A high fiber diet or supplementation with Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremoris to pregnant mice confers protection against intestinal injury in adult offspring.

The diet during pregnancy, or antenatal diet, influences the offspring's intestinal health. We previously showed that antenatal butyrate supplementation reduces injury in adult murine offspring with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Potential modulators of butyrate levels in the intestine include a high fiber diet or dietary supplementation with probiotics. To test this, we supplemented the diet of pregnant mice with high fiber, or with the probiotic bacteria Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremoris or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. We then induced chronic colitis with DSS in their adult offspring. We demonstrate that a high fiber antenatal diet, or supplementation with Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremoris during pregnancy diminished the injury from DSS-induced colitis in offspring. These data are evidence that antenatal dietary interventions impact offspring gut health and define the antenatal diet as a therapeutic modality to enhance offspring intestinal health.

Beneficial effect of probiotics supplementation on quality of edible fresh table eggs during storage.

Background: This study discussed the effect of probiotic supplementation on laying hens' diets and the enhancement of egg quality during the cold storage period. Aim: To study the efficacy of the addition of probiotics to hen diets in terms of improving the egg's quality during the cold storage period and protection against enteric pathogens. Methods: 100 table eggs were collected from farms of laying hens on a battery system, 46 weeks old HylineW36 white in Sharkia Government. The collected eggs were separated into 2 groups (50 each); the control group from hens fed on diets without probiotics, and the probiotic group from hens fed on diets with (100 g/ton) of supplemented probiotics preparation. All groups were separated into 5 sub-groups for the examinations; on the fresh day, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days on cold storage at 4°C. Chemical, physical, and microbiological examinations were done for internal egg contents and eggshells. Results: Our results showed that probiotics supplements have advantageous effects on the quality of eggs during cold storage periods. Also, microbiological examination proved that eggshells from hens fed on diets with probiotics supplemented (100 g/ton) have decreased the level of bacterial contamination with Salmonella and Escherichia coli than hens fed on a regular diet. Conclusion: It could be shown that the probiotics supplementation may decrease and reduce the effect of the storage period on the quality of shell, albumen, and yolk.

Mitigating digestive disorders: Action mechanisms of Mediterranean herbal active compounds.

This study explores the effects of the Mediterranean diet, herbal remedies, and their phytochemicals on various gastrointestinal conditions and reviews the global use of medicinal plants for common digestive problems. The review highlights key plants and their mechanisms of action and summarizes the latest findings on how plant-based products influence the digestive system and how they work. We searched various sources of literature and databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and MedlinePlus. Our focus was on gathering relevant papers published between 2013 and August 2023. Certain plants exhibit potential in preventing or treating digestive diseases and cancers. Notable examples include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Cynodon dactylon, and Vaccinium myrtillus. The phytochemical analysis of the plants showed that compounds such as quercetin, anthocyanins, curcumin, phenolics, isoflavones glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins constitute the main active substances within these plants. These natural remedies have the potential to enhance the digestive system and alleviate pain and discomfort in patients. However, further research is imperative to comprehensively evaluate the benefits and safety of herbal medicines to use their active ingredients for the development of natural and effective drugs.

The Effects of Diet Intervention on the Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

The GI tract hosts a dynamic community known as the gut microbiota, which encompasses thriving bacteria that actively contribute to the physiological functions of the human body. The intricacies of its composition are profoundly influenced by dietary preferences, where the quality, quantity, and frequency of food consumption play a pivotal role in either fostering or impeding specific bacterial strains. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent and deleterious condition that originates from excessive hyperglycemia. Do lifestyle interventions targeting dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, physical activity, and weight management programs exhibit a significant relationship in altering the composition of the gut microbiome and managing T2DM? This paper aims to evaluate the effects of lifestyle interventions on patients with T2DM and the implications of these changes on disease outcomes and progression. Lifestyle interventions can significantly impact the management of T2DM, especially those targeting dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, physical activity, and weight management programs. The adoption of a high-fiber diet and increased fruit consumption have shown positive impacts on both insulin sensitivity and the composition of the gut microbiota. Additionally, promising outcomes emerge from supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin K2 (MK-7), and transglucosidase, which influence insulin levels, glycemic control, and gut microbiota composition. Personalized diet interventions and the transformative effects of the Mediterranean diet present positive outcomes in metabolic control. The intensity of exercise plays a pivotal role in shaping the composition of the gut microbiota, with moderate-intensity continuous exercise displaying positive effects on anti-inflammatory microbes. Chronic exercise showcases favorable impacts on glycemic control and systemic inflammation. Emphasizing the intricate relationship between dietary habits, gut microbiota, and the risk of T2DM underscores the potential of the gut microbiota as a universal biomarker for assessing diabetes risk. Nutritional supplements and exercise interventions provide potential avenues for the management of T2DM, emphasizing the necessity for tailored strategies. Further research is encouraged to delve into the long-term effects and intricate interplay between lifestyle factors and the gut microbiome, enhancing our understanding of T2DM pathophysiology for targeted therapeutic approaches.

Effects of increasing dietary arginine supply during the three first weeks after weaning on pig growth performance, plasma amino acid concentrations, and health status.

A total of 425 weaned pigs (Exp. 1: 225 pigs [5.8 ±â€…0.9 kg]; Exp. 2: 200 pigs [6.1 ±â€…1.2 kg]) were used to determine the optimal dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) arginine (Arg) level in early nursery diets based on growth and health responses. The basal diet in Exp.1 was formulated to meet SID Arg recommendation (0.66%; NRC, 2012) and in Exp. 2, SID Arg was set to simulate current industry practices for feeding nursery pigs (1.15 %). Basal diets were supplemented with 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.2% of l-arginine to provide five levels of dietary SID Arg. Experimental diets were fed during phases I (days 0 to 7) and II (days 8 to 21) with common diets until market. Feed disappearance and body weight (BW) were measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 43. Final BW was recorded at first removal of pigs for market. Pen fecal score was assigned daily from days 0 to 21. Plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) was determined on days 0, 7, and 14 and amino acids (AAs) concentration and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) on days 0 and 14. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of dietary Arg. Optimal SID Arg was determined by fitting the data with piecewise regression, using growth performance as the primary response variable. In Exp. 1, dietary Arg linearly increased (P < 0.1) BW, average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) ratio on day 21, as well as reduced (χ2 = 0.004) the percentage of pigs that lost weight (PLW) in week 1 by 29%. Dietary Arg resulted in linear improvement (P = 0.082) of ADG for the overall nursery period and quadratic improvement (P < 0.1) of final BW at marketing. In Exp. 2, dietary Arg linearly increased (P < 0.05) ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in week 1, BW and ADFI (P < 0.1) on day 14, as well as reduced (χ2 ≤ 0.001) PLW in week 1. From days 0 to 21, G:F was improved quadratically (P < 0.1). Dietary Arg linearly increased (P < 0.1) ADG and BW on day 43. Dietary Arg supplementation decreased the incidence (χ2 < 0.05) of soft and watery feces during the first weeks after weaning and lower concentration of plasma IgA on days 7 and 14. Dietary Arg linearly and/or quadratically influenced plasma AA concentrations (P < 0.05), including an increase in Arg, Leu, Phe, Val, citrulline, ornithine, and PUN concentrations. Overall, weaned pigs exhibit optimal nursery growth performance and health when provided with dietary SID Arg ranging from 1.5% to 1.9%. This dietary range contributes to a reduction in the occurrence of fall-back pigs and improvements in final BW at marketing.

Dietary Vitamin C Intake and Changes in Frequency, Severity, and Location of Pain in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Oral vitamin C supplementation has been associated with lower risk of chronic postsurgical pain. However, the effect of dietary vitamin C on pain in a nonsurgical setting is unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between dietary vitamin C intake and changes over time in chronic pain and its characteristics in community-dwelling adults aged 60 + years. METHODS: We pooled data from participants of the Seniors-ENRICA-1 (n = 864) and Seniors-ENRICA-2 (n = 862) cohorts who reported pain at baseline or at follow up. Habitual diet was assessed with a face-to-face diet history and dietary vitamin C intake was estimated using standard food composition tables. Pain changes over time were the difference between scores at baseline and follow up obtained from a pain scale that considered the frequency, severity, and number of pain locations. Multivariable-adjusted relative risk ratios were obtained using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 2.6 years, pain worsened for 696 (40.3%) participants, improved for 734 (42.5%), and did not change for 296 (17.2%). Compared with the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted vitamin C intake, those in the highest tertile had a higher likelihood of overall pain improvement (RRR 1.61 [95% confidence interval 1.07-2.41], p-trend .02). Higher vitamin C intake was also associated with lower pain frequency (1.57 [1.00-2.47], p-trend = .05) and number of pain locations (1.75 [1.13-2.70], p-trend = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Higher dietary vitamin C intake was associated with improvement of pain and with lower pain frequency and number of pain locations in older adults. Nutritional interventions to increase dietary vitamin C intake with the aim of improving pain management require clinical testing.

A comprehensive analysis concerning eating behavior associated with chronic diseases among Romanian community nurses.

Introduction: Lifestyle factors, including inadequate eating patterns, emerge as a critical determinant of chronic disease. Apart from caring for patients, nurses should also take an active role in monitoring and managing their own health. Understanding the intricate relationship between nurses' eating behavior and managing their own health is crucial for fostering a holistic approach to healthcare, therefore our study aimed to evaluate eating behavior and demographic factors influencing chronic disease prevalence in a sample of community nurses from Romania. Methods: Between October-November 2023, 1920 community nurses were invited to answer an online survey, using an advertisement in their professional network. Of them, 788 responded. In the survey, which included a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire with 53 food items, the Intuitive Eating Survey 2 (IES-2), and demographic items were used. Results: A multivariate model was built for the prediction of the association between eating behavior and other factors associated with chronic diseases. The majority of participants were females (95.1%), with the largest age group falling between 40 and 49.9 years (48.2%). Regarding the EFSA criteria for adequate carbohydrate and fat intake, 20.2% of the group have a high intake of carbohydrates, respectively, 43.4% of the group have a high intake of fat. Analysis of chronic diseases indicated that 24.9% of individuals reported at least one diagnosis by a physician. The presence of chronic disease was associated with a low level of perceived health status, with an OR = 3.388, 95%CI (1.684-6.814), compared to those reporting excellent or very good perceived health status. High stress had an OR = 1.483, 95%CI (1.033-2.129). BMI had an OR = 1.069, 95%CI (1.032-1.108), while low carbohydrate diet score had an OR = 0.956, 95%CI (0.920-0.992). Gender and IES-2 did not significantly contribute to the model, but their effect was controlled. Discussion: By unraveling the intricate interplay between nutrition, lifestyle, and health outcomes in this healthcare cohort, our findings contribute valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions and support programs tailored to enhance the well-being of community nurses and, by extension, the patients they support.

The influence of early diet quality on the mental health of college students: the mediation effects of height and qi-deficiency.

Background: In China, the prevalence of mental health issues among college students is a significant concern in society. This study aims to investigate the impact of early dietary quality on the psychological well-being of college students and elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which these effects occur, specifically focusing on height and qi-deficiency as mediators according to Chinese traditional medicine (CTM). Methods: A total of 655 college students were surveyed in October 2023 using paper-pencil-based questionnaires at four second-tier universities in Sichuan Province. The assessment included mental health, height, and qi-deficiency. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analyses were employed to examine the mediation model and test the hypotheses. Results: The college students exhibited acceptable levels of early diet quality (M = 3.72) and mental health (M = 3.63), while also presenting mild qi-deficiency symptoms (M = 2.25). Their average height was measured at 164.61 cm. Early diet quality demonstrated significant associations with mental health (r = 0.38, p < 0.01), height (r = 0.32, p < 0.01), and qi-deficiency (r = -0.32, p < 0.01). Mental health displayed correlations with height (r = 0.32, p < 0.01) and qi-deficiency (r = -0.49, p < 0.01). The results of linear regression analyses revealed significant associations between early diet quality and mental health (ß = 0.31, p < 0.01), height (ß = 0.21, p < 0.01), as well as qi-deficiency (ß = -0.26, p < 0.01). Furthermore, when early diet quality was included in the regression model, both height (ß = 0.21, p < 0.01) and qi-deficiency (ß = -0.35, p < 0.01) emerged as significant mediators in the relationship with mental health. Conclusion: The mediation model and hypotheses were strongly supported, demonstrating that early diet quality exerted an influence on the mental health of college students through two distinct pathways: height and qi-deficiency. Moreover, the mediating effect of qi-deficiency was found to be more pronounced than that of height in the relationship between early diet quality and mental health among college students.

Aligning front-of-pack labelling with dietary guidelines: including whole grains in the health star rating.

PURPOSE: Front-of-pack labelling systems, such as the Health Star Rating (HSR), aim to aid healthy consumer dietary choices and complement national dietary guidelines. Dietary guidelines aim to be holistic by extending beyond the individual nutrients of food, including other food components that indicate diet quality, including whole grains. We aimed to test the feasibility of including whole grains in the HSR algorithm, to better inform dietary guidance in Australia coherent with existing dietary guidelines. METHODS: We assigned whole-grain points as a favourable component of the HSR based on the whole-grain content of foods. We compared the original, and three modified HSR algorithms (including altered thresholds for star ratings) using independent-samples median tests. Finally, we used Spearman's correlation to measure the strength of association between an item's nutritional composition (all components of the HSR algorithm including all favourable and unfavourable components) and their HSR using each algorithm. RESULTS: Up to 10 points were added for products with ≥ 50% whole-grain content, with no points for products with < 25%. Adjusting the HSR score cut-off by 3 points for grain products created the greatest difference in median HSR between refined and whole-grain items (up to 2 stars difference), compared to the original algorithm (a maximum of 1 star). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of whole grains to the HSR algorithm improved the differentiation of refined and whole-grain items, and therefore better aligned with dietary guidelines. Holistic approaches to food guidance systems are required to provide consistent messaging and inform positive food choices.

Unlocking liver health: Can tackling myosteatosis spark remission in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease?

Myosteatosis is highly prevalent in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and could reciprocally impact liver function. Decreasing muscle fat could be indirectly hepatoprotective in MASLD. We conducted a review to identify interventions reducing myosteatosis and their impact on liver function. Non-pharmacological interventions included diet (caloric restriction or lipid enrichment), bariatric surgery and physical activity. Caloric restriction in humans achieving a mean weight loss of 3% only reduces muscle fat. Lipid-enriched diet increases liver fat in human with no impact on muscle fat, except sphingomyelin-enriched diet which reduces both lipid contents exclusively in pre-clinical studies. Bariatric surgery, hybrid training (resistance exercise and electric stimulation) or whole-body vibration in human decrease both liver and muscle fat. Physical activity impacts both phenotypes by reducing local and systemic inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity and modulating the expression of key mediators of the muscle-liver-adipose tissue axis. The combination of diet and physical activity acts synergistically in liver, muscle and white adipose tissue, and further decrease muscle and liver fat. Several pharmacological interventions (patchouli alcohol, KBP-089, 2,4-dinitrophenol methyl ether, adipoRon and atglistatin) and food supplementation (vitamin D or resveratrol) improve liver and muscle phenotypes in pre-clinical studies by increasing fatty acid oxidation and anti-inflammatory properties. These interventions are effective in reducing myosteatosis in MASLD while addressing the liver disease itself. This review supports that disturbances in inter-organ crosstalk are key pathophysiological mechanisms involved in MASLD and myosteatosis pathogenesis. Focusing on the skeletal muscle might offer new therapeutic strategies to treat MASLD by modulating the interactions between liver and muscles.

Dietary Influences on Skin Health in Common Dermatological Disorders.

The role of diet in the development of skin disorders is well-established, with nutritional deficiency often identified as a risk factor for skin diseases. Imbalances in the skin can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, excessive intake, insufficient nutrients, and hazardous ingredients. Patients frequently inquire about the impact of dietary patterns on skin health when consulting dermatologists in clinical settings. Simultaneously, the popularity of using nutritional supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and nutraceutical blends has been on the rise. It is crucial for dermatologists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare providers to be acquainted with evidence-based dietary interventions, distinguishing them from those that are more market-driven than truly efficacious. This review explores the modification of diet, encompassing both dietary exclusion and supplementation, as a therapeutic approach for conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, bullous disease, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. A comprehensive literature search, utilizing the PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Medscape databases, was conducted to investigate the relationship between each nutrient and various inflammatory skin diseases. The findings emphasize the significance of a well-balanced and thoughtfully planned diet in supplying adequate amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support optimal skin health. Additionally, this comprehensive review navigates through various dietary recommendations, offering insights into their multifaceted impacts on the immune system, gut microbiome, and skin health. The goal is to pave the way for informed and targeted dietary interventions for individuals dealing with food allergies and associated skin conditions.

Do Herbal Supplements and Probiotics Complement Antibiotics and Diet in the Management of SIBO? A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) arises from dysbiosis in the small intestine, manifesting with abdominal symptoms. This study aims to assess the efficacy of combined antibiotic therapy, herbal supplements, probiotics, and dietary modifications in SIBO management. A total of 179 SIBO-diagnosed patients underwent clinical evaluation and breath testing. Patients were categorized into hydrogen (H2-SIBO) and methane (CH4-SIBO) groups. The control group received standard antibiotic therapy and a low-FODMAP diet, while the intervention group received additional herbal antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics. After treatment, both groups exhibited reduced gas levels, particularly in CH4-SIBO. Clinical remission rates were higher in the intervention group, especially in CH4-SIBO cases. Logistic regression analysis showed gas concentrations at diagnosis as significant predictors of treatment success. In conclusion, adjunctive herbal supplements and probiotics did not significantly impact gas levels, but showed potential for clinical improvement, especially in CH4-SIBO.

Interaction between diet and genetics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Marangoni et al, published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023; 29: 5618-5629, about "Diet as an epigenetic factor in inflammatory bowel disease". The authors emphasized the role of diet, especially the interaction with genetics, in promoting the inflammatory process in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, focusing on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the influence of microRNAs. In this editorial, we explore the interaction between genetics, gut microbiota, and diet, in an only way. Furthermore, we provided dietary recommendations for patients with IBD. The Western diet, characterized by a low fiber content and deficiency the micronutrients, impacts short-chain fatty acids production and may be related to the pathogenesis of IBD. On the other hand, the consumption of the Mediterranean diet and dietary fibers are associated with reduced risk of IBD flares, particularly in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. According to the dietary guidance from the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD), the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables while reducing the consumption of saturated, trans, dairy fat, additives, processed foods rich in maltodextrins, and artificial sweeteners containing sucralose or saccharine is recommended to CD patients. For patients with ulcerative colitis, the IOIBD recommends the increased intake of natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids and follows the same restrictive recommendations aimed at CD patients, with the possible inclusion of red meats. In conclusion, IBD is a complex and heterogeneous disease, and future studies are needed to elucidate the influence of epigenetics on diet and microbiota in IBD patients.

Effects of maternal supplementation with DHA and/or egg yolk powder on monoamine homeostasis in the perinatal piglet brain.

OBJECTIVES: Reports indicate that children of mothers who received docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or egg yolk supplements during pregnancy have improved performance on cognitive tasks and brain growth; their combination has recently been demonstrated to modulate functional neuronal network connectivity in the human-relevant piglet brain. To expand upon this functional connectivity analysis, neurochemical evaluation to determine how dietary supplementation with one or both of these nutrients during the last trimester of pregnancy alters monoamine homeostasis in selected brain regions of piglets was done. METHODS: Beginning gestation days 60-69 through weaning, pregnant sows were fed either control diet or diets supplemented with egg yolk powder, DHA, or both. Brains were then collected, and monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites were quantified from various brain regions with HPLC-ECD. RESULTS: Relative to controls, egg yolk supplementation increased serotonin metabolite (5-HIAA) levels in the cerebellum, while DHA supplementation decreased serotonin (5-HT) levels in the prefrontal cortex; combined supplementation increased norepinephrine metabolite (MHPG) levels in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, but decreased 5-HT levels in the posterior hippocampus. Notably, all diets increased serotonin, dopamine, and their respective metabolite levels in the substantia nigra. DISSCUSSION: This suggests both overlapping and specific effects of DHA and components of egg yolk in the context of maternal supplementation during pregnancy and lactation that might facilitate optimal neurodevelopment, with the nigrostriatal pathway being particularly sensitive. Such supplementations might impact brain function and facilitate development later in life through modulating monoamine homeostasis.

Wild Foods Are Positively Associated with Diet Diversity and Child Growth in a Protected Forest Area of Madagascar.

Background: Concurrent losses in biodiversity and human dietary diversity are evident in Madagascar and across many food systems globally. Wild food harvest can mitigate nutrition insecurities but may also pose species conservation concerns. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association of wild plant and animal species consumption during hunger season with diet diversity and child growth near the Alandraza-Agnalavelo protected forest in Southwestern Madagascar. Second, we studied the conservation status of the consumed wild plants. Methods: Methods from public health nutrition (24-h recall dietary intake, anthropometry using World Health Organization [WHO] Growth Standards), ethnobotany, and forest ecology (ecologic studies of abundance, habitat preference, associated species, food chemistry assays, and species richness) were applied. Results: Malnutrition in children (n = 305) was highly prevalent: stunting (32.3%); wasting (18.8%); and low-dietary diversity (4% meeting WHO minimum dietary diversity threshold). Animal foods were consumed in small quantities, providing <10% of Dietary Reference Intakes for all limiting nutrients. Twenty-two wild plant species were consumed during hunger season, prominently tubers (Dioscoreaceae), and leafy greens (Asteraceae, Blechnaceae, Portulacaceae, and Solanaceae). Eight of the 9 target species were identified as abundant and "Least Concern," whereas Amorphophollus taurostigma was abundant and "Vulnerable." Regression modeling showed wild food consumption was associated with an increased household dietary diversity score [ß = 0.29 (0.06 standard error); P < 0.001], and total wild animal foods positively correlated with height-for-age Z score [ß = 0.14 (0.07 standard error); P = 0.04]. Conclusions: Wild plant and animal foods may be an important element of food systems to support human nutrition while maintaining ecosystem viability.

Student opinions of body appreciation week: Openness to alternatives to a weight-centric model of health.

Objective: Body image issues are common among young adult women on college campuses and are correlated with several negative outcomes. Only recently have universities begun to deliver Health at Every Size (HAES) education to university students to promote holistic health. Method: A sample of students who attended events for Body Appreciation Week (BAW) 2022 (N = 42) completed a Qualtrics survey collected by a student health promotion department at a large, southeastern university. I used this data to assess student openness to HAES and other alternatives to weight-centric approaches to health. Results: Overall, students who responded to the survey were pleased with programming that challenged diet culture and introduced the HAES model of health. Conclusion: Student feedback, along with previous research on college student programming interventions, suggests organizing similar events for future BAW and more frequent programming during the academic year to properly assess of the impact of these events on student health.

In vitro combination effects of plant-derived quercetin with synthetic bicalutamide on prostate cancer and normal cell lines: in silico comparison.

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent and the fifth greatest cause of death in men. Although diet has been connected to the prevalence of cancer in addition to other factors, the relation between cancer and prevention is weak. Treatment options are at risk due to cell resistance. To identify new combinations, we tried plant-derived quercetin with bicalutamide on cell lines. To determine the cytotoxicity and apoptotic potential of plant-derived quercetin and its combination, MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] and dual stain assays were performed. In silico protein-ligand interaction was performed to support the in vitro findings. A thin layer, column, and high-performance chromatography were used to purify quercetin along with an authentic sample. In the cytotoxic study, quercetin was minimized by 80% similar to bicalutamide and a combination of quercetin and bicalutamide by 50% when compared to controls by 2%. Quercetin and bicalutamide showed a similar binding affinity for androgen receptors (9.7 and 9.8), hub genes (10.8 and 10.0), and a few other PCa-related genes (9.4 and 9.1). We propose to conclude that the combination of quercetin plus bicalutamide can be used for chemotherapy if additional in vivo studies are conducted. The intake of foods high in polyphenolic compounds can help to prevent prostate cancer. Examination of quercetin on several cell lines will provide a definite conclusion to combat cancers.

Diet-derived circulating antioxidants, periodontitis and dental caries: A Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Given the potential association between oxidative stress, periodontitis and dental caries, whether dietary supplementation with antioxidants is beneficial for periodontitis and dental caries has been widely reported, but remains controversial. This study aims to clarify these relationships through two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHODS: Circulating antioxidants (copper, selenium, zinc, ascorbate, ß-carotene, lycopene, retinol and vitamin E) were derived from absolute circulating antioxidants and circulating antioxidant metabolites. Summary data of periodontitis and dental caries were obtained from two separate databases, respectively. We performed inverse-variance weighted (IVW) analysis separately in different databases, followed by meta-analysis. The robustness of results was examined by sensitivity analyses, including three complementary MR methods, heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests, and PhenoScanner query. RESULTS: IVW analysis showed that elevated levels of absolute circulating retinol reduced the risk of periodontitis (GLIDE: OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.18-0.95, p = .038, power = 100%; FinnGen: OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.04-0.54, p = .004, power = 100%). The pooled OR for periodontitis risk per unit increase of retinol is 0.30 (95% CI = 0.15-0.61, p = .001, I2 = 40.3%, power = 100%). No significant associations were noted for genetically predicted circulating antioxidants and dental caries risk. The sensitivity analyses yielded similar estimates. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that a negative causality between circulating retinol and periodontitis risk, and null linkage between circulating antioxidants and dental caries risk, suggesting potential strategies for the prevention and control of periodontitis.

Growth performance and nitrogen excretion of broiler chickens fed low protein diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of amino acid (AA) supplementation in low-protein (LP) diets on growth performance and nitrogen (N) excretion. A total of 175 7-day-old Ross 308 male broilers, with a mean body weight (BW) of 165 g (standard deviation = 11.2 g), were grouped into five blocks by BW and allocated to seven treatments according to a randomized complete block design with five replicate cages at five birds per cage. Dietary treatments comprised a control diet containing 20.0% crude protein (CP) and six LP diets containing either 18.5% or 17.0% CP. These LP diets were supplemented with either no AA supplementation, indispensable AA, or both indispensable and dispensable AA (glutamic acid and glycine). Birds were fed experimental grower diets from day 7 to 21 and then commercial finisher diets until day 28. During the grower period (day 7 to 21), birds fed LP diets supplemented with indispensable AA exhibited greater (p < 0.05) BW, body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) than birds fed LP diets without crystalline AA and were comparable to birds fed the control diet. During the finisher period (day 21 to 28), birds fed LP diets supplemented with indispensable AA showed greater (p < 0.05) BW than birds fed LP diets without crystalline AA, and their growth performance was comparable to birds fed the control diet. Throughout the overall period, supplementing indispensable AA in LP diets resulted in elevated (p < 0.05) BWG, FI, and G:F more than those of LP diets without crystalline AA and were comparable to those of the control diet. Supplementing indispensable AA in LP diets decreased amount and coefficient of N excretion as much as the control diet. Dispensable AA supplementation in LP diets did not influence growth performance and N excretion. In conclusion, supplementing indispensable AA in LP diets maintains growth performance and N excretion until the dietary CP lowers from 20.0% to 17.0% during the grower period. As long as dietary CP is above 17.0%, dispensable AA may not be deficient in LP diets during the grower period.

A randomized feasibility trial of medium chain triglyceride-supplemented ketogenic diet in people with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: A ketogenic diet (KD) may benefit people with neurodegenerative disorders marked by mitochondrial depolarization/insufficiency, including Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: Evaluate whether a KD supplemented by medium chain triglyceride (MCT-KD) oil is feasible and acceptable for PD patients. Furthermore, we explored the effects of MCT-KD on blood ketone levels, metabolic parameters, levodopa absorption, mobility, nonmotor symptoms, simple motor and cognitive tests, autonomic function, and resting-state electroencephalography (rsEEG). METHODS: A one-week in-hospital, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled diet (MCT-KD vs. standard diet (SD)), followed by an at-home two-week open-label extension. The primary outcome was KD feasibility and acceptability. The secondary outcome was the change in Timed Up & Go (TUG) on day 7 of the diet intervention. Additional exploratory outcomes included the N-Back task, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Non-Motor Symptom Scale, and rsEEG connectivity. RESULTS: A total of 15/16 subjects completed the study. The mean acceptability was 2.3/3, indicating willingness to continue the KD. Day 7 TUG time was not significantly different between the SD and KD groups. The nonmotor symptom severity score was reduced at the week 3 visit and to a greater extent in the KD group. UPDRS, 3-back, and rsEEG measures were not significantly different between groups. Blood ketosis was attained by day 4 in the KD group and to a greater extent at week 3 than in the SD group. The plasma levodopa metabolites DOPAC and dopamine both showed nonsignificant increasing trends over 3 days in the KD vs. SD groups. CONCLUSIONS: An MCT-supplemented KD is feasible and acceptable to PD patients but requires further study to understand its effects on symptoms and disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial Registration Number NCT04584346, registration dates were Oct 14, 2020 - Sept 13, 2022.