Fate mapping reveals mixed embryonic origin and unique developmental codes of mouse forebrain septal neurons.

The septum is a key structure at the core of the forebrain that integrates inputs and relays information to other brain areas to support cognition and behaviours such as feeding and locomotion. Underlying these functions is a rich diversity of neuronal types and an intricate complexity of wiring across and within the septal region. We currently have very little understanding of how septal neuronal diversity emerges during development. Using transgenic mice expressing Cre in different subsets of telencephalic precursors we explored the origins of the three main neuronal types of the septal complex: GABAergic, cholinergic and glutamatergic neurons. We find that septal neurons originate from distinct neuroepithelial domains of the developing septum and are born at different embryonic time points. An exception to this is the GABAergic medial septal Parvalbumin-expressing population which is generated outside the septum from surrounding germinal zones. We identify the transcription factor BSX as being expressed in the developing glutamatergic neuron population. Embryonic elimination of BSX in the septum results in a reduction of septal glutamatergic cell numbers and a consequent deficit in locomotion. Further refinement of septal neuron diversity is needed to understand the multiple roles of septal neurons and their contribution to distinct behaviours.

Tensions and opportunities in social prescribing. Developing a framework to facilitate its implementation and evaluation in primary care: a realist review.

BACKGROUND: Social prescribing (SP) involves linking patients in primary care with services provided by the voluntary and community sector (VCS). Despite growing interest within NHS primary care, it remains unclear how and under what circumstances SP might contribute to good practice. AIM: To define 'good' practice in SP by identifying context-specific enablers and tensions. To contribute to the development of an evidence-based framework for theorising and evaluating SP within primary care. DESIGN & SETTING: Realist review of secondary data from primary care-based SP schemes. METHOD: Academic articles and grey literature were searched for qualitative and quantitative evidence following the Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses - Evolving Standards (RAMESES). Common SP practices were characterised in three settings (general practice, link workers, and community sector) using archetypes that ranged from best to worst practice. RESULTS: A total of 140 studies were included for analysis. Resources were identified influencing the type and potential impact of SP practices and four dimensions were outlined in which opportunities for good practice arise: 1) individual characteristics (stakeholder's buy-in, vocation, and knowledge); 2) interpersonal relations (trustful, bidirectional, informed, supportive, and transparent and convenient interactions within and across sectors); 3) organisational contingencies (the availability of a predisposed practice culture, leadership, training opportunities, supervision, information governance, resource adequacy, accessibility, and continuity of care within organisations); and 4) policy structures (bottom-up and coherent policymaking, stable funding, and suitable monitoring strategies). Findings were synthesised in a multilevel, dynamic, and usable SP framework. CONCLUSION: The realist review and resulting framework revealed that SP is not inherently advantageous. Specific individual, interpersonal, organisational, and policy resources are needed to ensure SP best practice in primary care.

Exploring perceptions of consanguineous unions with women from an East London community: analysis of discussion groups.

Consanguineous unions are relationships between blood relatives. This study explores the perceptions of consanguineous unions and risk of childhood disability and illness through the reported views and experiences of women in an ethnically diverse London community. This qualitative study utilised group discussions to elicit women's views and experiences. Field notes were recorded by independent note-takers in four group discussions. Field notes were coded manually and independently by two researchers who identified common themes for thematic analysis. Thirty-six women attended, of whom 20 identified as Asian Pakistani. Identified themes included variation in participants' views of consanguineous unions and associated health risks, the value of informed decisions and preferences for information distribution. Although participants had diverse opinions and experiences, they considered risk awareness to be vital for encouraging informed decisions in younger generations. This study highlights the importance of involving the community in efforts to increase awareness around consanguineous unions and genetic risk, emphasising the need for enabling educated choices and the value of co-developing educational efforts with the community.

Complementary Feeding Practices for South Asian Young Children Living in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Sub-optimal nutrition among South Asian (SA) children living in high-income countries is a significant problem. High rates of obesity have been observed in this population, and differential complementary feeding practices (CFP) have been highlighted as a key influence. Our aim was to undertake a systematic review of studies assessing CFP in children under two years of age from SA communities living in high-income countries, including dietary diversity, timing, frequency and promotors/barriers. Searches covered January 1990⁻July 2018 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Web of Science, BanglaJOL, OVID Maternity and Infant Care, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, POPLINE and World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Health Library. Eligible studies were primary research on CFP in SA children aged 0⁻2 years. Search terms were "children", "feeding" and "South Asian", and derivatives. Quality appraisal used the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI) Weight of Evidence scoring. From 50,713 studies, 13 were extracted with ten from the UK, and one each from the USA, Canada and Singapore. Sub-optimal CFP were found in all studies. All ten studies investigating timing reported complementary feeding (CF) being commenced before six months. Promoters/barriers influencing CFP included income, lack of knowledge, and incorrect advice. This is the first systematic review to evaluate CFP in SA children living in high-income countries and these findings should inform the development of effective interventions for SA infants in these settings.

The Role of Lipid Biomarkers in Major Depression.

In the UK, the lifetime-documented prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is currently 10%. Despite its increasing prevalence and devastating impact on quality of life, the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning MDD remain to be fully elucidated. Current theories of neurobiological components remain incomplete and protein-centric, rendering pharmacological treatment options suboptimal. In this review, we highlight the pivotal role of lipids in intra- and inter-neuronal functioning, emphasising the potential use of lipids as biomarkers for MDD. The latter has significant implications for improving our understanding of MDD at the cellular and circuit level. There is particular focus on cholesterol (high and low density lipoprotein), omega-3, and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids due to established evidence in the literature of a link between atherosclerotic disease and major depression. We argue that there is significant potential scope for the use of such peripheral biomarkers in the diagnosis, stratification and treatment of MDD.