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We previously demonstrated that antisense oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown of Mboat7, the gene encoding membrane bound O-acyltransferase 7, in the liver and adipose tissue of mice promoted high fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis, hyperinsulinemia, and systemic insulin resistance. Thereafter, other groups showed that hepatocyte-specific genetic deletion of Mboat7 promoted striking fatty liver and NAFLD progression in mice but does not alter insulin sensitivity, suggesting the potential for cell autonomous roles. Here, we show that MBOAT7 function in adipocytes contributes to diet-induced metabolic disturbances including hyperinsulinemia and systemic insulin resistance. We generated Mboat7 floxed mice and created hepatocyte- and adipocyte-specific Mboat7 knockout mice using Cre-recombinase mice under the control of the albumin and adiponectin promoter, respectively. Here, we show that MBOAT7 function in adipocytes contributes to diet-induced metabolic disturbances including hyperinsulinemia and systemic insulin resistance. The expression of Mboat7 in white adipose tissue closely correlates with diet-induced obesity across a panel of ∼100 inbred strains of mice fed a high fat/high sucrose diet. Moreover, we found that adipocyte-specific genetic deletion of Mboat7 is sufficient to promote hyperinsulinemia, systemic insulin resistance, and mild fatty liver. Unlike in the liver, where Mboat7 plays a relatively minor role in maintaining arachidonic acid-containing PI pools, Mboat7 is the major source of arachidonic acid-containing PI pools in adipose tissue. Our data demonstrate that MBOAT7 is a critical regulator of adipose tissue PI homeostasis, and adipocyte MBOAT7-driven PI biosynthesis is closely linked to hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in mice.

Obesity has repeatedly been linked to reorganization of the gut microbiome, yet to this point obesity therapeutics have been targeted exclusively toward the human host. Here, we show that gut microbe-targeted inhibition of the trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) pathway protects mice against the metabolic disturbances associated with diet-induced obesity (DIO) or leptin deficiency (Lepob/ob). Small molecule inhibition of the gut microbial enzyme choline TMA-lyase (CutC) does not reduce food intake but is instead associated with alterations in the gut microbiome, improvement in glucose tolerance, and enhanced energy expenditure. We also show that gut microbial CutC inhibition is associated with reorganization of host circadian control of both phosphatidylcholine and energy metabolism. This study underscores the relationship between microbe and host metabolism and provides evidence that gut microbe-derived trimethylamine (TMA) is a key regulator of the host circadian clock. This work also demonstrates that gut microbe-targeted enzyme inhibitors have potential as anti-obesity therapeutics.

Background: A majority of research findings have focused on recess as instrumental to achieving minutes of physical activity rather than focusing on the psycho-social benefits associated with a high-quality recess environment. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between recess quality and teacher-reported social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes in children. Methods: Data were collected from 26 schools in 4 different regions of the United States. Teachers (N = 113) completed behavioral assessments for randomly selected children in their classrooms (N = 352). Data assessors conducted live observations of recess using the Great Recess Framework-Observational Tool. A series of 2-level regression models were fit in Mplus v. 8.2 to assess how recess quality was associated with indicators of children's social, emotional, and behavioral health. Results: Recess quality significantly predicted executive functioning problems (b = -0.360, p = 0.021), resilience (b = 0.369, p = 0.016), emotional self-control (b = -0.367, p = 0.016), and a composite of adaptive classroom behaviors (b = 0.321, p = 0.030). Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrate that recess quality impacts child developmental outcomes. Schools should ensure there is adequate training and resources to facilitate a positive and meaningful recess for students.

Objective: This study aimed to examine some common problems observed during school recess and translate findings to evidence-based, practical solutions that can be applied within schools on a more systematic level. Design: Observational study. Setting: Elementary schools in the USA. Method: Data were collected from 112 school recess periods at 25 public elementary schools in three distinct geographical regions of the USA (Midwest, Northwest, Southwest). The Great Recess Framework--Observational Tool (GRF-OT) guided observations and field notes. The GRF-OT measures safety and structure, student behaviour, adult supervision and engagement, transitions, and physical activity. Following data collection, inductive and deductive content analysis examined patterns in the data. Results: Analyses revealed how poorly designed and inadequately maintained schoolyard spaces contribute to common safety issues. A combination of insufficient play space planning and maintenance, lack of play equipment and game availability, and limited adult involvement in the schoolyard reinforced social hierarchies, leading to exclusionary practices. While recess is often deemed a child-led portion of the school-day, results highlighted the important role that adults play in recess. Conclusion: The following evidence-based solutions should be considered by school administrators and policy makers to mitigate problems observed during recess: (1) assess the schoolyard landscape, (2) assess patterns of play, (3) plan an intentional recess and (4) address the social climate. A high-quality recess promotes equitable access to play opportunities.

Objectives: Schools can provide an optimal environment for promoting children's health behaviours. The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model addresses 10 aspects of the school environment that can be used to promote student health behaviours and academic outcomes: namely, Health Education; Nutrition Environment and Services; Employee Wellness; Social and Emotional School Climate; Physical Environment; Health Services; Counselling, Psychological and Social Services; Community Involvement; Family Engagement; and Physical Education and Physical Activity. Design: Guidelines for practical use of the WSCC model for school professionals are limited, impeding potential impact on school health promotion. Accordingly, in this article, we seek to demonstrate an application of the WSCC model to a specific school-based practice: recess. Setting: School recess. Results: An overview of literature and evidence-informed practices details how recess can facilitate WSCC adoption and initial implementation. Areas requiring further empirical research prior to making additional recommendations are also discussed. Conclusion: Strategies to enhance learning and health are described, attempting to bridge the gap between research and practice in school settings using the WSCC model.

Recent studies have identified a genetic variant rs641738 near two genes encoding membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing 7 (MBOAT7) and transmembrane channel-like 4 (TMC4) that associate with increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), alcohol-related cirrhosis, and liver fibrosis in those infected with viral hepatitis (Buch et al., 2015; Mancina et al., 2016; Luukkonen et al., 2016; Thabet et al., 2016; Viitasalo et al., 2016; Krawczyk et al., 2017; Thabet et al., 2017). Based on hepatic expression quantitative trait loci analysis, it has been suggested that MBOAT7 loss of function promotes liver disease progression (Buch et al., 2015; Mancina et al., 2016; Luukkonen et al., 2016; Thabet et al., 2016; Viitasalo et al., 2016; Krawczyk et al., 2017; Thabet et al., 2017), but this has never been formally tested. Here we show that Mboat7 loss, but not Tmc4, in mice is sufficient to promote the progression of NAFLD in the setting of high fat diet. Mboat7 loss of function is associated with accumulation of its substrate lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) lipids, and direct administration of LPI promotes hepatic inflammatory and fibrotic transcriptional changes in an Mboat7-dependent manner. These studies reveal a novel role for MBOAT7-driven acylation of LPI lipids in suppressing the progression of NAFLD.

Fibrostenosing Crohn's disease (CD) represents a challenging clinical condition characterized by the development of symptomatic strictures within the gastrointestinal tract. Despite therapeutic advancements in managing inflammation, the progression of fibrostenotic complications remains a significant concern, often necessitating surgical intervention. Recent investigations have unveiled the pivotal role of smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in driving luminal narrowing and clinical symptomatology. Drawing parallels to analogous inflammatory conditions affecting other organs, such as the airways and blood vessels, sheds light on common underlying mechanisms of muscular hyperplasia. This review synthesizes current evidence to elucidate the mechanisms underlying smooth muscle cell proliferation in CD-associated strictures, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets. By highlighting the emerging significance of muscle thickening as a novel therapeutic target, this review aims to inform future research endeavors and clinical strategies with the goal to mitigate the burden of fibrostenotic complications in CD and other conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a commentary on a rapid action plan to improve the diagnosis and management of lipodystrophy syndromes. Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare conditions characterized by the loss of fat in the body, which can be genetic or acquired. The document discusses the challenges in diagnosing these syndromes and the importance of early detection for effective treatment. It also explores the relationship between lipodystrophy and other concomitant diseases, such as neurological disorders and autoimmune conditions. The ultimate goal of the rapid action plan is to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with lipodystrophy syndromes. Additionally, the document discusses the connection between lipodystrophy syndromes and Crohn's disease, highlighting the association between lipodystrophy and "creeping fat" in Crohn's disease. Two case reports in 2019 showed the link between lipodystrophy syndromes and Crohn's disease, including bowel perforation and inflammation. The document suggests further research is needed to understand the molecular basis of this relationship and emphasizes the importance of considering the role of adipose tissue in concomitant conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Health and education disparities continue to persist in low-income communities, and in communities with a high proportion of racial and ethnic minorities. Despite recess being a main contributor to children's school-based physical activity (PA), children in the aforementioned communities have less access to recess opportunities. The purpose of this article is to present evidence-based strategies and underlying critical success factors for school-based recess implementation that can be used by health and education professionals to increase PA opportunities in urban elementary schools. A brief overview of recess programs is provided, with a specific focus on Playworks--a national non-profit organization focused on providing safe and engaging recess for children. A program evaluation of the Playworks program was conducted through 15 focus groups and 13 semi-structured interviews. Data from a content analysis was used to identify strategies and critical success factors for recess implementation. These strategies are discussed, with implications for health and education professionals.

Objective: To identify the effects of a structured and multifaceted physical activity and recess intervention on student and adult behaviour in school. Design: Mixed-methods and community-based participatory approach. Setting: Large, urban, low-income school district in the USA. Methods: Data were collected at three time points over a 1-year period. Sources included recess observations at four elementary schools, in-class behavioural observations of fifth-grade students (n = 21) and focus groups with fourth- and fifth-grade students (n = 75). Results: Results suggested an increased amount of positive interactions between adults and students and a decreased amount of conflict in the playground post intervention. Results also suggested that a peer-leadership training programme had beneficial effects on students' classroom behaviour. Conclusion: Results from this study provide evidence that school recess can be used to teach social-emotional competencies that can impact student behaviour during recess and in the classroom.