Light-induced high-spin state in ZnO nanoparticles.

The effects of white-light irradiation on ∼15 nm diameter ZnO nanoparticles are investigated by means of electron paramagnetic resonance, near liquid-nitrogen and liquid-helium temperatures. Under dark conditions, usual core- and surface-defects are detected, respectively, at g = 1.960 and g = 2.003. Under white-light illumination, the core-defect signal intensity is strongly increased, which is to be correlated to the light-induced conductivity's augmentation. Beside, a four-lines structure appears, with the same gravity center as that of the surface defects. Simulations and intensity power-dependence measurements show that this four-line-structure is very likely to arise from a localized high spin S = 2, induced by light irradiation, and subjected to a weak axial anisotropy. At 85 K, this high-spin state can last several hours after the light-irradiation removal, probably due to highly spin-forbidden recombination process. The possible excited resonant complexes at the origin of this signal are discussed. Other light-induced S = 1/2-like centers are detected as well, which depend on the nanoparticles growth conditions.

A systematic review of recall errors associated with portion size estimation aids in children.

To reduce errors in portion size estimation, a number of aids have been developed and tested. This systematic review synthesizes what is known about error associated with use of different portion size estimation aids (PSEAs) within self-reported dietary recall studies in children (aged ≤18 years). Eight electronic databases were searched using relevant keywords. From 8184 records identified and screened, 327 full texts were retrieved, with 10 records representing 9 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Studies using proxy reporting were excluded. Thirteen PSEAs were identified. To facilitate comparisons between different types of aids they were categorized into 'physical 2-dimensional (2D)', 'digital 2D' and '3-dimensional' PSEAs. Seven were physical 2D (e.g. food atlas), two were digital 2D (i.e. computer-based), and four were 3D (e.g. modelling clay, household items). Comparisons of PSEAs within studies found the smallest estimation errors for digital 2D and largest for 3D aids. Errors in relation to food type were varied, with portions of amorphous foods overestimated in multiple studies. No effects for recall interval time or sex were identified. One study reported a significant improvement in estimation error with increasing age. Across studies, large variations in study design and reporting of estimation error hindered the synthesis of evidence regarding the influence of different types of PSEAs on accuracy. While a definitive conclusion about the most accurate PSEA could not be drawn, a check-list to guide future PSEA development and testing has been proposed in the current review. This will assist comparability with future studies of PSEAs for children facilitate development of more accurate PSEAs in the future.

The role of socio-economic status and energy-density in Australian women of child-bearing age.

INTRODUCTION: An optimal diet is imperative in preparing women for pregnancy and this may be influenced by socio-economic status (SES). This research aims to investigate the role of SES on the dietary energy density (ED) in Australian women of preconception age. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-12 for females aged 18-39 years (n = 1617) was conducted. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-hr recalls and dietary ED by dietary energy per weight (kJ.g-1 ). ED was further categorised as ED of foods and beverages separately. SES was assessed by three variables: Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics; income decile; and level of education. Linear mixed model regressions were used to identify associations between ED and SES. RESULTS: The median ED for food, beverages and combined food and beverages was 9.38 kJ g-1 , 1.02 kJ g-1 and 7.11 kJ g-1 , respectively. No significant variation was explained by SES variables when analysing combined ED in the adjusted model or ED from foods. Income decile reduced ED of beverages, although with little effect (coefficient: -0.04, P = 0.002). Significant confounders included inactivity, which increased ED in both combined ED and ED foods (coefficient: 0.51, P = 0.001 and coefficient: 0.78, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SES explained little variation in dietary ED in women of childbearing age. A large proportion of women had high energy-dense diets regardless of their SES. These findings suggest that a large proportion of women, who may become pregnant, have diets that exceed the international recommendations for dietary energy density.

Evaluation of the effectiveness and usability of an educational portion size tool, ServARpreg, for pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Elevated blood glucose levels in pregnancy increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Modifying consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods is important for blood glucose regulation; however, the tools commonly used to assist in guiding portion control are impractical. The present study aimed to evaluate usability of ServARpreg, a mobile phone-based nutrition tool, and its effectiveness with respect to improving carbohydrate and standard serve size knowledge in pregnant women. METHODS: A baseline survey assessed knowledge of carbohydrates and standard serve sizes of pregnant women. A subset of women living in Newcastle were invited to use ServARpreg, containing pregnancy nutrition information and augmented reality guidance on portion control. A follow-up survey was sent to all women 4 weeks after baseline and women who received ServARpreg also received a process evaluation survey after 10 weeks. RESULTS: Responses were received from 186 pregnant women for the baseline survey, with 97 completing the follow-up (52.2%). Of the 56 women eligible to receive ServARpreg in the sub-study, 47 accepted (83.9%) and, of these, 40 completed the process evaluation survey (85.1%). At follow-up, there was a significant group × time interaction in favour of the ServARpreg group for carbohydrate quantification knowledge (F1,279  = 9.705, P = 0.002). Standard serve size knowledge did not change between groups. In the process evaluation survey, 80% strongly agreed/agreed that ServARpreg made them more aware of how much they ate and 72.5% found ServARpreg easy to use. CONCLUSIONS: ServARpreg has shown potential to educate pregnant women about carbohydrate quantification and increase portion size awareness. Further refinement of the tool and evaluation is needed to improve standard serve size knowledge.

The tension between efficiency and effectiveness: a study of dietetic practice in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Primary healthcare dietitians have a vital role to play in the prevention and management of chronic disease. Working in primary care requires efficient and effective management of practice to ensure client and practitioner needs are met. The present study aimed to explore the way in which primary care dietitians in Australia view the constructs of efficiency and effectiveness within the context of their practice. METHODS: The study used an exploratory qualitative design within a pragmatist framework. Individual semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with Australian primary care dietitians. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Twenty dietitians (17 females) working as private practitioners in primary care from three Australian states participated in the present study. Three themes emerged from the data. The first theme revealed that seeking efficiency and especially effectiveness were important to primary care dietitians and that there was a tension between the two. The second theme identified that efficiency and effectiveness are influenced by personal and structural factors. The final theme explored how dietitians are actively seeking ways to be more efficient and effective, including supportive networks, as well as the utilisation of technology. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving a balance between efficiency and effectiveness in primary care dietetics is challenging to practitioners, who may require further training and support to enhance productivity, time management and resource utilisation. Structured issues exist for the workface. Further studies are required to quantify these findings and to explore whether it is possible to optimise efficiency and effectiveness and achieve sustainability of the dietetic workforce in primary care.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of nutrition interventions for chronic noncancer pain.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of nutrition interventions on participant reported pain severity and intensity in populations with chronic pain. METHODS: Eight databases were systematically searched for studies that included adult populations with a chronic pain condition, a nutrition intervention and a measure of pain. Where possible, data were pooled using meta-analysis. Seventy-one studies were included, with 23 being eligible for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Studies were categorised into four groups: (i) altered overall diet with 12 of 16 studies finding a significant reduction in participant reported pain; (ii) altered specific nutrients with two of five studies reporting a significant reduction in participant reported pain; (iii) supplement-based interventions with 11 of 46 studies showing a significant reduction in pain; and (iv) fasting therapy with one of four studies reporting a significant reduction in pain. The meta-analysis found that, overall, nutrition interventions had a significant effect on pain reduction with studies testing an altered overall diet or just one nutrient having the greatest effect. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the importance and effectiveness of nutrition interventions for people who experience chronic pain.

Do the contemporary dietary patterns of children align with national food and nutrient recommendations?

BACKGROUND: Childhood nutrition is important in optimising growth, development and future health. The present study compared dietary intakes of Australian children aged 4-8 years with (i) Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) food group recommendations and (ii) age-specific Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs), in addition to (iii) describing food group intakes of children meeting key NRVs. METHODS: Data were obtained from a representative sample of children (n = 789) from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey between May 2011 and June 2012. Parent-reported 24-h recall dietary data were disaggregated into five core food groups, along with energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods, with intakes being compared with AGHE recommendations. Food group intakes were compared for children meeting the NRVs for 10 nutrients used for the development of AGHE food groups. Chi-squared and t-tests were performed to determine differences in food group intakes with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Only one child met the recommended daily servings for all AGHE core food groups and none met both core and energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) food group recommendations. The lowest level of alignment (percentage meeting recommendations) was for vegetables (4.6%) and the highest was for fruit (47.7%). Mean (SD) daily intake of EDNP foods [4.7 (3.2) serves day-1 ] accounted for 38.4% of total energy intakes. Children meeting key NRVs (n = 395) consumed greater daily servings of fruit [2.2 (1.7)], dairy [2.2 (1.2)] and EDNP foods [5.0 (3.4)] compared to the total sample (n = 789). CONCLUSIONS: Significant discrepancies exist between contemporary dietary patterns of Australian children and national recommendations. Future AGHE revisions should incorporate greater diversity of consumption patterns, including sub-categories of EDNP foods.

VITAL change for mums: a feasibility study investigating tailored nutrition and exercise care delivered by video-consultations for women 3-12 months postpartum.

BACKGROUND: A tailored approach to nutrition and physical activity advice can support women following childbirth in managing barriers (i.e. time and childcare) to making healthy lifestyle changes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the implementation, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a personally tailored nutrition and exercise programme for postpartum women delivered via video-consultations by an accredited practising dietitian (APD) and accredited exercise physiologist (AEP). METHODS: In this feasibility study (VITAL change for mums), postpartum (3-12 months) women (body mass index ≥25 or >2 kg above pre-pregnancy weight) who were seeking to achieve a healthy weight participated in a single-arm intervention. Participants received up to five real-time personalised video-consultations (2 × APD, 2 × AEP, 1 × either) over the 8-week intervention period. Implementation (recruitment, retention, utilisation), acceptability (participant satisfaction) and preliminary efficacy (anthropometry, dietary intake, cardiovascular fitness, physical activity level, psychological wellbeing) were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty women [mean (SD) age 31.6 (3.1) years, body mass index 29.0 (4.0) kg m-2 , 100% married/de facto, 80% university level education] were recruited within 10 days and 27 completed the study. Women's mean (SD) ratings (out of a score of 5) indicated satisfaction with the video-consultations [4.4 (0.9)] and the online setting [4.5 (0.8)]. Women agreed that accessing an APD [4.4 (0.8)] and AEP [4.3 (0.9)] was easier using video-consultations than attending an in-person consultation. Statistically significant improvements in waist circumference, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, dietary intake and physical activity were observed from baseline to 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that a nutrition and exercise intervention delivered by qualified health professionals via video-consultations is feasible, acceptable and achieves positive outcomes for women following childbirth.

The international food unit: a new measurement aid that can improve portion size estimation.

BACKGROUND: Portion size education tools, aids and interventions can be effective in helping prevent weight gain. However consumers have difficulties in estimating food portion sizes and are confused by inconsistencies in measurement units and terminologies currently used. Visual cues are an important mediator of portion size estimation, but standardized measurement units are required. In the current study, we present a new food volume estimation tool and test the ability of young adults to accurately quantify food volumes. The International Food Unit™ (IFU™) is a 4x4x4 cm cube (64cm3), subdivided into eight 2 cm sub-cubes for estimating smaller food volumes. Compared with currently used measures such as cups and spoons, the IFU™ standardizes estimation of food volumes with metric measures. The IFU™ design is based on binary dimensional increments and the cubic shape facilitates portion size education and training, memory and recall, and computer processing which is binary in nature. METHODS: The performance of the IFU™ was tested in a randomized between-subject experiment (n = 128 adults, 66 men) that estimated volumes of 17 foods using four methods; the IFU™ cube, a deformable modelling clay cube, a household measuring cup or no aid (weight estimation). Estimation errors were compared between groups using Kruskall-Wallis tests and post-hoc comparisons. RESULTS: Estimation errors differed significantly between groups (H(3) = 28.48, p < .001). The volume estimations were most accurate in the group using the IFU™ cube (Mdn = 18.9%, IQR = 50.2) and least accurate using the measuring cup (Mdn = 87.7%, IQR = 56.1). The modelling clay cube led to a median error of 44.8% (IQR = 41.9). Compared with the measuring cup, the estimation errors using the IFU™ were significantly smaller for 12 food portions and similar for 5 food portions. Weight estimation was associated with a median error of 23.5% (IQR = 79.8). CONCLUSIONS: The IFU™ improves volume estimation accuracy compared to other methods. The cubic shape was perceived as favourable, with subdivision and multiplication facilitating volume estimation. Further studies should investigate whether the IFU™ can facilitate portion size training and whether portion size education using the IFU™ is effective and sustainable without the aid. A 3-dimensional IFU™ could serve as a reference object for estimating food volume.

The association between portion size, nutrient intake and gestational weight gain: a secondary analysis in the WATCH study 2006/7.

BACKGROUND: Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with adverse maternal-child health outcomes. Managing energy intake and GWG versus optimising nutrient intake can be challenging. The present study aimed to examine the relationships between dietary portion size, GWG and nutrient intakes during pregnancy. It is hypothesised that, after adjustment for potential confounders, portion size would be positively associated with both GWG and nutrient intakes during pregnancy. METHODS: Prospective data were obtained for 179 Australian women from the Women and Their Children's Health Study. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used at 18-24 and 36-40 weeks of gestation to quantify diet and portion size during the previous 3 months of pregnancy. Nutrient intakes were compared with Australian Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). GWG was measured up to 36 weeks and compared with the Institute of Medicine weight gain recommendations (WtAdh). RESULTS: In multivariate regression models, portion size factor (PSF) was positively associated with GWG in women with high socio-economic status (SES; ß = 0.20, P = 0.04) and those with an overweight/obese pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (ß = 0.28, P = 0.04). PSF uniquely accounted for 8.2% and 3.7% of the variability in GWG for women with high SES and overweight/obese pre-pregnancy BMIs, respectively. Nutrient intakes and PSF were similar regardless of WtAdh. Women achieved NRVs for calcium and zinc in all PSF categories. Most of the women with large PSF still failed to achieve the NRVs for folate (95.7%), iron (89.6%) and fibre (85.5%). CONCLUSIONS: All women require advice on quality food choices during pregnancy to optimise health outcomes. Targeting portion size alone is insufficient to manage GWG but may prove to be a valuable tool in pregnant women of high SES and/or those who are overweight/obese pre-pregnancy.

Antioxidant effects of supercritical fluid garlic extracts in canned artichokes.

The effects of adding supercritical carbon dioxide extracts of garlic (at two different concentrations of allicin) on select chemical indices in extra-virgin olive oil used to canned artichokes were studied. Tests were performed after processing and over a storage period of 1 year. A sensorial test was also conducted on the canned artichokes to establish the impact on flavor (in particular perceptions of rancidity and garlic flavor). Acidity, peroxide levels and p-anisidine values were measured as quality analytical parameters. Radical scavenging activity was also evaluated using the DPPH assay. The samples containing supercritical garlic extracts were compared with several other formulations, including control sample (prepared by mixing artichokes with powdered chili pepper and fresh garlic), artichokes with only garlic or only chili pepper, and artichokes treated with the synthetic antioxidant BHT. The results suggested that the allicin extract may be superior, or at least comparable, with BHT in preserving canned artichokes as demonstrated by its positive effects on oxidative stability and sensory profile.

Relationships between dietary intakes of children and their parents: a cross-sectional, secondary analysis of families participating in the Family Diet Quality Study.

BACKGROUND: Being overweight and obese in Australian children is common. Current evidence related to parental influence on child dietary intake is conflicting, and is particularly limited in terms of which parent exerts the stronger relationship. The present study aimed to assess mother-father and parent-child dietary relationships and to identify which parent-child relationship is stronger. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed of dietary intake data from 66 families with one parent and one child aged 8-12 years who were participating in the Family Diet Quality Study, in the Hunter and Forster regions of New South Wales, Australia. Dietary intakes were assessed using adult and child specific, validated semi-quantitative 120-item food frequency questionnaires. Diet quality and variety subscores were assessed using the Australian Recommended Food Scores for adults and children/adolescents. Pearson's correlations were used to assess dietary relationships between mother-father, father-child and mother-child dyads. RESULTS: Weak-to-moderate correlations were found between mother-child dyads for components of dietary intake (r = 0.27-0.47). Similarly, for father-child dyads, predominantly weak-to-moderate correlations were found (r = 0.01-0.52). Variety of fruit intake was the most strongly correlated in both parent-child dyads, with the weakest relationships found for fibre (g 1000 kJ(-1) ) in father-child and percentage energy from total fats for mother-child dyads. Mother-father dyads demonstrated mostly moderate-to-strong correlations (r = 0.13-0.73), with scores for condiments showing the weakest relationship and vegetables the strongest. For all dyads, strong correlations were observed for overall diet quality (r = 0.50-0.59). CONCLUSIONS: Parent-child dietary intake is significantly related but differs for mother versus fathers. Further research is required to examine whether differing dietary components should be targeted for mothers versus fathers in interventions aiming to improve family dietary patterns.

Anatomical variants of the basal vein of Rosenthal: prevalence in idiopathic subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous, non traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a significant clinical problem that occurs most commonly as a result of aneurysm rupture. In approximately 15 % of cases, nor aneurysm or other vascular malformation can be identified by cerebral angiography as origin of the hemorrhage, and these are commonly defined as idiopathic SAH (ISAH). Because of the negative angiography, limited extension of the bleeding with prevalent prepontine pattern and the benign prognosis, the venous causes has been preferred rather than the arterial ones. In the literature recent studies have suggested a possible contribution by primitive variants of Basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR) in its the pathogenesis of ISAH, commonly grouped according Watanabe classification (type A, B and C). In this paper we evaluated the prevalence of anatomical variants of BVR in ISAH. METHODS: Venous drainage at angiography was retrospectively analyzed in 40 patients with ISAH and in 40 with unruptured aneurysms as controls. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Previous studies displayed a significant prevalence of BVR type C variants in ISAH. Conversely in our study we recognized variant B as prevalent, in which the BVR bifurcates to drain anteriorly into the uncal vein and posteriorly into the Galenic system. Similarly to variant C (in which the BVR drains via perimesencephalic "bridging" veins into cavernous, sphenoparietal, petrosal sinus or directly into transverse sinus) also variant B might be subjected to those stress mechanisms and intrinsic system 'fragility' and for reasons yet to determine, sets off a consequent hemorrhage with clinical and radiological features typical of ISAH.

Three-dimensional rotational angiography for craniotomy planning and postintervention evaluation of intracranial aneurysms.

PURPOSE: The authors evaluated the usefulness of three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) in surgical planning and postoperative evaluation of cerebral aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 111 consecutive aneurysms in 100 patients (32 emergency referrals due to haemorrhage) were evaluated with 3DRA over a period of 3 years. The rotational study was always performed with a single injection of 20 cc of contrast agent in the afferent vessel after diagnostic cerebral angiography in the two orthogonal projections. Three-dimensional reconstructions were obtained for the pre- and postoperative assessment. RESULTS: Three-dimensional RA provides a virtual view of the surgical field with the same orientation required for the surgical approach and, compared with surgical findings, reliably defined location, orientation, morphology and relationship with parent vessels of the aneurysm in all cases. Postoperatively, it allowed better assessment of any residual lesion and of the relationship between surgical clips and parent vessels, compared with standard 2D angiography. CONCLUSIONS: 3DRA is a reliable method for preliminary assessment of cerebral aneurysms undergoing surgery. It provides multiple projections with a preview of the surgical field and study of lesion characteristics, which can help achieve faster and safer surgery. Compared with 2D angiography, the 3D model, with its multiple views, allows better assessment of postoperative outcomes. The method also significantly reduces the number of angiographic projections and therefore radiation and contrast-medium dose to the patient.

A systematic review of the validity of dietary assessment methods in children when compared with the method of doubly labelled water.

Assessing energy intake (EI) in children and adolescents is essential for monitoring population nutrition trends and interpreting clinical outcomes. The aim of this review was to examine the validity of dietary assessment methods for estimating EI in children and adolescents when compared with total energy expenditure (TEE) measured using doubly labelled water (DLW). Six online databases were searched to identify articles published in English. Studies were included if they were conducted in participants aged ≤18 years, if they estimated EI via a dietary assessment method, and if they compared this estimate to TEE measured using the DLW method. The search strategy identified 345 articles, of which 13 articles (12 studies) (n = 306 children) met the selection criteria. Five studies were carried out in children aged 5-11 years with dietary intake of children reported by parents/caregivers. The most common dietary assessment methods used were food frequency questionnaires (n = 5) and weighed food records (n = 4). All methods were found to have some level of misreporting. Child characteristics including weight status, age, and sex were not found to consistently influence the accuracy of reported EI. Five studies employing technology-assisted approaches for assessing dietary intake in children were identified and reported mixed findings. Validity studies using DLW remain sparse in the literature. Studies including participants less than 5 years or older than 11 years, and from diverse ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds are warranted to explore other demographic differences that may affect the accuracy of dietary assessment methods. While reported in few studies, technology-assisted methods were found to perform equally well in estimating intakes when compared to DLW and other traditional forms of dietary assessment.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty: optimizing the procedure after treatment of 250 vertebral levels under fluoroscopic guidance.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, complications and progress of results of PVP optimized in terms of technique, costs, time and strategic protocol after 3 years of procedures performed under fluoroscopic guidance alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 250 VCFs in 120 consecutive patients after assessing clinical and radiological indications. The effectiveness of the procedure was determined by statistical analysis of numerical scores for pain, mobility and drug consumption before and after treatment. RESULTS: No major complications and only three minor complications occurred. Clinically relevant improved mobility and reduction of pain and analgesics were observed, with overall significant results (p<0.0001) in all patients at 24 h after PVP and in 83 available patients at 6 months. A total of five asymptomatic refractures of cemented vertebrae and 14 new symptomatic vertebral fractures at different levels were observed between 1 and 10 months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: PVP is a safe, rapid, effective and costeffective therapy for VCFs, requiring only brief hospital admission and with long-lasting clinical results, when performed under good-quality radiological guidance, when correct indications are respected and when it is associated with rehabilitation therapy in the follow-up. It is a valid alternative to conservative therapy, which is burdened by high healthcare costs and often requires long-term immobilisation of frail and elderly patients at risk of clinical complications.

Deletion of the alpha(1,3)galactosyl transferase (GGTA1) gene and the prion protein (PrP) gene in sheep.

Nuclear transfer offers a cell-based route for producing precise genetic modifications in a range of animal species. Using sheep, we report reproducible targeted gene deletion at two independent loci in fetal fibro-blasts. Vital regions were deleted from the alpha(1,3)galactosyl transferase (GGTA1) gene, which may account for the hyperacute rejection of xenografted organs, and from the prion protein (PrP) gene, which is directly associated with spongiform encephalopathies in humans and animals. Reconstructed embryos were prepared using cultures of targeted or nontargeted donor cells. Eight pregnancies were maintained to term and four PrP-/+ lambs were born. Although three of these perished soon after birth, one survived for 12 days. These data show that lambs carrying targeted gene deletions can be generated by nuclear transfer.

Direct detection of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis: comparison of polymerase chain reaction and culture.

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of a genomic DNA amplification method for Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis compared with culture isolation. Aliquots from B. pertussis and B. parapertussis cultures were added to sterile physiological saline or sterile distilled water to give bacterial suspensions of 10(8) cells/ml and serial dilutions were prepared. Suspensions in physiological saline were cultured on charcoal agar medium; bacterial growth was observed up to dilutions of 10(-7). Suspensions in distilled water were subjected to DNA extraction and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on the extracts; the PCR was positive up to dilutions of 10(-8) for B. pertussis and 10(-9) for B. parapertussis. Since the efficacy of culture isolation, regarded as the standard for the detection of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis, declines after the first stage of pertussis or with prior vaccination or antibiotic therapy, PCR, although not yet standardized, may provide an alternative diagnostic tool.

Comparison of fatty acid intakes assessed by a cardiovascular-specific food frequency questionnaire with red blood cell membrane fatty acids in hyperlipidaemic Australian adults: a validation study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Limited dietary intake tools have been validated specifically for hyperlipidaemic adults. The Australian Eating Survey (AES) Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was adapted to include foods with cardio-protective properties (CVD-AES). The aims were to estimate dietary fatty acid (FA) intakes derived from the CVD-AES and AES and compare them with red blood cell (RBC) membrane FA content. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Dietary intake was measured using the semi-quantitative 120-item AES and 177-item CVD-AES. Nutrient intakes were calculated using AUSNUT 2011-2013. Fasting RBC membrane FAs were assessed using gas chromatography. Extent of agreement between intakes estimated by AES or CVD-AES and RBC membrane composition (% of total FAs) for linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients, adjusted linear regressions and Kappa statistics. RESULTS: Data from 39 participants (72% female, 59.3±11.1 years) indicate stronger positive correlations between RBC membrane FAs and CVD-AES dietary estimates compared with the AES. Significant (P<0.05) moderate-strong correlations were found between CVD-AES FAs and FA proportions in RBC membranes for EPA (r=0.62), DHA (r=0.53) and DPA (r=0.42), with a moderate correlation for LA (r=0.39) and no correlation with ALA. Significant moderate correlations were found with the AES for DHA (r=0.39), but not for LA, ALA, EPA or DPA. CONCLUSIONS: The CVD-AES provides a more accurate estimate of long chain FA intakes in hyperlipidaemic adults, compared with AES estimates. This indicates that a CVD-specific FFQ should be used when evaluating FA intakes in this population.

Dietary intakes and anthropometric measures of Indigenous Australian women and their infants in the Gomeroi gaaynggal cohort.

Indigenous Australians continue to experience disparities in chronic diseases, many of which have nutrition-related trajectories. Optimal nutrition throughout the lifespan is protective for a number of adverse health outcomes, however little is known about current dietary intakes and related anthropometric outcomes of Indigenous women and their infants. Research is required to identify nutrition issues to target for health promotion activities. The Gomeroi gaaynggal programme is an ongoing, prospective cohort of pregnant Indigenous Australian women and their children. A cross-sectional examination of postnatal dietary intakes and anthropometric outcomes of mothers and children are reported. To date, 73 mother-child dyads have participated postpartum. Breastfeeding initiation was 85.9% and median (interquartile range) duration of any breastfeeding was 1.4 (0.5-4.0) months. Infants were introduced to solid foods at 5.0 months (4.0-6.0) and cow's milk at 12.0 (10.0-13.0) months. At 12 months postpartum, 66.7% of women were overweight or obese, 63.7% at 2 years. Compared with recommendations, reported median maternal nutrient intakes from 24-h recall were low in fibre, folate, iodine, calcium, potassium and vitamin D and high in proportions of energy from total and saturated fat. Limitations of this study include a small sample size and incomplete data for the cohort at each time point. Preliminary data from this ongoing cohort of Indigenous Australian women and children suggest that women may need support to optimize nutrient intakes and to attain a healthy body weight for themselves and their children.