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The aim of this study was to ascertain the time-use patterns of those with binge eating disorder and to determine whether the disorder has an impact on everyday activities (occupations). Mixed method questionnaires, with open and closed questions, and time-use diaries were completed by 10 participants recruited through a self-help charity group. The findings suggest that the time-use patterns of those with binge eating disorder were comparable to the patterns of the general population within the United Kingdom, with the exception of eating and socialising. Three major themes emerged: preoccupation with food, body image concerns and impact on relationships. These suggest that binge eating disorder has an impact on self-care, leisure and productivity occupations. The questionnaires revealed additional eating-related occupations, undertaken while participating in other occupations. The identification of all occupations is important to enable health care professionals to understand the meaning and purpose of the occupational engagement of each individual with binge eating disorder.

Poetry writing is a creative activity and, as such, may contribute to intervention. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of poetry writing on individuals who had experienced mental health problems in the past. A qualitative approach, that of grounded theory, was used, including observations of a poetry writing group and in-depth semi-structured interviews with two group participants who had a previous history of mental health problems.The main categories that emerged during data analysis were creation, communication, connection and awareness; these categories were unified by a central concept of personal meaning.The findings suggest that poetry writing creates and communicates meaning. In addition, internal connection (with self) and external connection (with others) may be facilitated through the communication of poetry. Communication and experiences of connection can lead to a greater awareness of self and others. Personal meaning is central to human life in symbolisation processes, which contribute to identity building.The positive and negative impacts on mental health through the writing of poetry and participating in a group were identified. This is a small study and the findings are valid only in the immediate context of the study, but it provides a basis for further research.

Creative activities have been used by occupational therapists with people with mental health problems, but limited research has been published about their scope and utility. A cross-sectional survey of occupational therapists was conducted to establish how creative activities were being used for purposes other than psychodynamic therapy.Of the 66 respondents, 54 (82%) reported using creative activities, with the majority doing so at least once a week. Diverse activities were identified as being used. The inherent nature of creative activities, their ability to meet specific needs and assist with achieving diverse objectives and their usefulness in both 1:1 and group situations were reasons why these activities were being used by occupational therapists.This research adds to the understanding of the value that occupational therapists place on creative activities in intervention. It will inform further research, including establishing service users' views and exploring the effectiveness of the use of such activities.

A soda-anthraquinone (AQ) lignin, derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), was fractionated by successive extraction with dichloromethane, n-propanol, and methanol-dichloromethane (7/3, v/v). The fractionation resulted in four lignin fractions of increasing molecular weight from 2630 (fraction 1) to 4380 g mol-1 (fraction 4). The lower-molecular-weight fractions showed high contents of carbonyl groups and high molar ratio of noncondensed syringyl/guaiacyl units, while the higher-molecular-weight fractions appeared to have high thermal stability.

Compared to a low tidal volume/low PEEP strategy, a low tidal volume/fixed plateau pressure/higher PEEP strategy offers no mortality benefit but may be associated with reduced morbidity.Level of evidence: 1+(RCT with a low risk of bias)

The Way Aheadwas the title of a national conference for occupational therapists (OTs) held at Nene College, Northampton on September 11th. The conference began with key note speakers: Sheelagh Richards considered the future direction of health care, David Jones discussed the delivery of social care, followed by Sue Allen, Julia O'Sullivan and Sandra Holmes looking at continuing professional development (CPD) to equip the OT for the challenges of the 21st century. The afternoon continued with workshops related to the theme including commissioning, outcomes, research, personality, multidisciplinary teams and activity. Speakers and workshop facilitators are listed at the end of the article.

The article offers information on an International Folk Dance workshop by Julith Neff and Sue Griffiths for 8 weeks at the California State University of Long Beach campus beginning October 8, 2012.