Evaluation of protein source at breakfast on energy metabolism, metabolic health, and food intake: a pilot study

Over 30% of adults in the U.S. are obese. A primary contributor to obesity is an unhealthy diet related to imbalanced macronutrients. Diets higher in protein (PRO) rather than carbohydrate (CHO) are associated with increased energy expenditure (EE) and reduced food intake. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if protein source at breakfast influences EE in young men (n = 4; ages 18-35). Participants consumed three isocaloric (whey (WP), pea (PP), beef (BP); 275 kcal, 62% PRO, 23% CHO, 15% Fat) drinks in a randomized, crossover design study with a one-week washout period (time between the administration of each treatment to control for potential interactions). Each test day EE, appetite, and cravings were assessed at 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min following consumption. Data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for effects of protein source over time and one-way ANOVA for area under the curve (niAUC). Resting EE niAUC was 8% lower in BP vs PP and 5% lower vs WP. Thermic effect of feeding niAUC was 77% lower in BP vs WP; PP was 43% lower than WP. Carbohydrate oxidation was higher (31%) with PP compared to WP with no difference between BP and WP. Fat oxidation was 23% higher in WP vs BP and PP. The WP was most satiating. Participants had a higher craving for sweet foods following PP and a higher desire for snacks following BP. Food intake posttreatment was similar in calories and macronutrient distribution. Lack of significant difference among measurements suggests that protein source is not a predictor of postprandial EE, appetite response, or food intake

The Effects of Olfactory Enrichment on Shelter Dog Behavior

Shelter environments are stressful for dogs due to loud noises and unfamiliar surroundings. Previous research showed that exposure to some scents resulted in reductions in activity and vocalizations in shelter dogs. We investigated the effects of two calming (lavender and vetiver) and two stimulating (lemon and rosemary) essential oils on crate position and active, resting, and stress behaviors. There were 8, 5-min observations conducted each week per dog, split between baseline and scent exposure. Our analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test found that dogs exposed to lavender (n = 13), lemon (n = 10), rosemary (n = 13), and vetiver (n = 12) did not show a significant difference in crate position or amount of time they engaged in stress, resting, or active behaviors compared to baseline. The lack of behavioral improvement indicates that scent enrichment alone may not be enough to have a significant effect on shelter dog behavior

#6 - Implications of Visual Social Access on the Welfare and Behavior of Shelter Dogs

Given the large number of dogs housed in animal shelters each year, it is important to consider how the shelter environment impacts dog welfare. The shelter environment is stressful due to factors such as excessive noise, lack of predictability and control, and social isolation. Social isolation in shelter dogs has been found to increase abnormal behavior and aggression and lead to poorer adoption outcomes. While social housing is ideal, it requires resources not available to all shelters. Providing visual access to other dogs is a relatively easy environmental modification that increases social opportunities and allows for more predictability and control over the environment, potentially improving welfare. To investigate the impact of visual access on the behavior of dogs, we used a within-subject design, conducting 5-min focal observations four times weekly before, during, and after visual access was provided by partially removing a barrier between crates at a suburban dog shelter. Our preliminary analysis of 17 subjects using non-parametric Friedman’s Tests (alpha = .05) found no significant difference between phases in regard to anxiety behaviors (χ2 (2) = .50, p = .78), frustration behaviors (χ2 (2) = .51, p = .77), time spent in the front of the crate (χ2 (2) = 4.50, p = .11), self-directed behaviors (χ2 (2) = 1.86, p = .40), resting behaviors (χ2 (2) = 4.59, p = .10), or vocalizations (χ2 (2) = 4.59, p= .10). The absence of an increase in vocalizations during visual access may encourage shelters to implement this change. However, the lack of a decrease in anxiety or frustration behaviors may indicate that visual access alone is insufficient for providing welfare benefits and that shelters should prioritize increasing social contact in dogs through playgroups or group housing. Keywords: shelter dog, animal welfare, barking, social housing, visual access, social contact, anxiety, environmental predictability, choic

Implications of Visual Social Access on the Welfare and Behavior of Shelter Dogs

Animal shelter environments have many stressful factors that impact the welfare of shelter dogs, such as lack of predictability and control, and social isolation. Social isolation has been found to increase abnormal behavior and lead to poorer adoption outcomes. Providing visual access to shelter dogs is a relatively easy environmental modification that increases social opportunities and allows for more predictability and control over the environment, potentially improving welfare. To investigate the impact of visual access on the behavior of dogs, we used a within-subject design, conducting 5-min focal observations four times weekly before, during, and after visual access was provided by partially removing a barrier between crates at a suburban dog shelter. Our preliminary analysis of 17 subjects using non-parametric Friedman’s Tests (alpha = .05) found no significant difference between phases in regard to anxiety behaviors (χ2 (2) = .50, p = .78), frustration behaviors (χ2 (2) = .51, p = .77), time spent in the front of the crate (χ2 (2) = 4.50, p = .11), self-directed behaviors (χ2 (2) = 1.86, p = .40), resting behaviors (χ2 (2) = 4.59, p = .10), or vocalizations (χ2 (2) = 4.59, p = .10). The absence of an increase in vocalizations during visual access may encourage shelters to implement this change. However, the lack of a decrease in anxiety or frustration behaviors may indicate that visual access alone is insufficient for providing welfare benefits and that shelters should prioritize increasing social contact in dogs through playgroups or group housing

Effectiveness of interventions to improve health behaviours of health professionals : A systematic review

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve the health behaviours of health professionals. Design Systematic review. Data sources Database searches: Medline, Cochrane library, Embase and CINAHL. Review methods This systematic review used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to compare randomised controlled trials of health professionals, published between 2010 and 2021, which aimed to improve at least one health behaviour such as physical activity, diet, smoking status, mental health and stress. Two independent reviewers screened articles, extracted data and assessed quality of studies and reporting. The quality of articles was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment tool and the completeness of intervention reporting was assessed. Outcome measures The outcome assessed was change in behaviour between intervention and control groups from baseline to follow-up. Results Nine studies met the eligibility criteria, totalling 1107 participants. Health behaviours targeted were mental health and stress, physical activity, and smoking cessation, physical activity and nutrition. Six interventions observed significant improvements in the health behaviour in the intervention compared with control groups. Seven of the studies selected in person workshops as the mode of intervention delivery. The quality of the included studies was high with 80% (7/9) graded as moderate or strong. Conclusions Although high heterogeneity was found between interventions and outcomes, promising progress has occurred across a variety of health behaviours. Improving reporting and use of theories and models may improve effectiveness and evaluation of interventions. Further investigation is needed to recommend effective strategies. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021238684

A Comparison Of 3,4,6A,7,10,10A-Hexahydro-7,10-Epoxypyrimido 2,1-A Isoindol-6(2H)-One And 2-(2-Aminoethyl)-3A,4,7,7A-Tetrahydro-1H-4,7-Epoxyisoindole-1,3(2H)-Dion E: Structural And Reactivity Differences Of Two Homologous Tricyclic Imides

The crystal structures of 3,4,6a,7,10,10a-hexahydro-7,10-epoxypyrimido[2,1-a]isoindol-6(2H)-one, C11H12N2O2, and 2-(2-aminoethyl)-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-1H-4,7-epoxyisoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, C10H12N2O3, two tricyclic imides, show one and two molecules in the asymmetric unit, respectively. Intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions are observed in both compounds.National Science Foundation (grant No. CHE-0741973)The Welch Foundation (grant No. F-1631)National Science Foundation (grant No. CHE-0847763)ChemistryBiochemistr

Left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction after infusion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in conscious dogs

We used a load-insensitive index of systolic left ventricular (LV) function and an analysis of diastolic pressure-dimension relationships to test the hypothesis that recombinant human (rh) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) impairs LV function in dogs. Animals were studied 7-10 d after aseptic implantation of instrumentation to monitor cardiac output, external anterior-posterior LV diameter, and LV and pleural pressures. Data were analyzed from seven dogs that received active rhTNF alpha (100 micrograms/kg over 60 min) and from five dogs that received heat-inactivated rhTNF alpha. At 24 h after infusion of active rhTNF alpha, the slope of the LV end-diastolic dimension-stroke work relationship decreased significantly, indicating a decrement in LV systolic contractility. Simultaneously, LV unstressed dimension increased significantly, suggesting diastolic myocardial creep. The end-diastolic relationship between LV transmural pressure and normalized LV dimension (strain) was markedly displaced to the left, suggesting increased diastolic elastic stiffness. Despite these changes in LV performance, cardiac index was maintained by tachycardia. The abnormalities in LV function were resolved by 72 h. We conclude that rhTNF alpha reversibly impairs LV systolic and diastolic function in unanesthetized dogs. Because dysfunction occurs greater than 6 h after the infusion of rhTNF alpha and persists for 24-48 h, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon may involve secondary mediators or a change in myocardial gene expression

“Build a Bridge So You Can Cross It:” A Photo-Elicitation Study of Health and Wellness Among Homeless and Marginally Housed Veterans

As part of a photo-elicitation interview study, we aimed to describe homeless and marginally housed Veterans’ experiences with health and wellness, health decisions, and health-related behaviors. Twenty Veterans receiving Veterans Affairs Homeless Patient-Aligned Care Team care took photographs depicting health and wellness, then used their photographs to discuss the same topics in 30-60 minute audio-recorded, semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using template analysis. Veterans described eight dimensions related to their health and wellness; physical, social, and environmental were most commonly discussed, followed by emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, and financial wellness. Photographs contained literal and metaphorical depictions that were positively-oriented, comprehensive, and reflective. Of central importance was overcoming external and internal obstacles to wellness. Photo-narratives may be helpful in educating health care providers and advocating for the needs of homeless and marginally housed Veterans. Integrated primary care services should address the multi-faceted aspects of health and wellness for Veterans

Person-environment fit and retention of racially minoritized college students: Recommendations for faculty, support staff, and administrators

Although colleges in the United States have become increasingly racially and ethnically diverse, degree attainment remains disproportionately low among students from underrepresented and minoritized racial backgrounds. In this paper, we discuss the interactive influence of both person and environment factors in shaping academic persistence and argue that college administrators, faculty, and student support staff can intervene and take specific steps to improve the academic experience of racially minoritized college students. To this end, we offer specific evidence-based recommendations for campus leaders and stakeholders on how to adapt their campus community to facilitate the requisite person-environment fit to maximize academic persistence

Analysis of a Putative Promoter in Mycobacteriophage JacoRen57

JacoRen57 is a cluster AB mycobacteriophage that infects Mycobacterium smegmatis mc²155. We recently reported on the characterization of a putative promoter in JacoRen57 using an mCherry reporter construct. This promoter is present in a gap upstream of a gene that is present in all AB phages. In all cases, these are forward genes immediately following a long series of reverse genes. The genes are most frequently identified as a RecA-like DNA recombinases but also as RepA by bioinformatics. To further analyze this putative promoter and gene product, NWC Molecular Genetics students cloned the RecA-like DNA recombinase into an E. coli expression vector with a TVMV removable N-terminal His-tag. They expressed and we purified the tagged protein and are using it to immunize Balb/c mice. We plan to use the antiserum to confirm RecA-like DNA recombinase expression patterns when JacoRen57 infects M. smegmatis