scholarly journals Reproductive biology of the Ilex species (Aquifoliaceae) in Hong Kong, China

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (12) ◽  
pp. 1645-1654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita C.W. Tsang ◽  
Richard T. Corlett
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Apis Cerana ◽  
Reproductive Investment ◽  
Female Mortality ◽  
Fruit Removal ◽  
Fruit Maturity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Immature Heart

Fourteen wild species of shrubs and trees in the dioecious genus Ilex occur in Hong Kong (22°N, 114°E). All species flowered and formed fruits once each year. Sex ratios at flowering were male biased in all but one large population studied and, in most cases, this bias could not be explained by earlier flowering in males or higher female mortality. Apis cerana accounted for >87% of flower visits in all species and there was a significant positive relationship across species between the number of visits per flower per hour and the estimated mean number of flowers on a plant. The large green fruits of Ilex chapaensis Merr. were consumed only by masked palm civets, Paguma larvata, while the red or black fruits of other species were consumed by birds. The rate of fruit removal across species was positively related to sugar content and negatively related to phenolic and saponin contents. The mean number of pyrenes per fruit was 4.0–6.2 and the mean percentage of pyrenes containing seeds was 49%–90%. Most embryos were immature (heart shaped) at fruit maturity, but <50% of embryos developed further in some species. Floral investment was 0.93–5.84 times higher in male plants, but total reproductive investment was 0.62–8.3 higher in females.

scholarly journals Planetary Nebulae in M31: Abundances, and comparison with bright Planetary Nebulae in the LMC

1997 ◽  
Vol 180 ◽  
pp. 475-476
Author(s):  
M. G. Richer ◽  
G. Stasińska ◽  
M. L. McCall
Keyword(s):  
Planetary Nebula ◽  
Luminosity Function ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Wavelength Region ◽  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Surprising Result ◽  
Population Synthesis ◽  
Abundance Distribution ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean

We have obtained spectra of 28 planetary nebulae in the bulge of M31 using the MOS spectrograph at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. Typically, we observed the [O II] λ3727 to He I λ5876 wavelength region at a resolution of approximately 1.6 å/pixel. For 19 of the 21 planetary nebulae whose [OIII]λ5007 luminosities are within 1 mag of the peak of the planetary nebula luminosity function, our oxygen abundances are based upon a measured [OIII]λ4363 intensity, so they are based upon a measured electron temperature. The oxygen abundances cover a wide range, 7.85 dex < 12 + log(O/H) < 9.09 dex, but the mean abundance is surprisingly low, 12 + log(O/H)–8.64 ± 0.32 dex, i.e., roughly half the solar value (Anders & Grevesse 1989). The distribution of oxygen abundances is shown in Figure 1, where the ordinate indicates the number of planetary nebulae with abundances within ±0.1 dex of any point on the x-axis. The dashed line indicates the mean abundance, and the dotted lines indicate the ±1 σ points. The shape of this abundance distribution seems to indicate that the bulge of M31 does not contain a large population of bright, oxygen-rich planetary nebulae. This is a surprising result, for various population synthesis studies (e.g., Bica et al. 1990) have found a mean stellar metallicity approximately 0.2 dex above solar. This 0.5 dex discrepancy leads one to question whether the mean stellar metallicity is as high as the population synthesis results indicate or if such metal-rich stars produce bright planetary nebulae at all. This could be a clue concerning the mechanism responsible for the variation in the number of bright planetary nebulae observed per unit luminosity in different galaxies (e.g., Hui et al. 1993).

scholarly journals No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and disability of patients with multiple sclerosis between latitudes 18° and 30° South

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara Dadalti Fragoso ◽  
Tarso Adoni ◽  
Soniza Vieira Alves-Leon ◽  
Samira L. Apostolos-Pereira ◽  
Walter Oleschko Arruda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
The Mean ◽  
25 Oh Vitamin D

ABSTRACT Objective: Vitamin D has taken center stage in research and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum vitamin D levels of a large population of patients with MS and controls living in a restricted tropical area. Methods: Data from 535 patients with MS and 350 control subjects were obtained from 14 cities around the Tropic of Capricorn. Results: The mean serum 25-OH vitamin D level was 26.07 ± 10.27 ng/mL for the control subjects, and 28.03 ± 12.19 ng/mL for patients with MS. No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and the disability of patients over the disease duration. Conclusion: At least for the region around the Tropic of Capricorn, serum levels of vitamin D typically are within the range of 20 to 30 ng/mL for controls and patients with MS.

scholarly journals Determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Hong Kong

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cuiling Xu ◽  
Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera ◽  
Yap-Hang Chan ◽  
Vicky J. Fang ◽  
Sophia Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Skeletal Health ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
The Mean

Vitamin D plays an important role in skeletal health throughout life. Some studies have hypothesised that vitamin D may reduce the risk of other diseases. Our study aimed to estimate age-specific and sex-specific serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status and to identify the determinants of serum 25(OH)D status in Hong Kong, a subtropical city in southern China. In 2009–2010, households in Hong Kong were followed up to identify acute respiratory illnesses, and sera from 2694 subjects were collected in three to four different study phases to permit measurement of 25(OH)D levels at different times of the year. A questionnaire survey on diet and lifestyle was conducted among children, with simultaneous serum collection in April and May 2010. The mean of serum 25(OH)D levels in age groups ranged from 39 to 63 nmol/l throughout the year with the mean values in all age groups in spring below 50 nmol/l. Children aged 6–17 years, and girls and women had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels than adults, and boys and men, respectively (allP< 0·001). We estimated that serum 25(OH)D levels in Hong Kong followed a lagged pattern relative to climatic season by 5 weeks with lowest observed levels in early spring (March). For children aged 6–17 years, reporting a suntan, having at least 1 servings of fish/week and having at least 1 serving of eggs/week were independently associated with higher serum 25(OH)D levels. Adequate sunlight exposure and increased intake of dietary vitamin D could improve vitamin D status, especially for children and females in the winter and spring.

scholarly journals Reformulation and Priorities for Reducing Energy Density; Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey on Fat Content in Pre-Packed Cakes and Biscuits Sold in British Supermarkets

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Alessandrini ◽  
Feng J. He ◽  
Kawther M. Hashem ◽  
Monique Tan ◽  
Graham A. MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Energy Range ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Calorie Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Total Fat

Cakes and biscuits contribute to energy, total and saturated fat and sugar in British diets. So far, the UK government has prompted manufacturers to reduce energy density in these products through a reduction of their sugar content. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of the fat content of cakes and biscuits available in nine UK supermarket chains. In cakes (n = 381), the mean total fat content was 17.9 ± 5.2 g/100 g (39% of the overall energy); range (1.4–35.6 g/100 g) and the average saturated fat content in cakes was 5.9 ± 3.4 g/100 g (13% of the overall energy); range (0.3–20 g/100 g). In biscuits (n = 481), the mean total fat content was 21.8 g ± 6.3 g/100 g (40% of the overall energy); range (0.7–38.9 g/100 g) and the average saturated fat content was 11.4 ± 4.9 g/100 g (23% of the overall energy); range (0.3–22.3 g/100 g). In both cakes and biscuits, total and saturated fat content was positively correlated with energy density. Our results show that cakes and biscuits sold in UK supermarkets are high in total and saturated fat, and that fat content contributes substantially to product energy density. Fat reformulation in these products would effectively reduce energy density, calorie intake and help prevent obesity. Fat reformulation should be implemented simultaneously with sugar reformulation and be focused on saturated fat, as this will have the additional effect of lowering LDL cholesterol.

scholarly journals Industry use of ‘better-for-you’ features on labels of sugar-containing beverages

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 3335-3343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee L Brownbill ◽  
Caroline L Miller ◽  
Annette J Braunack-Mayer
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Content ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Natural Energy ◽  
The Mean

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the ways in which sugar-containing beverages are being portrayed as ‘better-for-you’ (BFY) via features on product labels.DesignCross-sectional audit of beverage labels.SettingAdelaide, Australia. Data on beverage labels were collected from seventeen grocery stores during September to November 2016.SubjectsThe content of 945 sugar-containing beverages labels were analysed for explicit and implicit features positioning them as healthy or BFY.ResultsThe mean sugar content of beverages was high at 8·3 g/100 ml and most sugar-containing beverages (87·7 %) displayed features that position them as BFY. This was most commonly achieved by indicating the beverages are natural (76·8 %), or contain reduced or natural energy/sugar content (48·4 %), or through suggesting that they contribute to meeting bodily needs for nutrition (28·9 %) or health (15·1 %). Features positioning beverages as BFY were more common among certain categories of beverages, namely coconut waters, iced teas, sports drinks and juices.ConclusionsA large proportion of sugar-containing beverages use features on labels that position them as healthy or BFY despite containing high amounts of sugar.

scholarly journals Protein Intake Estimated from Brief-Type Self-Administered Diet History Questionnaire and Urinary Urea Nitrogen Level in Adolescents

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masayuki Okuda ◽  
Keiko Asakura ◽  
Satoshi Sasaki
Keyword(s):  
Protein Intake ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Urinary Biomarkers ◽  
School Students ◽  
Urea Nitrogen ◽  
Diet History Questionnaire ◽  
Diet History ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Urine Specimens

Our aim was to assess the validity of the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ15y) to estimate the protein intake in 248 Japanese secondary school students (mean age = 14.2 years), using urinary biomarkers as references. Participants provided three samples of overnight urine for measurement of urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, underwent anthropometric measurements, and answered the questionnaires. Additionally, 58 students provided 24-h urine specimens. A significant correlation was observed between excretion of urea nitrogen in overnight and 24-h urine specimens (ρ = 0.527; p < 0.001), with biases ≤5.8%. The mean daily protein intake estimated from urinary biomarkers was 76.4 ± 20.4 g/d in males and 65.4 ± 16.9 g/d in females, and the mean protein intake estimated from the BDHQ15y (PRTbdhq) was 89.3 ± 33.7 g/d in males and 79.6 ± 24.6 g/d in females. Crude and energy-adjusted coefficients of correlation between PRTbdhq and protein intake estimated from urinary biomarkers were 0.205 (p = 0.001; 0.247 for males and 0.124 for females), and 0.204 (p = 0.001; 0.302 for males and 0.109 for females), respectively. The BDHQ15y is a low-cost tool to assess protein intake of a large population, instead of a weakness of overestimation.

14C Translocation patterns in peach and apricot shoots

1968 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 775 ◽  
Author(s):  
PE Kriedemann
Keyword(s):  
Main Stem ◽  
Advanced Stage ◽  
Fruit Removal ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Laboratory Conditions ◽  
Fruit Maturity

14CO2 was supplied under laboratory conditions to the terminal leaves of peach and apricot shoots taken from orchard trees over the period from flowering to fruit maturity. The distribution of 14C assimilates along the shoot, and the patterns of deposition within the developing fruit were recorded on X-ray film. In both peach and apricot shoots, the terminal leaves, soon after emergence, exported assimilates to adjacent fruit which competed successfully with nearby expanding leaves, although isolated leaves (in peach) were capable of importing. At a more advanced stage only the fruits imported assimilates from the terminal leaves, and the labelled substrates were deposited in both flesh and inner seed structures despite the hardened stone. The fruit continued to accumulate 14C photosynthate even when completely ripe. Following fruit removal, export from the terminal leaves on the peach shoot was minimal, and labelled photosynthate was detected only in the main stem; whereas in apricot shoots, mature lower leaves showed extensive import of current assimilates.

Neuroleptic Prescription for Chinese Schizophrenics in Hong Kong

1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 262-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Chiu ◽  
Sing Lee ◽  
C.M. Leung ◽  
Y.K. Wing
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Anticholinergic Drugs ◽  
Extrapyramidal Side Effects ◽  
High Potency ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Daily Dose ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
The Mean

There are very few studies on the pattern of neuroleptic prescription for schizophrenics in Asia. 106 schizophrenic patients in a psychiatric unit of a general teaching hospital in Hong Kong were surveyed. The mean daily dose (in chlorpromazine equivalent) was low (568.5mg). The mean daily dose of high potency agents was four times that of low potency agents. A high frequency of use of anticholinergic drugs may indicate that Chinese are more susceptible to acute extrapyramidal side-effects.

scholarly journals A Special Report on 2019 International Planning Competition and a Comprehensive Analysis of Its Results

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiayun Chen ◽  
Jianrong Dai ◽  
Ahmad Nobah ◽  
Sen Bai ◽  
Nan Bi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Medical Physics ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Treatment Planning System ◽  
Plan Quality ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
International Planning

PurposeThe aim of this work is to introduce the 2019 International Planning Competition and to analyze its results.Methods and materialsA locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) case using the simultaneous integrated boost approach was selected. The plan quality was evaluated by using a ranking system in accordance with practice guidelines. Planners used their clinical Treatment Planning System (TPS) to generate the best possible plan along with a survey, designed to obtain medical physics aspects information. We investigated the quality of the large population of plans designed by worldwide planners using different planning and delivery systems. The correlations of plan quality with relevant planner characteristics (work experience, department scale, and competition experience) and with technological parameters (TPS and modality) were examined.ResultsThe number of the qualified plans was 287 with a wide range of scores (38.61–97.99). The scores showed statistically significant differences by the following factors: 1) department scale: the mean score (89.76 ± 8.36) for planners from the departments treating &gt;2,000 patients annually was the highest of all; 2) competition experience: the mean score for the 107 planners with previous competition experience was 88.92 ± 9.59, statistically significantly from first-time participants (p = .001); 3) techniques: the mean scores for planners using VMAT (89.18 ± 6.43) and TOMO (90.62 ± 7.60) were higher than those using IMRT (82.28 ± 12.47), with statistical differences (p &lt;.001). The plan scores were negligibly correlated with the planner’s years of work experience or the type of TPS used. Regression analysis demonstrated that plan score was associated with dosimetric objectives that were difficult to achieve, which is generally consistent with a clinical practice evaluation. However, 51.2% of the planners abandoned the difficult component of total lung receiving a dose of 5 Gy in their plan design to achieve the optimal plan.ConclusionThe 2019 international planning competition was carried out successfully, and its results were analyzed. Plan quality was not correlated with work experiences or the TPS used, but it was correlated with department scale, modality, and competition experience. These findings differed from those reported in previous studies.

scholarly journals 1180 2D and 3D assessment of the left ventricle volume and ejection fraction in a general population

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Ericsson ◽  
B Tayal ◽  
K Hay Kragholm ◽  
T Zaremba ◽  
N Holmark Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Left Ventricle ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Systolic Volume ◽  
End Diastolic Volume ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
End Systolic Volume ◽  
The Mean ◽  
2D And 3D

Abstract Introduction In standard practice, LV volumes and EF are estimated by 2D technique. 3D echocardiographic assessment seems more reliable; however, this method has not yet been validated in the general population. Purpose To validate 3D echocardiography in a large population sample and investigate differences between 2D and 3D LVEF and volumes Methods In The Copenhagen City Heart Study, 4466 echocardiograms were available for analysis. The echocardiograms were obtained during four consecutive heartbeats in both 2D and 3D with GE Vivid E9. Offline analysis was performed on EchoPac v. 201. LVEF was calculated by the modified Simpsons Biplane Auto EF for 2D and by the 4LVQ method for 3D. Results The study included 2090 echocardiograms. The mean 2D LVEF was 57.3 ± 6.1% (IQR 54 - 61%) and 51.7 ± 7.9% (IQR 47 - 57%) by 3D. The mean end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) by 2D and 3D techniques were: EDV 2D 106.1 ± 29.6 ml vs EDV 3D 128.2 ± 32.3 ml , ESV 2D 45.7 ± 15.6 ml vs. ESV 3D 45.7 ± 20.7 , p &lt; 0.05 among all variables. The average difference of means between 2D and 3D LVEF was 5.6 ± 11.2%, -22.1 ± 56.8 ml for EDV, and -16.9 ± 32.9 ml for ESV. The correlation coefficient for LVEF was 0.42, EDV 0.76 and for ESV 0.70. Conclusion In our study, we found a significant difference in both LVEF and ventricular volumes when comparing 2D echocardiograms with 3D. 3DE had, in general, lower LVEF, higher EDV and ESV compared to 2D. Table 1: Summary of results Table 1 - Summary of results n = 2090 Variable Min Max Mean IQR (25-75) p-value LVEF, 2D (%) 18 76 57.3 ± 6.1 54-61 &lt; 0.05 LVEF, 3d (%) 13 77 51.7 ± 7.9 47-57 &lt; 0.05 EDV, 2D (ml) 13 275 106.1 ± 29.6 85-123.8 &lt; 0.05 EDV, 3D (ml) 50 270 128.2 ± 32.3 106-148 &lt; 0.05 ESV, 2D (ml) 15 150 45.7 ± 15.6 35-54 &lt; 0.05 ESV, 3D (ml) 13 185 45.7 ± 20.7 48-74 &lt; 0.05 LVEF: left ventricle ejection fraction, EDV: end-diastolic volume, ESV: end systolic volume, IQR: Inter-quartile range Abstract 1180 Figure 1: Correlation and BA-plot

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