Ethnicity,Insurance Type,and Follow‐up in a Pediatric Weight Management Program

Objective: To assess the characteristics of children and adolescents who drop out of a clinical weight management program. Research Methods and Procedures: A retrospective survey of children and adolescents attending a pediatric weight management program [n = 518; mean ± SEM: age 10.4 ± 0.2 years, BMI z‐score 4.9 ± 0.1, 62% female, 41% African American and 57% white] was undertaken. Characteristics of children (age, relative weight, gender, and ethnicity) who dropped out of the program were compared with characteristics of those who continued beyond the initial assessment as a function of type of insurance. Results: The children who dropped out of the program after the initial assessment differed by ethnicity from those who continued in the program: 63% of white children returned for more than one visit, whereas only 35% of the African‐American children continued in the program. Indemnity insurance coverage was associated with more clinic visits, as compared with managed care insurance. The association between insurance type and clinic visit number was of borderline significance (p = 0.06), when ethnic group was added to this analysis. Discussion: Ethnicity is associated with attendance in a Pediatric Weight Management Program. Given the epidemic of obesity in children and adolescents, issues related to program compliance must be assessed to improve overall outcome. This is especially important given the high rate of obesity among African Americans and the low rate of ongoing attendance observed among African Americans in the Weight Management Program.     

A Review of the Chemistry and Biological Activities of Natural Colorants,Dyes, and Pigments: Challenges,and Opportunities for Food,Cosmetics, and Pharmaceutical Application

Natural pigments are important sources for the screening of bioactive lead compounds. This article reviewed the chemistry and therapeutic potentials of over 570 colored molecules from plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, algae, and marine sources. Moreover, related biological activities, advanced extraction, and identification approaches were reviewed. A variety of biological activities, including cytotoxicity against cancer cells, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-microbial, antiviral, and anti-protozoal activities, have been reported for different pigments. Considering their structural backbone, they were classified as naphthoquinones, carotenoids, flavonoids, xanthones, anthocyanins, benzotropolones, alkaloids, terpenoids, isoprenoids, and non-isoprenoids. Alkaloid pigments were mostly isolated from bacteria and marine sources, while flavonoids were mostly found in plants and mushrooms. Colored quinones and xanthones were mostly extracted from plants and fungi, while colored polyketides and terpenoids are often found in marine sources and fungi. Carotenoids are mostly distributed among bacteria, followed by fungi and plants. The pigments isolated from insects have different structures, but among them, carotenoids and quinone/xanthone are the most important. Considering good manufacturing practices, the current permitted natural colorants are: Carotenoids (canthaxanthin, β-carotene, β-apo-8′-carotenal, annatto, astaxanthin) and their sources, lycopene, anthocyanins, betanin, chlorophyllins, spirulina extract, carmine and cochineal extract, henna, riboflavin, pyrogallol, logwood extract, guaiazulene, turmeric, and soy leghemoglobin.     

Cell Production and DNA Accumulation in the Wheat Endosperm, and their Association with Grain Weight

Nuclear DNA content was measured in developing endosperm cellsof two wheat varieties, Chinese Spring and Spica. 3C, 6C, 12Cand 24C nuclei were detected, indicating that some form of endoreduplicationand/or endopolyploidization was occurring. The total amountof DNA in the endosperm continued to increase until 24 dayspost anthesis. This accumulation of DNA resulted both from productionof new nuclei and also from increases in the DNA content ofexisting nuclei. Estimates of endosperm cell numbers were made from the totalDNA content per endosperm and the mean DNA content per endospermnucleus for a range of genotypes differing in mature grain weight.Endosperm DNA content and cell number were both positively associatedwith mature grain weight among the genotypes examined. However,not all of the variation in grain weight could be attributedto variation in cell number because of differences in mean dryweight per endosperm cell. The large-grained variety, Spica, had a greater mean weightper endosperm cell than Chinese Spring and this difference aroseafter cell production in the endosperm had ceased. Triticum aestivum, grain weight, cell size, cell number, DNA content     

三北防护林体系建设面临的机遇和挑战

在总结三北防护林工程(三北工程)30年建设成就和经验的基础上,立足国内外相关领域发展趋势,全面分析了三北工程在应对气候变化、增加农民收入、拉动内需等方面显现的机遇,剖析了立地条件、发展动力、投资水平和改革创新等带来的严峻挑战,总结提出了三北工程未来发展应坚持以建设完备的区域性防护林体系为目标,以防沙治沙、保持水土为主要任务,以服务新农村建设、发展特色产业、推进林权改革为重点的发展思路和具体措施.     

Weight loss of black, white, and Hispanic men and women in the Diabetes Prevention Program

Objective: To provide the specific weight loss outcomes for African‐American, Hispanic, and white men and women in the lifestyle and metformin treatment arms of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) by race‐gender group to facilitate researchers translating similar interventions to minority populations, as well as provide realistic weight loss expectations for clinicians. Methods and Procedures: Secondary analyses of weight loss of 2,921 overweight participants (22% black; 17% Hispanic; 61% white; and 68% women) with impaired glucose tolerance randomized in the DPP to intensive lifestyle modification, metformin or placebo. Data over a 30‐month period are examined for comparability across treatment arms by race and gender. Results: Within lifestyle treatment, all race‐gender groups lost comparable amounts of weight with the exception of black women who exhibited significantly smaller weight losses (P < 0.01). For example, at 12 months, weight losses for white men (?8.4%), white women (?8.1%), Hispanic men (?7.8%), Hispanic women (?7.1%), and black men (?7.1%) were similar and significantly higher than black women (?4.5%). In contrast, within metformin treatment, all race‐gender groups including black women lost similar amounts of weight. Race‐gender specific mean weight loss data are provided by treatment arm for each follow‐up period. Discussion: Diminished weight losses were apparent among black women in comparison with other race‐gender groups in a lifestyle intervention but not metformin, underscoring the critical nature of examining sociocultural and environmental contributors to successful lifestyle intervention for black women.     

The Number and Sizes of Starch Granules in the Wheat Endosperm, and their Association with Grain Weight

The number and size of starch granules was measured in developingand mature endosperms of two wheat varieties, Chinese Springand Spica. Chromosomal effects on particular aspects of starchgranule size and number were detected in the analysis of disomicgenotypes derived from reciprocal monosomic hybrids betweenthe two parental varieties. Among these genotypes, a greaterweight per endosperm cell was associated with a greater volumeper A-type starch granule. It is suggested that the number percell and volume of these large starch granules are the majordeterminants of endosperm cell weight, and there exists separategenetic control of these parameters. It should therefore bepossible genetically to combine these attributes to achievedirected increases in mature grain weight. Triticum aestivum, grain weight, starch granules     

The Association of Body Weight,Dietary Intake,and Energy Expenditure with Dietary Restraint and Disinhibition

LAWSON, OLGA J, DONALD A WILLIAMSON, CATHERINE M CHAMPAGNE, JAMES P DELANY, ELLEN R BROOKS, PAULA M HOWAT, PATRICIA J WOZNIAK, GEORGE A BRAY AND DONNA H RYAN. The association of body weight, dietary intake, and energy expenditure with dietary restraint and disinhibition. Obes Res. 1995;3:153–161. The hypotheses that dieting and/or overeating are associated with adiposity, eating disturbances, and lowered energy expenditure were tested in this study. A sample of 44 premenopausal women scoring high and low on measures of dietary restraint and disinhibition of dietary control, as measured by the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, was studied. A 2 × 2 factorial design was employed (High/Low Restraint x High/Low Disinhibition). Dependent variables were: body composition, dietary intake, activity, resting metabolic rate, and thermic effect of food. Unrestrained overeaters (Low Restraint/High Disinhibition group) were very obese. High Dietary Restraint was associated with intent to diet and controlled eating. High scores on the Disinhibition Scale were associated with episodic overeating. Groups did not differ in resting metabolic rate (controlled for fat-free mass). Lower thermic effect of food was found to be associated with the obesity found in High Disinhibition subjects. Thus, Dietary Restraint was not associated with significant adverse effects upon physical or psychological health. High Disinhibition, however, was associated with adiposity and significant disturbances of eating.     

Change in Obesity Prevalence across the United States Is Influenced by Recreational and Healthcare Contexts,Food Environments,and Hispanic Populations

Objective

To examine change in county-level adult obesity prevalence between 2004 and 2009 and identify associated community characteristics.

Methods

Change in county-level adult (≥20 years) obesity prevalence was calculated for a 5-year period (2004–2009). Community measures of economic, healthcare, recreational, food environment, population structure, and education contexts were also calculated. Regression analysis was used to assess community characteristics associated (p<0.01) with change in adult obesity prevalence.

Results

Mean±SD change in obesity prevalence was 5.1±2.4%. Obesity prevalence decreased in 1.4% (n = 44) and increased in 98% (n = 3,060) of counties from 2004–2009. Results showed that both baseline levels and increases in physically inactive adults were associated with greater increases in obesity prevalence, while baseline levels of and increases in physician density and grocery store/supercenter density were related to smaller increases in obesity rates. Baseline levels of the Hispanic population share were negatively linked to changing obesity levels, while places with greater Hispanic population growth saw greater increases in obesity.

Conclusions

Most counties in the U.S. experienced increases in adult obesity prevalence from 2004 to 2009. Findings suggest that community-based interventions targeting adult obesity need to incorporate a range of community factors, such as levels of physical inactivity, access to physicians, availability of food outlets, and ethnic/racial population composition.     

Recreational Fisheries: Social,Economic and Management Aspects (Papers from the EIFAC Symposium on Recreational Fisheries,held in Dublin,Ireland, from 11 to 14 June 1997)

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries -     

Natural Resource Management, Paradigm Shifts, and the Decentralization Reform in Mali

The mainstream view in natural resource management in African drylands has been that local people are responsible for natural resource degradation. Today, alternative views or new paradigms are emerging in several fields. These new paradigms, which support decentralization of natural resource management, are discussed in relation to the ongoing decentralization process in Mali. During the colonial period, heavily centralized governments were installed in all the French colonies. This structure was maintained by Malian governments after independence. However, following the recent transition to democracy, a decentralizing reform is being implemented. It is presently not clear whether these reforms will lead to mere deconcentration, involving the redistribution of administrative responsibilities within the central government, or whether Mali is heading toward real decentralization, devolving decision making powers to local communities. The gestion de terroir approach, which may be a useful tool in achieving decentralization in farming communities, would, in pastoral areas, cause more damage than benefit.     

Assessment of Intraocular Measurements in Neonatal Foals and Association with Gender,Laterality, and Body Weight: A Clinical Study

Objective of this study was to describe intraocular measurements in newly born foals (1–7 days of age) and assess the association between globe measurements and gender, laterality, and body weight. B-scan ultrasonographic biometry was performed on both eyes of 22 healthy foals (44 eyes) ages 1–7 days using a 10-MHz transducer. Intraocular measurements (anterior chamber depth, central lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, axial globe length, longitudinal globe length, lens poles distance) were carried out using the ultrasound internal calipers. The influence of gender (male or female), laterality (right or left eye), and body weight (“light” <48 kg; “heavy” ≥48 kg) on ocular measurements was analysed by the Student t test. Values of P<0.05 were accepted as significant for all analyses. Mean anterior chamber depth was 2.2±0.5 mm (Standard Deviation); central lens thickness was 9.9±0.8 mm; vitreous chamber depth was 15.5±1.1 mm; axial globe length was 27.6±1.6 mm; longitudinal globe length was 35.8±1.2 mm, and lens poles distance was 16.4±1.0 mm. Intraocular measurements were not influenced by gender, laterality nor body weight. This study provides reference values for intraocular measurements in neonatal foals and may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired pathologies involving the globe.     

Association of Second and Third Trimester Weight Gain in Pregnancy with Maternal and Fetal Outcomes

Objective

To investigate the association between weekly weight gain, during the second and third trimesters, classified according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM/NRC) recommendations, and maternal and fetal outcomes.

Methods

Gestational weight gain was evaluated in 2,244 pregnant women of the Brazilian Study of Gestational Diabetes (Estudo Brasileiro do Diabetes Gestacional – EBDG). Outcomes were cesarean delivery, preterm birth and small or large for gestational age birth (SGA, LGA). Associations between inadequate weight gain and outcomes were estimated using robust Poisson regression adjusting for pre-pregnancy body mass index, trimester-specific weight gain, age, height, skin color, parity, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Results

In fully adjusted models, in the second trimester, insufficient weight gain was associated with SGA (relative risk [RR] 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–2.33), and excessive weight gain with LGA (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.16–2.31); in third trimester, excessive weight gain with preterm birth (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.08–2.70) and cesarean delivery (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.44). Women with less than recommended gestational weight gain in the 2^nd trimester had a lesser risk of cesarean deliveries (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.96) than women with adequate gestational weight gain in this trimester.

Conclusion

Though insufficient weight gain in the 3^rd trimester was not associated with adverse outcomes, other deviations from recommended weight gain during second and third trimester were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. These findings support, in part, the 2009 IOM/NRC recommendations for nutritional monitoring during pregnancy.     

An Examination of the Association between 5-HTTLPR,Combat Exposure,and PTSD Diagnosis among U.S. Veterans

Objective

To examine the association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) gene, combat exposure, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and among two samples of combat-exposed veterans.

Method

The first sample included 550 non-Hispanic Black (NHB) combat-exposed veterans. The second sample included 555 non-Hispanic White (NHW) combat-exposed veterans. Participants were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 variants of the SLC6A4 gene. A structured clinical interview was used to diagnose PTSD. Combat and civilian trauma exposure were assessed with validated self-report instruments. Logistic regression was used to test for main effects of 5-HTTLPR on PTSD diagnosis as well as gene x environment (GxE) interactions after adjusting for sex, ancestry proportion scores, civilian trauma exposure, and combat exposure.

Results

Within the NHB sample, a significant additive effect was observed for 5-HTTLPR (OR = 1.502, p = .0025), such that the odds of having a current diagnosis of PTSD increased by 1.502 for each additional S’ allele. No evidence for an association between 5-HTTLPR and PTSD was observed in the NHW sample. In addition, no evidence for combat x 5-HTTLPR effects were observed in either sample.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that there may be an association between 5-HTTLPR genotype and PTSD diagnosis among NHB veterans; however, no evidence for the hypothesized 5-HTTLPR x combat interaction was found.