Reproducibility and relative validity of a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire in European preschoolers: The ToyBox study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the reproducibility and relative validity of a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in assessing food group estimates. Methods: Food group estimates were assessed via a 37-item FFQ and a 3-d food record (FR). Pearson's correlation coefficients for log-transformed values were calculated to assess the reproducibility and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for log-transformed values were calculated to assess the validity. Kindergartens from six European countries participated in the preparatory substudies of the ToyBox intervention study; data from preschool children 4 to 6 y of age (n = 196, reproducibility study; n = 324, validation study) were obtained. Results: In the reproducibility study, positive Pearson's correlation coefficients for single and aggregated food groups ranged from 0.14 for pasta and rice to 0.90 for cooked vegetables. In the validation study, the FR gave higher estimates of 40 of the 50 food items (single and aggregated) examined compared with those obtained from the FFQ. Positive crude Spearman rank correlation coefficients ranged from 0.01 for total beverages (added sugar) and rice to 0.62 for tea. Corrections for the deattenuation effect did not improve observed correlations. Quartiles and tertiles were calculated for a small number of food groups (N = 14) owing to zero consumption in the rest of the groups. Conclusions: Moderately good reproducibility and low-moderate relative validity of the FFQ used in preschool children was observed. Relative validity, however, varied by food and beverage group; for some of the “key” foods/drinks targeted in the ToyBox intervention (e.g., biscuits), the validity was good. The findings should be considered in future epidemiologic and intervention studies in preschool children

Increased renal sodium absorption by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis during fasting in healthy man. A possible role of the epithelial sodium channels

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Treatment with prostaglandin inhibitors can reduce renal function and impair renal water and sodium excretion. We tested the hypotheses that a reduction in prostaglandin synthesis by ibuprofen treatment during fasting decreased renal water and sodium excretion by increased absorption of water and sodium via the aquaporin2 water channels and the epithelial sodium channels.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The effect of ibuprofen, 600 mg thrice daily, was measured during fasting in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study of 17 healthy humans. The subjects received a standardized diet on day 1, fasted at day 2, and received an IV infusion of 3% NaCl on day 3. The effect variables were urinary excretions of aquaporin2 (u-AQP2), the beta-fraction of the epithelial sodium channel (u-ENaCbeta), cyclic-AMP (u-cAMP), prostaglandin E2 (u-PGE2). Free water clearance (CH2O), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), and plasma concentrations of vasopressin, angiotensin II, aldosterone, atrial-, and brain natriuretic peptide.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Ibuprofen decreased u-AQP2, u-PGE2, and FENa at all parts of the study. During the same time, ibuprofen significantly increased u-ENaCbeta. Ibuprofen did not change the response in p-AVP, u-c-AMP, urinary output, and free water clearance during any of these periods. Atrial-and brain natriuretic peptide were higher.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>During inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, urinary sodium excretion decreased in parallel with an increase in sodium absorption and increase in u-ENaCbeta. U-AQP2 decreased indicating that water transport via AQP2 fell. The vasopressin-c-AMP-axis did not mediate this effect, but it may be a consequence of the changes in the natriuretic peptide system and/or the angiotensin-aldosterone system</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT00281762</p

Risk of inter-basin water transfer to the aquatic fauna of the Denmark and Hay Rivers

No abstract availabl

Dietary sources of free sugars in the diet of European children: the IDEFICS Study

Objective: To report dietary free sugars consumption and their different types and food sources in European children. Methods: The present study is based on the IDEFICS study, a European multicenter cohort study in children (2\u20139&nbsp;years old) from eight countries, comprising 8308 children (51.4% males). Dietary intake of the previous 24&nbsp;h was assessed using a computer-assisted 24-h dietary recalls (24-HDR) and the different types of sugars were assessed using the German food composition database. Results: Mean total energy intake was 1720 (SD 477) kcal/d for boys and 1631 (SD 451) kcal/d for girls. Total sugars intake was 98 (SD 52) g/day for boys and 93 (SD 49) g/day for girls. Free sugars intake was 81 (SD 49) g/day for boys and 77 (SD 47) g/day for girls. Girls had significantly lower intakes of energy, total and free sugars compared with than boys but did not differ in terms of percent of energy from total (23%) or free sugars (18%). There were large variations between countries in average % energy from free sugars (ranging from 13% in Italy to 27% in Germany). Less than 20% of children were within the recommended intake of 10% of energy from free sugars. The food groups that contributed substantially to free sugars intakes were \u201cFruit juices\u201d, \u201cSoft drinks\u201d, \u201cDairy\u201d and \u201cSweets and candies\u201d. Conclusions: The contribution of free sugars to total energy intake in European children is higher than recommendations. The main food contributors to free sugars intake are sweetened beverages (\u201cFruit juices\u201d and \u201cSoft drinks\u201d). It is especially important to reduce children\u2019s intake of free sugars, focusing in target population on certain foods and food groups

Dietary sources of sugars in adolescents’ diet: the HELENA study

[Objective]: To report dietary sugars consumption and their different types and food sources, in European adolescents. [Methods]: Food consumption data of selected groups were obtained from 1630 adolescents (45.6% males, 12.5–17.5 years) from the HELENA study using two nonconsecutive 24-h recalls. Energy intake, total sugars and free sugars were assessed using the HELENA-DIAT software. Multiple regression analyses were performed adjusting for relevant confounders. [Results]: Total sugars intake (137.5 g/day) represented 23.6% and free sugars (110.1 g/day), 19% of energy intake. Girls had significantly lower intakes of energy, carbohydrates, total sugars and free sugars. 94% of adolescents had a consumption of free sugars above 10% of total energy intake. The main food contributor to free sugars was ‘carbonated, soft and isotonic drinks,’ followed by ‘non-chocolate confectionary’ and ‘sugar, honey, jam and syrup.’ Older boys and girls had significantly higher intakes of free sugars from ‘cakes, pies and biscuits.’ Free sugars intake was negatively associated with low socioeconomic status for ‘non-chocolate confectionary’ and ‘sugar, honey and jam’ groups; with low maternal educational level for carbonated and ‘soft drinks,’ ‘sugar, honey and jam,’ ‘cakes and pies’ and ‘breakfast cereals’ groups; and with high paternal educational level for ‘carbonated and soft drinks’ and ‘chocolates’ group. [Conclusions]: The majority (94%) of studied adolescents consumed free sugars above 10% of daily energy intake. Our data indicate a broad variety in foods providing free sugars. Continued efforts are required at different levels to reduce the intake of free sugars, especially in families with a low educational level.Sources of support: HELENA study received funding from the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOODCT-2005-007034). Additional support from the Spanish Ministry of Education (AGL2007-29784-E/ALI), Axis-Shield Diagnostics Ltd (Oslo, Norway), Abbot Científca S.A. (Spain). This analysis was also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (JCI-2010-07055) with the contribution of the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). The study is supported by a grant from the Spanish Carlos III Health Institute: RD08/0072/0025 (Red SAMID: Maternal, Child Health and Development Research Network) and CIBEROBN.Peer Reviewe

Grief, loss, and separation: Experiences of birth children of foster carers

Previous research identifies the increased exposure of birth children of foster carers to experiences of separation, grief, and loss due to the transient nature of foster care, but little is known about how birth children manage this loss. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study that examined the retrospective experiences of 15 adult birth children of foster carers (aged between 18 and 28 years) in Ireland. Findings suggest that birth children experience grief and loss when foster children leave their families. They report experiencing a range of emotional responses such as guilt, blame, and sadness. A reluctance to discuss their emotional responses with either their parents or foster care professionals was also reported. Instead, birth children developed strategies to manage the loss, such as distancing themselves from the foster care process. The study highlights the importance of social workers and foster carers explaining to birth children why foster children are leaving and, where possible, maintaining contact between birth children and foster children. Additionally, findings indicate the need for birth children to have safe nonjudgmental spaces to discuss their emotional reactions to loss