Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers

Evaluation of the evidence between consumption of refined grains and health outcomes

Peter G. Williams — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:20:52 PST

This review evaluates the available evidence on the relationship between consumption of refined grains and health outcomes. A total of 135 relevant articles were identified from database searches of studies published between 2000 and 2010. The great majority found no associations between the intake of refined grain foods and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight gain or overall mortality. A few studies found that very high intakes might be associated with some types of cancers, but at moderate levels of consumption the risks were not significant. The totality of evidence shows that consumption of up to 50% of all grain foods as refined grain foods (without high levels of added fat, sugar or sodium) is not associated with any increased disease risk. Nonetheless, eating more wholegrain foods remains an important health recommendation, and most consumers will need to reduce their current refined grain consumption to no more than one-third to one-half of all grains in order to meet the targets for wholegrain foods.

Not just the taste: why adolescents drink alcopops

Sandra C. Jones — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:45:33 PST

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the features of alcopops which make them attractive to Australian adolescents, which features are most important in determining choice of ready-to-drinks (RTDs) over other alcoholic drinks, and whether these vary by age and gender. Design/methodology/approach – Mixed methods study. Participants in Study 1 (focus groups) were 72 adolescents aged 12-17 from New South Wales, Australia; four groups each from Sydney (metropolitan area), Wollongong (regional) and Dubbo (rural); and in Study 2 (survey), 1,263 adolescents aged 12-17 recruited through schools, mall intercepts, and online. Findings – The predominant factor influencing preference for alcopops across both genders was taste, followed by alcohol strength and cost, although the association between price and choice was complex. Convenience was an important factor, including ease of carrying and concealing, as was the physical appearance (particularly for younger drinkers). Non-drinkers and experimental drinkers reported that advertising was a key influencer. Practical implications – These results elaborate on previous research, indicating that alcopops are appealing to young people for a number of reasons (including taste, cost and alcohol strength), many of which differ in importance depending on age and gender. Given that advertising was found to be a key factor in the preference for alcopops, alcohol-related media literacy education may help young people to resist these harmful persuasive messages. Originality/value – This study goes beyond previous research into the role of taste preferences to explore the complexity of reasons for adolescents' alcohol consumption. In doing so, this research provides the basis for future educational and policy interventions.

Relax, you're soaking in it: sources of information about infant formula

Nina J. Berry — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:45:28 PST

Although the advertising of infant and follow-on formula products in Australia is prohibited by the Marketing in Australia of Infant Formulas: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement (1992), toddler milk is advertised without restriction. Recent research suggests that Australian mothers perceive advertisements for toddler milk to also be advertisements for infant formula. Furthermore, they tend to accept the messages they encounter in these advertisements uncritically. This study used established qualitative market research strategies to investigate what mothers, and those who influence mothers, know about formula milk products. This included exploration of commonly used sources of information, how toddler milk advertisements are interpreted and how the claims made in these advertisements are evaluated. Eight interviews were conducted: two individual interviews (involving a General Practitioner and a Community Dietitian) and six discussion groups (two groups of two mothers, two groups of two grandmothers, one group of two child and family health nurses and one group of five Child and Family Health Nurses). The results suggest that mothers seek advice about formula milk products from health professionals, their friends and their own mothers. The responses also suggest that all of these groups understand toddler milk advertisements to be advertising formula milk products and tend to rely on the messages contained in them to inform their decisions or advice about infant feeding products. It may therefore be difficult for mothers to access independent information upon which to base their decisions about infant feeding products. Further research is needed on whether sufficient independent information about infant feeding products is available to health professionals and mothers

Dietary glycaemic index and glycaemic load among Australian children and adolescents

Jimmy Chun Yu Louie — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:45:24 PST

There are no published data regarding the overall dietary glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) of Australian children and adolescents. We therefore aim to describe the dietary GI and GL of participants of the 2007 Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2007ANCNPAS), and to identify the main foods contributing to their GL. Children, aged 2–16 years, who provided two 24 h recalls in the 2007ANCNPAS were included. A final dataset of 4184 participants was analysed. GI of each food item was assigned using a previously published method. GL was calculated, and food groups contributing to the GL were described by age group and sex. The weighted mean dietary GI and GL of the participants were 54 (SD 5) and 136 (SD 44), respectively. Among the nutrients examined, Ca had the highest inverse relationship with GI (P,0·001), while percentage energy from starch was most positively associated with GI. The association between fibre density and GI was modest, and percentage energy from sugar had an inverse relationship with GI. Daily dietary GL contributed by energy-dense and/or nutrient-poor (EDNP) items in subjects aged 14–16 years was more than doubled that of subjects aged 2–3 years. To conclude, Australian children and adolescents were having a high-GI dietary pattern characterised by high-starchy food intake and low Ca intake. A significant proportion of their dietary GL was from EDNP foods. Efforts to reduce dietary GI and GL in children and adolescents should focus on energy-dense starchy foods. Key words: Dietary glycaemic index: Glycaemic index: Glycaemic load: Australian: Children

"You wouldn't know it had alcohol in it until you read the can": adolescents and alcohol-energy drinks

Sandra C. Jones — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:45:20 PST

Young Australians' perceptions, and consumption, of alcohol-energy drinks were examined via a multi-method study conducted in late 2008. The study consisted of: 12 focus groups with 12- to 17-year-olds from metropolitan, regional and rural New South Wales (n = 95); and a survey of 12- to 17-year-olds with data collected through schools, intercepts, and the Internet (n = 1263). Alcohol-energy drinks were a popular product among adolescent participants, with similarity to soft drinks identified as a primary appeal, and they showed limited awareness of the potential harms from their consumption. Given the international evidence of harms associated with alcohol-energy drinks, those concerned with reducing alcohol-related harm amongst young people should advocate for restrictions on this product category.

Does aging change docosahexaenoic acid homeostasis? implications for the challenge to cognitive health in the elderly

Christian-Alexandre Castellano — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:45:07 PST

Epidemiological studies fairly convincingly suggest that higher intake of fish and omega-3 fatty acids present in fish is associated with reduced risk for age-related cognitive decline (ARCD). Normally, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in plasma is positively associated with DHA intake. However, despite being associated with lower fish and DHA intake, unexpectedly, ARCD is not consistently associated with lower plasma DHA. Furthermore, DHA is often slightly but significantly higher in plasma and erythrocytes in the elderly without ARCD compared to young adults. Higher plasma DHA in the elderly may be a sign that their fish or DHA intake is higher but we show here that various aspects of DHA homeostasis also change with age. Our supplementation and tracer studies show that DHA metabolism, e.g. transit through the plasma and apparent retroconversion but not beta-oxidation, is different in healthy elderly compared to healthy young adults. Apolipoprotein E4 increases the risk of ARCD, possibly in part because it changes DHA homeostasis. Therefore, independent of differences in fish intake, changing DHA homeostasis may contribute to making the elderly more susceptible to cognitive decline despite them having similar or sometimes higher plasma DHA than in younger adults. Key words: aging, cognitive decline, dietary, docosahexaenoic acid, omega-3 fatty acid

Breast volume and bra size

Deirdre E. McGhee — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:45:02 PST

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure the breast volume of a large sample of women and their corresponding correctly fitted bra size, in order to demonstrate the range of volumes within each size and the variation amongst different bra sizes. Design/methodology/approach – Breast volume of 104 women was measured via water displacement and was compared to their professionally fitted bra size, in the one style and brand of bra. Findings – The mean breast volume of the left and right breast was 642 and 643 ml, ranging from 125 (size 10A) to 1,900 ml (size 24DD). The average professionally fitted bra band size was 12 (range size 10-24; Australian sizing) and cup size was DD (range A-G). A range of breast volumes was found to correspond to the same bra size and the volume of any one cup size was not homogenous amongst different band sizes. Practical implications – Appreciating the range of breast volumes that correspond to each bra size is important in terms of both bra structure and design in order to provide adequate breast support. The large variation in cup volumes associated with different band sizes suggests women should not consider themselves to be an isolated cup size, but rather a combination of a band and cup size. Originality/value – This is the first study to publish normative breast volume data, and the corresponding correctly fitted bra sizes, for a large sample of women. This is important information for bra design and to assist women achieve correct bra fit and support. Keywords Women, Breasts, Water displacement, Bra fit, Bra design, Anthropometric measurement, Biomechanics, Garment industry

Proteomics and metabolomics analysis of a trait anxiety mouse model reveals divergent mitchondrial pathways

Michaela D. Filiou — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:57 PST

Background: Although anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, no molecular biomarkers exist for their premorbid diagnosis, accurate patient subcategorization, or treatment efficacy prediction. To unravel the neurobiological underpinnings and identify candidate biomarkers and affected pathways for anxiety disorders, we interrogated the mouse model of high anxiety-related behavior (HAB), normal anxiety-related behavior (NAB), and low anxiety-related behavior (LAB) employing a quantitative proteomics and metabolomics discovery approach. Methods: We compared the cingulate cortex synaptosome proteomes of HAB and LAB mice by in vivo 15N metabolic labeling and mass spectrometry and quantified the cingulate cortex metabolomes of HAB/NAB/LAB mice. The combined data sets were used to identify divergent protein and metabolite networks by in silico pathway analysis. Selected differentially expressed proteins and affected pathways were validated with immunochemical and enzymatic assays. Results: Altered levels of up to 300 proteins and metabolites were found between HAB and LAB mice. Our data reveal alterations in energy metabolism, mitochondrial import and transport, oxidative stress, and neurotransmission, implicating a previously nonhighlighted role of mitochondria in modulating anxiety-related behavior. Conclusions: Our results offer insights toward a molecular network of anxiety pathophysiology with a focus on mitochondrial contribution and provide the basis for pinpointing affected pathways in anxiety-related behavior.

Australian women's perceptions of breast cancer risk factors and the risk of developing breast cancer

Sandra C. Jones — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:53 PST

Background Numerous studies have shown that the majority of women overestimate both their own risk and the populations’ risk of developing breast cancer. A number of factors have been found to correlate with perceived risk. Methods This paper reports on a telephone survey of a nationally representative sample of approximately 3,000 Australian women aged 30 to 69 years, conducted in 2007, and compares the findings with those of a similar survey conducted in 2003. Results There was a clear tendency for respondents to overestimate the proportion of women who will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Approximately half the respondents perceived themselves as being at the same risk of developing breast cancer as other women their age; older respondents were more likely to perceive themselves to be at a lower than average risk. Family history was recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer, although there was evident confusion in relation to risk from paternal family history. It was also evident that the association between age and risk status is poorly understood, and misconceptions of breast cancer risk factors identified in the previous survey persisted in 2007. Conclusion Overall, these results suggest that there remains an educational challenge if we seek to increase the accuracy of women’s perceptions of their risk for developing breast cancer, primarily in relation to the significance of age and family history as breast cancer risk factors.

An epidemiology of work-related injuries to Australian firefighters (1998-2007)

Nigel A.S Taylor — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:49 PST

An investigation of forearm vasomotor and sudomotor thresholds during passive heating, following whole-body cooling

Joanne N. Caldwell — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:44 PST

Physiological strain associated with wearing body armour of increasing ballistic protection

Anne M. J van den Heuvel — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:35 PST

Evaluating the predictive precision of surrogate indices of oxygen consumption

Sean R. Notley — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:26 PST

The oxygen cost of wearing firefighters’ personal protective equipment: Ralph was right!

Nigel A.S Taylor — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:21 PST

Regional variations in sweat gland density, insensible and thermal perspiration, and the electrolyte composition of sweat: physiologists, modellers, engineers, lend us your ears

Nigel A.S Taylor — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:16 PST

Changes in eccrine sweating on the glabrous skin of the palm and finger during isometric exercise

T Amano — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:12 PST

Aim: The goals of this study were to investigate changes in the sweating and cutaneous vascular responses on the palm and the volar aspect of the index finger during sustained static exercise of increasing intensity and to determine whether the former can be attributed to altered sweat gland activity. Methods: Five male and five female subjects performed maximal voluntary handgrip contractions (MVC: right hand) for 60 s at 20, 35 and 50% MVC (ambient temperature 25 C, relative humidity 50%). Results: The sweat rate and the number of activated sweat glands on the non-exercised hand showed intensity-dependent increases (P < 0.05). At 35 and 50% MVC, finger sweat secretion was significantly higher than on the palm, which was primarily associated with the number of activated sweat glands (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a marked simultaneous decrease in the cutaneous vascular conductance for the finger at 35 and 50% MVC (P < 0.05), but not for the palm. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a difference exists between intensitydependent increases of sudomotor responses within more than one glabrous skin site. Specifically, markedly greater sweating occurs on the volar finger than on the palmar surface during sustained static exercise. These differences in sweat rate mainly resulted from changes in the number of activated sweat glands. In addition, intra-segment variations in cutaneous blood flow on the glabrous hand are shown. Keywords mental sweating, non-thermal factors, sudomotor activity.

Tobacco and alcohol sponsorship of sporting events provide insights about how food and beverage sponsorship may affect children's health

Bridget Kelly — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:44:04 PST

Issue addressed: Determining children’s exposure to food and beverage company sponsorship, and the effect of this exposure, is important in establishing the extent to which there may be health and societal consequences. This paper aimed to provide preliminary evidence on the scope and potential effects on children of unhealthy food and beverage sponsorship. Methods: A review of published literature and media and marketing reports was conducted to determine the types of food and beverage sponsorship campaigns that children are exposed to, and the effect of corporate sponsorship (including tobacco and alcohol) on children and adolescents. Results: A large range of food and beverage sponsorship activities, in Australia and internationally, were identified for both school and sport settings. In particular, food and beverage companies have attempted to develop a marketing presence at all levels of professional and community sport. No information was identified measuring the effect of food and beverage company sponsorship on children and adolescents. However, empirical evidence from consumer studies relating to tobacco and alcohol sponsorship has repeatedly demonstrated that sponsorship has an impact on children’s product recall and product-related attitudes and behavioural intentions. Conclusions: While there is no available research on the direct effect of food and beverage sponsorship, the demonstrated effects of tobacco and alcohol sponsorship on children’s product awareness, preferences and consumption are likely to be applicable to food companies. Key words: sponsorship, food, beverage, children, marketing, advertising

Measuring local food environments: an overview of available methods and measures

Bridget Kelly — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:43:58 PST

Reliableandvalidmeasuresoflocalfoodenvironmentsareneededtomorefullyunderstandthe relationship between these environments and health and identify potential intervention points to improve access to, and the availability of, healthy foods. These measures also inform policy making,i ncluding the zoning of food outlets and food labelling/information requirements. A literature review was undertaken using health, behavioural and social sciences, nutrition and public health databases and grey literature, to determine available information on the measurement of local food environments. Included articles were those measuring aspects of food environments published from 2000 to 2010. A range of tools and methods are available to measure different components of food environments. Those focusing on community nutrition environments record the number, type and location of food outlets. The tools that focus on the consumer nutrition environment incorporate other factors, such as available food and beverage products,their price and quality, and any promotions or information to prompt consumers to make purchasing decisions. A summary and critique of these measures are provided.

Malnutrition is highly prevalent and associated with final discharge destination in two sub-acute aged-care facilities in the Illawarra

Blake Robinson — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:43:54 PST

The results of a pilot time-and-motion study in three Australian hospitals: where do we spend our time?

Marianna Milosavljevic — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:43:49 PST

Aim: To quantify the time nine dietitians spend on different tasks in the inpatient setting and to describe the main dietetic goals for the patients managed. Methods: We used a direct non-participatory observational method and observed hospital dietitians during a typical work shift. The data were then sorted into six categories. Results: A total of 286 hours and 45 minutes was observed across two collection time periods. On average the dietitians spent 18.3% in direct patient contact, 40.4% on indirect patient support activities, 13.5% in administrative tasks, 4.5% in research and education, and 3.8% in travel and miscellaneous tasks. Dietetic goals of patients seen during this time, as defined by the dietitians, were: to increase energy intake (48%), decrease energy intake (3%), improve dietary knowledge (15%), to improve or manage clinical symptoms (7%) and to meet enteral or parenteral requirements (1%). Conclusions: Knowing how dietitians in the present study spend their time affords an opportunity to reflect on how these tasks contribute to the overall goals of the department. Furthermore, it provides baseline data for additional research into the area of dietetic work activities, which could be evaluated across a wider range of services and hospitals.