The effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 on plasma metabolites and hepatic gene expression in broiler breeder hens

1. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on laying rate, body weight, plasma metabolites and some liver gene expression in broiler breeder hens. 2. A total of 128 broiler breeder hens (Arbor Acres Plus, 47 weeks of age) were randomly distributed to four dietary groups supplemented with different levels of CoQ10 (0, 300, 600 or 900 mg/kg diet) with four replicates of eight hens each. During 47-54 weeks of age, laying rate, egg mass and body weight were recorded weekly. To assay plasma biochemical indicators, blood samples were collected at 54 weeks of age. At the end of the experiment, for evaluating the abdominal fat weight, liver weight and expression of the adiponectin and proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) genes in the liver, eight hens per treatment were selected, weighed and humanely killed by decapitation. 3. Dietary supplementation of CoQ10 linearly decreased abdominal fat weight, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities by increased levels of CoQ10. The plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were quadratically decreased by increased levels of CoQ10. The best plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and ALP activity were estimated at 562.5, 633.3 and 517.8 mg CoQ10/kg diet, respectively. Adiponectin and PPARα gene expression exhibited a linear increased by increased levels of CoQ10. 4. In conclusion, addition of CoQ10 to the diet influenced lipid metabolism and expression of the adiponectin and PPAR-α genes, which might be partially due to the improvement in mitochondrial metabolism and energy production. However, further studies are necessary to determine the effects of CoQ10 on these indicators in broiler breeder hens during ageing.

Postpartum Physical Activity and Weight Retention within One Year: A Prospective Cohort Study in Vietnam

After delivery, mothers are encouraged to increase physical activity (PA) gradually to regulate body weight; however, data on PA in relation to postpartum weight retention remains scarce, particularly among Asian women. In a cohort of 1617 Vietnamese mothers, we investigated the prospective association between habitual PA exposures at 3-month postpartum and weight retention at 6-month and 12-month postpartum. Detailed information on PA intensity and domains was collected from participants using a validated instrument specifically for Vietnamese women. Linear regression analyses and a general linear model for the repeated weight retention measures were used to ascertain the apparent relationships. On average, the participants reported 3.6 (SD 3.9) and 2.6 (SD 3.8) kg weight loss at 6- and 12-month postpartum, respectively. Total and light-intensity PA were inversely associated with the postpartum weight retention (p for trend <0.05). Our findings highlight the importance of resuming PA in the early postpartum period as an appropriate weight management strategy.

Physical Fitness in Upper Austrian Children Living in Urban and Rural Areas: A Cross-Sectional Analysis with More Than 18,000 Children

Physical fitness is an important component in the development and health of children and adolescents. Given the equivocal results of previous research regarding the influence of the living environment on physical fitness, this study examined differences in physical fitness in urban and rural elementary school children in Upper Austria. A total of 18,168 (51% male) children between 6 and 11 years of age participated in anthropometric assessments and completed eight fitness tests that assessed cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular power, speed, agility, flexibility, and ball handling skills during a single test session in the school’s gymnasium. Urban living environment was associated with higher body weight (p = 0.01) and lower physical fitness (p < 0.01), except for flexibility, which was better in urban children (p < 0.01) and upper body strength (no difference), even after accounting for differences in body weight. Furthermore, it was shown that urban–rural differences in physical fitness are more pronounced in normal weight children and that these differences increase with age. These results highlight the potential of the living environment for the promotion of an active lifestyle that enhances physical fitness. The availability of safe spaces that facilitate unstructured and structured physical activity, as well as active transportation provide viable options for the promotion of physical fitness in children.

Body Weight as a Determining Factor in the Predominance of Adverse Drug Reactions Induced by Fixed-Dose Adalimumab Injections in Female Patients in a Korean Hospital Setting

Adalimumab is used at 40-mg dose to treat systemic inflammatory diseases. Given the impact of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which particularly result in the discontinuation of adalimumab therapy in female patients, this study examined whether sex affects the frequency and type of ADRs induced by adalimumab. In this study, the prescription records and laboratory data of patients aged ≥19 years who had been admitted to the Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) and prescribed adalimumab were analyzed using an electronic medical record database. The analysis revealed that female patients more frequently experienced adalimumab-induced ADRs compared with male patients (63.2% vs. 52.2%). The incidence of ADRs was significantly higher in female patients with ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis than in male patients with similar conditions (81.5% vs. 60.7% or 64.4% vs. 50.0%, respectively). The median body weight (BW) was lower in female patients than in male patients (54.0 vs. 66.0 kg). Moreover, the incidence of ADRs in patients with a BW of <54.0 kg (i.e., the median female BW) was higher than for those with a BW of ≥54.0 kg, in both males and females. Our results suggested that the predominance of ADRs induced by adalimumab in females was because of their relatively lower BW. This suggests the importance of BW as a determining factor in sex disparity of ADR occurrences.

Can dietary viscous fiber affect body weight independently of an energy-restrictive diet? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The role of dietary fiber in obesity management remains debatable. Evidence suggests that intake of viscous fiber may have the potential to facilitate weight loss.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to summarize and quantify the effects of viscous fiber on body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat, independent of calorie restriction, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

Trials ≥4 wk in duration that assessed the effect of viscous fiber supplemented to an ad libitum diet along with comparator diets were included. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were searched through 24 July, 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and random-effects models and expressed as mean differences with 95% CIs. Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I2 statistic). The overall certainty of evidence was explored using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

Findings from 62 trials (n = 3877) showed that viscous fiber reduced mean body weight (-0.33 kg; 95% CI: -0.51, -0.14 kg; P = 0.004), BMI (in kg/m2) (-0.28; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.14; P = 0.0001), and waist circumference (-0.63 cm; 95% CI: -1.11, -0.16 cm; P = 0.008), with no change in body fat (-0.78%; 95% CI: -1.56%, 0.00%; P = 0.05) when consumed with an ad libitum diet. Greater reductions in body weight were observed in overweight individuals and those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The certainty of evidence was graded moderate for body weight, high for waist circumference and body fat, and low for BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary viscous fiber modestly yet significantly improved body weight and other parameters of adiposity independently of calorie restriction. Future trials are warranted to address the inconsistency and imprecision identified through GRADE and to determine long-term weight-loss sustainability.This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03257449.

Impact of an alternate feeding program on broiler breeder pullet behavior, performance, and plasma corticosterone

Broiler breeders are commonly feed restricted using some variation of skip-a-day feeding to prevent excessive body weight (BW) gain and poor flock uniformity that results in lower production levels. However, the level of feed restriction has increased leading to negative effects on broiler breeder welfare. Research needs to be conducted to evaluate alternative feeding programs to diminish the negative impact of restricted feeding on bird welfare. This research examined pullets that were fed soybean hulls (alternate day feeding, ATD) on the off day of a traditional skip-a-day feeding program in comparison to the standard skip-a-day program (SAD). The 2 dietary feeding treatments each had 3 replicate pens of 210 pullets each and were fed from wk 5 to 21 of age. Nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy and digestible amino acid coefficients of soybean hulls were determined. Body weight in the ATD feed program was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the birds on the SAD feed program until 16 wk of age. Feed allocations for the SAD feeding program was increased at 11 wk of age to achieve similar BW prior to photo stimulation. The ATD feed program significantly improved BW uniformity of the birds for weeks 8, 12, 16, and 20. Hens fed on the SAD feed program had a lower mean egg production than the hens fed on the ATD program. There were significant differences on plasma corticosterone concentrations between the feeding days (24 or 48 h after feeding) in both feed programs. There was a shift in the behavior of the birds with significant differences in the feeding, foraging, and comfort behaviors between the feeding programs on the same feed day. Overall, feeding the ATD females soybean hulls on the off feed day improved the BW uniformity and egg production, but further research will be needed to determine potential differences in nutrient utilization or behavior of the pullets that positively impacted this flock performance.

Incontinence and constipation in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa-Results of a multicenter study from a German web-based registry for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

Nocturnal enuresis (NE), daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), and fecal incontinence (FI) are common disorders in childhood and are frequently accompanied by comorbid psychiatric disorders. Despite a high association between urinary and fecal incontinence with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, research on comorbidity between incontinence and anorexia nervosa (AN) remains scarce. Yet, it is well known that somatic consequences of AN include metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders. The study sought to assess the prevalence of incontinence and constipation in children and adolescents with AN and to examine associations of these two symptoms with body weight at admission and with BMI changes during inpatient treatment.

METHODS

Data collected between 2015 and 2017 by a multicenter German web-based registry for AN were analyzed. Three hundred and forty-eight patients with AN (96.3% female, mean age = 15.1 ± 1.8 years) were assessed regarding AN subtype, psychiatric comorbidity, body weight, incontinence, and constipation.

RESULTS

Overall, 27.6% of patients had constipation, 1.8% had NE and 1.8% DUI. Prevalence of constipation did not significantly differ between AN subtypes. Constipation did not lead to any significant differences in weight/BMI changes during inpatient treatment.

DISCUSSION

This is the largest study of incontinence and constipation in patients with AN, so far. Our results indicate that constipation is highly prevalent in adolescent patients with AN and reflects a clinically relevant condition. Despite, patients with AN do not have an increased prevalence of incontinence compared with the general population. Future studies should include medical examinations like ultrasound and physical examination of the lower abdomen to evaluate the severity of constipation.

Fitness and Fatness Are Both Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk in Preadolescents

OBJECTIVE

To determine the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and fatness (overweight-obesity) with cardiometabolic disease risk among preadolescent children.

STUDY DESIGN

This cross-sectional study recruited 392 children (50% female, 8-10 years of age). Overweight-obesity was classified according to 2007 World Health Organization criteria for body mass index. High CRF was categorized as a maximum oxygen uptake, determined using a shuttle run test, exceeding 35 mL·kg^-1·minute^-1 in girls and 42 mL·kg^-1·minute^-1 in boys. Eleven traditional and novel cardiometabolic risk factors were measured including lipids, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, peripheral and central blood pressure, and arterial wave reflection. Factor analysis identified underlying cardiometabolic disease risk factors and a cardiometabolic disease risk summary score. Two-way analysis of covariance determined the associations between CRF and fatness with cardiometabolic disease risk factors.

RESULTS

Factor analysis revealed four underlying factors: blood pressure, cholesterol, vascular health, and carbohydrate-metabolism. Only CRF was significantly (P = .001) associated with the blood pressure factor. Only fatness associated with vascular health (P = .010) and carbohydrate metabolism (P = .005) factors. For the cardiometabolic disease risk summary score, there was an interaction effect. High CRF was associated with decreased cardiometabolic disease risk in overweight-obese but not normal weight children (P = .006). Conversely, high fatness was associated with increased cardiometabolic disease risk in low fit but not high fit children (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In preadolescent children, CRF and fatness explain different components of cardiometabolic disease risk. However, high CRF may moderate the relationship between fatness and cardiometabolic disease risk.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN 12614000433606.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Prevention of Stroke Systematic Review of Cardiovascular Outcome Trials With Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose- The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of CVOTs (cardiovascular outcome trials) to evaluate the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists therapy in reducing the risk of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods- PubMed and other electronic sources were searched until June 20, 2019, to identify relevant studies. Hazard ratios with 95% CIs were used as a measure of the association between use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of stroke after pooling data across trials. Results- Seven CVOTs with 56 004 participants were identified. Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with 15% lower risk of nonfatal stroke (P=0.002), 19% lower risk of fatal stroke (P=0.150), and 16% lower risk of total stroke (P=0.001). There was no association between reductions of hemoglobin A1c levels or body weight and risk of stroke. Conclusions- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists reduce the risk of nonfatal stroke in patients with T2D.

A selective androgen receptor modulator SARM-2f activates androgen receptor, increases lean body mass, and suppresses blood lipid levels in cynomolgus monkeys

SARM-2f a selective androgen receptor (AR) modulator, increases skeletal muscle mass and locomotor activity in rats. This study aimed to clarify its pharmacological effects in monkeys. In reporter assays, the EC50 values of SARM-2f for rat, monkey, and human AR were 2.5, 3, and 3.6 nmol/L, respectively; those of testosterone were 12, 3.2, and 11 nmol/L, respectively. A single oral administration (10 mg/kg SARM-2f) produced a maximal plasma concentration of 3011 ng/mL, with an area under the 24 hours concentration-time curve of 8152 ng·h/mL in monkeys. Body weight (BW), lean body mass (LBM), and plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), alanine aminotransferase, and asparagine aminotransferase were measured after 4 weeks of treatment with SARM-2f (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day, QD, p.o.) or testosterone enanthate (TE; 2 mg/kg/2 weeks, s.c.) in monkeys. BW and LBM were significantly increased by 12% each by SARM-2f at 10 mg/kg, and by 5% and 8%, respectively, by TE, but these effects were not statistically significant. Plasma levels of all lipids were either decreased or showed a tendency to be decreased by SARM-2f. TE decreased the triglyceride level and increased the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Liver marker levels were not changed by either SARM-2f or TE. Our data demonstrated that SARM-2f exerted anabolic effects and produced a lipid profile that differed from that produced by testosterone in monkeys, suggesting that SARM-2f might be useful for diseases such as sarcopenia.

Normal variations in personality predict eating behavior, oral health, and partial syndrome bulimia nervosa in adolescent girls

Eating disorders are among the most prevalent disorders in adolescence and can have negative consequences including poor quality of life, medical complications, and even death. This study addresses whether normal variations in personality relate to eating behavior and eating disorder symptomatology in adolescent girls. Participants were a near-representative sample of Australian adolescent girls (n = 1,676). Three personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness) were assessed at age 12 and again at age 14, and self-reported eating and weight management behaviors were assessed at age 14. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, higher levels of conscientiousness at age 12, and increases in conscientiousness between ages 12 and 14, were associated with greater fruit and vegetable consumption, a lower intake of high fat foods and high sugar drinks, less frequent meal skipping, better oral health, and decreased risk of partial syndrome bulimia nervosa at age 14. Higher neuroticism at age 12 was associated with more frequent meal skipping, and increases in neuroticism between ages 12 and 14 were associated with more frequent meal skipping and increased risk of partial syndrome bulimia nervosa at age 14. Extraversion was generally unrelated to eating and weight management behaviors. These findings provide evidence that normal variations in personality are related to eating behavior, oral health, and eating disorder symptoms during midadolescence.

A study on bone mass density using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry: Does high body mass index have protective effect on bone density in obese patients?

Background:

Osteoporosis is known as reduction of bone density, which is diagnosed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Although some studies have shown high body mass index (BMI) as a protective factor for osteoporosis and fracture risks, some other studies demonstrated obesity as a risk factor for osteoporosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between BMI and bone mineral density (BMD) in premenopausal and postmenopausal females. Furthermore, we determined the correlation between BMI and fracture risk in postmenopausal females.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the age and BMI with 10-year probability fracture risk (estimated using fracture risk assessment tool) and BMD in the L1–L4 spine and femoral neck. Data were collected from BMD center, Askariye Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, from May 2016 to July 2017.

Results:

The study consisted of 1361 individuals, including 305 premenopausal females and 1056 postmenopausal females. The results showed a statistically significant increase of BMD (P < 0.001) and a decrease of fracture risk (β = −0.158, R² = 0.518) with an increase of BMI in postmenopausal females. Moreover, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD were significantly higher in individuals with BMI ≥30 than in those with BMI <25 in both premenopausal and postmenopausal females (P < 0.001). In addition, older postmenopausal females indicated significantly lower L1–L4 BMD (r = −0.280, P < 0.05) and femoral neck BMD (r = −0.358, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results showed a positive correlation between BMI and BMD of the spine and femoral neck which did not differ by menopausal status. However, there was a correlation between BMI and fracture risk in postmenopausal females.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Body Weight Traits in Chinese Fine-Wool Sheep

Body weight is an important economic trait for sheep and it is vital for their successful production and breeding. Therefore, identifying the genomic regions and biological pathways that contribute to understanding variability in body weight traits is significant for selection purposes. In this study, the genome-wide associations of birth, weaning, yearling, and adult weights of 460 fine-wool sheep were determined using resequencing technology. The results showed that 113 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reached the genome-wide significance levels for the four body weight traits and 30 genes were annotated effectively, including AADACL3, VGF, NPC1, and SERPINA12. The genes annotated by these SNPs significantly enriched 78 gene ontology terms and 25 signaling pathways, and were found to mainly participate in skeletal muscle development and lipid metabolism. These genes can be used as candidate genes for body weight in sheep, and provide useful information for the production and genomic selection of Chinese fine-wool sheep.

Genetic Parameters for Growth and Kid Survival of Indigenous Goat under Smallholding System of Burundi

The goal of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the growth, conformation, and survival of goat kids raised in smallholder farming systems in Burundi. To do this, measurements were taken on live weight, thoracic perimeter, length, and height at birth (n = 1538 animals), at 3 months (n = 1270 animals), at 6 months (n = 992 animals), at 9 months (n = 787 animals), and at 12 months (n = 705 animals). Kids were born between 2016 and 2019, from 645 dams and 106 bucks. Three bivariate animal models were used to estimate genetic parameters of body weight and conformation measurements as potential indicators of this weight. According to the measure, heritability was estimated between 15 and 17% and genetic correlations between 65 and 79%. An accelerated failure time animal model was used to estimate the heritability of survival for kids under one year, adjusted for birth weight. Goat survival was significantly prolonged by 0.64 days per kilogram of birth weight. The estimated heritability for this trait was 2%. Overall, these results suggest that a selection program could be implemented to improve animal growth, either directly on weight or indirectly on conformational traits. At the same time, efforts need to be made to improve rearing conditions to increase the survival of kids.

The Effects of Different Feeding Routines on Welfare in Laboratory Mice

The accepted norm in most laboratories around the globe is feeding laboratory mice an ad libitum diet, although several health impairments are well-established. In contrast, reducing the animals' body weight by feeding them less food once per day (referred to as 24 h schedule) has been shown to enhance life span and reduce disease susceptibility. Against this background, this study aimed at systematically investigating the effects of different feeding routines. Therefore, three feeding routines were compared to the standard ad libitum feeding and effects on body weight development and welfare were investigated in male C57BL/6J mice. In particular, a 24 h schedule group, an AUTO group, characterized by an automated supply of small pieces of food all over the day, and a 4 h removal group, characterized by daily removal of food for 4 h, were studied. While the removal of food for 4 h per day did not lead to a reduction of body weight, and hence is unlikely to prevent negative effects of overfeeding, both the 24 h schedule group and the AUTO group led to the aspired body weight reduction. In the AUTO group, however, higher levels of corticosterone metabolites and stereotypies were observed, implying a rather negative impact on welfare. By contrast, no distinct negative effects of a 24 h schedule were found. Studies like this underline the general need for evidence-based severity assessments of any procedure involving living animals.

Effect of Dietary Protein Sources Substituting Soybean Meal on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Ducks

The study aimed to examine the growth performance and meat quality of Pekin ducks fed diets consisting of various protein source alternatives (groups: II-yellow lupin (YL) and rapeseed meal (RSM); III-YL and narrow-leaved lupin (NLL); IV-pea and YL; V-RSM, YL, NLL and pea) to (I) soybean meal (SBM) and RSM. Four hundred and twenty ducks were assigned to five groups with six replicates (14 birds per group). After 7 weeks, 10 ducks from each group were slaughtered. Breast muscles were analyzed for water-holding capacity, drip loss, color, and elasticity. Productivity parameters did not differ between groups I and II but were lower in V. The weight of carcass, neck with skin, skin with subcutaneous fat and total fat were highest in group II. The proportion of wings was higher in group V. In group II, lightness (L*) was higher, but redness (a*) was lower. In groups, I and III, L* was lower and a* was higher. Breast muscles contained more protein in groups I and II, more fat in groups I and III and more water in groups II and IV. The inclusion of vegetable protein alternatives to SBM in duck diets provided the best results in birds fed with YL and RSM (ratio of 1:0:31 in starter and 1:0.81 in grower).

Impact of a 3-Month Anti-inflammatory Dietary Intervention Focusing on Watermelon on Body Habitus, Inflammation, and Metabolic Markers: A Pilot Study

An anti-inflammatory dietary intervention called the Inflammation Management Intervention (IMAGINE) was adapted to emphasize watermelon due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This pilot study (n = 23) tested the effect of a watermelon-enhanced IMAGINE intervention (n = 15) on body habitus and markers of inflammation and metabolism. This 3-month self-selection trial, consisting of weekly in-person classes and online education for 12 weeks, focused on incorporating watermelon into an already anti-inflammatory diet. Controls (n = 8) received basic health education via email and blogs. Measurements, including diet, anthropometrics, actigraphy, and a blood draw, were made at baseline and immediately postintervention. Linear regression analyses were conducted using intervention status as the main exposure. Post hoc analyses then ignored intervention assignment and grouped participants based on their change in their energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII^TM) score. There were no group-by-time interactions for any of the studied outcomes. However, some intervention participants’ diets became more proinflammatory, and several control participants’ diets became more anti-inflammatory. Those participants below the median of E-DII change (ie, more anti-inflammatory changes) showed reductions in body fat percent (–1.27% vs +0.90%, respectively, P = .01), body mass index (–0.66 vs +0.38 kg/m², respectively, P = .06) and body weight (–0.99 vs +0.54 kg, respectively, P = .08) compared to those above the median of E-DII change. This study demonstrates that individuals who adopt a more anti-inflammatory diet containing watermelon will have improvements in body anthropometrics. Future studies should focus on increasing adherence and compliance to intervention prescriptions, exploring options to extend interventions to evaluate long-term changes, and further examining changes in inflammatory biomarkers.

Clinical Trials Registration: NCT03158740

The effect of psyllium consumption on weight, body mass index, lipid profile, and glucose metabolism in diabetic patients: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Water-soluble dietary fibers have been shown to improve lipid profile and glucose metabolism in diabetes. The aim of this study was to review the effects of psyllium consumption on weight, body mass index, lipid profiles, and glucose metabolism in diabetic patients in randomized controlled trials. A comprehensive systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, Cochrane, and Scopus by two independent researchers up to August 2019 without any time and language restrictions. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model method performed to calculate the pooled results. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trial design, adult subjects, and studies reporting the mean differences with the 95% confidence interval for outcome. Eight studies containing nine arms with 395 participants were identified and included in final analysis. Combined results found a significant reduction in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, fasting blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1c following psyllium consumption (weighted mean differences [WMD]: -19.18 mg/dl, 95% CI [-31.76, -6.60], I² = 98%), (WMD: -8.96 mg/dl, 95% CI [-13.39, -4.52], I² = 97%), (WMD: -31.71 ml/dl, 95% CI [-50.04, -13.38], I² = 97%), and (WMD: -0.91%, 95% CI [-1.31, -0.51], I² = 99%), respectively. There was no significant change in high-density lipoprotein, body mass index, cholesterol, and weight. In conclusion, the results demonstrated a significant reduction in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, fasting blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1c by psyllium intervention among diabetic patients.

Association of Food Parenting Practices on Child BMI z Score and Waist Circumference in Mexican Preschool Children After 1 Year of Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between food parenting practices (FPPs) and weight status among preschoolers and the directionality of this association at 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

A longitudinal exploratory study was conducted using linear regression and structural equation modeling to determine directional associations between FPPs and children's body mass index z score and waist circumference. The FPPs were estimated using Child Feeding Questionnaire subscales.

RESULTS

A total of 91 parent-child dyads completed the study. In structural equation modeling analysis, when identifying the FPPs in a latent variable with its indicators of indulgent feeding, food as a reward and restriction predicted higher body mass index z score at follow-up. Higher baseline waist circumference was also negatively associated with the use of food as a reward.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Feeding-weight associations are likely bidirectional. Understanding them, as well as the pathways between them, is critical to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Body Weight Variability Increases Dementia Risk Among Older Adults: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Background: Recent growing evidences suggest that body weight (Bwt) variability, a repeated loss and regain of weight within a specific period, causes metabolic disturbances and can be a marker for poor homeostasis. Although there have been many studies about the association between Bwt variability and various health status, its association with the incidence of dementia among elderly people has not been examined. Methods: We performed a retrospective elderly cohort study from 19,987 participants with mean age 73 years old in the Korean National Health Insurance Service. We examined the risk of incident dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia and vascular dementia, according to the quartile of Bwt variability, represented as coefficient of variation (Bwt-CV), SD (Bwt-SD), and variability independent of the mean (Bwt-VIM). Results: In fully adjusted model, the group with the highest Bwt variability (Bwt-VIM Q4) showed an increased risk of all-cause dementia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.206-1.603) and Alzheimer's dementia (HR 1.46, CI 1.240-1.724) compared to the lowest quartile (Bwt-VIM Q1). We also found that subjects with the highest Bwt variability (Q4) and underweight BMI had a significantly increased risk of developing dementia (HR 1.994, 95% CI 1.302-3.054), while subjects with low Bwt variability (Q1 and Q2) and obese BMI had decreased risk of dementia (HR 0.664, 95% CI 0.505-0.872 and HR 0.648, 95% CI 0.493-0.852, respectively) compared to reference group (lowest Bwt variability (Q1) with normal baseline BMI). The effect of Bwt variability on the incidence of dementia was more prominent in subjects <75 years old and abnormal BMI groups (P for interaction < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study revealed that high Bwt variability was associated with an increased risk of dementia in the elderly.

Somatotypes and hand-grip strength analysis of elite cadet sambo athletes

The objectives of this research were to establish somatotype and hand-grip strength between elite cadet male and female sambo athletes divided by weight categories.A total of 97 elite cadet sambo athletes, participants of the World Cadets Sambo Championships 2018 participated in the study. Male and female sambo athletes were divided by official weight categories. Anthropometrical variables were taken in order to calculate somatotypes and hand-grip strength. A one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests were used to compare group differences by weight categories.Results of this study provide the first description of somatotype and hand-grip strength of elite male and female cadet sambo athletes in relation to weight category. A typical somatotype in male sambo athletes was endomorphic mesomorphs with a predominance of musculoskeletal tissue, while female athletes differed concerning weight category. Overall, an increase in handgrip strength across weight categories was noted. Hand-grip strength increases linearly from the lightest to the heaviest weight category except in -66 and -84 kg in male athletes. Differences in handgrip strength of female athletes were detected between the lightest group and last six groups in all three variables in favor of last six as well as -44 and kg -48 kg compared with the heaviest.To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first normative data of somatotype and hand-grip strength analyses in relation to age, gender, and weight categories of cadet sambo athletes. The anthropometric profile of sambo athletes changed according to their weight category. Mesomorphy was the most dominant somatotype component in male athletes, while female had three different types of somatotype component in relation to weight category. In conclusion, we found differences in hand-grip strength related to weight category, which can be linked to the muscle mass of athletes. Future studies should focus on somatotype and strength handgrip values of international compared to national level sambo athletes.

Association between salt taste sensitivity threshold and blood pressure in healthy individuals: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is an important public health problem. Overweight and high salt intake are risk factors for its development.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between salt taste sensitivity threshold (STST) and blood pressure (BP) in healthy adults.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study conducted in a private institution.

METHODS

104 healthy adults (aged 18-59 years) were evaluated. Sociodemographic, clinical and dietary data were collected. Nutritional status and BP were assessed using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). STST was assessed using graded saline solutions with sodium chloride concentrations ranging from 0.228 to 58.44 g/l. Identification of salty taste in solutions ≥ 3.652 g/l was used as the cutoff point for high STST.

RESULTS

Participants with high STST presented higher daily average intakes for energy (2017.4 ± 641.5 versus 1650.5 ± 357.7 kcal/day; P = 0.01) and sodium (3070.2 ± 1195.1 versus 2435.2 ± 963.6 mg/day; P = 0.01) and higher BMI (P = 0.008) and WC (P = 0.002). After adjustment for age, sex, sodium and potassium intake, WC and family history of hypertension, the averages for SBP and DBP in subjects with high STST were higher than in those with normal STST (SBP: 138.2 ± 1.7 versus 119.7 ± 0.9 mmHg; P < 0.001; DBP: 81.2 ± 1.9 versus 75.1 ± 1.0 mmHg; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

High STST was associated with elevated blood pressure in healthy adults, regardless of other risk factors for hypertension.

Evaluating the Effects of Different Sleep Supplement Modes in Attenuating Metabolic Consequences of Night Shift Work Using Rat Model

PURPOSE

To study the effects of chronic-simulated night shift work using the rat model and examines if a particular sleep supplement mode could be better in alleviating the effects.

METHODS

The male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control (CTL: 8 rats) and night shift work (NW: 24 rats) groups of rats. Based on the sleep supplement strategy, the NW group was further segregated into three subgroups (8 rats each); late sleep supplement group (LSS), early sleep supplement group (ESS), and intermittent sleep supplement group (ISS). Sleep deprivation was achieved using the standard small-platform-over water method. Parameters such as animal body weight and food intake were measured daily. The intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, fasting plasma insulin concentration, insulin resistance index and insulin sensitivity were measured twice, in the 4th and 8th weeks of the study. Plasma corticosterone concentration and pathological changes in islets (insulitis) were measured at the end of the 8th week.

RESULTS

In NW group, night work resulted in a gain of body weight and albeit lower than that of the CTL group. NW rats also had higher food intake, showed impaired glucose metabolism and higher plasma corticosterone concentration. The sleep supplement experiments suggested that compared to the other modes, intermittent sleep supplement had significantly low changes in the body weight, glucose metabolism and the islet cells.

CONCLUSION

Similar to previous studies, we also found that night shift work adversely impacts the body weight and glucose metabolism in rats. However, upon evaluating different sleep supplement strategies, we found the intermittent sleep supplement strategy to be most effective.

GDF-15 as a Weight Watcher for Diabetic and Non-Diabetic People Treated With Metformin

Weight gain and obesity are global health concerns contributing to morbidity with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver steatohepatitis and cancer. Pharmacological therapies or bariatric surgery are often required for those who fail to adhere to diet and lifestyle modifications. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic agent, seems to have a health benefit beyond its anti-hyperglycemic properties, with few side effects. Emerging evidence shows weight loss to be associated with metformin in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Recently, the growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, has been identified as a key mediator of metformin-induced weight loss. Metformin increases the secretion of GDF-15, which binds exclusively to glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-like (GFRAL). This gut-brain cytokine works as a prominent player in reducing food intake and body weight in health and disease, like anorexia nervosa and cancer. Herein, we critically review advances in the understanding of the weight-reducing effects of metformin via the GDF-15 pathway.

Effects of Pre-Diapause Temperature and Body Weight on the Diapause Intensity of the Overwintering Generation of Bactrocera minax (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Chinese citrus fruit fly, Bactrocera minax (Enderlein), is an economically important pest of citrus. The fly has an obligatory pupal diapause in soil from November to March. However, techniques for predicting or determining the emergence of the adult have, thus far, not been well documented. In this study, we investigated the effects of different pre-diapause temperatures (8, 12, 16, and 20°C) and pupal body weight (five groups according to pupal weight: G-58, 55.0-61.0 mg; G-68, 65-71 mg; G-78, 75-81 mg; G-88, 85-91 mg; G-95, 92-98 mg) on pupal period (the indicator of diapause intensity). The pupal period of B. minax larvae pupated at 8°C was 193.41 d, which was significantly shorter than that of larvae incubated at higher temperatures, suggesting that there was a lower diapause intensity for larvae pupated at lower pre-diapause temperatures. There were also significant differences in the pupal periods at different pupal body weights. The pupal period of G-58 was significantly shorter than that of the heavier groups (G-88 and G-95), and the pupal period increased with increasing pupal body weight in the five groups. Moreover, the pupal period of B. minax significantly and positively correlated to pupal body weight. These findings demonstrate that the pre-diapause temperature and pupal body weight are suitable indicators for predicting the pupal period of overwintering individuals, and the results of this study will contribute to the development of new and effective strategies for predicting the occurrence and population dynamics of B. minax adult.