Edentulous denture-wearers eat fewer fruits and vegetables than do comparable dentate individuals. Improved chewing ability with new dentures has resulted in little dietary improvement, suggesting that dietary intervention is necessary. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to have a positive impact upon dietary behavior of patients receiving replacement complete dentures through a tailored dietary intervention. Readiness to change diet (Stage of Change), intake of fruits, vegetables, and nutrients, and chewing ability were assessed pre-and 6 weeks post-intervention. The intervention group (n = 30) received two dietary counseling sessions; the control group (n = 28) received current standard care. Perceived chewing ability significantly increased in both groups. There was significantly more movement from pre-action into action Stages of Change in the intervention group, who had a greater increase in fruit/vegetable consumption (+209 g/d) than did the control group (+26 g/d) (P = 0.001). Tailored dietary intervention contemporaneous with replacement dentures can positively change dietary behavior.

Edentulous individuals have reduced chewing ability and lower fruit and vegetable consumption compared with dentate individuals. It has been suggested that the two are causally related. However, psychosocial factors such as attitude, self-identity, and knowledge of recommendations are predictive of intake in non-edentulous persons. The aims of this study were to: determine if perceived chewing ability was predictive of fruit and vegetable intake; explore the predictive ability of knowledge, attitude, and self-identity; and compare intake between edentulous and dentate individuals. Full denture-wearing (N = 79) and dentate persons (N = 52) completed a three-day food diary. Perceived chewing ability, sociodemographic, and psychosocial factors were assessed via self-administered questionnaire. The dentate persons consumed significantly more fruit and vegetables, but differences were not significant when juices were excluded. Perceived chewing ability explained approximately 4% variance in intake. Attitude, self-identity, and knowledge explained a further approximately 20%. If the diet of denture-wearers is to be improved, psychosocial factors, as well as perceived chewing ability, must be addressed.

Diatoms are unicellular algae with ornate silica shells. Their dazzling ability to build tiny structures could inspire applications in the semiconductor industry, drug delivery, and engineering

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The results provide a good representation of typical portion weights for different foods and food groups in primary and secondary schools in England. Portion size is one factor that determines nutrient intake. New standards for school lunches are both nutrient and food-based. Guidance on portion weights will help to ensure that pupils consume the correct balance of foods to obtain the recommended nutrient intake. The present findings complement and extend existing guidance on portion sizes for pupils in schools in England and Scotland.

Extravasation is recognised as a major complication of administering intravenous chemotherapy treatment. Of the agents involved in extravasation, anthracyclines are associated with the greatest risk to patients because they are vesicant agents, having the potential to cause blistering and ulceration. If not identified and left untreated, anthracycline extravasation can lead to more serious complications such as tissue necrosis and functional impairment. Dexrazoxane (Savene(®) ) is the only licensed antidote for the treatment of anthracycline extravasation and clinical evidence has shown Savene(®) to be highly effective for preventing the need for surgery following anthracycline extravasation, allowing full recovery in the majority of patients. To date, there have been eight published studies reporting a total of 102 cases of Savene(®) use. Here, we review the published data on the efficacy of Savene(®) and present an analysis of 12 UK case studies. All UK oncology centres where Savene(®) has been used to manage anthracycline extravasation were contacted by SpePharm UK, who requested case studies for this publication. All of the cases received, including two from our own experience of using Savene(®) have been included in the analysis.

As a species, we pride ourselves on the uniqueness of our brain. But comparisons with other species may tell us how our unique brains evolved

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