Generation of Complex Protein Structures by Coinfection with High-Quality Recombinant Baculovirus.

The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is a powerful platform for protein expression in insect cells. A prevalent application is the expression of complex protein structures consisting of multiple, interacting proteins. Coinfection with multiple baculoviruses allows for production of complex structures, facilitating structure-function studies, allowing augmentation of insect cell functionality, and production of clinically relevant products such as virus-like particles (VLPs) and adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV). Successful coinfections require the generation of robust and well-quantified recombinant baculovirus stocks. Virus production through homologous recombination, combined with rigorous quantification of viral titers, allows for synchronous coinfections producing high end-product titers. In this chapter, we describe the streamlined workflow for generation and quantification of high-quality recombinant baculovirus stocks and successful coinfection as defined by a preponderance of dually infected cells in the insect cell culture.

Functional outcomes of diets in multiple sclerosis (FOOD for MS): Protocol for a parallel arm randomized feeding trial for low glycemic load and calorie restriction.

BACKGROUND: Pilot trials indicate that both a low glycemic load (GL) diet and calorie restriction (CR) can be implemented successfully in people with multiple sclerosis (pMS) and may improve MS symptoms and physical function, but large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have not yet been conducted. The purpose of this study is to test these interventions alone and in combination to determine their efficacy for improving clinical and patient reported outcomes (PROs) in pMS. METHODS: This 32-week, two-arm, RCT at two centers will randomly assign 100 adults with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS to a low GL diet (n = 50) or a standard GL diet (n = 50). Both diet groups will complete two study phases: a eucaloric phase (16 weeks) and a CR phase (16 weeks). Groceries for the study meal plans will be delivered to participants' homes weekly. The primary outcome is physical function, measured by timed 25-ft walk test. Secondary outcomes are pain, fatigue, mood, and anxiety. DISCUSSION: This will be the most rigorous intervention trial to date of a low GL diet and CR in adults with MS, and among the first to assess the impact of intentional weight loss on MS symptoms. Results will provide valuable insight for recommending dietary change, weight loss, or both to adults with MS. These non-drug interventions pose few risks and have potential to yield significant improvements in MS symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION ID: NCT05327322.

Validity of the brief executive-function assessment tool in an outpatient substance use disorder setting.

The Brief Executive-function Assessment Tool (BEAT) was developed and validated for use in residential substance use disorder treatment settings, where participants are mostly abstinent. It is therefore unclear whether the BEAT is valid for use in outpatient settings, where participants may be actively using substances. The effects of acute intoxication and withdrawal have the potential to alter the results of the BEAT. The current study sought to establish construct and criterion validity of the BEAT in an outpatient substance use disorder sample and to detect its sensitivity to substance use over the previous 24 hours and also over the past month. A total of 74 clients of a New South Wales-based outpatient substance use disorder service participated in the current study. Construct validity was demonstrated by significant correlations between the BEAT and three performance-based tests of executive functioning. Criterion validity was established in that the BEAT discriminated between those deemed impaired or not on a criterion composite measure of executive functioning. Test operating characteristics (88% sensitivity, 69% specificity, 44% PPV, and 95% NPV) were also established relative to this composite measure as a reference standard. The BEAT was insensitive to use/abstinence over the previous 24 hours and the past month.

Loss, resilience and recovery of kelp forests in a region of rapid ocean warming.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Changes in kelp abundances on regional scales have been highly variable over the past half-century owing to strong effects of local and regional drivers. Here, we assess patterns and dominant environmental variables causing spatial and interspecific variability in kelp persistence and resilience to change in Nova Scotia over the past 40 years. METHODS: We conducted a survey of macrophyte abundance at 251 sites spanning the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia from 2019 to 2022. We use this dataset to describe spatial variability in kelp species abundances, compare species occurrences to surveys conducted in 1982 and assess changes in kelp abundance over the past 22 years. We then relate spatial and temporal patterns in abundance and resilience to environmental metrics. KEY RESULTS: Our results show losses of sea urchins and the cold-tolerant kelp species Alaria esculenta, Saccorhiza dermatodea and Agarum clathratum in Nova Scotia since 1982 in favour of the more warm-tolerant kelps Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata. Kelp abundances have increased slightly since 2000, and Saccharina latissima and L. digitata are widely abundant in the region today. The highest kelp cover occurs on wave-exposed shores and at sites where temperatures have remained below thresholds for growth (21 °C) and mortality (23 °C). Moreover, kelp has recovered from turf dominance following losses at some sites during a warm period from 2010 to 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that dramatic changes in kelp community composition and a loss of sea urchin herbivory as a dominant driver of change in the system have occurred in Nova Scotia over the past 40 years. However, a broad-scale shift to turf-dominance has not occurred, as predicted, and our results suggest that resilience and persistence are still a feature of kelp forests in the region despite rapid warming over the past several decades.

Inhibition of Retinoic Acid Signaling in Proximal Tubular Epithelial cells Protects against Acute Kidney Injury by Enhancing Kim-1-dependent Efferocytosis.

Retinoic acid receptor (RAR) signaling is essential for mammalian kidney development, but in the adult kidney is restricted to occasional collecting duct epithelial cells. We now show there is widespread reactivation of RAR signaling in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) in human sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI), and in mouse models of AKI. Genetic inhibition of RAR signaling in PTECs protects against experimental AKI but is associated with increased expression of the PTEC injury marker, Kim-1. However, Kim-1 is also expressed by de-differentiated, proliferating PTECs, and protects against injury by increasing apoptotic cell clearance, or efferocytosis. We show that the protective effect of inhibiting PTEC RAR signaling is mediated by increased Kim-1 dependent efferocytosis, and that this is associated with de-differentiation, proliferation, and metabolic reprogramming of PTECs. These data demonstrate a novel functional role that reactivation of RAR signaling plays in regulating PTEC differentiation and function in human and experimental AKI.

"You've Got Mail": a Daily Investigation of Email Demands on Job Tension and Work-Family Conflict.

Email represents a useful organizational tool that can facilitate rapid and flexible communication between organizations, managers, and employees regardless of their physical location (e.g., office, home, on vacation). However, despite the potential benefits of email, its usage is a double-edged sword that also has the potential to negatively affect its users. To advance knowledge and inform both researchers and practitioners of such negative outcomes, we integrate the job demands-resources model with spillover theory to investigate email as a potential job demand and explore how it may relate to employees' job tension and work-family conflict. Using an interval-contingent experience sampling methodology with respondents from two separate organizations (n = 134) providing 704 observations across 6 days of surveys, we hypothesize that, as a job demand, email can have negative consequences on the job that can spill over into the home. Furthermore, we also examine an individual trait (i.e., trait self-regulation) as a potential boundary condition that moderates the extent to which experienced tension from email demands spills over into home life. Finally, theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.

Differences in Cardiometabolic Comorbidities Between Black and White Persons Living With Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension in Black patients compared with White patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: Cross-sectional database review. SETTING: Large academic medical center research records database. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3191 patient cases (N=3191; 77% female, 34% Black) identified by MS diagnosis within the medical record. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Diagnosis codes for type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Body mass index (BMI), race, age, and sex were collected. Analysis of variance (continuous variables) and chi-square analyses (categorical variables) were conducted to determine differences in obesity, diabetes, and hypertension between race and sex. Logistic regression was conducted to determine odds ratios (ORs) of developing diabetes and hypertension based on race, sex, BMI, and age. RESULTS: Black patients were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed as having diabetes (OR, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.70-2.72]; P<.0001) or hypertension (OR, 2.44 [95% CI, 2.05-2.91], P<.0001) compared with White patients. Sex did not present a greater likelihood of being diagnosed as having diabetes; however, men were 1.22 times more likely be diagnosed as having hypertension compared with women (95% CI, 1.01-1.49; P=.0439). Increased age and BMI were also significantly associated with likelihood of diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension (age: diabetes OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.04-1.06], P<.0001; hypertension OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.05-1.06], P<.0001; BMI: diabetes obese vs normal: OR, 2.11 [95% CI, 1.43-3.11], P=.0002; hypertension: obese vs normal: OR, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.39-2.13], P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Black patients with MS are significantly more likely to have cardiometabolic conditions than White patients. These conditions have been associated with poorer health outcomes for people with MS and may have some effect on the differences in MS disease course reported in Black patients.

Feasibility and acceptability of time-restricted eating in a group of adults with multiple sclerosis.

Introduction: Intermittent fasting (IF) has become a popular dietary pattern for adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), and initial studies in animal models and human trials indicate promising results for improving symptoms and slowing disease progression. Most studies published to date have focused on alternate day fasting or fasting mimicking diets including a 5:2 pattern, in which participants greatly restrict calorie intake on two non-consecutive days and eat regularly on other days; however, time restricted eating (TRE) may be equally effective for improving symptoms and may lead to better long term adherence due to its focus only on the time of day in which calories are consumed with no restriction on number of calories or types of food consumed. Methods: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a TRE intervention in adults with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS). Participants (n = 12) were instructed to eat all food within an 8-h window every day and fast the remaining 16 h for 8 weeks. Results: The eating pattern was determined to be feasible based on retention rates (n = 11; 92%) and acceptable based on participant feedback. Discussion: Exploratory results of changes in cognition, pain, and fatigue, indicate that further study of TRE in this population is warranted. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04389970; NCT04389970.

Feasibility of improving dietary quality using a telehealth lifestyle intervention for adults with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence from observational studies increasingly highlights the association between unhealthy diet and poor health outcomes in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), but very few intervention trials for dietary change have been completed. Improving diet quality via a low glycemic load (GL) diet has demonstrated improvements in cardiometabolic risks, cognitive risks, and psychosocial variables in diseases other than MS. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of delivering a low GL dietary intervention implemented via telehealth in a sample of adults with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS). The secondary purpose was to explore the potential impact of the diet on MS outcomes and cardiometabolic risks. METHODS: Participants followed a low GL diet consisting of 100g of carbohydrate and GL of ≤45 points/1000 kcal daily for 12 weeks. Each participant received weekly calls from a telecoach, education and behavioral supports via weekly emails, and recorded all food intake on a mobile app. Feasibility was measured as time to recruit, retention and study completion, and intervention adherence. An a priori cut point of 80% completion was used to determine feasibility. Exploratory outcomes included the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) and patient-reported outcomes of anxiety, pain, mood, and fatigue. Cardiometabolic risks included body composition, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and blood pressure. RESULTS: Twenty adults with RRMS (85% female, 50% African American) enrolled in the study and n=18 (90%) completed the intervention and follow-up measures. Participants completed 90% of scheduled calls and recorded at least one meal on 82% of intervention days (mean (SD) = 68 (25.5) days). Participants exceeded recommended daily GL reductions (recommended daily GL: 96.66 (12.97) points, reported follow-up daily GL: 90.32 (39.36) points). Timed 25-foot walk test and symbol digit modalities test both changed in the desired direction. Sleep, mood, anxiety, emotional health, and pain all moved in the expected directions, and anxiety (r=.24), pain (r=-.43), and emotional health (r=-.36) were moderately correlated with reductions in GL. Participants lost a mean of 2.93 (6.31, p=.003) kg, and had reductions in both fat and lean mass (fat mass: 1.94 (2.5) kg; lean mass: .72 (1.29) kg). CONCLUSION: A low GL dietary intervention is feasible for adults with RRMS and may lead to improvements in MS outcomes and cardiometabolic risk. Additional research is needed with more tightly controlled feeding trials and larger sample sizes to further understand the impact of this dietary pattern on RRMS.

Household dampness and microbial exposure related to allergy and respiratory health in Danish adults.

Background: Indoor dampness has consistently been associated with respiratory symptoms and exacerbations. The causal mechanisms may involve increased microbial exposures. However, the evidence regarding the influence of indoor microbial exposures under damp- and non-damp conditions on the risk of asthma and allergy has been inconclusive. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dampness and microbial exposure with allergy and respiratory health in Danish adults using a cross-sectional design. Methods: From 1,866 participants of the Health2006 cohort, we selected three non-overlapping groups: 196 at random, 107 with confirmed atopy, and 99 without atopy. Bedroom dust was sampled using electrostatic dust fall collectors and analysed for endotoxin, ß-(1,3)-D-glucan, 19 microbial species or groups, and total fungal load. Household moisture-related problems and asthma were self-reported by questionnaire. Atopy was determined by skin-prick-testing and lung function was measured by spirometry. Results: Household moisture damage was positively associated with asthma outcomes, although this was statistically significant only in atopics for self-reported asthma (odds ratio (OR) 3.52; 95%CI 1.01-12.7). Mould odor was positively associated with wheezing (OR 6.05; 95%CI 1.19-30.7) in atopics. Inconsistent associations were found for individual microbial exposures and health outcomes. Inverse associations were observed between microbial diversity and rhinitis in the random sample and both doctor-diagnosed and self-reported asthma in non-atopics. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggest that household moisture damage may increase the risk of asthma and wheeze with mould odor in atopics. In addition, asthma and allergy may be affected by the indoor microbial composition in urban domestic environments. Further studies are needed to identify and understand the causal agents and underlying mechanisms behind the potential effects of environmental microbial exposure on human health.

Using general practice clinical information system data for research: the case in Australia.

General practice is often a patient's first point of contact with the health system and the gateway to specialist services. In Australia, different aspects of the health system are managed by the Commonwealth Government and individual state / territory governments. Although there is a long history of research using administrative data in Australia, this split in the management and funding of services has hindered whole-system research. Additionally, the administrative data typically available for research are often collected for reimbursement purposes and lack clinical information. General practices collect a range of patient information including diagnoses, medications prescribed, results of pathology tests ordered and so on. Practices are increasingly using clinical information systems and data extraction tools to make use of this information. This paper describes approaches used on several research projects to access clinical, as opposed to administrative, general practice data which to date has seen little use as a resource for research. This information was accessed in three ways. The first was by working directly with practices to access clinical and management data to support research. The second involved accessing general practice data through collaboration with Primary Health Networks, recently established in Australia to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of health services for patients. The third was via NPS MedicineWise's MedicineInsight program, which collects data from consenting practices across Australia and makes these data available to researchers. We describe each approach including data access requirements and the advantages and challenges of each method. All approaches provide the opportunity to better understand data previously unavailable for research in Australia. The challenge of linking general practice data to other sources, currently being explored for general practice data, is discussed. Finally, we describe some general practice data collections used for research internationally and how these compare to collections available in Australia.

Classification of obesity, cardiometabolic risk, and metabolic syndrome in adults with spinal cord injury.

Objective: To describe and compare (1) classification of obesity using clinical proxies of body composition that are easily accessible in the outpatient clinic setting, (2) cardiometabolic risk using existing screening tools and staging systems, and (3) the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) using four commonly-used definitions in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Retrospective chart review Setting: Outpatient Veterans Affairs (VA) SCI Annual Evaluation Clinic Participants: Patients who attended an annual evaluation appointment with demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data documented in their medical records as part of routine medical care. Outcome measures: Obesity classification (body mass index, waist circumference, ideal body weight percentage), cardiometabolic risk scores (Framingham Risk Score, Cardiometabolic Disease Staging System, Edmonton Obesity Staging System), and MetS classification (using four commonly-used definitions) were described and compared. Results: Of the 155 veterans included in this analysis, 93% were considered "at risk" by at least one of the measurements studied. However, there was considerable variation between the different screening tools. The κ-agreement between various definitions of MetS ranged from fair to moderate. Conclusion: Screening tools that were developed for the non-SCI population produced variable assessments of risk when applied to veterans with SCI. Due to the fair to moderate inter-rater agreement between MetS definitions, it is unknown which definition is superior to identify MetS in the SCI population. An SCI-specific screening tool is needed to accurately classify obesity, cardiometabolic risk, and MetS in order to provide timely education and intervention.

Lessons learned from a blended telephone/e-health platform for caregivers in promoting physical activity and nutrition in children with a mobility disability.

BACKGROUND: Children with physical disabilities report higher rates of sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary patterns than non-disabled peers. These behaviors can increase comorbidities, caregiver burden, and healthcare costs. Innovative interventions are needed to assist caregivers of children with physical disabilities improve health behaviors. OBJECTIVE: /Hypothesis: The purpose of this pilot study was to test the usability and preliminary efficacy of an e-health and telecoaching intervention compared to telecoaching alone. METHODS: Parent/child dyads (n = 65) were randomized into either the e-health and telephone group (e-HT) or the telephone only group (TO). All participants received regular calls from a telecoach, and the e-HT group received access to a website with personalized weekly goals for diet and physical activity, and access to resources to meet these goals. At the conclusion of the intervention, participants in the e-HT group were asked to complete a semi-structured interview to discuss the usability of the e-health platform. RESULTS: Fifty of the 65 randomized dyads (77%) completed all baseline measures and had at least one intervention call. Forty families (80% of those that started the intervention) completed the study (50% spina bifida, 24% mobility limitation, diagnosis not reported). Age of the children ranged from 6 to 17 years old. Both groups had high adherence to scheduled phone calls (e-HT (n = 17): 81%, TO (n = 23): 86%); however no significant differences in dietary intake or physical activity were seen within or between groups. Primary themes to emerge from qualitative interviewers were: the platform should target children rather than parents, parents valued the calls more than the website, and schools need to be involved in interventions. CONCLUSIONS: E-health interventions are a promising way to promote healthy behaviors in children with physical disability, but technology must be balanced with ease of use for parents while also engaging the child.

Large-for-gestational age diagnosed during second-trimester anatomy ultrasound and association with gestational diabetes and large-for-gestational age at birth.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if large-for-gestational age (LGA) diagnosed during second-trimester ultrasound examination is associated with the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and LGA at birth. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all pregnant women who underwent a second-trimester anatomy ultrasound examination between 18 and 22 weeks at our institution from 2012 to 2017. Patients were included in the LGA group if estimated fetal weight and/or fetal abdominal circumference was ≥ 90th percentile for gestational age. Patients with a history of pre-GDM, multiple gestation, preterm delivery, use of betamethasone or fetal anomaly were excluded. The control group consisted of appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) pregnancies that were scanned at 18-22 weeks during the study period. AGA was defined as EFW > 10th percentile and ≤ 89th percentile. Prenatal and delivery records were reviewed and demographic and outcome variables were collected. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess the impact of LGA diagnosed in the second trimester on the development of GDM and LGA at birth (birth weight ≥ 90th percentile). RESULTS: The study population included 756 patients with a LGA fetus and 756 with an AGA fetus on second-trimester ultrasound examination. In patients with a LGA fetus diagnosed during the second-trimester ultrasound examination, the incidence of GDM was 6.0% and the incidence of LGA at birth was 14.9%. Among patients with a LGA fetus in the second trimester, those who developed GDM or LGA at birth were significantly older and were more likely to be obese. Moreover, parity was associated with neonatal LGA (P = 0.0003) but not with GDM (P = 0.82). On multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, parity, change in gestational body mass index, obesity, ethnicity and neonatal sex, LGA diagnosed during the second trimester was associated significantly with GDM (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.54; 95% CI, 1.29-5.03; P = 0.007) and LGA at birth (aOR, 6.85; 95% CI, 3.60-13.05; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: LGA diagnosed during second-trimester ultrasound examination is associated with the development of GDM and LGA at birth, independent of known risk factors, and could be used to identify these women earlier for intervention. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

eHealth-Based Behavioral Intervention for Increasing Physical Activity in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Fidelity Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The rate of physical activity is substantially lower in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population. This problem can be reversed through rigorous and reproducible delivery of behavioral interventions that target lifestyle physical activity in MS. These interventions are, in part, based on a series of phase II randomized controlled trials (RCTs) supporting the efficacy of an internet-delivered behavioral intervention, which is based on social cognitive theory (SCT) for increasing physical activity in MS. OBJECTIVE: This paper outlines the strategies and monitoring plan developed based on the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium (NIH BCC) treatment fidelity workgroup that will be implemented in a phase III RCT. METHODS: The Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis (BIPAMS) study is a phase III RCT that examines the effectiveness of an internet-delivered behavioral intervention based on SCT and is supported by video calls with a behavioral coach for increasing physical activity in MS. BIPAMS includes a 6-month treatment condition and 6-month follow-up. The BIPAMS fidelity protocol includes the five areas outlined by the NIH BCC. The study design draws on the SCT behavior-change strategy, ensures a consistent dose within groups, and plans for implementation setbacks. Provider training in theory and content will be consistent between groups with monitoring plans in place such as expert auditing of calls to ensure potential drift is addressed. Delivery of treatment will be monitored through the study website and training will focus on avoiding cross-contamination between conditions. Receipt of treatment will be monitored via coaching call notes and website monitoring. Lastly, enactment of treatment for behavioral and cognitive skills will be monitored through coaching call notes among other strategies. The specific strategies and monitoring plans will be consistent between conditions within the constraints of utilizing existing evidence-based interventions. RESULTS: Enrollment began in February 2018 and will end in September 2019. The study results will be reported in late 2020. CONCLUSIONS: Fidelity-reporting guidelines provided by the NIH BCC were published in 2004, but protocols are scarce. This is the first fidelity-monitoring plan involving an electronic health behavioral intervention for increasing physical activity in MS. This paper provides a model for other researchers utilizing the NIH BCC recommendations to optimize the rigor and reproducibility of behavioral interventions in MS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03490240; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03490240. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/12319.

Twenty-five-Year Follow-up of Short-term Cancer Research Trainees at the University of Alabama at Birmingham: a Brief Report.

Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the impact of short-term cancer research programs on the career trajectories of medical and graduate students. Participation in these programs may be crucial in fostering the next generation of cancer research scientists. This report presents the career outcomes and research productivity of 77 medical and public health students with 25 years of tracking data following their participation in a summer cancer research training program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 1990-1998. Of 64 summer trainees with contact information, complete survey responses were received from 55 (86.0%) individuals. Over half reported clinical care of cancer patients and 18.2% stated that they were engaged in cancer research. Literature searches confirmed that 23.4% (18/77) of trainees have published cancer research papers. Future studies should explore the optimal timing of short-term post-baccalaureate academic cancer training experiences to identify participant characteristics and institutional factors that influence career choices and determine research productivity.

Comparison of segmental body composition estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Segmental body composition may be an important indicator of health and nutritional status in conditions where variations in fat and lean mass are frequently isolated to a particular body segment (e.g. paralysis, sarcopenia). Until recently, segment-specific body composition could only be assessed using invasive and expensive methods such as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) may be a rapid, inexpensive alternative for assessing segmental composition, but it has not been fully validated for this purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare segmental estimates of lean and fat mass using BIA versus a criterion standard of DXA. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in n = 30 healthy adults. Outcome measures included total mass, fat mass and lean mass of arm, leg and trunk. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and paired-samples t-tests (t) were used to assess relationships between each outcome as measured by BIA and DXA. RESULTS: Although the methods were strongly correlated for all measures, (r > .87 for all segments) BIA routinely overestimated lean mass for arm and trunk (mean difference arm: 0.97 kg, p = .008; trunk: 5.58 kg, p < .0001); and underestimated fat mass for arm and leg (mean difference arm: 0.42 kg, p < .0001; leg: 1.94 kg p < .0001). BIA overestimated total body lean mass in 93% of participants and underestimated total body fat mass in 90% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Significant discrepancies were noted between DXA and BIA in all body segments. Further research is needed to refine BIA methods for segmental composition estimates in heterogeneous samples and disease-specific populations before this methods can be used reliably in a clinical setting.