Purpose To determine whether a structured mentoring curriculum improves research mentoring skills. Method The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) at 16 academic health centers (June 2010 to July 2011). Faculty mentors of trainees who were conducting clinical/translational research ≥50% of the time were eligible. The intervention was an eight-hour, case-based curriculum focused on six mentoring competencies. The primary outcome was the change in mentors’ self-reported pretest to posttest composite scores on the Mentoring Competency Assessment (MCA). Secondary outcomes included changes in the following: mentors’ awareness as measured by their self-reported retrospective change in MCA scores, mentees’ ratings of their mentors’ competency as measured by MCA scores, and mentoring behaviors as reported by mentors and their mentees. Results A total of 283 mentor–mentee pairs were enrolled: 144 mentors were randomized to the intervention; 139 to the control condition. Self-reported pre-/posttest change in MCA composite scores was higher for mentors in the intervention group compared with controls (P < .001). Retrospective changes in MCA composite scores between the two groups were even greater, and extended to all six subscale scores (P < .001). More intervention-group mentors reported changes in their mentoring practices than control mentors (P < .001). Mentees working with intervention-group mentors reported larger changes in retrospective MCA pre-/posttest scores (P = .003) and more changes in their mentors’ behavior (P = .002) than those paired with control mentors. Conclusions This RCT demonstrates that a competency-based research mentor training program can improve mentors’ skills.

Background-Physical activity is assumed to reduce excessive fatness in children. This study examined whether the benefits of early childhood moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on fatness are sustained throughout childhood.

Background Physical activity improves bone strength and reduces the risk for osteoporotic fractures. However, there are substantial gaps in our knowledge as to when, how and how much activity is optimal for bone health. Purpose In this cohort study, we examined developmental trajectories of objectively measured physical activity from childhood to adolescence to discern if moderate-and-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) predicts bone strength. Methods Starting at age 5 and continuing at 8, 11, 13, 15 and 17 years, Iowa Bone Development Study participants (n=530) wore an accelerometer for 3–5 days. At age 17, we assessed dual X-ray energy absorptiometry outcomes of mass and estimated geometry (femoral neck cross-sectional area and section modulus). We also assessed geometric properties (bone stress index and polar moment of inertia) of the tibia using peripheral computer quantitative tomography. Latent class modelling was used to construct developmental trajectories of MVPA from childhood to late adolescence. General linear models were used to examine the trajectory groups as predictors of age 17 bone outcomes. Results Girls and boys who accumulated the most MVPA had greater bone mass and better geometry at 17 years when compared to less active peers. The proportion of participants achieving high levels of MVPA throughout childhood was very low (<6% in girls) and by late adolescence almost all girls were inactive. Conclusions Bone health benefits of physical activity are not being realised due to low levels of activity for most youth, especially in girls.

Purpose This study examined the potential effect of early childhood moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on later bone health. Methods Three hundred and thirty-three children, participating in the Iowa Bone Development Study, were studied at ages 5, 8, and 11. MVPA (min/d) was measured using an accelerometry-based physical activity monitor. Bone mineral content (BMC, g) of the whole body, lumbar spine, and hip was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Mixed regression models were used to test whether age 5 MVPA had an effect on BMC at ages 8 and 11, after adjustment for concurrent height, weight, age, maturity, and MVPA. The analysis was repeated to control for age 5 bone outcomes. Mixed model least-squares means at the person level of covariates for age group were used to compare the BMC at age 8 and 11 of children in the highest and lowest quartiles of age 5 MVPA. Results For boys and girls, age 5 MVPA predicted BMC adjusted for concurrent height, weight, age, maturity, and MVPA at ages 8 and 11 (p<0.05). When the analysis was repeated to also control for age 5 BMC, the effect of age 5 MVPA was significant for boys but not girls. Boys and girls in the highest age 5 MVPA quartile had 4 to 14% more BMC at age 8 and 11 than those in the lowest age 5 MVPA quartile (p < 0.05). Conclusion These results provide support for the benefits of early MVPA on sustained bone health during childhood especially for boys. Results indicate the importance of increasing MVPA as a strategy to improve BMC later in childhood.

Dairy foods remain an important source of calcium and vitamin D, while added sugar beverages and, to a lesser extent, 100% juice decrease diet quality of young children.