Secondhand smoke exposure and C-reactive protein levels in youth.

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2002), we examined the association of secondhand tobacco exposure, estimated by serum cotinine, with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in nonsmoking participants, aged 6-18 years. The association between serum cotinine and serum CRP was analyzed using multiple linear regression, with adjustment for other study variables. All analyses used weighted data and adjustments for design effects. Multiple regression analysis indicated that a change in serum cotinine of 0.5 ng/ml was associated with a 0.96 mg/dl change in CRP (95% CI=0.93-1.00), even after adjustment for age, white blood cell count, and body mass index percentile. We found a significant association between secondhand smoke exposure, assessed by serum cotinine, and elevated serum CRP among nonsmoking youth. Secondhand smoke exposure may pose an important long-term cardiovascular risk for children and adolescents.     

Nutrient content and distribution in milling fractions of rice grain.

Nutrient content and distribution in a low-protein (7.5%) rice and a high-protein (10.8 %) rice were studied by analysing successive abrasive milling fractions of brown rice. Non-starch constituents decreased from the surface to the centre of the grain in both rices, except that the highest protein fraction in high-protein rice was the sub-aleurone layer. Starch and amylose contents of starch increased progressively from the surface to the centre of the grain and were lower in high-protein grain. Although this low-protein rice had lower total ash content than the high-protein rice, other samples of the same low-protein rice had comparable ash content to the high-protein rice. Glutelin accounted for 87–93% of milled rice protein. Protein and protein bodies of the sub-aleurone layer and inner endosperm have similar amino-grams, and electrophoretic patterns using analytical and SDS-polyacrylamide disc gels.     

Nutrient imbalances in tomato plants and acid phosphatase activity in the leaves.

Tomato plants were grown in sand for 5 weeks and received one of fifteen different nutrient solutions in which the concentrations of various elements were either reduced or increased individually, relative to their concentration in a complete nutrient solution, and the acid phosphatase activity in extracts from the young, fully-expanded leaves was determined. When expressed on a fresh weight basis, only in the P-deficient plants was the activity significantly increased with a degree of confidence better than P=0.05; a slight increase occurred in extracts from the plants suffering from B toxicity, but this was only significant at P=0.1. There were no increases in acid phosphatase activity with deficiencies of N, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo or Zn; or with toxicities of Cu, Mn or Zn. When expressed on a protein N basis, only N and P deficiencies increased the acid phosphatase activity. It is proposed that the acid phosphatase activity of the leaves could be used as an indicator of P deficiency in the tomato.     

小球藻营养成分积累的磁处理强化

对磁场作用下小球藻Chlorellavulgaris生长和营养成分的变化进行研究,发现不同磁感应强度的处理对C.vulgaris的生长和营养成分的影响不同,弱磁感应强度处理刺激C.vulgaris的生长,0.05T以上的强磁感应强度表现出一定的的抑制作用;弱磁剂量处理下糖含量,蛋白含量有所增加,脂肪含量略有减少;强磁剂量处理下糖含量,蛋白含量变化较小,脂肪含量明显增加;磁处理改变了C.vulgaris中的氨基酸的组成,氨基酸含量都有所增加,尤其10mT处理下必需氨基酸增加非常明显;在10mT磁处理下VB1,VB2和VC含量显著增加,0.5T处理中,VB2的含量有所减少,VB1和VC增幅很大。磁处理强化培养是进一步提高小球藻营养价值的一种较有效手段。     

Characteristics associated with rapid transition to tobacco dependence in youth.

Epidemiologic data suggests the smoking trajectory for some adolescents escalates rapidly and that tobacco dependence can develop quickly after initiation. In this study, we examine variation in cigarette consumption and individual characteristics associated with the rapid development of tobacco dependence, focusing particularly on the 24-month interval after tobacco initiation. The analysis is based on public use data files of the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse conducted in 1994-1996. Representative samples of adolescents aged 12-17 years old, totaling 13,831, completed a standardized interview assessing demographic characteristics, tobacco involvement and past year dependence, and psychological functioning over the preceding 6-month period as assessed by the Youth Self-Report. Analyses were restricted to the 1,734 youth who had started smoking within 0-24 months prior to being assessed, of which the onset for 70% of them was between 11-24 months. Logistic regression models took into account sample weights and used a variance estimation procedure appropriate for the complex multistage sampling design. Overall, 210 recent initiators met dependence criteria (13.5%, 95% CI = 12.0-15.2). Dependent smokers had greater cigarette involvement than youth who had not transitioned to being tobacco dependent by the time of assessment. Variation in mental health and sociodemographic characteristics were also detected. Disruptive behavior (p = .05) and being female (p = .02) were associated with being tobacco dependent. The rapid transition to dependence in youth depends not only on cigarette consumption features, but may also be associated with individual characteristics.     

Nutrient composition of dairy products. II Creams

Full proximates and minerals were determined in a variety of United Kingdom creams. Results were examined for seasonal and regional variation and also for their compliance with statutory regulations.     

Nutrient composition of dairy products. I Cheeses

An analytical programme was carried out to assess the composition of a variety of United Kingdom cheeses. Test samples were taken each season from regional centres in England and Wales. Proximates and minerals were determined and results were examined for seasonal and regional variation. Results were also evaluated for their compliance with statutory regulations.     

Reduced nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase activity in the uterus of non-obese diabetic mice

A functional interaction between progesterone, Th2 cytokines and a suitable balance between nitric oxide and prostaglandins in the uterus is considered to have a major role in the success of embryo implantation and pregnancy. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice offer a suitable model to study the modulatory role of Th1 cytokines on uterus signalling and function, since at the prediabetic stage they develop a spontaneous Th1 autoimmune response against exocrine glands similar to Sj?gren's syndrome. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a vasoactive neuro- and immunopeptide that promotes Th2 profiles and contributes to the smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activities of nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase and the effect of VIP in the uterus of NOD mice with an emerging Th1 cytokine response. We present evidence of a reduced basal and VIP-stimulated activity of both enzymes in the uterus of NOD mice compared with normal BALB/c mice in proestrus. An altered functional interaction between both enzymes is also present in NOD mice at the time when increased levels of serum interleukin (IL)-12 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha but not interferon (IFN)-gamma or IL-10 were detected. We conclude that signalling alterations in uteri of NOD mice are simultaneous to the onset of a systemic Th1 cytokine response.     

Extended screen time and dry eye in youth

PurposeExtended screen time amongst youth is a pervasive global phenomenon, with wide-ranging implications for health and quality of life. Dry eye disease is increasingly reported as emerging in paediatric populations and is associated with modified blinking behaviour during extended screen time. This study sought to evaluate spontaneous blink rates, dry eye symptomology and screen use habits of young extended screen time users.MethodsAttendees of a gaming convention in Auckland, NZ, completed a self-directed iPad-based survey on personal screen use habits and ocular symptoms using the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) and the Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaire. Blink rate was covertly and concomitantly recorded using the front-facing iPad camera and quantified by automated software. A validated, self-assessment blink test was administered as a proxy for tear film stability measurements.ResultsA total of 456 respondents (mean age ± SD: 24 ± 10 years, range: 13 – 75, 38% female) reported an average weekly screen time of 43.7 ± 24.4 h. DEQ-5 and SANDE scores were 10 ± 3 and 34 ± 19; 90% of respondents qualified as symptomatic for dry eye disease (DEQ-5 ≥ 6). Blink test results suggested a tear film stability < 10 s in 24% of cases. Poorer symptomology correlated with increased screen use, elevated blink rates and reduced proxy tear film stability (r = 0.15 to 0.22, all p < 0.01).ConclusionExtended screen time in a young population was associated with blinking behaviour and symptomology consistent with patients with dry eye. Implementing routine clinical screening, educational interventions, and developing official guidance on safe screen use may help prevent an accelerated degradation of ocular surface health and quality of life in young people.     

Vitamin D status and glucose metabolism in youth

This study aimed to review and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the relationship between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and glucose metabolism among adolescents. A total of 19 studies were included. Many studies did not find a relation between 25(OH)D concentrations and insulin sensitivity, but most studies have shown that vitamin D status influences glucose dysregulation in youth due to particularities of this life stage. Considering the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were high among adolescents, the importance for vitamin D status correction in this young group, in which chronic diseases are not expected but getting every day more common, is mandatory.     

曲靖土壤类型分布及养分特征

为了解云南曲靖不同植烟土壤类型的分布情况及养分特征,采集曲靖市9个县(市)土壤样品进行了分析。结果表明,曲靖市植烟土壤可分为6类(石灰岩土、黄壤、紫色土、红壤、水稻土和新积土)。红壤在各县均有广泛分布,水稻土主要分布在陆良北部,马龙大部,沾益的西部,新积土主要分布在除沾益和师宗的陆良其他县(市),此3种土壤类型相似,主要为壤土,有机质、碱解氮含量很丰富,速效磷含量丰富,速效钾丰缺比例相当。黄壤分布在罗平大部和富源南部,以黏土为主,各种养分均很丰富。石灰岩土主要分布于宣威的普立,质地以壤土为主,有机质和碱解氮含量很丰富,速效磷和速效钾缺乏。紫色土主要分布在宣威、会泽的北部,其他县市有零散分布,主要为壤土,有机质、碱解氮含量丰富,但与其他土类相比含量最低,速效磷含量丰富。     

Nutrient Composition of Chlorella spp. and Monodus subterraneus Cultured in a Bubble Column Bioreactor

The nutritional composition of two marine microalgae, Chlorella spp. and Monodus subterraneus, cultured in an outdoor bubble column photobioreactor used in batch mode was analyzed. Nutrients are reported at different microalgal growth phases. The proximate composition (moisture, crude protein, available carbohydrates and saponifiable oil), fatty acid and carotenoids at different growth stages were determined. On average, the biomass contained high amounts of protein in the two analyzed microalgae for all growth stages. Chlorella spp. biomass contained α-linolenic acid as predominant fatty acid, while M. subterraneus biomass was rich in palmitic and eicosapentaenoic fatty acids, which reached a maximum EPA productivity at the exponential growth phase (65.0 mg· L^?1·day^?1). For both microalgae, carotenoid content was strongly influenced by the growth phase. Chlorella spp. biomass was found to be good sources of lutein and β-carotene, while M. subterraneus biomass exhibited high amounts of neoxanthin and β-carotene. A high carotenoid productivity was obtained for this microalgae at the stationary growth phase, with 19.4 mg·L^?1·day^?1. The results of this study clearly demonstrated the relevance of microalgae for potential use in functional foods, justifying their commercial production.     

Nutrient Composition of Muscles in Deer and Boar

In trimmed muscle types of four game species the dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, ash, Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn contents were determined. Samples of the m. semimembranosus and m. longissimus dorsi of each of 10 red deer, fallow deer, roe-deer and wild boars from the Southwestern region of Hungary in the end-winter period were analyzed, and mean values, related to dry matter, were compared. The game muscle samples had much lower crude fat, more Ca, P and microelements, especially Cu and Fe, when compared with published data for the respective muscles of domestic animals.     

Design and evaluation of a tobacco-prevention program targeting Chinese American youth in New York City.

In 1994 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized the importance of incorporating tobacco prevention programs into school curricula with the publication of guidelines for such programs. Included in these guidelines are recommendations to provide instruction about the consequences of tobacco use and to provide tobacco prevention programs to all students, with a particularly intensive curriculum in junior high school. Many school-based programs have been developed and tested; however, most have been delivered in English. This paper presents a culturally appropriate tobacco prevention curriculum developed for Chinese American 7th and 8th graders. The curriculum was delivered by a community organizer, in conjunction with lay health advocates, in one junior high school with a large proportion of Chinese immigrant students in New York City. This curriculum, delivered in English and Mandarin, began with 7th graders in four classrooms and consisted of seven sessions during the first year with a booster session the second year. Various presentation methods were used, including lectures, videos, demonstration, and group discussion. Valuable information about components that worked well and parts that need to be improved was gathered from school administrators, teachers, lay health advocates, and the community organizer who delivered the curriculum. This information should be incorporated into future tobacco prevention programs targeting the Chinese American community.     

Nutrient inadequacies among elderly residents of long-term care facilities.

PURPOSE: Regular, non-therapeutic diets were examined in long-term care (LTC) residents to determine whether these residents consumed adequate nutrients according to current recommendations. METHODS: Elderly (88 +/- 8 years) residents (31 female, 17 male) in five Saskatoon LTC centres participated. All were receiving regular diets. Dietary intakes were collected for three days at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, by using simultaneous weighed and observation methods. Snacks provided and eaten were also recorded. RESULTS: Observed intakes provided more complete data on nutrient intake than did weighed intakes. Inadequacy was most prevalent (in 70% or more of participants) for folate (according to prefortification intake levels), magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin B6; inadequacy prevalence was below 50% for protein, vitamin C, and thiamine. Mean intakes of calcium, vitamin D, and dietary fibre were well below their respective Adequate Intake (AI) values. Energy consumed at meals and with snacks was 16% less than that offered at meals alone; other nutrients ingested ranged from 0% to 32% below energy offered. To model nutrient planning, target usual intake distributions were calculated where possible. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that nutrient-dense foods alone may not allow elderly LTC residents to meet intake requirements for many nutrients. Assessment of dietary adequacy in institutionalized elderly people allows for the development of realistic nutrition goals.     

不同芜菁种质资源营养成分分析及评价

为了探究芜菁资源的开发利用价值,以50个不同来源的芜菁为研究材料,利用原子吸收分光光度法及全自动氨基酸分析仪检测50份芜菁块根中的营养成分、氨基酸组成及含量,并做分析评价。结果表明：50份芜菁中矿质元素含量存在较大差异,以钾、钙、镁为主体,其中以G2和T11两种芜菁的总矿质元素含量最高。氨基酸分析表明：G4的总氨基酸、儿童必需氨基酸、人体必需氨基酸、非必需氨基酸、鲜味氨基酸、甜味氨基酸、药用氨基酸及含硫氨基酸含量均最高,1408的芳香类氨基酸含量最高（1.09 g/100 g DW）。对芜菁的氨基酸含量分析表明,谷氨酸平均含量最高（3.35 g/100 g DW）,胱氨酸含量最少（0.01 g/100 g DW）。通过主成分分析发现5个主成分包含所有供试性状的大部分信息（81.807%）。聚类分析结果显示50份芜菁在遗传距离为5处可分为4大类：第1类硒含量最低（0.058 mg/kg）且平均氨基酸含量最低（9.72 g/100 g DW）;第2类平均铁含量最低（47.08 mg/kg）,平均蛋氨酸含量最高;第3类中的矿质元素及氨基酸含量位于4类的中下水平,表现一般;第4类中矿质元素含量均最高,且平均总氨基酸含量亦最高。综合各项指标,最终筛选出4份优异芜菁种质资源：G2、G4、T11和1408,供今后进一步的研究。