Search

Summary: This systematic review with the Delphi study aimed to identify effective and resource‐efficient (optimal) strategies for recruiting schools into health promotion interventions in the United States. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL (EBSCO). A total of 116 interventions reported in 160 articles were included. Most school‐based interventions did not report data regarding school recruitment duration (81%), target school size (63%), and school recruitment strategies (78%). Further, no details were provided regarding the reasons for declining to participate despite being eligible. For the Delphi, responses from 23 researchers in school‐based clinical trials were collected. A qualitative descriptive approach was used for coding responses and collapsed into higher‐order categories based on school recruitment strategies. Delphi participants reported that (1) creating new or leveraging pre‐existing partnerships, (2) intervention champion, (3) minimal school disruptions, (4) working with open mind/flexibility, and (5) transparent communication are the most optimal school recruitment strategies. Staff time and travel were the most frequently reported costs for implementing those strategies. The overall trend in school‐based obesity prevention intervention studies illustrates the importance of a better understanding school recruitment. Improved reporting can allow researchers to budget their time and resources better and provide greater confidence in reaching their target school size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While extreme weather events are often localized, the potential effects on global forests can be far reaching due to the interconnected nature of forest product markets. To better understand these dynamics, this study leverages historical forest‐based wind damage data in the United States and applies this information as shocks within a global forest sector outlook model. A large, localized wind event modeled as a shock to the US South creates a one‐time increase of 18.7 million m3 from salvage harvest operations, equal to over 4% of national harvest. This crowds out traditional harvest activities, leading to downward pressure on prices in the short run, followed by a persistent effect that could take approximately 25 years to dissipate from markets. Average annual wind damage contributes downward pressure on roundwood prices between 1% and 4% in the United States, and this effect is distributed to other countries. The findings suggest that large, localized shocks reverberate across regions and wood product markets due to their interconnected supply chains and trade patterns, and these impacts have important temporal dynamics. Another key result is that the magnitude of these effects are offset by endogenous market reactions in other markets. In other words, unaffected regions change their harvesting patterns in order to compensate for changes in the availability of fiber, shedding light on the importance of capturing global channels as large shocks materialize in changes in market dynamics internationally. Monte Carlo simulations suggest a wide confidence band on salvage harvest rates and prices. Plain Language Summary: Extreme weather events can have significant impacts on global forests despite being localized, thanks to the interconnected nature of forest product markets. This study investigates this relationship by analyzing historical wind damage data from US forests. It finds that a major wind event in the US South led to a substantial increase in salvage harvest, equivalent to over 4% of the national harvest. This surge in harvest disrupted traditional activities, causing short‐term price drops and long‐lasting effects over about 25 years due to tree loss. Wind damage annually contributes to 1%–4% price decreases in US roundwood, affecting other countries too. The study emphasizes how such shocks ripple across regions and markets due to intertwined supply chains and trade patterns. It also highlights how unaffected regions adapt their harvesting to balance fiber availability, underscoring the importance of understanding global dynamics. Monte Carlo simulations reveal wide confidence bands on salvage harvest rates and prices, underlining the uncertainty surrounding these estimates. Key Points: Extreme weather events, while localized, but can have far reaching consequences on forests due to the interconnected wood product marketsThe effect of extreme weather events on wood product markets is mitigated through endogenous market reactions in other regions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Climate change is driving biogeographic change globally, including poleward range shifts of species and the increasing abundance of rare species. We examine spatiotemporal patterns in the occurrences of tropical, subtropical and rare marine fishes in Aotearoa New Zealand to determine whether biodiversity change is occurring in this temperate region and to set a baseline for future monitoring of climate change impacts. Location: Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Taxon: Marine fishes. Methods: We consolidated 100 years of unpublished records and citizen science sightings of tropical, subtropical and rare fishes to develop a focal species database for NZ. Using hotspot analysis, we identified geographic locations where the occurrence and diversity of focal species is greater than expected. We examine the spatiotemporal variation in hotspots by focal species lifestage, habitat and taxonomic family. Results: Focal species occurrences and diversity in NZ have increased. We present 17 new‐to‐NZ marine fish species, and a new‐to‐NZ family. Focal species now account for 6.5% of pelagic fishes and 17.3% of benthic fishes in NZ. The northeast of the North Island (Te Ika‐a‐Māui) was a consistent hotspot of focal species occurrences and diversity. Hotspots of mature and pelagic fish occurrences appeared further south than juvenile and benthic species occurrences. Families with tropical affinities (Labridae and Pomacentridae) were restricted to northeastern NZ whereas hotspots of families with temperate affinities (i.e. Cheilodactylidae) extended into the South Island (Te Waipounamu). Main Conclusions: Tropical, subtropical and rare fishes are a major component of the fish biodiversity in temperate NZ, and their occurrences and diversity has increased over the past half‐century. Northeastern NZ consistently has the highest occurrence rate and diversity of warmer‐water fishes. Our study demonstrates the value in consolidating citizen scientist observations to detect biodiversity change, and to inform current baselines and future monitoring of climate‐related biodiversity change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a cobalt‐catalyzed Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement of gem‐disubstituted allylarenes that generates fluoroalkane products with isolated yields up to 84 %. Modification of the counteranion of the N‐fluoropyridinium oxidant suggests the substrates undergo nucleophilic fluorination during the reaction. Subjecting the substrates to other known metal‐mediated hydrofluorination procedures did not lead to observable 1,2‐aryl migration. Thus, indicating the unique ability of these cobalt‐catalyzed conditions to generate a sufficiently reactive electrophilic intermediate capable of promoting this Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) declines during adolescence, particularly among girls. In this randomized control trial, we examined MVPA in a physical activity intervention compared to physical education (PE) class as usual (TAU), stratified by sex and weight classification. Standardized BMI (zBMI) overtime was also examined. METHODS: Hispanic‐American middle school students (N = 193) were recruited from a school district in Houston, Texas. Participants were randomized to either a circuit‐based physical activity intervention or TAU (PE class as usual). MVPA was assessed using accelerometry at baseline and 6 months. Repeated measures ANCOVA were conducted to examine changes in MVPA, overall and stratified by sex and weight classification. This procedure was repeated for zBMI. RESULTS: Participants were 12.10 ± 0.63 years old and 53% were girls. Overall those in intervention increased weekday MVPA more than TAU (F(1,190) = 7.03, p <.01). Intervention girls increased weekday MVPA; whereas TAU girls decreased weekday MVPA (F(1,99) = 7.36, p <.01). Among those with obesity, there was no difference in MVPA between conditions (F(1, 56) = 0.33, p =.57), but Intervention decreased zBMI significantly more than TAU (F(1, 56) = 6.16, p <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Structured PE classes grounded in behavioral theory may be an important strategy to prevent typical decreases in MVPA during adolescence, particularly among girls and for youth with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Early response to obesity intervention consistently predicts long‐term BMI reductions. However, little is known about how changes in weight at other times in an intervention may impact long‐term outcomes. This study examined the relationship between weight‐related changes that occurred early and later during an intervention and the association between these changes with overall outcomes. Methods: A secondary analysis of a school‐based obesity intervention with replicated efficacy among Hispanic middle school students was conducted (n = 174). Linear regression models were developed in which first and second semester changes in BMI represented as a percentage of the 95th BMI percentile (%BMIp95) were separately used to predict overall %BMIp95 outcomes. First semester changes in %BMIp95 were used to predict subsequent %BMIp95 change (i.e., second semester). Results: Changes in %BMIp95 during both the first and second semesters were independently associated with overall changes from baseline (e.g., at 24 months: first semester, β = 0.59, P < 0.01; second semester, β = 1.02, P < 0.001). First semester %BMIp95 change was not associated with second semester change (β = −0.07, P = 0.32). Conclusions: Change at any point during the intervention was predictive of overall weight outcomes. Additional research is needed to understand patterns of weight changes throughout interventions to better understand long‐term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To compare depressive symptomatology as assessed by two frequently used measures, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐1A) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9). Methods: Investigators conducted a cross‐sectional secondary analysis of data collected as part of the follow‐up observational phase of the Look AHEAD study. Rates of agreement between the BDI‐1A and PHQ‐9 were calculated, and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between differing depression category classifications and demographic factors (ie, age, sex, race/ethnicity) or comorbidities (ie, diabetes control, cardiovascular disease). Results: A high level of agreement (κ = 0.47, 95% CI (0.43 to 0.50)) was found in the level of depressive symptomatology between the BDI‐1A and PHQ‐9. Differing classifications (minimal, mild, moderate, and severe) occurred in 16.8% of the sample. Higher scores on the somatic subscale of the BDI‐1A were significantly associated with disagreement as were having a history of cardiovascular disease, lower health‐related quality of life, and minority racial/ethnic classification. Conclusions: Either the BDI‐1A or PHQ‐9 can be used to assess depressive symptomatology in adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, further assessment should be considered in those with related somatic symptoms, decreased quality of life, and in racial/ethnic minority populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Research shows that elementary students gain weight over the summer. It is unknown if these findings apply to Hispanic adolescents. We evaluated school and summer standardized body mass index (zBMI) changes in Hispanic middle school students. METHODS: Hispanic middle school students were randomly assigned to a weight management program (N = 230) or control condition (N = 195). Paired sample t‐tests compared zBMI change scores during the school year versus summer when not enrolled in a weight management program (eg, control group). We used 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variances to determine program group differences in zBMI scores across school versus summer periods separately for normal and overweight/obese students. RESULTS: In the control group, students' zBMI change scores decreased during the school year, but increased during summer for both normal weight and overweight/obese students. Program effects on zBMI indicated school year decreases and summer increases for both normal and overweight/obese students. However, zBMI scores did not differ by program status for normal weight students. Overweight/obese students in the program compared to the control group increased zBMI to a lesser extent over the summer. CONCLUSION: For all students, zBMI increased during the summer. A school‐based weight management program protected overweight/obese students against potentially greater summer weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem-based management of the Laurentian Great Lakes, which spans both the United States and Canada, is hampered by the lack of consistent binational watersheds for the entire Basin. Using comparable data sources and consistent methods, we developed spatially equivalent watershed boundaries for the binational extent of the Basin to create the Great Lakes Hydrography Dataset ( GLHD). The GLHD consists of 5,589 watersheds for the entire Basin, covering a total area of approximately 547,967 km2, or about twice the 247,003 km2 surface water area of the Great Lakes. The GLHD improves upon existing watershed efforts by delineating watersheds for the entire Basin using consistent methods; enhancing the precision of watershed delineation using recently developed flow direction grids that have been hydrologically enforced and vetted by provincial and federal water resource agencies; and increasing the accuracy of watershed boundaries by enforcing embayments, delineating watersheds on islands, and delineating watersheds for all tributaries draining to connecting channels. In addition, the GLHD is packaged in a publically available geodatabase that includes synthetic stream networks, reach catchments, watershed boundaries, a broad set of attribute data for each tributary, and metadata documenting methodology. The GLHD provides a common set of watersheds and associated hydrography data for the Basin that will enhance binational efforts to protect and restore the Great Lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Two common features of aging are increases in the number of chronic diseases and in the number of deficits in functional, behavioral, and clinical characteristics. Accordingly, indices of multimorbidity and deficit accumulation (i.e. frailty indices) have been promoted as clinical markers of biological aging. As such, it is to be expected that changes over time in these indices should be predictive of downstream changes in important functions, such as cognition. Method: We examined associations that 8‐year changes in 1) a multimorbidity index comprised of 9 chronic diseases (e.g. CHD, cancer, depression) and 2) a frailty index (FI) based on deficit accumulation in 38 functional, behavioral, and clinical characteristics had with subsequent standardized measures of cognitive function over 10 years. We drew data from the Look AHEAD clinical trial of a multidomain intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) in 3841 adults, aged 45‐76 years at baseline, who were at risk for accelerated biological aging due to overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and who underwent cognitive assessment. The domains of memory, attention, and executive function were assessed with validated instruments and combined to form a composite cognitive measure. Result: 1501 (39%) of the cohort had increases of one and 867 (23%) had increases of >2 chronic diseases. Older individuals, males, and non‐Hispanic Whites tended to be over‐represented among those with the greatest increase in multimorbidities. The 33%ile of the distribution of FI changes was ‐0.005 and the 67%ile was 0.048. Greater FI increases tended to occur among individuals who were older, non‐Hispanic White, heavier, and who had greater baseline multimorbidity. Changes in multimorbidity and FI were moderately correlated (r=0.25; p<0.001). As seen in the attached table, greater increases in both multimorbidity and FI were associated with subsequently worse levels of executive function, attention, and composite cognitive function (p<0.001). While assignment to ILI was associated with smaller increases in both indices of aging, this did not translate overall to better cognitive functioning. Conclusion: Accelerated aging, as captured by these geroscience‐informed indices, predicts subsequent poorer cognitive function. However, whether interventions generally targeting multimorbidity and FI reduce risks for cognitive impairment remains to be seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine seasonal variation in weight gain across elementary school (kindergarten-5th grade) among children who are healthy weight, overweight, or obese and from different racial and ethnic groups. Methods The sample included 7,599 ethnically diverse students ages 5-7 years at baseline (Caucasian: 21.1%, Black: 36.2%, Hispanic: 26.0%, Asian 16.7%). Heights and weights were measured by school nurses at the beginning and end of each school year from kindergarten through the beginning of 5th grade. Results Beginning the summer after 1st grade, all children demonstrated a pattern of standardized BMI (zBMI) increases during the summer (0.04 to 0.09) and zBMI decreases across the school years (−0.06 to 0.00; P < 0.0001). Hispanic children and children who were overweight and obese exhibited this pattern in kindergarten while children of other ethnicities and with a healthy weight did not ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions Beginning the summer after 1st grade, a consistent pattern of relative weight gain during the summer months (Δ in BMI percentile = 1.04) and weight loss during the school year (Δ in BMI percentile = −0.34) emerged. This pattern appeared earlier for children who were overweight, obese, or Hispanic. These findings suggest a need to better understand the causes of the problematic increases in weight during the summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School-based interventions are an effective way to treat childhood obesity. The purpose of the present study was to biologically validate an established school-based intervention designed to reduce standardised body mass index (zBMI) over a period of 12 months. This intervention focused on a subset of Mexican-American children who were participating in a larger clinical weight loss study. Plasma samples were analysed from self-identified Mexican-American children (12-14 years) who were randomised to either a school-based intervention (IN, n = 152) or self-help control (CN, n = 69). Treatment was 4 days week−1 of exercise (45 min day−1) and 1 day week−1 of nutritional counselling for 6 months. Fasting (>8 h) blood samples were collected at baseline, 6 months (end of active intervention) and 12 months (6 months after the end of the active intervention). Plasma resistin, adiponectin and leptin concentration were measured using a multiplex assay. Separate linear mixed models and a P < 0.05 were used to test for significance. Significant group × time interactions were found for resistin ( P < 0.0001), adiponectin ( P = 0.001) and leptin ( P = 0.013). For resistin, IN was 12% lower at 6 months than CN. Adiponectin concentration in IN was greater at 6 months (26%) and 12 months (8%) than CN. Leptin concentration was 22% lower for IN at 12 months than CN. We have previously reported that our school-based intervention reduced zBMI and now reported alterations in biologically relevant disease biomarkers. Some of the observed changes were only present at the end of the active intervention (resistin), while others persisted until 12 months (leptin and adiponectin). These changes underscore the effectiveness of our school-based intervention at not only improving zBMI but also at reducing disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND This study evaluated a school-based obesity intervention for elementary school children (N = 835) where health professionals assisted teachers with the integration of healthy messages into the school curriculum. METHODS Schools were randomized into a professional-facilitated intervention (PFI; N = 4) or a self-help (SH; N = 3) condition. Changes in weight-based outcomes were assessed in students enrolled in the second grade from all 7 schools (overall: N = 835 students; PFI: N = 509 students, SH: N = 326 students). Students were between ages 7 and 9 and from diverse ethnic backgrounds (Asian = 25.3%, Black = 23.3%, Hispanic = 23.1%, White = 28.3%). The sample included 321 overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 85th percentile), 477 normal-weight (BMI ≥ 5th percentile and <85th percentile), and 37 underweight (BMI < 5th percentile) students. RESULTS After 2 years, children who were overweight/obese in the PFI condition significantly reduced their standardized BMI (zBMI) compared to children in the SH condition (Wald χ2 = 28.7, p < .001). End-of-year grades decreased for overweight/obese students in both conditions; however, students in the PFI exhibited a smaller decrease in grades compared to the SH condition (Wald χ2 = 80.3, p < .001). CONCLUSION The results indicate that an obesity prevention program where health professionals assist teachers by integrating healthy messages into existing curriculum was effective in reducing zBMI compared to the SH condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that renewable sources of energy generation, such as wind is seen as better alternatives to fossil fuels for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It also examines the potential of nuclear power as an alternative energy source. It states that carbon tax in Alberta clearly leads to increase reliance on lower carbon dioxide-emitting sources of energy for generating electricity.

Abstract: Gum chewing has been shown to improve cognitive performance in adults; however, gum chewing has not been evaluated in children. This study examined the effects of gum chewing on standardized test scores and class grades of eighth grade math students. Math classes were randomized to a gum chewing (GC) condition that provided students with gum during class and testing, or a control condition with no gum (NGC). Participants included 108 students. The math sections of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) and the Woodcock Johnson III Tests of Achievement (WJ-III), and math class grades were used to assess academic performance. Students in the gum chewing condition improved standardized test scores and maintained higher grades in math class compared to those in the no-gum chewing condition. These results are encouraging as gum chewing may be a cost-effective and easily implemented method to increase student performance. Trial Registration: NCT00792116. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Moore, Richard B., Craig M. Johnston, Richard A. Smith, and Bryan Milstead, 2011. Source and Delivery of Nutrients to Receiving Waters in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic Regions of the United States. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 47(5):965-990. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00582.x Abstract: This study investigates nutrient sources and transport to receiving waters, in order to provide spatially detailed information to aid water-resources managers concerned with eutrophication and nutrient management strategies. SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) nutrient models were developed for the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic (NE US) regions of the United States to represent source conditions for the year 2002. The model developed to examine the source and delivery of nitrogen to the estuaries of nine large rivers along the NE US Seaboard indicated that agricultural sources contribute the largest percentage (37%) of the total nitrogen load delivered to the estuaries. Point sources account for 28% while atmospheric deposition accounts for 20%. A second SPARROW model was used to examine the sources and delivery of phosphorus to lakes and reservoirs throughout the NE US. The greatest attenuation of phosphorus occurred in lakes that were large relative to the size of their watershed. Model results show that, within the NE US, aquatic decay of nutrients is quite limited on an annual basis and that we especially cannot rely on natural attenuation to remove nutrients within the larger rivers nor within lakes with large watersheds relative to the size of the lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The purpose of the current study was to develop a psychometrically sound, parent-report measure of family and child behaviors related to obesity in children between 5- and 12-years-old. Methods. Item generation, item selection, and initial exploratory factor analysis yielded a 27-item measure called the Family Health Behavior Scale (FHBS). Results. The FHBS contains four subscales measuring health-promoting family behaviors, obesogenic behaviors, meal-time routines, and family physical activity habits. Parent ratings on the FHBS were shown to predict their child's weight classification. The FHBS also demonstrated adequate internal consistency and temporal stability. Conclusions. The results of the study suggest that the FHBS is a promising measure of family eating and physical activity habits related to obesity in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of childhood overweight has increased significantly, with the highest rates noted among Mexican Americans. Many negative health outcomes are associated with overweight; thus, there is a need for effective weight-loss interventions tailored to this group. This study evaluated 24-month outcomes of a randomized, controlled trial involving an intensive lifestyle-based weight maintenance program targeting overweight Mexican-American children at a charter school in Houston, Texas. A total of 60 children (33 males, 55%) between the ages of 10 and 14 at or >85th percentile for BMI were recruited. Participants were randomized to an instructor-led intervention (ILI) or a self-help (SH) program, both aimed at modifying eating and physical activity behaviors using behavior modification strategies. Changes in participants' standardized BMI (zBMI) were assessed at baseline, 1, and 2 years. Tricep skinfold, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and calculated low-density lipoprotein were assessed at baseline and 1 year. ILI participants showed significantly greater decreases in zBMI at 1 and 2 years (F = 26.8, P < 0.001, F = 4.1, P < 0.05, respectively) compared to SH controls. ILI participants showed greater improvements in body composition, as measured by tricep skinfold (F = 9.75, P < 0.01). Children in the ILI condition experienced benefits with respect to total cholesterol (F = 7.19, P < 0.05) and triglycerides (F = 4.35, P < 0.05) compared to children in the SH condition. Overall, the school-based intervention resulted in improved weight and clinical outcomes in overweight Mexican-American children, and zBMI was maintained over 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses findings of a study, which evaluated quality of life (QOL) in at-risk-for-overweight and overweight Mexican-American children after participating on intensive weight management or self-help programs. Aside from being a precursor for adult obesity and disease, overweight status is linked with significant physical and psychosocial health consequences in childhood and adolescence.

Objective. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of body weight on blood lipid profile, insulin resistance and inflammatory biomarkers in Mexican-American children. Methods. Children (13.3±0.1 year) were recruited from a local school and assigned to one of three groups as a volunteer sample: healthy weight (HW) (≥10th and <85th BMI percentile; n = 42), at risk of overweight (RO) (≥85th and <95th; n = 25) or overweight (OW) (≥95th; n = 42). Plasma concentrations of hsCRP, sCD14, sIL-6R, sTNF-αR1, sTNF-αR2, IL-6 and TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Results. OW children had significantly greater plasma concentrations of hsCRP (P = 0.003), sCD14 (P = 0.013), sIL-6R (P = 0.010), sTNF-αR1 (P < 0.001), sTNF-αR2 (P = 0.005), insulin (P = 0.001), TC:HDL ratio (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P < 0.001) than HW children. Also plasma concentrations of hsCRP, sIL-6R and sTNF-αR1 were significantly greater in OW compared with RO children. Conclusion. Overweight Mexican-American children had a higher concentration of inflammatory biomarkers than healthy weight children. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that sCD14 is elevated in overweight compared with healthy weight Mexican-American children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood overweight has increased significantly in the past 20 years, with the highest rates noted among Mexican Americans. Schools are an optimal setting for intervention efforts; however, few programs have demonstrated actual decreases in weight. This study evaluated an intensive school-based program designed to result in weight reduction for overweight Mexican American children. A total of 71 children (32 males, 48%) between the ages of 10 and 14 at or above the 85th percentile for body mass index (BMI) were randomized into a six-month intensive intervention (II) or self-help (SH) condition. Results revealed that children in the II condition significantly reduced their standardized BMI (zBMI) when compared with the children in the self-help condition (F (2,62) =6.58, p =0.003). The change in zBMI was significantly different at both 3 and 6 months (F (1,63) =5.74, p =0.019, F (1,63) =12.61, p =0.001, respectively) with II participants showing greater decreases in weight. The 3-month change in zBMI for the II participants was a decrease of 0.07 compared with a decrease of 0.01 for SH participants. The 6-month change in zBMI was a decrease of 0.11 for II and an increase of 0.03 for SH. Overall, the results are promising, suggesting that an intensive school-based intervention may be an effective means for promoting weight loss in overweight Mexican American children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much recent attention has focused on the fitness to practise of health professionals. Patients expect their care to be provided by therapeutic staff who can give support and guidance without unhelpful subjective influence. On the other hand, those recovered from health problems expect their employment prospects to be free of discrimination. Eating disorder services increasingly encourage patient and public involvement in service design and monitoring but reservations are sometimes expressed about employing staff who have themselves suffered with an eating disorder. This survey canvassed the views of patients, carers and professionals on the suitability of employing people with a history of an eating disorder as therapists in the same field. With some reservations (mainly from professionals), there was a widespread belief that those who had recovered would have therapeutic advantages as a result of their experience. Therapists with a current eating disorder, however, were thought to lack objectivity and to be vulnerable. Current UK policies on employment appear unnecessarily discriminatory and stigmatizing. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that the routine measurement of treatment outcomes is a neglected area of clinical practice within mental health care settings. Still it is not clear to what extent such findings apply to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). A cross-sectional survey of UK CAMHS revealed that although quantitative clinical measures are commonly used within these services, there is little uniformity in the instruments utilised, and they rarely inform a system of routine outcome measurement. However, in general, respondents did not have a philosophical or scientific objection to the practice of routinely measuring outcomes, but rather felt that they lacked the necessary resources to facilitate such initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near…︁far…︁wherever you are! Two chiral residues at the N‐terminus of a helical foldamer are sufficient to induce a significant helical screw‐sense preference. The capacity of this helix to transmit stereochemical information is exemplified by highly stereoselective transformations conducted over nanometer distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Efficacious school‐based interventions among ethnic minority youth are often intensive and difficult to disseminate. Objective: This parallel, open‐label‐randomized controlled trial aimed to compare changes in adolescent‐standardized body mass index (zBMI) from a school‐based obesity intervention given 0, 1, 3, or 5 days a week. Methods: Mexican‐American youth (n = 243) with overweight or obesity were recruited from a Houston school district and randomized to receive an obesity intervention with established efficacy 0 (control), 1, 3, or 5 d/wk (respectively, equating to 0, 40, 120, or 200 min of contact each week). In each condition, 80% of intervention time was allocated to physical activity and 20% to nutrition, with behavioural modification overlaid throughout. zBMI was calculated from directly measured height and weight. A linear mixed model evaluated differences in zBMI over time between conditions. Results: Participants were 12.02 ± 0.57 years old with a zBMI of 1.80 ± 0.46 at baseline. Among those with complete data at 1 year (n = 203), a significant condition by time interaction was indicated (F = 9.42, P <.001). Those who received the intervention 3 or 5 d/wk had significantly greater decreases in zBMI than control (respectively, −0.19 zBMI units/y; 95% CI, −0.28 to −0.11; and −0.18 zBMI units/y; 95% CI, −0.27 to −0.10, both P <.001). No differences were found between 3 and 5 d/wk (95% CI, −0.09‐0.08, P =.87). Conclusions: The intervention provided 3 d/wk resulted in similar zBMI improvements as the intervention provided 5 d/wk. This information can be used to develop scalable school‐based obesity interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented concerning the two very short-tailed Jack Russell terrier puppies.

Abstract: The indanes are enantioselectively obtained as single diastereoisomers by a kinetically unfavorable 5‐endo‐trig cyclization, a rare mode of reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 11 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to assess change in weight over time for children participating in a school-based weight management program. A total of 47 participants between the ages of 10 and 14 who exceeded the 85th percentile for BMI were randomized into an intensive intervention (II) or a self-help (SH) condition. II (n= 31) received education in nutrition and lifestyle change techniques once weekly and instruction in physical activity 4 times weekly. This phase of the intervention lasted for 12 weeks with 9 months of maintenance. All classes were led by program staff. SH (n=16) received a book that focused on nutrition, lifestyle change techniques, and physical activity. There were 12 lessons and maintenance sessions were led by parents. A repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted using BMI standardized for age and gender (zBMI) at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months as the dependent variables. Results indicated that children in 11 significantly reduced their zBMI compared to those in SH (F (3,38) = 8.98, p < .001). Post-hoc tests revealed significant changes between II and SH at each time interval (p < .05). Results are promising and suggest that an extended school day program may be an effective means for promoting weight loss in Mexican American adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to determine which Mexican American children benefited most from an obesity prevention program. Data used were taken from a larger randomized clinical trial in which participants received either an intensive (IP) or a self-help (SH) program for preventing the onset of adult obesity. Children in IP lost significantly more weight than those in SH. This study used children from the IP (n = 106) condition only. Children aged 10 to 14 years were classified according to weight status (normal (N), n = 35; at risk of overweight (ARO), n = 21; overweight (O), n = 50). N children showed no change in body mass index standardized for age and gender (zbmi; t = .85, p < .001 at 12 months) and little change in weight status over time (>97% remained N). ARO and O children, however, showed significant changes in zbmi (t = .54, p < .01; t = .81, p < .001, respectively) and weight status from baseline to 12- months (48% of ARO changed to N and 10% of O changed to ARO). The decrease in zbmi for ARO children was significantly greater than that of the O children (F = 4.8, p < .05) indicating intervention may be most effective for ARO children. We concluded that it is important to understand differences in how prevention programs benefit participants from various weight classifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]