ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5452-2512
Current Organisations
Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães
,
University of Leeds
,
University College London
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.VETPAR.2013.10.015
Abstract: In addition to Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Strongylida: Angiostrongylidae), referred to as the feline lungworm, Troglostrongylus brevior (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) has recently been identified as an agent of bronco-pulmonary infestations in cats. These two parasites have a similar biology, share ecological niches, potentially co-infesting cats, but are difficult to be differentiated due to the morphological similarities of their first-stage larvae (L1). This paper describes a molecular tool, based on single-step duplex polymerase chain reaction (duplex-PCR) on the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS-2) for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of T. brevior and A. abstrusus. L1 of both species were collected from faecal s les, morphologically identified, and single larval specimens isolated. An aliquot of faeces was used as a test s le for a case of mixed natural infestation. The duplex-PCR was performed using species-specific forward primer sets for the ITS-2 region (i.e., A. abstrusus: 220bp T. brevior: 370bp). The detection limit of the molecular assay was also assessed by serial dilutions of DNA from single larvae of both species (from ≈ 4.0 to 4.0 × 10(-5) μg/μl). The duplex-PCR carried out on in idual DNA s les was able to detect as low as 5.2 × 10(-3) μg/μl of DNA for A. abstrusus, 4.9 × 10(-3)μg/μl for T. brevior, and as low as 4.0 × 10(-3) μg/μl for s les containing both species. Species-specific bands of the expected sizes and two bands were simultaneously lified from the faecal s le containing both species. The phylogenetic analyses of the ITS-2 sequences here examined and those available for other metastrongyloids were concordant in clustering them with those of other Troglostrongylus brevior and A. abstrusus sequences available in GenBank database. This molecular approach proved to be effective and highly sensitive for the simultaneous detection of the two lungworms species and it might be used for molecular epidemiological studies and for monitoring therapeutic protocols.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-04-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-04-2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 17-07-2018
Abstract: Child fussy eating has been associated with a range of maternal feeding practices however, whether effects are parent-driven, child-driven, or bidirectional (i.e., both) remains unclear. This study tested for bidirectional relationships between nonresponsive and structure-related maternal feeding practices and child fussy eating at age 2, 3.7, and 5 years using a cross-lagged model approach. First-time Australian mothers (N = 207) reported four nonresponsive and four structure-related feeding practices and child food fussiness (FF) using validated questionnaires at child age 2, 3.7, and 5 years. Bivariate cross-lagged analyses were conducted for each of the eight feeding practices separately. Both child- and parent-driven associations were observed. Higher FF at 3.7 years predicted higher nonresponsive feeding practices and less structure-related practices at 5 years. Higher structure-related practices at 2 and 3.7 years predicted lower FF at 3.7 and 5 years, respectively. Use of food as a reward for behavior at 3.7 years predicted higher FF at 5 years. Both parent- and child-driven associations explain the relationship between fussy eating and feeding practices. Given that early fussy eating is associated with more nonresponsive feeding, providing parents with anticipatory guidance to manage fussy eating behavior in infants and toddlers may help to avoid the use of these practices. Furthermore, the use of structure-related feeding practices and avoiding the use of food rewards may help to prevent the development of fussy eating.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-05-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S40519-021-01201-9
Abstract: Appetitive traits in adults and their associations with weight can be measured using the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ). The aim of this study was to confirm the factor structure of the Spanish AEBQ (AEBQ-Esp) in a Mexican s le and explore associations between the eight traits with body mass index (BMI). A s le of 1023 adults, mean age of 36.8 ± 12.8 years, was recruited from Guadalajara, Mexico. Researchers weighed and measured participants, and they completed the AEBQ-Esp either online or in paper format and reported sociodemographic data. To test two alternative factor structures (eight factors including Hunger seven factors excluding Hunger), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha test-retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients. Multivariate linear regressions were used to test for associations between the AEBQ subscales and BMI, adjusted for age, sex, format of AEBQ responses, education, marital and employment status. A seven-factor structure was the best model fit using CFA, excluding the Hunger subscale but similar to the original AEBQ. Internal reliability was good for all subscales (Cronbach's α = 0.70-0.86), and the intra-class correlation coefficient (0.70-0.91) reflected good test-retest reliability. In the fully adjusted models, Satiety Responsiveness [β = - 0.61 (- 1.01, - 0.21)] and Slowness in Eating [β = - 0.70 (- 1.01, - 0.39)] were negatively associated with BMI, and Emotional Over-Eating [β = 0.94 (0.62, 1.27)] was positively associated with BMI. The AEBQ-Esp (excluding Hunger) appears to be a valid and reliable psychometric questionnaire for measuring appetitive traits in a Mexican Spanish-speaking population. Some traits appear to be associated with BMI in adulthood and warrant further exploration. Level III evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies. Although this was just an observational study, it was well designed and provided new evidence.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-11-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S40519-021-01322-1
Abstract: Given the variability in adiposity despite ubiquitous exposure to obesogenic food environments, it has been suggested that in iduals respond in ergent ways to the environment they live in. The food environment becomes more ‘permissive’ as children age therefore, genetic predisposition for a more avid appetite can be better expressed, influencing dietary quality, energy intake and weight gain. Our aim was to explore the genetic and environmental contribution of variations on appetitive traits in a s le of 10-year-old Portuguese children. Participants were twins enrolled in the Generation XXI birth cohort ( n = 86 pairs). Parents reported twin’s zygosity and child appetitive traits at 10 years of age through the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Intra-class correlations (ICCs) for all appetitive traits were calculated for monozygotic and dizygotic twins separately to examine patterns of resemblance, and structural equation modeling was conducted aiming to estimate the genetic ( A ), shared ( C ) and non-shared ( E ) environmental variances. Moderate to strong heritability were found for child appetitive traits, with higher ICCs among monozygotic twin pairs. For all appetitive traits, with the exception of emotional undereating, genetic and non-shared environmental effects contributed to appetite variability. For emotional undereating, environmental effects seem to be more important than genetic effects ( C : 0.81 95% CI 0.71 0.88 and E : 0.19 95% CI 0.12 0.29). There was a significant genetic contribution, followed by non-shared environmental contribution, towards variation in appetitive traits in school-age children. Variation in emotional undereating was primarily explained by shared and non-shared environmental factors. Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-08-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-09519-0
Abstract: Emotional overeating (EOE) has been associated with increased obesity risk, while emotional undereating (EUE) may be protective. Interestingly, EOE and EUE tend to correlate positively, but it is unclear whether they reflect different aspects of the same underlying trait, or are distinct behaviours with different aetiologies. Data were from 2054 five-year-old children from the Gemini twin birth cohort, including parental ratings of child EOE and EUE using the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Genetic and environmental influences on variation and covariation in EUE and EOE were established using a bivariate Twin Model. Variation in both behaviours was largely explained by aspects of the environment completely shared by twin pairs (EOE: C = 90%, 95% CI: 89%-92% EUE: C = 91%, 95% CI: 90%-92%). Genetic influence was low (EOE: A = 7%, 95% CI: 6%-9% EUE: A = 7%, 95% CI: 6%-9%). EOE and EUE correlated positively (r = 0.43, p 0.001), and this association was explained by common shared environmental influences (BivC = 45%, 95% CI: 40%-50%). Many of the shared environmental influences underlying EUE and EOE were the same (r C = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.55). Childhood EOE and EUE are etiologically distinct. The tendency to eat more or less in response to emotion is learned rather than inherited.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-09-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-06-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S40519-021-01229-X
Abstract: The Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ) is a newly developed questionnaire adapted from the widely used Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. This questionnaire assesses four food approach scales, namely hunger, food responsiveness, emotional overeating (EOE) and enjoyment of food, and four food avoidance scales, namely satiety responsiveness (SR), emotional undereating (EUE), food fussiness and slowness in eating (SE). This study aimed to validate a French version of the AEBQ in controlled conditions among French-speaking adults from Quebec, Canada. The AEBQ was pre-tested through structured interviews with 30 in iduals. Participants of the validation study (n = 197, aged 19-65 years) had their height and weight measured and completed the AEBQ, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Intuitive Eating Scale-2 to assess factorial structure, internal consistency and construct validity. Test-retest reliability over 2 weeks was assessed among 144 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an excellent model fit (NNFI = 0.98, CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.03, χ This study indicates that the French AEBQ is a valid and reliable tool to measure eating behaviours in the adult population of Quebec. Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies. The data are cross-sectional, but all measurement were undertaken in controlled laboratory conditions and the study provided new information.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-08-2022
DOI: 10.1111/NBU.12572
Abstract: In 2015, Tesco Express convenience stores implemented a healthy checkouts initiative products high in fat, salt or sugar were removed from in-queue areas. We compare purchasing of less healthy foods before and after its introduction. Tesco provided store-level sales data (n = 1151) for Express stores in England over two 8-week periods, May-July 2014 and 2015. Paired t-tests examined if spending on less healthy foods (biscuits, cakes, crisps and confectionery), as a proportion of total spend, changed between 2015 and 2014. Analyses were repeated for the quantity of less healthy products sold. Compliance was measured through unannounced store visits (n = 41). Complete sales data were available for 1101 stores (96%). Mean overall spend increased in 2015 compared with 2014 (£666 079.70 [SD 406 385.00] vs. £653 786.59 [SD 447 580.77] p < 0.001). The proportion of total spend from less healthy foods decreased in 2015 versus 2014 (8.03% [SD 2.07] vs. 8.21% [SD 2.17] p < 0.001). Confectionery accounted for the largest proportion of less healthy product spend, showing the biggest reduction (3.91% [SD 1.16] in 2015 vs. 4.12% [SD 1.24] in 2014 p < 0.001). Results were similar for quantity of less healthy products sold. Like-for-like sales data from major supermarkets revealed spend on less healthy products rose across the UK over this period. Thirty-nine per cent of stores were fully compliant. In conclusion, following implementation of Tesco's healthier checkouts initiative, there was a small reduction in sales of less healthy foods, largely accounted for by confectionery products. These findings suggest that removal of less healthy products from checkouts might lead to healthier purchasing behaviour. However, store compliance was poor, suggesting scope for improvement.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-06-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41366-022-01170-8
Abstract: The obesogenic quality of the home environment is hypothesised to play an important role in children’s weight development but few prospective studies have investigated relationships between the home environment and adiposity across childhood. To investigate the continuity and stability of the home environment from ages 4 to 12, and bi-directional relationships between the home environment and BMI-SDS from ages 4 to 12. Parents from the Gemini cohort completed the Home Environment Interview (HEI), a comprehensive measure of the obesogenic home environment, when their children were aged 4 and 12 ( n = 149 families, n = 298 children). The obesogenic home environment was measured using four composite scores capturing the food, activity, media environments, and the overall home environment. Child weights and heights were used to calculate BMI-SDS. Continuity was assessed with Pearson’s correlations between scores at each time point, and stability by changes in mean scores over time. Cross-lagged analyses were performed (HEI composites at age 4 to BMI-SDS at age 12 and the reverse) to measure the magnitude and direction of associations. The home environment showed moderate-to-high continuity from ages 4 to 12 ( r = 0.30–0.64). The overall home environment (r = 0.21, p 0.01) and media composites (r = 0.23, p 0.01) were cross-sectionally associated with child BMI-SDS at age 12, but not at age 4. Longitudinally, the home media environment at age 4 predicted increases in child BMI-SDS at age 12 ( β 95% CI = 0.18 0.08,0.28, p 0.01). No associations were observed for the reverse path, or the remaining composites (the overall, food and activity) in either direction. This study provides evidence that the obesogenic home environment tracks across childhood and highlights the importance of the early home media environment for child weight development. The findings provide insight into key aspects of the home environment that could be targeted when developing obesity treatment or prevention strategies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1093/AJCN/NQY163
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been linked with eating- and feeding-related atypicalities, including food neophobia (FN) (refusal to try unfamiliar foods), since its earliest description. Nevertheless, whether associations between ASD traits and FN extend subclinically into the broader population of children and their potential additive health impacts remains unexplored. We examined ASD-control group differences in FN and ASD trait-FN trait associations, as well as the ability of FN and autistic traits to predict one index of later health-related outcomes [body mass index (BMI)]. Participants in the present study were a large community-based s le of 8- to 11-y-olds (n = 4564), including a relatively small group of children diagnosed with ASD (n = 37). Parents of these 8- to 11-y-old children completed assessments of FN and autistic traits and provided height and weight metrics at 12 y of age. Children with ASD were rated as more food neophobic than their same-age non-ASD peers (2.67 ± 0.83 compared with 2.22 ± 0.73 P < 0.001), and there were subclinical associations between FN and ASD traits (social, communication, and restricted/repetitive behavior) in this community-based s le of children (P < 0.05). Moreover, whereas FN alone predicted lower BMI, the interaction of FN and ASD traits predicted higher BMI (P ≤ 0.01), suggesting that elevated ASD traits in combination with FN exert opposing influences on weight compared with FN alone. These findings implicate clinical and subclinical connections between ASD traits and feeding behaviors that could affect health outcomes and therefore should be further explored in future studies of shared etiology and intervention strategy.
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 24-07-2023
Abstract: Excess weight gained during the early years and, in particular, rapid weight gain in the first 2 years of life, are a major risk factors for adult obesity. The growing consensus is that childhood obesity develops from a complex interaction between genetic susceptibility and exposure to an ‘obesogenic’ environment. Behavioural susceptibility theory (BST) was developed to explain the nature of this gene–environment interaction, and why the ‘obesogenic’ environment does not affect all children equally. It hypothesizes that inherited variation in appetite, which is present from birth, determines why some infants and children overeat, and others do not, in response to environmental opportunity. That is, those who inherit genetic variants promoting an avid appetite are vulnerable to overeating and developing obesity, while those who are genetically predisposed to have a smaller appetite and lower interest in food are protected from obesity—or even at risk of being underweight. We review the breadth of research to-date that has contributed to the evidence base for BST, focusing on early life, and discuss implications and future directions for research and theory. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures and evidence (Part I)’.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.VETPAR.2016.09.007
Abstract: Cardiopulmonary infections by Angiostrongylus chabaudi affect domestic and wild felids but, due to limited information on the biology of this nematode, its pathogenicity remains unclear. This article describes the histopathological alterations associated with Angiostrongylus infection in a wildcat from Bulgaria, and reviews current literature on this feline angiostrongylid. Nematodes were isolated from lung lavage and faecal s les of a road killed wildcat in Southern Bulgaria. The morphological identification of parasite larvae as A. chabaudi was confirmed by molecular analysis of part of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Upon histopathological examination, severe granulomatous pneumonia, ranging from multifocal to coalescing, and pulmonary vascular lesions were observed. Extensive alveolar collapse, alveolar emphysematous changes, parenchymal haemorrhages and small artery wall hyperplasia were observed in the parenchyma adjacent to the granulomas. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of cross-sections of adult female parasites within the lumen of the pulmonary artery branches, the intima altered markedly by subendothelial proliferation and oedematous changes. This study compliments current knowledge of the pathogenesis of feline angiostrongylosis by A. chabaudi in wildcats, as well as of the distribution of this little-known parasite.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 11-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-12-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-17020-X
Abstract: Beverage preferences are an important driver of consumption, and strong liking for beverages high in energy (e.g. sugar-sweetened beverages [SSBs]) and dislike for beverages low in energy (e.g. non-nutritive sweetened beverages [NNSBs]) are potentially modifiable risk factors contributing to variation in intake. Twin studies have established that both genes and environment play important roles in shaping food preferences but the aetiology of variation in non-alcoholic beverage preferences is unknown. 2865 adolescent twins (18–19-years old) from the Twins Early Development Study were used to quantify genetic and environmental influence on variation in liking for seven non-alcoholic beverages: SSBs NNSBs fruit cordials, orange juice, milk, coffee, and tea. Maximum Likelihood Structural Equation Modelling established that beverage preferences have a moderate to low genetic basis from 18% (95% CI: 10%, 25%) for orange juice to 42% (36%, 43%) for fruit cordials. Aspects of the environment that are not shared by twin pairs explained all remaining variance in drink preferences. The sizeable unique environmental influence on beverage preferences highlights the potential for environmental modification. Policies and guidelines to change preferences for unhealthy beverages may therefore be best directed at the wider environment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-10-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JCPP.12647
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2019.104517
Abstract: Understanding the mechanisms through which deprivation predisposes a child to increased obesity risk is key to tackling health inequality. Appetite avidity is a key driver of variation in early weight gain. Low socioeconomic status (SES) can be a marker of a more 'obesogenic' food environment which may encourage the behavioural expression of appetite avidity. The objective was to test the hypothesis that children of lower SES demonstrate increases in appetite avidity from toddlerhood to five years. Data were from the Gemini twin birth cohort, with one twin per family selected at random. Parents completed the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) to assess appetitive traits at 16 months and five years. SES was defined using a weighted composite measure comprising seven key correlates. Linear regression models examined the cross-sectional and prospective associations between SES and appetite from 16 months to 5 years, controlling for appetite at 16 months, sex, birth weight and parental BMI. Cross-sectionally, lower SES was significantly associated with higher food responsiveness (β = -0.09 ± 0.024), higher enjoyment of food (β = -0.13 ± 0.024), lower satiety responsiveness (β = 0.09 ± 0.024), and lower food fussiness (β = 0.09, ±0.024) at 16 months. At age 5, lower SES was significantly associated with higher food responsiveness (β = -0.10 ± 0.032), higher desire to drink (β = -0.22 ± 0.031) and higher emotional overeating (β = -0.10 ± 0.032). Prospectively, lower SES predicted greater increases in two key weight-related appetitive traits, from 16 months to 5 years: emotional overeating (β = -0.10 ± 0.032 p < 0.01) and food responsiveness (β = -0.09, ±0.030 p < 0.01). The results indicate that appetite may be a behavioural mediator of the well-established link between childhood deprivation and obesity risk.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2017
DOI: 10.1111/CDEV.12799
Abstract: Emotional overeating (EOE) is the tendency to eat more in response to negative emotions its etiology in early life is unknown. We established the relative genetic and environmental influences on EOE in toddlerhood and early childhood. Data were from Gemini, a population-based cohort of 2,402 British twins born in 2007. EOE was measured using the "emotional overeating" scale of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) at 16 months and 5 years. A longitudinal quantitative genetic model established that genetic influences on EOE were minimal on the other hand, shared environmental influences explained most of the variance. EOE was moderately stable from 16 months to 5 years and continuing environmental factors shared by twin pairs at both ages explained the longitudinal association.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-02-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2017
DOI: 10.1111/CDEV.12756
Abstract: Emotional eating, that is, eating more in response to negative mood, is often seen in children. But the origins of emotional eating remain unclear. In a representative community s le of Norwegian 4-year-olds followed up at ages 6, 8, and 10 years (analysis s le: n = 801), one potential developmental pathway was examined: a reciprocal relation between parental emotional feeding and child emotional eating. The results revealed that higher levels of emotional feeding predicted higher levels of emotional eating and vice versa, adjusting for body mass index and initial levels of feeding and eating. Higher levels of temperamental negative affectivity (at age 4) increased the risk for future emotional eating and feeding.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-02-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-09-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-020-01073-9
Abstract: Extensive research has demonstrated the role of the Home Environment (HE) in shaping children’s energy balance behaviours. Less is known about direct relationships with bodyweight. This review examines associations between the social and physical aspects of three pre-defined Home Environment domains (food, physical activity and media) and adiposity measures in children ≤12 years. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, EBSCO CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycInfo) were systematically searched up to October 2020. Studies reporting at least one physical and/or social aspect of the food, physical activity and/or media domains of the Home Environment in relation to child adiposity outcomes were included ( n = 62). Most studies examined one ( n = 41) or two domains ( n = 16). Only five studies assessed all three domains of the Home Environment. Most consistent relationships were observed for physical aspects of the home media environment with greater availability of electronic devices associated with higher child adiposity (21/29 studies). Findings were less consistent for the smaller number of studies examining physical aspects of the home food or physical activity environments. 8/15 studies examining physical food environments reported null associations with adiposity. Findings were similarly mixed for physical activity environments with 4/7 reporting null associations, 2/7 reporting negative associations and 1/7 reporting positive associations between access to physical activity equipment/garden space and adiposity. Fewer studies assessed social aspects (e.g. caregiver modelling or limit setting) of the Home Environment in relation to child adiposity and findings were again mixed 9/16 media environment, 7/11 food environment and 9/13 physical activity environment studies reported null associations with child adiposity outcomes. The home media environment was most consistently associated with adiposity in childhood. Findings were less consistent for the home food and physical activity environments. Greater agreement on definitions and the measurement of the obesogenic home environment is required in order to clarify the strength and direction of relationships with child adiposity. Robust longitudinal research using comprehensive measures of the holistic home environment is needed to better identify which aspects contribute to excess weight gain in childhood. PROSPERO Systematic review registration number: CRD42018115139 .
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 04-10-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-05-2017
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-11-2021
DOI: 10.1017/BEC.2021.22
Abstract: Appetitive traits are associated with weight and could be managed using behavioural strategies. Personalised approaches to weight loss could use a person's appetitive trait profile to tailor weight management advice. This study aimed to explore participants’ experiences of a brief Appetitive Trait Tailored Intervention (ATTI) based on participants’ Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ) scores. The ATTI was developed using strategies from modified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and behaviour change techniques. Acceptability testing of the ATTI was carried out with participants (body mass index ≥25) who completed the AEBQ online and were sent their appetitive trait profile and corresponding weight loss tips via e-mail. Participants were asked to follow the tips for 8 weeks and following the tips, perceived helpfulness, barriers, and initial and final body weight. Qualitative interviews explored their experiences. Thirty-seven participants provided feedback and reported the majority of the tips to be helpful. Thirty-two participants (92.5% female) provided their final weight 10 reported weight loss ≥5% of initial weight. Qualitative interviews ( n = 21) revealed that tailoring was seen as novel and participants felt that the ATTI increased their self-awareness and encouraged behavioural changes. The low intensity of the ATTI limited engagement for some. The ATTI is an acceptable, novel approach to weight management.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-06-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00436-015-4583-Z
Abstract: Crenosoma vulpis is a metastrongyloid nematode primarily associated with respiratory tract infections of red foxes in North America and Europe. Sporadic cases have also been reported in domestic dogs. The present study aimed to provide morphological, molecular, and epidemiological data on the geographical distribution of this nematode throughout Italy. From 2012 to 2014, 12 of the 138 foxes examined, three dogs and one badger scored positive for C. vulpis. Forty adults were isolated from foxes and the badger, whereas first-stage larvae were detected in the three dogs. All specimens were morphologically identified as C. vulpis, and 28 nematodes were also molecularly characterized by sequencing mitochondrial (12S ribosomal DNA (rDNA)) and nuclear (18S rDNA) ribosomal genes. Four haplotypes were identified based on the 12S rDNA target gene, with the most representative (78.5%) designated as haplotype I. No genetic variability was detected for the 18S rDNA gene. The molecular identification was consistent with the distinct separation of species-specific clades inferred by the phylogenetic analyses of both mitochondrial and ribosomal genes. Data herein reported indicates that C. vulpis has a wide distribution in foxes from southern Italy, and it also occurs in dogs from southern and northern regions of the country. Practitioners should consider the occurrence of this nematode in the differential diagnosis of canine respiratory disease, particularly in dogs living close to rural areas where foxes are present.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12715
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2021.105770
Abstract: Cross-sectional studies have consistently associated appetitive behaviors with child body mass index. However, few prospective studies have investigated the association between appetite and other measures of body composition and its directionality. We aimed to investigate the bi-directional relationship between appetitive behaviors and body composition in school-aged children. Data from 3668 children of the Generation XXI birth cohort were analyzed. Appetitive behaviors were assessed at 7 and 10 years through the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Higher fat mass and fat-free mass were measured through tetrapolar bioelectric impedance and waist-to-weight and waist-to-height ratios were calculated. Fat and fat-free mass indexes, waist-to-weight and waist-to-height age- and sex-specific z-scores were then calculated. Cross-lagged analyses were performed (body composition at 7 to appetitive behaviors at 10 and the reverse) to measure the magnitude and direction of associations. Fat mass and waist-to-height ratio at 7y predicted greater food approach behaviors at 10y (Enjoyment of Food, Food Responsiveness, Desire to Drink and Emotional Overeating), but not waist-to-weight, which seems to be consequence of child's avid appetite (e.g. Enjoyment of Food at 7y: β
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-021-01235-3
Abstract: The home environment is thought to influence children’s weight trajectories. However, few studies utilise composite measures of the home environment to examine associations with energy balance behaviours and weight. The present study aimed to adapt and update a comprehensive measure of the obesogenic home environment previously developed for pre-schoolers, and explore associations with school-aged children’s energy balance behaviours and weight. Families from the Gemini cohort ( n = 149) completed the Home Environment Interview (HEI) via telephone when their children were 12 years old. The HEI comprises four composite scores: one for each domain (food, activity and media) of the environment, as well as a score for the overall obesogenic home environment. The primary caregiver also reported each child’s height and weight (using standard scales and height charts), diet, physical activity and sedentary screen-based behaviours. A test-retest s le ( n = 20) of caregivers completed the HEI a second time, 7–14 days after the initial interview, to establish test-retest reliability. Children ( n = 298) living in ‘higher-risk’ home environments (a 1 unit increase in the HEI obesogenic risk score) were less likely to consume fruits (OR 95% CI = 0.40 0.26–0.61, p 0.001), and vegetables (0.30 0.18–0.52, p 0.001), and more likely to consume energy-dense snack foods (1.71 1.08–2.69, p = 0.022), convenience foods (2.58 1.64–4.05, p 0.001), and fast foods (3.09 1.90–5.04, p 0.001). Children living in more obesogenic home environments also engaged in more screen-time ( β (SE) = 4.55 (0.78), p 0.001), spent more time playing video games ( β (SE) = 1.56 (0.43), p 0.001), and were less physically active (OR 95% CI = 0.57 0.40–0.80, p 0.01). Additionally, there was a positive association between higher-risk overall home environment composite score and higher BMI-SDS (β (SE) = 0.23 (0.09), p 0.01) . This finding was mirrored for the home media composite ( β (SE) = 0.12 (0.03), p 0.001). The in idual home food and activity composite scores were not associated with BMI-SDS. Findings reveal associations between the overall obesogenic home environment and dietary intake, activity levels and screen-based sedentary behaviours, as well as BMI in 12 year olds. These findings suggest that the home environment, and in particular the home media environment, may be an important target for obesity prevention strategies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2016.08.108
Abstract: The home environment is likely to influence children's diet and activity patterns and ultimately, their weight trajectories. Identifying family characteristics associated with a more 'obesogenic' home can provide insight into the determinants, and has implications for targeting and tailoring strategies to promote healthier lifestyles. The present study examined maternal characteristics associated with a more obesogenic home environment in 1113 families with preschool children. Primary caregivers (99% mothers) from the Gemini cohort completed the Home Environment Interview (HEI) when their children were 4 years old. Maternal demographics and BMI were assessed in the Gemini baseline questionnaire when the children were on average 8 months old. Maternal eating style was assessed when the children were on average 2 years old, using the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ). Responses to the HEI were standardised and summed to create a composite score of the obesogenic quality of the home this was categorised into tertiles. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression showed that mothers who were younger (adjusted OR 95% CI = 0.96 0.94-0.98), less educated (1.97 1.40-2.77), and had lower incomes (1.89 1.43-2.49) at baseline were more likely to live in an obesogenic home environment at 4 years, as were mothers who scored higher on the DEBQ External Eating scale (1.40 1.16-1.70) at 2 years, and had a higher baseline BMI (1.05 1.02-1.08). Using a novel, composite measure of the home environment, this study finds that families who are more socio-economically deprived, and where the mothers are themselves heavier and have a more food responsive eating style, tend to provide a home environment with the hallmarks of a higher risk of weight gain.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-01-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-09-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2014
Abstract: Health professionals identify food provision in the home as a key influence on children's food preferences. In contrast, parents often perceive children's food preferences to be inborn. One explanation for this discrepancy could be that environmental and genetic influences vary by food type. We assessed genetic and environmental contributions to preferences for a wide variety of foods in a large pediatric twin s le. Data were from Gemini, which is a cohort of UK twins born in 2007. Preferences for 114 foods were assessed by parent-completed questionnaire when children were aged 3 y (n = 2686). Foods tried by >75% of respondents were grouped into protein, vegetables, fruit, dairy, starches, and snacks. Quantitative model-fitting analyses were used to assess genetic and environmental influences for each food group. The genetic influence was higher for vegetables (54% 95% CI: 47%, 63%), fruit (53% 95% CI: 45%, 61%), and protein (48% 95% CI: 40%, 57%) but lower for starches (32% 95% CI: 26%, 38%), snacks (29% 95% CI: 24%, 35%), and dairy (27% 95% CI: 20%, 35%). In contrast, shared-environment effects were higher for snacks (60% 95% CI: 54%, 65%), starches (57% 95% CI: 51%, 62%), and dairy (54% 95% CI: 47%, 60%) and lower for vegetables (35% 95% CI: 27%, 42%), fruit (35% 95% CI: 26%, 43%), and protein (37% 95% CI: 27%, 45%). Nonshared environment effects were small for all foods (11-19%). Both genetic and environmental effects were significant for all food groups, but genetic effects dominated for more nutrient-dense foods (vegetables, fruit, and protein), whereas shared environmental effects dominated for snacks, dairy, and starches. These findings endorse the view of health professionals that the home environment is the main determinant of children's liking for energy-dense foods implicated in excessive weight gain but suggest that parents are also correct by identifying innate differences in liking, particularly for nutrient-dense foods that parents and health educators try to encourage.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 21-11-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.TTBDIS.2015.01.001
Abstract: Natural enemies of ticks include the parasitoid wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the occurrence of I. hookeri DNA in a community of ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma marginatum, Haemaphysalis inermis and Rhipicephalus turanicus). From May 2010 to March 2012, ticks were collected monthly by dragging and flagging, identified, and 481 adults and 305 nymphs screened molecularly for infection with I. hookeri. Of the s les tested (n=786), 3.1% (n=25) were positive for I. hookeri DNA, 7.2% (n=22) in nymphs and 0.6% (n=3) in adults. I. hookeri DNA was only detected in I. ricinus. This study shows that I. hookeri infests I. ricinus in southern Italy, with nymphs being the main developmental stage affected by this wasp.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-04-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-07-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-02-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-06-2018
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12428
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-10-2017
DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2017.1373268
Abstract: Variability in the timing of infant developmental milestones is poorly understood. We used a twin analysis to estimate genetic and environmental influences on motor development and activity levels in infancy. Data were from the Gemini Study, a twin birth cohort of 2,402 families with twins born in the United Kingdom in 2007. Parents reported motor activity level for each of the twins at age 3 months using the Revised Infant Behavior Rating Scale and reported the ages at which they first sat unsupported, crawled, and walked unaided. Activity level at 3 months and ages when first sitting and crawling were about equally influenced by the shared family environment (45%-54%) and genes (45%-48%). Genetic influences dominated for age when children took their first independent steps (84%). Aspects of the shared family environment appear to be important influences on motor activity levels and early milestones, although the timing of walking may have a stronger genetic influence. Further research to identify the specific environmental and genetic factors that promote early activity may be important for longer-term health outcomes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.VETPAR.2014.06.023
Abstract: Anaplasma platys is an obligate intracellular, tick-borne pathogen of dogs, which causes canine infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia (CICT). The vector role of Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks has been only suggested, but definitive evidence is lacking. This study aimed to detect and quantify A. platys DNA in infected dogs and in their respective ticks through a quantitative real-time PCR assay. From March to May 2009, blood and tick s les from dogs residing in a CICT-endemic area were collected and molecularly analysed. Differences (p 0.05). The mean bacterial load detected in positive dogs was lower than that in their respective ticks (p>0.05). This study provides circumstantial evidence of the putative role of Rhipicephalus sp. I as a vector of this pathogen.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-07-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-02-2021
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.13169
Abstract: This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to quantify associations between Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) and Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire (BEBQ) appetitive traits (food approach: Food Responsiveness [FR], Enjoyment of Food [EF], Emotional Overeating [EOE], and Desire to Drink [DD] food avoidant: Satiety Responsiveness [SR], Slowness in Eating [SE], Emotional Undereating [EUE], Food Fussiness [FF]) and measures of child adiposity. Searches of six databases up to February 2019 identified 72 studies (CEBQ, n = 67 BEBQ, n = 5), and 27 met the meta‐analysis criteria. For cross‐sectional studies reporting unadjusted correlations with body mass index z ‐scores (BMIz) ( n = 19), all traits were associated with BMIz in expected directions (positive: FR, EF, EOE, and DD negative: SR, SE, EUE, and FF). Pooled estimates ranged from r = 0.22 (FR) to r = −0.21 (SR). For cross‐sectional studies reporting regression coefficients ( n = 10), three traits (FR, EF, and EOE) associated positively, and three traits (SR, SE, and EUE) negatively, with BMIz ( β = −0.31 [SR] to β = 0.22 [FR]). Eleven studies reported prospective relationships from appetite to adiposity measures for six scales (positive: FR, EF, EOE, and DD negative: SR and SE). Five studies reported relationships from adiposity measures to appetite for five traits (positive: FR, EF, and EOE negative: SR). All BEBQ traits were consistently cross‐sectionally associated with adiposity measures. Overall, CEBQ/BEBQ‐assessed appetitive traits show consistent cross‐sectional relationships with measures of child adiposity.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 11-06-2015
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114515001695
Abstract: Research suggests that repeatedly offering infants a variety of vegetables during weaning increases vegetable intake and liking. The effect may extend to novel foods. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of advising parents to introduce a variety of single vegetables as first foods on infants' subsequent acceptance of a novel vegetable. Mothers of 4- to 6-month-old infants in the UK, Greece and Portugal were randomised to either an intervention group ( n 75), who received guidance on introducing five vegetables (one per d) as first foods repeated over 15 d, or a control group ( n 71) who received country-specific ‘usual care’. Infant's consumption (g) and liking (maternal and researcher rated) of an unfamiliar vegetable were assessed 1 month post-intervention. Primary analyses were conducted for the full s le with secondary analyses conducted separately by country. No significant effect of the intervention was found for vegetable intake in the three countries combined. However, sub-group analyses showed that UK intervention infants consumed significantly more novel vegetable than control infants (32·8 ( sd 23·6) v . 16·5 ( sd 12·1) g P = 0·003). UK mothers and researchers rated infants' vegetable liking higher in the intervention than in control condition. In Portugal and Greece, there was no significant intervention effect on infants' vegetable intake or liking. The differing outcome between countries possibly reflects cultural variations in existing weaning practices. However, the UK results suggest in countries where vegetables are not common first foods, advice on introducing a variety of vegetables early in weaning may be beneficial for increasing vegetable acceptance.
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAND.2019.05.017
Abstract: Most children eat fewer vegetables than recommended. Storybooks and sensory play may increase vegetable intake. This study tested the effects on intake of learning about an unfamiliar vegetable (celeriac) through storybooks and sensory play. It was predicted that an illustrated, congruent storybook would increase intake of celeriac compared to an incongruent storybook (carrot) and that adding congruent sensory play with celeriac to the storybook would produce a synergistic effect on intake of celeriac. Children from 12 UK preschools were randomly assigned by clusters to four intervention conditions using a 2×2 factorial design. The factors were vegetable congruency (sensory play and/or storybook were congruent, or incongruent [carrot] with celeriac) and intervention type (storybook only or storybook combined with sensory play). Three hundred and thirty-seven children aged 2 to 5 years were recruited to take part in November 2017. Over a 2-week period, children in all four conditions were read a vegetable storybook featuring celeriac or carrot. In addition, two conditions received sensory play with either carrot or celeriac added to the storybook method. Intake of the unfamiliar vegetable (celeriac) was measured at baseline and after the 2-week intervention. Complex s les logistic regression and general linear modeling were performed to examine group differences at post-intervention. Children receiving the congruent (celeriac) storybook had higher odds of eating celeriac compared to children who received the incongruent (carrot) storybook. Receiving congruent sensory play increased the odds of eating celeriac, whereas receiving incongruent sensory play did not. From the 267 children who completed both baseline and post-intervention assessments, 85 ate no celeriac at baseline and were classed as non-eaters. Sensory play (congruent or incongruent) increased the odds of eating some celeriac in non-eaters compared to storybook only conditions. Congruency between storybook and vegetable increased intake sensory play with celeriac increased the likelihood of eating celeriac. Storybooks and sensory play are simple interventions to increase willingness to try an unfamiliar vegetable.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-03-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S00436-014-3844-6
Abstract: Onchocerca lupi is a neglected filarioid causing nodular lesions associated with acute or chronic ocular disease in dogs. Despite the recent appraisal of its zoonotic potential, human cases are increasingly reported in the Old and New Worlds. Therefore, the development of accurate tools for the rapid diagnosis of O. lupi infections in dogs is becoming a priority. In this study, we conducted a preliminary investigation aimed at evaluating the usefulness of a commercially available ELISA test for the detection of O. lupi antigens in canine sera. The potential use of this tool for larger epidemiological studies of canine onchocerciasis is discussed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: American Public Health Association
Date: 11-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2011.05.317
Abstract: An in idual's experience of flavours contributes to their unique pattern of food preferences. Exposure to a specific flavour can increase familiarity and result in greater acceptance of this flavour over time. This paper describes the earliest occurrences of flavour exposure first in utero, via amniotic fluid, and later through breast or formula milk. Evidence suggests these early experiences impact on later food preferences, but the extent to which specific flavour compounds from the mother's diet are transmitted during these pre- and early post-natal periods may vary within and between in iduals. In contrast with findings with toddlers and older children, infants accept new flavours rapidly, with relatively few exposures required. Early exposure to flavour variety may improve long term dietary outcomes, highlighting the need to promote a varied diet during pregnancy and lactation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-01-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-07-2016
Publisher: American Public Health Association
Date: 09-2015
Abstract: Objectives. We examined the probability of an obese person attaining normal body weight. Methods. We drew a s le of in iduals aged 20 years and older from the United Kingdom’s Clinical Practice Research Datalink from 2004 to 2014. We analyzed data for 76 704 obese men and 99 791 obese women. We excluded participants who received bariatric surgery. We estimated the probability of attaining normal weight or 5% reduction in body weight. Results. During a maximum of 9 years’ follow-up, 1283 men and 2245 women attained normal body weight. In simple obesity (body mass index = 30.0–34.9 kg/m 2 ), the annual probability of attaining normal weight was 1 in 210 for men and 1 in 124 for women, increasing to 1 in 1290 for men and 1 in 677 for women with morbid obesity (body mass index = 40.0–44.9 kg/m 2 ). The annual probability of achieving a 5% weight reduction was 1 in 8 for men and 1 in 7 for women with morbid obesity. Conclusions. The probability of attaining normal weight or maintaining weight loss is low. Obesity treatment frameworks grounded in community-based weight management programs may be ineffective.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.VETPAR.2014.03.007
Abstract: Onchocerca lupi, a zoonotic nematode infecting the eyes of carnivores, has been increasingly reported in dogs from Europe and the USA. In order to improve the current status of knowledge on this neglected filarioid, diagnostic imaging tools (i.e., ultrasound scan, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) are herein used to diagnose canine onchocercosis in two dogs, which scored positive for O. lupi microfilariae at the skin snip test and to assess the anatomical location of the nematode within the ocular apparatus. Results indicate that ultrasound tools are useful to address the diagnosis of O. lupi in dogs and to evaluate the localization of nodules or cysts containing the adult nematode.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-03-2014
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2014.50
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Start Date: 2020
End Date: 2021
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2018
End Date: 2021
Funder: Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2017
End Date: 2021
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council
View Funded Activity