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In Gale crater on Mars, the rover Curiosity has discovered evidence of fluid mobilization of the redox‐sensitive element manganese. We present results for Mn from Curiosity's Alpha Particle X‐ray Spectrometer (APXS), which show that the average MnO concentration in mudstone‐dominated sedimentary units (0.22 wt%) is about one‐half of the concentration in the average Mars crust (0.44 wt%). Geochemical trends indicate that Mn in the sedimentary bedrock, most of which has a basaltic provenance, was leached by chemical alteration and dissolution. In >350 vertical meters of mudstone‐dominated strata, the apparent leaching of Mn and retention of Fe in Fe‐O‐H phase(s) resulted in the fractionation of Fe and Mn, indicating relatively moderate Eh‐pH fluid conditions that were not highly alkaline, reducing, or oxidizing. Exceptions are fracture‐associated, silica‐rich haloes where both Mn and Fe were leached by low pH fluids. The rover also discovered Mn‐rich veins, nodules, and patchy, dark coatings on rock surfaces, which are variably associated with enrichments in Fe, P, Cl, and/or Zn. These Mn‐rich features represent ∼1% of the 1029 APXS measurements acquired over ∼25 km of rover traverse. A thermochemical model shows that dissolved Mn2+ could have been concentrated via evaporation, sublimation, and/or freezing. Manganese was then likely precipitated in localized features when >99.99% of the Mn2+‐bearing water was removed from the system. These findings indicate that Mn was mobile in Gale crater and therefore bioavailable as a potential energy source for life. Plain Language Summary: In Gale crater on Mars, the rover Curiosity has discovered evidence of the mobility of the redox‐sensitive element manganese. We present results for manganese analyses from Curiosity's Alpha Particle X‐ray Spectrometer, an instrument that measures the elemental compositions of martian materials. In most of the layered sedimentary bedrock, manganese concentrations are about one‐half of the average Mars crustal composition (approximated as basaltic soil). Our interpretation of the manganese‐depleted bedrock is that the element was leached by chemical processes involving water. In most of the bedrock, manganese was likely removed in fluids, whereas iron was not, indicating that this occurred under relatively moderate aqueous conditions. The rover has also discovered manganese‐rich veins, nodules, and dark coatings on rock surfaces. These manganese‐rich features are associated with enrichments in iron, phosphorus, chlorine, and/or zinc. We provide a thermochemical model to support the hypothesis that the reduced form of manganese (Mn2+) could have been dissolved in water and concentrated as the water evaporated. Manganese was then deposited in localized features when >99.99% of the Mn2+‐bearing water was removed by evaporation. These findings indicate that manganese was dissolved in Gale crater water and was accessible as a potential chemical energy source for life. Key Points: In Gale crater on Mars, manganese is depleted in bedrock and enriched in nodules, veins, and coatingsManganese was likely leached by aqueous chemical alteration and concentrated in solution via evaporative brine evolution and diagenesisManganese and iron fractionation in mudstone counterindicates highly alkaline, reducing, and/or oxidizing fluid conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is the largest global contributor to non-fatal disease burden(1). A growing body of evidence suggests that dietary behaviours, such as higher fruit and vegetable intake, may be protective against the risk of depression(2). However, this evidence is primarily from high-income countries, despite over 80% of the burden of depression being experienced in low- and middle-income countries(1). There are also limited studies to date focusing on older adults. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the associations between baseline fruit and vegetable intake and incidence of depression in adults aged 45-years and older from 10 cohorts across six continents, including four cohorts from low and middle-income countries. The association between baseline fruit and vegetable intake and incident depression over a 3–6-year follow-up period was examined using Cox proportional hazard regression after controlling for a range of potential confounders. Participants were 7771 community-based adults aged 45+ years from 10 diverse cohorts. All cohorts were members of the Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium collaboration(3). Fruit intake (excluding juice) and vegetable intake was collected using either a comprehensive food frequency questionnaire, short food questionnaire or diet history. Depressive symptoms were assessed using validated depression measures, and depression was defined as a score greater than or equal to a validated cut-off. Prior to analysis all data were harmonised. Analysis was performed by cohort and then cohort results were combined using meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed by sex, age (45 – 64 versus 65+ years) and income level of country (high income countries versus low- and middle-income countries). There were 1537 incident cases of depression over 32,420 person-years of follow-up. Mean daily intakes of fruit were 1.7 ± 1.5 serves and vegetables 1.9 ± 1.4. serves. We found no association between fruit and vegetable intakes and risk of incident depression in any of the analyses, and this was consistent across the subgroup analyses. The low intake of fruit and vegetables of participants, diverse measures used across the different cohorts, and modest sample size of our study compared with prior studies in the literature, may have prevented an association being detected. Further investigation using standardised measures in larger cohorts of older adults from low- to middle-income countries is needed. Future research should consider the potential relationship between different types of fruits and vegetables and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Good nutrition knowledge among carers of people with intellectual disability (ID) living in group homes is essential as they have a primary role in food provision for residents. Research on the nutrition knowledge of carers is limited. Method: This cross‐sectional study assessed the level of general nutrition knowledge in a convenience sample of Australian carers (C) of people with ID and compared this to the general Australian community (CM). Nutrition knowledge was evaluated using the validated General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. Total knowledge score as well as performance on instrument sub‐sections (dietary guidelines, nutrient sources, healthy food choices and diet disease relationships) were assessed (expressed as %). Knowledge scores were adjusted for known confounders (age, sex, education level, BMI, living arrangement and English spoken at home) using generalised linear modelling. Results: A total of 589 participants were recruited (C: n = 40; CM: n = 549). Age (C: 40.8 ± 12.1 year; CM: 37.8 ± 13.3 years; P = 0.145), sex distribution (C: 62.5%; CM: 67.2% female; P = 0.602) and English spoken at home (C: 82.5%; CM: 89.6%; P = 0.183) were similar between groups, but BMI (C: 28.5 ± 5.7 kgm−2; CM: 25.3 kgm−2; P = 0.002) was significantly lower and tertiary education (C: 52.5%; CM: 85.1%; P < 0.0005) significantly higher for CM. Total knowledge score (C: 56.6 ± 12.6%; CM: 67.2 ± 12.6%; P < 0.0005) and performance on all instrument sub‐sections (P ≤ 0.004) were significantly lower for carers. This remained after confounder adjustment except for the knowledge of dietary guidelines sub‐section (P = 0.116). Conclusion: Limited carer nutrition knowledge may compromise their ability to plan and adapt meals to support a healthy and appropriate diet for people with ID in group homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have reported energy balance-related behavior (EBRB) change for peer leaders delivering health promotion programs to younger students in secondary schools. Our study assessed the impact of the Students As LifeStyle Activists (SALSA) program on SALSA peer leaders' EBRBs, and their intentions regarding these behaviors.Methods: We used a pre-post study design to assess changes in EBRBs and intentions of Year 10 secondary school students (15-16 year olds) who volunteered to be peer leaders to deliver the SALSA program to Year 8 students (13-14 year olds). This research is part of a larger study conducted during 2014 and 2015 in 23 secondary schools in Sydney, Australia. We used an online questionnaire before and after program participation to assess Year 10 peer leaders' fruit and vegetable intake, daily breakfast eating, sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) participation and school-day recreational screen time behaviors and intentions regarding these EBRBs. Generalized estimating equations with a robust variance structure and exchangeable correlation structure were used to estimate the individual-level summary statistics and their 95% CIs, adjusted for clustering. We further assessed the effect of covariates on EBRB changes.Results: There were significant increases in the proportion of Year 10 peer leaders (n = 415) who reported eating ≥2 serves fruit/day fruit from 54 to 63% (P < 0.01); eating ≥5 serves vegetables/day from 8 to 12% (P < 0.01); and drinking <1 cup/day of SSBs from 56 to 62% (P < 0.01). Change in ≥60 min MVPA participation/day depended on gender (P < 0.01): Boys increased 14% while girls decreased -2%. Changes in eating breakfast daily also depended on gender (P < 0.004): Boys increased 13% while girls decreased -0.4%. The change in peer leaders recreational screen time differed by socio-economic status (P < 0.05): above average communities decreased by -2.9% while below average communities increased 6.0%. Significant shifts were seen in peer leaders' intentions, except MVPA which remained stable.Conclusions: The SALSA program had a positive impact on peer leaders' EBRBs, with gender and socio-economic status moderating some outcomes.Trial Registration: ACTRN12617000712303 retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on findings of a study on von Willebrand disease Outreach into Integrated Care Education (VOICE). It states that Specialist haematology consultation is important in the management of patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), and mentions that collaborative education to improve bleeding symptom recognition, and diagnosis/ classification. It notes that recommendations made by Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC), and cites benefit of an integrated approach.

Background The trend of added sugar ( AS) intake has not been investigated in the Australian population, including in older adults. The present study aimed to assess trends and food sources of AS intake among a cohort of older Australians during 15 years of follow-up. Methods Dietary data from participants of the Blue Mountains Eye Study (1264 men and 1614 women), aged ≥49 years at baseline, were collected. Dietary intakes were assessed at 5-yearly intervals (1992-94 to 2007-09) using a 145-item food frequency questionnaire ( FFQ). AS content of FFQ food items was estimated using a stepwise systematic method. Trends for AS intake between baseline and the three follow-up periods were assessed using linear mixed modelling. Results In men, the mean ( SEM) percentage of energy provided by AS intake ( EAS%) declined from 10.4% (0.1%) at baseline to 9.4% (0.2%) at 15-year follow-up ( Ptrend = 0.028). Women's mean ( SEM) EAS% intake at baseline and 15-year follow-up was 9.2% (0.1%) and 8.8% (0.2%), respectively ( Ptrend = 0.550). EAS% intake of men was significantly higher than that of women for 10 years ( P < 0.05). Sugar products (table sugar, syrup, jam and honey) were the major sources of AS at all-time points and contributed to more than 40% and 35% of AS intake in men and women, respectively. Intake of sugar products decreased in men during follow-up ( Ptrend < 0.001). Conclusions An overall downward trend was observed in AS intake in both genders, however, was only significant for men during 15 years of follow-up. Table sugar and sugar-containing spreads represent the major source of AS in this cohort of older Australians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Short food questions are appealing to measure dietary intakes. Methods A review of studies published between 2004 and 2016 was undertaken and these were included in the present study if they reported on a question or short item questionnaire (≤50 items, data presented as ≤30 food groups) measuring food intake or food-related habits, in children (aged 6 months to 18 years), and reported question validity or reliability. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria. Results Most questions assessed foods or food groups ( n = 29), with the most commonly assessed being fruit ( n = 22) or vegetable intake ( n = 23), dairy foods and discretionary foods ( n = 20 studies each). Four studies assessed food habits, with the most common being breakfast and meal frequency ( n = 4 studies). Twenty studies assessed reliability, and 25 studies determined accuracy and were most commonly compared against food records. Evaluation of question performance relied on statistical tests such as correlation. Conclusions The present study has identified valid and reliable questions for the range of key food groups of interest to public health nutrition. Questions were more likely to be reliable than accurate, and relatively few questions were both reliable and accurate. Gaps in repeatable and valid short food questions have been identified that will provide direction for future tool development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: To examine the nutritional profile of baby and toddler foods sold in Australia. Methods: Nutrient information for baby and toddler foods available at Australian supermarkets was collected between Auguset and December 2013. Levels of declared energy, total fat, saturated fat, total sugar, sodium and estimated added sugar were examined, as well as the presence of additional micronutrients on the label. The Health Star Rating (HSR) system was used to determine nutritional quality. The range of products on offer was also examined by product type and by the age category for which the product was marketed. Results: Of the 309 products included, 29 % were fortified. On a per 100 g basis, these 309 products provided a mean (±SD) of 476 ± 486 kJ, 1.6 ± 2.4 g total fat, 10.7 ± 12.2 g total sugar, 2.7 ± 7.4 g added sugar, and 33.5 ± 66.5 mg sodium. Fruit-based products or products with fruit listed as an ingredient (58 %) were the predominant product type. On the nutrition label, 42 % displayed at least one additional micronutrient while 37 % did not display saturated fat. The most common HSR was four stars (45 %) and 6+ months was the most commonly identified targeted age group (36 %). Conclusions: The majority of baby and toddler foods sold in Australian supermarkets are ready-made fruit-based products aimed at children under 12 months of age. Baby and toddler foods are overlooked in public policy discussions pertaining to population nutrient intake but their relatively high sugar content deriving from fruits requires close attention to ensure these foods do not replace other more nutrient dense foods, given children have an innate preference for sweet tastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Von Willebrand disease ( VWD) is considered the most common inherited bleeding disorder and may also be the most difficult to diagnose. Clinical symptoms of VWD include predominantly mild mucosal bleeding; surgical bleeding may occur with specific challenges and joint bleeding can occur in the most severe forms. A family history either of diagnosed VWD or of bleeding symptoms is typically present. Laboratory diagnosis requires a series of assays of von Willebrand factor ( VWF) quantity and function, and factor VIII activity, with no single straightforward diagnostic test available to either confirm or exclude the diagnosis. Newer assays of VWF function are becoming more available and useful in determining the laboratory diagnosis of VWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives:The effect of added sugar on health is a topical area of research. However, there is currently no analytical or other method to easily distinguish between added sugars and naturally occurring sugars in foods. This study aimed to develop a systematic methodology to estimate added sugar values on the basis of analytical data and ingredients of foods.Subjects/methods:A 10-step, stepwise protocol was developed, starting with objective measures (six steps) and followed by more subjective estimation (four steps) if insufficient objective data are available. The method developed was applied to an Australian food composition database (AUSNUT2007) as an example.Results:Out of the 3874 foods available in AUSNUT2007, 2977 foods (77%) were assigned an estimated value on the basis of objective measures (steps 1-6), and 897 (23%) were assigned a subjectively estimated value (steps 7-10). Repeatability analysis showed good repeatability for estimated values in this method.Conclusions:We propose that this method can be considered as a standardised approach for the estimation of added sugar content of foods to improve cross-study comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the cross-sectional association between parental history of hypertension and dietary intakes among early adolescent schoolchildren. A total of 1845 participants aged 12 years had complete data on diet and parental medical history, and thus they were included in the final analyses. Dietary data were assessed from validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaires. Parents completed questionnaires about their medical conditions. Cases where the biological mother and/or father had hypertension were classified as positive parental history of hypertension. After multivariable adjustment, participants with positive versus negative parental history of hypertension had 33% greater likelihood of consuming soft drinks ⩾1 per week. Boys with a parental history versus boys without a parental history of hypertension consumed more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods: 379.4 g per day and 318.0 g per day, respectively, P=0.02. Girls with a positive versus a negative parental history consumed more vegetables: 164.1 versus 142.6 g per day, P=0.01. Significant associations were not observed between those with and those without a positive parental history in mean dietary intakes of carbohydrates, fats, sugars and sodium. Children with a positive parental history of hypertension were 67% more likely to simultaneously engage in three unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (excessive recreational screen viewing, high consumption of snacks and and high consumption of soft drinks). Parental hypertension was associated with unhealthy dietary behaviors among offspring, including higher consumption of soft drinks and energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inadequate nutrient intake and physical inactivity may have adverse health consequences. The present study aimed to describe young female students' dietary intake, food choices and physical activity ( PA) patterns, and also to determine the influence of dietary avoidance of meat and poultry on nutrient intake. Methods A cross-sectional study of female university students was conducted. Questionnaires were used to measure dietary intakes, food habits and PA. Anthropometric measurements of participants included height, weight and calculated body mass index ( BMI). Results There were 308 participants with a mean (SD) age of 22.9 (3.9) years and a BMI of 21.5 (2.8) kg m-2; 78% were in the BMI range 18.5-24.9 kg m-2. Of those who responded to the PA questionnaire ( n = 218), 53% reported activity ≥150 min per week, with walking being the largest contributor. Completed food frequency questionnaires were returned by 256 participants. National recommendations for servings of cereals, vegetables, meat, fish and energy-dense 'extra foods' were not met by the majority of participants. Avoidance of animal foods was reported in 23% of women, and resulted in lower intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, selenium and zinc ( P < 0.05) compared to non-avoidance. Iron intake from animal sources decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) with the increase in meat and poultry avoidance. Conclusions Female students had a healthy weight and reported adequate physical activity. However, in comparison to meat and poultry consumers, the avoidance of these foods was associated with a lower intake of some micronutrients. A sustained low intake of micronutrients may lead to adverse health effects in the longer-term, such as compromised immune function and iron deficiency anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Published literature shows that individual nutrients could influence the risk of developing vision and hearing loss. There is, however, a lack of population-based data on the relationship between overall patterns of food intake and the presence of concurrent vision and hearing impairment. We aimed to assess the associations between diet quality with the prevalence and 5-year incidence of dual sensory impairment (DSI). Design: Cross-sectional and 5-year longitudinal analyses. Setting: Blue Mountains, Sydney, Australia. Participants: 2443 participants aged ≥50 from baseline were examined and followed over 5 years. Measurements: Dietary data were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A modified version of the Healthy Eating Index for Australians was developed to determine total diet score (TDS). Visual impairment was defined as visual acuity less than 20/40 (better eye), and hearing impairment as average pure-tone air conduction threshold greater than 25 dB HL (500-4000 Hz, better ear). Results: After adjusting for age, sex, education, noise exposure, current smoking, and type 2 diabetes, participants in the lowest compared to the highest quintile of TDS had a 2-fold increased likelihood of having prevalent DSI, odds ratio, OR, 2.62 (95% confidence intervals, CI, 1.08-6.36), P-trend=0.04. Significant associations were not observed between TDS and the prevalence of having a single sensory impairment (vision or hearing loss). Baseline TDS was not significantly associated with the 5-year incidence of DSI. Adherence to dietary guidelines was associated with a reduced likelihood of having DSI in cross-sectional, but not in longitudinal analyses. Conclusions: Further studies with adequate power are warranted to assess the prospective relationship between diet quality and DSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2M von Willebrand disease ( VWD) includes qualitative defects in von Willebrand factor ( VWF) function, with normal multimer distribution but a defect in VWF activity with respect to platelet or collagen binding. We characterized novel VWF gene mutations found in type 2M VWD subjects enrolled in the Zimmerman Program for the Molecular and Clinical Biology of VWD. Subjects were enrolled based on a pre-existing diagnosis of type 2M VWD. Testing included full-length gene sequencing, VWF antigen ( VWF:Ag), VWF ristocetin cofactor activity ( VWF: RCo), VWF collagen binding and multimer distribution. Recombinant VWF variants were synthesized using site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in HEK293T cells. Platelet binding was measured by flow cytometry with fixed platelets and ELISA with recombinant glycoprotein Ibα ( GPIbα). Four novel VWF A1 domain mutations were found in individuals with type 2M VWD: S1358N, S1387I, S1394F and Q1402P. All subjects had a history of bleeding, VWF: RCo < 40 IU dL−1, VWF: RCo/ VWF: Ag ratios <0.6 and normal multimer distribution. No defect in expression, secretion, or multimerization was found for any of the mutations. All showed decreased binding to intact platelets, and decreased or absent binding to a mutant GPIbα construct with spontaneous VWF binding. 1387I had decreased binding to all collagen types tested. 1402P had reduced binding exclusively to type VI collagen. Type 2M VWD is a heterogeneous category comprised of both collagen- and platelet-binding defects. Understanding the precise defect for each mutation may ultimately lead to better diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Dietary modifications may play an important role in the prevention of diabetes. We aimed to assess the temporal association between diet quality and both impaired fasting glucose and Type 2 diabetes among older adults. Methods A total of 2564 participants aged 49+ years at baseline were examined between 1992 and 1994 and 2002-2004 and had their fasting blood glucose measured. Dietary data were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A modified version of the Healthy Eating Index for Australians was developed to determine Total Diet Score. Incident diabetes (or impaired fasting glucose) was defined in participants at risk who were newly diagnosed by a physician during the follow-up or found to have a fasting blood glucose level ≥ 7.0 mmol/l (or 6.1-6.9 mmol/l). Results After adjusting for age, sex, current smoking, body mass index, hypertension and serum triglycerides, comparing highest with lowest tertile of total diet score, a significant 75% decrease in risk of incident impaired fasting glucose was observed in men ( Ptrend = 0.02). Also, in men, each two-point increase in Total Diet Score was associated with a 52% reduction in the 10-year incidence of impaired fasting glucose, ( OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.33-0.69). No significant associations were observed among women or with the 10-year incidence of diabetes. Conclusions Greater compliance with published dietary guidelines (better diet quality) was associated with a reduced risk of pre-diabetes in men, but not women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first meeting of international specialists in the field of von Willebrand disease ( VWD) was held in the Åland islands in 1998 where Erik von Willebrand had first observed a bleeding disorder in some members of a family from Föglö and a summary of the meeting was published in 1999. The second meeting was held in 2010 and a report of the meeting was published in 2012. Topics covered included progress in understanding of VWD over the last 50 years; multimers; classification of VWD; pharmacokinetics and laboratory assays; genetics; treating the paediatric patient; prophylaxis; geriatrics; gene therapy and treatment guidelines. This third meeting held over 3 days covered the structure and function of von Willebrand factor ( VWF); type 1 VWD, the most common form of the disease; a lifespan of pharmacokinetics in VWD; detecting inhibitors in VWD patients; and special challenges in understanding and treating the female VWD patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:It has been postulated that a higher dairy consumption may affect blood pressure regulation. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dairy consumption and blood pressure in mid-childhood.SUBJECTS/METHODS:Subjects (n=335) were participants of a birth cohort at high risk of asthma with information on diet at 18 months and blood pressure at 8 years. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the association of dairy consumption (serves) and micronutrient intakes (mg). In a subgroup of children (n=201), dietary intake was also measured at approximately 9 years.RESULTS:Children in the highest quintile of dairy consumption at 18 months had lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at 8 years (2.5 mm Hg, P=0.046 and 1.9 mm Hg, P=0.047, respectively) than those in the lowest quintiles. SBP was lowest among children in the highest quintiles of calcium, magnesium and potassium intakes. Significant negative linear trends were observed between SBP and intakes of dairy serves, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Furthermore, SBP and DBP were lowest in the group of children that consumed at least two dairy serves at both 18 months and the follow-up dietary data collection at 9 years, compared with all other children (SBP 98.7 vs 101.0 mm Hg, P=0.07; and DBP 56.5 vs 59.3 mm Hg, P=0.006, respectively).CONCLUSION:These results are consistent with a protective effect of dairy consumption in childhood on blood pressure at age 8 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:To assess the changes in the consumption of core foods among Australian children between the 1995 National Nutrition Survey (1995 NNS) and the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2007 Children's Survey).Subjects/Methods:Core food consumption was analysed using 24-h recall data from 2-16 year old children using the 1995 NNS (n=2435) and the 2007 Children's Survey (n=4380). Differences in percent consuming, amounts consumed and percent energy contribution were assessed.Results:The consumption of core foods increased significantly between the 1995 and 2007 surveys, including per-capita consumption and percent energy contribution (both P0.001). Core foods contributed to 59% of energy intake in 1995 compared with 65% in 2007. The types of core foods consumed also changed during this time period with more children reporting eating healthy options such as wholemeal bread, reduced-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese and fruit in the 2007 Children's Survey. Conversely, the consumption of white bread, full-fat milk and low-fibre breakfast cereals was lower in 2007.Conclusions:Overall, reported dietary intake had improved from 1995 to 2007 among Australian children with an increase in the amounts of core foods consumed and healthier types of foods being chosen. Continued health-promotion activities and monitoring of food consumption are highly warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Diet is one of the few modifiable risk factors for age-related hearing loss. We aimed to examine the link between dietary and supplement intakes of antioxidants, and both the prevalence and 5-year incidence of measured hearing loss. Design: Cross-sectional and 5-year longitudinal analyses. Setting: Blue Mountains, Sydney, Australia. Participants: 2,956 Blue Mountains Hearing Study participants aged 50+ at baseline, examined during 1997-9 to 2002-4. Measurements: Age-related hearing loss was measured and defined as the pure-tone average of frequencies 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz >25 dB HL. Dietary data were collected in a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and intakes of -carotene; -carotene; -cryptoxanthin; lutein and zeaxanthin; lycopene; vitamins A, C and E; iron and zinc were calculated. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, education, occupational noise exposure, family history of hearing loss, history of diagnosed diabetes and stroke, each standard deviation (SD) increase in dietary vitamin E intake was associated with a 14% reduced likelihood of prevalent hearing loss, odds ratio, OR, 0.86 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.78-0.98). Those in the highest quintile of dietary vitamin A intake had a 47% reduced risk of having moderate or greater hearing loss (>40 dB HL) compared to those in the lowest quintile of intake, multivariable-adjusted OR 0.53 (CI 0.30-0.92), P for trend = 0.04. However, dietary antioxidant intake was not associated with the 5-year incidence of hearing loss. Conclusions: Dietary vitamin A and vitamin E intake were significantly associated with the prevalence of hearing loss. However, dietary antioxidant intake did not increase the risk of incident hearing loss. Further large, prospective studies are warranted to assess these relationships in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive literature search was undertaken to examine the relationship between dairy consumption and overweight/obesity in prospective cohort studies. A literature search from 1980 through to April 2010 was conducted. Nineteen cohort studies met all the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Of the 19 cohort studies, 10 were among children and adolescents (aged 2 to 14 years, n = 53 to 12 829, follow-up 8 months to 10 years) and nine among adults (aged 18 to 75 years, n = 248 to 42 696, follow-up 2 years to 12 years). A range of dairy food exposure measures were used. Eight studies (three out of 10 studies involving children and five out of nine studies involving adults) showed a protective association against increasing weight gain (measured in various ways); one reported a significant protective association only among men who were initially overweight; seven reported no effect; one reported an increased risk (among children), and two reported both a decreased and increased risk, depending on the dairy food type. The evidence from prospective cohort studies for a protective effect of dairy consumption on risk of overweight and obesity is suggestive but not consistent, making firm conclusions difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the relationships between previous diet, biomarkers of selected B vitamins, nutritional status and length of stay. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Geriatric rehabilitation patients, Sydney, Australia. Participants: Fifty two consenting patients with normal serum creatinine levels and no dementia. Measurements: Serum vitamin B12, plasma vitamin B6, serum and erythrocyte folate, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations; dietary intake using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and nutritional assessment using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Length of stay data were collected from medical records after discharge. Results: The age was 80 ± 8 year (mean ± SD), BMI 26.4 ± 6.8 kg/m and MNA score 22 ± 3 indicating some risk of malnutrition. Deficiencies of vitamins B6, B12 and folate were found in 30, 22 and 5 subjects respectively. Length of stay was positively correlated with age and MMA (Spearman's correlation 0.4, p<0.01 and 0.28, p<0.05 respectively) and negatively correlated with albumin, vitamin B6 and MNA score (Spearman's correlation −0.35, −0.33 and −0.29, p<0.05). After adjustment for age and sex, ln vitamin B6 and ln MMA concentrations were significant in predicting ln LOS (p=0.006 and p=0.014 respectively). Conclusion: The study indicates a high risk of vitamin B deficiencies in the elderly and suggests that deficiencies of vitamins B6 and B12 are associated with length of stay. This is concerning as B vitamin status is rarely fully assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:Few longitudinal population-based cohort studies of older people have described dietary intakes over time. The objective of this study was to assess changes in the food and nutrient intake in a cohort of older Australians, using longitudinal data collected over 10 years.Subjects/Methods:Population-based cohort of people aged 49 years and over at baseline (82% of those eligible) living in two postcode areas, west of Sydney. In 1992–1994, 3654 people were examined; 2334 were reexamined after 5 years and 1952 after 10 years (75% survivors at both examinations). A 145-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess food and nutrient intake on each occasion, and 1166 participants provided usable dietary data at all three examinations.Results:Energy and sugar intake significantly increased among women over the 10-year period (P-value for trend <0.0001). Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid and fish intake significantly increased in both men and women (P-value for trend <0.0001). Folate intake significantly increased in both men and women (women: 325 dietary folate equivalents (DFE) vs 403 DFE; men: 346 DFE vs 425 DFE, P<0.0001). Wholemeal/grain bread consumption decreased in both men and women (P-value for trend <0.0001).Conclusions:Many of the observed changes in diet over the 10-year period were consistent with current population dietary recommendations. Some changes, however, appear to have been due to poorer dietary choices. This information could be used to inform nutrition policy and programs targeted to older persons. These data highlight the need to identify barriers to better food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prospective evidence on the extent to which serum lipid concentrations in older persons respond to dietary modification is scarce. It is not clear whether such behavioral changes are relevant in the context of more commonly initiated treatments with lipid-lowering drugs. We therefore examined whether individual changes in the consumption of dietary fatty acids or main food sources were associated with changes in the serum lipid profile of older Australians. A total of 903 participants (> or =49 y) in the Blue Mountains Eye Study had complete data on fasting lipids and dietary intake from a validated FFQ at baseline (1992-1994) and 5- and 10-y follow-up examinations. Decreasing consumption of SFA and butter during the 10-y period were associated with moderate decreases in serum total cholesterol independently of initiation of lipid-lowering drug treatment [adjusted estimates were 0.018 +/- 0.007 mmol/(L x % energy (%en) from SFA (P = 0.01) and 0.055 +/- 0.015 mmol/(L x 5 g butter) (P = 0.0003), respectively]. Increased consumption of (n-3) fatty acids and fish was independently related to modest increases in serum HDL-cholesterol [0.067 +/- 0.026 mmol/(L x %en from (n-3) fatty acids) (P = 0.01) and 0.010 +/- 0.004 mmol/(L x 20 g fish) (P = 0.02)] and decreases in log-transformed serum triglyceride concentrations [P = 0.02 for (n-3) fatty acids and P = 0.02 for fish intake]. Hence, 10-y changes in the intake of dietary fatty acids and their food sources appear to have contributed to concurrent improvements in the serum lipid profile of older Australians, independent of concomitantly initiated lipid-lowering drug treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and severe left ventricular dysfunction presents a serious challenge in management of acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM). We report a case of a 17-month-old girl with AFM, presented with hypotension and VT, successfully treated with respiratory and inotropic support, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin, and amiodarone. The myocardial function improved significantly within 2 weeks of treatment. The clinical course was complicated by significant amiodarone-induced hepatotoxicity, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and deep-vein thrombosis. She was later diagnosed with congenital dysfibrinogenemia and treated with chronic Lovenox therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the pattern and prevalence of food and drink advertisements to children on commercial television in Sydney, Australia, and compare these with advertising regulations set out in the Children's Television Standards and results from a similar study in 2002.Design: Data were collected by recording television from 06.00 hours until 23.00 hours on all three commercial channels from Sunday 14 May 2006 to Saturday 20 May 2006 (357 h). The study analysed advertisements in two children's viewing periods, one as defined in the 2002 study and the other according to current standards. Food advertisements were coded using 18 food categories and were analysed by time period and popular children's programmes.Results: Food advertisements occurred in similar proportions during children's viewing hours and adult's viewing hours (25.5 vs. 26.9% of all advertisements, respectively), although there was a higher rate of high-fat/high-sugar food advertisements during children's viewing hours (49 vs. 39% of all food advertisements, P < 0.001). There were even more advertisements for high-fat/high-sugar foods during popular children's programmes, contributing to 65.9% of all food advertisements. Estimates of exposure indicate that children aged 5-12 years were exposed to 96 food advertisements, including 63 high-fat/high-sugar advertisements per week. Since 2002, there has been a reduction in overall food and high-fat/high-sugar food advertisements.Conclusion: Despite reductions in overall levels of food advertising, children continue to experience high levels of exposure to food advertisements, which remain skewed towards unhealthy foods. Further food advertising regulation should be required to curtail the current levels of advertising of high-fat/high-sugar foods to children, to make them commensurate with recommended levels of consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the prevalence of thyroid disease in an older Australian population in a population-based cross-sectional study. Background: Community-living subjects, aged 49 years or older, in two Blue Mountains postcodes were invited to participate in an eye, nutrition and health study between 1997 and 2000. Methods: Three thousand five hundred and nine of the 4489 identified persons participated. Fifty-seven per cent of 3504 who completed questionnaires were women; their mean age was 66.8 years. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was measured in 2665 subjects (76% of those completing the questionnaire). The main outcome measures were serum TSH and free thyroxine levels, serum lipids, urate and sugar levels and questionnaire responses. Results: The prevalence of recognized thyroid disease (either self-reported history of thyroid disease or current thyroxine treatment) was 10% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.9–11.1%). An additional 3.6% (95%CI 2.9–4.3%) of participants had unrecognized thyroid disease (abnormal TSH). The TSH was abnormal in 7.1% (95%CI 5.8–8.4%) of women and 3.7% (95%CI 2.6–4.8%) of men. Sixty-five per cent of those with an abnormal TSH did not report a history of thyroid disease, whereas 25% of those taking thyroxine replacement therapy had an abnormal TSH level. The prevalence of hypothyroidism increased with increasing age in women. The mean fasting cholesterol was 0.36 mmol/L (95%CI 0.15–0.57) higher in hypothyroid subjects than in euthyroid subjects. Conclusion: Thyroid disease in older Australian women is relatively common and may be undiagnosed. Ongoing monitoring of patients on thyroxine replacement therapy is important, given that 25% of treated patients had an abnormal TSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Do Retinopathy Signs in Non-Diabetic Individuals," by T. Y. Wong in the previous issue.