Hasil untuk "Home economics"

Conghui Liu, Feng Shao, Xiaoqi Wang et al.

BackgroundThe neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) is a novel inflammatory marker. This study explores its association with cognitive impairment (CI) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 152 PD patients were categorized into CI (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score <26) or non-CI (MoCA ≥26) groups.ResultsCI was present in 66.45% of PD patients. Patients in the CI group had older age (63.01 ± 10.88 vs. 49.75 ± 12.74 years, p < 0.001), a high proportion of female individuals (43.56% vs. 23.53%, p = 0.016), and a higher NPAR (1.94 ± 0.24 vs. 1.80 ± 0.24, p = 0.001). In addition, patients in the CI group had lower levels of education (8.24 ± 2.97 vs. 11.55 ± 3.45 years, p < 0.001), serum albumin (36.29 ± 3.56 vs. 37.75 ± 2.60 g/L, p = 0.010), potassium (4.30 ± 0.71 vs. 4.51 ± 0.53 mmol/L, p = 0.039), creatinine (865.79 ± 274.38 vs. 1099.92 ± 293.86 umol/L, p < 0.001), and phosphorus (1.43 ± 0.41 vs. 1.68 ± 0.44 mmol/L, p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NPAR, age, serum phosphorus levels, and education were significant independent determinants of CI. The area under the curve (AUC) for NPAR in predicting CI was 0.657, with a sensitivity of 0.496 and a specificity of 0.745 (p = 0.002). When age, NPAR, blood phosphorus levels, and education were combined, the AUC increased to 0.861, with a sensitivity of 0.822 and specificity of 0.745 (p < 0.001).ConclusionCI in PD patients was found to be independently associated with elevated NPAR. The NPAR may serve as a potential biological indicator for identifying prevalent cases of CI, providing a basis for further exploration of early intervention strategies for CI.

Rehab Aldahash, Haifa Alturki, Joury Dabbour et al.

Yinyin Yang, Xuhao Gu, Xuhao Gu et al.

BackgroundAcute radiation enteritis (ARE) is a common side effect experienced by patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy (RT). Probiotic supplementation is an emerging strategy for preventing ARE.MethodsThis phase II trial recruited patients with gynecologic or rectal cancers who received pelvic RT with curative or adjuvant intent. During RT, one packet of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21 (BL21) powder was self-administered daily. ARE was assessed and classified according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) toxicity grading criteria. We assessed the safety and efficacy of BL21 to prevent ARE and investigate the changes in the intestinal microbiota.ResultsThis study enrolled 52 patients, 8 participants withdrew, and 44 patients being included in the final analysis. The safety profile of BL21 during RT was favorable, and we did not observe any serious adverse events associated with BL21. Compared with our historical control data, these patients exhibited lower levels of ≥ grade 2 ARE and required fewer antidiarrheal medications (n = 12). Most diarrhea cases were classified as grade 1 (n = 22). Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that the severity of ARE correlates with the abundance of BL21 and the increase in BL21 was associated with greater alpha diversity, an increase in beneficial bacteria, and a decrease in harmful bacteria.ConclusionsThe favorable safety profile, exploratory clinical observations of reduced ARE severity vs. historical controls, and feasible administration support further investigation of Bifidobacterium longum BL21 as a prophylactic candidate for ARE, warranting validation in Phase III randomized controlled trials.Clinical Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Study Registry (registry ID: ChiCTR2300069881).

Djihad Bencherit, Naila Charbi, Asma Saad et al.

Background Children are generally attracted to colorful foods. However, some food dyes are suspected of exacerbating the activity of children and inducing other health problems that can reach reprotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Objective This study aims to explore the presence of dyes such as E102, E104, E110, E121, E122, E123, E124, E127, E129, E132, E133, E143 and E171 in food products widely consumed by children in Algeria notably sweets and chocolates, beverages and ice creams, yogurts and biscuits. Material and Methods This work was carried out on 228 products including 57 biscuits, 47 drinks and ice creams, 20 yogurts and 104 sweets and chocolates. Information mentioned on the composition label of this products were recorded to determine the presence of studied dyes Results Here, we report the abundance of the yellow dyes E102 (24.1%) and E110 (18%) in the tested products. Also, apart from E121, all the other assessed dyes were found. Sweets and chocolates are the products containing the most studied dyes. The analysis of the presence of combinations of these dyes shows that 7% of analyzed foods contain 2 dyes in their composition while 20% of the products contain at least 3 dyes at the same time. Additionally, 37.5% of sweets and chocolates contain a combination of at least 3 dyes in their ingredient list. Conclusions In overall, except the E121, all assessed dyes were identified on the labels of food products widely consumed by children which encourage parents to be made aware of the risks associated with the ingestion of omnipresent dyes in children’s diets.

Jeffery L Heileson, Michael J Macartney, Nora L Watson et al.

Summary: Background: Accumulating evidence has highlighted the acute and chronic impact of repetitive subconcussive head impacts (rSHIs) in contact sports. Neurofilament-light (Nf-L), a brain-derived biomarker of neuroaxonal injury, elevates in concert with rSHI. Recently, long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC ω-3 PUFAs) supplementation has been suggested to mitigate brain injury from rSHI as reflected by attenuation of Nf-L concentrations within contact sport athletes. Objective: Using a systematic review with a meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the effect of LC ω-3 PUFA supplementation on Nf-L concentrations in athletes routinely exposed to rSHI. Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed and CINAHL) were searched from inception through January 2024. One-stage meta-analysis of individual participant-level data was used to detect changes in Nf-L concentrations between LC ω-3 PUFA and control/placebo (PL) groups from baseline to midseason (MS) and postseason (PS). Least square means (±SE) for Nf-L change from baseline were compared by treatment group for MS/PS using contrast t tests. Significance was set a priori at adjusted P ≤ 0.05. Results: Of 460 records identified, 3 studies in collegiate American football players (n = 179; LC ω-3 PUFA = 105, PL = 71) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with PL, the change in Nf-L concentrations was statistically similar at MS [mean difference (MD) = –1.66 ± 0.82 pg·mL–1, adjusted P = 0.09] and significantly lower at PS (MD = –2.23 ± 0.83 pg·mL–1, adjusted P = 0.02) in athletes following LC ω-3 PUFA supplementation. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate preliminary support for the prophylactic administration of LC ω-3 PUFA in contact sport athletes exposed to rSHI; however, further research is required to determine the effective dosage required.This trial was registered at OSF (DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EY5QW).

Iman Haqiqi

Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme events, posing challenges to food security. Corn, a staple crop for billions, is particularly vulnerable to heat stress, a primary driver of yield variability. While many studies have examined the climate impact on average corn yields, little attention has been given to the climate impact on production volatility. This study investigates the future volatility and risks associated with global corn supply under climate change, evaluating the potential benefits of two key adaptation strategies: irrigation and market integration. A statistical model is employed to estimate corn yield response to heat stress and utilize NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 climate data to project future production volatility and risks of substantial yield losses. Three metrics are introduced to quantify these risks: Sigma ( σ ), the standard deviation of year-on-year yield change, which reflects overall yield volatility; Rho ( ρ ), the risk of substantial loss, defined as the probability of yield falling below a critical threshold; and beta ( β ), a relative risk coefficient that captures the volatility of a region’s corn production compared to the globally integrated market. The analysis reveals a concerning trend of increasing year-on-year yield volatility ( σ ) across most regions and climate models. This volatility increase is significant for key corn-producing regions like Brazil and the United States. While irrigated corn production exhibits a smaller rise in volatility, suggesting irrigation as a potential buffer against climate change impacts, it is not a sustainable option as it can cause groundwater depletion. On the other hand, global market integration reduces overall volatility and market risks significantly with less sustainability concerns. These findings highlight the importance of a multidimensional approach to adaptation in the food sector. While irrigation can benefit individual farmers, promoting global market integration offers a broader solution for fostering resilience and sustainability across the entire food system.

EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP), Claude Lambré, José Manuel Barat Baviera et al.

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the recycling process Umincorp (EU register number RECYC302), which uses the NGR technology. The input consists of washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes mainly originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers, with no more than 5% PET from non‐food consumer applications. The flakes are dried (step 2), melted in an extruder (step 3) and decontaminated during a melt‐state polycondensation step ■■■■■ (step 4). In step 5, the melt is cooled down and granulated. Having examined the challenge test provided, the Panel concluded that the melt‐state polycondensation (step 4) is critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters to control the performance are the pressure, the temperature, the residence time (depending on the mass and throughput of the melt) and the characteristics of the reactor. It was demonstrated by the challenge test that this recycling process is able to ensure that the level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food is below the conservatively modelled migration of 0.1 μg/kg food. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not of safety concern when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs, including drinking water, for long‐term storage at room temperature, with or without hotfill. The final articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave and conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation.

EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW), Søren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez et al.

Abstract Vector or reservoir species of three diseases of crustaceans listed in the Animal Health Law were identified based on evidence generated through an extensive literature review, to support a possible updating of Regulation (EU) 2018/1882. Crustacean species on or in which Taura syndrome virus (TSV), Yellow head virus (YHV) or White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) were identified, in the field or during experiments, were classified as reservoir species with different levels of certainty depending on the diagnostic tests used. Where experimental evidence indicated transmission of the pathogen from a studied species to another known susceptible species, the studied species was classified as vector species. Although the quantification of the risk of spread of the pathogens by the vectors or reservoir species was not part of the terms of reference, such risks do exist for the vector species, since transmission from infected vector species to susceptible species was proven. Where evidence for transmission from infected crustaceans was not found, these were defined as reservoirs. Nonetheless, the risk of the spread of the pathogens from infected reservoir species cannot be excluded. Evidence identifying conditions that may prevent transmission by vectors during transport was collected from scientific literature. It was concluded that it is very likely to almost certain (90–100%) that WSSV, TSV and YHV will remain infective at any possible transport condition. Therefore, vector or reservoir species that may have been exposed to these pathogens in an affected area in the wild or aquaculture establishments or by water supply can possibly transmit WSSV, TSV and YHV.

Kaijun Wang, Kaijun Wang, Jie Ma et al.

Artemisia argyi leaf is a well-known species in traditional Chinese medicine, and its essential oil (AAEO) has been identified to exert various physiological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AAEO on lipid metabolism and the potential microbial role in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. A total of 50 male mice were assigned to five groups for feeding with a control diet (Con), a high-fat diet (HFD), and the HFD plus the low (LEO), medium (MEO), and high (HEO) doses of AAEO. The results demonstrated that dietary HFD markedly increased the body weight gain compared with the control mice (p < 0.05), while mice in the HEO group showed a lower body weight compared to the HFD group (p < 0.05). The weight of fatty tissues and serum lipid indexes (TBA, HDL, and LDL levels) were increased in response to dietary HFD, while there was no significant difference in AAEO-treated mice (p < 0.05). The jejunal villus height was dramatically decreased in HFD-fed mice compared with the control mice, while HEO resulted in a dramatically higher villus height than that in the HFD group (p < 0.05). Microbial α-diversity was not changed in this study, but β-diversity indicated that microbial compositions differed in control, HFD, and EO subjects. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Bacteroides was greater (p < 0.05) in the feces of the Con group when compared to the HFD and EO groups. On the contrary, the abundance of Muribaculum was lower in the Con group compared to the HFD and EO groups (p < 0.05). Although the Muribaculum in the EO group was lower than that in the HFD group, there was no statistically notable difference between the HFD and EO groups (p > 0.05). Simultaneously, the relative abundance of Alistipes (p < 0.05) and Rikenella (p < 0.05) was also dramatically higher in the Con group than in the HFD and EO groups. The abundance of norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014 was lower in the HFD or EO group than in the Con group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggested that HEO could affect body weight and lipid metabolism without gut microbes in ICR mice, and it was beneficial for the structure of the jejunal epithelial tissue.

Babatunde Agbeniga, Edward Webb

This study investigates the influence of timing and duration of low-voltage electrical stimulation (ES) as well as carcass weight, which are important factors affecting muscle glycolysis and meat color attributes. Longissimus samples from 147 cattle, representative of typical South African feedlot cattle, were assigned to 10 treatment groups according to the combination of carcass weight (small or heavy), time of ES (early [7 min] or late [45 min] postmortem), and duration of ES (30 or 60 s). Early ES and longer ES duration (60 s) produced the highest (P < 0.05) meat lightness (L*). The combination of early ES and heavier carcasses produced the highest (P < 0.05) chroma (C*) 2 d postmortem (butchery period). These results were corroborated by the energy metabolites, such that early stimulation produced the highest amount (P < 0.05) of muscle lactate, glucose, and glucose-6-phosphate, as well as the lowest glycogen, creatine phosphate, and adenosine triphosphate early postmortem. This shows that the application of low-voltage ES on heavier carcass is advantageous in terms of meat color, but the advantages diminish as ageing progressed from 2 to 14 d postmortem.

Liesbet Trenson, Sander Trenson, Falco van Nes et al.

Introduction: Obesity is a global health challenge, and pharmacologic options are emerging. Once daily subcutaneous administration of 3 mg liraglutide, a glucagon like peptide-1 analogue, has been shown to induce weight loss in clinical trials, but real-world effectiveness data are scarce. Methods: It is a single-centre retrospective cohort study of patients who were prescribed liraglutide on top of lifestyle adaptations after multidisciplinary evaluation. In Belgium, liraglutide is only indicated for weight management if the BMI is >30 kg/m2 or ≥27 kg/m2 with comorbidities such as dysglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnoea. No indication is covered by the compulsory health care insurance. Liraglutide was started at 0.6 mg/day and uptitrated weekly until 3 mg/day or the maximum tolerated dose. Treatment status and body weight were evaluated at the 4-month routine visit. Results: Between June 2016 and January 2020, liraglutide was prescribed to 115 patients (77% female), with a median age of 47 (IQR 37.7–54.0) years, a median body weight of 98.4 (IQR 90.0–112.2) kg, a BMI of 34.8 (IQR 32.2–37.4) kg/m2, and an HbA1c level of 5.6%. Five (4%) patients did not actually initiate treatment, 9 (8%) stopped treatment, and 8 (7%) were lost to follow-up. At the 4-month visit, the median body weight had decreased significantly by 9.2% to 90.8 (IQR 82.0–103.5) kg (p < 0.001). Patients using 3.0 mg/day (n = 60) had lost 8.0 (IQR 5.8–10.4) kg. The weight loss was similar (p = 0.9622) in patients that used a lower daily dose because of intolerance: 7.4 (IQR 6.2–9.6) kg for 1.2 mg (n = 3), 7.8 (IQR 4.1–7.8) kg for 1.8 mg (n = 16), and 9.0 (IQR 4.8–10.7) kg for 2.4 mg/day (n = 14). Weight loss was minimal if liraglutide treatment was not started or stopped prematurely (median 3.0 [IQR 0.3–4.8] kg, p < 0.001, vs. on treatment). Further analysis showed an additional weight reduction of 1.8 kg in the patients that had started metformin <3 months before the start of liraglutide (p < 0.001). The main reasons for liraglutide discontinuation were gastrointestinal complaints (n = 5/9) and drug cost (n = 2/9). Conclusion: In this selected group of patients, the majority complied with liraglutide treatment over the initial 4-month period and achieved a significant weight loss, irrespective of the maximally tolerated maintenance dose. Addition of metformin induced a small but significant additional weight loss.

Fuhao Wang, Lu Huang, Xingxing Yuan et al.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the proximate and phytochemicals present in seeds of 24 mung bean (Vigna radiate L.) genotypes from four provinces of China for estimating their nutritional and antioxidant properties. Proximate analysis of mung bean genotypes revealed that starch, protein, fat, ash and water-soluble polysaccharide ranged from 39.54–60.66, 17.36–24.89, 4.24–12.18, 2.78–3.53 and 1.99–2.96 g/100 g respectively. The five principal fatty acids detected in mung beans were stearic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid. The contents of insoluble-bound phenolic compounds, soluble phenolic compounds, and flavonoids ranged from 0.78 to 1.5 mg GAE g− 1, 1.78 to 4.10 mg GAE g− 1, and 1.25 to 3.52 mg RE g− 1, respectively. The black seed coat mung bean genotype M13 (Suheilv 1) exhibited highest flavonoid and phenolic contents which showed strong antioxidant activity. Two flavonoids (vitexin and isovitexin) and four phenolic acids (caffeic, syringic acid, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids) were identified by HPLC. Vitexin and isovitexin were the major phenolic compounds in all mung bean genotypes. The content of soluble phenolic compounds had positive correlation with DPPH (r 2 = 0.713) and ABTS (r 2 = 0.665) radical scavenging activities. Principal component analysis indicated that the first two principal components could reflect most details on mung bean with a cumulative contribution rate of 66.1%. Twenty-four mung bean genotypes were classified into four groups based on their phenolic compounds contents and antioxidant activities. The present study highlights the importance of these mung bean genotypes as a source of nature antioxidant ingredient for the development of functional foods or a source of health promoting food. Graphical Abstract

Oday Alrifai, Lili Mats, Ronghua Liu et al.

Abstract As of recent, microgreen vegetable production in controlled environments are being investigated for their bioactive properties. Phytochemicals like glucosinolates (GLS) are highly sensitive to varying spectral qualities of light, especially in leafy greens of Brassica where the responses are highly species-dependent. The accumulation of bioactive GLS were studied under 8 different treatments of combined amber (590 nm), blue (455 nm), and red (655 nm) light-emitting diodes (rbaLED). A semi-targeted metabolomics approach was carried out to profile common intact-GLS in microgreen extracts of Brassica by means of LC-HRMS/MS. Thirteen GLS were identified, among them were 8 aliphatic, 4 indolic and 1 aromatic GLS. Mass spectrometry data showed sinigrin had the highest average concentration and was highest in B. juncea, progoitrin was highest in B. rapa and glucobrassicin in R. sativus. The individual and total GLS in the microgreens of the present study were largely different under rbaLED; B. rapa microgreens contained the highest profile of total GLS, followed by R. sativus and B. juncea. Sinigrin was increased and gluconasturtiin was decreased under rbaLED lighting in most microgreens, glucoalyssin uniquely increased in R. sativus and decreased in B. rapa and glucobrassicin uniquely decreased in both B. rapa and B. juncea. The present study showed that rbaLED contributed to the altered profiles of GLS resulting in their significant modulation. Optimizing the light spectrum for improved GLS biosynthesis could lead to production of microgreens with targeted health-promoting properties. Graphical Abstract

Dongyang CHEN, Hao ZHANG, Jiali FENG et al.

Objective An analytical method was established for the two carotenoid colorants, which had not been included in the monitoring. The interferences such as fat and protein were effectively excluded through the optimization of pretreatment and detection conditions. The method on simultaneous determination of canthaxanthin and xanthophyll in eggs was successfully developed. Methods The samples were extracted by a simple ultrasonic extraction procedure with n-hexane and cleaned up on a neutral alumina cartridge. The analytes was separated by C30 column (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm) with acetonitrile: methyl tertiary butylether (8:2, V/V, containing 0.1% butylated hydroxytoluene) and water solution as mobile phases in gradient model. Then the carotenoids were detected with DAD detector. Results Under optimizing chromatographic conditions, the linear of the method were 0.20-10.0 mg/L with r≥0.999 3. The recoveries of the method were 89.3%-102% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.2%-4.9%. The limits of detection were 0.02-0.08 mg/kg. Conclusion The method was convenient, accurate and sensitive, and it was suitable for the determination of canthaxanthin and xanthophyll in egg samples.

Erika Meroni, Vassilios Raikos

Lycopene is a desired ingredient in food formulations, yet its beneficial effects on human health remain largely underexploited due to its poor chemical stability and bioavailability. Oil-in-water emulsions may offer multiple advantages for the incorporation and delivery of this carotenoid species. Engineering and processing aspects for the development of emulsion-based delivery systems are of paramount importance for maintaining the structural integrity of lycopene. The selection of emulsifiers, pH, temperature, oil phase, particle size, homogenization conditions and presence of other antioxidants are major determinants for enhancing lycopene stability and delivery from a food emulsion. Process and formulation optimization of the delivery system is product-specific and should be tailored accordingly. Further research is required to better understand the underlying mechanisms of lycopene absorption by the human digestive system.

Duško Tomić, Jelena Dinić

The paper discusses the basic indicators of security anomalies present in studying specific relationships between terrorism and tourism, i.e. the reasons for which tourism is attractive for terrorists. It further presents the consequences of the terrorist attacks on tourism industry and points to the most significant measures in the field of crisis management used by individual countries in mitigating the effects of the terrorist attacks on tourists, tourism destinations, national economy and a country's image. The authors come to the conclusion that after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 in the USA, it is hard to apply the old methods and strategies to restore the confidence of tourists in a tourism destination, and that each specific case requires a careful analysis. The present times imply new contents in the implementation of counterterrorist engineering. It all aims at providing adequate responses to terrorism as a serious threat, which is hardly predictable in general terms, not only in tourism.

Uilla Islany Soares de Moura, Lara Rabêlo Mendes, Ingrid Paula de Oliveira Silva et al.

O balé clássico é uma modalidade de dança que requer dos seus praticantes um bom desempenho físico, além das exigências por um corpo magro e elegante. Deste modo, a alimentação constitui um fator imprescindível, já que pode determinar a composição corporal e aptidão física. Os objetivos do presente trabalho consistiram em avaliar a ingestão alimentar, o perfil antropométrico e a imagem corporal de bailarinas clássicas. No estudo descritivo, foram avaliadas 18 bailarinas, com idades entre 15 e 43 anos. Estas foram submetidas a avaliação cineantropométrica, preenchimento de recordatório alimentar de 24 horas e avaliação da imagem corporal a partir de escalas de silhuetas. A maioria das bailarinas apresentou eutrofia quanto ao IMC (88,9%), e adequação do percentual de gordura corporal (94,4). Quanto à imagem corporal, houve elevada prevalência de insatisfação (77,8%), e a maioria apresentou desejo de emagrecer (71,4%). A verificação do consumo alimentar mostrou baixa ingestão energética por 72,2% da amostra. Por outro lado, foi observado que a ingestão de macronutrientes estava adequada para a maioria delas, assim como o colesterol e a fibra alimentar. Houve baixa ingestão de ferro, cálcio e potássio. Portanto, o grupo estudado apresenta riscos para o desenvolvimento de deficiências nutricionais e distorção da imagem corporal. Intervenções são necessárias para a prevenção de agravos a saúde.   ABSTRACT Food consumption, anthropometric profile and body image of classic ballerinas from São Francisco Classical ballet is a form of dance that requires good physical performance from the practitioners beyond the requirements for a slim and stylish body. Thus, food is an essential factor since it can determine body composition and physical fitness. The aims of this study were to assess dietary intake, anthropometric profile and body image among female ballet dancers. In a descriptive study, 18 dancers aged between 15 and 43 years were evaluated. These subjects were submitted to the kinanthropometric evaluation, completion of 24-hour food recall and body image evaluation with help of silhouette scales. Most of the dancers were eutrophic according BMI (88.9%) with adequate body fat percentage (94.4). High prevalence of dissatisfaction (77.8%) was verified in relation to body image and most of the sample showed desire to lose weight (71.4%). The food consumption evaluation showed low energy intake by 72.2% of the sample. On the other hand, it was observed that the macronutrient intake is adequate for most of them, as well as cholesterol and dietary fiber. There was a low intake of iron, calcium and potassium. However, the female ballet dancers studied showed risks for the development of nutritional deficiencies and body image distortion. Interventions are needed to prevent health hazards.

Lucilene Dornelles MELLO, Marcos Felipe PINHEIRO

Este trabalho teve por objetivo apresentar os resultados da caracterização físico-química de azeites de oliva e folhas de oliveira da variedade Arbequina, cultivadas no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, e determinar o potencial antioxidante pelo ensaio do DPPH na atividade sequestrante de radicais livres (ASRL %), atividade quelante (% AQ) e poder redutor de extratos aquosos de folhas de oliveira in natura, folhas processadas para chás (comercial 1 e comercial 2) e azeites de oliva provenientes de olivais dos municípios de Caçapava do Sul (azeite 1) e Cachoeira do Sul (azeite 2). Os azeites de oliva também foram avaliados quanto aos índices de iodo, saponificação, peróxidos, refração absoluto a 20ºC e determinação da acidez, densidade, medida da absorbância no ultravioleta a 270nm/232nm e determinação do perfil de ácidos graxos. Os estudos com os derivados de oliveira para a fração fenólica e a atividade antioxidante elevaram-se concomitantemente. Os extratos de folhas processadas e os azeites de oliva foram às amostras que apresentaram teores mais altos de fenóis totais e as melhores respostas de ASRL (> 80%). Todas as amostras apresentaram baixos valores percentuais de AQ (< 30%) e poder redutor (entre 20 – 50%). Pela análise dos parâmetros físico-químicos e perfil de ácidos graxos, os azeites de oliva podem ser classificados como azeite virgem extra.

Mary Ann Zentner, Elizabeth Y. Davis

Administrators of home economics research programs in 62 land‐grant universities supplied data that were used to ascertain (1) the number and sub ject‐matter distribution of faculty engaged in research, (2) the number and distribution of persons with competency to conduct research, and (3) the need for well‐trained researchers in the future. Nearly 700 individuals were actively engaged in research activities with approximately 0.31 science years of support (representing salary, supplies, and maintenance) per researcher. The greatest numbers were in food and nutrition and in child development and family rela tions. A sizeable proportion of faculty members were qualified to conduct research but were not currently active in their respective fields. Many other faculty conduct research without financial support in addition to their full‐time teaching and/or administrative responsibil ities. A substantial number of new researchers will be needed by the end of the decade.

Sharon Smith Redick, Ruth P. Hughes

The purpose of this exploratory study was to ascertain selected attitudes, characteristics, and instructional behaviors of teachers implementing home economics programs for physi cally handicapped students. Twenty‐six teachers employed in fifteen public day or residential schools in six Midwestern states made up the deliberate sample. Data were collected by observation, questionnaires, and selected attitudinal and knowledge devices. On the Analysis of Teaching Instrument, teachers scored highest on items which involved students in the learning process, provided a combination of activities, and exhibited concern for their pupils. Less experienced teachers tended to score higher on the Analysis of Teaching Instrument and the Ambiguity Tolerance Scale, whereas more experienced teachers scored higher on the Attitude Toward Disabled Persons Scale. While teachers considered knowledge of handicap ping conditions and contact with disabled persons important, they did not score high on instruments which measured these characteristics; they did score high on the attitudinal device. Results suggest that teachers of mainstreamed classes need to have a command of the subject matter presented, basic knowledge of handicapping conditions, and training which includes experiences that foster realistic, positive attitudes by working with and teaching handicapped students.