The Effects of Voluntary Exercise on a Rodent Model of Binge Eating

Abstract: Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder involving repeated, intermittent over consumptions of food in brief periods of time, usually with no compensatory behaviors. Unfortunately, there has been limited progress in the development of treatment strategies, partially due to the fact that the neurological and physiological consequences of repeated bingeing are not clearly understood and cannot readily be studied in humans. Thus, in order to investigate behavioral and neurological pathways affected by BED, rodent models mimicking BED symptoms can be used. Some models use cycles of food restriction and refeeding (R/R), while others use stress to induce bingeing. There are also different types of highly palatable foods that have been used, including vegetable shortening, sucrose, and cookies. Due to the fact that weight issues and physical inactivity can be central issues in BED, exercise may be a useful treatment. To date, no studies have been published examining the effects of exercise on binge-eating in rats. It has been shown that running wheel activity (RWA) can decrease consumption of a daily high-fat diet (HFD), but the effects of RWA on sporadic, intermittent consumption of a HFD (e.g. bingeing) are still unknown. In the studies presented here, we hypothesized that RWA could reduce binge-eating in rats. Rats were given sporadic (3 times/wk) limited (1hr) access to a HF food (Crisco), in addition to continuously available chow. Crisco was available every Mon, Wed, and Fri for 1hr before dark onset. We designed the experiments to assess whether RWA would reduce established binge-eating, as well as assess whether prior RWA would prevent binge-eating from developing. We found that RWA significantly decreased Crisco intake, but prior RW access did not prevent bingeing. While the appetite hormones were expressed in the appropriate directions, bingeing rats were not modifying their intake, and thus another brain pathway may be interfering. There was evidence that the brain reward pathways of both bingeing and running rats were activated, and may be overriding the appetite hormones. Overall, access to a RW and the resulting activity significantly reduced binge-eating and modulated the effects of bingeing on brain appetite and reward systems. Thesis Adviser: Timothy H. Moran, Ph.D. Paul R. McHugh Professor of Motivated Behaviors Vice Chair for Research Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Second Reader: Lisa A. Eckel, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Florida State Universit

Perspectives on geologic carbon storage

Geologic carbon storage (GCS) is a fundamental pillar of carbon management that helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and addresses the negative effects of climate change. Viable CO2 storage sites share some of the same elements required for successful petroleum systems. For example, while reservoir, seal, and trap are required, migration pathway and timing are not important for CO2 storage, because rather than withdrawing fluid from a trap, CO2 storage involves injection into a geologic trap. Conceptually, this represents a form of reverse production. Numerous petroleum traps around the world, as well as naturally occurring CO2-producing fields and natural gas storage sites attest that safe, long-term storage is possible. Research over the past two decades identified five methods of Geologic Carbon Storage which have been validated through several demonstration and pilot projects around the world: (1) storage in depleted oil and gas fields, (2) use of CO2 in enhanced hydrocarbons recovery (3) storage in saline formations/aquifers, (4) injection into deep unmineable coal seams, and (5) in-situ/ex-situ carbon mineralization. The greatest volumetric potential for GCS is found in saline aquifers which are present throughout the world’s sedimentary basins

Implication of Fusobacterium necrophorum in recurrence of peritonsillar abscess

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149740/1/lary27675.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149740/2/lary27675_am.pd