Canagliflozin attenuates kidney injury, gut-derived toxins, and gut microbiota imbalance in high-salt diet-fed Dahl salt-sensitive rats

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of canagliflozin (20 mg/kg) on Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rat gut microbiota and salt-sensitive hypertension-induced kidney injury and further explore its possible mechanism.

METHODS

Rats were fed a high-salt diet to induce hypertension and kidney injury, and physical and physiological indicators were measured afterwards. This study employed 16S rRNA sequencing technology and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolic profiling combined with advanced differential and association analyses to investigate the correlation between the microbiome and the metabolome in male DSS rats.

RESULTS

A high-salt diet disrupted the balance of the intestinal flora and increased toxic metabolites (methyhistidines, creatinine, homocitrulline, and indoxyl sulfate), resulting in severe kidney damage. Canagliflozin contributed to reconstructing the intestinal flora of DSS rats by significantly increasing the abundance of Corynebacterium spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Facklamia spp., Lactobacillus spp., Ruminococcus spp., Blautia spp., Coprococcus spp., and Allobaculum spp. Moreover, the reconstruction of the intestinal microbiota led to significant changes in host amino acid metabolite concentrations. The concentration of uremic toxins, such as methyhistidines, creatinine, and homocitrulline, in the serum of rats was decreased by canagliflozin, which resulted in oxidative stress and renal injury alleviation.

CONCLUSION

Canagliflozin may change the production of metabolites and reduce the level of uremic toxins in the blood circulation by reconstructing the intestinal flora of DSS rats fed a high-salt diet, ultimately alleviating oxidative stress and renal injury.

Epigenetic changes in pyloric caeca of Atlantic salmon fed diets containing increasing levels of lipids and choline

An earlier study of ours investigating the effect of dietary lipid levels on the choline requirement of Atlantic salmon showed increasing severity of intestinal steatosis with increasing lipid levels. As choline is involved in epigenetic regulation by being the key methyl donor, pyloric caeca samples from the study were analysed for epigenetic effects of dietary lipid and choline levels. The diets varied in lipid levels between 16% and 28%, and choline levels between 1.9 and 2.3 g/kg. The diets were fed for 8 weeks to Atlantic salmon of 25 g of initial weight. Using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), this study revealed that increasing dietary lipid levels induced methylation differences in genes involved in membrane transport and signalling pathways, and in microRNAs important for the regulation of lipid homoeostasis. Increasing choline levels also affected genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and transport, lipolysis, and lipogenesis, as well as important immune genes. Our observations confirmed that choline is involved in epigenetic regulation in Atlantic salmon, as has been reported for higher vertebrates. This study showed the need for the inclusion of biomarkers of epigenetic processes in studies that must be conducted to define optimal choline levels in diets for Atlantic salmon.

One-carbon metabolism nutrients impact the interplay between DNA methylation and gene expression in liver, enhancing protein synthesis in Atlantic salmon

Supplementation of one-carbon (1C) metabolism micronutrients, which include B-vitamins and methionine, is essential for the healthy growth and development of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). However, the recent shift towards non-fish meal diets in salmon aquaculture has led to the need for reassessments of recommended micronutrient levels. Despite the importance of 1C metabolism in growth performance and various cellular regulations, the molecular mechanisms affected by these dietary alterations are less understood. To investigate the molecular effect of 1C nutrients, we analysed gene expression and DNA methylation using two types of omics data: RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and reduced-representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS). We collected liver samples at the end of a feeding trial that lasted 220 days through the smoltification stage, where fish were fed three different levels of four key 1C nutrients: methionine, vitamin B6, B9, and B12. Our results indicate that the dosage of 1C nutrients significantly impacts genetic and epigenetic regulations in the liver of Atlantic salmon, particularly in biological pathways related to protein synthesis. The interplay between DNA methylation and gene expression in these pathways may play an important role in the mechanisms underlying growth performance affected by 1C metabolism.

Ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of incident chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Recent individual studies have indicated that ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption may be associated with the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on those longitudinal studies evaluating the relationship between UPF consumption and the risk of incident CKD, and synthesizing the results.

METHOD

PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception through 22 March 2023. Any longitudinal studies evaluating the relationship between UPF consumption and the risk of incident CKD were included. Two researchers independently conducted the literature screening and data extraction. RR and its 95% CI were regarded as the effect size. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied to assess the quality of the studies included, and the effect of UPF consumption on the risk of incident CKD was analyzed with STATA version 15.1. This study's protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023411951).

RESULTS

Four cohort studies with a total of 219,132 participants were included after screening. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that the highest UPF intake was associated with an increased risk of incident CKD (RR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.18-1.33).

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose UPF intake was associated with an increased risk of incident CKD. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Thus, more standardized clinical studies and further exploration of the mechanisms are needed in the future.

Bowel health, defecation patterns and nutrient intake following adoption of a vegan diet: a randomized-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The beneficial effects of a plant-based diet on gut microbiota diversity are well documented, however, its impact on clinical bowel health and defecation patterns are less well understood. Vegetarian diets have been associated with a higher bowel movement (BM) frequency as well as softer stools in cross-sectional studies. The effects of the de-novo adoption of a vegan diet on bowel health, however, have never been investigated in a randomized-controlled trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study examined bowel health and defecation patterns in relation to diet and nutrient intake in a young and healthy sample of n = 65 physically-active German university students who were randomly assigned to either a vegan or a meat-rich diet for eight weeks. Bowel health assessment included the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and the Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS). Nutrient intake was assessed using weighed food diaries. The study was prospectively registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00031541).

RESULTS

Weekly BM frequency slightly increased in vegans, whereas it remained unaltered in participants assigned to a meat-rich diet. Fiber intake increased significantly in vegans (34.89 (18.46) g/d) whereas it decreased in those assigned to the meat-rich group (22.79 (12.5) g/d). No significant intergroup differences in BSFS and CCFIS patterns were observed. Adoption of a vegan diet neither resulted in a transient increase in abdominal discomfort nor in a decreased gastrointestinal quality of life, which was comparable across the diet groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term de-novo adoption of a vegan diet did not negatively affect markers of bowel health in this study.

Undergraduates' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours associated with fad diets

PURPOSE

We aimed to determine undergraduate students' use and knowledge of fad diets as well as examine how appealing students found these diets given the goal of rapid weight loss and/or improved health. Twenty-three students from a Midwestern university (mean age = 19.2, mean BMI = 27.35, 69.6% female) were recruited through new student orientations for this qualitative study. Approximately 52% of participants identified as White, 30% as Black, 13% as Asian, and 4% as multi-racial.

METHODS

Knowledge and opinions about fad diets were collected via focus groups and individual interviews. Coding of transcripts was conducted by hand using the constant comparative method and data were analysed based on grounded theory.

RESULTS

Two primary themes emerged: very negative views of fad diets and the importance of healthy eating. Although few participants had tried fad diets, they thought these diets: 1) did not lead to sustained weight loss, 2) were associated with disappointment and health issues, and 3) were money-making schemes delivered heavily through social media. Participants also valued healthy eating.

CONCLUSION

Experimental studies are needed to examine how healthy eating among university students can be supported through credible sources, accurate information, and established connections via innovative social media platforms.

Effects of JUNCAO Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide on slaughter performance and intestinal health of Minxinan black rabbits

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of JUNCAO Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide (JCGLPP) on slaughter performance and intestinal health of Minxinan black rabbits, which aimed to provide the basis for the application of JCGLPP in meat rabbits. One hundred male weaned Minxinan black rabbits of (33 ± 2) d [(initial body mass (655.65 ± 25.90) g] were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates per group and five rabbits per replicate. The diets were supplemented with 0 (control group), 50 (group I), 100 (group II) and 150 mg·kg-1 (group III) of JCGLPP, respectively. This experiment lasted for 56 days. The results are shown below: (1) The live weight before slaughter of groups I and III was significantly higher than that of control group (p < 0.05); The full net bore weight of group III was significantly higher than that of control group (p < 0.05). (2) pH value of group I was significantly higher than that of control group (p < 0.05); NH3-N content in experimental groups were significantly higher than that in control group(p < 0.05) while NH3-N content in group I was significantly higher than that in groups III and II (p < 0.05); The content of butyric acid in group II was significantly lower than that in control group (p < 0.05); There were no significant differences in acetic acid, isovaleric acid, isobutyric acid and propionic acid in experimental groups compared with control group (p > 0.05). (3) The Occludin content in duodenum, jejunum and ileum of groups I and II was significantly higher than that of control group (p < 0.05). (4) At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phylum in each group. At the genus level, norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014 in group II were significantly higher than those in control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although dietary JCGLPP supplementation could not improve slaughter performance of Minxinan black rabbits, it could improve cecal fermentation parameters and intestinal flora structure and composition of Minxinan black rabbits to a certain extent. Our results revealed that 100 mg·kg-1 might be the optimal concentration obtained in dietary JCGLPP supplementation, which provided ideas and feasibility for drug combination.

Isolation and characterization of biosurfactant-producing microbes isolated from the gastrointestinal system of broiler birds fed a commercial diet

Antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) from improper use of antibiotics in various livestock products is a growing hazard for humans worldwide, with current death rate in excess of 700,000 per annum linked to the problem. Microorganisms are a rich source of structurally distinct bioactive compounds designed to protect the microbes and can offset AMR challenge. A study was conducted at Chinhoyi University of Technology to isolate, identify and characterize biosurfactant secreting microbes from broiler bird's gastrointestinal tract. Analysis of variance was performed in Genstat software. 16S rRNA technique was used to identify the DNA of isolates, annotated by similarity using BLASTn analysis against the NCBI nucleotide database. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the BLASTn outcome to have an appreciation of the evolutionary genetic relationships. Small intestine-derived samples had a wider hemolytic activity of 5.6 mm, with a 39% emulsification index. At 98.29% sequence similarity, the bacterium producing biosurfactants was identified as an Escherichia coli strain similar to the 7.1994/NIST 0056 strain. The biosurfactant substance is a derivative of decane with beta lactams, tetracyclines and sulfa drugs properties which were responsible for the observed antibacterial activity. We recommend endogenous biosurfactant production optimization experiments and in-vivo trials to evaluate the potential impacts of a biosurfactant based feed additive in broilers.

Human milk sphingomyelin: Function, metabolism, composition and mimicking

Human milk, which contains various nutrients, is the "gold standard" for infant nutrition. Healthy human milk meets all the nutritional needs of early infant development. Polar lipids mainly exist in the milk fat globule membrane, accounting for approximately 1-2% of human milk lipids; sphingomyelin (SM) accounts for approximately 21-24% of polar lipids. SM plays an important role in promoting the development of the brain and nervous system, regulating intestinal flora, and improving skin barriers. Though SM could be synthesized de novo, SM nutrition from dietary is also important for infants. The content and composition of SM in human milk has been reported, however, the molecular mechanisms of nutritional functions of SM for infants required further research. This review summarizes the functional mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and compositional, influencing factors, and mimicking of SM in human milk, and highlights the challenges of improving maternal and infant early/long-term nutrition.

Effect of sheep bone protein hydrolysate on promoting calcium absorption and enhancing bone quality in low-calcium diet fed rats

Calcium deficiency is prone to fractures, osteoporosis and other symptoms. In this study, sheep bone protein hydrolysates (SBPHs) were obtained by protease hydrolysis. A low-calcium-diet-induced calcium-deficiency rat model was established to investigate the effects of SBPHs on calcium absorption and intestinal flora composition. The results showed that an SBPHs + CaCl2 treatment significantly increased the bone calcium content, bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume, and trabecular thickness, and reduced trabecular separation, and changed the level of bone turnover markers (P < 0.05). Supplementation of SBPHs + CaCl2 can remarkably enhance the bone mechanical strength, and the microstructure of bone was improved, and the trabecular network was more continuous, complete, and thicker. Additionally, SBPHs + CaCl2 dietary increased the abundance of Firmicutes and reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobiota, and promoted the production of short chain fatty acids. This study indicated that SBPHs promoted calcium absorption and could be applied to alleviate osteoporosis.

A review of hazards in meat products: Multiple pathways, hazards and mitigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are stable carcinogens that are widely distributed in the environment and food, and humans are exposed to PAHs primarily through the respiratory tracts, dermal contact, and dietary intake. Meat products are an essential part of the human diet, and the formation of PAHs during meat processing is unavoidable. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of PAHs in meat products can be a contribution to the minimization of human exposure dose. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of the toxicological analysis of PAHs intake and the various production pathways. The distribution of different PAHs in various meat products, including poultry and aquatic products, is analyzed. The discussion focuses on controlling PAHs through the use of endogenous marinades and antioxidants as well as reducing exogenous particulate matter-PAHs attachment. In addition, potential strategies for PAHs reduction and possible directions for future research are proposed.

Strategies to reduce fishy odor in aquatic products: Focusing on formation mechanism and mitigation means

Aquatic products, integral to human diets, often bear a distinct fishy odor that diminishes their appeal. Currently, the formation mechanisms of these odoriferous compounds are not fully understood, complicating their effective control. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of key fishy compounds, with a focus on their formation mechanisms and innovative methods for controlling fishy odors. Fishy odors in aquatic products arise not only from the surrounding environment but also from endogenous transformations due to lipid autoxidation, enzymatic reactions, degradation of trimethylamine oxide, and Strecker degradation. Methods such as sensory masking, adsorbent and biomaterial adsorption, nanoliposome encapsulation, heat treatment, vacuum treatment, chemical reactions, and biological metabolic transformations have been developed to control fishy odors. Investigating the formation mechanisms of fishy odors will provide solid foundational knowledge that can inspire creative approaches to controlling these unpleasant odors.

MestreChef nutritional game: an alternative method to promote nutrition facts label reading in obesity outreach activities

Reading nutrition facts labels is a competency for which training is given in several nutrition education programs, especially in obesity outreach workshops. The Top Trumps-style card game is commonly used in obesity prevention educational programs to engage participants in reading nutrition facts labels; however, the success of TV cooking shows among children and teenagers has not been explored for educational purposes. This paper is a descriptive study of developing a gamified activity as part of the one-time outreach workshop facilitated by the Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC) in Brazil. By playing the MestreChef Nutritional (MCN) game, participants followed similar rules as the corresponding TV cooking show. They were challenged to decide to select food items, calculate dietary food intake, and prepare a recipe to visualize the proportion of macronutrients contained in daily diets. The analysis of the nutritional dietary table completed by participants revealed to be a rich source of information, and we identified in our cohort that selecting an adequate number of food items and making healthy food choices was not concerning. However, their lack of competency in performing mathematical reasoning, particularly in calculating serving sizes and converting grams of macronutrients into calories, was evident. Moreover, facilitators of the workshops agreed that the MCN game presents definitively more didactic effectiveness and playability than the Foods Top Trumps, a former game used in the outreach workshops. The MCN game nourishes the engagement of the participants in learning nutrition-related concepts and may be an efficient didactic resource to improve nutrition knowledge in outreach activities when an alternative method is required to stimulate reading nutrition facts labels.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Reading nutrition facts labels is a typical activity promoted in obesity prevention educational programs. By playing the MestreChef Nutritional, participants can immerse in the context of a food TV show game to have the first contact with reading nutrition facts labels for a learning purpose. However, the game can reveal the participant's limitations in mathematical reasoning despite the didactic potential of the game in promoting obesity-related physiology concepts.

Guidelines to restrict consumption of red meat to under 350 g/wk based on colorectal cancer risk are not consistent with health evidence

BACKGROUND

The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations of 2023 (NNR2023) incorporate sustainability, health, and nutrition in their food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs). NNR2023 recommends a consumption of ≤350 g/wk of unprocessed red meat (RM) based on association with colorectal cancer (CRC). This recommendation is lower than other FBDGs such as the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recommendation it is based on (350-500 g/wk).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the empirical evidence and models cited by the NNR2023 to support the RM guidance.

METHODS

We fitted least-assumption (LA) dose-response (DR) models to the studies included in two systematic reviews (SRs) selected by NNR2023 on the RM and CRC association. We compared them against six parametric models reported in the two SRs. We evaluated the statistical significance of modeled relative risks (RR) at different consumption levels.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies (20,604,188 patient-years) were analyzed. We found no significant association (RR = 1.04, 0.99-1.09) between 350g/wk of RM and CRC using the LA models, in agreement with the least restrictive models reported by Lescinsky et al., 2022 (RR = 1.11[0.89-1.38]) and WCRF (RR= 1.01[0.96-1.07]). The association was significant at 350 g/wk only under restricting assumptions such as monotonicity RR=1.3[1.01-1.64], and linearity RR = 1.06 [1.00-1.12]. No significant empirical association is observed under 567 g/wk based on evidence used by NNR2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The sources cited by NNR2023 do not support a consumption restriction of ≤350 g/wk of RM due to CRC, and other studies omitted by NNR2023 do not support association between RM and CRC. We show that model assumptions rather than empirical evidence drive this recommendation. Model uncertainty should be explicitly incorporated in FBDGs.

Robust implementation of school food policy is needed to improve nutritional outcomes of children in European and Western Pacific countries: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The present systematic review explored compliance status with school food policies in Europe and the Western Pacific regions, challenges and facilitators of policy compliance, and its impact on children's diets and nutrient intakes.

RESEARCH METHODS

An electronic search for full-text research articles published between January 2009 and July 2023 was conducted in Science Direct and PubMed scientific databases.

RESULTS

A total of 659 titles and abstracts were screened, and final data was extracted from 34 included studies. Results showed low compliance with the school food policy in Europe and the Western Pacific regions. The European schools chad better compliance than the Western Pacific, and supportive interventions improved policy adherence. Impact assessment studies reported that the implementation of the school food policy increased fruit and vegetable consumption, thus increasing nutrient intakes (vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, calcium, folate, and dietary fibers). However, its impact on the availability and consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) was less conclusive. The effects of the policy on the school food environment indicated no significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

Results highlighted the need for additional support and surveillance at the school level to ensure adequate policy compliance.

Applying the theory of behavioral choice to plant-based dietary intentions

Improving understanding of the intention to choose plant-based food is an important element of climate change mitigation. A cross-sectional survey of 454 North American adults was used to predict their dietary-change intentions from the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the more-recently proposed theory of behavioral choice (TBC). The TPB accounted for 65 percent of the variance in intentions and the TBC accounted for a significantly greater (80 percent) proportion of variance. The strongest predictors of intention were the TBC's sense of obligation, attitude-values-affect (AVA), and habit, and the TBP's social norms. Five interactions also contributed in small but significant ways toward the accounting of the participants' food-choice intentions. Policy implications are discussed.

Gut bacterial markers involved in association of dietary inflammatory index with visceral adiposity

OBJECTIVE

To deepen the understanding of the influence of diet on weight gain and metabolic disturbances, we examined associations between diet-related inflammation and body composition and fecal bacteria abundances in participants of the Nutritionists' Health Study.

METHODS

Early-life, dietary and clinical data were obtained from 114 women aged ≤45 years. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII). Participants' data were compared by E-DII quartiles using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis. Associations of DXA-determined body composition with the E-DII were tested by multiple linear regression using DAG-oriented adjustments. Fecal microbiota was analyzed targeting the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to test linear associations; differential abundance of genera across the E-DII quartiles was assessed by pair-wise comparisons.

RESULTS

E-DII score was associated with total fat (b=1.80, p<0.001), FMI (b=0.08, p<0.001) and visceral fat (b=1.19, p=0.02), independently of maternal BMI, birth type and breastfeeding. E-DII score was directly correlated to HOMA-IR (r=0.30; p=0.004), C-reactive protein (r=0.29; p=0.003) and to the abundance of Actinomyces, and inversely correlated to the abundance of Eubacterium.xylanophilum.group. Actinomyces were significantly more abundant in the highest (most proinflammatory) E-DII quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

Association of E-DII with markers of insulin resistance, inflammation, body adiposity and certain gut bacteria are consistent with beneficial effects of anti-inflammatory diet on body composition and metabolic profile. Bacterial markers, such as Actinomyces, could be involved in the association between the dietary inflammation with visceral adiposity. Studies designed to explore how a pro-inflammatory diet affects both central fat deposition and gut microbiota are needed.

Metagenomics and metabolomics reveal that gut microbiome adapts to the diet transition in Hyla rabbits

There is still a lack of longitudinal dynamic studies on the taxonomic features, functional reserves, and metabolites of the rabbit gut microbiome. An experiment was conducted to characterize the bacterial community of rabbits. By combining metagenomics and metabolomics, we have comprehensively analyzed the longitudinal dynamics of the rabbit gut microbiota and its effect on host adaptability. Our data reveal an overall increasing trend in microbial community and functional gene diversity and richness during the pre-harvest lifespan of rabbits. The introduction of solid feed is an important driving factor affecting rabbit gut microbiological compositions. Clostridium and Ruminococcus had significantly higher relative abundances in the solid feed stage. Further, the starch and fiber in solid feed promote the secretion of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes, which helps the host adapt to dietary changes. The rabbit gut microbiota can synthesize lysine, and the synthase is gradually enriched during the diet transformation. The gut microbiota of newborn rabbits has a higher abundance of lipid metabolism, which helps the host obtain more energy from breast milk lipids. The rabbit gut microbiota can also synthesize a variety of secondary bile acids after the introduction of solid feed. These findings provide a novel understanding of how the gut microbiota mediates adaptability to environment and diet in rabbits and provide multiple potential strategies for regulating intestinal health and promoting higher feed efficiency.

Exploring within-meal variety to promote appeal of home-cooked meals in older adults

Undernutrition is highly prevalent in older adults and poses a major threat to physical and mental wellbeing. To foster healthy eating (and healthy aging), strategies are needed to improve dietary quality of older adults. In this study, the feasibility of increasing food variety in home-cooked meals is explored as strategy to promote meat and vegetable consumption in community dwelling older adults. Adults aged 50 years or older (N = 253) evaluated pictures of traditional Dutch dinner meals with more or less variety in the vegetable or meat component in an online questionnaire. Specifically, four different variety 'levels' were presented: (1) no variety, (2) meat variety, (3) vegetable variety, and (4) variety in both meat and vegetables (mixed). Participants indicated for each meal picture how much they would like the meal, whether it represented an ideal portion size, and whether they would be able and willing to prepare the meal. We expected that with increasing variety, liking and ideal portion size would increase, while ability and willingness to prepare the meals would decrease. Results showed that the meals with meat variety and mixed variety were liked less than meals with vegetable variety or no variety. Participants were all highly willing to prepare the meals, but they were less willing to prepare the meals with meat variety and mixed variety compared to the meals with vegetable variety and no variety. All meals were evaluated as being too large, but the meals with vegetable variety and mixed variety were evaluated as more oversized than the meals without variety and with meat variety. These results suggest that encouraging older adults to include variety in home-cooked meals might be more challenging than anticipated.

Shades and shifts in flexitarian and meat-oriented consumer profiles in a German panel study

Consumers' growing awareness of the adverse effects of high meat consumption has led to increased attention to flexitarian or meat-reduced diets. However, most flexitarians do not significantly reduce their meat consumption and still eat many meat-based meals. This study aims to classify the large and heterogeneous consumer group of flexitarians into different profiles based on attitudinal, normative, and control beliefs about meat reduction. Being aware that consumer profiles can change over time, this study explores the dynamics of the identified profiles using a two-wave panel survey of 430 German consumers. Latent profile analysis revealed distinct flexitarian and meat-oriented consumer profiles, including three stable profiles and one non-stable profile across both waves. The findings indicate that flexitarian and meat-oriented consumer profiles differ significantly in their belief structure about meat reduction and that consumers can switch back and forth to other profiles over time. Practitioners should be aware of changes in the belief structure of flexitarian and meat-oriented consumer profiles when developing meat reduction interventions. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind these profile shifts.

Association between eicosapentaenoic acid consumption and the risk of depressive symptoms in US adults: Analyses from NHANES 2005-2018

BACKGROUND

This study examines the relationship between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake from food and depression. EPA, an Omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fish and seafood, has garnered attention for its potential role in depression prevention and treatment.

METHODS

We selected 30,976 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018. Depressive symptoms were diagnosed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). EPA intake was assessed through dietary evaluation. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) were employed to assess the correlation between EPA and depressive symptom.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 7.3 %. Participants with depressive symptoms exhibited lower EPA intake from food compared to non-depressed individuals. This negative association with depressive symptoms persisted even after accounting for various potential influencing factors (e.g., age, gender, body mass index, total energy intake, comorbidities). Notably, EPA demonstrated a nonlinear association with depressive symptoms, particularly in females.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes a significant negative correlation between EPA consumption and depressive symptoms, particularly in females. This suggests that maintaining a rich EPA diet may play a role in depression prevention and treatment.

Dietary protein sources, genetics, and cardiovascular disease incidence

BACKGROUND

To explore the potential correlation between the amount and source of dietary protein and cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as the potential impact of genetic susceptibility on these connections.

METHODS

We performed a prospective analysis of 98,224 participants from the UK. We measured dietary protein intake using two 24-hour dietary recall interviews. To analyze the data, we used multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models and restricted cubic spline models. Additionally, we calculated weighted genetic risk scores.

RESULTS

A total of 8818 new cases of CVD were documented, which included 4076 cases of coronary artery disease (CAD) and 1126 cases of stroke. The study found a J-shaped association (p nonlinearity = 0.005) between CVD risk and the percentage of energy obtained from consuming plant protein. Higher intake of plant protein and whole protein was associated with a decreased risk of CVD. On the other hand, larger intakes of animal protein was linked to a higher occurrence of CAD. Additionally, increased intake of plant protein was also linked to a lower incidence of stroke. Replacing 5 % of animal protein-based energy intake with plant protein-based energy intake resulted in a 5 % decrease in CVD risk.

LIMITATIONS

There remains an effect of residual confounders.

CONCLUSION

The consumption of larger amounts of plant protein, whole protein, and nut protein was found to be associated with a lower risk of CVD events. Conversely, higher intakes of animal protein was associated with an increased risk of CAD events. Furthermore, replacing 5 % of energy intake from animal protein with energy intake from plant protein was found to reduce the risk of CVD by 5 %.

Synergistic effects of combined probiotics Bacillus pumilis D5 and Leuconostoc mesenteroide B4 on immune enhancement and disease resistance in Litopenaeus vannamei

This study investigated the effects of two distinct probiotics, Leuconostoc mesenteroides B4 (B4) and Bacillus pumilus D5 (D5), along with their combination, on the diet of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during an eight-week feeding trial. The diets tested included B4 + dextran at 107 CFU/g feed (the B4 group), D5 alone at 107 CFU/g feed (the D5 group), and a combination of B4 + dextran and D5 at 5 × 106 CFU/g feed each (the B4+dextran + D5 group). Relative to the control group, those administered probiotics exhibited moderate enhancements in growth. By the eighth week, the weight gain for the B4, D5, and B4+D5 groups was 696.50 ± 78.15%, 718.53 ± 130.73%, and 693.05 ± 93.79%, respectively, outperforming the control group's 691.66 ± 31.10% gain. The feed conversion ratio was most efficient in the B4 group (2.16 ± 0.06), closely followed by B4+D5 (2.21 ± 0.03) and D5 (2.22 ± 0.06), with the control group having the highest ratio (2.27 ± 0.03). While phenoloxidase activity was somewhat elevated in the B4 and D5 groups, no significant differences were noted in respiratory burst activity or total hemocyte count across all groups. Challenge tests at weeks 4 and 8 showed that the B4 + D5 combination offered superior protection against AHPND-causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The 4-week cumulative survival rate was highest in shrimp treated with B4 + dextran + D5 (56.25%), followed by B4 + dextran (31.25%), control (18.75%), and lowest in D5 (12.5%). By week 8, the B4 + dextran + D5 (43.75%) and B4 + dextran (37.5%) groups significantly outperformed the control group (6.25%, p < 0.05), with no significant difference observed between the D5 group (37.5%) and the control group at day 56. Analysis of the shrimp's foregut microbiota revealed an increase in unique OTUs in the B4 and B4 + D5 groups. Compared to the control, Proteobacteria abundance was reduced in all probiotic groups. Potential pathogens like Vibrio, Bacteroides, Neisseria, Botrytis, Clostridioides, and Deltaentomopoxvirus were detected in the control but were reduced or absent in probiotic groups. Beneficial microbes such as Methanobrevibacter and Dictyostelium in the B4+D5 group, and Sugiyamaella in the B4 group, showed significant increases. Probiotics also led to higher transcript levels of nitric oxide synthase in the hemocytes, and lysozyme and transglutaminase in the midgut, along with lysozyme and α2-macroglobulin in the foregut. Notably, the combined B4 + D5 probiotics synergistically enhanced the expression of superoxide dismutase and prophenoloxidase in the foregut, indicating an improved immune response. In summary, this study demonstrates that the probiotics evaluated, especially when used in combination, significantly boost the expression of specific immune-related genes, enhance the bacterial diversity and richness of the intestine, and thus prevent the colonization and proliferation of Vibrio spp. in L. vannamei.

Food insecurity, poor diet, and metabolic measures: The roles of stress and cortisol

Food insecurity is highly prevalent and linked to poorer diet and worse metabolic outcomes. Food insecurity can be stressful, and could elicit chronic psychological and physiological stress. In this study, we tested whether stress could be used to identify those at highest risk for worse diet and metabolic measures from food insecurity. Specifically, we hypothesized that cortisol (a physiological marker of stress) and perceived psychological stress would amplify the link between food insecurity and hyperpalatable food intake as well as metabolic measures. In a sample of 624 Black and White women aged 36-43 who participated in the NHLBI Growth and Health Study's midlife assessment, we assessed associations between food insecurity with hyperpalatable food intake (high fat + high sodium foods; high fat + high sugar foods; and high carbohydrate + high sodium foods), and metabolic measures (fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and waist circumference). We found that food insecurity was associated with higher levels of perceived stress (R2 = 0.09), and greater intake of high fat + high sugar (hyperpalatable) foods (R2 = 0.03). In those with higher cumulative cortisol (as indexed by hair cortisol), food insecurity was associated with higher levels of fasting glucose. Neither cortisol nor perceived stress moderated any other relationships, and neither variable functioned as a mediator in sensitivity analyses. Given these largely null findings, further research is needed to understand the role stress plays in the chronic health burdens of food insecurity.

The association between unhealthy dietary behaviors and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): No evidence in support of the self-selection hypothesis

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants tend to have unhealthier dietary consumption compared to eligible non-participants. It has been suggested, though never empirically tested, that individuals who enroll in SNAP may have unhealthy diets prior to program participation. Using a longitudinal cohort study design, we examined the association between low-income adults' SNAP participation status and prior dietary behaviors to test the argument that individuals with unhealthier dietary consumption self-select into SNAP. A sample of households from predominantly lower-income cities were surveyed at baseline (T1) and 2-4 years later (T2). The main analyses were restricted to adults who did not participate in SNAP at T1 and with household income <200% of the federal poverty line (n = 170) at both T1 and T2. Participants were grouped into two categories, based on their SNAP participation at T2; (a) Non-participants (n = 132): no SNAP participation at T1 or T2, and (b) T2 SNAP participants (n = 38): SNAP participation at T2 but not T1. Daily consumption frequency of whole fruits, fruit juice, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and energy dense snacks were measured through self-reports. To observe dietary differences between the two groups prior to SNAP participation, T1 behaviors were compared. There were no significant differences in dietary behaviors at T1 (prior to SNAP participation) between non-participants and T2 participants, providing no evidence of self-selection of individuals with unhealthier dietary consumption into SNAP among our study sample. Improvements in SNAP participants' diets may benefit from focusing on policy changes that encourage healthy dietary habits during participation in the program.

Changes in UK price disparities between healthy and less healthy foods over 10 years: An updated analysis with insights in the context of inflationary increases in the cost-of-living from 2021

Food prices and affordability play an important role in influencing dietary choices, which in turn have implications for public health. With inflationary increases in the cost-of-living in the UK since 2021, understanding the dynamics of food prices becomes increasingly important. In this longitudinal study, we aimed to examine changes in food prices from 2013 to 2023 by food group and by food healthiness. We established a dataset spanning the years 2013-2023 by combining price data from the UK Consumer Price Index for food and beverage items with nutrient and food data from the UK nutrient databank and UK Department of Health & Social Care's National Diet and Nutrition Survey data. We calculated the price (£/100 kcal) for each food item by year as well as before and during the period of inflationary pressure, and classified items into food groups according to the UK Eatwell Guide and as either "more healthy" or "less healthy" using the UK nutrient profiling score model. In 2023, bread, rice, potatoes and pasta was cheapest (£0.12/100 kcal) and fruit and vegetables most expensive (£1.01/100 kcal). Less healthy food was cheaper than more healthy food (£0.33/100 kcal versus £0.81/100 kcal). Before the inflationary pressure period (from 2013 to late 2021), the price of foods decreased by 3%. After this period, the price of food increased by 22%: relative increases were highest in the food group milk and dairy food (31%) and less healthy category (26%). While healthier foods saw smaller relative price increases since 2021, they remain more expensive, potentially exacerbating dietary inequalities. Policy responses should ensure food affordability and mitigate price disparities via, for example, healthy food subsidies.

Evaluation of rapeseed cake as a protein substitute in the feed of edible crickets: A case study using Gryllus assimilis

This paper aimed to investigate the optimization of Gryllus assimilis farming production by examining the effects of replacing soybean meal with rapeseed cake (25-100%) and supplementing it with rapeseed oil. The results reveal no adverse effects of soybean meal replacement on the feed conversion ratio and weight of the harvested crickets. However, incorporating larger quantities of rapeseed cake into the diet increased crude protein and decreased fat content. Moreover, the composition of fatty acids varied significantly, with increased levels of oleic acid and decreased levels of palmitic acid, while a high rapeseed cake content led to a decrease in the atherogenic and thrombogenic index values. The amino acid composition remained unaffected. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that rapeseed cake can serve as a viable substitute for soybean meal in the diet of Gryllus assimilis.

Impact of "blue-green diet" on human health and wellbeing: A systematic review of potential determinants in shaping the effectiveness of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) in urban settings

Discourses concerning the potential health benefits of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) have gained momentum, highlighting its positive influence on human health and wellbeing. While studies have explored the concept of "Nature Pyramid" and the role of exposure to natural environments in promoting health, the role of water elements remains underexplored. Rooted in this concept, this study proposed a notion of "blue-green diet" as a framework to understand the intricate mechanisms and determinants of optimal blue-green exposure. Understanding the relationship between these determinants and their health-related impacts can facilitate the enhancement of BGI design, leading to greater effectiveness in promoting health and wellbeing and supporting sustainable urban development strategies. To enhance the comprehension of the "blue-green diet", this study conducted a systematic literature review to grasp the underlying mechanisms behind its beneficial effects, focusing on two key determinants of "blue-green diet", which are also derived from the concept of the "Nature Pyramid": (1) the type of BGI and (2) the mode of interaction with and within BGIs. Under the search of BGI's overall health impacts, this study selected 54 journal publications concerning BGI's type and interaction mode from Web of Science and Scopus since 2010. The review revealed significant disparities in the health benefits provided by different types of BGI (in terms of artificial extent and scale) and between active and passive interaction modes. It examines how to balance natural and artificial elements for enhancing the benefits of BGI and discusses the attributes of BGI that encourage diverse and meaningful interaction patterns. These efforts collectively aim to optimize BGI design and planning, increase its capacity to promote health, and extend its benefits to a wider range of individuals. Future research should encompass a broader spectrum of determinants, such as diverse BGI settings, visit frequency and duration, and user's social-cultural backgrounds.

Novel oxidising feed additives reduce in vitro methane emissions using the rumen simulation technique

Enteric methane (CH4) produced by ruminant livestock is a potent greenhouse gas and represents significant energy loss for the animal. The novel application of oxidising compounds as antimethanogenic agents with future potential to be included in ruminant feeds, was assessed across two separate experiments in this study. Low concentrations of oxidising agents, namely urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) with and without potassium iodide (KI), and magnesium peroxide (MgO2), were investigated for their effects on CH4 production, total gas production (TGP), volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles, and nutrient disappearance in vitro using the rumen simulation technique. In both experiments, the in vitro diet consisted of 50:50 grass silage:concentrate on a dry matter basis. Treatment concentrations were based on the amount of oxygen delivered and expressed in terms of fold concentration. In Experiment 1, four treatments were tested (Control, 1× UHP + KI, 1× UHP, and 0.5× UHP + KI), and six treatments were assessed in Experiment 2 (Control, 0.5× UHP + KI, 0.5× UHP, 0.25× UHP + KI, 0.25× UHP, and 0.12× MgO2). All treatments in this study had a reducing effect on CH4 parameters. A dose-dependent reduction of TGP and CH4 parameters was observed, where treatments delivering higher levels of oxygen resulted in greater CH4 suppression. 1× UHP + KI reduced TGP by 28 % (p = 0.611), CH4% by 64 % (p = 0.075) and CH4 mmol/g digestible organic matter by 71 % (p = 0.037). 0.12× MgO2 reduced CH4 volume by 25 % (p > 0.05) without affecting any other parameters. Acetate-to-propionate ratios were reduced by treatments in both experiments (p < 0.01). Molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were reduced, while propionate and valerate were increased in UHP treatments. High concentrations of UHP affected the degradation of neutral detergent fibre in the forage substrate. Future in vitro work should investigate alternative slow-release oxygen sources aimed at prolonging CH4 suppression.

A review: Effects of microbial fermentation on the structure and bioactivity of polysaccharides in plant-based foods

Fermented plant-based foods that catering to consumers' diverse dietary preferences play an important role in promoting human health. Recent exploration of their nutritional value has sparked increasing interest in the structural and bioactive changes of polysaccharides during fermentation, the essential components of plant-based foods which have been extensively studied for their structures and functional properties. Based on the latest key findings, this review summarized the dominant fermented plant-based foods in the market, the involved microbes and plant polysaccharides, and the corresponding modification in polysaccharides structure. Further microbial utilization of these polysaccharides, influencing factors, and the potential contributions of altered structure to the functions of polysaccharides were collectively illustrated. Moreover, future research trend was proposed, focusing on the directional modification of polysaccharides and exploration of the mechanisms underlying structural changes and enhanced biological activity during fermentation.

Dietary fiber: Still alive

Dietary fiber (DF) was established as a key dietary constituent some decades ago, as were some of its mechanisms of action and health effects. Although there is consolidated evidence on many features regarding DF, at the same time there are still many aspects to be explored in the field, e.g., deeper explorations of the contribution of phenolic compounds linked to cell walls to the biological activities of DF, or of the relevance of the gut-brain axis. At the same time, increasing DF intake should be seen as a major public health problem since worldwide intakes are quite far from recommendations. The awareness of this fact by public bodies should lead, among others, to the assessment of effective strategies for promoting DF intake among general population or specific groups; and to consider potential regulatory modifications in order to clarify several aspects potentially misleading for consumers.

Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of urolithiasis in geriatric patients - differences, similarities and caveats in comparison to the general population

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Purpose of the review is to address management and prevention of urolithiasis in elderly patients examining the dynamic interplay between general measures, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and targeted pharmacological and/ or surgical interventions. The goal is to provide understanding of the evolving strategies required for effective urolithiasis prevention in the geriatric population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Age-specific diagnostic considerations are necessary because urolithiasis in the elderly population is characterized by bigger stones, greater peri-operative risks, and heightened symptom severity. When comorbidities are present, conservative treatments - especially analgesia - provide difficulties. Surgical procedures prove to be safe and effective, with complication rates and practical application comparable to younger cohorts. Prevention approaches that include lifestyle changes and the investigation of novel pharmaceutical options such as sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2)-inhibitors are promising in the management of urolithiasis in the elderly population.

SUMMARY

Our review offers a thorough investigation of urolithiasis in the elderly population, elucidating distinct clinical manifestations, complex diagnostic issues, and treatment implications. The safety and effectiveness of ureteroscopy in older patients, as well as the possible prophylactic function of SGLT-2-I, offer crucial insights for clinicians. Subsequent studies are necessary to enhance age-specific therapies, addressing the distinct obstacles presented by urolithiasis in the elderly population within this rapidly growing demographic.

Low-carbohydrate-diet score, dietary macronutrient intake, and depression among adults in the United States

BACKGROUND

The aim was to ascertain whether low-carbohydrate-diet (LCD) score and dietary macronutrient intake are associated with depression.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 23,204 United States adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2018. Dietary macronutrient intake was evaluated by the average of two 24-h dietary recall interviews. LCD score was calculated by summing the 11 quantiles values of the percentages of energy derived from carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Major depression was defined as a nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire score of 10 or more. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were used to explore the relationship between LCD score, dietary macronutrient intake, and depression.

RESULTS

LCD score was significantly associated with the risk of depression after adjustment for covariates (odds ratio, 0.98; 95 % confidence interval, 0.97-0.99; p < 0.001). Restricted cubic splines showed that the pattern of this inverse association was nonlinear. Among macronutrients, carbohydrate and protein intake was nonlinearly associated with the risk of depression, whereas fat intake was not related to the risk of depression. A decreased risk of depression was observed when the carbohydrate intake was moderate (45.3 %-59.1 %). The pattern of the association between protein intake and the risk of depression was L-shaped.

CONCLUSIONS

LCD score was inversely associated with the risk of depression in a nonlinear manner in a nationally representative sample of adults from the United States. Furthermore, moderate carbohydrate intake and high protein intake were correlated with a lower risk of depression.

The impact of the cost of living crisis and food insecurity on food purchasing behaviours and food preparation practices in people living with obesity

Lower income households are at greater risk of food insecurity and poor diet quality than higher income households. In high-income countries, food insecurity is associated with high levels of obesity, and in the UK specifically, the cost of living crisis (i.e., where the cost of everyday essentials has increased quicker than wages) is likely to have exacerbated existing dietary inequalities. There is currently a lack of understanding of the impact of the current UK cost of living crisis on food purchasing and food preparation practices of people living with obesity (PLWO) and food insecurity, however this knowledge is critical in order to develop effective prevention and treatment approaches to reducing dietary inequalities. Using an online survey (N = 583) of adults residing in England or Scotland with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2, participants self-reported on food insecurity, diet quality, perceived impact of the cost of living crisis, and their responses to this in terms of food purchasing behaviours and food preparation practices. Regression analyses found that participants adversely impacted by the cost of living crisis reported experiencing food insecurity. Additionally, food insecurity was associated with use of specific purchasing behaviours (i.e., use of budgeting, use of supermarket offers) and food preparation practices (i.e., use of energy-saving appliances, use of resourcefulness). Exploratory analyses indicated that participants adversely impacted by the cost of living crisis and who used budgeting had low diet quality, whereas use of meal planning was associated with high diet quality. These findings highlight the fragility of food budgets and the coping strategies used by PLWO and food insecurity during the cost of living crisis. Policy measures and interventions are urgently needed that address the underlying economic factors contributing to food insecurity, to improve access to and affordability of healthier foods for all.

Late bedtime combined with more screen time before bed increases the risk of obesity and lowers diet quality in Spanish children

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether the combination of bedtime and screen time (ST) before bed were associated with obesity and diet quality in toddlers and school-aged children. Parents reported children's bedtimes and ST before bed (0 min, 1-30 min, >30 min). We then defined bed + screen time behavior using bedtime median cut-offs (early [EB] or late [LB]) and ST responses, resulting in four groups: EB-0'ST, EB ≤ 30'ST/LB-0'ST, EB > 30'ST/LB ≤ 30'ST, and LB > 30'ST. For all participants (n = 1133; 5.4 ± 2.7 years, 49.7% girls, 51.9% school-aged) we evaluated body mass index (BMI), diet quality, sleep-related variables, physical activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Outcome variables were compared across bed + screen time behavior groups, stratified by age group (toddlers and school-aged children) using general linear models for continuous variables, as well as chi-squared tests or logistic regressions for categorical variables. Additionally, we calculated linear p-trends. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic variables, BMI, and physical activity (unless the variable was tested). The results showed that toddlers and school-aged children in the LB ≥ 30'ST group were more likely to have overweight/obesity (OR: 3.42 [95%CI:1.41,8.26] and OR: 2.53 [95%CI:1.10,5.03], respectively) than those in the EB-0'ST group. Additionally, toddlers and school-aged children in the EB > 30'ST/LB ≤ 30'ST and LB > 30'ST groups showed significantly lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). Regarding sleep-related outcomes, we observed that the combination of LB and more ST was associated with poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration in toddlers and school-aged children (p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the importance of promoting earlier bedtimes and limiting ST before bed as part of obesity prevention strategies for children. Furthermore, such intervention could benefit the quality of children's diet and overall lifestyle.

Mood disturbance, but not overall diet quality, is associated with fecal microbiome diversity in free-living adults

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the gut-brain axis, we explored the relationships among mood disturbance (MD), diet quality (DQ), and fecal microbiota in free-living adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with data from 75 healthy adults enrolled in two studies. Anthropometrics, 16s rRNA gene sequencing of fecal microbes, DQ as assessed by Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI), and MD determined by Profile of Mood States (POMS) were included. Alpha-diversity and DQ differences were explored between low (n = 37) and high MD (n = 38) groups. Spearman correlations were used to investigate relationships between alpha-diversity, DQ, and POMS subscales. Moderation analysis explored the effect of HEI score on the relationship between MD and alpha-diversity.

RESULTS

Participants were mostly white (67%), 54.5 years old (±11.8), and overweight (28.5 ± 6.5 kg/m2). Shannon and Simpson indices indicate higher alpha-diversity in participants with low MD compared to high MD (p = 0.004 and p = 0.008, respectively). Simpson and Shannon indices were correlated with subscale of anger (rho = -0.303, p = 0.011; rho = -0.265, p = 0.027, respectively)and total MD (rho = -0.404, p = 0.001; rho = -0.357, p = 0.002, respectively). Refined grains were associated with fatigue and tension subscales (rho = 0.428, p < 0.001; rho = 0.302, p = 0.014, respectively). DQ did not significantly moderate the relationship between alpha-diversity and mood disturbance (F(7, 53) = 2.00, p = 0.072, R2 = 0.209). Shannon index was a significant predictor of MD (b = -4.39, t(53) = -2.55, p = 0.014), but total HEI score and the interaction (Shannon index*HEI score) were not significant.

DISCUSSION

Greater bacterial diversity was associated with lower MD, and DQ was associated with various mood state subscales in this sample of adults.

Healthy diets positively associated with health-related quality of life in children and adolescents from low socioeconomic areas: Findings from the Greek Food Aid Program, DIATROFI

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relationship of diet with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in vulnerable children and adolescents.

METHODS

Data included 6583 children and adolescents (aged 3-18 years old) from the Greek Food-Aid DIATROFI Program in the 2015 to 2016 and 2017 to 2018 school years. HRQoL was measured with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory questionnaire and diet with food frequency questionnaires. The healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI), animal score, and dietary patterns were investigated.

RESULTS

The hPDI and animal score were associated with good HRQoL (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval], 10-unit increase: ORhPDI = 1.28 [1.05, 1.57], ORanimal = 1.51 [1.14, 2.00]) and physical (ORanimal = 1.62 [1.23, 2.13]), emotional (ORhPDI = 1.30 [1.07, 1.58], ORanimal = 1.41 [1.08, 1.85]) and school function (ORhPDI = 1.32 [1.09, 1.59], ORanimal = 1.46 [1.12, 1.89]). Dietary patterns of fruits, raw vegetables, and cheese were associated with good HRQoL (OR of 1-unit increase: 1.22 [1.13, 1.32]), and physical OR = 1.18 [1.09, 1.27]) and emotional function (OR = 1.09 [1.02, 1.18]). Starchy foods and sweetened beverages were associated with poor HRQoL (OR = 0.75 [0.63, 0.90]), and emotional (OR = 0.80 [0.68, 0.95]) and school function (OR = 0.72 [0.61, 0.85]).

CONCLUSION

Healthy diets and dietary patterns were positively associated with the HRQoL of vulnerable children and adolescents, which may offer opportunities for prevention.

The effects of feeding frequency on jaw loading in two lemur species

OBJECTIVES

Studies on oral processing are often snapshots of behaviors that examine feeding through individual bouts. In this study, we expand on our previous work comparing bite/chew variables per feeding bout to summed daily biting, chewing, and food intake to interpret loading that could have potential morphological effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We observed sympatric Lemur catta and Propithecus verreauxi over two field seasons in the dry forest of Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve in southwestern Madagascar. Bite and chew rates determined from videos filmed during observations were multiplied with time spent feeding on specific foods during focal follows to calculate daily values for each feeding bout. Food mechanical properties (FMPs) were tested on dietary items with a portable tester. We contrasted daily bite/chew numbers and intake with FMPs, species, season, and food shape.

RESULTS

Daily bite and chew numbers increased with maximum, but not average, food toughness. Daily intake decreased with average and maximum toughness. Season had a strong effect on daily bites and chews, but not on intake. Food shape influenced intake and total bite and chew numbers. The lemur species did not differ in our models.

DISCUSSION

Maximum food toughness impacted feeding behaviors and intake, which is consistent with higher loads having a greater effect on morphology. In contrast to feeding per bout, cumulative biting and chewing did not differ between species; taking feeding frequency into consideration affects interpretation of jaw loading. Finally, biting, as much as chewing, may generate strains that impact morphology.

The action of endo-xylanase and endo-glucanase on cereal cell wall polysaccharides and its implications for starch digestion kinetics in an in vitro poultry model

Endo-xylanase and endo-glucanase are supplemented to poultry diets in order to improve nutrient digestion and non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) fermentation. Here, the action of these enzymes on alcohol insoluble solids (AIS) from wheat and maize grains as well as its implications for starch digestion in milled grains were evaluated in vitro, under conditions mimicking the poultry digestive tract. For wheat AIS, GH11 endo-xylanase depolymerized soluble arabinoxylan (AX) during the gizzard phase, and proceeded to release insoluble AX under small intestine conditions. At the end of the in vitro digestion (480 min), the endo-xylanase, combined with a GH7 endo-β-1,4-glucanase, released 30.5 % of total AX and 18.1 % of total glucan in the form of arabinoxylo- and gluco-oligosaccharides, as detected by HPAEC-PAD and MALDI-TOF-MS. For maize AIS, the combined enzyme action released 2.2 % and 7.0 % of total AX and glucan, respectively. Analogous in vitro digestion experiments of whole grains demonstrated that the enzymatic release of oligomers coincided with altered grain microstructure, as examined by SEM. In the present study, cell wall hydrolysis did not affect in vitro starch digestion kinetics for cereal grains. This study contributes to understanding the action of feed enzymes on cereal NSP under conditions mimicking the poultry digestive tract.

Longitudinal tracking of diet quality from childhood to adolescence: The Interplay of individual and sociodemographic factors

This study aimed to examine diet tracking from childhood to adolescence, using 4 time-points, and the influence of socioeconomic and individual characteristics in this transition. The sample included 6893 children from the Portuguese birth cohort Generation XXI with complete information on Food Frequency Questionnaire in at least one of the considered follow-ups. A Healthy Eating Index (HEI), previously developed to assess adherence to WHO's dietary recommendations, was applied at all ages (4, 7, 10 and 13y). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to analyse the tracking of diet quality. Linear mixed-effect models were performed to estimate the association of the child's socioeconomic and individual characteristics with the HEI score and respective trajectories over time. The overall diet quality decreased from childhood (22.2 ± 3.6 at 4y) to adolescence (18.2 ± 3.9 at 13y), with moderate tracking (ICC = 0.53), showing that children who start a healthy diet earlier might have a better diet quality as time goes by. Children of older mothers (β = 0.079, 95%CI = 0.061-0.097) and with higher education (β = 0.203, 95%CI = 0.178-0.229) and a higher household monthly income (β = 0.024,95%CI = 0.007-0.041) had a higher diet quality over time. Besides family characteristics, the child's sedentary activities (β = -0.009, 95%CI = -0.014--0.003) negatively influence diet quality throughout life. In contrast, being a girl (β = -0.094, 95%CI = -0.132--0.056) and having higher sleep duration (β = 0.039, 95%CI = 0.015-0.064) are associated with a higher diet quality over time. The presence of dietary tracking from childhood to adolescence implies that promoting healthy eating habits during the first years of life is crucial for a healthier diet quality during late childhood and early adolescence, focusing on maternal and individual child characteristics.

Zinc Deficiency as a General Feature of Cancer: a Review of the Literature

Trace elements are minerals that are present in very low concentrations in the human body and yet are crucial for a wide range of physiological functions. Zinc, the second most abundant trace element, is obtained primarily from the diet. After being taken up in the intestine, zinc is distributed to various target organs, where it plays key roles in processes such as immunity, protein folding, apoptosis, and antioxidant activity. Given the important role of zinc in a wide range of enzymatic reactions and physiological processes, zinc deficiency has been identified in a variety of diseases, notably cancer. In recent years, multiple meta-analyses and reviews looking at zinc levels in individual cancer types have been published, as have a plethora of primary studies demonstrating a link between low zinc levels and specific types of cancer. In this review, we summarize recent evidence implicating low zinc concentrations in serum or tissues as a characteristic in a wide range of cancers. We also discuss preliminary findings indicating that zinc level measurement could ultimately become a useful clinical tool for cancer diagnosis and predicting outcomes in patients with cancer. Finally, we suggest future directions for further elucidating the role of zinc deficiency in cancer development and progression.

Novel dietary strategies to manage sarcopenia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sarcopenia is a wasting disease, mostly age-related in which muscle strength and mass decline, such as physical performance. With aging, both lower dietary protein intake and anabolic resistance lead to sarcopenia. Moreover, aging and sarcopenia display low-grade inflammation, which also worsen muscle condition. In this review, we focused on these two main targets to study dietary strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The better understanding in mechanisms involved in sarcopenia helps building combined dietary approaches including physical activity that would slow the disease progression. New approaches include better understanding in the choice of quality proteins, their amount and schedule and the association with antioxidative nutrients.

SUMMARY

First, anabolic resistance can be countered by increasing significantly protein intake. If increasing amount remains insufficient, the evenly delivery protein schedule provides interesting results on muscle strength. Quality of protein is also to consider for decreasing risk for sarcopenia, because varying sources of proteins appears relevant with increasing plant-based proteins ratio. Although new techniques have been developed, as plant-based proteins display a lower availability, we need to ensure an adapted overall amount of proteins. Finally, specific enrichment with leucine from whey protein remains the dietary combined approach most studied and studies on citrulline provide interesting results. As cofactor at the edge between anabolic and antioxidative properties, vitamin D supplementation is to recommend. Antioxidative dietary strategies include both fibers, vitamins, micronutrients and polyphenols from various sources for positive effects on physical performance. The ω 3 -polyunsaturated fatty acids also display positive modifications on body composition. Gut microbiota modifiers, such as prebiotics, are promising pathways to improve muscle mass and function and body composition in sarcopenic patients. Nutritional interventions could be enhanced by combination with physical activity on sarcopenia. In healthy older adults, promoting change in lifestyle to get near a Mediterranean diet could be one of the best options. In sarcopenia adults in which lifestyle changes appears unprobable, specific enrichement potentialized with physical activity will help in the struggle against sarcopenia. Longitudinal data are lacking, which makes it hard to draw strong conclusions. However, the effects of a physical activity combined with a set of nutrition interventions on sarcopenia seems promising.

Influence of culinary skills on ultraprocessed food consumption and Mediterranean diet adherence: An integrative review

The Mediterranean diet is a diet pattern with several healthy characteristics, including a high consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, and extra virgin olive oil as the main fat source. It is also characterized by a low consumption of processed foods and high-fat meats. However, there has been a nutritional transition such that, because of globalization and economic growth, the consumption of ultraprocessed foods is increasing, comprising 14% to 57% of total energy intake. North America and Australia have the worst prognosis. Further, the younger population consumes greater amounts of ultraprocessed foods compared with adults, whereas the older population has the lowest rates. Among the various factors responsible for the nutritional transition, culinary skills seem an important function of diet quality, but, unfortunately, culinary skills have been little investigated by the scientific community. Higher culinary skills may be related to increased consumption of homemade meals, higher diet quality, and greater consumption of vegetables and fruits and may be associated with higher Mediterranean diet adherence. Consequently, ultraprocessed foods, ready-to-eat food, and delivered meals, as well as meals outside the home, are reduced. Unfortunately, the process of generational transmission of cooking skills is progressively weakening, aggravated by the reduction of free time for home cooking. Still, even though there are few interventions conducted to improve culinary skills, especially those focused on children, the available results suggest that there have been positive changes in the direction of a healthier dietary pattern. This integrative review analyzes consumption levels of ultraprocessed foods. We then consider the extent to which culinary skills affect ultraprocessed food consumption levels and the relative impact on obesity.

Inefficacy of dietary test substance administration in Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay (AMA) studies

Traditionally, the Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay (AMA; OECD TG 231) is performed by exposing Xenopus laevis tadpoles to test substances dissolved in laboratory water. Recently, the use of dietary administration has been proposed to combat poorly soluble test substances in ecotoxicologically-based regulatory endocrine disruption (ED) studies, specifically the AMA warranting an investigation into the efficacy of dietary administration. An efficacy study comprised of two phases: 1) evaluation of the physical influence of the loading process via solvent and 10, 1, and 0.1 mg/l test substance or surrogate (sunflower oil, SFO) on the Sera® Micron Nature (SMN) diet, and 2) performance of a modified AMA in which Nieuwkoop and Faber (NF) stage 51 X. laevis larvae were exposed to dechlorinated tap water using one concentration of the SFO in the diet for 21 days, was performed. In phase 1, the addition of acetone or acetone with bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) or SFO to SMN with subsequent solvent purge altered the diet reducing the density of the liquified diet and dietary pellet size following centrifugation indicative of alteration of the physical properties of the diet. Treatments used in the modified AMA were acetone alone and 0.1 mg/l SFO dissolved in acetone. These treatments were evaluated against an SMN benchmark using standard AMA endpoints. Both the acetone-treated SMN and 0.1 mg/l SFO-treated diets significantly reduced survival rates, 67 and 70% relative to the SMN benchmark (100%), decreased developmental stage distribution and snout-vent length-normalized hind limb length relative to the SMN benchmark, and slightly increased the prevalence and severity of thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy. Although the acetone-treated diets may have impacted the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis, clinical signs of gastrointestinal impaction and tail flexure were also observed in the acetone-treated diets, but not the SMN diet alone. Ultimately, test substance exposure via the diet in an AMA study can produce results that may confound data interpretation, which suggests that the traditional aqueous exposure route is generally more appropriate.

Effect of Organic Selenium Supplementation on the Antioxidant Status, Immune Response, and the Relative Expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ Genes in Ewes During the Hot Season

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different doses of selenium (Se) from Sel-Plex© (selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast) supplement on the antioxidant status, the antibody titers against the foot-and-mouth disease virus, and the expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) genes in ewes during the hot season. Six ewes were kept at 25 °C and received basal diet (the negative control group), and 24 ewes were kept at 38 °C for 5 h per day and received no supplement (the positive control), 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 mg Se/kg. Ewes in the positive control had higher (P<0.001) liver enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and cortisol levels, and lower antibody titer than the negative control. The liver enzymes' lowest (P<0.001) activities were observed in ewes receiving 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg. Ewes receiving 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg had lower MDA levels than other treatments. Ewes receiving 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg had higher (P<0.001) total antioxidant capacity levels than those receiving 0.15 mg Se/kg and the positive control. Se-supplemented groups had lower (P<0.001) relative expression of IL-2 and higher (P<0.04) expression of IFN-γ than the positive control. The antibody titer was the same in the positive control and the group receiving 0.15 mg Se/kg. Ewes fed a diet with 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg had higher (P<0.011) antibody titer than the positive control. The Se supplementation can reverse the decrease of antioxidant capacity and immune function caused by heat stress, and 0.3 mg Se/kg from Sel-Plex©is the best dose.

Nutritional management of high-output ileostomies in paediatric patients is vital and more evidence-based guidelines are needed

AIM

Paediatric patients with high-output ileostomies (HOI) face an elevated risk of complications. This study aimed to comprehensively review the existing literature and offer nutritional management recommendations for paediatric patients with an HOI.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched for relevant English or French language papers up to 31 June 2022. The emphasis was placed on studies involving paediatric ileostomy patients, but insights were obtained from adult literature and other intestinal failure pathologies when these were lacking.

RESULTS

We identified 16 papers that addressed nutritional issues in paediatric ileostomy patients. Currently, no evidence supports a safe paediatric HOI threshold exceeding 20 mL/kg/day on two consecutive days. Paediatric HOI patients were at risk of dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, micronutrient deficiencies and growth failure. The primary dietary choice for neonates is bolus feeding with breastmilk. In older children, an enteral fluid restriction should be installed favouring isotonic or slightly hypotonic glucose-electrolyte solutions. A diet that is high in calories, complex carbohydrates and proteins, low in insoluble fibre and simple carbohydrates, and moderate in fat is recommended.

CONCLUSION

Adequate nutritional management is crucial to prevent complications in children with an HOI. Further research is needed to establish more evidence-based guidelines.

Dietary intake of vitamin C and gastric cancer: a pooled analysis within the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggest that dietary vitamin C is inversely associated with gastric cancer (GC), but most of them did not consider intake of fruit and vegetables. Thus, we aimed to evaluate this association within the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project, a consortium of epidemiological studies on GC.

METHODS

Fourteen case-control studies were included in the analysis (5362 cases, 11,497 controls). We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between dietary intake of vitamin C and GC, adjusted for relevant confounders and for intake of fruit and vegetables. The dose-response relationship was evaluated using mixed-effects logistic models with second-order fractional polynomials.

RESULTS

Individuals in the highest quartile of dietary vitamin C intake had reduced odds of GC compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.72). Additional adjustment for fruit and vegetables intake led to an OR of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.73, 0.98). A significant inverse association was observed for noncardia GC, as well as for both intestinal and diffuse types of the disease. The results of the dose-response analysis showed decreasing ORs of GC up to 150-200 mg/day of vitamin C (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.71), whereas ORs for higher intakes were close to 1.0.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our pooled study suggest that vitamin C is inversely associated with GC, with a potentially beneficial effect also for intakes above the currently recommended daily intake (90 mg for men and 75 mg for women).

The azole biocide climbazole induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in fish gut

Climbazole is an azole biocide that has been widely used in formulations of personal care products. Climbazole can cause developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption as well as gut disturbance in aquatic organisms. However, the mechanisms behind gut toxicity induced by climbazole still remain largely unclear in fish. Here, we evaluate the gut effects by exposing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to climbazole at levels ranging from 0.2 to 20 μg/L for 42 days by evaluating gene transcription and expression, biochemical analyses, correlation network analysis, and molecular docking. Results showed that climbazole exposure increased cyp1a mRNA expression and ROS level in the three treatment groups. Climbazole also inhibited Nrf2 and Keap1 transcripts as well as proteins, and suppressed the transcript levels of their subordinate antioxidant molecules (cat, sod, and ho-1), increasing oxidative stress. Additionally, climbazole enhanced NF-κB and iκBα transcripts and proteins, and the transcripts of NF-κB downstream pro-inflammatory factors (tnfα, and il-1β/6/8), leading to inflammation. Climbazole increased pro-apoptosis-related genes (fadd, bad1, and caspase3), and decreased anti-apoptosis-associated genes (bcl2, and bcl-xl), suggesting a direct reaction to apoptosis. The molecular docking data showed that climbazole could form stable hydrogen bonds with CYP1A. Mechanistically, our findings suggested that climbazole can induce inflammation and oxidative stress through CYP450s/ROS/Nrf2/NF-κB pathways, resulting in cell apoptosis in the gut of grass carp.

Dietary antioxidant intake is associated with heart failure: Results from the NHANES 2003-2019

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence has shown that antioxidant diets protect against heart failure (HF). However, the association between the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), an important measure of overall antioxidants in the diet, and HF has received little attention.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the CDAI and HF.

METHODS

A secondary cross-sectional analysis of the 2003 to 2019 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was performed. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between the CDAI and HF in four different models, with subgroup analysis and an interaction test subsequently performed.

RESULTS

A total of 37,390 participants were included. The HF groups had lower CDAI levels than those in the non-HF group (0.29 ± 0.04 vs. -0.74 ± 0.16, p < 0.0001). After adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and disease history, a negative association was found between the CDAI and HF (OR: 0.97, 95 % CI: 0.94, 1.00). There was an inverse trend whereby increasing the CDAI was associated with decreasing the odds of HF (p for trend < 0.001). The subgroup analysis and interaction test showed no significant dependence on demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and disease history with regard to this association (all p for interaction > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The CDAI was inversely associated with HF in US adults, with higher CDAI levels possibly being associated with a lower incidence of HF, suggesting that dietary antioxidants may help prevent HF.