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The U.S. apple industry, which generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue at the farm gate in 2013, is facing critical challenges with decreased availability of labor and increased labor and production costs. To address these challenges, a self-propelled apple harvest and in-field sorting machine is being developed in our laboratory. This article reports on the economic evaluation of this prototype machine by considering machine cost (annual ownership and operating costs), harvest productivity increase (including that due to decreased occupational injuries), and cost savings in postharvest storage and packing resulting from in-field sorting of fresh market quality apples from processing apples for both fresh apple growers and processing apple growers. The economic evaluation was conducted based on the assumptions that the machine increases harvest productivity by 43% to 63% and operates for 360 h during the harvest season. For fresh apple orchards with processing apple incidences of 5% to 15%, the net annual benefits that would accrue from owning one machine range from $13,500 to $78,400 when the machine price is between $100,000 and $160,000. For processing apple orchards with processing apple incidences of 80% to 90% and the same machine price range, the net annual benefits that would accrue from owning one machine range from $23,900 to $81,700. Overall, the benefits gained from in-field sorting outweigh those from the harvest productivity increase, and integration of the harvest-assist and in-field sorting functions is more beneficial to apple growers. This technology will help the U.S. apple industry improve labor productivity and reduce production costs, and thus it looks promising for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) in the United States and the report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the association of LBW and assisted reproductive technology (ART) during 1997-2004 in Massachusetts. The CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Health analyzed linked birth certificate and ART records. The results of the analysis showed that LBW had increased with ART contributing to the increase. The analysis, though, suggested more study was needed into other causes for LBW. An editor's note further clarifies the topic and presents strengths and limitations of the study.

Objective NBS for CF became universal in the USA in 2010. To identify optimal feeding for CF infants, a multi-center prospective study known as FIRST (Feeding Infants Right … from the STart) was initiated in 2012 to enroll 160 infants by 2016 at 5 CF Centers (Madison and Milwaukee, WI; Indianapolis, IN; Salt Lake City, UT; and Boston, MA). Method Nutritional status in the first year of life from 91 infants (52% boys) enrolled at 1.4±0.6 mo to FIRST was assessed biochemically and anthropometrically. By 31/12/14, 80 infants were 6 mo and 60 infants were 12 mo old. Result Growth was normal at birth [3210±505 g (41 st %tile) and 50.1±2.8 cm (63 rd %tile)] but declined to the 18 th %tile at age 2 mo. Catch-up growth was observed; weight increased to 33 rd %tile at 6 mo and 64 th %tile at 12 mo, but length did not fully recover at 12 mo (44 th %tile). At birth, 73% were breastfed: 65% exclusive (exB) and 8% combined with formula (B&F). The rate of exB decreased to 41% by 1 mo and 16% by 6 mo, while B&F and exF increased to 27% and 57%, respectively, at 6 mo. In the first 6 mo of life, 60% of infants received fortified breast milk or high caloric density formula (22–30 kcal/oz). Abnormal essential fatty acid status was common before age 3 mo with 18% deficient [triene-tetraene (T/T) ratio >0.02] and another 18% insufficient (T/T ratio >0.01). Low vitamin D [25(OH)D <30 ng/L] was prevalent: 44% before 6 mo and 32% at 12 mo. Low a-tocopherol (<8 mg/L) was found in 20% before age 6 mo and 30% at 12 mo. Conclusion This new infant study shows that early diagnosis/care leads to substantial catch-up growth but biochemical nutritional status remains suboptimal. (Funded by NIH/CFF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Physical, mental and financial barriers among persons with disabilities limit their access to healthier diet. The present study investigated the relationship between disabilities and nutrient intake among US adults. Methods Data originated from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 waves ( n = 11 811). Five disability categories include activities of daily living ( ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living ( IADLs), leisure and social activities ( LSAs), lower extremity mobility ( LEM) and general physical activities ( GPAs). Nutrient intakes from food and dietary supplements were calculated from 24-h dietary recalls. Adherence to dietary reference intakes and dietary guideline recommendations was compared between people with and without disabilities and across disability categories in the statistical analysis. Results GPAs, IADLs, LSAs, LEM and ADLs occupied 24.5%, 13.3%, 9.9%, 9.2% and 9.2% of US adults, respectively (not mutually exclusive). Only 42.3%, 11.3%, 63.8%, 47.7%, 48.7%, 9.7%, 48.7%, 90.7%, 21.7% and 4.7% of adults had saturated fat, fibre, cholesterol, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron, sodium and potassium intakes from food within recommended levels, respectively. Dietary supplement use moderately improved vitamin C, vitamin D and calcium intakes. People with disabilities were less likely to meet recommended levels on saturated fat, fibre (except GPAs), vitamin A (except GPAs), vitamin C (except GPAs), calcium and potassium intakes than persons without disability. Nutrient intake differed across disability categories, with ADLs least likely to meet recommended intakes. Conclusions Interventions targeting persons with disabilities through nutrition education and financial assistance are warranted to promote healthy diet and reduce disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a report by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health which examined the effect of changes in the rate of multiple births on low birthweight (LBW) and characterized women who have multiple births during 1989 to 1996. Findings of the report; Two issues highlighted by the report; Cause of increase in multiple births and LBW rates.

We present measurements as part of the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS) during which atmospheric aerosol particles were comprehensively characterized. We present results utilizing a Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsol coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS). We focus on the volatility and composition of isoprene derived organic aerosol tracers and of the bulk organic aerosol. By utilizing the online volatility and molecular composition information provided by the FIGAERO--CIMS, we show that the vast majority of commonly reported molecular tracers of isoprene epoxydiol (IEPOX) derived secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is derived from thermal decomposition of accretion products or other low volatility organics having effective saturation vapor concentrations <10-3 pg m-3. In addition, while accounting for up to 30% of total submicrometer organic aerosol mass, the IEPOX-derived SOA has a higher volatility than the remaining bulk. That IEPOX-SOA, and more generally bulk organic aerosol in the Southeastern U.S. is comprised of effectively nonvolatile material has important implications for modeling SOA derived from isoprene, and for mechanistic interpretations of molecular tracer measurements. Our results show that partitioning theory performs well for 2-methyltetrols, once accretion product decomposition is taken into account. No significant partitioning delays due to aerosol phase or viscosity are observed, and no partitioning to particle-phase water or other unexplained mechanisms are needed to explain our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is some evidence that propofol may reduce post-operative pain. However, the results on the analgesic effects of propofol are inconsistent. Thus, we hypothesized that propofol reduces acute pain if confounding factors like opioids are avoided. Methods In this prospective, randomized, subject- and assessor-blind, parallel-group, head-to-head comparative study, 90 American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II females underwent elective laparoscopies were randomized to receive either propofol-based ( PR), or sevoflurane-based ( SR), or sevoflurane-propofol-based anesthesia ( SPR). Pain score at rest assessed by a numerical rating scale at 0.5 h after surgery was the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included pain score at 1 and 24 h post-operatively, duration of post-anesthesia care units stay ( PACU), incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting, incidence of shivering, and post-operative quality of recovery score ( QoR-40) within the first 24 h post-operatively. Results No patients received rescue analgesia. The pain score at 0.5 h post-operatively was less in group PR when compared with group SR (0.7 ± 1.4 vs. 2.1 ± 1.8; P = 0.010) or group SPR (0.7 ± 1.4 vs. 2.1 ± 2.2; P = 0.008). Group PR was also associated with shorter PACU stay than group SR (21.8 ± 5.7 vs. 26.2 ± 6.9; P = 0.050) or group SPR (21.8 ± 5.7 vs. 27.8 ± 8.9; P = 0.005). Intraoperative bispectral index values, hemodynamic values and post-operative QoR-40 scores did not differ among the three groups. Conclusions Propofol anesthesia was associated with significantly less pain at 0.5 and 1 h after surgery in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopies with planned opioid-free post-operative analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The incidence of obesity and overweight in the US has increased considerably during the past two decades and currently affects 65% of the adult population. Research has indicated that small, yet irreversible, gains during the holiday season contribute to increases in weight during adulthood. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring dietary fatty acid, has been found to reduce weight gain and dramatically decrease fat mass in animals. Although research in humans has shown inconsistent results, most studies have been of insufficient duration or have utilized body composition methods that are less accurate than the currently accepted criterion.Design:Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 3.2 g/day CLA for 6 months.Subjects:Forty healthy, overweight subjects (age: 18–44 years; body mass index: 25–30 kg/m2)Measurements:Body composition by the four-compartment model, resting metabolic rate (RMR) by indirect calorimetry, self-reported physical activity and dietary intake, and blood chemistries were determined at baseline and after 6 months. Body weight was measured monthly during the pre-holiday season (August–October), holiday season (November–December) and post-holiday season (January–March). Adverse events were assessed monthly.Results:Compared to CLA, the placebo group showed a greater rate of weight gain during the holiday season (P=0.01). Within the placebo group, holiday weight change was significantly greater compared to the pre-holiday period (August–October) (P=0.03). Six-month change in body composition was improved with CLA compared to placebo (P=0.02), and body fat was significantly reduced within the CLA group (−1.0±2.2 kg, P=0.05). CLA had no effect on RMR, physical activity or dietary intake. The rate of reported negative emotions decreased significantly with CLA, although there was no difference in any other category of adverse event. In comparison to the placebo, CLA did not affect insulin resistance, blood lipids and markers of liver function or markers of inflammation, with the exception of a significant decrease in a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction.Conclusion:CLA supplementation among overweight adults significantly reduced body fat over 6 months and prevented weight gain during the holiday season. Although no adverse effects were seen, additional studies should evaluate the effect of prolonged use of CLA.International Journal of Obesity (2007) 31, 481–487. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803437; published online 22 August 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]