Search

Objective: Brain somatic variants in SLC35A2 were recently identified as a genetic marker for mild malformations of cortical development with oligodendroglial hyperplasia in epilepsy (MOGHE). The role of SLC35A2 in cortical development and the contributions of abnormal neurons and oligodendrocytes to seizure activity in MOGHE remain largely unexplored. Methods: Here, we generated a novel Slc35a2 floxed allele, which we used to develop two Slc35a2 conditional knockout mouse lines targeting (1) the Emx1 dorsal telencephalic lineage (excitatory neurons and glia) and (2) the Olig2 lineage (oligodendrocytes). We examined brain structure, behavior, and seizure activity. Results: Knockout of Slc35a2 from the Emx1 lineage, which targets both cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes, resulted in early lethality and caused abnormal cortical development, increased oligodendroglial cell density, early onset seizures, and developmental delays akin to what is observed in patients with MOGHE. By tracing neuronal development with 5‐Ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine (EdU) birthdating experiments, we found that Slc35a2 deficiency disrupts corticogenesis by delaying radial migration of neurons from the subventricular zone. To discern the contributions of oligodendrocytes to these phenotypes, we knocked out Slc35a2 from the Olig2 lineage. This recapitulated the increased oligodendroglial cell density and resulted in abnormal electroencephalographic activity, but without a clear seizure phenotype, suggesting Slc35a2 deficiency in neurons is required for epileptogenesis. Significance: This study presents two novel Slc35a2 conditional knockout mouse models and characterizes the effects on brain development, behavior, and epileptogenesis. Together, these results demonstrate a direct causal role for SLC35A2 in MOGHE‐like phenotypes, including a critical role in neuronal migration during brain development, and identify neurons as key contributors to SLC35A2‐related epileptogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are essential to cellular protection against heat stress. However, the causes of inter-individual variation in HSP regulation remain unclear. This study aimed to test the impact of early-life conditions on the HSP response to heat in zebra finches. In this arid-adapted bird, incubating parents emit "heat-calls" at high temperatures, which adaptively alter offspring's phenotypes. Embryos were exposed to heat-calls or control-calls, and at 13 days post-hatch nestlings were separated into two different experiments to test responses to either chronic nest temperature ("in-nest" experiment) or an acute "heat-challenge". Blood samples were collected to measure levels of heat shock cognate 70, heat shock protein 90α, corticosterone and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. In the in-nest experiment, both HSPs were upregulated in response to increasing nest temperatures only in control-calls nestlings (HSC70: p = 0.010, HSP90α: p = 0.050), which also had a marginally higher H/L ratio overall than heat-call birds (p = 0.066). These results point to a higher heat sensitivity in control-call nestlings. Furthermore, comparing across experiments, only the H/L ratio differed, being higher in heat-challenged than in in-nest nestlings (p = 0.009). Overall, this study shows for the first time that a prenatal acoustic signal of heat affects the nestling HSP response to postnatal temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural and genetic inheritance combine to enable rapid changes in trait expression, but their relative importance in determining trait expression across generations is not clear. Birdsong is a socially learned cognitive trait that is subject to both cultural and genetic inheritance, as well as being affected by early developmental conditions. We sought to test whether early-life conditions in one generation can affect song acquisition in the next generation. We exposed one generation (F1) of nestlings to elevated corticosterone (CORT) levels, allowed them to breed freely as adults, and quantified their son's (F2) ability to copy the song of their social father. We also quantified the neurogenetic response to song playback through immediate early gene (IEG) expression in the auditory forebrain. F2 males with only one corticosterone-treated parent copied their social father's song less accurately than males with two control parents. Expression of ARC in caudomedial nidopallium (NCM) correlated with father-son song similarity, and patterns of expression levels of several IEGs in caudomedial mesopallium (CMM) in response to father song playback differed between control F2 sons and those with a CORT-treated father only. This is the first study to demonstrate that developmental conditions can affect social learning and neurogenetic responses in a subsequent generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisms are experiencing higher average temperatures and greater temperature variability because of anthropogenic climate change. Some populations respond to changes in temperature by shifting their ranges or adjusting their phenotypes via plasticity and/or evolution, while others go extinct. Predicting how populations will respond to temperature changes is challenging because extreme and unpredictable climate changes will exert novel selective pressures. For this reason, there is a need to understand the physiological mechanisms that regulate organismal responses to temperature changes. In vertebrates, glucocorticoid hormones mediate physiological and behavioral responses to environmental stressors and thus are likely to play an important role in how vertebrates respond to global temperature changes. Glucocorticoids have cascading effects that influence the phenotype and fitness of individuals, and some of these effects can be transmitted to offspring via trans- or intergenerational effects. Consequently, glucocorticoid-mediated responses could affect populations and could even be a powerful driver of rapid evolutionary change. Here, we present a conceptual framework that outlines how temperature changes due to global climate change could affect population persistence via glucocorticoid responses within and across generations (via epigenetic modifications). We briefly review glucocorticoid physiology, the interactions between environmental temperatures and glucocorticoid responses, and the phenotypic consequences of glucocorticoid responses within and across generations. We then discuss possible hypotheses for how glucocorticoid-mediated phenotypic effects might impact fitness and population persistence via evolutionary change. Finally, we pose pressing questions to guide future research. Understanding the physiological mechanisms that underpin the responses of vertebrates to elevated temperatures will help predict population-level responses to the changing climates we are experiencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The G8 is a well-validated screening test for older cancer patients. The current study was undertaken to determine whether the G8 is predictive of short-term post-operative outcomes after head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery. Methods: Consecutive patients aged 65 years or more and referred for a preoperative assessment by a speech-language pathologist were consecutively screened by clinicians at 2 academic medical centers using the G8. The G8 was used to screen for vulnerability prior to surgery. Patients were deemed vulnerable if they had a total G8 score ≤14 according to published guidelines. Data were also collected on demographic characteristics, tumor staging, post-operative course, and tracheostomy and feeding tube (FT) status. Results: Ninety patients were consecutively screened during the study period. Using the G8, 64% of the patients were deemed vulnerable. Vulnerable patients differed significantly from non-vulnerable patients with regard to age, health, tumor stage, and baseline dysphagia, and underwent more extensive surgery. Postoperatively, vulnerable patients had a significantly longer hospital length of stay (LOS; 10.17 vs 5.50 days, respectively, P <.001), were less likely to discharge home (76% vs 94%, P =.044), and were more likely to be FT dependent for over a month (54% vs 21%, P =.006) compared to non-vulnerable patients. In regression models, controlling for T-stage and surgical variables, the G8 independently predicted 2 post-operative outcomes of interest, namely LOS and FT dependency. Conclusions: The G8 may be a useful screening tool for identifying older adults at risk of a protracted postoperative medical course after HNC surgery. Future research should aim to identify the optimal screening protocol and how this information can be incorporated into clinical pathways to enhance the post-operative outcomes of older HNC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article emphasizes the significance of understanding and managing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a recently recognized eating disorder not related to body image. Its diagnosis, complexities and potential medical complications are reviewed. GPs are encouraged to take an active role in the multidisciplinary management of ARFID, which requires tailored treatment interventions and comprehensive care pathways for effective management.

Background: Gastric varices (GVs) are conventionally managed with endoscopic cyanoacrylate (E‐CYA) glue injection. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided therapy using combination of coils and CYA glue (EUS‐CG) is a relatively recent modality. There is limited data comparing the two techniques. Methodology: This international multicentre study included patients with GV undergoing endotherapy from two Indian and two Italian tertiary care centres. Patients undergoing EUS‐CG were compared with propensity‐matched E‐CYA cases from a cohort of 218 patients. Procedural details such as amount of glue, number of coils used, number of sessions required for obliteration, bleeding after index procedure rates and need for re‐intervention were noted. Results: Of 276 patients, 58 (male 42, 72.4%; mean age—44.3 ± 12.1 years) underwent EUS‐CG and were compared with 118 propensity‐matched cases of E‐CYA. In the EUS‐CG arm, complete obliteration at 4 weeks was noted in 54 (93.1%) cases. Compared to the E‐CYA cohort, EUS‐CG arm showed significantly lower number of session (1.0 vs. 1.5; p < 0.0001) requirement, lower subsequent‐bleeding episodes (13.8% vs. 39.1%; p < 0.0001) and lower re‐intervention (12.1% vs. 50.4%; p < 0.001) rates. On multivariable regression analysis, size of the varix (aOR‐1.17; CI 1.08–1.26) and technique of therapy (aOR‐14.71; CI 4.32–50.0) were significant predictors of re‐bleeding. A maximum GV size >17.5 mm had a 69% predictive accuracy for need for re‐intervention. Conclusion: Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided therapy of GV using coil and CYA glue is a safe technique with better efficacy and lower re‐bleeding rates on follow‐up compared to the conventional endoscopic CYA therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overweight and obesity impact up to 40% of young women in Australia; however, young women are challenging to recruit to research and are rarely the focus of weight loss interventions. This study aimed to examine dietary patterns in young women (18–25 years; BMI > 25 kg/m2). An analysis of participants' (mean age: 22.6 year; BMI: 32.2 kg/m2) 3-day food records found young women with overweight/obesity consumed a diet characterised by total energy intake of 9174 (2526) kJ/day, with the first meal at 9:12 am (range: 4:30 am–12:40 pm), the last at 10:43 pm (range: 2:40 pm–2:00 am), and an average eating window of 11.5 h. Young women had poor quality diets, which did not meet dietary recommendations for most core food groups, and high intake of refined carbohydrates. They also reported consuming at least one takeaway meal per day and >30% of total energy intake was from discretionary items. The findings showed that young women with overweight or obesity consume most of their energy intake in the afternoons and late into the evenings and have poor-quality diets with high-discretionary intake, each of which have been shown in previous work to be associated with increased weight and risk of metabolic comorbidities. While these findings require further examination in larger groups with both qualitative and longitudinal data collection to verify the impact of these eating patterns on weight maintenance, the eating behaviours identified here may present a suitable target for novel weight loss interventions in young women, who are an understudied population group in need of tailored weight management solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in nitrogen permease regulator-like 3 (NPRL3), a component of the GATOR1 complex within the mTOR pathway, are associated with epilepsy and malformations of cortical development. Little is known about the effects of NPRL3 loss on neuronal mTOR signalling and morphology, or cerebral cortical development and seizure susceptibility. We report the clinical phenotypic spectrum of a founder NPRL3 pedigree (c.349delG, p.Glu117LysFS; n = 133) among Old Order Mennonites dating to 1727. Next, as a strategy to define the role of NPRL3 in cortical development, CRISPR/Cas9 Nprl3 knockout in Neuro2a cells in vitro and in foetal mouse brain in vivo was used to assess the effects of Nprl3 knockout on mTOR activation, subcellular mTOR localization, nutrient signalling, cell morphology and aggregation, cerebral cortical cytoarchitecture and network integrity. The NPRL3 pedigree exhibited an epilepsy penetrance of 28% and heterogeneous clinical phenotypes with a range of epilepsy semiologies, i.e. focal or generalized onset, brain imaging abnormalities, i.e. polymicrogyria, focal cortical dysplasia or normal imaging, and EEG findings, e.g. focal, multi-focal or generalized spikes, focal or generalized slowing. Whole exome analysis comparing a seizure-free group (n = 37) to those with epilepsy (n = 24) to search for gene modifiers for epilepsy did not identify a unique genetic modifier that explained the variability in seizure penetrance in this cohort. Nprl3 knockout in vitro caused mTOR pathway hyperactivation, cell soma enlargement and the formation of cellular aggregates seen in time-lapse videos that were prevented with the mTOR inhibitors rapamycin or torin1. In Nprl3 knockout cells, mTOR remained localized on the lysosome in a constitutively active conformation, as evidenced by phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 and 4E-BP1 proteins, even under nutrient starvation (amino acid-free) conditions, demonstrating that Nprl3 loss decouples mTOR activation from neuronal metabolic state. To model human malformations of cortical development associated with NPRL3 variants, we created a focal Nprl3 knockout in foetal mouse cortex by in utero electroporation and found altered cortical lamination and white matter heterotopic neurons, effects which were prevented with rapamycin treatment. EEG recordings showed network hyperexcitability and reduced seizure threshold to pentylenetetrazol treatment. NPRL3 variants are linked to a highly variable clinical phenotype which we propose results from mTOR-dependent effects on cell structure, cortical development and network organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We'll touch on how Evan and his family deal with the uncertainty of living with seizures and how seizure detection/forecasting carries for their family hope for ultimately improving quality of life. There are many emerging approaches for seizure detection and forecasting that promise individuals with epilepsy a view of when seizures might occur ([3], [4]). Keywords: epilepsy; seizures; forecasting; devices; patient perspective; tuberous sclerosis complex; seizure detection EN epilepsy seizures forecasting devices patient perspective tuberous sclerosis complex seizure detection 1 4 4 02/16/22 20220211 NES 220211 Introduction My name is Aria Moss. Epilepsy, seizures, forecasting, devices, patient perspective, tuberous sclerosis complex, seizure detection. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The genetic disorder tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is frequently accompanied by the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, with varying degrees of impairment. These co-morbidities in TSC have been linked to the structural brain abnormalities, such as cortical tubers, and recurrent epileptic seizures (in 70–80% cases). Previous transcriptomic analysis of cortical tubers revealed dysregulation of genes involved in cell adhesion in the brain, which may be associated with the neurodevelopmental deficits in TSC. In this study we aimed to investigate the expression of one of these genes – cell-adhesion molecule contactin-3. Methods: Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the contactin-3 gene (CNTN3) was performed in resected cortical tubers from TSC patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (n = 35, age range: 1–48 years) and compared to autopsy-derived cortical control tissue (n = 27, age range: 0–44 years), as well as by western blot analysis of contactin-3 (n = 7 vs n = 7, age range: 0–3 years for both TSC and controls) and immunohistochemistry (n = 5 TSC vs n = 4 controls). The expression of contactin-3 was further analyzed in fetal and postnatal control tissue by western blotting and in-situ hybridization, as well as in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line differentiation model in vitro. Results: CNTN3 gene expression was lower in cortical tubers from patients across a wide range of ages (fold change = − 0.5, p < 0.001) as compared to controls. Contactin-3 protein expression was lower in the age range of 0–3 years old (fold change = − 3.8, p < 0.001) as compared to the age-matched controls. In control brain tissue, contactin-3 gene and protein expression could be detected during fetal development, peaked around birth and during infancy and declined in the adult brain. CNTN3 expression was induced in the differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in vitro (fold change = 6.2, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our data show a lower expression of contactin-3 in cortical tubers of TSC patients during early postnatal period as compared to controls, which may affect normal brain development and might contribute to neuropsychiatric co-morbidities observed in patients with TSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genetic disorder tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is frequently accompanied by the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, with varying degrees of impairment. These co-morbidities in TSC have been linked to the structural brain abnormalities, such as cortical tubers, and recurrent epileptic seizures (in 70–80% cases). Previous transcriptomic analysis of cortical tubers revealed dysregulation of genes involved in cell adhesion in the brain, which may be associated with the neurodevelopmental deficits in TSC. In this study we aimed to investigate the expression of one of these genes – cell-adhesion molecule contactin-3. Methods: Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the contactin-3 gene (CNTN3) was performed in resected cortical tubers from TSC patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (n = 35, age range: 1–48 years) and compared to autopsy-derived cortical control tissue (n = 27, age range: 0–44 years), as well as by western blot analysis of contactin-3 (n = 7 vs n = 7, age range: 0–3 years for both TSC and controls) and immunohistochemistry (n = 5 TSC vs n = 4 controls). The expression of contactin-3 was further analyzed in fetal and postnatal control tissue by western blotting and in-situ hybridization, as well as in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line differentiation model in vitro. Results: CNTN3 gene expression was lower in cortical tubers from patients across a wide range of ages (fold change = − 0.5, p < 0.001) as compared to controls. Contactin-3 protein expression was lower in the age range of 0–3 years old (fold change = − 3.8, p < 0.001) as compared to the age-matched controls. In control brain tissue, contactin-3 gene and protein expression could be detected during fetal development, peaked around birth and during infancy and declined in the adult brain. CNTN3 expression was induced in the differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in vitro (fold change = 6.2, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our data show a lower expression of contactin-3 in cortical tubers of TSC patients during early postnatal period as compared to controls, which may affect normal brain development and might contribute to neuropsychiatric co-morbidities observed in patients with TSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sound is an essential source of information in many taxa and can notably be used by embryos to programme their phenotypes for postnatal environments. While underlying mechanisms are mostly unknown, there is growing evidence for the involvement of mitochondria--main source of cellular energy (i.e. ATP)--in developmental programming processes. Here, we tested whether prenatal sound programmes mitochondrial metabolism. In the arid-adapted zebra finch, prenatal exposure to 'heat-calls'--produced by parents incubating at high temperatures--adaptively alters nestling growth in the heat. We measured red blood cell mitochondrial function, in nestlings exposed prenatally to heat- or control-calls, and reared in contrasting thermal environments. Exposure to high temperatures always reduced mitochondrial ATP production efficiency. However, as expected to reduce heat production, prenatal exposure to heat-calls improved mitochondrial efficiency under mild heat conditions. In addition, when exposed to an acute heat-challenge, LEAK respiration was higher in heat-call nestlings, and mitochondrial efficiency low across temperatures. Consistent with its role in reducing oxidative damage, LEAK under extreme heat was also higher in fast growing nestlings. Our study therefore provides the first demonstration of mitochondrial acoustic sensitivity, and brings us closer to understanding the underpinning of acoustic developmental programming and avian strategies for heat adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutrition policies to improve the food environment frequently rely on voluntary business action for implementation, many have had mixed success. The aims of this study were to identify key food system drivers influencing the Australian packaged food sector and analyse how these might impact the willingness of food companies to voluntarily reduce salt in packaged foods. Methods: Business methods formed the basis of this retrospective applied policy analysis of voluntary salt reduction for the period 2013-2016 where the focal policy was the Australian Food and Health Dialogue (2009-2015). The analytical framework included political-legal, economic, social, technological (PEST) external drivers of the food system, and Porter's Five Forces for the competitive drivers of the food system. Documentary data identifying food system drivers affecting the Australian packaged food sector (comprised of the food processing and supermarket industries) were identified through a comprehensive search of the grey and academic literatures. Results: The interplay between external and competitive food system drivers created an environment in which voluntary salt reduction was found to be an uneasy fit. A high cost of doing business, soft growth, intense competition, asymmetry of power in favour of supermarkets, and marginal consumer interest in less salty food were found likely to create commercial disincentives to invest in voluntary salt reduction above more pressing commercial imperatives. Analysis of food manufacturing industries highlighted the highly contextual nature of food system drivers. Opportunities for nutrition policy included: support for 'shared value' in economic discourse; and, leveraging investor, supermarket, and the largely unrealised bargaining power of consumers. Conclusion: Business frameworks can provide meaningful insights for nutrition policy on how food system drivers can thwart policy goals. Our analysis highlighted areas to incentivise voluntary action and illustrated the importance of political-legal, economic and consumer strategies for salt reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder associated with dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling pathway. Neurodevelopmental disorders, frequently present in TSC, are linked to cortical tubers in the brain. We previously reported microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) among the most upregulated miRs in tubers. Here, we characterised miR‐34a expression in tubers with the focus on the early brain development and assessed the regulation of mTORC1 pathway and corticogenesis by miR‐34a. Methods: We analysed the expression of miR‐34a in resected cortical tubers (n = 37) compared with autopsy‐derived control tissue (n = 27). The effect of miR‐34a overexpression on corticogenesis was assessed in mice at E18. The regulation of the mTORC1 pathway and the expression of the bioinformatically predicted target genes were assessed in primary astrocyte cultures from three patients with TSC and in SH‐SY5Y cells following miR‐34a transfection. Results: The peak of miR‐34a overexpression in tubers was observed during infancy, concomitant with the presence of pathological markers, particularly in giant cells and dysmorphic neurons. miR‐34a was also strongly expressed in foetal TSC cortex. Overexpression of miR‐34a in mouse embryos decreased the percentage of cells migrated to the cortical plate. The transfection of miR‐34a mimic in TSC astrocytes negatively regulated mTORC1 and decreased the expression of the target genes RAS related (RRAS) and NOTCH1. Conclusions: MicroRNA‐34a is most highly overexpressed in tubers during foetal and early postnatal brain development. miR‐34a can negatively regulate mTORC1; however, it may also contribute to abnormal corticogenesis in TSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: Policy and environmental approaches can reduce the accessibility and purchasing of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs), potentially reducing overweight and obesity. This study examined the impact of a state‐wide policy on removal of SSBs from sale in NSW public hospitals (launched July 2017), and explored consumer awareness and support. Methods: A convenience sample of 81 food outlets in 26 hospitals were audited for SSB availability before and after the target date for SSB removal (31 December 2017). An interviewer‐administered intercept survey in 10 randomly selected hospitals (March‐May 2018), assessed staff and visitors' awareness of and support for SSB removal. Descriptive and χ2 analyses assessed differences in: SSB availability; staff and visitor awareness and support. Open‐ended survey responses were thematically analysed. Results: The proportion of outlets that removed SSBs increased from 58.0% to 96.3% (P <.001). The majority (79.5%) of the 2394 surveyed supported SSB removal, with nearly half (48.4%) reporting it would improve people's health. A minority (13.4%) did not support SSB removal, more than half (61.4%) of those said individuals should have free choice. More staff than visitors were aware of the change (61.9% vs 31.2%; P <.0001). Conclusions: Availability of SSBs in NSW hospitals was significantly reduced after implementation of a policy to remove them from sale. There was strong staff and visitor support for the initiative. So what?: This study provides clear evidence that a policy designed to provide a healthy hospital retail drink environment can be successfully implemented at scale with high levels of support from staff and visitors. Summary: A state‐wide policy initiative to remove SSBs from sale in NSW hospital food outlets in 2017 was successfully implemented, with a sample of outlets having nearly 100% compliance. The majority of staff and visitors (80%) supported the removal of SSBs, mostly because they believed it would improve individual and population health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E is considered rare in the United States (US) despite its widespread occurrence in Asian and African countries. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of hepatitis E‐related pregnancies and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure and analyse trends for hepatitis E diagnosis among hospitalized patients in the US. We examined data from the 2010–2017 National Inpatient Sample from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project to determine mortality, morbidity, pregnancy diagnoses, chronic liver disease diagnoses, and other conditions during hospitalization. Data were extracted for hospitalizations with hepatitis E as defined by ICD‐9 codes 070.43 and 070.53 and ICD‐10 code B17.2. Of 208,462,242 hospitalizations from 2010–2015, we identified 960 hepatitis E hospitalizations. The hospitalization rate of hepatitis E was 3.7 per 10 million in 2010 and 6.4 per 10 million in 2015 (β = 0.60, p = 0.011). From 2015 to 2017, the hospitalization appeared to increase with slope (β) of 0.50. Among those hospitalizations, 34 (4%) died and 85 (9%) had acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. Ninety‐five (10%) had a diagnosis of pregnancy, there were no reports of maternal or foetus/neonate deaths, but there was a high proportion of adverse events for both during hospitalization. Having a chronic liver disease was associated with hepatic coma diagnosis (OR = 10.94, p = 0.002). Although the hospitalization rate of hepatitis E in the US is low, it appears to be increasing over time. Further studies are necessary in order to conclude a causal association of hepatitis E with adverse events and mortalities in pregnancy and chronic liver disease in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual ornaments are often considered honest signals of quality because potential costs or constraints prevent their display by low-quality individuals. Testing for potential physiological costs of ornaments is difficult, as this requires experimentally forcing individuals to produce and display elaborate ornaments. We use this approach to test whether a sexually selected trait is physiologically costly to male superb fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus). Male fairy-wrens molt from brown to blue breeding plumage at different times of the year, and females strongly prefer the few males that are blue early, during winter. We used short-acting testosterone implants to stimulate males to produce "early-blue" plumage and assessed costs during and after molt using a panel of physiological indices. Testosterone-implanted, T-males molted in winter and produced blue plumage 6 weeks before control-implanted, C-males. T-males molted while in lower body condition, tended to have lower fat reserves, and were more likely to be parasitized by lice. However, we detected no negative effects on immune function, blood parasites, exposure to stressors, or survival. Juvenile males never naturally display early-blue plumage, but we found no evidence for increased costs paid by juvenile T-males. Instead, juvenile T-males molted later than adult T-males, suggesting that age presents an absolute constraint on ornament exaggeration that cannot be fully overcome by testosterone treatment. Together, these small costs and large, age-related constraints may enforce signal honesty, and explain female preference for early-blue males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developmental environment can exert powerful effects on animal phenotype. Recently, epigenetic modifications have emerged as one mechanism that can modulate developmentally plastic responses to environmental variability. For example, the DNA methylation profile at promoters of hormone receptor genes can affect their expression and patterns of hormone release. Across taxonomic groups, epigenetic alterations have been linked to changes in glucocorticoid (GC) physiology. GCs are metabolic hormones that influence growth, development, transitions between life-history stages, and thus fitness. To date, relatively few studies have examined epigenetic effects on phenotypic traits in wild animals, especially in amphibians. Here, we examined the effects of exposure to predation threat (alarm cues) and experimentally manipulated DNA methylation on corticosterone (CORT) levels in tadpoles and metamorphs of the invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina). We included offspring of toads sampled from populations across the species' Australian range. In these animals, exposure to chemical cues from injured conspecifics induces shifts in developmental trajectories, putatively as an adaptive response that lessens vulnerability to predation. We exposed tadpoles to these alarm cues, and measured changes in DNA methylation and CORT levels, both of which are mechanisms that have been implicated in the control of phenotypically plastic responses in tadpoles. To test the idea that DNA methylation drives shifts in GC physiology, we also experimentally manipulated methylation levels with the drug zebularine. We found differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between control tadpoles and their full-siblings exposed to alarm cues, zebularine, or both treatments. However, the effects of these manipulations on methylation patterns were weaker than clutch (e.g. genetic, maternal, etc.) effects. CORT levels were higher in larval cane toads exposed to alarm cues and zebularine. We found little evidence of changes in DNA methylation across the GC receptor gene (NR3C1) promoter region in response to alarm cue or zebularine exposure. In both alarm cue and zebularine-exposed individuals, we found differentially methylated DNA in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 gene (SOCS3), which may be involved in predator avoidance behavior. In total, our data reveal that alarm cues have significant impacts on tadpole physiology, but show only weak links between DNA methylation and CORT levels. We also identify genes containing DMRs in tadpoles exposed to alarm cues and zebularine, particularly in range-edge populations, that warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mTORopathies are a heterogeneous group of neurological disorders characterized by malformations of cortical development (MCD), enhanced cellular mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and epilepsy that results from mutations in mTOR pathway regulatory genes. Homozygous mutations (del exon 9–13) in the pseudokinase STE20-related kinase adaptor alpha (STRAD-α ; STRADA), an mTOR modulator, are associated with Pretzel Syndrome (PS), a neurodevelopmental disorder within the Old Order Mennonite Community characterized by megalencephaly, intellectual disability, and intractable epilepsy. To study the cellular mechanisms of STRADA loss, we generated CRISPR-edited Strada mouse N2a cells, a germline mouse Strada knockout (KO−/−) strain, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons from PS individuals harboring the STRADA founder mutation. Strada KO in vitro leads to enhanced mTOR signaling and iPSC-derived neurons from PS individuals exhibit enhanced cell size and mTOR signaling activation, as well as subtle alterations in electrical firing properties e.g., increased input resistance, a more depolarized resting membrane potential, and decreased threshold for action potential (AP) generation. Strada −/− mice exhibit high rates of perinatal mortality and out of more than 100 litters yielding both WT and heterozygous pups, only eight Strada −/− animals survived past P5. Strada −/− mice are hypotonic and tremulous. Histopathological examination (n = 5 mice) revealed normal gross brain organization and lamination but all had ventriculomegaly. Ectopic neurons were seen in all five Strada −/− brains within the subcortical white matter mirroring what is observed in human PS brain tissue. These distinct experimental platforms demonstrate that STRADA modulates mTOR signaling and is a key regulator of cell size, neuronal excitability, and cortical lamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developmental environment an animal experiences can have a pervasive and sustained effect on phenotype throughout its life. Animals exposed to suboptimal conditions during development can experience physiological trade-offs, leading to seemingly negative phenotypic changes in later life that have been hypothesised to have detrimental effects on fitness. However, few studies have investigated how exposure to suboptimal developmental conditions affects an animal's reproductive behavior and fitness. Here, we determine if elevated levels of corticosterone (CORT; the dominant avian stress hormone) during development affect fitness via changes in reproductive investment in adult zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). To do this, we exposed nestling zebra finches to either CORT supplemented or control treatments and assessed their mate selection and reproductive investment as adults, using free choice breeding experiments. We found that breeding pairs of birds from matched developmental treatments (CORT or control) had a shorter latency to lay clutches compared to pairs with mismatched developmental treatments. We found no indication that clutch size or egg mass were affected by developmental treatment. Also, we found no evidence that birds choose mates to match their own developmental treatment. Our results demonstrate that developmental experience may affect reproductive investment through changes to reproductive timing and add to the literature suggesting that pairs with similar developmental backgrounds can coordinate their reproduction more effectively. Significance statement: Developmental stress may reduce the fitness of a breeding pair as a result of its detrimental effect on phenotype and performance. Alternatively, individuals could use indicators of developmental stress to influence mate choice in order to compensate for a poor start to life. Previous studies suggest that birds do assortatively mate by developmental environment, but this has not been tested in a free choice mating context. Using a free choice breeding experiment, we show that pairs of breeding birds lay eggs faster when they have matching developmental environments, regardless of the quality of their developmental environment. This evidence suggests that assortatively mated pairs can potentially offset a bad start to life and maintain fitness in spite of the deleterious effects of developmental stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) is a valuable tool in a financial planner's arsenal. However, selling and implementing such a plan can be very challenging. The flexibility of NQDC gives planners and clients many options, not only in the design of the plan but also in the choice and design of the funding vehicle. This article explores different NQDC funding alternatives, then focuses on life insurance as one of the most efficient of these and examines various ways it can be used to meet a client's objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been implicated in a growing number of malformations of cortical development (MCD) associated with intractable epilepsy. Mutations in single genes encoding mTOR pathway regulatory proteins have been linked to MCD such as focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) types IIa and IIb, hemimegalencephaly (HME), and megalencephaly. Recent studies have demonstrated that the GATOR1 protein complex, comprised of DEPDC5, NPRL3, and NPRL2, plays a pivotal role in regulating mTOR signaling in response to cellular amino acid levels and that mutations in DEPDC5, NPRL3, or NPRL2 are linked to FCD, HME, and seizures. Histopathological analysis of FCD and HME tissue specimens resected from individuals harboring DEPDC5, NPRL3, or NPRL2 gene mutations reveals hyperactivation of mTOR pathway signaling. Family pedigrees carrying mutations in either DEPDC5 or NPRL3 share clinical phenotypes of epilepsy and MCD, as well as intellectual and neuropsychiatric disabilities. Interestingly, some individuals with seizures associated with DEPDC5, NPRL3, or NPRL2 variants exhibit normal brain imaging suggesting either occult MCD or a role for these genes in non‐lesional neocortical epilepsy. Mouse models resulting from knockdown or knockout of either Depdc5 or Nprl3 exhibit altered cortical lamination, neuronal dysmorphogenesis, and enhanced neuronal excitability as reported in models resulting from direct mTOR activation through expression of its canonical activator RHEB. The role of the GATOR1 proteins in regulating mTOR signaling suggest plausible options for mTOR inhibition in the treatment of epilepsy associated with mutations in DEPDC5, NPRL3, or NPRL2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Recruiting young women to weight management research programs is difficult. The purpose of this study was to gain insights into the barriers and motivators that influence participation and to explore effective methods of recruitment from the perspective of young women with obesity living in both urban and regional areas. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were used to elicit information from focus groups. The interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed qualitatively. Eight focus groups, which included a total of 27 women, were conducted. Participants had a mean age of 29.1 (±5.1) years and a mean body mass index of 35.8 (±2.9) kg/m2. Results: The barriers to participation were multifaceted and largely similar across urban and regional participants. Fear of judgement and uncertainty about the process were major psychosocial barriers. A lack of tailoring of program content was an important program‐related barrier. Physical barriers such as time commitment, cost and access were discussed extensively, particularly in urban groups. The provision of incentives and the use of positive language that focusses on the benefits of the intervention were viewed positively. Physical and virtual methods of recruitment were identified as potentially effective provided they were presented in media that this group is likely to use and can access in a private location. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a greater understanding of the challenges faced by young women in relation to participation in weight management programs and some of the potential methods that could be utilised to facilitate participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Health Star Rating (HSR) is a front‐of‐pack label designed to help Australian consumers identify healthier packaged foods. Price is an important determinant of food choice and yet no previous studies have examined the relationship between HSR and price. In the present study, we investigated whether (i) healthier packaged food products, as determined by HSR, are more expensive than less healthy alternatives and (ii) products displaying the HSR are more expensive than similar products that do not. Methods: Prices of three packaged foods categories (breakfast cereals, cereal‐based bars and fruit juices) and nutrient data (to calculate HSR) were obtained from shopping receipts of approximately 1600 Australians between June 2014 and September 2016. Associations between HSR and price [per energy ($/100 kJ) and per unit ($/100 g)] for products of comparable package sizes were assessed by linear regression and the results are presented as differences in average price over the theoretical maximum range of HSR from 0.5 to 5 stars. Results: The HSR of products was not consistently related to price. Small positive associations were observed for juice ($0.08/100 mL; P = 0.03) and for cereal‐based bars ($0.04/100 kJ; P = 0.02). No other associations between HSR and price were observed (P ≥ 0.23). Products that displayed the HSR were no more expensive on average than products that received a similar HSR but did not display the HSR (P ≥ 0.16). Conclusions: In summary, the findings of the present study suggest that healthier packaged food products were not consistently more expensive than less healthy products and also that price is unlikely to be a barrier for consumers to use the HSR to select healthier packaged foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental stressors are increasingly recognised for their pervasive influence on the ecology and evolution of animals. In particular, many studies have focused on how developmental stress can give rise to variation in adult behaviour, physiology, and performance. However, there remains a poor understanding of whether general patterns exist in the effects and magnitude of phenotypic responses across taxonomic groups. Furthermore, given the extensive phenotypic variation that arises from developmental stressors, it remains important to ascertain how multiple processes may explain these responses. We compiled data from 111 studies to examine and quantify the effect of developmental stress on animal phenotype and performance from juveniles to adulthood, including studies from birds, reptiles, fish, mammals, insects, arachnids, and amphibians. Using meta‐analytic approaches, we show that across all studies there is, on average, a moderate to large negative effect of developmental stress exposure (posterior mean effect: |d| = −0.51) on animal phenotype or performance. Additionally, we demonstrate that interactive effects of timing of stressor onset and the duration of exposure to stressors best explained variation in developmental stress responses. Animals exposed to stressors earlier in development had more‐positive responses than those with later onset, whereas longer duration of exposure to a stressor caused responses to be stronger in magnitude. However, the high amount of heterogeneity in our results, and the low degree of variance explained by fixed effects in both the meta‐analysis (R2 = 0.034) and top‐ranked meta‐regression model (R2 = 0.02), indicate that phenotypic responses to developmental stressors are likely highly idiosyncratic in nature and difficult to predict. Despite this, our analyses address a critical knowledge gap in understanding what effect developmental stress has on phenotypic variation in animals. Additionally, our results highlight important environmental and proximate factors that may influence phenotypic responses to developmental stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined whether Motivational Interviewing (MI) follow-up calls improved the extent to which a specific therapeutic technique (Key Word Sign) presented in training was retained and implemented by staff supporting people with an intellectual disability. Method: Thirty-eight residential support workers who attended Key Word Sign (KWS) training were divided into three groups. One group received post training MI follow-up calls, the second received non-MI "check-in control" (CIC) follow-up calls and the third received no follow-up calls. Results: Both follow-up conditions outperformed the no follow-up condition on KWS knowledge retention and use. No significant differences were noted between the MI and CIC condition in this study. Conclusion: The results highlight the value of post-training follow-up in promoting knowledge retention and implementation of skills. Methodological challenges (including treatment fidelity issues across groups) prevented firm conclusions about the impact of MI from being drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technology to stabilize the process by inspecting fine cracks in advance before mass and fatal defects occur is important. We propose a vision inspection system for the edge cracks of cold-rolled steel strips. It is important to detect the edge cracks of cold-rolled steel sheets early because they can result in plate breakage. There are two major components to achieve a suitable defect inspection system. The first is an optical system design technique that generates an image that can easily distinguish a defect area from a nondefect area. The second is an automatic detection algorithm technique that can accurately detect the position and shape of a defect in an image generated from an optical system. The optical part is designed using a backlight technique, which places the camera on the top of the strip and irradiates light from the bottom to the top. The defect detection algorithm detects the defects based on morphological operations. It is important to design the structuring elements that determine the performance of the detection algorithm. We optimized the structuring elements using the exhaustive dynamic encoding algorithm for searches. Experiments were conducted on the obtained images by installing the proposed system in actual production lines. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the authors reply to criticism levied at a paper they published. They note that the main issues that the criticism focused on were the reliability of their Women as Managers Scale and the appropriateness of using principal components analysis to investigate dimensonality. The authors defend their paper and draw the conclusions that while the publishing of critical papers serve a valid purpose in maintaining the credibility of research, the paper levied at them failed to reveal any clear flaws.

A growing body of research deals with congruence and incongruence between supervisors' and subordinates' perception and subsequent effects on outcome variables for organizations and individuals. The results of these studies have indicated positive relationships between congruence and (1) supervisors' evaluations of subordinates (Green, 1972; Miles, 1964; Wexley, Alexander, Greenwalt, & Couch, 1980); (2) subordinates' satisfaction and morale (Brown & Neitzel, 1952; Greene, 1972; Wexley et al., 1980); (3) subordinates' liking for supervisors (Triandis, 1959); (4) quality of relationships between supervisors and subordinates (Green & Schieman, 1978); and (5) subordinates' satisfaction with communication (Hatfield & Huseman, 1982). When computing congruence scores, researchers have used several techniques. The most commonly used technique, the D statistic, derives from simple differences in raw scores for supervisors' and subordinates' perceptions of scale items (e.g., Cronbach & Gleser, 1953). But the question raised by Johns (1981) about the parsimony of such difference scores is an important issue for such research. To state the problem more specifically, when a congruence relationship appears with variables of interest, has that relationship been created by one of the components of the congruence score, or is it actually due to congruence? There is some evidence that component scores contain enough information to render difference scores redundant and unparsimonious (cf. Hatfield & Huseman, 1982; Wexley et al., 1980). The purpose of this study is to examine a relationship between congruence and communication satisfaction to determine if it is primarily a function of congruence, or of one or the other of the components of congruence. This study does not seek to replicate earlier perceptual congruence research, but rather to investigate the parsimony of D statistics in the context of a perceptual congruence study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Women as Managers Scale (WAMS), reported to be a measure of stereotypic attitudes toward women in management, has appeared in recent literature as both an independent and a dependent variable. Examples include Garland and Price (1977), Terborg and Ilgen (1975), Cohen and Leavengood (1978), and Stevens and DeNisi (1980). The purpose of this paper is to call attention to recent evidence indicating the possibility of differential subgroup reliability and dimensionality for the WAMS. This study was considered a routine prelude to a much more complete study of worker attitudes toward women. The following results have caused the authors to reassess the use of the WAMS for the study and subject sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem gambling (PG) intervention literature is characterised by a variety of psychological treatments and approaches, with varying levels of evidence (PGRTC in Guideline for screening, assessment and treatment in problem and pathological gambling. Monash University, Melbourne, 2011). A recent PG systematic review (Maynard et al. in Res Soc Work Pract, 2015. doi: 10.1177/1049731515606977 ) and the success of mindfulness-based interventions to effectively treat disorders commonly comorbid with PG suggested mindfulness-based interventions may be effective for treating PG. The current study tested the effectiveness of three interventions to treat PGs: 1. case formulation driven Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT); 2. manualised CBT; and 3. mindfulness-based treatment. All three interventions tested returned large effect size improvements in PG behaviour after seven sessions (Cohen's d range 1.46-2.01), at post-treatment and at 3 and 6-month follow-up. All of the interventions were rated as acceptable by participants at post-treatment. This study suggests that the mindfulness-based and TAU interventions used in the current study appear to be effective at reducing PG behavior and associated distress and they also appear to generalise to improvements in other measures such as quality of life-mental functioning and certain mindfulness facets more effectively than the manualised form of CBT utilised used here. Secondly, a brief mindfulness intervention delivered after psycho-education and a brief CBT intervention may be a useful supplement to traditional CBT treatments by addressing transdiagnostic processes such as rumination and thought suppression. Thirdly, CBT interventions continue to report effectiveness in reducing PG behaviour and associated distress consistent with the prevailing literature and clinical direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The "competency movement" has become increasingly prominent in the education, training and supervision of professional psychologists. Method: This article reviews the origins of that movement. Results: With its roots in behaviourism, the WWII aviation industry and the vocational training sector, the limitations of the approach for application to professional psychology, where practitioners must demonstrate proficiency in a wide array of clinical and often "higher‐order" skills, are discussed. Conclusions: Although the competency movement is taking firm hold in an Australian context, the review of the literature highlights potential difficulties associated with uncritical acceptance of the approach and discuss directions for future development. Irrespective of the directions ultimately taken, the education, training and supervision of professional psychologists must be based in the availability of psychometrically sound and ecologically valid competence assessment tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the nutritional content, serving size and taxation potential of supermarket beverages from four different Western countries.Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Multivariate regression analysis and χ 2 comparisons were used to detect differences between countries.Setting: Supermarkets in New Zealand (NZ), Australia, Canada and the UK.Subjects: Supermarket beverages in the following categories: fruit juices, fruit-based drinks, carbonated soda, waters and sports/energy drinks.Results: A total of 4157 products were analysed, including 749 from NZ, 1738 from Australia, 740 from Canada and 930 from the UK. NZ had the highest percentage of beverages with sugar added to them (52 %), while the UK had the lowest (39 %, P<0.001).Conclusions: There is substantial difference between countries in the mean energy, serving size and proportion of products eligible for fiscal sugar taxation. Current self-regulatory approaches used in these countries may not be effective to reduce the availability, marketing and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and subsequent intake of free sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to standard component therapy, fresh whole blood (FWB) offers potential benefits to neonates undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the context of open cardiac surgery: decreased blood loss and subsequent risk of volume overload, improved coagulation status, higher platelet counts during and following CPB, circumvention of limited vascular access, and significantly reduced donor exposures. Obtaining FWB, however, entails 2-5 days of preparation, which often precludes its availability for neonates requiring CPB in the immediate newborn period. Using a multidisciplinary approach and molecular ABO/RHD genotyping on amniotic fluid, we developed a protocol to allow procurement of FWB for timed delivery followed by open cardiac surgery. Eligible subjects include patients undergoing genetic amniocentesis following the diagnosis of a fetal cardiac anomaly likely to require open surgical repair in the initial days after birth. This protocol has been successfully implemented following prenatal diagnosis of severe fetal cardiac anomalies. Taking advantage of the prenatal time period and the ability to perform fetal blood typing prenatally using molecular genotyping makes possible a new paradigm for the availability of FWB for CPB to improve perioperative, short-term, and long-term outcomes in a population comprised of some of the smallest and sickest patients who will undergo CPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural world is filled with substrates of varying properties that challenge locomotor abilities. Birds appear to transition smoothly from aerial to terrestrial environments during take-offs and landings using substrates that are incredibly variable. It may be challenging to control movement on and off compliant (flexible) substrates such as twigs, yet birds routinely accomplish such tasks. Previous research suggests that birds do not use their legs to harness elastic recoil from perches. Given avian mastery of take-off and landing, we hypothesized that birds instead modulate wing, body and tail movements to effectively use compliant perches. We measured take-off and landing performance of diamond doves (Geopelia cuneata (N = 5) in the laboratory and perch selection in this species in the field (N = 25). Contrary to our hypothesis, doves do not control take-off and landing on compliant perches as effectively as they do on stiff perches. They do not recover elastic energy from the perch, and take-off velocities are thus negatively impacted. Landing velocities remain unchanged, which suggests they may not anticipate the need to compensate for compliance. Legs and wings function as independent units: legs produce lower initial velocities when taking off from a compliant substrate, which negatively impacts later flight velocities. During landing, significant stability problems arise with compliance that are ameliorated by the wings and tail. Collectively, we suggest that the diamond dove maintains a generalized take-off and landing behavior regardless of perch compliance, leading us to conclude that perch compliance represents a challenge for flying birds. Free-living diamond doves avoid the negative impacts of compliance by preferentially selecting perches of larger diameter, which tend to be stiffer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Packaged foods dominate Australia's food supply and are important contributors to nutrition‐related disease. To help address this problem, the Food and Health Dialogue (FHD) was launched in 2009, setting voluntary sodium reduction targets for various categories of packaged foods. The aim of this study was to examine the food industry's progress and compliance with the FHD sodium reduction targets for soup products. Methods: Nutritional information was collected from product labels of all soup products available from four major Australian supermarkets annually between 2011 and 2014. Products were assigned to categories in line with those in the FHD. The proportion of soup products meeting sodium reduction targets was examined by (i) soup category; (ii) FHD participant status; and (iii) manufacturer. Results: A 6% reduction in sodium levels in soups overall was found from 2011 to 2014 (P = 0.002). Significant reductions were observed for FHD participants (P < 0.05 for all) but not for non‐participants. In 2014, 67% dry soups and 76% of wet soups met national sodium reduction targets. Conclusions: Despite the majority of soup products meeting the sodium reduction targets specified by the FHD, re‐evaluation of the targets may be required to further reduce sodium levels in soups. Manufacturers participating in the FHD are likely to be driving sodium reductions in the Australian soup market, further highlighting the need for continued government leadership in this area to ensure all manufacturers are actively involved in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]