Assessment of agreement using the equine glandular gastric disease grading system in 84 cases

IntroductionEquine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is a common condition causing signs of gastric pain although lesions are highly variable in their appearance. The only definitive method to diagnose EGGD ante-mortem is gastroscopy. The current recommended method for describing these lesions is the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) guidelines; however, repeatability between users is variable. This study aimed to validate the reliability of lesion descriptions using ECEIM consensus guidelines, using four blinded equine internal medicine diplomates.MethodsNinety-two horses with EGGD with pre- and post-treatment gastroscopy images were identified using the electronic record at a UK equine hospital between 2012 and 2019. Eight horses were excluded due to non-diagnostic images. Four blinded observers used the recommended grading system to describe images and outcomes. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Krippendorff's alpha were used to determine reliability and agreement, respectively.ResultsIntraclass correlation coefficient for severity was 0.782 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.722–0.832), for distribution was 0.671 (95% CI 0.540–0.763), for the descriptor raised was 0.635 (95% CI 0.479–0.741), fibrinosuppurative was 0.745 (95% CI 0.651–0.812), haemorrhagic was 0.648 (95% CI 0.513–0.744), hyperaemic was 0.389 (95% CI 0.232–0.522) and for outcome was 0.677 (95% CI 0.559–0.770). Krippendorff's alpha for severity was 0.466 (95% CI 0.466–0.418), for distribution was 0.304 (95% CI 0.234–0.374), for the descriptor raised was 0.268 (95% CI 0.207–0.329), fibrinosuppurative was 0.406 (95% CI 0.347–0.463), haemorrhagic was 0.287 (95% CI 0.229–0.344), hyperaemic was 0.112 (95% CI 0.034–0.188) and for outcome was 0.315 (95% CI 0.218–0.408).There was moderate reliability determined between observers using intra-class correlation coefficients and unacceptable agreement determined between observers using Krippendorff's alpha.DiscussionThese results suggest that the current grading system is not comparable between observers, indicating the need to review the grading system or define more robust criteria

Priming food intake with weight control cues: systematic review with a meta-analysis

Background A growing number of studies suggest that exposure to cues which are associated with weight control can prime or prompt controlled food intake in tempting food environments. However, findings are mixed and understanding which types of cues and for whom such cues may be most effective is needed to inform subsequent research and societal applications. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effects of exposure to weight control cues compared with control cues on food intake. Methods PsycINFO, Medline, Embase and Web of Science were searched using key terms. Hedge’s g was used to calculate effect sizes based on mean food intake, standard deviations and sample sizes extracted from relevant publications and, a random effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Results Twenty-five articles consisting of 26 studies were eligible. Data from 25 studies (31 effect sizes) were available for the meta-analysis. Overall, weight control cues reduced food intake, albeit to a trivial effect (ES: -0.149, 95% CI: -0.271 to − 0.027). Subgroup analyses when studies which induced negative affect were removed showed that for individuals with strong weight control goals the effect was small-to-moderate (ES: -0.440, 95% CI: -0.718 to − 0.163), whereas for individuals with weak weight control goals this effect was trivial and non-significant (ES: 0.014, 95% CI: -0.249 to 0.278). Cue type and level of engagement did not significantly moderate the effect; however, specific cues (low-calorie foods and thin models) and attended engagement yielded significant effects. Caution is needed interpreting these findings as most studies were rated with high risk of bias and a number of studies could not be included in the subgroup analyses. Conclusions Based on the data available, weight control cues reduce food intake in individuals with strong weight control goals. Further research is needed to explore longer term effects of cue exposure and confirm underlying mechanisms. PROSPERO registry#CRD42016052396

The untapped potential of the gaming community: A narrative review. (Preprint)

UNSTRUCTURED Video gamers are a population at heightened risk of developing obesity due to the sedentary nature of gaming, increased energy intake and the disruption caused to their sleep. This increases their risk of developing a number of non-communicable diseases. To date, research seeking to improve health behaviours has focussed on developing novel video games to promote behaviour change. Although positive results have emerged from this research, the success has been limited due to the lack of transferability to more mainstream games and the focus on children and adolescents. However, the gaming community has a number of unique aspects which, in comparison to the development of new video games, have received less attention. Research has found that advertising can have implicit effects on individual’s memories which could influence their later decisions. Yet the effect of the exponential growth of in-game advertisements, and brand sponsorship of gaming events and professional gamers, has not been explored in the gaming community. Nor has the possibility of using advertising techniques to encourage positive health behaviours within games or at these events. Research suggests that virtual communities can be effective at disseminating health information, but the efficacy of this needs to be explored utilising known community influencers within the gaming community. The purpose of this paper is to highlight these under-researched areas that have the potential to encourage positive health behaviour among this community. </sec

Additional file 3: of Priming food intake with weight control cues: systematic review with a meta-analysis

Risk of bias funnel plot. Description: Figure showing risk of bias funnel plot (DOCX 50 kb)

Additional file 1: of Priming food intake with weight control cues: systematic review with a meta-analysis

Electronic Supplementary Information Detailed search strategy (example database search). Description: keys terms used in the electronic database search. (DOCX 18 kb)

Additional file 2: of Priming food intake with weight control cues: systematic review with a meta-analysis

Risk of bias assessment. Description: Table showing risk of bias assessment for each study (DOCX 19 kb)