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Understanding how animals respond to fire is crucial for conservation efforts in fire‐prone regions across the world. How fire affects animal movement is of particular interest, as it determines access to resources, exposure to risks, and connectivity of populations. We report on observations of the movement patterns and habitat selection of two northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus, an endangered marsupial predator), one male and one female, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. We employed GPS tracking and integrated step selection functions to analyse habitat preferences in relation to fire, and used accelerometry data to assess the energetic costs of using burnt areas. The male northern quoll avoided recently burnt areas, likely due to increased energetic demands and predation risks during the breeding season. In contrast, the female northern quoll neither avoided nor preferred burnt areas, but showed a preference for rocky areas. The female appeared to move through burnt areas to access suitable breeding habitat. The movement patterns observed in the two individuals might reflect a broader pattern of sex‐specific responses to fire, but further research is required to confirm how general the pattern is. Our observations indicate that fire can influence northern quoll movement, with female dependence on rocky areas increasing use of suboptimal habitats, and male avoidance of burnt areas raising potential implications for breeding dispersal and population dynamics. Given the expected increases in fire size and frequency, further research on northern quoll responses to fire in the Pilbara is needed to determine if the pattern we observed is consistent across the broader population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the role of red wine in the promotion of beneficial gut microbiota and its influence on obesity and its relevance for public health. Highlights include whether consumption of different types and amounts of alcohol was related to gut microbiota alpha-diversity, the association of red wine consumption in a frequency-dependent manner with individual gut microbiota diversity, and the impact of polyphenols on the gut microbiota community.

The profile and trajectory of cognitive impairment in mitochondrial disease are poorly defined. This systematic review sought to evaluate the current literature on cognition in mitochondrial disease, and to determine future research directions. A systematic review was conducted, employing PubMed, Medline, Psycinfo, Embase and Web of Science, and 360‐degree citation methods. English language papers on adult patients were included. The literature search yielded 2421 articles, of which 167 met inclusion criteria. Case reports and reviews of medical reports of patients yielded broad diagnoses of dementia, cognitive impairment and cognitive decline. In contrast, systematic investigations of cognitive functioning using detailed cognitive batteries identified focal cognitive rather than global deficits. Results were variable, but included visuospatial functioning, memory, attention, processing speed and executive functions. Conclusions from studies have been hampered by small sample sizes, variation in genotype and the breadth and depth of assessments undertaken. Comprehensive cognitive research with concurrent functional neuroimaging and physical correlates of mitochondrial disease in larger samples of well‐characterized patients may discern the aetiology and progression of cognitive deficits. These data provide insights into the pattern and trajectory of cognitive impairments, which are invaluable for clinical monitoring, health planning and clinical trial readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes how the physical activity guidelines by British chief medical officers have changed from 2011 to 2019. Topics mentioned include evidence of the plethora of health benefits for regular physical activity for all age groups of all abilities, wider personal benefits of physical activity for an individual, and the risks of inactivity and sedentary behaviour for health.

The article offers information on the inadequate sleep is an important risk factor for obesity and cardiometabolic disease. It mentions sleep plays a fundamental role in physiological and psychological functioning, including cognitive performance, metabolism, appetite regulation, immune function and hormone regulation; and also mentions the long-term effect of sleep duration on obesity risk in adults has been examined in several systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

The article focuses on the topic of oral health in children, discussing the habit of snacks eating and tooth brushing for the prevention of tooth decay. It reports that tooth decay causes pain which further led to the removal of the decayed teeth, informing that oral health plays and important role in the overall health of a child. The dental disease can affect the quality of life and learning ability of the children. Healthy snacking and brushing habit can improve the oral health.

Abstract: Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is a widely‐accepted solution to the challenge of chronic homelessness. While housing support and retention, physical health, and healthcare continue to be important for formerly homeless persons in PSH, “higher‐order” and humanistic needs such as thriving have received less attention and as a result are less well understood in this population. One important indicator of thriving is the ability to establish and articulate life goals. This study utilizes longitudinal data from 421 formerly homeless adults prior to their move into PSH, and at 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐months after move‐in (369 respondents completed all four interviews), to examine what life goals are articulated by this population and how those goals change over time. Prior to housing, most respondents articulated housing attainment as their primary life goal, whereas at follow‐up interviews health goals, housing relocation, and financial goals became more prevalent. Aspirational goals (e.g., independence, self‐improvement, artistic pursuits) were also common, but demonstrated a decrease over time in housing. Relationship goals remained common and consistent over time. Findings indicate that housing is a necessary, but perhaps not sufficient, step for improving thriving among formerly homeless adults. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study related to evidence base for evaluating the role of turmeric in preventing cancer. Topics discussed include turmeric as a member of the ginger family originating from South or South-East Asia such as Vietnam and India, lower rates of cancer in India related to other dietary and lifestyle factors featuring higher spice intake not particularly turmeric and use of turmeric as a preventive means for treatment for cancer as unsupported by science.

Introduction Ready-to-eat meals sold by food outlets that are accessible to the general public are an important target for public health intervention. We conducted a systematic review to assess the impact of such interventions. Methods Studies of any design and duration that included any consumer-level or food-outlet-level before-and-after data were included. Results Thirty studies describing 34 interventions were categorized by type and coded against the Nuffield intervention ladder: restrict choice = trans fat law ( n = 1), changing pre-packed children's meal content ( n = 1) and food outlet award schemes ( n = 2); guide choice = price increases for unhealthier choices ( n = 1), incentive (contingent reward) ( n = 1) and price decreases for healthier choices ( n = 2); enable choice = signposting (highlighting healthier/unhealthier options) ( n = 10) and telemarketing (offering support for the provision of healthier options to businesses via telephone) ( n = 2); and provide information = calorie labelling law ( n = 12), voluntary nutrient labelling ( n = 1) and personalized receipts ( n = 1). Most interventions were aimed at adults in US fast food chains and assessed customer-level outcomes. More 'intrusive' interventions that restricted or guided choice generally showed a positive impact on food-outlet-level and customer-level outcomes. However, interventions that simply provided information or enabled choice had a negligible impact. Conclusion Interventions to promote healthier ready-to-eat meals sold by food outlets should restrict choice or guide choice through incentives/disincentives. Public health policies and practice that simply involve providing information are unlikely to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia presents with a number of phenotypes. Reported prevalence rates vary considerably; well-characterized cohorts are important to our understanding of this disorder. Aim To perform a nationwide epidemiological study of adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia in the Republic of Ireland. Methods Patients with adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia were recruited from multiple sources. Diagnosis was based on assessment by a neurologist with an expertise in movement disorders. When consent was obtained, a number of clinical features including family history were assessed. Results On the prevalence date there were 592 individuals in Ireland with adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia, a point prevalence of 17.8 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval 16.4−19.2). Phenotype numbers were cervical dystonia 410 (69.2%), blepharospasm 102 (17.2%), focal hand dystonia 39 (6.6%), spasmodic dysphonia 18 (3.0%), musician's dystonia 17 (2.9%) and oromandibular dystonia six (1.0%). Sixty-two (16.5%) of 375 consenting index cases had a relative with clinically confirmed adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia (18 multiplex and 24 duplex families). Marked variations in the proportions of patients with tremor, segmental spread, sensory tricks, pain and psychiatric symptoms by phenotype were documented. Conclusions The prevalence of adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia in Ireland is higher than that recorded in many similar service-based epidemiological studies but is still likely to be an underestimate. The low proportion of individuals with blepharospasm may reflect reduced environmental exposure to sunlight in Ireland. This study will serve as a resource for international comparative studies of environmental and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of the disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This prospective longitudinal study aims to determine the risk factors of wandering-related adverse consequences in community-dwelling persons with mild dementia. These adverse consequences include negative outcomes of wandering (falls, fractures, and injuries) and eloping behavior.Methods: We recruited 143 dyads of persons with mild dementia and their caregivers from a veteran's hospital and memory clinic in Florida. Wandering-related adverse consequences were measured using the Revised Algase Wandering Scale - Community Version. Variables such as personality (Big Five Inventory), behavioral response to stress, gait, and balance (Tinetti Gait and Balance), wayfinding ability (Wayfinding Effectiveness Scale), and neurocognitive abilities (attention, cognition, memory, language/verbal skills, and executive functioning) were also measured. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the predictors of these wandering-related adverse consequences.Results: A total of 49% of the study participants had falls, fractures, and injuries due to wandering behavior, and 43.7% demonstrated eloping behaviors. Persistent walking (OR = 2.6) and poor gait (OR = 0.9) were significant predictors of negative outcomes of wandering, while persistent walking (OR = 13.2) and passivity (OR = 2.55) predicted eloping behavior. However, there were no correlations between wandering-related adverse consequences and participants' characteristics (age, gender, race, ethnicity, and education), health status (Charlson comorbidity index), or neurocognitive abilities.Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of identifying at-risk individuals so that effective interventions can be developed to reduce or prevent the adverse consequences of wandering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of a conference on new perspectives on first foods, complementary feeding and obesity hosted by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) on April 28, 2015 in London, England. Speakers including Prof. Marion Hetherington, Dr. Lucy Chambers and Prof. Sian Robinson focused on national and European research on complementary feeding and considered the role of public health initiatives, health professionals and parents in preventing obesity during early life.

Sugar-sweetened beverage ( SSB) consumption is associated with adverse health outcomes. Improved understanding of the determinants will inform effective interventions to reduce SSB consumption. A total of 46,876 papers were identified through searching eight electronic databases. Evidence from intervention ( n = 13), prospective ( n = 6) and cross-sectional ( n = 25) studies on correlates/determinants of SSB consumption was quality assessed and synthesized. Twelve correlates/determinants were associated with higher SSB consumption (child's preference for SSBs, TV viewing/screen time and snack consumption; parents' lower socioeconomic status, lower age, SSB consumption, formula milk feeding, early introduction of solids, using food as rewards, parental-perceived barriers, attending out-of-home care and living near a fast food/convenience store). Five correlates/determinants were associated with lower SSB consumption (parental positive modelling, parents' married/co-habiting, school nutrition policy, staff skills and supermarket nearby). There was equivocal evidence for child's age and knowledge, parental knowledge, skills, rules/restrictions and home SSB availability. Eight intervention studies targeted multi-level (child, parents, childcare/preschool setting) determinants; four were effective. Four intervention studies targeted parental determinants; two were effective. One (effective) intervention targeted the preschool environment. There is consistent evidence to support potentially modifiable correlates/determinants of SSB consumption in young children acting at parental (modelling), child ( TV viewing) and environmental (school policy) levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK's eatwell plate is a visual representation of the types and proportions of foods needed for a healthy, balanced diet. The Department of Health states that it can be gradually applied from the age of 2 years and applied in full from 5 years. However, there are currently no widely available specific food-based models for 1-3 year-olds (toddlers). The British Nutrition Foundation, with advice from an expert group, reviewed current dietary guidelines in the UK for 1-3 year-olds in order to develop a visual food-based resource depicting the main messages around healthy eating for toddlers. This article provides a summary of the development of this resource, which was produced to help parents, carers, health professionals and early years providers to understand and communicate the basics of healthy eating for this age group and consider other issues such as suitable snacking, healthy hydration, suitable portion sizes and advice regarding supplementation. It is hoped that this resource will help toddlers to establish good dietary habits that will persist into later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Although Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by typical motor manifestations, non-motor symptoms (NMS) are an outstanding part of the disease. At present, several specific instruments for assessment of NMS are available. The objective of our study was to determine the performance of the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS): Part I - Non-Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living (nM-EDL) compared with the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). Methods To this purpose, 434 consecutive patients with PD were included in an international, observational, cross-sectional study. The association between scores of both scales was determined by the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Equations for transformation of total score of a scale to the other were constructed from weighted regression models and both, transformed and observed score, contrasted by means of the Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient ( LCCC) and Bland-Altman plot. Results As a whole, the prevalence of the NMS according to each scale was quite similar, and most of the correlations between their corresponding components were high ( rS > 0.60). The total score correlation of the MDS-UPDRS Part I with the NMSS was high ( rS = 0.81). Concerning the transformed scores, estimated scores only partially approach the observed ones (sharing about 60-64% of the variance) because residual variance increased with increasing magnitudes of the scores, i.e. the most severe patients (Bland-Altman plot; LCCC < 0.60 for severe patients). Conclusions (i) MDS-UPDRS Part I ( nM-EDL) and NMSS showed a strong convergent validity; (ii) however, transformed scores using the equations from weighted regression models showed that for patients with the most severe NMS they are not concordant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the many challenges of translational medicine is working with research participants to donate biospecimens through an ethical informed consent framework. The increasingly complex ethical and regulatory differences across jurisdictions translates into limitations on use and potential value of biological specimens and their associated data in clinical research. We introduce a call to action for more uniform global standards for collection of biological specimen informed consent data to enable greater advancements in medical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose The Movement Disorder Society sponsored version of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale ( MDS-UPDRS) is a comprehensive instrument for assessing Parkinson's disease ( PD). The present study was aimed at determining the relationships between MDS-UPDRS components and health-related quality of life ( HRQo L) evaluations in PD patients. Methods An international, multicenter, cross-sectional study was carried out of 435 PD patients assessed with the MDS-UPDRS, Hoehn and Yahr (HY), Clinical Impression Severity for PD, EQ-5 D and PD Questionnaire − eight items ( PDQ-8). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression models (dependent variables EQ-5 D and PDQ-8) were performed. Results The participants' age was 66.71 ± 10.32 years (51.5% men). PD duration was 8.52 ± 6.14, and median HY was 2 (range 1-5). The correlation between the EQ-5 D index and the MDS-UPDRS ranged from −0.46 (Part IV) to −0.72 (Part II) and for the PDQ-8 index from 0.47 (Part III) to 0.74 (Part II). In multiple regression models with the MDS-UPDRS domains as independent variables, the main determinant for both the EQ-5 D index and the PDQ-8 was Part II followed by Part I. After factorial grouping of the cardinal PD manifestations embedded in the MDS-UPDRS Parts III and IV for inclusion into multiple regression models, a factor formed by M-EDL, n M- EDL and fluctuations was the main determinant for both the EQ-5 D and PDQ-8 indexes. Conclusions The MDS- UPDRS component most tightly related with the HRQo L measures was a combination of motor and non-motor experiences of daily living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Accurate, reliable and feasible methods of dietary intake and physical activity assessment are required to improve our understanding of the associations between energy balance-related behaviours and health. Methods The Synchronised Nutrition and Activity Program ( SNAP™) was developed to enhance recall in children by integrating new and established methods of dietary intake and physical activity recall. A list of commonly consumed foods ( n = 40), drinks ( n = 9) and physical activities ( n = 29) was used in SNAP™. All foods and drinks were analysed by count (i.e. the number of times a particular food was selected), as a proxy indicator of dietary behaviours. All reported physical activities were assigned an intensity code [in metabolic equivalents (METs)] to determine minutes of moderate-vigorous activity ( MVPA; ≥3 METs). Results Most participants completed a whole day's recall (both dietary intake and physical activities) in less than 25 min. SNAP™ was compared against 24-h multiple pass questionnaire and accelerometry in 121 children (aged 7-15 years old). For dietary variables, the accuracy of SNAP™ (mean difference) was within ±1 count for the majority of food groups. The proportion of the sample with a between-method agreement within ±1 count ranged from 0.40 to 0.99. For MVPA, there was no substantial fixed or proportional bias, with a mean difference between methods ( SNAP™ - accelerometry) of −9 min of MVPA. Qualitatively, participants have indicated that they find SNAP™ easy and fun to use. Conclusions SNAP™ was developed to be a simple, quick and engaging method of assessing energy balance-related behaviours at a group or population level and succeeded because it can collect a whole day's recall (dietary intake and physical activities) in less than 25 min to a reasonable and acceptable degree of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Accurate, reliable and feasible methods of dietary intake and physical activity assessment are required to improve our understanding of the associations between energy balance-related behaviours and health. Methods The Synchronised Nutrition and Activity Program ( SNAP™) was developed to enhance recall in children by integrating new and established methods of dietary intake and physical activity recall. A list of commonly consumed foods ( n = 40), drinks ( n = 9) and physical activities ( n = 29) was used in SNAP™. All foods and drinks were analysed by count (i.e. the number of times a particular food was selected), as a proxy indicator of dietary behaviours. All reported physical activities were assigned an intensity code [in metabolic equivalents (METs)] to determine minutes of moderate-vigorous activity ( MVPA; ≥3 METs). Results Most participants completed a whole day's recall (both dietary intake and physical activities) in less than 25 min. SNAP™ was compared against 24-h multiple pass questionnaire and accelerometry in 121 children (aged 7-15 years old). For dietary variables, the accuracy of SNAP™ (mean difference) was within ±1 count for the majority of food groups. The proportion of the sample with a between-method agreement within ±1 count ranged from 0.40 to 0.99. For MVPA, there was no substantial fixed or proportional bias, with a mean difference between methods ( SNAP™ - accelerometry) of −9 min of MVPA. Qualitatively, participants have indicated that they find SNAP™ easy and fun to use. Conclusions SNAP™ was developed to be a simple, quick and engaging method of assessing energy balance-related behaviours at a group or population level and succeeded because it can collect a whole day's recall (dietary intake and physical activities) in less than 25 min to a reasonable and acceptable degree of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euro FIR ( European Food Information Resource) Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif ( AISBL) is an international non-profit association to ensure sustained advocacy for food information in Europe. This article describes the importance of providing up-to-date food composition data and summarises the history of Euro FIR from its inception to its end (2005-2010), including the British Nutrition Foundation's involvement in the project. Also highlighted are the main EU projects that Euro FIR is/has been involved in, along with the many benefits that EuroFIR continues to offer its members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is essential for health and vital for all bodily functions. If water losses are not replaced then dehydration can occur and even mild dehydration is associated with negative effects on health including impaired cognitive function. Studies in schoolchildren have found that many are arriving at school with a hydration deficit and, once they arrive, they are not drinking enough fluid throughout the day to maintain adequate hydration levels, thus potentially affecting their performance at school. Therefore, there is a need to highlight the importance of adequate hydration among schoolchildren. However, there is often confusion among parents, carers, health professionals and teachers about how much fluid children need to drink, as well as what drinks are most appropriate. This article provides a summary of the development of the Healthy hydration guide for children that was produced to help parents, carers, health professionals and teachers, and indeed children themselves, to choose a healthy balance of drinks to ensure optimal performance and health. It is hoped this resource will help children aged 4-13 years to establish healthy drinking behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of obesity continues to rise, with over one quarter of the UK adult population in 2010 being classified as obese. Obesity has a severe impact on health and is associated with an array of serious health conditions. Physical inactivity is another major contributor to the global burden of disease and is also associated with a range of negative health outcomes. Research suggests that maintaining or improving fitness through physical activity is associated with a lower risk of developing obesity-related conditions regardless of weight change. Therefore, healthcare professionals should place an emphasis on advising their patients to increase their physical activity levels to meet UK guidelines, as well as on eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy bodyweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The aim of this comprehensive systematic review was to identify the most effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies, underpinning preschool- and school-based interventions aimed at preventing obesity in 4-6-year-olds. Searching was conducted from April 1995 to April 2010 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library. Epidemiological studies relevant to the research question with controlled assignment of participants were included in the review, if they had follow-up periods of 6 months or longer. Outcomes included markers of weight gain; markers of body composition; physical activity behaviour changes and dietary behaviour changes. Twelve studies were included in the review. The most commonly used model was social cognitive theory (SCT)/social learning theory (SLT) either as a single model or in combination with other behavioural models. Studies that used SCT/SLT in the development of the intervention had significant favourable changes in one, or more, outcome measures. In addition, interventions that (i) combined high levels of parental involvement and interactive school-based learning; (ii) targeted physical activity and dietary change; and (iii) included long-term follow-up, appeared most effective. It is suggested that interventions should also be focused on developing children's (and parents') perceived competence at making dietary and physical changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The ToyBox intervention was developed using an evidence-based approach, using the findings of four reviews. These reviews included three critical and narrative reviews of educational strategies and psychological approaches explaining young children's acquisition and formation of energy-balance related behaviours, and the management of these behaviours, and also a systematic review of behavioural models underpinning school-based interventions in preschool and school settings for the prevention of obesity in children aged 4-6 years. This paper summarises and translates the findings from these reviews into practical evidence based recommendations for researchers and policy-makers to consider when developing and implementing interventions for the prevention of overweight and obesity in young (aged 4-6 years) children. The recommendations focus on two behaviours, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and healthy eating, and include general recommendations, intervention approaches, interventions content, and simple messages. The review also briefly examines the role that the commercial sector plays in hindering or facilitating attempts to create healthy food environments for children. This paper also recognises that childhood obesity is not an issue for the education sector alone; it needs to be tackled at a multi sectoral level, recognizing the particularly important role of local governments, nongovernment organizations and the media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The aim of this narrative review is critically to evaluate educational strategies promoting physical activity that are used in the preschool setting in the context of obesity prevention programmes. Literature search was conducted between April and August 2010 in English and German databases (PubMED, PsychINFO, PSYNDEX, ERIC, FIS Bildung). Outcomes considered were time and intensity of physical activity, motor skills or measures of body composition. A total of 19 studies were included. Ten studies added physical activity lessons into their curriculum, one study provided more time for free play, eight studies focused on the social and play environment. Studies reporting positive outcomes implemented physical activity sessions that lasted at least 30 min d−1. Several studies showed that children are most active in the first 10-15 min. The existence or installation of playground markings or fixed play equipment had no effect, whereas the presence or addition of portable play equipment was positively correlated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Teacher training may be a key element for successful interventions. To overcome time constraints, a suggested solution is to integrate physical activity into daily routines and other areas of the preschool curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Strategies to reduce risk of obesity by influencing preschool children's eating behaviour are reviewed. The studies are placed in the context of relevant psychological processes, including inherited and acquired preferences, and behavioural traits, such as food neophobia, 'enjoyment of food' and 'satiety responsiveness'. These are important influences on how children respond to feeding practices, as well as predictors of obesity risk. Nevertheless, in young children, food environment and experience are especially important for establishing eating habits and food preferences. Providing information to parents, or to children, on healthy feeding is insufficient. Acceptance of healthy foods can be encouraged by five to ten repeated tastes. Recent evidence suggests rewarding healthy eating can be successful, even for verbal praise alone, but that palatable foods should not be used as rewards for eating. Intake of healthier foods can be promoted by increasing portion size, especially in the beginning of the meal. Parental strategies of pressuring to eat and restriction do not appear to be causally linked to obesity, but are instead primarily responses to children's eating tendencies and weight. Moderate rather than frequent restriction may improve healthy eating in children. Actively positive social modelling by adults and peers can be effective in encouraging healthier eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although deep venous insufficiency is common and important, the anatomy of deep vein valves is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the location, number and consistency of venous valves in the femoral and popliteal veins in normal subjects. A detailed literature search of PubMed was performed. Abstracts and selected full text articles were scrutinised and relevant studies published between 1949 and 2010 reporting anatomical details of deep vein valves were included. From 7470 articles identified by the initial search strategy, nine studies with a total of 476 legs were included in this review. All studies were cadaveric and subjects ranged from stillborn fetuses to 103 years of age. Studies suggested that femoral veins contain between one and six valves, and popliteal veins contain between zero and four valves. Deep vein valves were consistently located in the common femoral vein (within 5 cm of the inguinal ligament), the femoral vein (within 3 cm of the deep femoral vein tributary) and in the popliteal vein near the adductor hiatus. Valves are consistently located at specific locations in the deep veins of the leg, although there is often significant variability between subjects. Further anatomical and functional studies using new imaging modalities available should target these areas to identify whether certain valves play a more important role in venous disease. This may guide us in the development of new treatment options for patients with deep venous disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study that investigates the importance of providing enhanced nutrition to term infants born small for their gestational age (SGA). The study notes that fat mass was lower in children aged 5-8 years old who received the control formula than in children who received the nutrient-enriched formula. The study mentions on the importance of breastfeeding because it reduces the risk of many diseases and is a protective effect against obesity in children.

Information about several topics discussed at the meeting of European Nutrition Foundations in Madrid on April 2010 is presented. Topics of the meeting include the nutrition in the school curriculum and regulations on foods and drinks provided in schools. The meeting features various executives including Juan Ballasteros.

The article discusses the uncertainty of the effectiveness of slimming supplements used as alternatives to lose weight. It mentions the scarcity of evidence on the safety and efficacy of various dietary supplements available for weight loss. It also cites a press release derived from emerging research which indicates that over-the-counter slimming supplements had no effect on weight loss.

The article presents a study carried out by the University of Leeds in England which examines children's consumption of packed lunches in Great Britain compared with the existing meal standards set for lunches in schools. The study reveals the harm that packed lunches can bring to children's health and the reasons behind the choices for making the lunch. Moreover, it looks into the results of the Health Survey of England which shows that 27.3 percent of children in the state are obese.

Information about the topics discussed during the Institute of Physics conference held at 76 Portland Place in London, England on June 2009 is presented. It states that the event was held in association with the publication of the British Nutrition Foundation's (BNF) Briefing Paper entitled "Satiation, satiety and their effects on eating behaviour." It notes the objective of the conference which is to emphasize the research on how satiation and satiety can affect eating behavior.

The aim of this article is to determine the effectiveness of long-term lifestyle interventions for the prevention of weight gain and morbidity in adults. Prevention of weight gain is important in adults who are of normal weight, overweight and obese. A systematic review of controlled trials of lifestyle interventions in adults with a body mass index of less than 35 kg m−2 with at least 2 years of follow-up was carried out. Eleven of 39 comparisons produced significant improvement in weight between groups at 2 years or longer with mean difference weight change ranging from −0.5 to −11.5 kg. Effective interventions included a 600 kcal/day deficit diet deficit/low-fat diet (with and without meal replacements), low-calorie diet, Weight Watchers diet, low-fat non-reducing diet, diet with behaviour therapy, diet with exercise, diet with exercise and behaviour therapy. Adding meal replacements to a low-fat diet (with and without exercise and behaviour therapy) produced significant improvement in weight. Head-to-head interventions failed to show significant effect on weight with the exception of a Mediterranean diet with behaviour therapy compared with low-fat diet. Diet with exercise and/or behaviour therapy demonstrated significant reduction in hypertension and improvement in risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes compared with no treatment control. Lifestyle interventions demonstrated significant improvement in weight, reduction in hypertension and reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prescription is a health-care program implemented by a physician or other qualified practitioner in the form of instructions that govern the plan of care for an individual patient. Although the algorithmic nature of prescriptions is axiomatic, this insight has not been applied systematically to medication safety. We used software design principles and debugging methods to create a “Patient-oriented Prescription for Analgesia” (POPA), assessed the rate and extent of adoption of POPA by physicians, and conducted a statistical process control clinical trial and a subsidiary cohort analysis to evaluate whether POPA would reduce the rate of severe and fatal opioid-associated adverse drug events (ADEs). We conducted the study in a population of 153,260 hospitalized adults, 50,576 (33%) of whom received parenteral opioids. Hospitalwide, the use of POPA increased to 62% of opioid prescriptions (diffusion half-life = 98 days), while opioid-associated severe/fatal ADEs fell from an initial peak of seven per month to zero per month during the final 6 months (P < 0.0016) of the study. In the nested orthopedics subcohort, the use of POPA increased the practice of recording pain scores (94% vs. 72%, P < 0.00001) and the use of adjuvant analgesics (95% vs. 40%, P < 0.00001) and resulted in fewer opioid-associated severe ADEs than routine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) (0% vs. 2.7%, number needed to treat (NNT) = 35, P < 0.015). The widespread diffusion of POPA was associated with a substantial hospitalwide decline in opioid-associated severe/fatal ADEs.Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008); 84, 3, 385–392 doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.24 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells with the potential to differentiate into any cell type in the presence of appropriate stimulatory factors and environmental cues. Their broad developmental potential has led to valuable insights into the principles of developmental and cell biology and to the proposed use of human embryonic stem cells or their differentiated progeny in regenerative medicine. This review focuses on the prospects for the use of embryonic stem cells in cell-based therapy for motor neurone disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that specifically affects upper and lower motor neurones and leads ultimately to death from respiratory failure. Stem cell-derived motor neurones could conceivably be used to replace the degenerated cells, to provide authentic substrates for drug development and screening and for furthering our understanding of disease mechanisms. However, to reliably and accurately culture motor neurones, the complex pathways by which differentiation occurs in vivo must be understood and reiterated in vitro by embryonic stem cells. Here we discuss the need for new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of motor neurone disease, the developmental processes that result in motor neurone formation in vivo, a number of experimental approaches to motor neurone production in vitro and recent progress in the application of stem cells to the treatment and understanding of motor neurone disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of somatic cell therapies from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as alternatives to traditional drug-based remedies for treating some of mankind's most debilitating diseases has resulted in the need to translate rapidly proof-of-principle and basic research into clinical application. Consequently, researchers and regulatory bodies are now facing one of the major obstacles of the field: the efficient and reproducible generation of clinicalgrade cells suitable for producing therapeutic cell types to administer to patients in phase-I and phase-II clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germ cell tumours (GCT) are thought to arise as the result of a defect in early development, probably shortly after arrival of the migrating primordial germ cells (PGC) in the genital ridge when, if in a male genital ridge, the germ cells arrest in mitosis, but in a female genital ridge they enter meiosis. We suggest that dysfunction of the mitotic:meiotic switch, with cells aberrantly co-expressing functions pertinent to both states, might provide the genetic instability that could initiate tumour development. If this hypothesis is correct, GCT could arise because of disruption in the function of any one of a number of different genes involved in controlling mitosis and meiosis, rather than being dependent upon a single prominent susceptibility gene. The Notch signalling system is one candidate system for controlling the switch and we have identified expression of Notch2 and Notch4 in seminomas and carcinoma in situ. Thus those two members of the Notch family are candidates for proto-oncogenes that could play a role in GCT development. We have also identified a human homologue of the synaptonemal complex protein, SCP3, and have found its apparently aberrant expression in some established EC cell lines. One possibility is that abnormal regulation of such proteins involved in the synaptonemal complex could also lead to genetic instability in PGC and so also initiate tumour development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]