Search

Objective: This study investigated the impact of recipe and single-use herb/spice packet provision on egg intake and protein intake in community-dwelling individuals aged over 55 years. Design: Using a randomised-controlled intervention design, 100 older adults were randomised to receive (n 53) or not receive (n 47) high-protein egg-based recipes and herb/spice packets through the post for 12 weeks, from June to December 2016. Egg intake, protein intake, adverse events, lean body mass and functional measures of lean body mass were measured at baseline, after the 12 weeks and after a further 12 weeks. Setting: Bournemouth, UK. Participants: Community-dwelling older adults. Results: Intention-to-treat data were analysed using regression, controlling for various demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Ninety-three individuals (intervention, n 50; control, n 43) completed assessments at all three time points. Egg intakes increased by end of intervention in both groups (mean: 4–5 eggs/month). After a further 12 weeks, higher egg intakes were sustained in the intervention group, while egg intakes in the control group returned to baseline levels (between-group difference: β = −0·124, P = 0·047). No differences were found in other measures (largest β = −0·106, P = 0·12). Conclusions: The provision of high-protein egg-based recipes and single-use herb/spice packets over 12 weeks increased egg intakes up to 12 weeks after end of intervention. Other factors may explain increased egg intakes during the intervention, but the sustained effects most plausibly result directly from recipe provision. Limited effects in other measures suggest that the recipes may have replaced as opposed to added to existing protein intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). People with MS typically have a relapsing remitting disease course, with episodic neurological dysfunction corresponding to inflammation in the brain or spinal cord. Some relapsing patients develop a secondary progressive disease course, with accumulation of disability over time, yet other people with MS only experience a primary progressive course. Over the past 20 years, 14 immunomodulatory therapies have been approved in MS in order to reduce the frequency of inflammatory relapses and prevent CNS damage. Of the available types of therapies, the monoclonal antibodies are generally the most effective at dampening MS disease activity. In this review we will discuss the development of effective monoclonal antibody therapies coinciding with a better understanding of the complex immunopathogenesis of MS, both successes and failures, as well as targets for future development that address the mechanisms underlying progressive disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the reliability of assessment instruments designed for use with adults is well established, much less is known about the adequacy of these instruments for adolescent substance abusers. As part of a comprehensive intake evaluation, the Inventory of Drug Use Consequences (InDUC) was administered to 40 adolescents assigned to a probationary substance abuse treatment program and to one of their parents. The correlation was statistically significant between parent and adolescent InDUC score(s), but the interrater reliability was relatively low. IQ scores and level of substance use were considered as moderator variables, but neither showed a significant effect. History of head injury, however, significantly moderated this relationship; those adolescents reporting no history of head injury showed little correspondence with parent InDUC score(s), whereas those adolescents with a history of head injury showed significant correlations with parent InDUC scores. This suggests that a history of head injury may affect the way in which adolescents perceive substance-related consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in our inner-city indigent population (clinic population) of women with previously normal Pap tests and to identify any associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort of 187 women between the ages of 15 and 49 years, with previously normal Pap tests, was recruited from a university affiliated outpatient clinic. A demographic questionnaire of social and sexual history was elicited, and ThinPrep cytology (Cytyc, Marlborough, MA) and HPV Digene Hybrid Capture II results (Digine, Gaithersburg, MD) were obtained. RESULTS: The prevalence of HPV in our primarily Hispanic clinic population was 21%. The mean age of women with HPV was 28.9 years and those without were 32.1 years (p <.046). In women with HPV, 24% had abnormal Pap tests, whereas in those without HPV, 5% had abnormal Pap tests (p <.001). Women who were older and parous were less likely to have HPV (7.5%; p <.024). The presence of HPV was not influenced by sexual behaviors, sexually transmitted diseases, smoking, race, or contraceptive use. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV in an inner-city indigent population, despite previously normal cytology, was consistent with earlier reported rates of HPV. Our data suggest that younger, nulliparous women have a high prevalence of HPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practices endorsed by 192 teachers of young children with visual impairments who completed an online early literacy survey included facilitating early attachment (70%), providing early literacy support to families (74%), and providing adaptations to increase accessibility (55%). Few teachers reported using assistive technology, providing structured intervention in phonological awareness, or providing opportunities for early writing and alphabet experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although students enrolled in trade or technical colleges are at an elevated risk for tobacco use, virtually no information exists regarding their smoking behaviors. Objective and Participants: In the present study, the authors examined (1) the prevalence of smoking and quitting among 617 students in 2 trade or technical colleges in East Texas and (2) on-campus media exposure to antitobacco messages. Methods: Students voluntary completed the 42-item Texas Trade and Technical School Tobacco Survey during a required introductory-level class. Results: Of the participating students, 34% reported past-30-day smoking (current smoking). Of current smokers, 74% reported a previous quit attempt and 64% wanted to quit before graduation. Although most current smokers expressed a desire to quit smoking, the antitobacco message they were least likely to see on campus was that regarding how to quit. Current smokers cited their own health as the most likely reason to quit smoking, and most reported wanting to quit on their own, without the use of resources. However, of the 9 listed resources, students were most likely to report the possible use of medication. Conclusions: Given that most smoking students desire to quit smoking-and that they are enrolled in trade or technical schools for an extended period of time-additional research should examine how successful interventions can be delivered at the trade or technical school itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]