Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Adverse Human Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies.

Our aim was to conduct an umbrella review of evidence from meta-analyses of observational studies investigating the link between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and human health outcomes. Using predefined evidence classification criteria, we evaluated evidence from 47 meta-analyses encompassing 22,055,269 individuals. Overall, 79% of these analyses indicated direct associations between greater sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and higher risks of adverse health outcomes. Convincing evidence (class I) supported direct associations between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and risks of depression, cardiovascular disease, nephrolithiasis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and higher uric acid concentrations. Highly suggestive evidence (class II) supported associations with risks of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and dental caries. Out of the remaining 40 meta-analyses, 29 were graded as suggestive or weak in the strength of evidence (classes III and IV), and 11 showed no evidence (class V). These findings inform and provide support for population-based and public health strategies aimed at reducing sugary drink consumption for improved health.

Prenatal environmental risk factors for autism spectrum disorder and their potential mechanisms.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is globally increasing in prevalence. The rise of ASD can be partially attributed to diagnostic expansion and advocacy efforts; however, the interplay between genetic predisposition and modern environmental exposures is likely driving a true increase in incidence. A range of evidence indicates that prenatal exposures are critical. Infection during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and maternal obesity are established risk factors for ASD. Emerging areas of research include the effects of maternal use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antibiotics, and exposure to toxicants during pregnancy on brain development and subsequent ASD. The underlying pathways of these risk factors remain uncertain, with varying levels of evidence implicating immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, gut microbiome alterations, and hormonal disruptions. This narrative review assesses the evidence of contributing prenatal environmental factors for ASD and associated mechanisms as potential targets for novel prevention strategies.

Socioeconomic adversity, maternal nutrition, and the prenatal programming of offspring cognition and language at two years of age through maternal inflammation.

Increasing rates of child neurodevelopmental vulnerability are a significant public health challenge. The adverse effect of socioeconomic adversity on offspring cognition may be mediated through elevated prenatal maternal systemic inflammation, but the role of modifiable antecedents such as maternal nutrition has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to examine (1) whether prenatal factors, with an emphasis on maternal nutrition, were associated with prenatal maternal systemic inflammation at 28 weeks' gestation, including the metabolomic marker glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA); (2) the extent to which the association between prenatal maternal nutrition and child cognition and language at age two years was mediated by elevated maternal inflammation in pregnancy; (3) the extent to which the associations between prenatal socioeconomic adversity and child neurodevelopment were mediated through prenatal maternal nutrition and GlycA levels. We used a prospective population-derived pre-birth longitudinal cohort study, the Barwon Infant Study (Barwon region of Victoria, Australia), where 1074 mother-child pairs were recruited by 28 weeks' gestation using an unselected sampling frame. Exposures included prenatal factors such as maternal diet measured by a validated food frequency questionnaire at 28 weeks' gestation and dietary patterns determined by principal component analysis. The main outcome measures were maternal inflammatory biomarkers (GlycA and hsCRP levels) at 28 weeks' gestation, and offspring Bayley-III cognition and language scores at age two years. Results showed that the 'modern wholefoods' and 'processed' maternal dietary patterns were independently associated with reduced and elevated maternal inflammation respectively (GlycA or hsCRP p < 0.001), and also with higher and reduced offspring Bayley-III scores respectively (cognition p ≤ 0.004, language p ≤ 0.009). Associations between dietary patterns and offspring cognition and language were partially mediated by higher maternal GlycA (indirect effect: cognition p ≤ 0.036, language p ≤ 0.05), but were less evident for hsCRP. The maternal dietary patterns mediated 22 % of the association between socioeconomic adversity (lower maternal education and/or lower household income vs otherwise) and poorer offspring cognition (indirect effect p = 0.001). Variation in prenatal GlycA levels that were independent of these dietary measures appeared less important. In conclusion, modifiable prenatal maternal dietary patterns were associated with adverse child neurocognitive outcomes through their effect on maternal inflammation (GlycA). Maternal diet may partially explain the association between socioeconomic adversity and child neurocognitive vulnerability. Maternal diet-by-inflammation pathways are an attractive target for future intervention studies.

Associations between Genital Self-Image and Individuals' Own and Perceived Partner Sexual Satisfaction.

Negative genital self-image is linked with lower sexual satisfaction, but no research has examined its association with perceptions of partners' sexual satisfaction. In two studies (N = 475, N = 234), we examined links between genital self-image and own and individuals' perceived partner sexual satisfaction. In the second study, we tested whether a mindfulness intervention moderated these associations. In both studies, more negative genital self-image was significantly associated with individuals' lower own and perceived partner sexual satisfaction concurrently and over a two-week period. Mindfulness intervention exposure did not moderate associations. Findings support negative genital self-image as a risk factor for sexual dissatisfaction.

Distressing Problems with Sexual Function and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Cognitive models of sexual dysfunction situate distraction as a core mechanism underlying difficulties with sexual function. It follows that individuals who have difficulties with inattention and distractibility (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; ADHD) may be at increased risk of problems with their sexual function, though previous research is mixed, and no research has examined links with sexual distress despite distress being a necessary criterion for sexual dysfunction. The goals of the current study were to: (1) examine associations between ADHD symptoms, sexual function, and sexual distress; (2) examine group differences in sexual function and sexual distress as a function of presumptive ADHD diagnosis; and (3) establish whether individuals with presumptive ADHD are at greater risk of distressing problems with sexual function relative to controls. In a large mixed-gender community sample (N = 943: controls n = 837, presumptive ADHD n = 106), we found that ADHD symptoms were positively correlated with worse overall sexual function, as well as orgasm difficulties and greater sexual distress. Relative to controls, individuals with presumptive ADHD reported worse sexual function and greater sexual distress, controlling for age, biological sex, and sexual orientation. Individuals with presumptive ADHD were significantly more likely (OR = 2.16) to have distressing problems with sexual function than controls. Core difficulties related to ADHD, including inattention, distractibility, and emotion dysregulation, may make individuals more vulnerable to experiencing problems with sexual function and sexual distress, putting them at risk for developing sexual dysfunction. Taken together, these data support associations between ADHD and distressing sexual function problems, including possible mechanisms explaining these links such as difficulties with emotion regulation.

Physical activity and circulating inflammatory markers and cytokines during pregnancy: A population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has numerous benefits, which may be mediated via effects on the immune system. However, supportive evidence is inconsistent and is mainly from studies in high-risk groups. We estimated the effect of PA during pregnancy on systemic inflammatory markers and cytokines in mothers recruited in the Barwon infant study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Barwon infant study is a prebirth cohort of 1064 mothers recruited in the Barwon Region of Victoria, Australia. Participants reported their previous week's PA at their 28-week antenatal appointment using the International PA Questionnaire. Women were grouped into low, moderate, and high PA categories based on daily duration and weekly frequency of walking, moderate- or vigorous-intensity PA. Women reporting moderate levels of PA, consistent with current recommendations, served as the comparison group. Markers of systemic inflammation, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA), and 17 cytokines were measured at 28 weeks gestation and log transformed as appropriate. Regression analyses adjusted for maternal smoking, gestational diabetes mellitus, prepregnancy BMI, and household size were performed. RESULTS: Compared to women in the moderate group (n = 371, 42%), women reporting low PA (n = 436, 50%) had 10.1% higher hsCRP (95% CI (3.7% to 16.6%), p < 0.01) while women in high PA (n = 76, 9%) had a 14% higher hsCRP (95% CI (3.1% to 24.8%), p = 0.01). Women in the high PA category had higher interleukin (IL)-4 (q = 0.03) and IL-9 (q = 0.03) levels compared to those in moderate category. Each vigorous MET minute/week was associated with lower GlycA (ß = -0.004, 95% CI (-0.044 to 0.035); p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Low and high PA are each associated with higher hsCRP than moderate PA, suggesting that undertaking the recommended moderate PA during pregnancy decreases systemic inflammation. High PA affects T cell-associated cytokines during pregnancy. Evidence from our study suggests that PA can modulate the immune responses during pregnancy. Studies are now required to assess whether PA during pregnancy impacts maternal and infant clinical outcomes by modifying inflammatory responses.

Connecting through touch: Attitudes toward touch in pregnancy are associated with couples' sexual and affectionate behaviors across the transition to parenthood.

Touch is a universal nonverbal action often used by romantic partners to demonstrate affection and care for each other. Attitudes toward touch might be particularly relevant across periods of relational strain-such as the transition to parenthood-when couples face many novel stressors and shifting priorities which can interfere with their sexual and affectionate experiences. New parent couples (N = 203) completed self-report measures online across six time-points (two prenatal). We tested whether couples' attitudes toward touch (touch aversion, touch for affection, touch for emotion regulation) at baseline (20 weeks mid-pregnancy) predicted their frequency of sexual and affectionate behaviors from mid-pregnancy through 12-month postpartum. Both partners' more positive attitudes toward touch (i.e., for affection and emotion regulation) and lower aversive attitudes toward touch, as measured in mid-pregnancy, predicted couples' higher frequency and variety of sexual and affectionate behaviors at 3-month postpartum. Touch attitudes generally did not predict the degree of change in the frequency or variety of sexual or affectionate behaviors, with one exception: non-birthing parents' more positive attitudes toward touch for emotion regulation in mid-pregnancy predicted a slower decline in couples' affectionate behaviors across pregnancy. Findings underscore a link between new parents' attitudes toward touch and their subsequent sexual and affectionate behaviors, particularly in the early postpartum period. New parents need to navigate novel sexual changes and a nonverbal strategy such as touch might be useful to promote intimacy and care.

Effect of Ginger Root Powder on Gastrointestinal Bacteria Composition, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Mental Health, Fatigue, and Quality of Life: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite compositional alterations in gastrointestinal microbiota being purported to underpin some of the therapeutic effects of ginger, the effect of a standardized ginger supplement on gut microbiota has not been tested in humans. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of a standardized ginger (Zingiber officinale) root powder, compared to placebo, on gastrointestinal bacteria and associated outcomes in healthy adults. METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial allocated participants aged 18 to 30 y to ginger or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) placebo. The intervention comprised 1.2 g/d of ginger (4 capsules per day totaling 84 mg/d of active gingerols/shogaols) for 14 d following a 1-wk run-in period. Primary outcomes were gastrointestinal community composition, alpha and beta diversity, and differential abundance, measured using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples. Secondary outcomes were gastrointestinal symptoms, bowel function, depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, quality of life, and adverse events. RESULTS: Fifty-one participants were enrolled and analyzed (71% female; mean age 25 ± 3 y; ginger: n = 29, placebo: n = 22). There was a greater increase in relative abundance of phylum, Actinobacteria, observed following ginger supplementation compared to placebo (U: 145.0; z: -2.1; P = 0.033). Ginger was associated with a greater abundance of the genera Parabacteroides, Bacillus, Ruminococcaceae incertae sedis, unclassified Bacilli, families Defluviitaleaceae, Morganellaceae, and Bacillaceae as well as lower abundance of the genus Blautia and family Sphingomonadaceae (P < 0.05). An improvement in indigestion symptoms was observed with ginger supplementation (U: 196.0; z: -2.4; P = 0.015). No differences between ginger and placebo groups were found for alpha and beta diversity or other secondary outcomes. No moderate or severe adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with ginger root powder was safe and altered aspects of gastrointestinal bacteria composition; however, it did not change alpha- or beta diversity, bowel function, gastrointestinal symptoms, mood, or quality of life in healthy adults. These results provide further understanding regarding the mechanisms of action of ginger supplementation. This trial was registered in the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12620000302954p and the Therapeutic Goods Administration as CT-2020-CTN-00380-1.

Pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with greater systemic inflammation and increased risk of antenatal depression.

BACKGROUND: Pre-pregnancy obesity is an emerging risk factor for perinatal depression. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and perinatal depressive symptoms in a large population-based pre-birth cohort, the Barwon Infant Study. We also assessed whether the levels of circulating inflammatory markers during pregnancy mediated this relationship. METHODS: Depressive symptoms were assessed in 883 women using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and psychological stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at 28 weeks gestation and 4 weeks postpartum. Glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and cytokines were assessed at 28 weeks gestation. We performed regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders, and investigated mediation using nested counterfactual models. RESULTS: The estimated effect of pre-pregnancy obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) on antenatal EPDS scores was 1.05 points per kg/m2 increase in BMI (95% CI: 0.20, 1.90; p = 0.02). GlycA, hsCRP, interleukin (IL) -1ra and IL-6 were higher in women with obesity, compared to healthy weight women, while eotaxin and IL-4 were lower. Higher GlycA was associated with higher EPDS and PSS scores and partially mediated the association between pre-pregnancy obesity and EPDS/PSS scores in unadjusted models, but this association attenuated upon adjustment for socioeconomic adversity. IL-6 and eotaxin were negatively associated with EPDS/PSS scores, however there was no evidence for mediation. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-pregnancy obesity increases the risk of antenatal depressive symptoms and is also associated with systemic inflammation during pregnancy. While discrete inflammatory markers are associated with antenatal depressive symptoms and perceived stress, their role in mediating the effects of pre-pregnancy obesity on antenatal depression requires further investigation.

The distribution of dietary choline intake and serum choline levels in Australian women during pregnancy and associated early life factors.

BACKGROUND: Maternal dietary choline has a central role in foetal brain development and may be associated with later cognitive function. However, many countries are reporting lower than recommended intake of choline during pregnancy. METHODS: Dietary choline was estimated using food frequency questionnaires in pregnant women participating in population-derived birth cohort, the Barwon Infant Study (BIS). Dietary choline is reported as the sum of all choline-containing moieties. Serum total choline-containing compounds (choline-c), phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics in the third trimester. The main form of analysis was multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: The mean daily dietary choline during pregnancy was 372 (standard deviation (SD) 104) mg/day. A total of 236 women (23%) had adequate choline intake (440 mg/day) based on the Australian and New Zealand guidelines, and 27 women (2.6%) took supplemental choline ([Formula: see text] 50 mg/dose) daily during pregnancy. The mean serum choline-c in pregnant women was 3.27 (SD 0.44) mmol/l. Ingested choline and serum choline-c were not correlated (R2) = - 0.005, p = 0.880. Maternal age, maternal weight gain in pregnancy, and a pregnancy with more than one infant were associated with higher serum choline-c, whereas gestational diabetes and environmental tobacco smoke during preconception and pregnancy were associated with lower serum choline-c. Nutrients or dietary patterns were not associated with variation in serum choline-c. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, approximately one-quarter of women met daily choline recommendations during pregnancy. Future studies are needed to understand the potential impact of low dietary choline intake during pregnancy on infant cognition and metabolic intermediaries.

Self-Compassion and Compassionate Love Are Positively Associated with Sexual and Relational Well-Being Among Expectant and New Parent Couples.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be a challenging time for many couples' relationships. Outside of pregnancy and the postpartum period, being more attentive and sensitive to one's own suffering (i.e., high in self-compassion) and showing love that centers on another person's well-being (i.e., compassionate love) has been linked with greater sexual and relationship satisfaction and lower sexual distress. Both self-compassion and compassionate love may benefit couples during the perinatal period by facilitating more adaptive coping and greater responsiveness to one's own and one's partner's needs. The goal of this study was to examine associations between self-compassion and compassionate love and sexual and relationship satisfaction and sexual distress in two samples of (1) expectant (n = 102) and (2) new parent (n = 102) couples. During pregnancy, self-compassion and compassionate love were linked with higher relationship and sexual satisfaction and lower sexual distress. In the postpartum, higher self-compassion and compassionate love were associated with greater relationship satisfaction, but were less consistently linked with sexual satisfaction and sexual distress. Consistent with theory, self-compassion and compassionate love may allow expectant and new parent couples to adjust to the demands of new parenthood more easily, with benefits for their sexual and relationship wellbeing. Given our data and the established benefits of self-compassion and compassionate love for facilitating adjustment during stressful life events, educating couples about the importance of fostering self-compassion and compassionate love during pregnancy, and after the baby is born, may cultivate resilience which, in turn, may promote stronger relationships.

Effectiveness of nutrition and dietary interventions for people with serious mental illness: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review recent published trials of nutrition and dietary interventions for people with serious mental illness; to assess their effectiveness in improving metabolic syndrome risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials of interventions with a nutrition/diet-related component delivered to people with serious mental illness, published 1 January 2010 - 6 September 2021. Primary outcomes were weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Secondary outcomes were total serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose levels. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases. In addition, reference lists of relevant publications were examined for further additional studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-five studies encompassing 26 intervention arms were included in our analysis. Eight studies were at low or some risk of bias, seventeen were deemed to be at high risk. Eight of seventeen intervention arms found statistically significant intervention effects on weight, ten of 24 on BMI, and seven of seventeen on waist circumference. The pooled effects of nutrition interventions on metabolic syndrome risk factors were statistically non-significant. However, we identified small size effects on weight for interventions delivered by dietitians (five studies; 262 intervention, 258 control participants; standardised mean difference [SMD], -0.28; 95% CI, -0.51 to -0.04) and interventions consisting of individual sessions only (three studies; 141 intervention, 134 control participants; SMD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.54 to -0.06). CONCLUSIONS: We found only limited evidence for nutrition interventions improving metabolic syndrome risk factors in people with serious mental illness. However, they may be more effective when delivered on an individual basis or by dietitians. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021235979 (prospective).

The Empirical Status of the Preparation Hypothesis: Explicating Women's Genital Responses to Sexual Stimuli in the Laboratory.

Research conducted in our laboratory and in other laboratories has revealed that (1) women's genital responses to visual and auditory stimuli are strongly affected by the presence of sexual cues, but that (2) specific sexual cues (e.g., gender of actors, the presence of sexual violence) often have little impact on the magnitude of the responses-that is, similar genital responses are observed to very different sexual stimuli. In addition, (3) women's genital responses do not strongly correspond with self-reported sexual partner and activity preferences, or (4) with self-reported sexual arousal during the presentation of sexual stimuli. Taken together, these facts represent a puzzle, especially considering that men's genital responses are highly affected by specific sexual cues and strongly correspond to stated preferences and self-reported sexual arousal. One hypothesis to explain female low cue-specificity and low concordance (relative to men) is the preparation hypothesis: Women's indiscriminate genital responses serve a protective function. That is, they do not indicate or necessarily promote sexual interest and motivation, but rather prepare the vaginal lumen for possible sexual activity and therefore prevent injuries that may occur as a result of penetration. We review evidence for and against this hypothesis. We conclude that the evidence is favorable but not entirely convincing, and more work is required to reach a firm conclusion. We offer directions for future research.

Sex Drive as a Possible Mediator of the Gender Difference in the Prevalence of Paraphilic Interests in a Nonclinical Sample.

There is a general gender difference in paraphilic interests, such that men report more interest (and greater engagement) in a variety of paraphilic behaviors. Using a nonclinical sample, Dawson et al. (Sexual Abuse, 28(1):20-45, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1177/1079063214525645 ) found that the gender difference in paraphilic interests was eliminated when scores on measures of sex drive were used as mediators. However, their measures of sex drive were about more than just sex drive and included a measure of hypersexuality (i.e., distress, perceived lack of control, and problematic consequences of one's sexuality). This study had two aims: to replicate Dawson et al.'s mediation results (using the same measures and scoring methods), and to discern the effect of sex drive itself (by replacing their measure of hypersexuality with a measure of sex drive). A nonclinical sample of 517 men and 615 women completed an online questionnaire. As expected, men reported less repulsion than women for most paraphilic themes. The gender difference in paraphilic interests was reduced (but not eliminated) both when reproducing Dawson et al.'s analysis and when examining a mediation model focused on sex drive specifically. The same results were obtained when examining the paraphilic interest with the largest gender difference (i.e., voyeurism). A full mediation effect was obtained in an unplanned supplementary analysis using a factor score (derived from eight measures) putatively assessing sex drive. While the main findings are consistent with Dawson et al.'s conclusions that sex drive is a possible mediator, they also suggest that other factors need to be considered to help explain the gender difference in the prevalence of paraphilic interests.

A Longitudinal Investigation of Couples' Sexual Growth and Destiny Beliefs in the Transition to Parenthood.

Beliefs about sexuality tend to become more salient during sexual challenges and are associated with how individuals respond to these difficulties and, in turn, their sexual well-being. The transition to parenthood is marked by significant changes to couples' sexuality. As such, this period of vulnerability may be an important context in which these beliefs impact how couples manage sexual stressors and may have implications for their sexual well-being. In a longitudinal dyadic study, we examined whether couples' sexual growth beliefs (e.g., beliefs that sexual problems can be resolved through effort) and sexual destiny beliefs (e.g., beliefs that sexual problems reflect incompatibility with their partner) correspond with changes to various facets of couples' sexual well-being over time. First-time parent couples (N = 203) completed online surveys assessing these beliefs in pregnancy (32 weeks) and measures of sexual well-being (satisfaction, desire, and distress) in pregnancy (20 and 32 weeks) and across the postpartum period (3, 6, 9, 12 months). Dyadic latent growth curve models showed that expectant mothers who reported stronger sexual destiny beliefs in pregnancy reported higher sexual distress and lower sexual satisfaction at 3 months postpartum. When partners reported stronger sexual destiny beliefs in pregnancy, both they and new mothers reported greater sexual desire at 3 months postpartum. Unexpectedly, partners' higher sexual growth beliefs in pregnancy predicted mothers' lower sexual desire at 3 months postpartum. Sexual growth and destiny beliefs were not associated with change in couples' sexual well-being beyond 3 months postpartum. Findings shed light on the potential benefits and costs of sexual growth and destiny beliefs for couples' sexual well-being early in the postpartum period, but not over time.

Associations between dairy consumption and constipation in adults: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to assess the association between dairy consumption and constipation in the general adult population. DESIGN: Data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study were used to assess the association between dairy consumption and constipation in women (n=632) and men (n=609). Information on milk, yogurt and cheese, and constipation were self-reported. Total dairy was calculated by summing the intake of milk, yogurt and cheese and expressed as servings per day. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for irritable bowel syndrome, major depressive disorders, mobility, body mass index, age and fibre intake were used to examine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between the consumption of categories of total dairy, milk, yogurt, cheese, and constipation. RESULTS: In women, consumption of 1-2 servings/d of total dairy was associated with reduced odds for constipation (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.26-0.90; P=0.021) compared to consuming <1 serving/d of total dairy after adjusting for covariates. Also, consumption of 1-4 servings/d of milk was associated with marginally reduced odds for constipation (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.39-1.02; P=0.058) compared to women who consumed <1 serving/d of milk after adjusting for covariates. There were no significant associations detected between other types of dairy consumption and constipation in women, and none in men. CONCLUSION: In women, consumption of moderate amounts of dairy is associated with reduced odds for constipation whereas in men no associations were detected between dairy consumption and constipation. Further studies are warranted to confirm results.

Generation and Characterization of a Zebrafish IL-2Rγc SCID Model.

The IL-2 family of cytokines act via receptor complexes that share the interleukin-2 receptor gamma common (IL-2Rγc) chain to play key roles in lymphopoiesis. Inactivating IL-2Rγc mutations results in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in humans and other species. This study sought to generate an equivalent zebrafish SCID model. The zebrafish il2rga gene was targeted for genome editing using TALENs and presumed loss-of-function alleles analyzed with respect to immune cell development and impacts on intestinal microbiota and tumor immunity. Knockout of zebrafish Il-2rγc.a resulted in a SCID phenotype, including a significant reduction in T cells, with NK cells also impacted. This resulted in dysregulated intestinal microbiota and defective immunity to tumor xenotransplants. Collectively, this establishes a useful zebrafish SCID model.

A Longitudinal Examination of Common Dyadic Coping and Sexual Distress in New Parent Couples during the Transition to Parenthood.

New parents experience significant disruption to their sexual relationships such as lower desire and sexual frequency relative to prepregnancy. Little is known about the sexual distress new parents feel related to these changes, how sexual distress evolves over time, or how coping with stress relates to this distress. New parent couples who engage in more adaptive, joint coping with mutual stressors-common dyadic coping (CDC)-may be better able to manage distress related to their sexuality and thus, experience less sexual distress at 3-months postpartum and experience more marked improvement over time. In 99 first-time parent couples, we examined the link between CDC measured at 3-months postpartum and trajectories of sexual distress across 3-, 6-, and 12-months postpartum. Analyses used dyadic latent growth curve modeling informed by the actor-partner interdependence model. Mothers' sexual distress at 3-months postpartum was clinically elevated and higher than their partner's. Mothers' sexual distress declined significantly over time, whereas partners' sexual distress remained low and stable. An individual's higher perceptions of CDC was significantly associated with their own (but not their partner's) lower sexual distress at 3-months postpartum. No significant associations were found between CDC and change in sexual distress over time. How new parents jointly cope with stressors early in the postpartum period may lessen the distress they have about their sexuality at a time when most couples have just resumed sexual activity. Results identify CDC as a possible novel target for interventions aimed at helping couples manage sexual distress during the transition to parenthood.

Los padres recientes sufren una alteración significativa de sus relaciones sexuales, como menos deseo y frecuencia sexual, en comparación con el periodo anterior al embarazo. Se sabe muy poco acerca del distrés sexual que sienten los padres recientes en relación con estos cambios, cómo evoluciona el distrés sexual con el tiempo o cómo el afrontamiento del estrés se relaciona con este distrés. Las parejas de padres recientes que participan en un afrontamiento conjunto más adaptativo de los factores desencadenantes de estrés mutuos -afrontamiento diádico común - pueden ser más capaces de manejar el distrés relacionado con su sexualidad y, por lo tanto, sufrir menos distrés sexual tres meses después del parto, así como tener mejoras más marcadas con el tiempo. En 99 parejas de padres primerizos, analizamos la conexión entre el afrontamiento diádico común medido tres meses después del parto y las trayectorias de distrés sexual a lo largo de los 3, los 6 y los 12 meses después del parto. En los análisis se utilizó el modelo de curva de crecimiento latente diádico orientado por el modelo de interdependencia actor-pareja. El distrés sexual de las madres tres meses después del parto fue clínicamente elevado y mayor que el de sus parejas. El distrés sexual de las madres disminuyó considerablemente con el tiempo, mientras que el distrés sexual de sus parejas se mantuvo bajo y estable. Las percepciones más elevadas de una persona con respecto al afrontamiento diádico común estuvieron asociadas considerablemente con su propio distrés sexual más bajo (pero no con el de sus parejas) tres meses después del parto. No se hallaron asociaciones significativas entre el afrontamiento diádico común y el cambio en el distrés sexual con el tiempo. La manera en la que los padres recientes afrontan conjuntamente los factores desencadenantes de estrés a principios del periodo de posparto puede disminuir el distrés que tienen por su sexualidad en un momento cuando la mayoría de las parejas acaban de reanudar su actividad sexual. Los resultados reconocen el afrontamiento diádico común como posible objetivo nuevo para las intervenciones orientadas a ayudar a las parejas a manejar el distrés sexual durante la transición a la paternidad.

Associations Between Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Couples' Sexual Function and Sexual Distress Trajectories Across the Transition to Parenthood.

BACKGROUND: The transition to parenthood is associated with changes to new parents' mood and sexual health. Sexual dysfunction-problems with sexual function accompanied by sexual distress (i.e., worries and concerns about one's sex life)-is linked to poorer overall health, yet few studies have examined how sexual dysfunction unfolds for couples during this transition. Postpartum depression is a risk factor for sexual dysfunction; however, the association between depressive symptoms and how postpartum sexual dysfunction evolves has not been examined. PURPOSE: To establish trajectories of sexual function and sexual distress for mothers and partners and to examine if postpartum depressive symptoms were associated with these trajectories. METHODS: Data were collected from 203 first-time parent couples from midpregnancy until 12-months postpartum. Sexual function and sexual distress were assessed at six time points (two prenatal) and depressive symptoms were assessed at 3-months postpartum. RESULTS: Dyadic latent piece-wise growth curve models revealed significant declines in mothers' and partners' sexual function between pregnancy and 3-months postpartum and significant improvements from 3- to 12-months postpartum. Mothers' sexual distress increased between pregnancy and 3-months postpartum and decreased thereafter, whereas partner's sexual distress remained stable. Depressive symptoms were associated with poorer sexual function and higher sexual distress at 3-months postpartum for both partners but did not predict change over time. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers and their partners experience changes to their sexual function during the transition to parenthood; however, mothers are at greater risk of sexual dysfunction. Depressive symptoms are a risk factor for poorer sexual health at 3-months postpartum for both parents.

Targeting the perinatal diet to modulate the gut microbiota increases dietary variety and prebiotic and probiotic food intakes: results from a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hypothesis that a perinatal educational dietary intervention focused on 'eating for the gut microbiota' improves diet quality of pregnant women pre- and postnatally. DESIGN: The Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids study is a prospectively registered randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of a dietary intervention in altering the maternal and infant gut microbiota and improving perinatal diet quality. Eligible pregnant women were randomised to receive dietary advice from their healthcare provider or to additionally receive a three session dietary intervention. Dietary data were collected at gestation weeks 26, 31, 36 and postnatal week 4. Outcome measures were diet quality, dietary variety, prebiotic and probiotic food intakes, energy, fibre, saturated fat and discretionary food intakes. Between-group differential changes from baseline before and after birth in these dietary measures were assessed using generalised estimating equations. SETTING: Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy pregnant women from gestation week 26. RESULTS: Forty-five women were randomised (twenty-two control, twenty-three intervention). Compared with the control group, the intervention group improved diet quality prior to birth (5·66 (95 % CI 1·65, 9·67), Cohen's d: 0·82 (se 0·33)). The intervention improved dietary variety (1·05 (95 % CI 0·17, 1·94), d: 0·66 (se 0·32)) and increased intakes of prebiotic (0·8 (95 % CI 0·27, 1·33), d: 0·91 (se 0·33)) and probiotic foods (1·05 (95 % CI 0·57, 1·53), d: 1·3(se 0·35)) over the whole study period compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: A dietary intervention focused on 'eating for the gut microbiota' can improve aspects of perinatal diet quality during and after pregnancy.