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Although suggested as an important contributor to the development and maintenance of eating disorders, temperament has not previously been studied adopting a meta-analytical approach. We therefore pooled data (N = 14 studies; N = 3315 cases, N = 3395 controls) on Cloninger's temperament traits (novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence and persistence) in anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED) and eating disorders not otherwise specified. Persistence was significantly higher than in the controls in all eating disorders except for BED the highest levels being observed in AN. Correspondingly, the highest effect sizes for harm avoidance were seen in AN. Novelty seeking was significantly elevated relative to the controls only in BN. Harm avoidance was significantly lower, and reward dependence was significantly higher in individuals who had recovered from AN than in those who remained ill. Future studies with a longitudinal design are needed to explore the temporal relationships between eating disorders and temperament traits. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The hTAS2R38 taste receptor genotype is related to bitter taste perception and thus may affect food preferences. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the hTAS2R38 genotype and the food consumption and nutrient intakes of Finnish children aged 2-6 years. Methods Dietary intake was assessed with 7-day food records, and DNA samples were collected by cheek swabs for genotyping. Food intake data between the three most common genotypes were compared ( n = 345). Results The proportion of the AVI/ AVI genotype was 36.7%; PAV/ AVI was 42.4%; and PAV/ PAV was 14.9%. Boys with the PAV/ PAV genotype consumed a mean (SD) weight of sugar and candy of 27 (13) g day−1, which was significantly more compared to the other two genotypes [ AVI/ AVI 19 (12) g day−1 and PAV/ AVI 18 (12) g day−1; both P < 0.01]. These boys also consumed significantly more meat (g day−1) compared to AVI/ AVI boys ( P < 0.05). PAV/ PAV girls tended to consume more grains (g MJ−1) compared to AVI/ AVI girls ( P = 0.07). Vegetable and fruit consumption and nutrient intake did not differ significantly between genotypes. Based on principal component analysis carried out with total food consumption data, PAV/ PAV boys were different from both AVI/ AVI and PAV/ AVI boys. Conclusions The hTAS2R38 genotype may have distinct associations with food consumption in boys and girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though some empirical and anecdotal accounts can be located in the extant literature, it remains the case that little is known about how secluded/restrained ( S/ R) patients perceive their overall treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore patients' perceptions of their hospital treatment measured after S/ R. The data were collected with a Secluded and Restrained Patients' Perceptions of their Treatment ( S/ R- PPT) questionnaire from S/ R patients aged 18-65 years. Ninety completed questionnaires were analysed. Patients perceived that they received enough attention from staff, and they were able to voice their opinions, but their opinions were not taken into account. Patients denied the necessity and beneficence of S/ R. Women and older patients were more critical than men and younger patients regarding the use of restrictions. There were also statistically-significant differences in responses among patients at different hospitals. It is concluded that patients' opinions need more attention in treatment decisions. To achieve this, psychiatric treatment needs genuine dialogue between patients and staff, and individual care should have alternatives and no routine decisions. Therefore, the treatment culture must improve towards involving patients in treatment planning, and giving them a say when S/ R is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim was to evaluate whether contracted private practitioners assess required treatment more extensive, demanding and economically more rewarding than mainly salaried public sector dentists and to estimate the cost consequences of using these alternative providers. Methods All dental services included in comprehensive treatments funded by the city of Turku and provided to adult patients during the year 2009 were recorded. Patients were distributed randomly without any determination of treatment needs before appointing them to different dentists. Treatment courses for 7432 patients in public clinics included 63 906 procedures and for 2932 patients assigned to treatment by contracted private practitioners included 21 194 procedures. Public sector dentists were mainly salaried with production incentives, and private practitioners worked purely on a fee-for-service basis. The cost estimates were based on the distributions of competence classifications recorded by the providers, which also formed the basis for reimbursement. Results For each studied treatment category with more than one competence classification, private contractors were less likely than their public sector counterparts to give an assessment of simple or less demanding: 8% versus 29% of examinations, 46% versus 69% of periodontal treatments, 63% versus 85% of extractions, 31% versus 46% of fillings, 18% versus 35% of root canals. The excess cost to society varied from 7.0% for root canal treatments to 21.3% for extractions, causing on average 14.4% higher cost level from use of private practitioners compared with public sector dentists. Conclusions Private practitioners systematically classified the treatment procedures they provided as more demanding, and therefore more economically rewarding, than their public sector counterparts. The findings indicate that the costs of publicly funded dental care may be increased by the use of private dental contractors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]