How do affective health-related and cognitive determinants influence fish consumption? A consumer survey in five European countries

This paper focuses on exploring whether and to what extent affective health-related and cognitive determinants have an impact on fish consumption behaviour. Cross-sectional data were collected through the SEAFOODplus pan-European consumer survey (n=4,786) with samples representative for age and region in Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain and Poland. Consumers’ belief that eating fish is healthy and their interest in healthy eating positively influence fish consumption behaviour. Subjective knowledge is found to be a more important predictor of fish consumption than objective knowledge. Age and education contribute significantly to explaining fish consumption behaviour. However, the age and education effects on fish consumption frequency are indirect and mediated by the affective health-related and cognitive factors, such as health involvement and interest in healthy eating and knowledge related to fish. The proposed model contributes to a better understanding of health-related and cognitive factors influencing fish consumption behaviour.consumer, fish, determinants, model, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Місто як екзистенційна пастка (на матеріалі сучасної поезії)

Осмислюється специфіка екзистенційно зумовленого сприймання урбаністичного простору в творчості сучасних українських поетів. Окреслюється своєрідне осмислення символів дороги, лабіринту, човна, мосту, що є елементами просторової символіки художнього світу. Стверджується, що урбаністичний простір сприймається сучасними митцями як екзистенцій на пастка, духовно мертвий простір “недоіснування”, вихід з якого потребує духовного зусилля. Ключові слова: хронотоп, топос, екзистенційний, ліричний герой, постмодернізм, символ.Осмысливается специфика экзистенциально преопределенного восприятия урбанистического пространства в творчестве современных украинских поэтов. Анализируется своеобразное осмысление символов дороги, лабиринта, лодки, моста, который является элементами пространственной символики художественного мира. Утверждается, что урбанистическое пространство воспринимается современными художниками как экзистенциальная ловушка, духовно мертвое пространство “недосуществования”, выход из которого требует в духовном усилии. Ключевые слова: хронотоп, топос, экзистенциальный, лирический герой, постмодернизм, символ.A specific is comprehended ekzistenciаl the predefined perception of urbanism space in creation of the modern Ukrainian poets. The original comprehension of symbols of road, labyrinth, boat, bridge which is the elements of spatial symbolism of the artistic world is outlined. It becomes firmly established that urbanism space is perceived modern artists as ekzistencial on trap, spiritually dead ground, an exit from which needs spiritual effort. Keywords: khronotop, topos, ekzistencial, lyric hero, postmodernizm, symbol

Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I alter Hippocampal Excitatory Synaptic Transmission in Young and Old Rats

Cataloged from PDF version of article.In rats, as in humans, normal aging is characterized by a decline in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory, as well as in glutamatergic function. Both growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels have been reported to decrease with age, and treatment with either GH or IGF-I can ameliorate age-related cognitive decline. Interestingly, acute GH and IGF-I treatments enhance glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampus of juvenile animals. However, whether this enhancement also occurs in old rats, when cognitive impairment is ameliorated by GH and IGF-I (des-IGF-I), remains to be determined. To address this issue, we used an in vitro CA1 hippocampal slice preparation and extracellular recording techniques to study the effects of acute application of GH and IGF-I on compound field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs), as well as AMPA- and NMDA-dependent fEPSPs, in young adult (10 months) and old (28 months) rats. The results indicated that both GH and IGF-I increased compound-, AMPA-and NMDA-dependent fEPSPs to a similar extent in slices from both age groups and that this augmentation was likely mediated via a postsynaptic mechanism. Initial characterization of the signaling cascades underlying these effects revealed that the GH-induced enhancement was not mediated by the JAK2 signaling element in either young adult or old rats but that the IGF-Iinduced enhancement involved a PI3K-mediated mechanism in old, but not young adults. The present findings are consistent with a role for a GH-or IGF-I-induced enhancement of glutamatergic transmission in mitigating age-related cognitive impairment in old rats. © 2012 American Aging Association

Guías y miniplacas personalizadas: un protocolo guiado para cirugía ortognática

ResumenIntroducciónLos avances tecnológicos en planificación e impresión 3D permiten sinterizar productos sanitarios personalizados mediante un flujo de trabajo completamente digital. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar y evaluar un nuevo sistema posicionador para cirugía ortognática (SPO), basado en el uso de una guía hueso-soportada y una miniplaca personalizada, que permite posicionar el fragmento maxilar sin la necesidad de una férula oclusal intermaxilar.Material y métodosSe trata de un estudio prospectivo observacional sobre 10 casos de cirugía bimaxilar en los que se ha seguido un protocolo de planificación inversa. Tanto la guía como la miniplaca personalizada fueron diseñadas con tecnología computer aided-desing/manufacturing (CAD-CAM) y fabricadas por sinterizado láser de polvo de titanio puro comercial. Para analizar la precisión obtenida, se realizó un estudio comparativo superponiendo la planificación con una tomografía computarizada realizada un mes posterior a la cirugía.ResultadosEl SPO se pudo aplicar con éxito en todos los casos sin observarse fenómenos de intolerancia al material. Permitió simplificar notablemente el procedimiento y reducir los tiempos quirúrgicos, al evitar la fijación intermaxilar, el moldeado de la miniplaca y la necesidad de realizar mediciones intraoperatorias. En el estudio postoperatorio se obtuvo una precisión media del 68,1% ±1mm.ConclusionesLos sistemas de posicionamiento para cirugía ortognática que incluyan sistemas personalizados de osteosíntesis pueden ser una opción de futuro que permita incrementar la precisión y la seguridad del procedimiento, así como reducir los tiempos quirúrgicos.AbstractIntroductionTechnological advances in preoperative planning and 3D printing allow custom-made biomedical devices to be synthesised using a completely digital workflow. The aim of this paper is to present and critically evaluate a new Orthognathic Positioning System (OPS) for Orthognathic Surgery. The OPS used bone-supported guides and a custom mini-plate to allow maxillary fragment positioning and fixation without the need for an inter-maxillary occlusal splint.Materials and methodsA prospective observational study was conducted on 10 cases of bimaxillary surgery using an inverse planning protocol. The guide and the custom-made mini-plate were designed using CAD-CAM software and synthesised by laser from commercially pure titanium powder. Accuracy was evaluated by overlap comparison of the virtual planning and 1-month postoperative CT scan. Operation times, complications, and overall safety profile were analysed.ResultsThe OPS was successfully applied to all cases, and was well tolerated. Operation times were reduced by avoiding inter-maxillary fixation, mini-plate bending, and obviating the need for intra-operative measurements. A mean postoperative accuracy of 1mm was obtained in 68.1% of cases.ConclusionsThe positioning systems for orthognathic surgery that involve custom made systems of osteosynthesis, can be a future option that could increase accuracy and the safety of the procedure, as well as the surgical times. We believe this novel technology is a step forward in optimising and improving the delivery of orthognathic surgery care

Growth hormone modulates hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity in old rats

Cataloged from PDF version of article.Alterations in the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate receptor (AMPA-R) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) have been documented in aged animals and may contribute to changes in hippocampal-dependent memory. Growth hormone (GH) regulates AMPA-R and NMDA-R-dependent excitatory transmission and decreases with age. Chronic GH treatment mitigates age-related cognitive decline. An in vitro CA1 hippocampal slice preparation was used to compare hippocampal excitatory transmission and plasticity in old animals treated for 6–8 months with either saline or GH. Our findings indicate that GH treatment restores NMDA-Rdependent basal synaptic transmission in old rats to young adult levels and enhances both AMPA-R-dependent basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation. These alterations in synaptic function occurred in the absence of changes in presynaptic function, as measured by paired-pulse ratios, the total protein levels of AMPA-R and NMDA-R subunits or in plasma or hippocampal levels of insulin-like growth factor-I. These data suggest a direct role for GH in altering age-related changes in excitatory transmission and provide a possible cellular mechanism through which GH changes the course of cognitive decline. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Time-scarcity, ready-meals, ill-health and the obesity epidemic

In this 3-part paper, we firstly review the interaction of time-scarcity with food-choices, specifically ready-meals, and potential health consequences from their consumption. Secondly we review declared nutrients, in relation to the standard 30% of Guideline Daily Amounts, concluding that popular ready-meals from major UK supermarkets are currently nutritionally haphazard. Thirdly, we present a simple scheme to establish standards for nutritional composition of ready-meals: unless otherwise specified, any meal (the smallest unit of nutrition) as recommended to be eaten or as offered should provide 30%+10% of GDA for energy and pro rata for key nutrients (e.g. sodium, sat fat, vitamin C)

Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I alter hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission in young and old rats

In rats, as in humans, normal aging is characterized by a decline in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory, as well as in glutamatergic function. Both growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels have been reported to decrease with age, and treatment with either GH or IGF-I can ameliorate age-related cognitive decline. Interestingly, acute GH and IGF-I treatments enhance glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampus of juvenile animals. However, whether this enhancement also occurs in old rats, when cognitive impairment is ameliorated by GH and IGF-I (des-IGF-I), remains to be determined. To address this issue, we used an in vitro CA1 hippocampal slice preparation and extracellular recording techniques to study the effects of acute application of GH and IGF-I on compound field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs), as well as AMPA- and NMDA-dependent fEPSPs, in young adult (10 months) and old (28 months) rats. The results indicated that both GH and IGF-I increased compound-, AMPA-and NMDA-dependent fEPSPs to a similar extent in slices from both age groups and that this augmentation was likely mediated via a postsynaptic mechanism. Initial characterization of the signaling cascades underlying these effects revealed that the GH-induced enhancement was not mediated by the JAK2 signaling element in either young adult or old rats but that the IGF-Iinduced enhancement involved a PI3K-mediated mechanism in old, but not young adults. The present findings are consistent with a role for a GH-or IGF-I-induced enhancement of glutamatergic transmission in mitigating age-related cognitive impairment in old rats. © 2012 American Aging Association

Go East: Differences between Poland and Western European Countries in the Motivational Structures Underlying Seafood Consumption

Central Europe is an emerging market for seafood products, with rapidly developing opportunities for foreign direct investment and export. Although Poland in particular is widely regarded as a land of opportunity in the seafood business, surprisingly little effort has been made until now to gain a deeper understanding of the preferences, motives and usage patterns of Polish seafood consumers. The aim of the study was to fill this gap. Representative consumer samples from Poland (N = 1000) and four Western European countries (Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain; total N = 3800) were surveyed and compared in terms of the motivational structures underlying seafood consumption. In Poland, intentions to consume seafood in the near future were mainly determined by the perceived difficulty of preparing fish dishes (problems with bone handling and smells) and the degree to which consumers believed they had the necessary cooking skills. The preferences of consumers and their household members had a much weaker but still significant impact on intentions. In the comparison samples from Western Europe, motivational structures varied considerably. The highest degree of similarity with Poland was found in the Netherlands. Despite the variation between Western European countries, a common finding was a much higher consistency between intentions and actual consumption behavior as compared to Poland. The differences are discussed in terms of their implications for supply chain management, product supply, and the possibilities of generic promotion activities

Growth hormone modulates hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity in old rats

Alterations in the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate receptor (AMPA-R) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) have been documented in aged animals and may contribute to changes in hippocampal-dependent memory. Growth hormone (GH) regulates AMPA-R and NMDA-R-dependent excitatory transmission and decreases with age. Chronic GH treatment mitigates age-related cognitive decline. An in vitro CA1 hippocampal slice preparation was used to compare hippocampal excitatory transmission and plasticity in old animals treated for 6-8 months with either saline or GH. Our findings indicate that GH treatment restores NMDA-R-dependent basal synaptic transmission in old rats to young adult levels and enhances both AMPA-R-dependent basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation. These alterations in synaptic function occurred in the absence of changes in presynaptic function, as measured by paired-pulse ratios, the total protein levels of AMPA-R and NMDA-R subunits or in plasma or hippocampal levels of insulin-like growth factor-I. These data suggest a direct role for GH in altering age-related changes in excitatory transmission and provide a possible cellular mechanism through which GH changes the course of cognitive decline. © 2012 Elsevier Inc

Cell-autonomous inactivation of the reelin pathway impairs adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is thought to be essential for learning and memory, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several disorders. Although recent studies have identified key factors regulating neuroprogenitor proliferation in the adult hippocampus, the mechanisms that control the migration and integration of adult-born neurons into circuits are largely unknown. Reelin is an extracellular matrix protein that is vital for neuronal development. Activation of the Reelin cascade leads to phosphorylation of Disabled-1, an adaptor protein required for Reelin signaling. Here we used transgenic mouse and retroviral reporters along with Reelin signaling gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies to show that the Reelin pathway regulates migration and dendritic development of adultgenerated hippocampal neurons. Whereas overexpression of Reelin accelerated dendritic maturation, inactivation of the Reelin signaling pathway specifically in adult neuroprogenitor cells resulted in aberrant migration, decreased dendrite development, formation of ectopic dendrites in the hilus, and the establishment of aberrant circuits. Our findings support a cell-autonomous and critical role for the Reelin pathway in regulating dendritic development and the integration of adult-generated granule cells and point to this pathway as a key regulator of adult neurogenesis. Moreover, our data reveal a novel role of the Reelin cascade in adult brain function with potential implications for the pathogenesis of several neurological and psychiatric disorders. © 2012 the authors.This project was supported by Grant BFU2008-3980 from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN), Spain; by grants from the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) and Caixa Catalunya-Obra Social Foundations to E.S.; by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (SAF2009-07367 and CONSOLIDER CSD2007-00023) to V.B.; by the Fred Annegers Fellowship from the Epilepsy Foundation (M.M.K.); and by NIH Grant NS058585 to J.M.P. I.R. was recipient of a Formación de Personal Universitario predoctoral fellowship from MINECO (Spain).Peer Reviewe