Things in the library 24 Nov...

Things about IBD...

Family history is the strongest risk factor for developing Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). This research investigated whether the proximity of relationship with the affected relative and concordance for type of IBD modifies the effect of family history on phenotype and disease severity. They concluded that a family history of CD in 1st degree relatives was associated with complicated CD. Family history discordant for type of IBD or in distant relatives did not influence disease phenotype or natural history.

Things about asthma...
It is well established that the healthy bronchial tree contains a microbiome distinct from that of the upper respiratory tract and that the lung microbiome may be dysregulated in individuals with a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma. In addition, after birth, gut microbes interact with the host tissue, especially with the lymphatic tissue, thereby guaranteeing efficient immune activation. This review focuses on the available literature on the relationships between the gut microbiome, immune function and asthma in childhood, as well as the therapeutic strategies aimed at acting on the modulation of the microbiome. This article is in Immunotherapy journal which isn't one easily available to you as part of your NHS Open Athens resources however we can get most resources for you from other libraries or the British Library - just ask us or fill in a request form.

Things about fat intake in children...
Elevated cholesterol has been linked to cardiovascular disease in adults and preclinical markers of atherosclerosis in children, thus reducing saturated (SFA) and trans-fatty acids (TFA) intake from an early age may help to reduce cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. The aim of this review 'Health effects of saturated and trans-fatty acid intake in children and adolescents: Systematic review and meta-analysis' is to examine the evidence for health effects associated with reducing SFA and TFA intake in free-living children, adolescents and young adults between 2 to 19 years of age. The conclusion is that advice to reduce saturated fatty acids intake of children results in a significant reduction in total and LDL-cholesterol levels as well as diastolic blood pressure without evidence of adverse effects on growth and development. Dietary guidelines for children and adolescents should continue to recommend diets low in saturated fat.

Things about keeping up-to-date...
Through our blog and our weekly bulletin to all SCH staff on a Monday we try to draw your attention to new developments and reports. However for more subject specific information do try out our e-prompt service which will inform you of new publications in your areas of interest. Please remember that articles to which you are alerted are not automatically available to you full text but anything you want to read in more detail you can request from us (as above). Watch out in the New Year for a new service we will be offering.

Things to visit...
I am off to the Christmas market at Wakefield's Hepworth Gallery this weekend which I am told is very good. I love the gallery itself so I am hoping to buy lots of Christmas presents too. Rather tempted by the sound of Rhubarb Gin!


Things to eat...
Did you know this weekend is 'Stir-up Sunday'?  Traditionally this is the day to make your Christmas puddings and mincemeat as it is the last Sunday before Advent - the Christian count-down to Christmas. Everyone in the family takes a turn to stir the pudding mix and each person involved makes a special wish for the year ahead. This can also be the point to add 'silver' coins as it is believed that finding a coin brings good luck. Although we always added coins just before bringing the pudding to the table to make sure that the children were able to find (and not choke) on them! You may not want to make a pudding but mincemeat is very easy for children to make and perhaps give as gifts.