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Title:
Elastase
Authors:
Abstract:
In molecular biology, elastase is an enzyme from the class of proteases (peptidases) that break down proteins. In particular, it is a serine protease.
Published:
March 9, 2020
Title:
Evidence of Cosmic Impact at Abu Hureyra, Syria at the Younger Dryas Onset (~12.8 ka): High-temperature melting at >2200 °C
Authors:
Moore, Andrew M. T.; Kennett, James P.; Napier, William M.; Bunch, Ted E.; Weaver, James C.; LeCompte, Malcolm; Adedeji, A. Victor; Hackley, Paul; Kletetschka, Gunther; Hermes, Robert E.; Wittke, James H.; Razink, Joshua J.; Gaultois, Michael W.; West, Allen
Abstract:
At Abu Hureyra (AH), Syria, the 12,800-year-old Younger Dryas boundary layer (YDB) contains peak abundances in meltglass, nanodiamonds, microspherules, and charcoal. AH meltglass comprises 1.6 wt.% of bulk sediment, and crossed polarizers indicate that the meltglass is isotropic. High YDB concentrations of iridium, platinum, nickel, and cobalt suggest mixing of melted local sediment with small quantities of meteoritic material. Approximately 40% of AH glass display carbon-infused, siliceous plant imprints that laboratory experiments show formed at a minimum of 1200°–1300 °C; however, reflectance-inferred temperatures for the encapsulated carbon were lower by up to 1000 °C. Alternately, melted grains of quartz, chromferide, and magnetite in AH glass suggest exposure to minimum temperatures of 1720 °C ranging to >2200 °C. This argues against formation of AH meltglass in thatched hut fires at 1100°–1200 °C, and low values of remanent magnetism indicate the meltglass was not created by lightning. Low meltglass water content (0.02–0.05% H2O) is consistent with a formation process similar to that of tektites and inconsistent with volcanism and anthropogenesis. The wide range of evidence supports the hypothesis that a cosmic event occurred at Abu Hureyra ~12,800 years ago, coeval with impacts that deposited high-temperature meltglass, melted microspherules, and/or platinum at other YDB sites on four continents.
Published:
March 6, 2020
Title:
Sequencing metabolically labeled transcripts in single cells reveals mRNA turnover strategies
Authors:
Battich, Nico; Beumer, Joep; Barbanson, Buys de; Krenning, Lenno; Baron, Chloé S.; Tanenbaum, Marvin E.; Clevers, Hans; Oudenaarden, Alexander van
Abstract:
RNA life span at single-cell resolution RNA transcripts are an easily accessed representation of gene expression, but we lack a comprehensive view of the life span of RNA within the single cell. Battich et al. developed a method to sequence messenger RNA labeled with 5-ethynyl-uridine (EU) in single cells (scEU-seq), which allows estimation of RNA transcription and degradation rates. When examining intestinal organoid cells, scEU-seq data can be used to discern between transcription and degradation during development, indicating that this method can be applied to better understand the relationship between gene expression and RNA degradation during development. Science, this issue p. 1151 The regulation of messenger RNA levels in mammalian cells can be achieved by the modulation of synthesis and degradation rates. Metabolic RNA-labeling experiments in bulk have quantified these rates using relatively homogeneous cell populations. However, to determine these rates during complex dynamical processes, for instance during cellular differentiation, single-cell resolution is required. Therefore, we developed a method that simultaneously quantifies metabolically labeled and preexisting unlabeled transcripts in thousands of individual cells. We determined synthesis and degradation rates during the cell cycle and during differentiation of intestinal stem cells, revealing major regulatory strategies. These strategies have distinct consequences for controlling the dynamic range and precision of gene expression. These findings advance our understanding of how individual cells in heterogeneous populations shape their gene expression dynamics. Single-cell studies show how individual cells in heterogeneous populations shape their gene expression dynamics. Single-cell studies show how individual cells in heterogeneous populations shape their gene expression dynamics.
Published:
March 6, 2020
Title:
Supersize does matter The importance of large prey in Paleolithic subsistence and a method for measuring its significance in zooarchaeological assemblages
Authors:
Ben Dor, Michael
Abstract:
Data supporting a paper by that name. Data on Hadza hunting, African herbivores maximum speed, Energetic net return on acquisition of animals by size, Fat content of African herbivores, Biomass density of herbivores in African game reserves, datasets for faunal biomass comparisons of Acheulian and Acheulo-Yabrudian sites in the Levant, Early and Late Middle Pleistocene sites in East Africa and Mousterian and Aurignacian sites in France.
Published:
March 6, 2020
Title:
The role of body temperature in regulating brain and body sizes in hominin evolution
Authors:
Lingam, Manasvi
Abstract:
A number of models have posited that the concomitant evolution of large brains and increased body sizes in hominins was constrained by metabolic costs. In such studies, the impact of body temperature has not been sufficiently addressed despite the well-established fact that the rates of most physiological processes are manifestly temperature-dependent. Hence, the role of body temperature in modulating the number of neurons and body size is investigated in this work by means of a simple quantitative model. It is determined that modest deviations in the body temperature (i.e., by a few degrees Celsius) might bring about substantive changes in brain and body parameters. In particular, a higher body temperature might prove amenable to an increase in the number of neurons, a higher brain-to-body mass ratio and fewer hours expended on feeding activities, while the converse applies when the temperature is lowered. It is therefore argued that future studies must endeavour to explore and incorporate the effects of body temperature in metabolic theories of hominin evolution, while also accounting for other factors such as foraging efficiency, diet and fire control in tandem.
Published:
March 6, 2020
Title:
Sitting, squatting, and the evolutionary biology of human inactivity
Authors:
Raichlen, David A.; Pontzer, Herman; Zderic, Theodore W.; Harris, Jacob A.; Mabulla, Audax Z. P.; Hamilton, Marc T.; Wood, Brian M.
Abstract:
Recent work suggests human physiology is not well adapted to prolonged periods of inactivity, with time spent sitting increasing cardiovascular disease and mortality risk. Health risks from sitting are generally linked with reduced levels of muscle contractions in chair-sitting postures and associated reductions in muscle metabolism. These inactivity-associated health risks are somewhat paradoxical, since evolutionary pressures tend to favor energy-minimizing strategies, including rest. Here, we examined inactivity in a hunter-gatherer population (the Hadza of Tanzania) to understand how sedentary behaviors occur in a nonindustrial economic context more typical of humans’ evolutionary history. We tested the hypothesis that nonambulatory rest in hunter-gatherers involves increased muscle activity that is different from chair-sitting sedentary postures used in industrialized populations. Using a combination of objectively measured inactivity from thigh-worn accelerometers, observational data, and electromygraphic data, we show that hunter-gatherers have high levels of total nonambulatory time (mean ± SD = 9.90 ± 2.36 h/d), similar to those found in industrialized populations. However, nonambulatory time in Hadza adults often occurs in postures like squatting, and we show that these “active rest” postures require higher levels of lower limb muscle activity than chair sitting. Based on our results, we introduce the Inactivity Mismatch Hypothesis and propose that human physiology is likely adapted to more consistently active muscles derived from both physical activity and from nonambulatory postures with higher levels of muscle contraction. Interventions built on this model may help reduce the negative health impacts of inactivity in industrialized populations.
Published:
March 4, 2020
Title:
DHEAS and Human Development: An Evolutionary Perspective
Authors:
Campbell, Benjamin
Abstract:
Adrenarche, the post-natal rise of DHEA and DHEAS, is unique to humans and the African Apes. Recent findings have linked DHEA in humans to the development of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDPFC) between the ages of 4–8 years and the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) from 7 to 12 years of age. Given the association of the LDLPFC with the 5-to-8 transition and the rTPJ with mentalizing during middle childhood DHEA may have played an important role in the evolution of the human brain. I argue that increasing protein in the diet over the course of human evolution not only increased levels of DHEAS, but linked meat consumption with brain development during the important 5- to-8 transition. Consumption of animal protein has been associated with IGF-1, implicated in the development of the adrenal zona reticularis (ZR), the site of DHEAS production. In humans and chimps, the zona reticularis emerges at 3–4 years, along with the onset of DHEA/S production. For chimps this coincides with weaning and peak synaptogenesis. Among humans, weaning is completed around 2 ½ years, while synaptogenesis peaks around 5 years. Thus, in chimpanzees, early cortical maturation is tied to the mother; in humans it may be associated with post-weaning provisioning by others. I call for further research on adrenarche among the African apes as a critical comparison to humans. I also suggest research in subsistence populations to establish the role of nutrition and energetics in the timing of adrenarche and the onset of middle childhood.
Published:
March 3, 2020
Title:
Economic Diversification Supported the Growth of Mongolia’s Nomadic Empires
Authors:
Wilkin, Shevan; Ventresca Miller, Alicia; Miller, Bryan K.; Spengler, Robert N.; Taylor, William T. T.; Fernandes, Ricardo; Hagan, Richard W.; Bleasdale, Madeleine; Zech, Jana; Ulziibayar, S.; Myagmar, Erdene; Boivin, Nicole; Roberts, Patrick
Abstract:
Populations in Mongolia from the late second millennium B.C.E. through the Mongol Empire are traditionally assumed, by archaeologists and historians, to have maintained a highly specialized horse-facilitated form of mobile pastoralism. Until recently, a dearth of direct evidence for prehistoric human diet and subsistence economies in Mongolia has rendered systematic testing of this view impossible. Here, we present stable carbon and nitrogen isotope measurements of human bone collagen, and stable carbon isotope analysis of human enamel bioapatite, from 137 well-dated ancient Mongolian individuals spanning the period c. 4400 B.C.E. to 1300 C.E. Our results demonstrate an increase in consumption of C4 plants beginning at c. 800 B.C.E., almost certainly indicative of millet consumption, an interpretation supported by archaeological evidence. The escalating scale of millet consumption on the eastern Eurasian steppe over time, and an expansion of isotopic niche widths, indicate that historic Mongolian empires were supported by a diversification of economic strategies rather than uniform, specialized pastoralism.
Published:
March 3, 2020
Title:
VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein)-Apo E (Apolipoprotein E) May Influence Lp(a) (Lipoprotein [a]) Synthesis or Assembly.
Authors:
Abstract:
Published:
March 3, 2020
Title:
Insulin resistance drives hepatic de novo lipogenesis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors:
Smith, Gordon I.; Shankaran, Mahalakshmi; Yoshino, Mihoko; Schweitzer, George G.; Chondronikola, Maria; Beals, Joseph W.; Okunade, Adewole L.; Patterson, Bruce W.; Nyangau, Edna; Field, Tyler; Sirlin, Claude B.; Talukdar, Saswata; Hellerstein, Marc K.; Klein, Samuel
Abstract:
Published:
March 2, 2020
Title:
Comparative anatomy of the fin muscles of non-sarcopterygian fishes, with notes on homology and evolution
Authors:
Siomava, Natalia; Shkil, Fedor; Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
Limited gross anatomical information about the muscles of fins, in particular those of the median fins, creates substantial gaps in the comparative anatomy, homologies, and evolution of these muscles across fishes. The scarcity of data also makes it difficult to interpret results obtained in developmental studies done in model organisms, such as zebrafish. To overcome these gaps, we provide descriptions of the configuration of all appendicular muscles of Amia, median fins of Polypterus, and the dorsal and anal fins of Lepisosteus and Chondrostei. The musculature of other species, including sharks and sturgeons, is also revised. We describe muscles that were previously overlooked, report sexual dimorphism in the muscles of the anal fin of Polypterus, and reveal muscle variations within Polypterus males. Species dissected for the present study thus represent all major non-sarcopterygian extant clades of gnathostomes, i.e. Chondrichthyes, Polypteriformes, Chondrostei, Lepisosteiformes, Amiiformes and Teleostei. Moreover, we compare our observations with the relatively few works that have provided information about muscles of at least some fins of these taxa in order to provide a broad discussion on the major evolutionary patterns within the appendicular musculature of these fishes. Such discussion provides an opportunity for a more comprehensive understanding of appendicular evolution and fish evolution in particular and of gnathostome and morphological evolution in general.
Published:
March 1, 2020
Title:
Effects of the low carbohydrate, high fat diet on glycemic control and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes: experience from a community-based cohort
Authors:
Ahmed, Shabina Roohi; Bellamkonda, Sridevi; Zilbermint, Mihail; Wang, Jiangxia; Kalyani, Rita Rastogi
Abstract:
Objective The optimal diet to improve glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes remains unclear. Low carbohydrate, high fat (LCHF) diets can improve glycemic control, but have not been investigated in real-world settings. Research design and methods We investigated effects of the LCHF diet compared with usual care in a community-based cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes by performing a retrospective study of 49 patients who followed the LCHF diet for ≥3 months, and compared glycemic outcomes with age-matched and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls who received usual care (n=75). The primary outcome was change in A1C from baseline to the end of follow-up. Results Compared with the usual care group, the LCHF group showed a significantly greater reduction in A1C (−1.29% (95% CI −1.75 to −0.82; p<0.001)) and body weight (−12.8 kg (95% CI −14.7 to −10.8; p<0.001) at the end of follow-up after adjusting for age, sex, baseline A1C, BMI, baseline insulin dose. Of the patients initially taking insulin therapy in the LCHF group, 100% discontinued it or had a reduction in dose, compared with 23.1% in the usual care group (p
Published:
March 1, 2020
Title:
Ketogenic diet in the treatment of cancer – Where do we stand?
Authors:
Weber, Daniela D.; Aminzadeh-Gohari, Sepideh; Tulipan, Julia; Catalano, Luca; Feichtinger, René G.; Kofler, Barbara
Abstract:
Background Cancer is one of the greatest public health challenges worldwide, and we still lack complementary approaches to significantly enhance the efficacy of standard anticancer therapies. The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with adequate amounts of protein, appears to sensitize most cancers to standard treatment by exploiting the reprogramed metabolism of cancer cells, making the diet a promising candidate as an adjuvant cancer therapy. Scope of review To critically evaluate available preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the ketogenic diet in the context of cancer therapy. Furthermore, we highlight important mechanisms that could explain the potential antitumor effects of the ketogenic diet. Major conclusions The ketogenic diet probably creates an unfavorable metabolic environment for cancer cells and thus can be regarded as a promising adjuvant as a patient-specific multifactorial therapy. The majority of preclinical and several clinical studies argue for the use of the ketogenic diet in combination with standard therapies based on its potential to enhance the antitumor effects of classic chemo- and radiotherapy, its overall good safety and tolerability and increase in quality of life. However, to further elucidate the mechanisms of the ketogenic diet as a therapy and evaluate its application in clinical practice, more molecular studies as well as uniformly controlled clinical trials are needed.
Published:
March 1, 2020
Title:
The zooarchaeology and paleoecology of early hominin scavenging
Authors:
Pobiner, Briana
Abstract:
Questions about the timing, frequency, resource yield, and behavioral and biological implications of large animal carcass acquisition by early hominins have been a part of the “hunting‐scavenging debate” for decades. This article presents a brief outline of this debate, reviews the zooarchaeological and modern ecological evidence for a possible scavenging niche among the earliest animal tissue‐consuming hominins (pre‐2.0 Ma), revisits some of the questions that this debate has generated, and outlines some ways to explore answers to those questions with evidence from the archaeological record.
Published:
February 28, 2020
Title:
Eating breakfast and avoiding late-evening snacking sustains lipid oxidation
Authors:
Kelly, Kevin Parsons; McGuinness, Owen P.; Buchowski, Maciej; Hughey, Jacob J.; Chen, Heidi; Powers, James; Page, Terry; Johnson, Carl Hirschie
Abstract:
Circadian (daily) regulation of metabolic pathways implies that food may be metabolized differentially over the daily cycle. To test that hypothesis, we monitored the metabolism of older subjects in a whole-room respiratory chamber over two separate 56-h sessions in a random crossover design. In one session, one of the 3 daily meals was presented as breakfast, whereas in the other session, a nutritionally equivalent meal was presented as a late-evening snack. The duration of the overnight fast was the same for both sessions. Whereas the two sessions did not differ in overall energy expenditure, the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was different during sleep between the two sessions. Unexpectedly, this difference in RER due to daily meal timing was not due to daily differences in physical activity, sleep disruption, or core body temperature (CBT). Rather, we found that the daily timing of nutrient availability coupled with daily/circadian control of metabolism drives a switch in substrate preference such that the late-evening Snack Session resulted in significantly lower lipid oxidation (LO) compared to the Breakfast Session. Therefore, the timing of meals during the day/night cycle affects how ingested food is oxidized or stored in humans, with important implications for optimal eating habits.
Published:
February 27, 2020
Title:
Effects of a ketogenic diet in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors:
Paoli, Antonio; Mancin, Laura; Giacona, Maria Cristina; Bianco, Antonino; Caprio, Massimiliano
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women during reproductive age. It is characterised clinically by oligo-ovulation or anovulation, hyper-androgenism, and the presence of polycystic ovaries. It is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The onset of PCOS has been associated to several hereditary and environmental factors, but insulin resistance plays a key pathogenetic role. We sought to investigate the effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) on women of childbearing age with a diagnosis of PCOS. METHODS: Fourteen overweight women with diagnosis of PCOS underwent to a ketogenic Mediterranean diet with phyoextracts (KEMEPHY) for 12 week. Changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat body mass (FBM), lean body mass (LBM), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TGs), total and free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH); dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAs), estradiol, progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and Ferriman Gallwey score were evaluated. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, anthropometric and body composition measurements revealed a significant reduction of body weight (- 9.43 kg), BMI (- 3.35), FBM (8.29 kg) and VAT. There was a significant, slightly decrease of LBM. A significant decrease in glucose and insulin blood levels were observed, together with a significant improvement of HOMA-IR. A significant decrease of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL were observed along with a rise in HDL levels. The LH/FSH ratio, LH total and free testosterone, and DHEAS blood levels were also significantly reduced. Estradiol, progesterone and SHBG increased. The Ferriman Gallwey Score was slightly, although not significantly, reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a KD may be considered as a valuable non pharmacological treatment for PCOS. Longer treatment periods should be tested to verify the effect of a KD on the dermatological aspects of PCOS. Trial registration Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT04163120, registrered 10 November 2019, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov.
Published:
February 27, 2020
Title:
Meeting Anatomy, Evol. & Dev. 18 May NYU, Free - List speakers/talks
Authors:
Diogo, Rui; Ziermann, Janine; Noden, Drew; Schneider, Richard; trainor, paul
Abstract:
Come for free, participate in our round table discussions, and honor a great scientist and person. Free and open to anyone interested, with an amazing list of speakers and talks, as none of the most renowned scientists in the field that was invited wanted to miss this unique opportunity to honor the amazing Drew Noden.
Published:
February 25, 2020
Title:
Advanced glycation end products enhance M1 macrophage polarization by activating the MAPK pathway
Authors:
He, Sunyue; Hu, Qiuyue; Xu, Xiaoyuan; Niu, Yixin; Chen, Youming; Lu, Yao; Su, Qing; Qin, Li
Abstract:
Background β-cell dysfunction is one of the core pathogenetic mechanisms of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there are currently no effective therapeutic strategies to preserve β-cell mass and function. The role of islet macrophage phenotype reprogramming in β-cell dysfunction has attracted great attention. Given that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are major pathogenic factors in T2DM, we investigated the effect of AGEs on macrophage activation and their role in β-cell dysfunction. Methods We examined cytokine secretion, M1 and M2 macrophage-associated marker expression and MAPK phosphorylation levels in AGEs-stimulated macrophages. MIN6 cells were cocultured with AGEs-pretreated macrophages to study the effect of AGEs-induced macrophage activation on β-cell dysfunction. Results We found that AGEs treatment significantly enhanced macrophage secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The expression of M1 macrophage markers, such as iNOS and the surface marker CD11c, was significantly upregulated, whereas the expression of M2 macrophage markers, such as Arg1 and CD206, was reciprocally downregulated upon AGEs stimulation. AGEs treatment predominantly activated the MAPK pathway, and the inhibition of the MAPK pathway partially attenuated the AGEs-induced polarization of macrophages. In addition, coculture with AGEs-pretreated macrophages significantly inhibited the expression of molecules involved in β-cell function and was accompanied by the impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in MIN6 cells. Conclusion AGEs enhance the expression of proinflammatory molecules by activating the MAPK pathway. Moreover, these data imply that AGEs induce macrophage M1 phenotype polarization but restrain M2 polarization, which might contribute to β-cell dysfunction in the pathogenesis of T2DM.
Published:
February 21, 2020
Title:
Immigrant policies as health policies: State immigrant policy climates and health provider visits among U.S. immigrants
Authors:
Dondero, Molly; Altman, Claire E.
Abstract:
The geographic dispersion of the U.S. immigrant population has occurred alongside a dramatic increase in state-level immigration laws that has unfolded unevenly across states, creating markedly different state immigrant policy climates. Although not all such laws are health-related, they have potential implications for immigrants' health care utilization. Using data from the 2014 Survey of Income and Program Participation, we leverage the geographic variation in the restrictiveness of state immigrant policy climates to examine the association between state-level immigrant policies and health provider visits—a fundamental indicator of health care utilization—among immigrant adults. Results indicate that restrictive immigrant policy climates exacerbate nativity gaps in health provider visits among working-age adults and, to a lesser extent, among older adults. Our findings suggest that even immigrant policies not directly related to health have consequences for immigrants’ health care access.
Published:
February 20, 2020
Title:
‘Remote’ behavioural ecology: do megaherbivores consume vegetation in proportion to its presence in the landscape?
Authors:
Marston, Christopher G.; Wilkinson, David M.; Sponheimer, Matt; Codron, Daryl; Codron, Jacqui; O’Regan, Hannah J.
Abstract:
Examination of the feeding habits of mammalian species such as the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) that range over large seasonally dynamic areas is exceptionally challenging using field-based methods alone. Although much is known of their feeding preferences from field studies, conclusions, especially in relation to differing habits in wet and dry seasons, are often contradictory. Here, two remote approaches, stable carbon isotope analysis and remote sensing, were combined to investigate dietary changes in relation to tree and grass abundances to better understand elephant dietary choice in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. A composited pair of Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper satellite images characterising flushed and senescent vegetation states, typical of wet and dry seasons respectively, were used to generate land-cover maps focusing on the forest to grassland gradient. Stable carbon isotope analysis of elephant faecal samples identified the proportion of C3 (typically browse)/C4 (typically grass) in elephant diets in the 1–2 days prior to faecal deposition. The proportion of surrounding C4 land-cover was extracted using concentric buffers centred on faecal sample locations, and related to the faecal %C4 content. Results indicate that elephants consume C4 vegetation in proportion to its availability in the surrounding area during the dry season, but during the rainy season there was less of a relationship between C4 intake and availability, as elephants targeted grasses in these periods. This study illustrates the utility of coupling isotope and cost-free remote sensing data to conduct complementary landscape analysis at highly-detailed, biologically meaningful resolutions, offering an improved ability to monitor animal behavioural patterns at broad geographical scales. This is increasingly important due to potential impacts of climate change and woody encroachment on broad-scale landscape habitat composition, allowing the tracking of shifts in species utilisation of these changing landscapes in a way impractical using field based methods alone.
Published:
February 19, 2020
Title:
Important roles of dietary taurine, creatine, carnosine, anserine and 4-hydroxyproline in human nutrition and health
Authors:
Wu, Guoyao
Abstract:
Taurine (a sulfur-containing β-amino acid), creatine (a metabolite of arginine, glycine and methionine), carnosine (a dipeptide; β-alanyl-l-histidine), and 4-hydroxyproline (an imino acid; also often referred to as an amino acid) were discovered in cattle, and the discovery of anserine (a methylated product of carnosine; β-alanyl-1-methyl-l-histidine) also originated with cattle. These five nutrients are highly abundant in beef, and have important physiological roles in anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory reactions, as well as neurological, muscular, retinal, immunological and cardiovascular function. Of particular note, taurine, carnosine, anserine, and creatine are absent from plants, and hydroxyproline is negligible in many plant-source foods. Consumption of 30 g dry beef can fully meet daily physiological needs of the healthy 70-kg adult human for taurine and carnosine, and can also provide large amounts of creatine, anserine and 4-hydroxyproline to improve human nutrition and health, including metabolic, retinal, immunological, muscular, cartilage, neurological, and cardiovascular health. The present review provides the public with the much-needed knowledge of nutritionally and physiologically significant amino acids, dipeptides and creatine in animal-source foods (including beef). Dietary taurine, creatine, carnosine, anserine and 4-hydroxyproline are beneficial for preventing and treating obesity, cardiovascular dysfunction, and ageing-related disorders, as well as inhibiting tumorigenesis, improving skin and bone health, ameliorating neurological abnormalities, and promoting well being in infants, children and adults. Furthermore, these nutrients may promote the immunological defense of humans against infections by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses (including coronavirus) through enhancing the metabolism and functions of monocytes, macrophages, and other cells of the immune system. Red meat (including beef) is a functional food for optimizing human growth, development and health.
Published:
February 18, 2020
Title:
The upper limb of Paranthropus boisei from Ileret, Kenya
Authors:
Richmond, Brian; Green, David; Lague, Michael; Chirchir, Habiba; Behrensmeyer, Anna; Bobe, René; Bamford, M; Griffin, N; Gunz, Philipp; Mbua, Emma; Merritt, S; Pobiner, Briana; Kiura, P; Kibunjia, Mzalendo; Harris, J; Braun, David
Abstract:
Paranthropus boisei was first described in 1959 based on fossils from the Olduvai Gorge and now includes many fossils from Ethiopia to Malawi. Knowledge about its postcranial anatomy has remained elusive because, until recently, no postcranial remains could be reliably attributed to this taxon. Here, we report the first associated hand and upper limb skeleton (KNM-ER 47000) of P. boisei from 1.51 to 1.53 Ma sediments at Ileret, Kenya. While the fossils show a combination of primitive and derived traits, the overall anatomy is characterized by primitive traits that resemble those found in Australopithecus, including an oblique scapular spine, relatively long and curved ulna, lack of third metacarpal styloid process, gracile thumb metacarpal, and curved manual phalanges. Very thick cortical bone throughout the upper limb shows that P. boisei had great upper limb strength, supporting hypotheses that this species spent time climbing trees, although probably to a lesser extent than earlier australopiths. Hand anatomy shows that P. boisei, like earlier australopiths, was capable of the manual dexterity needed to create and use stone tools, but lacked the robust thumb of Homo erectus, which arguably reflects adaptations to the intensification of precision grips and tool use. KNM-ER 47000 provides conclusive evidence that early Pleistocene hominins diverged in postcranial and craniodental anatomy, supporting hypotheses of competitive displacement among these contemporaneous hominins.
Published:
February 17, 2020
Title:
Human Social Evolution: Self-Domestication or Self-Control?
Authors:
Shilton, Dor; Breski, Mati; Dor, Daniel; Jablonka, Eva
Abstract:
The self-domestication hypothesis suggests that, like mammalian domesticates, humans have gone through a process of selection against aggression – a process that in the case of humans was self-induced. Here, we extend previous proposals and suggest that what underlies human social evolution is selection for socially mediated emotional control and plasticity. In the first part of the paper we highlight general features of human social evolution, which, we argue, is more similar to that of other social mammals than to that of mammalian domesticates and is therefore incompatible with the notion of human self-domestication. In the second part, we discuss the unique aspects of human evolution and propose that emotional control and social motivation in humans evolved during two major, partially overlapping stages. The first stage, which followed the emergence of mimetic communication, the beginnings of musical engagement, and mimesis-related cognition, required socially mediated emotional plasticity and was accompanied by new social emotions. The second stage followed the emergence of language, when individuals began to instruct the imagination of their interlocutors, and to rely even more extensively on emotional plasticity and culturally learned emotional control. This account further illustrates the significant differences between humans and domesticates, thus challenging the notion of human self-domestication.
Published:
February 14, 2020
Title:
Macrophages transfer mitochondria to neurons to resolve inflammatory pain
Authors:
Raoof, Ramin; Vlist, Michiel van der; Willemen, Hanneke L. D. M.; Prado, Judith; Versteeg, Sabine; Vos, Martijn; Lonkhorst, Roeland E.; Pasterkamp, R. Jeroen; Khoury-Hanold, William; Meyaard, Linde; Eijkelkamp, Niels
Abstract:
The current paradigm states that inflammatory pain passively resolves following the cessation of the inflammatory insult. Yet, in a substantial proportion of patients with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, spontaneous or treatment-induced resolution of inflammation is not sufficient to resolve pain, resulting in chronic pain. Mechanistic insight as how inflammatory pain is resolved is lacking. Here we show that macrophages actively control resolution of inflammatory pain remotely from the site of inflammation by transferring mitochondria to sensory neurons. During resolution of inflammatory pain in mice, M2-like macrophages infiltrate the dorsal root ganglia that contain the somata of sensory neurons, concurrent with the recovery of oxidative phosphorylation in sensory neurons. To resolve pain, macrophages transfer mitochondria to sensory neurons. This transfer requires expression of CD200 Receptor (CD200R) on macrophages and the non-canonical CD200R-ligand iSec1 on sensory neurons. Our data reveal a novel mechanism for active resolution of inflammatory pain and suggests a new direction for treatment of chronic pain.
Published:
February 13, 2020
Title:
Archaeological evidence for two separate dispersals of Neanderthals into southern Siberia
Authors:
Kolobova, Kseniya A.; Roberts, Richard G.; Chabai, Victor P.; Jacobs, Zenobia; Krajcarz, Maciej T.; Shalagina, Alena V.; Krivoshapkin, Andrey I.; Li, Bo; Uthmeier, Thorsten; Markin, Sergey V.; Morley, Mike W.; O’Gorman, Kieran; Rudaya, Natalia A.; Talamo, Sahra; Viola, Bence; Derevianko, Anatoly P.
Abstract:
Neanderthals were once widespread across Europe and western Asia. They also penetrated into the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia, but the geographical origin of these populations and the timing of their dispersal have remained elusive. Here we describe an archaeological assemblage from Chagyrskaya Cave, situated in the Altai foothills, where around 90,000 Middle Paleolithic artifacts and 74 Neanderthal remains have been recovered from deposits dating to between 59 and 49 thousand years ago (age range at 95.4% probability). Environmental reconstructions suggest that the Chagyrskaya hominins were adapted to the dry steppe and hunted bison. Their distinctive toolkit closely resembles Micoquian assemblages from central and eastern Europe, including the northern Caucasus, more than 3,000 kilometers to the west of Chagyrskaya Cave. At other Altai sites, evidence of earlier Neanderthal populations lacking associated Micoquian-like artifacts implies two or more Neanderthal incursions into this region. We identify eastern Europe as the most probable ancestral source region for the Chagyrskaya toolmakers, supported by DNA results linking the Neanderthal remains with populations in northern Croatia and the northern Caucasus, and providing a rare example of a long-distance, intercontinental population movement associated with a distinctive Paleolithic toolkit.
Published:
February 11, 2020
Title:
Assesssing the role of humans in Greater Antillean land vertebrate extinctions: new insights from Cuba
Authors:
Orihuela, Johanset; Viñola, Lázaro W.; Vázquez, Osvaldo Jiménez; Mychajliw, Alexis M.; Lara, Odlanyer Hernández de; Lorenzo, Logel; Soto-Centeno, J. Angel
Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The Caribbean archipelago is a hotspot of biodiversity characterized by a high rate of extinction. Recent studies have examined these losses, but the causes of the Antillean Late Quaternary vertebrate extinctions, and especially the role of humans, are still unclear. Current results provide support for climate-related and human-induced extinctions, but often downplaying other complex bio-ecological factors that are difficult to model or to detect from the fossil and archaeological record. Here, we discuss Caribbean vertebrate extinctions and the potential role of humans derived from new and existing fossil and archaeological data from Cuba. Our results indicate that losses of Cuba’s native fauna occurred in three waves: one during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene, a second during the middle Holocene, and a third one during the last 2 ka, coinciding with the arrival of agroceramists and the early Europeans. The coexistence of now-extinct species with multiple cultural groups in Cuba for over 4 ka implies that Cuban indigenous non-ceramic cultures exerted far fewer extinction pressures to native fauna than the later agroceramists and Europeans that followed. This suggests a determinant value to increased technological sophistication and demographics as the most plausible effective extinction drivers.
Published:
February 10, 2020
Title:
Manufactured Bodies: The Impact of Industrialisation on London Health
Authors:
Western, Gaynor; Bekvalac, Jelena
Abstract:
Industrialization is a notoriously complex issue in terms of the hazards and benefits it has brought to human beings in our endeavors to improve our lives. This is never more evident than in the field of health and medicine, where there are many questions about the causes and treatments of diseases we commonly encounter today, such as cancer, diabetes and degenerative age-related conditions. Are there genetic predispositions to these conditions? Are they a mirror of our modern lifestyles, driven by our fast-paced lifestyles or have they always existed but gone undetected? The archive of human skeletal remains at the Museum of London provides a large bank of evidence that has been explored here, along with other skeletal collections from around England, to investigate how far some of these diseases go back in time and what we can tell about the influence of living environments past and present on human health.The Industrial Period was a key period in human history where substantial change occurred to the population’s lifestyles, in terms of occupations, housing and diet as well as leisurely past-times, all of which would have impacted on their health. London had become the most densely populated metropolis in the world, the beating heart of trade and consumerism, an unambiguous example of the urban experience in the Industrial age.Using up-to-date medical imaging technologies in addition to osteoarchaeological examination of human skeletal remains, we have been able to establish the presence of modern day diseases in individuals living in the past, both before and during Industrialization, to compare to rates in UK populations today. By re-examining the skeletal evidence, we have traced how the perils of unregulated rural and urban lives, changing food consumption, transport, technologies as well as improving medical treatment and life expectancy, have all altered health patterns over time.Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsIntroductionSite GazetteerChapter 1 Occupational Hazards and Sporting CatastrophesChapter 2 The Air We BreatheChapter 3 CancerChapter 4 Getting Fat: A Growing CrisisChapter 5 Getting Old: Us in Winter ClothesConclusionSelected Further Reading
Published:
February 8, 2020
Title:
Backlash Over Meat Dietary Recommendations Raises Questions About Corporate Ties to Nutrition Scientists
Authors:
Rubin, Rita
Abstract:
It’s almost unheard of for medical journals to get blowback for studies before the data are published. But that’s what happened to the Annals of Internal Medicine last fall as editors were about to post several studies showing that the evidence linking red meat consumption with cardiovascular disease and cancer is too weak to recommend that adults eat less of it.Annals Editor-in-Chief Christine Laine, MD, MPH, saw her inbox flooded with roughly 2000 emails—most bore the same message, apparently generated by a bot—in a half hour. Laine’s inbox had to be shut down, she said. Not only was the volume unprecedented in her decade at the helm of the respected journal, the tone of the emails was particularly caustic.
Published:
February 4, 2020
Title:
Fiber and Colon Health On A Well-Formulated Ketogenic Diet: New Insights Question Its Role As An Unconditional Requirement
Authors:
Abstract:
Where does fiber fit into a well-formulated ketogenic diet?
Published:
February 4, 2020
Title:
We need to talk about the Warburg effect
Authors:
DeBerardinis, Ralph J.; Chandel, Navdeep S.
Abstract:
We are approaching the 100th anniversary of Otto Warburg’s first description of the metabolic phenotype bearing his name—a propensity for tumours to metabolize glucose anaerobically rather than aerobically, even when oxygen is available. Generations of scientists have studied the Warburg effect, yet misconceptions persist about its causes and relationship to oxidative metabolism in the mitochondria. Here, we review the definition of the Warburg effect and discuss its place within a modern understanding of cancer biology.
Published:
February 3, 2020
Title:
An artifact embedded in an extinct proboscidean sheds new light on human-megafaunal interactions in the Quaternary of South America
Authors:
Mothe, Dimila; dos Santos Avilla, Leonardo; Araújo Júnior, Hermínio; Rotti, A.; Prous, A.; Azevedo, S.A.K.
Abstract:
The drivers of the global Quaternary megafaunal extinction are constantly being updated and discussed. Most paleoarchaeological sites in South America with proboscideans and humans in association are considered as clear killing sites, an interpretation that might not consider their taphonomic aspects and neglect other ecological interactions. Here we describe a unique example of megafaunal killing by humans in South American, a skull of a young Notiomastodon platensis from Brazil with an artifact embedded in its rostral area. This fossil proboscidean is from Lagoa Santa Karst, the homeland of some of the oldest evidence for humans in South America, the Lagoa Santa culture. The late Pleistocene/early Holocene deposits from Lagoa Santa may record a bottleneck ecological process for megafaunal populations, and the hunting activity of past humans perhaps played an important role in Notiomastodon platensis extinction.
Published:
February 1, 2020
Title:
M2-like polarization of THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages under chronic iron overload
Authors:
Kao, Jun-Kai; Wang, Shih-Chung; Ho, Li-Wei; Huang, Shi-Wei; Lee, Cheng-Han; Lee, Ming-Sheng; Yang, Rei-Cheng; Shieh, Jeng-Jer
Abstract:
Macrophages are characterized by phenotypical and functional heterogeneity. In different microenvironments, macrophages can polarize into two types: classically activated macrophages (M1) or alternatively activated macrophages (M2). M1 macrophages are a well-known bacteriostatic macrophage, and conversely, M2 macrophages may play an important role in tumor growth and tissue remodeling. M1 macrophages have been reported to have high intracellular iron stores, while M2 macrophages contain lower intracellular iron. It has been well-described that disturbances of iron homeostasis are associated with altered immune function. Thus, it is important to investigate if chronic iron overload is capable of polarizing macrophages. Human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells were maintained in culture medium that contained 100 μM ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4) (I-THP-1) and differentiated into THP-1-derived macrophages (I-TDMs) by induction with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). We characterized that I-TDMs not only enhanced the surface expression of CD163 and CD206 but also increased arginase and decreased iNOS protein expression. I-TDMs enhanced pSTAT6 expression and decreased pSTAT1 and NF-κB expressions. Furthermore, the gene expression profile of I-TDMs was comparable with M2 macrophages by performing human oligonucleotide DNA microarray analysis. Finally, functional assays demonstrated I-TDMs secreted higher levels of IL-10 but not M1 cytokines. Additionally, the conditional medium of I-TDMs had enhanced migration and increased invasion of A375 melanoma cells which was similar to the characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages. Taken together, we demonstrated that THP-1-derived macrophages polarized to a phenotype of M2-like characteristics when subjected to chronic iron overload.
Published:
February 1, 2020
Title:
Refitting bones: Spatial relationships between activity areas at the Abric Romaní Level M (Barcelona, Spain)
Authors:
Fernández-Laso, Maria Cristina; Rosell Ardèvol, Jordi; Blasco, Ruth; Vaquero, Manuel
Abstract:
Studies on spatial settlement patterns have shed important light on Neanderthal intra-site behavior. Spatial analysis of the human occupations through bone and lithic refitting has contributed to the reconstruction of their settlements, offering temporal interpretations and reconstructions of their activities. Often archaeological units are a consequence of an undetermined number of events, overlapped activities and/or accumulations produced by different taphonomical agents, involving in turn various post-depositional processes. Strict behavioral conclusions may only be valid at sites with a simple taphonomic history; however, biological and non-biological processes seem to alter the most of faunal sets after hominin activity involving even the destruction of some items. The result is a palimpsest that can lead to confusing and mixed events of different nature and independent activities. The deposit of the Abric Romaní site (Capellades, Spain), dated to MIS 3-5, was generated by a sequence of sterile travertine platforms of quick formation, among which silty and sandy units containing evidence of human occupations are located. These exceptional geological conditions allow us to isolate anthropogenic units along the sedimentary sequence. Spatial analysis and bone refits from Level M have shown a highly complex occupational organization. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge of Neanderthal occupations, suggesting that the inclusion of bone refits in the studies developed in the archaeological sites is a fundamental tool to reconstruct the social and spatial organization patterns.
Published:
February 1, 2020
Title:
Resolvins: Emerging Players in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors:
Abdolmaleki, Fereshte; Kovanen, Petri T.; Mardani, Rajab; Gheibi-hayat, Seyed Mohammad; Bo, Simona; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Abstract:
Resolvins, belonging to the group of specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs), are metabolic products of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) and are synthesized during the initial phases of acute inflammatory responses to promote the resolution of inflammation. Resolvins are produced for termination of neutrophil infiltration, stimulation of the clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages, and promotion of tissue remodeling and homeostasis. Metabolic dysregulation due to either uncontrolled activity of pro-inflammatory responses or to inefficient resolution of inflammation results in chronic inflammation and may also lead to atherosclerosis or other chronic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of such diseases involves a complex interplay between the immune system and, environmental factors (non-infectious or infectious), and critically depends on individual susceptibility to such factors. In the present review, resolvins and their roles in the resolution of inflammation, as well as the role of these mediators as potential therapeutic agents to counteract specific chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are discussed.
Published:
February 1, 2020
Title:
Setting fire in a Paleolithic Cave: The influence of cave dimensions on smoke dispersal
Authors:
Kedar, Yafit; Kedar, Gil; Barkai, Ran
Abstract:
Hearths are considered a central element in reconstructing activity areas, artifact distribution, and spatial organization of human activities in Paleolithic caves and rock shelters. However, research regarding the rationale for hearth locations within the cave is lacking. Smoke is a major negative product of hearths, which has an immediate effect on human health. Smoke dispersal from a hearth may even prevent, in certain circumstances, the presence of humans in the cave after a short period of use. In this study, we investigate the relation between cave dimensions and smoke dispersal following the principals of the air circulation model published recently by us. In order to analyze the influence of different parameters of cave dimensions on smoke dispersal, we simulated these parameters using actual Paleolithic cave dimensions. We show that hearth location, cave mouth height, and season of use are the critical parameters affecting smoke dispersal. As such, these variables should be taken into account when reconstructing human uses of Paleolithic caves with active hearths. Further research and simulations are planned to extend the preliminary results presented in this paper to include a wider range of cave dimensions, and thus this study is universally relevant for better understanding caves in which fire was habitually used.
Published:
February 1, 2020
Title:
Towards an understanding of hominin marrow extraction strategies: a proposal for a percussion mark terminology
Authors:
Vettese, Delphine; Blasco, Ruth; Cáceres, Isabel; Gaudzinski-Windheuser, Sabine; Moncel, Marie-Hélène; Thun Hohenstein, Ursula; Daujeard, Camille
Abstract:
Percussion marks have been studied in the field of archaeology for more than a century. Researchers have identified, characterized and analysed them in order to distinguish them from traces of environment modification to bone and reconstruct hominin subsistence strategies. The multiplicity of studies based on percussion marks in different languages has led to a proliferation of different terminologies used for the same marks, especially in English. In addition, as a result of numerous experimental studies or ethnological observations, it is possible to accurately identify the different steps of the butchery process and each of the related marks. We know from experimental studies that the morphology of percussion traces inflicted by the same tools can differ as their morphology depends on many factors (i.e. location and intensity of blows, intrinsic bone variables). In addition to this, carnivore and hominin traces can be superimposed, which sometimes renders their interpretation difficult. Renewed interest in these percussion marks owing to the emergence of new technical means highlighted the need to review their classification and clarify the nomenclature. With this in mind, we reviewed the abundant scientific literature to propose a refined and descriptive nomenclature. The aim is to provide a coherent terminology for the description and analysis of impact fractures in different European languages. We also propose classifying percussion marks into three categories: (1) percussion marks sensu stricto, (2) traces consecutive to bone breakage and (3) striation marks related to marrow extraction.
Published:
February 1, 2020
Title:
Towards an understanding of hominin marrow extraction strategies: a proposal for a percussion mark terminology
Authors:
Vettese, Delphine; Blasco, Ruth; Cáceres, Isabel; Gaudzinski-Windheuser, Sabine; Moncel, Marie-Hélène; Thun Hohenstein, Ursula; Daujeard, Camille
Abstract:
Percussion marks have been studied in the field of archaeology for more than a century. Researchers have identified, characterized and analysed them in order to distinguish them from traces of environment modification to bone and reconstruct hominin subsistence strategies. The multiplicity of studies based on percussion marks in different languages has led to a proliferation of different terminologies used for the same marks, especially in English. In addition, as a result of numerous experimental studies or ethnological observations, it is possible to accurately identify the different steps of the butchery process and each of the related marks. We know from experimental studies that the morphology of percussion traces inflicted by the same tools can differ as their morphology depends on many factors (i.e. location and intensity of blows, intrinsic bone variables). In addition to this, carnivore and hominin traces can be superimposed, which sometimes renders their interpretation difficult. Renewed interest in these percussion marks owing to the emergence of new technical means highlighted the need to review their classification and clarify the nomenclature. With this in mind, we reviewed the abundant scientific literature to propose a refined and descriptive nomenclature. The aim is to provide a coherent terminology for the description and analysis of impact fractures in different European languages. We also propose classifying percussion marks into three categories: (1) percussion marks sensu stricto, (2) traces consecutive to bone breakage and (3) striation marks related to marrow extraction.
Published:
February 1, 2020
Title:
Unconjugated and secondary bile acid profiles in response to higher-fat, lower-carbohydrate diet and associated with related gut microbiota: A 6-month randomized controlled-feeding trial
Authors:
Wan, Yi; Yuan, Jihong; Li, Jie; Li, Hao; Zhang, Jingjing; Tang, Jun; Ni, Yan; Huang, Tao; Wang, Fenglei; Zhao, Feng; Li, Duo
Abstract:
Summary
Background & aims
Observational studies have shown that diets high in fat and low in dietary fiber, might have an unfavorable impact on bile acid (BA) profiles, which might further affect host cardiometabolic health. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary fat content on BA profiles and associated gut microbiota, and their correlates with cardiometabolic risk factors.
Methods
In a randomized controlled-feeding trial, healthy young adults were assigned to one of the three diets: a lower-fat diet (fat 20%, carbohydrate 66% and protein 14%), a moderate-fat diet (fat 30%, carbohydrate 56% and protein 14%) and a higher-fat diet (fat 40%, carbohydrate 46% and protein 14%) for 6 months. All the foods were provided during the entire intervention period. The BA profiles, associated gut microbiota and markers of cardiometabolic risk factors were determined before and after intervention.
Results
The higher-fat diet resulted in an elevated concentration of total BAs (p < 0.001), and unconjugated BAs (p = 0.03) compared with lower-fat diet. Secondary BAs, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA), taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), 12ketolithocholic acid (12keto-LCA), 3β-DCA and taurolithocholic acid (TLCA) (p < 0.05 after FDR correction) were significantly increased in the higher-fat diet group after the 6-month intervention. Consistently, the abundances of gut bacteria (Bacteroides, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) which affect bile salt hydrolase gene expression were significantly increased after higher-fat consumption. The change of DCA was positively associated with the relative abundance of Bacteroides (r = 0.31, p = 0.08 after FDR correction). In addition, the changes of fecal concentrations of DCA and 12keto-LCA were positively associated with serum total cholesterol (r > 0.3, p = 0.02 and p = 0.008 after FDR correction, respectively). In line with these findings, serum fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) was marginally significantly elevated in the higher-fat group after intervention (p = 0.05).
Conclusions
The higher-fat diet resulted in an alteration of BAs, especially unconjugated BAs and secondary BAs, most likely through actions of gut microbiota. These alterations might confer potentially unfavorable impacts on colonic and host cardiometabolic health in healthy young adults. Clinical trial registry number: NCT02355795 listed on NIH website: ClinicalTrials.gov.
Published:
February 1, 2020
Title:
Evaluation of the effect of GM-CSF blocking on the phenotype and function of human monocytes
Authors:
Lotfi, Noushin; Zhang, Guang-Xian; Esmaeil, Nafiseh; Rostami, Abdolmohamad
Abstract:
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a multipotent cytokine that prompts the proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages and granulocytes. In addition to its effects as a growth factor, GM-CSF plays an important role in chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Reports have identified monocytes as the primary target of GM-CSF; however, its effect on monocyte activation has been under-estimated. Here, using flow cytometry and ELISA we show that GM-CSF induces an inflammatory profile in human monocytes, which includes an upregulated expression of HLA-DR and CD86 molecules and increased production of TNF-α and IL-1β. Conversely, blockage of endogenous GM-CSF with antibody treatment not only inhibited the inflammatory profile of these cells, but also induced an immunomodulatory one, as shown by increased IL-10 production by monocytes. Further analysis with qPCR, flow cytometry and ELISA experiments revealed that GM-CSF blockage in monocytes stimulated production of the chemokine CXCL-11, which suppressed T cell proliferation. Blockade of CXCL-11 abrogated anti-GM-CSF treatment and induced inflammatory monocytes. Our findings show that anti-GM-CSF treatment induces modulatory monocytes that act in a CXCL-11-dependent manner, a mechanism that can be used in the development of novel approaches to treat chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Published:
January 31, 2020
Title:
Vitamin D Deficiency During Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorders Development
Authors:
Principi, Nicola; Esposito, Susanna
Abstract:
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social interactions, impaired communications, and stereotypic and repetitive behavior with different degrees of severity. The etiology of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, although the interaction of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a fundamental role in the process. The main aim of this narrative review is to discuss the current knowledge about the interrelationships between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder development. Literature analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy plays a role in conditioning the development and function of the nervous system. Studies carried out in vitro and in experimental animals have shown that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with structural and functional abnormalities of the nervous system that can be observed in autism spectrum disorder patients. Moreover, it has been reported that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy could be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder development in the offspring, that children with autism spectrum disorder have significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D than normal children and that supplementation of vitamin D in autism spectrum disorder children is associated with a reduction in psychiatric manifestations. However, the data currently available do not adequately support the hypothesis that vitamin D may be a factor which contribute to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder. The effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy should be better studied to establish whether and when fetal vulnerability is highest and if vitamin D supplementation is able to reduce the risk of structural and functional alterations of the nervous system and autism spectrum disorder development. The role of vitamin D after birth must be better defined to evaluate if vitamin D administration is potentially effective in reducing autism spectrum disorder manifestations.
Published:
January 31, 2020
Title:
Type 2 Diabetes and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in South Asians: a Unique Population with a Growing Challenge
Authors:
Shariff, Afreen I.; Kumar, Nitya; Yancy, William S.; Corsino, Leonor
Abstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of factors that influence clinical decision making and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among South Asians (SA). RECENT FINDINGS: ASCVD and T2DM in SAs have been examined in recent times. Pathophysiologic and genetic factors including the role of adiponectin, visceral adiposity, lower beta cell function, and psycho-social factors like sedentary lifestyle, poor adherence to medications, and carbohydrate dense meals play a role in early development and the high-risk presentation of both ASCVD and T2DM in SA. Recently, large population-based cohort studies have attempted to compare outcomes and interventions that can be translated to timely detection and targeted interventions in this high-risk group. SAs in the USA are more likely to be diagnosed with T2DM and ASCVD when compared to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanic populations. The development of personalized ethnic risk assessment tools and better representation of SAs in prospective studies are essential to increasing our understanding and management of cardio-metabolic disease in SA living in the USA.
Published:
January 30, 2020
Title:
Use-wear and residue mapping on experimental chert tools. A multi-scalar approach combining digital 3D, optical, and scanning electron microscopy
Authors:
Martin-Viveros, Juan Ignacio; Ollé, Andreu
Abstract:
Optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are among the most common techniques to characterize use-wear and residue patterns on stone tool surfaces. While the short depth of field of optical microscopes can be solved with SEM, the observation of use-wear and residue patterns at specific points can sometimes make it difficult to draw an overall picture of the functional context on the active edge. Recently, the introduction of focus variation systems equipped with stitching technology has made progress on this front, allowing for the creation of high resolution tiled images. In this study, we show some examples of composite images in which the stitching technology of digital 3D microscopy (3D DM) has been combined with OM and SEM to characterize use-wear and residue distribution patterns in experimental chert tools. We show how the integration of this type of graphic representation in use-wear and residue studies has multiple advantages not only for scientific but also for didactic purposes.
Published:
January 30, 2020
Title:
50 Years of Head Developmental Research - A Symposium to Honor Dr. Drew Noden's Contribution to Science
Authors:
Ziermann, Janine; Diogo, Rui; Schneider, Richard; Saint-Jeannet, Jean-Pierre
Abstract:
Symposium honoring one of the greatest and most influential developmental biologist of the last decades.
Published:
January 22, 2020
Title:
Feeding ecology has a stronger evolutionary influence on functional morphology than on body mass in mammals
Authors:
Grossnickle, David M.
Abstract:
Ecological specialization is a central driver of adaptive evolution. However, selective pressures may uniquely affect different ecomorphological traits (e.g., size and shape), complicating efforts to investigate the role of ecology in generating phenotypic diversity. Comparative studies can help remedy this issue by identifying specific relationships between ecologies and morphologies, thus elucidating functionally relevant traits. Jaw shape is a dietary correlate that offers considerable insight on mammalian evolution, but few studies have examined the influence of diet on jaw morphology across mammals. To this end, I apply phylogenetic comparative methods to mandibular measurements and dietary data for a diverse sample of mammals. Especially powerful predictors of diet are metrics that capture either the size of the angular process, which increases with greater herbivory, or the length of the posterior portion of the jaw, which decreases with greater herbivory. The size of the angular process likely reflects sizes of attached muscles that produce jaw movements needed to grind plant material. Further, I examine the impact of feeding ecology on body mass, an oft-used ecological surrogate in macroevolutionary studies. Although body mass commonly increases with evolutionary shifts to herbivory, it is outperformed by functional jaw morphology as a predictor of diet. Body mass is influenced by numerous factors beyond diet, and it may be evolutionarily labile relative to functional morphologies. This suggests that ecological diversification events may initially facilitate body mass diversification at smaller taxonomic and temporal scales, but sustained selective pressures will subsequently drive greater trait partitioning in functional morphologies.
Published:
January 22, 2020
Title:
Influence of Dietary Advice Including Green Vegetables, Beef, and Whole Dairy Products on Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors:
van der Gaag, Ellen; Brandsema, Ruben; Nobbenhuis, Rosan; van der Palen, Job; Hummel, Thalia
Abstract:
Background: Since no treatment exists for children suffering from upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) without immunological disorders, we searched for a possible tool to improve the health of these children. Aim: We evaluated whether dietary advice (based on food matrix and food synergy), including standard supportive care, can decrease the number and duration of URTIs in children with recurrent URTIs. Design and Setting: This study was a multicenter randomized controlled trial in two pediatric outpatient clinics in the Netherlands, with 118 children aged one to four years with recurrent URTIs. The dietary advice group received dietary advice plus standard supportive care, while the control group received standard supportive care alone for six months. The dietary advice consisted of green vegetables five times per week, beef three times per week, 300 mL whole milk per day, and whole dairy butter on bread every day. Portion sizes were age-appropriate. Results and Conclusion: Children in the dietary advice group had 4.8 (1.6–9.5) days per month with symptoms of an URTI in the last three months of the study, compared to 7.7 (4.0–12.3) in the control group (p = 0.028). The total number of URTIs during the six-month study period was 5.7 (±0.55) versus 6.8 (±0.49), respectively (p = 0.068). The use of antibiotics was significantly reduced in the dietary advice group, as well as visits to a general practitioner, thereby possibly reducing healthcare costs. The results show a reduced number of days with symptoms of a URTI following dietary advice. The number of infections was not significantly reduced.
Published:
January 20, 2020
Title:
Hard plant tissues do not contribute meaningfully to dental microwear: evolutionary implications
Authors:
van Casteren, Adam; Strait, David S.; Swain, Michael V.; Michael, Shaji; Thai, Lidia A.; Philip, Swapna M.; Saji, Sreeja; Al-Fadhalah, Khaled; Almusallam, Abdulwahab S.; Shekeban, Ali; McGraw, W. Scott; Kane, Erin E.; Wright, Barth W.; Lucas, Peter W.
Abstract:
Reconstructing diet is critical to understanding hominin adaptations. Isotopic and functional morphological analyses of early hominins are compatible with consumption of hard foods, such as mechanically-protected seeds, but dental microwear analyses are not. The protective shells surrounding seeds are thought to induce complex enamel surface textures characterized by heavy pitting, but these are absent on the teeth of most early hominins. Here we report nanowear experiments showing that the hardest woody shells – the hardest tissues made by dicotyledonous plants – cause very minor damage to enamel but are themselves heavily abraded (worn) in the process. Thus, hard plant tissues do not regularly create pits on enamel surfaces despite high forces clearly being associated with their oral processing. We conclude that hard plant tissues barely influence microwear textures and the exploitation of seeds from graminoid plants such as grasses and sedges could have formed a critical element in the dietary ecology of hominins.
Published:
January 17, 2020
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