Comparison of Healthiness, Labelling, and Price between Private and Branded Label Packaged Foods in New Zealand (2015–2019)

We aimed to compare New Zealand private label (PL) and branded label (BL) packaged food products in relation to their current (2019) healthiness (sodium and sugar contents, and estimated Health Start Rating (HSR) score), display of the voluntary HSR nutrition label on the package, and price. Healthiness and HSR display of products were also explored over time (2015 to 2019). Data were obtained from Nutritrack, a brand-specific food composition database. Means and proportions were compared using Student t-tests and Pearson chi-square tests, respectively. Changes over time were assessed using linear regression and chi-square tests for trends (Mantel–Haenzel tests). Altogether, 4266 PL and 19,318 BL products across 21 food categories were included. Overall, PL products in 2019 had a significantly lower mean sodium content and price, a higher proportion of products with estimated HSR ≥ 3.5/5 (48.9% vs. 38.5%) and were more likely to display the HSR on the pack compared with BL products (92.4% vs. 17.2%, respectively). However, for most food categories, no significant difference was found in mean sodium or sugar content between PL and BL products. In the period 2015–2019, there were no consistent changes in estimated HSR score, sodium or sugar contents of PL or BL products, but there was an increase in the proportion of both PL and BL products displaying HSR labels. In most food categories, there were PL options available which were similar in nutritional composition, more likely to be labelled with the HSR, and lower in cost than their branded counterparts.

Download Full-text

Seven-year trends in the availability, sugar content and serve size of single-serve non-alcoholic beverages in New Zealand: 2013–2019

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980020005030 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Teresa Gontijo de Castro ◽

Helen Eyles ◽

Cliona Ni Mhurchu ◽

Leanne Young ◽

Sally Mackay

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Sugar Content ◽

Food Composition ◽

Soft Drinks ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Slight Reduction ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

Sugary Drinks ◽

High Sugar Content

Abstract Objective: To assess trends in relative availability, sugar content and serve size of ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverages available for sale in supermarkets from 2013 to 2019. Design: Repeat cross-sectional surveys. Data on single-serve beverages to be consumed in one sitting were obtained from an updated brand-specific food composition database. Trends in beverages availability and proportions with serve size ≤ 250 ml were assessed by χ2 tests. Sugar content trends were examined using linear regressions. The proportion of beverages exceeding the sugar threshold of the United Kingdom Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) was assessed. Setting: New Zealand. Results: From 2013 to 2019, there was (i) an increase in the availability of sugar-free/low-sugar beverages (n 25 (8·4 %) to n 75 (19·1 %); P < 0·001) and craft sugar-sweetened soft drinks (n 11 (3·7 %) to n 36 (9·2 %); P < 0·001), and a decrease in availability of fruit/vegetable juices/drinks (n 94 (31·8 %) to n 75 (19·4 %); P < 0·001); (ii) small decreases in sugar content (mean g/100 ml) of sugar-sweetened soft drinks (3·03; 95 % CI 3·77, 2·29); fruit/vegetable juices/drinks (1·08; 95 % CI 2·14, 0·01) and energy drinks (0·98; 95 % CI 1·63, 0·32) and (iii) slight reduction in the proportion of beverages with serve size ≤ 250 ml (21·6 to 18·9 %; P < 0·001). In 2019, most beverages were sugar-sweetened or had naturally occurring sugars (79·1 %) and serve size > 250 ml (81·1 %) and most sugar-sweetened beverages exceeded the SDIL lower benchmark (72·9 %). Conclusions: Most single-serve beverages available for sale in 2019 were sugary drinks with high sugar content and large serve sizes; therefore, changes made across the years were not meaningful for population’s health.

Download Full-text

Multimorbidity and health-related quality of life among people 55 years and up: results of a longitudinal study in New Zealand

10.21203/rs.2.20275/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nayyereh Aminisani ◽

Chris Stephens ◽

Fiona Alpass ◽

Seyed Morteza Shamshirgaran

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

New Zealand ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background: This study aimed to examine the association of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and multimorbidity (MM) and its correlates over time in New Zealand. Methods: People aged 55 years and over were invited to participate in a nationally representative population-based longitudinal study in 2006 and followed up biennially until 2016. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) with an exchangeable correlation matrix and robust standard errors adjusted for both time-constant and time-varying factors using baseline and five subsequent waves of data were used, to compare a range of factors related to changes in MM and HRQOL. Results: Of 2632 participants at baseline, 957 of the participants were classified as “MM participants”; 570 had two, and the rest had three chronic conditions. The results of the GEE regression models demonstrated that SF12-PCS decreased over time, and there was a significant difference in SF12-PCS between MM and Non-MM participants. Having MM was negatively associated with HRQOL-PCS [-3.00 (95 %CI -3.60, -2.49); p <0.001)]. Although the results showed an increase in SF12-MCS over time, the score of the mental dimension of HRQOL was lower among MM participants compared to Non-MM participants [-2.60, 95 %CI -3.09, -2.11]. Conclusions: According to this longitudinal study, there is an inverse association between MM and one of the most important health outcomes; HRQOL, in older adults.

Download Full-text

National trends in local excision and esophagectomy for cT1N0 esophageal cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.4_suppl.62 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (4_suppl) ◽

pp. 62-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Emily C. Sturm ◽

Whitney Zahnd ◽

John D. Mellinger ◽

Sabha Ganai

Keyword(s):

Esophageal Cancer ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Local Excision ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Analysis ◽

Over Time

62 Background: Esophageal cancer management has evolved due to improvements in staging and treatment strategies. Endoscopic local excision presents an attractive option for definitive management of T1 cancers, avoiding the morbidity of esophagectomy. We hypothesized that for cT1N0 cancers, patients who underwent local excision would have lower survival compared to esophagectomy due to potential discordant staging. Methods: The National Cancer Database was queried for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) with AJCC T1N0 clinical stage who underwent local excision (n = 1625) or esophagectomy (n = 3255) between 1998 and 2012. Chi-square analysis was used to compare demographic and clinical characteristics by procedure. Chi-square trend analysis was performed to assess trends in procedure type over time. Cox Regression analysis was performed to assess survival by procedure controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Between 1998 and 2012, the proportion of patients who underwent local excision increased from 12% to 50% for all patients (p < 0.001); from 17% to 40% for SCC patients (p < 0.001); and from 9% to 51% for AC patients (p < 0.001). Surgical procedure varied significantly by demographic, socioeconomic status, facility, and tumor-related factors. 65% of cT1N0 cancers had concordant clinical and pathological staging after esophagectomy, with 11% having positive nodal disease; 44% were concordant after local excision. While no significant difference was seen in unadjusted survival, adjusted Cox Regression analysis indicated worse survival after esophagectomy compared to local excision for all cases (HR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.40-2.00) and for ACs with concordant staging (HR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11-2.14). Conclusions: Local excision for cT1N0 esophageal cancer has increased over time. Staging concordance for esophagectomy is seen in two-thirds of cases. Contrary to our hypothesis, patients undergoing local excision for T1N0 cancers have better overall survival than those undergoing esophagectomy, which may reflect early differences in mortality and/or selection bias. As this study was unable to distinguish T1a from T1b, further analysis is warranted.

Download Full-text

Labelling completeness and sodium content of packaged foods in India

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017001987 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 20 (16) ◽

pp. 2839-2846 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Claire Johnson ◽

Sudhir Raj Thout ◽

Sailesh Mohan ◽

Elizabeth Dunford ◽

Clare Farrand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Products ◽

Sodium Content ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Food Groups ◽

Indian Government ◽

Safety Standards ◽

Department Of Health ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

The Uk ◽

Packaged Food

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the proportion of products meeting Indian government labelling regulations and to examine the Na levels in packaged foods sold in India.DesignNutritional composition data were collected from the labels of all packaged food products sold at Indian supermarkets in between 2012 and 2014. Proportions of products compliant with the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and labelled with Na content, and mean Na levels were calculated. Comparisons were made against 2010 data from Hyderabad and against the UK Department of Health (DoH) 2017 Na targets.SettingEleven large chain retail stores in Delhi and Hyderabad, India.SubjectsPackaged food products (n 5686) categorised into fourteen food groups, thirty-three food categories and ninety sub-categories.ResultsMore packaged food products (43 v. 34 %; P<0·001) were compliant with FSSAI regulations but less (32 v. 38 %; P<0·001) reported Na values compared with 2010. Food groups with the highest Na content were sauces and spreads (2217 mg/100 g) and convenience foods (1344 mg/100 g). Mean Na content in 2014 was higher in four food groups compared with 2010 and lower in none (P<0·05). Only 27 % of foods in sub-categories for which there are UK DoH benchmarks had Na levels below the targets.ConclusionsCompliance with nutrient labelling in India is improving but remains low. Many packaged food products have high levels of Na and there is no evidence that Indian packaged foods are becoming less salty.

Download Full-text

Nutrient profile of 23 596 packaged supermarket foods and non-alcoholic beverages in Australia and New Zealand

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980015000968 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 401-408 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Cliona Ni Mhurchu ◽

Ryan Brown ◽

Yannan Jiang ◽

Helen Eyles ◽

Elizabeth Dunford ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Energy Density ◽

Meat Products ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Food Products ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Health Claims ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Nutrient Profile ◽

Packaged Food

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the nutrient profile of packaged supermarket food products available in Australia and New Zealand. Eligibility to carry health claims and relationship between nutrient profile score and nutritional content were also evaluated.DesignNutritional composition data were collected in six major Australian and New Zealand supermarkets in 2012. Mean Food Standards Australia New Zealand Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) scores were calculated and the proportion of products eligible to display health claims was estimated. Regression analyses quantified associations between NPSC scores and energy density, saturated fat, sugar and sodium contents.ResultsNPSC scores were derived for 23 596 packaged food products (mean score 7·0, range −17 to 53). Scores were lower (better nutrient profile) for foods in Australia compared with New Zealand (mean 6·6 v. 7·8). Overall, 45 % of foods were eligible to carry health claims based on NPSC thresholds: 47 % in Australia and 41 % in New Zealand. However, less than one-third of dairy (32 %), meat and meat products (28 %) and bread and bakery products (27·5 %) were eligible to carry health claims. Conversely, >75 % of convenience food products were eligible to carry health claims (82·5 %). Each two-unit higher NPSC score was associated with higher energy density (78 kJ/100 g), saturated fat (0·95 g/100 g), total sugar (1·5 g/100 g) and sodium (66 mg/100 g; all P values<0·001).ConclusionsFewer than half of all packaged foods available in Australia and New Zealand in 2012 met nutritional criteria to carry health claims. The few healthy choices available in key staple food categories is a concern. Improvements in nutritional quality of foods through product reformulation have significant potential to improve population diets.

Download Full-text

The Influence of Adhesive Luting Systems on Bond Strength and Failure Mode of an Indirect Micro Ceramic Resin-based Composite Veneer

The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice ◽

10.5005/jcdp-10-1-33 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 33-40

Author(s):

Marjaneh Ghavamnasiri ◽

Nasrin Sarabi ◽

Azadeh Forooghbakhsh

Keyword(s):

Bond Strength ◽

Failure Mode ◽

Resin Cement ◽

Mode Analysis ◽

Single Bond ◽

Adhesive Failure ◽

Chi Square ◽

Adhesive Luting ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Tests

Abstract Aim This study evaluated the bond strength and failure mode of enamel/resin-based composite veneers bonded with three different dual cured resin adhesive systems. Methods and Materials Standard preparations for laminate veneer restorations were made on 30 human central incisors using depth cutting burs (0.5 mm depth at the incisal area and 0.3 mm at the gingival area). Thirty indirect laminates were prepared using a highly filled polymeric material (GC Gradia) according to the manufacturer's instructions. After sandblasting the fitting surfaces, the specimens were randomly divided into three groups (ten per group) based on the type of resin cement luting systems; Excite/Variolink II, Single Bond/ Rely X Veneer Cement, and Clearfil New Bond/Panavia F. The specimens were stored in water at 37°C for 48 hours. Fracture testing was performed using a universal testing machine where the load was applied from the incisal direction at 135° to the long axis of the tooth (0.5 mm/min). The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-Square tests were used for statistical analysis at a significance level of p>0.05. Results The ANOVA showed no significant difference was found among the groups (P>0.05). Indirect veneers showed mean enamel bond strength of 114.4 ± 48N, 159.7 ± 83.4 N, and 126.1 ± 51.7 N with Variolink II, Rely X veneer cement, and Panavia F, respectively. The Chi-Square tests showed no significant difference regarding the failure mode frequencies in different types of failure in the three groups (p>0.05). The failure mode analysis showed mainly adhesive failure in the resin cement/laminate interface in all groups. Conclusion There was no significant difference in bond strength of veneers with the three different resin cements tested. In addition, there was no significant difference in the frequency of the failure mode in each type of failure among the three test groups. The failure analysis revealed mainly an adhesive failure at the resin cement/veneer interface. Clinical Significance The results of this study suggest the use of Excite/Variolink, Single Bond/RelyX, or Clearfil New Bond/Panavia F are all appropriate choices for luting of indirect micro ceramic resin-based composite veneers in terms of bond strength and failure mode. Citation Sarabi N, Ghavamnasiri M, Forooghbakhsh A. The Influence of Adhesive Luting Systems on Bond Strength and Failure Mode of an Indirect Micro Ceramic Resin-based Composite Veneer. J Contemp Dent Pract 2009 January; (10)1:033-040.

Download Full-text

Clinical subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder based on the presence of checking and washing compulsions

Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1590/s1516-44462005000300008 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 201-207 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Leonardo F Fontenelle ◽

Mauro V Mendlowicz ◽

Marcio Versiani

Keyword(s):

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Empirical Support ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Chi Square ◽

Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Tests

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at examining the utility of checking and washing compulsions as markers of valid subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS: One hundred and six patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder were evaluated with a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, the Clinical Global Impression, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Global Assessment of Functioning. These individuals were allocated in one of four subgroups [checkers (OCD-Ch; n = 20), washers (OCD-Wa; n = 13), checkers and washers (OCD-CW; n = 48), and non-checkers and non-washers (OCD non-CW = 25)] on the basis of the presence and the clinical relevance of checking and/or washing compulsive behaviors across their lifetime. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were compared and contrasted between the groups by means of ANOVA followed by post-hoc Least Significant Difference or Dunnett's tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests followed by partitioned chi-square tests for categorical variables. RESULTS: OCD-Ch and OCD-Wa did not differ on most demographic and clinical features, the only exception being the number of different types of obsessions, which were significantly higher in the former group. The OCD-CW group was more likely to exhibit an insidious onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, to manifest itself as a mixed subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder and to display obsessions with contamination themes. On the other hand, the OCD non-CW group was more likely to exhibit an acute onset, a shorter duration of illness, obsessions with religious themes, an episodic course, and less severe obsessive-compulsive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, the probing of the presence of checking and/or washing compulsions has provided significant empirical support to establish valid subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Download Full-text

Determinant criteria in the ocean carrier selection process

Journal of Transportation Management ◽

10.22237/jotm/901929960 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 57-64

Author(s):

R Stephen Parker ◽

John L Kent

Keyword(s):

Selection Process ◽

Chi Square ◽

Service Characteristics ◽

Carrier Selection ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Import And Export ◽

Chi Square Tests

This study examines key determinant criteria used by import and export shippers when selecting an international containership carrier. A sample of import and export shippers were asked to evaluate eighteen service characteristics based on whether or not the characteristics were required by their international containership carriers. The results of Pearson chi-square tests indicate a significant difference between import shippers and export shippers on three of the eighteen service characteristics. Import shippers were more demanding of their carriers by requiring door-to-door transportation rates, shipment expediting, and shipment tracing services.

Download Full-text

Age related morphometric changes of the glenoid labrum

Anatomy (International Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy) ◽

10.2399/ana.20.821264 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 177-184

Author(s):

Abduelmenem ALASHKHAM ◽

Abdulrahman ALRADDADI ◽

Roger SOAMES

Keyword(s):

Glenohumeral Joint ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Joint Stability ◽

Chi Square ◽

Glenoid Labrum ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Males And Females ◽

Chi Square Tests

Objectives: Although the glenoid labrum is linked to glenohumeral joint stability, its anatomy remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the shape, consistency of the glenoid labrum, and whether these and its thickness and depth are age related. Methods: A total of 140 shoulders were dissected to expose the glenoid labrum. the shape and consistency of the glenoid labrum were assessed at a gross level. Measurements were taken of the labrum depth and thickness, using callipers, in the superior, anterior, inferior and posterior regions. ANOVA and chi-square tests were conducted to determine statistical significance, which was set at p<0.05. Results: The consistency of the superior half of the labrum was rubbery in 97.9% of specimens and firm in the remaining 2.1%, whereas the entire inferior half was firm. There was a significant difference (p=0.043) in the consistency of the superior half between males and females. The superior half was triangular in 95.7% of specimens, flat in 2.1% and flat to triangular in 2.1%, whereas the shape of the inferior half was rounded in 99.3% of specimens and flat in 0.7%. The labrum was observed to be thicker in younger individuals, with the differences being significant superiorly (p=0.011), anteriorly (p=0.050), inferiorly (p=0.001) and posteriorly (p=0.047). It was also observed to be deeper in younger individuals, but only significantly so superiorly (p=0.044). Conclusion: Labrum thickness and depth significantly decreased with increasing age, suggesting that these observations could be age-related.

Download Full-text

851. Rate of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Engagement in HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis at the Veterans Affair Maryland Health System

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofab466.1046 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S515-S516

Author(s):

Omar Harfouch ◽

Emily Comstock ◽

Roman Kaplan ◽

Rohit Talwani ◽

Eleanor Wilson

Keyword(s):

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

International Classification Of Diseases ◽

P Value ◽

Chi Square ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Hiv Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis ◽

Chi Square Tests

Abstract Background Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic are unknown. We evaluated data from the Veterans Affair Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) data to determine rates of STI and PrEP linkage in our Veterans. Methods We extracted patient-level data on demographics, STI testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis), International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnosis codes and refills of TDF-FTC and TAF-FTC. We compared the ratio of positive STI tests in 2018, 2019 and 2020 using chi-square tests. Individuals eligible for PrEP were defined as patients with a newly positive STI result or an ICD diagnosis of: high risk sexual behavior; an STI mentioned above; or gender identity disorder. We excluded anyone with a positive HIV test or a creatinine >1.8. We identified patients initiated on PrEP through pharmacy refill data to define initiation of care. Finally, we used chi-square tests to compare differences of initiation of PrEP between years and demographics. Results The STI positivity rate significantly increased (p< 0.01) from 44.2% (2018) and 42.9% (2019) to 61.6% (2020) [Table 1]. The median ages of those who had a positive STI test were 50 (2018), 44 (2019) and 44 (2020). In 2020, 17% of patients eligible for PrEP filled PrEP. Engagement was similar (p=0.33) in 2019 and 2018, where 14% and 11.6% of patients eligible for PrEP received a prescription (p-value=0.33) [Figure 1]. The median age of those refilling PrEP were: 44 (2018); 43 (2019) and 41 (2020)). In 2020, we observed a statistically significant difference (p< 0.01) in initiation of PrEP in care among Black patients with 11.7% of eligible patients filling PrEP as compared to white patients (26.2%) and other races (23.3%) [Figure 2]. Table 1. Rate of positive tests at VAMHCS from 2018-2020. Figure 1. PrEP Cascade at VAMHCS by year. Non-statistically significant (P=0.33) when comparing engagement in care between different years. Figure 2. Racial distribution of PrEP eligibility and initiation by year at the VAMHCS. Conclusion While during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, fewer Veterans sought STI testing at the VAMHCS, the number of positive STI results remained steady, leading to a higher positivity rate. The rate of initiation of PrEP did not differ between 2020, 2019 and 2018. Racial inequities in initiation of PrEP increased in 2020. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Download Full-text