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1.
Ethnography in Nutrition and Dietetics Research: A Systematic Review.
Ottrey, E, Jong, J, Porter, J
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2018;(10):1903-1942.e10
Abstract
Ethnography is a qualitative research approach used to learn about people and their culture. There is a need to explore the application and use of ethnographic methodology in nutrition and dietetics research to inform future research and practice. Our aim was to examine the extent, range, nature, and contribution of ethnographic methodology in nutrition and dietetics research. Eight electronic databases were searched using a defined search strategy until November 2017. No restrictions were placed on language, date, or study design of original research. Two authors independently assessed titles and abstracts, then full-text records, against inclusion criteria. Hand-searching of reviews identified in the database search was undertaken. Quality assessment was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data were described narratively. A total of 2,185 records were identified, with 92 studies from public health nutrition (n=72), clinical nutrition (n=13), and foodservice (n=7) practice areas meeting inclusion criteria. Common research areas included infant/child feeding, food choice, diabetes, nutrition in schools and food insecurity. In addition to observation, frequently reported data collection techniques were interview (n=85), focus groups (n=17), and document analysis (n=10). Ethnographic research was most often reported from North America (n=31), Europe (n=16), and Australia/Oceania (n=13). This research approach was shown to inform dietetic research and practice by illuminating sociocultural factors that influence dietary beliefs and practices, practitioner training opportunities, evaluating nutrition education methods, informing programs and interventions, identifying nutrition policy and guideline focus areas, and the need for new approaches and communication strategies. Ethnography can increase understanding of complex food and nutrition-related health issues and their contributing factors across public health nutrition, foodservice, and clinical dietetic practice. It can be used to explain health inequalities, direct policy, and inform more effective intervention design and delivery. Wider uptake of this research approach as a stand-alone or complementary study design will advance efforts to improve health and wellbeing through food and nutrition.
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2.
Research Techniques Made Simple: Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Proteins in Dermatological Research.
Hammers, CM, Tang, HY, Chen, J, Emtenani, S, Zheng, Q, Stanley, JR
The Journal of investigative dermatology. 2018;(6):1236-1242
Abstract
Identifying previously unknown proteins or detecting the presence of known proteins in research samples is critical to many experiments conducted in life sciences, including dermatology. Sensitive protein detection can help elucidate new intervention targets and mechanisms of disease, such as in autoimmune blistering skin diseases, atopic eczema, or other conditions. Historically, peptides from highly purified single proteins were sequenced, with many limitations, by stepwise degradation from the N-terminus to the C-terminus with subsequent identification by UV absorbance spectroscopy of the released amino acids (i.e., Edman degradation). Recently, however, the availability of comprehensive protein databases from different species (derived from high-throughput next-generation sequencing of those organisms' genomes) and sophisticated bioinformatics analysis tools have facilitated the development and use of mass spectrometry for identification and global analysis of proteins, summarized as mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique measuring the mass (m)-to-charge (z) ratio of ionized biological molecules such as peptides. Proteins can be identified by correlating peptide-derived experimental mass spectrometry spectra with theoretical spectra predicted from protein databases. Here we briefly describe how this technique works, how it can be used for identification of proteins, and how this knowledge can be applied in elucidating human biology and disease.
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3.
Role of Incentives in Long-term Nutritional and Growth Studies in Children.
Fidler Mis, N, Kennedy, K, Fewtrell, M, Campoy, C, Koletzko, B, ,
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2018;(6):767-772
Abstract
Available published advice on use of incentives is limited and generally refers to short-term studies without longer follow-up, predominantly conducted in developed countries. We aim to summarize published information related to the use of incentives in long-term nutrition studies involving infants, children, and adolescents and the views of researchers in the field, to provide guidance on acceptable incentives. We conducted a literature review and a short online survey of researchers regarding their opinions on the use of incentives in paediatric long-term (follow-up) clinical studies. Responses from 38 researchers from 14 different countries indicated that 41% had used incentives to increase participation and 29% to 73%, depending on child's age and type of procedure, thought incentives may be used to increase compliance with follow-up visits. A small number of respondents thought incentives would not be approved by national ethics boards. Based on the literature review and the survey results, and European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition working group concluded that incentives for children and adolescents up to the value of 30 Euros, based on average EU income levels, may be offered as cash, vouchers, or age-appropriate gifts or toys, in addition to reimbursing expenses. Additional incentives may be offered if a study includes more burdening procedures, techniques that may appear frightening for younger children, or requires sustained participation (eg, dietary diaries or activity monitoring). There was agreement that it is preferable to give toys or gifts rather than money to younger children.
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Can big data solve a big problem? Reporting the obesity data landscape in line with the Foresight obesity system map.
Morris, MA, Wilkins, E, Timmins, KA, Bryant, M, Birkin, M, Griffiths, C
International journal of obesity (2005). 2018;(12):1963-1976
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity research at a population level is multifaceted and complex. This has been characterised in the UK by the Foresight obesity systems map, identifying over 100 variables, across seven domain areas which are thought to influence energy balance, and subsequent obesity. Availability of data to consider the whole obesity system is traditionally lacking. However, in an era of big data, new possibilities are emerging. Understanding what data are available can be the first challenge, followed by an inconsistency in data reporting to enable adequate use in the obesity context. In this study we map data sources against the Foresight obesity system map domains and nodes and develop a framework to report big data for obesity research. Opportunities and challenges associated with this new data approach to whole systems obesity research are discussed. METHODS Expert opinion from the ESRC Strategic Network for Obesity was harnessed in order to develop a data source reporting framework for obesity research. The framework was then tested on a range of data sources. In order to assess availability of data sources relevant to obesity research, a data mapping exercise against the Foresight obesity systems map domains and nodes was carried out. RESULTS A reporting framework was developed to recommend the reporting of key information in line with these headings: Background; Elements; Exemplars; Content; Ownership; Aggregation; Sharing; Temporality (BEE-COAST). The new BEE-COAST framework was successfully applied to eight exemplar data sources from the UK. 80% coverage of the Foresight obesity systems map is possible using a wide range of big data sources. The remaining 20% were primarily biological measurements often captured by more traditional laboratory based research. CONCLUSIONS Big data offer great potential across many domains of obesity research and need to be leveraged in conjunction with traditional data for societal benefit and health promotion.
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Top studies relevant to primary care practice.
Perry, D, Kolber, MR, Korownyk, C, Lindblad, AJ, Ramji, J, Ton, J, Allan, GM
Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien. 2018;(4):280-285
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize 10 high-quality studies from 2017 that have strong relevance to primary care practice. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE Study selection involved routine literature surveillance by a group of primary care health professionals. This included screening abstracts of important journals and Evidence Alerts, as well as searching the American College of Physicians Journal Club. MAIN MESSAGE Topics of the 2017 articles include whether treating subclinical hypothyroidism improves outcomes or symptoms; whether evolocumab reduces cardiovascular disease as well as low-density lipoprotein levels; whether lifestyle interventions reduce medication use in patients with diabetes; whether vitamin D prevents cardiovascular disease, cancer, or upper respiratory tract infections; whether canagliflozin reduces clinical events in patients with diabetes; how corticosteroid injections affect knee osteoarthritis; whether drained abscesses benefit from antibiotic treatment; whether patients with diabetes benefit from bariatric surgery; whether exenatide reduces clinical events in patients with diabetes; and whether tympanostomy tubes affect outcomes in recurrent acute otitis media or chronic otitis media. We provide brief summaries, context where needed, and final recommendations for 10 studies with potential effects on primary care. We also briefly review 5 "runner-up" studies. CONCLUSION Research from 2017 produced several high-quality studies in diabetes management. These have demonstrated benefit for alternative therapies and offered evidence not previously available. This year's selection of studies also provided information on a variety of conditions and therapies that are, or might become, more common in primary care settings.
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Union of light ion therapy centers in Europe (ULICE EC FP7) - Objectives and achievements of joint research activities.
Pötter, R, Balosso, J, Baumann, M, Bert, C, Davies, J, Enghardt, W, Fossati, P, Harris, S, Jones, B, Krämer, M, et al
Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. 2018;(1):83-100
Abstract
Under the umbrella of the European Network for Light Ion Therapy (ENLIGHT), the project on Union of Light Ion Centers in Europe (ULICE), which was funded by the European Commission (EC/FP7), was carried out from 2009 to 2014. Besides the two pillars on Transnational Access (TNA) and Networking Activities (NA), six work packages formed the pillar on Joint Research Activities (JRA). The current manuscript focuses on the objectives and results achieved within these research work packages: "Clinical Research Infrastructure", "Biologically Based Expert System for Individualized Patient Allocation", "Ion Therapy for Intra-Fractional Moving Targets", "Adaptive Treatment Planning for Ion Radiotherapy", "Carbon Ion Gantry", "Common Database and Grid Infrastructures for Improving Access to Research Infrastructures". The objectives and main achievements are summarized. References to either publications or open access deliverables from the five year project work are given. Overall, carbon ion radiotherapy is still not as mature as photon or proton radiotherapy. Achieved results and open questions are reflected and discussed in the context of the current status of carbon ion therapy and particle and photon beam therapy. Most research topics covered in the ULICE JRA pillar are topical. Future research activities can build upon these ULICE results. Together with the continuous increase in the number of particle therapy centers in the last years ULICE results and proposals may contribute to the further growth of the overall particle therapy field as foreseen with ENLIGHT and new joint initiatives such as the European Particle Therapy Network (EPTN) within the overall radiotherapy community.
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An update on obesity research pattern among adults in Malaysia: a scoping review.
Mohamad Nor, NS, Ambak, R, Mohd Zaki, N, Abdul Aziz, NS, Cheong, SM, Abd Razak, MA, Yusof, M, Ahmad, MH, Baharuddin, A, Megat Radzi, MR, et al
BMC women's health. 2018;(Suppl 1):114
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a global health burden in the non-communicable diseases and much efforts have been implemented in the past decade in response to the rise of obesity prevalence among the Malaysian population. These include the development of the national policies, health programmes and research activities. The main aim of the scoping review was to identify obesity research pattern among adults in Malaysia in terms of the scopes, topics and the research designs. METHODS The scoping review was conducted based on the framework by Arksey and O'Malley. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) diagram was used as a guide to record the review process. Articles from year 2008 until 2017 on overweight and obesity among adults aged 18 years and above were retrieved based on the keywords using electronic databases (Embase/Ovid, Pubmed, Cochrane library and Google Scholar). Local journals, Nutrition Research in Malaysia Biblography (2011 and 2016), online local theses databases, virtual library databases were also included in the searches. Consultations with relevant key informants from the National Institutes of Health and local universities were also conducted. Search activities were managed using Endnote software and MS Excelsheet. RESULTS The characteristics of the results were described based on the objectives of the review. A total of 2004 articles and reports were retrieved, and 188 articles related to obesity in Malaysia were included in the final review. Scopes and topics of obesity research based on the Nutrition Research Priorities in Malaysia (NRPM) for 11th Malaysia Plan were obesity prevalence, weight loss intervention, association of physical activities and dietary factors with obesity. The majority of obesity research among adults in Malaysia was cross sectional studies and only a small number of intervention studies, qualitative studies and systematic review were indentified. Research gaps were identified in order to make useful recommendations to the stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS In the past decade, there has been an emerging evidence on obesity research among adults in Malaysia. More obesity research needs to be conducted particularly on obesity intervention among specific gender, qualitative studies, economic cost and genetic factors of obesity.
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Simulation Research in Gastrointestinal and Urologic Care-Challenges and Opportunities: Summary of a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Workshop.
Aggarwal, R, Brown, KM, de Groen, PC, Gallagher, AG, Henriksen, K, Kavoussi, LR, Peng, GCY, Ritter, EM, Silverman, E, Wang, KK, et al
Annals of surgery. 2018;(1):26-34
Abstract
: A workshop on "Simulation Research in Gastrointestinal and Urologic Care: Challenges and Opportunities" was held at the National Institutes of Health in June 2016. The purpose of the workshop was to examine the extent to which simulation approaches have been used by skilled proceduralists (not trainees) caring for patients with gastrointestinal and urologic diseases. The current status of research findings in the use and effectiveness of simulation applications was reviewed, and numerous knowledge gaps and research needs were identified by the faculty and the attendees. The paradigm of "deliberate practice," rather than mere repetition, and the value of coaching by experts was stressed by those who have adopted simulation in music and sports. Models that are most useful for the adoption of simulation by expert clinicians have yet to be fully validated. Initial studies on the impact of simulation on safety and error reduction have demonstrated its value in the training domain, but the role of simulation as a strategy for increased procedural safety remains uncertain in the world of the expert practitioner. Although the basic requirements for experienced physicians to acquire new skills have been explored, the widespread availability of such resources is an unrealized goal, and there is a need for well-designed outcome studies to establish the role of simulation in improving the quality of health care.
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Musings about the role dietary fats after 40 years of fatty acid research.
Gibson, RA
Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids. 2018;:1-5
Abstract
Since the 1950's nutrition recommendations have focussed on the replacement of saturated fats in the diet with polyunsaturated fats, a strategy that continues to this day. Despite supporting evidence from clinical trials for the advantages of Mediterranean diets, there has been less attention paid to the role of monounsaturated fats. It has been known for many years that diets high in linoleic acid (LA) compete for the incorporation of omega 3 fatty acids into tissues. What is also clear is that diets rich in LA are not free from concerns and the discovery of oxlams, oxygenated derivatives of LA, having potent inflammatory effects may help us question the dogma of LA rich diets. Given that dietary oleic acid a prime constituent of Mediterranean diets can be metabolised to Mead acid (ETrA) has in the past been a cause for concern, but new data showing the anti-inflammatory effects of ETrA suggest that there is a need for further research about the benefits of monounsaturated oils on human health. Finally, there is a need to re-examine how dietary fats are monitored in clinical studies. The current method of focussing on esterified fatty acids may be too insensitive to detect clinically important changes.
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Cardiovascular Disease in American Indian and Alaska Native Youth: Unique Risk Factors and Areas of Scholarly Need.
Deen, JF, Adams, AK, Fretts, A, Jolly, S, Navas-Acien, A, Devereux, RB, Buchwald, D, Howard, BV
Journal of the American Heart Association. 2017;(10)