A Demographic Description of Children and Adolescents With Concomitant Autism and Anxiety Along With a Comparison of Receipt of Psychological Services.

Objective: (1) Evaluate differences in demographic distributions between those with autism alone and those with autism concomitant with anxiety and (2) assess demographic factors associated with receipt of psychological therapy in patients with autism.

Methods: Using deidentified health care claims data, we extracted all encounters among children with the International Classification of Diseases-10-CM for Autism Spectrum Disorder (F84) and flagged those with concomitant anxiety (F41.9).

Integrating continuous flow reaction and work-up: chiral amine resolution, separation and purification using a novel coalescing filter system.

To maximize the benefits of a continuous flow reaction, a continuous work-up is also needed. Herein, we present a process design and novel equipment for a continuous amine resolution reaction, integrated with liquid-liquid (L-L) extraction, back-extraction into a different solvent, and crystallisation purification for product isolation. The reaction, in iso-propyl acetate, flows through a heated fixed-bed reactor with solid supported lipase which catalyses the resolution of ()-1-phenylethylamine to give the ()-amide in 50% conversion and 96% enantiomeric excess (ee).

Vitamin D Receptor Regulates the Expression of the Grainyhead-Like 1 Gene.

Vitamin D plays an important pleiotropic role in maintaining global homeostasis of the human body. Its functions go far beyond skeletal health, playing a crucial role in a plethora of cellular functions, as well as in extraskeletal health, ensuring the proper functioning of multiple human organs, including the skin. Genes from the Grainyhead-like () family code for transcription factors necessary for the development and maintenance of various epithelia.

Histological improvements following energy restriction and exercise: The role of insulin resistance in resolution of MASH.

Background & Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide and is characterized by multi-tissue insulin resistance. The effects of a 10-month energy restriction and exercise intervention on liver histology, anthropometrics, plasma biochemistries, and insulin sensitivity were compared to standard of care (control) to understand mechanisms that support liver health improvements.

Methods: Following medical diagnosis of MASH, individuals were randomized to treatment (n = 16) or control (n = 8).

Hepatocellular RECK as a Critical Regulator of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis Development.

Background & Aims: Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) is an extracellular matrix regulator with anti-fibrotic effects. However, its expression and role in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and hepatic fibrosis are poorly understood.

Methods: We generated a novel transgenic mouse model with RECK overexpression specifically in hepatocytes to investigate its role in Western diet (WD)-induced liver disease.

Tryptophan fuels MYC-dependent liver tumorigenesis through indole 3-pyruvate synthesis.

Cancer cells exhibit distinct metabolic activities and nutritional dependencies compared to normal cells. Thus, characterization of nutrient demands by individual tumor types may identify specific vulnerabilities that can be manipulated to target the destruction of cancer cells. We find that MYC-driven liver tumors rely on augmented tryptophan (Trp) uptake, yet Trp utilization to generate metabolites in the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway is reduced.

Qualitative investigation of disease course, characteristics and lived experience of generalized pustular psoriasis.

Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a relapsing-remitting chronic disease characterized by painful pustules with systemic symptoms that has a negative impact on quality of life. The psychosocial and economic burden of this rare condition is not well characterized.

Objectives: To qualitatively characterize the cumulative burden of GPP on patients' quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing.

Metabolic effects of an essential amino acid supplement in adolescents with PCOS and obesity.

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis (HS). Because dietary essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation has been shown to decrease HS in various populations, this study's objective was to determine whether supplementation would decrease HS in PCOS.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 21 adolescents with PCOS (BMI 37.

Relationship between serum β-hydroxybutyrate and hepatic fatty acid oxidation in individuals with obesity and NAFLD.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excess lipid accumulation that can progress to inflammation (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH), and fibrosis. Serum β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), a product of the ketogenic pathway, is commonly used as a surrogate marker for hepatic fatty acid oxidation (FAO). However, it remains uncertain whether this relationship holds true in the context of NAFLD in humans.

Gamification to Promote Physical Activity in Youth and Mothers With Obesity.

Purpose: Physical inactivity and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption are associated with obesity. Gamification and self-monitoring to promote physical activity in youth is unknown, but evidence of effectiveness is present in adults. This study examined the effects of a gamification intervention on increased steps per day among parent-adolescent dyads with obesity compared with digital self-monitoring and if self-monitored SSB intake differed between these arms.

CDKL5 regulates p62-mediated selective autophagy and confers protection against neurotropic viruses.

Virophagy, the selective autophagosomal engulfment and lysosomal degradation of viral components, is crucial for neuronal cell survival and antiviral immunity. However, the mechanisms leading to viral antigen recognition and capture by autophagic machinery remain poorly understood. Here, we identified cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5), known to function in neurodevelopment, as an essential regulator of virophagy.

Isotope Labeling and Biochemical Assessment of Liver-Triacylglycerol in Patients with Different Levels of Histologically-Graded Liver Disease.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence is rapidly growing, and fatty liver has been found in a quarter of the US population. Increased liver lipids, particularly those derived from the pathway of de novo lipogenesis (DNL), have been identified as a hallmark feature in individuals with high liver fat. This has led to much activity in basic science and drug development in this area.

Temporal optimization of exercise to lower fasting glucose levels.

Exercise stimulates glucose uptake and increases insulin sensitivity acutely. Temporally optimizing exercise timing may minimize the nocturnal rise in glucose levels. This study examined the effect of exercise timing on evening and overnight glucose concentrations in individuals who were non-obese with normal fasting glucose levels (Non-Ob; n = 18) and individuals with obesity (OB) with impaired fasting glucose levels (OB+IFG) and without (n = 16 and n = 18, respectively).

Labeled breath tests in patients with NASH: Octanoate oxidation relates best to measures of glucose metabolism.

methods to estimate human liver mitochondrial activity are lacking and this project's goal was to use a non-invasive breath test to quantify complete mitochondrial fat oxidation and determine how test results changed when liver disease state was altered over time. Patients with suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; 9 men, 16 women, 47 ± 10 years, 113 ± 23 kg) underwent a diagnostic liver biopsy and liver tissue was histologically scored by a pathologist using the NAFLD activity score (0-8). To assess liver oxidation activity, a labeled medium chain fatty acid was consumed orally (23.

Circulating indian hedgehog is a marker of the hepatocyte-TAZ pathway in experimental NASH and is elevated in humans with NASH.

Background & Aims: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-induced liver fibrosis is emerging as the most common cause of liver disease. For evaluation of therapies, there is a pressing need to identify non-invasive, mechanism-based biomarkers. A pro-fibrotic process relevant to human NASH involves a pathway in which a transcriptional regulator called TAZ (WWTR1) in hepatocytes induces the secretion of pro-fibrotic Indian hedgehog (IHH).

Relationship between hepatic and mitochondrial ceramides: a novel in vivo method to track ceramide synthesis.

Ceramides (CERs) are key intermediate sphingolipids implicated in contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and the development of multiple metabolic conditions. Despite the growing evidence of CER role in disease risk, kinetic methods to measure CER turnover are lacking, particularly using in vivo models. The utility of orally administered C, N l-serine, dissolved in drinking water, was tested to quantify CER 18:1/16:0 synthesis in 10-week-old male and female C57Bl/6 mice.

African American mothers' perceptions of infant body size are prospectively associated with infant growth and BMI.

Objectives: The effect of mothers' perceptions of infant body size on infant growth and later BMI is poorly understood. We aimed to assess whether maternal perceptions were associated with infant BMI and weight gain and to identify factors that may influence maternal perceptions.

Methods: We analyzed data from a prospective, longitudinal study of pregnant African American women living with healthy weight (BMI < 25 kg/m ) or obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m ).

Impact of sex and diet-induced weight loss on vascular insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.

Vascular insulin resistance, a major characteristic of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), manifests with blunting of insulin-induced vasodilation. Although there is evidence that females are more whole body insulin sensitive than males in the healthy state, whether sex differences exist in vascular insulin sensitivity is unclear. Also uncertain is whether weight loss can reestablish vascular insulin sensitivity in T2D.

"Sorry, I Didn't Mean to Kiss at You": A Descriptive Analysis of Tourette Syndrome in Interpersonal Interactions.

Recent research has begun to explore the specific social challenges experienced by persons with Tourette syndrome (TS); however, it does not specifically address the challenges that often arise interpersonally as part of people's communicative interactions and these interactions socially construct the individual and collective well-being of all involved. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 adults who identified as having TS in order to investigate the ways in which others respond behaviorally to TS behaviors and the ways TS behaviors are misinterpreted within interpersonal interactions. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes common within participant responses.

Lactation alters the relationship between liver lipid synthesis and hepatic fat stores in the postpartum period.

In mothers who are nursing their infants, increased clearance of plasma metabolites into the mammary gland may reduce ectopic lipid in the liver. No study to date has investigated the role of lactation on liver lipid synthesis in humans, and we hypothesized that lactation would modify fatty acid and glucose handling to support liver metabolism in a manner synchronized with the demands of milk production. Lactating (n = 18) and formula-feeding women (n = 10) underwent metabolic testing at 6-week postpartum to determine whether lactation modified intrahepatic triacylglycerols (IHTGs), measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Role of adropin in arterial stiffening associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Adropin is a peptide largely secreted by the liver and known to regulate energy homeostasis; however, it also exerts cardiovascular effects. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that low circulating levels of adropin in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) contribute to arterial stiffening. In support of this hypothesis, we report that obesity and T2D are associated with reduced levels of adropin (in liver and plasma) and increased arterial stiffness in mice and humans.