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Optimal Development (optimal + development)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	40%

Selected Abstracts

Processed animal products with emphasis on polyunsaturated fatty acid content

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF LIPID SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Sabine Sampels
Abstract The fat composition of processed fish and meat varies due to the source of the animal diet and to the fats used during processing. The aim of this study was to analyse the fatty acid profiles in some commonly available fish and meat fast foods. Variation between similar products from different brands indicated the use of different fat sources during processing. Especially in fish products, a high variation was found in the n -6/n -3 ratio, being up to more than 400-fold higher than in plain fish, which might be of special concern in the evaluation of diet-related health claims. Many products showed considerable differences compared to those included in the official database used for calculation of dietary intake. This leads to the conclusion that the fat sources used during processing of fast food should be reported and available to the consumers. Interdisciplinary dialogue between all sectors involved in food production, processing and health care is proposed to evaluate optimal development of fast foods with nutritionally favourable fat composition. [source]

Examining the Lives of Navajo Native American Teenage Mothers in Context: A 12- to 15-Year Follow-Up

FAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 2 2009
Rochelle L. Dalla
In 1992 and 1995, data were collected from 29 Navajo, reservation-residing teenage mothers. In 2007, follow-up data from 69% (n= 20) of the original sample were collected. Intensive interviews, grounded in ecological systems theory (U. Bronfenbrenner, 1989), allowed for contextual examination of the women's developmental trajectories. Significant educational accomplishments and a strong work ethic (i.e., individual level) exemplified the majority of respondents. Relationships with families of origin and intimate partners (i.e., microsystems) and connections between these (i.e., mesosystems) promoted and challenged participants' optimal development and were significantly influenced by macrosystem factors (e.g., economic constraints, physical isolation). Implications for service provision and continued research are discussed. [source]

Considerations for Development of Surrogate Endpoints for Antifracture Efficacy of New Treatments in Osteoporosis: A Perspective,,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 8 2008
Mary L Bouxsein
Abstract Because of the broad availability of efficacious osteoporosis therapies, conduct of placebo-controlled trials in subjects at high risk for fracture is becoming increasing difficult. Alternative trial designs include placebo-controlled trials in patients at low risk for fracture or active comparator studies, both of which would require enormous sample sizes and associated financial resources. Another more attractive alternative is to develop and validate surrogate endpoints for fracture. In this perspective, we review the concept of surrogate endpoints as it has been developed in other fields of medicine and discuss how it could be applied in clinical trials of osteoporosis. We outline a stepwise approach and possible study designs to qualify a biomarker as a surrogate endpoint in osteoporosis and review the existing data for several potential surrogate endpoints to assess their success in meeting the proposed criteria. Finally, we suggest a research agenda needed to advance the development of biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for fracture in osteoporosis trials. To ensure optimal development and best use of biomarkers to accelerate drug development, continuous dialog among the health professionals, industry, and regulators is of paramount importance. [source]

Preventive interventions among children exposed to trauma of armed conflict: a literature review

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 2 2010
Kirsi Peltonen
Abstract Increasing research is available on the preconditions for child mental health and optimal development in traumatic conditions, whereas less is known how to translate the findings into effective interventions to help traumatized children. This literature review analyses the effectiveness of psychosocial preventive interventions and treatments and their theoretical bases among children traumatized in the context of armed conflicts (war, military violence, terrorism and refugee). The first aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive interventions in preventing emotional distress and impairment and promoting optimal emotional-cognitive and social development. The second task is to analyze the nature of the underlying mechanisms for the success of preventive interventions, and the theoretical premises of the choice of intervention techniques, procedures and tools. We found 16 relevant published studies, but an examination of them revealed that only four of them had experimental designs strong enough that they could be included in the meta-analysis. While the subjective reports of the researchers suggested that systematic preventive interventions were effective in decreasing PTSD and depressive symptoms among children traumatized due to armed conflict, the more objective results of the meta-analysis and the weaknesses in designs uncovered during the meta-analysis undermine such a conclusion. Additionally, a majority of the reported preventive interventions focused only on children's biased cognitive processes and negative emotions, while only a few aimed at influencing multiple domains of child development and improving developmental functioning on emotional, social and psychophysiological levels. It is concluded that substantial additional work needs to be done in developing effective preventive interventions and treatments for children traumatized by exposure to war and violence. Aggr. Behav. 36:95,116, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials in Transplantation: Principles and Pitfalls

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2008
J. D. Schold
The contributions of prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to the advancement of solid organ transplantation are well appreciated. However, some misconception exists that results deriving from RCTs uniformly provide clinically relevant, definitive and generalized evidence. While there is little doubt that RCTs are the gold standard to test cause-and-effect relationships, the quality and subsequent utility of trials carried out in this field vary substantially. As with all other disciplines, our ability to interpret and implement the findings of RCTs into practice is strongly dependent on the study design and statistical rigor of the analysis. Failure to conduct trials with appropriate standards or interpret trials with the appropriate limitations may place patients at risk or waste valuable healthcare resources. The purpose of this review is to delineate important principles of study design and analysis of RCTs that are commonly overlooked. This review will discuss possible limitations of trials with specific applications in the field of transplantation. Progress in the field of transplantation is highly dependent on critical examination of existing clinical trials and vigilance regarding the optimal development of future trials. [source]