Effects of cooking using multi-ply cookware on absorption of potassium and vitamins: a randomized double-blind placebo control study

This 2-week interventional study involved a randomized allocation of subjects into three groups: Group A (daily ingestion of 350?g vegetables cooked without water using multi-ply [multilayer-structured] cookware), Group B (daily ingestion of 350?g vegetables; ordinary cookware) and Group C (routine living). Before and after intervention, each subject underwent health examination with 24-h urine sampling. Blood vitamin C significantly increased after intervention from the baseline in Group A (P?相似文献   

Urinary excretion of total isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables shows high dose–response relationship and may be a useful biomarker for isothiocyanate exposure

Background Isothiocyanates (ITCs), hydrolysis products from glucosinolates, are a family of biologically active compounds originating from cruciferous vegetables. Many ITCs are assumed to have cancer preventive effects and to further evaluate these potential health effects, reliable biomarkers of ITC exposure are needed. Aim of the study In this study we investigated the ability of urinary ITC excretion to reflect a low or high daily intake of cruciferous vegetables. Methods The design was a controlled human crossover study (n = 6). Subjects consumed a self-restricted glucosinolate-free diet 48 h before the study-day where a basic diet supplemented with 80 or 350 g of mixed cruciferous vegetables was consumed. All urine was collected in intervals during the 48 h period after ingestion of the cruciferous vegetables. Total ITC in the cruciferous mixture and total ITC and their metabolites in urine was quantified as the cyclocondensation product of 1,2-bezenedithiol by high performance liquid chromatography. Results The total urinary excretion of ITCs correlated significantly with the two doses of ITC from diets with high or low cruciferous content (r _s = 0.90, P < 0.01). The fraction of urinary ITC excreted was 69.02 ± 11.57% and 74.53 ± 8.39% of the amounts ingested for 80 and 350 g cruciferous vegetables, respectively. Conclusion The results in this study indicate that the urinary excretion of ITCs, measured by use of the cyclocondesation reaction, is a useful and precise tool that may be used as a biomarker of ITC exposure in population based studies.     

Increased Intake of Selected Vegetables,Herbs and Fruit may Reduce Bone Turnover in Post-Menopausal Women

Increased consumption of vegetables/herbs/fruit may reduce bone turnover and urinary calcium loss in post-menopausal women because of increased intake of polyphenols and potassium, but comparative human studies are lacking. The main aim was to compare bone turnover markers and urinary calcium excretion in two randomised groups (n = 50) of healthy post-menopausal women consuming ≥9 servings of different vegetables/herbs/fruit combinations (three months). Group A emphasised a generic range of vegetables/herbs/fruit, whereas Group B emphasised specific vegetables/herbs/fruit with bone resorption-inhibiting properties (Scarborough Fair Diet), with both diets controlled for potential renal acid load (PRAL). Group C consumed their usual diet. Plasma bone markers, urinary electrolytes (24 h) and estimated dietary PRAL were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) decreased (−3.2 μg/L, p < 0.01) in the B group only, as did C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) (−0.065 μg/L, p < 0.01) in women with osteopenia compared to those with normal bone mineral density (BMD) within this group. Intervention Groups A and B had decreased PRAL, increased urine pH and significantly decreased urinary calcium loss. Urinary potassium increased in all groups, reflecting a dietary change. In conclusion, Group B demonstrated positive changes in both turnover markers and calcium conservation.     

Determination of the differences in 2-h plasma glucose values after ingestion of carbohydrate foods and oral glucose in Caribbean non-diabetic subjects

It has been reported that mixed meals are used in clinics in developing and developed countries in screening and diagnosis of diabetes. Thus, we aimed to determine the differences in 2-h plasma glucose values after non-diabetic subjects ingested 75?g pure glucose and its equivalent content in frequently consumed carbohydrate foods in Caribbean subjects. Twenty-seven apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects (nine males, 18 females) consumed 75?g pure glucose and its carbohydrate equivalent in three ethnic test foods (bread, rice and roti) at 7 days apart. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were determined in blood samples collected before and after 60, 90, 120 and 150?min of ingestion of these foods. In comparison with each of the test foods, the postprandial 1-h and 2-h plasma glucose values and the 60, 90, 120 and 150?min incremental glucose concentrations after oral glucose load were significantly higher than the corresponding values for each of the test foods (all P<0.01). In spite of these higher postprandial glucose concentrations, the postprandial insulin responses following the oral glucose load and the test foods did not significantly differ at any time point (all P>0.05). However, the test food, roti, tended to stimulate higher absolute and incremental insulin secretions than pure glucose or any other test food (all P>0.05). Generally, the correlation between 2-h plasma glucose value after the ingestion of the pure glucose and each of the test foods was significant (all correlation coefficients were greater than 0.70, P<0.01). In conclusion, different ethnic mixed meals could serve as an alternative to glucose in routine screening and diagnosis of diabetes if its available carbohydrate content is known and quantified.     

Normal distribution of urinary polyphenol excretion among Egyptian males 7–14 years old and changes following nutritional intervention with tomato juice (Lycopersiconesculentum)

Background The urinary flavonoids are considered a reliable biomarker for the intake of polyphenol-rich foods.

Objectives To assess the normal distribution of urinary polyphenol [PP] excretion among healthy male children and adolescents on a typical Egyptian diet. To follow up the impact of nutritional intervention with tomato juice on the urinary excretion of [PP].

Subjects Forty-nine male subjects 7–14 years old collected a 24-h urine sample and filled a dietary record during a 7-day period. A daily serving of 230 g fresh tomato juice was followed for 18 days in a subgroup. Total urinary [PP] excretions were measured before and after termination of the intervention program. The total urinary [PP] was analyzed after a clean-up solid-phase extraction step by the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent in the 96 micro plates. The results were expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE).

Results The urinary [PP] excretion averaged 48.6±5.5 mg GAE/24 h, equivalent to 89.5±8.4 mg GAE/g creatinine. The mean urinary [PP] excretion increased significantly (P<0.05) following the intervention with tomato juice (287.4±64.3 mg GAE/g creatinine) compared with the respective mean baseline level (94.5±8.92 mg GAE/g creatinine).

Conclusion Clinical laboratory reference limits for urinary polyphenols are presented for Egyptian male children and adolescents. Measuring the urinary polyphenol excretion proved a good biomarker for the dietary polyphenol intake and the results demonstrated that tomato [PP] was highly bioavailable in the human body.     

Effects of orange juice and proline betaine on glycine betaine and homocysteine in healthy male subjects

Background Proline betaine (PB), a glycine betaine (GB) analogue found in citrus foods, increases urinary GB loss and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations in rats. Its presence in human plasma is associated with increased GB excretion. Aim To compare the effects of dietary levels of PB on GB excretion, and on plasma tHcy and GB concentrations in healthy volunteers. Methods In a randomized crossover study, eight healthy males (18–50 years) ingested either 750 mL orange juice (containing 0.545 g PB), a PB supplement (0.545 g PB dissolved in 750 mL apple juice), or 750 mL apple juice (control). Plasma PB, GB and tHcy, and urine PB, GB and creatinine concentrations were measured hourly for 6 h and at 24 h post-treatment. Results Plasma tHcy concentrations were not increased (relative to control) following ingestion of either orange juice or PB supplement. Both treatments produced a significant increase in plasma PB concentrations (P < 0.001), this effect being greater following orange juice compared with PB supplement (P < 0.05, 1–2 h). Urinary excretion of PB was greater than the control following both orange juice (P < 0.001) and PB supplement (P < 0.001), from 2 to 24 h post-treatment. This increase in PB excretion was significantly greater following orange juice compared with PB supplement with higher peak excretion (C _max difference, P = 0.008). GB excretion was significantly greater following ingestion of orange juice compared with PB in apple juice (P = 0.007) and apple juice control (P < 0.001) in the first 2 h post-ingestion. Conclusions PB administered in dietary doses had little effect on plasma tHcy concentrations in healthy humans. Ingestion of PB in orange juice compared with PB alone resulted in greater increases in the urinary excretion of PB and GB.     

Effect of Nutrition Intervention Using a General Nutrition Course for Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among College Students

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of implementing nutrition intervention using a general nutrition class to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables in college students.Design3-day food records were collected, verified, and analyzed before and after the intervention.SettingA midwestern university.Participants80 college students, ages 18 to 24, participated in the study.InterventionThe intervention focused on nutrition knowledge related to prevention of chronic diseases, healthful dietary choices increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, dietary feedback, and interactive hands-on activities.Main Outcome MeasuresConsumption of: total vegetable, fresh vegetable, starchy vegetable, french fries, vegetable juice, total fruit, fresh fruit, canned fruit, and fruit juice.AnalysisDependent t test was used to analyze the differences in pre- and posttest. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in dietary changes between groups.ResultsParticipants significantly increased consumption of not only total fruits and vegetables (P < .005), but also fresh fruits and vegetables (P < .005). Intake of french fries decreased significantly (P < .05). Females responded better to the intervention than males in increasing vegetable consumption (P < .05).Conclusions and ImplicationsClass-based nutrition intervention focusing on prevention of chronic diseases is a cost-effective approach to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among college students.     

The Impact of a Long-Term Reduction in Dietary Energy Density on Body Weight Within a Randomized Diet Trial

We examined the effect of dietary energy density change on body weight in participants of a randomized trial. Intervention participants markedly increased fruit and vegetable intake while reducing energy intake from fat. Participants were 2,718 breast cancer survivors, aged 26–74 yr, with baseline mean body mass index of 27.3 kg/m^{m 2} (SD = 6.3). We assessed dietary intake by sets of four 24-h dietary recalls and validated with plasma carotenoid concentrations. Weight and height were measured at baseline, 1 yr, and 4 yr. Dietary energy density was calculated using food but excluding beverages. Intervention participants significantly reduced dietary energy density compared to controls and maintained it over 4 yr—both in cross-sectional ( P m < 0.0001) and longitudinal (Group m × Time interaction, P m < 0.0001) analyses. Total energy intake or physical activity did not vary between groups. The intervention group had a small but significant weight loss at 1 yr (Group m × Time interaction, P m < 0.0001), but no between-group weight difference was observed at 4 yr. Our study showed that reducing dietary energy density did not result in a reduction in total energy intake and suggests that this strategy alone is not sufficient to promote long-term weight loss in a free-living population.     

Low-income young adults report increased variety in fruit and vegetable intake after a stage-tailored intervention

The objective of this study was to determine if a fruit and vegetable (FV) intervention, previously demonstrated to increase amount of FV per day, also increased the variety consumed. Variety in FV intake was assessed using a 26-item FV (12 fruit and 14 vegetable) food frequency questionnaire on 1255 low-income adults, with ages from 18 to 24 years (control = 684 vs experimental = 571), after completion of a stage-tailored intervention to increase FV intakes. The food frequency questionnaire was administered at 12 months to assess how often and how much participants ate of each item over the previous year. Variety was defined as the number of different types of fruits and vegetables consumed. At completion, the experimental group vs the control group had significantly greater variety in number of fruit items (9.5 ± 0.1 vs 9.1 ± 0.1, P ≤ .001) and vegetable items (11.5 ± 0.1 vs 11.2 ± 0.1, P < .01) as well as greater total intake of fruits (2.73 ± 0.09 vs 2.33 ± 0.11 cups, P < .01) and vegetables (1.87 ± 0.10 vs 1.62 ± 0.01 cups, P ≤ .001) and a greater consumption of the categories of seasonal fruits (P < .05), juices (P < .01), and high-β-carotene vegetables (P ≤ .001). This is one of the first studies to document an increase in FV variety as a result of an educational intervention for low-income young adults.     

Eat Smart,Live Strong Intervention Increases Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Low-Income Older Adults

This study evaluated the impact of a four-session interactive nutrition education program—Eat Smart, Live Strong (ESLS)—on the consumption of fruit and vegetables by low-income older adults. A pre–post quasi-experimental design study was conducted with a longitudinal sample of 614 low-income Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants and those eligible for SNAP, aged 60 to 80 years, in 17 intervention and 16 comparison senior centers in Michigan. The study compared participants’ self-reports of their consumption of fruit and vegetables using a modified version of the University of California Cooperative Extension Food Behavior Checklist. ESLS increased participants’ average daily consumption of fruit by 0.2 cups (P < 0.05) and vegetables by 0.31 cups (P < 0.01). ESLS, a four-session, cognitive-behavioral nutrition education program is an effective curriculum for helping low-income older adults eat more fruit and vegetables.     

Dietary Polyamine Intake and Polyamines Measured in Urine

Dietary polyamines have recently been associated with increased risk of pre-malignant colorectal lesions. Because polyamines are synthesized in cells and taken up from dietary sources, development of a biomarker of exposure is challenging. Excess polyamines are primarily excreted in the urine. This pilot study seeks to identify dietary correlates of excreted urinary polyamines as putative biomarkers of exposure. Dietary polyamines/other nutrients were estimated from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and correlated with urinary levels of acetylated polyamines in 36 men using 24-h urine samples. Polyamines, abundant in cheese and citrus, were highly positively correlated with urinary N⁸-acetylspermidine (correlation coefficient; r = 0.37, P = 0.03), but this correlation was attenuated after adjustment for total energy intake (r = 0.07, P = 0.68). Dietary energy intake itself was positively correlated with urinary total acetylated polyamine output (r = .40, P = 0.02). In energy-adjusted analyses, folic acid and folate from food were associated with urinary N¹,N¹²-diacetylspermine (r = 0.34, P = 0.05 and r = ?0.39, P = 0.02, respectively). Red meat negatively correlated with total urinary acetylated polyamines (r = ?0.42, P = 0.01). Our findings suggest that energy, folate, folic acid, saturated fat, and red meat intake, as opposed to FFQ-estimated dietary polyamines, are correlated with urinary polyamines.     

Dietary Intake,Food Processing,and Cooking Methods Among Amish and Non-Amish Adults Living in Ohio Appalachia: Relevance to Nutritional Risk Factors for Cancer

This study's purpose was to examine the source, storage, preparation, and intake of food among Amish and non-Amish adults to understand dietary practices as a potential contributing factor to lower cancer incidence rates. Interviews were conducted with a random sample of 134 Amish and 154 non-Amish adults including questions about dietary practices and a 24-h dietary recall. Amish compared to non-Amish adults reported (1) less refrigeration in homes (85% vs. 100%, P < .01); (2) rarely/never obtaining food from restaurants and grocery stores (P < .01); (3) consuming less alcohol (P < .01); (4) consuming fewer daily servings of vegetables (males: 1.2 vs. 1.9 servings/day, P < .01; females: 1.0 vs. 2.1 servings/day, P < .01); and (5) a greater percentage of energy from saturated fat (males: 16.7% vs. 12.6%, P < .01; females: 16.3% vs. 12.0%, P < .01). Amish males reported greater amount of energy intake (2780 kcal vs. 2298 kcal, P = .03) compared to non-Amish males. Amish and non-Amish dietary patterns show some differences that may impact cancer although neither group achieves current diet and cancer prevention guidelines. Lifestyle factors, screening, and healthcare access may be contributing to the lower cancer incidence rates among the Amish and these results suggest areas of intervention to reduce the cancer burden.     

The nutritional control of ghrelin secretion in humans

Background The nutritional control of ghrelin has not been fully clarified yet. Particularly, the influence of aminoacids and lipids is controversial and, moreover, whether the intraluminal gastric contact with nutrients is required or if the modulatory action of nutrients on ghrelin secretion is mediated by insulin is still matter of debate. Aim of the study To clarify the role of nutrients in the control of ghrelin secretion evaluating the effects of intravenous and oral lipids and aminoacids compared with glucose and fructose load in healthy subjects. Methods A total of 6 healthy overnight-fasted volunteers underwent the following testing sessions: (a) iv arginine (ARG, 0.5 g/kg); (b) oral protein load (PRO, 50 g); (c) iv lipid-heparin infusion (Li He, Intralipid 10% 250 ml); (d) oral fat load (OIL, soy oil 40 g); (e) oral glucose load (OGL, 100 g); (f) oral fructose load (OFL, 100 g); (g) iv saline (SAL, 3 ml); (h) oral water load (WL, 200 ml). Total ghrelin, insulin, and glucose were assayed every 15 min from 0 up to +180 min. Results WL and SAL did not modify insulin, glucose and ghrelin. ARG induced a prompt but transient increase (P < 0.05) of insulin and glucose (P < 0.01), without modifying ghrelin secretion. PRO induced a mild but sustained increase of insulin secretion (P < 0.05) without affecting glucose and ghrelin. Li-He progressively increased circulating glucose (P < 0.01) without modifying insulin and ghrelin secretion. No significant variations in circulating glucose, insulin, and ghrelin occurred after OIL. OGL significantly (P < 0.01) increased insulin and glucose levels and progressively decreased (P < 0.05) ghrelin levels. OFL induced a mild (P < 0.05) increase of insulin without modifying glucose levels. Similarly, OFL was followed by a milder decrease (P < 0.05) of ghrelin levels. Conclusions Differently from carbohydrates and independently from their modulatory effect on insulin secretion and glucose levels, both lipids and aminoacids play a negligible role in the acute control of ghrelin secretion either after acute enteral and parenteral administration.     

Using food experience,multimedia and role models for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in Bangkok kindergarten children

Aim: To evaluate the use of food experience, multimedia and role models for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in kindergarten children. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted. A Bangkok public primary school was randomly selected and one of the kindergarten levels was purposively chosen. Program implementation consisted of 11 activities over an eight-week period from July to September, 2003. Data on demographic variables, and types and amounts of fruit and vegetables consumed and frequency of fruit and vegetables served were collected before and after the intervention. Program evaluation consisted of an analysis of the pre- and post-test data. Results: After the intervention, fruit and vegetable eating behaviour scores (median ± interquartile range) revealed significant changes from 3 ± 8 to 7 ± 8 for vegetables and 6 ± 8 to 9 ± 8 for fruit (P-value < 0.001); the different types of consumed vegetables were increased from two to four (P-value ≤ 0.001); and the fruit and vegetable intake was significantly increased from 53 g to 77 g and from 11 g to 23 g respectively (P-value < 0.005). Conclusions: Results of this pilot study were effective in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in the kindergarten, however, longer-term evaluation and assessment of the impact on the home environment are required. The inclusion of nutrition education and instruction on healthy eating habits in the course curriculum combined with social support from teachers and families may improve and sustain fruit and vegetable eating behaviours.     

Relationship of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) with insulin resistance and body mass index,but not with thermogenetic hormones in obesity

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) has been implicated in the recruitment of monocytes to atheroma and of monocytes and macrophages to adipose tissue. The aim of the study was to examine whether MCP-1 levels are associated independently with the main thermogenetic hormones (serum TSH and thyroid hormones and 24-h urinary catecholamines) and insulin resistance in a population mainly represented by overweight and obese women. A cohort of 100 consecutive euthyroid women, aged 18–65 years, and with a wide range of BMI, was examined. Central fat accumulation (indirectly measured by waist circumference), fasting MCP-1 plasma levels, and TSH, FT₃, FT₄, insulin, glucose, and lipid (cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride) serum concentrations, and 24-h urinary catecholamines were measured. Insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA_IR). MCP-1 levels were directly associated with BMI (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), insulin (p < 0.001), HOMA_IR (p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (p < 0.05), and 24-h urinary noradrenaline (p < 0.05), and negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.01). When a multiple regression analysis was performed with MCP-1 as the dependent variable, and only parameters showing a significant univariate association with MCP-1 were considered as the independent variables, MCP-1 maintained an independent positive association with insulin (p < 0.01), and DBP (p < 0.05). When insulin was replaced by HOMA_IR in the regression analysis, MCP-1 maintained an independent positive association with HOMA_IR (p < 0.05), DBP (p < 0.05), and BMI (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that insulin, BMI, and diastolic blood pressure cooperate independently in increasing MCP-1 levels, whereas thyroid hormones and catecholamines have no apparent influence on this chemokine.     

清洗刷与活检钳模拟通过内镜钳子管道对其表面粗糙度及细菌黏附性的影响

目的 分析两种器械对内镜钳子管道表面粗糙度(Ra)及细菌黏附性的影响。方法 截取等长全新聚四氟乙烯(Teflon)管弯曲固定后,分别使用清洗刷(A组)、活检钳(B组)在不同通过次数下模拟临床操作,检测钳子管道Ra与表面形貌;将铜绿假单胞菌接种于各组Teflon管上,检测表面菌落形成单位与细菌黏附量。结果 无器械通过的Teflon管表面光滑无划痕,随着通过次数增加,表面划痕逐渐密集,以清洗刷更明显。通过次数为0、50、100、200时,A、B两组间Ra比较,差异均无统计学意义;但通过次数为500时,两组间Ra比较,A组>B组(P<0.01)。两组内不同通过次数时的Ra比较,0次与50次相比,差异无统计学意义;但0次时的Ra均<100、200、500次的Ra,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。无器械通过的Teflon管表面生物膜分布均匀,随着通过次数增加,A组Teflon管表面生物膜覆盖较为紧密,且可见划痕处黏附的菌落。A、B两组间菌落计数在0、50、100、200次的情况下比较,差异无统计学意义;在500次的情况下,A组>B组(P<0.01)。A、B两...     

Nutritional Vulnerability Seen Within Asylum Seekers in Australia

To examine the extent of nutritional vulnerability seen in a cohort of asylum seekers in Australia. Twenty-one asylum seekers (15 males, 6 females) that used a food bank were interviewed over a 6 week period at the Melbourne based Asylum Seeker Resource Centre about foods consumed in the previous 24-h and any non food bank foods obtained. A basket audit was conducted after participants accessed the food bank on the day of interview, Participants obtained significantly less than the minimum requirements for the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating in the vegetables and legumes (P < .001, 95% CI −3.5, −1.7) fruits (P < .001, 95% CI −1.7, −.1.2), dairy (P < .001, 95% CI −1.8, −1.5) and meat and meat alternatives core food groups (P = .001, 95% CI −0.8, −0.3) using foods accessed from the food bank, their primary or sole food source. A high level of nutritional vulnerability was seen in this cohort due to their inability to meet minimum nutritional requirements from their primary food access point. Health professionals working with asylum seeker populations need to be aware of this issue and the resulting potential for longer term ill health as a consequence.     

Regulatory effects of a fermented food concentrate on immune function parameters in healthy volunteers

ObjectiveNutrition is known to influence the immune system and can thereby modulate resistance to infection. The objective of this clinical trial was to assess the influence of a cascade-fermented food consisting of fruits, nuts, and vegetables rich in polyphenols (Regulat) on the immune system in healthy volunteers.MethodsThe clinical trial was double-blinded and placebo-controlled. In total, 48 healthy men 20–48 y of age with a body mass index of 20–28 kg/m² were enrolled in the clinical trial. The group was characterized according to lifestyle parameters and only men with regular low to moderate intake of fruit and vegetables were enrolled. The intervention lasted for a period of 4 wk. Volunteers received Regulat twice daily or a placebo product (essence of vinegar).ResultsThe intake of Regulat significantly enhanced intracellular glutathione content in lymphocytes (P < 0.05), monocytes (P < 0.05), and natural killer cells (P < 0.01). Furthermore, activation of natural killer cell cytotoxicity in response to interleukin-2 stimulation (P < 0.05), a reduction of total lipid peroxidation, and a reduction of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (P < 0.01) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (P < 0.05) as inflammatory blood markers were found in the Regulat but not in the placebo group.ConclusionIn summary, the results from this intervention study demonstrate promising physiologic effects of immune regulation on the innate immune system and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory parameters after Regulat supplementation. However, these promising results need to be confirmed in more volunteers with a more prolonged application to ensure significant beneficial effects of Regulat in the general population.     

Quantitative assessment of color vision impairment in workers exposed to toluene

Color vision was examined by the Lanthony-D-15 desaturated test in two groups of workers occupationally exposed to toluene and in a control group. Biological parameters of toluene exposure were analyzed: toluene in air and in venous blood, orthocresol, and hippuric acid in urine after workshift. The first exposed group, Group E₁, comprised 41 workers (toluene exposure ranged from 11.30 to 49.30 ppm), and the second exposed group, Group E₂, comprised 32 workers (toluene exposure ranged from 66.00 to 250.00 ppm). The nonexposed group, Group NE, comprised 83 subjects. Each group was divided into two subgroups; alcohol consumers and nonconsumers. Color vision loss was expressed as a color confusion index (CCI) and as age and alcohol intake-adjusted color confusion index (AACCI). Significantly higher values of CCI and AACCI (both P < 0.0001) in Group E₂ in comparison to Group NE, and significantly higher CCI (P < 0.0001) and AACCI (P < 0.05) values in Group E₂ in comparison to Group E₁ were established. The significant difference in CCI value between alcohol consumers and nonconsumers was established only in Group NE (P < 0.05). In Group NE significant correlation was found between CCI value as a dependent and age and alcohol intake as independent cofactors (R² = 0.45; P = 0.0000). In Group E₂ significant correlation was established between CCI as a dependent factor and age, toluene in air, and alcohol intake (R² = 0.72; P = 0.0001), or between CCI as dependent and age, toluene in blood and alcohol intake as independent cofactors (R² = 0.68; P = 0.0002). In Group E₁ significant correlation was established only between CCI and age (P < 0.005). In Group E_2, AACCI value significantly correlated with toluene in air (P < 0.0001), toluene in blood (r < 0.0005), orthocresol (P < 0.005) and hippuric acid (P < 0.005) in urine after workshift. There were no differences between smokers and nonsmokers in CCI values in the examined groups. Results of this study indicate that toluene in exposed workers can impair color vision. The role of alcohol intake and age influence on color vision loss cannot be ignored in such workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 33:297–304, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Changes in job stress,musculoskeletal symptoms,and complaints of unfavorable working conditions among nurses after the adoption of a computerized order communication system

Objectives Order communication system (OCS) is a real-time computerized hospital information system that supports communication of orders from the ward users to the service departments. The adoption of an OCS may profoundly alter the service patterns of healthcare workers. As a result, job stress, musculoskeletal symptoms, and complaints of unfavorable working conditions can be expected to increase. This study investigated changes in job stress, musculoskeletal symptoms, and complaints of unfavorable working conditions among nurses after an OCS had been adopted and whether adoption of the system affected the changes.Methods A group of nurses employed in a university hospital in Korea was surveyed 1 month before and 3 months after the OCS had been adopted. We used Karaseks job contents questionnaire (JCQ) to evaluate job stress. The cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) questionnaire was used to assess the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms. The presence of unfavorable working conditions was also assessed. Next, we evaluated whether non-work factors (such as demographic factors and life events) had influence on job stress, musculoskeletal symptoms, and complaints of unfavorable working conditions after adoption of the OCS.Results One hundred thirty nurses from the hospital (51.2%) responded to both surveys. Several JCQ scales were notably altered after OCS adoption; psychological job demand was significantly decreased (P<0.01), although subjective assessment for hazardous conditions was significantly increased (P<0.01). There was a significant increase in back complaints (P<0.05). There was considerable decrease in the number of nurses who complained of increase in work intensity (P<0.05), increase of staying time to deal with remaining duties (P<0.05), and abrupt change of duties (P<0.01). According to the analysis for the associations between non-work factors and significantly changed variables, only two non-work factors, tenure and conflicts with friend(s), showed statistical significance with complaints of increase in work intensity (P<0.05)Conclusions This study suggests that a newly adopted computerized system might have provoked changes in job stress, musculoskeletal symptoms, and the complaints of unfavorable working conditions. It was found that, despite the overall favorable changes, complaints of hazardous conditions and back symptoms increased.