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We present a real interpolation method involving broken-logarithmic functors. We obtain a variety of interpolation theorems for quasilinear operators on quasi-Banach spaces, including limiting cases. We present a number of Holmstedt's formulae corresponding to the broken-logarithmic functors and apply these to obtain reiteration theorems for interpolation and extrapolation spaces. We compare the two methods of interpolation and demonstrate the results with examples.

We extend the Hardy–Everitt–Littlewood–Polya inequality, hitherto established for 2nth order formally selfadjoint ordinary differential equations, to a wide class of linear Hamiltonian systems. The method follows Dias (Ph.D. thesis, Cardiff: University of Wales, 1994) but without the Hilbert space setting which he uses.

In this paper we discuss an inequality of Kolmogorov type for the square of a second-order formally symmetric difference expression in the limit point case. A connection between the existence of the inequality and the Hellinger–Nevanlinna function associated with the difference expression is established and it is shown that the best constant in the inequality is determined by the behaviour of the -function. Analytical and computational results are obtained for specific classes of problems. Also necessary and sufficient conditions for the powers of the difference expression to be partially separated are given.

This paper is concerned with five integral inequalities considered as generalisations of an inequality first discovered by G.H. Hardy and J.E. Littlewood in 1932. Subsequently the inequality was considered in greater detail in the now classic text Inequalities of 1934, written by Hardy and Littlewood together with G. Pólya. All these inequalities involve Lebesgue square-integrable functions, together with their first two derivatives, integrated over the positive half-line of the real field. The method to discuss the analytical properties of these inequalities is based on the Sturm–Liouville theory of the underlying second-order differential equation, and the associated Titchmarsh–Weyl -coefficient. The five examples are specially chosen so that the corresponding Sturm–Liouville differential equations have solutions in the domain of special functions; in the case of these examples the functions involved are those named as the Airy, Bessel, Gamma and the Weber parabolic cylinder functions. The extensive range of known properties of these functions enables explicit analysis of some of the analytical problems to give definite results in the examples of this paper. The analytical problems are "hard" in the technical sense and some of them remain unsolved; this position leads to the statement in the paper of a number of conjectures. In recent years the difficulties involved in the analysis of these problems led to a numerical approach and this method has been remarkably successful. Although such methods, involving standard error analysis and the inevitable introduction of round-off error, cannot by their nature provide analytical proofs; nevertheless the now established record of success of these numerical methods in predicting correct analytical results lends authority to the correctness of the conjectures made in this paper.

A criterion is obtained for the Hardy-type inequality to be valid for and . This weakens a criterion previously found by the first two authors and comes close to being necessary as well as sufficient. When an inequality in the criterion is reversed, a Poincaré-type inequality is derived in some cases.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid weight gain is often observed following initiation of insulin therapy in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and girls are particularly at risk of becoming overweight. The authors evaluated body composition changes in children during the first year after diagnosis and related this to markers of cardiovascular risk. METHODS: Body mass index (BMI) and body composition measured by whole body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) were assessed in 30 patients (18 boys) with T1DM 3-10 days after diagnosis, 6 weeks later and at 1 year, and on two occasions 1 year apart in 14 controls (8 boys). Cardiovascular risk markers were assessed in T1DM subjects at 1 year. RESULTS: T1DM subjects had lower BMI SD scores (SDS) at diagnosis than controls (mean (SD) BMI SDS -0.67 (1.34) vs 0.20 (1.14), p<0.05) and reduced percentage body fat (20.3% (4.6) vs 24.5% (7.7), p<0.05). T1DM subjects normalised their body composition at 6 weeks and this was maintained 1 year later. Girls with diabetes were thinner than boys at diagnosis (BMI SDS -1.64 (1.02) vs -0.02 (1.17), p<0.05) and at 1 year (BMI SDS -0.58(0.9) vs 0.65 (0.98), p<0.05). Girls had higher glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (8.8% (1.2) vs 7.8% (1.0), p<0.05), insulin dose (1.01 (0.30) vs 0.82 (0.18) U/kg/day, p=0.04), total cholesterol (4.30 (0.45) vs 3.79 (0.50) mmol/l, p<0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (2.62 (0.53) vs 2.02 (0.37) mmol/l). High sensitivity C reactive protein and fibrinogen were in the normal range and there were no differences between genders. DISCUSSION: Insulin deficiency at diagnosis of diabetes causes a catabolic state that is predominantly lipolytic. Body composition normalises within 6 weeks of treatment, though girls remain thinner than boys both at diagnosis and 1 year thereafter, in contrast to published findings. Despite girls being prescribed a larger insulin dose, their HbA1c and cholesterol levels are higher at 1 year suggesting increased insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To test whether overweight and obese individuals believe they are at greater risk of obesity-related diseases and premature mortality. Methods: Telephone survey of 1139 US adults analyzed using linear and ordered logistic regressions. Results: Obese (overweight) adults forecast life expectancies 3.9 (2.4) years shorter than those of normal weight adults. Excess weight was associated with greater self-perceived risk of developing diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke. All results were statistically significant. Conclusions: Overweight and obese adults recognize several personal health risks associated with obesity. Interventions focusing only on health risks of obesity may provide minimal new information and induce little new weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To identify sociodemographic variables and beliefs about the causes of obesity associated with reported use of Nutrition Facts panel (NFP) information. DESIGN/SETTING: Nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of 1139 adults. Data collection employed a single-stage, equal-probability sampling design with random-digit dialing across 50 states and the District of Columbia. Analysis sample consisted of 390 adults living with one or more children who reported making food purchasing decisions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Respondents provided self-reported information on their use of NFP information when making food purchasing decisions for their household. ANALYSIS: Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests compared the analysis sample to the broader population. Logistic regression analyses identified the sociodemographic and beliefs about obesity variables related to NFP use. RESULTS: Fifty-three percent of the sample reported using NFP information on a consistent basis. Females, those with more education, and those currently married were more likely to use NFP labels. The importance of knowledge in order to maintain healthy body weight was the only belief variable associated with use of NFP information. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE: Nutrition educators interested in changing dietary behaviors should begin by identifying levels of nutritional literacy and beliefs about the importance of nutrition to motivate use of NFP labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in public attitudes about childhood obesity and support for prevention. METHODS: RTI surveyed US households (N = 1047 and N = 1139) about perceived severity, causes, and support for specific obesity interventions. Logistic regressions examined differences in obesity attitudes and support for prevention. RESULTS: Perceived health threat of childhood obesity increased between the 2 surveys. Support increased for interventions such as regulation of restaurant portions and fast food advertising. Logistic regressions revealed differences among sociodemographic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Public support for childhood obesity prevention is increasing. Policy makers can use these findings to develop appropriate prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether associations between anti-secondhand smoke (SHS) media, social cognitions about SHS, and home restrictions on smoking follow patterns observed in smoking behavior. Methods: Based on a nationally representative sample of 2348 US adults drawn from the American Legacy Foundation's American Smoking and Health Survey, we tested relationships among scales of anti-SHS media, social cognitions, and home restrictions. Results: We found anti-SHS media and SHS cognitions, as well as social cognitions and home restrictions, to be significantly associated. Social cognitions mediated the relationship between anti-SHS media and home restrictions. Conclusions Previously observed relation-ships between media, social cognitions, and smoking also exist for SHS. Anti-SHS media campaigns to increase home restrictions may help to reduce SHS exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used structural equation modeling to test a theory-based model of the pathways by which exposure to the 'truth' counterindustry media campaign influenced beliefs, attitudes, and smoking behavior in national random-digit-dial telephone surveys of 16,000 12- to 17-year-olds before, 8 months after, and 15 months after campaign launch. Consistent with concepts from the theory of reasoned action, youth in markets with higher levels of campaign exposure had more negative beliefs about tobacco industry practices and more negative attitudes toward the tobacco industry. Models also provided support for a social inoculation effect, because negative industry attitudes were associated with lower receptivity to protobacco advertising and with less progression along a continuum of smoking intentions and behavior. ((c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, loss of fat-free mass (FFM) and loss of bone mineral density (BMD) were related to (1) each other and may be clinically inapparent, (2) urinary markers of cellular and bone collagen protein breakdown, and (3) severity of lung disease. Eight-one patients and 38 healthy subjects underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine body composition and BMD. Urinary protein breakdown markers, inflammatory mediators, and their soluble receptors were determined. Thirty-three patients had a low fat-free mass index (kg/m2), 17 of whom had a normal body mass index. Thirty-two percent of patients (13% of healthy subjects) had osteoporosis at the hip or lumbar spine. The marker of cellular protein breakdown was elevated in patients and related to lung disease severity and body composition. The marker of bone collagen breakdown was greater in patients with osteoporosis. Inflammatory mediators were elevated in patients. Loss of FFM and loss of BMD were related, occurred commonly, and could be subclinical in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Loss of both was greatest with severe lung disease. Increased excretion of cellular and bone collagen protein breakdown products in those with low FFM and BMD indicates a protein catabolic state in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Body fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) in childhood are often estimated by conversion of a measured variable into compartmental body composition using constants or regression equations that have been previously derived in healthy individuals. Application of such constants or equations to children with disease states may lead to inappropriate conclusions since the 'normal' relationships may become altered. AIMS AND Methods: To test this hypothesis by taking measurements of body composition using dual energy x ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as a 'gold standard' method and calculating hydration and body potassium constants using isotopic water dilution and whole body potassium counting. Measurements of bioelectrical impedance (BIA) by two different analysers (RJL and Holtain) were also performed to allow comparison with body water measurements. RESULTS: Measurements were performed in 35 children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and compared to those in 21 children treated for a variety of other malignancies and 32 healthy sibling controls. The mean hydration and potassium content of FFM was significantly reduced in the ALL group compared to both other malignancies and controls. Application of equations derived from controls for the measurement of FFM derived from bioelectrical impedance led to an underestimation of 1.15 kg when compared to that derived from DEXA in children treated for ALL but not in other malignancies. For all groups combined, BIA was significantly different in the two analysers. CONCLUSION: Care needs to be taken in the application of equations derived from the normal population to body composition measurement in children treated for ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of osteopenia in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown. The effect of nutritional state, disease activity, and steroid therapy on bone mineral content (BMC) of whole body, lumbar spine, and left femoral neck measured by dual energy x ray absorptiometry in 32 children with IBD was assessed by comparison with 58 healthy local school children. Using the control data, a predicted BMC was calculated taking into account bone area, age, height, weight, and pubertal stage. The measured BMC in children with IBD was expressed as a percentage of this predicted value (% BMC). Mean (SD) % BMC was significantly reduced for the whole body and left femoral neck in the children with IBD (97.0 (4.5)% and 93.1 (12.0)% respectively, p < 0.05). Of the children with IBD, 41% had a % BMC less than 1 SD below the mean for the whole body and 47% at the femoral neck. Reduction in % BMC was associated with steroid usage but not with the magnitude of steroid dose, disease activity, or biochemical markers of bone metabolism. In conclusion, osteopenia is relatively common in childhood IBD and may be partly related to the previous use of steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern Nigeria has had historically low antenatal care (ANC) utilization rates with poor health outcomes. Previous studies have shown that group antenatal care (gANC) improves ANC behavior and pregnancy outcomes. The gANC has been adopted in Kaduna and Kano States, Nigeria. This paper presents baseline findings from the implementation of the gANC program in Kaduna and Kano States, Nigeria, based on data collected from 1269 and 1200 pregnant women, respectively, from March to April 2024. Analyses of sociodemographic and pregnancy behavior data were performed. Participants were mostly between the age of 19 and 31 years, married or living with a partner, with over 50% having their own businesses. Over 62% and 34% had completed secondary- or higher-level education, with 60% and 80% living in urban areas in Kaduna and Kano States, respectively. In Kano State, >60% of the women had their last delivery at home, with 41.6% not assisted by a skilled birth attendant. In Kaduna, >63% delivered in the hospital and >50% had skilled attendance during labor. Almost half had not used contraceptives previously. This study has provided baseline evaluation data for the implementation of gANC in two states in Nigeria. Subsequent longitudinal data will examine the impact of gANC utilization on perinatal outcomes and contraceptive behavior to inform the scaling of the program in the country.

Background and Aims: Tobacco use spreads through social networks influencing social norms around tobacco use. However, the social norms scholarship is extremely diverse and occasionally conflicting, complicating efforts to understand how best to leverage social norms to reduce tobacco use. This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed this vast terrain by focusing on social norms measurement and mechanism, and intervention effectiveness and modality aimed at changing social norms around tobacco use and actual tobacco use., Methods: We searched Scopus, PubMed, PsycInfo, Clinicaltrials.gov, ProQuest Dissertations, the Cochrane Trial Registry, as well as the websites of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, the Open Science Framework, medrXiv and the Truth Initiative for experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation studies of interventions designed to shift tobacco use. We included studies written in English from inception to 30 May 2024. We only included studies which noted social norms or social influence as part of the intervention design or set of measured variables. We excluded studies with only one time point, without an intervention being evaluated and those not published in English. Study screening followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and was conducted by at least two independent reviewers who resolved discrepancies through discussion and consensus. All included studies were analyzed in a narrative synthesis, and those providing sufficient statistics for tobacco and social norms outcomes were included in meta-analyses, which were performed separately for tobacco outcomes and social norms outcomes. Study outcomes were transformed into a standardized mean difference (Hedges' g) and several meta-regressions were fit to explore sources of heterogeneity using a robust variance estimation specification to handle effect size dependency., Results: A total of 95 studies met inclusion criteria for the narrative synthesis, 200 effect sizes from 86 studies were included in the tobacco outcomes meta-analysis, and 66 effect sizes from 29 studies were included in the social norms outcomes meta-analysis. Nearly 90% of included studies were conducted in high-income settings, with the remainder conducted in middle-income settings. No studies were conducted in Latin America or on the African continent. Social norms change interventions had a statistically significant effect on reducing tobacco use and pro-tobacco social normative perceptions [g = 0.233, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.166, 0.301, P < 0.001 and g = 0.292, 95% CI = 0.090, 0.494, P = 0.007, respectively]. Interventions were commonly conducted among schoolchildren in classrooms through multicomponent education sessions, often coupled with regular 'booster' sessions over time. Among adult populations, motivational interviewing and other counselling approaches were used in some cases, and few interventions leveraged digital technologies to change social norms., Conclusions: Social norms change interventions appear to be effective for reducing tobacco use and pro-tobacco social normative perceptions. In particular, leveraging role models appears to be the most effective social norms change mechanisms for tobacco control., (© 2024 The Author(s). Addiction published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society for the Study of Addiction.)

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged public health and behaviour change programmes, and has led to the development of innovative interventions and research. In low -and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria, new strategies to promote vaccination, increase pro-vaccination social norms, and reduce vaccine hesitancy have been deployed through social media campaigns and evaluated using digital media platforms., Methods: We conducted two randomised experimental evaluations of social media content designed to promote COVID-19 vaccination and to complement research on a nationwide vaccination promotion campaign in Nigeria run in 2022. We conducted two studies in March and August 2022 among Nigerians drawn from 31 states that had not been targeted in the aforementioned nationwide campaign. We randomised the participants to either receive the pro-vaccination social media campaign or not and collected data at pre- and post-test time points to evaluate psychosocial predictors of vaccination and vaccination outcomes following the Theory of Change based on Diffusion of Innovations; the Social Norms Theory, and the Motivation, Opportunity, Ability (MOA) framework. Data were collected through a novel intervention delivery and data collection platform through social media., Results: We found that pro-vaccination social norms and vaccination rates increased, while vaccine hesitancy decreased among participants randomised to the social media intervention study arm., Conclusions: Social media campaigns are a promising approach to increasing vaccination at scale in LMICs, while social norms are an important factor in promoting vaccination, which is consistent with the Social Norms Theory. This study demonstrates the capability and potential of new social media-based data collection techniques. We describe implications for future vaccination campaigns and identify future research priorities in this area., Registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR202310811597445., Competing Interests: Disclosure of interest: The authors completed the ICMJE Disclosure of Interest Form (available upon request from the corresponding author) and disclose no relevant interests., (Copyright © 2024 by the Journal of Global Health. All rights reserved.)

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death among Black women in the United States. A large, urban hospital adopted remote patient blood pressure monitoring (RBPM) to increase blood pressure monitoring and improve the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) by reducing the time to diagnosis of HDP. The digital platform integrates with the electronic health record (EHR), automatically inputting RBPM readings to the patients' chart; communicating elevated blood pressure values to the healthcare team; and offers a partial offset of the cost through insurance plans. It also allows for customization of the blood pressure values that prompt follow-up to the patient's risk category. This paper describes a protocol for evaluating its impact. Objective 1 is to measure the effect of the digitally supported RBPM on the time to diagnosis of HDP. Objective 2 is to test the effect of cultural tailoring to Black participants. The ability to tailor digital content provides the opportunity to test the added value of promoting social identification with the intervention, which may help achieve equity in severe maternal morbidity events related to HDP. Evaluation of this intervention will contribute to the growing literature on digital health interventions to improve maternity care in the United States.