Periodic remeasurement of the Gus Pearson Natural Area

The 240-acre Gus Pearson Natural Area in Fort Valley Experimental Forest, Arizona, comprises an important historical and ecological site because of the presence of dense stands of old-growth trees and detailed records of stand growth and mortality since 1920. Permanently tagged trees were remeasured after the 2000 growing season. This measurement is the twelfth decadal or bi-decadal measurement since establishment of the study area. This report includes electronic files with tree data and data summaries for selected subplots . Inventory procedures and tree condition codes used in 2000 are documented. The major trends in the 80-year measurement period were: (1) long-term decline in basal area growth, (2) shifts in the relative growth of larger versus smaller trees, and (3) reduced growth and increased mortality, especially since 1945. These trends are consistent with other research findings at the site

Free Radicals, Salicylic Acid and Mycotoxins in Asparagus After Inoculation with Fusarium proliferatum and F. oxysporum

Electron paramagnetic resonance was used to monitor free radicals and paramagnetic species like Fe, Mn, Cu generation, stability and status in Asparagus officinalis infected by common pathogens Fusarium proliferatum and F. oxysporum. Occurrence of F. proliferatum and F. oxysporum, level of free radicals and other paramagnetic species, as well as salicylic acid and mycotoxins content in roots and stems of seedlings were estimated on the second and fourth week after inoculation. In the first term free and total salicylic acid contents were related to free radicals level in stem (P = 0.010 and P = 0.033, respectively). Concentration of Fe3+ ions in porphyrin complexes (g = 2.3, g = 2.9) was related to the species of pathogen. There was no significant difference between Mn2+ concentrations in stem samples; however, the level of free radicals in samples inoculated with F. proliferatum was significantly higher when compared to F. oxysporum

Zebrafish hoxd4a Acts Upstream of meis1.1 to Direct Vasculogenesis, Angiogenesis and Hematopoiesis

10.1371/journal.pone.0058857PLoS ONE83

Children's and adolescents' rising animal-source food intakes in 1990-2018 were impacted by age, region, parental education and urbanicity

Animal-source foods (ASF) provide nutrition for children and adolescents physical and cognitive development. Here, we use data from the Global Dietary Database and Bayesian hierarchical models to quantify global, regional and national ASF intakes between 1990 and 2018 by age group across 185 countries, representing 93% of the worlds child population. Mean ASF intake was 1.9 servings per day, representing 16% of children consuming at least three daily servings. Intake was similar between boys and girls, but higher among urban children with educated parents. Consumption varied by age from 0.6 at <1 year to 2.5 servings per day at 1519 years. Between 1990 and 2018, mean ASF intake increased by 0.5 servings per week, with increases in all regions except sub-Saharan Africa. In 2018, total ASF consumption was highest in Russia, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey, and lowest in Uganda, India, Kenya and Bangladesh. These findings can inform policy to address malnutrition through targeted ASF consumption programmes. (c) 2023, The Author(s)

Incident type 2 diabetes attributable to suboptimal diet in 184 countries

The global burden of diet-attributable type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not well established. This risk assessment model estimated T2D incidence among adults attributable to direct and body weight-mediated effects of 11 dietary factors in 184 countries in 1990 and 2018. In 2018, suboptimal intake of these dietary factors was estimated to be attributable to 14.1 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI), 13.814.4 million) incident T2D cases, representing 70.3% (68.871.8%) of new cases globally. Largest T2D burdens were attributable to insufficient whole-grain intake (26.1% (25.027.1%)), excess refined rice and wheat intake (24.6% (22.327.2%)) and excess processed meat intake (20.3% (18.323.5%)). Across regions, highest proportional burdens were in central and eastern Europe and central Asia (85.6% (83.487.7%)) and Latin America and the Caribbean (81.8% (80.183.4%)); and lowest proportional burdens were in South Asia (55.4% (52.160.7%)). Proportions of diet-attributable T2D were generally larger in men than in women and were inversely correlated with age. Diet-attributable T2D was generally larger among urban versus rural residents and higher versus lower educated individuals, except in high-income countries, central and eastern Europe and central Asia, where burdens were larger in rural residents and in lower educated individuals. Compared with 1990, global diet-attributable T2D increased by 2.6 absolute percentage points (8.6 million more cases) in 2018, with variation in these trends by world region and dietary factor. These findings inform nutritional priorities and clinical and public health planning to improve dietary quality and reduce T2D globally. (c) 2023, The Author(s)

International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Nutritional recommendations for single-stage ultra-marathon; training and racing

Background. In this Position Statement, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) provides an objective and critical review of the literature pertinent to nutritional considerations for training and racing in single-stage ultra-marathon. Recommendations for Training. i) Ultra-marathon runners should aim to meet the caloric demands of training by following an individualized and periodized strategy, comprising a varied, food-first approach; ii) Athletes should plan and implement their nutrition strategy with sufficient time to permit adaptations that enhance fat oxidative capacity; iii) The evidence overwhelmingly supports the inclusion of a moderate-to-high carbohydrate diet (i.e., ~60% of energy intake, 5 – 8 g⸱kg−1·d−1) to mitigate the negative effects of chronic, training-induced glycogen depletion; iv) Limiting carbohydrate intake before selected low-intensity sessions, and/or moderating daily carbohydrate intake, may enhance mitochondrial function and fat oxidative capacity. Nevertheless, this approach may compromise performance during high-intensity efforts; v) Protein intakes of ~1.6 g·kg−1·d−1 are necessary to maintain lean mass and support recovery from training, but amounts up to 2.5 g⸱kg−1·d−1 may be warranted during demanding training when calorie requirements are greater; Recommendations for Racing. vi) To attenuate caloric deficits, runners should aim to consume 150 - 400 kcal⸱h−1 (carbohydrate, 30 – 50 g⸱h−1; protein, 5 – 10 g⸱h−1) from a variety of calorie-dense foods. Consideration must be given to food palatability, individual tolerance, and the increased preference for savory foods in longer races; vii) Fluid volumes of 450 – 750 mL⸱h−1 (~150 – 250 mL every 20 min) are recommended during racing. To minimize the likelihood of hyponatraemia, electrolytes (mainly sodium) may be needed in concentrations greater than that provided by most commercial products (i.e., >575 mg·L−1 sodium). Fluid and electrolyte requirements will be elevated when running in hot and/or humid conditions; viii) Evidence supports progressive gut-training and/or low-FODMAP diets (fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol) to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal distress during racing; ix) The evidence in support of ketogenic diets and/or ketone esters to improve ultra-marathon performance is lacking, with further research warranted; x) Evidence supports the strategic use of caffeine to sustain performance in the latter stages of racing, particularly when sleep deprivation may compromise athlete safety

Can health behaviors of Polish adolescents foster prevalence of overweight and obesity?

Celem pracy było oszacowanie częstości występowania nadwagi i otyłości oraz ocena zachowań zdrowotnych sprzyjających występowaniu tego schorzenia u polskich nastolatków. W 2006 roku przeprowadzono badanie ankietowe wśród reprezentatywnej próby 530 dziewcząt oraz 518 chłopców w wieku 11-16 lat z terenu całej Polski. Występowanie nadwagi i otyłości notowano u 8,7% dziewcząt i u 10,2% chłopców. U badanych uczniów stwierdzono niską aktywność ruchową (60% chłopców i 70% dziewcząt nie osiągało zalecanego poziomu aktywności fizycznej) oraz dużą ilość czasu spędzanego przed ekranem telewizora lub komputera (4 godziny w dni powszednie oraz około 5,5 godziny w dni wolne od zajęć szkolnych). Zaobserwowano też negatywne nawyki żywieniowe: częste opuszczanie pierwszego śniadanie oraz zbyt częste spożywanie słodyczy, słodzonych napojów gazowanych oraz chipsów, a także, nabywanie w sklepikach szkolnych głównie artykułów niekorzystnych dla zdrowia.The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and health behavior leading to those diseases among Polish adolescents. In year 2006 a survey study was conveyed among a representative sample of 530 girls and 518 boys aged 11-16 from whole territory of Poland. Overweight and obesity were noted in 8,7% of girls and 10,2% of boys. Among studied subjects a low level of physical activity (60% of boys and 70% of girls did not reach the recommended level of physical activity) and large amount of time spend in front of TV and computer (4 hours during the weekdays and 5,5 hours during days off school) were observed. Study also showed negative dietary habits: skipping first breakfasts and eating too many sweets and sweetened soda beverages and salted snacks as well a tendency to buy unhealthy products at school shops

The use of vitamin supplements among adults in Warsaw: is there any nutritional benefit?

Background. The use of dietary supplements is widespread and can contribute substantially to total nutrient intake. However, it also generates some potential risks in the case of unreasonable and excessive use of such products. Objective. To estimate the prevalence of supplementation and the vitamin supplement contribution to total intake among Warsaw population aged 20-74 years. Material and methods. Nutrient intake and supplement use were studied in a representative sample of Warsaw population in years 2011/12 (486 men and 421 women) and in 2001 (658 and 671 respectively). The vitamin levels were analyzed in reference to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the tolerable upper intake level (UL). Results. In the years 2011/12 the use of dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals) was reported by 31% men and 40% women. Vitamin intake from food showed the deficiency of vitamins D, B1 and folates and adequate intake of vitamins A, C, E, B2, B6, B12. Supplementing with vitamins D and B1 as well as folic acid contributed to better RDA fulfillment. Supplementing with vitamins A, C, E, B2, B6 and B12 was not justified because these vitamins were taken in sufficient amounts with food. In 1.3%-14.9% supplement users, the total intake of vitamins A, C, E and B6 exceeded the UL. The prevalence of supplementation of vitamins A, C and E did not change between 2001 and 2011/12, but the total intake of vitamin A in both sexes and vitamins C, E in women was significantly higher in 2001. Conclusions. The use of dietary supplements in Warsaw population was widespread and in case of some vitamins- unreasonable.Wprowadzenie. Przyjmowanie suplementów diety jest popularne i może stanowić istotne źródło witamin i składników mineralnych. Jednocześnie niekontrolowane ich pobranie może stwarzać niebezpieczeństwo nadmiernego spożycia. Cel badań. Ustalenie rozpowszechnienia i zasadności stosowania suplementacji wśród mieszkańców Warszawy w wieku 20-74 lat. Materiał i metody. Sposób żywienia oraz przyjmowanie suplementów oceniono w reprezentatywnej próbie populacji Warszawy w roku 2011/12 (u 486 mężczyzn i 421 kobiet) oraz w roku 2001 (u odpowiednio 658 i 671 osób). Pobranie witamin analizowano w odniesieniu do zalecanego dziennego spożycia (RDA) oraz górnych bezpiecznych poziomów spożycia (UL). Wyniki. W latach 2011/2012 suplementy witaminowo-mineralne przyjmowało 31% mężczyzn i 40% kobiet. Spożycie witamin z żywnością było niedoborowe w przypadku witamin D, B1 i folianów oraz zgodne z zaleceniami dla witamin A, C, E, B2, B6, B12. Suplementacja witaminami D i B1 oraz kwasem foliowym przyczyniła się do lepszej realizacji RDA. Natomiast uzupełnianie diety witaminami A, C, E, B2, B6 oraz B12 nie miało uzasadnienia, ze względu na wystarczające ich spożycie z żywnością. W przypadku 1,3%-14,9% osób stosujących suplementy witamin A, C, E, i B6 notowano przekroczenie poziomów UL. Częstość przyjmowania suplementów witamin A, C i E była podobna w latach 2001 i 2011/12, ale sumaryczne pobranie witaminy A u obu płci oraz C, E u kobiet było istotnie wyższe w roku 2001. Wnioski. Wzbogacanie diety suplementami przez mieszkańców Warszawy było szeroko rozpowszechnione, a w przypadku niektórych witamin nieuzasadnione