight control, stress reduction, and the influence of others. Motivators to continue exercising were feeling good and having energy. In contrast, the sedentary women reported that social support and enjoyment would be motivating. Both groups reported that physically active women conveyed the image of high energy and self-esteem. The successful weight loss women employed strategies that allowed them to eat a variety of foods and were less likely to 'diet'. The unsuccessful women referred to 'going on a diet' and were more likely to label foods as 'good' or 'bad'. They reported feeling tired and thought that losing weight would give them more energy. CONCLUSION: This information was used to develop two culturally appropriate interventions for African-American women, which is presented. Conducting formative research in study design protocols can provide an important role in intervention development.

Adult↗

Detection of potentially allergenic hazelnut (Corylus avellana) residues in food: a comparative study with DNA PCR-ELISA and protein sandwich-ELISA.

Allergen detection is of increasing interest for food labeling purposes. A comparative study with a commercial hazelnut-specific PCR-ELISA and a sandwich-type ELISA detecting hazelnut protein was performed to investigate to what extent immunochemical and DNA-based techniques would correlate in the detection of trace amounts of potentially allergenic hazelnut residues. Both methods were highly sensitive and allowed the detection of even <10 ppm of hazelnut in complex food matrixes. The protein-ELISA was highly specific for hazelnut. However, some foods could lead to false-positive results at the 10 ppm level. The PCR-ELISA did not show any cross-reactions with non-hazelnut foods, thus reducing the probability of having false positives at the trace level. Forty-one commercial food products with and without hazelnut components on their labels were analyzed for the presence of hazelnut. Of the 27 products in which hazelnut components were detected, two samples were not identified by the protein-ELISA, and only one sample, namely one white chocolate having <1 ppm of hazelnut protein, was not detected by PCR-ELISA. The good correlation of the results of PCR-ELISA and protein-ELISA suggested that both PCR-based and immunochemical techniques are suitable for reliable detection of potentially allergenic hazelnut residues in foods at the trace level.

Allergens↗

Sandwich immunoassays for the determination of peanut and hazelnut traces in foods.

People suffering from food allergies are dependent on accurate food labeling, as an avoidance diet is the only effective countermeasure. Even a small amount of allergenic protein can trigger severe reactions in highly sensitized patients. Therefore, sensitive and reliable tests are needed to detect potential cross-contamination. In this paper two fast sandwich immunoassays are described for the determination of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and hazelnut (Corylus avellana) traces in complex food matrices. Mouse monoclonal antibodies were used as capture antibodies, and labeled rabbit polyclonal antibodies were used as detection antibodies in both assays. The assay time was 30 min in total, and cross-reactivities against a variety of fruits and seeds were found to be in the low 10(-4)% (ppm) level or in some cases not detectable. The recoveries in all tested food matrices ranged from 86 to 127%, and the limits of detection were in the range of 0.2-1.2 mg/kg (ppm) in food for both peanut and hazelnut, respectively.

Allergens↗

Evaluation of failure to follow vaccination recommendations as a marker for failure to follow other health recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether families who fail to vaccinate their children also fail to follow other health recommendations. SETTING: US civilian noninstitutionalized population. DESIGN: National survey with a stratified cluster design. PARTICIPANTS: Adult respondents for children 19 to 35 months of age surveyed in the 1991 National Health Interview Survey with documented vaccination history. MEASUREMENTS: Comparison of responses to 23 questions related to health behaviors between respondents of up-to-date (UTD), i.e. having received 4 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine, 3 doses of polio vaccine and one measles vaccine, and non-UTD children. RESULTS: Of the 781 studied children, non-UTD (n = 357) and UTD (n = 424) children, or their respondents, did not differ in 18 of the 23 studied health behaviors. However, although non-UTD and UTD children were equally likely to have car seats, non-UTD children were less likely to use them always (84.3% vs. 92.9%, P = 0.002). National Health Interview Survey respondents of non-UTD children were more likely than their counterparts never to read food labels for ingredients (28.9% vs. 20.5%, P = 0.04) or for fat/cholesterol content (33.6% vs. 22.3%, P = 0.02) and never to buy low salt foods (37.5% vs. 21.5%, P = 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that parental education level, not a child's vaccination status, was associated with compliance with the studied health behaviors. CONCLUSION: Failure to vaccinate children on time is not consistently related to the likelihood of family member's following of other health recommendations. However, these data suggest that although mediated via parental educational levels, a child's immunization status helps to define families at risk for poor nutrition-related behaviors and those who are in need of counseling on seat belt use.

Adult↗

Comparison of price change and health message interventions in promoting healthy food choices.

This study examines the feasibility and effectiveness of an environmental intervention for improving diet by comparing the impact of health messages, lowered prices, and their combination on the purchase of healthy food items in a restaurant. Price decreases alone, rather than a combination of price decreases and health messages, were associated with a higher level of increased purchases of some healthy food items as compared with control items over a 4-month period. Price decreases may be a more powerful means than health messages of increasing consumption of healthy foods. Health messages may have paradoxical effects if foods labeled as healthy are assumed to taste bad.

Commerce↗

The effect of ingredients in dry dog foods on the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs.

Using dry dog food label information, the hypothesis was tested that the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) increases with an increasing number of soy and cereal ingredients and a decreasing number of animal-protein ingredients among the first four ingredients. A nested case-control study was conducted with 85 GDV cases and 194 controls consuming a single brand and variety of dry food. Neither an increasing number of animal-protein ingredients (P=0.79) nor an increasing number of soy and cereal ingredients (P=0.83) among the first four ingredients significantly influenced GDV risk. An unexpected finding was that dry foods containing an oil or fat ingredient (e.g., sunflower oil, animal fat) among the first four ingredients were associated with a significant (P=0.01), 2.4-fold increased risk of GDV. These findings suggest that the feeding of dry dog foods that list oils or fats among the first four label ingredients predispose a high-risk dog to GDV.

Animal Feed↗

Relative importance of dissolved and food pathways for lead contamination in shrimp.

The relative importance of dissolved and food pathways and the influence of food type in the bioaccumulation and retention of lead in the shrimp Palaemonetes varians were examined using a radiotracer method. Shrimp were exposed to 210Pb-labelled seawater or fed two types of 210Pb-labelled food, viz. mussels or worms. The amount of radiotracer accumulated by shrimp was examined over a 7-day period, followed by a 1-month and a 7-day depuration period for the dissolved and food source, respectively. Steady state in the uptake was reached after 2 days exposure to dissolved lead, with a resultant estimated concentration factor of 98+/-3. Transfer factors following ingestion of contaminated mussels and worms were lower than unity for both food types, with lead transfer from worms being significantly higher than that from mussels. Accumulation of dissolved Pb by shrimp was found to occur mainly through adsorption on the exoskeleton with a minor accumulation in the internal tissues probably resulting from the intake of seawater for osmoregulation. In contrast, lead taken up from contaminated food was readily absorbed and bound in the internal tissues of P. varians. Although the transfer of lead to P. varians through the ingestion of contaminated food was low (TF<1%), it still represented 4 to 8% of the lead content in the prey which is a significant additional contribution of lead to the shrimp body burden. Independent of food type, following ingestion of contaminated food, approximately 23-27% of total lead accumulated in shrimp was located in the edible parts (e.g. muscle). Therefore, the food pathway is suggested to be a significant contributor to the lead transfer to humans through ingestion of contaminated shrimp. After exposure to contaminated food, lead loss kinetics were described by a two-component model, whereas Pb loss following direct uptake from seawater was best described by a three-component model. The additional compartment representing 64% of total Pb retained and characterized by a turnover<10 min, corresponded to lead weakly adsorbed on the exoskeleton and incorporated in the hepatopancreas. Nevertheless, a significant fraction of lead accumulated from the dissolved (2%) and food (52-57%) pathways remained irreversibly retained in the tissues, suggesting that this organism could also serve as an effective long-term bioindicator of lead contamination in marine waters.

Adsorption↗

Risk-taking and coping strategies of adolescents and young adults with food allergy.

BACKGROUND: Fatal food-allergic reactions are most common among adolescents and young adults. OBJECTIVE: To gain insight toward devising interventions, we queried risk-taking behaviors and coping strategies of persons age 13 to 21 years with food allergy. METHODS: We used an Internet-based anonymous questionnaire devised on the basis of data from focus groups. RESULTS: Participants (174 subjects; 49% male; mean age, 16 years) reported the following: 75% had peanut allergy, 75% had 2 or more food allergies, and 87% had been prescribed self-injectable epinephrine. Regarding risk taking, 61% reported that they "always" carry self-injectable epinephrine, but frequencies varied according to activities: traveling (94%), restaurants (81%), friends' homes (67%), school dance (61%), wearing tight clothes (53%), and sports (43%). Fifty-four percent indicated purposefully ingesting a potentially unsafe food. Willingness to eat a food labeled "may contain" an allergen was reported by 42%. Twenty-nine participants were designated at high risk because they did not always carry epinephrine and ate foods that "may contain" allergens. The high-risk group, compared with the rest of the participants (P < .05), felt less "concern" about and "different" because of their allergy and had more recent reactions. The high-risk group was not distinguishable (P = not significant) by age, sex, or number or severity of reactions. Participants variably (60%) tell their friends about their allergy, but 68% believe education of their friends would make living with food allergy easier. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of teens with food allergy admit to risk taking that varies by social circumstances and perceived risks. The results imply that education of teenagers and, importantly, those around them during social activities might reduce risk taking and its consequences. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our survey of adolescents and young adults with food allergy revealed risk-taking behaviors that vary by social circumstances and perceived risks, indicating that education of teenagers and their peers might reduce risk taking and its consequences.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Food shopping and label use behavior among high school-aged adolescents.

Ninety adolescents (41 males and 49 females) stratified by shopping experience (44 shoppers and 46 nonshoppers) were given a list of 20 foods to select in a supermarket. An interview was conducted to determine reason(s) given for each food selection, use of nutrition information, and other variables. Reasons most often reported for selecting foods were personal preference/taste, custom/habit, and price/cost. Participants were five times more likely to use front label/nutrition claims than nutrient labels. Fat free/low fat, lite/light, and cholesterol free/low cholesterol were the most commonly used claims whereas total fat and calories were the most commonly used nutrient label constituents. Females were more likely than males to use front label/nutrition claims (F (1,82) = 4.78, p < .01). There were no significant differences between males' and females' use of nutrient labels. Education that emphasizes food-shopping and label-reading skills is needed by adolescents.

Adolescent↗

Controversial medical and agri-food biotechnology: a cultivation analysis.

Whether biotechnology is one or several developments is not clear. Once distinctions are required, the question is: Which one prevails? When the good, the bad, and the ugly settle, where do they fall? Evaluation implies distinction, and representation drives attitude. The controversies over biotechnology are fertile ground on which to study these issues. The imports of genetically modified (GM) soya into Europe in 1996-97 and the cloning of Dolly the sheep from adult cells in 1997 changed the symbolic environment for genetic engineering. The ensuing public controversies came to focus mainly on field trials of GM crops and food labeling. This paper will explore the relationship between quality press coverage and public perception, in particular the cultivation of the contrast between "desirable" biomedical (RED) and "undesirable" agri-food (GREEN) biotechnology in Britain. The argument draws on a systematic analysis of the British press coverage of biotechnology from 1973 to 1999 and analysis of public perceptions in 1996 and 1999. The paper concludes that the debate over GM crops and food ingredients fostered the RED-GREEN contrast among the newspaper-reading public, thereby shielding RED biotechnology from public controversy, and ushered in a realignment of the regulatory framework in 2000.

Biotechnology↗