Lifeworld Inc. : and what to do about it

Can we detect changes in the way that the world turns up as they turn up? This paper makes such an attempt. The first part of the paper argues that a wide-ranging change is occurring in the ontological preconditions of Euro-American cultures, based in reworking what and how an event is produced. Driven by the security – entertainment complex, the aim is to mass produce phenomenological encounter: Lifeworld Inc as I call it. Swimming in a sea of data, such an aim requires the construction of just enough authenticity over and over again. In the second part of the paper, I go on to argue that this new world requires a different kind of social science, one that is experimental in its orientation—just as Lifeworld Inc is—but with a mission to provoke awareness in untoward ways in order to produce new means of association. Only thus, or so I argue, can social science add to the world we are now beginning to live in

WACCM-D Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with D-region ion chemistry

Energetic particle precipitation (EPP) and ion chemistry affect the neutral composition of the polar middle atmosphere. For example, production of odd nitrogen and odd hydrogen during strong events can decrease ozone by tens of percent. However, the standard ion chemistry parameterization used in atmospheric models neglects the effects on some important species, such as nitric acid. We present WACCM-D, a variant of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model, which includes a set of lower ionosphere (D-region) chemistry: 307 reactions of 20 positive ions and 21 negative ions. We consider realistic ionization scenarios and compare the WACCM-D results to those from the Sodankylä Ion and Neutral Chemistry (SIC), a state-of-the-art 1-D model of the D-region chemistry. We show that WACCM-D produces well the main characteristics of the D-region ionosphere, as well as the overall proportion of important ion groups, in agreement with SIC. Comparison of ion concentrations shows that the WACCM-D bias is typically within ±10% or less below 70 km. At 70–90 km, when strong altitude gradients in ionization rates and/or ion concentrations exist, the bias can be larger for some groups but is still within tens of percent. Based on the good agreement overall and the fact that part of the differences are caused by different model setups, WACCM-D provides a state-of-the-art global representation of D-region ion chemistry and is therefore expected to improve EPP modeling considerably. These improvements are demonstrated in a companion paper by Andersson et al

The future of coal investment, trade, and stranded assets

Coal is at a crossroads, with divestment and phase-out in the West countered by the surging growth throughout Asia. Global energy scenarios suggest that coal consumption could halve over the next decade, but the business and geopolitical implications of this profound shift remain underexplored. We investigate coal markets to 2040 using a perfect competition techno-economic model. In a well-below-2°C scenario, Europe, North America, and Australia suffer from over-capacity, with one-third of today’s mines becoming stranded assets. New mines are needed to offset retirements, but a new commodity cycle in the 2030s can be avoided. Coal prices decline as only the most competitive mines survive, and trade volumes fall to give more insular national markets. Regions stand to gain or lose tens of billions of dollars per year from reducing import bills or export revenues. Understanding and preparing for these changes could ease the transition away from coal following 150 years of dominance

Weight outcomes audit in 1.3 million adults during their first 3 months' attendance in a commercial weight management programme

Background: Over sixty percent of adults in the UK are now overweight/obese. Weight management on a national scale requires behavioural and lifestyle solutions that are accessible to large numbers of people. Evidence suggests commercial weight management programmes help people manage their weight but there is little research examining those that pay to attend such programmes rather than being referred by primary care. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of a UK commercial weight management programme in self-referred, fee-paying participants. Methods: Electronic weekly weight records were collated for self-referred, fee-paying participants of Slimming World groups joining between January 2010 and April 2012. This analysis reports weight outcomes in 1,356,105 adult, non-pregnant participants during their first 3 months’ attendance. Data were analysed by regression, ANOVA and for binomial outcomes, chi-squared tests using the R statistical program. Results: Mean (SD) age was 42.3 (13.6) years, height 1.65 m (0.08) and start weight was 88.4 kg (18.8). Mean start BMI was 32.6 kg/m² (6.3 kg/m²) and 5 % of participants were men. Mean weight change of all participants was −3.9 kg (3.6), percent weight change −4.4 (3.8), and BMI change was −1.4 kg/m² (1.3). Mean attendance was 7.8 (4.3) sessions in their first 3 months. For participants attending at least 75 % of possible weekly sessions (n = 478,772), mean BMI change was −2.5 kg/m² (1.3), weight change −6.8 kg (3.7) and percent weight change −7.5 % (3.5). Weight loss was greater in men than women absolutely (−6.5 (5.3) kg vs −3.8 (3.4) kg) and as a percentage (5.7 % (4.4) vs 4.3 % (3.7)), respectively. All comparisons were significant (p < 0.001). Level of attendance and percent weight loss in the first week of attendance together accounted for 55 % of the variability in weight lost during the study period. Conclusions: A large-scale commercial lifestyle-based weight management programme had a significant impact on weight loss outcomes over 3 months. Higher levels of attendance led to levels of weight loss known to be associated with significant clinical benefits, which on this scale may have an impact on public health

Body composition changes and their relationship with obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms, severity:The Sleeping Well Trial

Background &amp; aims: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and obesity share a complex bi-directional relationship as location of body fat and changes in regional body composition may be more important for OSA improvement than changes in total body weight only. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 6-month weight loss intervention for adults newly diagnosed with moderate-severe OSA and obesity on regional body composition. The secondary aims evaluated the relationship between changes in OSA symptoms and severity and anthropometry and regional body composition during the first 12-months after commencing CPAP and explored differences in outcomes between males and females. Methods: Participants (n = 59) received CPAP overnight at home alongside a 6-month modified fasting intervention with 12-months follow up. Regional body composition was measured by Dual X-ray absorptiometry, (DXA) and anthropometry before and after the lifestyle intervention. OSA severity was measured using the apnoea hypopnea index via overnight polysomnography and OSA symptoms were measured using the Epworth Sleepiness scale. Results: Forty-seven adults (74% male) had complete measures available with a mean age of 50.0 y (SD 11.0) and BMI 34.1 kg/m2 (SD 5.0). Following the intervention average fat mass changed by −5.27 kg (5.36), p &lt; 0.001) and visceral adipose tissue (−0.63 kg (0.67), p &lt; 0.001) significantly decreased in males only with a maintenance of fat-free mass (mean −0.41 kg (1.80), p = 0.18). Females (n = 12) had significant decreases in waist circumference (mean −3.36 cm (3.18) p &lt; 0.01), android lean (−0.12 kg (0.04), p &lt; 0.05) and android total mass (−0.28 kg (0.39), p &lt; 0.05) only. Regional body composition changes in males were positively associated with improvements in OSA severity (p &lt; 0.01) but not OSA symptoms.Conclusion: Improvements in regional body composition were seen in males only which were related to improvements in OSA severity but not OSA symptoms. Females may exhibit different OSA pathophysiology and may require different treatment approaches. </p

Classification and identification of Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-like species.

Dinoflagellates can be classified both botanically and zoologically; however, they are typically put in the botanical division Pyrrhophyta. As a group they appear most related to the protistan ciliates and apicomplexans at the ultrastructure level. Within the Pyrrhophyta are both unarmored and armored forms of the dominant, motile flagellated stage. Unarmored dinoflagellates do not have thecal or wall plates arranged in specific series, whereas armored species have plates that vary in thickness but are specific in number and arrangement. In armored dinoflagellates, the plate pattern and tabulation is a diagnostic character at the family, subfamily, and even genus levels. In most cases, the molecular characterization of dinoflagellates confirms the taxonomy on the basis of external morphology; this has been demonstrated for several groups. Together, both genetic and morphological criteria are becoming increasingly important for the characterization, separation, and identification of dinoflagellates species. Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-like species are thinly armored forms with motile dinospore stages characterized by their distinct plate formulae. Pfiesteria piscicida is the best-known member of the genus; however, there is at least one other species. Other genetically and morphologically related genera, now grouped under the common names of "Lucy," "Shepherd's crook," and cryptoperidiniopsoid, are being studied and described in separate works. All these other heterotrophic dinoflagellate groups, many of which are thought to be benign, co-occur in estuarine waters where Pfiesteria has been found

Efficacy, Safety and Acceptability of a Very-Low-Energy Diet in Adolescents with Obesity:A Fast Track to Health Sub-Study

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy, safety and acceptability of a 4-week very-low-energy diet (VLED) program for adolescents with obesity. Adolescents (13–17 years) with obesity and ≥1 obesity-related complication were Fast Track to Health 52-week randomized controlled trial participants. Adolescents undertook a 4-week micronutrient-complete VLED (800 kcal/day), with weekly dietitian support. Anthropometric data were recorded at baseline and week-4 and side-effects at day 3–4, week-1, -2, -3 and -4. Adolescents completed an acceptability survey at week-4. A total of 134 adolescents (14.9 ± 1.2 years, 50% male) had a 5.5 ± 2.9 kg (p &lt; 0.001) mean weight loss at week-4: 95% experienced ≥1 and 70% experienced ≥3 side-effects during the VLED program, especially during the first week. Hunger, fatigue, headache, irritability, loose stools, constipation and nausea were most common. Reporting more side-effects at day 3–4 correlated with greater weight loss at week-4 (r = −0.188, p = 0.03). Adolescents reported ‘losing weight’ (34%) and ‘prescriptive structure’ (28%) as the most positive aspects of VLED, while ‘restrictive nature’ (45%) and ‘meal replacement taste’ (20%) were least liked. A dietitian-monitored short-term VLED can be implemented safely and is acceptable for many adolescents seeking weight loss, despite frequent side-effects. Investigating predictors of acceptability and effectiveness could determine adolescents most suited to VLED programs.</p

Intermittent Energy Restriction for Adolescents With Obesity:The Fast Track to Health Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance: Adolescent obesity requires effective and accessible treatment. Intensive dietary interventions have the potential to be used as adjunctive therapy for behavioral weight management. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of 2 diet therapies, delivered as part of an intensive behavioral weight management intervention, in adolescents with metabolic complications associated with obesity. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multisite, 52-week randomized clinical trial was conducted from January 31, 2018, to March 31, 2023, at 2 tertiary pediatric centers in Australia. Adolescents (aged 13-17 years) with obesity and 1 or more associated complications were included. Interventions: Intensive behavioral interventions, delivered by a multidisciplinary team, comparing intermittent energy restriction (IER) or continuous energy restriction (CER), with 3 phases: very low-energy diet (weeks 0-4), intensive intervention (weeks 5-16), and continued intervention and/or maintenance (weeks 17-52). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was body mass index (BMI) z score at 52 weeks in the IER vs CER group. Anthropometry, body composition, and cardiometabolic health were assessed at baseline and 52 weeks. The BMI z score and percentiles were determined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. Insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and elevated hepatic function were assessed. Results: A total of 141 adolescents (median [IQR] age, 14.8 [12.9-17.9] years; 71 male [50.4%]) were enrolled, 71 in the IER group and 70 in the CER group, and 97 (68.8%) completed the intervention, 43 in the IER group and 54 in the CER group. At week 52, both groups had reduced BMI z scores (estimated marginal mean change, -0.28 [95% CI, -0.37 to -0.20] for IER and -0.28 [95% CI, -0.36 to -0.20] for CER) and reduced BMI expressed as a percentage of the 95th percentile (estimated marginal mean change, -9.56 [95% CI, -12.36 to -6.83] for IER and -9.23 [95% CI, -11.82 to -6.64] for CER). No differences were found in body composition or cardiometabolic outcomes between the groups. Both groups had a reduction in the occurrence of insulin resistance (from 52 of 68 [76.5%] to 32 of 56 [57.1%] in the IER group and from 59 of 68 [86.8%] to 31 of 60 [57.1%] in the CER group) at week 16; however, at week 52, this effect was observed in the CER group only (from 59 of 68 [86.7%] to 30 of 49 [61.2%]). The occurrence of dyslipidemia was unchanged between baseline and week 52 (60 of 137 [42.6%] and 37 of 87 [42.5%], respectively), with a small improvement in occurrence of impaired hepatic function tests (37 of 139 [27.0%] and 15 of 87 [17.2%], respectively). No differences were found in dyslipidemia or hepatic function between groups. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that for adolescents with obesity-associated complications, IER can be incorporated into a behavioral weight management program, providing an option in addition to CER and offering participants more choice.</p

Symptoms of Depression, Eating Disorders, and Binge Eating in Adolescents With Obesity:The Fast Track to Health Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Depression and eating disorders are heightened for adolescents with obesity. Clinical reviews alongside self-report questionnaires are important to ensure appropriate intervention. Objective To evaluate changes in self-report symptoms of depression, eating disorders, and binge eating in adolescents with obesity during the Fast Track to Health trial. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a randomized clinical trial conducted from 2018 to 2023. It was a multisite trial conducted at children's hospitals in Sydney, New South Wales, and Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and included adolescents (13-17 years) with obesity (defined as adult equivalent body mass index ≥30; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) and 1 or more related complications. Interventions Duration was 52 weeks including a very low energy diet for 4 weeks followed by intermittent energy restriction (IER) or continuous energy restriction (CER). Main Outcomes and Measures Self-report symptoms of depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised 10-Item Version for Adolescents [CESDR-10]; scores 0-30), eating disorders (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q]; scores 0-6), and binge eating (Binge Eating Scale [BES]; scores 0-46) were assessed. Adolescents were screened for depression and eating disorders (weeks 0, 4, 16, and 52) and monitored for the onset of new symptoms of disordered eating during dietetic consults. Results Of 141 adolescents (median [IQR] age, 14.8 [12.9-17.9] years; 71 male [50.4%]) enrolled, median baseline EDE-Q score was 2.28 (IQR, 1.43-3.14), median baseline CESDR-10 score was 9.00 (IQR, 4.00-14.50), and median baseline BES score was 11.00 (IQR, 5.00-17.00). There were no differences between groups for change in CESDR-10 (mean difference at week 52, 0.75; 95% CI, -1.86 to 3.37), EDE-Q (mean difference at week 52, 0.02; 95% CI, -0.41 to 0.45), or BES (mean difference at week 52, -2.91; 95% CI, -5.87 to 0.05). The within-group reductions at week 4 were maintained at week 52, for CESDR-10 and EDE-Q, indicating reduced symptoms of depression and eating disorders. Within-group reductions on the BES were maintained in the IER group only. Seventeen adolescents (12.1%) required support or referral for depression and/or disordered eating, including 7 (5%; 5 IER, 2 CER) adolescents who experienced the onset or reemergence of symptoms during the intervention. Conclusions and Relevance Results suggest that many treatment-seeking adolescents with obesity self-reported symptoms of depression and eating disorders. Although symptoms reduced for most, some required additional support. Obesity treatment is an opportune time to screen and monitor for depression and disordered eating.<p/

Impacts of carbohydrate-restricted diets on micronutrient intakes and status: a systematic review

A systematic review of published evidence on micronutrient intake/status with carbohydrate‐restricted diets (CRD) was conducted in Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to October 2018. We identified 10 studies: seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (“Atkins”‐style, n = 5; “Paleolithic” diets, n = 2), two Atkins‐style noncontrolled trials and one cross‐sectional study. Prescribed carbohydrate varied 4% to 34% of energy intake. Only one noncontrolled trial prescribed multivitamin supplements. Dietary intakes/status were reported over 2 to 104 weeks, with weight losses from 2 to 9 kg. No diagnoses of deficiency were reported. Intakes of thiamine, folate, magnesium, calcium, iron, and iodine all decreased significantly (−10% to −70% from baseline) with any CRD types. Atkins diet trials (n = 6; 4%‐34%E carbohydrate) showed inconsistent changes in vitamin A, E, and β‐carotene intakes, while a single “Paleolithic” diet trial (28%E carbohydrate) reported increases in these micronutrients. One other “Paleolithic” diet (30%E carbohydrate) reported a rise in moderate iodine deficiency from 15% to 73% after 6 months. In conclusion, few studies have assessed the impacts of CRD on micronutrients. Studies with different designs point towards reductions in several vitamins and minerals, with potential risk of micronutrient inadequacies. Trial reporting standards are expected to include analysis of micronutrient intake/status. Micronutrients in foods and/or supplements should be considered when designing, prescribing or following CRDs