The health risks associated with prolonged sedentary behaviour: a systematic review.

Sedentary behaviour is associated with an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a range of other adverse health outcomes. However, few systematic reviews or meta-analyses have synthesised the evidence of sedentary behaviour and adverse health outcomes in adults. This systematic review differed from other systematic reviews in that it included only prospective studies with clearly defined measurements of prolonged sedentary behaviour in otherwise healthy adults. A comprehensive search of major databases for studies measuring cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes identified 19 prospective studies, 16 of which were included after critical appraisal. The review revealed difficulties in identifying a consistent and unified definition of sedentary behaviour, and ambiguities in quantifying sedentary behaviour due to methodological limitations. Despite this, the results suggested that prolonged sedentary behaviour in adults, particularly sitting for more than three hours at a time, was consistently and strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, and — to a lesser degree — type 2 diabetes mellitus; these associations appeared to be independent of a range of age, sex and lifestyle factors — and also, importantly, physical activity. No conclusions could be made for the risk of overweight or obesity, or for gallstones, due to conflicting results and methodological problems identified in the primary studies. Overall, high-quality systematic review and any meta-analysis of sedentary behaviour is constrained by the quality of the primary studies, including variation in the definition of sedentary behaviour and the methods used to measure it. These results strengthen the case for modifying physical activity guidelines to include recommendations on minimising sedentary behaviour, thereby making guidelines more relevant to contemporary lifestyles.Thesis (M.Clin.Sc.) -- University of Adelaide, Joanna Briggs Institute, 201

Scale structure in the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri (Osteichthyes: Dipnoi)

Scales of the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, are secreted within the dermis by a capsule of scleroblasts, and enclosed in a pouch made of collagen fibers, in contact with the epidermis over the posterior third of the scale. Each scale grows from a focus, which represents the first formed part of the scale. On the internal surface of the scale is elasmodin, made of collagen fiber bundles arranged in layers. Elasmodin, unmineralized in N. forsteri, contains cells in the living animal, and the number of layers increases as the scales grow. Squamulin, on the thin external part of the scale, is also laid down in layers, and based on a matrix of fine collagen fibrils, mineralized with a poorly crystalline biogenic calcium hydroxylapatite. Squamulin is divided into separate sections called squamulae, and contains long tubules with cells applied to the wall of the tubule. The anterior and lateral surfaces of the squamulin are ornamented with pediculae, and the posterior surface has longitudinal ridges, from which collagen fibers extend to anchor the scale within the pouch. Elasmodin and squamulin are linked by unmineralized collagen fibrils. The layers, formed at irregular intervals, are connected around the margin of the scale, effectively converting the whole scale into a flat structure resembling a pearl, with the first formed tissues deeply embedded inside the scale, and the youngest on the outer surface. Incremental lines in the hard tissue, and the number of layers in the elasmodin, do not reflect the chronological age of the fish

Adapting the CLiP model for occupational therapy

The University of Worcester occupational therapy programme and the trauma and orthopaedic department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, recently piloted an adaptation of the Collaborative Learning in Practice (CLiP) model, developed with the aim of increasing the number of student practice education placements in an acute hospital setting. The placement involved four students over a 12-week period, providing opportunities for collaboration between second and third year students and occupational therapy staff at bands four, five, six and seven

Clinician beliefs and attitudes about home haemodialysis: qualitative interview study

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Fundamental movement skills and self-concept of children who are overweight

Objective. Differences in fundamental movement skills and self-perceptions of physical ability and physical appearance of overweight and non-overweight children were investigated. Method : Overweight (n = 89, mean age = 8.75 + 1.4 years, BMI z-score = 2.22, SD = 0.46, 46% male) and non-overweight (n = 27, mean age = 8.25 +/- 1.5 years, BMI z-score = 0.03, SD = 0.73, 62.1% male) participants enrolled in the KOALA (Kinder Overweight Activity Lifestyle Actions) project were included. The overall objective of the KOALA project was to determine in a randomized controlled trial the effect of a Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), and a family 'Eat Well Be Active' Scouts Camp program on BMI in overweight children. Baseline between-group differences on measures of fundamental movement skills and self-concept perceptions were analyzed using independent samples t-tests. Relationships between BMI and these variables were investigated with multiple linear regression. Results. Overweight children had lower scores on Bruninks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Performance-2 subtests (Bilateral Coordination, Upper Limb Coordination, Strength, Balance, and Running Speed and Agility), and Physical abilities self-concept than non-overweight children. Conclusions. Children who were overweight had significant fundamental movement skill difficulties, as well as having poorer Physical abilities self-concept perceptions compared to non-overweight children. The association between increasing BMI and poor performance of gross motor tasks has potential implications for physical activity participation. Future research is needed to determine if fundamental movement skill difficulties and low physical ability self-concept are predisposing factors for children who are overweight or associated outcomes

Relationship satisfaction in couples raising a child with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of the literature

Background: Couples raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face challenges that may impact on their relationship. The purpose of this review was to compare relationship satisfaction in couples raising children with and without ASD and to identify factors associated with satisfaction in couples with a child with ASD. Methods: Thirteen databases were searched and studies were systematically screened against predetermined inclusion criteria. Twenty six articles, ranging from good to strong methodological quality, met the criteria for inclusion. Of these, seven were included in a meta-analysis comparing relationship satisfaction in couples raising a child with ASD with couples raising children without disabilities. Results: The meta-analysis showed that couples raising a child with ASD were found to experience less relationship satisfaction than couples raising a child without a disability (Hedges's g = 0.41, p < 0.001); however, evidence from the narrative synthesis was mixed when compared with couples raising children with other disabilities. The most consistent evidence implicated challenging child behaviours, parental stress and poor psychological wellbeing as risk factors, and positive cognitive appraisal and social support as protective factors. Conclusion Findings demonstrate that couples raising a child with ASD would benefit from support to assist them in maintaining satisfaction in their relationship with their partner. However, further studies are needed to gain a greater understanding of the risk and protective factors and how these co-vary with relationship satisfaction over time. A theoretical framework has been developed to scaffold future research