The prevalence of sarcopenia in fallers and those at risk of falls in a secondary care falls unit as measured by bioimpedance analysis

Objectives: Sarcopenia is characterised by loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with adverse outcomes: physical disability, poor quality of life and death. Low muscle mass and strength are risk factors for falls, although there are few data available on the prevalence of sarcopenia in fallers. This study aimed to determine prevalence of sarcopenia in older people referred to a falls clinic. Methods: Consecutive patients referred to a secondary care falls unit were recruited. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia definition (low muscle mass and function) and cut-off points. Bio-impedance measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Gait speed and grip strength were functional measures. Results: Fifty-eight patients were recruited. Mean (SD) grip strength for women and men respectively were 17.9 (4.9) and 29.9(8.7) kg, mean (SD) gait speeds were 0.61(0.18) and 0.72 (0.4) m/s, mean (SD) appendicular skeletal muscle index in women and men were 6.98(1.0) and 7.85 (1.0) kg/m2 (p=0.018). Prevalence of sarcopenia was 9.8% (95% CI=1.6%-18%). Conclusions: Sarcopenia, as measured by bio-impedance is not uncommon in older people accessing a secondary care falls clinic. Bio-impedance was simple to perform, although further validation against gold standard methods is needed. As nutritional and exercise interventions for sarcopenia are available, simple methods for diagnosing sarcopenia in fallers should be considered

Effectiveness of a community group and home based exercise intervention on the maintenance of vertebral body height and prevention of vertebral compression fractures in older adults: The ProAct65+bone study [Abstract]

Effectiveness of a community group and home based exercise intervention on the maintenance of vertebral body height and prevention of vertebral compression fractures in older adults: The ProAct65+bone study [Abstract

Can exercise protect against vertebral deformity? The proact65+bone study [Abstract]

Can exercise protect against vertebral deformity? The proact65+bone study [Abstract

Does adherence to falls prevention exercise programmes benefit bone mineral density in older people? The ProAct65+ bone study [abstract]

Does adherence to falls prevention exercise programmes benefit bone mineral density in older people? The ProAct65+ bone study [abstract

Review of The use of bodies by Giorgio Agamben, translated by Adam Kotsko

This article reviews Giorgio Agamben's ninth installment in his Homo Sacer series, The Use of Bodies by Giorgio Agamben, translated by Adam Kotsko. The review considers Agamben's political philosophy framing of the body with reference to existentialist philosophy

Towards a more sustainable food system in Brighton and Hove, UK

This chapter provides a chronological and thematic account of the work carried out in the UK, reflecting on the lessons these experiences bring to sustainability transformations and some of the concepts covered in the earlier chapters. It describes the identification and framing of the sustainability challenge (a sustainable agri-food system in Brighton and Hove), the theoretical approach adopted and the way various methods (e.g. participatory continuum methods such as Evaluation H) were applied. The chapter outlines key moments in the transformation laboratory (T-Lab) process and the lessons that were learnt as a result. Learning from innovative examples from elsewhere in the UK and the importance of strategic alliances are highlighted. The role of the researchers and other stakeholders in reframing the role of the Brighton and Hove Downland Estate (which became the focus of the work) is discussed in depth, and the implications for new pathways are explored.</p

IS SLEEP THE ANSWER TO CHILD OBESITY? COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF A SLEEP INTERVENTION IN INFANCY

IS SLEEP THE ANSWER TO CHILD OBESITY? COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF A SLEEP INTERVENTION IN INFANC

Moe Kitenga: a qualitative study of perceptions of infant and child sleep practices among Māori whānau

Insufficient sleep is a strong risk factor for unhealthy weight gain in children. Māori (the indigenous population of Aotearoa (New Zealand)) children have an increased risk of unhealthy weight gain compared to New Zealand European children. Interventions around sleep could provide an avenue for improving health and limiting excessive weight gain with other meaningful benefits for whānau (extended family) well-being. However, current messages promoting good sleep may not be realistic for many Māori whānau. Using qualitative methods, the Moe Kitenga project explored the diverse realities of sleep in 14 Māori whānau. We conclude that for infant sleep interventions to prevent obesity and improve health outcomes for Māori children, they must take into account the often pressing social circumstances of many Māori whānau that are a barrier to adopting infant sleep recommendations, otherwise sleep interventions could create yet another oppressive standard that whānau fail to live up to

The Civil War as Constitutional Interpretation (reviewing \u3ci\u3eLincoln\u27s Constitution\u3c/i\u3e by Daniel Farber)

Spreadsheet of values used for data analysis. (XLSX 13 kb

Motivations and Barriers to Sharing Biological Samples: A Case Study

One of the most significant impediments to the current goals of genomic research is the limited availability of high quality biological samples. Despite efforts to increase both the quality and quantity of samples collected, access to such samples remains limited. This may be due, at least in part, to a general reluctance of biobanking professionals, clinicians, and researchers to share biological specimens with others. Ethnographic methods were used in a biobank setting to explore professionals’ perspectives toward and practices of sharing samples. Several motivations and barriers to sharing that may influence research practice were identified. Contrary to existing literature that suggests that professionals are unlikely to share samples with one another, the participants of this study were open to and supportive of sharing samples for research. However, clear communication and effective infrastructure are needed to support the distribution of biobank materials