ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The validity of dietary assessment in large-scale cohort studies has been questioned. Combining data sources for the estimation of usual intake in a blended approach may enhance the validity of dietary measurement. Our objective was to develop a web-based 24-h food list for Germany to identify foods consumed during the previous 24 h and to evaluate the performance of the new questionnaire in a feasibility study. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Available data from the German National Nutrition Survey II were used to develop a finite list of food items. A total of 508 individuals were invited to fill in the 24-h food list via the Internet up to three times during a 3-6-month time period. In addition, participants were asked to evaluate the questionnaire using a brief online evaluation form. RESULTS: In total, 246 food items were identified for the 24-h food list, reflecting >75% variation in intake of 27 nutrients and four major food groups. Among the individuals invited, 64% participated in the feasibility study. Of these, 100%, 85% and 68% of participants completed the 24-h food list one, two or three times, respectively. The average time needed to complete the questionnaire was 9 min, and its acceptability by participants was rated as high. CONCLUSIONS: The 24-h food list represents a promising new dietary assessment tool that can be used as part of a blended approach combining multiple data sources for valid estimation of usual dietary intake in large-scale cohort studies.
Subject(s)
Diet Records , Nutrition Assessment , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cohort Studies , Feasibility Studies , Female , Germany , Humans , Internet , Linear Models , Male , Middle Aged , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Although vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC) has been developed into a standard technique in septic surgery, reliable data about the efficacy of the treatment are still lacking. PATIENTS: Postoperative infections after arthroplasty or soft-tissue surgery were identified using a prospective database for complications (Critical Incidence Reporting System) which was retrospectively supplemented with items for evaluation of VAC therapy. Eradication success of infection was analysed considering epidemiological parameters, course of treatment, and characteristics of causing bacterial strains. Furthermore, serological C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were evaluated for diagnostic and prognostic reliability. RESULTS: 92 patients with an average age of 60 ± 4 years were included in the study. Patients with soft tissue infections (STI, n = 53) were statistically significant younger compared to patients with infections following arthroplasty (AI, n = 39) (53 ± 6 vs. 70 ± 4 years; p < 0.001), but the probability for eradication success was not dependent on age. Mortality was 9-fold higher in the AI group (p < 0.01). Patients with infected endoprostheses were longer treated on intensive care units (6.1 ± 8.4 vs. 3.5 ± 6.5 days; p < 0.01), but there was no statistically significant association to eradication success. Probability for eradication of infection was with 81 % statistically significant higher in the STI group compared to 38 % in the AI group (p < 0.001). Early infections in the AI group were associated with a better healing success when compared to chronic infections (p < 0.05). The same correlation could be shown for the removal of implant (p < 0.0001). Aerobic fermenting bacteria were less effectively eradicated than anaerobic germs following soft-tissue infections (p < 0.01). In cases of osteomyelitis following soft-tissue infection, the probability for eradication of infection was impaired (p < 0.001). Kind and quality of final wound closure in the STI group were statistically significantly associated with eradication success (p < 0.001). There was no critical value concerning the number of revisions until healing of infection was reached. CRP values were higher in the AI group and associated with the prognosis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Probability of eradication success using VAC therapy is higher after soft-tissue infections compared to infections following arthroplasty. Accordingly, mortality is higher in this group. Chronic courses have worse chances for healing in both groups. For serological CRP values a prognostic relevance could be shown.
