Skeletal muscle sodium glucose co-transporters in older adults with type 2 diabetes undergoing resistance training

We examined the expression of the sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter system (hSGLT3) in skeletal muscle of Hispanic older adults with type 2 diabetes. Subjects (65±8 yr) were randomized to resistance training (3x/wk, n=13) or standard of care (controls, n=5) for 16 weeks. Skeletal muscle hSGLT3 and GLUT4 mRNA transcript levels were determined by real time RT-PCR. hSGLT3 transcripts increased by a factor of ten following resistance training compared to control subjects (0.10, P=0.03). There were no differences in GLUT4 mRNA expression levels between groups. Protein expression levels of these transporters were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. hSGLT3 after resistance exercise was found not to be co-localized with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The change in hSGLT3 transcript levels in the vastus lateralis muscle was positively correlated with glucose uptake, as measured by the change in muscle glycogen stores (r=0.53, P=0.02); and with exercise intensity, as measured by the change in muscle strength (r=0.73, P=0.001). Group assignment was be the only independent predictor of hSGLT3 transcript levels, explaining 68% of its variability (P=0.01). Our data show that hSGLT3, but not GLTU4, expression was enhanced in skeletal muscle after 16 weeks of resistance training. This finding suggests that hSGLT3, an insulin-independent glucose transporter, is activated with exercise and it may play a significant role in glycemic control with muscle contraction. The hSGLT3 exact mechanism is not well understood and requires further investigation. However its functional significance regarding a reduction of glucose toxicity and improvement of insulin resistance is the subject of ongoing research

Genomic and toxigenic heterogeneity of bacillus cereus sensu lato Isolated from ready-to-eat foods and powdered milk in day care centers in Colombia

Bacillus cereus sensu lato (s.l.) is a group of bacteria commonly found in diverse environments, including foods, with potential to cause emesis and diarrhea. In Colombia, it is one of the main foodborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the genomic and toxigenic heterogeneity of B. cereus s.l. isolated from ready-to-eat foods and powdered milk collected in day care centers of Medellin, Colombia. Of 112 B. cereus s.l. isolates obtained, 94% were beta-hemolytic. Toxigenic heterogeneity was established by the presence of nheABC, hblCDAB, cytK2, entFM, and cesB toxigenic genes. The nheABC operon and entFM gene were most frequently detected in the isolates, whereas the cesB gene was not found. According to the toxin genes content, nine toxigenic profiles were identified. A 44% of isolates had profiles with all genes for nonhemolytic enterotoxin, hemolysin BL, and enterotoxin FM production (profiles II and IV). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis indicated a high genomic heterogeneity among the B. cereus s.l., with 68 isolates grouping into 16 clusters and 33 placed separately in the dendrogram. This study provides useful information on the safety of ready-to-eat foods and powdered milk in day care centers where children, a susceptible population, are exposed and it should incentive for more studies to understand the distribution of different toxin-encoding genes among B. cereus s.l. isolates, enabling detailed risk assessment

Young Children’s Ideas About Astronomy

Young children express interest and understanding about science topics through everyday conversations with parents. Little is known about how much interest preschool-aged children show in astronomy. Using a diary report methodology, we asked parents in three communities in coastal California to keep track of conversations with their three to five-year-old children about nature. The communities varied in demographics, including one community with predominantly European-American families, one community with predominantly Latinx families, and one community with families from a variety of backgrounds. Overall, young children showed interest in astronomy through initiation and engagement in conversations about a variety of astronomical objects and events; this was consistent across gender, age, and community. Across all three communities, conversations about astronomy accounted for approximately 15% of the conversations about nature, ranking in the top three most frequent topics for each group. Children initiated the vast majority of conversations with their parents, including those about astronomy. Within astronomy, children were most interested in the sun, moon, stars, and day or night sky. Thus, while science educators may see astronomy as too complex for young children, children observe and comment on astronomical phenomena as part of their everyday life. Finding ways to support educators and parents in talking with children about these observations may productively build on this early astronomy interest and position children for greater understanding and engagement in this domain

Towards a Tangible Blocky Coding Design for Visually Impaired Children

This paper investigates the role of coding in children\u27s education and the barriers to inclusion for Visually Impaired (VI) children in this environment. In the learning process, these children face numerous challenges, including the fact that most playful coding-related learning options rely on visualization. This paper incorporates insights from a literature review to design a solution involving a model called DODO through computer vision and tangible paper blocky modules for VI children to learn to code. The main result is the proof of concept prototype demonstrates that the proposed design can recognize the various paper modules used to represent different codes, targeting the tactile sense. The design advocates for VI children to have access to economic Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning

Strength training improves muscle quality and insulin sensitivity in Hispanic older adults with type 2 diabetes

Hispanics are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to their high prevalence of diabetes and poor glycemic control. Strength training is the most effective lifestyle intervention to increase muscle mass but limited data is available in older adults with diabetes. We determined the influence of strength training on muscle quality (strength per unit of muscle mass), skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy, and metabolic control including insulin resistance (Homeostasis Model Assessment –HOMA-IR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), adiponectin and Free Fatty Acid (FFA) levels in Hispanic older adults. Sixty-two community-dwelling Hispanics (>55 y) with type 2 diabetes were randomized to 16 weeks of strength training plus standard care (ST group) or standard care alone (CON group). Skeletal muscle biopsies and biochemical measures were taken at baseline and 16 weeks. The ST group show improved muscle quality (mean±SE: 28±3) vs CON (-4±2, p<0.001) and increased type I (860±252µm(2)) and type II fiber cross-sectional area (720±285µm(2)) compared to CON (type I: -164±290µm(2), p=0.04; and type II: -130±336µm(2), p=0.04). This was accompanied by reduced insulin resistance [ST: median (interquartile range) -0.7(3.6) vs CON: 0.8(3.8), p=0.05]; FFA (ST: -84±30µmol/L vs CON: 149±48µmol/L, p=0.02); and CRP [ST: -1.3(2.9)mg/L vs CON: 0.4(2.3)mg/L, p=0.05]. Serum adiponectin increased with ST [1.0(1.8)µg/mL] compared to CON [-1.2(2.2)µg/mL, p<0.001]. Strength training improved muscle quality and whole-body insulin sensitivity. Decreased inflammation and increased adiponectin levels were related with improved metabolic control. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms associated with these findings. However, these data show that strength training is an exercise modality to consider as an adjunct of standard of care in high risk populations with type 2 diabetes

COVID-19's impacts on global value chains, as seen in the apparel industry

Abstract: Motivation: The COVID‐19 pandemic has massively disrupted international trade and global value chains. Impacts, however, differ across regions and industries. This article contributes to a better understanding of the scale of disruptions to industries and value chains integral to the economies of and livelihoods in developing countries, and what role policy can play to mitigate harm. Purpose: This article aims to: (1) analyse and characterize disruptions to the global apparel value chain caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic, focusing on how developing countries have been impacted, and; (2) identify key policies to support a resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery. Approach and methods: We review COVID‐19 related reports published by international and non‐governmental organizations, international trade and production statistics, industry surveys and media reports. We frame our analysis predominantly within the Global Value Chains literature. Findings: The global apparel value chain has been severely disrupted by the pandemic, owing to direct effects of sickness on workers in factories, reduced output of materials—cloth, thread, etc.—used to fabricate clothing, and to reduced demand for apparel in high‐income countries. Developing countries are suffering disproportionately in terms of profits, wages, job security and job safety. Women workers in the apparel chain have been hit especially hard, not only because most workers in the chain are women, but also because they have experienced increasing unpaid care work and higher risk of gender‐based violence. Policy implications: Five key areas of policy to support a resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery stand out: (1) delivering emergency responses to ensure firm survival and the protection of workers’ livelihoods; (2) reformulating FDI attraction strategies and promoting market diversification; (3) supporting technology adoption and skills development; (4) deploying labour standards to improve workers’ conditions and strengthening social protection systems; and (5) adopting gender‐sensitive responses

The Role of Limited English Proficiency and Access to Health Insurance and Health Care in the Affordable Care Act Era

Purpose: Limited English proficiency adversely impacts people\u27s ability to access health services. This study examines the association between English language proficiency and insurance access and use of a usual care provider after the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Methods: Using cross-sectional data from the 2016 Medical Panel Expenditures Survey, we identified 24,099 adults (weighted n=240,035,048) and categorized them by self-reported English-language proficiency. We classified participants according to responses to: How well do you speak English? Would you say... Very well; well; Not well; Not at all? (having limited English proficiency: not well; not at all, English proficient: well; very well; and English only: not applicable) and What language do you speak at home? Would you say... English, Spanish, Other. Using these two recoded variables, we created a variable with five categories: (1) Spanish speaking, with limited English proficiency, (2) other language speaking, with limited English proficiency, (3) Spanish speaking, English proficient, (4) other language speaking, English proficient, and (5) English only. Health insurance and usual care provider were determined by self-report. Results: Among those \u3c 65 years, the percent covered by public insurance (Spanish: 21%, Other languages: 28%, English only 14%), who were uninsured (Spanish: 46%, Other languages: 17%, English only: 8%), and who lacked a usual care provider (Spanish: 45%, Other languages: 35%, English only: 26%) differed by English language proficiency. Among those \u3e /=65 years, fewer people with limited English proficiency relative to English only were dually covered by Medicare and private insurance (Spanish: 12%, Other languages: 15%, English only: 59%), and a higher percent lacked a usual care provider (Spanish: 15%, Other languages: 11%, English only: 7%). Differences persisted with adjustment for covariates. Conclusion: Post the ACA, persons with limited English proficiency remain at a risk of being uninsured relative to those who only speak English

High protein diet maintains glucose production during exercise-induced energy deficit: a controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Inadequate energy intake induces changes in endogenous glucose production (GP) to preserve muscle mass. Whether addition provision of dietary protein modulates GP response to energy deficit is unclear. The objective was to determine whether exercise-induced energy deficit effects on glucose metabolism are mitigated by increased dietary protein.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Nineteen men ([mean ± SD] 23 ± 2 y, VO_2peak59 ± 5 ml·kg^-1·min^-1) were divided into three groups, two consuming moderate (MP; 0.9 g protein kg^-1d^-1), and one high (HP; 1.8 g protein kg^-1d^-1) protein diets (55% energy from carbohydrate) for 11 days. Following 4 days of energy balance (D1-4), energy expenditure was increased for 7 days (D5-12) in all groups. Energy intake was unchanged in two, creating a 1000 kcal d^-1deficit (DEF-MP, DEF-HP; n = 6, both groups), whereas energy balance was maintained in the third (BAL-MP, n = 7). Biochemical markers of substrate metabolism were measured during fasting rest on D4 and D12, as were GP and contribution of gluconeogenesis to endogenous glucose production (<it>f</it>_gng) using 4-h primed, continuous infusions of [6,6-²H₂]glucose (dilution-method) and [2-¹³C]glycerol (MIDA technique). Glycogen breakdown (GB) was derived from GP and <it>f</it>_gng.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels increased, and plasma glucose and insulin declined from D4 to D12, regardless of group. DEF-MP experienced decreased plasma GP from D4 to D12 ([mean change ± SD] 0.24 ± 0.24 mg·kg^-1·min^-1), due to reduced GB from D4 (1.40 ± 0.28 mg·kg^-1·min^-1) to D12 (1.16 ± 0.17 mg·kg^-1·min^-1), P < 0.05. Conversely, BAL-MP and DEF-HP sustained GP from D4 to D12 ([mean change ± SD] 0.1 ± 0.5 and 0.0 ± 0.2 mg·kg^-1·min^-1, respectively) by maintaining GB.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Exercise-induced energy deficit decreased GP and additional dietary protein mitigated that effect.</p

Estrategias de comercio electrónico para restaurantes de mariscos del área metropolitana de San Salvador ante la crisis.

Para entender la situación actual del comercio electrónico en los restaurantes de marisco, así como su entorno de las marcas que cada día se encuentran más presentes en el mundo digital; se deben desarrollar estrategias de comercialización que les permiten superar riesgos económicos, a través del estudio crisis pasadas y del entendimiento de los consumidores. El comercio electrónico juega un papel importante para el desarrollo comercial en la época actual. Su rol tiene vital importancia para las empresas, dándoles realce a aquellas que percibieron la necesidad de innovar y comunicar su contenido a los diferentes mercados y se anticiparon, así como a aquellas que lograron verle el lado positivo a la situación sanitaria e incursionaron en el mundo digital, ampliando sus estrategias y llegando rápidamente al publico objetivo. Los cambios en el entorno han obligado a las marcas a adaptar sus estrategias, modificar protocolos, y reconstruir procesos. La fluctuación de los mercados es ininterrumpida y voraz, de tal manera que las empresas se ven obligadas a adaptarse y subsistir, o dimitir ante tal situación. El área comercial, específicamente el de servicios de restaurantes, es uno de los sectores que a mayor velocidad diseñó e implementó medidas que le permitieran subsistir ante tan difícil situación. Por lo anterior, surge la necesidad de realizar un trabajo de investigación, acerca de la situación actual y de las estrategias aplicadas por los restaurantes de mariscos en el Área Metropolitana de San Salvador; específicamente en el municipio de San Salvador; durante la situación económica causada por la pandemia mundial. Consta de tres capítulos donde se abordan el estudio de crisis económicas pasadas, análisis del consumidor y su entorno y estrategias de comercio electrónico utilizadas por restaurantes de mariscos

Usual dietary treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus assessed after control diet in randomized controlled trials : subanalysis of a systematic review and meta-analysis

Peer reviewe