A first-in-human, randomized study of the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of povetacicept, an enhanced dual BAFF/APRIL antagonist, in healthy adults.

Therapeutic agents targeting the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily cytokines B-cell activating factor (BAFF, BLyS) and/or A PRoliferation Inducing Ligand (APRIL) have demonstrated clinical effectiveness in multiple autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, and immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). However, their clinical utility can often be limited by incomplete and/or prolonged times to clinical response and inconvenient dosing regimens, which may be improved by more potent dual inhibition of both cytokines. Povetacicept (ALPN-303; TACI vTD-Fc) is a crystallizable fragment (Fc) fusion protein of an engineered transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI) domain which mediates more potent inhibitory activity than wild-type TACI-Fc or BAFF- or APRIL-specific antibodies and demonstrates superior pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic activity in multiple preclinical disease models.

Fruit and vegetable consumption among children in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhood.

Purpose: Fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption was examined among children aged seven to 10 years in a London, Ontario, neighbourhood. The goal was to determine areas requiring targeted programs to promote healthy lifestyles.

Methods: Data were gathered from 136 students in grades 2 to 4.

Cook It Up! A community-based cooking program for at-risk youth: overview of a food literacy intervention.

Background: In Canada, there are limited occasions for youth, and especially at-risk youth, to participate in cooking programs. The paucity of these programs creates an opportunity for youth-focused cooking programs to be developed, implemented, and evaluated with the goal of providing invaluable life skills and food literacy to this potentially vulnerable group. Thus, an 18-month community-based cooking program for at-risk youth was planned and implemented to improve the development and progression of cooking skills and food literacy.

Food choices in recreation facilities: operators' and patrons' perspectives.

Purpose: Recreation facilities (RFs) provide physical activity environments; however, unhealthy food choices are abundant there. This needs assessment was conducted to determine patrons' satisfaction with food and purchasing preferences while at RFs, reasons for purchasing certain foods, and inclination for other options. Also assessed were RF operators' receptiveness to and perspectives on the feasibility of providing healthy foods.

What is a healthy body weight? Perspectives of overweight youth.

Purpose: A qualitative assessment was completed of overweight/obese youths' perceptions of the meaning of "healthy body weight," barriers and facilitators to healthy body weight attainment, and what would effectively enhance and support their healthy body weight behaviours.

Methods: This qualitative study targeted a sample of overweight and obese youth, aged 14 to 16 years. An experienced interviewer conducted 11 in-depth interviews.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of transdermal oxybutynin: in vitro and in vivo performance of a novel delivery system.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to characterize in vitro/in vivo delivery and pharmacokinetics of oxybutynin (OXY) and its active metabolite. N-desethyloxybutynin (DEO), by a novel matrix transdermal system (TDS).

Methods: Two in vivo, randomized, three-way crossover trials examined single/multiple OXY TDS doses.