Genetically- and spatially-defined basolateral amygdala neurons control food consumption and social interaction.

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) contains discrete neuronal circuits that integrate positive or negative emotional information and drive the appropriate innate and learned behaviors. Whether these circuits consist of genetically-identifiable and anatomically segregated neuron types, is poorly understood. Also, our understanding of the response patterns and behavioral spectra of genetically-identifiable BLA neurons is limited. Here, we classified 11 glutamatergic cell clusters in mouse BLA and found that several of them were anatomically segregated in lateral versus basal amygdala, and anterior versus posterior regions of the BLA. Two of these BLA subpopulations innately responded to valence-specific, whereas one responded to mixed - aversive and social - cues. Positive-valence BLA neurons promoted normal feeding, while mixed selectivity neurons promoted fear learning and social interactions. These findings enhance our understanding of cell type diversity and spatial organization of the BLA and the role of distinct BLA populations in representing valence-specific and mixed stimuli.

The Effects of Testosterone on Hypothalamic and Serum Oxytocin Levels Are Affected by the Estrogen Milieu in Female Rats.

Previous studies have suggested that the effects of androgens on body weight (BW) and appetite are affected by the estrogen milieu in females; however, the mechanism underlying these effects remains unclear. We hypothesized that androgens may affect endogenous oxytocin (OT), which is a hypothalamic anorectic factor, and that these effects of androgens may be altered by the estrogen milieu in females. To investigate this hypothesis, in the present study, we examined the effects of testosterone on peripheral and central OT levels in ovariectomized female rats that did or did not receive estradiol supplementation. Ovariectomized female rats were randomly divided into non-estradiol-supplemented or estradiol-supplemented groups, and half of the rats in each group were concurrently supplemented with testosterone (i.e., rats were divided into four groups, n = 7 per each group). We also measured peripheral and central OT receptor (OTR) gene expression levels. As a result, we found that testosterone increased serum and hypothalamic OT levels and OT receptor mRNA levels in non-estradiol-supplemented rats, whereas it had no effects on these factors in estradiol-supplemented rats. In addition, testosterone reduced food intake, BW gain, and fat weight in non-estradiol-supplemented rats, whereas it did not have any effects on BW, appetite, or fat weight in estradiol-supplemented rats. These findings indicate that the effects of androgens on OT may be affected by the estrogen milieu, and elevated OT levels may be related to the blunting of appetite and prevention of obesity under estrogen-deficient conditions.

Alx3 deficiency disrupts energy homeostasis, alters body composition, and impairs hypothalamic regulation of food intake.

The coordination of food intake, energy storage, and expenditure involves complex interactions between hypothalamic neurons and peripheral tissues including pancreatic islets, adipocytes, muscle, and liver. Previous research shows that deficiency of the transcription factor Alx3 alters pancreatic islet-dependent glucose homeostasis. In this study we carried out a comprehensive assessment of metabolic alterations in Alx3 deficiency. We report that Alx3-deficient mice exhibit decreased food intake without changes in body weight, along with reduced energy expenditure and altered respiratory exchange ratio. Magnetic resonance imaging reveals increased adiposity and decreased muscle mass, which was associated with markers of motor and sympathetic denervation. By contrast, Alx3-deficient mice on a high-fat diet show attenuated weight gain and improved insulin sensitivity, compared to control mice. Gene expression analysis demonstrates altered lipogenic and lipolytic gene profiles. In wild type mice Alx3 is expressed in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons, but not in major peripheral metabolic organs. Functional diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging reveals selective hypothalamic responses to fasting in the arcuate nucleus of Alx3-deficient mice. Additionally, altered expression of proopiomelanocortin and melanocortin-3 receptor mRNA in the hypothalamus suggests impaired regulation of feeding behavior. This study highlights the crucial role for Alx3 in governing food intake, energy homeostasis, and metabolic nutrient partitioning, thereby influencing body mass composition.

Early versus delayed oral feeding after major gynaecologic surgery.

BACKGROUND: This is an updated and expanded version of the original Cochrane review, first published in 2014. Postoperative oral intake is traditionally withheld after major abdominal gynaecologic surgery until the return of bowel function. The concern is that early oral intake will result in vomiting and severe paralytic ileus, with subsequent aspiration pneumonia, wound dehiscence, and anastomotic leakage. However, clinical studies suggest that there may be benefits from early postoperative oral intake. Currently, gynaecologic surgery can be performed through various routes: open abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic, or a combination. In this version, we included women undergoing major gynaecologic surgery through all of these routes, either alone or in combination. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of early versus delayed (traditional) initiation of oral intake of food and fluids after major gynaecologic surgery. SEARCH METHODS: On 13 June 2023, we searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group's Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, the citation lists of relevant publications, and two trial registries. We also contacted experts in the field for any additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effect of early versus delayed initiation of oral intake of food and fluids after major gynaecologic surgery, performed by abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. Early feeding was defined as oral intake of fluids or food within 24 hours post-surgery, regardless of the return of bowel function. Delayed feeding was defined as oral intake after 24 hours post-surgery, and only after signs of postoperative ileus resolution. Primary outcomes were: postoperative ileus, nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, abdominal distension, need for postoperative nasogastric tube, time to the presence of bowel sounds, time to the first passage of flatus, time to the first passage of stool, time to the start of a regular diet, and length of postoperative hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were: infectious complications, wound complications, deep venous thrombosis, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, satisfaction, and quality of life. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted the data. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous data. We examined continuous data using the mean difference (MD) and a 95% CI. We tested for heterogeneity between the results of different studies using a forest plot of the meta-analysis, the statistical tests of homogeneity of 2 x 2 tables, and the I² value. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS: We included seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs), randomising 902 women. We are uncertain whether early feeding compared to delayed feeding has an effect on postoperative ileus (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.16; I² = 0%; 4 studies, 418 women; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether early feeding affects nausea or vomiting, or both (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.33; I² = 67%; random-effects model; 6 studies, 742 women; very low-certainty evidence); nausea (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.51 to 3.03; I² = 74%; 3 studies, 453 women; low-certainty evidence); vomiting (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.32; I² = 0%; 4 studies, 559 women; low-certainty evidence), abdominal distension (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.31; I² = 0%; 4 studies, 559 women; low-certainty evidence); need for postoperative nasogastric tube placement (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.55; 3 studies, 453 women; low-certainty evidence); or time to the presence of bowel sounds (MD -0.20 days, 95% CI -0.46 to 0.06; I² = 71%; random-effects model; 3 studies, 477 women; low-certainty evidence). There is probably no difference between the two feeding protocols for the onset of flatus (MD -0.11 days, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.02; I² = 9%; 5 studies, 702 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Early feeding probably results in a slight reduction in the time to the first passage of stool (MD -0.18 days, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.04; I² = 0%; 4 studies, 507 women; moderate-certainty evidence), and may lead to a slightly sooner resumption of a solid diet (MD -1.10 days, 95% CI -1.79 to -0.41; I² = 97%; random-effects model; 3 studies, 420 women; low-certainty evidence). Hospital stay may be slightly shorter in the early feeding group (MD -0.66 days, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.15; I² = 77%; random-effects model; 5 studies, 603 women; low-certainty evidence). The effect of the two feeding protocols on febrile morbidity is uncertain (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.22; I² = 47%; 3 studies, 453 women; low-certainty evidence). However, infectious complications are probably less common in women with early feeding (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.73; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 183 women; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be no difference between the two feeding protocols for wound complications (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.35; I² = 0%; 4 studies, 474 women; low-certainty evidence), or pneumonia (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.73; I² = 0%; 3 studies, 434 women; low-certainty evidence). Two studies measured participant satisfaction and quality of life. One study found satisfaction was probably higher in the early feeding group, while the other study found no difference. Neither study found a significant difference between the groups for quality of life (P > 0.05). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Despite some uncertainty, there is no evidence to indicate harmful effects of early feeding following major gynaecologic surgery, measured as postoperative ileus, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distension. The potential benefits of early feeding include a slightly faster initiation of bowel movements, a slightly sooner resumption of a solid diet, a slightly shorter hospital stay, a lower rate of infectious complications, and a higher level of satisfaction.

Grazing camels under semi-extensive production system: selectivity, feed intake capacity, digestion and energy expenditure.

BACKGROUND: It was proposed that camels are more effective than other livestock species in selecting plants for their nutritional value. They may self-regulate their voluntary feed intake to satisfy their nutritional needs. This study was designed to investigate camels' feeding selectivity and ability to cover nutritional requirements when grazing alfalfa (high in protein) and/ or barley (high in energy) in a desert climate. METHODS: Eighteen lactating camels were equally divided into three feeding treatments. They grazed daily on alfalfa, barley, or a mixed pasture of both, for two periods of one month each. The concentrate supplement was individually administered at 40 g/kg BW0.75, divided into two equal parts, in the morning and in afternoon. Total energy expenditure (EE) was estimated by heart rate (HR) monitors for 48 h after being calibrated by oxygen consumption using an upgraded face mask open-circuit respiratory system. RESULTS: During the first period, camels had a greater forage intake and digestibility when they grazed barley rather than alfalfa, while those grazing mixed pasture performed intermediately. In the second period, camels had a similar forage intake and digestibility among treatments due to a decline in barley intake and digestibility compared to the first period, which was expected since the preferred plant part gradually shifted from barley grains to predominantly straw as a function of time. Similar HR and EE were found across periods and treatments. As a result of greater gross and digestible energy intake in period 1, a better energy balance in period 1 was observed compared to period 2. Camels better utilize barley than alfalfa. Grazing on barley had a higher energy balance than grazing alfalfa alone or in combination with barley. However, camels grazing barley produced lower milk yield and energy than those grazing alfalfa alone or in combination with barley, with no interaction detected between period and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Lactating camels are able to self-regulate their voluntary intake to cover their energy requirements when they are grazing barley and/or alfalfa supplemented with a concentrate supplement at 40 g/kg BW0.75. Grazing barley is better utilized by camels than alfalfa. The chemical and physical properties of plant species play an important role in the selectivity of foraging camels. It also impacts their intake and digestibility, which is negatively associated with the proportion of cell wall content consumed.

Evaluation of mixtures of flavor chemicals in a 90-day nose-only exposures in sprague-dawley rats.

BACKGROUND: One of the challenges to using some flavor chemicals in aerosol products is the lack of route of administration specific toxicology data. METHODS: Flavor chemicals (88) were divided into four different flavor mixtures based upon chemical compatibility and evaluated in 2-week dose-range-finding and subsequent 90-day nose-only rodent inhalation studies (OECD 413 and GLP compliant). Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to vehicle control or one of three increasing concentrations of each flavor mixture. RESULTS: In the dose-range-range-finding studies, exposure to flavor mixture four resulted in adverse nasal histopathology in female rats at the high dose, resulting in this flavor mixture not being evaluated in a 90-day study. In the 90-day studies daily exposures to the three flavor mixtures did not induce biologically meaningful adverse effects (food consumption, body weights, respiratory physiology, serum chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis and terminal organ weights). All histopathology findings were observed in both vehicle control and flavor mixture exposed animals, with similar incidences and/or severities, and therefore were not considered flavor mixture related. CONCLUSION: Based on the absence of adverse effects, the no-observed-adverse-effect concentration for each 90-day inhalation study was the highest dose tested, 2.5 mg/L of the aerosolized high dose of the three flavor mixtures.

A plastic aggrecan barrier modulated by peripheral energy state gates metabolic signal access to arcuate neurons.

The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARH) contains neurons vital for maintaining energy homeostasis that sense and respond to changes in blood-borne metabolic hormones. Despite its juxtaposition to the median eminence (ME), a circumventricular organ lacking a blood-brain barrier and thus exposed to circulating molecules, only a few ventral ARH neurons perceive these extravasating metabolic signals due to a poorly understood ME/ARH diffusion barrier. Here, we show in male mice that aggrecan, a perineural-net proteoglycan deposited by orexigenic ARH neurons, creates a peculiar ventrodorsal diffusion gradient. Fasting enhances aggrecan deposition more dorsally, reinforcing the diffusion barrier, particularly around neurons adjacent to fenestrated capillary loops that enter the ARH. The disruption of aggrecan deposits results in unregulated diffusion of blood-borne molecules into the ARH and impairs food intake. Our findings reveal the molecular nature and plasticity of the ME/ARH diffusion barrier, and indicate its physiological role in hypothalamic metabolic hormone sensing.

Fasting-induced activity changes in MC3R neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus.

The brain controls energy homeostasis by regulating food intake through signaling within the melanocortin system. Whilst we understand the role of the hypothalamus within this system, how extra-hypothalamic brain regions are involved in controlling energy balance remains unclear. Here we show that the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) is expressed in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT). We tested whether fasting would change the activity of MC3R neurons in this region by assessing the levels of c-Fos and pCREB as neuronal activity markers. We determined that overnight fasting causes a significant reduction in pCREB levels within PVT-MC3R neurons. We then questioned whether perturbation of MC3R signaling, during fasting, would result in altered refeeding. Using chemogenetic approaches, we show that modulation of MC3R activity, during the fasting period, does not impact body weight regain or total food intake in the refeeding period. However, we did observe significant differences in the pattern of feeding-related behavior. These findings suggest that the PVT is a region where MC3R neurons respond to energy deprivation and modulate refeeding behavior.

Brain Perception of Different Oils on Appetite Regulation: An Anorectic Gene Expression Pattern in the Hypothalamus Dependent on the Vagus Nerve.

(1) Background: We examined the effect of the acute administration of olive oil (EVOO), linseed oil (GLO), soybean oil (SO), and palm oil (PO) on gastric motility and appetite in rats. (2) Methods: We assessed food intake, gastric retention (GR), and gene expression in all groups. (3) Results: Both EVOO and GLO were found to enhance the rate of stomach retention, leading to a decrease in hunger. On the other hand, the reduction in food intake caused by SO was accompanied by delayed effects on stomach retention. PO caused an alteration in the mRNA expression of NPY, POMC, and CART. Although PO increased stomach retention after 180 min, it did not affect food intake. It was subsequently verified that the absence of an autonomic reaction did not nullify the influence of EVOO in reducing food consumption. Moreover, in the absence of parasympathetic responses, animals that received PO exhibited a significant decrease in food consumption, probably mediated by lower NPY expression. (4) Conclusions: This study discovered that different oils induce various effects on parameters related to food consumption. Specifically, EVOO reduces food consumption primarily through its impact on the gastrointestinal tract, making it a recommended adjunct for weight loss. Conversely, the intake of PO limits food consumption in the absence of an autonomic reaction, but it is not advised due to its contribution to the development of cardiometabolic disorders.

Sisvan food intake markers from six to 23 months: critical analysis and validation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the internal structure and analyze evidence of measurement invariance of the Sisvan form of food intake markers of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (Sisvan) for children aged six to 23 months. METHODS: Sisvan microdata from 2015 to 2019 were used. After analyzing sample adequacy, exploratory factor analysis was carried out considering factor loadings (≥ 0.30 and < 0.85), communality (> 0.20), model fit indices - Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) > 0.90, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) < 0.08. A critical analysis of the form items was performed to adjust the parameters. Measurement stability was investigated between age groups, macro-regions and longitudinally by multi-group confirmatory factor analysis in configural, metric, and scalar invariance models. Configural invariance was accepted if RMSEA < 0.08 and TLI and comparative fit index (CFI) > 0.90. Metric and scalar invariances were accepted if ΔRMSEA < 0.015 and ΔCFI < 0.01, compared to the previous model. RESULTS: After critical analysis, items were grouped (vegetables and leafy greens; meat or eggs and liver) and excluded (salty food; porridge with milk; rice, potatoes, yams, cassava, flour, or pasta). The exploratory model comprised three factors: healthy complementary feeding (fruit; vegetables; orange or dark green leafy vegetables or fruits; meat, offal, or egg; beans), ultra-processed (yogurt; hamburger and/or sausages; sweetened drinks; instant noodles, packet snacks, or salty cookies; sandwich cookies, sweets, or treats), and milk feeding (breast milk; other milk), with satisfactory factor loadings, communalities and fit (TLI: 0.918, RMSEA: 0.071). The reformulated instrument was stable in the invariance models tested. CONCLUSIONS: With the incorporation of the modifications to the Sisvan form, the food intake markers subsidize a more adequate interpretation of the feeding situation of children aged six to 23 months.

Neurexin-3 in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus regulates body weight and glucose homeostasis independently of food intake.

Neurexin-3 (Nrxn3) has been genetically associated with obesity, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of Nrxn3 in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in regulating energy balance and glucose homeostasis. We found that Nrxn3 expression in the PVN was upregulated in response to metabolic stressors, including cold exposure and fasting. Using Cre-loxP technology, we selectively ablated Nrxn3 in CaMKIIα-expressing neurons of the PVN in male mice. This genetic manipulation resulted in marked weight gain attributable to increased adiposity and impaired glucose tolerance, without affecting food intake. Our findings identify PVN CaMKIIα-expressing neurons as a critical locus where Nrxn3 modulates energy balance by regulating adipogenesis and glucose metabolism, independently of appetite. These results reveal a novel neural mechanism potentially linking Nrxn3 dysfunction to obesity pathogenesis, suggesting that targeting PVN Nrxn3-dependent neural pathways may inform new therapeutic approaches for obesity prevention and treatment.

Analysis of the effects of eating and emotions on reproductive axis function in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Objective: To investigate the effects of eating and emotions on reproductive axis function in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA).Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to summarize the clinical and endocrine characteristics of 58 patients with FHA at initial diagnosis and to follow up the recovery of ovulation and spontaneous menstruation in the patients to investigate these biochemical indicators and their effects on recovery outcomes.Results: Among patients with FHA, 13.8% (8/58) and 15.5% (9/58) had above moderately severe depressive and severe anxiety symptoms respectively, and 25.9% (15/58) were at high risk for eating disorders. 34.5% (20/58) were included assessed as having recovered. The non-recovered group had higher scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (p = .022) and higher scores on the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) (p = .03) as well as bulimia and food preoccupation (p = .041). Follicle diameter >5 mm at initial diagnosis was an independent factor influencing recovery of reproductive axis function (odds ratio = 7.532; 95% confidence interval, 1.321-42.930; p = .023).Conculsions: Mood disorders and a certain risk of eating disorders were present in FHA.These, together with weight loss, endocrine and follicle size, could influence the outcome.

Effect of harvesting strategy of second-cut orchardgrass silage on feed intake, digestion, and milk production in dairy cows.

We investigated the effects of regrowth interval and first-cut timing on the dietary characteristics of second-cut orchardgrass silage and feed intake and milk production in dairy cows fed second-cut orchardgrass silage. The second-cut grasses were harvested 7w after the first-cut at the early stage (E7w) or at the heading stage (H7w), or harvested 6w after the first-cut at the early stage (E6w) from orchardgrass sward, and then ensiled. We evaluated the effect of regrowth interval by comparing E7w and E6w, and the effect of first-cut timing by comparing E7w and H7w. Six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, with three dietary treatments: diets containing E7w, E6w, or H7w silage at 30% dietary dry matter. We observed that feeding E6w silage instead of E7w silage increased fiber digestibility, dry matter intake, and milk production; however, the first-cut timing (E7w vs. H7w) did not affect nutrient content and digestibility, feed intake, or lactation performance. These results show that harvesting at short regrowth intervals for second-cut orchardgrass can be an effective strategy for improving feed utilization and milk yield; however, the first-cut timing for second-cut orchardgrass has little impact.

The characteristics of eating, drinking and oro-pharyngeal swallowing difficulties associated with repaired oesophageal atresia/tracheo-oesophageal fistula: a systematic review and meta-proportional analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties are commonly reported morbidities for individuals born with OA/TOF. This study aimed to determine the nature and prevalence of eating, drinking and oro-pharyngeal swallowing difficulties reported in this population. METHOD: A systematic review and meta-proportional analysis were conducted (PROSPERO: CRD42020207263). MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science databases and grey literature were searched. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted relating to swallow impairment, use of mealtime adaptations and eating and drinking-related quality of life. Quantitative data were summarised using narrative and meta-proportional analysis methods. Qualitative data were synthesised using a meta-aggregation approach. Where quantitative and qualitative data described the same phenomenon, a convergent segregated approach was used to synthesise data. RESULTS: Sixty-five studies were included. Six oro-pharyngeal swallow characteristics were identified, and pooled prevalence calculated: aspiration (24%), laryngeal penetration (6%), oral stage dysfunction (11%), pharyngeal residue (13%), nasal regurgitation (7%), delayed swallow initiation (31%). Four patient-reported eating/drinking difficulties were identified, and pooled prevalence calculated: difficulty swallowing solids (45%), difficulty swallowing liquids (6%), odynophagia (30%), coughing when eating (38%). Three patient-reported mealtime adaptations were identified, and pooled prevalence calculated: need for water when eating (49%), eating slowly (37%), modifying textures (28%). Mixed methods synthesis of psychosocial impacts identified 34% of parents experienced mealtime anxiety and 25% report challenging mealtime behaviours reflected in five qualitative themes: fear and trauma associated with eating and drinking, isolation and a lack of support, being aware and grateful, support to cope and loss. CONCLUSIONS: Eating and drinking difficulties are common in adults and children with repaired OA/TOF. Oro-pharyngeal swallowing difficulties may be more prevalent than previously reported. Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties can impact on psychological well-being and quality of life, for the individual and parents/family members. Long-term, multi-disciplinary follow-up is warranted.

Methodologies for the collection of parameters to estimate dust/soil ingestion for young children.

Background: Heavy metals, pesticides and a host of contaminants found in dust and soil pose a health risk to young children through ingestion. Dust/soil ingestion rates for young children can be estimated using micro-level activity time series (MLATS) as model inputs. MLATS allow for the generation of frequency and duration of children's contact activities, along with sequential contact patterns. Models using MLATS consider contact types, and transfer dynamics to assign mechanisms of contact and appropriate exposure factors for cumulative estimates of ingestion rates. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe field implementation, data needs, advanced field collection, laboratory methodologies, and challenges for integrating into and updating a previously validated physical-stochastic MLATS-based model framework called the Child-Specific Aggregate Cumulative Human Exposure and Dose (CACHED) model. The manuscript focuses on describing the methods implemented in the current study. Methods: This current multidisciplinary study (Dust Ingestion childRen sTudy [DIRT]) was implemented across three US regions: Tucson, Arizona; Miami, Florida and Greensboro, North Carolina. Four hundred and fifty participants were recruited between August 2021 to June 2023 to complete a 4-part household survey, of which 100 also participated in a field study. Discussion: The field study focused on videotaping children's natural play using advanced unattended 360° cameras mounted for participants' tracking and ultimately conversion to MLATS. Additionally, children's hand rinses were collected before and after recording, along with indoor dust and outdoor soil, followed by advanced mass analysis. The gathered data will be used to quantify dust/soil ingestion by region, sociodemographic variables, age groups (from 6 months to 6 years), and other variables for indoor/outdoor settings within an adapted version of the CACHED model framework. Significance: New innovative approaches for the estimation of dust/soil ingestion rates can potentially improve modeling and quantification of children's risks to contaminants from dust exposure.

Dietary characteristics of urban community-dwelling older adults with low muscle mass: the bunkyo health study: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: With the aging of the population worldwide, extending healthy life expectancy is an urgent issue. Muscle mass has been reported to be associated with physical independence and longevity. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of food intake in urban community-dwelling older adults with low muscle mass. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used baseline data from the Bunkyo Health Study, which included 1618 urban community-dwelling older adults aged 65-84 years. All participants underwent measurement of body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis and evaluation of nutrient and food intake using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Participants were stratified by sex and divided into robust or low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) groups according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria to compare differences in nutrient and food intake. RESULTS: The mean age and body mass index were 73.1 ± 5.4 years and 22.6 ± 3.1 kg/m2, respectively. The prevalence of low SMI was 31.1% in men and 43.3% in women. In men, all food intake, including total energy intake, was similar between the low SMI group and the robust group. In women, the low SMI group had less total energy intake, and consumed lower amounts of energy-producing nutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates), but there were only small differences in the intake of specific foods. CONCLUSIONS: There were sex differences in food intake characteristics between urban community-dwelling older adults with low SMI and those who were robust. Advising women to increase their energy intake may be important in preventing muscle loss, and further research is needed in men.

Influence of changing dentition on food texture preferences and perception of eating difficulty in Australian children.

The transition from primary to permanent dentition is an important phase in children's oral development, yet its impact on texture perception and food acceptance are less explored. This study aimed to investigate how changing dentition and tooth loss influence texture preferences and perception of eating difficulty among children aged 5 to 12 years. Children (n = 475) completed a forced-choice questionnaire featuring drawings of six food pairs, each available in hard or soft texture, and reported whether they had started losing primary teeth and the number of tooth gaps present. They also tasted four samples: chocolate snacks (cake and biscuits) and cheddar cheese (grated and cubes), evaluating their perceived eating difficulty and liking for each sample. Analysis of questionnaire responses showed a general preference for softer food textures among children, with a 36% probability of choosing hard foods. Preferences were not related to child's dental state, including primary teeth loss (p = .13) or number of tooth gaps (p = .45). In the taste test, chocolate biscuits and cheese cubes were perceived as significantly more difficult to eat than chocolate cake and grated cheese, respectively (both p < .0001). Children with more than two tooth gaps reported greater eating difficulty for chocolate biscuits and cheese cubes compared to children with fewer or no tooth gaps. This study demonstrated that children's texture preferences for hardness of foods remained consistent during dentition change, while their perception of eating difficulty could vary based on their dental state at specific points in time.

Impact of physical activity on caloric and macronutrient intake in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is widely promoted to maintain and improve health across all ages. Investigating how physical activity affects subsequent food intake provides insight into the factors that contribute to maintaining energy balance and effective weight management. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the evidence on the effect of acute physical activity on subsequent food intake in children and adolescents. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA) were applied. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) objectively measuring post-exercise energy intake in children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years were included. Studies with self-reported food intake were excluded. The databases PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched for RCTs, and the data were summarized at a qualitative and quantitative level. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess risk of bias. Changes in energy intake were examined with random effects meta-analysis. (PROSPERO: CRD42022324259). RESULTS: Out of 9582 studies, 22 RCTs with cross-over design remained eligible for meta-analysis. The primary outcome was post-intervention energy intake up to the next 24 h. Heterogeneity of studies was moderate, with an I2 of 57%. The median (interquartile range, IQR) energy expended while exercising was 240 (158) kcal. Meta-analysis of 41 study arms (exercise n = 780 and control n = 478) showed no differences in total energy intake between the exercise and control group with a mean difference MD = 23.31 [-27.54, 74.15] kcal. No subgroup differences were found. Macronutrient intake and appetite sensations where not substantially affected. CONCLUSION: Engaging in exercise is a suitable means of raising activity-induced energy expenditure, without causing any noticeable changes in food intake or hunger within a single day.

The impact on obesity-related quality of life and eating satisfaction in the early period after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity impairs patients' quality of life (QoL). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a common procedure for patients with severe obesity; however, studies reporting changes in obesity-related QoL are limited. The aim of this study was to assess changes in obesity-related QoL and food tolerance in the early postoperative period. METHODS: We included 20 consecutive patients who underwent LSG between May 2021 and July 2023. We evaluated changes in obesity-related QoL 6 months after surgery using an obesity and weight loss QoL questionnaire (OWLQOL) and a weight related symptom measure (WRSM). Additionally, we assessed eating satisfaction and food tolerance after surgery. RESULTS: The percentages of total weight loss and excess weight loss were 28.5% and 79.1%, respectively. OWLQOL scores and WRSM changed from 36.5 to 73.0 points and from 44.0 to 15.0 points (p = .007, .007), respectively. The food tolerance score decreased from 25 to 21.2 points (p < .001), while eating satisfaction showed no significant change (p = .25). CONCLUSION: Obesity-related QoL is enhanced even in the early postoperative period, without sacrificing eating satisfaction. The findings of this study may provide valuable insights for patients when considering LSG.

Modality Matters: Fasted Individuals Inhibit Food Stimuli Better Than Neutral Stimuli for Words, but Not for Pictures.

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect different modalities (pictures and words) of food stimuli have on inhibitory control under different homeostatic states. To this end, the homeostatic state was altered by asking participants to fast for 16 h (n = 67) or eat lunch as usual (n = 76) before completing an online stop-signal task with modal (pictures) and amodal (words) food and valenced-matched non-food stimuli. The inclusion of non-food stimuli allowed us to test the food specificity of the effect. We found a significant Group × Modality × Stimulus Type interaction (F(1,141) = 5.29, p = 0.023, ηp2 = 0.036): fasted individuals had similar inhibitory capacity for modal and amodal food stimuli but better inhibitory capacity for non-food words compared to images, while there were no inhibitory differences in dependence on either modality or stimulus type in satiated individuals. Thus, we were able to show that inhibitory capacities to modal compared to amodal stimuli depend on participants' current state of fasting. Future studies should focus on how this lowered inhibitory capacity influences food intake, as well as the role of stimulus valence in cognitive processing, to clarify potential implications for dieting and weight loss training.