Rapeseed and milk protein exhibit a similar overall nutritional value but marked difference in postprandial regional nitrogen utilization in rats

Background: Rapeseed is an emerging and promising source of dietary protein for human nutrition and health. We previously found that rapeseed protein displayed atypical nutritional properties in humans, characterized by low bioavailability and a high postprandial biological value. The objective of the present study was to investigate the metabolic fate of rapeseed protein isolate (RPI) and its effect on protein fractional synthesis rates (FSR) in various tissues when compared to a milk protein isolate (MPI). Methods: Rats (n = 48) were given a RPI or MPI meal, either for the first time or after 2-week adaptation to a MPI or RPI-based diet. They were divided in two groups for measuring the fed-state tissue FSR 2 h after the meal (using a flooding dose of (13)C-valine) and the dietary N postprandial distribution at 5 h (using (15)N-labeled meals). Results: RPI and MPI led to similar FSR and dietary nitrogen (N) losses (ileal and deamination losses of 4% and 12% of the meal, respectively). By contrast, the dietary N incorporation was significantly higher in the intestinal mucosa and liver (+36% and +16%, respectively) and lower in skin (-24%) after RPI than MPI. Conclusions: Although RPI and MPI led to the same overall level of postprandial dietary N retention in rats (in line with our findings in humans), this global response conceals marked qualitative differences at the tissue level regarding dietary N accretion. The fact that FSR did not however differed between groups suggest a differential modulation of proteolysis after RPI or MPI ingestion, or other mechanisms that warrant further study

Factors influencing the decision to start renal replacement therapy: results of a survey among European nephrologists

Background: Little is known about the criteria nephrologists use in the decision of when to start renal replacement therapy (RRT) in early referred adult patients. We evaluated opinions of European nephrologists on the decision for when to start RRT. Study Design: European web-based survey. Predictors: Patient presentations described as uncomplicated patients, patients with unfavorable clinical and unfavorable social conditions, or patients with specific clinical, social, and logistical factors. Setting & Participants: Nephrologists from 11 European countries. Outcomes & Measurements: We studied opinions of European nephrologists about the influence of clinical, social, and logistical factors on decision making regarding when to start RRT, reflecting practices in place in 2009. Questions included target levels of kidney function at the start of RRT and factors accelerating or postponing RRT initiation. Using linear regression, we studied determinants of target estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the start of RRT. Results: We received 433 completed surveys. The median target eGFR selected to start RRT in uncomplicated patients was 10.0 (25th-75th percentile, 8.0-10.0) mL/min/1.73 m(2). Level of excretory kidney function was considered the most important factor in decision making regarding uncomplicated patients (selected by 54% of respondents); in patients with unfavorable clinical versus social conditions, this factor was selected by 24% versus 32%, respectively. Acute clinical factors such as life-threatening hyperkalemia refractory to medical therapy (100%) and uremic pericarditis (98%) elicited a preference for an immediate start, whereas patient preference (69%) and vascular dementia (66%) postponed the start. Higher target eGFRs were reported by respondents from high-versus low-RRT-incidence countries (10.4 [95% CI, 9.9-10.9] vs 9.1 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) and from for-profit versus not-for-profit centers (10.1 [95% CI, 9.5-10.7] vs 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Limitations: We were unable to calculate the exact response rate and examined opinions rather than practice for 433 nephrologists. Conclusions: Only for uncomplicated patients did half the nephrologists consider excretory kidney function as the most important factor. Future studies should assess the weight of each factor affecting decision making. Am J Kidney Dis. 60(6): 940-948. (C) 2012 by the National Kidney Foundation, In

The Nature of the Dietary Protein Impacts the Tissue-to-Diet 15N Discrimination Factors in Laboratory Rats

Due to the existence of isotope effects on some metabolic pathways of amino acid and protein metabolism, animal tissues are 15N-enriched relative to their dietary nitrogen sources and this 15N enrichment varies among different tissues and metabolic pools. The magnitude of the tissue-to-diet discrimination (Δ15N) has also been shown to depend on dietary factors. Since dietary protein sources affect amino acid and protein metabolism, we hypothesized that they would impact this discrimination factor, with selective effects at the tissue level. To test this hypothesis, we investigated in rats the influence of a milk or soy protein-based diet on Δ15N in various nitrogen fractions (urea, protein and non-protein fractions) of blood and tissues, focusing on visceral tissues. Regardless of the diet, the different protein fractions of blood and tissues were generally 15N-enriched relative to their non-protein fraction and to the diet (Δ15N>0), with large variations in the Δ15N between tissue proteins. Δ15N values were markedly lower in tissue proteins of rats fed milk proteins compared to those fed soy proteins, in all sampled tissues except in the intestine, and the amplitude of Δ15N differences between diets differed between tissues. Both between-tissue and between-diet Δ15N differences are probably related to modulations of the relative orientation of dietary and endogenous amino acids in the different metabolic pathways. More specifically, the smaller Δ15N values observed in tissue proteins with milk than soy dietary protein may be due to a slightly more direct channeling of dietary amino acids for tissue protein renewal and to a lower recycling of amino acids through fractionating pathways. In conclusion, the present data indicate that natural Δ15N of tissue are sensitive markers of the specific subtle regional modifications of the protein and amino acid metabolism induced by the protein dietary source

COVID-19 symptoms at hospital admission vary with age and sex: results from the ISARIC prospective multinational observational study

Background: The ISARIC prospective multinational observational study is the largest cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We present relationships of age, sex, and nationality to presenting symptoms. Methods: International, prospective observational study of 60 109 hospitalized symptomatic patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 recruited from 43 countries between 30 January and 3 August 2020. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships of age and sex to published COVID-19 case definitions and the most commonly reported symptoms. Results: ‘Typical’ symptoms of fever (69%), cough (68%) and shortness of breath (66%) were the most commonly reported. 92% of patients experienced at least one of these. Prevalence of typical symptoms was greatest in 30- to 60-year-olds (respectively 80, 79, 69%; at least one 95%). They were reported less frequently in children (≤ 18 years: 69, 48, 23; 85%), older adults (≥ 70 years: 61, 62, 65; 90%), and women (66, 66, 64; 90%; vs. men 71, 70, 67; 93%, each P < 0.001). The most common atypical presentations under 60 years of age were nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain, and over 60 years was confusion. Regression models showed significant differences in symptoms with sex, age and country. Interpretation: This international collaboration has allowed us to report reliable symptom data from the largest cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Adults over 60 and children admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are less likely to present with typical symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common atypical presentations under 30 years. Confusion is a frequent atypical presentation of COVID-19 in adults over 60 years. Women are less likely to experience typical symptoms than men

Identification of genetic variants associated with Huntington's disease progression: a genome-wide association study

Background Huntington's disease is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, HTT. Age at onset has been used as a quantitative phenotype in genetic analysis looking for Huntington's disease modifiers, but is hard to define and not always available. Therefore, we aimed to generate a novel measure of disease progression and to identify genetic markers associated with this progression measure. Methods We generated a progression score on the basis of principal component analysis of prospectively acquired longitudinal changes in motor, cognitive, and imaging measures in the 218 indivduals in the TRACK-HD cohort of Huntington's disease gene mutation carriers (data collected 2008–11). We generated a parallel progression score using data from 1773 previously genotyped participants from the European Huntington's Disease Network REGISTRY study of Huntington's disease mutation carriers (data collected 2003–13). We did a genome-wide association analyses in terms of progression for 216 TRACK-HD participants and 1773 REGISTRY participants, then a meta-analysis of these results was undertaken. Findings Longitudinal motor, cognitive, and imaging scores were correlated with each other in TRACK-HD participants, justifying use of a single, cross-domain measure of disease progression in both studies. The TRACK-HD and REGISTRY progression measures were correlated with each other (r=0·674), and with age at onset (TRACK-HD, r=0·315; REGISTRY, r=0·234). The meta-analysis of progression in TRACK-HD and REGISTRY gave a genome-wide significant signal (p=1·12 × 10−10) on chromosome 5 spanning three genes: MSH3, DHFR, and MTRNR2L2. The genes in this locus were associated with progression in TRACK-HD (MSH3 p=2·94 × 10−8 DHFR p=8·37 × 10−7 MTRNR2L2 p=2·15 × 10−9) and to a lesser extent in REGISTRY (MSH3 p=9·36 × 10−4 DHFR p=8·45 × 10−4 MTRNR2L2 p=1·20 × 10−3). The lead single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TRACK-HD (rs557874766) was genome-wide significant in the meta-analysis (p=1·58 × 10−8), and encodes an aminoacid change (Pro67Ala) in MSH3. In TRACK-HD, each copy of the minor allele at this SNP was associated with a 0·4 units per year (95% CI 0·16–0·66) reduction in the rate of change of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) Total Motor Score, and a reduction of 0·12 units per year (95% CI 0·06–0·18) in the rate of change of UHDRS Total Functional Capacity score. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age of onset. Interpretation The multidomain progression measure in TRACK-HD was associated with a functional variant that was genome-wide significant in our meta-analysis. The association in only 216 participants implies that the progression measure is a sensitive reflection of disease burden, that the effect size at this locus is large, or both. Knockout of Msh3 reduces somatic expansion in Huntington's disease mouse models, suggesting this mechanism as an area for future therapeutic investigation

Peaux et cheveux ethniques (caractéristiques physiopathologiques et produits cosmétiques adaptés)

La cosmétique ethnique, essentiellement destinée aux sujets noirs et asiatiques, connaît un essor considérable depuis plusieurs années. Ce phénomène amène à s'interroger quant à l'adéquation entre les produits commercialisés et l'état actuel des connaissances en matière de peaux et de cheveux dits "ethniques". Pour cela, une synthèse critique des publications scientifiques disponibles a donc été réalisée, suivie d'une analyse succincte du marché actuel de la cosmétique ethnique. Au final, l'étude des cheveux "ethniques" apparaît restreinte mais relativement satisfaisante, la plupart des recherches aboutissant à des conclusions solides basées sur des études rationnelles et étayées par des résultats cohérents. En parallèle, les produits cosmétiques capillaires semblent judicieusement adaptés aux caractéristiques des cheveux "ethniques", tant sur le plan des actifs que de la formulation. De façon nuancée, l'unique certitude dans l'étude des peaux "ethniques" réside finalement dans la différence de pigmentation. La majorité des hypothèses avancées dans les autres domaines de recherche restent actuellement très controversées et nécessitent d'être confortées par des recherches supplémentaires. Parallèlement, il apparaît que les produits de soin et d'hygiène destinés à la peau sont souvent assez peu spécifiques, ce qui explique le rôle essentiel joué par le marketing pour revendiquer la particularité des produits auprès des consommateurs. A l'évidence, l'insuffisance de certitudes concernant les peaux "ethniques" contribue à entraver l'élaboration de produits cosmétiques adaptés. Des études complémentaires sérieuses sont donc désormais indispensables. Ainsi, en se basant sur des données satisfaisantes et des hypothèses solides, l'industrie cosmétique pourrait s'orienter vers le choix d'actifs et de formulations correspondant aux attentes et aux besoins des consommateurs.GRENOBLE1-BU Médecine pharm. (385162101) / SudocPARIS-BIUP (751062107) / SudocSudocFranceF

Néo-extractivisme » minier et question sociale au Pérou

International audienceThe mining sector has been the engine of Peru’s remarkable growth. Through tax revenues, itcontributed to the sharp reduction in poverty since the 1990s. Thus governments from allpolitical backgrounds have supported large private investments in the mining sector to ensuresocial spending. Nevertheless, the growth has been geographically and socially inequitable andthe balance of power has remained in favor of the big mining groups, nourishing the soil of socialconflicts around mining projects. Although the current government is caught between economicpragmatism and political issues, it does not question the « neo-extractive » development modelof the country.El sector minero ha sido motor del sobresaliente crecimiento económico peruano. Hacontribuido, por los ingresos fiscales que ha generado, a la fuerte reducción de la pobreza desdelos años 1990: los sucesivos gobiernos, sin distinción de bandos, han apoyado las grandesinversiones privadas en el sector minero para garantizar su gasto social. Sin embargo, elcrecimiento económico ha permanecido geográficamente y socialmente injusto y el equilibrio depoder sigue aventajando a los grandes grupos mineros, alimentando así los conflictos sociales entorno a los proyectos mineros. Dividido entre pragmatismo económico y desafíos políticos, elgobierno actual no cuestiona el modelo de desarrollo « neoextractivista » del país.Le secteur minier a été le moteur de la remarquable croissance péruvienne. Il a contribué, par lesrecettes fiscales qu’il a générées, à la forte réduction de la pauvreté depuis les années 1990 : lesgouvernements successifs, toutes étiquettes confondues, ont soutenu les grands investissementsprivés dans le secteur minier pour garantir leur dépense sociale. Pour autant, la croissance estrestée géographiquement et socialement inéquitable et le rapport de forces demeure à l’avantagedes grands groupes miniers, nourrissant le terreau des conflits sociaux autour des projetsd’exploitation. Écartelé entre pragmatisme économique et enjeux politiques, le gouvernementactuel ne remet pas en cause le modèle de développement néo-extractiviste du pays

Persistent Nav1.1 and Nav1.6 currents drive spinal locomotor functions through nonlinear dynamics

Summary: Persistent sodium current (INaP) in the spinal locomotor network promotes two distinct nonlinear firing patterns: a self-sustained spiking triggered by a brief excitation in bistable motoneurons and bursting oscillations in interneurons of the central pattern generator (CPG). Here, we identify the NaV channels responsible for INaP and their role in motor behaviors. We report the axonal Nav1.6 as the main molecular player for INaP in lumbar motoneurons. The inhibition of Nav1.6, but not of Nav1.1, in motoneurons impairs INaP, bistability, postural tone, and locomotor performance. In interneurons of the rhythmogenic CPG region, both Nav1.6 and Nav1.1 equally mediate INaP. Inhibition of both channels is required to abolish oscillatory bursting activities and the locomotor rhythm. Overall, Nav1.6 plays a significant role both in posture and locomotion by governing INaP-dependent bistability in motoneurons and working in tandem with Nav1.1 to provide INaP-dependent rhythmogenic properties of the CPG

Micronutrient Intakes among Children and Adults in Greece: The Role of Age, Sex and Socio-Economic Status

The aim of the present study was to report the usual nutrient intakes of sixteen micronutrients by schoolchildren, adults and the elderly in Greece and to further explore the role of age, sex and socio-economic status (SES) on meeting the recommended nutrient intakes. Dietary intake, demographic and SES data from three existing studies conducted in Greece (in 9–13-year-old children; 40–60-year-old adults; and 50–75-year-old women) were collected. The prevalence of study participants with inadequate micronutrient intakes were assessed using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method. Regarding sex and age differences, the highest prevalences of inadequate nutrient intakes occurred in post-menopausal women. In both sexes and all age groups, the prevalence of vitamin D intake below EAR reached 100%. Furthermore, nutrient intakes of 75% or more below EAR were found for vitamin E in all age groups, folate in women and for calcium and magnesium in post-menopausal women (p < 0.05). Regarding SES differences, the prevalences of inadequate calcium and vitamin C intakes were higher for children and postmenopausal women of lower SES compared to their higher SES counterparts (p < 0.05). The current study reported the highest prevalences of inadequate intakes for both sexes and all age and SES groups for calcium, folate and vitamins D and E. These findings could provide guidance to public health policy makers in terms of updating current dietary guidelines and fortifying foods to meet the needs of all population subgroups