Out-of-home consumption

In dieser Arbeit wurde anhand von 24-Studen Protokollen, ausgefüllt von 2.351 erwachsenen Österreichern, der Außer-Haus-Verzehr unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Lebensmittelgruppen (LMG)-Auswahl ermittelt. 20 LMG wurden nach den beiden Verzehrorten ‚zuhause’ und ‚außer Haus’ und für die Determinanten Body Mass Index (BMI), Geschlecht und Alter ausgewertet. Um einen besseren Überblick über die Qualität der ausgewählten Lebensmittel zu erhalten, wurden die verzehrten Mengen aus den verschiedenen LMG mit jenen, die laut der österreichischen Lebensmittelpyramide empfohlen werden, verglichen. Der prozentuelle Anteil an der ‚zu Hause’ bzw. ‚außer Haus’ aufgenommenen Gesamtmenge bzw. -energie ist in den LMG Früchte, alkoholfreie Getränke, Süßigkeiten, stark zuckerhaltige Getränke (soft drinks) und alkoholische Getränke ‚außer Haus’ höher als ‚zu Hause’. Es wurde also tatsächlich im Vergleich zum Verzehr zuhause in den genannten LMG außer Haus mehr Energie und/oder größere Mengen konsumiert. Nicht alle LMG wurden von Personen in den untersuchten Determinanten im selben Ausmaß verzehrt. So konnten z.B. zwischen den nach WHO eingeteilten BMI-Gruppen signifikante Unterschiede festgestellt werden in der Energieaufnahme aus den LMG Nüsse (an beiden Verzehrorten), süße und salzige Getreideprodukte (nur außer Haus) oder Zucker und zuckerhaltige Produkte (nur zuhause). Beim Vergleich mit den lebensmittelbasierten Richtlinien (österreichische Lebensmittelpyramide) konnte festgestellt werden, dass jene LMG, die von großem gesundheitlichem Vorteil sind, wie Früchte, Gemüse, Getreide und Kartoffeln, Fisch und Hülsenfrüchte nicht in den empfohlenen Mengen konsumiert werden. Hingegen werden in jenen LMG, in denen die Empfehlungen als limitierender Wert zu verstehen sind (Fleisch und Wurstwaren, zusätzliche Fette), die Empfehlungen überschritten. Zufriedenstellende Ergebnisse waren bei energiearmen Getränken und im Konsum von Eiern zu sehen. Jene LMG, die nicht empfohlen sondern nur in moderaten Mengen toleriert werden, wie Süßigkeiten, alkoholische Getränke und energiereiche Getränke, werden vermehrt außer Haus und insgesamt in zu hohem Ausmaß (vor allem im Sinne der Energiezufuhr) konsumiert.Out-of-home consumption was investigated in this thesis using 24-hour recalls filled out by 2,351 adult Austrians, with particular attention given to food group selection. 20 food groups were analyzed based on two locations of consumption - "at-home" and "out-of-home" - and using body mass index (BMI), gender and age determinants. In order to obtain a better overview of the quality of the foods chosen, the consumed amounts of the various food groups were compared to the amounts recommended by the Austrian food pyramid. It was determined that the food groups that proportionally were more often eaten "out of home" in terms of the total energy or quantity consumed "out-of-house" and "at-home" included fruits, non-alcoholic drinks, sweets, high-sugar drinks (soft drinks) and alcoholic drinks. Thus, with regard to the abovementioned food groups, more energy and/or larger quantities were consumed out of home when compared to at-home consumption. Not all food groups were consumed to the same extent with regard to the determinates analyzed (gender, age, BMI). Thus, with regard to the BMI groups, which were divided in accordance with WHO specifications, significant differences were observed in terms of energy intake in the food groups "nuts" (in both locations of consumption), "sweets and savoury cereal products" (only out of home) and "sugar and sugar products" (only at home). When compared to the food-based guidelines (Austrian food pyramid) it was observed that the food groups that are significantly advantageous in terms of health - such as fruits, vegetables, cereals and potatoes, fish and pulses - are not consumed in the recommended amounts. However, the recommendations are exceeded in those food groups for which the recommendations are understood as a maximum value. Satisfactory results were observed in terms of low-energy drinks and egg consumption. The food groups that are not recommended but are tolerated in moderate amounts - such as sweets, alcoholic drinks and high-energy drinks - are consumed more out of home and are overall consumed too much

The left and right ventricle of a patient with a R723G mutation of the beta-myosin heavy chain and severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy show no differences in the expression of myosin mRNA

Background: In familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC), asymmetric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy has been considered to be the predominant phenotypic expression, whereas right ventricular (RV) involvement is still ambiguous. In most cases, the right ventricle remains unaffected until secondary pulmonary hypertension develops. Several FHC-causing mutations of genes encoding sarcomere-related proteins have been identified which are transmitted in an autosomal-dominant manner. Methods: We report the case of a 61 year old member of a Catalan family with a Arg723Gly missense mutation of the β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC), that is associated with a malignant phenotype characterized by sudden cardiac death and heart failure. Because of progressive systolic LV dysfunction, the patient received a heart transplant in 2003. Results: Molecular analysis of the myocardial tissue of the explanted heart, taken from the left and right ventricle, showed a similar deviation of the ratio of mutant vs wild type mRNA of the β-MHC of 71.8 ± 5% and 68.5 ± 3%, respectively. This finding was confirmed for LV biopsies of this patient on protein level, showing a similar proportion of mutated β-myosin. But since the patient is heterozygous for the β-MHC mutation and the mutation is located in a coding region, the relative increase of the expression of the mutant allele is unexpected. It has been demonstrated before by our group for several β-MHC mutations that the relative abundance of mutated mRNA/protein correlates with the clinical severity of the disease. But since the right ventricle shows no (or only minor) manifestation in terms of hypertrophy or dysfunction, the level of mRNA and protein expression is not the only factor responsible for the development of the phenotype of FHC. Conclusions: Several mechanisms through which cardiac stresses may incite maladaptive cardiac remodeling primarily of the left ventricle that result in myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure are proposed. One of those triggers could be the enhanced work load of the left ventricle, especially if a LV outflow tract gradient is present, in contrast to the lesser demands to the right ventricle which is adapted to the low pressure system of the pulmonary circulation. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of this case, as well as functional studies involving both ventricles. (Cardiol J 2010; 17, 5: 518-522

Loss of Xenopus cadherin-11 leads to increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling and up-regulation of target genes c-myc and cyclin D1 in neural crest

AbstractXenopus cadherin-11 (Xcadherin-11) is an exceptional cadherin family member, which is predominantly expressed in cranial neural crest cells (NCCs). Apart from mediating cell–cell adhesion it promotes cranial NCC migration by initiating filopodia and lamellipodia formation. Here, we demonstrate an unexpected function of Xcadherin-11 in NCC specification by interfering with canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Loss-of-function experiments, using a specific antisense morpholino oligonucleotide against Xcadherin-11, display a nuclear β-catenin localization in cranial NCCs and a broader expression domain of the proto-oncogene cyclin D1 which proceeds c-myc up-regulation. Additionally, we observe an enhanced NCC proliferation and an expansion of specific NCC genes like AP2 and Sox10. Thereby, we could allocate NCC proliferation and specification to different gene functions. To clarify which domain in Xcadherin-11 is required for early NCC development we tested different deletion mutants for their rescue ability in Xcadherin-11 morphants. We identified the cytoplasmic tail, specifically the β-catenin binding domain, to be necessary for proper NCC development. We propose that Xcadherin-11 is necessary for controlled NCC proliferation and early NCC specification in tuning the expression of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin target genes cyclin D1 and c-myc by regulating the concentration of the nuclear pool of β-catenin

BPIFB1 (LPLUNC1) is upregulated in cystic fibrosis lung disease

Although the biology the PLUNC (recently renamed BPI fold, BPIF) family of secreted proteins is poorly understood, multiple array based studies have suggested that some are differentially expressed in lung diseases. We have examined the expression of BPIFB1 (LPLUNC1), the prototypic two-domain containing family member, in lungs from CF patients and in mouse models of CF lung disease. BPIFB1 was localized in CF lung samples along with BPIFA1, MUC5AC, CD68 and NE and directly compared to histologically normal lung tissues and that of bacterial pneumonia. We generated novel antibodies to mouse BPIF proteins to conduct similar studies on ENaC transgenic (ENaC-Tg) mice, a model for CF-like lung disease. Small airways in CF demonstrated marked epithelial staining of BPIFB1 in goblet cells but staining was absent from alveolar regions. BPIFA1 and BPIFB1 were not co-localised in the diseased lungs. In ENaC-Tg mice there was strong staining of both proteins in the airways and luminal contents. This was most marked for BPIFB1 and was noted within 2 weeks of birth. The two proteins were present in distinct cells within epithelium. BPIFB1 was readily detected in BAL from ENaC-Tg mice but was absent from wild-type mice. Alterations in the expression of BPIF proteins is associated with CF lung disease in humans and mice. It is unclear if this elevation of protein production, which results from phenotypic alteration of the cells within the diseased epithelium, plays a role in the pathogenesis of the disease

Unequal allelic expression of wild-type and mutated β-myosin in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is an autosomal dominant disease, which in about 30% of the patients is caused by missense mutations in one allele of the β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) gene (MYH7). To address potential molecular mechanisms underlying the family-specific prognosis, we determined the relative expression of mutant versus wild-type MYH7-mRNA. We found a hitherto unknown mutation-dependent unequal expression of mutant to wild-type MYH7-mRNA, which is paralleled by similar unequal expression of β-MHC at the protein level. Relative abundance of mutated versus wild-type MYH7-mRNA was determined by a specific restriction digest approach and by real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Fourteen samples from M. soleus and myocardium of 12 genotyped and clinically well-characterized FHC patients were analyzed. The fraction of mutated MYH7-mRNA in five patients with mutation R723G averaged to 66 and 68% of total MYH7-mRNA in soleus and myocardium, respectively. For mutations I736T, R719W and V606M, fractions of mutated MYH7-mRNA in M. soleus were 39, 57 and 29%, respectively. For all mutations, unequal abundance was similar at the protein level. Importantly, fractions of mutated transcripts were comparable among siblings, in younger relatives and unrelated carriers of the same mutation. Hence, the extent of unequal expression of mutated versus wild-type transcript and protein is characteristic for each mutation, implying cis-acting regulatory mechanisms. Bioinformatics suggest mRNA stability or splicing effectors to be affected by certain mutations. Intriguingly, we observed a correlation between disease expression and fraction of mutated mRNA and protein. This strongly suggests that mutation-specific allelic imbalance represents a new pathogenic factor for FHC

Framework and baseline examination of the German National Cohort (NAKO)

The German National Cohort (NAKO) is a multidisciplinary, population-based prospective cohort study that aims to investigate the causes of widespread diseases, identify risk factors and improve early detection and prevention of disease. Specifically, NAKO is designed to identify novel and better characterize established risk and protection factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory and infectious diseases in a random sample of the general population. Between 2014 and 2019, a total of 205,415 men and women aged 19–74 years were recruited and examined in 18 study centres in Germany. The baseline assessment included a face-to-face interview, self-administered questionnaires and a wide range of biomedical examinations. Biomaterials were collected from all participants including serum, EDTA plasma, buffy coats, RNA and erythrocytes, urine, saliva, nasal swabs and stool. In 56,971 participants, an intensified examination programme was implemented. Whole-body 3T magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 30,861 participants on dedicated scanners. NAKO collects follow-up information on incident diseases through a combination of active follow-up using self-report via written questionnaires at 2–3 year intervals and passive follow-up via record linkages. All study participants are invited for re-examinations at the study centres in 4–5 year intervals. Thereby, longitudinal information on changes in risk factor profiles and in vascular, cardiac, metabolic, neurocognitive, pulmonary and sensory function is collected. NAKO is a major resource for population-based epidemiology to identify new and tailored strategies for early detection, prediction, prevention and treatment of major diseases for the next 30 years. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10654-022-00890-5

Genome-wide analysis identifies 12 loci influencing human reproductive behavior.

The genetic architecture of human reproductive behavior-age at first birth (AFB) and number of children ever born (NEB)-has a strong relationship with fitness, human development, infertility and risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, very few genetic loci have been identified, and the underlying mechanisms of AFB and NEB are poorly understood. We report a large genome-wide association study of both sexes including 251,151 individuals for AFB and 343,072 individuals for NEB. We identified 12 independent loci that are significantly associated with AFB and/or NEB in a SNP-based genome-wide association study and 4 additional loci associated in a gene-based effort. These loci harbor genes that are likely to have a role, either directly or by affecting non-local gene expression, in human reproduction and infertility, thereby increasing understanding of these complex traits

Unraveling Amazon tree community assembly using Maximum Information Entropy: a quantitative analysis of tropical forest ecology

In a time of rapid global change, the question of what determines patterns in species abundance distribution remains a priority for understanding the complex dynamics of ecosystems. The constrained maximization of information entropy provides a framework for the understanding of such complex systems dynamics by a quantitative analysis of important constraints via predictions using least biased probability distributions. We apply it to over two thousand hectares of Amazonian tree inventories across seven forest types and thirteen functional traits, representing major global axes of plant strategies. Results show that constraints formed by regional relative abundances of genera explain eight times more of local relative abundances than constraints based on directional selection for specific functional traits, although the latter does show clear signals of environmental dependency. These results provide a quantitative insight by inference from large-scale data using cross-disciplinary methods, furthering our understanding of ecological dynamics

Unraveling Amazon tree community assembly using Maximum Information Entropy: a quantitative analysis of tropical forest ecology

In a time of rapid global change, the question of what determines patterns in species abundance distribution remains a priority for understanding the complex dynamics of ecosystems. The constrained maximization of information entropy provides a framework for the understanding of such complex systems dynamics by a quantitative analysis of important constraints via predictions using least biased probability distributions. We apply it to over two thousand hectares of Amazonian tree inventories across seven forest types and thirteen functional traits, representing major global axes of plant strategies. Results show that constraints formed by regional relative abundances of genera explain eight times more of local relative abundances than constraints based on directional selection for specific functional traits, although the latter does show clear signals of environmental dependency. These results provide a quantitative insight by inference from large-scale data using cross-disciplinary methods, furthering our understanding of ecological dynamics

Categorization of multiple sclerosis relapse subtypes by B cell profiling in the blood

Introduction B cells are attracting increasing attention in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). B cell-targeted therapies with monoclonal antibodies or plasmapheresis have been shown to be successful in a subset of patients. Here, patients with either relapsing-remitting (n = 24) or secondary progressive (n = 6) MS presenting with an acute clinical relapse were screened for their B cell reactivity to brain antigens and were re-tested three to nine months later. Enzyme-linked immunospot technique (ELISPOT) was used to identify brain-reactive B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) directly ex vivo and after 96 h of polyclonal stimulation. Clinical severity of symptoms was determined using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results Nine patients displayed B cells in the blood producing brain-specific antibodies directly ex vivo. Six patients were classified as B cell positive donors only after polyclonal B cell stimulation. In 15 patients a B cell response to brain antigens was absent. Based on the autoreactive B cell response we categorized MS relapses into three different patterns. Patients who displayed brain-reactive B cell responses both directly ex vivo and after polyclonal stimulation (pattern I) were significantly younger than patients in whom only memory B cell responses were detectable or entirely absent (patterns II and III; p = 0.003). In one patient a conversion to a positive B cell response as measured directly ex vivo and subsequently also after polyclonal stimulation was associated with the development of a clinical relapse. The evaluation of the predictive value of a brain antigen-specific B cell response showed that seven of eight patients (87.5%) with a pattern I response encountered a clinical relapse during the observation period of 10 months, compared to two of five patients (40%) with a pattern II and three of 14 patients (21.4%) with a pattern III response (p = 0.0005; hazard ratio 6.08 (95% confidence interval 1.87-19.77). Conclusions Our data indicate actively ongoing B cell-mediated immunity against brain antigens in a subset of MS patients that may be causative of clinical relapses and provide new diagnostic and therapeutic options for a subset of patients