JNK signaling prevents biliary cyst formation through a CASPASE-8-dependent function of RIPK1 during aging.

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway mediates adaptation to stress signals and has been associated with cell death, cell proliferation, and malignant transformation in the liver. However, up to now, its function was experimentally studied mainly in young mice. By generating mice with combined conditional ablation of Jnk1 and Jnk2 in liver parenchymal cells (LPCs) (JNK1/2LPC-KO mice; KO, knockout), we unraveled a function of the JNK pathway in the regulation of liver homeostasis during aging. Aging JNK1/2LPC-KO mice spontaneously developed large biliary cysts that originated from the biliary cell compartment. Mechanistically, we could show that cyst formation in livers of JNK1/2LPC-KO mice was dependent on receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a known regulator of cell survival, apoptosis, and necroptosis. In line with this, we showed that RIPK1 was overexpressed in the human cyst epithelium of a subset of patients with polycystic liver disease. Collectively, these data reveal a functional interaction between JNK signaling and RIPK1 in age-related progressive cyst development. Thus, they provide a functional linkage between stress adaptation and programmed cell death (PCD) in the maintenance of liver homeostasis during aging.

Screening for depression: Psychometric properties of the German version of the Glasgow depression scale for people with a learning disability (individual and carer version).

BACKGROUND: Adults with intellectual disabilities should participate in the diagnostics of their mental health. The Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability (GDS-LD) and its Carer Supplement (GDS-CS) were translated into German and tested. METHODS: Internal consistency, criterion validity and inter-test reliability were tested in 64 adults with borderline, mild or moderate intellectual disabilities and their carers. Convergent validity was analysed in 57 adults without intellectual disabilities. RESULTS: Internal consistency was good (α = 0.81) for GDS-LD and acceptable (α = 0.72) for GDS-CS. The GDS-LD did not differentiate between groups with and without depression. The GDS-CS significantly differentiated between these groups. Convergent validity of the GDS-LD was high. The correlation of GDS-LD and GDS-CS was non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: In its present form the German version of the GDS-LD does not meet the psychometric properties to be used in clinical practice. This leads to the broader question, how to measure depression in people with learning disabilities with the knowledge of the fallibility of existing measures when utilised with this clinical cohort. Also, future studies need to investigate the role of self-rating.

Normative Data for the CERAD-NP for Healthy High-Agers (80-84 years) and Effects of Age-Typical Visual Impairment and Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to establish reference data for nondemented adults between 80 and 84 years of age based on the German version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease Neuropsychological (CERAD-NP) test battery and to assess the possible influence of hearing and vision impairments on CERAD-NP performance. METHODS: Two hundred one volunteers were examined with the German CERAD-NP test battery, and 18 test scores were calculated from the data. The sample included 99 men (49%), the mean age was 81.8 years (SD = 1.3), and the mean years of education were 13.9 (SD = 3.1). Percentiles for continuous and percentile ranks for discrete test scores were calculated separately for four norm groups. The groups were classified according to gender and education. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict cognitive performance from visual acuity and hearing ability. RESULTS: The normative data obtained were consistent with other findings from younger and older age groups. Worse visual acuity predicted slower performance in the Trail Making Test (TMT). None of the other CERAD-NP tests were correlated to sensory functions. CONCLUSIONS: Using age-appropriate reference data, such as that established here for the 80-84 year age group can help to improve the detection of cognitive decline and prevent biases that arise when old-old adults are compared to younger old adults. Visual acuity should be considered an influencing factor on TMT performance.

Sensor-based systems for early detection of dementia (SENDA): a study protocol for a prospective cohort sequential study.

BACKGROUND: Dementia and cognitive decline are serious social and economic burdens. An increase in the population of older people, as well as longer lifespans mean that numbers of dementia cases are exponentially rising. Neuropathological changes associated with dementia are thought to appear before the clinical manifestation of cognitive symptoms, i.e., memory impairments. Further, some older adults (OA) experience cognitive decline before it can be objectively diagnosed. For optimal care of these patients, it is necessary to detect cognitive decline and dementia at an early stage. In this vein, motor, sensory, and neurophysiological declines could be promising factors if found to be present before the onset of cognitive impairment. Hence, the objective of the SENDA study is to develop a multi-dimensional sensor-based instrument that allows early detection of cognitive decline or dementia in OA with the help of cognitive, sensory, motor, and neurophysiological parameters before its clinical manifestation. METHODS/DESIGN: In the cohort sequential study, participants are assigned to one of three study groups depending on their cognitive status: 1. cognitively healthy individuals (CHI), 2. subjectively cognitively impaired persons (SCI), or 3. (possible) mildly cognitively impaired persons (pMCI, MCI). All groups take part in the same cognitive (e.g., executive function tests), motor (e.g., gait analyses, balance tests), sensory (e.g., vibration perception threshold test, proprioception tests), and neurophysiological (e.g., electroencephalograms) measurements. Depending on the time at which participants are included into the study, all measurements are repeated up to four times in intervals of 8 months within 3 years to identify associations with cognitive changes over time. DISCUSSION: This study aims to detect possible motor, sensory, neurophysiological, and cognitive predictors to develop an early screening tool for dementia and its pre-stages in OA. Thus, affected persons could receive optimal health care at an earlier time point to maintain their health resources. TRIAL STATUS: The study is ongoing. The recruitment of participants will be continued until May 2020.

The radical SAM protein HemW is a heme chaperone.

Radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes exist in organisms from all kingdoms of life, and all of these proteins generate an adenosyl radical via the homolytic cleavage of the S-C(5') bond of SAM. Of particular interest are radical SAM enzymes, such as heme chaperones, that insert heme into respiratory enzymes. For example, heme chaperones insert heme into target proteins but have been studied only for the formation of cytochrome c-type hemoproteins. Here, we report that a radical SAM protein, the heme chaperone HemW from bacteria, is required for the insertion of heme b into respiratory chain enzymes. As other radical SAM proteins, HemW contains three cysteines and one SAM coordinating an [4Fe-4S] cluster, and we observed one heme per subunit of HemW. We found that an intact iron-sulfur cluster was required for HemW dimerization and HemW-catalyzed heme transfer but not for stable heme binding. A bacterial two-hybrid system screen identified bacterioferritins and the heme-containing subunit NarI of the respiratory nitrate reductase NarGHI as proteins that interact with HemW. We also noted that the bacterioferritins potentially serve as heme donors for HemW. Of note, heme that was covalently bound to HemW was actively transferred to a heme-depleted, catalytically inactive nitrate reductase, restoring its nitrate-reducing enzyme activity. Finally, the human HemW orthologue radical SAM domain-containing 1 (RSAD1) stably bound heme. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the radical SAM protein family HemW/RSAD1 is a heme chaperone catalyzing the insertion of heme into hemoproteins.

A systems biology approach reveals major metabolic changes in the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus in response to the carbon source L-fucose versus D-glucose.

Archaea are characterised by a complex metabolism with many unique enzymes that differ from their bacterial and eukaryotic counterparts. The thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus is known for its metabolic versatility and is able to utilize a great variety of different carbon sources. However, the underlying degradation pathways and their regulation are often unknown. In this work, the growth on different carbon sources was analysed, using an integrated systems biology approach. The comparison of growth on L-fucose and D-glucose allows first insights into the genome-wide changes in response to the two carbon sources and revealed a new pathway for L-fucose degradation in S. solfataricus. During growth on L-fucose major changes in the central carbon metabolic network, as well as an increased activity of the glyoxylate bypass and the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle were observed. Within the newly discovered pathway for L-fucose degradation the following key reactions were identified: (i) L-fucose oxidation to L-fuconate via a dehydrogenase, (ii) dehydration to 2-keto-3-deoxy-L-fuconate via dehydratase, (iii) 2-keto-3-deoxy-L-fuconate cleavage to pyruvate and L-lactaldehyde via aldolase and (iv) L-lactaldehyde conversion to L-lactate via aldehyde dehydrogenase. This pathway as well as L-fucose transport shows interesting overlaps to the D-arabinose pathway, representing another example for pathway promiscuity in Sulfolobus species.

Fixation of CO2 using the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway in the photoheterotrophic marine bacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae.

The ability of aerobic anoxygenic photoheterotrophs (AAPs) to gain additional energy from sunlight represents a competitive advantage, especially in conditions where light has easy access or under environmental conditions may change quickly, such as those in the world´s oceans. However, the knowledge about the metabolic consequences of aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis is very limited. Combining transcriptome and metabolome analyses, isotopic labelling techniques, measurements of growth, oxygen uptake rates, flow cytometry, and a number of other biochemical analytical techniques we obtained a comprehensive overview on the complex adaption of the marine bacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae DFL12T during transition from heterotrophy to photoheterotrophy (growth on succinate). Growth in light was characterized by reduced respiration, a decreased metabolic flux through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the assimilation of CO2 via an enhanced flux through the ethylmalonyl-CoA (EMC) pathway, which was shown to be connected to the serine metabolism. Adaptation to photoheterotrophy is mainly characterized by metabolic reactions caused by a surplus of reducing potential and might depend on genes located in one operon, encoding branching point enzymes of the EMC pathway, serine metabolism and the TCA cycle.

[German Translation of the COPD Self-Efficacy Scale: Development and Validation of a Short Form]. / Deutsche Übersetzung der COPD Self-Efficacy Scale: Entwicklung und Validierung einer Kurzform.

Illness-specific self-efficacy is important in the disease-management of patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Nevertheless, there is no instrument to measure the illness-specific self-efficacy in the German speaking countries. The purposes of the study were to translate the COPD Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) into German (CSES-D) and to determine the psychometric criteria. Another objective was to construct a short form of the CSES-D. A total of 199 participants with COPD were recruited. The factorial structure of the CSES including 5 dimensions could not be confirmed with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. However, the short form of the CSES-D indicated acceptable fit indices. The internal consistencies of the subscales psychological stress (α=0.95) and physical exertion (α=0.92) were good. The correlations between the CSES-Dkurz and convergent and discriminant questionnaires confirmed the validity of the instrument. The results indicate that the CSES-Dkurz is a valid and reliable instrument to assess illness-specific self-efficacy of COPD-patients. Further, studies are needed to verify the factorial construct validity of the CSES-Dkurz.

Tightly anchored tissue-mimetic matrices as instructive stem cell microenvironments.

A major obstacle in defining the exact role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in stem cell niches is the lack of suitable in vitro methods that recapitulate complex ECM microenvironments. Here we describe a methodology that permits reliable anchorage of native cell-secreted ECM to culture carriers. We validated our approach by fabricating two types of human bone marrow-specific ECM substrates that were robust enough to support human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in vitro. We characterized the molecular composition, structural features and nanomechanical properties of the MSC-derived ECM preparations and demonstrated their ability to support expansion and differentiation of bone marrow stem cells. Our methodology enables the deciphering and modulation of native-like multicomponent ECMs of tissue-resident stem cells and will therefore prepare the ground for a more rational design of engineered stem cell niches.

Lunch at school and children's cognitive functioning in the early afternoon: results from the Cognition Intervention Study Dortmund Continued (CoCo).

Studies about effects of school lunch on children's cognition are rare; two previous studies (CogniDo, CogniDo PLUS) generally found no negative effects of lunch on children's cognitive performance at the end of lunch break (i.e. 45 min after finishing lunch), but suggested potential beneficial effects for single parameters. Therefore, the present study investigated the hypothesis of potential positive effects of school lunch on cognitive performance at early afternoon (90 min after finishing lunch). A randomised, cross-over intervention trial was conducted at a comprehensive school with fifth and sixth grade students. Participants were randomised into two groups: On day 1, group 1 did not eat lunch, whereas group 2 received lunch ad libitum. On day 2 (1 week later), group 2 did not eat lunch and group 1 received lunch ad libitum. The cognitive parameters task switching, working memory updating and alertness were tested using a computerised test battery 90 min after finishing the meal. Of the 204 recruited children, fifty were excluded because of deviations from the study protocol or absence on one of the 2 test days, which resulted in 154 participants. Data showed no significant effects of lunch on task switching, working memory updating and alertness (P values between 0·07 and 0·79). The present study suggests that school lunch does not seem to have beneficial effects on children's cognitive functions regarding the conducted tests at early afternoon. Together with our previous studies, we conclude that school lunch in general has no negative effects on cognitive performance in children. However, beneficial effects seem to be restricted to a relatively short time period after eating lunch.

Effect of a single dialysis session on cognitive function in CKD5D patients: a prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive function declines in parallel to the decrease in glomerular filtration rate, best epitomized by the markedly reduced cerebral performance in patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis [chronic kidney disease stage 5 dialysis (CKD5D)]. Aside from structural permanent damage, there seems to be a reversible part of low cognitive performance. The potential effect of a single dialysis session on cognitive function remains still elusive. The aim of the study was to assess cognitive function using a widespread test battery and avoiding excluding effects of circadian variations. METHODS: Twenty-eight medically stable CKD5D patients (age: 54.9 ± 13.2 years, dialysis vintage: 46.2 ± 51.0 month) at two tertiary care centres with outpatient dialysis units were enrolled. Cognitive testing was always performed twice within 24 h, 1 h prior to haemodialysis (T1pre-dialysis) as well as 19 h after the end of dialysis (T2post-dialysis) including assessment of memory, attention and concentration, executive functioning, word fluency and psychomotor speed by using a well-validated neuropsychological test battery. Patients were randomized into two groups. One group was examined before (T1pre-dialysis) and after (T2post-dialysis) Dialysis Session 1. The other group was first examined the day after Dialysis Session 1 (T2post-dialysis) and then before Dialysis Session 2 (T1pre-dialysis) in order to exclude potential learning effects. Twenty age-matched subjects with normal excretory renal function were used for comparison. RESULTS: Neuropsychological testing found that the CKD5D performed significantly worse on measures of alertness, attention, working memory, logical and visual memory, word fluency and executive functions compared with non-CKD subjects. No differences in short-term memory, selective attention, as well as problem-solving and planning were found between CKD5D patients and non-CKD subjects. A single haemodialysis session led to a significant improvement in logical (Rivermead Behaviour Memory Test story: P < 0.001) and visual memories [Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) memory quotient: P < 0.001], psychomotor speed [Trail Making Test (TMT) B: P = 0.020], activity planning (executive functions) (RCFT copy/points deduction: P < 0.001) and concentration (TMT A: P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate improvements in memory functions, executive functions and psychomotor abilities after a single dialysis session, pointing to a reversible component of low cognitive performance in CKD5D.

A selective inhibitor reveals PI3Kγ dependence of T(H)17 cell differentiation.

We devised a high-throughput chemoproteomics method that enabled multiplexed screening of 16,000 compounds against native protein and lipid kinases in cell extracts. Optimization of one chemical series resulted in CZC24832, which is to our knowledge the first selective inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) with efficacy in in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation. Extensive target- and cell-based profiling of CZC24832 revealed regulation of interleukin-17-producing T helper cell (T(H)17) differentiation by PI3Kγ, thus reinforcing selective inhibition of PI3Kγ as a potential treatment for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Do breast cups improve breast cancer dosimetry? A comparative study for patients with large or pendulous breasts.

PURPOSE: Treating patients with large or pendulous breasts is challenging. Although brassiere cups are currently in use, no study has yet been carried out to assess their dosimetric impact. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible dosimetric advantages of the use of breast cups on patients with large or pendulous breasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two CT studies were carried out on 12 breast cancer patients with large or pendulous breasts, with one study involving the use of breast cups. Radiation plans were developed in accordance with each of the CT studies. The following were compared: planning target volume (PTV), volume irradiated by the 95% isodose, conformity index, homogeneity index, mean lung dose, and mean heart dose was also compared for left breast treatment. The plan involving the use of cups was found to be the best option, leading to all patients being treated with cups. The resulting acute toxicity and cosmesis were also recorded. Both scenarios involved the use of film dosimetry to evaluate the skin doses. RESULTS: The use of breast cups resulted in a significant reduction of the PTV volume (from 1640 cm3 to 1283 cm3), of the irradiated volume (from 2154 cm3 to 1477 cm3) and of the conformity index (from 1383 to 1213). Despite slight improvements in the homogeneity index (from 0.12 to 0.10), statistical significance was not attained. The use of breast cups also led to significant dose reductions in V20 for lung (from 13.7% to 1.7%) and V5 for heart (from 9.8% to 2.7%). No differences in acute toxicity or cosmesis were observed compared to patients treated without cups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the use of brassiere cups during breast radiation therapy leads to improvements in the main dosimetric factors analyzed. Furthermore, modifications to standard irradiation protocols are not required. In summary, we consider the technique of using breast cups with radiation therapy highly appropriate when treating breast cancer patients with large or pendulous breasts.

The Impact of an Outdoor Motor-Cognitive Exercise Programme on the Health Outcomes of Older Adults in Community Settings: A Pilot and Feasibility Study.

Physical and cognitive exercises can prevent or at least mitigate the symptoms of certain diseases and help older adults perform a range of daily functions. Yet, most seniors do not meet the World Health Organisation's recommended guidelines for physical activity. The objective of this study is to promote and maintain the physical and cognitive capacity of older adults by implementing a feasible and effective low-threshold, age-appropriate, motor-cognitive training outdoors. In the German city of Chemnitz, citizens aged 60 years and older participated in a quasi-randomised intervention trial. Exercises to train coordination, strength, endurance, and cognition were integrated into a 12-week outdoor motor-cognitive exercise programme. Both the physical (e.g., 6MWT) and cognitive skills (e.g., TMT B) of the intervention group (n = 41) and control group (no intervention, n = 58) were measured before (T1) and after (T2) completion of the exercise programme. Some of the participants' physical and all their cognitive measures improved. Neurocognitive performance (DSST) showed a significant time × group interaction effect (F(1,95) = 6.943, p = 0.010, ηp2 = 0.068). Sex and age were found to be influencing factors. We consider our exercise programme to be successfully implemented, well received by the participants, and feasible and useful to promote the continued exercise of daily functions as part of healthy aging in community-dwelling older adults.

Development and Evaluation of a Community Health Program to Promote Physical Activity Among Vulnerable Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Vulnerable older adults have a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Regular physical activity (PA) can have a positive effect on the health and health-related behavior of this specific target group. However, evidence of the impact and feasibility of community-based PA promotion interventions for vulnerable older adults is still limited. OBJECTIVE: The BeTaSen (Bewegungs-Tandems in den Lebenswelten Chemnitzer Seniorinnen und Senioren: ein Beitrag zur kommunalen Gesundheitsförderung) study aims to evaluate the (1) impact as well as the (2) feasibility, acceptance, and usefulness of a 12-month low-threshold PA intervention program for community-dwelling vulnerable older adults. METHODS: For our population-based prospective observational cohort study, a total of 120 vulnerable older adults (aged 75 years or older) in the area of Chemnitz (Germany) will be recruited to participate in (1) weekly neighborhood-based low-threshold PA meetings with trained mentors (activity tandems) and (2) monthly exercise meetings led by trained exercise instructors. Within the intervention, participants will be encouraged to perform the PA independently. Participants will complete assessments, which will include questionnaires as well as objective measurements of their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health at 3 different time points (baseline, 6 months after the start, and 6 months after the end of the intervention). Additionally, a process evaluation will be performed, including questionnaires and qualitative interviews, involving the participants, mentors, and municipal project partner representatives. RESULTS: The BeTaSen project process began in October 2021, with the start of data collection and intervention in August 2022 in the first neighborhoods of the city of Chemnitz. A total of 86 participants were recruited at the time of submission of the manuscript. Longitudinal results are expected by 2025. CONCLUSIONS: This study's results will provide insights on (1) the PA behavior of vulnerable older adults as well as the impact of PA interventions on health-related outcomes such as cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health, and (2) the feasible and useful components of community-based PA interventions. Thus, this pilot study contributes to future recommendations and provides a basis for further research, such as the development of feasible and sustainable target group-specific interventions in community settings. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/51462.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with cognitive performance in 80 + -year-olds: Detangling processing levels.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is known to protect against cognitive decline in older adults. Specifically, it has been shown that physical activity and fitness are beneficial for executive functions that are crucial for independent living up to old age. In this study, 115 individuals aged 80 years and older underwent a cardiorespiratory fitness assessment using the two-minute step test and had their electroencephalogram recorded during a colored flanker task in order to measure executive function performance. Cardiorespiratory fitness was related to quicker responses during the flanker task. A mediation analysis was carried out to determine whether these positive effects were mediated through event-related potentials (N1, N2, or P3) or motor-related cortical potentials (MRCP). Cardiorespiratory fitness was related to better visual discriminative processing as indicated by larger occipital N1 amplitudes. In addition, fitness was associated with larger MRCP amplitudes, which are a correlate of the response generation process. Fitness was not found to have a significant effect on fronto-central N2 or parietal P3, which are thought to capture cognitive control processes such as conflict detection and response inhibition. Moreover, all effects reported were present in all three flanker trial conditions (congruent, neutral, and incongruent). Thus, these results indicate that the quicker response times in fitter people were related to visual processing and motor response generation rather than cognitive control.

Device-assessed physical activity and sleep quality of post-COVID patients undergoing a rehabilitation program.

BACKGROUND: An infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to persistent symptoms more than three months after the acute infection and has also an impact on patients' physical activity behaviour and sleep quality. There is evidence, that inpatient post-COVID rehabilitation can improve physical capacity and mental health impairments, but less is known about the change in physical behaviour and sleep quality. METHODS: This longitudinal observational study used accelerometery to assess the level of physical activity and sleep quality before and after an inpatient rehabilitation program. The study sample consists of 100 post-COVID patients who acquired COVID-19 in the workplace. Group differences related to sex, age, COVID-19 severity, and pre-existing diseases were also analysed. RESULTS: Level of physical activity and sleep quality didn't increase after rehabilitation. Overall, there is a high extent of inactivity time and poor sleep quality at both measurement points. Regarding group differences, male patients showed a significantly higher inactivity time before rehabilitation, and younger patients (< 55 years) spend significant more time in vigorous physical activity than older patients. Post-COVID patients with pre-existing cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic disease show slightly less physical activity than post-COVID patients without these comorbidities. Female patients and younger patients showed better sleep quality in some sleep parameters at both measurement points. However, no differences could be detected related to COVID-19 severity. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing strategies should be implemented to address the high amount of inactivity time and the poor sleep quality in post-COVID patients.

Lunch at school, at home or elsewhere. Where do adolescents usually get it and what do they eat? Results of the HELENA Study.

Considering the lack of uniformity regarding school meals in Europe, information on adolescents' school lunch patterns is of public health importance. Thus, the aim of this analysis was to describe and evaluate lunchtime energy and food intake of European adolescents at different lunch locations. Data on nutritional and health-related parameters were derived from the HEalthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study (HELENA-CSS). A sub-sample of 891 adolescents (47% male) with plausible data on total and lunchtime energy intake (2 × 24 h recall) as well as usual lunch location was considered. Food intake was compared to lunch of the Optimized Mixed Diet (OMD) for children and adolescents. Although energy intake was nearly in line with the recommendations, food intake was suboptimal compared to the OMD regardless of usual lunch location. Adolescents had more potatoes and less sweets at school, and more drinks (water, coffee and tea) and vegetables at home when each compared with the other locations. Food intake of adolescents getting their lunch elsewhere was characterized by the smallest amounts of potatoes and the highest amounts of sweets. Although lunch patterns may differ among countries, schools in Europe do not seem to reveal all their potential to offer access to a healthy lunch for adolescents yet.

A review of the effects of lunch on adults' short-term cognitive functioning.

Because of widespread irregular lunch consumption by both children and adults, information on the effects of lunch on short-term cognitive functioning is relevant to public health. In September 2012, a MEDLINE search was conducted for studies in which the effects of lunch on cognitive performance were examined. Eleven experimental studies published from 1981 to 1996 were found and evaluated; all involved adults. In three studies, the effects of lunch and lunch skipping were compared; the remaining studies involved a determination of the effects of lunch size and lunch composition. Results of studies in which lunch was compared with no lunch indicate that lunch leads to potential impairment of some aspects of cognitive functioning in the early afternoon. Lunch size may influence cognitive functioning, with impairment more likely to occur after a large lunch than a small lunch. Furthermore, in comparison with low-fat lunches, high-fat lunches seem to result in slower but more accurate responses to some cognitive tasks. However, these suggestions must be viewed with caution, as they are based on only a few studies and are not thoroughly supported by high-quality evidence. In addition, results obtained with adults are not applicable to children. Thus, the potential effects of lunch need further examination in children and adults.

Hepcidin is localised in gastric parietal cells, regulates acid secretion and is induced by Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: Hepcidin is an antimicrobial peptide and the central regulator of iron metabolism. Given that hepcidin was shown to be expressed in a variety of extrahepatic tissues and that stomach plays a role in iron absorption and in defence against infections, this study analysed the importance of hepcidin in the stomach. METHODS: Expression and localisation of gastric hepcidin was studied by quantitative RT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridisation. Regulation of gastric hepcidin expression was analysed both in vitro and in vivo. Hepcidin wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) animals were used to determine the impact of hepcidin on gastric bacterial overgrowth as well as gastric acid secretion. RESULTS: Hepcidin was abundantly expressed in the gastric fundus and corpus of all tested species. Treatment of AGS cells with ferric nitrilotriacetate solution downregulated hepcidin expression levels, while desferroxamine, interleukin 6 and Helicobacter pylori infection upregulated it. In humans, gastric hepcidin expression was elevated during H pylori infection and normalised after successful eradication. Gastric hepcidin is localised in parietal cells that are indispensable for gastric acid secretion. Comparisons of WT and hepcidin KO mice revealed that acid secretion in hepcidin-deficient mice is markedly reduced and is associated with gastric bacterial overgrowth, expression changes in multiple factors involved in acid secretion (Atp4a, Cck2r,Gas, Sst and Sst2r) and with reduced circulating gastrin levels. In WT mice, pantoprazole activated and histamine downregulated hepcidin expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Hepcidin is a product of parietal cells regulating gastric acid production and may contribute to development of gastric ulcers under stress conditions.