How does the updated Nutri-Score discriminate and classify the nutritional quality of foods in a Norwegian setting?

BACKGROUND: The Nutri-Score is a candidate for the harmonized mandatory front-of-pack nutrition label enabling consumers in the European Union to make healthier food choices. Nutri-Score classifies foods (including beverages) from A (high nutritional quality) to E (low nutritional quality) based on the foods' qualifying and disqualifying components. We aimed to evaluate the updated Nutri-Score for foods (2022) and beverages (2023) in a Norwegian setting by exploring its ability to discriminate the nutritional quality of foods within categories. Additionally, we assessed Nutri-Scores' ability to classify foods in accordance with the Norwegian food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs). METHODS: The updated Nutri-Score was calculated for 1,782 foods in a Norwegian food database. The discriminatory ability of the updated Nutri-Score was considered by exploring the distribution of Nutri-Score within categories of foods using boxplots and frequency tables, and by examining which qualifying and disqualifying components that contributed most to the Nutri-Score class. Accordance with the Norwegian FBDGs was assessed by exploring Nutri-Score for foods specifically mentioned in the guidelines. RESULTS: Overall, the updated Nutri-Score seemed to discriminate the nutritional quality of foods within categories, in a Norwegian setting. The foods' content of salt and the beverages' content of sugar were components contributing the most to Nutri-Scores' discriminatory ability. Furthermore, in most cases the updated Nutri-Score classified foods in accordance with the Norwegian FBDGs. However, there were minor inconsistencies in how Nutri-Score classified certain foods, such as the inabilities to discriminate between full-fat and low-fat/leaner cheeses, cremes and processed meats (sausages), and between whole grain and refined pasta/rice. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an overall acceptable discriminatory performance of the updated Nutri-Score in a Norwegian setting and in most cases the updated Nutri-Score classified foods in accordance with the Norwegian FBDGs. However, minor inconsistencies were observed. Together with the FBDGs, the updated Nutri-Score could be a useful tool in guiding consumers towards healthier food choices in Norway, but consumer evaluations are warranted to fully assess the performance of the updated Nutri-Score in a Norwegian context.

Borrowing from the Burrow's - using discarded tissue to improve lip reconstruction.

SUMMARY: Lip reconstruction following excision of cutaneous malignancy should be carefully planned to avoid discarding useful tissue. In this report, we describe two cases in which the usually discarded Burrow's triangles of the cheek advancement flap are used to reconstruct adjacent anatomical structures, thus improving the functional and aesthetic outcome of the reconstruction.

Societal importance of Antarctic negative feedbacks on climate change: blue carbon gains from sea ice, ice shelf and glacier losses.

Diminishing prospects for environmental preservation under climate change are intensifying efforts to boost capture, storage and sequestration (long-term burial) of carbon. However, as Earth's biological carbon sinks also shrink, remediation has become a key part of the narrative for terrestrial ecosystems. In contrast, blue carbon on polar continental shelves have stronger pathways to sequestration and have increased with climate-forced marine ice losses-becoming the largest known natural negative feedback on climate change. Here we explore the size and complex dynamics of blue carbon gains with spatiotemporal changes in sea ice (60-100 MtCyear-1), ice shelves (4-40 MtCyear-1 = giant iceberg generation) and glacier retreat (< 1 MtCyear-1). Estimates suggest that, amongst these, reduced duration of seasonal sea ice is most important. Decreasing sea ice extent drives longer (not necessarily larger biomass) smaller cell-sized phytoplankton blooms, increasing growth of many primary consumers and benthic carbon storage-where sequestration chances are maximal. However, sea ice losses also create positive feedbacks in shallow waters through increased iceberg movement and scouring of benthos. Unlike loss of sea ice, which enhances existing sinks, ice shelf losses generate brand new carbon sinks both where giant icebergs were, and in their wake. These also generate small positive feedbacks from scouring, minimised by repeat scouring at biodiversity hotspots. Blue carbon change from glacier retreat has been least well quantified, and although emerging fjords are small areas, they have high storage-sequestration conversion efficiencies, whilst blue carbon in polar waters faces many diverse and complex stressors. The identity of these are known (e.g. fishing, warming, ocean acidification, non-indigenous species and plastic pollution) but not their magnitude of impact. In order to mediate multiple stressors, research should focus on wider verification of blue carbon gains, projecting future change, and the broader environmental and economic benefits to safeguard blue carbon ecosystems through law.

Beta spectrometry with metallic magnetic calorimeters in the framework of the European EMPIR project MetroBeta.

The aim of the European Metrology Research Project MetroBeta is to improve the knowledge of the shapes of beta spectra, both in terms of theoretical calculation and measurement. The precise knowledge of beta spectra is required for the activity standardisation of pure beta emitters. Metallic magnetic calorimeters (MMCs), a type of cryogenic detectors, with the beta emitter embedded in the absorber have proven to be among the best beta spectrometers, in particular for low-energy beta transitions. Within this project, new designs of MMCs optimized for five different beta energy ranges were developed and a new detector module was constructed. The beta spectra of 151Sm, 14C and 99Tc have been measured so far; additional measurements with 36Cl are under preparation. Improved theoretical calculation methods and complementary measurement techniques complete the project.

Abnormal RNA stability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) share key features, including accumulation of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43. TDP-43 regulates RNA homeostasis, but it remains unclear whether RNA stability is affected in these disorders. We use Bru-seq and BruChase-seq to assess genome-wide RNA stability in ALS patient-derived cells, demonstrating profound destabilization of ribosomal and mitochondrial transcripts. This pattern is recapitulated by TDP-43 overexpression, suggesting a primary role for TDP-43 in RNA destabilization, and in postmortem samples from ALS and FTD patients. Proteomics and functional studies illustrate corresponding reductions in mitochondrial components and compensatory increases in protein synthesis. Collectively, these observations suggest that TDP-43 deposition leads to targeted RNA instability in ALS and FTD, and may ultimately cause cell death by disrupting energy production and protein synthesis pathways.

Correction of existing generic and species concepts in Platyceroidini (Coleoptera: Lucanidae: Lucaninae) and the description of four new species of Platyceroides Benesh.

The endemic North American stag beetle tribe Platyceroidini Paulsen & Hawks (Coleoptera: Lucanidae: Lucaninae) is reviewed. All primary types were studied and the existing generic and species concepts are subsequently corrected. Based on study of the male genitalia and external morphology, the previously monotypic genus Platyceropsis Benesh is reduced to subgeneric status under Platyceroides Benesh, new status, and the species Platyceroides laticollis (Casey) and Platyceroides keeni (Casey) new combination are transferred to this subgenus. Praocerus, new subgenus, is created to contain the species Platyceroides latus (Fall), and P. viriditinctus (Benesh). In the nominal subgenus, confusion has resulted from the historic misapplication of the oldest available name, Platyceroides agassii (LeConte), resulting in significant underestimation of the number of extant taxa. Lectotypes are designated for four species-group names (listed in their original combinations): Platycerus latus Fall, Platycerus opacus Fall, Platycerus pacificus Casey, and Platycerus parvicollis Casey. Four new species (Platyceroides barrae, P. infernus, P. pampinatus, and P. umpquus) are described from California and Oregon, United States of America. The following species are valid and are removed from synonymy with P. agassii: P. pacificus (Casey), revised status, and P. californicus (Casey), revised status. The synonym Platycerus parvicollis Casey is transferred from Platyceroides agassii to P. californicus, new synonymy. With the addition of four new species and the correction of the mistaken synonymies the total number of species in the tribe Platyceroidini is now 16.

Two new species of South American Glaresidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea).

Two new species of South American Glaresidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) are described: Glaresis smithi Paulsen, new species from Argentina, and Glaresis mondacai Paulsen, new species from Chile and Peru. The species are compared to their closest congener, Glaresis fritzi Martínez et al., and a key is provided for the known South American species of the genus Glaresis Erichson.

Medical and non-medical predictors of initiating long-term use of proton pump inhibitors: a nationwide cohort study of first-time users during a 10-year period.

BACKGROUND: Studies of the increasing use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have mainly focused on prevalent long-term use and associations with gastrointestinal morbidity and comedication. Little is known about non-medical characteristics of first-time users of PPI, and predictors of initiating long-term use of PPIs. AIMS: To describe medical and non-medical characteristics of first-time PPI users during a 10-year period and to analyse predictors of initiation of long-term use (>60 defined daily doses (DDDs) within 6 months) of PPIs. METHODS: A nationwide cohort study of first-time users of PPI. Data were collected from Danish national registers. Individuals redeeming their first prescription for a PPI (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole) in 2001 and 2011 were identified. Redemption of more than 60 DDDs of PPI within 6 months defined long-term use. Logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between previous diagnoses, comedication and socio-economic characteristics and initiation of long-term use of PPIs in 2011. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2011 incidence of first-time users increased with an incidence rate ratio of 1.53 and mean quantity of PPI redeemed at first prescription increased by 44.6%. In 2011 a total of 37.6% redeemed >60 DDDs within 6 months, and 96% of the long-term users did not have a diagnosis registered which indicated treatment. New onset long-term use was significantly associated with low income and low educational level when adjusting for other predisposing variables. CONCLUSIONS: Proton pump inhibitor treatment is increasingly initiated with larger quantities prescribed for indications that are unidentifiable from the registers. Morbidity and comedication seem to be the strongest predictors of new onset long-term use of PPIs. However, there is also an independent social gradient.

Effects of physiological and synthetic IAP antagonism on c-IAP-dependent signaling.

Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins 1 and 2 (c-IAP1/2) have central roles in signal transduction mediated by numerous receptors that participate in inflammatory and immune responses. In certain pathways, such as activation of NF-κB, their degradation is a major regulatory event and is physiologically induced by activation of receptors. In addition, a number of synthetic compounds have been developed that also target the c-IAPs and induce their degradation. However, the extent of a synthetic IAP antagonist's ability to mirror the transcriptional program by a physiological signal remains unclear. Here we take a systems approach to compare the transcriptional programs triggered by activation of CD30, a well-characterized receptor previously shown to induce the degradation of the c-IAPs, to SM-164, a synthetic IAP antagonist that specifically triggers c-IAP degradation. Employing a technique that allows the specific analysis of newly transcribed RNA, we have generated comparative transcriptome profiles for CD30 activation and SM-164 treatment. Analysis of these profiles revealed that the genes regulated by each stimulus were not completely shared, indicating novel functions of IAP antagonists and consequences of c-IAP1/2 degradation. The data identified a role for c-IAP1/2 in the regulation of the ribosome and protein synthesis, which was subsequently confirmed by biological assays. These findings expand our knowledge of the roles of c-IAP1/2 in signaling and provide insight into the mechanism of synthetic IAP antagonists, furthering our understanding of their therapeutic potential.

A review of the primary types of the Hawaiian stag beetle genus Apterocyclus Waterhouse (Coleoptera, Lucanidae, Lucaninae), with the description of a new species.

The species of the Hawaiian stag beetle genus Apterocyclus Waterhouse (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) are reviewed following an examination of all primary types. Although the continued existence of the species is unknown and some possibly are extinct there are five recently extant species, including one species that is described here as new. The holotypes for all available names are pictured, and synonymies discussed and updated. Lectotypes are designated for Apterocyclus honoluluensis Waterhouse and A. munroi Sharp. A key to species and a revised catalog for the genus are provided.

The ochodaeidae of Argentina (coleoptera, scarabaeoidea).

The Ochodaeidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) of Argentina are revised. Previously, two species of Ochodaeinae were known from the country, both in the genus Parochodaeus Nikolajev: Parochodaeus campsognathus (Arrow) and Parochodaeus cornutus (Ohaus). An additional 7 species of Parochodaeus from Argentina are described here as new. In addition, Gauchodaeus patagonicus, new genus and new species in the subfamilyChaetocanthinae, is described. This is the first record of the subfamily Chaetocanthinae in South America. Redescriptions, diagnoses, and maps are provided for each species. We also provide a key to genera and a key to species of Parochodaeus of Argentina. With this work, the number of ochodaeid species known from Argentina is increased from 2 to 10.

Socio-economic status influences blood pressure control despite equal access to care.

OBJECTIVE: Denmark has a health care system with free and equal access to care irrespective of age and socio-economic status (SES). We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate a possible association between SES and blood pressure (BP) control of hypertensive patients treated in general practice. METHODS: We enrolled 184 general practices and 5260 hypertensive patients. The general practitioners reported information about BP and diagnosis of diabetes. Information about education, income, antihypertensive drug treatment and other co-morbidity was retrieved from relevant registers from Statistics Denmark. The outcome measure was BP control defined as BP <140/90 mmHg in general and <130/80 mmHg in diabetics. RESULTS: Patients <65 years and with an educational level of 10-12 years had increased odds ratio (OR) of BP control compared to patients with an educational level <10 years. Patients ≥65 years had increased OR of BP control if they were married/cohabiting as compared to being single, whereas education and income had no impact in this age group. Diabetics had significantly reduced odds of BP control irrespective of age, educational or income level. CONCLUSIONS: Despite equal access to care for all patients, SES had significant impact on BP control in this survey. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease also had a substantial influence irrespective of age, educational and income level.

Treatment of 5413 hypertensive patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Most hypertensive patients are managed in primary care in Denmark, but previous studies have shown that only 21-43% of hypertensive patients achieve optimal blood pressure (BP) control. Antihypertensive drug treatment, risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are some of the important factors to consider when optimizing the individual treatment strategy in hypertensive patients. OBJECTIVE: To examine treatment of BP according to Danish guidelines (BP < 140/90 mmHg generally and <130/80 mmHg for diabetics) in a population from general practice in relation to risk factors, CVD and diagnosis of diabetes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study comprising 184 practices and 5413 hypertensive patients was carried out in Denmark. The general practitioners filled in information on each patient's risk factors, CVD and antihypertensive drug treatment. Patients filled in a questionnaire on risk factors. The outcome measures were optimal BP control according to Danish guidelines and antihypertensive drug treatment. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 65.9 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 65.6-66.1]. Optimal BP control was achieved in 29.1% (95% CI: 27.9-30.3) of the study population. Among 842 diabetics with or without CVD, optimal BP control was achieved in 10.9% (95% CI: 8.8-10.3), while 38.7% (35.5-41.9) of patients with CVD achieved optimal BP control. The majority of all patients were treated with 1 (32.5%, 95% CI: 32.5 (31.3-33.8)) or two antihypertensive drugs (39.0%, 95% CI: 38.2-40.8). In hypertensive diabetics, 17.7% were not treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker. CONCLUSION: In general practice, the proportion of hypertensive patients achieving optimal BP control is inadequate. The majority of hypertensive patients are treated with only one or two antihypertensive drugs.

Modulation of CD4+ T-cell activation by CD95 co-stimulation.

CD95 is a dual-function receptor that exerts pro- or antiapoptotic effects depending on the cellular context, the state of activation, the signal threshold and the mode of ligation. In this study, we report that CD95 engagement modulates TCR/CD3-driven signaling pathways in resting T lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. While high doses of immobilized CD95 agonists silence T cells, lower concentrations augment activation and proliferation. We analyzed the co-stimulatory capacity of CD95 in detail in resting human CD4(+) T cells, and demonstrate that low-dose ligand-induced co-internalization of CD95 and TCR/CD3 complexes enables non-apoptotic caspase activation, the prolonged activation of MAP kinases, the upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins associated with apoptosis resistance, and the activation of transcription factors and cell-cycle regulators for the induction of proliferation and cytokine production. We propose that the levels of CD95L on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), neighboring T cells or epithelial cells regulate inhibitory or co-stimulatory CD95 signaling, which in turn is crucial for fine-tuning of primary T-cell activation.

Diet composition and feeding of European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in Kiel Bight, western Baltic Sea.

Diet composition of the expanding southern species European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in the western Baltic Sea was investigated. Results revealed an interesting case of bentho-pelagic coupling with potential implications for local fish species through competition for food resources.

FasL expression and reverse signalling.

FasL plays a central role in the induction of apoptosis within the immune system. It mediates activation-induced cell death (AICD) of T lymphocytes and contributes to the cytotoxic effector function of T and NK cells. Moreover, FasL is discussed as direct effector molecule for the establishment of immune privilege and tumour survival. Besides its death-promoting activity, FasL has been implicated in reverse signalling and might thus also play a role in T cell development and selection and the modulation of T cell activation. Considering these diverse functions, the overall FasL expression has to be tightly controlled to avoid unwanted damage. Based on an activation-associated transcriptional control, several post-transcriptional processes ensure a safe storage, a rapid mobilisation, a target-directed activity and a subsequent inactivation. Over the past years, the identification and characterisation of FasL-interacting proteins provided novel insight into the mechanisms of FasL transport, processing and reverse signalling, which might be exemplary also for the other members of the TNF family.

Biological monitoring of smoke exposure among wildland firefighters: a pilot study comparing urinary methoxyphenols with personal exposures to carbon monoxide, particular matter, and levoglucosan.

Urinary methoxyphenols (MPs) have been proposed as biomarkers of woodsmoke exposure. However, few field studies have been undertaken to evaluate the relationship between woodsmoke exposure and urinary MP concentrations. We conducted a pilot study at the US Forest Service-Savannah River Site, in which carbon monoxide (CO), levoglucosan (LG), and particulate matter (PM(2.5)) exposures were measured in wildland firefighters on prescribed burn days. Pre- and post-shift urine samples were collected from each subject, and cross-shift changes in creatinine-corrected urinary MP concentrations were calculated. Correlations between exposure measures and creatine-adjusted urinary MP concentrations were explored, and regression models were developed relating changes in urinary MP concentrations to measured exposure levels. Full-shift measurements were made on 13 firefighters over 20 work shifts in winter 2004 at the US Forest Service Savannah River site, a National Environmental Research Park. The average workshift length across the 20 measured shifts was 701+/-95 min. LG and CO exposures were significantly correlated for samples where the filter measurement captured at least 60% of the work shift (16 samples), as well as for the smaller set of full-shift exposure samples (n=9). PM(2.5) and CO exposures were not significantly correlated, and LG and PM(2.5) exposures were only significantly correlated for samples representing at least 60% of the work shift. Creatinine-corrected urinary concentrations for 20 of the 22 MPs showed cross-shift increases, with 14 of these changes showing statistical significance. Individual and summed creatinine-adjusted guaiacol urinary MPs were highly associated with CO (and, to a lesser degree, LG) exposure levels, and random-effects regression models including CO and LG exposure levels explained up to 80% of the variance in cross-shift changes in summed creatinine-adjusted guaiacol urinary MP concentrations. Although limited by the small sample size, this pilot study demonstrates that urinary MP concentrations may be effective biomarkers of occupational exposure to wood smoke among wildland firefighters.

Epidemiología y etiopatogenia de las enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales en niños / Epidemiology and etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases in childrens

El comportamiento epidemiológico de las enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales (EII), ha variado en las últimas décadas. En áreas geografías de presentación infrecuente, como América latina, las tasas de incidencia y prevalencia han tenido un franco aumento. Se presume que este fenómeno, se debe a variables ambientales como la dieta, el tabaco, uso de ciertos medicamentos, la apendicectomía, estrés y algunos estilos de vida. La etiopatogenia de EII no esta completamente dilucidada por lo que actualmente se considera, que es de etiología multifactorial. Entre los factores implicados están: factores ambientales, familiares, genéticos y del sistema inmune. En esta revisión se exponen las características epidemiológicas de las EII, con énfasis en la población pediátrica. Así como también los principales factores ambientales de riesgo, que se relacionan con las EII. Se presentan también algunos mecanismos y condiciones tanto heredadas como adquiridas, que han sido involucrados en la etiopatogenia de las EII.