Percepção do peso corporal e dificuldades encontradas pelas pessoas com deficiência visual na aquisição, na preparação e no consumo dos alimentos / Perception of body weight and difficulties encounteredby people with visual impairment in acquiring, preparing and consuming food

Objetivo: investigar a percepção do peso corporal e as dificuldades encontradas pelas pessoas com deficiência visual na aquisição, na preparação e no consumo dos alimentos. Metodologia: estudo observacional transversal, com adultos e idosos com deficiência visual em Pelotas/RS, realizado no período de abril a maio de 2023. Foi utilizado um questionário composto de 42 itens. Os dados coletados foram analisados por análise descritiva e analítica, e apresentados como média ± desvio padrão ou percentual. Resultados: a amostra contou com 20 pessoas, predominantemente do sexo feminino e idosas. Em relação ao consumo alimentar, 50% dos participantes consomem feijão, 75% frutas e hortaliças, 50% bebidas adoçadas, biscoitos recheados e doces. Referente à percepção do peso corporal, percebeu-se que a maior parte do grupo sente que está acima do peso adequado e se sentem "insatisfeitos(as)". Sobre as dificuldades encontradas, 85% dos participantes relataram dificuldade extrema para identificar a validade dos alimentos, 70% para comprar alimentos frescos e perecíveis e 40% para usar a faca para cortar e descascar os alimentos. Conclusão: verificou-se que a maior parte do grupo sente que está acima do peso adequado e estão "insatisfeitos(as)" em relação ao peso corporal. Além disso, dependem de outra pessoa para escolher os alimentos a serem comprados, saber o prazo de validade, preparar alimentos que precisam ser porcionados, servir refeições no prato, cortar carnes, descascar vegetais e frutas, utilizar faca, entre outros. Esta dependência pode influenciar diretamente no seu consumo alimentar quando essas pessoas se encontram sozinhas, optando por consumir alimentos industrializados de fácil preparo ou prontos.

Objective: to investigate the perception of body weight and the difficulties encountered by people with visual impairments in acquiring, preparing and consuming food. Methodology: cross-sectional observational study, with adults and elderly people with visual impairment in Pelotas/RS, carried out from April to May 2023. A questionnaire composed of 42 items was used. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical analysis, and presented as mean ± standard deviation or percentage. Results: the sample included 20 people, predominantly female and elderly. Regarding food consumption, 50% of participants consume beans, 75% fruits and vegetables, 50% sweetened drinks, stuffed cookies and sweets. Regarding the perception of body weight, it was noticed that the majority of the group feels that they are overweight and feel "dissatisfied". Regarding the difficulties encountered, 85% of participants reported extreme difficulty in identifying the expiration date of food, 70% in purchasing fresh and perishable foods and 40% in using a knife to cut and peel food. Conclusion: it was found that the majority of the group feels that they are overweight and are "dissatisfied" with their body weight. Furthermore, they depend on someone else to choose the food to be purchased, know the expiration date, prepare food that needs to be portioned, serve meals on the plate, cut meat, peel vegetables and fruits, use a knife, among others. This dependence can directly influence their food consumption when these people are alone, choosing to consume easily prepared or ready-made processed foods.

The Impact of Japanese Dietary Patterns on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Japanese dietary patterns on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and liver fibrosis. After excluding factors affecting the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, 727 adults were analyzed as part of the Health Promotion Project. The dietary patterns of the participants were classified into rice, vegetable, seafood, and sweet based on their daily food intake. Liver stiffness measurements and controlled attenuation parameters were performed using FibroScan. Energy and nutrient intake were calculated using the Brief-type Self-administered Diet History Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors for liver fibrosis within the MASLD population. The vegetable group had significantly lower liver fibrosis indicators in the MASLD population than the rice group. The multivariate analysis identified a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR], 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.83; p = 0.047) and HOMA-IR ≥ 1.6 (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.74-5.78; p < 0.001) as risk factors for liver fibrosis, and vegetable group membership was a significant low-risk factor (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16-0.88; p = 0.023). The multivariate analysis of nutrients in low-risk foods revealed high intake of α-tocopherol (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-0.99; p = 0.039) as a significant low-risk factor for liver fibrosis. This study suggests that a vegetable-based Japanese dietary pattern, through the antioxidant effects of α-tocopherol, may help prevent liver fibrosis in MASLD and the development of MASLD.

Flavonoid intakes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adult asthma, and lung function: a cohort study in the UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Given their antioxidative stress, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects, flavonoids are hypothesized to play a role in preventing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. OBJECTIVES: This cohort study aimed to examine associations between flavonoid intake and COPD, asthma, and lung function. METHODS: Among 119,466 participants of the UK Biobank, median [interquartile range] age of 60 [53, 65] y, we estimated intakes of flavonoids, flavonoid-rich foods, and a flavodiet score from 24-h diet assessments. Prospective associations with both incident COPD and asthma and cross-sectional associations with measures of lung function [%predicted forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1); and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC)] were examined using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards and linear regression models, respectively. We investigated mediation by inflammation--represented by the INFLA score--and stratified analyses by smoking status. RESULTS: Compared with low intakes, moderate intakes of total flavonoids, flavonols, theaflavins + thearubigins, and flavanones, and moderate-to-high intakes of flavanol monomers, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavones, and the flavodiet score were associated with up to an 18% lower risk of incident COPD {e.g., [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for total flavonoids: 0.83 (0.75, 0.92)]} but not incident asthma. Furthermore, compared with low intakes, higher intakes of all flavonoid subclasses (except theaflavins + thearubigins), and the flavodiet score were associated with better percent predicted FEV1 baseline. Associations were most apparent in ever (current or former) smokers. Flavonoid intakes were inversely associated with the INFLA score, which appeared to mediate 11%-14% of the association between intakes of proanthocyanidins and flavones and incident COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-to-high flavonoid intakes were associated with a lower risk of COPD and better lung function, particularly among ever smokers. Promoting intakes of healthy flavonoid-rich foods, namely, tea, apples, and berries, may improve respiratory health and lower COPD risk, particularly in individuals with a smoking history.

Carbohydrate quality index and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Iranian adults.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In the current study, we aimed to assess the association of carbohydrate quality index (CQI) with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Iranian adults. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 225 newly diagnosed NAFLD patients and 450 controls, aged 20-60 years. A food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the CQI and its components, including fiber intake, glycemic index, whole grains: total grains ratio, and solid carbohydrates: total carbohydrates ratio. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of NAFLD across the tertile of CQI and its components. RESULTS: The participant's mean ± SD of body mass index and age were 26.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2 and 38.1 ± 8.8 years, respectively. The median (interquartile) CQI score in participants of the case and control groups was 20 (15-25) and 23 (18-28), respectively. In the multivariable-adjusted model, the risk of NAFLD decreased significantly across the tertiles of the CQI [(OR: 0.20; %95CI: 0.11-0.39), Ptrend <0.001)]. Also, the odds of NAFLD decreased across tertiles of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates ratio [(OR: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.22-0.69), Ptrend <0.001)]. However, a high dietary glycemic index (GI) was associated with increased odds of NAFLD [(OR:7.47; 95%CI: 3.89-14.33, Ptrend<0.001)]. There was no significant relationship between other CQI components, including fiber intake and whole grain/total grains and the risk of NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that a diet with a high quality of carbohydrates, characterized by higher intakes of solid carbohydrates, whole grain, and low GI carbohydrates, can be related to a reduced risk of NAFLD.

Association between composite dietary antioxidant index and migraine in American young women: insights from NHANES 1999-2004 cross-sectional data.

Background: Excessive oxidative stress is one of the key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying migraine, and increasing antioxidant intake has proven to be an effective strategy for the prevention and improvement of migraine symptoms. To explore the relationship between the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and the occurrence of migraine attacks. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 1999-2004 were utilized. Logistic regression, stratified analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to investigate the association between CDAI and migraine attacks. Results: A total of 8,137 adults aged ≥20 were enrolled, comprising 1,610 patients with migraine and 6,527 non-migraine individuals. After adjusting for all covariates, CDAI was negatively correlated with migraine. In the overall participants, compared with the CDAI Q1 (-5.83 to -2.14) group, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for migraine in Q3 (-0.59 to 1.53) and Q4 (1.53-44.63) groups were 0.71 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.54-0.92, p = 0.011] and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.47-0.87, p = 0.005), respectively. After stratifying by age and gender, the protective effect was more pronounced in females aged 20-50, with adjusted OR for Q3 (-0.59 to 1.53) and Q4 (1.53-44.63) groups of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.40-0.90, p = 0.013) and 0.48 (95% CI: 0.30-0.78, p = 0.003), respectively. The RCS curve indicated a nonlinear relationship between CDAI and migraine in females aged 20-50, with a threshold of 0.006. Conclusion: CDAI is negatively correlated with migraine attacks, and a higher CDAI may be an effective protective factor in preventing migraine attacks, especially in women aged 20-50.

Food intake in an Australian Aboriginal rural community facing food and water security challenges: A cross-sectional survey.

AIMS: Researchers were invited by Aboriginal leaders to collaborate on this study which aimed to assess food intake in the Walgett Aboriginal community to inform long-term community-led efforts to improve food and water security and nutrition. METHODS: Aboriginal adults living in or near Walgett, a remote community in north-west NSW, Australia, completed an adapted Menzies Remote Short-item Dietary Assessment Tool, which was administered verbally and face-to-face in early 2022. Aboriginal people were involved in the survey design, training and collection, and analysis of data. Descriptive statistics were tabulated, overall and by gender, age, and location. Differences by sex, age group (18-44 years versus ≥45 years), and location (Walgett town or other) were determined using a chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 242 participants completed the survey; 55% were female. Three-quarters of participants reported meeting the recommendations for discretionary foods (73%); however, more than half (56%) exceeded the recommended maximum serves of sugar-sweetened beverages. The proportion of participants meeting core food group guidelines was 72% for meat, 36% for fruit, 20% for bread and cereals, 6% for dairy, and 3% for vegetables. Overall, none of the participants met the recommended serves of all food groups outlined in the Australian Dietary Guidelines. CONCLUSION: Findings show that Walgett Aboriginal community members surveyed were consuming a healthier diet than national data reported for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. However, none of the participants were meeting all of the national dietary guidelines, placing them at increased risk of diet-related chronic disease. Local Aboriginal community-led efforts to improve food and water security should include specific strategies to improve nutrition.

Non-invasive approaches to hydration assessment: a literature review.

Traditional hydration assessment methods, while accurate, are often invasive and impractical for routine monitoring. In response, innovative non-invasive techniques such as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), electrodermal activity (EDA), electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, and urine color charts have emerged, offering greater comfort and accessibility for patients. These methods use various types of sensors to capture a range of bio-signals, followed by machine learning-based classification or regression methods, providing real-time feedback on hydration status, which is crucial for effective management and prevention of urinary stones. This review explores the principles, applications, and efficacy of these non-invasive techniques, highlighting their potential to transform hydration monitoring in clinical and everyday settings. By facilitating improved patient compliance and enabling proactive hydration management, these approaches align with contemporary trends in personalized healthcare. This article presents a literature review on non-invasive approaches to hydration assessment, focusing on their significance in preventing kidney stone disease and enhancing kidney health.

Health risk assessment for dietary exposure to 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol, 2-monochloropropane-1,2-diol, and glycidol for Italian consumers.

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD), 2-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (2-MCPD) and 2,3-epoxy-1-propanol (glycidol), in their free form or esterified to fatty acids, are food contaminants formed during the refinement of oils and fats. We conducted a survey to quantify the levels of these compounds in 130 food items, in order to assess the exposure to them in food and the consequent health risk for consumers. Food samples, including infant formula, were analysed by gas-chromatography mass spectrometry with the indirect method, and we used the latest open access food consumption database for the Italian population for a probabilistic assessment of exposure. We adopted an in silico approach to fill the gap for the toxicity of 2-MCPD. The occurrence values for the three contaminants in food were in most cases lower than or comparable to those reported in previous surveys. Exposure assessment for the most exposed individuals (95thpercentiles of consumers only) of different age groups, gave values below the tolerable daily intake recommended by the European Food Safety Authority for 3-MCPD and below the simulated or predicted toxicity thresholds for 2-MCPD, indicating a negligible risk due to dietary exposure to these contaminants. For glycidol, however, estimated exposure indicated a non-negligible increase in cancer risk, and a margin of exposure <25,000 for younger population groups, indicating a potential health concern.

Aerobic exercise elevates perceived appetite but does not modify energy intake over a 3-day postexercise period: A pilot study.

While a low degree of energy compensation is typically reported over the 24 h following a session of exercise, the prolonged impact of a bout of exercise on energy intake remains unclear. To overcome the challenge associated with accurately measuring energy intake in a free-living environment, this study employed the use of a meal replacement beverage to assess the 3 day impact of an exercise session on energy intake. In a randomized, crossover study, 14 participants (8 male, 6 female) completed two trials: (1) EX: 75 min exercise on a motorized treadmill (75% VO2peak); and (2) SED: 75 min sedentary control session. Each condition was followed by 3 days of exclusive ad libitum consumption of a meal replacement beverage. Appetite-regulating hormones, subjective appetite, energy intake, and energy expenditure were assessed. Exercise transiently suppressed the orexigenic hormone acyl-ghrelin (p < 0.05) and elevated the appetite-supressing hepatokine GDF-15 (p < 0.05). Despite these acute changes, overall perceived appetite was elevated over the 3 day assessment period with exercise (p < 0.05). No increase in energy intake or change in postexercise physical activity patterns were observed. One acute session of moderate to vigorous exercise is unlikely to affect short-term, three-day energy balance in healthy individuals.

Dietary selenium intake and sarcopenia in American adults.

Background: The relationship between dietary selenium intake and sarcopenia remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigates the associations between dietary selenium intake and sarcopenia among American adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 19,696 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the periods 1999-2006 and 2011-2018. Appendicular muscle mass, assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and adjusted for body mass index, was used as a marker for sarcopenia. Dietary selenium intake was evaluated using the 24-h dietary recall system, and the study accounted for the complex sampling methodology and incorporated dietary sample weights in the analysis. Results: Among the 19,696 participants, the prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be 8.46%. When compared to the lowest quintile of dietary selenium intake (Q1, < 80.10 µg/day), the odds ratios for sarcopenia in the second quintile (Q2, 80.10-124.61 µg/day) and the third quintile (Q3, >124.61 µg/day) were 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70-0.92, p = 0.002] and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.51-0.73, p < 0.001), respectively. A negative relationship was observed between dietary selenium intake and sarcopenia (non-linear: p = 0.285). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses revealed a robust association between selenium intake and the prevalence of sarcopenia after further adjusting for blood selenium levels. Conclusion: The results suggest an inverse association between dietary selenium intake and the prevalence of sarcopenia among American adults.

Impacts of increasing levels of salt on intake, digestion, and rumen fermentation with beef cattle consuming low-quality forages.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the levels of supplemental salt on low-quality forage intake, water intake, dry matter digestibility, and rumen fermentation. Six ruminally cannulated, Angus crossbred heifers (14 mo of age; 449 kg ± 24 kg BW) were used in a dual 3 × 3 Latin square design. The heifers were housed in individual stalls with two animals assigned to each treatment per period. Salt treatments were mixed into a protein supplement of 50% cracked corn and 50% soybean meal and fed at 0.3% of shrunk BW. Salt treatments consisted of: 1) control, no salt (CON), 2) 0.05% of BW salt (LOW), and 3) 0.1% of BW salt (HIGH). Chopped, low-quality (CP = 7.4%; NDF = 64.2%), grass hay was used as the base ration and was provided daily at 120% of the average daily intake of the previous 3 days. Each period included a 14-day diet adaptation, 6 days of sample collection, 1 day collection of rumen fluid samples for ruminal and microbial profiles. Individual forage dry matter intake, water intake, and dry matter digestibility were measured during the 6-day collection period. Rumen pH, ammonia levels, and VFA concentrations were measured during the 1-day ruminal profile. Rumen DM and liquid fill were determined with a 5-hour post feeding rumen evacuation. Supplemental salt had no influence on forage intake (P = 0.19) expressed on a kg/day basis yet tended to decrease linearly (P = 0.06) with increasing levels of salt when expressed on a grams/kg body weight basis. Dry matter digestibility was not influenced by salt levels (P > 0.05), but DM fill tended to increase linearly with increasing salt levels (P = 0.06). Water intake and liquid fill, however, increased linearly with increasing level of salt (P < 0.01) with an 18.9% increase in water intake and 17.0% increase in liquid fill compared to control animals. Ruminal pH and ammonia levels both decreased linearly with increasing salt (P < 0.01). Acetate concentration and acetate: propionate ratio increased linearly with increasing levels of salt (P < 0.01). In contrast, isobutyrate and butyrate concentrations decreased linearly with increasing levels of salt (P < 0.01). Our research suggests that increasing levels of salt tends to influence dry matter intake, DM fill, liquid kinetics, and rumen fermentation characteristics. Results from this research provides additional information on how salt-limited supplements may impact beef cattle consuming low-quality forage diets.

Prediction of Fatty Acid Intake from Serum Fatty Acid Levels Using Machine Learning Technique in Women Living in Toyama Prefecture.

Preventing lifestyle-related diseases requires understanding and managing the intake of total fats and specific types of fatty acids, especially trans fatty acids. There are several methods for measuring fat intake, each with its own strengths and limitations. Guidelines for nutritional epidemiology studies recommend employing objective biomarkers. This study aimed to estimate fatty acid intake based on serum fatty acid levels using multiple regression analysis and a machine learning technique, and to compare their accuracy. The subjects were healthy women aged 18 to 64 living in Toyama, Japan. A dietary survey to determine fatty acid intake was conducted using a 3-day dietary record completed by the participant. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast, and serum was obtained through centrifugation. A total of 300 women participated in the study. The fatty acid levels in serum were determined using gas chromatography with a capillary column. Using multiple regression analysis and neural networks, the intakes of saturated, monounsaturated, n-6 polyunsaturated, n-3 polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids from serum fatty acid levels were predicted. Significant correlations were observed between the intakes of the five classified fatty acids and the predicted intakes obtained from the multiple regression analysis (r = 0.39 - 0.49, p < 0.01). Significant correlations were also observed between the five classified fatty acid intakes and the intakes predicted by the neural network (r = 0.52 - 0.79, p < 0.01), and the correlation coefficient showed a significantly higher value than that predicted by the multiple regression analysis. These results suggest that serum fatty acid levels may be used as biomarkers to estimate the intake of fatty acids, including that of trans fatty acids, and that machine learning may be able to predict fatty acid intake with higher accuracy than multiple regression analysis.

The trajectories of free sugar intake during childhood, their main sources and its association with socio-economic factors: generation XXI birth cohort.

The study aimed to describe trajectories of free sugar (FS) intake, its main sources and the associations with socio-economic status (SES) in Portuguese children/adolescents evaluated at 4, 7, 10 and 13 years of age from Generation XXI birth-cohort. Dietary intake was assessed through 3-day food diaries (n 5268). Added sugar intake was estimated following a systematic methodology, and FS was based on the WHO definition. A mixed-effects model with linear and quadratic terms for time was used to estimate FS trajectories and its association with SES, adjusting for children's sex, age, BMI and SES. The FS mean intake (g/day) was 37, 47, 51 and 48 at 4, 7, 10 and 13 years, respectively. FS intake increased 4·6 g/year (CI 95 %: 4·20, 5·04), but velocity decreased by 0·3 g/year2 until 13 years. At all ages, the main food source was sweets. Some item's consumption declined (sweets 25-21 % and yoghurts 22-7 %) as children grew older. Inversely, soft drink intake increased (9-18 %). Boys and children from younger mothers had higher FS intake, whereas higher maternal-SES was associated with lower children's FS intake: occupational status (ß = -3·5; 95 % CI: -4·97, -1·94), years of education (ß = -3·7; 95 % CI: -4·93, -2·40) and household income (ß = -4·9; 95 % CI: -6·50, -3·27). The FS trajectories were similar by SES categories but different by obesity status (interaction term ß = -1·04; CI 95 % (-1·50, -0·59)). An increasing FS trajectory during childhood is mainly driven by an increasing intake of soft drinks and nectars. The FS trajectory pattern did not change according to SES categories, but children's FS intake was always higher when their mothers had a lower SES.

The test-retest reliability and validity of food photography and food diary analyses.

AIMS: To assess test-retest reliability of both food photography and food diary methods and validity of these data against known values derived from food labels. METHODS: Test-retest reliability analyses of food diary and food photography were compared using single foodstuffs using intra-class correlation coefficients, coefficients of variation, and limits of agreement. For food diaries, 24-h test-retest reliability was also examined. Validity was assessed against weighed analyses. As part of habitual intake, a single foodstuff (randomly allocated from 14 common foods) was consumed by 26 participants over 24-h. On two occasions (14 days apart), single-blind dietary analyses allowed estimation of foodstuff-specific energy and macronutrient content and 24-h intakes. RESULTS: For food diaries, test-retest reliability was acceptable (weight, energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat: all intra-class correlation coefficients: >0.990, coefficient of variation percentage: <0.1%, limits of agreements: <0.1 to <0.1, p > 0.05, and effect size: <0.01). For food photography, test-retest reliability was acceptable for weight, energy, carbohydrate, and protein (all intra-class correlation coefficients: >0.898, coefficient of variation percentage: 3.6%-6.2%, limits of agreements: 1.1 to - 44.9, and effect size: 0.01-0.12). Food photography validity was worse than food diaries for all variables (percentage difference: 8.8%-15.3%, coefficient of variation percentage: 7.5%-13.8%, all p ≤ 0.05, and effect size: 0.001-0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Greater reliability and validity occurred in food diaries versus food photography. These findings suggest that using food photography may lead to an underestimation of energy and macronutrient content, which may have implications for dietary interventions and nutritional strategies.

Heavy metal pollution in commonly consumed fish species: seasonal variations and health risks.

This study examined the concentrations of seven heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Ni, and Mn) in the muscle tissue of six commonly consumed fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, Wallagu attu, Hypophthalmicthys molitrix, Channa punctuate, and Puntius sophore) from the River Indus in the Mianwali district Pakistan. Samples were collected during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons to assess the potential human health risks associated with these heavy metals. The levels of metals were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. The results showed varying concentrations of heavy metals in the fish samples (mg/kg), ranging from 10.17-2.06 for Pb, 41.83-12.54 for Cu, 417.04-41.93 for Zn, 2.06-0.46 for Cr, 0.86-0.08 for Cd, 4.33-1.43 for Ni, and 50.16-8.74 for Mn. Notably, metal concentrations were generally higher during the pre-monsoon season, with Pb consistently exceeding standard limits in the muscle tissue of all fish species. ANOVA analysis revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations among different fish species. While the current consumption rate poses no significant health risks, ongoing monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in fish and their environmental sources is crucial to ensure consumer safety and sustainable aquatic ecosystems.

Multi-omics revealed the mechanism of feed efficiency in sheep by the combined action of the host and rumen microbiota.

This study was conducted to investigate potential regulatory mechanisms of feed efficiency (FE) in sheep by linking rumen microbiota with its host by the multi-omics analysis. One hundred and ninety-eight hybrid female sheep (initial body weight = 30.88 ± 4.57 kg; 4-month-old) were selected as candidate sheep. Each test sheep was fed in an individual pen for 60 days, and the residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated. The ten candidate sheep with the highest RFI were divided into the Low-FE group, and the ten with the lowest RFI were divided into the High-FE group, all selected for sample collection. The RFI, average daily gain and average daily feed intake were highly significantly different between the two experimental groups (P < 0.05). Compared with Low-FE group, the insulin-like growth factor-1 and very low-density lipoprotein in serum and the propionate in rumen significantly increased in High-FE group (P < 0.01), but the acetate:propionate ratio in rumen significantly decreased in High-FE group (P = 0.034). Metagenomics revealed Selenomonas ruminantium, Selenomonas sp. and Faecalibacterium prausnitzi i were key bacteria, and increased abundance of the genes encoding the enzymes for cellulose degradation and production of propionate in High-FE group. The results of proteomics and section showed the rumen papilla length (P < 0.001) and expression of carbonic anhydrase and Na+/K+-ATPase were significantly higher in High-FE group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the acetyl-CoA content significantly increased in the liver of High-FE group (P = 0.002). The relative expression levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and apolipoprotein A4 genes were significantly up-regulated in the liver of High-FE group (P < 0.01), but relative expression level of monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 3 gene was significantly down-regulated (P = 0.037). These findings provide the mechanism by which the collaborative interaction between rumen microbiota fermentation and host uptake and metabolism of fermentation products impacts feed efficiency traits in sheep.

Diet quality from early pregnancy through one year postpartum: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although diet quality during pregnancy and postpartum is important for multiple parent and child outcomes, within-person changes in diet quality throughout these periods have not been extensively examined. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated diet quality from early pregnancy through 12 months postpartum and examined differences by sociodemographic characteristics in participants receiving obstetric care in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States. METHODS: Participants completed 24-hour dietary recalls at six study visits (each pregnancy trimester and 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum) (n=383). Between-visit mean HEI scores (Healthy Eating Index-2015; min=0, max=100) were compared using the population ratio method (PR). The NCI usual intakes method estimated the distribution of HEI scores in pregnancy and postpartum; unpaired t-tests compared usual mean HEI scores by covariates; paired t-tests compared differences between mean pregnancy and postpartum. RESULTS: The total HEI mean ± SE scores (NCI method) were 61.4 ± 0.8 in pregnancy and 61.7 ± 0.9 in postpartum. Mean HEI scores differed by sociodemographic characteristics, particularly education, marital status, and federal assistance participation. The highest scores were observed in participants with at least a bachelor's degree (64.1 ± 0.9 in pregnancy, 64.5 ± 1.0 in postpartum, n = 257) and those with other non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity (64.7±1.8 in pregnancy, 66.4±2.2 in postpartum). There were no between-visit differences in mean total HEI scores (PR). While differences were observed in some mean HEI component scores between pregnancy and postpartum visits, they were small (mostly < 1 point) in magnitude and in inconsistent directions. CONCLUSIONS: Stable total HEI mean scores suggest adherence to dietary guidelines was consistent throughout pregnancy and postpartum in this sample. While some sociodemographic characteristics may identify individuals at greater risk of diet-related pregnancy complications, low diet quality was pervasive throughout all subgroups and reflect an urgent need for widespread improvement.

Eating egg-rich diets and modeling the addition of one daily egg reduced the risk of nutrient inadequacy among U.S. adolescents with and without food insecurity.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents have the poorest dietary intakes throughout the lifespan. Food insecurity worsens these nutritional risks. Eggs are one nutrient-dense strategy to increase nutrient quality. OBJECTIVE: 1) compare usual nutrient intakes, Dietary Reference Intakes and protein compliance with recommendations, and scores of micronutrient quality; and 2) analyze how adding one egg affects adolescents' nutrient profiles, by food security status and egg-rich diets. METHODS: Dietary data of U.S. adolescents in the 2007-2018 NHANES were analyzed (14-17 years; n=3,633). Egg-rich diet levels were categorized 1) non-eggs, 2) eggs as ingredients in dishes, or 3) primarily egg dishes. Food security status was classified using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate usual nutrient intake and nutrient exposure scores (i.e., food nutrient index and total nutrient index). Nutrient amounts from one medium egg were modeled on existing intakes. Pairwise t-tests determined significant differences. RESULTS: Over 60% of adolescents risked inadequate intake of calcium, choline, magnesium, and vitamins D and E regardless of food security status. Food secure adolescents consuming primarily egg dishes had higher mean usual intakes of lutein + zeaxanthin (1544.1 mcg), choline (408.4 mg), vitamin B2 (2.3 mg), selenium (128.6 mcg), vitamin D (6 mcg), docosahexaenoic acid (70 mg), and protein (89.1g) than other groups (P<0.0002). Those consuming eggs as ingredients in dishes demonstrated higher nutrient adequacy, for magnesium (scored ∼66 out of 100), potassium (scored 81), and total scores (scored 72 and 69, respectively) for the TNI and FNI; and folate only (scored 92) for the TNI, than those not consuming eggs (P<0.0002). Adding one egg increased choline and vitamin D usual intakes for some groups and nutrient index scores for all groups (P<0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents are at substantial nutritional risk that was exacerbated by food insecurity and less egg consumption.

Dietary sugar and saturated fat consumption associated with changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence supports changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome over the course of pregnancy may have an impact on the short and long-term health of both the mother and the child. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to explore the association of diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), with the composition and Gene Ontology (GO) representation of microbial function in the maternal gastrointestinal microbiome during pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational analysis of n=185 pregnant participants in the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study (PEAS) study. Maternal dietary intake was assessed in the first trimester using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Recall (ASA24) method, from which the Healthy Eating Index 2015 was calculated. Rectal swabs were obtained in the second trimester and sequenced using the NovaSeq 6000 system shotgun platform. We used unsupervised clustering to identify microbial enterotypes representative of maternal taxa and GO functional term composition. Multivariable linear models were used to identify associations between taxa, functional terms, and food components while controlling for relevant covariates. Multinomial regression was then used to predict enterotype membership based on a participant's HEI food component score. RESULTS: Those in the high diet quality tertile had a lower early pregnancy BMI (mean [M]=23.48 kg/m2, SD=3.38) compared to the middle (M=27.35, SD=6.01) and low (M=27.49, SD=6.99) diet quality tertiles (p<0.01). There were no statistically significant associations between the HEI components or the total HEI score and the four alpha diversity measures. Differences in taxa and GO term enterotypes were found in participants with, but not limited to, a higher saturated fat component score (ß=1.35, p=0.01), added sugar HEI component (ß=0.07, p<0.001), and higher total dairy score (ß=1.58, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Specific dietary components are associated with microbial composition and function in the second trimester of pregnancy. These findings provide a foundation for future testable hypotheses.

Research progress on the relationship between Nesfatin-1 and glucose metabolism. / Nesfatin-1ä¸Žç³–ä»£è°¢å ³ç³»çš„ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Nesfatin-1 is a neuropeptide hormone known for its biological functions, including inhibiting food intake, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, promoting apoptosis, and providing anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Glucose metabolism is a crucial pathway for the body's energy supply. Current research has demonstrated that Nesfatin-1 can affect glucose metabolism through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting food intake, regulating enzyme activity, and improving insulin resistance, though the findings are not entirely consistent. Investigating the relationship between Nesfatin-1 and glucose metabolism may offer new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to glucose metabolism disorders.