Dietary Habits (dietary + habit)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Dietary Habits and Risk of Lung Cancer Death in a Large-scale Cohort Study (JACC Study) in Japan by Sex and Smoking Habit

CANCER SCIENCE, Issue 12 2001
Kotaro Ozasa
Lung cancer has increased and is the leading cause of cancer death among Japanese males. The associations of dietary habits with the risk of lung cancer death were evaluated by sex and smoking habits in this study. In the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) Study, a cohort established in 1988,90 and consisting of 42 940 males and 55 308 females was observed for lung cancer deaths up to the end of 1997. During the observation period, 446 males and 126 females died of lung cancer. A self-administered food frequency questionnaire was used as the baseline survey. Hazard ratios for dietary factors were calculated by Cox's proportional hazards model. Among males, a high intake of ham and sausages, cheese, green-leafy vegetables, oranges, and other fruits significantly and dose-dependently decreased the risk of lung cancer death. Among females, a high intake of miso-soup, ham and sausages, and liver significantly and almost dose-dependently increased the risk. Vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidative and carcinogenic agents reduced the risk of lung cancer deaths among male smokers more than among female nonsmokers. The results among female nonsmokers were partially consistent with the hypothesis that high fat consumption increases the risk of lung cancer, especially that of adenocarcinoma. [source]


Dietary habits and health status of African-Caribbean adults

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2010
J. Earland
Abstract Background:, Although African-Caribbeans in the UK are more likely to suffer from a number of diet-related health conditions, including obesity, hypertension and type II diabetes, there have been few dietary studies on this group. The present study is based on a small survey of food and nutrient intakes and traditional dietary habits of African-Caribbean adults living in Staffordshire. Methods:, A questionnaire, designed to collect demographic data and information on medical status, physical activities, dietary, cooking and food shopping habits was administered to a convenience sample of 39 adults. Detailed information on food intakes was gathered using a modified existing Food Frequency Questionnaire with 169 items. Height and weight were measured for the calculation of body mass index. Results:, The average age of the subjects was 47 years (range 19,65 years). The prevalence of obesity was 39% and one-third of subjects reported having at least one health condition. Physical activities, outside of work, were undertaken by 95% of the sample. Traditional foods were used by 92% of respondents, including fruit and vegetables purchased at markets outside of their local area. A wide variety of foods were consumed and the percentages of energy provided by fats and carbohydrates (30% and 53%, respectively) appeared to be meeting government recommendations. However, absolute energy intakes were high and salt consumption, often in the form of commercial seasonings, exceeded government recommendations. Conclusions:, The positive aspects of the diets of this population need to be encouraged. Interventions need to focus on ways of reducing total energy intakes, as well as levels of salt consumption. [source]


Risk factors and characteristics associated with severe and difficult to treat asthma phenotype: an analysis of the ENFUMOSA group of patients based on the ECRHS questionnaire

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 7 2005
M. Gaga
Summary Background Severe and difficult to treat asthma impairs health status and accounts for about half of asthma expenditure. In 1994, a European Network For Understanding Mechanisms of Severe Asthma (ENFUMOSA) was formed. A large group of patients from nine European countries has been selected. Objective To examine the risk factors and symptoms associated with a phenotype of severe/difficult to treat asthma. Methods The present report presents data assessed through the use of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) Questionnaire in 148 mild,moderate controlled and 155 severe asthmatics from the ENFUMOSA group. Results There is a negative association of severe asthma with reported allergy and with a family history of allergy (Odds ratio (OR)=0.45). Sharing a bedroom before the age of five is associated with a higher risk of severe asthma (OR=1.5) while childhood infections, play school attendance and exposure to allergens or animals are not. A larger proportion of severe asthma patients report symptoms at work (OR=2.7) or have to change jobs (OR=4.3) and fewer severe than mild patients are currently employed (OR=0.39). Smoking and exposure to smoke is similar in mild and severe asthma. Dietary habits do not differ between the groups, but severe asthmatics report eating less savoury snacks and there is a trend for lower intake of sweets. Conclusions Analysis of the ECRHS questionnaire in the ENFUMOSA study shows that severe asthma patients experience more symptoms and their health status is impaired by their inability to work and perhaps eat freely. Personal and maternal history of allergy is associated with mild but not severe asthma. Other than sharing a bedroom before the age of 5 years, no childhood exposure risk factors associated with severe asthma could be identified from this analysis. [source]


Dietary habits and dental health over the first 18 months of life

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 4 2001
Mina Habibian
Abstract ,Objectives: The main objective of this study was to describe the dental health of infants and toddlers with special reference to their dietary habits and oral hygiene behaviour over the first 18 months of life. Methods: The longitudinal dietary data were obtained at 6, 12 and 18 months of age by using a 3-day weighed diet diary. Dental examinations were carried out at 12, and again at 18 months of age. The information on demographic factors and oral hygiene behaviours over the first 18 months of life was gathered by using a structured questionnaire at 12 and 18 months. Results: 163 children were studied. Visible dental plaque was present in 18% and 25% of children at 12 and 18 months of age, respectively. No child had dental caries at either 12 or 18 months of age. There was a statistically significant correlation between visible plaque measured as plaque index at 12 months and the mean daily eating/drinking episodes at 6 months (r=0.25, P=0.001) and 12 months (r=0.15, P=0.05). The correlations between plaque index at 18 months and the mean eating/drinking episodes at both 12 months (r=0.2, P=0.04) and 18 months (r=0.2, P=0.02) were low but statistically significant. Nevertheless, there was no significant correlation between accumulation of plaque at either 12 or 18 months and the mean daily frequency consumption of food and drink containing non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES) at any age. Children who brushed their teeth themselves were more likely to have visible plaque compared with children whose teeth were cleaned by their parents. The partial correlation showed that positive relation between mean daily eating/drinking episodes and plaque was not influenced by tooth brushing. [source]


An ecomorphological study of the raptorial digital tendon locking mechanism

IBIS, Issue 3 2006
LUKE EINODER
Extensive adaptive radiation in hindlimb design among raptors is well known. However, the degree of variation in the structure and expression of the digital tendon locking mechanism (TLM) and its adaptive significance have received little attention. This comparative morphological study of 12 raptor and three non-raptor species revealed a distinct raptorial design, characterized by a distally located TLM that is densely packed with locking elements of increased robustness and height. Although the Falconiformes and Strigiformes converged upon this pattern, unique design features were identified among the nocturnal birds of prey. Variation in TLM structure was often consistent with phylogeny, although interfamily similarities were revealed among a number of species with the same dietary habit. The evolutionary factors that may have led to the observed variation, as well as the biomechanical implications of varying designs, are discussed. [source]


Comparative postnatal ontogeny of the skull in the australidelphian metatherian Dasyurus albopunctatus (Marsupialia: Dasyuromorpha: Dasyuridae)

JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 4 2006
David A. Flores
Abstract We describe the cranial ontogeny of an australidelphian marsupial, Dasyurus albopunctatus, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. We examined in detail qualitative morphological changes of just-weaned individuals as compared to old adults; specifically, changes in 31 morphological structures (e.g., processes, foramina) and 38 changes in cranial joints. We also interpreted growth-invariant structures in terms of their functional relevance. We performed a multivariate allometry analysis based on 14 cranial measurements taken from 31 specimens encompassing the entire postweaning period. Three variables (height of occipital plate, breadth of braincase, and height of mandible) showed the same allometric trends in D. albopunctatus and the three marsupial species studied previously in the same framework (Didelphis albiventris, Lutreolina crassicaudata, and Dromiciops gliroides). In addition, D. albopunctatus shared allometric trends in two variables (length of the upper postcanine row and length of the orbit) with the microbiotheriid D. gliroides. Most of the growth trends observed are interpreted as linked to the predominantly carnivorous dietary habit of adult D. albopunctatus. Because dasyuromorphians are most likely basal to the major Australasian radiation of marsupials, knowledge of ontogenetic changes in D. albopunctatus may shed light on the evolution of ontogeny in the highly diverse Australasian marsupial fauna. J. Morphol. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Effects of the administration of wheat bran biscuit: Changes in the diet

BIOFACTORS, Issue 1-4 2000
Hideki Ishikawa
Abstract We developed hard biscuit containing 30% bran (WB biscuit) and administered it to 12 volunteers at 7.5 g/day (7.5 g group) or 15 g/day (15 g group) as wheat bran for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the dietary fiber intake from foods other than wheat bran decreased slightly in the both groups, in the 15 g group was the decrease notable especially, after the beginning of WB biscuit administration. We suggest that a closest attention to changes in dietary habit associated with intervention is needed in intervention studies using patients leading a normal life. [source]


A new genus and species of basal actinopterygian fish from the Upper Devonian Gogo Formation of Western Australia

ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2009
Brian Choo
Abstract A new basal actinopterygian, Gogosardina coatesi gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Upper Devonian Gogo Formation of the Canning Basin, Western Australia. The new taxon is known from four prepared specimens that display the typical exceptional preservation of fossil vertebrates from the region. Gogosardina gen. nov. possesses a series of four small postrostrals, no surangular and a highly gracile body covered with over 140 vertical rows of very small scales, all ornamented with separate horizontal ganoine ridges. One specimen contains conodont elements lodged among the branchial arches, indicating dietary habits and a possible cause of death. [source]


Teaching received in caries prevention and perceived need for Best Practice Guidelines among recent graduates in Finland

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 1 2004
Miira M. Vehkalahti
The present study evaluated teaching that recent graduates in Finland had received in caries prevention and their perceived need for updated Best Practice Guidelines. A two-page questionnaire was mailed to all dentists in Finland who had graduated from 1995 to 1998 (n = 390). After one reminder, the response rate was 46%. The closed questions covered teaching in 14 caries-preventive methods and its suggestions as to when and on whom to apply such methods. Each dentist's own opinion on the three most important methods for caries prevention in patients with various types of dentition was sought in open questions. The respondents reported that at dental school, on average 12.5 (SD = 2.4) of 14 aspects of caries prevention were covered in theoretical teaching, 5.5 (SD = 3.8) in demonstrations and 8.5 (SD = 3.0) in clinical training. The top four methods teaching suggested for every patient were toothbrushing (100%), use of fluoridated toothpaste (99%), interdental cleaning (98%), and use of xylitol (97%); followed by fluoride varnish (77%) and fissure sealants (54%). The three caries-preventive methods the respondents felt to be most useful were the same for all types of dentitions, in order of importance: (i) toothbrushing and use of fluoridated toothpaste, (ii) supplementary use of fluorides at home and (iii) healthy dietary habits, in particular, avoidance of sucrose. As regards clinical work, such teaching had served the respondents' real-life needs in patients' caries prevention either extremely (44%) or moderately (54%) well; 91% said, however, that they would benefit from nationwide Best Practice Guidelines. In conclusion, the recent graduates' emphasis on patient-active methods in caries prevention may indicate a change in the current policy favouring patient-passive methods. [source]


Iron status in Danish men 1984,94: a cohort comparison of changes in iron stores and the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron overload

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2002
Nils Milman
Abstract:,Background and objectives : From 1954 to 1987, flour in Denmark was fortified with 30 mg carbonyl iron per kg. This mandatory fortification was abolished in 1987. The aim of this study was to compare iron status in Danish men before and after abolition of iron fortification. Methods : Iron status (serum ferritin, haemoglobin), was assessed in population surveys in Copenhagen County during 1983,84 comprising 1324 Caucasian men (1024 non-blood-donors, 300 blood donors) and in 1993,94 comprising 1288 Caucasian men (1103 non-blood-donors, 185 donors), equally distributed in age cohorts of 40, 50, 60 and 70 yr. Results : In the 1984 survey median serum ferritin values in the four age cohorts in non-blood-donors were 136, 141, 133 and 111 µg/L, and in the 1994 survey 177, 173, 186 and 148 µg L ,1 , respectively. The difference was significant in all age groups ( P <0.001). There was no significant difference between the two surveys concerning the prevalence of small iron stores (ferritin 16,32 µg L ,1 ), depleted iron stores (ferritin <16 µg L ,1 ) or iron-deficiency anaemia (ferritin <13 µg L ,1 and Hb <5th percentile for iron-replete men). However, from 1984 to 1994, the prevalence of iron overload (ferritin >300 µg L ,1 ) increased from 11.3% to 18.9% ( P <0.0001). During the study period there was an increase in body mass index ( P <0.0001), alcohol consumption ( P <0.03) and use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) ( P <0.0001), and a decrease in the use of vitamin,mineral supplements ( P <0.04) and in the prevalence of tobacco smoking ( P <0.0001). In contrast, median ferritin in blood donors showed a significant fall from 1984 to 1994 (103 vs. 74 µg L ,1 , P <0.02). Conclusion : Abolition of iron fortification reduced the iron content of the Danish diet by an average of 0.24 mg MJ ,1 , and the median dietary iron intake in men from 17 to 12 mg d ,1 . From 1984 to 1994, body iron stores and the prevalence of iron overload in Danish men increased significantly, despite the abolition of food iron fortification. The reason appears to be changes in dietary habits, with a lower consumption of dairy products and eggs, which inhibit iron absorption, and a higher consumption of alcohol, meat, and poultry, containing haem iron and enhancing iron absorption. The high prevalence of iron overload in men may constitute a health risk. [source]


Transcription factor 7,like 2 polymorphism modulates glucose and lipid homeostasis, adipokine profile, and hepatocyte apoptosis in NASH,

HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Giovanni Musso
Genetic factors underlying the association of NAFLD with diabetes and atherosclerosis are unknown. Recent human studies suggest transcription factor 7,like 2 (TCF7L2) polymorphism predisposes to diabetes through modulation of ,-cell function and modulates lipid levels in familial dyslipidemia. Emerging experimental evidence connects TCF7L2 to adipocyte metabolism and lipid homeostasis, as well. We tested if TCF7L2 polymorphism is a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and if it modulates liver injury, glucose homeostasis, lipoprotein, and adipokine profiles in NASH. TCF7L2 genotype and dietary habits of 78 nondiabetic normolipidemic NAFLD subjects and 156 age-, body mass index,, sex-matched healthy controls were assessed. In 39 biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and matched controls TCF7L2 polymorphism was correlated to liver histology and oral glucose tolerance test,derived parameters of glucose homeostasis. Patients with NASH and controls consumed a high-fat meal and TCF7L2 genotype was correlated to postprandial circulating lipoproteins, adipokines, and cytokeratin-18 fragments. The TCF7L2 CT/TT genotype was more frequent in NAFLD and predicted the presence and severity of liver disease, of ,-cell dysfunction, of reduced incretin effect and hepatic insulin resistance in NASH; it also modulated postprandial hepatocyte apoptosis, lipoproteins, and adipokine profiles in both groups. Conclusion: TCF7L2 polymorphism predisposes to NAFLD and significantly impacts liver injury, glucose homeostasis, and postprandial lipoprotein and adipokine responses to fat ingestion. This polymorphism also modulates a fat-induced increase in circulating markers of hepatocyte apoptosis in NASH. Targeting postprandial lipemia, at least in at-risk TCF7L2 genotypes, may improve liver disease and glucose dysmetabolism in these patients. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.) [source]


Micronutrients and the risk of renal cell cancer: A case-control study from Italy

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 4 2007
Cristina Bosetti
Abstract The role of various micronutrients on the risk of renal cell cancer (RCC) was examined in a multicentric case-control study from Italy, in which information on dietary habits were collected using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Cases were 767 patients (494 men and 273 women) with incident, histologically confirmed RCC; controls were 1,534 subjects (988 men and 546 women) admitted to the same hospitals as cases for a wide spectrum of acute, nonneoplastic conditions. After allowing for energy and other major covariates, a significant inverse association was found for vitamin E (odds ratio, OR, for the highest quintile of intake versus the lowest one 0.56, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.41,0.75), and vitamin C (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.54,0.96), although the trend in risk for vitamin C was of borderline significance. No significant trend of decreasing risk was found for other micronutrients analyzed, although for most of them the risk estimates were below unity for intakes above the lowest. The ORs for the upper quintile of intake when compared with the lowest one were 0.80 (95% confidence interval, CI = 0.59,1.08) for retinol, 0.82 (95% CI = 0.61,1.10) for ,-carotene, 0.90 (95% CI = 0.68,1.20) for ,-carotene, 0.94 (95% CI = 0.73,1.21) for ,-criptoxanthin, 0.85 (95% CI = 0.63,1.14) for lutein/zeaxanthin, 0.76 (95% CI = 0.57,1.01) for vitamin D, 0.75 (95% CI = 0.55,1.01) for thiamine, 0.88 (95% CI = 0.66,1.19) for riboflavin, 0.85 for vitamin B6 (95% CI = 0.64,1.13), 0.85 (95% CI = 0.64,1.12) for folate and 0.80 (95% CI = 0.60,1.07) for niacin. No meaningful associations emerged for lycopene (OR = 1.11). The present findings support a possible beneficial effect of vitamin E and C on RCC. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Dietary and other risk factors in women having fibrocystic breast conditions with and without concurrent breast cancer: A nested case-control study in Shanghai, China

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 6 2005
Wenjin Li
Abstract Risk of breast cancer is increased in women with proliferative benign breast conditions. Most of these conditions, however, do not progress to breast cancer. The purpose of our study was to identify factors possibly associated with this progression. Women with proliferative fibrocystic breast conditions alone (214), and women with proliferative fibrocystic breast conditions and concurrent breast cancer (130), were compared to each other, and each of these groups of women were also compared to 1,070 controls; and 176 women with non-proliferative benign breast conditions alone, and 155 also with breast cancer, were similarly compared. All study subjects were selected from a cohort of women enrolled in a trial of breast self-examination in Shanghai. Women were interviewed to ascertain information on suspected risk factors for breast cancer and dietary habits. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Increased risks of both proliferative fibrocystic breast conditions alone, and with breast cancer, were associated with low parity, a prior benign breast lump and breast cancer in a first-degree relative. Decreasing trends in the risk of both conditions with increasing intake of fruits and vegetables were observed. No factors were significantly associated with risk of breast cancer relative to risk of proliferative changes. Similar, but in some instances weaker, associations were observed for non-proliferative fibrocystic conditions with and without breast cancer. The possible risk or protective factors that were observed in our study most likely alter the risk of breast cancer at an early stage in the carcinogenic process, and probably do not alter risk of progression from proliferative fibrocystic breast conditions to breast cancer. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Depression status as a reliable predictor of functional decline among Japanese community-dwelling older adults: a 12-year population-based prospective cohort study

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 11 2009
Hajime Iwasa
Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine a longitudinal relationship between depression status and functional decline among Japanese community-dwelling older adults, using a 12-year population-based, prospective cohort study design. Method A total of 710 men and women, aged 65 years and over, participated in the study. Katz's Index and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence were used to measure the functional capacities of basic activities of daily living (BADL) and higher-level competence, respectively. For the purpose of analysis, a decline in each subscale of functional capacity during the follow-up period were used as outcome variables; depression status assessed by the Japanese version of the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), with a cut-off of 11, was used as an independent variable; and age, gender, education level, history of chronic disease, hospitalization, smoking, physical activity, living alone, hearing problems, physical pain, dietary habits, and usual walking speed at baseline were used as covariates. Results Use of the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for potential confounders showed that depression status was significantly and independently associated with BADL decline (risk ratio (RR),=,1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13,1.89) and with higher-level competence decline (RR,=,1.56, 95% CI: 1.18,2.04). Conclusion Our study found an independent relationship between depression status and longitudinal change in functional capacity among community-dwelling older individuals, suggesting that depression status is a reliable predictor of functional decline (both of BADL decline and higher-level competence decline) in older adults. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Prevalence of salivary Streptococcus mutans in mothers and in their preschool children

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 1 2002
I. Thorild
Summary. Objectives. To establish the prevalence and possible relationship of oral Streptococcusmutans colonization in mother,child pairs. Design and setting. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out at a well-baby evaluation clinic held at the Public Dental Clinic, Varberg, Sweden. Sample and methods. Two hundred preschool children, 100 of which were 18 months old and the remaining 100 were 3 years old, and their mothers attended the clinic. All mothers were interviewed and their children's medical history, oral hygiene routines and dietary habits established. All children were clinically examined. The presence and level of S. mutans was estimated in the mother,child pairs with the aid of the Strip mutans chair-side test. Results. Nearly 50% of mothers exhibited high levels of salivary S. mutans, prevalence among the 18-month- and 3-year-olds was 30% and 42%, respectively. A statistically significant (P < 0·01) mother,child relationship was found; a greater presence in mothers led to a higher number of children found harbouring the bacteria. Logistic regression analysis found that high maternal S. mutans levels (P < 0·001), daily sweet intake (P < 0·01) and sugary drinks in feeding bottles (P < 0·05) were significant factors for S. mutans colonization in children. Absence of daily toothbrushing and use of feeding bottles at night failed to fit into the model. Caries prevalence (initial and manifest decayed surfaces) was significantly related to S. mutans colonization (P < 0·01). Conclusion. The results support the concept of vertical transmission (mother,child), emphasizing the importance of the dietary component, and justifying a primary preventive approach with targeted action directed at mothers with high levels of S. mutans colonization. [source]


Do Nutrition Claims Matter to Consumers?

JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 1 2010
An Empirical Analysis Considering European Requirements
Q18; Q13; Q12; I18 Abstract EU Regulation 1924/2006 introduced a European legal framework for nutrition messages for food product labels. The study analyses consumer interest towards nutrition labelling and claims, and examines the information consumers consider important during their purchasing decisions, and the main characteristics of those consumers interested in nutrition claims and nutrition labelling use. A total of 1,025 northern Italian consumers were surveyed. We estimate one binary logit model to investigate the use of nutrition labelling, and seven other ordinal regression models to analyse consumer interest towards nutrition claims and labelling. Consumers who use nutrition labelling have characteristics different from those who use nutrition claims. Consumers using nutrition labelling show a marked interest in food safety concerns, use experts as their source of information and have specific dietary habits. For consumers concerned about nutrition claims, the survey shows significant links with attributes influencing purchasing behaviour, such as price, brand, certification, etc. Socio-demographic characteristics are statistically significant and show a positive link with age, gender and a negative linkage with income. [source]


Association between level of education and oral health status in 35-, 50-, 65- and 75-year-olds

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 8 2003
J. Paulander
Abstract Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between educational level and dental disease, treatment needs and oral hygiene habits. Material and methods: Randomized samples of 35-, 50-, 65- and 75-year-olds, classified according to the educational level: [low (LE): elementary school or higher (HE)], were identified. In 1091 subjects, a number of characteristics such as (i) number of teeth, (ii) periodontal attachment levels (PAL), (iii) caries and (iv) occlusal function were recorded. Educational level, oral hygiene and dietary habits were self-reported. Non-parametric variables were analyzed by ,2, Mann,Whitney U,Wilcoxon's rank sum tests, and parametric variables by Student's t -test (level of significance 95%). A two-way anova was performed on decayed, missing and filled surfaces to investigate the interaction between age and educational level. All statistical procedures were performed in the SPSS© statistical package. Results: The number of remaining teeth was similar for LE and HE in the 35-year olds (25.8 versus 26.6), but in the older age groups LE had significantly a larger number of missing teeth. The LE groups (except in 65-year olds) exhibited significantly more PAL loss. LE had significantly fewer healthy gingival units in all but the 75-year age group. In all age groups, LE had fewer intact tooth surfaces and a significantly poorer occlusal function. The frequency of tooth cleaning measures and dietary habits did not differ between LE and HE. Conclusion: Educational level was shown to influence the oral conditions and should be considered in assessing risk, and in planning appropriate preventive measures. Zusammenfassung Ziel: Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Evaluation der Verbindung zwischen Bildungsniveau und Erkrankungen der Zähne, Behandlungsnotwendigkeit und oralen Hygienegewohnheiten. Material und Methoden: Randomisierte Gruppen von 35-, 50-, 65- und 75-Jährigen, die entsprechend ihres Bildungsniveau: niedriges Niveau (LE): Grundschule oder höheres Niveau (HE) klassifiziert wurden, wurden gebildet. Bei 1091 Personen wurden eine Anzahl von Charakteristika aufgezeichnet: (i) Anzahl der Zähne, (ii) parodontales Stützgewebeniveau (PAL), (iii) Karies, (iv) okklusale Funktion. Bildungsniveau, orale Hygiene und Eßgewohnheiten wurden selbst erfasst. Parameterfreie Variable wurden mit dem Chi-Quadrat test, dem Mann,Whitney U,Wilcoxon Rangsummentest und die parametergebundenen Variablen mit dem Student t -test (Signifikanz-Niveau 95 %) analysiert. Die Zwei-Wege ANOVA wurde auf dem DMF-s durchgeführt, um die Beziehung zwischen Alter und Bildungsniveau zu untersuchen. Alle statistischen Berechnungen wurden mit dem SPSS Statistik Programm vorgenommen. Ergebnisse: Die Anzahl der verbliebenen Zähne war zwischen LE und HE ähnlich bei den 35-Jährigen (25.8 vs. 26.6), aber in den älteren LE-Gruppen waren signifikant höhere Zahlen für fehlende Zähne. Die LE-Gruppen (ohne die 65-Jährigen) zeigten signifikant größeren PAL Verlust. LE hatten signifikant weniger gingivale Gesundheit bei den 75-Jährigen. In allen Altersgruppen hatten die LE weniger intakte Zahnoberflächen und signifikant geringere okklusale Funktion. Die Häufigkeit der Zahnreinigung und die Eßgewohnheiten unterschieden sich zwischen LE und HE nicht. Schlussfolgerung: Das Bildungsniveau hat einen Einfluss auf die oralen Bedingungen und sollte bei der Erfassung des Risikos und bei der Planung geeigneter Präventionsmaßnahmen beachtet werden. Résumé But: Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer l'association entre niveau d'éducation et maladie dentaire, besoins de traitement et habitudes d'hygiène orale. Matériel et méthodes: Des échantillons randomisés de sujets âgés de 35-, 50-, 65- et 75 ans, classés selon leur niveau d'éducation: [Bas (LE): école élémentaire, ou élevé (HE)] furent identifiés. Chez 1091 sujets, on a enregistré les caractéristiques suivantes: (i) nombre de dents, (ii) niveau d'attache parodontal (PAL), (iii) caries et (iv) fonction occlusale. Le niveau d'éducation, l'hygiène orale, et les habitudes alimentaires étaient rapportés par les patients eux-même. Les variables non paramétriques furent analysées par les tests chi carré, Mann,Whitney U,Wilcoxon rank sum, et les variables paramétriques par le test t de Student (niveau de signification 95%). 2-way ANOVA fut réalisé sur le DMFS pour rechercher l'interaction entre l'âge et le niveau d'éducation. Toutes les opérations statistiques furent menées par utilisation de SPSS©. Résultats: le nombre de dents restantesétait semblable pour LE et HE chez les sujets de 35 ans (25.8 vs. 26.6), mais dans les groupes plus âgés, LE présentait un nombre significativement plus important de dents absentes. Le groupe LE (sauf chez les patients de 65 ans) présentait plus de perte de PAL. LE présentait moins d'unités gingivales saines sauf dans le groupe de patients âgés de 75 ans. Dans tous les groupes d'âge, LE avait moins de surfaces dentaires intactes et une fonction occlusale significativement plus faible. La fréquence des mesures de nettoyage dentaire et les habitudes alimentaires n'étaient pas différentes entre les groupes LE et HE. Conclusion: Il est montré que le niveau d'éducation influence les conditions orales et cela doit être pris en considération lors de la mise en évidence du risque et dans la planification de mesures de prévention appropriées. [source]


Lifestyle factors and mortality among adults with diabetes: findings from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition,Potsdam study,

JOURNAL OF DIABETES, Issue 2 2010
Ute NÖTHLINGS
Abstract Background:, Healthy lifestyle behaviors are among the cornerstones of diabetes self-management, but the extent to which healthy lifestyle factors could potentially prevent premature mortality among people with diabetes remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to estimate the reduction in mortality that could be achieved if people with diabetes did not smoke, had a body mass index <30 kg/m2, performed physical activity for ,3.5 h/week, reported better dietary habits, and consumed alcohol moderately. Methods:, A prospective cohort study of 1263 German men and women with diabetes aged 35,65 years who were followed for an average of 7.8 years was used and multivariate Cox regression models for all-cause and cause-specific mortality were calculated. Results:, Approximately 7% of study participants had no favorable factors, 24% had one, 35% had two, and 34% had three or more. Compared with participants who had no favorable factors, the reduction in risk was 34% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19%, 63%] for those with one favorable factor, 49% (95% CI 9%, 71%) for those with two, and 63% (95% CI 31%, 80%) for those with three or more. Furthermore, a competing risk analysis did not show any difference in the inverse associations with mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, or other causes. Conclusions:, Favorable lifestyle factors can potentially achieve substantial reductions in premature mortality among people with diabetes. Our results emphasize the importance of helping people with diabetes optimize their lifestyle behaviors. [source]


Epidemiology of gallstone disease in Chandigarh: A community-based study

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2001
Virendra Singh
Abstract Background: Cholelithiasis is frequent in our country (India), and is a common cause for abdominal surgery. We studied the prevalence of gallstone disease and its association with various risk factors in the city of Chandigarh. Methods: A house-to-house survey of residents aged 15 years or above in a subsector of Chandigarh was conducted as a part of a pilot survey. All individuals with a history of gallstone disease, and equal or more number of asymptomatic individuals were asked to attend the outpatient department of the Postgraduate Medical Institute. On the basis of the pilot survey, the sample size to be studied was 2648 and we screened 2649 persons. Results: Two hundred and fifty-four individuals attended the outpatient services of the Institute, and 248 underwent an ultrasound. There were 37 symptomatic and 211 asymptomatic individuals (male : female, 93:155). Gallstone disease was seen in 24 out of 37 (64.9%) in the symptomatic, and seven out of 211 (3.3%) in the asymptomatic group. Out of these, 27 females and four males had gallstone disease (mean age: 48.30 ± 16.03 years). Approximately 67% of patients were between 20 and 60 years of age. Gallstone disease was more frequently seen in those from high socioeconomic status as compared to middle socioeconomic status (,2 = 8.9, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01), and in multiparous as compared to nulliparous females (,2 = 4.8, d.f. = 1, P < 0.05). Body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and a vegetarian/non-vegetarian diet did not influence the prevalence of gallstone disease. Conclusions: Gallstone disease is frequent in northern India. Gallstones were frequent in those belonging to high socioeconomic status and multiparous females. However, body mass index, smoking, alcohol or other dietary habits did not make a difference. [source]


Dietary habits and health status of African-Caribbean adults

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2010
J. Earland
Abstract Background:, Although African-Caribbeans in the UK are more likely to suffer from a number of diet-related health conditions, including obesity, hypertension and type II diabetes, there have been few dietary studies on this group. The present study is based on a small survey of food and nutrient intakes and traditional dietary habits of African-Caribbean adults living in Staffordshire. Methods:, A questionnaire, designed to collect demographic data and information on medical status, physical activities, dietary, cooking and food shopping habits was administered to a convenience sample of 39 adults. Detailed information on food intakes was gathered using a modified existing Food Frequency Questionnaire with 169 items. Height and weight were measured for the calculation of body mass index. Results:, The average age of the subjects was 47 years (range 19,65 years). The prevalence of obesity was 39% and one-third of subjects reported having at least one health condition. Physical activities, outside of work, were undertaken by 95% of the sample. Traditional foods were used by 92% of respondents, including fruit and vegetables purchased at markets outside of their local area. A wide variety of foods were consumed and the percentages of energy provided by fats and carbohydrates (30% and 53%, respectively) appeared to be meeting government recommendations. However, absolute energy intakes were high and salt consumption, often in the form of commercial seasonings, exceeded government recommendations. Conclusions:, The positive aspects of the diets of this population need to be encouraged. Interventions need to focus on ways of reducing total energy intakes, as well as levels of salt consumption. [source]


Association of dietary habits with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in Bangladeshi adolescents

JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 8 2004
R. Akhter
summary, The prevalences of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in Bangladeshi adolescents and their associations with intake of various hard food items were investigated. A group of 1200 randomly selected high school students aged 12,17 years from three communities (rural, semi-urban and urban) completed a questionnaire on dietary habits and presence of TMD symptoms and were examined clinically. In bivariate analysis, no significant relationship was observed between TMD symptoms and eating of hard foods. However, in logistic regression analysis, clicking showed a significant correlation with consumption of hard vegetable and fruits more than three times per week (P < 0·05). A statistically significant correlation was also observed between consumption of all hard food items (at least one item in each of the four categories of hard food) more than 12 times per week and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (P < 0·05). A positive association was found between pain in the TMJ and older age (15,17 years) (P < 0·001). The prevalence of pain in the TMJ was significantly higher in males (P < 0·01). Prevalences of clicking and pain in the TMJ were significantly higher in subjects living in a rural area than in subjects living in an urban area (P < 0·01 and P < 0·01, respectively). Subjects having one or more decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) showed significantly higher prevalences of clicking (P < 0·01) and restricted mouth opening (P < 0·01). The results suggest that prevalence of TMD symptoms are related to prolonged consumption of hard food items. [source]


Associations between self-reported dental status and diet

JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 10 2003
R. M. Daly
summary, The purpose of this study was to develop a battery of dental, nutritional and psychological health survey measures and to use this survey instrument to explore links between age, tooth loss and dietary risk. The survey was undertaken in a dental school and hospital. Forty-nine consecutive patients (age range 25,74 years) participated in this pilot study and completed the health survey instrument. A quarter of the patients reported changing dietary habits due to dental problems, 56% reported difficulty in chewing as a result of problems with their teeth or dentures, and 36% reported having to interrupt meals due to dental difficulties. Tooth number was associated with MNA scores (0·35, P = 0·03, Pearson's correlation coefficient) and reported number of foods eaten (0·33, P = 0·04, Pearson's correlation coefficient) from the questionnaire checklist. Lower MNA scores were associated with age (F = 6·54; d.f. = 1, 46; P < 0·01) indicating that older adults were more at risk of poor nutritional status. Overall health was not rated as an important factor influencing food choice, and only 14% of the sample felt that they had nutritional problems. Poor diet and impaired food choice was associated with declining numbers of teeth and increasing age. Older adults may require dietary advice to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy diet. [source]


Factors associated with childhood constipation

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 10 2007
Mustafa Inan
Aim: To evaluate factors associated with constipation, determine its risk factors and identify common methods of managing constipation among schoolchildren from ages 7,12 in Edirne, Turkey. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study and 1900 children were stratified by the school population, age and gender. The questionnaire collected information from parents about the prevalence of constipation and associated factors as well. It asked about bowel movements, socio-demographic data, personal and family stressors, parental concern about constipation, and treatment methods. Results: The overall prevalence of constipation was 7.2%. It was 7.3% in boys and 7.2% in girls (P > 0.05). The parameters of siblings with health problems, constipation history in family members, abnormal oral habits, and little regular sporting activity were more common in constipated children than in non-constipated ones (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, never having used school toilets (OR: 5.9) and having problem to control their bowel after 2 years of age (OR: 3.1) were found to be major risk factors for constipation in schoolchildren ages 7,12 years. Constipated children had a lower consumption rate of fruits and vegetables and a higher consumption rate of milk-group foods, biscuits and macaroni than non-constipated children. Parental concern was at 90% and the rate of medical consultation was 23.2% for constipated children. Conclusions: The risk factors for childhood constipation may be genetic, psychological or organic. Bowel functions may be affected by dietary habits. Parents, health and education professionals should give special attention to childhood constipation. [source]


Using Technology to Teach Health: A Collaborative Pilot Project in Alabama

JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 10 2002
Brian F. Geiger
ABSTRACT: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified six adolescent risk behaviors that contribute to chronic diseases and disorders, including poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This project pilot-tested a "train-the-trainer" model to diffuse an interactive health education software program into Alabama middle schools during a school year. Developmentally appropriate content included nutrition, physical activity, and prevention of substance use. Twenty-four site facilitators selected from 18 public school systems trained 364 colleagues and 2,249 students to use the software. During a school year, facilitators created 150 student assignments; they reported increased interest among students in health instruction. An essential feature of the project involved an active partnership among the funder, state department of education, university, and public schools. Planners provided technical assistance through face-to-face interaction, distance learning, telephone and e-mail communications, and a Web site. Planners and facilitators worked together to overcome barriers to the use of technology for health instruction. [source]


Obesity and Physical Activity in College Women: Implications for Clinical Practice

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 7 2004
APRN-BC, Jacquelyn M. Clement PhD
Purpose To investigate the relationships between levels of physical activity, health attitudes and behaviors, and specific health indicators in women attending college. Data Sources A convenience sample of 116 college women, ages 18 to 24 years, participated in this research study at a moderate-sized midwestern university. The data were obtained through self-administered questionnaire; trained technicians collected physiological measurements. Conclusions The young women in this study had, on average, normal body mass indexes (BMIs) and reported activity levels consistent with or greater than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Items used to assign participants into the appropriate stage of the transtheoretical model of change were correlated with participants' perceived personal physical activity levels. Similarly, the participants, whose scores fell in the higher stages of the transtheoretical model, reported greater levels of physical activity; consumption of more fruits, vegetables, and water; and less consumption of high-fat/high-calorie foods. Implications for Practice The years between ages 18 and 24 are a critical time in the lives of young women. During this period, they develop physical activity and nutrition habits that will affect their health across the life span. Because of the sometimes insidious development of major health problems, young women's current health status may not accurately reflect the possible longterm results of negative health habits. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have many opportunities to identify and address major factors that, if unattended, may threaten the life-long health status of women. Health teaching in the areas of physical activity and dietary habits may be useful even in young women who appear to be healthy, are of normal weight, and are physically active.Poor dietary habits, if unattended, may eventually contribute to the development of obesity and related illnesses. [source]


Food safety control and dietary habits

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 3 2007
Elke Anklam
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


Personal view: food for thought , western lifestyle and susceptibility to Crohn's disease.

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 12 2005
The FODMAP hypothesis
Summary Susceptibility to the development of Crohn's disease involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The association of Crohn's disease with westernization has implicated lifestyle factors in pathogenesis. While diet is a likely candidate, evidence for specific changes in dietary habits and/or intake has been lacking. A new hypothesis is proposed, by which excessive delivery of highly fermentable but poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates and polyols (designated FODMAPs , Fermentable Oligo-, Di- and Mono-saccharides And Polyols) to the distal small intestinal and colonic lumen is a dietary factor underlying susceptibility to Crohn's disease. The subsequent rapid fermentation of FODMAPs in the distal small and proximal large intestine induces conditions in the bowel that lead to increased intestinal permeability, a predisposing factor to the development of Crohn's disease. Evidence supporting this hypothesis includes the increasing intake of FODMAPs in western societies, the association of increased intake of sugars in the development of Crohn's disease, and the previously documented effects of the ingestion of excessive FODMAPs on the bowel. This hypothesis provides potential for the design of preventive strategies and raises concern about current enthusiasm for putative health-promoting effects of FODMAPs. One of the greatest challenges in defining the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease is to identify predisposing environmental factors. Such an achievement might lead to the development of preventive strategies for, and the definition of, possible target for changing the natural history of this serious disease. The present paper describes a new hypothesis for one such environmental factor. [source]


Cover Picture , Mol.

MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 4 2008
Nutr.
Regular issues provide a wide range of research and review articles covering all aspects of Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. Selected topics of issue 4 are: Phenolics from purple grape and apple and their prevention of early atherosclerosis . Proliferation inhibition of human bladder cancer cells by the grape and wine constituent piceatannol Anticancer actions of natural and synthetic vitamin E Maternal dietary habits and mycotoxins occurrence in human mature milk [source]


Dietary Therapy in Idiopathic Nephrolithiasis

NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 7 2006
Loris Borghi MD
Like other diseases striking predominantly the affluent societies, idiopathic nephrolithiasis is increasing in rich countries and appears to be closely related to dietary habits. In this review we summarize the latest evidence about the efficacy of dietary treatment for idiopathic calcium and uric acid stones, dealing especially with its effect on the urinary stone risk factors, stone recurrences, and clinical limitations. After a short introduction on epidemiology and pathogene-sis, we review the role of the most important foods and nutrients in stone formation and protection: water and other fluids, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, salt, milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and vitamins. The final part of the paper will provide practical guidelines for pursuing an anti-lithogenic diet in idiopathic calcium and uric acid stones. [source]


Obesity in Mediterranean region (1997,2007): a systematic review

OBESITY REVIEWS, Issue 5 2008
C. Papandreou
Summary The objective of this review is to determine the distribution of obesity by geographical location, income, age and sex in the Mediterranean region during the last decade. A meta-analysis was conducted for 102 articles cited during the period (1997,2007) in Medline database (for 17 Mediterranean countries) searched during the summer of 2007 using the word ,obesity' and its related keywords. The study showed that adults were more obese than children in all Mediterranean continents and in different levels of income. The prevalence of obesity among European children was higher than among Asians. Also, European adults were more obese than European children. The total female adults were found to be more obese (median: 25.3%) than male adults (median: 20.0%). The regression model analysis indicated that male adults were more likely to be obese in the Euro-Med region. Taking different factors into consideration, it was noticed that Mediterranean adults, especially those in the European region, are at higher risk of obesity. Awareness programmes addressing the importance of adopting healthy dietary habits combined with physical activity should target the whole community in general and adults in particular. The findings could guide health planners for better management of obesity. [source]