Plant-Based vs. Animal-Based Diet and Their Association with Metabolic Function

Diet is a lifestyle factor that influences metabolic health. Recent studies indicate that substituting red or processed meat with whole grains may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes. PURPOSE: To investigate whether metabolic health, assessed by insulin sensitivity and abdominal adiposity, is associated with a higher animal-based and lower plant-based diet. METHODS: Intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) was measured via ultrasound in 31 normo-glycemic women (ages 20.9 ±2.4 years, BMI 28.1 ±3.5) who completed ASA24 diet recall and food frequency questionnaire. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using Matsuda Index from a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. A diet scoring system was created for consumption of plant-based and animal-based food. Saturated fat (SFAT) was used as a marker for consumption of animal-based foods, and subjects were divided by median into High SFAT or Low SFAT groups. One-way ANOVA was used to test mean differences and correlation analyses were used to determine associations. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed a lower IAAT (2.9 ±1.1 vs. 3.4 ±1.1), higher insulin sensitivity (15.7 ±10.4 vs. 8.5 ±4.4), and higher % body fat (0.41 ±0.05 vs. 0.37 ±0.06) in the Low SFAT group compared to the High SFAT group. When controlled for age and kcal, fiber (r=0.43), protein (r=0.44), and legumes (r=0.45, p\u3c0.05 for all) had positive correlations with insulin sensitivity, while total plant foods (r=0.19) and total animal foods (r=-0.27, p=ns for all) had non-significant associations. CONCLUSION: While overall plant-based food consumption was not associated with metabolic measures, insulin sensitivity was associated with an increase in fiber consumption, supporting the benefits of a higher plant-based diet. Though overall FFQ animal-based food consumption had no significant associations with metabolic measures, the Low SFAT group was more insulin-sensitive than the High SFAT group

Agreement Between 3 Physical Activity Monitors for Estimating Step Count

PURPOSE: The ActiGraph GT3X, ActiGraph GT9X, and ActivPAL 4 are accelerometry devices used to measure human physical activity for both research and clinical data. The accelerometer selection is important to yield the most accurate data. This study tests the association and agreement between estimated step counts measured by these accelerometry devices. METHODS: Two males and five females participated (Age: 19.6±3.0 years, BMI: 23.2±6.0 kg/m2). Three accelerometers were worn simultaneously for at least 19 hours. Two ActiGraphs (GT3X and GT9X) were worn on the waist and one ActivPAL monitor was affixed to the right thigh. Step count data from the 3 devices were compared using ANOVA test and were associated using Pearson correlation test. Agreement was determined by calculating the correlation between the difference in step count between 2 devices and the average of the step counts from the 2 devices. RESULTS: Average step count recorded from the GT3X (5644± 2410.3), GT9X (5229.2± 2088.1), and ActivPAL 4 (5836.4± 2641.6) appear to be similar (p=0.924). Strong correlations were found in step count between GT3X and GT9X (r= 0.978, p= 0.001), GT3X and ActivPAL 4 (r=0.995, p=0.001), and GT9X and ActivPAL 4 (r= 0.968, p=0.001). Step count data was in agreement between GT3X and GT9X (r= 0.479, p= 0.316), GT3X and ActivPAL 4 (r= -0.463, p= 0.355), GT9X and ActivPAL 4 (r= -0.568, p= 0.183) were also found. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that for estimating step count, the three devices may be used interchangeably

Pheromonal bile acid 3-ketopetromyzonol sulfate primes the neuroendocrine system in sea lamprey

BACKGROUND: Vertebrate pheromones are known to prime the endocrine system, especially the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. However, no known pheromone molecule has been shown to modulate directly the synthesis or release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), the main regulator of the HPG axis. We selected sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as a model system to determine whether a single pheromone component alters the output of GnRH. Sea lamprey male sex pheromones contain a main component, 7α, 12α, 24-trihydroxy-5α-cholan-3-one 24-sulfate (3 keto-petromyzonol sulfate or 3kPZS), which has been shown to modulate behaviors of mature females. Through a series of experiments, we tested the hypothesis that 3kPZS modulates both synthesis and release of GnRH, and subsequently, HPG output in immature sea lamprey. RESULTS: The results showed that natural male pheromone mixtures induced differential steroid responses but facilitated sexual maturation in both sexes of immature animals (χ(2) = 5.042, dF = 1, p < 0.05). Exposure to 3kPZS increased plasma 15α-hydroxyprogesterone (15α-P) concentrations (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) and brain gene expressions (genes examined: three lamprey (l) GnRH-I transcripts, lGnRH-III, Jun and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK); one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05), but did not alter the number of GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus in immature animals. In addition, 3kPZS treatments increased lGnRH peptide concentrations in the forebrain and modulated their levels in plasma. Overall, 3kPZS modulation of HPG axis is more pronounced in immature males than in females. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a single male pheromone component primes the HPG axis in immature sea lamprey in a sexually dimorphic manner

The Welfare Quality project : from consumer expectations to welfare certifications in animal husbandry

To accommodate societal concerns on animal protection in numerous European countries, the Welfare Quality project aims to 1) develop a standardised monitoring system of animal welfare, later to be accredited, and 2) identify practical solutions to improve animal welfare. The project will investigate consumer, retailer and producer expectations in terms of information on animal welfare, and on the adoption of production practices compatible with animal welfare. Methodologies for a comprehensive assessment of animal welfare, applicable in practice, and standards for product information will be developed. Methods to detect causes of poor welfare, and practical solutions will be developed as part of a farming consultancy program. The acceptability of a system guaranteeing animal welfare to consumers, retailers, and producers will be evaluated. Welfare Quality is an integrated project funded by the European Commission (FP6), involving 39 research groups and industrial partners in 13 European countries. It will last from May 2004 to April 2009. It is targeted mainly at cattle, pigs, poultry (laying hens and broilers) and their products.Afin de répondre à l'attente sociétale de protection des animaux dans de nombreux pays européens, le projet Welfare Quality se propose 1) de développer un système d'évaluation standard du bien-être des animaux et de le faire accréditer et 2) d'identifier des solutions pratiques permettant d'améliorer le bien-être des animaux. Les attentes sociétales (consommateurs, distributeurs, producteurs) au regard de l'information en matière de bien-être animal et de l'adoption de schémas de production respectant le bien-être des animaux seront identifiées. Des méthodes d'évaluation globale du bien-être des animaux dans les conditions de la pratique, ainsi qu'un standard pour l'information transmise aux consommateurs, seront développés, dans l'optique d'une identification des produits respectueux du bien-être. En parallèle, des grilles d'observation pour le diagnostic de causes de mal-être seront élaborées et des solutions pratiques aux problèmes de bien-être rencontrés le plus couramment dans les élevages seront proposées dans l'optique de développer un conseil en élevage. L'acceptabilité par les consommateurs, les distributeurs et les producteurs, d'un système global de garantie du bien-être, sera évaluée. Ce projet, soutenu par la Commission européenne (projet intégré du 6e PCRD) implique 39 organismes de recherche et partenaires industriels, dans 13 pays européens. Il se déroulera de mai 2004 à avril 2009. Il concerne essentiellement les bovins, les porcs et les volailles (poules pondeuses, poulets de chair) et leurs produits

Syngeneic animal models of tobacco-associated oral cancer reveal the activity of in situ anti-CTLA-4.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Tobacco use is the main risk factor for HNSCC, and tobacco-associated HNSCCs have poor prognosis and response to available treatments. Recently approved anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors showed limited activity (≤20%) in HNSCC, highlighting the need to identify new therapeutic options. For this, mouse models that accurately mimic the complexity of the HNSCC mutational landscape and tumor immune environment are urgently needed. Here, we report a mouse HNSCC model system that recapitulates the human tobacco-related HNSCC mutanome, in which tumors grow when implanted in the tongue of immunocompetent mice. These HNSCC lesions have similar immune infiltration and response rates to anti-PD-1 (≤20%) immunotherapy as human HNSCCs. Remarkably, we find that &gt;70% of HNSCC lesions respond to intratumoral anti-CTLA-4. This syngeneic HNSCC mouse model provides a platform to accelerate the development of immunotherapeutic options for HNSCC

Comparison of Intake Gate Closure Methods At Lower Granite, Little Goose, Lower Monumental, And McNary Dams Using Risk-Based Analysis

The objective of this report is to compare the benefits and costs of modifications proposed for intake gate closure systems at four hydroelectric stations on the Lower Snake and Upper Columbia Rivers in the Walla Walla District that are unable to meet the COE 10-minute closure rule due to the installation of fish screens. The primary benefit of the proposed modifications is to reduce the risk of damage to the station and environs when emergency intake gate closure is required. Consequently, this report presents the results and methodology of an extensive risk analysis performed to assess the reliability of powerhouse systems and the costs and timing of potential damages resulting from events requiring emergency intake gate closure. As part of this analysis, the level of protection provided by the nitrogen emergency closure system was also evaluated. The nitrogen system was the basis for the original recommendation to partially disable the intake gate systems. The risk analysis quantifies this protection level

Importancia clínica de la electroforesis de proteínas en el diagnóstico de enfermedades autoinmunes

Electrophoresis is a technique that consists of taking advantage of the movement of proteins in a time interval thanks to the production of an electric field. This technique, based on the variability of electrical properties and molecular weight of proteins, provides healthcare professionals with a more detailed view of the patient's protein composition. The objective of the study was to determine the clinical importance of protein electrophoresis in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. A descriptive documentary design was used, likewise, the qualitative method was used, which focuses on the systematic review of information. The articles were obtained from the Google Scholar, Dialnet, Elsevier and Scielo databases. The results showed that the proteins with the highest prevalence in relation to autoimmune diseases are Thyroglobulin, Collagen and Immunoglobulin A. It was evident that the main advantage of electrophoresis is its accessibility and its ability to contribute to the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases; the most commonly used type of electrophoresis is serum protein electrophoresis. The findings presented highlight the importance of continued research in the identification of biomarkers, which can lead to significant advances in the understanding and treatment of autoimmune diseases.La electroforesis en una técnica que consiste en el uso del movimiento de proteínas en un intervalo de tiempo gracias a la producción de un campo eléctrico. Esta técnica fundamentada en la variabilidad de las propiedades eléctricas y el peso molecular de los prótidos, brinda a los profesionales de la salud una visión más detallada sobre la composición de las proteínas del paciente. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la importancia clínica de la electroforesis de proteínas en el diagnóstico de enfermedades autoinmunes. Se utilizó un diseño documental de tipo descriptivo, así mismo, se utilizó el método cualitativo, mismo que se centra en una revisión sistemática de información. Los artículos fueron obtenidos de las bases de datos Google Scholar, Dialnet, Elsevier y Scielo. Los resultados mostraron que las proteínas con mayor prevalencia en relación con enfermedades autoinmunes son la Tiroglobulina, el Colágeno y la Inmunoglobulina A. Se evidenció, que la principal ventaja de la electroforesis es su accesibilidad y su capacidad para poder contribuir con el diagnóstico de enfermedades autoinmunes; el tipo de electroforesis más utilizado es la electroforesis de proteínas séricas. Los hallazgos presentados destacan la importancia de la investigación continua en la identificación de biomarcadores, lo que puede conducir a avances significativos en la comprensión y el manejo de las enfermedades autoinmunes

¿Separados solo por la frontera?

Presenta dos realidades muy distintas separadas por unos pocos kilómetros: de Nogales en México y Nogales en Estados Unidos. Los autores plantean que la raíz del desarrollo económico entre ambas son la eficiencia en las políticas estatales, lo que trae consigo progreso y empleo de manera exponencial.Presenta dos realidades muy distintas separadas por unos pocos kilómetros: de Nogales en México y Nogales en Estados Unidos. Los autores plantean que la raíz del desarrollo económico entre ambas son la eficiencia en las políticas estatales, lo que trae consigo progreso y empleo de manera exponencial

Análisis del Clima Laboral y la Satisfacción de los Empleados en una Empresa de Consultoría en Ecuador

The study on the Work Environment and Employee Satisfaction in a Consulting Company in Ecuador aimed to address a central problem that affects both operational efficiency as well as the well-being of the organization. Therefore, it focuses on salary dissatisfaction, lack of clarity in career development opportunities, promoting collaboration and internal communication as areas of concern. To achieve this, three research methods were used: documentary, which is based on the analysis of internal documents and employment contracts; the statistician, who collected quantitative data through surveys and questionnaires; and the phonological, which used interviews in order to explore the experiences of employees. Finally, the results highlight salary dissatisfaction as a critical problem, along with the lack of clarity in professional development opportunities, the promotion of collaboration, poor internal communication and lack of recognition contributing to employee dissatisfaction. Considering these findings reveal that these areas need essential improvement to strengthen employee well-being and the success of the company in a highly competitive consulting market.El estudio sobre el Clima Laboral y la Satisfacción de los Empleados en una Empresa de Consultoría en Ecuador tuvo como objetivo abordar un problema central que afecta tanto la eficiencia operativa, así como el bienestar de la organización. Por lo tanto, se enfoca en la insatisfacción salarial, la falta de claridad en las oportunidades de desarrollo profesional, la promoción de la colaboración y la comunicación interna como áreas de preocupación. Para lograr esto, se emplearon tres métodos de investigación: el documental, que se basa en el análisis de documentos internos y contratos laborales; el estadístico, que recopiló datos cuantitativos a través de encuestas y cuestionarios; y el fonológico, que utilizó entrevistas con la finalidad de explorar las experiencias de los empleados. Finalmente, los resultados destacan la insatisfacción salarial como un problema crítico, junto con la falta de claridad en las oportunidades de desarrollo profesional, la promoción de la colaboración, la comunicación interna deficiente y la falta de reconocimiento aportando a la insatisfacción de los empleados. Considerando estos hallazgos revelan que dichas áreas necesitan de una mejora esencial para fortalecer el bienestar de los empleados y así como el éxito de la empresa en un mercado de consultoría altamente competitivo