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Descriptive Analysis (descriptive + analysis)
Kinds of Descriptive Analysis Terms modified by Descriptive Analysis Selected AbstractsPERCEPTION OF CHEESE: A COMPARISON OF QUALITY SCORING, DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS AND CONSUMER RESPONSESJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 4 2005MARGRETHE HERSLETH ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to study perception of cheeses by comparing quality scores from expert assessors, descriptive profiling data from selected assessors and consumer responses. Twelve cheeses were evaluated by expert assessors and profiled by selected assessors. Five cheeses were selected for consumer testing and rated for hedonic liking, plus flavor intensity and degree of soft/firm texture. Analysis of variance and multivariate analyses of the data showed that the expert assessors scores for consistency, flavor and overall quality correlated positively with descriptive profiling attributes as mature flavor/odor, firmness, graininess and dryness of the cheeses. Preference mapping showed an even distribution of the consumers in the sensory map, which indicated different sensory segments. Some consumers preferred a firm cheese with a mild, mature flavor and others preferred a doughy cheese with more acid, fermented flavor. The expert assessors represented the preferences of the first group in their scoring procedure. [source] SENSORY DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS, SENSORY ACCEPTABILITY AND EXPECTATION STUDIES ON BISCUITS WITH REDUCED ADDED SALT AND INCREASED FIBERJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 4 2009MARISA BEATRIZ VÁZQUEZ ABSTRACT The aims of this study were to formulate biscuits with 50% more fiber and 50% less added salt than classic formulations, to describe their sensory characteristics, to measure expectation/sensory acceptability, and to investigate if sensory acceptability for these biscuits was related to the interest in consuming food products with less salt and/or more fiber content. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to develop four formulations: conventional fiber/conventional salt; conventional fiber/reduced salt; increased fiber/conventional salt; and increased fiber/reduced salt. Differences in the sensory profiles measured by a trained panel were of low magnitude, except for presence and taste of bran. Adolescent and adult consumers evaluated acceptability in three stages: blind with three-digit codes; expectation of the label only; and biscuit + label. The low salt formulations received the lowest scores in the expectation stage, but in the blind and biscuit + label stages acceptability of all formulations was similar. The variables that explained overall acceptance were: measurement stage; formulation salt level; interest in reducing consumption of high salt foods; and interest in consuming bakery products with fiber. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Increasing fiber content of biscuits by 40 to 50% helps achieve recommendations to increase fiber intake in daily diets. Also, as biscuits currently on the Argentine and other world markets present two extreme varieties , with or without added salt , formulating a biscuit with 50% less added salt facilitate sodium reduction. In our research we have found that these goals can be achieved without seriously affecting sensory acceptability. We propose the articulation of the necessary strategies with the food industry to market biscuits with less added salt and more fiber for the general population; and the use of these healthier biscuits by institutional food services. [source] APPLICATION OF SENSORY DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS TO COMPLETE THE CURRENT OFFICIAL CARD OF THE GALICIAN ORUJO SPIRITSJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 3 2009SANDRA CORTÉS ABSTRACT Ten samples of young Galician Orujo spirits from different grape varieties were evaluated using sensory descriptive analysis by a panel of 12 professional Orujo tasters. The aim of this study was to generate attributes to sensorially describe this kind of drinks in order to complete the current official card and permit their differentiation and varietal characterization. In the first session of analysis, the Orujo tasters identified a high number of descriptors, that they were then reduced after the elimination of hedonic terms and inappropriate attributes by using statistical methods. High significant correlations were found between the new descriptive parameters selected and the original terms employed to qualify the Orujo samples. Herbaceous, floral, ensilage and heads for aroma, spicy,caustic and sweet for taste and fruity for aftertaste were the attributes that showed significant differences between the Orujo samples. These terms may qualitatively be considered as typical descriptors of Orujos from Galicia. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS In the original card employed to qualify Galician Orujo spirits, only hedonic terms are used, all of them with an important subjective influence. The new card, in which descriptive terms generated by the official panel are included, too, permits, besides qualifying of the samples, defining of their profile in the same tasting session. With the new terms, the tasters can justify the total points given to each sample. The final sensory profile obtained for a single Orujo variety will result of a large group of Orujo samples tasted during several sessions. This tool will be very useful for the Regulating Commission to obtain more information about the sensory characteristics of this kind of alcoholic beverage and for the corresponding distillery, in case a sample was rejected, to know which attributes were found as negatives. [source] DEVELOPMENT OF SAMPLE PREPARATION, PRESENTATION PROCEDURE AND SENSORY DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF GREEN TEAJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 4 2008SOH MIN LEE ABSTRACT Although the infusing condition of green tea is critical in determining green tea quality, the green tea industries lack a validated standardized tea preparation procedure. The objectives were (1) to develop an effective sample preparation and presentation procedure to conduct an objective sensory analysis; and (2) to elucidate the effects of green tea types and infusing conditions on the sensory characteristics of green tea. The optimum infusing times for green tea at two temperatures (60 and 80C) were determined using the just-about-right scale evaluated by consumers. Then, a descriptive analysis was conducted. The panelists developed 16 descriptors, and determined the reference samples and the tasting procedure. The optimum infusing time,temperature combinations are approximately 3 min at 60C or 1 min at 80C. The intensity of fermented-like flavor increased, but cut grass and floral flavor decreased with the lower-graded tea leaf. Samples infused at 60C,3 min were sweeter but less bitter than samples at 80C,1 min. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The sample preparation method and evaluating conditions developed in this study have been validated using both analytical and consumer studies. The protocols showed to be powerful in discriminating the sensory characteristics between the samples when conducting objective sensory analyses. The sensory lexicons and standards established should be useful to researchers and product developers who are working with flavors of green tea. Additionally, the sample preparation method and evaluation procedure introduced in this study are relatively straightforward, thus, making it possible for the general sensory scientist group to use an effective standardized method when conducting objective sensory analyses of green tea. [source] A LEXICON FOR FLAVOR DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF GREEN TEAJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 3 2007JEEHYUN LEE ABSTRACT A lexicon for describing green tea was developed using descriptive analysis methods. A highly trained, descriptive sensory panel identified, defined and referenced 31 flavor attributes for green tea. One-hundred and thirty-eight green tea samples from nine countries , China, India, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania and Vietnam , were selected to represent a wide range of green teas. Attributes could be categorized as "Green" (asparagus, beany, Brussels sprout, celery, parsley, spinach, green beans, green herb-like); "Brown" (ashy/sooty, brown spice, burnt/scorched, nutty, tobacco); "Fruity/Floral" (fruity, floral/perfumy, citrus, fermented); "Mouthfeel" (astringent, tooth-etching); "Basic Tastes" (overall sweet, bitter); and other attributes (almond, animalic, grain, musty/new leather, mint, seaweed, straw-like). Some attributes, such as green, brown, bitter, astringent and tooth-etching, were found in most samples, but many attributes were found in only a few samples. Green tea processors, food industry, researchers and consumers will benefit from this lexicon with precise definitions and references that reliably differentiate and characterize the sensory attributes of green teas. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Green tea (and white tea) processors, food industrialists, researchers and consumers will benefit from this lexicon with precise definitions and references that reliably differentiate and characterize the sensory attributes of green tea. [source] A COMPARISON BETWEEN PAPER AND COMPUTERIZED BALLOTS AND A STUDY OF SIMULATED SUBSTITUTION BETWEEN THE TWO BALLOTS USED IN DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS,JOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 6 2002MARIANNE SWANEY-STUEVE ABSTRACT Many researchers have compared results from experiments using paper ballots and computer ballots, yet few have studied the interchangeability of the two data collection methods. If computers fail between sessions of an experiment, one would like to be able to use paper ballots for that session with some confidence that the experimental results will not be affected. The objective of this study was to determine if ballot type had a significant influence on descriptive analysis results. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated no significant differences (P<0.05) between ballot types. No significant sample * ballot interactions were found from the univariate analysis of variance. Mann Whitney nonparamatric tests found that substituting paper ballots for computer ballots in a single session did not significantly alter experimental results. One can conclude from this experiment that if a situation occurs forcing panelists to use an alternative ballot, the results probably will not be significantly affected. [source] DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CREAMY STYLE PEANUT BUTTERS,JOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 5 2002KAY L. McNEILL ABSTRACT This study was undertaken to establish category and product descriptive characteristics of commercial creamy style peanut butters for use in subsequent modeling of consumer response. An established descriptive lexicon for peanut flavor was modified with additional appearance and texture terminology to describe these samples. To determine the full category space for the appearance, flavor and texture characteristics for commercial creamy style peanut butters, a highly trained descriptive panel screened 42 brands. A subset of 22 peanut butters was identified which represented the available range of appearance, flavor and texture variations and determined the product category. These 22 commercial creamy style peanut butters were subsequently evaluated and quantitatively described using 4 appearance, 19 flavor and 12 texture descriptors. Using both hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis, 4 logical associative groupings of products were identified: store and name brands, natural brands, reduced fat brands, and some store or name brands with unique or unusual appearance, flavor or texture characteristics. Omission of products with redundant characteristics within a factor grouping enabled further reduction to 15 products for subsequent quantitative consumer testing to establish a model for descriptive analysis as a predictor of consumer research responses. [source] DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS, CONSUMER CLUSTERS AND PREFERENCE MAPPING OF COMMERCIAL MAYONNAISE IN ARGENTINAJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 4 2002MARÍA JOSÉ SANTA CRUZ ABSTRACT The objectives of the present study were to measure the sensory profile and acceptability of 8 commercial samples of mayonnaise (4 whole fat and 4 low fat) and then to apply preference mapping to address the relationship between the descriptive and acceptability data. A total of 240 consumers were recruited in 3 Argentine cities. In each city 40 young adults and 40 older adults were recruited. Samples differed in their sensory profiles and average acceptabilities. Cluster analysis of consumers showed clear segmentation in appearance, texture, flavor and overall acceptance. Sensory acceptability segmentation was far more pronounced than age or city segmentation. Extended preference mapping showed the sensory descriptors of mayonnaise which drove the acceptability of some of the consumer clusters. [source] DIFFERENCES IN FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AMONGST SPANISH SMES ACCORDING TO THEIR CAPITAL-OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSISANNALS OF PUBLIC AND COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS, Issue 1 2010Zuray Melgarejo ABSTRACT,:,The purpose of this paper is to assess whether financial performance differences between labour-managed (LOFs) and mercantile (PCFs) firms are due to differences in their capital-ownership configuration or to the particular measurement indexes commonly used to quantify performance. The empirical evidence rests upon a 1994,2003 data set of LOFs and PCFs that operate in the Industrial and Services sectors of the economy of Navarre, Spain. The results do not detect significant differences in financial performance between LOFs and PCFs, especially in the long-term and suggest the need to develop performance indices more akin to the special nature of the LOFs. [source] IMPACT OF DRYING AND STORAGE TIME ON SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF ROSEMARY (ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS L.)JOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 1 2007M.C. DÍAZ-MAROTO ABSTRACT The effect of drying treatment on the aroma characteristics of rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.) was studied using the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) with a trained panel and by Free Choice Profiling (FCP) analysis with a consumer group. Differences between samples were observed after applying Principal Component Analysis to the QDA data and Generalized Procrustes Analysis to the FCP data. The highest differences were found between fresh rosemary samples and dried samples. However, dried samples (obtained by oven-drying at 45C and commercial samples purchased at the markets and stored for 6 months) showed significant differences in their sensory characteristics. Odor detection thresholds of the fresh rosemary leaves were calculated in water and in potato sauce, and significant differences were found. [source] The Sensory Interactions of Organic Acids and Various Flavors in Ramen Soup SystemsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 9 2007M.-W. Kang ABSTRACT:, This study was conducted to investigate the sensory interactions between various organic acids and flavorants in 3 types of ramen soup (,beef,' seafood, and ,kimchi') when types and levels of organic acids (citric, malic, and lactic) varied. For ,beef' and seafood ramen soup, weak suprathreshold levels of acids (0.0039% to 0.0071%) were applied to the system and medium suprathreshold of acids (0.0128% to 0.0299%) were applied to the kimchi ramen soup. The amount of acid applied to each system was chosen based on the equiweight level. Descriptive analyses were performed separately for each ramen soup system using 8 trained panelists. A total of 11, 13, and 12 flavor descriptors were generated for ,beef,' seafood, and ,kimchi' soup, respectively. Analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic acid on the sensory characteristics of ramen soup. Principal component analysis was conducted to summarize the relationship between the soup samples and attributes. The effect of organic acids on the flavor attributes of ramen soup was dependent on the soup system as well as adding levels of acid. Addition of lactic acid power (at 0.0066%) in ,beef'ramen soup showed enhancement effect on the sour, salty, beefy, ,mushroom' flavor, and fermented soybean paste soup flavor, whereas lactic acid powder (at 0.0071%) showed enhancement effect only on the sour and fermented soybean paste soup flavor in seafood ramen soup due to the strong ,hot' flavor characteristics of the soup. In kimchi ramen soup, flavor attributes congruent to sourness were enhanced by the addition of organic acids to the system. [source] Self-injurious behaviour in Cornelia de Lange syndrome: 2. association with environmental eventsJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 7 2009J. Sloneem Abstract Background Self-injurious behaviour is commonly seen in Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS). However, there has been limited research into the aetiology of self-injury in CdLS and whether environmental factors influence the behaviour. Methods We observed the self-injury of 27 individuals with CdLS and 17 participants who did not have CdLS matched for age, gender, level of intellectual disability and mobility. Descriptive analyses were used to determine the extent to which environmental events were associated with self-injury. Results Lag sequential analysis of the association between self-injurious behaviour and environmental events revealed no differences between the two groups in terms of either the number or degree of environmental associations. Conclusions The results suggest that the associations between the environment and self-injury in CdLS do not differ from those seen in the broader population of people with intellectual disability. By implication the social reinforcement hypothesis is equally applicable to both groups. [source] Initial evaluation of the first year of the Foundation Assessment ProgrammeMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 1 2009Helena Davies Objectives, This study represents an initial evaluation of the first year (F1) of the Foundation Assessment Programme (FAP), in line with Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) assessment principles. Methods, Descriptive analyses were undertaken for total number of encounters, assessors and trainees, mean number of assessments per trainee, mean number of assessments per assessor, time taken for the assessments, mean score and standard deviation for each method. Reliability was estimated using generalisability coefficients. Pearson correlations were used to explore relationships between instruments. The study sample included 3640 F1 trainees from 10 English deaneries. Results, A total of 2929 trainees submitted at least one of all four methods. A mean of 16.6 case-focused assessments were submitted per F1 trainee. Based on a return per trainee of six of each of the case-focused assessments, and eight assessors for multi-source feedback, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) ranged between 0.4 and 0.48. The estimated time required for this is 9 hours per trainee per year. Scores increased over time for all instruments and correlations between methods were in keeping with their intended focus of assessment, providing evidence of validity. Conclusions, The FAP is feasible and achieves acceptable reliability. There is some evidence to support its validity. Collated assessment data should form part of the evidence considered for selection and career progression decisions although work is needed to further develop the FAP. It is in any case of critical importance for the profession's accountability to the public. [source] Medication-related problems commonly occurring in an Australian community setting,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 2 2004E. E. Roughead PhD Abstract Purpose This study characterised medication-related problems in 1000 Australian patients living in the community, and who were considered at risk of medication misadventure. Methods A review was undertaken of 1000 clinical case notes, developed during the delivery of medication management reviews. Patient demographics, medications used, medical conditions and medication-related problems were categorised according to established classification systems. Descriptive analyses were undertaken. Results Overall, 2222 problems were identified. Ninety per cent of patients had at least one medication-related problem. One in three people were found to require additional monitoring, one in four required additional medication, one in four were using the wrong or inappropriate medication and one in five were using insufficient medication. Cardiovascular, nervous system, alimentary and respiratory medicines were most commonly implicated, accounting for 69% of the medication-related problems. Conclusion This analysis reveals the need for ongoing vigilance of, and support for, people at high risk of medication misadventure. This information is also useful for informing the design of public health or health promotion strategies aiming to reduce the prevalence of these problems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Livestock-handling injuries in agriculture: An analysis of Colorado workers' compensation data,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009David I. Douphrate PhD Abstract Background Previous studies have reported that livestock-handling injuries are among the most severe of agricultural injuries. This study identifies the costs, characteristics, and contributing factors associated with livestock-handling injuries among Colorado dairy farmers, cattle/livestock raisers, and cattle dealers. Methods A 10-year (1997,2006) history of Colorado's workers' compensation claims data was used for analysis. Descriptive analyses of livestock-handling injury claims were performed. Claim cost analysis was also conducted. The agent,host,environment epidemiological model was used to analyze injury event descriptions. Results A total of 1,114 livestock-handling claims were analyzed. Claims associated with milking parlor tasks represented nearly 50% of injuries among dairy workers. Claims associated with riding horseback, sorting/penning cattle, and livestock-handling equipment represented high proportions of livestock-handling injuries among cattle/livestock raisers and cattle dealers. Claims associated with livestock-handling represented the highest percentage of high-cost and high-severity injuries in all three sectors. Conclusions Livestock-handling injuries are a significant problem, more costly, and result in more time off work than other causes of agricultural injuries. There is a strong and compelling need to develop cost-effective interventions to reduce the number of livestock-handling injuries in agriculture. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:391,407, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] An epistaxis severity score for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 4 2010Jeffrey B. Hoag MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT)-related epistaxis leads to alterations in social functioning and quality of life. Although more than 95% experience epistaxis, there is considerable variability of severity. Because no standardized method exists to measure epistaxis severity, the purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with patient-reported severity to develop a severity score. Study Design: Prospective, survey-based study. Methods: HHT care providers and a focus group of patients were interviewed to determine epistaxis-associated factors. From this, an electronic survey was developed and administered to patients with HHT. Descriptive analyses were performed with calculations of means and medians for continuous and proportions for categorical variables. Multiple ordinal logistic and linear regression models were developed to determine risk factors for epistaxis severity. Results: Nine hundred respondents from 21 countries were included. Eight hundred fifty-five (95%) subjects reported epistaxis. The mean (standard deviation) age was 52.1 (13.9) years, and 61.4% were female. Independently associated risk factors for self-reported epistaxis severity included epistaxis frequency (odds ratio [OR] 1.57), duration (OR 2.17), intensity (OR 2.45), need for transfusion (OR 2.74), anemia (OR 1.44), and aggressiveness of treatment required (OR 1.53, P < .001 for all). Conclusions: Risk factors for increasing epistaxis severity in patients with HHT include frequency, duration, and intensity of episodes; invasiveness of prior therapy required to stop epistaxis; anemia; and the need for blood transfusion. From these factors, an epistaxis severity score will be presented. Laryngoscope, 2010 [source] URBAN,RURAL DIFFERENCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCREEN-DETECTED INVASIVE BREAST CANCER AND DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU IN VICTORIAANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2006David L. Kok Background: At least one-third of primary breast cancers in Australia are discovered by population-based mammographic screening. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were any differences in the surgical treatment of women diagnosed with breast cancer by BreastScreen Victoria between urban and rural populations and to investigate temporal changes in their pattern of care. Methods: An analysis of women diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive and non-invasive) by BreastScreen Victoria from 1993 to 2000 was conducted. Descriptive analyses of the proportion of women undergoing each surgical treatment type over time were carried out. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of urban,rural residence on each treatment outcome while accounting for possible confounding factors. Results: Rural women with invasive breast cancer were less likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery (BCS) compared with urban women (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.35,0.50). The same was also true for rural women with ductal carcinoma in situ (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.29,0.96). This difference was independent of patient and tumour characteristics, including tumour size, surgeon caseload, patient's age and socioeconomic status. It also persisted over time despite a steady overall increase in use of BCS for both invasive and non-invasive cancers over the study period. Conclusions: Among Victorian women with screen-detected breast cancer, urban women consistently had higher rates of BCS compared with rural women despite increased overall adoption of BCS. Reasons for this disparity are still unclear and warrant further investigation. [source] Classification, presentation, and initial treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis in childhoodARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 11 2009David A. Cabral Objective To compare the criteria for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) with those of the European League Against Rheumatism/Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (EULAR/PRES) in a cohort of children with WG and other antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA),associated vasculitides (AAVs), and to describe the interval to diagnosis, presenting features, and initial treatment for WG. Methods Eligible patients had been diagnosed by site rheumatologists (termed the "MD diagnosis") since 2004. This diagnosis was used as a reference standard for sensitivity and specificity testing of the 2 WG classification criteria. Descriptive analyses were confined to ACR-classified WG patients. Results MD diagnoses of 117 patients (82 of whom were female) were WG (n = 76), microscopic polyangiitis (n = 17), ANCA-positive pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (n = 5), Churg-Strauss syndrome (n = 2), and unclassified vasculitis (n = 17). The sensitivities of the ACR and EULAR/PRES classification criteria for WG among the spectrum of AAVs were 68.4% and 73.6%, respectively, and the specificities were 68.3% and 73.2%, respectively. Two more children were identified as having WG by the EULAR/PRES criteria than by the ACR criteria. For the 65 ACR-classified WG patients, the median age at diagnosis was 14.2 years (range 4,17 years), and the median interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was 2.7 months (range 0,49 months). The most frequent presenting features by organ system were constitutional (89.2%), pulmonary (80.0%), ear, nose, and throat (80.0%), and renal (75.4%). Fifty-four patients (83.1%) commenced treatment with the combination of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, with widely varying regimens; the remainder received methotrexate alone (n = 1), corticosteroids alone (n = 4), or a combination (n = 6). Conclusion The EULAR/PRES criteria minimally improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for WG among a narrow spectrum of children with AAVs. Diagnostic delays may result from poor characterization of childhood WG. Initial therapy varied considerably among participating centers. [source] Contribution of birth defects to infant mortality in the United StatesBIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH, Issue S1 2002Joann Petrini Background While overall infant mortality rates (IMR) have declined over the past several decades, birth defects have remained the leading cause of infant death in the United States. To illustrate how this leading cause of infant mortality impacts subgroups within the US population a descriptive analysis of the contribution of birth defects to infant mortality at the national and state level was conducted. Methods Descriptive analyses of birth defects-specific IMRs and proportionate infant mortality due to birth defects were conducted for the US using 1999 mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics. In 1999, the change to ICD-10 impacted how cause-specific mortality rates were coded. Aggregated 1995-1998 state- birth defects infant death statistics were used for state comparisons. Results In 1999, birth defects accounted for nearly 1 in 5 infant deaths in the US. Variation in birth defects-specific IMRs were observed by maternal race with black infants having the highest rates when compared with other race groups. However, among black infants prematurity/low birthweight was the leading cause of death, followed by birth defects. There is substantial variation in state-specific birth defects IMRs and the state-specific proportion of infant deaths due to birth defects. Conclusions Birth defects remain the leading cause of infant death in the United States, despite the changes that resulted in 1999 from an update in the coding of cause of death from ICD-9 to ICD-10. While birth defects-specific IMRs provide an overall picture of fatal birth defects and a gauge of the impact of life-threatening anomalies, they represent only a fraction of the impact of birth defects, missing those who survive past infancy and those birth defects related losses in the antepartum period. Expansion and support of effective birth defects monitoring systems in each state that include the full spectrum of perinatal outcomes must be a priority. However, paralleling these efforts, analyses of this leading cause of infant mortality provide critical insight into perinatal health and should continue, with appropriate adjustments for the 1999 classification changes. Teratology 66:S3,S6, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Patterns of exercise across the cancer trajectory in brain tumor patientsCANCER, Issue 10 2006Lee W. Jones Ph.D. Abstract BACKGROUND Exercise may represent a supportive intervention that may complement existing neurooncologic therapies and address a multitude of therapy-induced debilitating side effects in patients with brain tumors. Given the limited evidence, the authors conducted a survey to examine the exercise patterns of brain tumor patients across the cancer trajectory. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, 386 brain tumor patients who received treatment at the Brain Tumor Center at Duke University were sent a questionnaire that assessed self-reported exercise behavior prior to diagnosis, during adjuvant therapy, and after the completion of therapy. RESULTS The response rate was 28% (106 of 383 patients). Descriptive analyses indicated that 42%, 38%, and 41% of participants, respectively, met national exercise prescription guidelines prior to diagnosis, during treatment, and after the completion of adjuvant therapy. Repeated measures analyses indicated no significant changes in the majority of exercise behavior outcomes over the cancer trajectory. However, exploratory analyses indicated that males and younger participants may be at the greatest risk of reducing exercise levels after a brain tumor diagnosis. These analyses remained unchanged after controlling for relevant demographic and medical covariates. CONCLUSIONS A relatively high percentage of brain tumor patients are exercising at recommended levels across the cancer trajectory. Moreover, these patients have unique exercise patterns that may be modified by select demographic variables. This preliminary study provides important informative data for future studies examining the potential role of exercise in patients diagnosed with neurologic malignancies. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] Employer burden of mild, moderate, and severe major depressive disorder: mental health services utilization and costs, and work performance,DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 1 2010Howard G. Birnbaum Ph.D. Abstract Background: Treatment utilization/costs and work performance for persons with major depressive disorder (MDD) by severity of illness is not well documented. Methods: Using National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (2001,2002) data, US workforce respondents (n=4,465) were classified by clinical severity (not clinically depressed, mild, moderate, severe) using a standard self-rating scale [Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (QIDS-SR)]. Outcomes included 12-month prevalence of medical services/medications use/costs and workplace performance. Treatment costs (employer's perspective) were estimated by weighing utilization measures by unit costs obtained for similar services used by MDD patients in claims data. Descriptive analysis across three severity groups generated ,2 results. Results: Using a sample of 539 US workforce respondents with MDD, 13.8% were classified mild, 38.5% moderate, and 47.7% severe cases. Mental health services usage, including antidepressants, increased significantly with severity, with average treatment costs substantially higher for severe than for mild cases both regarding mental health services ($697 vs. $388, ,2=4.4, P=.019) and antidepressants ($256 vs. $88, ,2=9.0, P=.001). Prevalence rates of unemployment/disability increased significantly (,2=11.7, P=.003) with MDD severity (15.7, 23.3, and 31.3% for mild, moderate, and severe cases). Severely and moderately depressed workers missed more work than nondepressed workers; the monthly salary-equivalent lost performance of $199 (severely depressed) and $188 (moderately depressed) was significantly higher than for nondepressed workers (,2=10.3, P<.001). Projected to the US workforce, monthly depression-related worker productivity losses had human capital costs of nearly $2 billion. Conclusions: MDD severity is significantly associated with increased treatment usage/costs, treatment adequacy, unemployment, and disability and with reduced work performance. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The Appropriateness of Drug Use in an Older Nondemented and Demented PopulationJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2001Maria Stella T. Giron MD OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of inappropriateness of drug use in an older nondemented and demented population. DESIGN: Descriptive analysis based on data from a sample of older subjects age 81 years and older. Data were collected from the second follow-up conducted in 1994,1996. SETTING: A population-based study of the Kungsholmen project in Stockholm, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Drug information was obtained from 681 subjects with a mean age of 86.9 years. The subjects were predominantly women (78%). Thirteen percent resided in institutions and 27.6% were diagnosed with dementia. MEASUREMENTS: Dementia diagnosis based on DSM III-R. Criteria for inappropriateness of drug use: use of drugs with potent anticholinergic properties, drug duplication, potential drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, and inappropriate drug dosage. RESULTS: The mean number of drugs used was 4.6: 4.5 drugs for nondemented and 4.8 for demented subjects. Nondemented subjects more commonly used cardiovascular-system drugs and demented subjects used nervous-system drugs. Demented subjects were more commonly exposed to drug duplication and to drugs with potent anticholinergic properties, both involving the use of psychotropic drugs. Nondemented subjects were more commonly exposed to potential drug-disease interactions, mostly with the use of cardiovascular drugs. The most common drug combination leading to a potential interaction was the use of digoxin with furosemide, occurring more frequently among nondemented subjects. The most common drug-disease interaction was the use of beta-blockers and calcium antagonists in subjects with congestive heart failure. The doses of drugs taken by both nondemented and demented subjects were mostly lower than the defined daily dose. CONCLUSION: There was substantial exposure to presumptive inappropriateness of drug use in this very old nondemented and demented population. The exposure of demented subjects to psychotropic drugs and nondemented subjects to cardiovascular drugs reflect the high frequency of prescribing these drugs in this population. [source] Characterization of a Cabbage Off-flavor in Whey Protein IsolateJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006Joy M. Wright ABSTRACT Whey protein isolate (WPI) is a value-added protein with multiple ingredient applications. A bland flavor is expected in WPI, and off-flavors can limit its use in foods. Recently, a cabbage off-flavor was noted in some WPI. The objective of this study was to characterize the source of cabbage flavor in WPI. WPI with and without cabbage flavor were collected, and descriptive sensory analysis was conducted on the rehydrated WPI using a trained panel and a previously identified sensory language. Volatile compounds were extracted by solvent extraction followed by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GCO), to identify and characterize aroma-active compounds. Dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) (cabbage aroma) was identified by GCO and GC-MS in WPI with the cabbage flavor. DMTS was quantified by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with GC-MS. Orthonasal thresholds of DMTS in deodorized water and WPI were determined by ascending forced choice analysis, and descriptive analysis of model systems was used to confirm instrumental results. DMTS levels were 1.94 ± 0.26 and 3.25 ± 0.61 parts per billion (ppb) in WPI with cabbage flavor, and 0.44 ± 0.25 and 0.43 ± 0.18 ppb in those without cabbage flavor. The orthonasal thresholds for DMTS in water and WPI were 0.07 ± 1.28 parts per trillion (ppt) and 0.80 ± 0.45 ppb, respectively. Descriptive analysis of model systems confirmed the role of DMTS in the cabbage off-flavor. Knowledge of the source of this flavor will aid in identification of ways to minimize or prevent DMTS formation in WPI. [source] Population change due to geographic mobility in Albania, 1989,2001, and the repercussions of internal migration for the enlargement of TiranaPOPULATION, SPACE AND PLACE (PREVIOUSLY:-INT JOURNAL OF POPULATION GEOGRAPHY), Issue 6 2007Michalis Agorastakis Abstract Being a country in transition, Albania has sustained vast political and socio-economic changes over the past 15 years, mostly due to its engagement in democratisation and transformation to an open market economy. The pathway to transition has involved economic hardship and political unrest and has been accompanied by intense, large-scale, geographical mobility. This paper describes population change due to internal and international migration, 1989,2001, using Census data at district level. Its contribution is a technical one in applying a method that allows new estimates to be made of the scale of internal migration in Albania. Descriptive analysis of population changes in 36 Albanian districts, based on the last two censuses, lead to the identification of poles of attraction of internal migrants. Limited data concerning the 1989 Census and the 12 years between the censuses resulted in the creation of various indices that characterise internal migration, such as the Attraction and Expulsion Index stemming from the Origin,Destination Matrix of the districts. In addition an Index of Conservation of the population and an Index of External Migration were also derived at the district level. By considering internal and international migration as two separate phenomena, we emphasise their uniqueness in affecting population change in Albania. The District of Tirana, capital of Albania, absorbed the majority of the inflow of internal migrants. The latter part of the paper focuses on the population of Tirana as the county's major migration destination. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Fetal tricuspid valve Doppler at 11,13 weeks and 6 days: reference values and reproducibilityPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 8 2010Milena Almeida Prado Ninno Abstract Objective To determine normal blood flow velocities across the fetal tricuspid valve (TV) at 11,13 weeks and 6 days of gestation and to examine the reproducibility of these measurements. Methods A prospective study involving 166 normal singleton pregnancies examined at 11,13 weeks and 6 days was carried out. Descriptive analysis of E- and A-waves' maximum velocities, E/A ratio, duration of the cardiac cycle (C) and diastole (D) and D/C ratio were calculated. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement analysis was performed in a subgroup of 12 cases. Results Average ( ± SD) flow velocities were: E-wave, 25.0 ( ± 4.6) cm/s; A-wave, 42.9 ( ± 5.9) cm/s; E/A, 0.58 ( ± 0.07); cardiac cycle, 390 ( ± 21.1) ms; diastole, 147 ( ± 18) ms and D/C, 0.38 ( ± 0.04). Significant correlation was observed between all parameters (except A-wave) and gestational age but not with nuchal translucency (NT). Intraclass correlation coefficients (interobserver, intraobsever examiner 1 and intraobserver examiner 2) were: E-wave, 0.53, 0.53 and 0.64; A-wave, 0.45, 0.46 and 0.49; cardiac cycle, 0.70, 0.79 and 0.84 and diastole, 0.63, 0.85 and 0.82, respectively. Conclusions The present study establishes normal Doppler parameters for blood flow across the TV at 11,13 weeks and 6 days and demonstrates that these parameters do not correlate with NT measurement and have good/moderate reproducibility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Testing a model of symptoms, communication, uncertainty, and well-being, in older breast cancer survivorsRESEARCH IN NURSING & HEALTH, Issue 1 2006Margaret F. Clayton Abstract Among older, long-term breast cancer survivors, symptoms from previous treatment can generate uncertainty about whether they represent co-morbid conditions, recurrence, or normal aging. This uncertainty can result in emotional distress and thoughts of recurrence. Communication with health care providers may help women reduce uncertainty and improve both emotional and cognitive well-being. To assess the influence of symptoms, uncertainty, and communication with providers on well-being, data from 203 Caucasian and African American survivors, 5,9 years post treatment, were tested using structural equation modeling. Symptoms, age, and uncertainty had the strongest influence on well-being, regardless of race. There was an unexpected positive association between patient-provider communication and thoughts of recurrence. Descriptive analysis revealed that 52% of women were unable to achieve their desired decision-making role with health care providers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 29:18,39, 2006 [source] Political Cycles in the Australian Stock Market since FederationTHE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC REVIEW, Issue 4 2009Andrew C. Worthington This article examines the political cycles in Australian stock returns from 1901,2005. The article defines the political cycle in terms of the party in power, ministerial tenure and election information effects. The market variables are returns, excess returns over inflation and excess returns over interest rates. Descriptive analysis suggests differences in the variance of returns under Labor and non-Labor ministries, but no significant differences in mean returns. Using a generalised autoregressive conditional heteroskedastistic-M model, returns are found to be higher only for non-Labor ministries before 1949 and there is no difference in excess returns over inflation or interest throughout the full sample. [source] Microsurgical Anatomy of the Laryngeal Nerves as Related to Thyroid SurgeryTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2002Ashkan Monfared BS Abstract Objectives The objectives were to explore microsurgical anatomy of the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves and their importance in thyroid surgery, and to examine areas of potential morbidity, means of identification, and arterial supply of the laryngeal nerves. Study Design Descriptive analysis of anatomical features. Methods Twenty-one adult cadavers, some perfused with colored silicon, were dissected for the study project. Results The right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) branches off the vagus at the level of the subclavian artery and the left one at the level of the aorta. Both ascend parallel to the tracheoesophageal groove and innervate trachea, esophagus, and the inferior pharyngeal constrictors en route. The RLN has the highest probability to pass between the branches of the inferior thyroid artery on the right side and posterior to them on the left side. The RLN always passes posterior to the cricothyroid joint. The RLN is supplied by the branches of the inferior thyroid artery. The superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) branches into internal and external branches deep to the carotid bifurcation. The internal branch passes deep to the superior thyroid artery and descends toward thyrohyoid membrane. The external branch travels deep and parallel to the superior thyroid artery to innervate cricothyroid muscle. The internal branch is supplied by the superior laryngeal artery, and the external branch by the cricothyroid artery. Conclusions The only consistent location of the RLN is when it passes posterior to the cricothyroid joint. Because of extreme variability of the inferior thyroid artery and the RLN, it is suggested that the artery be ligated either proximally or at its tertiary branches on thyroid capsule. The internal branch of the SLN is not potentially at risk during thyroidectomy unless the superior thyroid artery is ligated proximally. The external branch of the SLN accompanies the superior thyroid artery for most of its course and is at potential risk if the trunk of the superior thyroid artery is ligated outside the pretracheal fascia. [source] Hospital admissions of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians due to interpersonal violence, July 1999 to June 2004AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2009Jesia G. Berry Abstract Objective: To compare the incidence of injury-related hospitalisations and the injury profiles for interpersonal violence, in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations of Australia. Method: Descriptive analysis of the National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD), using data for the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland for the period 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2004. Results: Indigenous people were twice as likely as non-Indigenous people to be hospitalised for injury (age-standardised rate ratio [SRR] 2.26, 95% CI 2.24,2.29), and had a 17-fold greater hospitalisation rate for interpersonal violence (SRR, 16.9, 95% CI 16.6,17.3). Indigenous males and females were most commonly injured by a family member or intimate partner and females constituted 54% of Indigenous cases. Most non-Indigenous cases were males (82%), most commonly injured by stranger(s). Head injuries by bodily force were the most frequent injuries. Age-standardised hospitalisation rates of interpersonal violence increased with remoteness of usual residence for Indigenous people and, less so, for others. Conclusion: The largest differential between Indigenous and non-Indigenous injury-related hospitalisations was for interpersonal violence, particularly for women. About half the excess morbidity from interpersonal violence among Indigenous people is due to factors associated with remote living. Implications: Culturally appropriate interventions that tackle a wide range of social and economic issues are needed to mitigate Indigenous interpersonal violence. [source] Water supply and sanitation in remote Indigenous communities-priorities for health developmentAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 5 2004Ross S. Bailie Objective:To review available national and State/Territory survey data on water supply and sanitation in remote Indigenous Australian communities and to discuss the findings in terms of priorities for health and infrastructure development. Methods:Descriptive analysis of data on relevant variables from available data sources. Results:All relevant published reports arose from only two data sources: the Community Housing and Infrastructure Needs Surveys, and from a Northern Territory-wide survey of community-owned dwellings. The data show that many communities do not have a reliable water supply and experience frequent and prolonged breakdown in sewerage systems. For example, 12% of communities of 50 people or more experienced five or more periods of water restrictions in a one-year period, and 10% of communities experienced sewage overflow or leakage 20 or more times in a one-year period. Items of basic household infrastructure regarded as essential for household hygiene are missing or not functional in many community-owned dwellings. For example, in about one-third of houses bathroom taps and toilet drainage required major repairs. Conclusion and Implications:Given the widely accepted importance of water and sanitation to health, the data support the contention that poor environmental conditions are a major cause of poor health in remote communities and provide some measure at a national level of the magnitude of the problem. Action to ensure easy access to adequate quantities of water and secure sanitation should receive greater priority. There is need for better quality information systems to monitor progress, equity and accountability in the delivery of water and sanitation services. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||