Healthy Eating Score-7 as a Measure of Diet Quality in a Military Population.

Objective: Identify potential revisions to the Healthy Eating Score (HES-5) that improve associations with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) -2015 total and component scores.

Methods: Pearson r correlations were determined from soldiers' (n = 433) survey data, including the HES, proposed additional questions, and the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire.

Results: Adding sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drink questions (HES-7) strengthened the HES and HEI-2015 correlation (HES-5; r = 0.

Bioengineered lungs generated from human iPSCs-derived epithelial cells on native extracellular matrix.

The development of an alternative source for donor lungs would change the paradigm of lung transplantation. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential feasibility of using decellularized lungs as scaffolds for lung tissue regeneration and subsequent implantation. However, finding a reliable cell source and the ability to scale up for recellularization of the lung scaffold still remain significant challenges.

Comparative biology of decellularized lung matrix: Implications of species mismatch in regenerative medicine.

Lung engineering is a promising technology, relying on re-seeding of either human or xenographic decellularized matrices with patient-derived pulmonary cells. Little is known about the species-specificity of decellularization in various models of lung regeneration, or if species dependent cell-matrix interactions exist within these systems. Therefore decellularized scaffolds were produced from rat, pig, primate and human lungs, and assessed by measuring residual DNA, mechanical properties, and key matrix proteins (collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans).

Plasma Surfactant Protein-D, Matrix Metalloproteinase-7, and Osteopontin Index Distinguishes Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis from Other Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias.

Rationale: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) characterized by abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. We hypothesized that ECM remodeling might result in a plasma profile of proteins specific for IPF that could distinguish patients with IPF from other idiopathic ILDs.

Objectives: To identify biomarkers that might assist in distinguishing IPF from non-IPF ILD.

Generation of tissue-engineered small intestine using embryonic stem cell-derived human intestinal organoids.

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is characterized by poor nutrient absorption due to a deficit of healthy intestine. Current treatment practices rely on providing supportive medical therapy with parenteral nutrition; while life saving, such interventions are not curative and are still associated with significant co-morbidities. As approaches to lengthen remaining intestinal tissue have been met with only limited success and intestinal transplants have poor survival outcomes, new approaches to treating SBS are necessary.