Mid-adolescent ethnic variations in overweight prevalence in the UK Millennium Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: There are stark ethnic inequalities in the prevalence of UK childhood obesity. However, data on adolescent overweight in different ethnic groups are limited. This study assessed ethnic inequalities in overweight prevalence during mid-adolescence using body mass index (BMI) and explored the contribution of socioeconomic and behavioural factors. METHODS: We analyzed data from 10 500 adolescents aged between 13 and 15 years who participated in sweep six of the Millennium Cohort Study. Ethnic inequalities in overweight and mean BMI were assessed using multiple regression models. Results were stratified by sex and adjusted for socioeconomic and behavioural factors. RESULTS: Black Caribbean males had significantly higher BMI than White males after full adjustment [excess BMI 2.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-5.19] and were over three times more likely to be overweight [odds ratio (OR): 3.32, 95% CI 1.95-5.66]. Black Africans females had significantly higher BMI compared with White females (excess BMI 1.86, 95% CI 0.89-2.83; OR for overweight 2.74, 95% CI 1.64-4.56), while Indian females had significantly lower BMI compared with White females (reduced BMI -0.73, 95% CI -1.37 to -0.09). Socioeconomic and behavioural factors often considered to be associated with overweight were more prevalent in some ethnic minority groups (lower socioeconomic position, lack of breakfast consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, high sugar-sweetened beverage and fast-food consumption, and infrequent physical activity), but adjustment for these factors did not fully explain ethnic differences in overweight/BMI. CONCLUSION: Ethnic inequalities in overweight prevalence are evident in mid-adolescence and vary according to sex. Differences in overweight/BMI between ethnic groups were not fully accounted for by socioeconomic or behavioural factors

On the dynamic tensile strength of Zirconium

Despite its fundamental nature, the process of dynamic tensile failure (spall) is poorly understood. Spall initiation via cracks, voids, etc, before subsequent coalesce, is known to be highly microstructure-dependant. In particular, the availability of slip planes and other methods of plastic deformation controls the onset (or lack thereof) of spall. While studies have been undertaken into the spall response of BCC and FCC materials, less attention has paid to the spall response of highly anisotropic HCP materials. Here the dynamic behaviour of zirconium is investigated via plate-impact experiments, with the aim of building on an ongoing in-house body of work investigating these highly complex materials. In particular, in this paper the effect of impact stress on spall in a commercially sourced Zr rod is considered, with apparent strain-rate softening highlighted

Under & Over: A randomised controlled study to develop an upper limb rehabilitation tool for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Impairment of upper limb function is common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Rehabilitation remains a key strategy to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The Under & Over study assessed the effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme in people with advanced MS. OBJECTIVE: To determine if repeated use of Under & Over can improve upper limb function for people with MS. METHODS: One hundred and six (N = 106) people with MS participated in this 3-month study. The primary outcome measure was the cardboard 9-hole peg test (c9HPT), with secondary outcomes including the EuroQol-5Dimensions, 5-Level Questionnaire (EQ5D-5 L) questionnaire. There were three arms: Arm 1a, the 'Daily Group', engaged with the Under & Over tool daily for 30 min. Arm 1b, the 'Free Use Group', used the same tool without time constraints, with the added feature of a community sharing platform. Arm 2, the 'Delayed Start Group', initially completed the c9HPT for three months before switching to the 'Free Use' programme. RESULTS: 43/106 (41 %) of those randomised completed the primary end point. No significant difference between c9HPT at baseline and 3 months was seen in Arm 1a or 1b. Participants in Arm 2 who had been completing the c9HPT 5 days a week for 3 months showed a training effect in the dominant hand (mean speed at baseline 0.0455 (s-1), mean at 3 months 0.0341, difference 0.011; 95 % CI 0.0080 to 0.0148, p < 0.001). No significant difference was seen in c9HPT time following 3 months of active use of the Under & Over tool. The study faced significant limitations, notably in participant adherence, with fewer than half (43/106 (41 %)) completing the final assessment. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates how a small, engaged, and motivated group were able to complete a remote rehabilitation programme. Future remote intervention studies could benefit from incorporating adaptive engagement strategies, such as personalised reminders and participant-tailored activity adjustments, to enhance adherence and capture a broader spectrum of patient experiences

Structural phase transitions in the Ag2Nb4O11 – Na2Nb4O11 solid solution

The phase transitions between various structural modifications of the natrotantite-structured system xAg2Nb4O11 – (1-x)Na2Nb4O11 have been investigated and a phase diagram constructed as a function of temperature and composition. This shows three separate phase transition types: (1) paraelectric – ferroelectric, (2) rhombohedral – monoclinic and (3) a phase transition within the ferroelectric rhombohedral zone between space groups R3c and R3. The parent structure for the entire series has space group R-3c. Compositions with x > 0.75 are rhombohedral at all temperatures whereas compositions with x < 0.75 are all monoclinic at room temperature and below. At x = 0.75, rhombohedral and monoclinic phases coexist with the phase boundary below room temperature being virtually temperature-independent. The ferroelectric phase boundary extends into the monoclinic phase field. No evidence was found for the R3–R3c phase boundary extending into the monoclinic phase field and it is concluded that a triple point is formed

The meaning of exercise and physical activity in community dwelling people with multiple sclerosis

Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Purpose This study explored the meanings community dwelling people with Multiple Sclerosis ascribe to exercise and physical activity. Method Using a qualitative approach, 16 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis and emerging themes developed. Results Five themes were identified: “A Type of Movement”, “The Impact of Exercise and Physical Activity”, “It Changes”, “Sense of Loss” and “Coping with Multiple Sclerosis”. The findings demonstrated that people with multiple sclerosis held a multidimensional and complex view about exercise and physical activity. Conclusion The meanings people with multiple sclerosis ascribe to exercise and physical activity extended beyond movement, reflecting how they lived with a variable neurological condition. Personal and contextual factors were dominant influences

A Qualitative exploration of physiotherapists' perceptions about exercise and physical activity: Reflections on the results from a Delphi Study

Purpose: This study explored physiotherapists’ interpretation of exercise and physical activity, examined physiotherapists’ views and opinions about the prioritised physical activity practices of people with multiple sclerosis and its implication for clinical practice. Method: Fourteen physiotherapists (12 females, 2 males) with experience of working with people with multiple sclerosis in the community participated in three focus groups. Physiotherapists commented on the results of a previous Delphi study which highlighted the prioritised exercise and physical activity practices and reasons people with multiple sclerosis engage in exercise and physical activity. The focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Results: Four themes were developed from the analysis namely, Blurred terminologies, Influencing factors for the meaning of exercise and physical activity, When professional expertise meets experiential expertise and The resolve: resolving professional and experiential tensions. Conclusion: Physiotherapists described exercise and physical activity as movement with a focus on the physiological attributes. Nonetheless they valued and use exercise and physical activity as strategies to manage the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapists are strategically placed in the community to initiate discussions, assess, and create opportunities to enhance the physical activity practices of people with multiple sclerosis. However, there is greater scope for the application of physical activity to be embedded in routine clinical practice in the management of multiple sclerosis in the community. Implications for rehabilitation Physiotherapists should design flexible physical activity programmes which are meaningful, engaging and foster the necessary environment to sustain physical activity participation in people with multiple sclerosis. Health professionals should be aware of and understand the individuals’ priorities as these are key drivers to engaging and sustaining physical activity in community dwelling people with multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapists should be aware of their own beliefs and theoretical principles that guide designs and treatment programmes as these might either enhance or restrict physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis

Replacing the wild type loxP site in BACs from the public domain with lox66 using a lox66 transposon

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chromatin adjoining the site of integration of a transgene affects expression and renders comparisons of closely related transgenes, such as those derived from a BAC deletion series retrofitted with enhancer-traps, unreliable. Gene targeting to a pre-determined site on the chromosome is likely to alleviate the problem.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>A general procedure to replace the <it>loxP </it>site located at one end of genomic DNA inserts in BACs with <it>lox66 </it>is described. Truncating insert DNA from the <it>loxP </it>end with a Tn10 transposon carrying a <it>lox66 </it>site simultaneously substitutes the <it>loxP </it>with a <it>lox66 </it>sequence. The replacement occurs with high stringency, and the procedure should be applicable to all BACs in the public domain. Cre recombination of <it>loxP </it>with <it>lox66 </it>or <it>lox71 </it>was found to be as efficient as another <it>loxP </it>site during phage P1 transduction of small plasmids containing those sites. However the end-deletion of insert DNA in BACs using a <it>lox66 </it>transposon occurred at no more than 20% the efficiency observed with a <it>loxP </it>transposon. Differences in the ability of Cre protein available at different stages of the P1 life cycle to recombine identical versus non-identical <it>lox</it>-sites is likely responsible for this discrepancy. A possible mechanism to explain these findings is discussed.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The <it>loxP/lox66 </it>replacement procedure should allow targeting BACs to a pre-positioned <it>lox71 </it>site in zebrafish chromosomes; a system where homologous recombination-mediated "knock-in" technology is unavailable.</p

Evolution of phase assemblage of blended magnesium potassium phosphate cement binders at 200 degrees and 1000 degrees C

The fire performance of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) binders blended with fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) was investigated up to 1000°C using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and SEM techniques. The FA/MKPC and GBFS/MKPC binders dehydrate above 200°C to form amorphous KMgPO4, concurrent with volumetric and mass changes. Above 1000°C, additional crystalline phases were formed and microstructural changes occurred, although no cracking or spalling of the samples was observed. These results indicate that FA/MKPC and GBFS/MKPC binders are expected to have satisfactory fire performance under the fire scenario conditions relevant to the operation of a UK or other geological disposal facility

Use of AUDIT-C alcohol screening tool in NHS general dental practices in North London

Background: The numerous health risks of excessive alcohol consumption are well documented. Individuals at risk of harm from alcohol consumption can be identified through alcohol screening tools; however, there is limited research regarding their use in general dental practices. Methods: Data were collected as part of a feasibility trial evaluating delivery of brief alcohol advice in general dental practices in North London. Patient demographics and health-related behaviours were collected, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) tool was used to assess alcohol consumption patterns. Results: The analytical sample comprised 552 dental patients, of whom approximately half (46%) were drinking alcohol at hazardous levels. Males, younger adults, those who consumed red meat weekly and smokers all had significantly increased risks of excessive alcohol consumption. Smokers were more likely to consume excessive levels of alcohol irrespective of smoking frequency. Notable sex differences in alcohol consumption were identified, with males being more likely to consume alcohol frequently and in larger quantities than females. Conclusion: The AUDIT-C tool can be used in general dental practice to screen for harmful levels of alcohol consumption. Clear associations exist between patient demographics, health behaviours and excessive alcohol consumption

Nonresonant valence-to-core x-ray emission spectroscopy of niobium

The valence-to-core (V2C) portion of x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) measures the electron states close to the Fermi level. These states are involved in bonding, thus providing a measure of the chemistry of the material. In this article, we show the V2C XES spectra for several niobium compounds. The K β ′′ peak in the V2C XES results from the transition of a ligand 2 s electron into the 1 s core-hole of the niobium, a transition allowed by hybridization with the niobium 4 p . This location in energy of this weak peak shows a strong ligand dependence, thus providing a sensitive probe of the ligand environment about the niobium