Increased Milk Intake Research Articles

Neonatal overfeeding promotes anxiety, impairs episodic-like memory, and disrupts transcriptional regulation of hippocampal steroidogenic enzymes

The objective of our study was to investigate the impact of neonatal overfeeding on cognitive functions and neurosteroidogenesis in male rats. Offspring were assigned to either small litters (SL; 4 pups/mother), resulting in increased milk intake and body weight gain, or normal litters (NL; 10 pups/mother). On postnatal day (PND) 21, half of the male rats were euthanized, while the remaining were kept under standard conditions (4 rats/cage) until PND70. At this stage, subjects underwent assessments for locomotor activity, anxiety levels via the elevated plus maze, and episodic-like memory (ELM) tests. By PND90, the rats were euthanized for brain dissection. Utilizing micropunch techniques, dentate gyrus (DG), CA1, and CA3 regions were extracted for analysis of mRNA expression and methylation patterns. At PND21, SL rats exhibited increased body and adipose tissue weights, alongside elevated cholesterol, glucose, and triglyceride levels compared to NL counterparts. By PND90, although metabolic disparities were no longer evident, SL rats demonstrated heightened anxiety-like behavior and diminished performance in ELM tests. Early life changes included a decreased expression of aromatase (P450arom) and 3α-HSD in CA1, with increased levels in CA3 and DG among SL rats. Additionally, PND90 rats from SL exhibited increased P450arom and decreased 5α-reductase 1 (5αR-1) expression in DG. Notably, some of these variations were correlated with changes in methylation patterns of their promoter regions. Our findings reveal that neonatal overfeeding exerts a long-term adverse effect on cognitive abilities and neurosteroidogenic pathways, underscoring the lasting impact of nutritional experiences during critical early postnatal development periods.

Informing a Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Infant Drug Exposure From Human Milk: Application of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Lactation Model for Sotalol.

Characterization of infant drug exposure through human milk is important and underexplored. Because infant plasma concentrations are not frequently collected in clinical lactation studies, modeling and simulation approaches can integrate physiology, available milk concentrations, and pediatric data to inform exposure in breastfeeding infants. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was built for sotalol, a renally eliminated drug, to simulate infant drug exposure from human milk. Intravenous and oral adult models were built, optimized, and scaled to an oral pediatric model for a breastfeeding-relevant age group (<2years). Model simulations captured the data that were put aside for verification. The resulting pediatric model was applied to predict the impacts of sex, infant body size, breastfeeding frequency, age, and maternal dose (240 and 433mg) on drug exposure during breastfeeding. Simulations suggest a minimal effect of sex or frequency on total sotalol exposure. Infants in the 90th percentile in height and weight have predicted exposures ≈20% higher than infants of the same age in the 10th percentile due to increased milk intake. The simulated infant exposures increase throughout the first 2weeks of life and are maintained at the highest concentrations in weeks 2-4, with a consistent decrease observed as infants age. Simulations suggest that breastfeeding infants will have plasma concentrations in the lower range observed in infants administered sotalol. With further validation on additional drugs, physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling approaches could use lactation data to a greater extent and provide comprehensive information to support decisions regarding medication use during breastfeeding.

Effects of timing of grouping and split-weaning on growth performance and behaviour of piglets in a multi-suckling system

Variation in body weight (BW) of piglets at weaning is a drawback for successful implementation of multi-suckling (MS) systems. The current study investigated the combination of two intervention strategies, i.e. the timing of grouping and split-weaning, aiming to improve the BW gain of low birthweight piglets in an MS system and thereby reduce the BW variation at weaning on day 48 postpartum (p.p.). Eight batches of 5 sows with their litters were divided into 4 control (CTRL) and 4 treatment (TREAT) batches. In each litter, the second lowest (LBW) and highest (HBW) birthweight piglets from both sexes were selected as focal piglets. CTRL piglets were grouped on day 8 p.p. and no split-weaning was applied; TREAT piglets were grouped on day 13 p.p. and the three heaviest non-focal piglets per litter were split-weaned on day 35 p.p. Behaviour and feed intake were measured in focal piglets, and BW and mortality were measured in all piglets. Results showed that: (1) Throughout lactation there were no differences in BW or BW gain between CTRL and TREAT, nor were birthweight × treatment interactions found. (2) After grouping, there were no obvious differences between CTRL and TREAT in feeding and suckling behaviours on day 18, damage scores on snout, ear or tail and skin lesions on day 27, nor were birthweight × treatment interactions found. (3) After split-weaning, in week 6, piglets in TREAT tended to consume less feed than CTRL (P = 0.072). Low birthweight piglets in TREAT consumed numerically less feed and spent numerically less time contacting feed during the day than CTRL piglets. In week 6, there was a significant birthweight × treatment interaction in dry matter milk intake (P = 0.030), caused by a higher milk intake of TREAT-LBW piglets compared with CTRL-LBW piglets. In week 6, TREAT piglets tended to be present more at front and middle teats (P = 0.052) and tended to have lower snout damage scores (P = 0.084) than CTRL piglets. (4) Piglet crushing of all piglets in TREAT tended to be higher during the period when TREAT piglets were not yet grouped i.e. during days 9–14 than CTRL (P = 0.087). To conclude, split-weaning of the heavy piglets increased milk intake particularly of low birthweight piglets but this did not lead to a reduction in BW variation at weaning, as the increased milk intake was largely compensated for by a simultaneous decrease in feed intake.

Genetically Predicted Milk Intake Increased Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density in Women But Not in Men.

BackgroundCow milk contains more calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus minerals. For a long time, people have believed that increasing milk intake is beneficial to increasing bone density. Many confounding factors can affect milk consumption, and thus the association described to date may not be causal. We explored the causal relationship between genetically predicted milk consumption and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of the femoral neck and lumbar spine based on 53,236 individuals from 27 studies of European ancestry using the Mendelian randomization (MR) study. 32,961 individuals of European and East Asian ancestry were used for sensitivity analysis.MethodsA genetic instrument used for evaluating milk consumption is rs4988235, a locus located at 13,910 base pairs upstream of the LCT gene. A Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to study the effect of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and BMD. The summary-level data for BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine were obtained from two GWAS meta-analyses [‘Data Release 2012’ and ‘Data Release 2015’ in the GEnetic Factors for OSteoporosis Consortium (GEFOS)].Resultswe found that genetically predicted milk consumption was not associated with FN-BMD(OR 1.007; 95% CI 0.991–1.023; P = 0.385), LS-BMD(OR 1.003; 95% CI 0.983–1.024; P = 0.743) by performing a meta-analysis of several different cohort studies. High levels of genetically predicted milk intake were positively associated with increased FN-BMD in Women. The OR for each additional milk intake increasing allele was 1.032 (95%CI 1.005–1.059; P = 0.014). However, no causal relationship was found between milk consumption and FN-BMD in men (OR 0.996; 95% CI 0.964–1.029; P = 0.839). Genetically predicted milk consumption was not significantly associated with LS-BMD in women (OR 1.017; 95% CI 0.991–1.043; P = 0.198) and men (OR 1.011; 95% CI 0.978–1.045; P = 0.523).ConclusionOur study found that women who consume more milk have a higher FN-BMD. When studying the effect of milk consumption on bone density in further studies, we need to pay more attention to women.

Formulation and production of persimmon milk drink and evaluation of its physicochemical, rheological, and sensorial properties.

One of the effective ways for increasing milk intake in a diet is producing flavored milk. In the present study, flavored persimmon milk drinks were formulated and produced. Rheological, sensorial, and physicochemical properties of the drinks were evaluated. Different amounts of persimmon (5, 10, 20, and 30% W/V), gum Arabic (0.1 and 0.2% W/V), and sugar (3 and 5% W/V) were used to produce persimmon milk. All the experiments were done in a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replicates. First, persimmons were mixed thoroughly in a blender then, according to the formulation, whole milk was added to it and mixed again. The obtained mixture was heated up to 50 ᵒC then sugar and the gum were added and mixed completely for 3 min. The drink was pasteurized at 90 ᵒC for 1 min. Sensorial analysis revealed that the most acceptable persimmon milk was related to 0.1% gum Arabic, 5% sugar, and 10% persimmon. Flow behavior of the drinks with 20 and 30% persimmon was Non‐Newtonian, while 10% persimmon samples with and without gum showed Newtonian behavior. The drinks with 20 and 30% persimmon were pseudoplastic, and their apparent viscosity increased by increasing shear rates. By applying a proper content of persimmon in milk, we can produce a nutritious flavored milk drink with acceptable taste, stability, and consistency. As this drink has high nutrient contents like phenol, dietary fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, etc., it can help promote health, especially for children.

Complementary and alternative methods of increasing breast milk of mothers of children aged 0-24 months

Introduction and aim. Some applications are made to increase the breast milk. This study has been conducted to determine the complementary and alternative methods to increase the breast milk of mothers with a child in the age of 0 to 24 months. Material and methods. This study was conducted using the cross-sectional study design. The questionnaire included mothers’ socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric histories, breastfeeding, and practices to increase breast milk. Results. The mean age of the mothers was 29.75±}5.97 years. 23.4% of the mothers stated that they did not continue breastfeeding; the mean duration of breastfeeding was 9.24±}4.88 months. Mothers expressed to increase milk intake water/liquid food to increase (84.2%), frequently breastfed babies (43.3%), boiling greens to drink (34.6%), spiritual practices (12.8%). Mothers stated that the special drinks used to increase their milk were fennel (56.2%), instant milk enhancer (22.9%), and sage (8.9%). Mothers emphasized that the amount of water (85.1%) and sugar levels (50.0%) they consumed the most increased breast milk. Conclusion. It was determined that children could not have enough breast milk until the age of two; the mean duration of breastfeeding was low. Mothers believe that their breast milk is not enough for their children, so they apply milk-increasing practices.

Abstract PS9-30: The efficacy of a comprehensive bone health program in maintaining bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy

Abstract Introduction: Given the recent advances in early detection, improving access to care and the introduction of more effective anti-cancer medications including endocrine therapy, targeted and immunotherapy, more women with breast cancer survive their disease. Majority of patients with breast cancer express hormone receptors (estrogen and or progesterone receptors) on cancer cells. Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are the gold standard treatment of hormone-sensitive postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Several studies had documented the accelerated bone loss associated with AI. The use of bone modifying agents like bisphosphonates and denosumab had resulted in significant improvement in bone mineral density among females treated with AI. In this paper, we study the efficacy of implementing a comprehensive program on bone health for such patients. Patients and Methods: Postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive early-stage breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy (ET) were included. A comprehensive bone health program was implemented. The program includes extensive counselling by medical oncologist, calcium and vitamin-D supplements, increase milk intake and exercise. Patients with baseline lumbar spine or total hip T-scores ≥ -2 were given short intravenous bisphosphonate infusion every 6 months. Patients with osteoporosis are referred to and followed in a specially designed “osteoporosis clinic”. Results: Between 2013 and 2019, a total of 210 patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were enrolled. All were female, median (range) age 67 (43-86) years. All patients had a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer, treated and followed up at our institution. High risk patients (n=103, 49.0%) were treated with 6-8 cycles of chemotherapy, including anthracyclines and taxanes. Following the completion of chemotherapy, all patients were treated with endocrine therapy. Patients with low-risk disease (n=107, 51.0%) were treated with upfront endocrine therapy-alone. Aromatase inhibitors, letrozole or anastrozole, were the endocrine therapy of choice in all patients. At baseline, and prior to start of AI, the median T-scores at the hip and lumber spines were -1.0 (range: -3.6, 1.9) and -1.4 (range: -3.9, 2.6), respectively. Osteoporosis was documented in 38 (18.1%) patients while 101 (48.1%) others had osteopenia; none were on any treatment or even aware of their BMD. 46 (25.3%) patients had vitamin-D deficiency while 74 (40.7%) others had vitamin-D insufficiency and none were on prior active replacement therapy or even aware of this problem. Following at least 12-months of endocrine therapy, 32 (84.2%) of patients with osteoporosis and 69 (68.3%) of those with osteopenia had a stable or higher BMD. Thus, the number of patients with osteoporosis declined to 27, 12.9% of the total cohort. On the other hand, 41 (57.7%) of those with normal baseline BMD had a drop in their follow up BMD. Vertebral fractures, presented with back pain and documented by imaging studies, were reported in 3 (11.1%) patients with osteoporosis compared to none in patients with normal BMD, p=0.021. Rib fracture and hip fracture were reported in one patient each and both had normal BMD before and after AI therapy. Conclusions: Postmenopausal women with breast cancer are at risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Such risk increases significantly with the use of AI. However, early interventions with modifiable risk factors, Vitamin-D supplements and use of bone-modifying agents can lower this risk. Citation Format: Razan Mansour, Ula Al-Rasheed, Akram Al-Ibraheem, Shereen Abu Jaradeh, Rashid Abdel-Razeq, Rayan Bater, Noor Mashahdani, Shrouq Tbayshat, Hikmat Abdel-Razeq. The efficacy of a comprehensive bone health program in maintaining bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS9-30.

Food Insecurity, Meal Behaviors, Beverage Intake, and Body Mass Index in Underserved Adolescents.

Associations between food insecurity, meal patterns, beverage intake, and body mass index (BMI) were investigated using data from the Howard Meharry Adolescent Caries Study. Secondary analyses of food security status used the Wilcoxon rank sum, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. The group of adolescents (n=627) was 42.1% male, 14.2±1.9 years, 86.9% African American, and 19.9% food-insecure. Meal frequency, meal structure, most beverage intake, and BMI did not differ by food-security status. Adolescents from Washington, DC were more likely to be food insecure than adolescents from Nashville, TN (P=0.003). Most had unstructured meal patterns and irregular breakfast intake. Median milk intake was below and sugar-sweetened beverage intake above dietary recommendations. This study extends our knowledge concerning food insecurity in urban African American adolescents and suggests public health initiatives designed to encourage meal structure, increase milk intake, and reduce sugar-sweetened beverage intake can improve diet quality of underserved youth.

Association of Milk Consumption and Vitamin D Status in the US Population by Ethnicity: NHANES 2001-2010 Analysis.

Vitamin D has been identified as a nutrient of public health concern, and higher intake of natural or fortified food sources of vitamin D, such as milk, are encouraged by the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. We, therefore, examined the association of milk consumption and vitamin D status in the United States (US) population. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data and serum 25(OH)D concentrations were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2010 and were analyzed by linear and logistic regression after adjusting for anthropometric and demographic variables. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Approximately 57–80% children and 42–60% adults were milk consumers. Milk intake (especially reduced-fat, low fat and no-fat milk) was positively associated (p linear trend < 0.05) with serum vitamin D status and with a 31–42% higher probability of meeting recommended serum vitamin D (>50 nmol/L) levels among all age groups. Serum vitamin D status was also associated with both type and amount of milk intake depending upon the age and ethnicity. In conclusion, the results indicate that milk consumers consistently have higher serum vitamin D levels and higher probability of meeting recommended levels. Therefore, increasing milk intake may be an effective strategy to improve the vitamin D status of the US population.

Associations of Dairy Consumption during Pregnancy and Neonatal Birth Body Mass: a Prospective Study

To investigate the dairy product intake during pregnancy in Southwest China and to explore its relationship with neonatal birth body mass. A prospective study was conducted to select healthy singleton pregnant women at 8-14 weeks of gestation in a maternal and fetal health care institution in Chengdu City. Dairy product consumption during the first, second, third trimester of pregnancy were collected by 24-hour dietary recalls at 8-14 weeks, 24-28 weeks and 32-36 weeks of pregnancy, respectively, and the total milk intake and milk consumption rate were calculated. According to the dietary guidelines for Chinese pregnant women (2016), the recommended amount of milk (300 g/d) was used as the standard to calculate the compliance rate. The respondents were divided into three groups: no dairy consumption group, insufficient dairy consumption group and suitable dairy consumption group. The gestational age at delivery and neonatal birth body mass were collected by the hospital information system. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between milk intake during pregnancy and neonatal birth body mass. A total of 962 pregnant women were included. The average milk intake in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy were 125.0 (0, 236.1) g/d, 208.3 (0, 284.7) g/d and 250.0 (150.0, 416.7) g/d, respectively, with the compliance rates of 12.6%, 33.2% and 48.4%, respectively. The average neonatal birth body mass was (3 225.0±399.8) g. The incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) was 8.3% and 3.9%, respectively. Compared with no dairy consumption group in the second trimester of pregnancy, the risk of SGA was lower in suitable dairy consumption group (odds ratio (OR)=0.786, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.385-0.976). Compared with no dairy consumption group in the third trimester of pregnancy, the risk of SGA was lower in insufficient dairy consumption group and suitable dairy consumption group (OR=0.672, 95%CI: 0.477-0.821 and OR=0.497, 95%CI: 0.116-0.807, respectively). No association was observed between milk intake in the first trimester and neonatal birth body mass, and milk intake in the second and third trimester of pregnancy was not associated with the risk of LGA. Insufficient milk intake of pregnant women is a significant problem in southwest China and needs to be improved. Milk intake during pregnancy is associated with neonatal birth body mass, and increased milk intake in the second and third trimester of pregnancy may reduce the risk of SGA.

Association between milk intake and childhood growth: results from a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

The literature is inconsistent regarding milk intake and physical growth. This study aims to evaluate the association of milk intake with body height and weight in a nationally representative sample of Chinese children. A total of 41,439 children ages 6-17 were recruited from 30 provinces in mainland China in 2013-2016 using a multistage stratified cluster sampling approach. Milk intake information was collected using a questionnaire aided with standard containers. Weight and height were measured using a standard physician beam scale with a height rod. Milk intake was categorized into no-, low-, and high-intake groups based on the intake rate, and weight status into normal, overweight, and obese groups based on the body-mass-index (BMI). Associations between height/weight status and milk intake were evaluated using multivariate weighted linear and logistic regression models. Chinese children had low milk intake: 1/5 of children did not drink milk, and those drinking milk had a median intake of 100 ml/month. The low- and high-intake groups were 0.83 cm (95% confidence interval: 0.00, 1.68 cm) and 1.26 cm (0.34, 2.19 cm) taller than the no-intake group for girls, respectively, after adjusting for confounding factors. Boys with high milk intake had lower BMI (-0.56, 95% CI: -1.00, -0.12 kg/m2) and risk of obesity (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.97) than those without milk intake. This study revealed the association of increased milk intake with increased body height and lowered obesity risk among Chinese children. Given the cross-sectional nature of the study and the possibility of residual confounding, further research is warranted to uncover the role of milk intake in promoting children's growth.

Selenium supplementation during pregnancy and lactation promotes metabolic changes in Wistar rats' offspring.

Epidemiological and animal studies have demonstrated a strong association between selenium (Se) supplementation and metabolic disorders, we aimed to evaluate whether maternal Se supplementation was able to change metabolic parameters in rats' offspring. Moreover, as Se is a deiodinase (DIO) cofactor, we decided to investigate how thyroid hormones (THs) would be involved in such metabolic changes. Thereby, two groups (n=6, ~250g) of female Wistar rats underwent isotonic saline or sodium selenite (1mg/kg, p.o.) treatments. Although there were no significant differences in body weight between groups, the Se treatment during pregnancy and lactation increased milk intake and the visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) in offspring. The rats whose mothers were treated with Se also presented an improvement in the glucose tolerance test and in the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Regarding the lipid metabolism, the Se group had a reduction of triglycerides in the liver and in WAT. These metabolic changes were accompanied by an increase in serum triiodothyronine (T3 ) and in DIO 2 expression in brown adipose tissue (BAT). We further demonstrate an increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) mRNA in the liver. In adulthood offspring, Se supplementation programs thyroid function, glucose homeostasis, and feeding behaviour. Taken together, there is no indication that Se programming causes insulin resistance. Moreover, we conjecture that these metabolic responses are induced by increased thyroxine (T4 ) to T3 conversion by DIO2 in BAT and mediated by altered transcription factors expression associated with oxidative metabolism control in the liver.

Improving Calcium Knowledge and Intake in Young Adults Via Social Media and Text Messages: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundCalcium is an important nutrient for the attainment of peak bone mass during adolescence and young adulthood. However, these life phases are characterized as hard to reach for health promotion. Social media platforms offer a promising channel as they are relatively low cost but used ubiquitously by youth.ObjectiveThe aim of the CAlcium Nutrition-Dietary Opportunities (CAN-DO) study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of Facebook alone or with text messaging as channels to deliver a theory-based program to encourage optimal calcium intake.MethodsThe intervention was a 3-arm parallel trial. Young adults aged 18 to 25 years were recruited through university and social media for a 6-week trial. Participants were randomized to 1 of the 3 arms (ie, Facebook posts, Facebook posts plus text messages, and control group that received an electronic leaflet containing information on calcium intake). The primary outcome was change in intake of milk and other calcium-rich foods, and secondary outcomes were knowledge, self-efficacy, motivation, and habit formation concerning calcium-rich foods. Changes were assessed before and after the intervention, and the differences in change between groups were compared using multivariate regression models with multiple imputations for missing data.ResultsA total of 211 participants (64/211, 30.3% males) participated (mean age 21.4 years, SD 2.1) in this study. At the end of the program, no increase in milk intake (odds ratio [OR] 1.51, 95% CI 0.61-3.75 Facebook; OR 1.77, 95% CI 0.74-4.24 Facebook plus text messages; P=.41) nor calcium-rich food was detected (P=.57). There was a significant improvement in knowledge in the Facebook plus text messages group (P<.001), but habit formation improved less than that in the other 2 groups (P=.01). Our results showed a moderate level of engagement with intervention content and positive qualitative feedback from participants.ConclusionsThe CAN-DO study delivered via Facebook (with the additional support of text messages) was found to improve knowledge and was acceptable among young adults. However, further research is needed to better understand social media engagement and how to optimize the program for participants to be sufficiently motivated to increase their intake of calcium-rich foods.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000097943; http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620000097943.aspx

Neural Deletion of Glucose Transporter Isoform 3 Creates Distinct Postnatal and Adult Neurobehavioral Phenotypes.

We created a neural-specific conditional murine glut3 (Slc2A3) deletion (glut3flox/flox/nestin-Cre+) to examine the effect of a lack of Glut3 on neurodevelopment. Compared with age-matched glut3flox/flox = WT and heterozygotes (glut3flox/+/nestin-Cre+), we found that a >90% reduction in male and female brain Glut3 occurred by postnatal day 15 (PN15) in glut3flox/flox/nestin-Cre+ This genetic manipulation caused a diminution in brain weight and cortical thickness at PN15, a reduced number of dendritic spines, and fewer ultrasonic vocalizations. Patch-clamp recordings of cortical pyramidal neurons revealed increased frequency of bicuculline-induced paroxysmal discharges as well as reduced latency, attesting to a functional synaptic and cortical hyperexcitability. Concomitant stunting with lower glucose concentrations despite increased milk intake shortened the lifespan, failing rescue by a ketogenic diet. This led to creating glut3flox/flox/CaMK2α-Cre+ mice lacking Glut3 in the adult male limbic system. These mice had normal lifespan, displayed reduced IPSCs in cortical pyramidal neurons, less anxiety/fear, and lowered spatial memory and motor abilities but heightened exploratory and social responses. These distinct postnatal and adult phenotypes, based upon whether glut3 gene is globally or restrictively absent, have implications for humans who carry copy number variations and present with neurodevelopmental disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Lack of the key brain-specific glucose transporter 3 gene found in neurons during early postnatal life results in significant stunting, a reduction in dendritic spines found on neuronal processes and brain size, heightened neuronal excitability, along with a shortened lifespan. When occurring in the adult and limited to the limbic system alone, lack of this gene in neurons reduces the fear of spatial exploration and socialization but does not affect the lifespan. These features are distinct heralding differences between postnatal and adult phenotypes based upon whether the same gene is globally or restrictively lacking. These findings have implications for humans who carry copy number variations pertinent to this gene and have been described to present with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Factors influencing does milk production and their implication for kit performance in rabbits

Rabbit milk yield and chemical composition is determined by various factors. Growth rate and body weight gain are good indicators of kitsdoe’s maternal behavior, especially in milk production. Generally, it is pronounced that growth and survival of kits towards weaning is the most important stage related to does milking potential. However, it is important to note that lactation curves vary with breed, notwithstanding milk production being influenced by various factors. Clearly, it has been observed that apart from genotype being a dominant factor in influencing milk production in rabbits, there are other factors such as nutrition, parity, stage of lactation, litter size etc. which have also been implicated. In this aspect, appropriate knowledge on factors that influence does milking capacity is essential for improved performance in rabbits. Provision of adequate nutritional requirements of nursed kits through dam’s milk is essential for maximum growth, development and survival. In the early stage of growth until weaning, does milk is the exclusive source of nutrients to support the pertinent needs for maintenance and growth in rabbits. The accelerated growth preceding weaning can be ascribed to the doe’s energy rich milk that is significant in both fat and protein and low lactose. An increase in milk intake, can improve kits growth traits and may also transcribe to heavier final market weight and financial gains. It is reasonable to suggest that to enhance kits nutritional intake, the mother should produce adequate milk. On the other hand, milk production increases with increased litter size, while high total milk yield is registered in winter followed by autumn. Milk production increase firmly during the seven parity and decline from that time forward. Crossbreeding promote favorable and positive heterotic influence on milk yield and composition. There is a predictable positive correlation of does milking capacity and productive traits. The purpose of this review is to discuss the factors that influence milk production in does and their implication for rabbit performance.

How income and food prices influence global dietary intakes by age and sex: evidence from 164 countries

BackgroundWhile income and prices are key drivers of dietary choices, how their influence varies by food category, nation, and demographics is not well established. Based on intake data for 164...

Placental restriction in multi-fetal pregnancies and between-twin differences in size at birth alter neonatal feeding behaviour in the sheep.

Most individuals whose growth was restricted before birth undergo accelerated or catch-up neonatal growth. This is an independent risk factor for later metabolic disease, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that natural and experimentally induced in utero growth restriction increase neonatal appetite and milk intake. Control (CON) and placentally restricted (PR) ewes carrying multiple fetuses delivered naturally at term. Outcomes were compared between CON (n=14) and PR (n=12) progeny and within twin lamb pairs. Lamb milk intake and feeding behaviour and ewe milk composition were determined using a modified weigh-suckle-weigh procedure on days 15 and 23. PR lambs tended to have lower birth weights than CON (-15%, P=0.052). Neonatal growth rates were similar in CON and PR, whilst heavier twins grew faster in absolute but not fractional terms than their co-twins. At day 23, milk protein content was higher in PR than CON ewes (P=0.038). At day 15, PR lambs had fewer suckling bouts than CON lambs and in females light twins had more suckling attempts than their heavier co-twins. Birth weight differences between twins positively predicted differences in milk intakes. Lactational constraint and natural prenatal growth restriction in twins may explain the similar milk intakes in CON and PR. Within twin comparisons support the hypothesis that prenatal constraint increases lamb appetite, although this did not increase milk intake. We suggest that future mechanistic studies of catch-up growth be performed in singletons and be powered to assess effects in each sex.

Iodine deficiency amongst pregnant women in South-West England.

Iodine deficiency in pregnancy may impair foetal neurological development. The UK population is generally thought to be iodine sufficient; however, recent studies have questioned this assumption. Our study aimed to explore the prevalence of iodine deficiency in a cohort of pregnant mothers from South-West England. Urine samples were obtained from 308 women participating in a study of breech presentation in late pregnancy. They had no known thyroid disease and a singleton pregnancy at 36-38 weeks' gestation. Samples were analysed for urinary iodine concentrations (UIC). Baseline data included age, parity, smoking status, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI) at booking, prenatal vitamin use and a dietary questionnaire. There was no difference in median UIC between women with (n = 156) or without (n = 152) a breech presentation (P = 0·3), so subsequent analyses were carried out as a combined group. Participants had a mean (SD) age 31(5) years, median (IQR) BMI 24·4 (22·0, 28·3) kg/m2 ; 42% were primiparous, 10% smoked during pregnancy, and 35% took iodine-containing vitamins. Ninety-six per cent were Caucasian. Median (IQR) UIC was 88·0 (54·3, 157·5) μg/l, which is consistent with iodine deficiency by WHO criteria. A total of 224/308 (73%) of women had UIC values <150 μg/l. Increasing milk intake was associated with higher UIC (P = 0·02). There was no difference in median (IQR) UIC between those women who took iodine-containing vitamins (n = 108) and those who did not (n = 200): 88 (54, 168) vs 88 (54, 150) μg/l, P = 0·7. Iodine deficiency in pregnancy is common in South-West England. Measures to develop optimum prevention and treatment strategies are urgently needed.

Parturition effects on reproductive health in the gilt and sow

In this review, we address significant characteristics of parturition in the pig and their connection to post-partum reproductive health and fertility. We discuss the normal physiology and behaviour around parturition and the effect of the second phase (expulsion of foetuses) on the third phase of parturition (expulsion of foetal membranes). In addition, we intend to cover retained placenta, and the connection to post-partum uterine health and fertility in the contemporary prolific sow. We also explore factors that support successful parturition or can cause potential problems. Successful parturition in the pig includes the possibility to express adequate maternal behaviour, rapid expulsion of the piglets, complete expulsion of the placenta, neonatal activity and colostrum intake. Abnormal incidents during any phase of parturition can cause subsequent problems. Duration of the expulsion phase of foetuses can be used as a simple measure of whether parturition is considered successful. Prolonged parturition can impair health of the sow and piglet and fertility after weaning. New insights, such as adding more fibre to sow diets during pregnancy, and especially during the period prior to farrowing, may prevent constipation, increase water intake of the sow around parturition and increase milk intake and performance of piglets. Maternal characteristics, including maternal behaviour, ease of parturition, colostrum production and piglet quality parameters, may be utilized to improve success rate of reproductive management during farrowing and early lactation. Additionally, we share some of the recent developments in methods, including ultrasonography in evaluation of post-partum uterine health. In conclusion, successful farrowing is of the greatest importance for reproductive health of the sow and survival of the piglets. We suggest connections exist among prolonged farrowing and yield of colostrum, retained placenta, development of PDS, and impaired involution of the uterus and reduced subsequent fertility.

Encouraging Reductions in Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption: HomeStyles Best Drinks for Families Guide

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of the HomeStyles Best Drinks for Families instructional guide, which provides tips for replacing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) with milk and water, on parents of preschool children.Design, Setting, Participants, and InterventionParents (n=42) completed a survey and received different instructional guides focusing on childhood obesity prevention topics and a coaching call each week for 8 weeks.ResultsMost parents were white (79%), female (95%), and college graduates (90%). On the pre-survey, parents felt confident that they could get their preschoolers to drink fewer SSBs (mean=4.45±0.77SD on 5-point scale) and disagreed they had to pressure kids to drink milk (mean=2.02±1.26SD; 5-point scale). Content analysis of the coaching calls revealed many parents offered preschoolers SSBs as a treat or reward. After reading the Best Drinks guide, many planned to limit children’s SSB consumption and offer more milk or water. Some planned to begin diluting children’s juice, store SSBs in ways that deter kids from serving themselves, and use decorative cups or straws to make drinking healthier beverages fun. Parents felt limiting SSB in their family was very important (mean=9.45±0.91SD, 10-point scale). Goals set by many parents after reading the guide were to limit SSB intake, increase milk and water intake, and communicate the importance of decreasing SSB with spouses and caregivers. At later coaching calls, most reported successfully meeting SSB goals.Conclusion and ImplicationsBest Drinks for Families guide coupled with a brief coaching call has the potential to successfully help parents decrease SSB intake.FundingNIFA, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Ann Hertzler Research Grant ObjectiveTo assess the effects of the HomeStyles Best Drinks for Families instructional guide, which provides tips for replacing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) with milk and water, on parents of preschool children. To assess the effects of the HomeStyles Best Drinks for Families instructional guide, which provides tips for replacing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) with milk and water, on parents of preschool children. Design, Setting, Participants, and InterventionParents (n=42) completed a survey and received different instructional guides focusing on childhood obesity prevention topics and a coaching call each week for 8 weeks. Parents (n=42) completed a survey and received different instructional guides focusing on childhood obesity prevention topics and a coaching call each week for 8 weeks. ResultsMost parents were white (79%), female (95%), and college graduates (90%). On the pre-survey, parents felt confident that they could get their preschoolers to drink fewer SSBs (mean=4.45±0.77SD on 5-point scale) and disagreed they had to pressure kids to drink milk (mean=2.02±1.26SD; 5-point scale). Content analysis of the coaching calls revealed many parents offered preschoolers SSBs as a treat or reward. After reading the Best Drinks guide, many planned to limit children’s SSB consumption and offer more milk or water. Some planned to begin diluting children’s juice, store SSBs in ways that deter kids from serving themselves, and use decorative cups or straws to make drinking healthier beverages fun. Parents felt limiting SSB in their family was very important (mean=9.45±0.91SD, 10-point scale). Goals set by many parents after reading the guide were to limit SSB intake, increase milk and water intake, and communicate the importance of decreasing SSB with spouses and caregivers. At later coaching calls, most reported successfully meeting SSB goals. Most parents were white (79%), female (95%), and college graduates (90%). On the pre-survey, parents felt confident that they could get their preschoolers to drink fewer SSBs (mean=4.45±0.77SD on 5-point scale) and disagreed they had to pressure kids to drink milk (mean=2.02±1.26SD; 5-point scale). Content analysis of the coaching calls revealed many parents offered preschoolers SSBs as a treat or reward. After reading the Best Drinks guide, many planned to limit children’s SSB consumption and offer more milk or water. Some planned to begin diluting children’s juice, store SSBs in ways that deter kids from serving themselves, and use decorative cups or straws to make drinking healthier beverages fun. Parents felt limiting SSB in their family was very important (mean=9.45±0.91SD, 10-point scale). Goals set by many parents after reading the guide were to limit SSB intake, increase milk and water intake, and communicate the importance of decreasing SSB with spouses and caregivers. At later coaching calls, most reported successfully meeting SSB goals. Conclusion and ImplicationsBest Drinks for Families guide coupled with a brief coaching call has the potential to successfully help parents decrease SSB intake. Best Drinks for Families guide coupled with a brief coaching call has the potential to successfully help parents decrease SSB intake.