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Title:
Sickening Sweet
Authors:
Abstract:
Thomas Willis pensively sipped from his glass. It was sweet, even a little delicious. In 1674 the Oxford University physician was far from the first doctor to taste urine, but he was the first Western doctor we know of to connect the sweetness of urine to the condition of its owner, a person suffering the effects of diabetes.
Published:
December 7, 2015
Title:
Clinical impact of human breast milk metabolomics
Authors:
Cesare Marincola, Flaminia; Dessì, Angelica; Corbu, Sara; Reali, Alessandra; Fanos, Vassilios
Abstract:
Metabolomics is a research field concerned with the analysis of metabolome, the complete set of metabolites in a given cell, tissue, or biological sample. Being able to provide a molecular snapshot of biological systems, metabolomics has emerged as a functional methodology in a wide range of research areas such as toxicology, pharmacology, food technology, nutrition, microbial biotechnology, systems biology, and plant biotechnology. In this review, we emphasize the applications of metabolomics in investigating the human breast milk (HBM) metabolome. HBM is the recommended source of nutrition for infants since it contains the optimal balance of nutrients for developing babies, and it provides a range of benefits for growth, immunity, and development. The molecular mechanisms beyond the inter- and intra-variability of HBM that make its composition unique are yet to be well-characterized. Although still in its infancy, the study of HBM metabolome has already proven itself to be of great value in providing insights into this biochemical variability in relation to mother phenotype, diet, disease, and lifestyle. The results of these investigations lay the foundation for further developments useful to identify normal and aberrant biochemical changes as well as to develop strategies to promote healthy infant feeding practices.
Published:
December 6, 2015
Title:
Metabolomics-Based Analysis of Banana and Pear Ingestion on Exercise Performance and Recovery
Authors:
Nieman, David C.; Gillitt, Nicholas D.; Sha, Wei; Meaney, Mary Pat; John, Casey; Pappan, Kirk L.; Kinchen, Jason M.
Abstract:
Bananas and pears vary in sugar and phenolic profiles, and metabolomics was utilized to measure their influence on exercise performance and recovery. Male athletes (N = 20) cycled for 75 km while consuming water (WATER), bananas (BAN), or pears (PEAR) (0.6 g carbohydrate/kg each hour) in randomized order. UPLC-MS/MS and the library of purified standards maintained by Metabolon (Durham, NC) were used to analyze metabolite shifts in pre- and postexercise (0-h, 1.5-h, 21-h) blood samples. Performance times were 5.0% and 3.3% faster during BAN and PEAR versus WATER (P = 0.018 and P = 0.091, respectively), with reductions in cortisol, IL-10, and total leukocytes, and increases in blood glucose, insulin, and FRAP. Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) showed a distinct separation between trials immediately (R(2)Y = 0.877, Q(2)Y = 0.457) and 1.5-h postexercise (R(2)Y = 0.773, Q(2)Y = 0.441). A total of 107 metabolites (primarily lipid-related) increased more than 2-fold during WATER, with a 48% and 52% reduction in magnitude during BAN and PEAR recovery (P
Published:
December 3, 2015
Title:
Non-Coding RNAs in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Regulation of Androgen Receptor Signaling and Cancer Metabolism
Authors:
Shih, Jing-Wen; Wang, Ling-Yu; Hung, Chiu-Lien; Kung, Hsing-Jien; Hsieh, Chia-Ling
Abstract:
Hormone-refractory prostate cancer frequently relapses from therapy and inevitably progresses to a bone-metastatic status with no cure. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms conferring resistance to androgen deprivation therapy has the potential to lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for type of prostate cancer with poor prognosis. Progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is characterized by aberrant androgen receptor (AR) expression and persistent AR signaling activity. Alterations in metabolic activity regulated by oncogenic pathways, such as c-Myc, were found to promote prostate cancer growth during the development of CRPC. Non-coding RNAs represent a diverse family of regulatory transcripts that drive tumorigenesis of prostate cancer and various other cancers by their hyperactivity or diminished function. A number of studies have examined differentially expressed non-coding RNAs in each stage of prostate cancer. Herein, we highlight the emerging impacts of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs linked to reactivation of the AR signaling axis and reprogramming of the cellular metabolism in prostate cancer. The translational implications of non-coding RNA research for developing new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for CRPC are also discussed.
Published:
December 3, 2015
Title:
Where is the Evo in Evo-Devo (Evolutionary Developmental Biology)
Authors:
Diogo, Rui
Abstract:
I provide a brief discussion of the present/future of Evo-Devo, reviewing opinions expressed by colleagues with different opinions/backgrounds about what Evo-Devo should be and the potential of this flourishing field and combining them with an analysis of the recent, and excellent inaugural meeting of the Pan-American Society for Evo-Devo. As an advocate of Evo-Devo and its enormous future potential, I feel that despite our different views and fields of research, we Evo-Devoists are all in the same boat and should try our best to make sure this potential is fully expressed. Therefore, I call attention to some concerns raised by other colleagues, which in my opinion are demonstrated by a quantitative analysis of the titles/abstracts of the 56 talks at this meeting. This analysis is very simple, in order to maintain the needed objectivity and minimize bias. Yet, it is profound in its implications, precisely because of its simplicity and because this meeting is clearly a major landmark for the development/future directions of Evo-Devo. The analysis shows that terms associated with development at the more molecular/genetic level were vastly overrepresented compared to terms related to evolution or to development at the whole organism level. That is, it provides support for the idea that current Evo-Devo is mainly focused on Devo, and that Devo itself is largely focused on "Geno," that is, on molecular/genetic developmental studies. This trend seems to be leading towards a loss of focus on the whole organism and on the major microevolutionary and macroevolutionary questions/theories that remain to be solved/tested. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 9999B:XX-XX, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Published:
December 1, 2015
Title:
Baking Geophytes and Tracking Microfossils: Taphonomic Implications for Earth-Oven and Paleodietary Research
Authors:
Thoms, Alston V.; Laurence, Andrew R.; Short, Laura; Kamiya, Masahiro
Abstract:
Archaeologically oriented starch-granule and other plant-food microfossil research contribute to human subsistence studies primarily through analysis of residue adhering to plant processing tools. Lit
Published:
November 30, 2015
Title:
Biodiversity conservation: The key is reducing meat consumption
Authors:
Machovina, Brian; Feeley, Kenneth J.; Ripple, William J.
Abstract:
The consumption of animal-sourced food products by humans is one of the most powerful negative forces affecting the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biological diversity. Livestock production is the single largest driver of habitat loss, and both livestock and feedstock production are increasing in developing tropical countries where the majority of biological diversity resides. Bushmeat consumption in Africa and southeastern Asia, as well as the high growth-rate of per capita livestock consumption in China are of special concern. The projected land base required by 2050 to support livestock production in several megadiverse countries exceeds 30-50% of their current agricultural areas. Livestock production is also a leading cause of climate change, soil loss, water and nutrient pollution, and decreases of apex predators and wild herbivores, compounding pressures on ecosystems and biodiversity. It is possible to greatly reduce the impacts of animal product consumption by humans on natural ecosystems and biodiversity while meeting nutritional needs of people, including the projected 2-3 billion people to be added to human population. We suggest that impacts can be remediated through several solutions: (1) reducing demand for animal-based food products and increasing proportions of plant-based foods in diets, the latter ideally to a global average of 90% of food consumed; (2) replacing ecologically-inefficient ruminants (e.g. cattle, goats, sheep) and bushmeat with monogastrics (e.g. poultry, pigs), integrated aquaculture, and other more-efficient protein sources; and (3) reintegrating livestock production away from single-product, intensive, fossil-fuel based systems into diverse, coupled systems designed more closely around the structure and functions of ecosystems that conserve energy and nutrients. Such efforts would also impart positive impacts on human health through reduction of diseases of nutritional extravagance.
Published:
November 30, 2015
Title:
Elemental changes in the hippocampal formation following two different formulas of ketogenic diet: an X-ray fluorescence microscopy study
Authors:
Chwiej, J.; Patulska, A.; Skoczen, A.; Janeczko, K.; Ciarach, M.; Simon, R.; Setkowicz, Z.
Abstract:
The main purpose of the following study was the determination of elemental changes occurring within hippocampal formation as a result of high-fat and carbohydrate-restricted ketogenic diet (KD). To realize it, X-ray fluorescence microscopy was applied for topographic and quantitative analysis of P, S, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se in hippocampal formations taken from rats fed with two different KDs and naive controls. The detailed comparisons were done for sectors 1 and 3 of the Ammon’s, the dentate gyrus and hilus of dentate gyrus. The results of elemental analysis showed that the KDs induced statistically significant changes in the accumulation of P, K, Ca, Zn and Se in particular areas of hippocampal formation and these alterations strongly depended on the composition of the diets. Much greater influence on the hippocampal areal densities of examined elements was found for the KD which was characterized by a lower content of carbohydrates, higher content of fats and increased proportion of unsaturated fatty acids. The levels of P, K and Zn decreased whilst those of Ca and Se increased as a result of the treatment with the KDs.
Published:
November 30, 2015
Title:
The larger mammal fauna from the Lower Paleolithic Schöningen Spear site and its contribution to hominin subsistence
Authors:
Van Kolfschoten, Thijs; Buhrs, Elfi; Verheijen, Ivo
Abstract:
The locality Schöningen (Germany) is an important source of knowledge about Lower Paleolithic hominin subsistence. The locality includes a series of sites dated to the late Middle Pleistocene with a Holsteinian (MIS 11) and Reinsdorf Interglacial (MIS 9) age. One of the youngest sites is Schöningen 13 II-4, the Spear Horizon site also known as the Horse Butchery site. The organic remains excavated here are exceptionally well-preserved as they were embedded in anaerobic, waterlogged sediments in an area where the groundwater is rich in calcium carbonate. The fossil assemblage is ideal for the study of patterns in hominin interference with the mammalian species encountered at the site. The vertebrate record is extensive and very diverse. The fossil larger carnivore guild of the Spear Horizon faunal assemblage includes saber-toothed cat, fox, and wolf. Herbivores are represented by an elephant species, two equid species, two rhinoceros species, two cervid species, and two large bovid species. Evidence of hominin interference presents itself as either marks on skeletal remains related to the use of bones as knapping tools or hammers, or as marks that indicate butchering activities such as skinning, dismembering, defleshing, filleting, and marrow extraction. The humerus of the saber-toothed cat clearly shows that the bone has been used as a knapping tool. The fossil remains of the other larger carnivores do not show any signs of hominin interference or exploitation. This also applies to the limited number of elephant and rhinoceros remains found at the site. The large horse Equus mosbachensis dominates the larger mammal record and played a major role in hominin subsistence. Marks on the horse bones indicate that a large number of carcasses have been butchered. Traces on the fossil remains of both red deer (Cervus elaphus) and the large bovids also indicate exploitation by Lower Paleolithic hominins.
Published:
November 30, 2015
Title:
Personalized Nutrition by Prediction of Glycemic Responses
Authors:
Zeevi, David; Korem, Tal; Zmora, Niv; Israeli, David; Rothschild, Daphna; Weinberger, Adina; Ben-Yacov, Orly; Lador, Dar; Avnit-Sagi, Tali; Lotan-Pompan, Maya; Suez, Jotham; Mahdi, Jemal Ali; Matot, Elad; Malka, Gal; Kosower, Noa; Rein, Michal; Zilberman-Schapira, Gili; Dohnalová, Lenka; Pevsner-Fischer, Meirav; Bikovsky, Rony; Halpern, Zamir; Elinav, Eran; Segal, Eran
Abstract:
Published:
November 18, 2015
Title:
Comparative validity of vitamin C and carotenoids as indicators of fruit and vegetable intake: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors:
Pennant, Mary; Steur, Marinka; Moore, Carmel; Butterworth, Adam; Johnson, Laura
Abstract:
Circulating vitamin C and carotenoids are used as biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake in research, but their comparative validity has never been meta-analysed. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL and Web of Science were systematically searched up to December 2013 for randomised trials of different amounts of fruit and vegetable provision on changes in blood concentrations of carotenoids or vitamin C. Reporting followed PRISMA guidelines. Evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE system. Random effects meta-analysis combined estimates and meta-regression tested for sub-group differences. In all, nineteen fruit and vegetable trials (n 1382) measured at least one biomarker, of which nine (n 667) included five common carotenoids and vitamin C. Evidence quality was low and between-trial heterogeneity (I 2) ranged from 74% for vitamin C to 94 % for α-carotene. Groups provided with more fruit and vegetables had increased blood concentrations of vitamin C, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lutein but not lycopene. However, no clear dose-response effect was observed. Vitamin C showed the largest between-group difference in standardised mean change from the pre-intervention to the post-intervention period (smd 0·94; 95% CI 0·66, 1·22), followed by lutein (smd 0·70; 95% CI 0·37, 1·03) and α-carotene (smd 0·63; 95% CI 0·25, 1·01), but all CI were overlapping, suggesting that none of the biomarkers responded more than the others. Therefore, until further evidence identifies a particular biomarker to be superior, group-level compliance to fruit and vegetable interventions can be indicated equally well by vitamin C or a range of carotenoids. High heterogeneity and a lack of dose-response suggest that individual-level biomarker responses to fruit and vegetables are highly variable.
Published:
November 13, 2015
Title:
Creating a Pilot Educational Psychiatry Website: Opportunities, Barriers, and Next Steps
Authors:
Torous, John; O'Connor, Ryan; Franzen, Jamie; Snow, Caitlin; Boland, Robert; Kitts, Robert
Abstract:
Background: While medical students and residents may be utilizing websites as online learning resources, medical trainees and educators now have the opportunity to create such educational websites and digital tools on their own. However, the process and theory of building educational websites for medical education have not yet been fully explored. Objective: To understand the opportunities, barriers, and process of creating a novel medical educational website. Methods: We created a pilot psychiatric educational website to better understand the options, opportunities, challenges, and processes involved in the creation of a psychiatric educational website. We sought to integrate visual and interactive Web design elements to underscore the potential of such Web technology. Results: A pilot website (PsychOnCall) was created to demonstrate the potential of Web technology in medical and psychiatric education. Conclusions: Creating an educational website is now technically easier than ever before, and the primary challenge no longer is technology but rather the creation, validation, and maintenance of information for such websites as well as translating text-based didactics into visual and interactive tools. Medical educators can influence the design and implementation of online educational resources through creating their own websites and engaging medical students and residents in the process.
Published:
November 4, 2015
Title:
Ketoacidosis in a non-diabetic woman who was fasting during lactation
Authors:
Hudak, Sarah K.; Overkamp, Dietrich; Wagner, Robert; Häring, Hans-Ulrich; Heni, Martin
Abstract:
Ketoacidosis is a potential complication of type 1 diabetes. Severe ketoacidosis with a blood pH below 7.0 is only rarely seen in other diseases.Three weeks after delivery, a young woman was admitted because of tachypnoe and tachycardia. Blood gas analysis showed a severe metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap. Further workup revealed the presence of ketone bodies in the urine with normal blood glucose and no history of diabetes. The patient reported that she had not eaten for days because of abdominal pain. After initial treatment in the ICU and immediate re-feeding, the patient's condition rapidly improved.While under normal circumstances fasting causes at most only mild acidosis, it can be dangerous during lactation. Prolonged fasting in combination with different forms of stress puts breast feeding women at risk for starvation ketoacidosis and should therefore be avoided.
Published:
November 3, 2015
Title:
Faunas from Atapuerca at the Early-Middle Pleistocene limit: The ungulates from level TD8 in the context of climatic change
Authors:
van der Made, Jan; Rosell Ardèvol, Jordi; Blasco, Ruth
Abstract:
An extraordinary sequence of fossiliferous levels at the locality of Gran Dolina in the Atapuerca Hills (Burgos, Spain) records the Early–Middle Pleistocene transition. These levels are well dated by a variety of methods, including palaeomagnetism, which locates Lower–Middle Pleistocene boundary at the top of level TD7. Level TD6 is the type site of the species Homo antecessor and yielded over 90% of the European Early Pleistocene human record, while other levels have an archaeological record. The present paper deals with the earliest Middle Pleistocene ungulates of TD8, but we plan to describe the faunas, or at least the ungulates, of levels TD4 to TD8 in the context of the faunal changes that took place around the Early–Middle Pleistocene transition.
Published:
October 31, 2015
Title:
Lipid transport in cholecystokinin knockout mice
Authors:
King, Alexandra; Yang, Qing; Huesman, Sarah; Rider, Therese; Lo, Chunmin C
Abstract:
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is released in response to lipid feeding and regulates pancreatic digestive enzymes vital to the absorption of nutrients. Our previous reports demonstrated that cholecystokinin knockout (CCK-KO) mice fed a 10 weeks of HFD had reduced body fat mass, but comparable glucose uptake by white adipose tissues and skeletal muscles. We hypothesized that CCK is involved in energy homeostasis and lipid transport from small intestine to tissues in response to acute treatment with dietary lipids. CCK-KO mice with comparable fat absorption had increased energy expenditure and were resistant to HFD-induced obesity. Using intraduodenal infusion of butter fat and intravenous infusion using Liposyn III, we determined the mechanism of lipid transport from small intestine to deposition in lymph and adipocytes in CCK-KO mice. CCK-KO mice had delayed secretion of Apo B48-chylomicrons, lipid transport to the lymphatic system, and triglyceride (TG)-derived fatty acid uptake by epididymal fat in response to acute treatment of introdudenal lipids. In contrast, CCK-KO mice had comparable TG clearance and lipid uptake by white adipocytes in response to TG in chylomicron-like emulsion. Thus, we concluded that CCK is important for lipid transport and energy expenditure to control body weight in response to dietary lipid feeding.
Published:
October 31, 2015
Title:
Western-style diet induces insulin insensitivity and hyperactivity in adolescent male rats
Authors:
Marwitz, Shannon E.; Woodie, Lauren N.; Blythe, Sarah N.
Abstract:
The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has increased rapidly over the past 30 years, as has the incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In 2012, it was found that overweight children have a twofold higher chance of developing ADHD than their normal weight counterparts. Previous work has documented learning and memory impairments linked to consumption of an energy-dense diet in rats, but the relationship between diet and ADHD-like behaviors has yet to be explored using animal models. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the role of diet in the etiology of attention and hyperactivity disorders using a rat model of diet-induced obesity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control diet or a Western-style diet (WSD) for ten weeks, and specific physiological and behavioral effects were examined. Tail blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in order to assess insulin insensitivity. Rats also performed several behavioral tasks, including the open field task, novel object recognition test, and attentional set-shifting task. Rats exposed to a WSD had significantly higher fasting insulin levels than controls, but both groups had similar glucose levels. The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) indicated the development of insulin resistance in WSD rats. Performance in the open field test indicated that WSD induced pronounced hyperactivity and impulsivity. Further, control diet animals were able to discriminate between old and novel objects, but the WSD animals were significantly impaired in object recognition. However, regardless of dietary condition, rats were able to perform the attentional set-shifting paradigm. While WSD impaired episodic memory and induced hyperactivity, attentional set-shifting capabilities are unaffected. With the increasing prevalence of both obesity and ADHD, understanding the potential links between the two conditions is of clinical relevance.
Published:
October 31, 2015
Title:
Cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons of metabolic profiles between vegetarian and non-vegetarian subjects: a matched cohort study
Authors:
Chiu, Yen-Feng; Hsu, Chih-Cheng; Chiu, Tina H. T.; Lee, Chun-Yi; Liu, Ting-Ting; Tsao, Chwen Keng; Chuang, Su-Chun; Hsiung, Chao A.
Abstract:
Several previous cross-sectional studies have shown that vegetarians have a better metabolic profile than non-vegetarians, suggesting that a vegetarian dietary pattern may help prevent chronic degenerative diseases. However, longitudinal studies on the impact of vegetarian diets on metabolic traits are scarce. We studied how several sub-types of vegetarian diets affect metabolic traits, including waist circumference, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL, TAG and TC:HDL ratio, through both cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs. The study used the MJ Health Screening database, with data collected from 1994 to 2008 in Taiwan, which included 4415 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 1855 lacto-vegetarians and 1913 vegans; each vegetarian was matched with five non-vegetarians based on age, sex and study site. In the longitudinal follow-up, each additional year of vegan diet lowered the risk of obesity by 7 % (95 % CI 0·88, 0·99), whereas each additional year of lacto-vegetarian diet lowered the risk of elevated SBP by 8 % (95 % CI 0·85, 0·99) and elevated glucose by 7 % (95 % CI 0·87, 0·99), and each additional year of ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet increased abnormal HDL by 7 % (95 % CI 1·03, 1·12), compared with non-vegetarians. In the cross-sectional comparisons, all sub-types of vegetarians had lower likelihoods of abnormalities compared with non-vegetarians on all metabolic traits (P
Published:
October 27, 2015
Title:
Effects of Vegetarian Diets on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors:
Wang, Fenglei; Zheng, Jusheng; Yang, Bo; Jiang, Jiajing; Fu, Yuanqing; Li, Duo
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Vegetarian diets exclude all animal flesh and are being widely adopted by an increasing number of people; however, effects on blood lipid concentrations remain unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively assess the overall effects of vegetarian diets on blood lipids. METHODS AND RESULTS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library through March 2015. Studies were included if they described the effectiveness of vegetarian diets on blood lipids (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride). Weighted mean effect sizes were calculated for net changes by using a random-effects model. We performed subgroup and univariate meta-regression analyses to explore sources of heterogeneity. Eleven trials were included in the meta-analysis. Vegetarian diets significantly lowered blood concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the pooled estimated changes were -0.36 mmol/L (95% CI -0.55 to -0.17; P<0.001), -0.34 mmol/L (95% CI -0.57 to -0.11; P<0.001), -0.10 mmol/L (95% CI -0.14 to -0.06; P
Published:
October 26, 2015
Title:
Milk and dairy consumption correlates with cerebral cortical as well as cerebral white matter volume in healthy young adults
Authors:
Gergely, Darnai; Plózer, Enikő; Perlaki, Gabor; Orsi, Gergely; Nagy, Szilvia; Horvath, Reka; Schwarcz, Attila; Kovács, Norbert; Altbacker, Anna; Janszky, József; Clemens, Zsofia
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between habitual milk and dairy consumption and brain morphology as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations in 119 young healthy university students. MRI measurements were performed on a Siemens Magnetom Trio Tim (3T) system while FreeSurfer software suite was used for volumetric segmentation. Dietary habits related to milk and dairy consumption were assessed by a structured questionnaire. Total cerebral cortex, total cerebral white matter, and total cerebral parenchyma were significantly related with cottage cheese and total protein intake from milk and dairy also when controlled for age and gender in the multivariate model. Our results indicate that dietary habits related with milk and dairy are proportionally associated with volumes of both cerebral cortex and cerebral white matter.
Published:
October 4, 2015
Title:
Assessing the relationship between neighborhood factors and diabetes related health outcomes and self-care behaviors
Authors:
Smalls, Brittany L.; Gregory, Chris M.; Zoller, James S.; Egede, Leonard E.
Abstract:
Studies have shown that community and neighborhood characteristics can impact health outcomes of those with chronic illness, including T2DM. Factors, such as crime, violence, and lack of resources have been shown to be barriers to optimal health outcomes in diabetes. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the effects of neighborhood factors on diabetes-related health outcomes and self-care behaviors.
Published:
September 30, 2015
Title:
Brain Beat: Scientific Foundations and Evolutionary Perspectives of Brain Health
Authors:
PhD, Michael Hoffmann MD
Abstract:
Brain Beat: A Scientific and Evolutionary Perspective of Brain Health examines the origins of the pillars of brain health, expounding the current scientific basis for recommending physical exercise, cognitive exercises, sleep hygiene, socialization and brain-foods. However in addition to the “how” question, the more important “why” question is addressed from a neuro-archeological and evolutionary standpoint. The clinical and laboratory brain sciences are replete with ever increasing numbers of publications about brain plasticity and the powerful aspects of preventative medicine. Once dismissed as non-existent, we now know that brain plasticity and “brain building” occurs on a daily basis. Why did physical exercise evolve to produce new brain cells and connections and how and why did we become “born runners” and become “wired to run”? Why an important function of sleep is the pruning the brain’s connections made during the day and why are diverse diets associated with good health in differing traditional human societies? Why is socialization protective against dementia and cardiovascular disease? New scientific, evolutionary and anthropological research is presented on how these processes were ingrained into our brain circuitry and linked to appropriate reward mechanisms, some of which have resulted in “mismatch diseases” today. Disparate disciplines such as geology, climatology and astrophysics give insights as to how our body, brain and mind were forged by “fire and ice”. With a better understanding of how we evolved, comes improved adherence and compliance to healthy living proclivities. “In this clearly written book Dr. Michael Hoffman, an outstanding behavioral neurologist, describes the evolution of the human brain. This knowledge of evolution allows the reader to better understand the brain’s function, as well as the means by which we older people can help preserve this penultimate gift of nature.” Kenneth M. Heilman MD, FAAN The James E. Rooks Jr. Distinguished Professor Department of Neurology University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville, FL. 32610 "This intriguing book by Dr. Michael Hoffmann is full of interesting points about the connections across our brain, behavior and the world we inhabit. He combines evolutionary concepts with history, philosophy, science and medicine. Everything is connected and his innovative concepts can help us explain the intersection between environment and our brain, and motivate the reader to take better control of their own brain health." Ralph L. Sacco MD MS FAHA FAAN Professor and Olemberg Chair of Neurology Executive Director McKnight Brain Institute Chief of Neurology Jackson Memorial Hospital Miller School of Medicine University of Miami BRAIN BEAT is a scholarly and exceptionally lucid presentation of Neuroarcheology and brain health. It is also a good read. What I find most useful is the gradual and fascinating exposition of how present-day individuals have evolved from earliest origins to the point where we are changing ourselves through what is now called cultural Neuroarcheology. The explanations of biological, neurological, and psychological specifics provide the beginner with a solid scientific background, and the professional with a new way to think. Lucid, scholarly, and a fascinating read, BRAIN BEAT will provide you with both the basics and advanced aspects of Neuroarcheology and how it relates to brain health. This integrative new field brings the sciences and social sciences into a new theoretical and practical integration. Dr. Hoffman makes Neuroarcheology understandable to the lay public, while simultaneously challenging us professionals to “think different.” If you are serious about life, don’t miss this important book. In short, this book is outstanding. Allen E. Ivey, Ed.D., ABPP Distinguished University Professor (Emeritus) University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Published:
September 30, 2015
Title:
Use of Animal Fat as a Symbol of Health in Traditional societies Suggests Humans may be Well Adapted to its Consumption
Authors:
Ben-Dor, Miki
Abstract:
Abstract Background and objectives: Recommendations to limit the dietary consumption of saturated fat have been adopted by public health organizations in most countries. However, recent scientific studies and reviews have questioned the alleged negative health claims regarding saturated fat. This research aims to provide a historical, evolutionary point of view to the debate through a short review of evidence for animal fat consumption by Paleolithic and recent traditional societies, and the discernment of how recent traditional societies perceived animal fat in terms of health and other lifestyle aspects. Methodology: Literature review of the importance of animal fat's dietary consumption in prehistoric and recent traditional societies and scanning of ethnographic records for symbolic use of animal fat in rituals, linguistics and mythology. The contexts of such cultural expressions provide us with the peoples' perception of the analogues quality that animal fat imparts in its use as a symbol. Results: Collection of 200 cases from culturally and geographically diverse traditional societies, reveals that in all three expression forms, there appears to be a clear tendency to associate animal fat with extremely positive meanings like "fertility", "sacredness", "wealth", "health", and even " a source of creation" and life itself. Conclusion: In line with evidence for the importance of dietary animal fat in prehistoric and traditional societies, the studied traditional societies perceived animal fat as a vital component of their diet and a profound source of health rather than an impediment to health as it is presented in many dietary recommendations today.
Published:
September 30, 2015
Title:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and oxidative stress: A short term follow up study
Authors:
Guney, Esra; Cetin, Fatih Hilmi; Alisik, Murat; Tunca, Huseyin; Tas Torun, Yasemin; Iseri, Elvan; Isik Taner, Yasemen; Cayci, Banu; Erel, Ozcan
Abstract:
In this study, we aimed to investigate total antioxidative status (TAS) and total oxidative status (TOS) of plasma and antioxidant enzymes such as paraoxonase (PON), stimulated paraoxonase (SPON), arylesterase (ARES) and thiols in plasma of children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In the second step. this study aimed to reveal the possible effects of ADHD treatment on these parameters. Fifty-six patients with ADHD and 52 healthy controls were involved in this study. Venous blood samples were collected and oxidative and antioxidative parameter's were studied. In the second phase of the study, blood samples were taken from patients using medication. Pre-treatment oxidative stress index (OSI) values and the plasma TOS levels of the patients with ADHD were statistically higher than those of the control group. The plasma thiol levels of the patients with ADHD were significantly lower than the control group. The post-treatment plasma antioxidative parameter's levels were significantly higher than the pre-treatment levels. The post-treatment oxidative stress index value was significantly lower than the pre-treatment value. Therefore, oxidative metabolism was found to be impaired in children and adolescents with ADHD. It was also determined that methylphenidate repairs the oxidative balance by increasing antioxidant defence mechanisms.
Published:
September 29, 2015
Title:
Weight loss does not lower heart disease risk from type 2 diabetes
Authors:
Abstract:
Intervention stopped early in NIH-funded study of weight loss in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes after finding no harm, but no cardiovascular benefits
Published:
September 27, 2015
Title:
Cervus elaphus & Equus ferus: Are they a good proxy to infer seasonality at Teixoneres cave?
Authors:
Sánchez-Hernández, Carlos; Rivals, Florent; Blasco, Ruth; Rosell Ardèvol, Jordi
Abstract:
Neanderthal behavioural patterns are influenced by numerous factors, including the stability of the resources to which they have access. Therefore the habits of their prey influence directly their behavioural patterns. Cervus elaphus and Equus ferus are frequent in the archaeological record of Teixoneres cave, consequently they are taken as references in the study. Two non-destructive dental wear techniques (meso- and microwear) are applied in this study in order to obtain information about the immediate behaviour of these ungulates. Both techniques are based on the assumption of changes in the resources consumed through time, using two different timescales. The presence or absence of differences in dietary traits observed using the two methods are due to the different timescales and are informative about the behavioural strategies of each species. We obtain information about the resources consumed at the time of death. As a result we understand that a good proxy to infer seasonality of human occupations will be the taxa that show variation in the results from the two methods. As the diet is changing along the year, it is possible to infer the existence (or not) of seasonality in the animal’s death.
Published:
September 23, 2015
Title:
Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy
Authors:
Gröber, Uwe; Schmidt, Joachim; Kisters, Klaus
Abstract:
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It has been recognized as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, where it is crucial for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism. Magnesium is required for DNA and RNA synthesis, reproduction, and protein synthesis. Moreover, magnesium is essential for the regulation of muscular contraction, blood pressure, insulin metabolism, cardiac excitability, vasomotor tone, nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction. Imbalances in magnesium status-primarily hypomagnesemia as it is seen more common than hypermagnesemia-might result in unwanted neuromuscular, cardiac or nervous disorders. Based on magnesium's many functions within the human body, it plays an important role in prevention and treatment of many diseases. Low levels of magnesium have been associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke), migraine headaches, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Published:
September 22, 2015
Title:
‘Obesity’ is healthy for cetaceans? Evidence from pervasive positive selection in genes related to triacylglycerol metabolism
Authors:
Wang, Zhengfei; Chen, Zhuo; Xu, Shixia; Ren, Wenhua; Zhou, Kaiya; Yang, Guang
Abstract:
Cetaceans are a group of secondarily adapted marine mammals with an enigmatic history of transition from terrestrial to fully aquatic habitat and subsequent adaptive radiation in waters around the world. Numerous physiological and morphological cetacean characteristics have been acquired in response to this drastic habitat transition; for example, the thickened blubber is one of the most striking changes that increases their buoyancy, supports locomotion and provides thermal insulation. However, the genetic basis underlying the blubber thickening in cetaceans remains poorly explored. Here, 88 candidate genes associated with triacylglycerol metabolism were investigated in representative cetaceans and other mammals to test whether the thickened blubber matched adaptive evolution of triacylglycerol metabolism-related genes. Positive selection was detected in 41 of the 88 candidate genes and functional characterization of these genes indicated that these are involved mainly in triacylglycerol synthesis and lipolysis processes. In addition, some essential regulatory genes underwent significant positive selection in cetacean-specific lineages, whereas no selection signal was detected in the counterpart terrestrial mammals. The extensive occurrence of positive selection in triacylglycerol metabolism-related genes is suggestive of their essential role in secondary adaptation to an aquatic life and further implying that ‘obesity’ might be an indicator of good health for cetaceans.
Published:
September 17, 2015
Title:
Dietary Sources of Vitamin B-12 and Their Association with Vitamin B-12 Status Markers in Healthy Older Adults in the B-PROOF Study
Authors:
Brouwer-Brolsma, Elske M.; Dhonukshe-Rutten, Rosalie A. M.; van Wijngaarden, Janneke P.; Zwaluw, Nikita L. van der; Velde, Nathalie van der; de Groot, Lisette C. P. G. M.
Abstract:
Low vitamin B-12 concentrations are frequently observed among older adults. Malabsorption is hypothesized to be an important cause of vitamin B-12 inadequacy, but serum vitamin B-12 may also be differently affected by vitamin B-12 intake depending on food source. We examined associations between dietary sources of vitamin B-12 (meat, fish and shellfish, eggs, dairy) and serum vitamin B-12, using cross-sectional data of 600 Dutch community-dwelling adults (≥65 years). Dietary intake was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Vitamin B-12 concentrations were measured in serum. Associations were studied over tertiles of vitamin B-12 intake using P for trend, by calculating prevalence ratios (PRs), and splines. Whereas men had significantly higher vitamin B-12 intakes than women (median (25th-75th percentile): 4.18 (3.29-5.38) versus 3.47 (2.64-4.40) μg/day), serum vitamin B-12 did not differ between the two sexes (mean ± standard deviation (SD): 275 ± 104 pmol/L versus 290 ± 113 pmol/L). Higher intakes of dairy, meat, and fish and shellfish were significantly associated with higher serum vitamin B-12 concentrations, where meat and dairy-predominantly milk were the most potent sources. Egg intake did not significantly contribute to higher serum vitamin B-12 concentrations. Thus, dairy and meat were the most important contributors to serum vitamin B-12, followed by fish and shellfish.
Published:
September 13, 2015
Title:
Phosphorylation and inactivation of PTEN at residues Ser380/Thr382/383 induced by Helicobacter pylori promotes gastric epithelial cell survival through PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors:
Yang, Zhen; Xie, Chuan; Xu, Wenting; Liu, Gongmeizi; Cao, Ximei; Li, Wei; Chen, Jiang; Zhu, Yin; Luo, Shiwen; Luo, Zhijun; Lu, Nonghua
Abstract:
Phosphorylation of PTEN at residues Ser380/Thr382/383 leads to loss of phosphatase activity and tumor suppressor function. Here, we found that phosphorylation of PTEN at residues Ser380/Thr382/383 was increased with gastric carcinogenesis, and more importantly, Helicobacter pylori was a trigger of this modification in chronic non-atrophic gastritis. H. pylori could phosphorylate and inactivate PTEN in vivo and in vitro, resulting in survival of gastric epithelial cells. Furthermore, stable expression of dominant-negative mutant PTEN or inhibition of Akt prevented the enhanced survival induced by H. pylori. These results indicate that PTEN phosphorylation at residues Ser380/Thr382/383 is a novel mechanism of PTEN inactivation in gastric carcinogenesis, and H. pylori triggers this modification, resulting in activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and promotion of cell survival.
Published:
September 9, 2015
Title:
Patterns of Obesity and Lymph Fluid Level during the First Year of Breast Cancer Treatment: A Prospective Study
Authors:
Fu, Mei; Axelrod, Deborah; Guth, Amber; Fletcher, Jason; Qiu, Jeanna; Scagliola, Joan; Kleinman, Robin; Ryan, Caitlin; Chan, Nicholas; Haber, Judith
Abstract:
Published:
September 2, 2015
Title:
A continental narrative: Human settlement patterns and Australian climate change over the last 35,000 years
Authors:
Williams, Alan N.; Veth, Peter; Steffen, Will; Ulm, Sean; Turney, Chris S. M.; Reeves, Jessica M.; Phipps, Steven J.; Smith, Mike
Abstract:
Drawing on the recent synthesis of Australian palaeoclimate by the OZ-INTIMATE group (Reeves et al., 2013a), we consider the effects of climate systems on past human settlement patterns and inferred demography. We use 5044 radiocarbon dates from ∼1750 archaeological sites to develop regional time-series curves for different regions defined in the OZ-INTIMATE compilation as the temperate, tropics, interior and Southern Ocean sectors to explore human–climate relationships in Australia over the last 35,000 years. Correlations undertaken with improved palaeoclimatic data and archaeological records indicate that the regional time-series curves are robust, and can be used as a proxy for human behaviour. However, interrogation of the datasets is essential with artificial peaks and taphonomic over-correction being critical considerations. The time-series curves are interpreted as reflecting population growth, stasis and even decline in phase with terminal Pleistocene/early Holocene climatic fluctuations. This coupling, however, decreases during the last 5000 years, most likely due to increased population levels, greater territoriality, technological solutions to stress, and social and ideational innovation. Curves from all sectors show exponential population growth over the last 5000 years. We identify future research priorities, highlighting the paucity of archaeological records across several parts of Australia (<1 dated site/4,000 km2), especially around the fringes of the arid zone, and the need for improved taphonomic correction techniques. Finally, we discuss how these time-series curves represent a first-order framework, not dissimilar to global climate models, which researchers can continue to test and refine with local, regional and continental records.
Published:
August 31, 2015
Title:
Induction of Colon Cancer in Mice with 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine
Authors:
Gurley, Kay E.; Moser, Russell D.; Kemp, Christopher J.
Abstract:
In this protocol, colon cancer is induced in mice through a series of injections with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Mice will develop primarily colon tumors starting at about 3 mo after the first injection. Tumors in the lung, uterus, and small intestine may also be seen, as well as lymphomas.
Published:
August 31, 2015
Title:
Relationship between muscle water and glycogen recovery after prolonged exercise in the heat in humans
Authors:
Fernández-Elías, Valentín E.; Ortega, Juan F.; Nelson, Rachael K.; Mora-Rodriguez, Ricardo
Abstract:
PurposeIt is usually stated that glycogen is stored in human muscle bound to water in a proportion of 1:3 g. We investigated this proportion in biopsy samples during recovery from prolonged exercise.MethodsOn two occasions, nine aerobically trained subjects (V˙O2maxV˙O2max\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} } = 54.4 ± 1.05 mL kg−1 min−1; mean ± SD) dehydrated 4.6 ± 0.2 % by cycling 150 min at 65 % V˙O2maxV˙O2max\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\hbox{max} } in a hot-dry environment (33 ± 4 °C). One hour after exercise subjects ingested 250 g of carbohydrates in 400 mL of water (REHLOW) or the same syrup plus water to match fluid losses (i.e., 3170 ± 190 mL; REHFULL). Muscle biopsies were obtained before, 1 and 4 h after exercise.ResultsIn both trials muscle water decreased from pre-exercise similarly by 13 ± 6 % and muscle glycogen by 44 ± 10 % (P < 0.05). After recovery, glycogen levels were similar in both trials (79 ± 15 and 87 ± 18 g kg−1 dry muscle; P = 0.20) while muscle water content was higher in REHFULL than in REHLOW (3814 ± 222 vs. 3459 ± 324 g kg−1 dm, respectively; P
Published:
August 31, 2015
Title:
Palaeoenvironmental research at Rexidora Cave: New evidence of cold and dry conditions in NW Iberia during MIS 3
Authors:
Álvarez-Lao, Diego J.; Ruiz-Zapata, M Blanca; Gil-García, M José; Ballesteros, Daniel; Jiménez-Sánchez, Montserrat
Abstract:
The Rexidora Cave (Asturias, NW Spain), discovered in 2012, provided a remarkable large mammal assemblage of MIS 3 age. The ongoing excavation works yielded 445 fossil remains including cold-adapted elements as woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), two species of special interest since they are poorly represented in the Iberian Pleistocene. The woolly rhinoceros assemblage comprises numerous unusually well preserved elements as one mandible, one femur and one partially preserved skull. The steppe bison (Bison priscus) is the dominant species in the assemblage, providing an outstanding collection of well-preserved elements that comprises two skulls and numerous limb bones. Carnivores are represented by a partial skeleton (including a complete skull) of spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). Radiocarbon AMS analyses of the fossil assemblage yielded two dates of 44.5 and 37.6 Cal ka BP, corresponding to MIS 3, a phase of climatic instability characterized by fast climate changes, from extreme cold to temperate conditions. These dates are coeval with the maximum registered expansion of the mammoth fauna in the Iberian Peninsula and with the onset of glacier retreat in the Cantabrian Mountain Range, after the last local glacial maximum. Geomorphological and sedimentological evidence suggests that bone accumulation took place as the result of gravity processes in a collapse doline, filled by a chaotic accumulation of calcareous boulders, pebbles and bone fragments, embedded in a silt–clay matrix, which points to a possible natural-trap origin of this fossil assemblage. The exceptional well preservation of the fossils, as well as the lack of any evidence of human or carnivore activity, supports this idea. Palynological analyses suggest an open landscape under variable climatic conditions, responsible for the fluctuating presence/absence of the arboreal taxa. The predominance of steppe and, to a lesser extent, xeric herbaceous plants indicate very dry conditions, whereas presence of mesophilous forest taxa implies the existence of a refuge area at distance. This open and dry landscape, developed in a karst area with a relative smooth relief, is consistent with the occurrence of the large mammal species steppe bison, woolly rhinoceros and reindeer. Faunal and pollen analyses, hence, provides a new evidence for the development of cold and dry steppe-like environments in NW Iberia during MIS 3.
Published:
August 26, 2015
Title:
Diet-Induced Cognitive Deficits: The Role of Fat and Sugar, Potential Mechanisms and Nutritional Interventions
Authors:
Beilharz, Jessica E.; Maniam, Jayanthi; Morris, Margaret J.
Abstract:
It is of vital importance to understand how the foods which are making us fat also act to impair cognition. In this review, we compare the effects of acute and chronic exposure to high-energy diets on cognition and examine the relative contributions of fat (saturated and polyunsaturated) and sugar to these deficits. Hippocampal-dependent memory appears to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of high-energy diets and these deficits can occur rapidly and prior to weight gain. More chronic diet exposure seems necessary however to impair other sorts of memory. Many potential mechanisms have been proposed to underlie diet-induced cognitive decline and we will focus on inflammation and the neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Finally, given supplementation of diets with omega-3 and curcumin has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function in healthy ageing humans and in disease states, we will discuss how these nutritional interventions may attenuate diet-induced cognitive decline. We hope this approach will provide important insights into the causes of diet-induced cognitive deficits, and inform the development of novel therapeutics to prevent or ameliorate such memory impairments.
Published:
August 11, 2015
Title:
Proteomic Comparison and MRM-Based Comparative Analysis of Metabolites Reveal Metabolic Shift in Human Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors:
Shu, Qingbo; Cai, Tanxi; Chen, Xiulan; Zhu, Helen He; Xue, Peng; Zhu, Nali; Xie, Zhensheng; Wei, Shasha; Zhang, Qing; Niu, Lili; Gao, Wei-Qiang; Yang, Fuquan
Abstract:
One of the major challenges in prostate cancer therapy remains the development of effective treatments for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), as the underlying mechanisms for its progression remain elusive. Previous studies showed that androgen receptor (AR) is crucially involved in regulation of metabolism in prostate cancer (PCa) cells throughout the transition from early stage, androgen-sensitive PCa to androgen-independent CRPC. AR achieves such metabolic rewiring directively either via its transcriptional activity or via interactions with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). However, due to the heterogeneous expression and activity status of AR in PCa cells, it remains a challenge to investigate the links between AR status and metabolic alterations. To this end, we compared the proteomes of three pairs of androgen-sensitive (AS) and androgen-independent (AI) PCa cell lines, namely, PC3-AR(+)/PC3, 22Rv1/Du145, and LNCaP/C42B, using an iTRAQ labeling approach. Our results revealed that most of the differentially expressed proteins between each pair function in metabolism, indicating a metabolic shift between AS and AI cells, as further validated by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based quantification of nucleotides and relative comparison of fatty acids between these cell lines. Furthermore, increased adenylate kinase isoenzyme 1 (AK1) in AS relative to AI cells may result in activation of AMPK, representing a major regulatory factor involved in the observed metabolic shift in PCa cells.
Published:
August 6, 2015
Title:
The Importance of Dietary Carbohydrate in Human Evolution
Authors:
Hardy, Karen; Brand-Miller, Jennie; Brown; Thomas; Copeland
Abstract:
We propose that plant foods containing high quantities of starch were essential for the evolution of the human phenotype during the Pleistocene. Although previous studies have highlighted a stone tool-mediated shift from primarily plant-based to primarily meat-based diets as critical in the development of the brain and other human traits, we argue that digestible carbohydrates were also necessary to accommodate the increased metabolic demands of a growing brain. Furthermore, we acknowledge the adaptive role cooking played in improving the digestibility and palatability of key carbohydrates. We provide evidence that cooked starch, a source of pre-formed glucose, greatly increased energy availability to human tissues with high glucose demands, such as the brain, red blood cells, and the developing fetus. We also highlight the auxiliary role copy number variation in the salivary amylase genes may have played in increasing the importance of starch in human evolution following the origins of cooking. Salivary amylases are largely ineffective on raw crystalline starch, but cooking substantially increases both their energy-yielding potential, and glycemia. Although uncertainties remain regarding the antiquity of cooking and the origins of salivary amylase gene copy number variation, the hypothesis we present makes a testable prediction that these events are correlated.
Published:
August 6, 2015
Title:
Dual Role of GM-CSF as a Pro-Inflammatory and a Regulatory Cytokine: Implications for Immune Therapy
Authors:
Bhattacharya, Palash; Budnick, Isadore; Singh, Medha; Thiruppathi, Muthusamy; Alharshawi, Khaled; Elshabrawy, Hatem; Holterman, Mark J.; Prabhakar, Bellur S.
Abstract:
Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is generally recognized as an inflammatory cytokine. Its inflammatory activity is primarily due its role as a growth and differentiation factor for granulocyte and macrophage populations. In this capacity, among other clinical applications, it has been used to bolster anti-tumor immune responses. GM-CSF-mediated inflammation has also been implicated in certain types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Thus, agents that can block GM-CSF or its receptor have been used as anti-inflammatory therapies. However, a review of literature reveals that in many situations GM-CSF can act as an anti-inflammatory/regulatory cytokine. We and others have shown that GM-CSF can modulate dendritic cell differentiation to render them “tolerogenic,” which, in turn, can increase regulatory T-cell numbers and function. Therefore, the pro-inflammatory and regulatory effects of GM-CSF appear to depend on the dose and the presence of other relevant cytokines in the context of an immune response. A thorough understanding of the various immunomodulatory effects of GM-CSF will facilitate more appropriate use and thus further enhance its clinical utility.
Published:
July 31, 2015
Title:
“The Red Lady of El Mirón”. Lower Magdalenian life and death in Oldest Dryas Cantabrian Spain: an overview
Authors:
Straus, Lawrence G.; González Morales, Manuel R.; Carretero, Jose Miguel; Marín-Arroyo, Ana Belen
Abstract:
This synthesis article summarizes the multidisciplinary evidence and interpretations of the first substantial human burial of Magdalenian age to be discovered on the Iberian Peninsula. A robust, relatively tall, apparently healthy, probably female adult was buried at the rear of the living area in El Mirón Cave in the Cantabrian Cordillera of Spain about 18,700 calendar years ago. She had lived in the cold, open environment of Oldest Dryas, with a subsistence based on hunting mainly ibex and red deer, fishing salmon and some gathering of plants, including some starchy seeds and mushrooms. The technology of her group included the manufacture and use of stone tools and weapon elements made on both excellent-quality non-local flint and local non-flints, as well as antler projectile tips and bone needles. Her burial may have been marked by rock engravings suggestive of a female personage, by red ochre staining of a large block adjacent to her skeleton, and by engravings on the adjacent cave wall, and the burial layer itself was intensely stained with red ochre rich in specular hematite specially obtained from an apparently non-local source. The ochre may constitute the only demonstrable “grave offering”. The grave was partially disturbed by a carnivore of wolf size after the corpse had decomposed. Then, it is hypothesized that the skeleton was covered over again and (re-) stained by humans after they (or the carnivore) had removed the cranium and most of the large long bones.
Published:
July 31, 2015
Title:
The Evolution of Stomach Acidity and Its Relevance to the Human Microbiome
Authors:
Beasley, DeAnna E.; Koltz, Amanda M.; Lambert, Joanna E.; Fierer, Noah; Dunn, Rob R.
Abstract:
Gastric acidity is likely a key factor shaping the diversity and composition of microbial communities found in the vertebrate gut. We conducted a systematic review to test the hypothesis that a key role of the vertebrate stomach is to maintain the gut microbial community by filtering out novel microbial taxa before they pass into the intestines. We propose that species feeding either on carrion or on organisms that are close phylogenetic relatives should require the most restrictive filter (measured as high stomach acidity) as protection from foreign microbes. Conversely, species feeding on a lower trophic level or on food that is distantly related to them (e.g. herbivores) should require the least restrictive filter, as the risk of pathogen exposure is lower. Comparisons of stomach acidity across trophic groups in mammal and bird taxa show that scavengers and carnivores have significantly higher stomach acidities compared to herbivores or carnivores feeding on phylogenetically distant prey such as insects or fish. In addition, we find when stomach acidity varies within species either naturally (with age) or in treatments such as bariatric surgery, the effects on gut bacterial pathogens and communities are in line with our hypothesis that the stomach acts as an ecological filter. Together these results highlight the importance of including measurements of gastric pH when investigating gut microbial dynamics within and across species.
Published:
July 28, 2015
Title:
A scraper ' s life history : Morpho-techno-functional and use-wear analysis of Quina and demi-Quina scrapers from Qesem Cave , Israel
Authors:
Lemorini, Cristina; Bourguignon, Laurence; Zupancich, Andrea; Gopher, Avi; Barkai, Ran
Abstract:
A sample of Quina and demi-Quina scrapers from the Yabrudian levels at Qesem Cave has been studied through an integrated approach, combining techno-morpho-functional and use-wear analyses. The po- tential of this approach is shown using the data obtained and discussed in this paper. Quina and demi- Quina scrapers at Qesem Cave were shaped from blanks originating in different production sequences and were most probably imported to the site as ready-made blanks or as shaped scrapers. In some cases, scrapers and blanks for shaping scrapers were collected from the outside of the cave as is indicated by the patina affecting their surfaces, whichwas subsequently retouched. At the site, Quina and demi-Quina scrapers were used and re-used (multiple uses on the same edge) and evidence of a long cycle of re-sharpening was recorded as well. The activities carried out with these tools were varied, mostly oriented towards cutting and scraping (both animal materials and plants). Nevertheless, use-wear analysis underlined some distinction between Quina and demi-Quina scrapers: the Quina seem more suitable for working hard and medium-hard materials and the demi-Quina for working softer materials, especially through cutting activities. The different edge morphologies obtained by Quina and demi-Quina retouch are well suited for such functions.
Published:
July 25, 2015
Title:
Linking diet to acne metabolomics, inflammation, and comedogenesis: an update
Authors:
Melnik, Bodo C
Abstract:
Acne vulgaris, an epidemic inflammatory skin disease of adolescence, is closely related to Western diet. Three major food classes that promote acne are: 1) hyperglycemic carbohydrates, 2) milk and dairy products, 3) saturated fats including trans-fats and deficient ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Diet-induced insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)-signaling is superimposed on elevated IGF-1 levels during puberty, thereby unmasking the impact of aberrant nutrigenomics on sebaceous gland homeostasis. Western diet provides abundant branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), glutamine, and palmitic acid. Insulin and IGF-1 suppress the activity of the metabolic transcription factor forkhead box O1 (FoxO1). Insulin, IGF-1, BCAAs, glutamine, and palmitate activate the nutrient-sensitive kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), the key regulator of anabolism and lipogenesis. FoxO1 is a negative coregulator of androgen receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), liver X receptor-α, and sterol response element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), crucial transcription factors of sebaceous lipogenesis. mTORC1 stimulates the expression of PPARγ and SREBP-1c, promoting sebum production. SREBP-1c upregulates stearoyl-CoA- and Δ6-desaturase, enhancing the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids in sebum triglycerides. Diet-mediated aberrations in sebum quantity (hyperseborrhea) and composition (dysseborrhea) promote Propionibacterium acnes overgrowth and biofilm formation with overexpression of the virulence factor triglyceride lipase increasing follicular levels of free palmitate and oleate. Free palmitate functions as a “danger signal,” stimulating toll-like receptor-2-mediated inflammasome activation with interleukin-1β release, Th17 differentiation, and interleukin-17-mediated keratinocyte proliferation. Oleate stimulates P. acnes adhesion, keratinocyte proliferation, and comedogenesis via interleukin-1α release. Thus, diet-induced metabolomic alterations promote the visible sebofollicular inflammasomopathy acne vulgaris. Nutrition therapy of acne has to increase FoxO1 and to attenuate mTORC1/SREBP-1c signaling. Patients should balance total calorie uptake and restrict refined carbohydrates, milk, dairy protein supplements, saturated fats, and trans-fats. A paleolithic-like diet enriched in vegetables and fish is recommended. Plant-derived mTORC1 inhibitors and ω-3-PUFAs are promising dietary supplements supporting nutrition therapy of acne vulgaris.,
Published:
July 14, 2015
Title:
Metabolomics in bladder cancer: a systematic review
Authors:
Cheng, Yidong; Yang, Xiao; Deng, Xiaheng; Zhang, Xiaolei; Li, Pengchao; Tao, Jun; Qin, Chao; Wei, Jifu; Lu, Qiang
Abstract:
Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common urological malignancy. Early diagnosis of BC is crucial to improve patient outcomes. Currently, metabolomics is a potential technique that can be used to detect BC. We reviewed current publications and synthesised the findings on BC and metabolomics, i.e. metabolite upregulation and downregulation. Fourteen metabolites (lactic acid, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, glutamate, histidine, aspartic acid, tyrosine, serine, uracil, hypoxanthine, carnitine, pyruvic acid and citric acid) were identified as potential biomarkers for BC. In conclusion, this systematic review presents new opportunities for the diagnosis of BC.
Published:
July 14, 2015
Title:
Managing the Unmanageable: Elderly Russian Jewish Émigrés and the Biomedical Culture of Diabetes Care
Authors:
Borovoy, Amy; Hine, Janet
Abstract:
In this article, we examine the apparent resistance of elderly Russian Jewish émigrés to the dominant U.S. biomedical model of diabetes treatment. Cultural competence on the part of medical professionals who make assumptions about Russian culture tends to be based on particularly American values of self-control and individual agency. The American consumer model of health care incorporating risk, individual responsibility, autonomy, and choice, when applied to elderly Russian Jewish émigrés, results in a reading of different values and choices as failed self-management or noncompliance. This article argues for a more reflexive understanding of U.S. biomedical culture as a replacement for the current ?sound bite? model of cultural diversity.
Published:
July 13, 2015
Title:
How to cook meat and veg the Indigenous way | Life and style | The Guardian
Authors:
Tan, Monica
Abstract:
Published:
July 7, 2015
Title:
Obesity-induced Lymphedema Nonreversible following Massive Weight Loss
Authors:
Greene, Arin K.; Grant, Frederick D.; Maclellan, Reid A.
Abstract:
Lymphedema is the progressive enlargement of tissue due to inadequate lymphatic function. Obesity-induced lymphedema of the lower extremities can occur once a patient’s body mass index (BMI) exceeds 50. We report our first patient with obesity-induced lower extremity lymphedema who was followed prospectively before and after weight loss. A 46-year-old woman with a BMI of 80 presented to our Lymphedema Program complaining of bilateral lower extremity swelling. Lymphoscintigraphy showed impaired lymphatic drainage of both lower extremities consistent with lymphedema. She was referred to a bariatric surgical weight-loss center and underwent a sleeve gastrectomy. After reaching her new steady-state BMI of 36 eighteen months following her procedure, lymphoscintigraphy showed no improvement in lower extremity lymphatic function. Patients at risk for obesity-induced lymphedema should be counseled that they should seek weight-loss interventions before their BMI reaches 50, a threshold at which point lower extremity lymphedema may occur. Unlike other comorbidities that reverse following massive weight loss, obesity-induced lymphedema may not resolve.
Published:
July 7, 2015
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