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Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for a wide range of health conditions. Therefore, there is a clear need for high quality Bariatric research in order to improve patient selection, outcomes and safety for patients with obesity. We sought to identify and compare the quantitative and qualitative publication output from Bariatric centres in England. We identified 42 National Health Service (NHS) Trusts and 162 surgeons providing Bariatric services in England. A median of 4 (range 1–7) Bariatric surgeons were identified per centre. Eight NHS Trusts (19%) and 75 surgeons (46.3%) had no Bariatric publications during the study period, while 87 surgeons published a total of 432 Bariatric papers. Only 15 surgeons (9%) had ≥10 publications within the study period. However, these surgeons produced >50% of all Bariatric publications. Departments with more than 4 surgeons produced a significantly higher number of Bariatric publications (median 8.5 vs 2, p = 0.01). There is significant variation in research contribution amongst Bariatric centres in England. Academia should be encouraged and promoted across all bariatric services in order to broaden our understanding on Bariatric outcomes by expanding the service and proportional increase in funding. Given that a number of health conditions can afflict individuals living with obesity, bariatric surgery research becomes all the more important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on several papers discussed during the third Translantic Gene Therapy Consortium (TAGTC) workshop on gene therapy that was held at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, England on October 2-3, 2007 is presented. The event primarily highlights the discussion concerning the developments in gene therapy relevant to vector development and clinical trials. Presenters and attendees of the workshop include scientist Boris Feshe, Alex Schambach and Manuel Grez.

The article presents some of the highlights of the 14th United Kingdom Public Health Association annual forum held in West Midlands, England. The event addressed issues relating to overcoming health inequalities, promoting sustainable development and dealing with anti-health forces. Papers presented during the conference focus on public health issues and social marketing interventions. Attendees include Health State Secretary Patricia Hewitt and speakers Derek Wanless and Melvyn Hillsdon.