Rare contacts between synapses and microglial processes containing high levels of Iba1 and actin--a postembedding immunogold study in the healthy rat brain.

Although microglia is recognised as the cell-mediating innate immunity in the brain, emerging evidence suggests a role of microglia in synaptic communication and modulation. The ability of microglia to move in the neuropil and contact synapses is crucial for such a function. However, the frequency of microglial contact with synapses is not known.

Eating location is associated with the nutritional quality of the diet in Norwegian adults.

Objective: To study the association between dinner eating location and the nutritional quality of the specific dinner meal and the whole-day dietary intake and to compare the diets of those consuming ≥25% of energy out of home and at school/work (SOH; substantial out-of-home eaters) with those consuming <25% of energy out (NSOH; non-substantial out-of-home eaters).

Design: Cross-sectional dietary survey using two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. Recorded eating locations were at home, other private households, work/school, restaurant/cafeteria/fast-food outlet and travel/meeting.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection as a biomarker for sexual debut among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a literature review.

Biological markers are needed in order to provide objective measures to validate self-reported sexual behaviour and interpret prevention trial data. In this review, we evaluated herpes simplex type 2 virus (HSV-2), one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections in sub-Saharan Africa as a biological marker of sexual debut. Based on our findings, we do not recommend using HSV-2 as a biomarker for sexual debut due to its low transmission probabilities and the fact that HSV-2 prevalence is not 100% among potential sexual partners.

Elevated serum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: effects of LDL-apheresis.

Objective: Matrix degradation within an atherosclerotic plaque is an important pathogenic factor in atherosclerosis, and is largely modulated by the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (i.e., tissue inhibitor of MMPs [TIMPs]).

Diabetic nephropathy and extracellular matrix.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication in diabetes. Major typical morphological changes are the result of changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Thus, basement membranes are thickened and the glomerular mesangial matrix and the tubulointerstitial space are expanded, due to increased amounts of ECM.

DNA damage in lens epithelium of cataract patients in vivo and ex vivo.

Purpose: DNA damage has been described in the human cataractous lens epithelium, and oxidative stress generated by UV radiation and endogenous metabolic processes has been suggested to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cataract. In this study, the aim was to explore the quality and relative quantity of DNA damage in lens epithelium of cataract patients in vivo and after incubation in a cell culture system.

Methods: Capsulotomy specimens were analysed, before and after 1 week of ex vivo cultivation, using the comet assay to measure DNA strand breaks, oxidized purine and pyrimidine bases and UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers.

Oxidized LDL level is related to gene expression of tumour necrosis factor super family members in children and young adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Objective: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is associated with increased risk of premature atherosclerosis. Inflammation is a key event in atherogenesis, and we have previously reported an inflammatory imbalance between tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin-10 in children with FH. Based on the potential role of TNF-related molecules in inflammation, we investigated the regulation of other members of the TNF superfamily (TNFSF)/TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) in children and young adults with FH and matched healthy controls.

Is lactate a volume transmitter of metabolic states of the brain?

We present the perspective that lactate is a volume transmitter of cellular signals in brain that acutely and chronically regulate the energy metabolism of large neuronal ensembles. From this perspective, we interpret recent evidence to mean that lactate transmission serves the maintenance of network metabolism by two different mechanisms, one by regulating the formation of cAMP via the lactate receptor GPR81, the other by adjusting the NADH/NAD(+) redox ratios, both linked to the maintenance of brain energy turnover and possibly cerebral blood flow. The role of lactate as mediator of metabolic information rather than metabolic substrate answers a number of questions raised by the controversial oxidativeness of astrocytic metabolism and its contribution to neuronal function.

Does the "stages of change" construct predict cross-sectional and temporal variations in dietary behavior and selected indicators of diabetes risk among Norwegian-Pakistani women?

Unlabelled: The aim of this study is to explore the association between motivational "stage" and intake of selected foods, and risk factors for diabetes; and what degree of attendance in an intervention that was necessary to show movements across the motivational "stages of change". Participants (n = 198, aged 25-62 years) were randomly assigned into intervention and control.

Data Collection: Interviews with a structured questionnaire, anthropometric and biochemical assessments.

Substitution of TAG oil with diacylglycerol oil in food items improves the predicted 10 years cardiovascular risk score in healthy, overweight subjects.

Dietary fat is normally in TAG form, but diacylglycerol (DAG) is a natural component of edible oils. Studies have shown that consumption of DAG results in metabolic characteristics that are distinct from those of TAG, which may be beneficial in preventing and managing obesity. The objective of the present study was to investigate if food items in which part of the TAG oil is replaced with DAG oil combined with high α-linolenic acid (ALA) content would influence metabolic markers.

Fear appeals in HIV-prevention messages: young people's perceptions in northern Tanzania.

The aims of the study were to elicit the perceptions of young people in Tanzania on the role of fear appeals in HIV-prevention messages and to identify important contextual factors that may influence young people's perceptions of HIV-prevention posters. A total of 10 focus groups were conducted to investigate the role of fear appeals using the extended parallel process model (EPPM) as a guide. Young people were shown a series of images (mostly posters) with alternating high and low-threat messages (fear appeals), and then asked questions about their overall beliefs about HIV and AIDS, as well as about their response in terms of perceived susceptibility to HIV infection, the severity of the message, and their perceptions of self-efficacy and response efficacy.

A review of studies of parent-child communication about sexuality and HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

Parent-child sexuality communication has been identified as a protective factor for adolescent sexual and reproductive health, including HIV infection. The available literature on this topic in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing; however a systematic review of studies has not been conducted. This article reviews the literature in the area of parental or caregiver and child communication about sexuality and HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

Docosahexaenoic acid stimulates tube formation in first trimester trophoblast cells, HTR8/SVneo.

Angiogenesis is a key factor in the placentation process and vascular remodeling that involves several growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4). PPARs are involved in the placentation process but not much information is available on whether their ligands such as fatty acids have any effects on these processes. We therefore investigated the effect of fatty acids (arachidonic acid, 20:4 n-6(ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5 n-3(EPA), docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6 n-3 (DHA) and oleic acid, 18:1 n-9 (OA)) on tube formation (as a measure of angiogenesis) on matrigel in the first trimester trophoblast cells, HTR8/SVneo.

Perceptions of risk factors for diabetes among Norwegian-Pakistani women participating in a culturally adapted intervention.

Objective: To explore perceptions of diabetes risk factors among Pakistani immigrant women, as part of their explanatory model of the disease, and the changes in these perceptions after a culturally adapted intervention.

Design: Intervention study, carried out in Oslo, Norway, comprising 198 women.

Results: At baseline, about 75% of the women perceived sugar to be a risk factor for diabetes, about 30% mentioned physical inactivity and stress and close to 20% mentioned overweight.

Body weight, weight perceptions and food intake patterns. A cross-sectional study among male recruits in the Norwegian National Guard.

Background: Young men tend to have a low intake of vegetables and fruit. Unfortunately, this group is difficult to reach with health information. Furthermore, knowledge about weight perceptions and the relationship to food behaviour among young men is scant.

Intakes of culinary herbs and spices from a food frequency questionnaire evaluated against 28-days estimated records.

Background: Worldwide, herbs and spices are much used food flavourings. However, little data exist regarding actual dietary intake of culinary herbs and spices. We developed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for the assessment of habitual diet the preceding year, with focus on phytochemical rich food, including herbs and spices.

Protein kinase A type I activates a CRE-element more efficiently than protein kinase A type II regardless of C subunit isoform.

Background: Protein kinase A type I (PKAI) and PKAII are expressed in most of the eukaryotic cells examined. PKA is a major receptor for cAMP and specificity is achieved partly through tissue-dependent expression and subcellular localization of subunits with different biochemical properties. In addition posttranslational modifications help fine tune PKA activity, distribution and interaction in the cell.

Barriers to healthy eating among Norwegian-Pakistani women participating in a culturally adapted intervention.

Aims: To explore barriers to healthy dietary changes experienced by Pakistani immigrant women participating in a culturally adapted intervention, and whether these barriers were associated with intentions to change dietary behaviours.

Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to control and intervention group. The 7-month intervention consisted of six educational group sessions on diet and physical activity, based on knowledge about Pakistani lifestyle and focusing on blood glucose control.

Intention to change dietary habits, and weight loss among Norwegian-Pakistani women participating in a culturally adapted intervention.

The aim was to explore the relationships between degree of participation in a culturally adapted lifestyle intervention and stages of change for healthy eating and weight loss among Pakistani immigrant women in Norway. The intervention lasted 7 months and included 198 women, randomized into control and intervention groups. The odds of losing weight from baseline to follow-up, and being in action stages of change (compared to pre-action stages) with regard to intake of amount and type of fat, sugar and white flour at follow-up, increased significantly with number of group sessions attended.

Children with familial hypercholesterolemia are characterized by an inflammatory imbalance between the tumor necrosis factor α system and interleukin-10.

Objective: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is associated with increased risk of premature atherosclerosis. Increasing evidence supports involvement of inflammation in atherogenesis. The inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α has been regarded as a key mediator in the development of atherosclerosis due to its involvement in several stages in this process.

Direct and indirect association between environmental factors and fruit intake, mediation by psychosocial factors: the Pro Children study.

Objectives: To explore direct associations between home and school availability of fruit and fruit intake, and the mediating role of attitude towards fruit, liking, perceived barriers and self-efficacy.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Primary schools in nine European countries.

Availability of data assessing the prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity among European adolescents.

Objective: To review recent data on objectively measured overweight/obesity in national representative samples of European adolescents (aged 10-18 years), as well as availability of studies assessing trends in overweight/obesity in this target group. Attention was paid to the ability of the data to describe the obesity epidemic, especially in sociodemographic subgroups.

Design/setting/subjects: Data on prevalence and trends in overweight/obesity among adolescents in the twenty-seven European Community member states, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, available as scientific publications as well as reports or unpublished data by the end of 2009, were retrieved.

Evaluation of energy and dietary intake estimates from a food frequency questionnaire using independent energy expenditure measurement and weighed food records.

Background: We have developed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for the assessment of habitual diet, with special focus on the intake of fruit, vegetables and other antioxidant-rich foods and beverages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative validity of the intakes of energy, food and nutrients from the FFQ.

Methods: Energy intake was evaluated against independent measures of energy expenditure using the ActiReg® system (motion detection), whereas 7-days weighed food records were used to study the relative validity of food and nutrient intake.

Food perceptions in terms of health among Norwegian-Pakistani women participating in a culturally adapted intervention.

Objective: To explore food perceptions in terms of health among Pakistani immigrant women, and if such perceptions could be altered through a culturally adapted intervention.

Methods: The study is a culturally adapted lifestyle intervention aiming at reducing diabetes risk among Pakistani women, Oslo, Norway. There were 198 participants (25-62 years) recruited through a multi-recruitment strategy and randomly assigned into intervention and control groups.

Associations between food patterns, socioeconomic position and working situation among adult, working women and men in Oslo.

Background/objectives: Socioeconomic disparities in diet are well documented, but the relative importance of different indicators of socioeconomic position (SEP) is not well known. The aim of this study was to explore relationships between food patterns, SEP (occupation, education and income) and degree of work control.

Subjects/methods: A cross-sectional population-based study 2000-2001, using three self-administered questionnaires including food frequency questions (FFQs).