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Limiting ultraviolet radiation exposure during early childhood can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, making early childhood a critical time for sun protection strategies. This study aimed to measure sun protection practices utilized in Australian early-childhood services over the past decade and evaluate the impact of Cancer Council Australia's SunSmart Early-Childhood Program. Results are presented from cross-sectional and repeated-measures survey data, completed by directors or other staff at randomly sampled early-childhood services in 2008, 2013 and 2018 (N  =   3243). Most sun protection practices were used by a significantly greater proportion of services in 2018 relative to earlier years, such as requiring the use of sunscreen (98.4%), and sun-protective hats (99.7%) and clothing (88.8%). However, only a small and declining proportion of services (16.3%–22.4%) required the use of specific items of sun-protective clothing. SunSmart program members reported enacting significantly more sun protection practices compared to non-members, while new members showed an increase in the use of those practices relative to services whose status did not change (d  =   0.48). The results demonstrate improvements in sun protection in Australian early-childhood settings, and highlight the benefits and limitations of the SunSmart program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been widely recognized that parental dietary intake is an important and consistent factor influencing children's food intake. However, there are conflicting results with regard to the strength of the parental-child resemblance in dietary intake. Moreover, this association has rarely been investigated in young adult offspring. Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the dietary intake and food consumption of middle-aged women and their female and male adult offspring (aged 18-23 y) and to examine the association in dietary intake between sex-specific mother-child dyads. Design: We used cross-sectional dietary data for 2017 mother-child pairs from the 21-y follow-up of the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy, a birth cohort study. Dietary information was obtained with the use of a 74-item food-frequency questionnaire. We assessed multivariate-adjusted mother-offspring correlations in selected nutrients and food groups and performed correlational analysis while stratifying by living arrangements. Results: Both sons and daughters had a significantly lower percentage of energy from protein than did their mothers. Sons had a significantly higher percentage of energy from fat and a lower percentage of energy from carbohydrates than did their mothers, whereas there was no difference between daughters and mothers. The mother-offspring correlations were weak (r = 0.12-0.29) for most dietary factors and tended to be slightly higher in motherdaughter dyads than in mother-son dyads. Overall, correlations appeared to be stronger in offspring still living with their parents than with their counterparts not living at home, specifically the correlations for consumption of vegetables and rice. Conclusions: Mother-adult offspring dietary resemblance in this Australian cohort was only weak and varied by nutrients, food groups, and the offspring's sex and living arrangements. Factors other than parental dietary habits and home environment seem to have a stronger influence on the diets of young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: These trials are the first randomised controlled trials of telephone-based weight management and healthy lifestyle interventions for low back pain and knee osteoarthritis. This article describes the protocol and statistical analysis plan. Method: These trials are parallel randomised controlled trials that investigate and compare the effect of a telephone-based weight management and healthy lifestyle intervention for improving pain intensity in overweight or obese patients with low back pain or knee osteoarthritis. The analysis plan was finalised prior to initiation of analyses. All data collected as part of the trial were reviewed, without stratification by group, and classified by baseline characteristics, process of care and trial outcomes. Trial outcomes were classified as primary and secondary outcomes. Appropriate descriptive statistics and statistical testing of between-group differences, where relevant, have been planned and described. Conclusions: A protocol for standard analyses was developed for the results of two randomised controlled trials. This protocol describes the data, and the pre-determined statistical tests of relevant outcome measures. The plan demonstrates transparent and verifiable use of the data collected. This a priori protocol will be followed to ensure rigorous standards of data analysis are strictly adhered to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The consumption of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has increased because of modern food processing and has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes in rodents. Objective: We determined whether changing dietary AGE intake could modulate insulin sensitivity and secretion in healthy, overweight individuals. Design: We performed a double-blind, randomized, crossover trial of diets in 20 participants [6 women and 14 men; mean ± SD body mass index (in kg/m²): 29.8 ± 3.7]. Isoenergetic- and macronutrient-matched diets that were high or low in AGE content were alternately consumed for 2 wk and separated by a 4-wk washout period. At the beginning and end of each dietary period, a hyperinsulinemiceuglycemic clamp and an intravenous glucose tolerance test were performed. Dietary, plasma and urinary AGEs N∈-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), N∈-(carboxyethyl)lysin (CEL), and methylglyoxal-derived hydroimadazolidine (MG-H1) were measured with the use of mass spectrometry. Results: Participants consumed less CML, CEL, and MG-H1 during the low-AGE dietary period than during the high-AGE period (all P < 0.05), which was confirmed by changes in urinary AGE excretion. There was an overall difference in insulin sensitivity of -22.1 mg ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ min-1 between diets (P = 0.001). Insulin sensitivity increased by 1.3 mg ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ min-1 after the low-AGE diet (P = 0.004), whereas it showed a tendency to decrease by 0.8 mg ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ min-1 after the high-AGE diet (P = 0.086). There was no difference in body weight or insulin secretion between diets (P = NS). Conclusions: A diet that is low in AGEs may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity. Hence, a restriction in dietary AGE content may be an effective strategy to decrease diabetes and cardiovascular disease risks in overweight individuals. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00422253. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), particularly leucine, act as nutrient signals regulating protein synthesis and degradation as well as glucose metabolism. In addition, leucine has been demonstrated in animal experiments to modulate eating and energy homeostasis. Objective: We aimed to characterize the effects of physiologic and supraphysiologic loads of intraduodenal leucine on eating, gut hormone and motor functions, and blood glucose in humans. Design: Twelve lean men were studied on 3 occasions in a randomized, double-blind order. Antropyloroduodenal motility, plasma ghrelin, cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide 1, peptide YY, insulin, glucagon, blood glucose, appetite perceptions, and gastrointestinal symptoms were measured during 90-min intraduodenal infusions of leucine at 0.15 kcal/min (total 3.3 g, 13.5 kcal), 0.45 kcal/min (total 9.9 g, 40.5 kcal), or saline (control). Ad libitum eating from a buffet lunch was quantified immediately after the infusions. Results: Leucine at 0.45 kcal/min inhibited eating (energy intake by w13%, P , 0.05), increased plasma cholecystokinin, slightly reduced blood glucose and increased plasma insulin, and decreased antral pressures (all P , 0.05). Leucine at 0.15 kcal/min had no effect on food intake, blood glucose, or antral pressures but also slightly increased plasma cholecystokinin (P , 0.05). Neither dose affected plasma ghrelin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide 1 and peptide YY, or pyloric and duodenal pressures. Plasma leucine concentrations were related to the dose of intraduodenal leucine, with substantial increases during both 0.15 and 0.45 kcal/min. Conclusions: The effects of intraduodenal infusions of free leucine on eating are probably not primarily mediated by changes in gut motor and hormone functions, with perhaps the exception of cholecystokinin. Instead, increased plasma leucine concentrations may be a potential signal mediating the eating-inhibitory effect of leucine. The study was registered as a clinical trial with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (www.anzctr.org.au) as ACTRN12613000899741. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Food Insulin Index (FII) is a novel classification of single foods based on insulin responses in healthy subjects relative to an isoenergetic reference food. Objective: Our aim was to compare day-long responses to 2 nutrientmatched diets predicted to have either high or low insulin demand in healthy controls and individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Design: Twenty adults (10 healthy adults and 10 adults with T2DM) were recruited. On separate mornings, subjects consumed either a high- or low-FII diet in random order. Diets consisted of 3 consecutive meals (breakfast, morning tea, and lunch), matched for macronutrients, fiber, and glycemic index (GI), but with 2-fold difference in insulin demand as predicted by the FII of the component foods. Postprandial glycemia and insulinemia were measured in capillary plasma at regular intervals over 8 h. Results: As predicted by their GI, there were no differences in glycemic responses between the 2 diets in either group (mean 6 SEM; healthy: 6.2 6 0.2 compared with 6.1 6 0.1 mmol/L $ min, P = 0.429; T2DM: 9.96 1.3 compared with 10.36 1.6 mmol/L $ min, P = 0.485). Compared with the high-FII diet, mean postprandial insulin response over 8 h was 53% lower with the low-FII diet in healthy subjects (mean 6 SEM; incremental AUCinsulin 31,900 6 4100 pmol/L $min compared with 68,100 6 11,400 pmol/L $ min, P = 0.003) and 41% lower in subjects with T2DM (mean 6 SEM; incremental AUCinsulin 11,000 6 1800 pmol/L $ min compared with 18,700 6 3100 pmol/L $ min, P = 0.018). Incremental AUCinsulin was statistically significantly different between diets when groups were combined (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The FII algorithm may be a useful tool for reducing postprandial hyperinsulinemia in T2DM, thereby potentially improving insulin resistance and b-cell function. This trial was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12611000654954. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Krill is an increasingly popular source of marine n-3 (ω-3) PUFA that is seen as a premium product. However, to our knowledge, the effect of krill-oil supplementation on insulin sensitivity in humans has not been reported. Objective: We assessed whether supplementation with a blend of krill and salmon (KS) oil [which is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] affects insulin sensitivity in overweight men. Design: The design was a randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial. A total of 47 men with a mean ± SD age of 46.5 ± 5.1 y, who were overweight [body mass index (in kg/m²) from 25 to 30] but otherwise healthy, received 5 1-g capsules of KS oil or a control (canola oil) for 8 wk and crossed over to another treatment after an 8-wk washout period. The primary outcome was insulin sensitivity assessed by using the Matsuda method from an oral-glucose-tolerance test. Secondary outcomes included lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, and carotid artery intimamedia thickness. Results: Unexpectedly, insulin sensitivity (per the Matsuda index) was 14% lower with the KS oil than with the control oil (P = 0.049). A mediation analysis showed that, after controlling for the likely positive effects of blood EPA and DHA (i.e., the omega-3 index), the reduction in insulin sensitivity after KS-oil supplementation was more marked [27% lower than with the control oil (P = 0.009)]. Conclusions: Supplementation with a blend of KS oil is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity. Thus, krill-oil supplementation in overweight adults could exacerbate risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This trial was prospectively registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12611000602921. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previously published research that examined the effects of high egg consumption in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) produced conflicting results leading to recommendations to limit egg intake. However, people with T2D may benefit from egg consumption because eggs are a nutritious and convenient way of improving protein and micronutrient contents of the diet, which have importance for satiety and weight management. Objective: In this randomized controlled study, we aimed to determine whether a high-egg diet (2 eggs/d for 6 d/wk) compared with a low-egg diet ( < 2 eggs/wk) affected circulating lipid profiles, in particular high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, in overweight or obese people with prediabetes or T2D. Design: A total of 140 participants were randomly assigned to one of the 2 diets as part of a 3-mo weight maintenance study. Participants attended the clinic monthly and were instructed on the specific types of foods and quantities to be consumed. Results: There was no significant difference in the change in HDL cholesterol from screening to 3 mo between groups; the mean difference (95% CI) between high- and low-egg groups was +0.02 mmol/L (—0.03, 0.08 mmol/L; P = 0.38). No between-group differences were shown for total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or glycemic control. Both groups were matched for protein intake, but the high-egg group reported less hunger and greater satiety postbreakfast. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intakes significantly increased from baseline in both groups. Conclusions: High egg consumption did not have an adverse effect on the lipid profile of people with T2D in the context of increased MUFA and PUFA consumption. This study suggests that a high-egg diet can be included safely as part of the dietary management of T2D, and it may provide greater satiety. This trial was registered at the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (http://www. anzctr.org.au/) as ACTRN12612001266853. Am J Clin Nutr 2015;101:705-13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring pregnancy weight can reduce excess gestational weight gain (GWG), and is recommended in clinical practice guidelines as part of routine care. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of routine weight monitoring using a pregnancy weight gain chart (PWGC), and assess health care professionals (HCPs) and pregnant women's attitudes and practices around its use. A semiquantitative survey was conducted with a consecutive sample of antenatal women at 16 and 36 weeks gestation. Women were weighed, and a PWGC audit done at 36 weeks gestation to assess adherence to chart use and GWG. A cross‐sectional survey of antenatal HCPs at the Australian facility assessed staff attitudes and practices relating to weight monitoring and PWGC use. Of the 291 women surveyed, 68% reported being given a PWGC. Of the audited PWGCs (n = 258), 54% had less than three weights recorded, 36% had errors, and 3% were unused. All HCPs surveyed (n = 42) were aware of the PWGC, 63% reported using it to track GWG regularly and 26% believed it to be only the woman's responsibility (i.e., not the midwife's role) to complete it. Seventy‐six percent reported they needed more training in counselling pregnant women, and insufficient time was a main barrier to weighing and conversing with women. It is feasible to implement a PWGC into routine antenatal care. Clarity over women's and HCPs responsibility for monitoring GWG and completion of the PWGC is needed. Training on correct PWGC use and counselling and workforce engagement are required to overcome barriers and support healthy GWG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]