Swell and Destroy: A Metal-Organic Framework-Containing Polymer Sponge That Immobilizes and Catalytically Degrades Nerve Agents.

Organophosphorus chemical warfare agents function as potent neurotoxins. Whilst the destruction of nerve agents is most readily achieved by hydrolysis, their storage and transport are hazardous and lethal in milligram doses, with any spillage resulting in fatalities. Furthermore, current decontamination and remediation measures are limited by a need for stoichiometric reagents, solvents, and buffered solutions, complicating the process for the treatment of bulk contaminants. Herein, we report a composite polymer material capable of rendering bulk VX unusable by immobilization within a porous polymer until a metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst fully hydrolyzes the neurotoxin. This is an all-in-one capability that minimizes the use of multiple reagents, facilitated by a porous high internal phase emulsion-based polystyrene monolith housing an active zirconia MOF catalyst (MOF-808); the porous polymer absorbs and immobilizes the liquid agents, while the MOF enables hydrolysis. The dichotomous hierarchy of porous materials facilitates the containment and rapid hydrolysis of VX (>80% degradation in 8 h) in the presence of excess H2O. This composite can further enable the hydrolysis of neat VX with reliance on ambient humidity (>95% in 11 days). Potentially, 4.5 kg of the composite can absorb, immobilize, and degrade the contents of a standard chemical drum/barrel (208 L, 55 gal) of the chemical warfare agent (CWA). We believe that this composite is the first example of what will be the go-to approach for CWA immobilization and degradation in the future. Furthermore, we believe that this demonstration of a catalytically reusable absorbent sponge provides a signpost for the development of similar materials where immobilization of a substrate in a catalytically active environment is desirable.

Assessment of false transmitters as treatments for nerve agent poisoning.

Nerve agents inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), leading to a build-up of acetylcholine (ACh) and overstimulation at cholinergic synapses. Current post-exposure nerve agent treatment includes atropine to treat overstimulation at muscarinic synapses, a benzodiazepine anti-convulsant, and an oxime to restore the function of AChE. Aside from the oxime, the components do not act directly to reduce the overstimulation at nicotinic synapses. The false transmitters acetylmonoethylcholine (AMECh) and acetyldiethylcholine (ADECh) are analogs of ACh, synthesised similarly at synapses. AMECh and ADECh are partial agonists, with reduced activity compared to ACh, so it was hypothesised the false transmitters could reduce overstimulation. Synthetic routes to AMECh and ADECh, and their precursors, monoethylcholine (MECh) and diethylcholine (DECh), were devised, allowing them to be produced easily on a laboratory-scale. The mechanism of action of the false transmitters was investigated in vitro. AMECh acted as a partial agonist at human muscarinic (M1 and M3) and muscle-type nicotinic receptors, and ADECh was a partial agonist only at certain muscarinic subtypes. Their precursors acted as antagonists at muscle-type nicotinic, but not muscarinic receptors. Administration of MECh and DECh improved neuromuscular function in the soman-exposed guinea-pig hemi-diaphragm preparation. False transmitters may therefore help reduce nerve agent induced overstimulation at cholinergic synapses.

Effectiveness of Interventions and Behaviour Change Techniques for Improving Dietary Intake in Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs.

Poor eating habits are common during young adulthood and influence chronic disease morbidity. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of interventions aiming to improve dietary intake among young adults and, identifies which behaviour change techniques (BCTs) are most effective. Six electronic databases were searched for RCTs published until October 2018, and evaluating behavioural interventions assessing change in dietary intake in young adults (17-35 years). Of the 18,779 articles identified, 54 were included. Forty studies focused on fruit and/or vegetable intake, of which 63% showed a significant between-group difference in favour of the intervention group. Meta-analysis (n = 17) demonstrated a significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake of +68.6 g/day after three months of intervention and +65.8 g/day for interventions >3 months when compared to control. A meta-analysis (n = 5) on total energy intake found no significant differences between groups. The BCTs with the highest effectiveness ratio were habit formation (100%), salience of consequences (83%) and adding objects to the environment (70%). The review highlights the potential of behavioural interventions to improve young adults' fruit and vegetable intake but was less convincing for other dietary outcomes. Due to the lack of studies including each BCT, the BCTs imperative to success could not be identified.

Some benefit from non-oximes MB408, MB442 and MB444 in combination with the oximes HI-6 or obidoxime and atropine in antidoting sarin or cyclosarin poisoned mice.

The effect of three newly developed bispyridinium non-oxime compounds (MB408, MB442, and MB444) on the therapeutic efficacy of a standard antidotal treatment (atropine in combination with the oxime HI-6 or obidoxime) of acute poisoning by two nerve agents (sarin and cyclosarin) in mice was studied. The therapeutic efficacy of atropine in combination with an oxime with or without one of the bispyridinium non-oximes was evaluated by determination of the 24 h LD50 values of the nerve agents studied and by measurement of the survival time after supralethal poisoning. Addition of all tested non-oximes increased the therapeutic efficacy of atropine in combination with an oxime against sarin poisoning; however, the differences were not significant. The non-oximes also positively influenced the number of surviving mice 6 h after supralethal poisoning with sarin. In the case of cyclosarin, they were also slightly beneficial in the treatment of acute poisoning. The higher dose of MB444 was able to significantly increase the therapeutic efficacy of standard antidotal treatment of poisoning with cyclosarin. The benefit of each bispyridinium non-oxime compound itself was obviously dose-dependent. In summary, the addition of MB compounds to the standard antidotal treatment of acute nerve agent poisoning was beneficial for the antidotal treatment of sarin or cyclosarin poisoning, although their benefit at 24 h after poisoning was not significant, with the exception of the higher dose of MB444 against cyclosarin.

Evaluation of the Influence of Three Newly Developed Bispyridinium Anti-nicotinic Compounds (MB408, MB442, MB444) on the Efficacy of Antidotal Treatment of Nerve Agent Poisoning in Mice.

The influence of three newly developed bispyridinium antinicotinic compounds (the non-oximes MB408, MB442 and MB444) on the therapeutic efficacy of a standard antidotal treatment (atropine in combination with an oxime) of acute poisoning by the organophosphorus nerve agents tabun and soman was studied in mice. The therapeutic efficacy of atropine in combination with an oxime with or without one of the bispyridinium non-oximes was evaluated by determination of the LD50 values of the nerve agents and measurement of the survival time after supralethal poisoning. Addition of all the tested non-oximes increased significantly the therapeutic efficacy of atropine in combination with an oxime against tabun poisoning. They also positively influenced the number of surviving mice 6 hr after supralethal poisoning with tabun. However, they were only slightly effective for the treatment of soman poisoning. The benefit of the tested bispyridinium non-oximes was dose-dependent. To conclude, the addition of bispyridinium non-oximes to the standard antidotal treatment of acute poisoning with tabun was beneficial regardless of the chosen non-oxime, but only slightly beneficial in the case of soman poisoning.

Diet Quality Scores of Australian Adults Who Have Completed the Healthy Eating Quiz.

Higher scores obtained using diet quality and variety indices are indicators of more optimal food and nutrient intakes and lower chronic disease risk. The aim of this paper is to describe the overall diet quality and variety in a sample of Australian adults who completed an online diet quality self-assessment tool, the Healthy Eating Quiz. The Healthy Eating Quiz takes approximately five minutes to complete online and computes user responses into a total diet quality score (out of a maximum of 73 points) and then categorizes them into the following groups: 'needs work' (<33), 'getting there' (33-38), 'excellent' (39-46), or 'outstanding' (47+). There was a total of 93,252 first-time respondents, of which 76% were female. Over 80% of respondents were between 16-44 years of age. The mean total score was 34.1 ± 9.7 points. Females had a higher total score than males (p < 0.001) and vegetarians had higher total scores than non-vegetarians (p < 0.001). Healthy eating quiz scores were higher in those aged 45-75 years compared to 16-44 years (p < 0.001). When comparing Socioeconomic Indices for Areas deciles, those most disadvantaged had a lower total score than those least disadvantaged (p < 0.001). Repeat measures showed that those who scored lowest (needs work) in their first completion increased their total score by 3.2 ± 7.4 at their second completion (p < 0.001). While the Healthy Eating Quiz data indicates that individuals receiving feedback on how to improve their score can improve their diet quality, there is a need for further nutrition promotion interventions in Australian adults.

eHealth technologies to support nutrition and physical activity behaviors in diabetes self-management.

Diabetes is a chronic, complex condition requiring sound knowledge and self-management skills to optimize glycemic control and health outcomes. Dietary intake and physical activity are key diabetes self-management (DSM) behaviors that require tailored education and support. Electronic health (eHealth) technologies have a demonstrated potential for assisting individuals with DSM behaviors. This review provides examples of technologies used to support nutrition and physical activity behaviors in the context of DSM. Technologies covered include those widely used for DSM, such as web-based programs and mobile phone and smartphone applications. In addition, examples of novel tools such as virtual and augmented reality, video games, computer vision for dietary carbohydrate monitoring, and wearable devices are provided. The challenges to, and facilitators for, the use of eHealth technologies in DSM are discussed. Strategies to support the implementation of eHealth technologies within practice and suggestions for future research to enhance nutrition and physical activity behaviors as a part of broader DSM are provided.

The Diet Quality of Competitive Adolescent Male Rugby Union Players with Energy Balance Estimated Using Different Physical Activity Coefficients.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the current study were to comprehensively assess the dietary intakes and diet quality of a sample of Australian competitive adolescent rugby union players and compare these intakes with National and Sports Dietitians Association (SDA) Recommendations for adolescent athletes. A secondary aim investigated applying different physical activity level (PAL) coefficients to determine total energy expenditure (TEE) in order to more effectively evaluate the adequacy of energy intakes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Anthropometrics and dietary intakes were assessed in 25 competitive adolescent male rugby union players (14 to 18 years old). Diet was assessed using the validated Australian Eating Survey (AES) food frequency questionnaire and diet quality was assessed through the Australian Recommended Food Score. RESULTS: The median dietary intakes of participants met national recommendations for percent energy (% E) from carbohydrate, protein and total fat, but not carbohydrate intake when evaluated as g/day as proposed in SDA guidelines. Median intakes of fibre and micronutrients including calcium and iron also met national recommendations. Overall diet quality was classified as 'good' with a median diet quality score of 34 (out of a possible 73); however, there was a lack of variety within key food groups including carbohydrates and proteins. Non-core food consumption exceeded recommended levels at 38% of the daily total energy intake, with substantial contributions from takeaway foods and sweetened beverages. A PAL coefficient of 1.2-1.4 was found to best balance the energy intakes of these players in their pre-season. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent rugby players met the percent energy recommendations for macronutrients and attained an overall 'good' diet quality score. However, it was identified that when compared to specific recommendations for athletes, carbohydrate intakes were below recommendations and these players in their pre-season reported high consumption of non-core foods, particularly sugar sweetened drinks and low intakes of vegetables.

Diet Quality and Cancer Outcomes in Adults: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies.

Dietary patterns influence cancer risk. However, systematic reviews have not evaluated relationships between a priori defined diet quality scores and adult cancer risk and mortality. The aims of this systematic review are to (1) describe diet quality scores used in cohort or cross-sectional research examining cancer outcomes; and (2) describe associations between diet quality scores and cancer risk and mortality. The protocol was registered in Prospero, and a systematic search using six electronic databases was conducted through to December 2014. Records were assessed for inclusion by two independent reviewers, and quality was evaluated using a validated tool. Sixty-four studies met inclusion criteria from which 55 different diet quality scores were identified. Of the 35 studies investigating diet quality and cancer risk, 60% (n = 21) found a positive relationship. Results suggest no relationship between diet quality scores and overall cancer risk. Inverse associations were found for diet quality scores and risk of postmenopausal breast, colorectal, head, and neck cancer. No consistent relationships between diet quality scores and cancer mortality were found. Diet quality appears to be related to site-specific adult cancer risk. The relationship with cancer mortality is less conclusive, suggesting additional factors impact overall cancer survival. Development of a cancer-specific diet quality score for application in prospective epidemiology and in public health is warranted.

Consuming High-Carotenoid Fruit and Vegetables Influences Skin Yellowness and Plasma Carotenoids in Young Women: A Single-Blind Randomized Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of dietary carotenoids from fruits and vegetables (F/V) leads to accumulations in human skin, altering skin yellowness. The influence of the quantity of F/V consumed on skin yellowness and plasma carotenoid concentrations has not been examined previously. OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of consuming high-carotenoid-containing F/V (HCFV) (176,425 µg beta carotene/wk) vs low-carotenoid F/V (LCFV) (2,073 µg beta carotene/wk) on skin yellowness and plasma carotenoid concentrations, over 4 weeks. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: A single-blind randomized controlled crossover trial from October 2013 to March 2014. Thirty women were randomized to receive 7 daily servings of HCFV or LCFV for 4 weeks. Following a 2-week washout period they followed the alternate intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Skin color (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* color space, where L* represents skin lightness and positive values of a* and b* represent degrees of redness and yellowness, respectively) was assessed by reflectance spectroscopy in both sun-exposed and nonexposed skin areas. Fasting plasma carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, before and after each intervention period. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Linear mixed models were used to determine the HCFV and LCFV response on skin color and plasma carotenoids, adjusting for intervention order, time, and interaction between baseline differences and time. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean daily fruit (P=0.42) and vegetable (P=0.17) intakes between HCFV and LCFV groups. Dietary alpha carotene, beta carotene, lutein, and beta cryptoxanthin intakes were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.01). Following HCFV there was a significantly greater increase in skin yellowness (b*) in both sun-exposed (P<0.001) and unexposed areas, (P<0.001), with no change in skin lightness (L*) or redness (a*). Significantly higher plasma alpha carotene (P=0.004), beta carotene (P=0.001), and lutein (P=0.028) concentrations were found following the HCFV intervention. Skin yellowness correlated with alpha carotene and beta carotene. CONCLUSIONS: Skin yellowness (b*) and fasting plasma carotenoid concentrations were significantly higher following HCFV than LCFV over 4 weeks.

Energy homeostasis and appetite regulating hormones as predictors of weight loss in men and women.

Sex differences in weight loss are often seen despite using the same weight loss program. There has been relatively little investigation of physiological influences on weight loss success in males and females, such as energy homeostasis and appetite regulating hormones. The aims were to 1) characterise baseline plasma leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin concentrations in overweight and obese males and females, and 2) determine whether baseline concentrations of these hormones predict weight loss in males and females. Subjects were overweight or obese (BMI 25-40 kg/m(2)) adults aged 18-60 years. Weight was measured at baseline, and after three and six months participation in a weight loss program. Baseline concentrations of leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An independent t-test or non-parametric equivalent was used to determine any differences between sex. Linear regression determined whether baseline hormone concentrations were predictors of six-month weight change. Females had significantly higher baseline concentrations of leptin, adiponectin and unacylated ghrelin as well as ratios of leptin:adiponectin and leptin:ghrelin. The ratio of acylated:unacylated ghrelin was significantly higher in males. In males and females, a higher baseline concentration of unacylated ghrelin predicted greater weight loss at six months. Additionally in females, higher baseline total ghrelin predicted greater weight loss and a higher ratio of leptin:ghrelin predicted weight gain at six months. A higher pre-weight-loss plasma concentration of unacylated ghrelin is a modest predictor of weight loss success in males and females, while a higher leptin:ghrelin ratio is a predictor of weight loss failure in females. Further investigation is required into what combinations and concentrations of these hormones are optimal for weight loss success.

Effectiveness of interventions targeting physical activity, nutrition and healthy weight for university and college students: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To examine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving physical activity, diet, and/or weight-related behaviors amongst university/college students. Five online databases were searched (January 1970 to April 2014). Experimental study designs were eligible for inclusion. Data extraction was performed by one reviewer using a standardized form developed by the researchers and checked by a second reviewer. Data were described in a narrative synthesis and meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate. Study quality was also established. Forty-one studies were included; of these, 34 reported significant improvements in one of the key outcomes. Of the studies examining physical activity 18/29 yielded significant results, with meta-analysis demonstrating significant increases in moderate physical activity in intervention groups compared to control. Of the studies examining nutrition, 12/24 reported significantly improved outcomes; only 4/12 assessing weight loss outcomes found significant weight reduction. This appears to be the first systematic review of physical activity, diet and weight loss interventions targeting university and college students. Tertiary institutions are appropriate settings for implementing and evaluating lifestyle interventions, however more research is needed to improve such strategies.

Daily spillover to and from binge eating in first-year university females.

Coping models of binge eating propose that stress and/or negative affect trigger binge eating, which serves to shift attention to the binge and its consequences. The current study tested these general assumptions using 14-day daily diary data collected from 66 first-year university females. Hierarchical Generalized Linear Modeling results showed that increased stress, negative affect, and weight concerns were associated with an increased likelihood of reporting symptoms of binge eating within days. Elevated weight concerns predicted next-day binge eating and binge eating predicted greater next-day negative affect. Discussion focuses on implications for coping models of binge eating.

A cytosine methyltransferase homologue is essential for repeat-induced point mutation in Neurospora crassa.

During sexual development, Neurospora crassa inactivates genes in duplicated DNA segments by a hypermutation process, repeat-induced point mutation (RIP). RIP introduces C:G to T:A transition mutations and creates targets for subsequent DNA methylation in vegetative tissue. The mechanism of RIP and its relationship to DNA methylation are not fully understood. Mutations in DIM-2, a DNA methyltransferase (DMT) responsible for all known cytosine methylation in Neurospora, does not prevent RIP. We used RIP to disrupt a second putative DMT gene in the Neurospora genome and tested mutants for defects in DNA methylation and RIP. No effect on DNA methylation was detected in the tissues that could be assayed, but the mutants showed recessive defects in RIP. Duplications of the am and mtr genes were completely stable in crosses homozygous for the mutated potential DMT gene, which we call rid (RIP defective). The same duplications were inactivated normally in heterozygous crosses. Disruption of the rid gene did not noticeably affect fertility, growth, or development. In contrast, crosses homozygous for a mutation in a related gene in Ascobolus immersus, masc1, reportedly fail to develop and heterozygous crosses reduce methylation induced premeiotically [Malagnac, F., Wendel, B., Goyon, C., Faugeron, G., Zickler, D., et al. (1997) Cell 91, 281-290]. We isolated homologues of rid from Neurospora tetrasperma and Neurospora intermedia to identify conserved regions. Homologues possess all motifs characteristic of eukaryotic DMTs and have large distinctive C- and N-terminal domains.