2023
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Item Hunting can increase Physical Activity of Indigenous peoples in Canada: pixem re yecwme’nstut(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-09-07) Paul, Sidney; Haynes, Elijah M.K.; Rush, Kathy; Te Hiwi, Braden; Jakobi, Jennifer M.; Robbins, FredThis study examined whether Indigenous people could achieve the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines (CPAG) recommendations for adults while engaging in the cultural practice of hunting. It was hypothesized that Indigenous hunters would achieve or surpass the physical activity thresholds set forth by the CPAG on days spent hunting. Step count and heart rate were recorded from six male participants during mule deer hunts and days spent on-reserve. Step count was not statistically different between days spent hunting (28803 ± 10657 steps) and on-reserve (15086 ± 7536 steps) (p = 0.10). The duration of sedentary activity was not statistically different between days spent hunting (531 ± 188 minutes) versus on-reserve (455 ± 117 minutes) (p = 0.34). Low (63 ± 38; 70 ± 65 minutes) (p = 0.86), moderate (32 ± 31; 22 ± 22 minutes) (p = 0.67) and vigorous (24 ± 29; 5 ± 6 minutes) intensity physical activity duration was not statistically different between hunting and on-reserve days. On hunting days, duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (55 ± 58 minutes) exceeded CPAG. Trends in the data suggest that hunting is likely a viable mode of physical activity for Indigenous adults to achieve health benefits, and future studies should evaluate multiple communities to achieve a larger sample size to facilitate academic statistical methodology. However, physical activity measurements suggest that health researchers’ and clinicians should consider traditional activities such as hunting as a means for Indigenous adults to increase participation in sufficiently vigorous physical activity to incur health benefits.Item Nutritional physiology and body composition changes during a rapid ascent to high altitude(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-12-11) Santangelo, Carmen; Verratti, Vittore; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; Ciampini, Federica; Bonan, Sofia; Pignatelli, Pamela; Pietrangelo, Tiziana; Pilato, Serena; Moffa, Samanta; Fontana, Antonella; Piccinelli, Raffaela; Le Donne, Cinzia; Lobefalo, Lucio; Beccatelli, Matteo; Lodi Rizzini, Pierluigi; Seletti, Davide; Mecca, Rocco; Beccatelli, Tommaso; Bondi, DaniloExposure to high altitude might cause the body to adapt with negative energy and fluid balance that compromise body composition and physical performance. In this field study involving 12 healthy adults, sex-balanced, aged 29±4 years with a body mass index 21.6±1.8 kg/m2, we investigated the effects fo a 4-day trekking up to 4556 m a.s.l. on Monte Rosa (Alps, Italy). The food intake was recorded using food diaries and nutrients averages were calculated. The bio-impedance analysis was performed at low and high altitude, and a wearable biosensor (Swemax) was used to track hydro-saline losses in 2 participants. Daily total energy intake was 3348±386 kcal for males and 2804±415 kcal for females (13-14% protein, 35% fat, 44-46% carbohydrates). Although there was a significant body weight loss (65.0±9.3 vs 64.2±9.10 kg, pItem Are Menstrual Disturbances Associated with an Energy Availability Threshold? A Critical Review of the Evidence(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-12-22) Salamunes, Ana Carla Chierighini; Williams, Nancy I; De Souza, Mary JaneExercising women have a high prevalence of menstrual disturbances. In 2003, it was suggested that disruption in luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatility occurs below a threshold of energy availability (EA) of 30 kcal/kg LBM/d. This paper is a critical review of the evidence regarding the theory that disruptions to the reproductive axis and menstrual disturbances occur below the proposed threshold. Short-term laboratory studies demonstrated that 4-5 days of an EA below 30 kcal/kg LBM/d, induced with or without exercise, decreased serum triiodothyronine and LH pulse frequency, and increased LH pulse amplitude in sedentary, regularly menstruating women. Fewer studies have investigated downstream ovarian effects after long-term exposure to low EA. The Sargent Camp Study was the first randomized trial that induced luteal phase defects, delayed menses, and anovulation by causing weight loss (-4±0.3 kg) with an abrupt increase in exercise volume for two menstrual cycles. The BioEnergetics study was a randomized controlled trial that induced varying levels of energy deficits by manipulating energy intake and expenditure for three menstrual cycles. LH pulse frequency and triiodothyronine decreased, and 57% of women developed luteal phase defects, anovulation, and/or oligomenorrhea. An EA below 30 kcal/kg FFM/d increased the chance of experiencing a menstrual disturbance by 50%. However, menstrual disturbances were observed above and below that EA threshold, and changes in LH pulse frequency predicted only luteal phase defects, not oligomenorrhea or anovulation. The proposed EA threshold is not a cut-off below which menstrual disturbances occur, but represents an increased risk of experiencing menstrual disturbances.Item A Scoping Review of Indigenous Community-Specific Physical Activity Measures Developed with and for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Australia and New Zealand(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-12-31) Johnson, Shara R.; Chilibeck, Philip D; Oosman, Sarah N.; Foulds, Heather J AHistorical factors including colonization and ongoing socioeconomic inequities impact Indigenous Peoples’ ability to mitigate chronic disease risks such as achieving recommended physical activity (PA) levels. Reliably assessing, reflecting, and promoting PA participation among Indigenous Peoples may be impacted by a lack of culturally appropriate assessment methods and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities throughout the research process. The objectives of this scoping review were to examine: (1) How PA research with Indigenous Peoples used community-specific PA measures developed with and/or for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and, (2) How the studies utilized community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles to engage communities. A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases (Web of Science, Medline, University of Saskatchewan Indigenous Portal, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global). Thirty-one (n=31) articles were identified, and data extracted for narrative synthesis. Studies using community-specific PA measures have been increasing over time. Adapting questionnaires to traditional Indigenous activities such as cultural dances, ceremonies and food gathering activities were the most frequent adjustments undertaken to use community-specific measures. There are however gaps in research partnering with communities with only 6% of studies including all eight CBPR principles. Practical ways researchers can engage Indigenous communities and build capacity such as training and employing community members were highlighted. More needs to be done to facilitate community self-determination and develop long-term sustainable initiatives. Using culturally appropriate and relevant methodologies including partnering with Indigenous communities may help identification and implementation of culturally relevant and sustainable health promoting initiatives.Item Independent and combined effects of calorie restriction and AICAR on glucose uptake and insulin signaling in skeletal muscles from 24-month-old female and male rats(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-12-27) Wang, Haiyan; Zheng, Amy; Thorley, Dominic; Arias, Edward Belisario; Cartee, Gregory DWe assessed the effects of two levels of calorie restriction (CR; eating either 15% or 35% less than ad libitum, AL, food intake for 8 weeks) by 24-month-old female and male rats on glucose uptake (GU) and phosphorylation of key signaling proteins (Akt; AMP-activated protein kinase, AMPK; Akt substrate of 160 kDa, AS160) measured in isolated skeletal muscles that underwent four incubation conditions (without either insulin or AICAR, an AMPK activator; with AICAR alone; with insulin alone; or with insulin and AICAR). Regardless of sex: 1) neither CR group versus the AL group had greater GU by insulin-stimulated muscles; 2) phosphorylation of Akt in insulin-stimulated muscles was increased in 35%-CR versus AL rats; 3) prior AICAR treatment of muscle resulted in greater GU by insulin-stimulated muscles, regardless of diet; and 4) AICAR caused elevated phosphorylation of acetyl CoA carboxylase, an indicator of AMPK activation, in all diet groups. There was a sexually dimorphic diet-effect on AS160 phosphorylation, with 35%-CR exceeding AL for insulin-stimulated muscles in male rats, but not in female rats. Our working hypothesis is that the lack of a CR-effect on GU by insulin-stimulated muscles was related to the extended duration of the ex vivo incubation period (290 minutes compared to 40-50 minutes that was previously reported to be effective). The observed efficacy of prior treatment of muscles with AICAR to improve glucose uptake in insulin stimulated muscles supports the strategy of targeting AMPK with the goal of improving insulin sensitivity in older females and males.Item Malnutrition care in hospitalized pediatric inpatients: Comparison of perceptions and experiences across two pediatric academic health sciences centres.(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-10-27) Hulst, Jessie; de Lange, Anna; da Silva, Kristen; Owens, Jillian; Bannister, Louise; Beaulieu, Jordan; Chowdhury, Fariha; Fleming-Carroll, Bonnie; Haliburton, Beth; Kalnins, Daina; Mahant, Sanjay; McEwan, Sara; Morra, Adelina; Talone, Lisa; Pai, NikhilMalnutrition affects up to 1 in 3 Canadian children admitted to hospital. Awareness among pediatric healthcare providers (HCP) of the prevalence and impacts of hospitalized malnutrition is critical for optimal management. The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions of malnutrition among pediatric HCP across two major academic health sciences centres, and to determine how the use of a standardized pediatric nutritional screening tool at one institution affects responses. Between 2020-2022, 192 HCP representing nursing, dietetics, medicine and other allied health were surveyed across McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) and The Hospital for Sick Children (SK). 38% of respondents from both centres perceived rates of malnutrition between approximately 1 in 3 patients. Perceptions of the need for nutritional screening, assessment, and management were similar between centres. All respondents identified the need for better communication of hospitalized malnutrition status to community providers at discharge, and resource limitations affecting nutritional management of pediatric inpatients. This study represents the largest and most diverse survey of inpatient pediatric HCP to date. We demonstrate high rates of baseline knowledge of hospital malnutrition, ongoing resource challenges, and the need for a systematic approach to pediatric nutritional management.Item Development of the Pediatric Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (P-INPAC) using a modified Delphi technique(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-11-20) Brunet-Wood, M. Kim; Tul-Noor, Zujaja; Bandsma, Robert; Carter, Laura E; Fleming-Carroll, Bonnie; Gramlich, Leah; Hutchison, Kim; Huysentruyt, Koen; Kalnins, Daina; Marchand, Valerie; Martinez, Andrea; Pai, Nikhil; Vachon, Mélanie; Hulst, Jessie; Pediatric Working Group, Canadian Malnutrition Task ForceOne in three hospitalized children have disease related malnutrition (DRM) upon admission to hospital, and all children are at risk for further nutritional deterioration during hospital stay, however, systematic approaches to detect DRM in Canada are lacking. To standardise and improve hospital care, the multidisciplinary pediatric working group of the Canadian Malnutrition Taskforce aimed to develop a pediatric, inpatient nutritional care pathway based on available evidence, feasibility of resources, and expert consensus. The working group (n=13) undertook a total of four meetings: an in-person meeting to draft the pathway based on existing literature and modelled after the Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (INPAC) in adults, followed by three online surveys and three rounds of on-line Delphi consensus meetings to achieve agreement on the draft pathway. In the first Delphi survey, 32 questions were asked, whereas in the second and third round 27 and 8 questions were asked respectively. Consensus was defined as any question/ issue in which at least 80 % agreed. The modified Delphi process allowed the development of an evidence-informed, consensus-based pathway for inpatients , the Pediatric Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (P-INPAC). It includes screeningItem Women in Canada are consuming above the upper intake level of folic acid but few are meeting dietary choline recommendations in the second trimester of pregnancy: data from the CHILD cohort study(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-11-08) Wiedeman, Alejandra M; Miliku, Kozeta; Moraes, Theo J; Mandhane, Piushkumar J; Simons, Elinor; Subbarao, Padmaja; Turvey, Stuart E; Zwicker, Jill G; Devlin, Angela M.There is concern that during a low risk pregnancy, women are consuming more than recommended (400 μg/day) supplemental folic acid and may not meet recommendations for other nutrients. The objective of this study was to determine folic acid supplement use and dietary folate intakes in the second trimester (week 18) of pregnancy in women (n=2996) in the Canadian CHILD cohort study. Vitamin B12 and choline intakes were also assessed because they are metabolically related to folate.. The majority of participants (71.6%) were consuming a daily prenatal supplement. Twenty-eight percent of women (n=847) reported consuming a folic acid supplement and of these women,45.3% had daily supplemental folic acid intakes above the upper intake level (UL; 1000 μg/day). Daily dietary folate intakes were [mean (SD)] 575 (235) DFE µg/d. In contrast, only 24.8% of women met the dietary choline adequate intake recommendation (AI ≥450 mg/d) with a mean (SD) intake of 375 (151) mg/day. Further understanding of the impact of supplemental folic acid intake above the UL and low choline intake during pregnancy requires further investigation.Item A very-low-carbohydrate diet for minimising blood glucose excursions during ultra-endurance open-water swimming in type 1 diabetes: a case report(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-10-20) Smee, Shania; Johnson, Rebecca; Rush, Amy; Davey, Raymond J.Carbohydrate-restricted diets are used by people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to help manage their condition. However, the impact of this strategy on blood glucose responses to exercise is unknown. This study describes the nutritional strategies of an athlete with T1D, who follows a very-low-carbohydrate diet to manage her condition during an ultra-endurance open-water swimming event. The athlete completed the 19.7km distance in 6-hours 43-minutes. She experienced minimal disruptions to glycaemia, reduced need for supplemental carbohydrate, and no episodes of symptomatic hypoglycaemia. This case report will hopefully encourage further experimental studies that inform and expand current clinical practice guidelines.Item A very-low-carbohydrate diet for minimising blood glucose excursions during ultra-endurance open-water swimming in type 1 diabetes: a case report(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-10-20) Smee, Shania; Johnson, Rebecca; Rush, Amy; Davey, Raymond J.Carbohydrate-restricted diets are used by people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to help manage their condition. However, the impact of this strategy on blood glucose responses to exercise is unknown. This study describes the nutritional strategies of an athlete with T1D, who follows a very-low-carbohydrate diet to manage her condition during an ultra-endurance open-water swimming event. The athlete completed the 19.7km distance in 6-hours 43-minutes. She experienced minimal disruptions to glycaemia, reduced need for supplemental carbohydrate, and no episodes of symptomatic hypoglycaemia. This case report will hopefully encourage further experimental studies that inform and expand current clinical practice guidelines.Item Investigation of motor unit behavior in exercise and sports physiology: challenges and perspectives(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-12-10) Möck, Sebastian; Del Vecchio, AlessandroMotor unit behavior is of particular importance for movement regulation and muscle force production. Several measuring methods are in use to record and analyze neuronal activation patterns, each with specific advantages and challenges. New developments like the signal decomposition in high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) have enabled novel insights into motor unit discharge characteristics noninvasively in fundamental laboratory research settings but face certain challenges to be applied in exercise and sports physiology in a broader scope. Several challenges can be accounted for by careful methodological considerations. Some of these challenges, on the other hand, require further technological developments to allow this technology to be used in more applied settings of exercise and sports physiology. This Current Opinion aims to describe the developments of surface electromyography and identify the challenges and perspectives of HDsEMG in the context of an application in exercise and sports physiology. We further discuss methodological possibilities to overcome some of the challenges to investigate specific research questions and identify areas that would require further technological advancements.Item The relationship between household food insecurity and overweight or obesity among children and adults in Canada: A population-based, propensity score weighting analysis(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-11-29) Fafard St-Germain, Andrée-Anne; Hutchinson, Joy M.; Tarasuk, ValerieHousehold food insecurity is independently associated with adverse health outcomes among Canadians, but its association with overweight and obesity is poorly understood partly because of limited attention to confounding. This study assessed the relationship between food insecurity status and overweight/obesity in Canada. Cross-sectional data for individuals aged 2-64 years were drawn from the 2004 and 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition. Overweight/obesity was defined using body mass index calculated with measured height and weight. Food insecurity status was assessed with the 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module. The relationship was examined among preschool children (n=2007), girls (n=5512), boys (n=5507), women (n=8317), and men (n=7279) using propensity score weighted logistic regressions to control for confounding. Relative to their food-secure counterparts, girls in moderately food-insecure households (39.7% vs 28.5%), boys in severely food-insecure households (54.4% vs 35.0%), and women in moderately and severely food-insecure households (58.9% and 73.1% vs 50.7%) had higher overweight/obesity prevalence; men in moderately food-insecure households had a lower prevalence (48.9% vs 66.3%). With propensity score weighting, no association existed between food insecurity and overweight/obesity among preschool children, girls, boys, or men. For women, moderate (AOR: 1.61; 95%CI: 1.06-2.47) and severe (AOR: 2.33; 95%CI: 1.22-4.44) food insecurity was positively associated with overweight/obesity; the association was strongest for severe food insecurity and obesity (AOR: 3.38; 95%CI: 1.60-7.16). Additional research is needed to better understand the nature of the relationship among women. Problems of food insecurity and overweight/obesity among Canadian children and men should not be conflated in public health interventions.Item Effects of male paratroopers' initial body composition on changes in physical performance and recovery during a 20-day winter military field training(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-10-31) Borgenström, Jere; Kyröläinen, Heikki; Pihlainen, Kai; Vaara, Jani; Ojanen, TommiChanges in physiological markers and physical performance in relation to paratroopers’ initial body composition were investigated during a 20-day winter military field training (MFT) and the subsequent 10-day recovery period. Body composition, serum hormone concentrations and enzymatic biomarkers, and physical performance of 58 soldiers were measured before, during, and after MFT. Comparisons were done according to soldiers’ body fat percentage before MFT between low-fat (Item Awareness and knowledge of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults among adults living in Canada(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-09-18) Kauffeldt, Kaitlyn D; Varkul, Olivia; Latimer-Cheung, Amy E.; Faulkner, Guy; Brouwers, Melissa C; Chulak-Bozzer, Tala; Jones, Rebecca; Lane, Kirstin N.; Weston, Zachary J; Tomasone , Jennifer RAwareness and knowledge of national movement behaviour guidelines are needed to influence individual behaviour and public health policies. This study assessed the awareness and knowledge of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults Aged 18-64 Years and Adults Aged 65 Years or Older (24HMG) recommendations among adults living in Canada across three timepoints. Online surveys were distributed to representative samples of adults living in Canada over a six-month period. Findings suggest short-term dissemination efforts were successful in increasing awareness of the 24HMG following guideline release. However, other strategies, such as education, may be needed to influence knowledge of guideline recommendations.Item The influence of physical activity and sex on carotid artery longitudinal wall motion in younger healthy adults(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-11-06) Bryans, Carol G.; Gopaul, Josh; Athaide, Chloe E.; Pugh, Chris; Au, Jason S.Carotid artery longitudinal wall motion (CALM) is a novel preclinical marker for atherosclerosis which describes the axial anterograde and retrograde motion of the intima-media complex. While regular physical activity and sex are known to independently influence arterial stiffness, their roles on axial arterial wall behaviour are unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine whether physical activity and sex impact CALM. We hypothesized that CALM retrograde displacement and total amplitude would be greater in females and active individuals, as a function of arterial stiffness. Fifty-seven young healthy adults (30 female; aged 22±3 years) were evaluated for CALM outcomes and arterial stiffness and grouped by physical activity based on active (V̇O2 = 44.2±8.9 mL/kg/min) or sedentary (V̇O2 = 33.7±6.7 mL/kg/min) lifestyles defined by the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines. Arterial stiffness and CALM were measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and vascular ultrasound at the right CCA with speckle tracking analysis, respectively. cfPWV was greater in males (pItem Is Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training a Time-Efficient Strategy to Improve Cardiometabolic Health and Body Composition? A Meta-Analysis(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-10-31) Yin, Mingyue; Li, Hansen; Bai, Mingyang; Liu, Hengxian; Chen, Zhili; Deng, Jianfeng; Deng, Shengji; Meng, Chuan; Vollaard, Niels BJ; Little, Jonathan P.; Li, YongmingThe present meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training (LV-HIIT; i.e., ≤5 min high-intensity exercise within a ≤15-min session) on cardiometabolic health and body composition. A systematic search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to assess the effect of LV-HIIT on cardiometabolic health and body composition. Twenty-one studies (moderate to high quality) with a total of 849 participants were included in this meta-analysis. LV-HIIT increased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, SMD=1.19 [0.87, 1.50]) while lowering systolic blood pressure (SMD=-1.44 [-1.68, -1.20]), diastolic blood pressure (SMD=-1.51 [-1.75, -1.27]), mean arterial pressure (SMD=-1.55 [-1.80, -1.30]), MetS z-score (SMD=-0.76 [-1.02, -0.49]), fat mass (kg) (SMD=-0.22 [-0.44, 0.00]), fat mass (%) (SMD=-0.22 [-0.41, -0.02]), and waist circumference (SMD= -0.53 [-0.75, -0.31]) compared to untrained control (CONTROL). Despite a total time-commitment of LV-HIIT of only 14-47% and 45-94% compared to moderate-intensity continuous training and HV-HIIT, respectively, there were no statistically significant differences observed for any outcomes in comparisons between LV-HIIT and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-volume HIIT. Significant inverse dose–responses were observed between the change in CRF with LV-HIIT and sprint repetitions (β=−0.52 [-0.76, -0.28]), high-intensity duration (β=−0.21 [-0.39, -0.02]), and total duration (β=−0.19 [-0.36, -0.02]), while higher intensity significantly improved CRF gains. LV-HIIT can improve cardiometabolic health and body composition and represent a time-efficient alternative to MICT and HV-HIIT. Performing LV-HIIT at a higher intensity drives higher CRF gains. More repetitions, longer time at high-intensity, and total session duration did not augment gains in CRF.Item Whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation reduces Escherichia and improves intestinal barrier function in HIV-infected immunological non-responders(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-09-27) Lu, Danfeng; Wang, Yuexin; Geng, Shitao; Zhang, Zunyue; Xu, Yu; Peng, Qingyan; Li, Shaoyou; Zhang, Jianbo; Wang, Kunhua; Kuang, Yi-QunPeople living with HIV (PLWH) have persistent malnutrition, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and gut microbial imbalance. The interplay between gut microbiota and nutrients is involved in the immune reconstitution of PLWH. To evaluate the effects of whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation on T-cell levels, intestinal barrier function, nutritional status and gut microbiota composition in HIV-infected immunological non-responders (INRs) who failed to normalize CD4+ T-cell counts, with a numberItem Acute Oral Antioxidant Consumption Does Not Alter Brachial Artery Flow Mediated Dilation in Young Adults Independent of Exercise Training Status(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-11-01) King, Trevor; Petrick, Heather L; Millar, Philip J; Burr, Jamie FEndothelium-dependent vasodilation can be tested using a variety of shear stress paradigms, some of which may involve the production of reactive oxygen species. The purpose of this study was to compare different methods for assessing endothelial function and their specific involvement of reactive oxygen species and influence of aerobic training status. Twenty-nine (10F) young, healthy participants (VO2max: 34–74ml.kg-1-min-1) consumed either an antioxidant cocktail (AOC; Vitamin C, Vitamin E, α-lipoic acid), or placebo on each of 2 randomized visits. Endothelial function was measured via 3 different brachial artery flow-mediated dilation tests: Reactive hyperemia (RH-FMD: 5min cuff occlusion and release), sustained shear (SS-FMD: 6mins rhythmic handgrip), and progressive sustained shear (P-SS-FMD: 3 intensities of 3mins of rhythmic handgrip). Baseline artery diameter decreased (All tests: 3.8±0.5 to 3.7±0.6mm, p=0.004), and shear rate stimulus increased (during RH-FMD test, p=0.021; during SS-FMD test, p=0.36; during P-SS-FMD test, p=0.046) following antioxidant consumption. However, there was no difference in FMD following AOC consumption (RH-FMD, PLA: 8.1±2.6%, AOC 8.2±3.5%, p=0.92; SS-FMD, PLA: 6.9±3.9%, AOC 7.8±5.2%, p=0.15) or FMD per shear rate slope (P-SS-FMD: PLA: 0.0039±0.0035mm*s, AOC: 0. 0.0032±0.0017mm*s, p=0.28) and this was not influenced by training status/fitness (all p>0.60). Allometric scaling did not alter these outcomes (all p>0.40). Reactive oxygen species may not be integral to endothelium-dependent vasodilation tested using reactive, sustained, or progressive shear protocols in young males and females, regardless of fitness level.Item Maternal folic acid supplementation does not impact skeletal muscle function and metabolism in male and female CD-1 mouse offspring(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-10-04) Saint, Caitlin; Gittings, William John; Bunda, Jordan; Giles, Cameron; Sacco, Sandra; Vandenboom, Rene; Ward, Wendy E.; LeBlanc, Paul JeanFolic acid fortification of all white flour, enriched pasta and cornmeal products became mandatory in Canada to reduce risk of neural tube defects at birth. Furthermore, Health Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommend women take daily prenatal folic acid supplements in addition to folic acid fortified foods during pregnancy. However, the influence of maternal folic acid supplementation on offspring development, specifically the highly abundant and metabolically active skeletal muscle, is currently unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of supplemental folic acid (4 times higher than normal dietary consumption), in utero and throughout suckling on muscle size, function, and metabolism in male and female CD-1 mouse offspring. The major findings were that maternal exposure to supplemental folic acid 1) had no impact on post partum growth rates or muscle mass in female and male offspring, 2) had no impact on skeletal muscle contractile kinetics in females and male offspring, and 3) increased maximal phosphofructokinase activity in extensor digitorum longus of female and male offspring. These findings suggest that exposure to folic acid supplementation in utero and throughout suckling at levels 4 times higher than recommended had minimal effect on skeletal muscle size, function, and metabolism regardless of sex. Future research is needed explore the underlying biological pathways and mechanisms affected by folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on offspring skeletal muscle tissue, specifically in humans.Item Associations between cooking skills, cooking with processed foods, and health: A cross-sectional study(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-10-31) Fernandez, Melissa Anne; Maximova, Katerina; Fulkerson, Jayne A.; Raine, KimTo improve health outcomes, home cooking has been suggested as a solution to reduce intakes of processed foods. However, little is known about how cooking skills or cooking with processed foods influence health. This cross-sectional study examined associations between diet and health outcomes with cooking skills and cooking with processed foods. The dataset included a nationally representative sample of 18,460 adults from Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) annual component rapid response modules on food skills. In the CCHS rapid response modules, diet and health outcomes (fruit and vegetable intake, general health, mental health, and obesity), cooking skills and cooking with processed foods were collected through self-report. Separate logistic regression models were fitted for each outcome, controlling for age, income, and education, and stratified by sex. Adults with poor cooking skills were less likely to have adequate fruit and vegetable intake (≥5 servings per day) (p