Publications by authors named "Christian Avila"
Macroalgal blooms are becoming an increasing problem in coastal regions worldwide and have been associated with a widespread decline of seagrass habitats. It is critical to measure macroalgal bloom (MB) impacts at broad spatial scales since seagrass seascape characteristics can influence feedback processes that regulate the resilience of seagrass ecosystems. We assessed the broad-scale spatial impacts of an MB formed by Anadyomene spp.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurrent treatments for peripheral nerve injuries include autografts, the gold standard, and commercially available nerve growth conduits (NGCs). Autografts have several drawbacks including donor site morbidity and nerve size mismatch, which lead to incomplete recovery. However, even with these drawbacks, autografts work better then commercially available NGCs that lack sufficient cues to promote complete regeneration.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFβ2-1 Fructan supplementation alters host immune responses in a manner consistent with increased exposure to microbial components: results from a double-blinded, randomised, cross-over study in healthy adults.
Br J Nutr
May 2016
Article Synopsis
- β2-1 Fructans are thought to boost health by enhancing beneficial gut bacteria and immune function, but their actual benefits for healthy adults are unclear.
- A study involved 30 participants who received either β2-1 fructan or a placebo in a double-blind crossover design, with their health and gut metrics thoroughly measured.
- Results showed that while β2-1 fructan increased certain gut bacteria and inflammatory markers, it did not improve blood lipids or overall well-being, and some participants reported more gastrointestinal issues during supplementation.
The American Medical Association recently recognized obesity as both an illness and a leading cause of preventable death and chronic disease. This association is not only linked to physical health outcomes, however, as obesity has also been extensively associated with mental illness as well. Both obesity and severe mental illness decrease quality of life and are associated with an increase in disability, morbidity, and mortality, and when they occur together, these adverse health outcomes are magnified.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Anxiety and depression occur frequently in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), but their precise prevalence is unknown. We addressed this issue in a large cohort of adult patients and determined the underlying factors.
Methods: In total, 4,217 new outpatients attending 2 hospitals in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada completed questionnaires evaluating FGIDs and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale).