Suicide grief: Healing after a loved one's suicide

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/end-of-life/in-depth/suicide/art-20044900

Teen suicide: What parents need to know

Is your teen at risk of suicide? Get the facts.

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-suicide/art-20044308

Crying baby? How to keep your cool

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/crying-baby/art-20046995

Gun violence also a public health issue

The American College of Physicians says gun violence is not just a criminal issue, but also a public health one

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/gun-violence-also-a-public-health-issue/

Mass shootings and the mental health connection

CBS News' Dr. Jon LaPook on how gun violence is not only a criminal justice issue, but also a mental health issue

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mass-shootings-and-the-mental-health-connection/

Should you worry about arsenic levels in red wine?

Arsenic is found in many wines tested, but researchers say the risk depends on a person's overall diet

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/red-wines-contain-high-arsenic-levels/

Cancer: Palliative Care and Quality of Life

Palliative care for cancer patients helps ease discomfort, anxiety, nausea, and emotional distress. WebMD shows how palliative care can improve quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

From: http://www.webmd.com/palliative-care/features/cancer-palliative-care-and-quality-of-life?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Chemotherapy and other treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can now help slow the progression of cancer and sometimes even cure the disease. WebMD has the details.

From: http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/features/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-advances-in-chemotherapy?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Officials ID source of Legionnaires' in Calif. prison

Outbreak sickened dozens of inmates and employees at the San Quentin State Prison

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/officials-find-source-of-legionnaires-outbreak-in-california-prison/

Surviving Mars: Putting ‘The Martian’ to the Test

The producers of Matt Damon's new movie, 'The Martian,' have said that almost everything that happens in the film is backed up by science. WebMD turned to a cadre of experts to put those claims to the test.

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20151001/martian-test-matt-damon?src=RSS_PUBLIC

This Treatment May Help Depression in Older People

When a doctor prescribes aripiprazole (Abilify), an antipsychotic drug, for an older person already taking the antidepressant venlafaxine, that combination can help ease depression that doesn't get better with typical treatment, according to a new study.

From: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20151001/depression-treatment-older-people?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mouse Study Hints at New 'Male Contraceptive'

Discovery could lead to a reversible, non-hormonal form of birth control for men, scientists say

From: http://www.webmd.com/men/news/20151001/mouse-study-hints-at-new-male-contraceptive?src=RSS_PUBLIC

C-Section Delivery Not a Risk Factor for IBD - IBD in the News

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLKK3ScVQfc

EPA tightens standards on smog-forming ozone

The Obama Administration argues the tougher rules will cut down on respiratory and other health problems

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/epa-tightens-standards-on-smog-forming-ozone/

5 weird ways tattoos affect your health

Tattoos can pose health risks you may never have thought of

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/5-weird-ways-tattoos-affect-your-health/

Too Few Women Get Counseling Before Breast Cancer Gene Test: Study

But outside expert questions whether counseling may be more important after test comes back positive

From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20151001/too-few-women-get-counseling-before-breast-cancer-gene-test-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Depression Talk Therapy Not as Helpful as Thought

Depression Talk Therapy Not as Helpful as Thought

From: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20151001/depression-talk-therapy?src=RSS_PUBLIC

'Drugged Driving' on the Rise in U.S.

Marijuana accounted for third of drugs found in systems of drivers killed in accidents

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20151001/drugged-driving-on-the-rise-in-us?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Smoking ban protects kids in cars

A new law in England and Wales bans smoking in cars with children inside

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/smoking-ban-protects-kids-in-cars/

CT Scans for Lung Cancer Turn Up Few False-Positives: Study

Worries that wider adoption of the screen might lead to unnecessary surgeries are unfounded, experts say

From: http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/news/20151001/ct-scans-for-lung-cancer-turn-up-few-false-positives-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Psoriasis, Depression Often Go Hand in Hand: Study

But research doesn't prove one causes the other

From: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/news/20151001/psoriasis-depression-often-go-hand-in-hand-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Movie "The Walk" so realistic it's making people sick

The 3D high-wire film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt is giving some viewers vertigo

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/high-wire-movie-the-walk-so-realistic-its-making-people-sick/

Breakfasts Higher in Protein Increase Postprandial Energy Expenditure, Increase Fat Oxidation, and Reduce Hunger in Overweight Children from 8 to 12 Years of Age [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Currently 1 in every 3 children aged 2–19 y is overweight or obese. Breakfast is a key component of a healthy diet and has the potential to affect children’s health.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether consumption of a protein-based breakfast (PRO) increases postprandial energy metabolism and substrate oxidation, reduces hunger, and reduces food intake at lunch compared with a carbohydrate-based breakfast (CHO) in normal weight (NW) vs. overweight/obese (OW) children.

Methods: A randomized, crossover-design study was conducted in NW (n = 16; 33 ± 1 kg) and OW (n = 13; 46 ± 2 kg) children (10 ± 1 y). Participants were served either a PRO [344 kcal, 21% protein (18 g), 52% carbohydrate, and 27% fat] or CHO [327 kcal, 4% protein (3 g), 67% carbohydrate, and 29% fat]. Energy expenditure (EE), substrate oxidation, appetite, and blood glucose were measured over a 4 h period. Four hour postprandial participants were provided with access to a lunch buffet and food intake was recorded.

Results: After breakfast, OW children in the PRO group had higher (P < 0.0001) EEs and fat oxidation over the 4 h period than did the NW children in the CHO and PRO groups. There was no difference in postprandial EE or carbohydrate oxidation between the CHO and PRO groups over the 4 h period; however, fat oxidation was 16% higher (P < 0.05) after the PRO than the CHO and postprandial carbohydrate oxidation at 4 h was 32% higher after the PRO than the CHO (P < 0.01), independent of weight group. All participants had decreased feelings of hunger (–14%; P < 0.01) and increased fullness (+32%; P < 0.05) after the PRO than the CHO. Finally, there was no difference in food intake within the NW and OW groups.

Conclusion: This study indicates that breakfast macronutrient composition affects postprandial responses in both NW and OW children. A PRO increases postprandial EE and fat oxidation, reduces hunger, and increases satiety when compared with a carbohydrate-based breakfast.

From: Baum, J. I., Gray, M., Binns, A. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/145/10/2229?rss=1

Low-Dose Creatine Supplementation Lowers Plasma Guanidinoacetate, but Not Plasma Homocysteine, in a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Creatine synthesis from guanidinoacetate consumes ~50% of s-adenosylmethionine (SAM)–derived methyl groups, accounting for an equivalent proportion of s-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and total homocysteine (tHcys) synthesis. Dietary creatine inhibits the synthesis of guanidinoacetate, thereby lowering plasma tHcys in rats.

Objective: We tested the hypotheses that creatine supplementation lowers plasma guanidinoacetate, increases blood SAM, lowers blood SAH, and lowers plasma tHcys.

Methods: Bangladeshi adults were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 treatments for 12 wk: placebo (n = 101), 3 g/d creatine (Cr; n = 101), 400 μg/d folic acid (FA; n = 153), or 3 g/d creatine plus 400 μg/d folic acid (Cr+FA; n = 103). The outcomes of plasma guanidinoacetate and tHcys, as well as whole blood SAM and SAH, were analyzed at baseline and week 12 by HPLC. Treatment effects of creatine supplementation were examined with the use of the group comparisons of Cr vs. placebo and Cr+FA vs. FA.

Results: Plasma guanidinoacetate declined by 10.6% (95% CI: 4.9, 15.9) in the Cr group while increasing nonsignificantly in the placebo group (3.7%; 95% CI: –0.8, 8.5) (P_{group difference} = 0.0002). Similarly, plasma guanidinoacetate declined by 9.0% (95% CI: 3.4, 14.2) in the Cr+FA group while increasing in the FA group (7.0%; 95% CI: 2.0, 12.2) (P_{group difference} < 0.0001). Plasma tHcys declined by 23.4% (95% CI: 19.5, 27.1) and 21.0% (95% CI: 16.4, 25.2) in the FA and Cr+FA groups, respectively (P_{group difference} = 0.41), with no significant changes in the placebo or Cr groups (P_{group difference} = 0.35). A decrease in guanidinoacetate over time was associated with a decrease in tHcys over time in the Cr+FA group (β = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.43; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that whereas creatine supplementation downregulates endogenous creatine synthesis, this may not on average lower plasma tHcys in humans. However, tHcys did decrease in those participants who experienced a decline in plasma guanidinoacetate while receiving creatine plus folic acid supplementation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01050556.

From: Peters, B. A., Hall, M. N., Liu, X., Parvez, F., Siddique, A. B., Shahriar, H., Uddin, M. N., Islam, T., Ilievski, V., Graziano, J. H., Gamble, M. V. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/145/10/2245?rss=1

Consumption of Honey, Sucrose, and High-Fructose Corn Syrup Produces Similar Metabolic Effects in Glucose-Tolerant and -Intolerant Individuals [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Public health recommendations call for a reduction in added sugars; however, controversy exists over whether all nutritive sweeteners produce similar metabolic effects.

Objective: The objective was to compare the effects of the chronic consumption of 3 nutritive sweeteners [honey, sucrose, and high-fructose corn syrup containing 55% fructose (HFCS55)] on circulating glucose, insulin, lipids, and inflammatory markers; body weight; and blood pressure in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (GT) and those with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Methods: In a crossover design, participants consumed daily, in random order, 50 g carbohydrate from assigned sweeteners for 2 wk with a 2- to 4-wk washout period between treatments. Participants included 28 GT and 27 IGT volunteers with a mean age of 38.9 ± 3.6 y and 52.1 ± 2.7 y, respectively, and a body mass index (in kg/m²) of 26 ± 0.8 and 31.5 ± 1.0, respectively. Body weight, blood pressure (BP), serum inflammatory markers, lipids, fasting glucose and insulin, and oral-glucose-tolerance tests (OGTTs) were completed pre- and post-treatment. The OGTT incremental areas under the curve (iAUCs) for glucose and insulin were determined and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores were calculated.

Results: Body weight and serum glucose, insulin, inflammatory markers, and total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher in the IGT group than in the GT group at baseline. Glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and the OGTT iAUC for glucose or insulin did not differ by treatment, but all responses were significantly higher in the IGT group compared with the GT group. Body weight was unchanged by treatment. Systolic BP was unchanged, whereas diastolic BP was significantly lower in response to sugar intake across all treatments. An increase in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was observed in the IGT group in response to all sugars. No treatment effect was observed for interleukin 6. HDL cholesterol did not differ as a result of status or treatment. Triglyceride (TG) concentrations increased significantly from pre- to post-treatment in response to all sugars tested.

Conclusions: Daily intake of 50 g carbohydrate from honey, sucrose, or HFCS55 for 14 d resulted in similar effects on measures of glycemia, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. All 3 increased TG concentrations in both GT and IGT individuals and elevated glycemic and inflammatory responses in the latter. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01371266.

From: Raatz, S. K., Johnson, L. K., Picklo, M. J. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/145/10/2265?rss=1

Dietary Whey and Casein Differentially Affect Energy Balance, Gut Hormones, Glucose Metabolism, and Taste Preference in Diet-Induced Obese Rats [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Dietary whey and casein proteins decrease food intake and body weight and improve glycemic control; however, little is known about the underlying mechanisms.

Objective: We determined the effects of dietary whey, casein, and a combination of the 2 on energy balance, hormones, glucose metabolism, and taste preference in rats.

Methods: In Expt. 1, Obesity Prone CD (OP-CD) rats were fed a high-fat control diet (33% fat energy) for 8 wk, and then randomly assigned to 4 isocaloric dietary treatments (n = 12/group): the control treatment (CO; 14% protein energy from egg white), the whey treatment (WH; 26% whey + 14% egg white), the casein treatment (CA; 26% casein + 14% egg white), or the whey plus casein treatment (WHCA; 13% whey + 13% casein + 14% egg white) for 28 d. Measurements included food intake, energy expenditure, body composition, metabolic hormones, glucose tolerance and key tissue markers of glucose and energy metabolism. In Expt. 2, naïve OP-CD rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 8/group). During an 8 d conditioning period, each group received on alternate days either the CO or WH, CO or CA, or CO or WHCA. Subsequently, preferences for the test diets were assessed on 2 consecutive days with food intake measurements at regular intervals.

Results: In Expt. 1, food intake was decreased by 17–37% for the first 14 d in the WH and CA rats, and by 18–34% only for the first 4 d in the WHCA compared with the CO rats. Fat mass decreased by 21–28% for the WH rats and 17–33% for the CA rats from day 14 onward, but by 30% only on day 28 in WHCA rats, relative to CO rats. Thus, food intake, body weight, and fat mass decreased more rapidly in WH and CA rats than in WHCA rats. Energy expenditure in WH rats decreased for the first 4 d compared with CA and WHCA rats, and for the first 7 d compared with the CO rats. Circulating leptin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, interleukin 6, and glucose concentrations were lower in WH, CA, and WHCA rats than in CO rats. Plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations were greater in WH than in CA or WHCA rats. The improvements in glucose tolerance were greater in WH than in WHCA rats. The plasma membrane glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4)–to-total GLUT4 ratio in skeletal muscle was greater in CA and WHCA rats than in CO rats; other markers of glucose and energy metabolism in the adipose and cardiac tissues did not differ. In Expt. 2, during 4 conditioning trials, daily food intake was decreased in WH, CA, and WHCA rats by 26–37%, 30–43%, and 23–33%, respectively, compared with CO rats. Preferences for WH and CA rats were 45% and 31% lower, respectively, than those for CO rats, but that for WHCA rats did not differ.

Conclusion: Together, these data demonstrate that in obese rats, whey, casein, and their combination improve energy balance through differential effects on food intake, taste preference, energy expenditure, glucose tolerance, and gut hormone secretion.

From: Pezeshki, A., Fahim, A., Chelikani, P. K. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/145/10/2236?rss=1

L-Glutamate Enhances Barrier and Antioxidative Functions in Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cells [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

High True Ileal Digestibility but Not Postprandial Utilization of Nitrogen from Bovine Meat Protein in Humans Is Moderately Decreased by High-Temperature, Long-Duration Cooking [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Meat protein digestibility can be impaired because of indigestible protein aggregates that form during cooking. When the aggregates are subsequently fermented by the microbiota, they can generate potentially harmful compounds for the colonic mucosa.

Objective: This study evaluated the quantity of bovine meat protein escaping digestion in the human small intestine and the metabolic fate of exogenous nitrogen, depending on cooking processes.

Methods: Sixteen volunteers (5 women and 11 men; aged 28 ± 8 y) were equipped with a double lumen intestinal tube positioned at the ileal level. They received a test meal exclusively composed of 120 g of intrinsically ¹⁵N-labeled bovine meat, cooked either at 55°C for 5 min (n = 8) or at 90°C for 30 min (n = 8). Ileal effluents and blood and urine samples were collected over an 8-h period after the meal ingestion, and ¹⁵N enrichments were measured to assess the digestibility of meat proteins and the transfer of dietary nitrogen into the metabolic pools.

Results: Proteins tended to be less digestible for the meat cooked at 90°C for 30 min than at 55°C for 5 min (90.1% ± 2.1% vs. 94.1% ± 0.7% of ingested N; P = 0.08). However, the particle number and size in ileal digesta did not differ between groups. The appearance of variable amounts of intact fibers was observed by microscopy. The kinetics of ¹⁵N appearance in plasma proteins, amino acids, and urea were similar between groups. The amount of exogenous nitrogen lost through deamination did not differ between groups (21.2% ± 0.8% of ingested N).

Conclusions: Cooking bovine meat at a high temperature for a long time can moderately decrease protein digestibility compared with cooking at a lower temperature for a short time and does not affect postprandial exogenous protein metabolism in young adults. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01685307.

From: Oberli, M., Marsset-Baglieri, A., Airinei, G., Sante-Lhoutellier, V., Khodorova, N., Remond, D., Foucault-Simonin, A., Piedcoq, J., Tome, D., Fromentin, G., Benamouzig, R., Gaudichon, C. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/145/10/2221?rss=1

Iron Absorption from an Intrinsically Labeled Lentil Meal Is Low but Upregulated in Women with Poor Iron Status [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Low iron absorption from important staple foods may contribute to iron deficiency in developing countries. To date, few studies have examined the iron bioavailability of pulse crops as commonly prepared and consumed by humans.

Objective: The objectives were to characterize the iron absorption from a test meal of intrinsically labeled ⁵⁷Fe lentils prepared as dal, to compare the bioavailability of iron from ⁵⁷Fe in dal with that observed for a reference dose of ⁵⁸Fe as ferrous sulfate, and to assess associations between iron absorption and iron status indicators.

Methods: This crossover study included 19 nonpregnant women (n = 6 anemic; hemoglobin: <12.0 g/dL) who consumed 2 test meals on consecutive days in a counter-balanced order, ferrous sulfate (7 mg FeSO₄ plus 1 mg ⁵⁸Fe) and 330 g dal (lentils enriched to 85.1% with ⁵⁷Fe, 8 mg native ⁵⁷Fe). Iron absorption was determined by analyzing blood samples taken 14 d after dosing with the use of magnetic sector thermal ionization mass spectrometry.

Results: We found that the mean iron absorption from the dal was 2.20% ± 3.40% and was significantly lower than the 23.6% ± 13.2% observed from the same iron load given as ferrous sulfate (P < 0.001). Absorption of non-heme iron from dal and from ferrous sulfate was inversely associated with serum ferritin (SF; r = –0.50, P = 0.05 and r = –0.81, P < 0.001, respectively) and serum hepcidin (r = –0.45, P = 0.05 and r = –0.60, P = 0.007, respectively). Anemic women absorbed more iron from either source (1.20% from dal, P = 0.10; 18.3% from ferrous sulfate, P = 0.001) compared with women who were iron replete.

Conclusions: Iron absorption from the dal was low overall but upregulated in anemic women. Both SF and hepcidin were inversely associated with iron absorption from both a supplemental and a food-based non-heme iron source in nonanemic and anemic women.

From: DellaValle, D. M., Glahn, R. P., Shaff, J. E., O'Brien, K. O. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/145/10/2253?rss=1

Obesity and intestinal epithelial deletion of the insulin receptor, but not the IGF 1 receptor, affect radiation-induced apoptosis in colon

Current views suggest that apoptosis eliminates genetically damaged cells that may otherwise form tumors. Prior human studies link elevated insulin and reduced apoptosis to risk of colorectal adenomas. We hypothesized that hyperinsulinemia associated with obesity would lead to reduced colon epithelial cell (CEC) apoptosis after radiation and that this effect would be altered by deletion of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 receptor (IGF1R) or the insulin receptor (IR). Mice with villin-Cre-mediated IGF1R or IR deletion in CECs and floxed littermates were fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity and hyperinsulinemia or control low-fat chow. Mice were exposed to 5-Gy abdominal radiation to induce DNA damage and euthanized 4 h later for evaluation of apoptosis by localization of cleaved caspase-3. Obese mice exhibited decreased apoptosis of genetically damaged CECs. IGF1R deletion did not affect CEC apoptosis in lean or obese animals. In contrast, IR loss increased CEC apoptosis in both diet groups but did not prevent antiapoptotic effects of obesity. Levels of p53 protein were significantly reduced in CECs of obese mice with intact IR but increased in both lean and obese mice without IR. Levels of mRNAs encoding proapoptotic Perp and the cell cycle inhibitor Cdkn1b/p27 were reduced in CECs of obese mice and increased in lean mice lacking IR. Together, our studies provide novel evidence for antiapoptotic roles of obesity and IR, but not IGF1R, in colonic epithelium after DNA damage. However, neither IR nor IGF1R deletion prevented a reduction in radiation-induced CEC apoptosis during obesity and hyperinsulinemia.

From: Santoro, M. A., Blue, R. E., Andres, S. F., Mah, A. T., Van Landeghem, L., Lund, P. K. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/7/G578?rss=1

Induction of chronic pancreatitis by pancreatic duct ligation activates BMP2, apelin, and PTHrP expression in mice

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a devastating disease with no treatments. Experimental models have been developed to reproduce the parenchyma and inflammatory responses typical of human CP. For the present study, one objective was to assess and compare the effects of pancreatic duct ligation (PDL) to those of repetitive cerulein (Cer)-induced CP in mice on pancreatic production of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), apelin, and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). A second objective was to determine the extent of cross talk among pancreatic BMP2, apelin, and PTHrP signaling systems. We focused on BMP2, apelin, and PTHrP since these factors regulate the inflammation-fibrosis cascade during pancreatitis. Findings showed that PDL- and Cer-induced CP resulted in significant elevations in expression and peptide/protein levels of pancreatic BMP2, apelin, and PTHrP. In vivo mouse and in vitro pancreatic cell culture experiments demonstrated that BMP2 stimulated pancreatic apelin expression whereas apelin expression was inhibited by PTHrP exposure. Apelin or BMP2 exposure inhibited PTHrP expression, and PTHrP stimulated upregulation of gremlin, an endogenous inhibitor of BMP2 activity. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) stimulated PTHrP expression. Together, findings demonstrated that PDL- and Cer-induced CP resulted in increased production of the pancreatic BMP2, apelin, and PTHrP signaling systems and that significant cross talk occurred among pancreatic BMP2, apelin, and PTHrP. These results together with previous findings imply that these factors interact via a pancreatic network to regulate the inflammation-fibrosis cascade during CP. More importantly, this network communicated with TGF-β, a key effector of pancreatic pathophysiology. This novel network may be amenable to pharmacologic manipulations during CP in humans.

From: Rastellini, C., Han, S., Bhatia, V., Cao, Y., Liu, K., Gao, X., Ko, T. C., Greeley, G. H., Falzon, M. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/7/G554?rss=1

Response to Mutafova-Yambolieva and Sanders

From: Wood, J. D. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/309/7/G610?rss=1

The anti-inflammatory effect and potential mechanism of cardamonin in DSS-induced colitis

Cardamonin is a naturally occurring chalcone with strong anti-inflammatory activity. However, the direct effect of cardamonin on intestinal inflammation remains elusive. In the present study, we found that cardamonin markedly ameliorated dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse body weight loss, diarrhea, colon shortening, spleen swelling, and histological damage, which correlated with a decline in the activity of myeloperoxidase and the production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the colon. The upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 after dextran sulfate sodium treatment was associated with an increase in the activation of myeloid differentiation factor 88, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1, nuclear factor-B (NF-B) p65, inhibitor Bα, and inhibitor B kinase-α/β, as well as the mitogen-activated protein kinase molecules of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase, and this upregulation was reversed by cardamonin administration. Moreover, cardamonin blocked the nuclear translocation of NF-B p65, inhibited NF-B-luciferase activity, and downregulated NF-B target genes expression. The present study clearly demonstrates a beneficial effect of cardamonin on experimental inflammatory bowel disease via a mechanism associated with suppression of toll-like receptor 4 expression and inactivation of NF-B and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. This study may give insight into the further evaluation of the therapeutic potential of cardamonin or its derivatives for human inflammatory bowel disease.

From: Ren, G., Sun, A., Deng, C., Zhang, J., Wu, X., Wei, X., Mani, S., Dou, W., Wang, Z. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/7/G517?rss=1

Appropriate experimental approach is critical for identifying neurotransmitter substances: application to enteric purinergic neurotransmission

From: Mutafova-Yambolieva, V. N., Sanders, K. M. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/309/7/G608?rss=1

Lactobacillus acidophilus counteracts enteropathogenic E. coli-induced inhibition of butyrate uptake in intestinal epithelial cells

Butyrate, a key short-chain fatty acid metabolite of colonic luminal bacterial action on dietary fiber, serves as a primary fuel for the colonocytes, ameliorates mucosal inflammation, and stimulates NaCl absorption. Absorption of butyrate into the colonocytes is essential for these intracellular effects. Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) plays a major role in colonic luminal butyrate absorption. Previous studies (Tan J, McKenzie C, Potamitis M, Thorburn AN, Mackay CR, Macia L. Adv Immunol 121: 91–119, 2014.) showed decreased MCT1 expression and function in intestinal inflammation. We have previously shown (Borthakur A, Gill RK, Hodges K, Ramaswamy K, Hecht G, Dudeja PK. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 290: G30–G35, 2006.) impaired butyrate absorption in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells due to decreased MCT1 level at the apical cell surface following enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) infection. Current studies, therefore, examined the potential role of probiotic Lactobacilli in stimulating MCT1-mediated butyrate uptake and counteracting EPEC inhibition of MCT1 function. Of the five species of Lactobacilli, short-term (3 h) treatment with L. acidophilus (LA) significantly increased MCT1-mediated butyrate uptake in Caco-2 cells. Heat-killed LA was ineffective, whereas the conditioned culture supernatant of LA (LA-CS) was equally effective in stimulating MCT1 function, indicating that the effects are mediated by LA-secreted soluble factor(s). Furthermore, LA-CS increased apical membrane levels of MCT1 protein via decreasing its basal endocytosis, suggesting that LA-CS stimulation of butyrate uptake could be secondary to increased levels of MCT1 on the apical cell surface. LA-CS also attenuated EPEC inhibition of butyrate uptake and EPEC-mediated endocytosis of MCT1. Our studies highlight distinct role of specific LA-secreted molecules in modulating colonic butyrate absorption.

From: Kumar, A., Alrefai, W. A., Borthakur, A., Dudeja, P. K. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/7/G602?rss=1

Oncostatin M induces IL-33 expression in liver endothelial cells in mice and expands ST2+CD4+ lymphocytes

Interleukin (IL)-33 is crucially involved in liver pathology and drives hepatoprotective functions. However, the regulation of IL-33 by cytokines of the IL-6 family, including oncostatin M (OSM) and IL-6, is not well studied. The aim of the present study was to determine whether OSM mediates regulation of IL-33 expression in liver cells. Intramuscular administration in mice of an adenovirus encoding OSM (AdOSM) leads to increase in expression of OSM in muscles, liver, and serum of AdOSM-infected mice compared with control mice. The increase of circulating OSM markedly regulated mRNA of genes associated with blood vessel biology, chemotaxis, cellular death, induction of cell adhesion molecules, and the alarmin cytokine IL-33 in liver. Steady-state IL-33 mRNA was upregulated by OSM at an early phase (8 h) following AdOSM infection. At the protein level, the expression of IL-33 was significantly induced in liver endothelial cells [liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and vascular endothelial cells] with a peak at 8 days post-AdOSM infection in mice. In addition, we found OSM-stimulated human microvascular endothelial HMEC-1 cells and human LSEC/TRP3 cells showed a significant increase in expression of IL-33 mRNA in a dose-dependent manner in cell culture. The OSM-mediated overexpression of IL-33 was associated with the activation/enrichment of CD4⁺ST2⁺ cells in liver of AdOSM-infected mice compared with adenovirus encoding green fluorescent protein-treated control mice. In summary, these data suggest that the cytokine OSM regulates the IL-33 expression in liver endothelial cells in vivo and in HMEC-1/TRP3 cells in vitro and may specifically expand the target CD4⁺ST2⁺ cells in liver.

From: Arshad, M. I., Guihard, P., Danger, Y., Noel, G., Le Seyec, J., Boutet, M.-A., Richards, C. D., L'Helgoualc'h, A., Genet, V., Lucas-Clerc, C., Gascan, H., Blanchard, F., Piquet-Pellorce, C., Samson, M. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/7/G542?rss=1

Glycomacropeptide is a prebiotic that reduces Desulfovibrio bacteria, increases cecal short-chain fatty acids, and is anti-inflammatory in mice

Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a 64-amino acid (AA) glycophosphopeptide with application to the nutritional management of phenylketonuria (PKU), obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). GMP is a putative prebiotic based on extensive glycosylation with sialic acid, galactose, and galactosamine. Our objective was to determine the prebiotic properties of GMP by characterizing cecal and fecal microbiota populations, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and immune responses. Weanling PKU (Pah^enu2) and wild-type (WT) C57Bl/6 mice were fed isoenergetic AA, GMP, or casein diets for 8 wk. The cecal content and feces were collected for microbial DNA extraction to perform 16S microbiota analysis by Ion Torrent PGM sequencing. SCFA were determined by gas chromatography, plasma cytokines via a Bio-Plex Pro assay, and splenocyte T cell populations by flow cytometry. Changes in cecal and fecal microbiota are primarily diet dependent. The GMP diet resulted in a reduction from 30–35 to 7% in Proteobacteria, genera Desulfovibrio, in both WT and PKU mice with genotype-dependent changes in Bacteroidetes or Firmicutes. Cecal concentrations of the SCFA acetate, propionate, and butyrate were increased with GMP. The percentage of stimulated spleen cells producing interferon- (IFN-) was significantly reduced in mice fed GMP compared with casein. In summary, plasma concentrations of IFN-, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-2 were reduced in mice fed GMP. GMP is a prebiotic based on reduction in Desulfovibrio, increased SCFA, and lower indexes of inflammation compared with casein and AA diets in mice. Functional foods made with GMP may be beneficial in the management of PKU, obesity, and IBD.

From: Sawin, E. A., De Wolfe, T. J., Aktas, B., Stroup, B. M., Murali, S. G., Steele, J. L., Ney, D. M. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/7/G590?rss=1

Lack of soluble fiber drives diet-induced adiposity in mice

Diet-induced obesity is often modeled by comparing mice fed high-fat diet (HFD), which is made from purified ingredients, vs. normal chow diet (NCD), which is a low-fat assemblage of relatively unrefined plant and animal products. The mechanism by which HFD promotes adiposity is complex but thought to involve low-grade inflammation and altered gut microbiota. The goal of this study was to investigate the extent to which HFD-induced adiposity is driven by fat content vs. other factors that differentiate HFD vs. NCD. Mice were fed NCD, HFD, or other compositionally defined diets (CDD), designed to mimic NCD and/or explore the role of HFD components. A range of metabolic parameters reflecting low-grade inflammation and adiposity were assayed. Relative to NCD, HFD, and to a lesser, but, nonetheless, significant extent, CDD induced increased adiposity, indicating both lipid content and other aspects of HFD are obesogenic. Moreover, HFD and CDD induced a rapid and marked loss of cecal and colonic mass. Such CDD-induced effects were not affected by adjusting dietary protein levels/types but could be largely eliminated by exchanging insoluble fiber (cellulose) for soluble fiber (inulin). Replacing cellulose with inulin in HFD also protected mice against decreased intestinal mass, hyperphagia, and increased adiposity. Such beneficial effects of inulin were microbiota dependent, correlated with elevated fecal short-chain fatty acid levels analyzed via ¹H-NMR-based metabolomics and were partially recapitulated by administration of short-chain fatty acid. HFD-induced obesity is strongly promoted by its lack of soluble fiber, which supports microbiota-mediated intestinal tissue homeostasis that prevents inflammation driving obesity and metabolic syndrome.

From: Chassaing, B., Miles-Brown, J., Pellizzon, M., Ulman, E., Ricci, M., Zhang, L., Patterson, A. D., Vijay-Kumar, M., Gewirtz, A. T. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/7/G528?rss=1

Acetaldehyde accelerates HCV-induced impairment of innate immunity by suppressing methylation reactions in liver cells

Alcohol exposure worsens the course and outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Activation of protective antiviral genes is induced by IFN-α signaling, which is altered in liver cells by either HCV or ethanol exposure. However, the mechanisms of the combined effects of HCV and ethanol metabolism in IFN-α signaling modulation are not well elucidated. Here, we explored a possibility that ethanol metabolism potentiates HCV-mediated dysregulation of IFN-α signaling in liver cells via impairment of methylation reactions. HCV-infected Huh7.5 CYP2E1⁺ cells and human hepatocytes were exposed to acetaldehyde (Ach)-generating system (AGS) and stimulated with IFN-α to activate IFN-sensitive genes (ISG) via the Jak-STAT-1 pathway. We observed significant suppression of signaling events by Ach. Ach exposure decreased STAT-1 methylation via activation of protein phosphatase 2A and increased the protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 (PIAS-1)-STAT-1 complex formation in both HCV⁺ and HCV^– cells, preventing ISG activation. Treatment with a promethylating agent, betaine, attenuated all examined Ach-induced defects. Ethanol metabolism-induced changes in ISGs are methylation related and confirmed by in vivo studies on HCV⁺ transgenic mice. HCV- and Ach-induced impairment of IFN signaling temporarily increased HCV RNA levels followed by apoptosis of heavily infected cells. We concluded that Ach potentiates the suppressive effects of HCV on activation of ISGs attributable to methylation-dependent dysregulation of IFN-α signaling. A temporary increase in HCV RNA sensitizes the liver cells to Ach-induced apoptosis. Betaine reverses the inhibitory effects of Ach on IFN signaling and thus can be used for treatment of HCV⁺ alcohol-abusing patients.

From: Ganesan, M., Zhang, J., Bronich, T., Poluektova, L. I., Donohue, T. M., Tuma, D. J., Kharbanda, K. K., Osna, N. A. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/7/G566?rss=1

Cold, flu can increase risk of stroke in children

Risk is very low; researchers found that children with all vaccinations are less vulnerable

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/common-cold-flu-can-increase-risk-of-stroke-in-kids/

England bans smoking in cars with children inside

Anti-smoking measures are expanded in England and Wales to protect kids from the dangers of second-hand smoke

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/england-bans-smoking-in-cars-with-children/

How to Stop a Cold

Don’t let those sniffles and sneezes turn into a nasty cold. WebMD shows you how to fight back.

From: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/stop-a-cold?src=RSS_PUBLIC

USDA Commits $4 Million to Improve Chesapeake Bay Water Quality

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2015 - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that in a first round of funding, USDA will commit $4 million to several states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to help agricultural landowners with accelerating stream and riverbank tree plantings that can reduce soil sedimentation, field and animal waste runoff, improving water quality.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/10/0271.xml&contentidonly=true

Could Your Cellphone Be Harming Your Love Life?

Partners don't like it if you take calls or send texts when you're spending time together, survey shows

From: http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/news/20150930/could-your-cellphone-be-harming-your-love-life?src=RSS_PUBLIC

'Low-Nicotine' Cigarettes May Help Smokers Quit

Study found those inhaling the lowest levels of the addictive agent were more likely to try to stop

From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20150930/low-nicotine-cigarettes-may-help-smokers-quit?src=RSS_PUBLIC

First guide dog trained to run with blind athlete

For thousands of blind athletes across the country, just setting foot out the door can be a huge challenge

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/first-guide-dog-trained-to-run-with-blind-athlete/

Rare Q fever outbreak hits U.S. medical tourists

Five Americans got sick after controversial overseas treatment involving sheep cell injections

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rare-q-fever-outbreak-hits-u-s-medical-tourists/

FTC sues weight-loss company that threatened unhappy clients

One customer was targeted for posted a complaint without knowing that she had signed a gag clause

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/ftc-sues-weight-loss-company-that-threatened-unhappy-clients/

Low-nicotine cigarettes may help determined smokers cut back

It is abundantly clear that smoking damages the heart, the lungs, and virtually every other body system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

So why do people do it?

It’s the nicotine. This stimulant, found in all tobacco products, makes smokers feel calm and relaxed — and it can quickly lead to addiction. The more you smoke, the more you need to smoke to feel good. It’s the pull of nicotine that makes quitting so difficult.

But what if you could reduce the amount of nicotine available in cigarettes to begin with? Would it help people quit — or might it cause them to smoke more to compensate?

Recently, a team of researchers set out to answer this question by following more than 800 adults who smoked at least five cigarettes a day. These study volunteers had no desire to quit smoking. They were asked to either continue smoking their regular brand of cigarette or to smoke one of six types of investigational cigarettes that had varying amounts of nicotine, ranging from 15.8 milligrams (mg) of nicotine per gram of tobacco (the amount found in most commercial brands) all the way down to 0.4 mg per gram. The smokers were followed for six weeks. The results of the study were published in today’s New England Journal of Medicine.

These results were unexpected. The people given the lower-nicotine cigarettes smoked 23% to 30% fewer cigarettes per day than those who smoked the cigarettes with 15.8 mg of nicotine per gram. Perhaps even more surprising, the low-nicotine cigarette smokers also had reduced dependence on nicotine — and fewer cravings for cigarettes when they weren’t smoking.

This study lasted only six weeks, so we’ll need longer trials to help us really understand whether low-nicotine cigarettes are a “safer” option for people who are determined to smoke (as many as one in five Americans is a current smoker). However, these findings do suggest that if the nicotine content in commercial cigarettes could be lowered, users would smoke less and be less likely to get “hooked,” which could mitigate the health risks associated with smoking.

For those who do want to cut out nicotine, there are good options that can help them meet the challenge. They come in many forms, from nicotine patches and gums to lozenges and nasal sprays — not to mention e-cigarettes, which work by vaporizing nicotine. E-cigarettes have become wildly popular, but to date, we don’t know for sure that they are safer than regular cigarettes, or that they can actually help people quit. Prescription drugs like bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) can also help smokers quit. All of these methods work especially well when combined with behavioral supports, such as talk therapy. Of course, it often takes multiple attempts to quit before succeeding — but it can be done.

Anything that reduces the dangers of smoking is a step in the right direction. But as we’ve known for years, the truly best step is to quit altogether.

Related Posts:

• New strategies help smokers quit when nicotine replacement…
• Quitting smoking doesn’t have to mean big weight gain
• Surgeon General’s 1964 report: making smoking history
• CVS to become first major U.S. pharmacy to stop selling…
• Expert panel proposes annual lung cancer test for some

The post Low-nicotine cigarettes may help determined smokers cut back appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Mallika Marshall, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/low-nicotine-cigarettes-may-help-determined-smokers-cut-back-201510018373

FTC sues weight-loss co. for trying to silence unhappy customers

Roca Labs sold weight-loss powders billed as an alternative to gastric bypass surgery, but one customer shares why she thinks it was a sham

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ftc-lawsuit-roca-labs-weight-loss-powder-gag-clause-customers-sued/

10 Questions With Jeff Daniels

"Dumb & Dumber" star Jeff Daniels talks about his career, his health philosophy, and the importance of family.

From: http://www.webmd.com/men/features/jeff-daniels-interview?src=RSS_PUBLIC