Scholarly Works, Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise

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Government Policies to Reduce Free or Added Sugars and Use Nonsugar Sweeteners Should Support Plant-Rich Dietary Patterns, a Healthy Microbiome and Planetary Health
Kraak, Vivica; Leary, Nicole A. (Elsevier, 2024-07)
Toward Safer Diagnoses: A SEIPS-Based Narrative Review of Diagnostic Errors
Yen, Carol; Epling, John W.; Rockwell, Michelle; Vaughn-Cooke, Monifa (MDPI, 2026-01-21)
Diagnostic errors have been a critical concern in healthcare, leading to substantial financial burdens and serious threats to patient safety. The Improving Diagnosis in Health Care report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) defines diagnostic errors, focusing on accuracy, timeliness, and communication, which are influenced by clinical knowledge and the broader healthcare system. This review aims to integrate existing literature on diagnostic error from a systems-based perspective and examine the factors across various domains to present a comprehensive picture of the topic. A narrative literature review was structured upon the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model that focuses on six domains central to the diagnostic process: Diagnostic Team Members, Tasks, Technologies and Tools, Organization, Physical Environment, and External Environment. Studies on contributing factors for diagnostic error in these domains were identified and integrated. The findings reveal that the effectiveness of diagnostics is influenced by complex, interconnected factors spanning all six SEIPS domains. In particular, socio-behavioral factors, such as team communication, cognitive bias, and workload, and environmental pressures, stand out as significant but difficult-to-capture contributors in traditional and commonly used data resources like electronic health records (EHRs), which limits the scope of many studies on diagnostic errors. Factors associated with diagnostic errors are often interconnected across healthcare system stakeholders and organizations. Future research should address both technical and behavioral elements within the diagnostic ecosystem to reduce errors and enhance patient outcomes.
What is online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program shopping worth? An implicit wage rate approach using meal-kit pricing and time-use data
Davis, George C.; Pierce, Timothy; Wilbur, Jessica; Yang, Jinyang (Cambridge University Press, 2025-04)
In 2023 all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants were allowed to start grocery shopping online. This paper provides the first answer to the question: What is online shopping worth to the SNAP participant in dollars? Using meal-kit pricing and time-use data, an implicit wage rate and dollar value distribution are estimated for time saved in home food production from online grocery shopping. We report the 95^th, 75^th, 50^th, 25^th, and 5^th percentile results. We simulate saving 50%, 75%, and 90% of grocery shopping time and estimate the savings per hour per meal. For example, if online shopping saved 75% of shopping time, the median saving per hour per meal would be $2.59. If a family of four made 15 to 30 meals a month, this corresponds to an implicit 5% to 11% increase in the benefits per month due to the time saved. The implicit wage rate provides simple and elegant economic insights into many aspects of food production and consumption not obtainable by just considering the money price.
Modest Caloric Surplus Combined With Resistance Training Leads To Healthy Weight Gain In Athletic Individuals
Sanchez, Allison D.; Reynolds, Jake C.; Marinik, Elaina L.; Davy, Brenda M.; Hunter, Gary R.; Larson-Meyer, D. Enette (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2023-09)
Many athletes and military personnel desire weight gain ideally as lean mass to improve performance and effectiveness in sport and military endeavors. These athletes are commonly encouraged to increase energy intake by ~500 kcal/day with an emphasis on adequate protein (PRO) and carbohydrate (CHO), and judicious inclusion of healthy fat-containing calorically dense foods, including peanuts/peanut butter, along with rigorous resistance training (RT). These guidelines target gains of ~0.23 kg/wk. However, little is known about the efficacy of such regimens, particularly in female athletes. PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of a 10-week (wk) diet and exercise regimen designed to promote healthy weight gain. METHODS: 32 male (N=19) and female (N=13) athletes (U.S. military, collegiate, club, firefighter, and recreational; previous RT experience) were randomly assigned to receive 500 additional kcal/day above weight maintenance diet through provision of either peanut-based whole foods/snacks (PRO group) or a similar, high-CHO, peanut-free snack (CHO group) along with a supervised RT regimen (3 days/wk for 60-120 minutes targeting major muscle groups). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline, 3-wk, 7-wk, and post intervention. RESULTS: Total body mass (TBM) increased 2.1±1.2 kg (range of -0.9 to 4.4 kg) with 1.5±1.1 kg (range of -0.5 to 3.5 kg) as lean body mass (LBM) after 10-wk. The PRO group (N=16; 27±7 y; 10 men, 6 women) gained less TBM than the CHO group (N=16; 23±3 y; 9 men, 7 women) (1.6±1.1 kg vs 2.7±1.2 kg, respectively, p=0.008) and tended to gain less LBM (1.2±1.1 kg vs 1.9±1.0 kg, p=0.09). The age difference between the groups was significant (p=0.047). Men and women had a TBM gain of 2.0±1.3 kg and 2.4±1.1 kg (p=0.307) with a LBM gain of 1.3±1.1 kg and 1.9±1.0 kg (p=0.178), respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the addition of 500 kcal/day from whole foods/snacks in combination with a rigorous RT program promotes a similar weight gain of ~0.21 kg/wk, primarily as LBM, over 10-wk in both male and female athletes. However, age and/or snack macronutrient content may impact the effectiveness of this regimen.
The mGAINS Trial: Exploring The Feasibility And Utility Of Continuous Glucose Monitoring During Resistance Training
Reynolds, Jake C.; Sanchez, Allison D.; Marinik, Elaina L.; Dotson, Jon T.; Hunter, Gary R.; Larson-Meyer, D. Enette; Davy, Brenda M. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2023-09)
There is a growing interest in the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in the sport science field to inform training strategies and improve performance. These devices provide information on 24hr glucose control and glycemic variability (GV), which are associated with deleterious health outcomes independent from other measures of cardiometabolic health. Whether these devices are feasible and useful in the context of resistance training (RT) aimed at lean mass gain has yet to be explored. PURPOSE: To examine the feasibility of CGM use during RT and explore associations between 24hr glucose homeostasis, glycemic variability, and total body and lean mass gains in athletes participating in the mGAINS trial (Muscle Growth in Athletes In Combination with Nutritious Snacks) which combined RT with a modest energy surplus for 10 weeks. METHODS: 28 male (n=15) and female (n=13) athletes aged 25±6 y participated in a 10-week hypertrophy-based RT program (3 days/week, 60-120 min/d) and were provided a daily snack (500 kcal/snack) to be consumed in addition to their habitual diet. A CGM device was placed on the posterior side of the preferred arm (halfway between the olecranon and the acromion process) at baseline and during the last week of the RT intervention. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after training. RESULTS: Mean CGM wear period was 7±1 days at each time point. Device wear time active was 100%. After 10 weeks, total body mass increased by 2.1±1.3 kg with 1.5±1.1 kg as lean mass (both p<0.001). Mean 24hr glucose concentrations before and after the intervention were 88±9 (range: 66-107 mg/dl) and 90±11 (range: 72-113 mg/dL), respectively (p>0.05). Mean GV at the two time points was 18±3% (p>0.05). Change in 24hr glucose control was weakly/moderately associated with change in total body mass (r= -0.381, p=0.045), but the association between change in GV and change in lean mass did not reach significance (r= -0.351, p=0.067). CONCLUSION: CGM devices can be feasibly utilized during an intense RT program. An inverse correlation between total body mass gain and 24hr glucose concentrations may suggest that weight gained through RT in combination with a modest energy surplus improves 24hr glucose concentrations in athletes.
Change In Walking Economy After Resistance Training With Weight Gain In Young Adult Athletes
Marinik, Elaina L.; Sanchez, Allison D.; Reynolds, Jake C.; Hunter, Gary R.; Davy, Brenda M.; Larson-Meyer, D. Enette (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2023-09)
Walking economy (WE) describes the relative efficiency to perform steady-state walking at a set submaximal intensity. Previous studies have demonstrated a positive effect of aerobic exercise, resistance training (RT), and weight loss on WE in various age groups of adults. However, the impact of weight gain during RT on WE has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we explored the influence of RT combined with a modest caloric surplus intervention on WE in young adult athletes. PURPOSE:To examine changes in WE in young adult athletes after a 10-week RT and dietary intervention designed to promote healthy body mass gains. METHODS:28 athletes (16 male, 12 female; 25±6y) participated in a supervised, hypertrophy-focused RT program (3 days/week, 60-120 min/day) for 10 weeks, while consuming an extra 500 kcal/d from study-provided snacks. A steady-state WE treadmill test (4 min each at 3, 3.5, and 4 mph at a fixed 0% grade) using indirect calorimetry was performed at baseline and after RT. WE was calculated by averaging 15-sec values from the last 2 min of each stage. Body composition was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at both timepoints.
Repetitions In Reserve In Research: Analyzing The Relationship Of Strength And Loading Choices
Dotson, Jonathan T.; Reynolds, Jake C.; Sanchez, Allison D.; Marinik, Elaina L.; Davy, Brenda M.; Hunter, Gary R.; Larson-Meyer, D. Enette (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2023-09)
Repetitions (reps) in reserve (RIR) is a practical method of quantifying resistance training (RT) intensity by estimating proximity to failure as a number of reps on a given set. RIR has long been employed in practice by strength athletes and trainers. Recently, it has become a subject of research—with initial studies supporting its effectiveness. Still, RIR relies on estimation. Gaining a better understanding of the effects which an individual’s strength and experience may have on their loading choice when using RIR will help inform future RT protocols in a research setting. PURPOSE: To examine how relative (RS) and absolute strength—as 1-repetition maximum (1RM)—affect loading choices for a given RIR by athletes in a research environment. METHODS: 16 male (n=10) and female (n=6) athletes aged 25±6 y were recruited to participate in a 10-week hypertrophybased RT program (3 days/week, 60-120 min/d). Participants were stratified by previous RT history as experienced (EX) or inexperienced (IX). Body weight (BW) was measured before the intervention. 1RM was tested in the back squat (BS) and bench press (BP) on week 2 and 10. Sub-maximal loading (determined by RIR) and a rep-range of 8–12 were used for the study’s remainder to promote muscle hypertrophy. 2 RIR and 3 RIR loading (as % of 1RM) was then compared to RS as determined by 1RM/BW. RESULTS: The average loading used in the BS and BP for 2 RIR was 83±11% and 80±9%, respectively. For 3 RIR, the loading was the same for both lifts at 68±6%. The average RS for BS and BP was 1.23±0.33 and 0.9±0.29 respectively. RS was strongly associated with resistance loading for 2 RIR and 3 RIR, respectively, in the BS (r= -0.757, p=0.001; r= -0.640, p=0.008) and BP (r= -0.794, p<0.001; r= - 0.722, p=0.002). 1RM was also strongly associated with 2 RIR and 3 RIR loading, respectively (BS: r= - 0.738, p=0.002; r= -0.670 p=0.005; and BP: r= - 0.756, p=0.001; r= -0.660, p=0.005). There were no differences in strength between EX and IX groups. CONCLUSION: These data suggest there is a strong inverse relationship between resistance loading choices at 2 RIR and 3 RIR (at a rep range of 8-12) and strength (both RS and 1RM) in an athletic population. Researchers employing RIR should be aware that an athlete’s strength may influence their likelihood to over- or underestimate RIR.
A Randomized Trial of Healthy Weight Gain in Athletic Individuals
Sanchez, Allison D.; Reynolds, Jake C.; Marinik, Elaina L.; Kolb, Ryann D.; Lozano, Alicia J.; Davy, Brenda M.; Hunter, Gary R.; Larson-Meyer, D. Enette (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2024-08-01)
Many athletes desire weight gain, ideally as lean body mass (LBM), to improve athletic performance. These athletes are commonly encouraged to increase energy intake by ∼500 kcal·d-1 with emphasis on adequate protein, carbohydrate, and judicious inclusion of healthy fat-containing energy-dense foods, such as peanuts/peanut butter, along with rigorous resistance training (RT). These guidelines target gains of ∼0.23 kg·wk-1. However, little is known about the efficacy of such regimens. Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of a 10-wk diet and exercise regimen designed to promote healthy weight gain with excess energy from peanut-containing or high-carbohydrate foods. Methods Nineteen male and 13 female athletes were randomly assigned to receive an additional 500 kcal·d-1 above typical intake through provision of either peanut-based whole foods/snacks (PNT group) or a similar, high-carbohydrate, peanut-free snack (CHO group) along with supervised, whole-body RT (3 d·wk-1 for 60-120 min). Body composition was assessed by dual-energyx-ray absorptiometry at baseline and postintervention. Results Total body mass (TBM) increased 2.2 ± 1.3 kg with 1.5 ± 1.1 kg as LBM after week 10. The PNT group (n = 16; 27 ± 7 yr; 10 men, 6 women) gained less TBM than the CHO group (n = 16; 23 ± 3 yr; 9 men, 7 women) (1.6 ± 1.1 kg vs 2.7 ± 1.2 kg, respectively, P = 0.007) with no differences in LBM (1.2 ± 1.1 kg vs 1.9 ± 1.0 kg, P = 0.136). Conclusions These results suggest that the addition of 500 kcal·d-1 from whole foods/snacks in combination with a rigorous RT program promotes a similar weight gain of ∼0.22 kg·wk-1, primarily as LBM, over 10 wk in both male and female athletes. However, snack macronutrient content may impact the effectiveness of this regimen.
Vitamin D Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes of Adolescents and Adults: A Systematic Review
Fitzgerald, John S.; Swanson, Brenna J.; Larson-Meyer, D. Enette (Elsevier, 2024-06-29)
Introduction: The aims of this systematic review were 2-fold: (1) evaluate the effect of vitamin D educational interventions on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentration in adolescents (aged 10–19 years) and adults, and (2) assess the association between serum 25-OHD concentration and vitamin D knowledge, awareness of vitamin D deficiency risk, and attitudes toward behaviors associated with acquiring vitamin D. Methods: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for studies reporting associations between serum 25-OHD concentration and vitamin D knowledge, awareness, and attitudes. Results were summarized narratively. Effect sizes were calculated when data were available. Results: Eight studies reported experimental effects (2 randomized controlled trials, 1 cluster randomized trial, 4 quasi-experiments, 1 clinical audit), and 14 reported cross-sectional associations. Seven of 8 interventions reported no effect of educational interventions on serum 25-OHD concentration. A slight majority (53%; κ = 19) of studies reported statistically significant associations between serum 25-OHD concentration and vitamin D knowledge and attitudes. Implications for Research and Practice: The few educational interventions employed to increase serum 25-OHD concentration lack effectiveness. Future studies may use randomized controlled trial designs, enroll those at risk for vitamin D insufficiency and underrepresented in the literature, increase the salience of the information to the target population, and include safe sun exposure recommendations.
The effect of plant quercetin on immune function of Microtus fortis
An, Yuting; Yang, Dongwei; Bo, Ma; Deng, Kaidong; Liu, Dongmin; Tao, Shuanglun; Cai, Huijuan; Ou, Yangjing; Li, Junnian (Springer, 2025-06-01)
Quercetin, a widely occurring phytogenic flavonoid, is the primary secondary metabolite in the diet of Microtus fortis. This study investigated the effects of dietary quercetin on immune organ development and cytokine levels in Microtus fortis. Microtus fortis were fed a standard diet containing 0, 1.5%, 3%, 5%, or 8% quercetin for 20 consecutive days. The results show that, compared to the control group, treatment with 5% quercetin increased the spleen and thymus indices by 14.47% and 11.67%, respectively. The proliferation of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and macrophages in Microtus fortis varied significantly cross groups, depending on the concentrations of quercetin in the culture medium. Additionally, IL-2 and IL-10 secretion levels increased by 8.90% and 14.99%, while TNF-α and IL-1β decreased by 11.13% and 17.40%. However, at an 8% quercetin concentration, compared with the 5% treatment, the indices of spleen and thymus decreased by 9.09% and 7.79%, respectively Similarly, IL-2 and IL-10 secretion levels decreased by 8.86% and 5.34%, while TNF-α and IL-1β secretion increased by 10.7% and 6.22%, respectively. These findings suggest that low concentrations of quercetin promote immune organ development and cytokine secretion in Microtus fortis, whereas higher concentrations exert inhibitory effects.
PERM1 Gene Delivery via AAV Prevents Heart Failure in a Mouse Model of Pressure Overload
Sreedevi, Karthi; Montalvo, Ryan; Doku, Abbigail; Korte, Audrey; Thomas, Rebekah; Salama, Sarah; Burrows, Steven; Yan, Zhen; Zaitsev, Alexey V.; Warren, Junco S. (2025-09-30)
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. A hallmark of HFrEF is impaired cardiomyocyte contractility accompanied by disrupted mitochondrial bioenergetics; however, no current therapy targets both pathologies simultaneously. PERM1, a striated muscle-specific regulator of mitochondrial bioenergetics, is downregulated in HFrEF patients. We recently demonstrated that overexpression of PERM1 via adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9-PERM1) enhances both cardiac contractility and mitochondrial biogenesis in C57BL/6 mice. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of AAV9-PERM1 in a pressure overload-induced mouse model of HFrEF. C57BL/6 mice were treated with either AAV9-PERM1 or control AAV9-GFP (1×1012 GC/mouse), followed by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery. At 4 weeks post-TAC, control mice receiving AAV-GFP exhibited reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), whereas AAV-PERM1 preserved LVEF at baseline levels. This cardioprotective effect was sustained through 8 weeks. Notably, AAV9-PERM1 completely abrogated TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Mitochondrial analysis revealed that AAV9-PERM1 preserved mitochondrial DNA copy number and TFAM protein levels, both of which were reduced by TAC in control hearts. AAV9-PERM1 also improved mitochondrial respiration using pyruvate and octanoylcarnitine as substrates and prevented TAC-induced impairments in oxidative capacity. While PGC-1α expression remained unchanged in control TAC hearts, it was modestly yet significantly upregulated by AAV9-PERM1 in both sham and TAC groups. In addition, AAV9-PERM1 suppressed TACinduced increases in O-GlcNAcylation, a stress-related posttranslational modification of proteins. Coimmunoprecipitation further revealed interactions of PERM1 with creatine kinase and troponin C, key proteins in ATP transduction and contractility, suggesting a functional coupling between mitochondrial energetics and contractility. In conclusion, AAV-PERM1 gene therapy effectively preserves cardiac function under pressure overload by maintaining mitochondrial biogenesis, respiration capacity and contractility. This study further suggests AAV-PERM1 as a promising therapeutic strategy for HFrEF.
Ulk1(S555) inhibition alters nutrient stress response by prioritizing amino acid metabolism
Willoughby, Orion S.; Nichenko, Anna S.; Brisendine, Matthew H.; Amiri, Niloufar; Henry, Shelby N.; Braxton, Daniel S.; Brown, John R.; Kraft, Braeden J.; Jenkins, Kalyn S.; Addington, Adele K.; Zaitsev, Alexey V.; Burrows, Steven T.; McMillan, Ryan P.; Zhang, Haiyan; Tye, Spencer A.; Najt, Charles P.; Craige, Siobhan E.; Rhoads, Timothy W.; Warren, Junco S.; Drake, Joshua C. (Elsevier, 2025-11-24)
Metabolic flexibility, the capacity to adapt fuel utilization in response to nutrient availability, is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis and preventing metabolic disease. Here, we investigate the role of Ulk1 phosphorylation at serine 555 (S555), a site regulated by AMPK, in coordinating metabolic switching following short-term caloric restriction and fasting. Using Ulk1(S555A) global knock-in mice, we show loss of S555 phosphorylation impairs glucose oxidation in skeletal muscle and liver during short-term CR, despite improved glucose tolerance. Metabolomic, transcriptomic, and mitochondrial respiration analyses suggest a compensatory reliance on autophagy-derived amino acids in Ulk1(S555A) mice. These findings suggest Ulk1(S555) phosphorylation as a critical regulatory event linking nutrient stress to substrate switching. This work highlights an underappreciated role of Ulk1 in maintaining metabolic flexibility, with implications for metabolic dysfunction.
Dietary (Poly)phenols in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review
Lobene, Andrea J.; Biruete, Annabel; Mirmohammadali, Seyedeh Nooshan; Ellis, Leah M.; Cladis, Dennis P. (MDPI, 2025-11-07)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 850 million individuals globally and has no cure. The treatment of CKD centers on lifestyle interventions, including dietary changes, that slow disease progression. As emerging evidence suggests that fruit and vegetable-derived (poly)phenols may slow CKD, the goal of this narrative review is to synthesize current knowledge on the role of dietary (poly)phenols in CKD. To identify relevant articles, we searched databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify relevant articles, using keywords including (poly)phenols, CKD, gut microbiome, and cardiovascular disease, among others. The relevant articles were synthesized into a summary of the evidence for (poly)phenols as a therapeutic strategy in CKD, though the paucity and heterogeneity of available research in this area precludes the identification of specific doses or types of (poly)phenols needed to slow CKD progression. The review is supplemented through our discussion of the gut microbiota and microbially derived metabolites as key targets in mediating the progression of CKD itself as well as subsequent cardiovascular outcomes. Finally, we discuss the integration of (poly)phenol-rich dietary patterns into CKD nutrition guidelines, highlighting future research directions to elucidate the potential therapeutic role of (poly)phenols in CKD.
The Influence of Ultraprocessed Food Consumption on Energy Intake in Emerging Adulthood: A Controlled Feeding Trial
Rego, Maria L. M.; Leslie, Emma; Schmall, Emily; Capra, Bailey; Hudson, Summer; Ahrens, Monica L.; Katz, Benjamin; Davy, Kevin P.; Hedrick, Valisa E.; DiFeliceantonio, Alexandra G.; Davy, Brenda M. (Wiley, 2025-11-19)
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the impact of a 2-week eucaloric diet high in ultraprocessed foods (UPF) compared to a diet without UPF (non-UPF) on ad libitum energy intake (EI) and food selection in individuals aged 18-25. METHODS: In a randomized, crossover, proof-of-concept trial, participants completed two 14-day controlled feeding periods (81% UPF vs. 0% UPF), with a 4-week washout. Diets were matched for macronutrients, fiber, added sugar, diet quality, and energy density. Following each condition, participants consumed an ad libitum buffet meal including UPF and non-UPF. Energy and food grams consumed were quantified. Statistical analyses were conducted for the full sample, late adolescents (aged 18-21), and young adults (aged 22-25). RESULTS: Twenty-seven individuals aged 22 ± 2 years (mean BMI = 24 ± 3 kg/m2) were included. Diet compliance was ~99% overall. There was no effect of diet condition on meal total kcal or grams consumed or UPF or non-UPF consumption in the full sample (all p > 0.05). In the exploratory age subgroup analysis, an interaction between diet and age was observed for total EI (p < 0.001), where total EI increased among adolescents following the UPF diet (p = 0.03, d = 0.79), but not in young adults. CONCLUSIONS: Late adolescents may be susceptible to increased EI following a UPF diet. Future trials are warranted to evaluate this possibility. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05550818.
Thalamo-hippocampal pathway determines aggression and self-harm
Jung, Jane; You, In-Jee; Shin, Sora (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2025-11-05)
Aggression and self-harm are maladaptive coping strategies that often occur in individuals with a history of early life trauma (ELT), yet their underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we identify L-type calcium channel (LTCC)–expressing thalamic nucleus reuniens (RE) as a critical component regulating both behaviors. ELT-induced excessive LTCC activity in vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGlut2) RE neurons and its corresponding effects on persistent neuronal activation contribute to increasing susceptibility to aggression and self-harm. Activation of vGlut2 RE neurons projecting to ventral hippocampus (vCA1), but not medial prefrontal cortex, promotes these behaviors in control mice. Furthermore, we found that RE neurons modulate two distinct subsets of vCA1 neurons, with one projecting to the hypothalamus to drive aggression and another to the basal amygdala to mediate self-harm. Our findings uncover how LTCC functions in the RE-to- vCA1 neural pathway increase the risk of aggression and self-harm, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for mitigating destructive behaviors following early adversity.
Physical activity is directly associated with total energy expenditure without evidence of constraint or compensation
Howard, Kristen R.; Prado-Nóvoa, Olalla; Zorrilla-Revilla, Guillermo; Laskaridou, Eleni; Reid, Glen R.; Marinik, Elaina L.; Stamatiou, Marina; Hambly, Catherine; Davy, Brenda M.; Speakman, John R.; Davy, Kevin P. (National Academy of Sciences, 2025-10-21)
The prevailing linear model of physical activity (PA) and total energy expenditure (TEE) has been challenged by models that predict an upper limit of TEE linked to a compensatory reduction elsewhere in the energy budget in response to increased PA. We determined the equation of best fit between PA and TEE and explored relationships between PA and behavioral and physiological compensation. Using linear and nonlinear modeling, we observed a positive linear relationship between PA and TEE either without or after adjustment for fat-free mass (R²= 0.3492, TEE = 0.00685*PA + 7.124: R²=0.3667, TEE_ADJ(FFM) = 0.00511*PA + 8.598). Higher PA was associated with lower sedentary time (R²= 0.7207, %SPA= −0.0211*X + 91.261). There was no association between PA, TEE, or resting metabolic rate and adjusted biomarkers of immune, reproductive, or thyroid function after Bonferroni correction. The findings of this observational study do not support the constrained/compensated model but affirm the conventional additive relationship between PA and TEE across a broad range of PA levels.
Tapping into the success of Science on Tap New River Valley: Lessons learned from eight years of a community-centered science outreach program
Hagen, Amy P. I.; DeNunzio, Maria; Kroehler, Carolyn J.; Chen, S.; Goh, Ying-Xian; Burke, K. L.; Oyedele, E.; Hockman, C.; Vayda, P.; Bracci, Nicole R.; Pagani, M.; Good, Deborah J.; Pfeiffer, Douglas G.; Allen, E.; Raun, Patricia (2025-10)
Communicating scientific research to the public through outreach programs is beneficial but faces many challenges. These include impediments to designing and implementing sustainable outreach programming as well as communication challenges between scientists and audience. Here we present Science on Tap New River Valley (NRV), a community-centered monthly science outreach program designed to reduce barriers to effective science outreach and share research with residents of the New River Valley in Virginia. The program places special emphasis on interactivity with community members and provides support for speakers to ensure that this goal is met. With a relatively small budget and a primarily graduate student-led volunteer organizing team, Science on Tap NRV serves as a model of a sustainable outreach program that provides opportunities for community members to engage with scientists, researchers to build and practice their science communication skills, and graduate students to learn to coordinate and implement effective outreach events. We share the details of the factors that have contributed to the success of Science on Tap NRV since 2017.
A preliminary study of the physiological and perceptual effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists during alcohol consumption in people with obesity
Quddos, Fatima; Fowler, Mary; de Lima Bovo, Ana Carolina; Elbash, Zacarya; Tegge, Allison N.; Gatchalian, Kirstin M.; Kablinger, Anita S.; DiFeliceantonio, Alexandra G.; Bickel, Warren K. (Nature Research, 2025-10-15)
Any increase in alcohol use is associated with an increase in risk of illness and mortality and consequences of chronic alcohol use include cancer, hypertension, heart and liver disease, and Alcohol Use Disorder. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are effective anti-glycemic and weight-loss medications with a strong safety record. There is substantial preclinical evidence and mounting retrospective and prospective randomized controlled trial evidence that GLP-1RAs could be effective for reducing alcohol consumption. However, the mechanism by which GLP-1RAs reduce alcohol intake remains unclear. While medications that reduce alcohol intake such as naltrexone and acamprosate have central nervous system action, disulfiram reduces alcohol intake through peripheral mechanisms. Here, we test whether GLP-1RAs alter alcohol’s peripheral pharmacokinetics as a potential mechanism of action for their alcohol intake suppressive effects. In this pilot study, 20 (1:1) participants with obesity in the GLP-1RA or control group consumed a challenge dose of alcohol, and we measured breath alcohol (BrAC) and the subjective effects of alcohol. We observed a delayed rise in BrAC and subjective effects in the GLP-1RA group as compared to controls, that was not explained by nausea. These data provide preliminary evidence that GLP-1RAs could act through peripheral mechanisms to suppress alcohol intake.
Adaptation of the Beverage Intake Questionnaire-15 (BEVQ-15) into Turkish: validity and reproducibility study
Arslan, Sabriye; Keskin, Selin; Hedrick, Valisa E.; Ayyıldız, Feride (2025-10-07)
Purpose: This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Beverage Intake Questionnaire (BEVQ-15) to the Turkish population and to assess its validity and reproducibillity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included adults and older residing in Ankara, Turkey. The study process involved the translation of the BEVQ-15 from English into Turkish and its adaptation to the Turkish community. Adaptations to the original BEVQ-15 included separating the black tea and coffee category into distict categories, as well as herbal tea. Additionally, plain mineral water, flavored mineral water, kefir, and turnip juice were presented as individual categories. The adaptation of BEVQ-15 to Turkish preferences resulted in the BEVQ-21. Participants come to three visits, each two weeks apart. The BEVQ-21 was administered at visits 1 and 3, and a three day dietary record was returned during visit 2.. The BEVQ-21 was conducted at visit one (BEVQ-1) and visit three (BEVQ-2). Validity and reproducability statistical analyses were conducted using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Bland–Altman plots, and Spearman correlations. Results: Fifty-one participants completed all study visits. Minimal yet significant differences were identified between the two assessment tools (BEVQ-2 and DR) across various beverage categories, with mean differences ranging from 3 to 82 mL and 0 to 16 kcal. According to Bland–Altman plots between BEVQ-21 and dietary records, differences for water (mL), regular mineral water (mL), whole and flavored milk (mL and kcal), soft drinks (mL and kcal), black tea (mL), herbal teas (mL), and total beverage intake (mL) were found to be approximately consistent within the boundaries (p < 0.05). For reproducibility, sugary beverage and total beverage consumption were significantly associated between the first and second administration of the BEVQ-21 (r = 0.44–0.65, p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The adapted BEVQ-21 for the Turkish population demonstrated validity and reproducibility for most types of beverage intake among adults in Turkey.
Caudate serotonin signaling during social exchange distinguishes essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease patients
Hartle, Alec E.; Kishida, Kenneth T.; Sands, L. Paul; Batten, Seth R.; Barbosa, Leonardo S.; Bang, Dan; Lohrenz, Terry; White, Jason P.; Sohrabi, Arian K.; Calafiore, Rebecca L.; DiFeliceantonio, Alexandra G.; Laxton, AdrianW.; Tatter, Stephen B.; Witcher, Mark R.; Montague, P. Read; Howe, W. Matt (Springer Nature, 2025-09-02)
Dynamic changes in dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin release are believed to causally contribute to the neural computations that support reward-based decision making. Accordingly, changes in signaling by these systems are hypothesized to underwrite multiple cognitive and behavioral symptoms observed in many neurological disorders. Here,we characterize the release of these neurotransmitters measured concurrently in the caudate of patients with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery as they played a social exchange game. We show that violations in the expected value of monetary offers are encoded by opponent patterns of dopamine and serotonin release in essential tremor, but not Parkinson’s disease, patients. We also demonstrate that these changes in serotonin signaling comprise a neurochemical boundary that subsegments these two neuromotor diseases. Our combined results point to a neural signature of altered reward processing that can be used to understand the signaling deficiencies that underwrite these diseases.

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