2012 Scientific Sessions & Annual Meeting of the American Society for Nutrition
Listed here are the symposia, controversy sessions and workshops
which have been approved for presentation at the ASN Scientific
Sessions and Annual Meeting at EB 2012 in San Diego, CA.
This page is updated as frequently as possible. Last
updated: April 5, 2012
All rooms listed are in the San Diego Convention Center unless otherwise mentioned.
The Program At a Glance is now available!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Special Session
Ballroom 20D
Energy Balance: A New Paradigm
Supported and organized by ILSI North America
Chairs: John Milner, PhD and Maxime Buyckx, MD
Description: Obesity is a major public health concern in the United States and around the world with over 72 million individuals in the US considered obese. Creating a unified, successful obesity reduction strategy relies on understanding the underlying causes of obesity. ILSI North America, the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) partnered to organize a consensus-style conference in spring 2011 to assess the state of the science on understanding energy balance and to develop parameters to help individuals understand and achieve energy balance.This session will discuss “energy balance” in terms of a biological system in which energy intake and expenditure change over time in response to one another and to the environment.The evolving scientific understanding of how the inter-components of energy balance relate to the overall weight maintenance and reduction equation in a biological system will be presented.Speakers will explore how energy balance should be studied from a methodological perspective and how a new understanding of “energy balance” might impact current strategies to prevent weight gain or enhance weight loss. A panel session at the conclusion of the session will discuss what research is needed to better inform our knowledge of energy balance.
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Helpful or Harmful: Soy, Isoflavones, and Cancer Risk
Chairs: Brian Lindshield PhD and Mark Messina
PhD
Description: For more than 20 years, isoflavones, the
primary dietary sources of which are soyfoods, have been
rigorously investigated for their possible chemopreventive
effects. These diphenolic compounds possess both
hormone-dependent and independent properties relevant to the
growth and differentiation of cells, thus they may be useful for
reducing the risk of several different types of cancers. However,
isoflavones are controversial because there is concern, based
primarily on in vitro and rodent data, that their estrogen-like
effects may stimulate the growth of existing estrogen-sensitive
breast tumors. As a result, many members of the oncological
community advise their breast patients against the use of
soyfoods. On the other hand, recently published epidemiologic
data from China and the United States show that post-diagnosis
soy consumption actually improves the prognosis of breast cancer
patients and enhances the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors. In
addition, intervention studies show that neither soyfoods nor
isoflavone supplements affect markers of breast cancer risk. This
symposium will explore the relative merits of the various forms
of evidence upon which clinical decisions about the use of
soyfoods by breast cancer patients and high-risk women can be
based. In addition, the impact of soy intake on the development
of other cancers, including prostate, colon and endometrial
cancer, will be explored.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Strategic, Global Approaches to Improve Breastfeeding Rates
Chairs: Chessa Lutter, PhD and Ardythe Morrow, PhD
Description:The goal of this symposium is to highlight cutting edge and late breaking policies, programs and research to address the chronic problem of sub-optimal breastfeeding practices, both in the US and internationally. To successfully tackle this public health problem, we must recognize the changing environment for investment in breastfeeding promotion, identify new tools to measure changes in hospital and community environments to support breastfeeding, identify models that permit the translation of efficacy research into large-scale programs, demonstrate the savings in health costs that could be accrued from improved breastfeeding practices and identify future research needs. The proposed symposium provides emergent information on the evidence base related to these topics. Specifically, the symposium will present new data on investments in breastfeeding promotion and changes in breastfeeding practices in Latin America and the Caribbean. The second presentation will highlight how the US is investing in breastfeeding through WIC, the Affordable Care Act and other areas, and present updated information from the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC), updates on the NIS breastfeeding data, the Healthy People 20-20 goals, the 2011 US Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding and other innovative ways the CDC/US Government is supporting breastfeeding. Importantly, it will also present new tools to measure changes in hospital practices in support of breastfeeding. The third presentation will provide details of an ongoing cutting edge systematic review commissioned by the Gates Foundation to uncover the key steps and inter-sectoral efforts needed for successfully scaling-up and sustaining national exclusive breastfeeding promotion programs. A testable conceptual model derived from this empirical evidence will be presented. The findings have major implications for health policy makers as well as public health researchers interested in the science of program delivery. The fourth presentation will address the economic impact of breastfeeding in the US and provide detailed information on innovative research methods used to assess benefits and assign costs. It will also present updates related to a recently published pediatric cost analysis. The last presentation will provide an insightful summary of the symposium, identify critical research needs, and outline a road map for improving breastfeeding practices worldwide.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Ballroom 20D
Controversies Regarding Reported Trends: Has the Obesity Epidemic Leveled Off in the United States?
Chairs: Youfa Wang, MD, MS, PhD and William H. Dietz, MD, PhD
Description: Obesity has become a public health crisis in
the US and many other countries as the prevalence has been
growing and has reached a very high level. Many studies have been
conducted to examine the trends and related risk factors of
obesity. However, some studies provided mixed results. The
purpose of this symposium is to review the best available
evidence regarding the recent trends in the US based on different
data sources and analysis approaches, to address the
controversies regarding if the increasing trend has leveled off,
and to provide some related recommendations.Several leading
experts in the field will give 4 presentations in the
symposium.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Adopting Healthy and Sustainable Food Service Guidelines: Emerging Evidence from Implementation at the United States Federal Government, New York City, Los Angeles County, and Kaiser Permanente
Chairs: Joel Kimmons, PhD and Ashley Lederer, MS, RD
Description: For many Americans, what they eat daily is
determined by the food choices available in schools, daycares,
workplaces, hospitals, correctional facilities, senior centers,
or other institutions. Guidelines supporting healthy and
sustainable food service at these facilities can influence the
diet of a large portion of the United States' population and
impact the food system at large. For example, New York City and
Los Angeles County both have implemented nutrition policies in
their school systems, the two largest school districts in the
country.
This symposiumwill present emerging evaluation data on the
implementation of food service guidelines in the United States
federal government, New York City, Los Angeles County, and Kaiser
Permanente. The actions by these four unique entities represent
large scale efforts at chronic disease prevention. Due to the
unique characteristics of each of these settings, the strategies
for developing, evaluating, and implementing food service
guidelines vary widely.
Oral Competitions:
All held in the Education Track Room: 29 A/B
8:00 am - 10:30 am
-
Clinical Emerging Leaders Award Competition, Supported by the
Medical Nutrition Council
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Postdoctorial Research Award Competition , Supported by Solae, LLC.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Graduate Student Research Award Competition, Supported by the Nutritional Sciences Council
Sunday, April 22, 2012
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Ballroom 20D
The Role of Dietary Components in Leptin Resistance
Chair: Joseph R Vasselli, Ph.D.
Description: Leptin resistance can be defined as reduced or absent responsiveness to the feeding and body weight inhibitory effects of the hormone in obese individuals, in comparison with normal (lean) controls. Classically, leptin resistance has been associated with increased body fat and circulating leptin levels, and the condition is believed to contribute to the onset of and/or maintenance of obesity. While a great deal is known about the CNS mechanisms mediating leptin resistance, considerably less is known about the role of diet in establishing and maintaining this altered hormonal state. This symposium will bring together speakers exploring the role of diet in leptin resistance, to present new findings in the area and discuss avenues of further investigation. Results to be presented will include the effects of TG saturation level, type of sugar, and ratio of fat/carbohydrate in the diet on inducing leptin resistance, and potential BBB mechanisms mediating these effects. The relevance of these findings to dietary interventions for weight maintenance will also be discussed.
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Sustainable Food Systems: An Integrated Approach for a Healthy Population and a Healthy Planet
Chairs: Nancy Auestad, PhD and Jeannie M. Gazzaniga-Moloo, PhD, RD
Organized by: Public Information Committee
Description: Sustainability in the 21st century – food, nutrition, agriculture, economics and the environment.Americans today are increasingly thinking about the environmental impact of their food choices. An integrated approach for a sustainable food system for future generations is needed. This session brings together leading experts to discuss environmental, agricultural, economic and dietary considerations. A life cycle approach that measures environmental and social impacts of foods from farm to table and helps identify innovative opportunities for improvement will be examined. A model that takes a whole diet approach to estimate regional land requirements to feed populations will be presented, and an approach for optimized food plans that meet dietary guidelines while considering human behavior in food selection will round out the session.
8:00 am - 10:00 am
EDUCATION TRACK, Room 29 A/B
Utilizing a Multi-level Team Approach: Lessons Learned from the Vitamin D DRI-setting Activity
Chairs: Nancy Engelmann Moran, PhD and Victoria Vieira Potter, PhD
Description: What strategies are needed to develop a productive, multi-level research team that produces results that are then utilized for the purpose of policy change? The recent vitamin D DRI revision activity provides examples of lines of “bench to bedside” and “cells to society” nutrition research which either did or did not result in policy change. To exemplify NIH's “bench to bedside” approach, a panel of speakers including a basic laboratory researcher, two translational scientists specializing in vitamin D (as it relates to cancer and bone health, respectively) and a representative from an agency that sponsored the vitamin D DRI revision will provide insight into the process that was engaged in order to reach the policy change conclusion of updating the vitamin D DRI. The session will conclude with an open discussion on approaches that yield meaningful and translatable results. This session will offer diverse perspectives on future opportunities to enhance communication and cooperation across different levels of nutritional research, thus allowing attendees to gain valuable insight on planning research studies at all levels that contribute to the body of knowledge needed to support changes in recommendations or policy.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Ballroom 20D
Special Session. Presidential Symposium DANONE
AWARD.
Nutrition and the Human Gut Microbiome: Seeking a Global Perspective
Jeffrey Gordon, PhD, 2011 Danone International Prize for Nutrition Laureate
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Ballroom 20D
Fructose Sucrose and High Fructose Corn Syrup: Relevant Scientific Findings and Health Implications
Chair: Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD
Description: The metabolic effects of fructose, sucrose and high fructose corn syrup are debated in the scientific literature. Many studies have been published claiming an association between fructose and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, pancreatic cancer, hypertension, obesity, the metabolic syndrome and a number of other significant health issues.
The purpose of the symposium is to explore available and emerging scientific literature to determine if fructose is metabolically deleterious with respect to hypertension, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Opposing positions will be presented.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Food Insecurity and Health Across the Lifespan
Chairs: Mary Ann Johnson, PhD and Jung Sun Lee, PhD, RD
Description: This session will explore economic, medical, pediatric, geriatric, and nutrition literature concerning the prevalence, predictors, and consequences of food insecurity across the lifespan, with a focus on children, older adults, grandparents raising grandchildren, chronic disease and chronic disease management, and health care costs. New research methods to be discussed include the use of novel local, state, and national data to determine the impact of food insecurity on health care cost. Dissemination of information related to the health impact of food insecurity is urgently needed to influence policy surrounding the alleviation of food insecurity.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
EDUCATION TRACK, Room 29 A/B
Zinc Nutrition: From Discovery to Global Health Impact
Chair: Harold H Sandstead, MD
Organized by: History of Nutrition Committee
Description: Human dietary zinc deficiency, apparent worldwide prevalence of nearly 50%, was thought highly unlikely when reported by Prasad, et al in 1961. This symposium reviews the emergence of knowledge concerning the essentiality of zinc for life from 1869 to now. The speakers review the history of discoveries in chemistry, in other species, in dietetics and in clinical nutrition that have resulted in current understanding of the various roles of zinc in health, and of future challenges.
Monday, April 23, 2012
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Ballroom 20D
EDUCATION TRACK
GPEC Forum: Using Interdisciplinary Tools to Evaluate Nutritional Interventions
Chair: Jere D. Haas, PhD and Grace S. Marquis, PhD
Organized by: International Nutrition Council and the Graduate and Professional Education Committee
Description: While some nutritional interventions have focused on functional outcomes (e.g., perceptual and cognitive function, educational achievement, physical performance, physical activity, and worker productivity), they have generally not been included as routine measures for evaluating the impact of interventions. This symposium will present methodologies developed in a variety of disciplines other than nutrition that will enhance the ability of policy makers and program planners to develop more cost-effective nutrition interventions that rely on actual measures of “functional benefit” to the populations being targeted
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Real-world Nutritional Translation Blended with Food Science
Chairs: Mario Ferruzzi, PhD and Roger Clemens, DrPH
Description: This session will address the role of food science as a translational partner for nutrition. The discipline of food science will be explored as a critical component to translational nutrition efforts by highlighting existing and potential research efforts at the interface of food and nutrition sciences. Innovations in areas of food chemistry, engineering, ingredient technology and safety are all critical to development of new food systems and dietary recommendations. Speakers will address ongoing research at the interface of food and nutritional sciences in an effort to foster discussion and interaction in this expanding area of interest.
8:00 am - 10:00 amHealth Impact of Whole Grains, Bran and Cereal Fiber
EDUCATION TRACK, Room 29 A/B
Chairs:David M. Klurfeld, PhD and In Sun Kim, PhD
Description: This session will present the state of the art in the current research findings on the consumption of whole grains, bran, and cereal fiber, and the risks of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. In the past, no EB sessions have systematically covered research findings (i.e., presented systematic reviews) of all of the three topics (whole grains, bran, and cereal fiber) in depth and together. This session will also review the quality of scientific evidence supporting the claims for whole grain consumption and risk reduction of heart diseases. The process of ASN position statement development and potential applications will be presented.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Ballroom 20D
Probiotics for Optimal Nutrition: From Efficacy to Guidelines
Chairs: Sharon M. Donovan, PhD, RD and Gordon S. Howarth, PhD
Description: Although probiotics (health promoting bacteria) have been widely available as nutritional supplements for almost 100 years, only in the past 5 years or so have scientists begun to understand their mechanism of action and applicability to specific disease conditions, opening up debate on the regulatory implications and the subsequent commercialization of specific health claims. Speakers have been selected to discuss the targeted development of new probiotics and probiotic factors, the latest techniques to assess their efficacy, the expanding range of conditions with probiotic applicability and the underlying changes in regulatory requirements. We anticipate substantial interest in the symposium throughout ASN in addition to other societies active in the research of bioactive dietary supplements and their potential clinical applications.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Metabolic Regulation by Amino Acids for Optimal Health
Chairs: Susan M. Hutson, PhD and Tracy G. Anthony, PhD
Description: The three macronutrients, protein, carbohydrate, and fat provide energy for growth and homeostasis. Regulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism under and over nutrition has been studied extensively. Less is known about how protein interacts with carbohydrate and fat metabolism to influence body metabolism and food intake regulation. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and essential amino acids, which cannot be made by the body, are required for normal growth and homeostasis. Essential amino acids serve metabolic functions in addition to their role in protein synthesis, however, amino acids may serve a regulatory role is controversial. The symposium talks provide analysis of (a) current evidence for and against the use of the branched chain amino acid leucine in improving skeletal muscle function and regulating body composition, (b) evidence showing amino acids act centrally to regulate liver glucose production, (c) cross-talk of amino acids (protein) with carbohydrate metabolism, and (d) how essential amino acid restriction can surprisingly induce increased food intake without increasing body fat.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Utilizing a Stepwise Procedure to Design Effective Nutrition Education
EDUCATION TRACK, Room 29 A/B
Chair: Suzie Goodell, PhD, RD
Description: Designing effective nutrition education, whether it is for an individual session or for a larger programmatic intervention, requires thoughtful planning, assessment of the intended population and the use of a systematic development process. Nutrition education that addresses a specific issue and targets concrete behaviors is more likely to be effective at changing people's eating behaviors. Also, nutrition education is more likely to be effective when it based in theory and delivered through multiply venues1. It is generally accepted that the application of theory to the design and implementation of nutrition education interventions can enhance overall effectiveness2,3. However, many researchers find that theories aimed at changing behavior are unhelpful due to the lack of detail provided for how to translate the theoretical constructs into educational and support objectives for nutrition education4,5. This often results in researchers using “intuition” to develop procedures for impacting targeted mediators using a mixture of unstandardized methods during the planning, implementation and evaluation processes3,5. For this reason, researchers are now calling for intervention reports to provide more detailed descriptions of the methods used for of nutrition education interventions in order to allow other researchers to replicate and cross-validate findings6. Few resources provide specific information on how to methodically develop behavior-focused, evidence-based nutrition education and evaluation1. The goal of the proposed workshop is to emphasize the rigor behind the design of “quality” nutrition education. The workshop will highlight systematic procedures for designing and evaluating theory-based nutrition education based in scientific evidence. Methods such as Baranowski's steps in the design, development and formative evaluation of obesity prevention-related behavior change intervention trials7 and Contento's stepwise procedure for designing theory-based nutrition education1 will be discussed in detail. Each procedure emphasizes the importance of identifying and stating mediators of behaviors targeted by the program as an important part of the design process. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Health Education Curriculum Assessment Tool (HECAT) will also be discussed as a tool for designing and/or identifying “quality” nutrition education materials. During the workshop participants will participate in hands-on activities through the presentation of case studies and the development of nutrition education and evaluation materials in teams. Successful nutrition education programs from clinical and community settings will be considered. Throughout the workshop participants will be encouraged to share their own successful approaches to developing and evaluating nutrition education to impact behavior change. There is a critical need for establishment of rigorous methods for the development and evaluation of nutrition education materials. The increased use of a systematic standard for developing nutrition education is a step towards obtaining reliability within the procedures used to develop educational materials within the field of nutrition. Outcomes such as these provide opportunities to improve the potential for replication, comparison and overall evaluation of interventions.
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Evolutionary Aspects of Animal Models
CO-SPONSORED with American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) and the American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP)Description:Animal models of human diseases are critical to biomedical research.However the evolutionary differences between man and animals used to model human diseases are rarely considered in their selection.This is increasingly being recognized as a factor in why some therapies that look promising in experimental animals fail in humans.The speakers include Robert Hamlin, DVM, PhD Diplomate ACVIM, The Ohio State University, who will speak on the importance of considering the fundamental physiological differences that have evolved between man and experimental animals used to model cardiovascular diseases in: “Animals as models of human cardiovascular disease: or the search to overcome outdated evolutionary homeostatic mechanisms”.Stefan Niewiesk, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ECLAM, also from Ohio State will discuss evolutionary factors impacting models of infectious diseases in: “Of Mice and Men: Evolutionarily, what are the best rodent models of the human immune system for infectious disease research?”Steven Austad, PhD, from the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging at the University of Texas Health Science Center will consider “Evolutionary Aspects of Animal Models of Aging”.Finally, Elizabeth Uhl, DVM, PhD Diplomate ACVP, a veterinary pathologist from the University of Georgia will conclude the session with “Modeling Disease Phenotypes: How an Evolutionary Perspective Enhances the Questions”.
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
EDUCATION TRACK, Room 29 A/B
Establishing and Evaluating Health Claims for Probiotics
Chairs: Sharon M. Donovan PhD, RD and Mary Ellen Sanders,
PhD
Space is limited; please, register here. A boxed lunch will be provided
Description: The term probiotic refers to live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host, however, there is neither a legally recognized definition of, nor a standard of identity for, the term probiotic in the U.S. or Europe. Currently, products containing this label are not obligated to meet any standards unique to probiotics. There is, however, a growing understanding of this term among consumers and healthcare professionals. As the health benefits become more evident, foods are now being produced that contain probiotic bacteria. Recent research has explored the potential of probiotics to treat or prevent disease conditions, to maintain health, and to reduce the risk of future disease. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, health claims (i.e. claims that a food can reduce the risk of disease) on foods or dietary supplements must be authorized by the FDA or a recognized authoritative body. Structure/function claims (i.e. claims that a food can beneficially impact the normal structure or function of the human body) do not require FDA authorization. Successful and responsible introduction of probiotic products into the worldwide marketplace requires labeling for health benefits that meets consumer needs, adheres to regulatory standards and does not overextend scientific evidence. Regulations differ among countries, but underlying all is an emphasis on scientific credibility of any statements of health benefits. Therefore, the goal of this workshop is to review the scientific evidence underlying U.S. and E.U. regulations affecting health claims for probiotics and the process for developing evidence to substantiate their health effects.
*This session is scheduled to be a luncheon. Space is limited and pre-registration may be required. More information will be added when available.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Ballroom 20D
Frontiers in Fiber Nutrition Research and Application
Chairs: Shiu-Ming Kuo, PhD and Dr. Christine L. Pelkman, PhD
Description: The goal of the symposium is to further our
understanding of the biological activity and application of fiber
and demonstrate new methodology in fiber research. Awareness of
the importance of fiber is critical as dietary fiber intake in
the US was estimated to provide only 50% of the DRI. The special
focus on new progress hopefully will inspire more research that
will benefit the future evaluation as well as public health
recommendation and policy on fiber nutrition. This
multidisciplinary symposium is unique in that fiber nutrition
will be examined from both scientific and consumer aspects.
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Communication Techniques of Effective Speakers
Chairs: Christine A. Swanson, PhD and Cindy C. Davis, PhD
Description: Professional communication consultants will provide scientists at all levels with techniques for improving their communication skills.
Presentation Preparation Techniques. Presenting your work clearly and concisely is a crucial professional skill. Yet there are many challenges in presenting effectively: you must address different audiences' varying knowledge levels; you must often explain complex and detailed data; and there is usually insufficient time to explain an entire project well. Given these hurdles, how can you prepare the clearest, most concise talk possible? Barrett Whitener will present strategies and tools with which presenters can prepare a clear, concise talk on even the most complex topic.
Communicate with More Clarity and Confidence. Whether you are speaking before a group or taking part in a panel discussion, you want to connect with your audience and keep them engaged. How do you do that? Beyond the effective organization of your material, you want to project confidence, clarity and enthusiasm in your delivery. Nan Tolbert will talk about how to use your voice and body language to deliver a presentation with more power and presence.
Master the Art of Storytelling. How can you use stories more effectively in a presentation? What are the different types of stories? What makes a good story even more compelling? Nan Tolbert will discuss the critical skills needed for selecting and crafting your stories to create more memorable presentations.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
EDUCATION TRACK, Room 29 A/B
A Nurturing Environment Produces Future Legends. Development of Career Through Successful Mentor-Mentee Relationships (SIG).
Chair: Sheau Ching Chai, PhD
Organized by: Student Interest Group
Description:
It has been widely demonstrated that effective mentorship is essential to career development and success. However, mentors and mentees often face barriers to a successful relationship. The purpose of this session is to highlight successful strategies for mentor/mentee relationships. Issues important to graduate students and young investigators on how to be successful in the development of his/her career will be raised. This session will help graduate students and young investigators understand how to identify suitable mentors, how to communicate their needs and expectations to mentors, and also to help mentors understand the challenges faced by contemporary graduate students and young investigators. This session seeks to motivate and inspire graduate students and young investigators to establish successful relationships with mentors who can help guide them to professional success.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Ballroom 20D
Monounsaturates: The Forgotten Fats
Chair: David Heber, MD, PhD
Description: Monounsaturated fats called MUFA are found in whole milk products and meats along with saturated fats, while nuts, and high fat fruits such as avocados are rich sources of monounsaturated fats but have less saturated fat. Both nut and fruit sources of monounsaturated fats have been shown to have beneficial effects on serum lipids when substituted in the diet for either saturated fats or refined carbohydrates and they do not affect the balance of long chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. There has been concern the perceived higher calorie content of these foods might make them unacceptable for individuals concerned about weight management or calorie-sensitive individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, fats increase the palatability of foods and may make adherence to calorie-reduced diets better. The effects of MUFA on glycemic control and satiety, the acute effects of MUFA with and without omega-3 fatty acids on vascular reactivity, the effects of MUFA on visceral fat and inflammation, and use of MUFA-rich foods in weight management will be discussed by leading experts at this symposium. There is a need to consider these various issues in balancing the fat intake of diets for intervention studies, community-based and public health initiatives, and dietary guidelines for the public.
This symposium is directed at academic nutrition educators, dietitians, interested nutrition scientists, and other allied health professionals who are in the best position to change the perceptions and practices around Medical Nutrition by incorporating the science of new paradigms and approaches into their teaching and research activities. This knowledge can empower practitioners and engage patients and the public.
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Expanding the Frontiers of Nutrition Research: New Questions, Methods and Approaches
Chair: David Pelletier, PhD
Description: This symposium focuses on new research questions, methods and approaches that need attention in order for the nutrition sciences community to respond effectively to current problems, trends and policy or programmatic challenges. These include the recognition of the interconnected nature of problems related to nutrition, health, environmental sustainability, food systems and poverty; the pressure and opportunity to implement effective solutions to food and nutrition problems at multiple scales, from community to global; the increased funding for implementation science and community-based participatory research; and the increasing political demand for information related to the effectiveness and the determinants of effectiveness of interventions when implemented at scale. This symposium will provide an overarching view of these expanding frontiers in nutrition research; illustrate with some case studies from the US and developing countries; and identify some challenges, opportunities and strategies for advancing these frontiers.
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Food and Nutrition Board Update: Not At All Quiet on the Labeling Front, and Remarques About Sodium
EDUCATION TRACK, Room 29 A/B
Chairs: Linda Meyers, PhD and Dennis M. Bier, M.D.
Description: The last several years have been productive ones for the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board, with important expert committee reports that included ASN members and are of specific relevance to the nutrition research community. The DRI for calcium and vitamin D were highlighted at EB 2011 and reports on strategies to reduce sodium intake, school meals, and IOM pregnancy weight guidelines at EB 2010. We propose to highlight a new report on front of package nutrition rating systems and symbols and look at progress on implementing the recommendations of the sodium strategies reports—both hot topics. We propose to present or recap the reports and then have lively commentaries from differing perspectives on progress and challenges.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Ballroom 20D
Adipose Dysfunction Interaction of ROS and Inflammation
Chairs: Matthew Picklo, PhD Kate Claycombe, PhD and Mohsen Meydani, PhD
Description: The goal of this symposium is to provide a forum for the discussion of how oxidative stress signaling is altered in adipose tissue as a result of obesity. Recent data indicate that adipose dysfunction in obesity involves interactions between inflammatory pathways and reactive oxygen signaling. While numerous studies indicate that oxidative stress is elevated overall in the body as a result of obesity, there is now only a growing literature detailing the role of oxidative stress and oxidative stress signaling pathways in the regulation and dysfunction of adipose tissue itself. However, there is an incomplete understanding of the relationships of the cell types comprising adipose, their interplay in obesity, and the role oxidative stress that influences these relationships. Furthermore, the inflammatory processes present in obese adipose tissue modulate cellular oxidative stress and responses to oxidative stress. These presentations will provide a unique perspective that should allow timely contribution in increasing our understanding of the very complex world of obesity-associated reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation, and adipose tissue dysfunctionEmerging Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease: Beyond LDL Cholesterol
Rm: 31 A/B/C
The Future of Nutrition Research
Chair: Susan Huston, Ph.D
Description:ASN's Public Policy Committee conducted a survey of nutrition research stakeholders, including ASN membership, in fall 2011 to determine the future top ten nutrition research needs. Attendees will be the first to hear results from this landmark survey! This session includes a forum for presentation and member discussion of the results, which will help ASN finalize the top ten research needs before broadly publicizing the list to key funding decision makers.
Speakers will set the stage by sharing the goal of ASN's Public Policy Committee in conducting this survey, the process for administering the survey, and the results. Speakers will discuss the current status of nutrition research including the limited funding available for research, efforts by ASN and other organizations to increase nutrition research funding to date, and what areas of nutrition research seem to receive the most funding. Speakers will describe the impetus behind the Public Policy Committee's decision to conduct this survey and how the Committee identified stakeholders, set up and administered the survey, as well as any challenges encountered along the way to determining the top nutrition research needs. Speakers will share the top nutrition research areas identified by ASN stakeholders, including emerging themes and ideas from nutrition program officers at Federal agencies, and hold a forum for discussion of the results.
The findings presented will make attendees aware of the current and future nutrition research needs and hot topics in nutrition research based on a survey of ASN membership; raise the awareness of attendees on research likely to be competitive for future funding and research that will make the most impact on the world of nutrition science and health.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
EDUCATION TRACK, Room 29 A/B
Clinical Nutrition Update 2012
CPE Available for This Session!
Chairs: Edward Saltzman, MD, Connie W. Bales, PhD, RD and Mary Ann Johnson, PhD
Organized by: Medical Nutrition Council
Description: This symposium will provide important updates
in clinical nutrition that will be of interest to nutrition
educators (especially those not affiliated with medical schools
or academic medical centers) as well as others interested in
clinical nutrition. The presentations will be concise but richly
informative updates on topics for which the field has seen rapid
recent changes, especially in the translation of science to
clinical practice. Topics will include cancer survivorship,
nutrition in oral health, emerging controversies in iron
supplementation, gluten enteropathy, and nutrition in the
hospitalized patient. All presentations as well as additional
resources will be made available to attendees to facilitate
incorporation of symposium topics into their own
teaching.
CPE Credit Designation Statement
ASN designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.0 CPEUs. Dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
ASN (Provider #NS010) is accredited and approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as a provider of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs for Registered Dietitians.
Learning Level 2
Suggested Learning Codes:
(2000) Science of food and nutrition
(2090) Micronutrients: vitamins, minerals
(3030) Anthropometrics, body composition
(3050) Feeding, swallowing, dentition
(4000) Wellness and public health
(5000) Medical Nutrition Therapy
(5110) Allergies, sensitivities
(5150) Cancer
(5170) Critical care, trauma
(5220) Gastrointestinal disorders
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Ballroom 20D
Special Lecture: W.O. Atwater
Lecture
From Instinct to Intellect: 150
Years in the Evolution of Energy Balance in Man
James O. Hill, PhD
Description: In Atwater's day, most people maintained a
healthy body weight with little conscious effort, so the study of
body weight regulation was primarily the study of the biological
regulation of energy balance. Eating when food was
available and resting when physical activity was not required was
not inconsistent with maintenance of a healthy body weight.
In today's environment, understanding how people can maintain a
healthy body weight requires more than just understanding the
biology of energy balance. The majority of people in most
countries are not able to maintain a healthy body weight in
today's environment, so the study of body weight regulation also
requires the understanding of human behavior and of how the
physical and social environment affects behavior. Eating
when food is available and resting when physical activity is not
required is no longer a strategy consistent with maintaining a
healthy body weight. Most people who are not overweight or
obese are using conscious effort to avoid weight gain.
Managing body weight has evolved from an instinctual to an
intellectual process. While energy balance research
has become more complex, the learnings from Atwater and other
energy balance researchers are still critical. We must build on
this understanding to develop behavioral and environmental
strategies to reduce obesity rates. For these strategies to
be effective they should, as much as possible, work with and not
against biological regulation of energy balance.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Ballroom 20D
Emerging Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease: Beyond LDL Cholesterol
Chairs: Keigan M. Park, PhD and Beth H. Rice, PhD
Description: Research has demonstrated that plasma lipids
measured in a typical lipid screening, such as total, LDL- and
HDL-cholesterol, explain only partially the occurrence of
cardiovascular events. The goal of this symposium is to examine
emerging biomarkers for cardiovascular risk assessment and
illustrate how they can be influenced by lifestyle modifications,
such as diet. Measurements of LDL and HDL particle subclass
concentrations, which are not usually measured in a clinical
setting, have been shown to add predictive power to
cardiovascular risk analysis. A possible mechanism for this link
could be that small-dense LDL-cholesterol particles are more
readily oxidized leading to systemic inflammation, and in turn
the development of cardiovascular disease. Additional markers of
a cardio-centric inflammatory response, such as the production of
complement and cytokine proteins, will also be explored. A
discussion will also take place on the current capabilities
available for health professionals to measure novel biomarkers
for cardiovascular disease and their impact on patient and client
care. New research regarding modifiable lifestyle behaviors, such
as healthy eating choices, and their influence on these novel
biomarkers will be presented.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Intervention Points in Obesity:
How Effective Are Worksite Interventions for Weight Control and
Reducing Excess Health Care Costs Associated with Obesity?
Chairs: Susan B. Roberts, PhD and Nancy Krebs,
MD
Description: Rates of adult obesity have continued to remain at epidemic levels, and an estimated $150 billion per year are spent on additional health care associated with excess body weight.There is no general consensus over what public health interventions, if any, may be effective both from the perspective of long-term weight control and health care costs associated with excess body fat, and clearly ongoing review of emerging data is needed. This proposed symposium will explore emerging data from new trials examining the extent to which worksites can be used as effective agents for change in this area, both for successful weight control and reducing health care costs. How successful is prevention of weight gain in worksite wellness programs? How effective are focused weight loss groups in worksites, and is that weight loss sustainable? If benefits are seen for prevention of weight gain and/or for weight loss, are the programs cost-effective, considering anticipated reductions in health care costs? These are questions of great national importance and will be addressed by speakers reviewing both their own new work and other important work in the field.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
EDUCATION TRACK, Room 29 A/B
Scientific Career Advancement for Early Stage Investigators (YPIG)
Chairs: Victoria Vieira Potter, PhD and Susan M. Hutson,
PhD
Organized by: Young Professional Interest Group
Description: The goal of this educational symposium is to
provide session attendees with insight into what it takes to land
a first job. The format of the session will be a panel discussion
of individuals with training in the nutritional sciences who have
been recently hired in academia, industry, and/or government. The
session will begin with a brief overview of the hiring process in
academia and other career paths such as industry and government.
Each of the panelists will describe how they came to be offered,
negotiated, and why they accepted their current position. Each
will provide their perspective on the nature of their position,
the specific skill set needed, and what career advancement
opportunities exist. Each speaker's story will be followed by a
brief Q&A session followed by 20 minutes of questions from
the audience. The panelists will speak to specific issues faced
by underrepresented minorities and women, as well as the
challenges posed by the current funding situation and budget
cuts.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Ballroom 20D
Nutritional Prevention of Cognitive Decline
Chairs: Lenore Arab, PhD and Regan Bailey, PhD
Description: There has been a wealth of recent
publications on the relationship between cognitive decline and
nutritional factors in man. With our aging populations, rising
health care costs and great expectations on quality of life,
cognitive decline and dementia among older adults is an enormous
public health burden. Nutritional strategies to slow decline
could have tremendous impact. Evidence from human epidemiologic
studies has indicated that nutritional components of food singly
and in combinations, through specific patterns of intake, might
elicit desirable reductions in the slippery slope of inevitable
cognitive decline. Diets high in fats, both trans and saturated
fats, may adversely affect cognition, whereas omega 3 fatty acid
rich diets may be beneficial. Experimental studies have
demonstrated potentially ameliorating effects of eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA) and DHA on amyloid fragment formation, signal
transduction and angiogenesis. Other single nutrients of
relevance to cognition include vitamin D, which is known to be
widely deficient in elderly. Vitamin D deficiency was associated
with cognitive impairment in elderly women and that vitamin D
supplements may improve or maintain cognitive function, Low
vitamin D status has also been associated with a doubling of risk
of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer dementia, and stroke, although
these findings are controversial, and reverse causation is
possible. Cognitively impaired older adults may eat poorly or
they may have reduced exposure to sunlight, which could lead to
reduced vitamin D status. The B 12 and folate insufficiency have
also been implicated in cognitive decline. Furthermore,
observational studies have suggested that tea and coffee are
possibly neuroprotective and the effect might be mediated by
caffeine one of the active ingredients common to both tea and
coffee. Caffeine affects information processing speed, attention
and reaction time and caffeine consumption has been associated
with enhanced acute cognitive performance in specific realms and
in sleep-compromised individuals. Longitudinal cohort analyses on
the relationship long term consumption of coffee and tea on
cognitive decline present surprising gender specific
associations. This new evidence will be shared in a symposium
presenting new science on these nutritional components and
cognitive decline and its attenuation
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Rm: 31 A/B/C
Nutritional Regulation of Epigenetic Changes
Chairs: Donato F Romagnolo, PhD and Thomas Ziegler, MD
Description: Epigenetics is an emerging field of science
that investigates how chromatin “marks” influence gene
expression. Unlike germline or somatic DNA mutations, which
modify the coding information, epigenetic changes may lead to
changes in gene expression in the absence of changes in DNA
sequence. The primary mechanism that leads to epigenetic
regulation is methylation of CpG islands. Other chromatin
modifications include histone modification and nucleosome
organization, which influence transcriptional regulation. Changes
in histone modification may be interdependent with changes in
promoter methylation. Methylation events can be imprinted and
transmitted to daughter cells, so that they become part of
cellular memory, which can be “conserved” in adult life or
transmitted from one generation to the next. Methylation at CpG
islands may be responsible for “heritable” changes in expression
of genes involved in cancer, inflammation and other diseases.
Therefore, understanding this mechanism may help explain the
etiology of sporadic diseases in the absence of family history.
Interestingly, epigenetic events may be reversible. Therefore,
there is a growing need to understand how dietary bioactive
compounds may be used to influence the epigenetic process and for
reactivation of silenced genes involved in the etiology of human
diseases.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Ballroom 20D
Macronutrients as Tools to
Counter Age-related Changes in Skeletal
Muscle
Description:The theme of this late-breaking symposium is dietary macronutrients and sarcopenia.The specific topics to be discussed are the impacts of dietary proteins (Phillips), carbohydrates (Haus) and fats (Mittendorfer), as well as the integrated intake of these macronutrients (dietary macronutrient distribution) in conjunction with energy-restriction-induced weight loss (Campbell), to promote the retention of skeletal muscle mass and function in older adults.
Skeletal muscle protein loss occurs as an apparently inevitable part of aging. Termed sarcopenia, this age-related loss of muscle has a number of deleterious consequences linked to loss of strength and function, metabolic disturbances including dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, as well as a poorer prognosis for bone health. Despite a reasonably large body of research we still remain largely ignorant as to why older people lose skeletal muscle mass, and equally important, how to preserve it. At its very base, however, the loss of skeletal muscle mass occurs due to an imbalance between the rates of muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein breakdown.
Questions? Contact Moira Holt