Things in the Library 20th May

Things about SIDS...

There has been a lot of news this week about a research paper by Harrington et al, Butyrylcholinesterase is a potential biomarker for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It was a small study in Australia which found  lower levels of an enzyme called butyrylcholinesterase, which helps control the autonomic nervous system, in babies who went on to die from SIDS than babies who went on to be healthy or die from other causes. The study has been reported on widely, and The Atlantic have published an article called How a SIDS Study Became a Media Train Wreck pointing to a lack of rigour in the scientific reporting. Regardless of any sensationalist reporting, it is a very interesting research study which could go on to have a big impact. 

Things about eating disorders...

The Nuffield Trust has been exploring the waiting times for children & young people with eating disorders seeking treatment in England. The number of children waiting for urgent treatment is at a record high due to the pandemic - from Q1 2020/22 to Q3 2021/22,  waiting lists more than trebled for routine treatment and were more than two times higher for urgent treatment. They say:

 "The increase in referrals during the Covid-19 pandemic may indicate a worsening of children and young people’s mental health. Additionally, many risk factors for eating disorders have been exacerbated during the pandemic, such as social isolation, loss of routine, and difficulties accessing face-to-face clinical appointments."

Things for neurodiverse nurses...

The Royal College of Nursing has released some new guidance providing support to nursing staff and students who are neurodiverse. The publications include information on how to shape a more inclusive workplace, gain equal access to training and professional development, as well as advice on recruitment processes, job applications and reasonable adjustments.

Things about allergies...

The parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, a 15 year old who died from an allergic reaction to a baguette which wasn't labelled with allergens, have set up a clinical trial on oral immunotherapy. The trial will see whether commonly available food products, such as milk and peanuts, can be used under medical supervision to treat those with food allergies, and will be led by the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

Things about physical activity...

The National Institute for Health and Care Research has published research which shows that the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns led to an around 13% decrease in the amount of exercise being done by children. Perhaps most interestingly, activity levels did not return to higher levels after lockdowns and have remained lower. The study also revealed an increase in time sedentary time. The UK Chief Medical Officers  recommend all children and young people should take part in an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. This is an activity that gets children slightly hot, slightly sweaty, and out of breath. The Chief Medical Officers also advise children should limit the amount of time they spend being sedentary.  

Things to do...

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, Weston Park May Fayre is happening on Sunday 22nd May, between 11am and 5pm. There will be children's rides, a craft marquee, board games, Stormtroopers, food, drinks, and some amazing sideshow and street entertainment  including Dr Phantasma's Sideshow, Professor Jon’s Flea Circus Show, and the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band.

Things to make...

This ginger and lime cheesecake recipe is for individual puds, but can easily be scaled up to make a big one. Perfectly light, perfectly creamy, perfect.