Modifiable lifestyle factors affecting bone health using calcaneus quantitative ultrasound in adolescent girls.

UNLABELLED: One hundred and fourteen girls were measured for calcaneus QUS (stiffness index score), calcium intake, weight, and total hours spent in physical activity (moderate to high-impact activities and low to no-impact activities). Multiple regression analysis indicated that hours spent in moderate to high-impact activities, current calcium intake, and weight significantly predicted SI. INTRODUCTION: To determine the influence of modifiable lifestyle factors on adolescent girls' bone health measured by calcaneus quantitative ultrasound (QUS). METHODS: One hundred and fourteen girls, ages 14-18 (15.97 +/- .7), enrolled in high school physical education classes, were measured for calcaneus QUS (stiffness index score), height, weight, current calcium intake from 2-3 day food records, and estimated total hours spent in physical activity from kindergarten to present. Cumulative physical activity hours were separated into two classifications (according to their estimated strain from ground reaction force): moderate to high-impact activities and low to no-impact activities. RESULTS: Pearson correlations between stiffness index (SI) and age, height, weight, current calcium intake, and hours spent in moderate to high-impact versus low to no-impact activities indicated a positive relationships between SI and weight (r = .259, p = .005), current calcium intake (r = .286, p = .002), and hours spent in moderate to high-impact activities (r = .451, p < .001). Multiple regression between SI and the above independent variables indicated that collectively, hours spent in moderate to high-impact activities, current calcium intake, and weight (r (2) = .363, p = <.001) significantly predicted SI. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that moderate to high-impact activities, current calcium intake, and weight positively influence bone properties of the calcaneus in adolescent girls.

White-light frequency comb generation with a diode-pumped Cr:LiSAF laser.

We have created a broad spectrum spanning more than an optical octave by launching femtosecond pulses from a battery operated Cr:LiSAF laser into a photonic crystal fiber. Despite the massive broadening in the fiber, the comb structure of the spectrum is preserved, and this frequency comb is perfectly suited for applications in optical frequency metrology.

Reported adoption of dietary fat and fiber recommendations among consumers.

OBJECTIVE: To identify constraints in adopting dietary fat and fiber recommendations. DESIGN: A questionnaire was mailed to a sample of the general population, a convenience sample of persons with heart disease and cancer in 11 states, and registered dietitians in 5 states. The survey included questions on demographic and attitudinal factors that were correlated with specific practices to reduce fat intake and increase fiber intake. SETTING: From the general population sample of 6,206 eligible respondents (return rate of 51.5%), those selected were respondents who indicated that they would adopt a dietary recommendation if it were good for them (n = 2,682). Subsamples from the general population were matched to 362 registered dietitians and 147 persons with cancer or heart disease on selected demographic variables. Factors associated with adoption of specific behaviors were identified. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED: Statistical analysis included chi 2, factor analysis, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The majority of persons who said they would adopt a fat-reducing behavior if it were good for their health reported practicing that behavior often or usually. More than 60% reported consuming whole grains; however, only 15% reported eating fruits and vegetables frequently. Among the general population sample, those more likely to practice a behavior had the following characteristics: female, college educated, older than 60 years, white, higher income, no children younger than 18 years, perceived health status as excellent, and absence of chronic disease. Registered dietitians and those with chronic disease were also more likely to follow dietary fat and fiber recommendations. APPLICATIONS: Nutrition education messages that lead to increased consumption of dietary fiber need to be developed. Nutrition educators should provide strategies for consumers for increasing use of fruits and vegetables in all meals. Good taste and convenience are critical components. The food industry may assist by providing a wider array of convenience entrees or side dishes that feature produce and whole grains.

A stage-of-change classification system based on actions and beliefs regarding dietary fat and fiber.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to develop a stage-of-change classification system and to determine the degree to which various adult subgroups have adopted the behavioral changes necessary to achieve a low-fat and/or high-fiber diet as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. DESIGN: The study used a mail survey randomly sent to 7110 adults. SETTING: The survey was conducted in 11 states and the District of Columbia. SUBJECTS: The random sample included males and females over age 18. Of the eligible respondents, 3198 (51.5%) were included in this analysis, with 2004 and 2066 unambiguously classified into stages of change for fat and fiber, respectively. MEASURES: Stage of change was defined by an algorithm based on self-reported intent and behaviors to limit fat and/or increase fiber. RESULTS: 45% of the respondents were classified as being in action/maintenance for fat and 38% for fiber. Women, older adults, individuals with advanced education, persons with diet-related chronic disease, people with higher levels of relevant nutrition knowledge and attitudes, and persons who indicated that health concerns were a primary influence on their diet were more likely to be in action/maintenance than other respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm in this study presents a model that more closely reflects the proportions of the adult population that have achieved low-fat diets and classifies a greater proportion in the preparation stage than classification systems in previous studies.

Soft-x-ray imaging with toroidally curved thallium Acid phthalate crystals in the water window.

Two-dimensional imaging in the wavelength region of the water window (N Ly alpha) is demonstrated with a toroidally curved thallium acid phthalate crystal. Direct imaging of a plasma pinch line, as well as imaging of a mesh with plasma backlighting in which the same source is used, is shown. For verification, the results are compared with the results by other methods. An absolute intensity calibration of the images is demonstrated with theoretical data for the reflection properties of the crystal. This advance in two-dimensional imaging was possible owing to the recent progress in the precise bending of acid phthalate crystals to defined concave shapes of high quality (sphere, toroid). With these crystals, the two-dimensional imaging method is pushed to the wavelength of 2.66 nm, which is well inside the water window.

Ultrafast semiconductor laser-diode-seeded Cr:LiSAF regenerative amplifier system.

An ultrafast, hybrid mode-locked semiconductor laser-diode system has been used to seed a flash-lamp-pumped Cr:LiSAF regenerative amplifier system, producing subpicosecond pulses with millijoule output pulse energy. This system has the potential to eliminate argon-ion-pumped-based, ultrafast laser systems.

X-ray focusing with lobster-eye optics: a comparison of theory with experiment.

We report an experimental investigation and comparison with simulation of the x-ray focusing of a flat, square profile microchannel plate. We use x rays with an energy of ~1.5 keV from a laser-produced plasma. The images were recorded with x-ray film. We find the focal structure to be consistent with theoretical expectations. The angular resolution of the focus is 0.96 mrad, which is a major improvement over previous results. The measured peak intensity gain is 27 ± 4, which is ~33% of that for a perfect optic.

Dietary intake of two elite male cyclists during 10-day, 2,050-mile ride.

Food and fluid intake of 2 male cyclists was assessed to describe dietary intakes of athletes participating in an endurance ride. Cyclists rode 15 to 18 hr each day for 10 days to travel 2,050 miles on the original Pony Express Trail over seven major mountain ranges. Food and fluids were weighed or measured by researchers. Average kilocalorie intake was 7,125 +/- 340 (M +/- SEM), or 113 kcal/kg/day. Percentages of protein, carbohydrate, and fat kilocalories were 10, 63, and 27, respectively, with 44% of the carbohydrate kilocalories from simple sugars, cookies, sweetened drinks, and candy. Vitamin and mineral intakes were two to three times the RDA for most vitamins and minerals. Total fluid intake averaged 10.5 L per day with an average of 620 ml/hr of riding time. Of fluid intake, 54% was water. Cyclists traveling long distances need a variety of high-calorie foods and ample amounts of fluids to maintain performance for this type of event.

Source characterization for x-ray proximity lithography.

Calibrated x-ray spectra from laser-produced plasmas of materials with atomic numbers varying between 12 (Mg) and 83 (Bi) were recorded to optimize the conversion efficiency for proximity lithography in a 0.5-nm band centered at 1 nm. The highest efficiency (~0.8%) was found for L-shell emitters such as Cu ando M-shell emitters such as Ba. First-order debris measurements were carried out by measurement of the layer thickness deposited on witness plates 2 cm away from the target. Layers of 30-nm thickness were deposited in a single laser shot with Au and W targets.

Reoperation: cardiac surgery.

The subject of cardiac reoperation in general has been infrequently discussed in the medical literature and has not yet appeared in the nursing literature. Yet reoperation presents a real challenge, accentuating some problems that are also associated with primary cases and posing some considerations that are unique to the reoperative situation. The objectives of this article are to discuss the reasons prompting reoperation for coronary revascularization, identify technical problems associated with reoperative coronary artery surgery, explore potential avenues for decreasing the need for reoperation, and discuss potential patient care problems in the immediate postoperative critical care setting.

A comparative study of a new skin preparation method for peripheral intravenous lines.

The incidence of peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter infection in relation to skin preparation methods was studied over a 4 month period in 60 patients who had peripheral intravenous infusions in an acute-care setting. Sixty two IV sites were evaluated for redness, inflammation, pain or tenderness, and other signs that might indicate infection or other IV site complications. The hospital protocol for intravenous skin preparation and maintenance was compared with a new method using I.V. Prep. The results indicate a statistically significant difference exists between the two groups when comparing incidence of peripheral IV site complications.