Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Differential Effects of Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS) Supplementation on the Human Gut Ecosystem.

Changes in the gut ecosystem, including the microbiome and the metabolome, and the host immune system after fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation were evaluated. The supplementation of FOS showed large inter-individual variability in the absolute numbers of fecal bacteria and an increase in Bifidobacterium. The fecal metabolome analysis revealed individual variability in fructose utilization in response to FOS supplementation. In addition, immunoglobulin A(IgA) tended to increase upon FOS intake, and peripheral blood monocytes significantly decreased upon FOS intake and kept decreasing in the post-FOS phase. Further analysis using a metagenomic approach showed that the differences could be at least in part due to the differences in gene expressions of enzymes that are involved in the fructose metabolism pathway. While the study showed individual differences in the expected health benefits of FOS supplementation, the accumulation of "personalized" knowledge of the gut ecosystem with its genetic expression may enable effective instructions on prebiotic consumption to optimize health benefits for individuals in the future.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Malay-Translated Version of the Food Neophobia Scale for Malaysian Young Adults.

The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) is a research instrument, originally developed in English, to assess an individual's level of food neophobia. However, it has not yet been translated and validated for Malaysians. Therefore, we aimed to translate and validate a Malay-translated version of the FNS. Respondents were 200 young adults (mostly females, 73%; and students, 82.0%; M age = 22.3 years, SD = 2.3). We first translated the FNS into Malay using the forward-backward translation method, and a panel of nutrition and dietetics experts then reviewed it for item relevance, clarity, simplicity, and ambiguity. The translated FNS suggested good content validity with an item-level content validity index (I-CVI) > .8, a scale-level content validity index (S-CVI)/average = .8 and a S-CVI/universal agreement = .96. Principal component analysis revealed a two-factor model: (i) willingness and trust; and (ii) rejection and fear. Cronbach's alpha for the Malay-translated FNS was .808, demonstrating high internal consistency and reliability among young Malaysian adults. Future investigators can now use this Malay-translated FNS instrument to determine levels of food neophobia among Malaysians.

An academic cooperation between the Japan Sports Nutrition Association (JSNA) and the Korean Society for Exercise Nutrition (KSEN).

PURPOSE: The Japan Sports Nutrition Association (JSNA) is an academic society that aims to contribute to people's health and the development of sports in Japan. METHODS: After numerous communication and academic events, the JSNA and the Korean Society for Exercise Nutrition (KSEN) exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2018. RESULTS: Based on the MoU, the JSNA and KSEN organized academic exchange events until the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions and lockdowns. CONCLUSION: After four years of the pandemic and the downgrading of Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection risk, it is hoped that academic exchanges between the societies will resume gradually and enhance members' recognition of the cooperation between the JSNA and KSEN for active collaborations in the future.

Differences in segmental fat accumulation patterns by sex and ethnicity: An international approach.

Excess fat on the body impacts obesity-related co-morbidity risk; however, the location of fat stores affects the severity of these risks. The purpose of this study was to examine segmental fat accumulation patterns by sex and ethnicity using international datasets. An amalgamated and cross-calibrated dataset of dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-measured variables compiled segmental mass for bone mineral content (BMC), lean mass (LM), and fat mass (FM) for each participant; percentage of segment fat (PSF) was calculated as PSFsegment = (FMsegment/(BMCsegment + LMsegment + FMsegment)) × 100. A total of 30 587 adults (N = 16 490 females) from 13 datasets were included. A regression model was used to examine differences in regional fat mass and PSF. All populations followed the same segmental fat mass accumulation in the ascending order with statistical significance (arms < legs < trunk), except for Hispanic/Latinx males (arms < [legs = trunk]). Relative fat accumulation patterns differed between those with greater PSF in the appendages (Arab, Mexican, Asian, Black, American Caucasian, European Caucasian, and Australasian Caucasian females; Black males) and those with greater PSF in the trunk (Mexican, Asian, American Caucasian, European Caucasian, and Australasian Caucasian males). Greater absolute and relative fat accumulation in the trunk could place males of most ethnicities in this study at a higher risk of visceral fat deposition and associated co-morbidities.

Knee extensor strength differences in obese and healthy-weight 10-to 13-year-olds.

The purpose of this study was to investigate if obese children have reduced knee extensor (KE) strength and to explore the relationship between adiposity and KE strength. An observational case-control study was conducted in three Australian states, recruiting obese [N = 107 (51 female, 56 male)] and healthy-weight [N = 132 (56 female, 76 male)] 10- to 13-year-old children. Body mass index, body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), isokinetic/isometric peak KE torques (dynamometry) and physical activity (accelerometry) were assessed. Results revealed that compared with their healthy-weight peers, obese children had higher absolute KE torques (P ≤ 0.005), equivocal KE torques when allometrically normalized for fat-free mass (FFM) (P ≥ 0.448) but lower relative KE torques when allometrically normalized for body mass (P ≤ 0.008). Adjustments for maternal education, income and accelerometry had little impact on group differences, except for isometric KE torques relative to body mass which were no longer significantly lower in obese children (P ≥ 0.013, not significant after controlling for multiple comparisons). Percent body fat was inversely related to KE torques relative to body mass (r = -0.22 to -0.35, P ≤ 0.002), irrespective of maternal education, income or accelerometry. In conclusion, while obese children have higher absolute KE strength and FFM, they have less functional KE strength (relative to mass) available for weight-bearing activities than healthy-weight children. The finding that FFM-normalized KE torques did not differ suggests that the intrinsic contractile properties of the KE muscles are unaffected by obesity. Future research is needed to see if deficits in KE strength relative to mass translate into functional limitations in weight-bearing activities.

Narrative-focused Group Counseling Improves Intervention Outcomes in Women With Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of narrative group counseling combined with diet modification and exercise plans on weight loss in Iranian women with obesity. DESIGN: Parallel 2-arm clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-six Iranian women with obesity (aged 18-50 years). INTERVENTION: The intervention group included weekly diet, exercise, and narrative-focused group counseling, whereas the comparison group included dietary modification and exercise sessions for 8 months (32 sessions). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Anthropometric and body composition parameters, blood biochemical parameters (high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, ghrelin, obestatin), physical activities, and appetite scores. ANALYSIS: McNemar test was used for the variables that were not normally distributed and for scaling. Furthermore, t tests were used to compare quantitative variables with normal distributions. The original P (0.05) was adjusted to P = 0.0031 using the Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Weight, body mass index, body fat proportion, and hip circumference decreased significantly in the intervention vs comparison group. Serum low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, appetite score, and ghrelin decreased, whereas obestatin increased significantly in the intervention vs comparison group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Narrative-focused group counseling combined with traditional strategies was effective in achieving significant changes in weight, body mass index, and appetite. Future studies with a more diverse audience and a longer follow-up are warranted.

Ethnic differences in the relationship between body mass index and percentage body fat among Asian children from different backgrounds.

Overweight and obesity in Asian children are increasing at an alarming rate; therefore a better understanding of the relationship between BMI and percentage body fat (%BF) in this population is important. A total of 1039 children aged 8-10 years, encompassing a wide BMI range, were recruited from China, Lebanon, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. Body composition was determined using the 2H dilution technique to quantify total body water and subsequently fat mass, fat-free mass and %BF. Ethnic differences in the BMI-%BF relationship were found; for example, %BF in Filipino boys was approximately 2 % lower than in their Thai and Malay counterparts. In contrast, Thai girls had approximately 2.0 % higher %BF values than in their Chinese, Lebanese, Filipino and Malay counterparts at a given BMI. However, the ethnic difference in the BMI-%BF relationship varied by BMI. Compared with Caucasian children of the same age, Asian children had 3-6 units lower BMI at a given %BF. Approximately one-third of the obese Asian children (%BF above 25 % for boys and above 30 % for girls) in the study were not identified using the WHO classification and more than half using the International Obesity Task Force classification. Use of the Chinese classification increased the sensitivity. Results confirmed the necessity to consider ethnic differences in body composition when developing BMI cut-points and other obesity criteria in Asian children.

Ethnic differences in body fat distribution among Asian pre-pubertal children: a cross-sectional multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Ethnic differences in body fat distribution contribute to ethnic differences in cardiovascular morbidities and diabetes. However few data are available on differences in fat distribution in Asian children from various backgrounds. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore ethnic differences in body fat distribution among Asian children from four countries. METHODS: A total of 758 children aged 8-10 y from China, Lebanon, Malaysia and Thailand were recruited using a non-random purposive sampling approach to enrol children encompassing a wide BMI range. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM, derived from total body water [TBW] estimation using the deuterium dilution technique) and skinfold thickness (SFT) at biceps, triceps, subscapular, supraspinale and medial calf were collected. RESULTS: After controlling for height and weight, Chinese and Thai children had a significantly higher WC than their Lebanese and Malay counterparts. Chinese and Thais tended to have higher trunk fat deposits than Lebanese and Malays reflected in trunk SFT, trunk/upper extremity ratio or supraspinale/upper extremity ratio after adjustment for age and total body fat. The subscapular/supraspinale skinfold ratio was lower in Chinese and Thais compared with Lebanese and Malays after correcting for trunk SFT. CONCLUSIONS: Asian pre-pubertal children from different origins vary in body fat distribution. These results indicate the importance of population-specific WC cut-off points or other fat distribution indices to identify the population at risk of obesity-related health problems.

Methods to develop figure rating scales (FRS): A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Figure Rating Scales (FRS) are psychometric instruments developed to measure individual's perception of physical appearance and subsequently, to determine the level of body dissatisfaction. The following systematic review summarizes existing FRSs and the techniques used to development them. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the following databases; PubMed®, Web of Science®, Scopus® using key words "figure rating scale" AND "Stunkard". RESULTS: From 466 potentially relevant articles, 24 publications were included, 22 publications reporting original FRSs with the other two scales being modifications of the original for children and babies. Fifteen were figural drawings or silhouettes and nine were developed by photographic techniques, video methods or using computer software. Most of the figural scales were applicable for adults and consisted of nine images. Ten of the 15 figural scales were without facial features and four scales had minimal facial features. Technological advancements including 3D modeling have played a pivotal role in the development of FRSs. CONCLUSIONS: FRSs have been developed by a mix of traditional and modern techniques. The development and validation of ethnic specific FRSs using modern technology should be the priority for future studies.

Preoccupation with Body Weight and Under-Reporting of Energy Intake in Female Japanese Nutrition Students.

The present study aimed to examine associations between body image and under-reporting in female Japanese university students enrolled in a nutrition degree program. A total of 100 participants (aged 18-29 years) completed (1) a self-administered questionnaire including the Ben-Tovim Walker Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ), (2) a dietary assessment using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ), (3) a physical activity assessment using Bouchard's Physical Activity Record (BAR) and a tri-axial accelerometer, (4) detailed anthropometry, and (5) body composition assessment. Based on the energy intake to basal metabolic rate ratio (EI:BMR) and using a cut-off point of 1.35, 67% of participants were considered under-reporters (URs). While there was no between-group difference in BMI, URs had significantly (p < 0.05) greater percentage body fat (%BF) and trunk fat (%TF) compared with non-URs. Regression analyses indicated accuracy of body perception and a discrepancy between current and ideal weight were associated with EI:BMR, whereas the salience subscale of the BAQ was associated with reported EI. The study raises concerns regarding the validity of EI reported from young Japanese females as they are known to have a strong preoccupation with thinness, even with an acceptable BMI and health and nutritional knowledge.

Comparison of Factors Associated with Disordered Eating between Male and Female Malaysian University Students.

Disordered eating is prevalent among university students, especially females. Whilst literature suggests that factors associated with disordered eating may differ according to gender, such an association has not been studied in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study aims to compare factors associated with disordered eating between male and female university students. A total of 716 university students (male: 27.4%; female: 72.6%) were recruited in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. All participants completed a set of self-administered questionnaires and their body weight and height were recorded. About one in five of the university students (20.3%) were found to have disordered eating. There were more female students (22.9%) disordered eating compared to males (13.3%, χ² = 8.16, p < 0.05). In male students (ß = 0.228, p < 0.01), depressive symptoms were the only significant predictor for disordered eating. In females, the strongest predictor was depressive symptoms (ß = 0.214, p < 0.001), followed by body size satisfaction (ß = -0.145, p < 0.01) and body appreciation (ß = -0.101, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that there are gender differences in the factors associated with disordered eating among Malaysian university students. Intervention programmes that address disordered eating should take into account these sex differences and its contributing factors.

Guidelines for Complementary Feeding of Infants in the Asia Pacific Region: APACPH Public Health Nutrition Group.

Good nutrition in the first "1000 days," including breastfeeding and appropriate complementary foods, prepares for a healthy childhood and adult life, also contributes to the prevention of the double burden of malnutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding provides all required nutrients until an infant is around 6 months of age when complementary foods are needed. A literature review was undertaken of complementary foods in the Asia Pacific region. The foods being used at present are often of low nutrient density may provide insufficient amounts of some critical nutrients, and generally the variety is limited. Guidelines for complementary feeding are provided to assist in education and in public health planning.

Ethnic differences in body composition and anthropometric characteristics in Australian Caucasian and urban Indigenous children.

The objective was to compare ethnic differences in anthropometry, including size, proportions and fat distribution, and body composition in a cohort of seventy Caucasian (forty-four boys, twenty-six girls) and seventy-four urban Indigenous (thirty-six boys, thirty-eight girls) children (aged 9-15 years). Anthropometric measures (stature, body mass, eight skinfolds, thirteen girths, six bone lengths and five bone breadths) and body composition assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were conducted. Body composition variables including total body fat percentage and percentage abdominal fat were determined and together with anthropometric indices, including BMI (kg/m2), abdominal:height ratio (AHtR) and sum of skinfolds, ethnic differences were compared for each sex. After adjustment for age, Indigenous girls showed significantly (P < 0.05) greater trunk circumferences and proportion of overweight and obesity than their Caucasian counterparts. In addition, Indigenous children had a significantly greater proportion (P < 0.05) of trunk fat. The best model for total and android fat prediction included sum of skinfolds and age in both sexes (>93 % of variation). Ethnicity was only important in girls where abdominal circumference and AHtR were included and Indigenous girls showed significantly (P < 0.05) smaller total/android fat deposition than Caucasian girls at the given abdominal circumference or AHtR values. Differences in anthropometric and fat distribution patterns in Caucasian and Indigenous children may justify the need for more appropriate screening criteria for obesity in Australian children relevant to ethnic origin.

Dietary intervention of mice using an improved Multiple Artificial-gravity Research System (MARS) under artificial 1 g.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has developed mouse habitat cage units equipped with an artificial gravity-producing centrifuge, called the Multiple Artificial-gravity Research System (MARS), that enables single housing of a mouse under artificial gravity (AG) in orbit. This is a report on a hardware evaluation. The MARS underwent improvement in water leakage under microgravity (MG), and was used in the second JAXA mouse mission to evaluate the effect of AG and diet on mouse biological system simultaneously. Twelve mice were divided into four groups of three, with each group fed a diet either with or without fructo-oligosaccharide and housed singly either at 1 g AG or MG for 30 days on the International Space Station, then safely returned to the Earth. Body weight tended to increase in AG mice and decrease in MG mice after spaceflight, but these differences were not significant. This indicates that the improved MARS may be useful in evaluating AG and dietary intervention for space flown mice.

Comparison of body fat estimation using waist:height ratio using different 'waist' measurements in Australian adults.

The objective of the present study was to determine differences in predicting total and regional adiposity using the waist:height ratio (WHtR) calculated using different 'waist' measurements. Body composition of ninety-five males and 121 female Australian adults (aged 20 years and above) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The WHtR was calculated using: (1) the narrowest point between the lower costal border and the top of the iliac crest (WHtR-W), and (2) at the level of the umbilicus (WHtR-A). Relationships between calculated WHtR and measured body composition, such as percentage body fat (%BF) and percentage trunk fat (%TF) were determined. Values obtained from WHtR-A were significantly greater than WHtR-W in both groups (P < 0.05). While no correlation differences between WHtR-W and WHtR-A in relation to body composition variables were observed, females showed significantly lower correlation with lean mass compared with BMI. Regression analyses showed that neither WHtR had an age influence on %TF estimation. Estimated %BF and %TF were comparable for both WHtR and also with estimated values using a BMI of 25 kg/m2. Sensitivity of excess %BF and %TF increased by using WHtR-A, particularly in females. In conclusion, the umbilicus measurement may be better than using the narrowest site in the WHtR calculation, particularly in females. To improve the screening ability of the WHtR and make comparisons between studies easier there may be a need to standardise the measurement location. Further studies are recommended to confirm the findings across different ethnic groups.

Are Japanese criteria for obesity useful for screening at risk Japanese? Consideration from anthropometric indices-percentage body fat relationships.

Both childhood and adult obesity are of serious public health concern in Japan. While Japan has diagnostic criteria for both childhood and adult obesity and metabolic syndrome, the appropriateness of the proposed criteria has been questioned. The present study aimed to determine screening ability of anthropometric indices relative to estimated percentage body fat (% BF) and to propose gender- and maturation-specific cut-off points using 1,393 Japanese (552 males and 841 females; 7.6-66.3 years old). Between 20%-50% of individuals with high fat deposits were misclassified using body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), abdominal to height ratio (AHtR), and sum of two skinfolds (Sigma2SF). Using the WHO public action point of 23 kg/m2, AC of 80 cm, AHtR of 0.5 for all groups and Sigma2SF of 25 mm for males and 40 mm for females were estimated to be potentially useful cut-off points. The results may indicate a need for further research for appropriate screening cut-off points for Japanese.

Anthropometry to assess body fat in Indonesian adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anthropometric equations are widely used to estimate body composition however, are only appropriate for use in populations in which they have been developed and validated. The present study developed anthropometric prediction equations for Indonesian adults and cross-validated them with selected equations used in this population. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Six hundred Indonesian adults aged between 18- 65 years (292 males and 308 females) were divided equally into development and validation groups. Stature, body weight, skinfold thickness at eight sites, girth at five sites, and bone breadth at four sites were measured. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to propose percentage body fat (%BF) prediction equations using measured variables and %BF from the deuterium oxide dilution technique as the reference. The proposed prediction equations were then cross-validated using the validation group and %BF estimated from several existing equations. RESULTS: Proposed prediction equations showed r ranged from 0.82 to 0.86 and Standard Error of the Estimate (SEE) from 4.7 to 5.4%. Cross-validation analysis showed bias with the reference %BF between 0.2 and 3.3% and Pure Error (PE) between 2.8 and 4.0%. Among the existing equations, the Durnin and Womersley equation was applicable in females whilst the equation by Davidson et al. underestimated %BF by 6.3-6.6% and the equation by Gurrici et al overestimated by 2.0-3.4% in both genders (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The proposed prediction equations provide better options for accurate prediction of %BF in Indonesian adults.

Infant Feeding Guidelines for the Asia Pacific Region.

Good nutrition for infants, during the first 1000 days from conception, is one of the most important determinants of a healthy long life. Breastfeeding is the most important component of infant nutrition and reduces morbidity and mortality. With the changes to the climate currently occurring, issues of nutrition and food supply are only going to increase in importance. The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, place nutrition at the forefront of world development and a sustainable planet. The vision of Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) is to "achieve the highest possible level of health of all the people of the nations of the Asia-Pacific region." Much of the burden of disease, early deaths, and disability in the Asia Pacific region could be reduced with public health efforts to address the major risk factors, including nutrition-related causes and smoking. The United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016-2025 has recently been launched with the aim of reducing the global burden of inappropriate nutrition. The goals include increasing rates of exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months, reducing wasting and stunting, and reducing the rates of low birthweight. This is the position endorsed in these guidelines along with the principles of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. These guidelines expand the information on infants that was included in the 2016 APACPH Dietary Guidelines. APACPH covers many different environments, geographical areas, cultures, and socioeconomic groups. These guidelines are generally applicable to all infants in our region, specific local advice may sometimes be needed.

Applicability of the Ben-Tovim Walker Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ) and the Attention to Body Shape scale (ABS) in Japanese males and females.

OBJECTIVES: To determine applicability of the Japanese-translated versions of the Ben-Tovim Walker Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ) and the Attention to the Body Shape Scale (ABS) in Japanese males and females. METHODS: The translated questionnaires were administered to Japanese living in Japan (84 males, 139 females) and also to 68 Japanese males living in Australia. The results were compared with 72 Australian males using the English version and also with previous results using Australian females. RESULTS: Alpha levels from the two questionnaires ranged 0.70 to 0.87. Japanese groups showed significant (p<0.05) differences in the scores obtained from the BAQ compared to Australian males. The inter-subscale correlations for the BAQ were comparable regardless of ethnicity. Both questionnaires also correlated with the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test scores (p<0.01). DISCUSSION: The current study suggests that both BAQ and ABS are adequate for use in Japanese males and females to assess their body attitudes.

Ethical Challenges in Infant Feeding Research.

Infants have a complex set of nutrient requirements to meet the demands of their high metabolic rate, growth, and immunological and cognitive development. Infant nutrition lays the foundation for health throughout life. While infant feeding research is essential, it must be conducted to the highest ethical standards. The objective of this paper is to discuss the implications of developments in infant nutrition for the ethics of infant feeding research and the implications for obtaining informed consent. A search was undertaken of the papers in the medical literature using the PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Proquest, and CINAHL databases. From a total of 9303 papers identified, the full text of 87 articles that contained discussion of issues in consent in infant feeding trials were obtained and read and after further screening 42 papers were included in the results and discussion. Recent developments in infant nutrition of significance to ethics assessment include the improved survival of low birth weight infants, increasing evidence of the value of breastfeeding and evidence of the lifelong importance of infant feeding and development in the first 1000 days of life in chronic disease epidemiology. Informed consent is a difficult issue, but should always include information on the value of preserving breastfeeding options. Project monitoring should be cognisant of the long term implications of growth rates and early life nutrition.