Clinical relevance and validity of tools to predict infant, childhood and adulthood obesity: a systematic review

To determine the global availability of a multicomponent tool predicting overweight/obesity in infancy, childhood, adolescence or adulthood; and to compare their predictive validity and clinical relevance.Design/SettingThe PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. The databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO were searched. Additional articles were identified via reference lists of included articles. Risk of bias was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Quality Criteria Checklist. The National Health and Medical Research Council's Levels of Evidence hierarchy was used to assess quality of evidence. Predictive performance was evaluated using the ABCD framework.Eligible studies: tool could be administered at any life stage; quantified the risk of overweight/obesity onset; used more than one predictor variable; and reported appropriate prediction statistical outcomes.Of the initial 4490 articles identified, twelve articles (describing twelve tools) were included. Most tools aimed to predict overweight and/or obesity within childhood (age 2-12 years). Predictive accuracy of tools was consistently adequate; however, the predictive validity of most tools was questioned secondary to poor methodology and statistical reporting. Globally, five tools were developed for dissemination into clinical practice, but no tools were tested within a clinical setting.To our knowledge, a clinically relevant and highly predictive overweight/obesity prediction tool is yet to be developed. Clinicians can, however, act now to identify the strongest predictors of future overweight/obesity. Further research is necessary to optimise the predictive strength and clinical applicability of such a tool

Applying the Integrated Sustainability Framework to explore the long-term sustainability of nutrition education programs in schools: A systematic review

Abstract Objective: This review aimed to identify and synthesise the enablers and barriers that influence the long-term (≥2 years) sustainment of school-based nutrition programs. Design: Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Scopus) were searched to identify studies reporting on the international literature relating to food and nutrition programs aimed at school aged (5-14 years) children that had been running for ≥2 years (combined intervention and follow-up period). Eligible studies were analysed using the Integrated Sustainability Framework, which involved deductive coding of program enablers and barriers. A quality assessment was completed, using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Setting: International school-based nutrition programs. Subjects: Individuals involved with the implementation of school-based nutrition programs. Results: From the 7366 articles identified, 13 studies (seven qualitative, five mixed methods and one quantitative descriptive) were included, from which the enablers and barriers of 11 different nutrition-related programs were analysed. Thirty-four factors across the five domains of the Integrated Sustainability Framework were identified that influenced the sustained implementation of programs. The most common barrier was a lack of organisational readiness and resources, whereas the most common enabler was having adequate external partnerships and a supportive environment. Conclusions: These findings have application during the initiation and implementation phases of school-based nutrition programs. Paying attention to the ‘outer contextual factors’ of the ISF including the establishment and maintenance of robust relationships across whole of government systems, local institutions and funding bodies which are crucial factors for program sustainment

Characteristics and treatment outcomes of children and adolescents accessing treatment in Child and Youth Mental Health Services

Aim: To provide insight into the characteristics and treatment outcomes of children and adolescents accessing outpatient Child and Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS), and to explore whether outcomes differ by age, sex, and ancestry background. This information can guide how to optimize the treatment delivered at these services. Methods: An observational retrospective study was performed based on data from 3098 children and adolescents between age 5 and 18 who received treatment at Brisbane, Australia, community CYMHS between 2013–2018. Patient characteristics, service use, and clinician and parent rated Routine Outcome Measures (ROM) were extracted from electronic health records. Results: Anxiety and mood disorders were the most common mental disorders (37% and 19%). In 1315 children and adolescents (42%), two or more disorders were diagnosed, and the far majority (88%) had experienced at least one psychosocial stressor. The ROM scores improved between start and end of treatment with Cohen's d effect sizes of around 0.9. However, ~50% of the children still scored in the clinical range at the end of treatment. Outcomes did not differ over gender and Indigenous status. Conclusions: Children and adolescents accessing CYMHS have severe and complex mental disorders as reflected by high rates of comorbidity, exposure to adverse circumstances and high symptom scores at the start of treatment. Despite the clinically relevant and substantial improvement, end ROM scores indicated the presence of residual symptoms. As this increases the risk for relapse, services should explore ways to improve treatment to further reduce mental health symptoms

Update of the best practice dietetic management of overweight and obese children and adolescents: a systematic review protocol

To update an existing systematic review series of randomized controlled trials (RCT) that include a dietary intervention for the management of overweight or obesity in children or adolescents.Specifically, the review questions are: In randomized controlled trials of interventions which include a dietary intervention for the management of overweight or obesity in children or adolescents

Crop Updates 2003 - -Katanning

This session covers sixteen papers from different authors Breeding Cereals for Rust Resistance – are we losing the battle? Robert F. Park, University of Sydney Stripe rust – where to now for the WA wheat industry? Robert Loughman, Department of Agriculture, Colin Wellings, University of Sydney, Greg Shea, Department of Agriculture Oaten hay production, Jocelyn Ball, Natasha Littlewood and Lucy Creagh, Department of Agriculture Don’t rely on ‘Spray and Pray’ Alex Douglas, Department of Agriculture Seasonal outlook: What is in store for 2003, David Stephens, Department of Agriculture No-till copper, phosphorus and zinc experiments, Ross Brennan and Mike Bolland, Department of Agriculture Wheat nutrition in the high rainfall zone, Narelle Hill, Department of Agriculture Aphid damage to cereal grain crops, Phil Michael, Department of Agriculture Aphid damage to canola – not all cultivars are equal, Francoise A. Berlandier and Christiaan Valentine, Department of Agriculture Overcropping Lucerne, Roy Latta, Department of Agriculture Future direction of field pea varieties, M. Rodger Beermier, Department of Agriculture Selecting the right pasture for the job, Keith Devenish, Department of Agriculture Topping up pasture seedbanks, Keith Devenish, Department of Agriculture Baudin and Hamlin New generation of malting barleys, Blakely Paynter, Roslyn Jettner and Kevin Young, Department of Agriculture Wheat variety performance in 2002 compared to the long term, Robin Wilson, Ian Barclay Robyn McLean, Robert Loughman, Jenny Garlinge, Bill Lambe, Neil Venn and Peter Clarke, Department of Agriculture The role of green manure crops in renovating poor performing paddocks: What’s it worth? Francis Hoyle, Leanne Schulz and Judith Devenish, Department of Agricultur

Building a Children’s Health Service and System Research Strategy: development and integration in an Australian paediatric healthcare setting

Background Health services and systems research (HSSR) strategies dedicated to paediatric health care and service delivery are limited. Strategies are available but are outdated and yet to be optimised for use in a paediatric health system. We aim to describe the development and integration of a Children’s Health Service and System Research Strategy (CHSSR-S) in Children’s Health Queensland (CHQ), a large specialist quaternary hospital and health service caring for children and young people in Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia. Methods The CHSSR-S was developed using an inductive, bottom-up, participatory systems approach across three phases: (1) Identifying local HSSR capacity; (2) Development; (3) Integration. A HSSR “Champion” was appointed to lead all phases. Clinical, research and system-based stakeholders (n = 14) were individually identified, contacted and participated in dedicated meetings and a workshop to iteratively design the CHSSR-S. A health system-wide CHSSR-S governance committee was established to drive phase three. Health system integration was achieved by multicomponent, action-based strategies. Results The final CHSSR-S comprised ten Research Priorities and three Research Enablers, and was successfully integrated within CHQ via a range of platforms. Research Priorities included: (1) Population Health; (2) Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer; (3) Indigenous Health; (4); Mental Health; (5) Nutrition and Obesity; (6) Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders; (7) Sepsis; (8) Screening, surveillance and monitoring; (9) Innovation; and (10) Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Research Priorities were supported by three Research Enablers: (1) Data; (2); Evaluation and Health Economics; and (3) Policy. Conclusions The CHSSR-S is the first known paediatric HSSR strategy developed and integrated within a large dedicated paediatric health system. The CHSSR-S may be used to guide global paediatric healthcare systems to prioritise HSSR in their local setting to optimise health service delivery and patient outcomes

Interventions to prevent or treat childhood obesity in Māori & Pacific Islanders: a systematic review

Māori and Pacific Islander people are a priority population originating from Australasia. Māori and Pacific Islander children exhibit greater risk of obesity and associated morbidities compared to children of other descent, secondary to unique cultural practices and socioeconomic disadvantage. Despite these known risk factors, there is limited synthesised evidence for preventing and treating childhood obesity in this unique population. The objective of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate global prevention or treatment interventions for overweight or obesity that targeted Māori and Pacific Islander children and adolescents (aged 2-17 years).The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched from inception to August 2018. Study quality and risk of bias was assessed using a modified Downs and Black Quality Checklist for Health Care Intervention Studies. Studies were included if RCT/intervention/case control/ or prevention study designs. The study group was defined under the search term 'Oceanic Ancestry Group'.Of the initial 94 articles identified, six were included describing two prevention and three treatment interventions. Interventions were heterogenous in setting, design, length and outcomes. Four interventions were implemented in New Zealand. Most studies were of 'fair' quality. One study recruited an exclusive population of Māori and Pacific Islander participants. In the five studies that recruited mixed populations, one performed sub-group analysis on Māori and Pacific Islander participants. No study reported an improvement in anthropometric outcomes post-intervention in complete or sub-group analysis. Improvements in cardiometabolic or psychological secondary outcomes were inconsistent across all studies.There is a lack of evidence to recommend specific intervention characteristics to optimise obesity prevention or treatment outcomes for Māori and Pacific Islander children. Future research requires greater consideration of cultural values and beliefs, community engagement, exclusive targeting of Māori and Pacific Islander children and families, and sub-group analyses for mixed-population studies. Incorporating co-design principles during study design and implementation can maximise the cultural specificity of interventions and may contribute to improved health and weight-related outcomes for this at-risk, priority population.PROSPERO CRD42019121790 (26 March 2019)

A Rapid Review of the Impact of Family-Based Digital Interventions for Obesity Prevention and Treatment on Obesity-Related Outcomes in Primary School-Aged Children

Virtual delivery of obesity prevention and treatment programs may be effective for supporting children and families to adopt healthy lifestyle changes while enhancing program accessibility. This rapid review aimed to summarize the impact of family-based digital interventions for childhood obesity prevention and treatment. Four databases were searched up to February 2021 for trials of interactive digital programs aimed to prevent and/or treat obesity in children aged 5–12 years and reported diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, or weight-related outcomes in children. A total of 23 publications (from 18 interventions) were included. Behavior change theories were used in 13 interventions with “Social Cognitive Theory” applied most frequently (n = 9). Interventions included websites (n = 11), text messaging (n = 5), video gaming (n = 2), Facebook (n = 3), and/or mobile applications (n = 2). Studies reported changes in body mass index (BMI; n = 11 studies), diet (n = 11), physical activity (n = 10), screen time (n = 6), and/or sleep (n = 1). Significant improvements were reported for diet (n = 5) or physical activity (n = 4). Two of the six interventions were effective in reducing screen time. Digital interventions have shown modest improvements in child BMI and significant effectiveness in diet and physical activity, with emerging evidence supporting the use of social media and video gaming to enhance program delivery