Susan F. Clark

Fat and Muscle Indices Assessed by pQCT: Relationships With Physical Activity and Type 2 Diabetes Risk

The aim of this study was to compare and determine the repeatability of foreleg and forearm muscle and fat indices evaluated by the peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Effects of habitual physical activity and associated health risk of type 2 diabetes were examined within the interrelations of intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and muscle density. Eighty-two premenopausal women (mean age ± standard deviation: 38.6 ± 4.7 yr) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and pQCT of foreleg and forearm scans to assess muscle and fat parameters. Physical activity status was based on 4-d self-reported log and pedometer step counts. Fat and muscle distribution between the foreleg and forearm were similar and highly correlated to total body adiposity. The pQCT device reliably measured muscle density in the foreleg and forearm; coefficients of variation were 0.8% and 2.1%, which was therefore used to reflect IMAT status. Muscle density was positively related to physical activity and negatively associated with markers of fat distribution and risk for type 2 diabetes. The pQCT is a novel, noninvasive tool to assess IMAT and muscle density in the foreleg and forearm. Additional research is necessary to understand the biology of IMAT and its relations with physical activity and potentially, with risks for cardiometabolic disease.

Comparison of an enzyme immuno assay (Antigenz Chlamydia) with cell culture for the detection of genital chlamydial infection in high and low risk populations.

OBJECTIVE--To evaluate a new enzyme immuno assay, Antigenz Chlamydia, for the detection of chlamydial antigen in urogenital samples using cell culture as the gold standard for comparison and direct immuno fluorescence to aid resolving the discrepancies. SUBJECTS--212 men and 303 women attending an STD clinic and 404 women of child bearing age attending gynaecological clinics. RESULTS--Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value of positive result and predictive value of negative result of the new test were 77.6%, 99.0%, 94.3%, and 95.7% respectively in the high risk population with a prevalence of 16.5%. In the low risk population the figures were 84.2%, 94.5%, 43.2% and 99.2% respectively with a prevalence of 4.7%. CONCLUSION--Antigenz Chlamydia is an easy and quick test to perform. The test is suitable for use in high risk and low risk populations provided all positive samples are confirmed.

Heifer International Alternative Break: Sustainable Dietary Impacts

This study examines Heifer Internationals alternative break and its impact on dietary and sustainable food system change for participants. The program teaches college participants about ending poverty and hunger while caring for the earth through incorporating sustainable practices into daily life. Although increases in local/organic foods were observed, there were no significant changes in dietary quality. Significant increases in local/organic food consumption for individuals who consumed less than 50% of their calories from sustainable foods at baseline were observed, based upon paired t-tests (P < .05). Dietary changes varied in significance based upon previous sustainable food consumption exposure and habits.