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In this study,we explored the effect of adiposity as measured by BMI on lung function in 72 asthmatic school children (5-12 years) using baseline data from the Mediterranean diet enriched with fatty fish intervention study. Bronchial function was assessed using spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). BMI categories were classified as normal and overweight/obese based on International Obesity Task Force cut-offs. Weak correlations were observed between BMI and FVC (p = 0.013) and FEV.sub.1 (p = 0.026). Median FeNO was lower in the overweight/obese as compared to normal weight group (p = 0.027). Linear regression showed an increment in FEF.sub.25-75% in the overweight/obese group as compared to normal weight after controlling for confounders namely age, height, sex, regular physical activity, medication and KIDMED score (p = 0.043; [beta] = 11.65 units, 95% CI 0.36-22.94), although with no effect on FeNO. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that excess body weight could impact pulmonary dynamics in childhood asthma., Author(s): Maria Michelle Papamichael [sup.1] , Charis Katsardis [sup.3] , Dimitris Tsoukalas [sup.4] , Bircan Erbas [sup.2] , Catherine Itsiopoulos [sup.1] [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.1018.8, 0000 0001 2342 0938, [...]

Background: Several clinical trials have examined diet and physical activity lifestyle changes as mitigation strategies for risk factors linked to cognitive decline and dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. However, the ability to modify these behaviors longer term, to impact cognitive health has remained elusive. Objective: The MedWalk trial's primary aim is to investigate whether longer-term adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and regular walking, delivered through motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy (MI-CBT), can reduce age-associated cognitive decline and other dementia risk factors in older, independently living individuals without cognitive impairment. Methods: MedWalk, a one-year cluster-randomized controlled trial across two Australian states, recruited 60–90-year-old people from independent living retirement villages and the wider community. Participants were assigned to either the MedWalk intervention or a control group (maintaining their usual diet and physical activity). The primary outcome is 12-month change in visual memory and learning assessed from errors on the Paired Associates Learning Task of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Secondary outcomes include cognition, mood, cardiovascular function, biomarkers related to nutrient status and cognitive decline, MI-CBT effectiveness, Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and health economic evaluation. Progress and Discussion: Although COVID-19 impacts over two years necessitated a reduced timeline and sample size, MedWalk retains sufficient power to address its aims and hypotheses. Baseline testing has been completed with 157 participants, who will be followed over 12 months. If successful, MedWalk will inform interventions that could substantially reduce dementia incidence and ameliorate cognitive decline in the community. Trial registration: Registered on the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTR 12620000978965 (). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we successfully optimised and verified an SLE extraction method for LC-MS/MS analysis of serum/plasma vitamin D metabolites. Keywords: liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; supported liquid extraction; vitamin D EN liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry supported liquid extraction vitamin D e255 e258 4 10/30/23 20231101 NES 231101 To the Editor, Requests for vitamin D measurement in Australia and other countries represent a significant proportion of pathology expenditure [[1]]. This study aimed to optimize and validate the use of an SLE-based sample preparation method for the LC-MS/MS quantification of vitamin D metabolites in patient serum/plasma. However, traditional LC-MS/MS vitamin D methods rely on relatively laborious, time-consuming, and potentially error-prone complex manual sample preparation methodology in the form of a protein crash or liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) procedure. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To identify gaps among Australian Long COVID support services and guidelines alongside recommendations for future health programs. Methods: Electronic databases and seven government health websites were searched for Long COVID-specific programs or clinics available in Australia as well as international and Australian management guidelines. Results: Five Long COVID specific guidelines and sixteen Australian services were reviewed. The majority of Australian services provided multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs with service models generally consistent with international and national guidelines. Most services included physiotherapists and psychologists. While early investigation at week 4 after contraction of COVID-19 is recommended by the Australian, UK and US guidelines, this was not consistently implemented. Conclusion: Besides Long COVID clinics, future solutions should focus on early identification that can be delivered by General Practitioners and all credentialed allied health professions. Study findings highlight an urgent need for innovative care models that address individual patient needs at an affordable cost. We propose a model that focuses on patient-led self-care with further enhancement via multi-disciplinary care tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive oil (OO) polyphenols have been shown to improve HDL anti-atherogenic function, thus demonstrating beneficial effects against cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of extra virgin high polyphenol olive oil (HPOO) v. low polyphenol olive oil (LPOO) on the capacity of HDL to promote cholesterol efflux in healthy adults. In a double-blind, randomised cross-over trial, fifty participants (aged 38·5 (sd 13·9) years, 66 % females) were supplemented with a daily dose (60 ml) of HPOO (320 mg/kg polyphenols) or LPOO (86 mg/kg polyphenols) for 3 weeks. Following a 2-week washout period, participants crossed over to the alternate treatment. Serum HDL-cholesterol efflux capacity, circulating lipids (i.e. total cholesterol, TAG, HDL, LDL) and anthropometrics were measured at baseline and follow-up. No significant between-group differences were observed. Furthermore, no significant changes in HDL-cholesterol efflux were found within either the LPOO and HPOO treatment arms; mean changes were 0·54 % (95 % CI (0·29, 1·37)) and 0·10 % (95 % CI (0·74, 0·94)), respectively. Serum HDL increased significantly after LPOO and HPOO intake by 0·13 mmol/l (95 % CI (0·04, 0·22)) and 0·10 mmol/l (95 % CI (0·02, 0·19)), respectively. A small but significant increase in LDL of 0·14 mmol/l (95 % CI (0·001, 0·28)) was observed following the HPOO intervention. Our results suggest that additional research is warranted to further understand the effect of OO with different phenolic content on mechanisms of cholesterol efflux via different pathways in multi-ethnic populations with diverse diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether older immigrant populations from the Mediterranean region, continue to follow the MD long after they immigrated is not known. Aim: Compare adherence to the MD and successful aging levels between Greeks living in Greece (GG) and Greeks living abroad (GA). Methods: Anthropometrical, clinical, psychological, sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle parameters were assessed in a cross-sectional manner in a sample of 252 GG and 252 GA. Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore range 0-55) was used to assess adherence to the MD. Successful aging was evaluated with the validated successful aging index (SAI range 0-10). Results: GA presented higher adherence to MD (p < 0.001); they were consuming significantly more cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits compared to GG. GG consumed significantly more dairy (3.8 ± 2.9 vs. 1.9 ± 2.2, p < 0.001) and potatoes (2.4 ± 1.6 vs. 1.9 ± 1.5, p < 0.001) compared to GA. Meat (p = 0.27), poultry (p = 0.72), fish (p = 0.68), olive oil (p = 0.16) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.05) were comparable between the two groups (all p's > 0.05). MedDietScore was positively associated with SAI among both groups after adjusting for possible confounders (0.041 ± 0.014, p = 0.003 GG and 0.153 ± 0.035, p < 0.001 GA). Also, legumes, cereals, fruits and vegetables were found to be beneficial for successful aging. Conclusion: Adherence to the MD is associated with higher levels of successful aging among people of the same genetic background living in different environments. However, traditional dietary habits are gradually abandoned in their native countries, when, at the same time, are considered cultural heritage and preserved accordingly among immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A Mediterranean diet (MD) appears to be beneficial in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients in Mediterranean countries; however, the acceptability of a MD in non‐Mediterranean populations has not been thoroughly explored. The present study aimed to explore the acceptability through understanding the barriers and enablers of the MD and low‐fat diet (LFD) interventions as perceived by participating Australian adults from multicultural backgrounds with NAFLD. Methods: Semi‐structured telephone interviews were performed with 23 NAFLD trial participants at the end of a 12‐week dietary intervention in a multicentre, parallel, randomised clinical trial. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants reported that they enjoyed taking part in the MD and LFD interventions and perceived that they had positive health benefits from their participation. Compared with the LFD, the MD group placed greater emphasis on enjoyment and intention to maintain dietary changes. Novelty, convenience and the ability to swap food/meals were key enablers for the successful implementation for both of the dietary interventions. Flavour and enjoyment of food, expressed more prominently by MD intervention participants, were fundamental components of the diets with regard to reported adherence and intention to maintain dietary change. Conclusions: Participants randomised to the MD reported greater acceptability of the diet than those randomised to the LFD, predominantly related to perceived novelty and palatability of the diet. Research highlights: Participants enjoyed taking part in the Mediterranean diet (MD) and low fat diet (LFD) interventions and perceived that they had positive health benefits from their participation.Participants randomised to the MD reported greater acceptability of the diet than those randomised to the LFD, predominantly related to perceived novelty and palatability of the diet.Compared with the LFD, the MD group placed greater emphasis on enjoyment and intention to maintain dietary changes.Novelty, convenience and the ability to swap food/meals were key enablers for the successful implementation for both of the dietary interventions.Flavour and enjoyment of food, expressed more prominently by MD intervention participants, were fundamental components of the diets with regard to reported adherence and intention to maintain dietary change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]