The modern idea of purebred dogs has come under increasing critical scrutiny over recent decades. In light of this critical focus and other developments in society, some new trends in how companion dogs are bred and acquired have emerged. This means a diminishing influence from traditional kennel clubs with more dogs being sold without a pedigree, stricter legal restrictions on dog breeding, growing popularity of deliberate crosses of established breeds (i.e. so-called designer breeds) and growing hype around the benefits of mixed-breed dogs. We give an overview of these trends and discuss to what extent they will serve to promote dogs that are innately healthy, have good welfare and function well in their various roles in today’s world. We argue that newly invented designer breeds and mixed breeds also have worrying health and behavioural problems, and that the predictability of purebred dogs with respect to body size, basic behaviours, known need for grooming, disorder profiles and other attributes may well offer some benefits for a satisfying human-dog relationship seen from both sides. The optimal future seems to lie in the middle ground, where the future organised dog world (i.e. kennel and breed clubs or their successor organisations) will need to re-open the breed registries, remove wording from breed standards that currently promotes extreme conformation, support selection against disease-predisposing genotypes and phenotypes and refocus dog showing and breeding to promote health and appropriate behaviour.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent among people with diabetes(1,2). While identifying modifiable risk factors to prevent a decline in kidney function among those living with diabetes is pivotal, there is limited evidence on dietary risk factors for CKD. In this study we examined the associations between healthy and less healthy plant-based diets (PBDs) and the risk of CKD among those with diabetes, and to identify potential underlying mechanisms.

We conducted a prospective analysis among 7,747 UK Biobank participants with prevalent diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine the associations between healthful and unhealthful plant-based indices (hPDI and uPDI) and the risk of CKD. Fruits, legumes, nuts, tea and coffee, vegetables and whole grains were classified as healthy plant-based foods, whereas fruit juice, potatoes, refined grains, sugary drinks as well as sweets and desserts were classified as unhealthy plant-based foods. Animal-based foods used for the PDIs were grouped into meat, eggs, dairy products, animal fat, seafood or fish, and miscellaneous animal-based foods. Causal mediation analyses were further employed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the observed associations.

Among 7,747 study participants with diabetes, 1,030 developed incident CKD over 10.2 years of follow-up. The mean (SD) age was 58.8 (7.2) years, 6,910 (89.2%) were White, and 3,829 (49.4%) had a BMI over ≥30kg/m2. Higher adherence to a healthy PBD was associated with a 24% lower CKD risk (HRQ4 versus Q1: 0.76 [95%CI: 0.63−0.92], ptrend=0.002), while higher adherence to an unhealthy PBD was associated with a 35% higher risk (HRQ4 versus Q1: 1.35 [95%CI: 1.11-1.65], ptrend=0.006). The observed associations were predominantly mediated by markers of body fatness (proportion mediated: 11-25%) and kidney function (23-89%).

In this prospective cohort study of UK adults with diabetes, adherence to a healthy PBD was associated with lower CKD risk, whereas adherence to an unhealthy PBD was associated with a higher CKD risk. Associations were primarily mediated by markers of lower body fatness and improved kidney function.

Blended tube feeding for patients requiring enteral nutrition involves the provision of pureed food administered via a gastronomy tube(1). It is relatively new in dietary practice, with several clinical and perceived benefits, which was partly driven by the large prevalence of enteral nutrition intolerance in paediatric patients(2). In response to patient and dietitian preferences, as well as challenges of blended diets, medical nutrition manufacturers have developed commercial tube feed products containing real food ingredients (RFI). There is very limited published literature on these types of tube feeds.

The aim of this study was to understand the attitudes and awareness of dietitians towards recommending tube feeds containing RFI. This was done through investigating the indications behind recommending this type of product, what conditions they are recommended for, and the main barriers and benefits of recommending tube feeds containing RFI to paediatric patients.

A twelve-item online survey was distributed via Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) and Irish Nutrition Jobs Facebook group to collect data from registered dietitians over six-weeks. Frequencies and Cross-tabulations were performed to analyse categorical variables using IBM SPSS V29.

From the total sample of 23 paediatric dietitians, those who currently recommend tube feeds containing RFI (n = 14) reported that the two main disorders to use this product are, gastrointestinal disorders (n = 13, 93%) or neurological disorders (n = 12, 86%). A primary indication for recommending these products is to improve tolerance (n = 12, 86%), with the main feeding method being bolus pump (n = 13, 93%). Key benefits reported are improvements to GI symptoms (n = 13, 93%) and improved weight gain (n = 5, 36%). Of the total sample, prime barriers found to recommending this type of feed is the low energy dense profile (n = 7, 30%) and insufficient amount of natural ingredients (n = 3, 13%).

This study shows a positive response towards tube feeds containing RFI and gives an insight into the potential benefits that using these innovative tube feeds can have for patients and carers. More case studies using these products are required, for dietitians to fully understand the main benefits and drawbacks of recommending these feeds to their paediatric patients.

Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA) is estimated to affect 2-3% of infants, typically developing in the first year of life(1). The risks of misdiagnosing CMA include acute reactions, micronutrient deficiencies, growth faltering, increased burden on healthcare systems, and reduced quality of life for infants and caregivers(2). The guidelines for diagnosis and management are not always followed due to lack of awareness, or difficulties with implementation(1,3). The aim of this study was to obtain parent-reported data on the diagnosis and management of CMA in Ireland.

A 23-item questionnaire was developed and distributed through an online parenting club, targeting parents of infants aged 0-12 months with CMA. The quantitative and qualitative data was analysed on SPSS (V29) using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation tests.

A total of 62 parents with an infant under 12 months responded that their infant currently has (n = 56) or previously had CMA (n = 6). Five cases were self-diagnosed and were partially excluded from analysis. General practitioners (42%) and paediatricians (39%) were the most common healthcare professionals (HCPs) to diagnose CMA.

The number of visits it took before receiving a CMA diagnosis ranged from 1-15 visits, with a median of 2 visits. Some infants were diagnosed on their first appointment (n = 11) while others took 4-5 months before being diagnosed (n = 2). Only 23% of infants underwent a skin-prick/blood test, suggesting most HCPs were using symptom resolution to decipher a diagnosis.

An extensively hydrolysed formula (EHF) was recommended as first-line management to most formula-fed infants (82%, n = 40), while 14% (n = 7) were initially recommended an amino acid formula (AAF). Of the 17 suspected non-IgE infants who did not exclusively breastfeed, only 41% were given advice to reintroduce standard infant formula after 2-4 weeks of being on a hypoallergenic formula, to assess if symptoms reappeared. Of this 41%, only 57% followed this advice. Of breastfeeding mothers (n = 30), 87% were advised to eliminate cow’s milk from the maternal diet, however 57% were not advised on reintroduction upon symptom resolution(1). Faltering growth was reported in 11% (n = 5) of formula-fed infants and all were prescribed an EHF, despite guidelines recommending an AAF if faltering growth is evident(1). After diagnosis, 26 infants (46%) had no follow-up with their HCP. Of the 22 infants diagnosed by a paediatrician, 77% received a follow-up appointment which was significantly greater compared to follow-up rates from other HCPs (P = 0.006). Limitations include the use of a small convenience cohort and selfreporting of data.

These results indicate a clear gap between CMA diagnosis and management guidelines, and their practical implementation within the Irish healthcare setting. Any strategy to further educate and support HCPs in this specialist area of healthcare could mitigate risk of misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and inappropriate management.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited rare metabolic disorder that is caused by a lack of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. One in every 4,545 infants born in Ireland have PKU(1). This condition is managed by a low protein diet and the consumption of nutritional supplements that provide all essential amino-acids. However, the palatability of these supplements is often unpleasant, as they are formulated with pure amino-acids(2). Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a by-product of cheese making that is naturally low in phenylalanine, while still being a rich source of amino-acids. As it is a natural protein source, it has improved palatability and texture, and is a suitable alternative to aminoacid based supplements(3).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the palatability of a new GMP based protein substitute PKU GMPro Ultra, Lemonade and Vanilla flavours, among a sample of PKU patients, and assess their expected compliance of using this product.

Samples of the study product were available for monadic taste testing at two patient events that took place in December 2023 and March 2024. All PKU patients attending were eligible to take part. The taste test was not blinded, as the patients were aware they were tasting either the lemonade or vanilla flavoured study product. Patients sampled ∼20ml of the study product and then answered a short six-question survey. This included questions on age, gender, the rating of the product out of 5 (5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest) and expected compliance of one serving of the product (180ml). Compliance was measured using a Likert scale. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS v29 to calculate frequencies, mean and standard deviation.

A total of 21 PKU patients taste tested the study samples. The mean age of patients was 17.88 years (SD 12.9), with 67% of participants being aged 16 years or younger. With regards to taste, it was found that 62% (n = 13) of patients rated the product either 4/5 or 5/5, therefore rating the product satisfactory(4). The other 38% (n = 8) rated the product between 1 to 3 out of 5. Patients were also asked how likely it was that they would finish a whole serving of the study product. 67% (n = 14) reported that they were likely to complete one serving of the study product, while 33% (n = 7) stated they were unlikely to finish a whole serving.

In this sample of PKU patients, the majority found the new GMP based protein substitute to be palatable. These substitutes have been shown to be highly palatable, safe and acceptable alternatives to amino-acid based protein substitutes, which may improve dietary compliance(5). It is important that patients have a wide choice of protein substitutes, which are convenient, flexible and avoid taste-fatigue.

Bolus feeding is the administration of feed to a patient as a series of smaller volumes of enteral nutrition given at regular intervals via an enteral feeding tube.(1) It is currently estimated that approximately 2,000 people are receiving home enteral tube feeding (HETF) in Ireland.(2) However, there is limited evidence surrounding the use of bolus feeding in enterally fed patients.

The aim of this study is to investigate Irish dietitians’ attitudes and usage of bolus feeding in their adult patients.

Survey Monkey was used to create an eighteen-question survey which was distributed by the ‘Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute’ in their online newsletter and the ‘Irish Nutrition Jobs’ Facebook page. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM SPSS® v27 to determine percentages. Dietitians that worked with adult patients and reccommended bolus feeding to patients were eligible to take part in the survey.

Out of 100 respondents, 74 dietitians fit the eligibility criteria for data analysis. Of the 74 participants recommending bolus feeding in adult patients, they primarily worked in hospitals (64%, n = 47) and in the community (35%, n = 26) with 20% (n = 15) specialising in oncology. Just over half (58%, n = 43) of dietitians agreed that the number of patients being bolus fed has increased over the last 5 years with 26% (n = 19) reporting that more than half of their enterally fed patient case load receive bolus tube feeding. The majority of dietitians (99%, n = 73), routinely use the syringing method when administering a bolus feed.

Dietitians commonly recommend bolus feeding in oncology patients (65%, n = 48), those with neurodisability (46%, n = 34) and in adults with gastrointestinal diseases (19%, n = 14). When choosing to administer a bolus feed, 53% (n =39) of dietitians aim for 400kcal per feed, with 200ml ONS being the most popular bolus feed format (62%, n = 46). Almost all dietitians (96%, n = 71), decide to use bolus feeding with their patients as it suits their lifestyles as well as 81% (n = 60) reporting that it is favoured for its convenience.

Many of the dietitians (61%, n = 45) are of the opinion that feeds designed in a format for bolus feeding would improve patient experience. To further improve their training, dietitians reported there is a need for additional practice guidelines (47%, n = 35) and practical workshops (46%, n = 34) on bolus feeding.

This study found that dietitians are recommending bolus feeding for patients more often in the last 5 years (2019-2024). Participants reported that bolus feeding suits patients’ lifestyles as it’s convenient and it suits their social circumstances. There is a need for a specific format for bolus feeding products as well as specific bolus feeds to improve patient experience. Dietitians agree that additional resources such as practical workshops and guidelines are needed to further support them with bolus feeding.

The introduction of complementary foods, also known as 'weaning', refers to the process of introducing solid foods into an infant’s diet, alongside breast milk or infant formula milk(1). According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) guidelines, weaning should commence around 6 months of age, with no earlier or later than 17 or 26 weeks, respectively(2). These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations aimed at promoting optimal infant health, growth, and development(3). The aim of this study was to gain an insight into parental attitudes towards weaning and the common challenges faced when introducing solids.

Data was collected using a 16-item questionnaire. Parents of infants aged 0–12 months were recruited through an online parenting club and descriptive statistics were performed using IBM SPSS (V29) to determine percentages.

Of the 215 participants, 64% (n = 137) had initiated solid food introduction to their infants, with the age of these infants ranging from 4-12 months. Of those, the majority (80%, n = 109) followed FSAI guidelines(2), introducing new foods daily or every few days. The main factors guiding this decision were signs of readiness and developmental milestones, cited by 76% of respondents (n = 104). Among those who began weaning (n = 137), 70% reported a positive experience, though the majority (92%, n = 126) encountered challenges along the way. These included infant’s refusal to eat (34%, n = 47), allergy concerns (41%, n = 56), and difficulty determining appropriate portion sizes (48%, n = 66). Our findings showed that 12% (n = 16) of infants aged 6-9 months and 2% (n = 3) of infants aged 10-12 months had not yet been introduced to meat, poultry, or fish. Additionally, 4% of parents (n = 6) waited until their infants were at least 9 months old to introduce these foods, despite guidelines recommending early exposure to iron-rich foods(2).

Most parents with infants aged 0-6 months (64%, n = 78) had not started weaning. Among them, 26% (n = 20) felt very confident about beginning the process, while 25% (n = 19) lacked confidence in introducing solid foods to their infants.

Among all participants, information on weaning commonly came from family/friends (68%, n = 147), healthcare professionals (60%, n = 128), and social media (46%, n = 99). When asked about resources they would like access to, nearly two-thirds of parents (64%, n = 138) expressed interest in weaning recipe ideas. Additionally, 53% (n = 114) highlighted the need for guidelines on the appropriate amount of milk to give during weaning.

In conclusion, our findings indicate that while most parents appear compliant with the recommended timing of weaning, challenges still persist. Moreover, there is a notable reliance on various sources for weaning information, with a demand for resources like weaning recipes and milk quantity guidelines. These insights highlight the importance of tailored support and education to facilitate a positive weaning experience for both parents and infants.

The early establishment of the gut microbiome during the first 1000 days of life is crucial for health and development during childhood and beyond(1,2). The composition of the microbiome is influenced by various factors including mode of delivery, gestational age, feeding method, medication use, and other early life experiences(1). Disruptions to optimal early microbial colonisation, as presented with preterm infants, and infants delivered via caesarean section, can compromise microbial diversity which in turn may manifest in health problems(2,3). This study aims to investigate parental awareness around infantile gut health to establish potential gaps in the education provided by healthcare professionals (HCPs).

This study involved the distribution of a 15-item questionnaire to parents of infants aged 0-12 months, via a parenting platform, ‘everymum.ie’. Descriptive statistics were conducted using IBM SPSS V29. Frequencies, Cross-tabulations and Pearson Chi-Squares were performed to analyse categorical variables (significance at p≤0.05).

A total of 933 valid responses were collected. The majority of respondents were female (98%), aged between 25 and 44 years (95%) and had received third level education (85%). Of the sample, 76% did not receive any information from a HCP on the importance of their infant having a healthy gut. Only 15% of parents received this information before their infant’s birth and 22% received this information after. Furthermore, 89% of respondents did not receive any information from a HCP about the role of pre- or probiotics for their infant’s gut health.

Of the 364 parents (39%) who gave birth via caesarean section, 70% were not aware that mode of delivery was linked to their infant’s gut health and 73% did not receive information on the importance of their infant having a healthy gut. Almost 7% of the sample (n=64) had a premature infant. Of this subgroup, only 22% received information after their infant was born on the importance of gut health in infants. Furthermore, 86% of parents with a preterm infant did not receive information about the role of prebiotics or probiotics in relation to their infant’s gut health. There was no significant difference in the information provided to those with or without a preterm infant, and those who gave birth vaginally or via caesarean section, where p=0.950 and p=0.824, respectively.

This study highlights gaps in parental knowledge around infantile gut health and in the education provided by HCPs. Preterm infants and those born via caesarean section are particularly at risk of disruptions to optimal early microbial colonisation and these parents may potentially benefit from information on the importance of supporting their infant’s gut microbiome for long term health and development. Further support and education for HCPs appears necessary to help deliver this message to parents to reduce the burden of health problems during infancy.

This article explores the links between anti-Catholicism in the United Kingdom and the acceleration of settler colonialism in British North America, and it does so by considering two group migrations from Catholic districts in the North West Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Occurring over 30 years apart, the Glenaladale settlement (1772) in Prince Edward Island and the Glengarry settlement (1803) in Upper Canada offer instructive insight into how anti-Catholicism activated Highland Catholic colonial agency. Not only did significant numbers of Highland Catholics choose to quit Scotland forever, but their settlement in places like Prince Edward Island and Upper Canada accelerated the process of settler colonialism and the establishment of the Catholic Church. The colonies at Glengarry and Glenaladale were peopled by settlers who were doubly motivated to settle in the empire. They stood to prosper economically—certainly—and they also stood to gain the freedom to practice their faith free of obvious interference. To the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands they settled, the consequences were not softened by this pretext for settler colonization, and too often the history of anti-Catholic discrimination in the four nations elide the fact that Catholics were enthusiastic colonizers elsewhere, and that the two processes were often related.

As shown in previous work, in some cases closed quantum systems exhibit a non-conventional absence of trade-off between performance and robustness in the sense that controllers with the highest fidelity can also provide the best robustness to parameter uncertainty. As the dephasing induced by the interaction of the system with the environment guides the evolution to a more classically mixed state, it is worth investigating what effect the introduction of dephasing has on the relationship between performance and robustness. In this paper we analyze the robustness of the fidelity error, as measured by the logarithmic sensitivity function, to dephasing processes. We show that introduction of dephasing as a perturbation to the nominal unitary dynamics requires a modification of the log-sensitivity formulation used to measure robustness about an uncertain parameter with nonzero nominal value used in previous work. We consider controllers optimized for a number of target objectives ranging from fidelity under coherent evolution to fidelity under dephasing dynamics to determine the extent to which optimizing for a specific regime has desirable effects in terms of robustness. Our analysis is based on two independent computations of the log-sensitivity: a statistical Monte Carlo approach and an analytic calculation. We show that despite the different log-sensitivity calculations employed in this study, both demonstrate that the log-sensitivity of the fidelity error to dephasing results in a conventional trade-off between performance and robustness.