Comparison of high and low trans-fatty acid consumers: analyses of UK National Diet and Nutrition Surveys before and after product reformulation

Objective: The WHO encourages the virtual elimination of artificial trans-fatty acids (TFA), which increase CHD risk. Our UK analysis explores whether voluntary reformulation results in differential TFA intakes among socio-economic groups by determining characteristics of high TFA consumers before and after product reformulation. Design: Food intake was collected by 7d weighed records pre-reformulation and 4d diaries post-reformulation. Sociodemographic characteristics of TFA consumers above the WHO limit, and of the top 10 % of TFA consumers as a percentage food energy, were compared with those of lower TFA consumers. Multivariate logistic regression determined independent socio-economic predictors of being a top 10 % consumer. Subjects: UK National Diet and Nutrition Surveys (NDNS) for adults aged 19–64 years pre-reformulation (2000/01; N 1724) and post-reformulation (2010/11–2011/12; N 848). Results: Post-reformulation 2·5 % of adults exceeded the WHO limit, v. 57 % pre-reformulation. In unadjusted analyses, high TFA consumption was associated with lower income, lower education and long-term illness/disability pre- but not post-reformulation. In adjusted pre-reformulation analyses, degree holders were half as likely as those without qualifications to be top 10 % consumers (OR=0·51; 95 % CI 0·28, 0·92). In adjusted post-reformulation analyses, those with higher income were 2·5–3·3 times more likely to be top 10 % consumers than lowest income households. Pre-reformulation, high consumers consumed more foods containing artificial TFA, whereas ruminant TFA were more prominent post-reformulation. Conclusions: High TFA consumption was associated with socio-economic disadvantage pre-reformulation, but evidence of this is less clear post-reformulation. Voluntary reformulation appeared effective in reducing TFA content in many UK products with mixed effects on dietary inequalities relating to income and education

Aus dem Husserl-Archiv zu Löwen

A

Influência de cultivares de feijão-caupi no crescimento populacional de Callosobruchus maculatus (FABR., 1775) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae).

Na região Nordeste do Brasil a cultura do feijão-caupi tem grande importância socioeconômica, exercendo função no suprimento das necessidades nutricionais e fixação de mão-de-obra. Dentre as pragas que atacam os grãos de feijão-caupi durante o armazenamento, destaca-se Callosobruchus maculatus, por provocar perdas quantitativas e qualitativas. O controle deste inseto é feito principalmente com inseticidas sintéticos, no entanto, com os problemas decorrentes da intoxicação de aplicadores e seleção de insetos resistentes, formas alternativas de controle têm sido buscadas. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de cultivares de caupi no crescimento populacional de C. maculatus. Para realização do experimento utilizou-se cultivares de caupi provenientes da Embrapa Semiárido: BRS Guariba, BRS Maratoã, BRS Milênio, BRS Paraguaçu e BRS Pujante, além da testemunha Sempre Verde. Realizou-se teste sem chance de escolha, avaliando-se número de insetos emergidos e a taxa instantânea de crescimento populacional. A cultivar BRS Pujante apresentou os melhores resultados em relação aos parâmetros biológicos testados, apresentando possivelmente resistência do tipo antibiose.CONAC 2012. Disponível em: http://www.conac2012.org/resumos/pdf/241a.pdf. Acesso em: 08 ago. 2013

Electron-phonon interaction in C70

The matrix elements of the deformation potential of C$_{70}$ are calculated by means of a simple, yet accurate solution of the electron-phonon coupling problem in fullerenes, based on a parametrization of the ground state electronic density of the system in terms of $sp^{2+x}$ hybridized orbitals. The value of the calculated dimensionless total electron-phonon coupling constant is $\lambda\approx0.1$, an order of magnitude smaller than in C$_{60}$, consistent with the lack of a superconducting phase transition in C$_{70}$A$_3$ fullerite, and in overall agreement with measurements of the broadening of Raman peaks in C$_{70}$K$_4$. We also calculate the photoemission cross section of C$_{70}^-$, which is found to display less structure than that associated with C$_{60}^-$, in overall agreement with the experimental findings.Comment: To be published in Phys. Rev.

Effectiveness of progressive tendon-loading exercise therapy in patients with patellar tendinopathy:a randomised clinical trial

Objective To compare the effectiveness of progressive tendon-loading exercises (PTLE) with eccentric exercise therapy (EET) in patients with patellar tendinopathy (PT). Methods In a stratified, investigator-blinded, block-randomised trial, 76 patients with clinically diagnosed and ultrasound-confirmed PT were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either PTLE or EET. The primary end point was clinical outcome after 24 weeks following an intention-to-treat analysis, as assessed with the validated Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment for patellar tendons (VISA-P) questionnaire measuring pain, function and ability to play sports. Secondary outcomes included the return to sports rate, subjective patient satisfaction and exercise adherence. Results Patients were randomised between January 2017 and July 2019. The intention-to-treat population (mean age, 24 years, SD 4); 58 (76%) male) consisted of patients with mostly chronic PT (median symptom duration 2 years). Most patients (82%) underwent prior treatment for PT but failed to recover fully. 38 patients were randomised to the PTLE group and 38 patients to the EET group. The improvement in VISA-P score was significantly better for PTLE than for EET after 24 weeks (28 vs 18 points, adjusted mean between-group difference, 9 (95% CI 1 to 16); p=0.023). There was a trend towards a higher return to sports rate in the PTLE group (43% vs 27%, p=0.13). No significant between-group difference was found for subjective patient satisfaction (81% vs 83%, p=0.54) and exercise adherence between the PTLE group and EET group after 24 weeks (40% vs 49%, p=0.33). Conclusions In patients with PT, PTLE resulted in a significantly better clinical outcome after 24 weeks than EET. PTLE are superior to EET and are therefore recommended as initial conservative treatment for PT

Olhar sistêmico sobre as dificuldades de aprendizagem: Projeto Rondon como espaço de transformação

Trabalho apresentado no II Congresso Nacional do PROJETO RONDON, realizado em Florianópolis, SC, no período de 23 a 25 de setembro de 2015 - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.INTRODUÇÃO: A dificuldade de aprendizagem pode ser compreendida como um fenômeno de natureza complexa em que a criança não corresponde às expectativas sobre ela. A criança pode estar a representar uma condição de vulnerabilidade psicossocial, propiciando sentimentos de baixa autoestima e inferioridade. Essas dificuldades, na aprendizagem escolar, frequentemente são acompanhadas de déficits em habilidades sociais e problemas emocionais ou de comportamento, sob a óptica de uma visão sistêmica do sujeito. Pensar e agir numa perspectiva sistêmica é manter um diálogo criativo entre o todo e as partes, considerando a produção do conhecimento como algo dinâmico e que se refaz tanto nas relações internas do próprio sujeito quanto nas suas relações sociais. Nesse cenário em construção, o Projeto Rondon viabiliza espaços para que possam ser desenvolvidas ações alternativas que contribuam para o desenvolvimento sustentável da comunidade, ampliando o bem-estar da população, favorecendo a formação do universitário como cidadão. OBJETIVO: Realizar uma oficina com a finalidade de explorar recursos educacionais com os professores, de forma a abarcar um contexto sob uma visão sistêmica e, assim, poder ressignificar as dificuldades que surgem no ambiente escolar. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: A oficina utilizará recursos audiovisuais para a contextualização das dificuldades de aprendizagem, estimulando os professores a trazerem os desafios encontrados em sala de aula. Para a finalização, será proposta uma roda de conversa, na qual serão apresentados recursos lúdicos para implementar as ações pedagógicas já realizadas. RESULTADOS ESPERADOS: Espera-se ampliar a compreensão dos professores sobre as dificuldades de aprendizagem, abrindo espaços para discussões e orientações colaborativas, compreendendo a necessidade de cada criança e o sistema no qual está inserida, resgatando recursos facilitadores para o seu desenvolvimento saudável e seus entornos. CONCLUSÃO: O olhar ampliado para a questão da dificuldade de aprendizagem possibilita que se formem novas construções, que redefinem os lugares da família, escola, comunidade, meio social, fortalecendo uma verdadeira rede relacional, permitindo a construção de narrativas mais includentes criadas em torno das competências e da resiliência da criança, família, escola e sociedade. Desse modo, é possível compreender uma dificuldade escolar como uma sugestão de mudança nas interrelações. Assim, a criação de novos significados para este desafio é o que justifica um trabalho orientado pelo pensamento sistêmico

Evaluation of the Norwegian nutrition policy with a focus on the action plan on nutrition 2007-2011

The WHO Regional Office for Europe conducted an evaluation of the Norwegian Action Plan on Nutrition (2007–2011) in 2012. This report presents the findings of an evaluation of the Norwegian Action Plan on Nutrition 2007–2011. The evaluation was commissioned by the Directorate of Health of the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services under the terms of the framework agreement between the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the Directorate of Health, and was carried out by the Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Programme of the Regional Office. The overall aim of the assignment was to provide an independent evaluation of the Action Plan on Nutrition and an assessment of the possible options for the future in terms of policy recommendation

Effect of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen on body temperature in acute ischemic stroke PISA, a phase II double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial [ISRCTN98608690]

BACKGROUND: Body temperature is a strong predictor of outcome in acute stroke. In a previous randomized trial we observed that treatment with high-dose acetaminophen (paracetamol) led to a reduction of body temperature in patients with acute ischemic stroke, even when they had no fever. The purpose of the present trial was to study whether this effect of acetaminophen could be reproduced, and whether ibuprofen would have a similar, or even stronger effect. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with acute ischemic stroke confined to the anterior circulation were randomized to treatment with either 1000 mg acetaminophen, 400 mg ibuprofen, or placebo, given 6 times daily during 5 days. Treatment was started within 24 hours from the onset of symptoms. Body temperatures were measured at 2-hour intervals during the first 24 hours, and at 6-hour intervals thereafter. RESULTS: No difference in body temperature at 24 hours was observed between the three treatment groups. However, treatment with high-dose acetaminophen resulted in a 0.3°C larger reduction in body temperature from baseline than placebo treatment (95% CI: 0.0 to 0.6 °C). Acetaminophen had no significant effect on body temperature during the subsequent four days compared to placebo, and ibuprofen had no statistically significant effect on body temperature during the entire study period. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with a daily dose of 6000 mg acetaminophen results in a small, but potentially worthwhile decrease in body temperature after acute ischemic stroke, even in normothermic and subfebrile patients. Further large randomized clinical trials are needed to study whether early reduction of body temperature leads to improved outcome

Effect of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen on body temperature in acute ischemic stroke PISA, a phase II double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial [ISRCTN98608690]

BACKGROUND: Body temperature is a strong predictor of outcome in acute stroke. In a previous randomized trial we observed that treatment with high-dose acetaminophen (paracetamol) led to a reduction of body temperature in patients with acute ischemic stroke, even when they had no fever. The purpose of the present trial was to study whether this effect of acetaminophen could be reproduced, and whether ibuprofen would have a similar, or even stronger effect. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with acute ischemic stroke confined to the anterior circulation were randomized to treatment with either 1000 mg acetaminophen, 400 mg ibuprofen, or placebo, given 6 times daily during 5 days. Treatment was started within 24 hours from the onset of symptoms. Body temperatures were measured at 2-hour intervals during the first 24 hours, and at 6-hour intervals thereafter. RESULTS: No difference in body temperature at 24 hours was observed between the three treatment groups. However, treatment with high-dose acetaminophen resulted in a 0.3°C larger reduction in body temperature from baseline than placebo treatment (95% CI: 0.0 to 0.6 °C). Acetaminophen had no significant effect on body temperature during the subsequent four days compared to placebo, and ibuprofen had no statistically significant effect on body temperature during the entire study period. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with a daily dose of 6000 mg acetaminophen results in a small, but potentially worthwhile decrease in body temperature after acute ischemic stroke, even in normothermic and subfebrile patients. Further large randomized clinical trials are needed to study whether early reduction of body temperature leads to improved outcome

Impact of high drinking water nitrate levels on the endogenous formation of apparent N-nitroso compounds in combination with meat intake in healthy volunteers

BACKGROUND: Nitrate is converted to nitrite in the human body and subsequently can react with amines and amides in the gastrointestinal tract to form N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), which are known to be carcinogenic in animals. Humans can be exposed to nitrate via consumption of drinking water and diet, especially green leafy vegetables and cured meat. The contribution of nitrate from drinking water in combination with meat intake has not been investigated thoroughly. Therefore, in the present pilot study, we examined the effect of nitrate from drinking water, and its interaction with the consumption of white and processed red meat, on the endogenous formation of NOCs, taking into account the intake of vitamin C, a nitrosation inhibitor. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects were randomly assigned to two groups consuming either 3.75 g/kg body weight (maximum 300 g per day) processed red meat or unprocessed white meat per day for two weeks. Drinking water nitrate levels were kept low during the first week (< 1.5 mg/L), whereas in week 2, nitrate levels in drinking water were adjusted to the acceptable daily intake level of 3.7 mg/kg bodyweight. At baseline, after 1 and 2 weeks, faeces and 24 h urine samples were collected for analyses of nitrate, apparent total N-nitroso compounds (ATNC), compliance markers, and genotoxic potential in human colonic Caco-2 cells. RESULTS: Urinary nitrate excretion was significantly increased during the high drinking water nitrate period for both meat types. Furthermore, levels of compliance markers for meat intake were significantly increased in urine from subjects consuming processed red meat (i.e. 1-Methylhistidine levels), or unprocessed white meat (i.e. 3-Methylhistidine). ATNC levels significantly increased during the high drinking water nitrate period, which was more pronounced in the processed red meat group. Genotoxicity in Caco-2 cells exposed to faecal water resulted in increased genotoxicity after the interventions, but results were only significant in the low drinking water nitrate period in subjects consuming processed red meat. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between the ratio of nitrate/vitamin C intake (including drinking water) and the level of ATNC in faecal water of subjects in the processed red meat group, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Drinking water nitrate significantly contributed to the endogenous formation of NOC, independent of the meat type consumed. This implies that drinking water nitrate levels should be taken into account when evaluating the effect of meat consumption on endogenous formation of NOC