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Historically, the constructs of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) have not been sufficiently considered or included in population health nutrition research and practice. Consequently, current nutrition assessment benchmarks and knowledge translation tools may not accurately or adequately reflect diversity in the Canadian population or produce meaningful dietary guidance. The purpose of this current opinion paper is to introduce the population health nutrition research and practice framework and explore the current application of IDEA within this framework. Recommendations are offered to incorporate the constructs of IDEA along the continuum of future nutrition research and services to improve population nutritional health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deinstitutionalisation refers to the transition of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from large institutions to smaller homes in the community. The purpose of this study was to explore how family members of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities perceived their loved ones' community transition process. Eight family members of persons with severe or profound intellectual and developmental disabilities formerly residing at the complex care facility of St.Amant participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically using an iterative inductive process and constant comparative method. Three main themes emerged from the family members' accounts of their loved ones' community transitions process: 1) families' initial reactions, 2) strengths, and 3) challenges. Initial reactions of family members to learning about the community transitions process were varied. Family members' perspectives inform deinstitutionalisation efforts by highlighting facilitators such as adequate involvement, and barriers such as, unanticipated delays, to the community transitions process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of supporting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to move from an institution to homes in the community is complex. Staff who work in the community homes and provide care post-transition play an important role throughout the process, but limited research has examined the process from their perspective. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore the experiences of community agency staff, who supported adults with IDD with their transition from St.Amant's Health and Transition Services (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and provide post-transition care in their new homes in the community. Twentysix community agency staff (i.e., group home managers, coordinators or supervisors, and directors) participated in an online survey that examined three main areas: (a) the selection criteria St.Amant used to identify candidates for community transitions, (b) the process St.Amant used to implement community transitions, and (c) the support community agency staff received from St.Amant throughout the transition process. Overall, survey respondents evaluated the community transitions process positively. Further, community agency staff indicated they were supportive of future community transitions and recommend using the same selection criteria guided by individualized transition plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Adipocyte dysfunction is characterized by an increase in adipocyte size and changes to their adipokine profiles. Immune cell infiltration into adipose tissue is thought to contribute to the metabolic complications of obesity, with local and systemic consequences for the inflammatory status of the obese individual. Dietary interventions with omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources have been successful at reducing inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine whether flaxseed oil containing the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an effective modulator of inflammation and adipocyte dysfunction. Methods: Seventeen-week old male fa/fa and lean Zucker rats were fed a control diet (faCTL, lnCTL) and fa/fa rats were fed an ALA-rich flaxseed oil supplemented diet (faFLAX) for 8weeks. Adipose tissue and serum were collected and analyzed for cytokine (IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α), haptoglobin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and adipokine (leptin, adiponectin) levels. Splenocytes were isolated and ex vivo mitogen-stimulated cytokine production was measured. Digital images of adipose tissue sections were used to quantify adipocyte area. Macrophage and T-cell infiltration were assessed in adipose tissue by immunohistochemistry. Results: faFLAX rats had 17% smaller adipocytes and 5-fold lower MCP-1 levels in adipose tissue than faCTL rats. Adipose tissue levels of IL-10 were 72% lower in the faFLAX group compared to baseline, and TNF-α levels decreased 80% (equal to lnCTL levels) in the faFLAX group compared to faCTL. There were no changes in ex vivo cytokine production by splenocytes between faFLAX and faCTL. Macrophage infiltration was not different among groups; however, faFLAX rats had less T-cell infiltration than faCTL rats. Conclusions: Dietary intervention with ALA-rich flaxseed oil in obese Zucker rats reduced adipocyte hypertrophy, protein levels of inflammatory markers MCP-1 and TNF-α, and T-cell infiltration in adipose tissue. Modest improvements to other parameters of obesity were also observed. The results suggest that, due to its ability to improve adipocyte function, ALA-rich flaxseed oil confers health benefits in obesity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]