Fall is the season of returning to school to pursue a renewal of knowledge and make plans for new enterprises and experiences. At the journal, we are winding down another year and reviewing our accomplishments. Our authors, reviewers, and editors are to be commended for their hard work. The articles in this issue are organized in 2 sections, Highlights of Dietetic Practice Trends and Dietetic Practice Projects.

A study by Davis and Segal examined the association of early temperament of infants to weight gain and the intake of infant formula. Conducted in Manila, Philippines, the observations of 220 infants were recorded in 2 pediatric clinics. Multiple regression analysis revealed an association between temperament and frequency and amount of formula. Long-term effects of these practices need to be further studied.

Bruns and Springer describe the primary feeding method along with identification and longitudinal treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in 10 young children with trisomy 18 (t18). They began to build a database for feeding regimens and found a combination of interventions for parents. The information is an initial step to further a better understanding of the nutritional needs and feeding difficulties of children with t18.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was reviewed by Cohen and Gonzales-Pacheco because of its prevalence among pediatric patients. Although the diagnosis is complicated, several dietary components prevail in its increasing prevalence among children and adolescents, including obesity and overweight. No specific treatment has been found; however, the authors support prevention, especially weight loss, increased exercise, and decreased ingestion of simple sugars.

Nutrition interventions are difficult to administer, yet timely for improving dietary intake. A 12-week intervention project by Guttschall and Settle targeted rural preadolescents and adolescents to improve their diets. Using social cognitive theory as a framework, they piloted an afterschool program and were able to help them lower average intakes of sweetened beverages and salty and sweet snacks. Community nutrition education program should be of sufficient duration to encourage greater parental involvement.

Iodine deficiency can have a detrimental effect on child growth and cognitive development. Although adequacy of iodine has been reported by the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the mean intake has declined from the 1970s to the 1990s. Hong recommends the continued monitoring of iodine in the US population along with more research studies, especially in children.

A review of interventions for ostomies was conducted by Willcutts and Touger-Decker in relation to short-term and long-term diet and nutrition planning. Coordination of care is essential to manage diet and medications although diet management is minimal for the majority of people undergoing ostomies. Individual preferences and restrictions may be done to avert blockages, limit output, and avoid discomfort. High-output ostomies are difficult to manage and consistency and coordination are essential.

Clark-Cutaria and her colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing validated the psychometric properties of a self-efficacy survey as part of an randomized controlled trial of 124 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Secondary to a behavioral intervention to decrease dietary sodium intake, they found that the instrument had adequate internal consistency and construct and convergent validity.

Thanks to all of you for another informative year for the journal, Topics in Clinical Nutrition. We appreciate your literature reviews of descriptive and experimental studies and sharing your insights and experiences in daily practice.

-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RD, FADA

Editor