Cumulative Intake Research Articles

Genetic control of oromotor phenotypes: A survey of licking and ingestive behaviors in highly diverse strains of mice

In order to examine genetic influences on fluid ingestion, 20-min intake of either water or 0.1M sucrose was measured in a lickometer in 18 isogenic strains of mice, including 15 inbred strains and 3 F1 hybrid crosses. Intake and licking data were examined at a number of levels, including lick rate as defined by mean or median interlick interval, as well as several microstructural parameters (i.e. burst-pause structure). In general, strain variation for ingestive phenotypes were correlated across water and sucrose in all strains, indicating fundamental, rather than stimulus-specific, mechanisms of intake. Strain variation was substantial and robust, with heritabilities for phenotypes ranging from 0.22 to 0.73. For mean interlick interval (MPI; a measure of lick rate) strains varied continuously from 94.3 to 127.0ms, a range consistent with previous studies. Furthermore, variation among strains for microstructural traits such as burst size and number suggested that strains possess different overall ingestive strategies, with some favoring more short bursts, and others favoring fewer, long bursts. Strains also varied in cumulative intake functions, exhibiting both linear and decelerated rates of intake across the session.

Relation of positive fluid balance to the severity of renal impairment and recovery among ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

PurposeWe analyzed the relationship between a positive fluid balance and its persistence over time on acute kidney injury (AKI) development, severity and resolution among ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients complicated by cardiogenic shock. MethodsWe retrospectively studied the cumulative fluid balance intake and output at 96h following hospital admission in 84 consecutive adult patients with STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock. The cohort was stratified into two groups, based on the presence or absence of positive fluid balance on day 4. Patients' records were assessed for the development of AKI, AKI severity and recovery. ResultsPatients having positive fluid balance were more likely to develop a more severe AKI stage (52% vs. 13%; p<0.001), were less likely to have recovery of their renal function (29% vs. 75%, p=0.001), and demonstrated positive correlation between the amount of fluid accumulated and the rise in serum creatinine (R=0.42, p=0.004). For every 1l increase in positive fluid balance, the adjusted possibility for recovery of renal function decreased by 21% (OR=0.796, 95% CI 0.67–0.93; p=0.006). ConclusionsA positive fluid balance was strongly associated with higher stage AKI and lower rate of AKI recovery in STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Increased Yogurt Intake Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Disease among Middle‐Aged Adults with High Blood Pressure

BackgroundHigh blood pressure (HBP) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Short‐term clinical trials have found beneficial effects of higher dairy intakes, especially yogurt, on CVD risk among those with HBP. However, long‐term studies are lacking.ObjectiveTo estimate the independent effects of total dairy and yogurt on risk of incident CVD among middle‐aged adults with HBP. Secondarily, possible effect modification by a healthy diet pattern was explored.MethodsSubjects included 57,768 30–55 year‐old women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and 18,593 40–75 year‐old men in the Health Professionals Follow‐Up Study (HPFS) who reported HBP. Subjects with prevalent CVD, diabetes, or cancer were excluded. Cumulative average dairy intakes were derived from validated, semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaires every 4 years. CVD, defined as myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke, was ascertained via self‐report with medical record review. NHS and HPFS subjects were followed for incident CVD for up to 30 and 24 years, respectively from the time of first reported HBP diagnosis. Time dependent Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) while controlling for age, race, family history of HBP or MI, BP medication use, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, BMI, and intakes of energy, fiber and trans fats. A DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet score was calculated to explore effect modification by diet quality.ResultsThere were 5,468 total CVD cases in both cohorts, with 3,678 and 1,790 incident CVD cases in the NHS and HPFS, respectively. Of the 3,678 CVD cases in NHS, 1,887 were MI events and 1,791 strokes. In HPFS, there were 1,267 MI events and 523 incident strokes. Yogurt intake was inversely associated with risk of CVD among those with prevalent HBP (p for linear trend &lt;0.01 for both NHS and HPFS). Participants who consumed yogurt twice or more weekly in the NHS and HPFS had 17% (95% CI: 0.75–0.92) and 18% (95% CI: 0.68–0.97) reductions on risk of CVD, respectively. The effect of yogurt was further modified by a healthy diet pattern (as measured by a DASH score). Regular yogurt consumers in the NHS (≥2 servings/week) and HPFS (≥1 serving/week) with higher DASH scores (≥25 for both cohorts) had 19% (95% CI: 0.71–0.92) and 31% (95% CI: 0.57–0.83) lower risks of CVD, respectively. Total dairy intake was inversely associated with CVD risk among men. Finally, for participants in both NHS and HPFS whose diet more closely matched that of a DASH diet (DASH score ≥22), consuming ≥1 serving/day of dairy led to 12% (95% CI: 0.79–0.97) and 16% (95% CI: 0.73–0.97) lower risks of CVD, respectively.ConclusionHigher usual yogurt intakes were associated with lower risks of incident CVD in both women and men with prevalent HBP. Total dairy intake was particularly beneficial for men with HBP. When combined with a higher DASH score, higher total dairy and yogurt intakes led to meaningful reductions in CVD risk in both cohorts. These results suggest that incorporation of yogurt into a healthy diet pattern in hypertensive adults may provide a valuable non‐pharmacological approach to CVD prevention.Support or Funding InformationNational Dairy Council and the Boston Nutrition Obesity Research Center

Intake of niacin, folate, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 through young adulthood and cognitive function in midlife: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study

Background: Epidemiologic evidence regarding niacin, folate, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 intake in relation to cognitive function is limited, especially in midlife.Objective: We hypothesize that higher intake of these B vitamins in young adulthood is associated with better cognition later in life.Design: This study comprised a community-based multicenter cohort of black and white men and women aged 18-30 y in 1985-1986 (year 0, i.e., baseline) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study (n = 3136). We examined participants' CARDIA diet history at years 0, 7, and 20 to assess nutrient intake, including dietary and supplemental B vitamins. We measured cognitive function at year 25 (mean ± SD age: 50 ± 4 y) through the use of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) for verbal memory, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) for psychomotor speed, and a modified Stroop interference test for executive function. Higher RAVLT and DSST scores and a lower Stroop score indicated better cognitive function. We used multivariable-adjusted linear regressions to estimate mean differences in cognitive scores and 95% CIs.Results: Comparing the highest quintile with the lowest (quintile 5 compared with quintile 1), cumulative total intake of niacin was significantly associated with 3.92 more digits on the DSST (95% CI: 2.28, 5.55; P-trend < 0.01) and 1.89 points lower interference score on the Stroop test (95% CI: -3.10, -0.68; P-trend = 0.05). Total folate was associated with 2.56 more digits on the DSST (95% CI: 0.82, 4.31; P-trend = 0.01). We also found that higher intakes of vitamin B-6 (quartile 5 compared with quartile 1: 2.62; 95% CI: 0.97, 4.28; P-trend = 0.02) and vitamin B-12 (quartile 5 compared with quartile 1: 2.08; 95% CI: 0.52, 3.65; P-trend = 0.02) resulted in better psychomotor speed measured by DSST scores.Conclusion: Higher intake of B vitamins throughout young adulthood was associated with better cognitive function in midlife.

Chilli consumption and the incidence of overweight and obesity in a Chinese adult population.

The frequency of spicy food intake has recently been associated with a reduced risk of mortality in the Chinese population. This study aimed to prospectively examine the association between chilli intake and the incidence of overweight/obesity in a Chinese adult population. Adults aged 20-75 years in the China Health and Nutrition Survey were followed between 1991 and 2011. Dietary data were collected during home visits using a 3-day food record in 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2011. Cox regression was used in the analysis. Overweight/obesity was defined as body mass index ⩾25 kg m-2. A total 12 970 adults were followed for a median of 9 years. During 126 884 person-years of follow-up, 3203 subjects developed overweight/obesity. The absolute incidence rate of overweight/obesity was 26.4, 22.3, 24.4 and 20.5 per 1000 person-years among those who consumed no chilli or 1-20, 20.1-50, ⩾50.1 g per day, respectively. Chilli consumption was therefore inversely associated with the incidence of overweight/obesity. After adjusting for age, gender, energy and fat intake, smoking, alcohol drinking and physical activity, those whose cumulative average chilli intake was 0, 1-20, 20.1-50 and ⩾50.1 g per day had a hazard ratio for overweight/obesity of 1.00, 0.81 (95% confidence interval=0.73-0.89), 0.77 (0.69-0.86) and 0.73 (0.63-0.84); P for trend <0.001, respectively. There was no interaction between chilli intake and gender, income, education and residence (urban/rural) in relation to the risk of overweight/obesity. Chilli intake is inversely associated with the risk of becoming overweight/obese in Chinese adults.

Effects of dietary tannin on growth, feed utilization and digestibility, and carcass composition in juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

Plant-based products in fish diets are valuable protein alternatives to fishmeal for the aquafeed industry. Many plant feed ingredients contain polyphenolic compounds, including tannins, which can have beneficial or adverse effects. The tolerable threshold of ingested tannins is unknown for marine carnivorous fishes. We studied the effects of tannic acid (TA) supplementation to the diet of juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by measuring growth, feed utilization and digestibility, and carcass composition. We randomly allocated groups of fish (initial mean body weight of 10.2±0.7g; n=40 fish per tank) to 12 replicate cylindrical-conical tanks (three per treatment). The fish were assigned to one of four dietary treatments for five weeks: control diet (C) with tannin-free protein sources (mostly fishmeal as the base diet, containing 55.7% dry matter (DM) crude protein, gross energy 22.3kJg−1 DM) and three experimental diets supplemented with 10, 20, or 30gTAkg−1 (called TA1, TA2, and TA3, respectively). Tannin ingestion resulted in significantly decreased cumulative feed intake, growth, feed and protein efficiencies, apparent digestibility coefficients, hepatosomatic index, and carcass lipids. The protein digestibility in fish fed the 10gkg−1 tannin-containing diet was significantly lower than that in fish fed the control diet. This threshold should be taken into account when using novel terrestrial and aquatic plant ingredients for temperate marine fishes.

Higher Fluid Balance Increases the Risk of Death From Sepsis: Results From a Large International Audit.

Excessive fluid therapy in patients with sepsis may be associated with risks that outweigh any benefit. We investigated the possible influence of early fluid balance on outcome in a large international database of ICU patients with sepsis. Observational cohort study. Seven hundred and thirty ICUs in 84 countries. All adult patients admitted between May 8 and May 18, 2012, except admissions for routine postoperative surveillance. For this analysis, we included only the 1,808 patients with an admission diagnosis of sepsis. Patients were stratified according to quartiles of cumulative fluid balance 24 hours and 3 days after ICU admission. ICU and hospital mortality rates were 27.6% and 37.3%, respectively. The cumulative fluid balance increased from 1,217 mL (-90 to 2,783 mL) in the first 24 hours after ICU admission to 1,794 mL (-951 to 5,108 mL) on day 3 and decreased thereafter. The cumulative fluid intake was similar in survivors and nonsurvivors, but fluid balance was less positive in survivors because of higher fluid output in these patients. Fluid balances became negative after the third ICU day in survivors but remained positive in nonsurvivors. After adjustment for possible confounders in multivariable analysis, the 24-hour cumulative fluid balance was not associated with an increased hazard of 28-day in-hospital death. However, there was a stepwise increase in the hazard of death with higher quartiles of 3-day cumulative fluid balance in the whole population and after stratification according to the presence of septic shock. In this large cohort of patients with sepsis, higher cumulative fluid balance at day 3 but not in the first 24 hours after ICU admission was independently associated with an increase in the hazard of death.

Influence of Alcohol Consumption on the Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Among Women in the Nurses' Health Study Cohorts.

Moderate alcohol consumption has antiinflammatory properties and is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis risks. We investigated the association between alcohol consumption and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk among women followed in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) cohorts. We conducted a prospective cohort analysis among 204,055 women in NHS (1980-2012) and NHSII (1989-2011) who were free of connective tissue disease and provided alcohol information at baseline. Alcohol consumption was assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire every 2-4 years. We validated incident SLE through medical record review after self-report. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for SLE based on cumulative average alcohol intake, adjusting for potential confounders. Results were meta-analyzed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. We further investigated SLE risk associated with wine, beer, and liquor intake. We identified 125 incident SLE cases in NHS and 119 in NHSII. Mean ± SD age at SLE diagnosis was 55.8 ± 9.5 years in NHS and 43.4 ± 7.7 years in NHSII. Compared to no alcohol intake, the meta-analyzed multivariable HR for cumulative alcohol consumption ≥5 gm/day was 0.61 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.41-0.89). When limiting alcohol exposure to >4 years prior to SLE diagnosis, the multivariable HR was similar: 0.61 (95% CI 0.41-0.91). Women who drank ≥2 servings/week of wine had significantly decreased SLE risk (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45-0.96) compared to women who did not drink wine. In these large prospective cohorts, we demonstrated an inverse association between moderate alcohol consumption (≥5 grams or 0.5 drink/day) and SLE risk in women.

Long-term intake of saccharin decreases post-absortive energy expenditure at rest and is associated to greater weight gain relative to sucrose in wistar rats

BackgroundNon-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) have been associated with increased prevalence of obesity. In previous studies, we demonstrated that saccharin could induce an increase in weight gain either when compared to sucrose or to a non-sweetened control at a similar total caloric intake. These data raised the hypothesis that reduced energy expenditure (EE) could be a potential mechanism explaining greater weight gain with saccharin use in rats. The aim of the present study was to compare long-term energy expenditure at rest between rats using saccharin or sucrose and correlate it with weight gain. MethodsIn the present study, we examine the potential impact of saccharin compared to sucrose in the EE of Wistar rats. In a controlled experiment of 17 weeks, 24 Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: saccharin-sweetened yogurt (SAC) or sucrose-sweetened yogurt (SUC), plus a free chow diet. Only rats that consumed at least 70% of the offered yogurt were included. EE (kcal/day) was determined at rest through open circuit indirect calorimetry system in the early post-absorptive period with determinations of both VO2 consumption and CO2 production. Measurements were evaluated at baseline, 5 and 12 weeks of dietary intervention. Weight gain, caloric intake (from yogurt, from chow and total) were determined weekly.ResultsBody weight and EE were similar between groups at baseline: (p = .35) and (p = .67) respectively. At the end of the study, SAC increased total weight gain significantly more in relation to SUC (p = .03). Cumulative total caloric intake (yogurt plus chow) was similar between groups during the whole period (p = .54). At 12 weeks, the EE was smaller in SAC compared to SUC (p = .009). Considering both groups, there was a strong negative correlation between total weight gain and change in EE observed [r(20) = −.61, p = .003]. However, when analyzing the groups separately we found that SUC maintained this inverse correlation [r(8) = −.68, p = .03], while SAC did not [r(10) = −.33, p = .29].ConclusionThese data support the hypothesis that long-term use of saccharin may blunt post-absorptive EE at rest in Wistar rats, which is related to weight gain. On the other hand, long-term sucrose intake can increase energy expenditure in rats. This effect combined can explain, at least partially, the weight gain increases associated to saccharin in relation to sucrose in these animals.

Comparative effect of arginine and/or tryptophan in ovo feeding on hatchability percentage, growth performance and economic importance of commercial broiler

In ovo feeding is the administration of exogenous nutrients into the amnion of the late-term avian embryo so that the avian embryo orally consumes the amniotic fluid (primarily water and albumen protein) prior to pipping the air cell. So the study was carried out to find out the effect of in ovo nutrition on post-hatch performances in broilers. Total 700 fertile eggs of Cobb 400 with uniform egg weight were divided into 5 groups: non-injected control, injected control (0.5 ml of 0.9% normal saline), arginine (0.5 ml of 0.5% arginine), tryptophan (0.5 ml of 0.5% tryptophan) and combination (0.25 ml of 0.5% each of arginine and tryptophan); and injected on 18 d of incubation into amnion. On the 21d, 108 chicks were randomly selected from each treatment in total accounting 540 chicks. The hatchability and hatch weight were studied where arginine had shown a highly significant improved hatch weight and placement weight. There was no significant difference in feed efficiency, but cumulative feed intake was higher in tryptophan and combination groups. Body weight and body weight gain had also resulted significantly in arginine fed in ovo groups up to 21d of age. The broiler farm economy index (BFEI) and broiler feed price ratio (BFPR) were best in tryptophan and arginine in ovo fed groups, respectively.

Niacin intake and risk of skin cancer in US women and men.

A recent clinical trial found a protective role of niacinamide, a derivative of niacin, against skin cancer recurrence. However, there is no epidemiologic study to assess the association between niacin intake and risk of skin cancer [basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma]. We prospectively evaluated whether total, dietary and supplemental niacin intake was associated with skin cancer risk based on 72,308 women in the Nurses' Health Study (1984-2010) and 41,808 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2010). Niacin intake was assessed every 2 to 4 years during follow-up and cumulative averaged intake. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compute the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and cohort-specific results were pooled using a random-effects model. During the follow-up, we documented 23,256 BCC, 2,530 SCC and 887 melanoma cases. Total niacin intake was inversely associated with SCC risk; the pooled HR for top vs. bottom quintiles was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.74-0.95; ptrend = 0.08). However, there were a marginally positive association between total niacin intake and BCC risk; the pooled HR for top versus bottom quintiles was 1.05 (95% CI = 1.01-1.10; ptrend < 0.01). Higher total niacin intake was also marginally positively associated with melanoma risk in men, but not in women. The results were similar in stratified analyses according to sun exposure related factors and by body location of melanoma and SCC. Our study supports a potential beneficial role of niacin intake in relation to SCC but not of BCC or melanoma.

Maternal use of dietary supplements during pregnancy is not associated with coeliac disease in the offspring: The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study.

Perinatal exposure to nutrients and dietary components may affect the risk for coeliac disease (CD). We investigated the association between maternal use of vitamin D, n-3 fatty acids (FA) and Fe supplements during pregnancy and risk for CD autoimmunity (CDA) and CD in the offspring. Children at increased genetic risk were prospectively followed from birth in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study. CDA was defined as having persistently positive tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (tTGA). Diagnosis of CD was either biopsy-confirmed or considered likely if having persistently elevated levels of tTGA>100 AU. Of 6627 enrolled children, 1136 developed CDA at a median 3·1 years of age (range 0·9-10) and 409 developed CD at a median 3·9 years of age (range 1·2-11). Use of supplements containing vitamin D, n-3 FA and Fe was recalled by 66, 17 and 94 % of mothers, respectively, at 3-4 months postpartum. The mean cumulative intake over the entire pregnancy was 2014 μg vitamin D (sd 2045 μg), 111 g n-3 FA (sd 303 g) and 8806 mg Fe (sd 7017 mg). After adjusting for country, child's human leucocyte antigen genotype, sex, family history of CD, any breast-feeding duration and household crowding, Cox's proportional hazard ratios did not suggest a statistically significant association between the intake of vitamin D, n-3 FA or Fe, and risk for CDA or CD. Dietary supplementation during pregnancy may help boost nutrient intake, but it is not likely to modify the risk for the disease in the offspring.

A new universal dynamic model to describe eating rate and cumulative intake curves1–3

Attempts to model cumulative intake curves with quadratic functions have not simultaneously taken gustatory stimulation, satiation, and maximal food intake into account. Our aim was to develop a dynamic model for cumulative intake curves that captures gustatory stimulation, satiation, and maximal food intake. We developed a first-principles model describing cumulative intake that universally describes gustatory stimulation, satiation, and maximal food intake using 3 key parameters: 1) the initial eating rate, 2) the effective duration of eating, and 3) the maximal food intake. These model parameters were estimated in a study (n = 49) where eating rates were deliberately changed. Baseline data was used to determine the quality of model's fit to data compared with the quadratic model. The 3 parameters were also calculated in a second study consisting of restrained and unrestrained eaters. Finally, we calculated when the gustatory stimulation phase is short or absent. The mean sum squared error for the first-principles model was 337.1 ± 240.4 compared with 581.6 ± 563.5 for the quadratic model, or a 43% improvement in fit. Individual comparison demonstrated lower errors for 94% of the subjects. Both sex (P = 0.002) and eating duration (P = 0.002) were associated with the initial eating rate (adjusted R2 = 0.23). Sex was also associated (P = 0.03 and P = 0.012) with the effective eating duration and maximum food intake (adjusted R2 = 0.06 and 0.11). In participants directed to eat as much as they could compared with as much as they felt comfortable with, the maximal intake parameter was approximately double the amount. The model found that certain parameter regions resulted in both stimulation and satiation phases, whereas others only produced a satiation phase. The first-principles model better quantifies interindividual differences in food intake, shows how aspects of food intake differ across subpopulations, and can be applied to determine how eating behavior factors influence total food intake.

Comparison of tulathromycin, tildipirosin, and tilmicosin for control of bovine respiratory disease in steers purchased from auction markets and fed in a Texas feedlot

Crossbred steers (n=l,370) purchased from auction markets in Texas were received into a commercial feedlot near Hereford, Texas. Steers were recently weaned and considered at high risk of developing bovine respiratory disease (BRO). Upon arrival, steers were randomly assigned (within arrival blocks) to 1 of 3 treatment groups that received: 1) tilmicosin (TLM; 4.5 mg/lb (10.0 mg/kg)), 2) tildipirosin (TLD; 1.82 mg/lb ( 4.0 mg/kg)), or 3) tulathromycin (TUL; 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg)). Steers were penned by treatment into 36 pens with 12 pens per treatment. Data were analyzed with linear mixed models for a randomized complete block design. Steers administered TUL had significantly lower BRO morbidity than both TLD and TLM (P&lt; 0.01) treatments, and TLD had lower BRO morbidity than TLM (P &lt; 0.05). Cattle receiving TUL also had a lower percentage of chronic illness than both TLD and TLM treatments (P &lt; 0.05). Steers in the TUL treatment group had lower BRO and overall mortality at closeout than TLD (P &lt; 0.05), but the TLM-treated steers did not differ from the other groups. Deads-in average daily gain was 0.55 lb (0.25 kg) greater in TUL-treated steers than steers administered TLM, and 0.56 lb (0.25 kg) greater than steers receiving TLD (P &lt; 0.05). Cattle receiving TUL had 1.33 lb (0.6 kg) lower deads-in feed-to-gain ratio at closeout than those receiving TLM, and 1.51 lb (0.68 kg) lower than those receiving TLD (P &lt; 0.05). During the first 30 days-onfeed, TUL-treated steers had greater daily dry-matter intake compared with TLD-treated steers (P &lt; 0.01), but no other differences among treatment groups. By closeout, there were no differences in cumulative mean dry-matter intake between treatment groups. Overall, TUL treatment on arrival resulted in improved health and performance as compared to TLM and TLD treatments.

Dietary Intakes of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

To evaluate the associations between intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the intermediate and advanced stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Prospective cohort study. We followed 75 889 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 38 961 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study who were at least 50 years old, from 1984 to 2012 and 1986 to 2010, respectively. Cohort participants are mostly white (≥95%). We assessed dietary intake by a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at baseline and every 4 years. We calculated cumulative average intakes of EPA and DHA from FFQs and also computed predicted erythrocyte and plasma scores directly from food intake using regression models. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compute the associations with AMD outcomes. We confirmed 1589 incident intermediate and 1356 advanced AMD cases (primarily neovascular AMD) with a visual acuity of 20/30 or worse, owing primarily to AMD, by medical record review. For intermediate AMD, the pooled hazard ratio (HR) between the 2 cohorts for DHA comparing the extreme quintiles of intake was 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.92; P trend, 0.008) and for EPA+ DHA was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.98; P trend, 0.03). The pooled HR for fatty fish, comparing ≥5 servings per week to almost never, was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.46-0.81; P trend, <0.001). For advanced AMD, the pooled HR for DHA was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.84-1.21; P trend, 0.75) and for fatty fish was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.59-1.08; P trend, 0.11). Secondary analyses using predicted erythrocyte and plasma scores of EPA and DHA yielded slightly stronger inverse associations for intermediate AMD and similar results for advanced AMD. Higher intakes of EPA and DHA may prevent or delay the occurrence of visually significant intermediate AMD. However, the totality of current evidence for EPA and DHA and advanced AMD is discordant, though there was no association with advanced AMD in the present study.

Intermittent intake of rapid cocaine injections promotes robust psychomotor sensitization, increased incentive motivation for the drug and mGlu2/3 receptor dysregulation

The choice between smoking, injecting or swallowing a drug influences the risk of addiction, as this determines both how much drug gets into the brain and how fast. Most animal studies on addiction focus on how much drug it takes to produce pathological drug use. How fast drugs get to the brain is generally ignored. A few studies have examined the influence of the speed of drug onset, but speed varied along with cumulative intake. Here we held average cumulative intake constant and determined whether variation in the speed of cocaine onset alone predicts outcome. Two groups of rats self-administered intravenous cocaine (0.25 mg/kg/injection) during daily sessions. Cocaine was available intermittently during each session. This produces the spikes and troughs in brain levels of cocaine thought to model how addicts take the drug. To vary the speed of cocaine onset, each injection was delivered over 5 s to one group, and over 90 s to the other. Average cumulative cocaine intake was the same in the two groups. However, rapid injections promoted robust psychomotor sensitization and potentiated incentive motivation for cocaine (0.063–0.25 mg/kg/injection). This addiction-relevant phenotype was accompanied by enhanced functional activity of metabotropic glutamate group II receptors (mGluR2/3s) in the prelimbic cortex and nucleus accumbens. Pharmacological activation of mGluR2/3s with LY379268 also preferentially decreased the motivation to take cocaine in rats previously exposed to rapid drug injections. Thus, varying the speed of drug onset can be used to parse the neurobiology of addiction from that of mere drug taking.

Association between dietary patterns, cadmium intake and chronic kidney disease among adults

Almost one in ten Chinese adults has chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the link between dietary patterns, dietary cadmium intake and CKD has not been studied in China. Adults (n=8429) in the China Health and Nutrition Survey who had at least one 3-day 24h food record in combination with household food inventory in 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, and 2009 and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measured in 2009. Dietary pattern was identified using factor analysis. CKD was defined as eGFR <60mL/min/1.73m2. There were 641 (7.6%) cases of CKD in the sample. After adjustment for demographic, lifestyle factors (i.e. smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity) and chronic conditions, the odds ratio (OR) for CKD was 4.05 (95%CI 2.91-5.63, p for trend <0.001) for extreme quartiles of estimated cumulative cadmium intake. A traditional southern dietary pattern (high intake of rice, pork, and vegetables, and low intake of wheat) was associated with more than four times increased prevalence of CKD (comparing extreme quartiles, OR 4.56, 95%CI 3.18-6.56). A modern dietary pattern (high intake of fruit, soy milk, egg, milk and deep fried products) was inversely associated with CKD (for extreme quartiles, OR 0.5, 95%CI 0.36-0.71). The association between dietary patterns and CKD were attenuated by cadmium intake. Traditional southern dietary pattern is positively associated, and modern dietary pattern is inversely associated, with CKD among Chinese adults. However, these associations can be partly attributed to cadmium contamination in parts of the food supply.

Derivation of economic values for production traits in aquaculture species

BackgroundIn breeding programs for aquaculture species, breeding goal traits are often weighted based on the desired gains but economic gain would be higher if economic values were used instead. The objectives of this study were: (1) to develop a bio-economic model to derive economic values for aquaculture species, (2) to apply the model to determine the economic importance and economic values of traits in a case-study on gilthead seabream, and (3) to validate the model by comparison with a profit equation for a simplified production system.MethodsA bio-economic model was developed to simulate a grow-out farm for gilthead seabream, and then used to simulate gross margin at the current levels of the traits and after one genetic standard deviation change in each trait with the other traits remaining unchanged. Economic values were derived for the traits included in the breeding goal: thermal growth coefficient (TGC), thermal feed intake coefficient (TFC), mortality rate (M), and standard deviation of harvest weight (sigma_{HW}). For a simplified production system, improvement in TGC was assumed to affect harvest weight instead of growing period. Using the bio-economic model and a profit equation, economic values were derived for harvest weight, cumulative feed intake at harvest, and overall survival.ResultsChanges in gross margin showed that the order of economic importance of the traits was: TGC, TFC, M, and sigma_{HW}. Economic values in € (kg production)−1 (trait unit)−1 were: 0.40 for TGC, −0.45 for TFC, −7.7 for M, and −0.0011 to −0.0010 for sigma_{HW}. For the simplified production system, similar economic values were obtained with the bio-economic model and the profit equation. The advantage of the profit equation is its simplicity, while that of the bio-economic model is that it can be applied to any aquaculture species, because it can include any limiting factor and/or environmental condition that affects production.ConclusionsWe confirmed the validity of the bio-economic model. TGC is the most important trait to improve, followed by TFC and M, and the effect of sigma_{HW} on gross margin is small.

Effects of Cumulative Protein Intake on Growth Performance and Body Conformation Traits in Female Broiler Breeders under Intensive System of Rearing

The present study evaluated the effects of protein intake on growth, nutrient utilization efficiency and body conformation traits in broilers. Three-hundred sixty (360) day-old chicks were distributed into 3 groups and offered starter diets containing 18, 19 or 20% protein up to 5th week. From each group, 96 pullets with higher body weight (BW) were selected and divided into high body weight (HB) and low body weight (LB) groups. The pullets of each BW group were distributed in 6 replicates. Three of the replicates were allotted to grower diets with 10 or 14% CP from 6-20 weeks. Pre-breeder and breeder diets were offered during 21-23 weeks and 24-50 weeks, respectively. For all groups, target 20th week BW was 2200g. Feed intake, BW and feed conversion efficiency were recorded. Body conformation traits were measured at 5th and 20th weeks. In conclusion, birds fed starter diet with 19% CP and grower diet with 14% CP had better body conformation, growth and feed efficiency.

Study on Steroid Induced Ocular Findings in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome.

Long term use of corticosteroids in Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is associated with ocular complications such as Posterior Subcapsular Cataract (PSC), glaucoma, increased intra-ocular pressure, ptosis, mydriasis, eyelid skin atrophy, keratisis, thinning of cornea and sclera, repeated hordeolum exacerbations. To determine ocular abnormalities in children with NS and their association with steroid dosing and duration. Hundred patients with NS in the age group of 2-18 years, with no evidence of other systemic disease, were considered for the study. Group I included cases (66) who took standard steroid regimen for first episode of NS. Group II included cases (34) who took steroid irrationally (daily basis for long time) other than standard regimen. Steroid induced ocular complications were compared in both groups after detailed ophthalmological examination. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS-20.0). Ocular abnormalities were found in 12 patients out of 66 in Group I (18%) and 16 patients out of 34 patients in Group II (47%). Out of 12 patients of Group I who had ocular problems, three had myopic astigmatism, eight patients had PSC and one had temporal disc pallor. While in Group II, out of 16 patients who had ocular complications, two patients had raised intra ocular pressure and two patients had myopic astigmatism and 12 patients had posterior sub capsular cataract. The difference in mean cumulative steroid doses in both groups was statistically significant but no such difference was there between duration of steroid intake in both group. Our study concluded that ocular complications were more common in patients with irrationally steroid intake and cumulative steroid dose intake was also significantly higher in same patients.