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Sharon Lee,1,2 Janelle Gifford,2,3 Victoria Flood1,2,4 1Western Sydney Local Health District, Research and Education Network, Westmead, 2145, Australia; 2Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia; 3Sport and Physical Activity Research and Teaching Network (SPARTAN), The University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, Australia; 4University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, 2480, AustraliaCorrespondence: Professor Victoria Flood, Westmead Hospital, Research & Education Network, Corner Hawkesbury & Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia, Tel + 61288905772, Fax +61288908627, Email Vicki.flood@sydney.edu.auBackground: In response to the increasing involvement of nursing, allied health and medical professionals in research within clinical service roles, understanding the varying research capacities across public health institutions and professions is crucial. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of conducting research among nursing, allied health and medical health professionals within a tertiary public hospital setting in New South Wales (NSW). The focus is on identifying barriers and enablers to research engagement.Methods: Research active health professionals across nursing, allied health and medical professions were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview to discuss enablers and barriers experienced whilst conducting research. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, conceptual and thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted.Results: Nine allied health professionals, eight nurses/midwives and thirteen medical officers were interviewed. Key themes were categorised as barriers or enablers. The ethics regulatory process was identified as a strong barrier in all professions, other commonly identified barriers were lack of time to conduct research and lack of funding. Researchers reported difficulties knowing where to obtain assistance and support when required. Mentorship was the most common enabler identified by all three professions. In addition, a positive research culture and organisational support and assistance within the organisation were seen as strong enablers.Conclusion: This research provides insight into the barriers and enablers for active clinician researchers across three professional groups. We have identified priority areas to increase research capacity within our health care organisation and will focus on training in the ethics regulatory process and mentorship along with infrastructure support to strengthen the positive research culture across all professions.Plain Language Summary: Research by healthcare professionals employed in publicly funded health services is encouraged across nursing/midwifery, allied health and medical professionals. This study sought to identify barriers and enablers to undertaking research for these healthcare professionals. Interviews were conducted with representatives from each of the professions. Barriers identified across all professional groups were inconsistencies and difficulties with the ethical regulatory process. Enablers such as a positive research culture within the institutions were found meaningful by the professional groups. This study will allow health organisations to tailor training and infrastructure support to all researchers.Keywords: research capacity, allied health, nursing, medical, research culture

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.

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., Author(s): E. Dunford [sup.1] , J. C. Y. Louie [sup.2] , R. Byrne [sup.3] , K. Z. Walker [sup.4] , V. M. Flood [sup.5] [sup.6] Author Affiliations: (1) The George [...]

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]

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]