Blood methylation pattern reflects epigenetic remodelling in adipose tissue after bariatric surgery.

Background: Studies on DNA methylation following bariatric surgery have primarily focused on blood cells, while it is unclear to which extend it may reflect DNA methylation profiles in specific metabolically relevant organs such as adipose tissue. Here, we investigated whether adipose tissue depots specific methylation changes after bariatric surgery are mirrored in blood.

Methods: Using Illumina 850K EPIC technology, we analysed genome-wide DNA methylation in paired blood, subcutaneous and omental visceral AT (SAT/OVAT) samples from nine individuals (N = 6 female) with severe obesity pre- and post-surgery.

Preliminary Evaluation of 2 Patient-Centered Educational Animations About Kidney Transplant Complications.

BACKGROUND Fear of kidney transplant complications and incomplete information can lower transplant acceptance and preparedness. Our group developed 2 patient-centered educational animated videos on common kidney transplant complications to complement a previously developed video-based curriculum intended to promote kidney transplant access. MATERIAL AND METHODS We preliminarily evaluated the 2 animated educational videos at a single center using mixed methods.

Newspaper framing of motor vehicle crashes and road safety in Argentina.

The media plays a key role in shaping the public's perception of road safety. This study analyzes the newspaper coverage and framing of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) and road safety in Argentina, South America. The content of 304 articles published by 15 newspapers in November 2020 was reviewed.

Genetics and Epigenetics in Obesity: What Do We Know so Far?

Purpose Of Review: Enormous progress has been made in understanding the genetic architecture of obesity and the correlation of epigenetic marks with obesity and related traits. This review highlights current research and its challenges in genetics and epigenetics of obesity.

Recent Findings: Recent progress in genetics of polygenic traits, particularly represented by genome-wide association studies, led to the discovery of hundreds of genetic variants associated with obesity, which allows constructing polygenic risk scores (PGS).

The effect of polyphenols on DNA methylation-assessed biological age attenuation: the DIRECT PLUS randomized controlled trial.

Background: Epigenetic age is an estimator of biological age based on DNA methylation; its discrepancy from chronologic age warrants further investigation. We recently reported that greater polyphenol intake benefitted ectopic fats, brain function, and gut microbiota profile, corresponding with elevated urine polyphenols. The effect of polyphenol-rich dietary interventions on biological aging is yet to be determined.

Implementation of the Canadian syncope pathway: a pilot non-randomized stepped wedge trial.

Background: We developed the Canadian Syncope Pathway (CSP) based on the Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) to aid emergency department (ED) syncope management. This pilot implementation study assessed patient inclusion, length of transition period, as well as process measures (engagement, reach, adoption, and fidelity) to prepare for multicenter implementation.

Methods: A non-randomized stepped wedge trial at two hospitals was conducted over a 7-month period.

Implication of DNA methylation during lifestyle mediated weight loss.

Over the past 50 years, the number of overweight/obese people increased significantly, making obesity a global public health challenge. Apart from rare monogenic forms, obesity is a multifactorial disease, most likely resulting from a concerted interaction of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Although recent studies opened new avenues in elucidating the complex genetics behind obesity, the biological mechanisms contributing to individual's risk to become obese are not yet fully understood.

Activated protein C modulates T-cell metabolism and epigenetic FOXP3 induction via α-ketoglutarate.

A direct regulation of adaptive immunity by the coagulation protease activated protein C (aPC) has recently been established. Preincubation of T cells with aPC for 1 hour before transplantation increases FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and reduces acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in mice, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Because cellular metabolism modulates epigenetic gene regulation and plasticity in T cells, we hypothesized that aPC promotes FOXP3+ expression by altering T-cell metabolism.

A polyphenol-rich green Mediterranean diet enhances epigenetic regulatory potential: the DIRECT PLUS randomized controlled trial.

Background: The capacity of a polyphenol-enriched diet to modulate the epigenome in vivo is partly unknown. Given the beneficial metabolic effects of a Mediterranean (MED) diet enriched in polyphenols and reduced in red/processed meat (green-MED), as previously been proven by the 18-month DIRECT PLUS randomized controlled trial, we analyzed the effects of the green-MED diet on methylome and transcriptome levels to highlight molecular mechanisms underlying the observed metabolic improvements.

Methods: Our study included 260 participants (baseline BMI = 31.

Preliminary feasibility of animated video education designed to empower patients' referral to kidney transplantation.

Background: Referral for kidney transplantation is influenced by patient education; digital technologies can enhance broad information accessibility. This single-group study tested the feasibility and acceptability of patient-centered self-directed educational animated videos to improve mediators of kidney transplant referral.

Methods: Community-based adults with chronic kidney disease stage ≥4 invited from a clinical registry or self-responding to flyers viewed eight sequential videos (19:36 min total duration) remotely on their own device.

Patient perceptions by race of educational animations about living kidney donation made for a diverse population.

Introduction: This qualitative study sought to identify potential design and delivery alterations to inform cultural adaptation of educational animations about living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT)-previously developed for a diverse population-to better fit Black Americans' needs.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of 88 transcripts derived from interviews and focus groups conducted with diverse target users (62 kidney failure patients, 36 prior/potential donors, and 11 care partners) to develop 12 animations about LDKT, named KidneyTIME. Statements were abstracted and coded pertaining to cognitive and communication barriers to LDKT, and the perceived value of using the videos to learn and share the information with social network members using content analysis.

Reversal of the renal hyperglycemic memory in diabetic kidney disease by targeting sustained tubular p21 expression.

A major obstacle in diabetes is the metabolic or hyperglycemic memory, which lacks specific therapies. Here we show that glucose-mediated changes in gene expression largely persist in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) despite reversing hyperglycemia. The senescence-associated cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 (Cdkn1a) was the top hit among genes persistently induced by hyperglycemia and was associated with induction of the p53-p21 pathway.

Using Animated Videos to Increase Patient Knowledge: A Meta-Analytic Review.

This article meta-analyzed 21 studies that tested the effectiveness of animated videos in improving learning in clinical and nonclinical settings compared with standard education. Animation was defined as the use of moving objects that are typically drawn or simulated. Videos ranged from just over 2 min in duration to 16 min in duration in articles published from 2009 through 2020.

DNA methylation patterns reflect individual's lifestyle independent of obesity.

Objective: Obesity is driven by modifiable lifestyle factors whose effects may be mediated by epigenetics. Therefore, we investigated lifestyle effects on blood DNA methylation in participants of the LIFE-Adult study, a well-characterised population-based cohort from Germany.

Research Design And Methods: Lifestyle scores (LS) based on diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol intake were calculated in 4107 participants of the LIFE-Adult study.

Changes in Circulating miR-375-3p and Improvements in Visceral and Hepatic Fat Contents in Response to Lifestyle Interventions: The CENTRAL Trial.

Objective: To investigate whether changes in circulating levels of pancreatic islet-related miRNA-375 (miR-375) are related to improved visceral and intrahepatic fat accumulation.

Research Design And Methods: This study included adults with abdominal obesity from an 18-month weight loss lifestyle intervention trial. Circulating miR-375-3p was measured at baseline and 18 months.

Changes in circulating microRNAs-99/100 and reductions of visceral and ectopic fat depots in response to lifestyle interventions: the CENTRAL trial.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs and important posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Adipose tissue is a major source of circulating miRNAs; adipose-related circulating miRNAs may regulate body fat distribution and glucose metabolism.

Objectives: We investigated how changes in adipose-related circulating microRNAs-99/100 (miR-99/100) in response to lifestyle interventions were associated with improved body fat distribution and reductions of diabetogenic ectopic fat depots among adults with abdominal obesity.

Kidney Transplant Outcomes after Prolonged Delayed Graft Function.

Background: The protracted recovery of renal function may be an actionable marker of post-transplant adverse events, but a paucity of data are available to determine if the duration of graft recovery serves to stratify risk. Materials and Methods: Single-center data of adult-isolated deceased-donor kidney transplant (KTX) recipients between 1 July 2015 and 31 December 2018 were stratified by delayed graft function (DGF) duration, defined as time to serum creatinine < 3.0 mg/dL.

Circulating Levels of microRNA-122 and Hepatic Fat Change in Response to Weight-Loss Interventions: CENTRAL Trial.

Purpose: Little is known about the relations between changes in circulating microRNA-122 (miR-122) and liver fat in response to weight-loss interventions. We aimed to investigate the association between miR-122 and changes of hepatic fat content during 18-month diet and physical activity interventions.

Methods: The CENTRAL trial is an 18-month randomized, controlled trial among adults with abdominal obesity or dyslipidemia.

m6A Regulators in Human Adipose Tissue - Depot-Specificity and Correlation With Obesity.

Background: N-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant post-transcriptional modifications on mRNA influencing mRNA metabolism. There is emerging evidence for its implication in metabolic disease. No comprehensive analyses on gene expression of m6A regulators in human adipose tissue, especially in paired adipose tissue depots, and its correlation with clinical variables were reported so far.

Using Focus Groups to Understand Dialysis Staff Perspectives on Delivering Transplant Education.

Introduction: Kidney transplant education in dialysis facilities could be optimized with internet resources, like videos, but most qualitative research predates widespread availability of online video education about kidney transplantation. To improve understanding of dialysis staff transplant education practices, as well as the potential value of video, we conducted focus groups of dialysis center staff members in Buffalo, NY.

Methods/approach: Seventeen focus groups (97 participants: 53 nurses, 10 dialysis technicians, 6 social workers, 6 dieticians, 7 administrative personnel, 2 trainees, and 1 insurance coordinator) from 8 dialysis facilities in Buffalo, NY, were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.

Formative Usability of the Online Live Donor Kidney Transplant Education Tool Among Transplant Candidates.

Background: Web-based education may be a powerful tool to support transplant candidates' learning and communication about live donor kidney transplantation. Few educational interventions are web-based and have education sharing for living donor transplant as a primary goal.

Methods: Through user-centered design and iterative usability testing, we developed a web platform, called KidneyTIME, to support an educational intervention for adult transplant candidates.

Multiomics reveal unique signatures of human epiploic adipose tissue related to systemic insulin resistance.

Objective: Human white adipose tissue (AT) is a metabolically active organ with distinct depot-specific functions. Despite their locations close to the gastrointestinal tract, mesenteric AT and epiploic AT (epiAT) have only scarcely been investigated. Here, we aim to characterise these ATs in-depth and estimate their contribution to alterations in whole-body metabolism.