Overeating and food addiction in Major Depressive Disorder: Links to peripheral dopamine.

The concept of food addiction refers to addiction-like behaviours that develop in association with the intake of highly palatable foods. Previous research indicates that a high proportion of individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) meet the criteria for food addiction, and are also at an increased risk of weight gain and chronic disease. In the central nervous system, dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward salience and food intake, whereas peripheral dopamine is involved in sympathetic stress regulation, digestion and gastrointestinal motility. However, little research has examined relationships between peripheral dopamine, depressive symptoms and problematic eating behaviours in MDD. Biometrics, psychopathology and plasma dopamine levels were compared between participants with MDD (n = 80) and controls (n = 60). Participants were sub-categorised into those meeting or not meeting Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) criteria. Psychometric measures of mood and appetite were used to assess MDD symptoms, problematic eating behaviours and food-addiction related symptoms. Twenty-three (23; 29%) MDD participants met the Yale criteria for food addiction. Depressed individuals meeting YFAS criteria had significantly greater psychopathology scores for both mood and eating compared to depressed individuals not meeting YFAS criteria and controls. A significant interaction between food addiction status and sex was also observed for plasma dopamine levels. Plasma dopamine levels correlated positively with disordered eating behaviours in females, and negatively in males. The results provide evidence that depressogenic excess eating and weight gain are associated with peripheral dopamine levels. Longitudinal research is warranted investigating endocrine dysregulation and excess eating in MDD, which may inform interventions and reduce chronic disease risk in affected individuals.

Influence of gender, BMI and body shape on theoretical injection outcome at the ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal sites.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the influences of gender, BMI and observed body shape on subcutaneous fat and muscle thicknesses, and theoretical injection outcome, at the ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal intramuscular injection sites. BACKGROUND: Debate continues as to whether the dorsogluteal or ventrogluteal injection site is more reliable for a successful intramuscular injection outcome. Subcutaneous fat and muscle thicknesses at the injection site are direct determinants of intramuscular injection outcome. BMI and observed body shape influence gluteal subcutaneous fat and muscle thicknesses, and therefore injection outcome, with potentially distinct effects at the ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal sites. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Demographic data were collected, and subcutaneous fat and muscle thicknesses were quantified bilaterally at the dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal injection sites using ultrasound, for 145 participants (57% female). RESULTS: Subcutaneous fat and muscle were significantly thicker at the dorsogluteal than the ventrogluteal site, and 75% and 86% of participants would receive a successful intramuscular injection at these sites, respectively. There were significant effects of gender, BMI and observed body shape on subcutaneous fat thickness and theoretical injection outcome at both sites. Females, obese individuals and endomorph individuals had thicker subcutaneous fat and were more likely to have a subcutaneous injection outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Gender, BMI and observed body shape could be used to guide site and needle length selection when administering gluteal intramuscular injections to increase the likelihood of a successful intramuscular injection outcome. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Both gluteal injection sites should be avoided in obese individuals and endomorph individuals. An intramuscular injection will be successful: using a 32-mm needle at the ventrogluteal site for all males and normal-weight females and using a 38-mm needle for all females at the ventrogluteal site, and for all males and at least 98% of females at the dorsogluteal site.

Effects of thickness of muscle and subcutaneous fat on efficacy of gluteal intramuscular injection sites.

Intramuscular injections given at the dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal sites are intended for the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles, respectively. However, little research has confirmed the reliability of these sites for the presence and thickness of the target and other muscles, and subcutaneous fat. This study characterised and compared these at the V-method and G-method ventrogluteal sites and dorsogluteal site (n=60). Gluteus maximus, medius and minimus were identified at each site, plus tensor fascia latae at ventrogluteal sites. Gluteus maximus and subcutaneous fat were significantly thicker and gluteus minimus significantly thinner at the dorsogluteal site than both ventrogluteal sites. Gluteus medius was the thickest muscle at each injection site, and thicker at the G-method than the V-method ventrogluteal site. Therefore, the dorsogluteal site reliably targets gluteus maximus, and the G-method ventrogluteal site was more reliable than the V-method ventrogluteal site to target gluteus medius in terms of presence and thickness.

Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis is associated with a low incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome and perioperative complications.

BACKGROUND: Iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (IFDVT) is associated with an incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) of up to 50%. PTS is associated with high morbidity, impaired quality of life and a significant economic burden. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of a single session pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT), dedicated venous stents and a risk mitigation protocol on the rate of PTS. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2022, patients presenting with acute or subacute IFDVT treated with the same protocol of single session PMT, dedicated venous stents, and risk-mitigation measures were included. Procedural success rate, complications, stent patency and incidence of PTS were determined. RESULTS: Of 60 patients (58 ± 19 years; 65% male), the procedural success rate was 93%, with 7% of patients experiencing complications but no long-term sequelae or mortality. Most (n = 52; 87%) patients were stented, including 46% across the inguinal ligament. At 3 months post-procedure, primary, assisted primary and secondary stent patency rates were 89%, 93% and 98%, respectively, with no loss of patency or re-interventions after that. At latest follow-up of a median 48 months (n = 32), stent patency rate was 97%, with only three patients (9%) experiencing symptoms of PTS. CONCLUSION: Single session PMT, dedicated venous stents and a risk-mitigation protocol results in high success rate, excellent long-term stent patency and low incidence of PTS without compromising safety. These results support early intervention for iliofemoral DVT.

Acute Effects of Dairy or Soy Milk on Sex Hormones Following Resistance Exercise in Males: A Randomized, Crossover Pilot Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Resistance exercise training (RET) can increase muscle mass and strength, and this adaptation is optimized when dietary protein is consumed to enhance muscle protein synthesis. Dairy milk has been endorsed for this purpose; however, allergy and lactose intolerance affect two-thirds of the global population making dairy milk unsuitable for many. Plant-based alternatives such as soy milk have gained popularity and exhibit comparable protein content. However, concerns regarding soy phytoestrogens potentially influencing circulating sex hormones and diminishing the anabolic response to RET have been raised. This study therefore aimed to assess the acute effects of dairy and soy milk consumption on circulating sex hormones (total, free testosterone, free testosterone percentage, total estrogen, progesterone, and sex hormone binding globulin) after RET. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six male participants were recruited for a double-blinded, randomized crossover study with either dairy or soy milk provided post RET. Venous samples were collected before and after milk consumption across seven timepoints (0-120 minutes) where circulating sex hormones were analyzed. Two-way ANOVA analyses were applied for repeated measures for each hormone. The area under the curve (AUC) was also calculated between dairy and soy milk. Significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in acute circulating serum for free (p=0.95), % free (p=0.56), and total testosterone (p=0.88), progesterone (p=0.67), or estrogen (p=0.21) between milk conditions. Likewise, no significant differences in AUC were observed between any hormones. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that consumption of dairy milk and soy milk have comparable acute effects on circulating sex hormones following RET. Further investigations with expanded sample sizes are needed to strengthen and broaden these initial findings.

Higher anthocyanin intake is associated with lower depressive symptoms in adults with and without major depressive disorder.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant cause of disability globally and an emerging body of evidence suggests that dietary components, including flavonoids, may impact depression-related biochemical pathways. Further research that characterizes dietary intake of flavonoids in diverse population groups, including people with MDD and explores the relationship between flavonoid intake and depression is needed. This study aimed to determine dietary flavonoid and subclass intake and assess the association with depressive symptomatology in a sample of adults with and without MDD. Methodology: Participants with and without MDD (determined using DSM 5) completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Diet history interviews were analyzed using PhenolExplorer to quantify flavonoid subclasses (flavan-3-ols, flavonols, anthocyanins, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones), and total flavonoid intake. Independent t-tests and linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, and BMI were performed. Results: Participants (n = 93; 75% female) had a mean age of 26.0 ± 8.2 years. Participants with MDD had significantly higher DASS-depression scores (n = 44; DASS-depression 27.3 ± 9.8) compared to participants without MDD (n = 49; DASS-depression 3.1 ± 4.4; p < .001). Intakes of total flavonoids and subclasses were similar between groups, except for anthocyanins where participants with MDD reported lower intakes of anthocyanins compared to participants without MDD (median intake: 0.08 mg/day and 11.6 mg/day, respectively; p = .02). In the total sample, higher anthocyanin intake was associated with lower DASS-depression score (B = -4.1; SE = 1.8; 95% CI [-7.7, -0.4]; p = .029). Conclusion: Intake of total flavonoids and most subclasses were similar between people with and without MDD. However, a dietary deficit of anthocyanins (found in purple/red fruits and vegetables) was evident in participants with MDD, and higher anthocyanin intake was associated with lower depressive symptomatology in the total sample. Further research in larger samples is warranted to explore if the documented association is independent of MDD status.

Outcomes of dedicated iliac venous stents during pregnancy and postpartum.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of dedicated iliac venous stents during subsequent pregnancy and postpartum, including stent patency and stent integrity, as well as incidence of venous thromboembolism and bleeding complications. METHODS: This study included retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients attending a private vascular practice. Women of child-bearing age who had received dedicated iliac venous stents were included in a surveillance program and then, for any subsequent pregnancies, followed the same pregnancy care protocol. This included an antithrombotic regime of 100 mg aspirin daily until gestation week 36, and subcutaneous enoxaparin at a dose dependent on risk of thrombosis: low-risk patients, those stented for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion, received a prophylactic dose of 40 mg/day from the third trimester; high-risk patients, those stented for thrombotic indication, received a therapeutic dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day from the first trimester. All women underwent follow-up with duplex ultrasound assessment of stent patency during pregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: Data was analyzed for a total of 10 women and 13 post-stent pregnancies. Stents were placed for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions in seven patients, and for post-thrombotic stenoses in three patients. All stents were dedicated venous stents, and four crossed the inguinal ligament. All stents remained patent during pregnancy, at 6 weeks postpartum, and latest follow-up (median time post-stent, 60 months). There were no cases of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and no bleeding complications. There was only one reintervention case due to in-stent thrombus, and one case of asymptomatic stent compression. CONCLUSIONS: Dedicated venous stents performed well through pregnancy and post-partum. A protocol including the use of low dose antiplatelets in combination with anticoagulation at either a prophylactic or therapeutic dose depending on the patient's risk profile appears safe and effective.

Transabdominal duplex ultrasound and intravascular ultrasound planimetry measures of common iliac vein stenosis are significantly correlated in a symptomatic population.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the present study were to determine the validity of transabdominal duplex ultrasound (TAUS) against the reference standard of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examinations for the detection of iliac vein obstruction (IVO). METHODS: We analyzed the data from patients at a private vascular laboratory who had undergone IVUS investigation with an intention to treat because of symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and a high suspicion of IVO. These patients had also previously undergone a TAUS examination at the same location. The TAUS and IVUS planimetry measures of the left common iliac vein (CIV) were correlated. These included the TAUS-measured minimum and maximum diameter and the percentage of stenosis with the IVUS-measured minimum and maximum diameter and area and the percentage of stenosis. RESULTS: The TAUS and IVUS data from 47 patients (83% female; age, 49.3 ± 17.3 years; 64% obese) were included in the analyses. We found 89% agreement between the TAUS and IVUS findings regarding the identification of left CIV stenosis of ≥50%. The TAUS data had a positive predictive value of 95.5%. The TAUS measures of the minimum diameter and percentage of stenosis correlated significantly with the IVUS measures of the minimum diameter, minimum area, and cross-sectional area of the percentage of stenosis. The strongest correlations were between the TAUS-measured minimum diameter and IVUS-measured minimum area and percentage of the area of stenosis according to the literature-derived value. The TAUS-measured vein diameter of 8 mm equated to an IVUS cross-sectional area of 94.2 mm2 (53% stenosis), and an IVUS cross-sectional area of 50% of stenosis equated to a TAUS diameter of 8.56 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the present study support the validity of TAUS evaluation as a workup diagnostic tool for the detection of IVO. Our findings also support the use of TAUS planimetry-in particular, the CIV diameter of ≤8 mm as a threshold value-to indicate clinically relevant stenosis and trigger an IVUS investigation with an intention to treat, because this correlated with a cross-sectional area stenosis of ≥50%, as determined by IVUS examination.

Cortisol in relation to problematic eating behaviours, adiposity and symptom profiles in Major Depressive Disorder.

Aims: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease related to weight gain, problematic eating behaviours and neuroendocrine changes. MDD is frequently associated with altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and cortisol secretion, where cortisol has been implicated in regulating energy balance, food intake and depressogenic weight changes. However, little research has examined the relationships between cortisol, adiposity and depressogenic problematic eating behaviours. Method: Plasma cortisol concentrations were compared between 37 participants with MDD reporting appetite/weight loss, 43 participants with MDD reporting appetite/weight gain, and 60 healthy controls, by sex. Associations between cortisol, indices of adiposity and problematic eating behaviours were then assessed after accounting for demographic variables and depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Depression subscale of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and eating behaviours with the Dutch Eating Behaviours Questionnaire and Yale Food Addiction Scale. Results: Participants with MDD reporting appetite/weight loss had higher cortisol compared to controls, and marginally higher cortisol than those with MDD reporting appetite/weight gain. Cortisol negatively and significantly accounted for unique variance in body mass index and waist circumference after accounting for variance associated with age, sex and depressive symptoms, however it was not a significant predictor of problematic eating behaviours, such as emotional eating or food addiction. Cortisol concentrations did not differ between sexes. Conclusion: The results indicate that cortisol is related to lower indices of adiposity and depressogenic symptoms of appetite/weight loss but is not related to problematic eating behaviours and appetite increases in MDD. These findings provide further evidence that the melancholic and atypical subtypes of MDD are associated with differential neuroendocrine and anthropometric indices, as well as behavioural and symptom profiles. Further research investigating the temporal nature of the identified relationships may assist in facilitating the development of improved interventions for individuals affected by weight changes in MDD.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Pain Severity Is Associated With Asymmetry of Gluteus Medius Muscle Activation Measured Via Ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine whether gluteus medius muscle thickness or activation differed between left and right sides and was associated with patellofemoral pain presence or severity. DESIGN: Males and females were recruited and screened by a physiotherapist for inclusion in the control or patellofemoral pain syndrome group. Bilateral measures were obtained for Q angle and gluteus medius muscle thickness at rest and on contraction via standing hip external rotation, using ultrasound. Muscle activation was calculated as the percentage change in muscle thickness on contraction relative to at rest. Patellofemoral pain syndrome participants completed the anterior knee pain scale and a visual analog pain scale. RESULTS: Gluteus medius muscle thickness at rest and on contraction, muscle activation, and Q angle were not different between control (n = 27, 63% female) and patellofemoral pain syndrome (n = 27, 59% female) groups. However, patellofemoral pain syndrome participants had a significantly larger left-right side imbalance in gluteus medius muscle activation than controls (15.9 ± 19.3% vs. 4.4 ± 21.9%, P < 0.05). Among patellofemoral pain syndrome participants, the magnitude of asymmetry of gluteus medius muscle activation was correlated with knee pain score (r = 0.425, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetry of gluteus medius muscle activation was associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome and pain severity. This is clinically relevant for patellofemoral pain syndrome prevention and treatment, particularly because this was quantifiable using ultrasound.

Common iliac vein obstruction in a symptomatic population is associated with previous deep venous thrombosis, and with chronic pelvic pain in females.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of common iliac vein obstruction, gonadal vein incompetence, and renal vein compression/stenosis and to ascertain which referral reasons were associated with common iliac vein obstruction and gonadal vein incompetence in a population symptomatic for chronic venous insufficiency. METHODS: Data were obtained from patients, at least 18 years old, who were referred to a private vascular laboratory for venous duplex ultrasound examination between 2016 and 2017. Transabdominal ultrasound was used to assess the iliac, gonadal, and renal veins in a dedicated protocol. Demographic data, referral reasons (varicose veins, lower limb pain, lower limb edema, lower limb ulcers, chronic pelvic pain [CPP]) and history of previous deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were recorded. RESULTS: Among 421 patients (78.6% female; 57.7 ± 16.7 years), 46.7% had iliac vein obstruction, 40.1% had gonadal vein incompetence, and 29.9% had renal vein compression/stenosis. Venous disorders were significantly more prevalent among female patients and on the left side. The most common referral reasons were varicose veins for both sexes, followed by lower limb pain for females and lower limb edema for males, none of which were associated with any venous obstruction or incompetence. Previous DVT was significantly associated with common iliac vein obstruction for all patients (ß = .189; P = .001), despite its being a previous known diagnosis for only 11.4% of patients. Among females, CPP was also significantly associated with common iliac vein obstruction and gonadal vein incompetence (ß = .246 [P < .001] and ß = .201 [P = .012], respectively). Among those with CPP in this study, common iliac vein obstruction, with and without gonadal vein incompetence (33% and 35%, respectively), was more prevalent than gonadal vein incompetence alone (14%). CONCLUSIONS: History of DVT, as well as CPP among females warrants investigations of common iliac vein obstruction. Common iliac vein obstruction is likely to be a more significant contributor to CPP than gonadal vein incompetence.

Weight gain in Major Depressive Disorder: Linking appetite and disordered eating to leptin and ghrelin.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) involves changes in appetite and weight, with a subset of individuals at an increased risk of weight gain. Pathways to weight gain may include appetite disturbances, excess eating, and dysregulation of appetite hormones. However, little research has simultaneously examined relationships between hormones, eating behaviours and MDD symptoms. Plasma ghrelin and leptin, biometrics, eating behaviours and psychopathology were compared between depressed (n = 60) and control (n = 60) participants. Depressed participants were subcategorised into those with increased or decreased appetite/weight for comparison by subtype. The Dutch Eating Behaviours Questionnaire and Yale Food Addiction Scale measured eating behaviours. Disordered eating was higher in MDD than controls, in females than males, and in depressed individuals with increased, compared to decreased, appetite/weight. Leptin levels were higher in females only. Leptin levels correlated positively, and ghrelin negatively, with disordered eating. The results provide further evidence for high levels of disordered eating in MDD, particularly in females. The correlations suggest that excessive eating in MDD is significantly linked to appetite hormones, indicating that it involves physiological, rather than purely psychological, factors. Further, longitudinal, research is needed to better understand whether hormonal factors play a causal role in excessive eating in MDD.

Illawarra Born cross-generational health study: feasibility of a multi-generational birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is a strong interest in the concept of developmental origins of health and disease and their influence on various factors "from cradle to grave". Despite the increasing appreciation of this lifelong legacy across the human life course, many gaps remain in the scientific understanding of mechanisms influencing these formative phases. Cross-generational susceptibility to health problems is emerging as a focus of research in the context of birth cohort studies.The primary aim of the Illawarra Born study is to make scientific discoveries associated with improving health and wellbeing across the lifespan, with a particular focus on preventable chronic diseases, especially mental health. This birth cohort study will follow and collect data from three cohorts representing different stages across the lifespan: infants, adults (parents) and older adults (grandparents). The multi-generational, cross-sectional and longitudinal design of this birth cohort study supports a focus on the contributions of genetics, environment and lifestyle on health and wellbeing. The feasibility of conducting a multi-generational longitudinal birth cohort project was conducted through a small pilot study. METHODS/DESIGN: The purpose of this paper is to report on the feasibility and acceptability of the research protocol for a collaborative cross-generation health study in the community and test recruitment and outcome measures for the main study. This feasibility study included pregnant women who were intending to give birth in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region in Eastern Australia. The area includes a large, regional referral hospital, with capacity to treat specialist and complex cases. Pregnant women were asked to participate in five data collection waves beginning at 22 weeks gestation and ending with a 6-month post-partum appointment. Recruitment was then extended, via the pregnant women, to also include fathers and maternal grandmothers. DISCUSSION: This feasibility study focused on the perinatal period and collected data across three multi-disciplinary domains including mental health, diet, exposures to toxins and the role of these in maternal and infant outcomes. Forty-one families participated in extensive data collection from 22 weeks gestation to 6-months post-partum. Factors impacting on viability and feasibility including recruitment solutions provide the basis for a large-scale study.

Comparison of the G and V methods for ventrogluteal site identification: Muscle and subcutaneous fat thicknesses and considerations for successful intramuscular injection.

The ventrogluteal site is increasingly recommended for long-acting antipsychotic intramuscular injections; however, it remains infrequently utilized due to nurses' lack of confidence in site identification. The more recent G (geometric) method of ventrogluteal site identification is less subjective and likely more reliable than the V method for successful intramuscular injection outcomes. Knowledge of muscle and subcutaneous fat thicknesses, and the influence of sex and anthropometry on theoretical injection outcome, is necessary to support evidence-based use of the ventrogluteal site. In the presents study, we compared the V and G methods for injection site subcutaneous fat, muscle, and total tissue thicknesses, and theoretical injection outcome (bone injury, intramuscular or subcutaneous), and determined anthropometric predictors of injection outcome. Subcutaneous fat and muscle thicknesses were measured via ultrasound, bilaterally at V and G method sites (28 males, 32 females). Muscle and total tissue were significantly thicker, and successful intramuscular injection significantly more likely, using the G versus V method (75% versus 57%). Females had significantly thicker subcutaneous fat than males at both sites. Even using the G method, 92% of males but only 59% of females, would have a successful intramuscular injection, with remaining females at risk of bone injury (16%) or subcutaneous injection (25%). The G method site is more reliable for successful intramuscular injection, with less risk of bone injury than the V method site. Appropriate needle-length selection is essential for females with a body mass index (BMI) <23 kg m-2 and weight <60 kg (to avoid bone injury), and BMI >30 kg m-2 and hip >90 cm (to avoid subcutaneous injection).

Problematic eating behaviours, changes in appetite, and weight gain in Major Depressive Disorder: The role of leptin.

BACKGROUND: Appetite and weight changes are core symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and those with MDD are at increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Leptin promotes satiety, with leptin dysregulation and resistance noted in obesity. However, the role of leptin in weight changes in MDD is not established. This study investigates leptin levels in relation to appetite and weight changes and problematic eating behaviours in MDD. METHODS: Plasma leptin levels, psychopathology and biometrics were compared between participants meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for MDD (n = 63) and healthy controls (n = 60). Depressed participants were also sub-categorised according to increased, decreased or unchanged appetite and weight. The Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire and Yale Food Addiction Scale were examined in a subset of participants with MDD. RESULTS: Females with increased appetite/weight had higher leptin levels than those with stable or reduced appetite/weight, however males showed the opposite effect. Leptin levels were positively correlated with problematic eating behaviours. One quarter of the depressed subset, all females, met the Yale criteria for food addiction, approximately double the rates reported in general community samples. LIMITATIONS: The study is limited by a cross sectional design and a small sample size in the subset analysis of eating behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide new information about associations between leptin, sex-specific weight and appetite changes and problematic eating behaviours, which may be risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in MDD, particularly in females. Future longitudinal research investigating leptin as a risk factor for weight gain in MDD is warranted, and may lead to early interventions aimed at preventing weight gain in at-risk individuals.

Increased probiotic yogurt or resistant starch intake does not affect isoflavone bioavailability in subjects consuming a high soy diet.

OBJECTIVE: Probiotics and prebiotics that affect gut microflora balance and its associated enzyme activity may contribute to interindividual variation in isoflavone absorption after soy intake, possibly enhancing isoflavone bioavailability. This study examined the effects of the consumption of bioactive yogurt (a probiotic) or resistant starch (a known prebiotic) in combination with high soy intake on soy isoflavone bioavailability. METHODS: Using a crossover design, chronic soy consumption was compared with soy plus probiotic yogurt or resistant starch in older male and postmenopausal females (n = 31). Isoflavone bioavailability was assessed at the beginning and end of each 5-wk dietary period by sampling plasma and urine after a standardized soy meal. RESULTS: Chronic soy intake did not significantly affect plasma or urinary isoflavones after the soy meal and there were no significant effects of probiotic or resistant starch treatment. However, there were trends for increased circulating plasma daidzein and genistein after the probiotic treatment and for increased plasma daidzein and genistein 24 h after soy intake with resistant starch treatment. Neither treatment induced or increased equol production, although there was a trend for increased plasma equol in "equol-positive" subjects (n = 12) after probiotic treatment. CONCLUSION: The weak or absence of effects of probiotic yogurt or resistant starch supplement to a chronic soy diet suggests that gut microflora were not modified in a manner that significantly affected isoflavone bioavailability or metabolism.

Ventrogluteal versus dorsogluteal site selection: A cross-sectional study of muscle and subcutaneous fat thicknesses and an algorithm incorporating demographic and anthropometric data to predict injection outcome.

BACKGROUND: The dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal intramuscular injection sites both have their use in clinical practice; however, it has not been established in whom one or the other should be preferentially targeted or avoided. There is a need for an evidence-based approach towards site selection for a successful intramuscular injection outcome and to avoid unwanted injection outcomes of inadvertent subcutaneous injection or bone contact. Injection outcome is dependent on injection site subcutaneous fat thickness and muscle thickness; these are likely influenced by gender and anthropometry. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether subcutaneous fat, muscle, and total tissue thicknesses differ between the dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal sites, and whether theoretical injection outcome (intramuscular, subcutaneous, or bone contact) can be predicted by demographic and anthropometric data and described by an algorithm. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study design. SETTINGS: University in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: 145 volunteers (57% female) of at least 18 years of age recruited through the university community. METHODS: Anthropometric data was collected and subcutaneous fat and muscle thicknesses were quantified by ultrasonography. Anthropometric differences between theoretical injection outcome groups (bone contact versus intramuscular versus subcutaneous at the ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal sites) was determined for each gender (ANOVA). Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of demographic and anthropometric data on theoretical intramuscular injection outcome. An algorithm to guide site selection was developed for each gender, based on the anthropometric measures that best discriminated between injection outcomes. RESULTS: Subcutaneous fat, muscle and total tissue were significantly thicker at the dorsogluteal site than the ventrogluteal site, and subcutaneous fat was significantly thicker in females than males at both sites (all p<0.001); there was no gender difference for muscle or total tissue thickness at either site. Female gender, and waist and hip circumference were significant predictors of subcutaneous fat thickness at both sites; male gender was a significant predictor of dorsogluteal site muscle thickness (all p<0.05). In the algorithm developed for site selection based on theoretical injection outcome, the best discriminators were: weight, BMI and waist circumference for females, and weight and distance between the iliac tubercle and anterior superior iliac spine for males. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm describes when each of the ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal sites is appropriate or should be avoided, based on easily obtained anthropometric data. This has direct relevance in clinical practice in evidence-based site selection for gluteal intramuscular injections for optimal medication and health outcomes.

Up-Regulation of Mitochondrial Antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase Underpins Persistent Cardiac Nutritional-Preconditioning by Long Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Rat.

Reactive oxygen species paradoxically underpin both ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage and ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) cardioprotection. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3 PUFA) are highly susceptible to peroxidation, but are paradoxically cardioprotective. This study tested the hypothesis that LCn-3 PUFA cardioprotection is underpinned by peroxidation, upregulating antioxidant activity to reduce I/R-induced lipid oxidation, and the mechanisms of this nutritional preconditioning contrast to mechanisms of IPC. Rats were fed: fish oil (LCn-3 PUFA); sunflower seed oil (n-6 PUFA); or beef tallow (saturated fat, SF) enriched diets for six weeks. Isolated hearts were subject to: 180 min normoxic perfusion; a 30 min coronary occlusion ischaemia protocol then 120 min normoxic reperfusion; or a 3 × 5 min global IPC protocol, 30 min ischaemia, then reperfusion. Dietary LCn-3 PUFA raised basal: membrane docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3 DHA); fatty acid peroxidisability index; concentrations of lipid oxidation products; and superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity (but not CuZnSOD or glutathione peroxidase). Infarct size correlated inversely with basal MnSOD activity (r² = 0.85) in the ischaemia protocol and positively with I/R-induced lipid oxidation (lipid hydroperoxides (LPO), r² = 0.475; malondialdehyde (MDA), r² = 0.583) across ischaemia and IPC protocols. While both dietary fish oil and IPC infarct-reduction were associated with reduced I/R-induced lipid oxidation, fish oil produced nutritional preconditioning by prior LCn-3 PUFA incorporation and increased peroxidisability leading to up-regulated mitochondrial SOD antioxidant activity.

Longitudinal Intergenerational Birth Cohort Designs: A Systematic Review of Australian and New Zealand Studies.

BACKGROUND: The longitudinal birth cohort design has yielded a substantial contribution to knowledge of child health and development. The last full review in New Zealand and Australia in 2004 identified 13 studies. Since then, birth cohort designs continue to be an important tool in understanding how intrauterine, infant and childhood development affect long-term health and well-being. This updated review in a defined geographical area was conducted to better understand the factors associated with successful quality and productivity, and greater scientific and policy contribution and scope. METHODS: We adopted the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) approach, searching PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, Medline, Science Direct and ProQuest between 1963 and 2013. Experts were consulted regarding further studies. Five inclusion criteria were used: (1) have longitudinally tracked a birth cohort, (2) have collected data on the child and at least one parent or caregiver (3) be based in Australia or New Zealand, (4) be empirical in design, and (5) have been published in English. RESULTS: 10665 records were initially retrieved from which 23 birth cohort studies met the selection criteria. Together these studies recruited 91,196 participants, with 38,600 mothers, 14,206 fathers and 38,390 live births. Seventeen studies were located in Australia and six in New Zealand. Research questions initially focused on the perinatal period, but as studies matured, longer-term effects and outcomes were examined. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates the significant yield from this effort both in terms of scientific discovery and social policy impact. Further opportunities have been recognised with cross-study collaboration and pooling of data between established and newer studies and international studies to investigate global health determinants.

Morphology and anatomical relations of iliac and femoral bony landmarks, gluteal muscles and the sciatic nerve: Sex differences and clinical implication

The objective of this study was to determine sex differences in the anatomical relations between clinically relevant and palpable bony landmarks (anterior superior iliac spine, or ASIS), posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), iliac tubercle and greater trochanter, and with the gluteal muscles and sciatic nerve. After dissection, distances along the iliac crest, angles and distances between bony landmarks, muscle thicknesses of gluteus maximus and gluteus medius, the fibre angles of gluteus maximus, and anatomical relations between the sciatic nerve and bony landmarks, were measured. In 23 cadavers (11 males; 12 females), iliac crest total length, distances between the greater trochanter, ASIS and iliac tubercle, and between the sciatic nerve and iliac crest, but only the angle at the PSIS between the iliac tubercle and greater trochanter, were significantly larger in males. Distances and angles reflecting horizontal measures, iliac crest proportions, and gluteus maximus fibres angles were not different between sexes. Gluteus maximus muscle fibre angles differed significantly along the sagittal plane and from medial to lateral. In conclusion, while males have a larger ilium and taller pelvis, there was no sex difference in pelvic width. Therefore, the female pelvis is shorter and relatively wider with respect to pelvic height, but is not absolutely wider than the male pelvis. This puts females at a greater risk of sciatic nerve injury with a dorsogluteal site injection. The angles of the gluteus maximus muscle fibres varied along their length and were not consistently 45o as commonly described

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