Impact of caloric and dietary restriction regimens on markers of health and longevity in humans and animals: a summary of available findings

Considerable interest has been shown in the ability of caloric restriction (CR) to improve multiple parameters of health and to extend lifespan. CR is the reduction of caloric intake - typically by 20 - 40% of ad libitum consumption - while maintaining adequate nutrient intake. Several alternatives to CR exist. CR combined with exercise (CE) consists of both decreased caloric intake and increased caloric expenditure. Alternate-day fasting (ADF) consists of two interchanging days; one day, subjects may consume food ad libitum (sometimes equaling twice the normal intake); on the other day, food is reduced or withheld altogether. Dietary restriction (DR) - restriction of one or more components of intake (typically macronutrients) with minimal to no reduction in total caloric intake - is another alternative to CR. Many religions incorporate one or more forms of food restriction. The following religious fasting periods are featured in this review: 1) Islamic Ramadan; 2) the three principal fasting periods of Greek Orthodox Christianity (Nativity, Lent, and the Assumption); and 3) the Biblical-based Daniel Fast. This review provides a summary of the current state of knowledge related to CR and DR. A specific section is provided that illustrates related work pertaining to religious forms of food restriction. Where available, studies involving both humans and animals are presented. The review includes suggestions for future research pertaining to the topics of discussion

Evaluation of the Bactec 9240 system for blood cultures

Purpose: This study was carried out in order to determine species of bacteria causing sepsis and the rate of false positives and negatives in the results obtained in the evaluation of blood cultures by the Bactec 9240 system. Method: For a period of one year, from September 1994 to September 1995, 8022 blood cultures which were taken by various clinics from patients with fever or sepsis were evaluated using the Bactec 9240 system. For this purpose, Bactec plus Aerobic/F and Bactec Peds plus/F vials were examined for 7 days. Identification of the bacteria was made using the Sceptor system. Results: Out of the 8022 blood cultures, 1763 were positive with the Bactec 9240 system and of these, 1727 grew in the subcultures (2.05% false positives). As a result of subculturing of the 6259 blood cultures negative in the Bactec system, various bacteria and fungi were isoleted in 11 cultures (0.18% false negatives). The majority of the bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus species. Besides this, out of the 1763 cultures that were positive with Bactec 9240, 19 (1.08%) were positive after the 5th day. Conclusion: The time involved in the evaluation of blood cultures is shortened when the Bactec 9240 system is used. Also, there is less contamination of the blood cultures since subculturing is done only once