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Title:
Primate modularity and evolution: first anatomical network analysis of primate head and neck musculoskeletal system
Authors:
Powell, Vance; Esteve-Altava, Borja; Molnar, Julia; Villmoare, Brian; Pettit, Alesha; Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
Network theory is increasingly being used to study morphological modularity and integration. Anatomical network analysis (AnNA) is a framework for quantitatively characterizing the topological organization of anatomical structures and providing an operational way to compare structural integration and modularity. Here we apply AnNA for the first time to study the macroevolution of the musculoskeletal system of the head and neck in primates and their closest living relatives, paying special attention to the evolution of structures associated with facial and vocal communication. We show that well-defined left and right facial modules are plesiomorphic for primates, while anthropoids consistently have asymmetrical facial modules that include structures of both sides, a change likely related to the ability to display more complex, asymmetrical facial expressions. However, no clear trends in network organization were found regarding the evolution of structures related to speech. Remarkably, the increase in the number of head and neck muscles – and thus of musculoskeletal structures – in human evolution led to a decrease in network density and complexity in humans.
Published:
February 5, 2018
Title:
Supplementary Material 1
Authors:
Powell, Vance; Esteve-Altava, Borja; Molnar, Julia; Villmoare, Brian; Pettit, Alesha; Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
Published:
February 5, 2018
Title:
Supplementary Material 2
Authors:
Powell, Vance; Esteve-Altava, Borja; Molnar, Julia; Villmoare, Brian; Pettit, Alesha; Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
Published:
February 5, 2018
Title:
Where is, in 2017, the evo in evo-devo (evolutionary developmental biology)?
Authors:
Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
After the inaugural Pan-American-Evo-Devo meeting (2015, Berkeley), I showed how major concerns about evo-devo (Evolutionary Developmental Biology) research were demonstrated by a simple, non-biased quantitative analysis of the titles/abstracts of that meeting's talks. Here, I apply the same methodology to the titles/abstracts of the recent Pan-American-Evo-Devo meeting (2017, Calgary). The aim is to evaluate if the concerns raised by me in that paper and by other authors have been addressed and/or if there are other types of differences between the two meetings that may reflect trends within the field of evo-devo. This analysis shows that the proportion of presentations referring to “morphology”, “organism”, “selection”, “adaptive”, “phylogeny”, and their derivatives was higher in the 2017 meeting, which therefore had a more “organismal” feel. However, there was a decrease in the use of “evolution”/its derivatives and of macroevolutionary terms related to the tempo and mode of evolution in the 2017 meeting. Moreover, the disproportionately high use of genetic/genomic terms clearly shows that evo-devo continues to be mainly focused on devo, and particularly on “Geno”, that is, on molecular/genetic studies. Furthermore, the vast majority of animal evo-devo studies are focused only on hard tissues, which are just a small fraction of the whole organism—for example, only 15% of the tissue mass of the human body. The lack of an integrative approach is also evidenced by the lack of studies addressing conceptual/long-standing broader questions, including the links between ecology and particularly behavior and developmental/evolutionary variability and between evo-devo and evolutionary medicine.
Published:
February 2, 2018
Title:
A middle paleolithic and neolithic/chalcolithic flint extraction and reduction complex at Mt. Achbara, Eastern Galilee, Israel
Authors:
Finkel, Meir; Gopher, Avi; Ben-Yosef, Erez; Barkai, Ran
Abstract:
This paper reports on a recently discovered Middle Paleolithic and Neolithic/Chalcolithic open-air flint extraction and reduction complex at Mt. Achbara in Israel's Eastern Galilee. Lithic assemblages recovered from a few of the hundreds of tailing piles documented in a field survey indicate a combination of Middle Paleolithic finds including Levallois cores and Neolithic/Chalcolithic finds, mainly bifacial (axe/adze) tools. At present, the extraction and reduction complex at Achbara is one of four found on the flint-bearing Eocene Timrat formation of the Galilee. Together, they provide evidence of intensive Paleolithic and Neolithic/Chalcolithic flint extraction, in quantities that most probably exceeded local consumption. After describing the new complex, we discuss its possible relation to nearby occupation sites, with a focus on the Middle Paleolithic Amud Cave.
Published:
February 1, 2018
Title:
Bipolar Disorder: 10 Alternative Treatments
Authors:
Abstract:
Learn which alternative treatments may help with bipolar disorder.
Published:
February 1, 2018
Title:
Vegetarian or meat? Food choice modeling of main dishes occurs outside of awareness
Authors:
Christie, Chelsea D.; Chen, Frances S.
Abstract:
It is well established that the amount eaten by other people affects how much we eat, but unanswered questions exist regarding how much the food choices of other people affect the types of food that we choose. Past research on food choice modeling has primarily been conducted in controlled laboratory situations and has focused on snack foods. The current research examines the extent to which food choice modeling of a main dish occurs in a real-life context and whether people are aware of being influenced by others. The lunch orders of café patrons were surreptitiously tracked and participants were recruited after they paid for their lunch. Participants were asked what they ordered, whether they were influenced by the prior order, and what their relationship was to the person ahead of them in line. We analyzed the data of participants who were not acquainted with the person ahead of them (N = 174). As hypothesized, participants' main-dish lunch orders matched the choice of the person ordering ahead of them in line at rates significantly higher than chance. A significant modeling effect was observed even among participants who reported that their order was not influenced by the prior order. This research provided evidence of main-dish choice modeling occurring in real-life eating situations and outside of conscious awareness - demonstrating a powerful social influence on eating behaviours.
Published:
February 1, 2018
Title:
Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Incidence Trends in the United States (2000–2014)
Authors:
Ansa, Benjamin E.; Coughlin, Steven S.; Alema-Mensah, Ernest; Smith, Selina A.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates have declined in recent years for people of all races/ethnicities; however, the extent to which the decrease varies annually by demographic and disease-related characteristics is largely unknown. This study examines trends and annual percent change (APC) in the incidence among persons diagnosed with CRC in the United States of America from 2000–2014. The data obtained from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program were analyzed, and all persons (N = 577,708) with malignant CRC recorded in the SEER 18 database from 2000 to 2014 were characterized according to sex, race, age at diagnosis, disease site and stage. Incidence rates and APC were calculated for the entire study period. Overall, the incidence rate of CRC decreased from 54.5 in 2000 to 38.6 per 100,000 in 2014, with APC = −2.66 (p < 0.0001). Decline in rates was most profound between 2008 and 2011 from 46.0 to 40.7 per 100,000 (APC = −4.04; p
Published:
January 30, 2018
Title:
Anatomical network analysis of the musculoskeletal system reveals integration loss and parcellation boost during the fins-to-limbs transition
Authors:
Esteve-Altava, Borja; Molnar, Julia; Johnston, Peter; Hutchinson, John; Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
Tetrapods evolved from within the lobe-finned fishes around 370 Ma. The evolution of limbs from lobe-fins entailed a major re-organization of the skeletal and muscular anatomy of appendages in early tetrapods. Concurrently, a degree of similarity between pectoral and pelvic appendages also evolved. Here, we compared the anatomy of appendages in extant lobe-finned fishes (Latimeria and Neoceratodus) and anatomically plesiomorphic amphibians (Ambystoma, Salamandra) and amniotes (Sphenodon) to trace and reconstruct the musculoskeletal changes that took place during the fins-to-limbs transition. We quantified the anatomy of appendages using network analysis. First, we built network models—in which nodes represent bones and muscles, and links represent their anatomical connections—and then we measured network parameters related to their anatomical integration, heterogeneity, and modularity. Our results reveal an evolutionary transition toward less integrated, more modular appendages. We interpret this transition as a diversification of muscle functions in tetrapods compared to lobe-finned fishes. Limbs and lobe-fins show also a greater similarity between their pectoral and pelvic appendages than ray-fins do. These findings on extant species provide a basis for future quantitative and comprehensive reconstructions of the anatomy of limbs in early tetrapod fossils, and a way to better understand the fins-to-limbs transition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Published:
January 24, 2018
Title:
Inter- A nd Intraspecific Variations in the Pectoral Muscles of Common Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), Bonobos (Pan paniscus), and Humans (Homo sapiens)
Authors:
Potau, Josep Maria; Arias-Martorell, Julia; Bello-Hellegouarch, G; Casado, Aroa; Pastor, Francisco; De Paz, Félix; Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
We have analyzed anatomic variations in the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles of common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) and compared them to anatomic variations in these muscles in humans (Homo sapiens). We have macroscopically dissected these muscles in six adult Pan troglodytes, five Pan paniscus of ages ranging from fetus to adult, and five adult Homo sapiens. Although Pan troglodytes are thought to lack a separate pectoralis abdominis muscle, we have identified this muscle in three of the Pan troglodytes; none of the Pan paniscus, however, had this muscle. We have also found deep supernumerary fascicles in the pectoralis major of two Pan troglodytes and all five Pan paniscus. In all six Pan troglodytes, the pectoralis minor was inserted at the supraspinatus tendon, while, in Pan paniscus and Homo sapiens, it was inserted at the coracoid process of the scapula. Some of the anatomic features and variations of these muscles in common chimpanzees and bonobos are similar to those found in humans, therefore enhancing our knowledge of primate comparative anatomy and evolution and also shedding light on several clinical issues.
Published:
January 21, 2018
Title:
The Three-Month Effects of a Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition, Blood Parameters, and Performance Metrics in CrossFit Trainees: A Pilot Study
Authors:
Kephart, Wesley; Pledge, Coree; Roberson, Paul; Mumford, Petey; Romero, Matthew; Mobley, Christopher; Martin, Jeffrey; Young, Kaelin; Lowery, Ryan; Wilson, Jacob; Huggins, Kevin; Roberts, Michael
Abstract:
Published:
January 9, 2018
Title:
Quality assurance procedures for mass spectrometry untargeted metabolomics. a review
Authors:
Dudzik, Danuta; Barbas-Bernardos, Cecilia; García, Antonia; Barbas, Coral
Abstract:
Untargeted metabolomics, as a global approach, has already proven its great potential and capabilities for the investigation of health and disease, as well as the wide applicability for other research areas. Although great progress has been made on the feasibility of metabolomics experiments, there are still some challenges that should be faced and that includes all sources of fluctuations and bias affecting every step involved in multiplatform untargeted metabolomics studies. The identification and reduction of the main sources of unwanted variation regarding the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phase of metabolomics experiments is essential to ensure high data quality. Nowadays, there is still a lack of information regarding harmonized guidelines for quality assurance as those available for targeted analysis. In this review, sources of variations to be considered and minimized along with methodologies and strategies for monitoring and improvement the quality of the results are discussed. The given information is based on evidences from different groups among our own experiences and recommendations for each stage of the metabolomics workflow. The comprehensive overview with tools presented here might serve other researchers interested in monitoring, controlling and improving the reliability of their findings by implementation of good experimental quality practices in the untargeted metabolomics study.
Published:
January 5, 2018
Title:
Complete Cessation of Recurrent Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) by the Paleolithic Ketogenic Diet: A Case Report
Authors:
Tóth, Csaba; Schimmer, Mária; Clemens, Zsofia
Abstract:
Background: Ketogenic diets have repeatedly been suggested for the treatment of cancer. To date, only a few case studies reporting long term benefits associated with such diets have been published. Case report: Here we present a case where recurrent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), a premalignant condition of cervical cancer, was successfully treated with the paleolithic ketogenic diet. The patient had a history of high grade CIN in 2011, which was successfully treated with cervical conization and fractional curettage. In October 2015 she was found to have a recurrence of high grade CIN (HSIL: High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion). The patient was then commenced on the paleolithic ketogenic diet and her repeat Pap (Papanicolaou) smear three months later was found to have reverted to normal. The patient has remained on the paleolithic ketogenic diet for 26 months, her repeat smears have stayed normal, and she is free of symptoms and side effects. Conclusion: We conclude that the diet was effective and safe in this patient. As a major benefit the patient was able to avoid a hysterectomy, which is the standard treatment for recurrent high-grade CIN. We believe that the paleolithic ketogenic diet combines benefits of both paleolithic and classical ketogenic diets, while excluding their disadvantages.
Published:
January 4, 2018
Title:
18 - Male Reproductive System
Authors:
Knoblaugh, Sue E.; True, Lawrence; Tretiakova, Maria; Hukkanen, Renee R.
Abstract:
Rodents serve as models for both human disease and human health risk assessment. A large number of genetically engineered mice are generated and studied as models for human prostate gland carcinoma studies. Similarly, rats serve as an indicator species in toxicological studies. It is extremely important for researchers and pathologists to know the normal anatomy and histology of mice, rats, and human male urogenital tract and to understand interspecies differences. Genetically engineered mouse models can exhibit changes not seen in humans. The prostate gland exemplifies this point. Mice and rat prostate glands are divided into multiple lobes, where each lobe is histologically distinct. Conversely, the human prostate gland is a single organ. Mice and rats also contain additional accessory sex glands that are not found in humans. Consequently, finding these glands should not be interpreted as an abnormal finding in rodents. Rats demonstrate an incredibly high incidence of testicular tumors (Leydig/interstitial cell) that varies by strain. Histologic characteristics are important to understanding the phenotype of mouse and rat models of human disease. A basic understanding of normal histology of the urogenital organs of mouse, rat, and human is essential for proper interpretation and characterization of animal models.
Published:
January 1, 2018
Title:
3 - Necropsy and Histology
Authors:
Knoblaugh, Sue E.; Randolph-Habecker, Julie
Abstract:
Postmortem examination and histologic assessment of tissues are the cornerstones of comparative pathology and require attention to technical details that vary between rodent and human tissues. In this chapter, we describe and illustrate a postmortem examination of the rodent (necropsy) and provide a brief introduction to histologic preparation, from trimming fixed tissues to staining histologic slides.
Published:
January 1, 2018
Title:
Chapter 4 - Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease
Authors:
Ishiguro, Edward; Haskey, Natasha; Campbell, Kristina
Abstract:
Although single pathogens are well-known for causing disease, growing evidence suggests alterations in the structure or function of the human gut microbiota may play a role in the pathogenesis or maintenance of several chronic diseases and other conditions. Normally, the gut immune system functions to maintain homeostasis in the intestinal environment, tolerating commensal gut microbes while protecting against infection by pathogens. Several pathogens, however, are well adapted for causing disease by gaining access to the gut environment. Many of the complex diseases associated with alterations in the gut microbiota are related to inflammation. The list of diseases with a possible connection to gut microbiota includes asthma and allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome and obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, type 1 diabetes, liver disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, irritable bowel syndrome, some cancers, malnutrition, celiac disease, and brain-related conditions (depression, Parkinson's disease, and autism spectrum disorders). While a significant difference in gut microbiota composition associated with disease states may be called a “dysbiosis,” defining a “healthy” microbiota is a challenging task that lies ahead.
Published:
January 1, 2018
Title:
Chapter 6 - Impact of Nutrition on the Gut Microbiota
Authors:
Ishiguro, Edward; Haskey, Natasha; Campbell, Kristina
Abstract:
Nutrition influences the composition and function of the human gut microbiota, with possible ramifications for health and disease. The effects of complex carbohydrates on the gut microbiota are well studied: microbiota-accessible carbohydrates are fermented in the colon by bacteria, yielding potentially health-promoting end products (short-chain fatty acids). Protein fermentation by microbes may also occur in the colon, producing some metabolites known to be harmful to intestinal health. Little research exists addressing the impact of fats on the human intestinal microbiota, but animal studies suggest that both the quantity and quality of dietary fats may modulate microbial composition. Dietary patterns exert long-term selective pressure on the gut microbiota. In contrast with the dietary patterns of traditional societies, the “Western” diet pattern is associated with adverse health outcomes and deleterious changes to gut microbiota structure (i.e., decreased species diversity) and function. Vegetarian diets and the Mediterranean diet also appear to impact the gut microbiota and are associated with beneficial health effects. Various polyphenols (including flavonoids) may particularly affect the gut microbiota; emulsifiers and noncaloric sweeteners are linked with potentially detrimental effects on the intestinal environment and health. Finally, it must be noted that evidence is increasing for gut microbial involvement in individualized responses to diet.
Published:
January 1, 2018
Title:
Conservatism predicts lapses from vegetarian/vegan diets to meat consumption (through lower social justice concerns and social support)
Authors:
Hodson, Gordon; Earle, Megan
Abstract:
Lapses from vegetarian and vegan (i.e., veg*n) food choices to meat consumption are very common, suggesting that sustaining veg*nism is challenging. But little is known about why people return to eating animals after initially deciding to avoid meat consumption. Several potential explanatory factors include personal inconvenience, meat cravings, awkwardness in social settings, or health/nutrition concerns. Here we test the degree to which political ideology predicts lapsing to meat consumption. Past research demonstrates that political ideology predicts present levels of meat consumption, whereby those higher in right-wing ideologies eat more animals, even after controlling for their hedonistic liking of meat (e.g., Dhont & Hodson, 2014). To what extent might political ideology predict whether one has lapsed from veg*n foods back to meat consumption? In a largely representative US community sample (N = 1313) of current and former veg*ns, those higher (vs. lower) in conservatism exhibited significantly greater odds of being a former than current veg*n, even after controlling for age, education, and gender. This ideology-lapsing relation was mediated (i.e., explained) by those higher (vs. lower) in conservatism: (a) adopting a veg*n diet for reasons less centered in justice concerns (animal rights, environment, feeding the poor); and (b) feeling socially unsupported in their endeavor. In contrast, factors such as differential meat craving or lifestyle inconvenience played little mediational role. These findings demonstrate that ideology and justice concerns are particularly relevant to understanding resilience in maintaining veg*n food choices. Implications for understanding why people eat meat, and how to develop intervention strategies, are discussed.
Published:
January 1, 2018
Title:
Differentiating between cutting actions on bone using 3D geometric morphometrics and Bayesian analyses with implications to human evolution
Authors:
Otárola-Castillo, Erik; Torquato, Melissa G.; Hawkins, Hannah C.; James, Emma; Harris, Jacob A.; Marean, Curtis W.; McPherron, Shannon P.; Thompson, Jessica C.
Abstract:
Studies of bone surface modifications (BSMs) such as cut marks are crucial to our understanding of human and earlier hominin subsistence behavior. Over the last several decades, however, BSM identification has remained contentious, particularly in terms of identifying the earliest instances of hominin butchery; there has been a lack of consensus over how to identify or differentiate marks made by human and non-human actors and varying effectors. Most investigations have relied on morphology to identify butchery marks and their patterning. This includes cut marks, one of the most significant human marks. Attempts to discriminate cut marks from other types of marks have employed a variety of techniques, ranging from subjectively characterizing cut mark morphology using the naked eye, to using high-powered microscopy such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or micro-photogrammetry. More recent approaches use 3D datasets to obtain even more detailed information about mark attributes, and apply those to the fossil record. Although 3D datasets open promising new avenues for investigation, analyses of these datasets have not yet taken advantage of the full 3D surface morphology of BSM. Rather, selected cross-sectional slices of 3D scans have been used as proxies for overall shape. Here we demonstrate that 3D geometric morphometrics (GM), under the “Procrustes paradigm” and coupled with a Bayesian approach, probabilistically discriminates between marks caused by different butchery behaviors. At the same time, this approach provides a complete set of 3D morphological measurements and descriptions. Our results strengthen statistical confidence in cut mark identification and offer a novel approach that can be used to discriminate subtle differences between cut mark types in the fossil record. Furthermore, this study provides an incipient digital library with which to make future quantitative comparisons to archaeological examples, including contentious specimens that are key to understanding the earliest hominin butchery.
Published:
January 1, 2018
Title:
Disparities in Environmental Exposures to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Diabetes Risk in Vulnerable Populations
Authors:
Ruiz, Daniel; Becerra, Marisol; Jagai, Jyotsna S.; Ard, Kerry; Sargis, Robert M.
Abstract:
Burgeoning epidemiological, animal, and cellular data link environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to metabolic dysfunction. Disproportionate exposure to diabetes-associated EDCs may be an underappreciated contributor to disparities in metabolic disease risk. The burden of diabetes is not uniformly borne by American society; rather, this disease disproportionately affects certain populations, including African Americans, Latinos, and low-income individuals. The purpose of this study was to review the evidence linking unequal exposures to EDCs with racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diabetes disparities in the U.S.; discuss social forces promoting these disparities; and explore potential interventions. Articles examining the links between chemical exposures and metabolic disease were extracted from the U.S. National Library of Medicine for the period of 1966 to 3 December 2016. EDCs associated with diabetes in the literature were then searched for evidence of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic exposure disparities. Among Latinos, African Americans, and low-income individuals, numerous studies have reported significantly higher exposures to diabetogenic EDCs, including polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, multiple chemical constituents of air pollution, bisphenol A, and phthalates. This review reveals that unequal exposure to EDCs may be a novel contributor to diabetes disparities. Efforts to reduce the individual and societal burden of diabetes should include educating clinicians on environmental exposures that may increase disease risk, strategies to reduce those exposures, and social policies to address environmental inequality as a novel source of diabetes disparities.
Published:
January 1, 2018
Title:
A Study on the relationship between orthorexia and vegetarianism using the BOT (Bratman Test for Orthorexia)
Authors:
Dittfeld, Anna; Gwizdek, Katarzyna; Jagielski, Paweł; Brzęk, Joanna; Ziora, Katarzyna
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The following article presents the relationship between vegetarianism and orthorexia nervosa (ON). Vegetarianism is an ideology and a way of life that aims at minimizing animal exploitation. A vegetarian diet excludes the consumption of meat together with other animal derived products. According to scientists, orthorexia nervosa is considered to be a new, yet unclassified eating disorder. It involves introducing dietary restrictions by individuals who feel a desire to improve their health status by healthy eating. METHODS: The study involved 2,611 participants, namely 1,346 vegetarians and 1,265 non-vegetarians. The research questionnaire consisted of general personal and anthropometric characteristics, the BOT(Bratman Test for Orthorexia) and questions evaluating the participants' attitude towards nutrition. RESULTS: Based on the obtained results, health food fanaticism is more specific to vegetarians than non-vegetarians. The risk for orthorexia nervosa decreases with age and diet duration. The biggest number of health food fanatics was found in the group of lacto-vegetarians, a lower number among ovo-vegetarians and lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and the smallest number was observed in the vegan group. Also, vegetarians were reported to have dietary consultations as frequently as non-vegetarians. CONCLUSIONS: Very few studies can be found on the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and vegetarianism. Some scientists believe that vegetarians are particularly prone to orthorexia nervosa. In addition, it has been suggested by other researchers that vegetarianism can be used to mask eating disorders, as it allows these affected individuals to avoid certain products or situations related to food. The direction of cause and effect cannot be determined.
Published:
December 30, 2017
Title:
Immigrant Status and Its Impact on Access to Health Care
Authors:
Navarro, Ignacio; Ibarra, Juan; Anglemyer, Andrew
Abstract:
This paper explores disparities in health care access for undocumented immigrants in the United States. Using the case of California, we find that less than half of undocumented immigrants in this state report having health insurance. Additionally, our estimates show that, among the insured, US-born and naturalized citizens are significantly more likely to have a doctor visit in the previous year when compared to undocumented immigrants (aOR = 1.53%; 95% CI 1.15 - 2.04, aOR = 1.40%; 95% CI 1.05 - 1.87, respectively). Further, we find that US-born citizens are significantly more likely to use the ER in the previous year than undocumented immigrants, independent of insurance status. Our findings suggest that undocumented immigrants not only face barriers to obtain health insurance, but even with health insurance they face barriers to access health care services.
Published:
December 14, 2017
Title:
Very Low Calorie Diets for Weight Loss in Obese Older Adults-A Randomized Trial
Authors:
Haywood, Cilla J.; Prendergast, Luke A.; Purcell, Katrina; Le Fevre, Lauren; Lim, Wen Kwang; Galea, Mary; Proietto, Joseph
Abstract:
Background: Obesity contributes to disability in older adults, and this is offset by weight loss and exercise. Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs) achieve rapid weight loss; however, these have not been rigorously evaluated in older people. Methods: A randomized trial was conducted from August 2012 through December 2015. The intervention was 12 weeks of thrice weekly exercise combined with either healthy eating advice (Ex/HE), hypocaloric diet (Ex/Diet), or VLCD (Ex/VLCD). Outcomes were physical function, measured by 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI). Other measures were body composition measured by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, and nutritional parameters (albumin, vitamins B12 and D, ferritin and folate). Results: 36, 40, and 41 participants were randomized to Ex/HE, Ex/Diet, and Ex/VLCD, respectively. At 12 weeks, weight was reduced by 3.7, 5.1, and 11.1% (p
Published:
December 12, 2017
Title:
Effect of canola oil consumption on memory, synapse and neuropathology in the triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors:
Lauretti, Elisabetta; Praticò, Domenico
Abstract:
In recent years consumption of canola oil has increased due to lower cost compared with olive oil and the perception that it shares its health benefits. However, no data are available on the effect of canola oil intake on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Herein, we investigated the effect of chronic daily consumption of canola oil on the phenotype of a mouse model of AD that develops both plaques and tangles (3xTg). To this end mice received either regular chow or a chow diet supplemented with canola oil for 6 months. At this time point we found that chronic exposure to the canola-rich diet resulted in a significant increase in body weight and impairments in their working memory together with decrease levels of post-synaptic density protein-95, a marker of synaptic integrity, and an increase in the ratio of insoluble Aβ 42/40. No significant changes were observed in tau phosphorylation and neuroinflammation. Taken together, our findings do not support a beneficial effect of chronic canola oil consumption on two important aspects of AD pathophysiology which includes memory impairments as well as synaptic integrity. While more studies are needed, our data do not justify the current trend aimed at replacing olive oil with canola oil.
Published:
December 7, 2017
Title:
A multifactorial analysis of acceptance of evolution
Authors:
Dunk, Ryan; Petto, Andrew; Wiles, Jason; Campbell, Benjamin
Abstract:
Despite decades of education reform efforts, the percent of the general US population accepting biological evolution as the explanation for the diversity of life has remained relatively unchanged over the past 35 years. Previous work has shown the importance of both educational and non-educational (sociodemographic and psychological) factors on acceptance of evolution, but has often looked at such factors in isolation. Our study is among the first attempts to model quantitatively how the unique influences of evolutionary content knowledge, religiosity, epistemological sophistication, and an understanding of the nature of science collectively predict an individual’s acceptance or rejection of evolution. Our study population had a high acceptance of evolution, with an average score of 77.17 (95% C.I. ± 1.483) on the Measure of Acceptance of the Theory of Evolution (MATE) instrument. Our combined general linear model showed that, of the variables in our model, an understanding of the nature of science explained the greatest amount of variation in acceptance of evolution. This was followed in amount of variance explained by a measure of religiosity, openness to experience, religious denomination, number of biology courses previously taken, and knowledge of evolutionary biology terms. Understanding of the nature of science was the single most important factor associated with acceptance of evolution in our study and explained at least four times more variation than measures of evolutionary knowledge. This suggests that educational efforts to impact evolutionary acceptance should focus on increasing an understanding of the nature of science (which may be expected to have additional benefits towards generalized science denial). Additionally, our measure of epistemological sophistication had a unique, significant impact on acceptance of evolution. Both epistemological sophistication and an understanding of the nature of science are factors that might change throughout a liberal arts education, independent of the effect of direct evolutionary instruction.
Published:
December 1, 2017
Title:
Comparison of musculoskeletal networks of the primate forelimb
Authors:
Molnar, Julia; Esteve-Altava, Borja; Rolian, Campbell; Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
Anatomical network analysis is a framework for quantitatively characterizing the topological organization of anatomical structures, thus providing a way to compare structural integration and modularity among species. Here we apply this approach to study the macroevolution of the forelimb in primates, a structure whose proportions and functions vary widely within this group. We analyzed musculoskeletal network models in 22 genera, including members of all major extant primate groups and three outgroup taxa, after an extensive literature survey and dissections. The modules of the proximal limb are largely similar among taxa, but those of the distal limb show substantial variation. Some network parameters are similar within phylogenetic groups (e.g., non-primates, strepsirrhines, New World monkeys, and hominoids). Reorganization of the modules in the hominoid hand compared to other primates may relate to functional changes such as coordination of individual digit movements, increased pronation/supination, and knuckle-walking. Surprisingly, humans are one of the few taxa we studied in which the thumb musculoskeletal structures do not form an independent anatomical module. This difference may be caused by the loss in humans of some intrinsic muscles associated with the digits or the acquisition of additional muscles that integrate the thumb more closely with surrounding structures.
Published:
December 1, 2017
Title:
Diabetes affects everything: Type 2 diabetes self-management among Spanish-speaking hispanic immigrants
Authors:
Smith-Miller, Cheryl A.; Berry, Diane C.; Miller, Cass T.
Abstract:
ABSTRACT This article is a report of qualitative findings of a mixed-methods study of the relationships among knowledge, self-efficacy, health promoting behaviors, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management among limited-english-proficient recent Hispanic immigrants, a population with increased incidence of T2DM and barriers to successful T2DM management. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants, and physiological and demographic data also were collected. The participants generally attributed developing the disease to strong emotions and viewed T2DM as a serious disease. Although a majority understood the importance of exercise and diet in T2DM self-management, other aspects such as medication adherence were not well-understood. Obstacles to effective T2DM self-management were negative interactions and communications with health care providers and other personnel, cultural stigma related to the disease, financial constraints, immigration status, and the complexity of the disease. Suggested interventions to improve the care and self-management of this at-risk population are discussed.
Published:
December 1, 2017
Title:
Links between the discovery of primates and anatomical comparisons with humans, the chain of being, our place in nature, and racism
Authors:
Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
I focus on the crucial links between the discovery of nonhuman primates by Westerners, discussions on our place in nature, the chain of being, racism, and the history of primate comparative anatomy and of so-called "anatomical human racial studies." Strikingly, for more than a millennium humans knew more about the internal anatomy of a single monkey species than about that of their own bodies. This is because Galen used monkeys to infer human anatomy, in line with the human-animal continuity implied by the Greek notion of scala naturae. With the rise of Christianity, nonhuman primates were increasingly seen in a negative way. A more positive view emerged in the 14th century when nonhuman primates were directly studied/seen by Europeans, culminating in Tyson's 1699 work showing that chimps share more gross anatomical similarities with humans than with monkeys. However, the discomfort caused by this human-chimp similarity then led to a new idea of animal-human discontinuity, now related not to anatomy but to "civilization": between Europeans vs. non-Europeans+other primates. Moreover, Linnaeus' Systema Naturae and the emergence of "anatomical racial studies" influenced by Camper's craniology then led to even more extreme ideas, such as the notion that Europeans were both mentally and morphologically "ideal." Unfortunately the biased and often incorrect "results" of such studies, combined with ideas based on Darwin's "struggle for survival", became crucial in propaganda that lead to the rise of eugenics in the end of the 19th/first half of 20th centuries and that culminated in Nazism. Since the 1950s there has been an emphasis on the continuity/unity between all human groups and other primates, in great part influenced by what happened during World War 2. Reviews such as this one are, therefore, particularly necessary to illuminate and guard against attitudes against "the Other" and racist ideologies that are re-emerging in modern political discourse across the globe.
Published:
December 1, 2017
Title:
Protein Sparing Therapies in Acute Illness and Obesity: A Review of George Blackburn's Contributions to Nutrition Science
Authors:
Thomas, Dylan; Istfan, Nawfal; Bistrian, Bruce; Apovian, Caroline
Abstract:
Protein sparing therapies were developed to mitigate the harms associated with protein-calorie malnutrition and nitrogen losses induced by either acute illness or hypocaloric diets in patients with obesity. We review the development of protein sparing therapies in illness and obesity with a focus on the pioneering contributions of George Blackburn, MD, PhD. He recognized that protein-calorie malnutrition is a common and serious clinical condition and developed new approaches to its treatment in hospitalized patients. His work with stable isotopes and with animal models provided answers about the physiological nutritional requirements and metabolic changes across a spectrum of conditions with varying degrees of stress and catabolism. This led to improvements in enteral and parenteral nutrition for patients with acute illness. Blackburn also demonstrated that lean body mass can be preserved during weight loss with carefully designed very low calorie treatments which became known as the protein sparing modified fast (PSMF). We review the role of the PSMF as part of the comprehensive management of obesity.
Published:
December 1, 2017
Title:
Gut microbiota-mediated generation of saturated fatty acids elicits inflammation in the liver in murine high-fat diet-induced steatohepatitis
Authors:
Yamada, Shoji; Kamada, Nobuhiko; Amiya, Takeru; Nakamoto, Nobuhiro; Nakaoka, Toshiaki; Kimura, Masaki; Saito, Yoshimasa; Ejima, Chieko; Kanai, Takanori; Saito, Hidetsugu
Abstract:
Background: The gut microbiota plays crucial roles in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the precise mechanisms by which alterations of the gut microbiota and its metabolism contributing to the pathogenesis of NASH are not yet fully elucidated.Methods: Mice were fed with a recently reported new class of high-fat diet (HFD), steatohepatitis-inducing HFD (STHD)-01 for 9 weeks. The composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed by T-RFLP. Luminal metabolome was analyzed using capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE- and LC-TOFMS).Results: Mice fed the STHD-01 developed NASH-like pathology within a short period. Treatment with antibiotics prevented the development of NASH by STHD-01. The composition of the gut microbiota and its metabolic activities were markedly perturbed in the STHD-01-fed mice, and antibiotic administration normalized these changes. We identified that long-chain saturated fatty acid and n-6 fatty acid metabolic pathways were significantly altered by STHD-01. Of note, the changes in gut lipidome caused by STHD-01 were mediated by gut microbiota, as the depletion of the gut microbiota could reverse the perturbation of these metabolic pathways. A saturated long-chain fatty acid, palmitic acid, which accumulated in the STHD-01 group, activated liver macrophages and promoted TNF-α expression.Conclusions: Lipid metabolism by the gut microbiota, particularly the saturation of fatty acids, affects fat accumulation in the liver and subsequent liver inflammation in NASH.
Published:
November 29, 2017
Title:
Reply to Mafessoni and Prüfer: Inferences with and without singleton site patterns
Authors:
Rogers, Alan R.; Bohlender, Ryan J.; Huff, Chad D.
Abstract:
Mafessoni and Prüfer (1) (MP) make three points: ( i ) Low variation among Neanderthal genomes implies a small population, ( ii ) Neanderthal–Denisovan divergence is small relative to archaic-modern, and ( iii ) an analysis including singleton site patterns (in which the derived allele appears only once) supports a small Neanderthal population and a more recent Neanderthal–Denisovan separation. Point i assumes that sequenced Neanderthals are representative of all Neanderthals, yet samples come primarily from the north, where DNA preserves well. The global population may have been larger if some unsampled populations were distantly related to those sampled. Point ii is subsidiary to point iii , because divergences can be calculated from site pattern frequencies. We therefore focus on point iii . Our previous estimates (2) were biased, because our modern human data excluded invariant nucleotide sites (3). Mutations in an archaic lineage appear only if that lineage introgressed into moderns, leading … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: rogers{at}anthro.utah.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Published:
November 28, 2017
Title:
Thyroid Function Within the Normal Range, Subclinical Hypothyroidism, and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors:
Baumgartner, Christine; da Costa, Bruno R.; Collet, Tinh-Hai; Feller, Martin; Floriani, Carmen; Bauer, Douglas C.; Cappola, Anne R.; Heckbert, Susan R.; Ceresini, Graziano; Gussekloo, Jacobijn; den Elzen, Wendy P. J.; Peeters, Robin P.; Luben, Robert; Völzke, Henry; Dörr, Marcus; Walsh, John P.; Bremner, Alexandra; Iacoviello, Massimo; Macfarlane, Peter; Heeringa, Jan; Stott, David J.; Westendorp, Rudi G. J.; Khaw, Kay-Tee; Magnani, Jared W.; Aujesky, Drahomir; Rodondi, Nicolas; Thyroid Studies Collaboration
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent disorder leading to heart failure, stroke, and death. Enhanced understanding of modifiable risk factors may yield opportunities for prevention. The risk of AF is increased in subclinical hyperthyroidism, but it is uncertain whether variations in thyroid function within the normal range or subclinical hypothyroidism are also associated with AF. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and obtained individual participant data from prospective cohort studies that measured thyroid function at baseline and assessed incident AF. Studies were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to July 27, 2016. The euthyroid state was defined as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 0.45 to 4.49 mIU/L, and subclinical hypothyroidism as TSH 4.5 to 19.9 mIU/L with free thyroxine (fT4) levels within reference range. The association of TSH levels in the euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroid range with incident AF was examined by using Cox proportional hazards models. In euthyroid participants, we additionally examined the association between fT4 levels and incident AF. RESULTS: Of 30 085 participants from 11 cohorts (278 955 person-years of follow-up), 1958 (6.5%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and 2574 individuals (8.6%) developed AF during follow-up. TSH at baseline was not significantly associated with incident AF in euthyroid participants or those with subclinical hypothyroidism. Higher fT4 levels at baseline in euthyroid individuals were associated with increased AF risk in age- and sex-adjusted analyses (hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-1.66, for the highest quartile versus the lowest quartile of fT4; P for trend ≤0.001 across quartiles). Estimates did not substantially differ after further adjustment for preexisting cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: In euthyroid individuals, higher circulating fT4 levels, but not TSH levels, are associated with increased risk of incident AF.
Published:
November 28, 2017
Title:
Vegetarian, vegan diets and multiple health outcomes: A systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors:
Dinu, Monica; Abbate, Rosanna; Gensini, Gian Franco; Casini, Alessandro; Sofi, Francesco
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Beneficial effects of vegetarian and vegan diets on health outcomes have been supposed in previous studies. OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to clarify the association between vegetarian, vegan diets, risk factors for chronic diseases, risk of all-cause mortality, incidence, and mortality from cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, total cancer and specific type of cancer (colorectal, breast, prostate and lung), through meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive search of Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted. RESULTS: Eighty-six cross-sectional and 10 cohort prospective studies were included. The overall analysis among cross-sectional studies reported significant reduced levels of body mass index, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and glucose levels in vegetarians and vegans versus omnivores. With regard to prospective cohort studies, the analysis showed a significant reduced risk of incidence and/or mortality from ischemic heart disease (RR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.82) and incidence of total cancer (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.98) but not of total cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, all-cause mortality and mortality from cancer. No significant association was evidenced when specific types of cancer were analyzed. The analysis conducted among vegans reported significant association with the risk of incidence from total cancer (RR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.95), despite obtained only in a limited number of studies. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive meta-analysis reports a significant protective effect of a vegetarian diet versus the incidence and/or mortality from ischemic heart disease (-25%) and incidence from total cancer (-8%). Vegan diet conferred a significant reduced risk (-15%) of incidence from total cancer.
Published:
November 22, 2017
Title:
Vegetarian, vegan diets and multiple health outcomes: A systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors:
Dinu, Monica; Abbate, Rosanna; Gensini, Gian Franco; Casini, Alessandro; Sofi, Francesco
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Beneficial effects of vegetarian and vegan diets on health outcomes have been supposed in previous studies. OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to clarify the association between vegetarian, vegan diets, risk factors for chronic diseases, risk of all-cause mortality, incidence, and mortality from cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, total cancer and specific type of cancer (colorectal, breast, prostate and lung), through meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive search of Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted. RESULTS: Eighty-six cross-sectional and 10 cohort prospective studies were included. The overall analysis among cross-sectional studies reported significant reduced levels of body mass index, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and glucose levels in vegetarians and vegans versus omnivores. With regard to prospective cohort studies, the analysis showed a significant reduced risk of incidence and/or mortality from ischemic heart disease (RR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.82) and incidence of total cancer (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.98) but not of total cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, all-cause mortality and mortality from cancer. No significant association was evidenced when specific types of cancer were analyzed. The analysis conducted among vegans reported significant association with the risk of incidence from total cancer (RR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.95), despite obtained only in a limited number of studies. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive meta-analysis reports a significant protective effect of a vegetarian diet versus the incidence and/or mortality from ischemic heart disease (-25%) and incidence from total cancer (-8%). Vegan diet conferred a significant reduced risk (-15%) of incidence from total cancer.
Published:
November 22, 2017
Title:
Glycated Albumin Versus HbA1c in the Evaluation of Glycemic Control in Patients With Diabetes and CKD
Authors:
Gan, Ting; Liu, Xin; Xu, Gaosi
Abstract:
Introduction It is inaccurate to assess blood glucose with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and whether glycated albumin (GA) is better than HbA1c in these patients remains unclear. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE to July 2017 for studies that investigated the correlation between GA or HbA1c and the average glucose levels (AG) relevant to this theme. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 and Stata12.0. The outcome was the correlation coefficient between GA or HbA1c and AG. For the first time, we made a comparison of GA and HbA1c in different CKD stages. Results A total of 24 studies with 3928 patients were included. Early stages of CKD refer to CKD stage 1 to 3. Advanced CKD refer to CKD stage 4 and 5 including patients receiving dialysis. The meta-analysis suggested that in early stages of CKD, the pooled R between GA and AG was 0.61 (95% CI = 0.49−0.73) and 0.71 (95% CI = 0.55−0.87) for HbA1c (P > 0.05). In advanced CKD patients, the pooled R between GA and AG was 0.57 (95% CI = 0.52−0.62), and 0.49 (95% CI = 0.45−0.52) for HbA1c (P = 0.0001). Conclusion GA is superior to HbA1c in assessing blood glucose control in diabetes patients with advanced CKD.
Published:
November 21, 2017
Title:
Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein promotes prostate cancer progression by enhancing invasion and disrupting intracellular calcium homeostasis
Authors:
Englund, Emelie; Canesin, Giacomo; Papadakos, Konstantinos S.; Vishnu, Neelanjan; Persson, Emma; Reitsma, Bart; Anand, Aseem; Jacobsson, Laila; Helczynski, Leszek; Mulder, Hindrik; Bjartell, Anders; Blom, Anna M.
Abstract:
Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) was recently implicated in the progression of breast cancer. Immunostaining of 342 prostate cancer specimens in tissue microarrays showed that COMP expression is not breast cancer-specific but also occurs in prostate cancer. The expression of COMP in prostate cancer cells correlated with a more aggressive disease with faster recurrence. Subcutaneous xenografts in immunodeficient mice showed that the prostate cancer cell line DU145 overexpressing COMP formed larger tumors in vivo as compared to mock-transfected cells. Purified COMP bound to and enhanced the invasion of DU145 cells in vitro in an integrin-dependent manner. In addition, intracellular COMP expression interfered with cellular metabolism by causing a decreased level of oxidative phosphorylation with a concurrent upregulation of lactate production (Warburg effect). Further, expression of COMP protected cells from induction of apoptosis via several pathways. The effect of COMP on metabolism and apoptosis induction was dependent on the ability of COMP to disrupt intracellular Ca2+ signalling by preventing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. In conclusion, COMP is a potent driver of the progression of prostate cancer, acting in an anti-apoptotic fashion by interfering with the Ca2+ homeostasis of cancer cells.
Published:
November 17, 2017
Title:
Does the impact of a plant-based diet during pregnancy on birth weight differ by ethnicity? A dietary pattern analysis from a prospective Canadian birth cohort alliance
Authors:
Zulyniak, Michael A.; de Souza, Russell J.; Shaikh, Mateen; Desai, Dipika; Lefebvre, Diana L.; Gupta, Milan; Wilson, Julie; Wahi, Gita; Subbarao, Padmaja; Becker, Allan B.; Mandhane, Piush; Turvey, Stuart E.; Beyene, Joseph; Atkinson, Stephanie; Morrison, Katherine M.; McDonald, Sarah; Teo, Koon K.; Sears, Malcolm R.; Anand, Sonia S.; NutriGen Alliance investigators
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Birth weight is an indicator of newborn health and a strong predictor of health outcomes in later life. Significant variation in diet during pregnancy between ethnic groups in high-income countries provides an ideal opportunity to investigate the influence of maternal diet on birth weight. SETTING: Four multiethnic birth cohorts based in Canada (the NutriGen Alliance). PARTICIPANTS: 3997 full-term mother-infant pairs of diverse ethnic groups who had principal component analysis-derived diet pattern scores-plant-based, Western and health-conscious-and birth weight data. RESULTS: No associations were identified between the Western and health-conscious diet patterns and birth weight; however, the plant-based dietary pattern was inversely associated with birth weight (β=-67.6 g per 1-unit increase; P<0.001), and an interaction with non-white ethnicity and birth weight was observed. Ethnically stratified analyses demonstrated that among white Europeans, maternal consumption of a plant-based diet associated with lower birth weight (β=-65.9 g per 1-unit increase; P
Published:
November 14, 2017
Title:
Organoid culture of human prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and C4-2B
Authors:
Ma, Lin; Li, Jingwu; Nie, Qiang; Zhang, Qiuyang; Liu, Sen; Ge, Dongxia; You, Zongbing
Abstract:
Organoids mimic the architecture and functions of a small organ. Organoid culture technique has been rapidly accepted by all research communities during the past decade to study stem cells, organ development and function, and patient-specific diseases. A protocol for organoid culture of human and mouse prostate epithelial and cancer tissues has been reported. However, organoid culture of the commonly used human prostate cancer cell lines has yet to be established. We followed the published protocol and performed organoid culture of LNCaP and C4-2B cells in MatrigelTM and organoid culture medium for 14 days. We found that both LNCaP and C4-2B cell lines formed organoids that presented glandular structures. The cells within the organoids were androgen receptor-positive adenocarcinoma cells, but not p63-positive basal cells. The cells in the organoids responded to interleukin-17A treatment differently from the cells in the monolayer culture. The present study suggests that LNCaP and C4-2B cells are able to form organoids under the defined organoid culture conditions.
Published:
November 9, 2017
Title:
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis with Dietary Interventions
Authors:
Khanna, Shweta; Jaiswal, Kumar Sagar; Gupta, Bhawna
Abstract:
Self-help by means of dietary interventions can help in management of various disorders including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a debilitating autoimmune disease. Dietary interventions necessitate a widespread appeal for both patients as well as clinicians due to factors including affordability, accessibility, and presence of scientific evidences that demonstrate substantial benefits in reducing disease symptoms such as pain, joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness and associated disability with disease progression. However, there is still an uncertainty among the community about the therapeutic benefits of dietary manipulations for RA. In the present review, we provide an account of different diets and their possible molecular mechanism of actions inducing observed therapeutic benefits for remission and management of RA. We further indicate food that can be a potential aggravating factor for the disease or may help in symptomatic relief. We thereafter summarize and thereby discuss various diets and food which help in reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines in RA patients that may play an effective role in management of RA following proper patient awareness. We thus would like to promote diet management as a tool that can both supplement and complement present treatment strategies for a better patient health and recovery.
Published:
November 8, 2017
Title:
Epigenetic mechanisms underlying lifespan and age-related effects of dietary restriction and the ketogenic diet
Authors:
Moreno, Cesar L.; Mobbs, Charles V.
Abstract:
Aging constitutes the central risk factor for major diseases including many forms of cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular diseases. The aging process is characterized by both global and tissue-specific changes in gene expression across taxonomically diverse species. While aging has historically been thought to entail cell-autonomous, even stochastic changes, recent evidence suggests that modulation of this process can be hierarchal, wherein manipulations of nutrient-sensing neurons (e.g., in the hypothalamus) produce peripheral effects that may modulate the aging process itself. The most robust intervention extending lifespan, plausibly impinging on the aging process, involves different modalities of dietary restriction (DR). Lifespan extension by DR is associated with broad protection against diseases (natural and engineered). Here we review potential epigenetic processes that may link lifespan to age-related diseases, particularly in the context of DR and (other) ketogenic diets, focusing on brain and hypothalamic mechanisms.
Published:
November 5, 2017
Title:
The Cultural Logic of Calories and Body Types
Authors:
Finn, Margot
Abstract:
We were promised calorie labels. New York City has required them in chain restaurants since 2008 and California since 2009, but the Affordable Care Act mandated them nationwide. In April 2016, the …
Published:
November 2, 2017
Title:
Advanced glycation end products and lipopolysaccharides stimulate interleukin‑6 secretion via the RAGE/TLR4‑NF‑κB‑ROS pathways and resveratrol attenuates these inflammatory responses in mouse macrophages
Authors:
Ohtsu, Ayaka; Shibutani, Yui; Seno, Kotomi; Iwata, Hisataka; Kuwayama, Takehito; Shirasuna, Koumei
Abstract:
Published:
November 1, 2017
Title:
How people from ethnic minorities describe their experiences of managing type-2 diabetes mellitus: A qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors:
Jones, Virginia; Crowe, Marie
Abstract:
Background The increasing prevalence of diabetes is well-documented along with the findings that some ethnic minorities have a higher prevalence than non-minority individuals. Along with possible biological differences between ethnicities, access to economic, social, cultural and symbolic capital may impact on the success of managing type-2 diabetes. Objectives To examine how people from ethnic minorities in Western countries describe their experiences of managing type-2 diabetes mellitus. Data sources PubMed and Ovid Medline databases. Eligibility criteria Studies between 1946 and July 2016 were included if they were qualitative in design and presented findings in relation to adults from ethnic minorities and their descriptions of self-managing type-2 diabetes mellitus. Study appraisal and synthesis The CASP evaluation for qualitative studies was used for quality appraisal and synthesis involved thematic analysis and evaluation of evidence using GRADE-CERQual approach. Findings Twenty-seven papers were included in the review. The primary studies were all conducted in middle-high income western countries with people from diverse ethnicities, although the majority were Black American. There was high confidence in the evidence that a sense of powerlessness, issues of treatment accessibility and acceptability, and the culturally defined roles within families impacted on how some participants managed their diabetes. There was moderate confidence in the evidence in relation to the cultural significance of food and for the cultural effect of stigma. Conclusion The potential for a sense of powerlessness to manage diabetes, the acceptability and accessibility of treatment, the significance of food, the impact of cultural roles and stigma needs to be pivotal to diabetes education for people from ethnic minorities in Western countries.
Published:
November 1, 2017
Title:
Immigration to Israel during childhood is associated with diabetes at adolescence: a study of 2.7 million adolescents
Authors:
Peled, Alon; Gordon, Barak; Twig, Gilad; Mendlovic, Joseph; Derazne, Estela; Lisnyansky, Michal; Raz, Itamar; Afek, Arnon
Abstract:
Immigration studies can shed light on diabetes pathogenesis and risk factors. To this end, we investigated the association between age at immigration and diabetes occurrence at adolescence among immigrants to Israel.
Published:
November 1, 2017
Title:
Investigating hominin carnivory in the Okote Member of Koobi Fora, Kenya with an actualistic model of carcass consumption and traces of butchery on the elbow
Authors:
Merritt, Stephen R.
Abstract:
Previous zooarchaeological analysis at Koobi Fora indicates that Okote Member hominins were the primary agents of bone assemblage formation, gained early access to large and small mammal flesh, and consumed both high- and low-ranked carcass parts. The discovery of additional butchered specimens prompted the re-analysis presented here of three large and well-preserved zooarchaeological assemblages from the Okote member, GaJi14, FwJj14N and FwJj14S, to revisit paleoecological hypotheses about tool-assisted carnivory. Cow and goat limb butchery documenting the skeletal location of cut marks created by skinning, defleshing, and disarticulation was used to build an actualistic model to infer hominin consumption of distinct carcass resources. Archaeological specimens were assigned to early (defleshing limbs), middle (defleshing ribs, viscera, vertebrae, and head) and late (metapodial tendon removal, element disarticulation, long bone fragmentation) carcass consumption stages, and the incidence of these butchery behaviors was examined for specimens and minimum number of element and individual aggregates. Elbow specimens, where traces of defleshing, disarticulation, and percussion co-occur, offer a sequential view of carcass consumption behaviors that is free from fragmentation bias. Classification trees populated with actualistic data were used to identify defleshing and disarticulation cut mark clusters on archaeological elbow portions by their location, cut mark count, median length, and median cross-sectional width. Actualistically-informed configurational analysis offers high-resolution behavioral reconstruction of the butchered sub-assemblage and should be integrated with assemblage-scale zooarchaeological methods. These experiments highlight the bias for detecting butchery traces of early carcass access, because defleshing cut marks are abundant and introduced to dense midshaft portions, whereas disarticulation cut marks are rare and occur on epiphyseal portions, which are often deleted by density-mediated destruction. Butchery trace interpretation across multiple analytical scales confirms a flexible carnivorous paleoecological role for Okote hominins that included primary and secondary access to carcass resources from large and small mammals.
Published:
November 1, 2017
Title:
Markedly increased intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar is associated with the rise of coronary heart disease and diabetes among the Alaskan Inuit
Authors:
DiNicolantonio, James J.; O’Keefe, James
Abstract:
In a recent issue of the journal, DiNicolantonio published evidence suggesting that an increase in the intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar paralleled the rise in the incidence of atherosclerotic disease in the Greenland Inuit.1 Thus, we sought to ascertain if a similar trend occurred in Alaskan Inuit by reviewing the literature as far back as the 1950s. Because of their relative isolation prior to the 1950s, studying the dietary changes that occurred in the Alaskan Inuit in the following decades can provide great insight into potential factors that may have caused a decline in their health. The Inuit are said to be descendants of the Thule people who originally came to North America 3000 years ago from Asia through Siberia and the Bering Strait.2 The Inuit then travelled from Northwest Alaska towards Canada and Greenland and also south towards inland regions of Alaska. This paper will discuss Alaskan natives in general and Alaskan Inuit in particular. In 1972, Dr Sheldon A Feldman, MD, and colleagues published a study on the Inuit living on Alaska’s North Slope (Point Hope). During the early 1970s, the Eskimos of Point Hope (known as the ‘Tigara’ people) were one of the few Inuit villages that still subsisted on whale and seal meat and blubber. Only two other villages at the time along Alaska’s North Slope continued the traditional hunting of whales using harpoons during the spring months. In the spring and early summer, these North Slope Alaskan Inuit mainly relied on catching and eating seal, walrus and fish. In the summer, the main dietary staple was caribou, and in winter, they would occasionally catch and eat polar bear. The consumption of grains and other carbohydrates was low due to the high cost of their import.2 It has been estimated that the …
Published:
November 1, 2017
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