Energy Intake Balance Research Articles

Landscape risk predicts depletion of flooded unharvested corn by waterfowl

AbstractAnimal foraging strategies are formulated in a complex decision‐making matrix that is predicated on balancing energy intake and expenditure within a landscape of predation risk. Game species encounter dynamic risks during hunting season as ephemeral predators (i.e., hunters) alter the predation risk landscape daily and seasonally. Predators and prey often concentrate around food sources during hunting season, further complicating the balance of energy intake and risk minimization for prey species. For example, many wetland managers provide energy‐rich food resources, such as unharvested grain, that attract waterfowl. Hunter access to these areas varies and alters the inherent risk that wintering waterfowl face to use these resources. We hypothesized use and subsequent depletion of unharvested flooded corn fields would be influenced by proximate anthropogenic disturbance and predation risk, shifting the bioenergetic landscape for waterfowl. We first sampled 145 unharvested flooded cornfields under different hunting access regimes to estimate corn biomass in October 2019 and 2020 in western Tennessee, USA. We then returned to 30 of those fields biweekly during fall‐winter 2019–2021 to estimate depletion rates in 60 fields. We modeled depletion rate as a function of hunting risk and forage accessibility by including the variables of corn ear height above water surface, field size, field ownership type, and field distance from sanctuary in our statistical model. Biomass estimates derived from initial surveys indicated private fields that were hunted provided the greatest corn biomass (7,134 ± 448 kg/ha), followed by public fields that were hunted (5,272 ± 320 kg/ha) and finally sanctuaries closed to hunting (3,995 ± 371 kg/ha). Corn biomass was depleted 2–4 times faster on sanctuaries than on hunted fields during November and December but 2 times faster in hunted fields than in sanctuary fields in January. Depletion rates increased as surface water came closer to corn ears but were unaffected by field size or field distance from unhunted sanctuary. Sanctuary fields were devoid of corn by the end of January, whereas 55% of public and 50% of private hunted fields still had corn remaining on 15 March, by which time most ducks had likely initiated migration. Private lands sampled in 2020 contributed nearly 7 times more energy than assumed in the 2015 Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Joint Venture energetic allocation models. Despite being devoid of hunters at night, hunted lands are not perceived by foraging waterfowl to be nocturnally similar to sanctuary areas during hunting season. In turn, hunted fields were exploited by ducks later in the season when sanctuary resources were scarce, providing available biomass for migrating birds. It may be important for managers to retain water on hunted fields through early spring given the lack of energy‐dense foraging resources available on sanctuary areas. Conservation planners should consider resource depletion as a multiplicative function of hunting risk and abundance when allocating foraging habitat objectives for waterfowl in the non‐breeding season.

Obesity Prevalence and Associated Factors in Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) in China: A Body Condition Assessment Study.

Obesity is a prevalent health issue among captive wildlife, but the obesity status of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in China has not been systematically investigated. This study assessed obesity in 204 captive Asian elephants across 43 facilities by recording seven potentially relevant variables: sex, age, daily feed supply, proportion of high-calorie feed, outdoor enclosure area, outdoor time, and foot disorders. Body condition was evaluated using visual scoring, revealing a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, particularly in zoo-kept elephants. Over 70% of captive Asian elephants in China were classified as overweight or obese. Statistical analysis indicated that insufficient outdoor time is likely a primary contributor to obesity among zoo elephants. We recommend extending outdoor time and regulating the supply of high-calorie feeds (e.g., fruits, vegetables, and pellets) to promote exercise and balance energy intake. Additionally, implementing positive reinforcement training for routine health checks, including foot exams and blood sampling, could improve data collection on elephant health and welfare, ultimately enhancing obesity management and overall animal well-being.

PA5402-5407 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Regulate the Expression of the Aa3-Type Oxidases and Their Growth Under Carbon Starvation and High-Density Conditions.

Our previous studies identified PA5407 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a new regulatory protein for bacterial division and named it ZapAL. This protein enhances the assembly of the key bacterial division protein FtsZ and participates in the assembly of the bacterial Z-ring, but its physiological function is not clear. ZapAL is in the same gene cluster as PA5402-5406, and in this study, we found that these genes are involved in the regulation of bacterial growth under nutrient deficiency and high-density conditions. The expression of Aa3 oxidase increases significantly at the end of the stationary phase of bacterial growth under aerobic conditions, and appropriately accelerate energy intake to adapt to the adversity. In our study, we found that the knockout ofPA5402-5407 in P. aeruginosa promotes the further expression of Aa3 oxidase and its expression increased more and faster than the wild type, especially under carbon starvation and high-density conditions. This results in a larger bacteriapopulation, but the average length of thebacteria is abnormally reduced. In summary, our study found that the P. aeruginosa gene cluster PA5402-5407 regulated the expression of Aa3 oxidase in the late stationary phase, and these genes balance energy intake, growth and division of bacteria under adverse conditions.

The Evolution in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients' Profile and the Associated Sustainable Challenges: A Multidisciplinary Perspective.

The prevalence and incidence of NAFLD is rising due to the obesity pandemic, caused by the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods and the decrease of physical activity. Factors such as socioeconomic status (SES), ethnicity and geographical location are associated with NAFLD, with lower SES correlating with higher incidence, particularly in regions like America or Europe. Beside the quality of food, the quantity also plays a crucial role. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a Mediterranean diet with a balanced energy intake. Since no hard medical treatment is available for NAFLD, lifestyle adjustments are key. Patient empowerment by providing relevant information and co-ownership of the therapy will increase the implementation rate and enhance the quality of medical follow-up and medication adherence, as studies report a good adherence to medication among patients who are well-aware of the severity of their disease. Regarding sustainability, patients with NAFLD have a high load of ambulatory follow-up, which, since the COVID-19 pandemic, can be partially provided by teleconsulting. Both patients' lifestyle modifications and healthcare practitioners' therapeutical strategy can decrease the carbon footprint.

Impact of Dietary Factors on Metabolic Disorders in Animals: A Case of Uganda

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate impact of dietary factors on metabolic disorders in Animals in Uganda Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver syndrome are prevalent among various livestock species in Uganda. The role of dietary components, including energy content, nutrient composition, and the presence of anti-nutritional factors, in contributing to the development and severity of these disorders cannot be understated. Moreover, socio-economic and environmental factors such as limited access to quality forage and the effects of climate change exacerbate the situation, posing additional challenges to maintaining optimal metabolic health in Ugandan livestock Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Nutritional Balancing Theory & Homeorhetic Regulation Theory may be used to anchor future studies on Impact of dietary factors on metabolic disorders in Animals in Uganda. Implement evidence-based dietary interventions tailored to the specific needs of different livestock species in Uganda. These interventions should aim to optimize nutrient composition, balance energy intake, and minimize the presence of anti-nutritional factors in animal feed. Promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that enhance access to quality forage and mitigate the impact of climate change on animal nutrition. This may include strategies such as agroforestry, rotational grazing, and the cultivation of drought-resistant forage crops. Develop and enforce regulations governing the composition and labeling of animal feed in Uganda to ensure the quality and safety of feed ingredients. These regulations should include guidelines for the appropriate use of supplements, additives, and feed additives to minimize the risk of metabolic disorders in animals.

Investigating psychological mechanisms of self-controlled decisions for food and leisure activity.

Maintaining a healthy body weight requires balancing energy intake and expenditure. While previous research investigated energy input or food decisions, little is known about energy output or leisure activity decisions. By combining experimental decision-making paradigms and computational approaches, we investigated the psychological mechanisms of self-controlled food and leisure activity decisions through the effects of reward-oriented and health-oriented preferences as well as body weight status, stress, and coping. Based on individual's responses, the self-controlled food and leisure activity choices were indexed as the proportions of "no" unhealthy but tasty (or enjoyable) (inhibitory self-control against short-term pleasure) and "yes" healthy but not tasty (or not enjoyable) responses (initiatory self-control for long-term health benefits). The successful self-control decisions for food and leisure activity were positively correlated with each other, r = 22, p < .01. In beta regression analyses, the successful self-controlled food decisions decreased as the taste-oriented process increased, β = - 0.50, z = -2.99, p < .005, and increased as the health-oriented process increased, β = 1.57, z = 4.68, p < .001. Similarly, the successful self-controlled leisure activity decisions decreased as the enjoyment-oriented process increased, β = - 0.79, z = -5.31, p < .001, and increased as the health-oriented process increased, β = 0.66, z = 2.19, p < .05. The effects of the other factors were not significant. Overall, our findings demonstrated the mutual interrelationship between food and leisure activity decision-making and suggest that encouraging health-oriented processes may benefit both energy input and expenditure domains and improve self-controlled choices.

Response of the consumers to the menu calorie-labeling on online food ordering applications in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe use of online food ordering applications is widespread; however, to date, there have been no studies on the effect of the menu calorie labeling in online food ordering applications on the consumers’ dietary habits and food choices in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the response of the consumers to the menu energy-labeling on online food ordering applications in Saudi Arabia by exploring: (a) the consumers’ preference and frequency of ordering from online food applications; (b) the consumers' self-reported knowledge, awareness, and interest towards menu calorie information on online food ordering applications; (c) the impact of menu calorie information on online food ordering applications on consumers’ food choices.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted between October and November of 2022. A total of 419 participants were recruited using an online questionnaire.ResultsThe findings showed that most participants (59%) preferred to order using online food ordering applications. Saving time and effort are the main reasons for using online food ordering applications (61%). Nearly half of the participants (45%) were interested in viewing calorie information on online food ordering applications menus and (47%) did notice calorie information displayed on the menu when ordering from an online food ordering application. Calorie information in online food ordering applications menus is primarily utilized to monitor intake for weight maintenance (19%). The ability to calculate energy requirements and interest in viewing calorie information on online food ordering applications menus were linked to younger age and a higher level of education (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOverall, consumers showed limited awareness and interest towards the menu calorie information displayed in the online food ordering applications. These findings highlight the importance of developing public health programs to increase public awareness about calorie labeling on menus to aid in the success and effectiveness of the calorie labeling in online food ordering applications as a tool to promote balanced energy intake. Further research is needed to understand the most effective way to deliver calorie information to consumers on an online food ordering application.

Comparison of metabolic parameters between oral and total parenteral nutrition in children with severe eating disorders.

This study investigated changes of lipid parameters in children with severe eating disorders during refeeding in order to explore the optimal timing for lipid preparation administration. We prospectively assessed the physical conditions of patients with eating disorders after the start of nutrition therapy. The assessments were performed at admission and at 2 and 4 weeks. Lipid metabolism was assessed based on triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and free carnitine (FC) levels, as well as acylcarnitine/free carnitine (AC/FC) ratio. A total of 18 patients were included. Of these, 12 and 6 received an oral diet (OD group) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN group), respectively. The mean body mass indexes at hospital admission were 12.8 kg/m2 in the OD group and 12.7 kg/m2 in the TPN group. At 2 weeks after the start of refeeding, TC, TG, and AC/FC levels were significantly lower in the TPN group than in the OD group. Other blood test results did not show any significant differences between the two groups. Fat-free glucose-based nutrition promoted lipid metabolism over a 2-week period after the start of refeeding, suggesting that balanced energy and lipid intake are essential, even in TPN.

Comparison of metabolic parameters between oral and total parenteral nutrition in children with severe eating disorders

This study investigated changes of lipid parameters in children with severe eating disorders during refeeding in order to explore the optimal timing for lipid preparation administration. We prospectively assessed the physical conditions of patients with eating disorders after the start of nutrition therapy. The assessments were performed at admission and at 2 and 4 weeks. Lipid metabolism was assessed based on triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and free carnitine (FC) levels, as well as acylcarnitine/free carnitine (AC/FC) ratio. A total of 18 patients were included. Of these, 12 and 6 received an oral diet (OD group) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN group), respectively. The mean body mass indexes at hospital admission were 12.8 kg/m2 in the OD group and 12.7 kg/m2 in the TPN group. At 2 weeks after the start of refeeding, TC, TG, and AC/FC levels were significantly lower in the TPN group than in the OD group. Other blood test results did not show any significant differences between the two groups. Fat-free glucose-based nutrition promoted lipid metabolism over a 2-week period after the start of refeeding, suggesting that balanced energy and lipid intake are essential, even in TPN.

P367 Balancing energy expenditure and energy intake in people with neuromuscular disorders; next steps towards individualized nutritional advice

P367 Balancing energy expenditure and energy intake in people with neuromuscular disorders; next steps towards individualized nutritional advice

Adipocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Small Vesicles with Big Impact.

While increasing numbers of studies have established that adipose tissue plays a vital role in balancing energy intake and energy expenditure as both an energy and an endocrine organ, the detailed functions of adipose tissue remain unclear. Adipose tissues are complex, with multiple resident cell populations that communicate to diverse cells and organs via local and systemic metabolic, thermal, and inflammatory signaling. In normal physiology, adipose tissue-derived extracellular vesicles mediate the regulation of energy storage/consumption in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle. In a pathological sense, fat-derived extracellular vesicles can promote the progression of obesity, endocrine diseases, cancer, and reproductive system disorders. In this review, we demonstrate that adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles function not only in physiological balance but also in the pathological process. We aim to illustrate the impact of adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles and their value in understanding both homeostasis and disorders.

Energy acquisition strategy for reproduction in a semelparous squid

BackgroundEnergy demand for reproduction leads to a wide diversity of foraging and life-history strategy among wild animals, linking to a common objective to maximize reproductive success. Semelparous squid species in particular can use up to 50% of the total energy intake for reproduction. However, the energy acquisition strategy for reproduction is still a controversial issue regarding whether the squid shift in diet ontogenetically. Here we used Argentinean shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) as a case study to investigate the strategy of energy acquisition for reproduction, by analyzing energy density of the squid’s reproductive tissues including ovary, nidamental glands and oviduct eggs, and stable isotopes and fatty acids of the squid’s ovary.ResultsThe reproductive energy (the sum of the energy accumulated in ovary, nidamental glands and oviduct eggs) increased significantly with maturation. The ovary nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) showed a significant increase with maturation, but the increase by maturity stage was not equal to the typical enrichment of about 3‰ per trophic level. Isotopic niche width showed an increasing trend with maturation, and isotopic niche space exhibited greater overlap at advanced maturity stages. The relative amounts of 16:0, 20:5n3 and 20:4n6 in the ovary, tracing for carnivores and top predators, increased after the onset of maturation. The overall fatty acid profiles of the ovary showed significant differences among maturity stages, but obvious overlaps were found for mature squids. Mixed-effects model results revealed that reproductive energy was positively correlated with δ15N values. The reproductive energy was also positively related to the relative amounts of 18:0 and 20:4n6, respectively tracing for herbivores and top predators.ConclusionsOur results validate that the squid shifts to feed on higher trophic prey for reproduction as energy demand increases once maturation commences. However, the squid does not shift feeding habits at a trophic level but instead broadens prey spectrum, coupled with increasing intake of higher trophic prey items, to meet the energy demand for reproduction. Such energy acquisition strategy may be selected by the squid to maximize reproductive success by balancing energy intake and expenditure from foraging, warranting future studies that aim to clarify such strategy for reproduction among semelparous species.

Assessing the impact of forest structure disturbances on the arboreal movement and energetics of orangutans—An agent-based modeling approach

Agent-based models have been developed and widely employed to assess the impact of disturbances or conservation management on animal habitat use, population development, and viability. However, the direct impacts of canopy disturbance on the arboreal movement of individual primates have been less studied. Such impacts could shed light on the cascading effects of disturbances on animal health and fitness. Orangutans are an arboreal primate that commonly encounters habitat quality deterioration due to land-use changes and related disturbances such as forest fires. Forest disturbance may, therefore, create a complex stress scenario threatening orangutan populations. Due to forest disturbances, orangutans may adapt to employ more terrestrial, as opposed to arboreal, movements potentially prolonging the search for fruiting and nesting trees. In turn, this may lead to changes in daily activity patterns (i.e., time spent traveling, feeding, and resting) and available energy budget, potentially decreasing the orangutan's fitness. We developed the agent-based simulation model BORNEO (arBOReal aNimal movEment mOdel), which explicitly describes both orangutans' arboreal and terrestrial movement in a forest habitat, depending on distances between trees and canopy structures. Orangutans in the model perform activities with a motivation to balance energy intake and expenditure through locomotion. We tested the model using forest inventory data obtained in Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. This allowed us to construct virtual forests with real characteristics including tree connectivity, thus creating the potential to expand the environmental settings for simulation experiments. In order to parameterize the energy related processes of the orangutans described in the model, we applied a computationally intensive evolutionary algorithm and evaluated the simulation results against observed behavioral patterns of orangutans. Both the simulated variability and proportion of activity budgets including feeding, resting, and traveling time for female and male orangutans confirmed the suitability of the model for its purpose. We used the calibrated model to compare the activity patterns and energy budgets of orangutans in both natural and disturbed forests . The results confirm field observations that orangutans in the disturbed forest are more likely to experience deficit energy balance due to traveling to the detriment of feeding time. Such imbalance is more pronounced in males than in females. The finding of a threshold of forest disturbances that affects a significant change in activity and energy budgets suggests potential threats to the orangutan population. Our study introduces the first agent-based model describing the arboreal movement of primates that can serve as a tool to investigate the direct impact of forest changes and disturbances on the behavior of species such as orangutans. Moreover, it demonstrates the suitability of high-performance computing to optimize the calibration of complex agent-based models describing animal behavior at a fine spatio-temporal scale (1-m and 1-s granularity).

Insights into the constellating drivers of satiety impacting dietary patterns and lifestyle.

Food intake and body weight regulation are of special interest for meeting today's lifestyle essential requirements. Since balanced energy intake and expenditure are crucial for healthy living, high levels of energy intake are associated with obesity. Hence, regulation of energy intake occurs through short- and long-term signals as complex central and peripheral physiological signals control food intake. This work aims to explore and compile the main factors influencing satiating efficiency of foods by updating recent knowledge to point out new perspectives on the potential drivers of satiety interfering with food intake regulation. Human internal factors such as genetics, gender, age, nutritional status, gastrointestinal satiety signals, gut enzymes, gastric emptying rate, gut microbiota, individual behavioral response to foods, sleep and circadian rhythms are likely to be important in determining satiety. Besides, the external factors (environmental and behavioral) impacting satiety efficiency are highlighted. Based on mechanisms related to food consumption and dietary patterns several physical, physiological, and psychological factors affect satiety or satiation. A complex network of endocrine and neuroendocrine mechanisms controls the satiety pathways. In response to food intake and other behavioral cues, gut signals enable endocrine systems to target the brain. Intestinal and gastric signals interact with neural pathways in the central nervous system to halt eating or induce satiety. Moreover, complex food composition and structures result in considerable variation in satiety responses for different food groups. A better understanding of foods and factors impacting the efficiency of satiety could be helpful in making smart food choices and dietary recommendations for a healthy lifestyle based on updated scientific evidence.

Hypnos: A Hardware and Software Toolkit for Energy-Aware Sensing in Low-Cost IoT Nodes

Through the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous sensing devices can be deployed to regularly capture environmental and other sensor measurements for a variety of usage scenarios. However, for the market segment of stand-alone, self-sustaining small IoT nodes, long-term deployment remains problematic due to the energy-constrained nature of these devices, requiring frequent maintenance. This article introduces Hypnos, an open hardware and software toolkit that aims to balance energy intake and usage through the adaptive sensing rate for low-cost Internet-connected IoT nodes. We describe the hardware architecture of the IoT node, an open hardware board based on the Arduino Uno form-factor packing the energy measurement circuitry, and the associated opensource software library, which interfaces with the sensing node’s microcontroller and provides access to the low-level energy measurements. Hypnos comes equipped with a built-in, configurable, modified sigmoid function to regulate duty-cycle frequency based on energy intake and usage, yet developers may also plug in their custom duty/sleep balancing function. An experiment was set up, whereby two identical boards ran for two months: one with the Hypnos software framework and built-in energy-balancing function to regulate sensing rate and the other with fixed sensing rate. The experiment showed that Hypnos is able to successfully balance energy usage and sensing frequency within configurable energy ranges. Hereby, it increases the reliability by avoiding the complete shutdown, while, at the same time, optimizing performance in terms of the average amount of sensor measurements.

Temporal Patterns of Energy Intake in Relation to Cognitive Function and Its Decline: A Community-Based Cohort Study in China

ObjectivesTemporal pattern of energy intake (TPEI) has been related to multiple cardiometabolic diseases and mortality. However, its association with cognitive function remains poorly understood. We aimed to assess the prospective association of the TPEI with cognitive function and its decline in a community-based cohort study in China.MethodsThe study included data from 3342 participants aged over 55 years old from the China Health and Nutrition Study (CHNS). Dietary data were collected using 3-day 24-hour dietary recalls at study baseline in 1997 and every 2–4 years thereafter. TPEI was identified using the k-means algorithm. Cognitive function was assessed up to four times using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m) from 1997–2006. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the association of TPEI with the level of cognitive function and its decline in subsequent years.ResultsWe identified six TPEIs: breakfast-dominant, lunch-dominant, dinner-dominant, evenly-distributed, breakfast-skipping, and snack-rich patterns. Compared with the evenly-distributed temporal pattern, other patterns were all related to lower cognitive function scores, with differences being −0.94 (95%CI: −1.37, −0.51, points) for breakfast-dominant pattern, −1.18 (95%CI: −1.67, −0.69, points) for lunch-dominant pattern, −0.97 (95%CI: −1.43, −0.51, points) for dinner-dominant pattern, −1.05 (95%CI: −1.70, −0.40, points) for snack-rich pattern, and −1.32 (95%CI: −1.66, −0.99, points) for breakfast-skipping pattern (P < 0.05). Particularly, the breakfast-skipping pattern was also associated with a significantly faster cognitive decline (−0.40 [−0.48, −0.32] point/year) compared with the slowest cognitive decline (−0.26 [−0.31, −0.21] point/year) in the evenly-distributed pattern.ConclusionsMaintaining an evenly-distributed temporal pattern of energy intake was associated with better cognitive function and slower cognitive decline in later life, underscoring the importance of managing and balancing energy intake across major meals throughout the day.Funding SourcesThis work was supported by the Zhejiang University Education Foundation Global Partnership Fund (granted to CY).

Interleukin-6 actions in the hypothalamus protects against obesity and is involved in the regulation of neurogenesis

BackgroundInterleukin-6 (IL6) produced in the context of exercise acts in the hypothalamus reducing obesity-associated inflammation and restoring the control of food intake and energy expenditure. In the hippocampus, some of the beneficial actions of IL6 are attributed to its neurogenesis-inducing properties. However, in the hypothalamus, the putative neurogenic actions of IL6 have never been explored, and its potential to balance energy intake can be an approach to prevent or attenuate obesity.MethodsWild-type (WT) and IL6 knockout (KO) mice were employed to study the capacity of IL6 to induce neurogenesis. We used cell labeling with Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR to determine the expression of markers of neurogenesis and neurotransmitters. We prepared hypothalamic neuroprogenitor cells from KO that were treated with IL6 in order to provide an ex vivo model to further characterizing the neurogenic actions of IL6 through differentiation assays. In addition, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data and determined the expression of IL6 and IL6 receptor in specific cell types of the murine hypothalamus.ResultsIL6 expression in the hypothalamus is low and restricted to microglia and tanycytes, whereas IL6 receptor is expressed in microglia, ependymocytes, endothelial cells, and astrocytes. Exogenous IL6 reduces diet-induced obesity. In outbred mice, obesity-resistance is accompanied by increased expression of IL6 in the hypothalamus. IL6 induces neurogenesis-related gene expression in the hypothalamus and in neuroprogenitor cells, both from WT as well as from KO mice.ConclusionIL6 induces neurogenesis-related gene expression in the hypothalamus of WT mice. In KO mice, the neurogenic actions of IL6 are preserved; however, the appearance of new fully differentiated proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons is either delayed or disturbed.

The impact of circadian timing on energy balance: an extension of the energy balance model

ABSTRACT A significant proportion of the population is classified as having overweight or obesity. One framework which has attempted to explain biobehavioral mechanisms influencing the development of overweight and obesity is the energy balance model. According to this model, the body continually attempts to balance energy intake with energy expenditure. When energy intake and energy expenditure become imbalanced, there is an increase in homeostatic and allostatic pressure, generally to either increase energy intake or decrease energy expenditure, so as to restore energy homeostasis.Recent research has indicated that circadian aspects of energy intake and energy expenditure may influence energy balance. This paper provides a narrative review of existing evidence of the role of circadian timing on components of energy balance. Research on the timing of food intake, physical activity, and sleep indicates that unhealthy timing is likely to increase risk of weight gain. Public health guidelines focus on how much individuals eat and sleep, what foods are consumed, and the type and frequency of exercise, but the field of circadian science has begun to demonstrate that when these behaviors occur may also influence overweight and obesity prevention and treatment efforts.

Sugar Intake: Are All Children Made of Sugar?

Introduction: A healthy diet is characterized by a variety of food and a balanced energy intake, which should accompany every human being since early childhood. Unfortunately, excessive consumption of protein, fat, and lately sugar are very common in developed countries. Sugar intakes are not easily quantifiable and comparable among subjects. Therefore, we decide to analyze dietary patterns in children of different ages and diets (with and without gluten) using a food and nutrient database and a new application called the “Zuccherometro”. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive observational study conducted among children that are recruited consecutively either during a pediatric evaluation or through a school survey. Sociodemographic, nutritional and anthropometric data, degree of physical activity, and presence of medical conditions are collected. Dietary intake data are obtained by a 24 h recall diet. Results: The study analyzes 400 children: 213 girls and 187 boys. The majority of children (70.7%) are in normal weight range with similar extreme values (6.5% obese and 6.7% underweight). Celiac disease is diagnosed in 186 children. Caloric intakes are in line with the recommendations in all age-distributed groups with the exception of adolescents (11–17 years old), whose caloric intake is lower than recommendations. Protein intakes, on the contrary, are always exceeding recommendations and are significantly elevated in preschool children, (more than three times the population reference intakes). As for sugar intakes, all the children except the 11–17 years adolescents exceed the recommended cut off of 15% of daily calories. The same trend is obtained using the “Zuccherometro” that shows different percentages of age-stratified children exceeding the reference values: 1–3 years, 59% of children; 4–6 years, 68%; 7–10 years, 39.8%; 11–14 years, 25.5%; 15–17 years, 24.5%. The sugar load consists of both natural or added sugars (fructose and lactose) in food or beverages. Sugar intakes are more generously consumed by all age-stratified controls than by celiac children with the exception of the youngest ones (1–3 years old) and male adolescents. Conclusion: Since high sugar intakes are constantly accompanying children during their growth, important dietary education and coordination between families and institutions are mandatory.

The Role of Mediobasal Hypothalamic PACAP in the Control of Body Weight and Metabolism.

Body energy homeostasis results from balancing energy intake and energy expenditure. Central nervous system administration of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) dramatically alters metabolic function, but the physiologic mechanism of this neuropeptide remains poorly defined. PACAP is expressed in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), a brain area essential for energy balance. Ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) neurons contain, by far, the largest and most dense population of PACAP in the medial hypothalamus. This region is involved in coordinating the sympathetic nervous system in response to metabolic cues in order to re-establish energy homeostasis. Additionally, the metabolic cue of leptin signaling in the VMN regulates PACAP expression. We hypothesized that PACAP may play a role in the various effector systems of energy homeostasis, and tested its role by using VMN-directed, but MBH encompassing, adeno-associated virus (AAVCre) injections to ablate Adcyap1 (gene coding for PACAP) in mice (Adcyap1MBHKO mice). Adcyap1MBHKO mice rapidly gained body weight and adiposity, becoming hyperinsulinemic and hyperglycemic. Adcyap1MBHKO mice exhibited decreased oxygen consumption (VO2), without changes in activity. These effects appear to be due at least in part to brown adipose tissue (BAT) dysfunction, and we show that PACAP-expressing cells in the MBH can stimulate BAT thermogenesis. While we observed disruption of glucose clearance during hyperinsulinemic/euglycemic clamp studies in obese Adcyap1MBHKO mice, these parameters were normal prior to the onset of obesity. Thus, MBH PACAP plays important roles in the regulation of metabolic rate and energy balance through multiple effector systems on multiple time scales, which highlight the diverse set of functions for PACAP in overall energy homeostasis.