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Background: The physical and social environments surrounding food, whether perceived or observed, can influence consumers’ food choices by changing food access, and affordability, or by changing settings where food-related behaviors occur. Aim: To describe older adults’ perceived food environment, identify the most important sites and factors that enable healthy eating, and explore older adults’ recommendations for communities to facilitate fruit and vegetable consumption. Methods: Participants aged 60 and older from metropolitan areas in Massachusetts, Iowa, and Illinois completed a researcher-administered survey to rate the perceived environment including accessibility, availability, and affordability of fruits and vegetables, and perceived importance of factors and establishments related to fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants also suggested changes for establishments to facilitate fruit and vegetable consumption. Results: The majority of the 142 participants perceived their food environment for fruits and vegetables as not difficult to access (85.2%) with good or excellent availability (90.1%). Education, marital status, and race were associated with some aspects of the perceived food environment. Perceived accessibility and supermarkets were rated as the most important factor and establishment, respectively, to facilitate fruit and vegetable consumption across all study sites. Participants proposed recommendations to address the availability, quality, accessibility and affordability of fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Interventions promoting accessible, affordable, quality fruits and vegetables may improve older adult consumers’ perceptions of their food environment. Communities may also use undervalued resources such as mobile markets more strategically to provide additional support for healthy eating in older adults.

Examining two cases from twentieth-century US history, I explore feminists’ disengagement from electoral and party politics and its consequences. I argue that in these pivotal moments femin...

A structured interview protocol was used to investigate the ability of older adults (n = 89, age ≥ 65 years) to accurately determine whether three common food items were whole grain, and to assess the package information used in their decision process. Cereal and crackers, which were both whole grain products, were correctly identified by 63% and 66% of participants, respectively. Bread (a refined product), was correctly identified by only 19% of participants, while 46% of participants misidentified the bread as being whole grain. The ingredient list was the information most frequently cited in deciding if a food was whole grain, but participants varied in their ability to accurately interpret it. Package information considered nonpertinent (e.g., the Nutrition Facts label) in identifying a whole grain product was used almost as often as the ingredient list. Older adults would benefit from whole grain education programs that focus on accurately interpreting package information.

Community planners such as policymakers and health care and nutrition service providers can create an "age-friendly" environment to support healthy eating in older residents by addressing the highest priorities that enable older adults to improve their dietary intake through different food-related community settings. To identify and prioritize these factors that facilitate behavioral change (enablers) and behavioral settings important for older adult nutrition based on the social ecological model, nutrition and aging professionals (n = 30) from two rural (West Virginia, Iowa) and two urban (Massachusetts, New York) city/county regions (communities) participated in an online or live focus group discussion and completed an analytic hierarchy process survey online. Overall, the most important perceived enablers were accessibility and cost, followed by transportation and social support, but their relative importance varied by community. Participants from all communities considered congregate meal sites and food banks among the most important behavioral settings. Participants from most communities considered food stores to be important and also highlighted other settings unique to the area, such as senior housing, neighborhood, and farmers' markets. By targeting interventions to address the most notable enablers and behavioral settings specific to their community, planning groups can enhance their older residents' ability to achieve optimal nutritional health.

Communities can provide an “age-friendly” environment to support healthy eating in older adults (OA) by addressing the highest priority approaches that promote key enablers of good nutrition. Using the Social Ecological Model, nutrition and aging professionals (n=30) from two rural (WV, IA) and two urban (MA, NY) city/county regions participated in focus group discussions to identify and prioritize enablers and behavioral settings essential for OA nutrition. Transcripts were recorded and analyzed for major themes using content analysis. The most important enablers were accessibility and cost, transportation and social support. Recommendations to improve enablers included nutrition education and outreach; modifying or expanding services and advocacy to improve accessibility and transportation; gearing program or food content and the built environment specifically to OA needs; addressing partnerships, policies, discounts and financial assistance to improve affordability; and fostering social support and empowerment. Community-based interventions targeting enablers can support older residents in achieving optimal nutritional health.

This study examined the role of social support in influencing dietary quality in older African American public housing residents, specifically investigating individual (age, education, gender, marital status, and living arrangement), social support (help with meals, social network size, frequency of contact, and proximity or distance from network), and dietary factors (number of meals consumed daily, dietary quality). A random sample ( n = 80) of public housing residents age 55+ living in a Northeastern community was interviewed. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analyses, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Given the limited sample size, a SEM path model was developed based on observed associations in correlation and regression analyses. Results show that number of meals, frequency of contact, and proximity significantly influenced dietary quality. However, dietary quality was indirectly influenced by education, marital status, having a housemate, and help with meals, highlighting influence of both individual and social factors.

Secondary science teachers who integrate food safety (FS) into curricula can provide FS knowledge and skills to youth while reinforcing science skills and concepts. National science education standards and the Biological Science Curriculum Study 5E Inquiry-based Learning Model were used to design an online training, Food Safety FIRST. The training has 3 modules, each with 15 h of web-based instruction, interactive discussion, and tools to conduct experiments or critical evaluation projects. A CD-ROM, web site (http://foodsafetyfirst.org), and lab kit were developed to accompany module activities. Seventy-one teachers registered for the program; 38 matched pretest/posttest evaluations were analyzed. When asked their intention to teach FS in the next year, enrollees responded “definitely” (60.5%) or “possibly” (34.2%), reaching potentially 3570 students. Participants found the training very valuable (71.1%) and were significantly more comfortable teaching FS at posttest (3.6 ± 0.5 on a 4-point Likert scale) than at pretest (2.8 ± 1.0; P < 0.0001, n= 35). Self-reported FS practices also improved from pretest (24.8 ± 5.7 out of a possible 35) to posttest (27.7 ± 4.8; P < 0.001, n= 32). On 4-point Likert scales, teachers were confident answering FS questions (3.4); confident that if they did a good job teaching this topic, students would be interested in FS (3.4); and confident FS concepts taught would meet national science standards (3.4). They found the program satisfactory for demonstrating inquiry-based learning (3.8). Most agreed that they would change FS habits (3.2). Using 5-point scales, participants agreed that they felt more able to critically evaluate FS information on the Internet (4.2) and that the training was enjoyable in an online format (4.3).

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting more than 25% of adults worldwide. In Pakistan, 33% of the adult population suffers from hypertension. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated the critical role of dietary patterns in the causation, prevention and management of hypertension. There's a dearth of evidence from South Asia in this regard. The present study aimed to identify the association between dietary patterns and hypertension among 4304 low income urban adults who participated in the Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation (COBRA) study in Karachi, Pakistan. Dietary information was collected by a 33- item food frequency questionnaire and 3 unique dietary patterns namely; fat and sweet, fruit and vegetable, and seafood and yogurt patterns were derived using principal component factor analyses. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between dietary patterns and hypertension. Men were more likely to have hypertension, while increase in age, and body mass index were also associated with hypertension (p0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, education, marital status, body mass index, and tobacco use; the seafood and yogurt pattern was less likely (OR=0.78: 95% CI: 0.63, 0.98; p-value 0.03) to be associated with hypertension, whereas no significant associations were seen for other two dietary patterns. These findings suggest that certain dietary patterns may be associated with hypertension among Pakistani low income urban adults.高血压是一种常见的慢性疾病，全球超过25%的成年人受其影响。在巴基斯 坦，33%的成年人患有高血压。大量的流行病学研究表明膳食模式在高血压的 因果关系、预防和管理中起关键作用。然而，来自南亚的这方面的证据不足。 本研究旨在确定巴基斯坦卡拉奇地区参加高血压控制和风险衰减研究的4304 名城市低收入居民的膳食模式和高血压的关系。采用含33 个条目的食物频率 问卷收集饮食信息，并用主成分因子分析得到3 个独特的膳食模式，分别被命 名为脂肪和甜食、蔬菜和水果、海鲜和酸奶模式。我们采用单因素和多因素 logistic 回归分析研究膳食模式和高血压之间的关系。男性更容易患高血压， 而年龄和体质指数的增加也与高血压有关（p0.001）。校正年龄、性别、教 育、婚姻状况、体质指数和吸烟之后，海鲜和酸奶模式与高血压呈显著负相关 (OR=0.78：95% CI：0.63， 0.98；p=0.03)，而未见另外两种膳食模式与高血 压存在显著相关性。这些发现表明某些膳食模式可能与巴基斯坦城市低收入居 民的高血压有关。.

Media reports about new nutrition research are abundant, but they may confuse the public when unqualified sources are quoted, findings are reported out of context, or results appear to contradict previous studies. The nutrition scientist who conducts the research is best qualified to communicate the findings accurately and within context. Yet, some nutrition scientists hesitate to speak out in the media because of barriers such as a lack of time, media skills, and support from administrators or fear that their results will be miscommunicated or sensationalized. Scientists who do grant media interviews enjoy benefits such as positively affecting the public's eating habits, influencing health and nutrition policy, and receiving heightened attention to their work, which can lead to future research funding. Scientists who want to improve their media skills can seek support from their institution's public relations professionals and can learn from continuing education opportunities at conferences and self-study through articles and other resources.

The primary objective of this study was to describe eating patterns (e.g., breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacking, number of eating episodes, temporal patterns of eating across the 24-hour day, and the frequency of eating out) in a healthy U.S. population in order to provide a basis for future studies on the association between eating patterns and disease. Twenty-four hour dietary recalls were used to assess eating patterns, and cross-sectional analyses were conducted. Ninety-six percent of subjects usually consumed breakfast, 78% consumed lunch, 95% consumed dinner, and 60% consumed snacks. On average, participants ate 3.92 times daily (standard deviation(SD)=0.8). Caloric intake on weekend days was significantly greater than on weekdays. There was a tendency of participants to eat meals frequently outside of the home. The project described was supported by grant R01-HL52745 to Dr. Ira S. Ockene from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the autho...

Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are widely used to estimate usual intake. A questionnaire without portion sizes may facilitate data collection. We examined the nutrient agreement between three days of food recall (FR) and FFQ in older women when portion information is used or ignored. When mean values were compared to FR, there was no consistent bias when using or ignoring FFQ portions. The correlation between either FFQ calculation and FR was significant for most nutrients, and 53% of the subjects were perfectly classified into categories of dietary intake. Thus, based on the data omitting FFQ portions results in overall small differences in the data obtained when portions are used.

Objective To examine baseline rates of fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in the 5 A Day research trials in order to identify any regional and sociodemographic differences associated with daily servings. Design The main outcome measure was the frequency of fruits and vegetables consumed within 1 month of the baseline survey as assessed by a 7-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Subjects/setting Participants (N=15,060) were from 7 study centers. Study centers included schools (N=48), worksites (N=60), churches (N=50), or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics (N=15) in interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Statistical analyses Means and standard errors, adjusting for clusters, were calculated. A mixed linear model analyzed relationships between fruit and vegetable consumption and regional center, gender, age, race, education, income, marital status, food-shopping responsibility, and whether one lives with children. Results Results indicate an overall mean intake of 3.6 daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Significant differences in mean daily servings were found among the regional study centers (low of 3.0 to high of 4.1). There were significant differences in mean daily consumption by age ( high school=3.4 servings per day; high school graduate=3.4; some college=3.5; college graduate=3.9), race (black=3.7 servings per day; Hispanic=3.0; white=3.6; other=3.7), marital status (married=3.6 servings per day; single=3.5), and food-shopping responsibilities (little=3.2 servings per day; about half=3.6; most=3.8). Only 17% of respondents ate 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Conclusions The 7 regions showed significant variability in daily fruit and vegetable consumption, suggesting that a single national message to increase fruit and vegetable consumption may not reach the population segments most in need of changing. It is advisable to spend more time understanding the food consumption habits of the population under investigation to develop messages to foster behavior change. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999;99: 1241–1248 .

This paper examines nutrition education for current and emerging cohorts of Black elders. Three contextual factors affecting nutrition education for Black elders are discussed, including diversity of the older Black population, historical and cultural influences, and barriers to educational programming. In light of these contextual factors, six strategic principles are presented that provide a central organizing mechanism and process for nutrition education programming for Black elders.

Nutrient intake, food practices, service use, and their relationship to dietary quality in black elderly is described. A health and food questionnaire and three 24-hour food recalls were administered. Diets were very low in energy, calcium and vitamin B-6, slightly low in protein, thiamin, riboflavin and iron, and adequate in vitamins A, C and niacin. Men consumed more energy, fat, and cholesterol than women, and less vitamins C, B-6 and thiamin. Food stamps and home health aides (HHAs) were used more than other services. Dietary quality was related to gender, number of meals, and HHA use

In this study, we identified barriers to fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption in a multiethnic worksite population and related them to F&V intake and demographics. Data were collected through Treatwell 5-A-Day, a randomized, controlled, worksite-based intervention study designed to increase F&V intake in community health center workers. The self-administered survey included questions on demographics, eating habits, and barriers to F&V intake. Barriers were scored, with higher values reflecting higher perceived barriers, resulting in three factors: general (including taste, time, and availability at home and restaurants), expense, and worksite availability. The general and expense barriers scores were higher and worksite barriers scores lower in nonwhites and those with less education, with lower incomes, and in labor, service, or paraprofes-sional occupations. General barriers scores decreased with increasing age and the expense barrier score was higher in women. In multivariate analysis, ethnicity, occupation, and age were no longer associated with the general barriers score when education and income were controlled. There was a significant education by income interaction. Only the general barriers score was significantly associated with F&V intake. In conclusion, perceived barriers to F&V intake increased with decreasing income and education, especially at low incomes, and were related to lower consumption of F&V.

Many environmental settings and influences can affect food choices and eating behaviors in the growing population of community-dwelling older adults. Using the Social Ecological model, an expert panel participated in online discussions and an Analytic Hierarchy Process survey to identify the most important and changeable environmental settings and enabling factors that promote healthy eating in older adults. Food stores were rated most important when considering accessibility and affordability. Congregate nutrition sites were important for social support along with supporting access and affordability of healthful foods and living accommodations. Senior housing, health care, and religious settings also contributed to the goal of promoting healthful eating in aging adults. Restaurants were rated of lower importance. Based on these results, it is recommended that community food policies include the nutritional needs of older adults by addressing food accessibility and affordability, social support, and living accommodations, with a focus on congregate nutrition sites, food stores, senior housing, health care, and religious organizations.

Dietary pattern analysis is an epidemiological method designed to consider the complexity of food preferences and diet patterns of populations. Few studies from South Asia have used this methodology to describe population food intake. Our objective was to identify dietary patterns and understand their associations with sociodemographic, anthropometric and life-style factors among low-income Pakistani urban adults. Dietary information was collected by a thirty-three-item FFQ and dietary patterns were derived by principal component analyses in 5491 subjects enrolled in the Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation (COBRA) study. Three dietary patterns were identified: a fat and sweet pattern characterised by fried snacks/foods, desserts, organ meats, bakery products, Pakistani bread and food purchased from outside the home; a fruit and vegetable pattern including fruits, juices, raw and cooked vegetables, lean meat and low-fat milk; and a seafood and yogurt pattern identified by prawns, fish, potatoes and yogurt. The fat and sweet pattern scores were low among older subjects, those with high BMI and waist circumference but high among females and physically active participants. The fruit and vegetable pattern was associated with younger age, high BMI, education and non-tobacco use. The seafood and yogurt pattern was associated with high BMI, increased physical activity and non-tobacco use. In conclusion, distinct dietary patterns exist for the Pakistani population that may be related to some of the population characteristics and thus may have importance in suggesting dietary and life-style interventions in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Objective Examine compliance with recommended food safety practices in television cooking shows. Methods Using a tool based on the Massachusetts Food Establishment Inspection Report, raters examined 39 episodes from 10 television cooking shows. Results Chefs demonstrated conformance with good retail practices for proper use and storage of utensils in 78% of episodes; preventing contamination (62%), and fingernail care (82%). However, 50% to 88% of episodes were found to be out of compliance with other personal hygiene practices, proper use of gloves and barriers (85% to 100%), and maintaining proper time and temperature controls (93%). Over 90% failed to conform to recommendations regarding preventing contamination through wiping cloths and washing produce. In only 13% of episodes were food safety practices mentioned. Conclusions and Implications There appears to be little attention to food safety during most cooking shows. Celebrity and competing chefs have the opportunity to model and teach good food safety practices for millions of viewers.

This report describes the Distance Teaching in Community Nutrition program (DTCN), conducted through distance education. This program uses correspondence and a biweekly “live” teleconference as the media for teaching. A questionnaire determined student characteristics and opinions about the program. These results will be useful for practitioners considering similar approaches to nutrition education. This program was effective in meeting the goals of extending knowledge, providing postgraduate qualification, and servicing information needs in employment and personal settings. Overall, students were satisfied with the program, but expressed lower satisfaction with their own level of competence in community nutrition, as well as the need for increased accessibility and communication with the lecturer. Incorporation of additional community nutrition activities and opportunities to meet the lecturers should be explored. Distance education should be considered as an alternative to traditional graduate education...

We surveyed a total of 549 Cooperative Extension clientele (consumers), farmstand owners, and food industry representatives in New England to assess the potential for certification and labelling of produce grown using integrated pest management (IPM). The survey elicited self-reported knowledge of IPM, perceptions of current pesticide use and IPM, and attitudes toward certification and labelling of produce as “IPMGrown.” The respondents expressed widespread support for certification and labelling of produce grown using IPM. Potential barriers to the marketing of IPM-labelled produce were also revealed. The survey showed the need for education to inform the public about pest management in agriculture and to build confidence in the safety of our food supply.

Objective To assess how postsecondary online nutrition education courses (ONEC) are delivered, determine ONEC effectiveness, identify theoretical models used, and identify future research needs. Design Systematic search of database literature. Setting Postsecondary education. Participants Nine research articles evaluating postsecondary ONEC. Main Outcome Measures Knowledge/performance outcomes and student satisfaction, motivation, or perceptions. Analysis Systematic search of 922 articles and review of 9 articles meeting search criteria. Results Little research regarding ONEC marketing/management existed. Studies primarily evaluated introductory courses using email/websites (before 2000), or course management systems (after 2002). None used true experimental designs; just 3 addressed validity or reliability of measures or pilot-tested instruments. Three articles used theoretical models in course design; few used theories to guide evaluations. Four quasi-experimental studies indicated no differences in nutrition knowledge/performance between online and face-to-face learners. Results were inconclusive regarding student satisfaction, motivation, or perceptions. Conclusions and Implications Students can gain knowledge in online as well as in face-to-face nutrition courses, but satisfaction was mixed. More up-to-date investigations on effective practices are warranted, using theories to identify factors that enhance student outcomes, addressing emerging technologies, and documenting ONEC marketing, management, and delivery. Adequate training/support for faculty is needed to improve student experiences and faculty time management.

Limited studies in nonhuman primates suggest that the midcycle LH surge is characterized by distinctly different patterns of bioactive (LH-BIO) and immunoactive (LH-RIA) LH secretion. To further examine the patterns of midcycle LH-BIO and LH-RIA secretion and explore the influence of physiological variations in steroid hormone feedback on LH surge dimensions we studied seven normal ovulatory women over the periovulatory interval. In each, blood samples were obtained every 3 h and transvaginal ultrasonography was performed every 12 h over a 5-7 day interval at midcycle. Serum levels of LH-RIA, FSH, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were determined by RIA; LH-BIO was estimated using a mouse leydig cell bioassay. Hormone data were standardized to the time of surge onset in LH-RIA (time zero), defined as a 100% increase above a 6-point running mean baseline value; surge cessation was defined as a decline to below baseline concentration. Mean LH-RIA surge duration was 54.0 +/- 4.0 h. LH-BIO surge onset was simultaneous with that of LH-RIA and coincident with the peak in E2 levels (mean data). Mean P4 and 17-hydroxyprogesterone rose in a parallel, phasic manner, an abrupt increase in slope occurred between -6 h and +30 h but an acute rise in P4 was not consistently observed among individuals. The surge onset to follicle rupture interval (mean 37.6 +/- 4.2 h) positively correlated with peak LH-RIA (r = 0.76, P less than 0.05), surge amplitude (r = 0.74, P less than 0.05) and surge onset to peak interval (r = 0.87, P less than 0.02), but not surge duration. There were no significant relationships between E2 or P4 (mean, peak, integrated, slope) and surge amplitude or duration (LH-RIA, FSH), peak value, or surge onset to peak interval (LH-RIA, LH-BIO, FSH). These data suggest that in women, 1) onset of the midcycle surge in LH-RIA and LH-BIO is simultaneous, and 2) surge characteristics are not influenced by physiological variations in steroid hormone secretion that occur beyond the thresholds required for surge initiation.

Objective Patients with endometriosis were studied to investigate hormonal suppression by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist nafarelin acetate compared with danazol. We hypothesized that the pattern, time course, and degree of gonadotropin and ovarian suppression would be different. Design The study included 16 patients who were randomized into one of three 6-month treatment protocols. Setting Patients were recruited from a university hospital setting. Patients Eligible candidates were 18 to 45 years of age, with regular menses and documented pelvic endometriosis. Intervention Six-month treatment protocols included nafarelin 800 or 400 μg / d , or danazol 800 mg/d. Main Outcome Measures Serum estradiol (E 2 ), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone were determined before treatment and then monthly. Thirteen patients consented to a 12-hour hospital admission during the 5th and 6th month of treatment to determine LH pulse frequency and amplitude. Results Estradiol and P were suppressed in all groups, but E 2 significantly more by nafarelin than danazol ( P ≤ 0.01). Nafarelin, 800 μg , significantly depressed LH pulse amplitude compared with danazol (P ≤ 0.05). Two patients in the nafarelin group had the administration of their medication observed, and both demonstrated single, high-amplitude pulses immediately after administration. Conclusion Nafarelin is a more potent LH and E 2 suppressor than danazol, and the agonist effect of nafarelin may continue to provoke transient gonadotropin responses despite long-term therapeutic suppression.

SUMMARY With the development of a sensitive radioimmunoassay for inhibin, luteal phase inhibin levels have been noted to parallel progesterone levels and be acutely dependent upon luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation. To define the midluteal secretory pattern of immunoreactive inhibin and its relationships with LH and progesterone, blood samples were obtained from five normal women every 20 min for a period of 24 h. Individual data series of LH, progesterone and inhibin were analysed for pulsatile secretion using an adaptive-threshold method. Inhibin levels exhibited a relatively frequent, low-amplitude pulsatile secretory pattern (14.6 ± 6.9 pulses/24 h (mean ± SE), amplitude = 17% of the mean inhibin level). In contrast, LH levels demonstrated an infrequent high amplitude secretory pattern (6.2 ± 0.7 pulses/24 h, amplitude = 139% of the mean LH level). The average progesterone pulse frequency and amplitude were intermediate to LH and inhibin (9.2 ± 1.2 pulses/24 h, amplitude = 36% of the mean progesterone level). In addition, each individual's hormone data were analysed for coincident pulsatile secretion and cross-correlations were performed on the data, with one hormone pattern shifted relative to another by 20-min time intervals. None of the individual inhibin data series showed significant pulse coincidence when compared to the LH or progesterone data series. The cross-correlation analysis, however, revealed a significant (P < 0.05) relationship in general trends between the inhibin and LH data series, and the inhibin and progesterone data series in three subjects. These findings suggest that (1) inhibin exhibits a relatively frequent low-amplitude pulsatile secretory pattern in comparison to LH and progesterone in the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and (2) while the secretion of these three hormones is interrelated, there is not a strong coupling between secretory pulses of inhibin and either LH or progesterone pulses.

SUMMARY Inhibin is a gonadal glycoprotein believed to be important in the regulation of pituitary FSH secretion and/or to function as a paracrine factor within the ovary and testis. We studied serum levels of inhibin, oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P), FSH and LH during the periovulatory interval in order to determine whether there is differential control of sex steroid and inhibin secretion by the mature follicle and the emerging corpus luteum. Seven normal cyclic women were admitted 3–4 days prior to midcycle and blood samples drawn every 3 h for 5–7 days. Serum E2, P, FSH, LH and inhibin were measured by radioimmunoassay. Data were normalized around the peak LH value (0 h). Serum E2 and inhibin rose in parallel (r = 0.92, P < 0.001) between – 69 and – 18 h, E2 reached a peak of 1296 ± 154 (mean±SEM) pmol/1 at −18 h, then fell to 1050± 139 pmol/1 at 0 h. Serum inhibin, on the other hand, continued to rise to a peak of 837±95U/lat – 6 h, fell to 455±48 U/lat +45 h, then rose again. On average, the peak inhibin level occurred 10.4± 5.1 h after the peak E2 (P < 0.05). Inhibin levels were positively correlated with both serum LH and FSH between – 24 and +24 h (P

Media reports about new nutrition research are abundant, but they may confuse the public when unqualified sources are quoted, findings are reported out of context, or results appear to contradict previous studies. The nutrition scientist who conducts the research is best qualified to communicate the findings accurately and within context. Yet, some nutrition scientists hesitate to speak out in the media because of barriers such as a lack of time, media skills, and support from administrators or fear that their results will be miscommunicated or sensationalized. Scientists who do grant media interviews enjoy benefits such as positively affecting the public's eating habits, influencing health and nutrition policy, and receiving heightened attention to their work, which can lead to future research funding. Scientists who want to improve their media skills can seek support from their institution's public relations professionals and can learn from continuing education opportunities at conferences and self-study through articles and other resources.

Glutaraldehyde is considered a high-level surgical disinfectant commonly used in the United States in gastrointestinal lab environments. Glutaraldehyde requires proper ventilation when used as glutaraldehyde vapors are known irritants to the skin, eyes, nose, and lungs without proper ventilation in the work environment. Vapor concentration is the unit of measurement for the environmental presence of glutaraldehyde. Safe levels of glutaraldehyde vapor concentrations are a significant issue in the work environment. The American Conference of Governmental Hygienists has established and reported safe and allowable limits for vapor concentration of glutaraldehyde. Unfortunately, uncontrolled glutaraldehyde exposure in selected work environments is contributing to occupational asthma. Environmental exposure to glutaraldehyde has been linked to respiratory sensitization of the workers exposed and suggests the need for safe work environments anywhere glutaraldehyde is in use. Gastrointestinal labs use high-level disinfectants like glutaraldehyde to safely and thoroughly disinfect endoscopic instruments and accessories; however, there are worker-safety considerations relevant to glutaraldehyde use. The purpose of this article is to identify and describe clinical issues and challenges associated with worker safety and proper ventilation of glutaraldehyde in a gastrointestinal environment. A multidisciplinary problem-solving approach for use in identification and intervention for glutaraldehyde exposure and safety recommendations related to glutaraldehyde use as a high-level disinfectant in one gastroenterology lab environment will be highlighted.

BACKGROUND: The Bone-anchored Hearing Aid is indicated for patients with unilateral deafness and/or an irreversible conductive hearing loss. The insertion of this device is usually performed in the operating room under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. We suggest that the placement of the abutment can occur easily and safely in the clinic setting, reducing time and costs for both the patient and the physician. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Ten patients requiring 11 devices (1 bilateral) were implanted with the Bone-anchored Hearing Aid device in the outpatient clinic and another 8 patients were implanted in the operating room. All office procedures were done under local anesthesia; operating room procedures used either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Follow-up occurred over 12 months. Time required, cost of the procedure, and other logistical concerns between operating room and office-based insertion were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: When performed in the office, patient fees were reduced by 31%, and patient time investment was reduced 73%. Physician time was reduced by 50%. After office-based insertion, patients were able to return to their normal routine immediately after the procedure, and no chaperone or designated driver was required. No infection or complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: Bone-anchored Hearing Aid insertion in the clinic setting is safe and cost-effective, saving the patient and physician significant time and resources.

Food pantries serve over 19 million Americans, yet little is known about the nutritional quality of foods distributed in pantry bags. Foods in bags from 133 clients from 19 pantry sites were itemized, and a mean site value for nutrient and food group content was calculated. If an individual consumed the pantry foods according to the Food Guide Pyramid, the bag would contain sufficient bread group foods to last approximately 7 days; vegetable and meat/protein group foods would last about 5 days, and fruit and milk group foods would last only approximately 3 days. Foods distributed were of adequate or high nutrient density for protein, fiber, iron, and folate, but were of low nutrient density for calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Creative efforts are needed for pantries to procure, store, and distribute additional fruit, dairy products, and other sources of vitamins A and C and calcium.

Some studies have suggested that eating patterns, which describe eating frequency, the temporal distribution of eating events across the day, breakfast skipping, and the frequency of eating meals away from home, may be related to obesity. Data from the Seasonal Variation of Blood Cholesterol Study (1994-1998) were used to evaluate the relation between eating patterns and obesity. Three 24-hour dietary recalls and a body weight measurement were collected at five equally spaced time points over a 1-year period from 499 participants. Data were averaged for five time periods, and a cross-sectional analysis was conducted. Odds ratios were adjusted for other obesity risk factors including age, sex, physical activity, and total energy intake. Results indicate that a greater number of eating episodes each day was associated with a lower risk of obesity (odds ratio for four or more eating episodes vs. three or fewer = 0.55, 95% confidence interval: 0.33, 0.91). In contrast, skipping breakfast was associated with increased prevalence of obesity (odds ratio = 4.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.57, 12.90), as was greater frequency of eating breakfast or dinner away from home. Further investigation of these associations in prospective studies is warranted.

We are happy to present the following article as a resource for readers developing or refining online courses. Much work remains to be done to identify and evaluate the relative merits of potential theoretical models for online nutrition instruction. Progress will depend on finding ways to conduct objective appraisals of theory-driven courses in university settings, where randomization is often impossible and courses are often refined in real time to meet students' immediate needs or to take advantage of rapidly evolving technology. Meanwhile, we hope that the concepts and observations described in this Special Article stimulate consideration of the motivational aspects of online courses in practice, research, and institutional policy making.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of social desirability trait, the tendency to respond in a manner consistent with societal expectations, on self-reported fruit, vegetable, and macronutrient intake. METHODS: A 61-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), 7-item fruit and vegetable screener, and a single question on combined fruit and vegetable intake were completed by 132 female employees at five health centers in eastern Massachusetts. Intake of fruit and vegetables derived from all three methods and macronutrients from the FFQ were fit as dependent variables in multiple linear regression models (overall and by race/ethnicity and education); independent variables included 3-day mean intakes derived from 24-hour recalls (24HR) and score on the 33-point Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability scale (the regression coefficient for which reflects its effect on estimates of dietary intake based on the comparison method relative to 24HR). RESULTS: Results are based on the 93 women with complete data and FFQ-derived caloric intake between 450 and 4500 kcal/day. In women with college education, FFQ-derived estimates of total caloric were associated with under-reporting by social desirability trait (e.g., the regression coefficient for total caloric intake was −23.6 kcal/day/point in that group versus 36.1 kcal/day/point in women with education less than college) (difference = 59.7 kcal/day/point, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 13.2, 106.2). Except for the single question on which women with college education tended to under-report (difference = .103 servings/day/point, 95% CI = 0.003, 0.203), there was no association of social desirability trait with self-reported fruit and vegetable intake. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of social desirability trait on FFQ reports of macronutrient intake appeared to differ by education, but not by ethnicity or race. The results of this study may have important implications for epidemiologic studies of diet and health in women.

The National Cancer Institute's '5-a-Day for Better Health Campaign is examining the efficacy of interventions in increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables to five or more servings a day. This paper presents the study design, intervention and baseline survey results of the Treatwell 5-a-Day project, a randomized, controlled worksite-based intervention study. Twenty-two community health centers were randomly assigned to either a Minimal Intervention, Worksite Intervention or Worksite Plus Family Intervention. The Worksite Intervention included participation of employee advisory boards, programs aimed at individual behavior change and programs aimed at changes in the worksite environment. The Worksite Plus Family Intervention incorporated family-focused interventions into the worksite program, including a learn-at-home program, family newsletter, family festival and materials mailings. A self-administered survey was conducted prior to randomization (mean response rate: 87%, n = 1359). Twenty-three percent reported consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was directly associated with level of household support for healthy eating. The Treatwell 5-a-Day intervention model has the potential to enhance existing worksite-based intervention through incorporation of its family focus, especially given the association of household support with individual eating habits.

OBJECTIVES: We report on the results of the Treatwell 5-a-Day study, a worksite intervention aimed at increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables. METHODS: Twenty-two worksites were randomly assigned to 3 groups: (1) a minimal intervention control group, (2) a worksite intervention, and (3) a worksite-plus-family intervention. The interventions used community-organizing strategies and were structured to target multiple levels of influence, following a socioecological model. Data were collected by self-administered employee surveys before and after the intervention; the response rate was 87% (n = 1359) at baseline and 76% (n = 1306) at follow-up. A process tracking system was used to document intervention delivery. RESULTS: After control for worksite, gender, education, occupation, race/ethnicity, and living situation, total fruit and vegetable intake increased by 19% in the worksite-plus-family group, 7% in the worksite intervention group and 0% in the control group (P = .05). These changes reflect a one half serving increase among workers in the worksite-plus-family group compared with the control group (P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: The worksite-plus-family intervention was more successful in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption than was the worksite intervention. Worksite interventions involving family members appear to be a promising strategy for influencing workers' dietary habits.