Search

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Purpose: To examine the impact of a community-based exercise training intervention on cardiometabolic outcomes in African American men who have a family history of type 2 diabetes. Methods: The Aerobic Plus Resistance Training and Insulin Sensitivity in African American Men (ARTIIS) study randomized participants into either an exercise training intervention or an information only control group for 5 months. The exercise training intervention consisted of 150 min of moderate intensity aerobic activity and 2 d of resistance training per week, consistent with the current federal physical activity guidelines. Participants in the control group received monthly newsletters featuring topics focused heavily on type 2 diabetes education and prevention. Outcome data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANCOVA models and incorporating both intention-to-treat and per-protocol principles. Results: Adherence to the aerobic and resistance training prescriptions were between 77% and 79%. Despite significant within group improvements in glucose and insulin levels (fasting, 2 h, 2 h minus baseline) and Homeostatic Model 2-Insulin Resistance, there were not significant between group differences. There was a marginally significant between group difference for Homeostatic Model 2-Beta (P < 0.06), and significant between group differences in peak cardiorespiratory fitness (P < 0.001) and waist circumference (P = 0.03). Conclusions: These findings suggest that exercise training in accordance with the current national recommendations is effective in improving some health parameters in middle-age African American men who have a family history of type 2 diabetes, but did not have a significant impact on glycemic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the effect of a snack with ingredients to slow carbohydrate digestion (Test-snack) on postprandial blood glucose and insulin concentrations and subjective appetite ratings. We hypothesized that Test-snack would lower glucose and insulin responses and reduce appetite compared with a Control-snack. Overweight or obese subjects (n = 17) completed a randomized crossover study. Glucose, insulin, and appetite ratings were measured before consuming each snack or white bread (Bread) and over a period of 4 h. Subjects received Test-snack, Control-snack, or Bread in random order at least a week apart. The a priori primary outcome was the glucose response, and the secondary outcomes were appetite ratings and insulin responses. Mixed effects statistical models were used to perform analysis of variance in terms of the area under curve (AUC) and at specific time points. The 2-h AUC for glucose was significantly lower with Test-snack compared to Control-snack and Bread (AUC and 95% confidence intervals: Test = 2186.43 [1783.36–2589.51]; Control = 3293.75 [2893.97–3693.54]; Bread = 2800.28 [2405.79–3194.77] mg/dL · min). Four-hour AUC for glucose, and insulin, followed a similar pattern except that Test-snack did not differ from Bread. The glucose concentrations peaked at 45 min under all three conditions, but Test-snack elicited a lower response than Control-snack and Bread (P < .01). Test increased fullness and satisfaction and reduced hunger and prospective intake compared to Bread (P < .02), but was not significantly different from Control-snack. Ingredients that slow carbohydrate digestion in a snack reduce the postprandial glucose and insulin responses compared to a product without these ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evaluation of effects of native language-native (L1) versus nonnative (L2)-on procedure performance.Background: Written procedures are used by global industries to facilitate accurate and safe performance of hazardous tasks. Often companies require that all employees be sufficiently literate in English and to use only English versions.Method: Industrial tasks were tested using a virtual reality industrial environment (Second Life®) to explore effects on procedural performance and safety statement adherence. Fifty-four engineering students (27 L2) participated in the study to explore the native language variable. The participants completed the procedures under time pressure and were scored according to procedure performance and hazard comprehension.Results: Analysis of eight procedures showed significant differences between L1 and L2 for procedure performance (specifically for L2 females). There were no language fluency or hazard comprehension differences found between the two groups.Conclusion: The results suggest that (a) the lower procedure performance of L2 readers was not due to English proficiency but more likely to time pressure; (b) implications regarding single language procedures are not fully understood, particularly with regard to gender differences.Application: This research is applicable to high-risk industries providing single language, time critical procedures to multilingual workforces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policies restricting semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines are intended to reduce gunshot victimizations by limiting the stock of semiautomatic firearms with large ammunition capacities and other military-style features conducive to criminal use. The federal government banned such weaponry from 1994 to 2004, and a few states currently impose similar restrictions. Recent debates concerning these weapons have highlighted their use in mass shootings, but there has been little examination of their use in gun crime more generally since the expiration of the federal ban. This study investigates current levels of criminal activity with assault weapons and other high-capacity semiautomatics in the USA using several local and national data sources including the following: (1) guns recovered by police in ten large cities, (2) guns reported by police to federal authorities for investigative tracing, (3) guns used in murders of police, and (4) guns used in mass murders. Results suggest assault weapons (primarily assault-type rifles) account for 2-12% of guns used in crime in general (most estimates suggest less than 7%) and 13-16% of guns used in murders of police. Assault weapons and other high-capacity semiautomatics together generally account for 22 to 36% of crime guns, with some estimates upwards of 40% for cases involving serious violence including murders of police. Assault weapons and other high-capacity semiautomatics appear to be used in a higher share of firearm mass murders (up to 57% in total), though data on this issue are very limited. Trend analyses also indicate that high-capacity semiautomatics have grown from 33 to 112% as a share of crime guns since the expiration of the federal ban-a trend that has coincided with recent growth in shootings nationwide. Further research seems warranted on how these weapons affect injuries and deaths from gun violence and how their regulation may impact public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscosity generated by oat β-glucan induces gastrointestinal mechanisms that influence appetite. Two oat-based ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) with similar amounts of ß-glucan but differing in their protein and sugar content were compared for their effects on appetite. Forty-seven healthy individuals, =18 years old, enrolled in a crossover trial consumed RTEC 1 or RTEC 2 in random order at least a week apart. Breakfasts contained 250kcals cereal and 105kcals fat-free milk. Subjective ratings of appetite were completed at baseline, and at 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minutes after consumption of the breakfast meals. Responses were analyzed as area under the curve (AUC) and per timepoint. Significance was set at a=0.05. Fullness (p=0.01) and stomach fullness (p=0.02) were greater with RTEC 1 compared to RTEC 2 at 240 minutes. Stomach fullness (p=0.01) was greater at 30 minutes, and desire to eat (p=0.04) was reduced at 120 minutes with RTEC 2 compared to RTEC 1. There was no difference in the AUC for hunger, fullness, stomach fullness, desire to eat, or prospective intake. Ready-to-eat cereals containing similar amounts of oat ß-glucan differed in the timing of significant differences in fullness or desire to eat, but appetite ratings over a four-hour period did not differ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lack of regular physical activity at prescribed intensity levels is a modifiable risk factor for insulin resistance and the development of diabetes. African American men are at increased risk for developing diabetes and most African American men are not meeting the current recommended levels of physical activity. The primary objective of the Aerobic Plus Resistance Training and Insulin Resistance in African American Men (ARTIIS) study is to determine the effectiveness of an exercise training intervention aimed at reducing diabetes risk factors in African American men at risk for developing diabetes. Methods Insufficiently active 35–70 year old African American men with a family history of diabetes were eligible for the study. The 5-month randomized controlled trial assigns 116 men to an exercise training or healthy living control arm. The exercise training arm combines aerobic and resistance training according to the current national physical activity recommendations and is conducted in community (YMCA) facilities. The healthy living arm receives information promoting healthy lifestyle changes. Outcomes Insulin response to an oral glucose load is the primary outcome measure, and changes in physiological parameters, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, body composition, and psychological well-being comprise the secondary outcomes. Conclusions The ARTIIS study is one of the first adequately powered, rigorously designed studies to investigate the effects of an aerobic plus resistance exercise training program and to assess adherence to exercise training in community facilities, in African American men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Weight loss induced only by exercise is frequently less than expected, possibly because of compensatory changes in energy intake and/or energy expenditure. The purpose of the Examination of Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Weight Compensation (E-MECHANIC) trial is to examine whether increased energy intake and/or reduced spontaneous activity or energy expenditure (outside of structured exercise) account for the less than expected, exercise-associated weight loss. Methods/Design E-MECHANIC is a three-arm, 6-month randomized (1:1:1) controlled trial. The two intervention arms are exercise doses that reflect current recommendations for (1) general health (8 kcal/kg body weight per week (8 KKW), about 900 kcal/wk) and (2) weight loss (20 KKW, about 2,250 kcal/wk). The third arm, a nonexercise control group, will receive health information only. The sample will include a combined total of 198sedentary, overweight or obese (body mass index: ⩾25 kg/m2 to ⩽45 kg/m2) men and women ages 18 to 65 years. The exercise dose will be supervised and tightly controlled in an exercise training laboratory. The primary outcome variables are energy intake, which will be measured using doubly labeled water (adjusted for change in energy stores) and laboratory-based food intake tests, and the discrepancy between expected weight loss and observed weight loss. Secondary outcomes include changes in resting metabolic rate (adjusted for change in body mass), activity levels (excluding structured exercise) and body composition. In an effort to guide the development of future interventions, the participants will be behaviorally phenotyped and defined as those who do compensate (that is, fail to lose the amount of weight expected) or do not compensate (that is, lose the amount of weight expected or more). Discussion In this study, we will attempt to identify underlying mechanisms to explain why exercise elicits less weight loss than expected. This information will guide the development of interventions to increase exercise-induced weight loss and maximize weight loss retention and related health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The link between weight gain and cardiovascular risk characterized with circadian blood pressure variability [CBPV] and endothelial function [EF] is unexplored. Objective: To prospectively demonstrate weight gain in healthy adults, increases body fat [BF], enlarges waist circumference [WC], expands visceral adipose tissue [VAT], exacerbates systemic inflammation [sIF], worsens insulin resistance [IR] and enhances functional cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk. Design, setting and participants: Healthy men [n=11] and women [n=3] provided initial and eight-week postcaloric excess anthropometric and fasting laboratory measures. Functional CVD risk assessments: CBPV and resting EF were also obtained with 7-day automatic ambulatory BP monitoring and increased test finger peripheral arterial tone [PAT] relative to control [reported as relative hyperemia index (RHI)], respectively. Intervention: After determining individualized mean energy requirements for weight maintenance over 7-days, each participant received a personalized over feeding prescription (1.4 times; 41% carbohydrate, 44% fat, and 15% protein) for 8-weeks. Results: mean (SEM). Participants increased body weight [BW; +7.4(0.1) kg]*, body mass index [BMI; +2.5(0.2) kg/m2]*, BF [+2.0(0.01)%]*, WC [+8.2(1.0) cm]*, and VAT [+0.2(0.03) L]* and intrahepatic lipid [IHL + 0.0004(0.002) L] :*all p < 0.01. Increased subcutaneous adipose cell size [+0.3(0.01) ?L; p = 0.02] accompanied significant sIF [hs-CRP + 0.4(0.09) mg/dL; p = 0.04; leptin 6.63 ng/ml; p = 0.0008] and IR [fasting plasma glucose; [FPG] +7.0(0.6) mg/dL;p = 0.01, fasting insulin; [FI] +5.7(1.4) uIU/ml; p = 0.001, HOMA-IR +1.6(0.5); p = 0.02]. Abn CBPV {systolic [+5.4(0.8); p = 0.002, diastolic [+1.7(0.1); p = 0.07 and pulse pressure [PP] [+3.5(0.4); p = 0.003 mm Hg} or elevated heart rate [HR] [+4.9(0.5) bpm; p = 0.003] ensued. Resting RHI declined by 0.47(0.004) from initial 2.24(0.09) to 1.77(0.1); p = 0.001, indicating endothelial dysfunction [ED]. Conclusions: Controlled caloric excess in healthy human adults over only 8-weeks significantly increased BF, VAT, sIF [hs-CRP], IR [FPG, FI, HOMA-IR] and functional CVD risk [measured as abnormal circadian blood pressure variability and impaired resting endothelial function]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It remains unclear what people are attempting to communicate, in terms of objectively monitored behavior, when describing their physical activity and sedentary behavior through self-report. The purpose of this study was to examine various objectively monitored accelerometer variables (e.g., moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA], steps/day, sedentary time, etc.) across categories of self-reported MVPA (< 150 vs. ≥ 150 minutes/week), usual occupational/domestic activity (UODA; “mostly sitting” vs. “stand, walk, lift, or carry”), and leisure-time sedentary behavior (LTSB; ≥ 3 vs. < 3 hours/day) in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (≥ 20 years). Methods: This is a secondary analysis of 3,725 participants from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) who provided relevant questionnaire responses and ≥ 1 day of valid accelerometer data. Descriptive statistics were computed for various objectively monitored accelerometer variables across categories of self-reported MVPA, UODA, and LTSB. Pairwise comparisons were conducted to examine differences in objectively monitored behavior between categories of self-reported MVPA, UODA, and LTSB. Results: On average, adults reporting compliance with physical activity guidelines (≥ 150 minutes/week of MVPA) accumulated more objectively measured physical activity and similar amounts of sedentary time relative to those reporting not achieving guidelines. Adults reporting their daily UODA as “mostly sitting” or accruing ≥3 hours/day of LTSB accumulated less objectively monitored physical activity and more sedentary time than those who described their UODA as “stand, walk, lift, or carry” or accrued < 3 hours/day of LTSB. The most active cross-classified category (7,935 steps/day; ≥ 150 minutes/week of self-reported MVPA, “stand, walk, lift, or carry” UODA, and < 3 hours/day of LTSB) accumulated more than twice as many daily steps as the least active cross-classified category (3,532 steps/day; < 150 minutes/week of self-reported MVPA, “mostly sitting” UODA, and ≥ 3 hours/day of LTSB). Conclusions: A number of objectively monitored physical activity indicators varied significantly between self-reported MVPA, UODA, and LTSB categories, while objectively monitored sedentary time only varied between UODA and LTSB categories. Cross-classifications of self-reported MVPA, UODA, and LTSB responses depict a greater range of physical activity than viewing dichotomous responses for these variables one-at-a-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An evidence-based steps/day translation of U.S. federal guidelines for youth to engage in ≥60 minutes/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) would help health researchers, practitioners, and lay professionals charged with increasing youth's physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to determine the number of free-living steps/day (both raw and adjusted to a pedometer scale) that correctly classified children (6-11 years) and adolescents (12-17 years) as meeting the 60-minute MVPA guideline using the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) accelerometer data, and to evaluate the 12,000 steps/day recommendation recently adopted by the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program. Methods: Analyses were conducted among children (n = 915) and adolescents (n = 1,302) in 2011 and 2012. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve plots and classification statistics revealed candidate steps/day cut points that discriminated meeting/not meeting the MVPA threshold by age group, gender and different accelerometer activity cut points. The Evenson and two Freedson age-specific (3 and 4 METs) cut points were used to define minimum MVPA, and optimal steps/day were examined for raw steps and adjusted to a pedometer-scale to facilitate translation to lay populations. Results: For boys and girls (6-11 years) with ≥ 60 minutes/day of MVPA, a range of 11,500-13,500 uncensored steps/day for children was the optimal range that balanced classification errors. For adolescent boys and girls (12-17) with ≥60 minutes/day of MVPA, 11,500-14,000 uncensored steps/day was optimal. Translation to a pedometer-scaling reduced these minimum values by 2,500 step/day to 9,000 steps/day. Area under the curve was ≥84% in all analyses. Conclusions: No single study has definitively identified a precise and unyielding steps/day value for youth. Considering the other evidence to date, we propose a reasonable 'rule of thumb' value of ≥ 11,500 accelerometer-determined steps/day for both children and adolescents (and both genders), accepting that more is better. For practical applications, 9,000 steps/day appears to be a more pedometer-friendly value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CP-31398 (N′-[2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]-4-quinazolinyl]-N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine dihydrochloride) is a styrylquinazoline that stabilizes the DNA binding conformation of p53, thereby maintaining the activity of p53 as a transcription factor and tumor suppressor. In consideration of the potential use of p53 stabilizers for cancer prevention and therapy, 28-day studies (with recovery) were performed to characterize the toxicity of CP-31398 in rats and dogs. In the rat study, groups of 15 CD rats/sex received daily gavage exposure to CP-31398 at 0, 40, 80, or 160mg/kg/day (0, 240, 480, or 960mg/m2/day). In the dog study, groups of five beagle dogs received daily gavage exposure to CP-31398 at 0, 10, 20, or 40mg/kg/day (0, 200, 400, or 800mg/m2/day). The high dose of CP-31398 induced mortality in both species: seven male rats and four female rats died as a result of hepatic infarcts, and two female dogs died as a result of hepatic necrosis without evidence of thrombosis. No deaths were seen in the mid- or low-dose groups in either species. In dogs, sporadic emesis was seen in the high dose and mid dose groups, and reductions in body weight gain were observed in all drug-exposed groups. CP-31398 induced mild anemia in both species; clinical pathology data also demonstrated hepatic toxicity, renal toxicity, inflammatory reactions, and coagulopathies in rats in the high dose and mid dose groups. Treatment-related microscopic changes in high dose and mid dose rats were identified in the liver, kidney, heart, bone marrow, lung, adrenals, spleen, thymus, skeletal muscle, and ovary; microscopic changes in the liver, heart, lung, and adrenals persisted through the recovery period. In dogs, microscopic changes were identified in the central nervous system, lung, and liver; changes in all tissues remained at the end of the recovery period. The liver is the primary site of limiting toxicity for CP-31398 in rats, and is also a key site of toxicity in dogs. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for subchronic oral administration of CP-31398 is 80mg/kg/day (480mg/m2/day) in rats and 20mg/kg/day (400mg/m2/day) in dogs. Although only modest and apparently reversible toxicities (microscopic changes in rats; reductions in body weight gain and alterations in red cell parameters in dogs) were seen in the low dose groups, no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) for CP-31398 could not be established for either species. The toxicity of CP-31398 suggests that this agent may not be suitable for use in cancer prevention. However, should in vivo antitumor efficacy be achievable at doses that do not induce limiting toxicity, CP-31398 may have utility as a cancer therapeutic. Modification of the primary sites of CP-31398 metabolism (N-demethylation of the alkyl side chain; hydroxylation and O-demethylation of the styryl benzene group) may result in the development of CP-31398 analogs with comparable pharmacologic activity and reduced toxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study on the accelerometer-determined steps of children and youth in the U.S., which aims to detect the low-force steps of the research-quality pedometers. It offers a descriptive epidemiology of an accelerometer-determined steps of children and youth. The study was conducted to 2610 children and youth who have an uncensored accelerometer-determined steps. It also mentions that the U.S. data has shown that a consistent decline of steps per day throughout childhood and youth.

The article presents an analysis of the study on the non-surgical weight loss procedure for extremely obese individuals within primary care settings. It states that efficient primary care practice (PCP) is needed by the group studied which is regarded as the Louisiana Obese Subjects Study (LOSS), with body mass index (BMI) of 40 to 60. It confirms that PCP provided helpful medical management and several metabolic guidelines of obese subjects were enhanced.

The article presents a study which examines the steps per day of 3,774 participants with the use of ActiGraph AM-7164 accelerometer-defined step data revealed by the 2005-2006 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). It states that the data analysis provides the epidemiology of accelerometer-determined steps per day of adults in the U.S. with and without censoring steps. Results reveal that U.S. adults approximately have 10,000 uncensored accelerometer-determined steps per day. It notes that the accelerometer model has a step counter function used to measure the physical activity. It also categorizes the gathered data by sex wherein the difference between men and women are determined.

Spunbond, nonwoven fabrics consisting of polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate, which meet food contact requirements, may be used as pouch materials for products containing food and/or flavor ingredients that are held in the mouth. In these situations ingestion may occur, resulting in exposure to the fabric and potentially antimony, a catalyst used in polyethylene terephthalate. To assess potential adverse effects when such a material is ingested, a 13 week dietary study in Sprague-Dawley CD rats and a Salmonella reverse mutation assay were conducted. Ground fabric was dosed at target concentrations of 0.5%, 2.5%, and 5% in the dietary study. Antimony trioxide in the polyethylene terephthalate was used to determine the test material concentration in the diet and was also assessed for bioavailability. Detectable levels of antimony were found in 2/20 blood samples of control rats, and in 20/20 high-dose group rats. No toxicologically relevant treatment related effects were observed in any of end points evaluated in the feeding study. In the mutagenicity assay, ground fabric was extracted in phosphate buffered saline or dimethysulfoxide and tested in Salmonella strains TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535, and TA1537 with and without S9 activation. No mutagenic response was observed at any dose level tested. These results demonstrate that repeated daily ingestion of a spunbond, nonwoven polymer fabric consisting of polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate for up to 13 weeks is well tolerated in rats, with no apparent target-organ toxicity at dietary levels up to 5%, and that fabric extracts are not mutagenic in a bacterial reverse mutation assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Some patients with diabetic gastroparesis exhibit cyclical symptoms. The purpose of this work was to study the subset of patients with cyclic vomiting characteristics, described as a cyclic vomiting pattern, in a population of patients with symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis. Material and methods. Sixty-seven patients with symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis were investigated. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or lack of cyclic symptoms, and stratified by demographics, medical history, hemoglobin A1C, total symptom score (TSS), standardized gastric emptying test (GET), and electrogastrography (EGG). Results. Of these 67 patients, 38 (56%) had cyclic symptoms. The two groups were similar in age, gender, illness duration, insulin use, hemoglobin A1C values, and TSS. There were noteworthy differences regarding migraine headache (47.4% versus 20.7%, p=0.02), gastric emptying study (GES) at 1 h (84.1% versus 59.9%, p=0.02), EGG frequency (4.9 versus 3.6 cpm, p=0.05), and gastric emptying area under the curve (p=0.06). Conclusions. A sizeable percentage of patients have cyclic symptom patterns and have a higher incidence of migraine headaches, a greater delay in gastric emptying, and more abnormal EGG frequencies than other patients with symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Little research has been reported on the risky behaviors of pre-driving adolescents revolving around alcohol use, in particular impaired driving behaviors, which in general have been shown to be higher in rural areas. This study investigated the prevalence of drinking while driving and riding with a drinking driver among 290 middle school students in a Mississippi Delta area middle school. Just under half (45.3%) responded that at least once in the past 30 days they had ridden with a drinking driver and 17% indicated they had driven an automobile after drinking alcohol. The prevalence of underage drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and riding with a drinking driver among our sample of middle school students is alarming. This study shows alcohol-related driving behaviors are not solely performed by those who are legally licensed to drive, but simply by those who have access to vehicles. The authors recommend that prevention programs focusing on reducing the incidence of impaired driving should start in early adolescence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Epidemiologic data suggest that soy consumption may protect against cancer induction in several tissues in humans. Although the soy components responsible for this activity remain unidentified, isoflavones (e.g., genistein) and protease inhibitors (e.g., Bowman-Birk inhibitor complex [BBIC]) demonstrate chemopreventive activity in several animal cancer models. As part of their preclinical development for cancer prevention, PTI G-2535 (a soy isoflavone mixture containing 45% genistein, 23% daidzein, and 4% glycitein) and BBIC were evaluated for oncogenicity in p53 (+/-) mice. In separate studies, groups of 25 p53 (+/-) mice/sex received daily gavage exposure to PTI G-2535 (0, 250, 1000, or 2500 mg/kg/day) or BBIC (0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg/day) for 6 months. The high doses of both PTI G-2535 and BBIC were limited by viscosity. p -Cresidine (400 mg/kg/day) served as a positive-control article in both studies. PTI G-2535 induced no gross toxicity in any animal, but did induce a dose-related suppression of body weight gain in male mice. Modest hematologic alterations and increased liver and spleen weights were seen in both sexes exposed to the isoflavone mixture. BBIC had no significant effect on body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology, or organ weights in either sex. Histopathologic evaluations demonstrated no increases in the incidence of either benign or malignant tumors in any group of p53 (+/-) mice exposed to PTI G-2535 or to BBIC. By contrast, the positive-control article, p -cresidine, induced urinary bladder cancers in both studies. Neither PTI G-2535 nor BBIC demonstrates any evidence of oncogenicity in the p53 (+/-) mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated racial differences of tobacco use and social exposure to tobacco products in a sample of middle school students. Questionnaires were administered in January 2005 to 290 students in a Mississippi Delta-area middle school. The participants were 51.0% female and 56.6% African American. Unadjusted odds ratios revealed that Caucasian students were statistically more likely than were African American students to (1) have ever tried smoking, (2) have ever been a daily smoker, (3) have smoked in the past 30 days, (4) live with someone who smokes, (5) have seen a parent or guardian smoke, and (6) have friends who smoke. In contrast, African Americans were more likely to report “no one is allowed to smoke” in their home. Caucasian females had the highest rates of smoking, as well as the highest exposure to social smoking behaviors. This study not only showed that Caucasians were indeed smoking more but also that African American adolescents do not have the same exposure to social smoking, particularly African American females. Of particular interest was why the differences eventually dissipate and smoking rates are virtually the same in adulthood. A greater understanding of the impact of exposure to tobacco use on an adolescent’s own tobacco use is vital to prevention efforts, especially in regard to racial differences. Future research on youth tobacco prevention and cessation programs should focus on sociocultural and racial differences in the development of tobacco use in adolescents. (J Sch Health. 2006;76(5):195-200) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Researchers examined trends and compared subgroup differences in violence-related behaviors on school property among Mississippi public high school students from 1993 to 2003. Findings are based on data from the Mississippi Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), a representative sample (N = 9,058) of Mississippi high school students. Males, non-Hispanic Whites, heavy smokers, and binge drinkers reported violence-related behaviors on school property more frequently than their counterparts. A statistically significant linear decrease occurred during 1993-2003 in the percent of students carrying a weapon (p < 0.0001) and having a physical fight (p < 0.0001). The percent of students threatened or injured with a weapon on school grounds did not decrease significantly (p = 0.2800). Violence-related behaviors were reported somewhat less frequently among 12th graders but overall, grade was not a statistically significant factor. Trends observed in Mississippi appear to be occurring throughout the United States and perhaps globally. Parents, school officials, and community administrators are committed to reducing violence-related behavior on school property. Although the decreases are encouraging, the percent of students who reported violence-related behaviors remains at a level that causes serious concern. Efforts must continue and perhaps increase to curb behaviors that may lead to school violence. Future studies should elucidate mechanisms associated with the self-reported decreasing behaviors so intervention programs can be properly focused. (J Sch Health. 2005;75(2):67-71). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiologic and experimental data suggest that consumption of diets that are rich in isoflavones may decrease cancer risk in the breast, prostate, and other tissues. Isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein are structurally similar to endogenous estrogens, and demonstrate both estrogenic and weak anti-estrogenic activities; these activities may underlie the impaired fertility and reproductive tract disorders reported in animals exposed to high doses of isoflavones. To identify possible effects of isoflavones on male fertility, we evaluated reproductive parameters in Wistar-Unilever rats receiving dietary exposure to PTI G-2535, a characterized mixture of soy-derived isoflavones containing 45% genistein, 23% daidzein, and 4% glycitein. Beginning at 10 weeks of age, rats received chronic dietary exposure to the soy isoflavone mixture (200 or 2000 mg/kg diet) for a minimum of 12 months. Controls received unsupplemented chow diet only for the same period. Dietary exposure to isoflavones induced no gross toxicity or alterations in body weight gain. Absolute and relative weights of the testis and epididymis in groups receiving high or low doses of isoflavones were comparable to those of controls, and histopathologic evaluations demonstrated that testicular morphology was similar in all study groups. Isoflavone exposure had no significant effects on spermatid count, sperm production, or sperm morphology in any group. These data suggest that the reproductive system of adult male rats is relatively insensitive to isoflavone toxicity at dose levels that demonstrate significant activity in cancer chemoprevention, and that male reproductive function is unlikely to be affected by long-term administration of isoflavones for cancer prevention or other purposes. The results of this study conducted in adult male rats differ from the significant alterations in reproductive parameters that have been reported in female rats receiving prenatal or juvenile exposure to isoflavones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A wide variety of paired-comparison experiments and surveys may be viewed within the framework of "incomplete" contingency table analysis, Bradley-Terry models for such data can be chosen and further examined by a noniterative logit analysis. Multivariate paired comparisons with factor structure can be analyzed through reparameterization of the underlying models for each combination of factor levels. The method is subject to sample-size restrictions but allows the experimenter to design his survey without complex symmetry conditions or independence assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix algorithms are presented which generate estimates of t-year survival rates for patients with chronic disease from a categorical data approach. Weighted least squares has been applied to the resulting estimates to fit linear models which, together with large sample theory, provide a straightforward and unified method for testing hypotheses of interest. The sequential use of cross-product and hierarchical structures in a stepwise manner is described in detail as a useful descriptive approach to formulating efficient models. These results can be applied as a basis for "clustering" combinations of clinical findings into groups indicative of stage of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently there are limited data as to whether dietary intake can be improved during pragmatic weight loss interventions in primary care in underserved individuals. Methods: Patients with obesity were recruited into the PROPEL trial, which randomized 18 clinics to either an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) or usual care (UC). At baseline and months 6, 12, and 24, fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake and fat intake was determined. Outcomes were analyzed by repeated-measures linear mixed-effects multilevel models and regression models, which included random cluster (clinic) effects. Secondary analyses examined the effects of race, sex, age, and food security status. Results: A total of 803 patients were recruited. 84.4% were female, 67.2% African American, 26.1% received Medicaid, and 65.5% made less than $40,000. No differences in F/V intake were seen between the ILI and UC groups at months 6, 12, or 24. The ILI group reduced percent fat at months 6, 12, and 24 compared to UC. Change in F/V intake was negatively correlated with weight change at month 6 whereas change in fat intake was positively associated with weight change at months 6, 12, and 24 for the ILI group. Conclusions: The pragmatic weight loss intervention in primary care did not increase F/V intake but did reduce fat intake in an underserved population with obesity. F/V intake was negatively associated with weight loss at month 6 whereas percent fat was positively correlated with weight loss throughout the intervention. Future efforts better targeting both increasing F/V intake and reducing fat intake may promote greater weight loss in similar populations. Trial registration: NCT Registration: NCT02561221 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to compute intra‐class correlations (ICCs) for weight‐related and patient‐reported outcomes in a cluster randomized clinical trial (cRCT) for weight loss. Baseline and follow‐up data from the Promoting Successful Weight Loss in Primary Care in Louisiana (PROPEL) cRCT were used in this analysis. ICCs were computed for baseline and follow‐up measures, and changes in body weight, cardiometabolic risk factors and health‐related and weight‐related quality of life at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Baseline ICCs ranged from 0 for PROMIS measures of anxiety and fatigue to 0.055 for total cholesterol (median = 0.019). The ICCs were higher for changes and decreased over time during follow‐up. The ICCs for changes were highest in the pooled sample (intervention and usual care combined) followed by the intervention and usual care groups, respectively. The results demonstrated significant ICCs for several outcomes in a weight loss cRCT. The ICCs differed in magnitude depending on whether baseline versus longitudinal data were used, whether data were combined across treatment arms or were considered separately, and varied across the follow‐up period. All these factors must be considered when choosing an ICC to inform sample size estimates for future weight loss cRCTs conducted in primary care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Weight loss induced only by exercise is frequently less than expected, possibly because of compensatory changes in energy intake and/or energy expenditure. The purpose of the Examination of Mechanisms (E-MECHANIC) of Exercise-Induced Weight Compensation trial is to examine whether increased energy intake and/or reduced spontaneous activity or energy expenditure (outside of structured exercise) account for the less than expected, exercise-associated weight loss.Methods/design: E-MECHANIC is a three-arm, 6-month randomized (1:1:1) controlled trial. The two intervention arms are exercise doses that reflect current recommendations for (1) general health (8 kcal/kg body weight per week (8 KKW), about 900 kcal/wk) and (2) weight loss (20 KKW, about 2,250 kcal/wk). The third arm, a nonexercise control group, will receive health information only. The sample will include a combined total of 198sedentary, overweight or obese (body mass index: ≥25 kg/m² to ≤45 kg/m²) men and women ages 18 to 65 years. The exercise dose will be supervised and tightly controlled in an exercise training laboratory. The primary outcome variables are energy intake, which will be measured using doubly labeled water (adjusted for change in energy stores) and laboratory-based food intake tests, and the discrepancy between expected weight loss and observed weight loss. Secondary outcomes include changes in resting metabolic rate (adjusted for change in body mass), activity levels (excluding structured exercise) and body composition. In an effort to guide the development of future interventions, the participants will be behaviorally phenotyped and defined as those who do compensate (that is, fail to lose the amount of weight expected) or do not compensate (that is, lose the amount of weight expected or more).Discussion: In this study, we will attempt to identify underlying mechanisms to explain why exercise elicits less weight loss than expected. This information will guide the development of interventions to increase exercise-induced weight loss and maximize weight loss retention and related health benefits.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01264406 (registration date: 20 December 2010). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In vivo studies were performed to evaluate the activities of two thiazolidinedione PPARγ agonists, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, as inhibitors of oral carcinogenesis in rats. Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) were induced in male F344 rats by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (NQO; 20 ppm in the drinking water for 10 weeks). In each study, groups of 30 NQO-treated rats were exposed to a PPARγ agonist beginning at week 10 (one day after completion of NQO administration) or at week 17 (7 weeks post-NQO); chemopreventive agent exposure was continued until study termination at week 22 (rosiglitazone study) or week 24 (pioglitazone study). Administration of rosiglitazone (800 mg/kg diet) beginning at week 10 increased survival, reduced oral cancer incidence, and reduced oral cancer invasion score in comparison to dietary controls; however, chemopreventive activity was largely lost when rosiglitazone administration was delayed until week 17. Administration of pioglitazone (500 mg/kg diet beginning at week 10 or 1000 mg/kg diet beginning at week 17) induced significant reductions in oral cancer incidence without significant effects on OSCC invasion scores. Transcript levels of PPARγ and its three transcriptional variants (PPARγv1, PPARγv2, and PPARγv3) were not significantly different in OSCC versus age- and site-matched phenotypically normal oral tissues from rats treated with NQO. These data suggest that PPARγ provides a useful molecular target for oral cancer chemoprevention, and that overexpression of PPARγ at the transcriptional level in neoplastic lesions is not essential for chemopreventive efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowing the most-frequently reported physical activities can inform intervention strategies, enhance questionnaire design, and inform objective monitor calibration studies. Purpose: To determine the 10 most-frequently reported nonwork and nonsleep activities by intensity (sedentary, light, moderate, vigorous) in American Time Use Survey (ATUS) adult respondents. Methods: The ATUS is a nationally representative telephone-based survey that captures activities that people recall doing during the preceding 24 hours. ATUS databases from 2003 to 2008 were combined and matched to previously published MET intensity values. Prevalences were rank ordered by weighted frequency within MET-defined intensity categories. Analyses took place in spring 2010. Results: Data from 79,652 ATUS respondents, all aged ≥20 years, were considered. Overall, the most-frequently reported nonwork, nonsleep sedentary (1.0≤MET<1.6) behavior was eating and drinking (95.6%), followed by watching TV/movies (80.1%); the most-frequently reported light activities (1.6≤MET<3.0) were washing, dressing, and grooming oneself (78.9%), followed by driving a car, truck, or motorcycle (71.4%); the most-frequently reported moderate activities (3.0≤MET<6.0) were food and drink preparation (25.7%) followed by lawn, garden, and houseplant care (10.6%); and the most-frequently reported vigorous activities were using cardiovascular equipment (2.2%) and running (1.1%). Conclusions: On any given day, most U.S. adults reported performing predominantly sedentary and light activities. The greatest prevalence for reported moderate activities was food and drink preparation for both men (12.8%) and women (37.63%), and overall only 5.07% report any vigorous-intensity activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An abstract of the article "First Detailed Characterization of Functional Dyspepsia Among African-Americans," by William C. Wigington, William D. Johnson, Cecil Cosman, Otis Gowdy, Ola Allen, Dani Edmonson, Marcy Petrini and Anil Minocha is presented.

The inverse hypergeometric distribution is of interest in applications of inverse sampling without replacement from a finite population where a binary observation is made on each sampling unit. Thus, sampling is performed by randomly choosing units sequentially one at a time until a specified number of one of the two types is selected for the sample. Assuming the total number of units in the population is known but the number of each type is not, we consider the problem of estimating this parameter. We use the Delta method to develop approximations for the variance of three parameter estimators. We then propose three large sample confidence intervals for the parameter. Based on these results, we selected a sampling of parameter values for the inverse hypergeometric distribution to empirically investigate performance of these estimators. We evaluate their performance in terms of expected probability of parameter coverage and confidence interval length calculated as means of possible outcomes weighted by the appropriate outcome probabilities for each parameter value considered. The unbiased estimator of the parameter is the preferred estimator relative to the maximum likelihood estimator and an estimator based on a negative binomial approximation, as evidenced by empirical estimates of closeness to the true parameter value. Confidence intervals based on the unbiased estimator tend to be shorter than the two competitors because of its relatively small variance but at a slight cost in terms of coverage probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preventing weight gain rather than treating recognized obesity is an important economic and public health response to the growing levels of obesity nationwide. Community centers offer potential sites for community health promotion programs targeting African Americans. In this article, results from a pilot health promotion program at a community center are reported. The purpose of this 12-month pilot program was to improve diet and increase physical activity to prevent weight gain in African-American adults by delivering a lifestyle intervention. Fifty-one African-American adults were randomized into two groups: lifestyle intervention or financial counseling, and 73% completed the program. At the end of 12 months, weight for all participants was maintained from baseline to completion with no significant differences between the groups. Both lifestyle intervention and financial counseling groups were approximately 87% food secure with improvements observed in self-esteem and total quality of life scores. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) induced in F344 rats by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) demonstrate considerable phenotypic similarity to human oral cancers. Gene expression studies (microarray and PCR) were coupled with methylation analysis of selected genes to identify molecular markers of carcinogenesis in this model and potential biochemical and molecular targets for oral cancer chemoprevention. Microarray analysis of 11 pairs of OSCC and site-matched phenotypically normal oral tissues from 4-NQO-treated rats identified more than 3500 differentially expressed genes; 1735 genes were up-regulated in rat OSCC versus non-malignant tissues, while 1803 genes were down-regulated. In addition to several genes involved in normal digestion, genes demonstrating the largest fold increases in expression in 4-NQO-induced OSCC include three lipocalins (VEGP1, VEGP2, LCN2) and three chemokines (CCL, CXCL2, CXCL3); both classes are potentially druggable targets for oral cancer chemoprevention and/or therapy. Down-regulated genes in 4-NQO-induced OSCC include numerous keratins and keratin-associated proteins, suggesting that alterations in keratin expression profiles may provide a useful biomarker of oral cancer in F344 rats treated with 4-NQO. Confirming and extending our previous results, PTGS2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and several cyclooxygenase-related genes were significantly up-regulated in 4-NQO-induced oral cancers; up-regulation of PTGS2 was associated with promoter hypomethylation. Rat OSCC also demonstrated increased methylation of the first exon of APC2; the increased methylation was correlated with down-regulation of this tumor suppressor gene. Overexpression of pro-inflammatory chemokines, hypomethylation of PTGS2, and hypermethylation of APC2 may be causally linked to the etiology of oral cancer in this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To test whether a breakfast including eggs (EB) containing high-quality protein decreases subsequent food intake and increases satiety-related hormones in overweight or obese adults more than a breakfast including cereal (CB) of lower protein quality, but matched for energy density and macronutrient composition. Methods: Twenty healthy overweight or obese subjects were randomized to eat an EB or a CB daily under supervision for one week, followed by a crossover to the opposite breakfast week after a two-week washout period. On days 1 and 7 of each test week, a structured lunch was provided ad libitum. Food intake, hunger and satiety scores, and blood parameters were measured before and after breakfast. Outcomes were analyzed using mixed effects statistical models for repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Compared to the CB week, during the EB week, a) feeling of fullness was greater (P < 0.05) on day 1 but not on day 7; b) energy intake was not significantly lower on either day; c) right before lunch, acylated ghrelin was lower and PYY3-36 was higher on day 1 (P < 0.01 and <0.002, respectively) but not on day 7; d) PYY3-36, but not ghrelin, showed greater rise between breakfast and lunch on days 1(P < 0.001) and 7 (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Despite a highly similar energy density and macronutrient composition, the higher protein quality breakfast significantly influenced fullness, ghrelin and PYY3-36. Only the effect on PYY3-36 lasted throughout the week. A next step would be to test if the benefits are pronounced and lasting, if protein quality of all meals is increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Foods that enhance satiety can help consumers to resist environmental cues to eat, and improve the nutritional quality of their diets. Viscosity generated by oat β-glucan, influences gastrointestinal mechanisms that mediate satiety. Differences in the source, processing treatments, and interactions with other constituents in the food matrix affect the amount, solubility, molecular weight, and structure of the β-glucan in products, which in turn influences the viscosity. This study examined the effect of two types of oatmeal and an oat- based ready-to-eat breakfast cereal (RTEC) on appetite, and assessed differences in meal viscosity and β-glucan characteristics among the cereals. Methods Forty-eight individuals were enrolled in a randomized crossover trial. Subjects consumed isocaloric breakfast meals containing instant oatmeal (IO), old-fashioned oatmeal (SO) or RTEC in random order at least a week apart. Each breakfast meal contained 218 kcal (150 kcal cereal, and 68 kcal milk) Visual analogue scales measuring appetite were completed before breakfast, and over four hours, following the meal. Starch digestion kinetics, meal viscosities, and β-glucan characteristics for each meal were determined. Appetite responses were analyzed by area under the curve. Mixed models were used to analyze response changes over time. Results IO increased fullness (p = 0.04), suppressed desire to eat (p = 0.01) and reduced prospective intake (p < 0.01) more than the RTEC over four hours, and consistently at the 60 minute time-point. SO reduced prospective intake (p = 0.04) more than the RTEC. Hunger scores were not significantly different except that IO reduced hunger more than the RTEC at the 60 minute time-point. IO and SO had higher β-glucan content, molecular weight, gastric viscosity, and larger hydration spheres than the RTEC, and IO had greater viscosity after oral and initial gastric digestion (initial viscosity) than the RTEC. Conclusion IO and SO improved appetite control over four hours compared to RTEC. Initial viscosity of oatmeal may be especially important for reducing appetite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevention of weight gain to address the obesity epidemic rather than weight loss involves promoting small changes in food choices and physical activity. People United to Sustain Health (PUSH) was designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and food security to prevent weight gain in rural adults. Forty-nine participants were randomized into a treatment group which received access to a 'Rolling Store,' nutrition education and physical activity, and a control group which received family coping classes. Forty-one (84%) of participants completed the study. At the end of 6 months, weight for all participants was maintained from baseline to completion with no significant differences between the groups. The mean fruit consumption over 6 months for the treatment group increased and was significantly greater than change in the control group ( p = 0.01). This community-based participatory research study was considered successful because weight gain was prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Engaging community residents to obtain their feedback in conducting clinical research, and including them as leaders in implementing applicable health advances is crucial for success and sustaining large center awards. Methods Forty-four adult men and women participated in one of four focus groups. Two groups each (one African American and one Caucasian) were conducted in Baton Rouge and in New Orleans. Results In an effort to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs Louisiana residents have about the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science (LA CaTS) Center concept, four main themes emerged from focus group participants concerning the state's research institutions, and what it means to have these institutions operating under one umbrella to improve the quality of health of its people: (1) academic/research institutions of the State are uniformly widely recognized and held in high regard; (2) increasing awareness of clinical research is a necessity; (3) establishing the LA CaTS Center is an excellent idea; and (4) effective communication including delivery style is crucial to partnerships and especially to the community. Conclusion Focus group discussions can provide insight into community residents' perceptions, beliefs, motivations, and patterns of behavior for strategically planning for large center awards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To examine the relationship between pedometer-measured step count data and the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in African American adults. Method: 379 African American adults (mean age 60.1 years; 60% female) enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study (Jackson, MS) from 2000 to 2004 provided sufficient pedometer data for inclusion in this analysis. MetS was classified according to the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention. Results: Using steps/day categorized as tertiles (<3717 (referent), 3717–6238, >6238), participants taking 3717–6238 (Odds Ratio (OR)(95% Confidence Interval (CI))=0.34 (0.19, 0.61)) and >6238steps/day (OR(95% CI)=0.43 (0.23, 0.78)) had lower odds of having MetS compared to participants in the lowest tertile. Using previously suggested steps/day cut-points (<2500 (referent), 2500–4999, 5000–7499, ?7500), the odds of having MetS were lower for participants taking 2500–4999 (OR(95% CI)=0.32 (0.14, 0.72)), 5000–7499 (OR(95% CI)=0.22 (0.09, 0.53)), and >7500 (OR(95% CI)=0.26 (0.11, 0.65)) steps/day compared to those taking <2500steps/day. Conclusion: Compared to lower levels, higher levels of steps/day are associated with a lower prevalence of MetS in this older African American population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the effects of cadmium and lead on heart-related disease in North Carolina. Increase of a risk of heart-related mortality; Roles in an additive statistical model; Relationship between softness of drinking water and sudden heart death.

Examines the relationship between cancer with smoking, residence in urban communities and residence in the wetlands in Louisiana. Application of multiple regression analysis to cancer mortalities; Selection of physiological sites for correlational data; Comparison of urban-adjusted mortality rates to race-sex group.

Omega-3 (ω3) fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fats. Two of the ω3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, ω3, 20:5Δ5,8,11,14,17) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, ω3, 22:6Δ4,7,10,13,16,19) are sourced primarily from fish. Higher consumption, limited fishing quotas and other environmental factors (e.g., heavy metals) have warranted a need for alternative sources. Nuseed offers a genetically engineered canola (Brassica napus) event,1 DHA canola (OECD Unique Identifier NS-B5ØØ27-4), which has been modified to introduce a pathway for production of the ω3 LC-PUFAs DHA and EPA from oleic acid (OA) in the seed oil. To accomplish this, genes were sourced from marine microalgae and common yeast then incorporated into canola to produce DHA canola, one of the first land-based production systems for ω 3 PUFAs. Safety was evaluated in part by conducting a repeated dose 28-day toxicity study and a dietary 13-week toxicity study using CD® IGS [Crl:CD(SD)] rats. In the 28-day study, conventional and DHA canola oil were administered orally (via gavage); no treatment-related adverse effects were observed. The 13-week toxicity study was subsequently conducted where DHA canola oil and meal were administered by dietary admixture. No adverse effects were noted in clinical observations, clinical pathology, or histopathology. These studies support the food and feed safety of DHA canola oil and meal. • Marine microalgae and common yeast genes were incorporated into canola to produce docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) canola. • In a 28-day toxicity study, oral administration of conventional and DHA canola oil showed no adverse effects. • Administration of dietary canola oil and meal admixture to rats for 13-week toxicity study showed no adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent changes in nutrition standards for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs assume that modification of the nutritional serving practices of school cafeterias will result in improved childhood nutrition in the school environment. The primary aim of this paper is to summarize the findings from two recent cluster randomized controlled trials (Wise Mind and LA Health) that tested the hypothesis that modification of school cafeteria environments, including changes in nutrition standards, would yield beneficial changes in childhood nutrition and healthy eating in the school lunch environment. A secondary aim was to investigate the association of participant characteristics and changes in nutrition and healthy eating. A third aim was to investigate the relationships between the food intake of children and: (1) foods selected by the children and (2) food that was uneaten during the lunch meal (plate waste). The studies used similar approaches for modifying the school cafeteria environment and both studies used the digital photography method to measure changes in food intake, food selection, and plate waste. Both studies reported significant improvements in childhood nutrition, and the LA Health study reported improved healthy eating, following introduction of the cafeteria modification program in comparison to baseline and/or control arms. These studies confirm the hypothesis that interventions that modify the school cafeteria environment can beneficially impact childhood nutrition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the free living cadence patterns and peak cadence indicators in children by sex, age and body mass index. Researchers evaluated information on cadence patterns and peak cadence which was derived from 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey accelerometer data representing 2,610 U.S. children and adolescents. They found that U.S. children and adolescents seem to spend relatively few minutes in daily life engaged in activities that elicit step accumulation patterns indicative of normal walking speeds or those which are associated with higher intensity activities.

OBJECTIVE--This study was designed to determine a cutoff point for identifying insulin resistance from hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies performed at 120 mU/m² z min in a white population and to generate equations from routinely measured clinic and blood variables for predicting clamp-derived glucose disposal rate (GDR), i.e., insulin sensitivity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--We assembled data from hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (120 mU/m² z min insulin dose) performed at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center between 2001 and 2011. Subjects were divided into subjects with diabetes (n = 51) and subjects without diabetes (n = 116) by self-report and/or fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL. RESULTS--We found that 75% of individuals with a GDR <5.6 mg/kg fat-free mass (FFM) + 17.7 ;⋅ min were truly insulin resistant. Cutoff values for GDRs normalized for body weight, body surface area, or FFM were 4.9 mg/kg ;⋅ min, 212.2 mg/m² ;⋅ min, and 7.3 mg/kgFFM ;⋅ min, respectively. Next, we used classification tree models to predict GDR from routinely measured clinical and biochemical variables. We found that individual insulin resistance could be estimated with good sensitivity (89%) and specificity (67%) from the homeostasismodel assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) >5.9 or 2.8 < HOMA-IR<5.9 with HDL<51 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS--We developed a cutoff for defining insulin resistance from hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. Moreover, we now provide classification trees for predicting insulin resistance from routinely measured clinical and biochemical markers. These findings extend the clamp from a research tool to providing a clinically meaningful message for participants in research studies, potentially providing greater opportunity for earlier recognition of insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elevated total white blood cell (WBC) count is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and death. Aerobic exercise is associated with lower total WBC, neutrophil, and monocyte counts. However, no studies have evaluated the effect of the amount of aerobic exercise (dose) on total WBC and WBC subfraction counts. Purpose: To examine the effects of 3 different doses of aerobic exercise on changes in total WBC and WBC subfraction counts and independent effects of changes in fitness, adiposity, markers of inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein), fasting glucose metabolism, and adiponectin. Methods: Data from 390 sedentary, overweight/obese postmenopausal women from the DREW study were used in these analyses. Women were randomized to a non-exercise control group or one of 3 exercise groups: energy expenditure of 4, 8, or 12 kcal kg-1week-1 (KKW) for 6 months at an intensity of 50% VO2peak. Results: A dose-dependent decrease in total WBC counts (trend P = 0.002) was observed with a significant decrease in the 12KKW group (-163.1±140.0 cells/μL; mean±95%CI) compared with the control (138.6±144.7 cells/μL). A similar response was seen in the neutrophil subfraction (trend P = 0.001) with a significant decrease in the 12KKW group (-152.6±115.1 cells/μL) compared with both the control and 4KKW groups (96.4±119.0 and 21.9±95.3 cells/μL, respectively) and in the 8KKW group (-102.4±125.0 cells/μL) compared with the control. When divided into high/low baseline WBC categories (median split), a dose-dependent decrease in both total WBCs (P = 0.003) and neutrophils (P<0.001) was observed in women with high baseline WBC counts. The effects of exercise dose on total WBC and neutrophil counts persisted after accounting for significant independent effects of change in waist circumference and IL-6. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise training reduces total WBC and neutrophil counts, in a dose-dependent manner, in overweight/obese postmenopausal women and is especially beneficial for those with systemic low grade inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A sensitive and accurate approach for the determination of CP-31398 (N-{2-[(E)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-vinyl]-quinazolin-4-yl}-N′,N′-dimethyl-propane-1,3-diamine hydrochloride) in rat and dog plasma by LC-MS/MS was validated to support preclinical toxicological and pharmacological studies. Based on the results of stability experiments with diluted CP-31398 solutions using NMR, LC-MS/MS and LC-Q-TOF, all sample preparation and handling steps were performed under yellow light to avoid CP-31398 decomposition. CP-31398 was extracted by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and separated using a Phenomenex Luna 3μm phenyl-hexyl, 100Å, 30×2.0mm column (rat plasma) or a Phenomenex Synergi 4μ Polar-RP, 80Å, 30×2.0mm column (dog plasma) at a flow rate of 0.30mL/min. The mobile phase consisted of A: 1% formic acid in water and B: 1% formic acid in methanol or acetonitrile. Total run times for rat and dog samples were 7 and 8min, respectively, with accompanying retention times of 1.8 for both columns. A turbo ion spray interface was used as the ion source operating in positive mode. Calibration curves were linear from 5 to 1000ng/mL. Linearity was assessed using the external standard method. Within-run and between-run accuracy was 93–109% of the true value for all analytes with precision (SD) of 8% or less for all experiments. The validated method was applied to preclinical toxicology studies in rats and dogs after oral administration of CP-31398. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article assesses the time spent physical activity on working day in sleep, work, sedentary behaviors, and light-moderate, and vigorous intensity behaviors by occupation intensity. The authors used data from 30,758 working respondents to the 2003-2009 American Time Use Survey. It revealed that about 32% of the 24-hour day was spent sleeping and about 31% was spent at work.

Dietary supplementation with whole blueberries in a preclinical study resulted in a reduction in glucose concentrations over time. We sought to evaluate the effect of daily dietary supplementation with bioactives from blueberries on whole-body insulin sensitivity in men and women. A double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical study design was used. After screening to resolve study eligibility, baseline (wk 0) insulin sensitivity was measured on 32 obese, nondiabetic, and insulin-resistant subjects using a high-dose hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (insulin infusion of 120 mU(861 pmol)∙m-2∙min-1). Serum inflammatory biomarkers and adiposity were measured at baseline. At the end of the study, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory biomarkers, and adiposity were reassessed. Participants were randomized to consume either a smoothie containing 22.5 g blueberry bioactives (blueberry group, n = 15) or a smoothie of equal nutritional value without added blueberry bioactives (placebo group, n = 17) twice daily for 6 wk. Both groups were instructed to maintain their body weight by reducing ad libitum intake by an amount equal to the energy intake of the smoothies. Participants' body weights were evaluated weekly and 3-d food records were collected at baseline, the middle, and end of the study. The mean change in insulin sensitivity improved more in the blueberry group (1.7 ± 0.5 mg∙kg FFM-1min-1)than in the placebo group (0.4 ± 0.4 mg∙kg FFM-1∙min-1) (P= 0.04). Insulin sensitivity was enhanced in the blueberry group at the end of the study without significant changes in adiposity, energy intake, and inflammatory biomarkers. In conclusion, daily dietary supplementation with bioactives from whole blueberries improved insulin sensitivity in obese, nondiabetic, and insulin-resistant participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the relationship between racial differences and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-associated morbidity of Caucasians and African-Americans. It states that the study was conducted in nine sites while the Rome II criteria questionnaire for IBS was used to investigate 320 Caucasians and 670 African-Americans. Results show that the racial differences and similarities in IBS patients cannot be an exclusive determinant to IBS' pathogenesis.