Period Of Intake Research Articles

Effects of post-hatch brooding temperature on performance of starter and growing Pekin ducks.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of post-hatch brooding temperature on the growth performance of starter Pekin ducks from hatch to 14 D of age and the subsequent growth performance and carcass trait of growing ducks from 15 to 42 D of age. A total of 360 one-day-old male White Pekin ducks were allocated randomly to 6 environment-controlled chambers with ambient temperature set at 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36°C from hatch to 7 D of age, respectively, and then decreased gradually to 26°C at 14 D of age. At 14 D of age, all ducks from all chambers were transferred to a duck barn with ambient temperature maintaining from 26 to 22°C and these birds continued to be raised from 14 to 42 D of age. At 14 D of age, body weight, weight gain, and feed intake decreased linearly or quadratically as initial brooding temperature increased (P < 0.05) and these performance traits were reduced when initial brooding temperature increased to 36°C (P < 0.05). There was no difference in growth performance between ducks fed at brooding temperature regimen starting at 26, 28, 30, and 32°C (P > 0.05). According to broken-line regression, the upper critical temperatures of the initial brooding temperature during the starter period for body weight, weight gain, and feed intake were 31.3, 31.3, and 31.1°C, respectively. On the other hand, the growing ducks brooded initially at 26 or 36°C had lower body weight, weight gain, and feed intake as compared to other birds brooded starting from 28 to 34°C (P < 0.05), but the initial brooding temperature had no effects on carcass traits (P > 0.05). It was concluded that the upper critical temperature of the initial brooding temperature for starter Pekin ducks was 31.3°C and too low initial brooding temperature could lead to growth depression during the subsequent growing period.

Catechin and caffeine contents in green tea at different harvest periods and their metabolism in miniature swine.

The catechin content in green tea leaves varies according to cultivation conditions such as intensity of solar radiation, temperature, and precipitation, and thus, there is ambiguity about the best harvest time for obtaining optimal functional effects. In this study, the Yabukita (ordinary) and Benifuki varieties, which contain methylated catechin, were used to determine the difference in green tea catechins according to harvest times and tea manufacturing processes. Caffeine determination was also carried out to provide information about green tea intake for all age‐groups of children and pregnant women. Determining the quantity of each catechin was difficult because of degradation, polymerization, and isomerization that had occurred during heat‐drying in the refining process. In addition, the absorption of catechin compounds was tested using miniature swine because of their functional and physiological similarity to humans. Benifuki tea leaves contained epigallocatechin‐3‐(3”‐O‐methyl) gallate (EGCg3”Me) instead of epigallocatechin‐3‐(4”‐O‐methyl) gallate (EGCg4”Me). However, EGCg4”Me was detected during the entire intake period, but EGCg3”Me was not detected in the blood of miniature swine fed Benifuki tea. It is possible that the position of the methyl group was modified by the pig metabolism. Furthermore, caffeine from both Yabukita and Benifuki tea varieties was found to be easily accumulated in miniature swine. These results suggest that nonrefined September–October picking tea (autumn and winter tea) of the Benifuki variety is preferable over the Yabukita variety for consumption by children and pregnant women owing to its lower caffeine content and higher content of methylated catechin.

Recovery of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) from faeces of healthy Singapore adults after intake of fermented milk.

To validate survival of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) during passage through the gastrointestinal tract of healthy Singaporean young adults, 21 participants (18-25 years old) were asked to consume a 100 ml of fermented milk drink containing 1.0×108 cfu/ml of LcS daily for 14 days, and to maintain their dietary habit and life style. During and at the end of the ingestion period, both culture method (identity confirmed by ELISA) and 16s rRNA sequencing results revealed that viable LcS (7.27 and 7.64 log10 cfu/g of faeces at the ingestion period Day 7 and Day 14, respectively) and Lactobacillus could be recovered from the faeces of all the subjects. The viable LcS count from male and female were comparable for each time point. Before consumption (baseline) and 14 days after cessation of consumption of the fermented milk, LcS was not detected in most of the subjects. In this study condition, the composition of the major gut microbiota (>0.1% in relative abundance of genus) and characteristics of defaecation such as stool consistency and frequency of defecation did not change throughout the study before and after ingestion of LcS. LcS was able to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract of Singapore adults without sustainable colonisation, but the effect of LcS on microbiota modulation, stool consistency and frequency was not observed under this study condition.

Inulin might exceed incretin based drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Glucagon hormone being catabolic and hyperglycemic, it acts in an opposite manner to insulin and adds to insulin resistance. The oligosaccharide inulin fructans is indigestible in the small bowel. When it reaches the large intestine, it encourages beneficial microbacteria strains. These latter produce certain peptides which when absorbed they reach the endlocrine L-cells of the small gut. These peptides stimulate L-cells to release glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) which suppresses glucagon and stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose dependant manner. Our aim is to find how inulin suppresses glucagon and to what extent this improves insulin resistance. Fasting serum glucagon and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were estimated in 28 type 2 diabetic female patients before and after twenty one days of daily inulin intake. Fasting serum glucagon and HOMA-IR decreased significantly after the inulin intake period. In conclusion inulin stimulates the release of GLP-1. This acts in a glucose dependant manner thus simulating the novel incretin based drugs in reducing insulin resistance. However, owing to inulin other actions on insulin resistance, it might exceed these novel drugs.

Association between maternal dietary intake and the incidence of babies with small for gestational age

Objective: To investigate the relations between dietary intake during pregnancy and the incidence of their babies with small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: Data on demographics, dietary intake of protein, fat, and carbohydrates of the pregnant mothers during the first, second and third trimester, were collected. Information related to birth weight and gestational age of the infants were also gathered. A total of 8 102 women, who delivered their babies at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from March 2012 to September 2016, were enrolled in this project. Among them, 961 mothers had infants with SGA but the other 7 141 of them having normal infants. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the effect of dietary nutrient intake on SGA the first, second and third trimester. Results: We found that low dietary intake of protein during the first trimester and following trimesters during pregnancy were positively associated with higher risk of SGA (OR=1.534, 95%CI: 1.217-1.934; OR=1.268, 95%CI: 1.005-1.599; OR=1.310, 95%CI: 1.036-1.655). When adjusting for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, we found that when mothers were with a pre-pregnancy BMI less than 18.5 or with low maternal intake of protein during the first trimester, positive association with higher risk of SGA (OR=1.872, 95%CI: 1.033-3.395; OR=1.754, 95%CI: 1.125-2.734), was noticed. However, for mothers with a pre-pregnancy BMI between 18.5 and 24.0 or with low protein intake during the first trimester, significant association with higher risk of SGA (OR=1.465, 95%CI: 1.089-1.972) was found. Conclusions: Through our observation, maternal dietary intake during pregnancy seemed to be associated with the risk of SGA but the effects of dietary intake were different, according to the BMI of pre-pregnancy population. Early pregnancy appeares as the key period for dietary intake which may influence the SGA.

1764-P: Insulin Sensitive Induction of Adipogenesis

Healthy adipose tissue has a remarkable ability to adapt to energy intake through contraction and expansion. A large body of evidence pin-points the ability expand adipose tissue as vital to maintain whole body lipid homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in humans as well as in mice. Increases in fat mass can be driven by expansion of existing adipocytes or by recruitment of new adipocytes from adipose tissue pre-courser cells or preadipocytes (Adipogenesis). Failure to expand adipose tissues as well as appearance of dysfunctional large adipocytes both result in local and systemic insulin resistance. Conversely, strategies to preserve adipocyte function during tissue expansion through enhanced adipogenesis could preserve insulin function in the face of obesity or high caloric intake. In order to study the hormonal control of adipose tissue expansion we have examined the ability of insulin and IGF-1 to induce adipogenesis in isolated rodent primary SVF cells. We find that both insulin and IGF-1 dose dependently induce lipid droplet accumulation and expression of adipocyte genes in primary cells isolated from mouse epididymal and subcutaneous adipose depots. Surprisingly, adipogenesis in mouse SVF cells is a very insulin sensitive process and more specifically we identify CD45neg/Ly6c low SVF cells isolated from epididymal fat pads as extremely sensitive to insulin induced adipogenesis. These results indicate that insulin signaling directly in preadipocytes could drive adipocyte differentiation in vivo e.g., during high insulin levels in serum in response to prolonged periods of high caloric intake or lipid induced insulin resistance. Disclosure T.Å. Pedersen: Employee; Spouse/Partner; Cook Medical. Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. J. Peics: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. G.S. Olsen: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S.

Short-Term Low Choline Intake May Not Negatively Affect Strength Gains in Older Adults

PURPOSE: The micronutrient choline is a precursor to acetylcholine (ACh), which mediates skeletal muscle contraction and force production. We previously reported that 12 weeks of low choline consumption (~50% of Adequate Intake [AI]) impaired strength gains in older adults in response to resistance exercise training. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether low choline consumption for a shorter period of time has negative effects on muscle responses to resistant exercise (RE) in older adults. METHODS: Thirty one, 50-to-65-year-old, generally healthy men and women were randomly assigned to one of three choline intake groups (Low, 3.6 ± 0.6 mg/kg/d, n=10; Med, 6.0 ± 0.6 mg/kg/d, n=11; High, 8.8 ± 0.8 mg/kg/d, n=10) and underwent 3 weeks of diet and RE intervention (leg press and extension, 2x/week, 3 sets, 8-12 reps, 75% of maximum strength [1RM]; 4 bouts of maximal isometric force production on leg extension). 1RM and EMG tests were performed before and after intervention. RESULTS: While all three groups experienced significant increases in strength, there was no difference between choline groups in changes in 1RMs (Leg press, Low: 12.4 ± 12.0%, Med: 17.5 ± 10.7%, High: 15.8 ± 10.7%, p=0.588; Leg extension, Low: 17.9 ± 13.0%, Med: 15.3 ± 18.8%, High: 5.9 ± 12.2%, p=0.209). Similarly, no differences were observed in EMG amplitudes or average/peak isometric force outputs between groups. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that less than a month of low or high choline intake may not affect strength gains in older adults. It appears that only a prolonged period of low choline intake may have negative effects on muscle responses to RE.

Effect of ingesting yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 on influenza virus-bound salivary IgA in elderly residents of nursing homes: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of consuming yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 (1073R-1-yogurt) on influenza virus-bound salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, in the elderly residents of nursing homes.Methods: A double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 96 elderly volunteers residing in 2 nursing homes. During the trial, participants consumed 100 g of 1073R-1-yogurt every morning for 12 weeks, whereas the control participants consumed yogurt fermented with a different Lactobacillus strain (control yogurt). Saliva was collected before the trial and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of yogurt ingestion.Results: Our data indicated that consumption of 1073R-1-yogurt affected influenza A virus subtype H3N2-bound IgA levels in saliva (p = .001). In addition, saliva flow rate and total IgA levels increased in response to the yogurt intake period in both the 1073R-1 and control yogurt groups (p = .04).Conclusions: Our study suggests that continuous daily ingestion of 1073R-1-yogurt may help prevent infection with influenza A virus subtype H3N2 in elderly subjects with weakened immunity, by increasing the production of influenza A virus subtype of H3N2-bound salivary IgA.

Kihito, a Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine, Improves Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Patients.

Background and Aims We previously reported that the administration of traditional Japanese medicines, kihito (Gui-Pi-Tang in Chinese) and kamikihito (Jia-Wei-Gui-Pi-Tang in Chinese), to Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice improved memory impairment. There are a few reports that show kihito and kamikihito have a beneficial effect on the cognitive function of AD patients in clinical studies. However, these studies are not comparative and are retrospective studies; thus, more evidence is needed. Therefore, we conducted an open-label, crossover designed clinical trial to investigate the effect of kihito on cognitive function of AD patients. Methods The inclusion criteria for eligible patients were as follows: (1) imaging diagnosis (magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography) of AD, (2) a treatment regimen including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), and (3) a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥15. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) change in ChEI dosage, (2) memantine usage, and (3) MMSE score < 15. To prevent bias in age and baseline cognitive function, patients were divided into two groups: the first group received 2.5 g of kihito extract 3 times/day during the first half of the study (weeks 0-16) and the second group received the same dose of kihito during the second half of the study (weeks 17-32). ChEI dosage did not change during the study period. Patients underwent a cognitive function test during weeks 0, 16, and 32. Cognitive function was evaluated by Japanese versions of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-J) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS-J) test. Results Ten patients completed the clinical trial (4 males, 6 females, average age 71.7 years). MMSE-J scores significantly increased during the kihito intake period. RBANS-J test scores had a slight improvement during the kihito intake period compared with the ChEI alone treatment period, but no significant changes were observed. Conclusion Kihito improves cognitive function in AD patients.

Efficacy of Detoxsan® powder on diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUNDPatients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the gastrointestinal tract suffer frequently from chronic diarrhea. A well characterized medical advice containing zeolite (Detoxsan® powder) was applied to patients suffered from therapy-refractory diarrhea either by its frequency or by watery stool, despite receiving standard pharmacotherapy according to the guidelines for carcinoid syndrome and comorbidities. Detoxsan® powder acts as an adsorbent and might reduce significantly symptoms of diarrhea in patients suffering from NETs.AIMTo overcome the therapy-refractory diarrhea of patients with NETs by the zeolite containing medical advice Detoxsan® powder.METHODSA total of 20 patients (12 female and 8 male) suffering from diarrhea either by its frequency or from watery stool caused by NETs were included. In each patient, the diagnosis had been confirmed by histology and somatostatin receptors expression proven by positron emission tomography/computed tomography using Ga-68-labeled somatostatin analogs. All patients received standard-of-care pharmacotherapy and were additionally given Detoxsan® powder as an extemporaneous drug containing 90% natural Cuban zeolite and 10% magnesium aspartate. Recommended daily dosage ranges between 3 g once to three times per day. Each day dose and bowel movements were documented by the patients themselves in a pre-defined table. Additionally to the bowel movements quantitative determinations of serotonin, urea, creatinine and single ions were performed within the serum of the patients by commercially available equipment used as a matter of routine in the clinic.RESULTSAll patients enrolled in this pilot study did not only suffer from NETs, but also from comorbidities and treatment-resistant diarrhea. There was insufficient control of diarrhea, most probably due to the secretion of hormones like serotonin produced by the slowly growing and highly differentiated NETs. All patients only took Detoxsan® powder as an antidiarrheal drug. In general, response effects need several days to become perceptible and require an intake of Detoxsan® powder for an extended time period or intermittently, if persisting stabilization of bowel movements could not be achieved. A correlation between NET grade, part and size of bowel resection and functionality of the tumor could not be demonstrated. Therefore, diarrhea seemed to be based on the metabolic activity of the well-differentiated NETs, which eventually led to treatment resistance. In summary, 14 out of the 20 patients (70%) declared to be very content with using Detoxsan® powder and observed a significant reduction of diarrhea, while the effective dose and intake period that resulted in a symptom relief varied individually.CONCLUSIONDetoxsan® powder is able to reduce significantly symptoms of NET-related diarrhea in the majority of patients. The duration of taking Detoxsan® powder and its dosage vary individually.

Decreases in Cued Reward Seeking After Reward-Paired Inhibition of Mesolimbic Dopamine

Reward-paired optogenetic manipulation of dopamine neurons can increase or decrease behavioral responding to antecedent cues when subjects have the opportunity for new learning, in accordance with a dopamine-mediated error learning signal. Here we examined the impact of reward-paired dopamine neuron inhibition on behavioral responding to reward-predictive cues after subjects had learned. We trained male TH-IRES-Cre mice to lever press for food reward in a progressive ratio procedure, a 2-cue choice procedure, or when continuously reinforced; in all procedures, completion of the response requirement was signaled by an auditory cue presented prior to food delivery. After training, mice underwent successive sessions in which optogenetic inhibition of dopamine neurons was triggered during food receipt. Rather than mimic brief inhibitions associated with negative reward prediction errors, we applied inhibition throughout the ingestion period on each trial. We found in all procedures that optogenetic inhibition of dopamine neurons during reward receipt decreased behavioral responding to the preceding reward-predictive cue over days, a behavioral change observed during time periods without optogenetic neuronal inhibition. Extinction-like behavioral responding was selective for learned associations: it was observed in the 2-cue choice procedure in which each subject was trained on two associations and inhibition was paired with reward for only one of the associations. Thus, inhibition during reward receipt can decrease responding to reward-predictive cues, sharing some features of behavioral extinction. These findings suggest changes in mesolimbic dopaminergic transmission at the time of experienced reward impacts subsequent responding to cues in well-trained subjects as predicted for a learning signal.

Effects of synbiotics containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 and inulin on intestinal bifidobacteria: A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

A number of studies have shown the bifidogenic effects of either probiotic bifidobacteria or inulin, and this bifidogenic shift in the composition of the colonic microbiota is likely the basis for their positive impact on human health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of synbiotics containing the probiotic bacterium Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) GCL2505 and inulin on the levels of intestinal bifidobacteria compared with B. lactis GCL2505 alone. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial was carried out involving 60 healthy subjects with a tendency for constipation using fermented milk containing B. lactis GCL2505 and inulin (synbiotic), only B. lactis GCL2505 (probiotic), and placebo. Fecal samples were collected at the end of each 2‐week intervention period, and the bifidobacterial count was analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR. The numbers of total bifidobacteria and B. lactis in feces were significantly increased during the probiotic and synbiotic intake periods compared with the placebo intake period. Furthermore, the numbers of total bifidobacteria and endogenous bifidobacteria were significantly higher in the synbiotic intake period compared with the probiotic intake period, while there was no difference in the number of B. lactis. These results suggested that the synbiotics containing B. lactis GCL2505 and inulin had a greater effect on the number of bifidobacteria than a drink containing probiotics alone and could be useful for the improvement of the intestinal environment.

Repeated muscle glycogen supercompensation with four days’ recovery between exhaustive exercise

ObjectivesTo determine if a 4 d period of high carbohydrate intake can supercompensate muscle glycogen and exercise work capacity on back-to-back occasions. DesignSeven trained cyclists (6 male, VO2peak: 57 ± 4 mL kg−1 min−1) completed a 9-d experimental period, consisting of three intermittent exhaustive cycling trials on days 1 (trial 1), 5 (trial 2) and 9 (trial 3). Following trial 1 cyclists were fed a high carbohydrate diet (˜10 g kg−1 day−1) for eight days to assess their capacity to repeatedly supercompensate muscle glycogen with 4 d recovery. MethodsA resting muscle biopsy was obtained prior to each trial consisting of 2 min work intervals (90–60% peak power output) interspersed with 2 min recovery (40% peak power output) repeated until exhaustion. Each 72-h period between trial days included two days of low volume cycling and a rest day. Resting muscle glycogen and total work completed was determined for each trial day. ResultsBaseline muscle glycogen on day 1 (583.6 ± 111.0 mmol kg−1 dry mass) was supercompensated on day 5 (835.1 ± 112.8 mmol kg−1 dry mass; p = 0.04, d = 2.25) and again on day 9 (848.3 ± 111.4 mmol kg−1 dry mass; p = 0.01, d = 2.38). Total cycling work capacity increased from trial 1 to trial 2 (+8.7 ± 5.4 kJ kg−1; p = 0.01; d = 1.41); a large effect was observed in trial 3 compared to trial 1 (+6.4 ± 6.8 kJ kg−1; p = 0.10; d = 1.10). ConclusionsA 4 d high carbohydrate feeding strategy is sufficient to repeatedly supercompensate muscle glycogen content following exhaustive exercise and results in enhanced work capacity.

Treatment of Caenorhabditis elegans with Small Selenium Species Enhances Antioxidant Defense Systems.

Small selenium (Se) species play a key role in Se metabolism and act as dietary sources of the essential trace element. However, they are redox-active and trigger pro- and antioxidant responses. As health outcomes are strongly species-dependent, species-specific characteristics of Se compounds are tested in vivo. In the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), immediate and sustained effects of selenite, selenomethionine (SeMet), and Se-methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys) are studied regarding their bioavailability, incorporation into proteins, as well as modulation of the cellular redox status. While all tested Se compounds are bioavailable, only SeMet persistently accumulates and is non-specifically incorporated into proteins. However, the protection toward chemically-induced formation of reactive species is independent of the applied Se compound. Increased thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD) activity and changes in mRNA expression levels of antioxidant proteins indicate the activation of cellular defense mechanisms. However, in txnrd-1 deletion mutants, no protective effects of the Se species are observed anymore, which is also reflected by differential gene expression data. Se species protect against chemically-induced reactive species formation. The identified immediate and sustained systemic effects of Se species give rise to speculations on possible benefits facing subsequent periods of inadequate Se intake.

Predicting feedlot cattle performance from intake of dry matter and NEg early in the feeding period

The objectives of this study were: 1) To identify which specific week or weeks at the beginning of feeding period was most closely correlated with intake of net energy for gain (NEg) and dry matter (DM) for the full feedlot period of 140–180 d, and 2) to determine how various performance measurements were correlated with intake during this selected time frame. The database was compiled from one commercial feedlot, contained 2,495 pens of steers and 1,637 pens of heifers representing a total of 485,458 animals. Diets had similar composition across a 6 years period. Responses in intake of DM and NEg for the full finishing period were tested separately by including gender, initial body weight (BW) and days on feed as covariates in PROC NLIN of SAS. The PROC CORR was used to determine the correlation between intakes of DM and NEg early in the feedlot period with intake of DM and NEg for the entire finishing period. Intake periods of interest included individual weeks or the combination of weeks 5–12. Among the individual weeks, intakes of DM and NEg during week 7 were correlated most closely with intakes of DM and NEg across the entire finishing period for steers (r = 0.72) and heifers (r = 0.66). Based on mean DM intake during week 7, pens were grouped into quartiles: Top, High, Lower and Lowest. Pens of steers and heifers within the Top ¼ group during week 7 had greater (P < 0.05) final BW and average daily gain (ADG) across the full feeding period than pens of steers and heifers in other quartiles. However, G:F for steers within the Top ¼ group was lower than for pens in the Lower ¼ and Lowest ¼ groups. Pens of cattle within the Lowest ¼ group had more sick head days (P < 0.05) and greater death loss (P < 0.05) than pens of cattle of the Top ¼ group. Pens of cattle within the Top ¼ group had greater (P < 0.05) week-to-week DM intake fluctuation expressed in kg for both steers and heifers. Mean DM intake during week 7 can be utilized as an index to detect pens with the greatest potential of ADG and should help to identify pens with health or management anomalies so that proper corrective actions might be taken.

Two days of calorie deprivation impairs high level cognitive processes, mood, and self-reported exertion during aerobic exercise: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Military personnel and emergency responders perform cognitively-demanding tasks during periods of sustained physical exertion and limited caloric intake. Cognitive function is preserved during short-term caloric restriction, but it is unclear if preservation extends to combined caloric restriction and physical exertion. According to the “reticular-activating hypofrontality” model, vigorous exertion impairs prefrontal cortex activity and associated functions. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examined cognitive function during sustained exertion while volunteers were calorically-deprived. Twenty-three volunteers were calorie-depleted for two days on one occasion and fully-fed on another. They completed intermittent bouts of exercise at 40–65% VO2peak while prefrontal cortex-dependent tasks of cognitive control, mood, and perceived exertion were assessed. Calorie deprivation impaired accuracy on the task-switching task of set-shifting (p < .01) and decreased sensitivity on the go/no-go task of response inhibition (p < .05). Calorie deprivation did not affect risk taking on the Rogers risk task. During exercise, calorie deprivation, particularly on day 2, increased perceived exertion (p < .05) and impaired mood states of tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion (all p < .01). Physical exertion during severe calorie deprivation impairs cognitive control, mood, and self-rated exertion. Reallocation of cerebral metabolic resources from the prefrontal cortex to structures supporting movement may explain these deficits.

Extent and Predictors of Potentially Inappropriate Antidepressant Use Among Older Adults With Dementia and Major Depressive Disorder

ObjectiveTo quantify the extent and identify predictors of potentially inappropriate antidepressant use among older adults with dementia and newly diagnosed major depressive disorders (MDD). MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included older adults (aged ≥65 years) with dementia and newly diagnosed MDD using Medicare 5% sample claims data (2012–2013). Based on Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set guidelines, intake period for new antidepressant medication use was from May 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013. Index prescription start date was the first date of antidepressant prescription claim during the intake period. Dependent variable of this study was potentially inappropriate antidepressant use as defined by the Beers Criteria and the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions criteria. The authors conducted multiple logistic regression analysis to identify individual-level predictors of potentially inappropriate antidepressant use. ResultsThe authors’ final study sample consisted of 7,625 older adults with dementia and newly diagnosed MDD, among which 7.59% (N = 579) initiated treatment with a potentially inappropriate antidepressant. Paroxetine (N = 394) was the most commonly initiated potentially inappropriate antidepressant followed by amitriptyline (N = 104), nortriptyline (N = 35), and doxepin (N = 32). Initiation of a potentially inappropriate antidepressant was associated with age and baseline use of anxiolytic medications. ConclusionMore than 7% of older adults in the study sample initiated a potentially inappropriate antidepressant, and the authors identified a few individual-level factors significantly associated with it. Appropriately tailored interventions to address modifiable and nonmodifiable factors significantly associated with potentially inappropriate antidepressant prescribing are required to minimize risks in this vulnerable population.

Effect of weaning age on the small intestine mucosa of rats.

Weaning of mammalian progeny is associated with a change in food composition and mother-offspring separation. Weaning results in a critical period of low voluntary feed intake, during which the animal is adapting to the starter diet. To evaluate the effects of weaning age on morphological changes that occur in the intestines of rats, we assessed intestinal histomorphometry and somatic growth in 21-days-old pups and 90-days-old mature rats that had been weaned early (day 16), normally (day 21), or late (day 26). Early weaning resulted in deeper crypts, lower villous/crypt ratio, and a smaller villous area on day 21. Crown-tail length correlated positively with the crypt depth and negatively with the villous/crypt ratio. At age 90 days, early weaned animals had shallower crypts, a greater villous/crypt ratio, and a smaller villous area compared with their normally weaned counterparts. The rats' crown-tail length correlated negatively with the crypt depth and positively with the villous/crypt ratio. Early weaning significantly affects the intestinal mucosa, which may impact food absorption and lead to differences in somatic growth compared with late weaning. Over time there may be a phase of compensation with increased villus height and crypt depth.

Intermittent Dieting: Theoretical Considerations for the Athlete

Athletes utilise numerous strategies to reduce body weight or body fat prior to competition. The traditional approach requires continuous energy restriction (CER) for the entire weight loss phase (typically days to weeks). However, there is some suggestion that intermittent energy restriction (IER), which involves alternating periods of energy restriction with periods of greater energy intake (referred to as ‘refeeds’ or ‘diet breaks’) may result in superior weight loss outcomes than CER. This may be due to refeed periods causing transitory restoration of energy balance. Some studies indicate that intermittent periods of energy balance during energy restriction attenuate some of the adaptive responses that resist the continuation of weight and fat loss. While IER—like CER—is known to effectively reduce body fat in non-athletes, evidence for effectiveness of IER in athletic populations is lacking. This review provides theoretical considerations for successful body composition adjustment using IER, with discussion of how the limited existing evidence can be cautiously applied in athlete practice.

Citrus Aurantium and caffeine complex versus placebo on biomarkers of metabolism: a double blind crossover design

BackgrouondThe purpose of this study was to examine resting the metabolic response to the ingestion of a complex containing Citrus Aurantium + Caffeine (CA + C) and if its consumption influences metabolic recovery following a high-intensity anaerobic exercise bout in habitual caffeine users.MethodsTen physically active males (25.1 ± 3.9 years; weight 78.71 ± 9.53 kg; height 177.2 ± 4.6 cm; body fat 15.5 ± 3.13%) participated in this study. This study was performed in a double-blind, randomized crossover fashion consisting of two exhaustive exercise protocols. On each visit the participants consumed either a CA + C (100 mg of CA and 100 mg of C) or placebo (dextrose) capsule. After consumption, participants were monitored throughout a 45-min ingestion period, then completed a repeated Wingate protocol, and were then monitored throughout a 45-min recovery period. Metabolic function was measured through blood glucose, plasma insulin, plasma triglycerides, and plasma catecholamines: epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE). Biomarkers were taken at four different time points; Ingestion period: baseline (I1), post-ingestion period (I2); Recovery period: immediately post-exercise (R1), post-recovery period (R2).ResultsA repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant time-dependent increases in plasma E and NE at I2 only in the CA + C trial (p < 0.05), and a significant decrease in blood glucose at I2 in the PLA trial (p < 0.05); however, no meaningful changes in glucose was observed following CA + C ingestion. No changes in insulin or triglycerides were observed during the ingestion period. No trial-dependent differences were observed in the Recovery period. All biomarkers of metabolic recovery were equivalent when evaluating R1 v R2. Participants recovered in a similar time-dependent manner in all markers of metabolism following the PLA and CA + C trials.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggested that normal recommended dosages of 100 mg CA + 100 mg C is sufficient to promote glucose sparing at rest, with modest increases in SNS activity; however, the individual role of CA or C in this response cannot be determined.