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ABSTRACT Solid Phase Microextraction‐Gas Chromatography Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (SPME‐GC‐TQ/MS) was optimized and validated to specifically analyze aldehydes and furans after drying Vitis vinifera grape variety by conventional as well as modern pre‐drying technique i.e. pulsed electric field (PEF). Analytical method was validated in terms of linearity (R2), recovery (%), relative standard deviation (% RSD), limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). Sample pre‐treatment with PEF (1 kV/cm) followed by drying at 65°C produced dried product with fewer chemical changes in the composition than convective hot air drying. Meanwhile, nutritional parameters including polyphenolics, amino acids, fatty acids and sugars profiles were also extensively investigated to get deeper insights into the effect of drying treatments on the nutritional quality of dried product. Conclusively, sample pre‐treatment on relatively lower PEF voltage, followed by drying at minimum temperature with longer time duration can preserve nutritional quality of product by forming less harmful compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plastic nutritional foundations of growth and reproduction are crucial in mediating animal (insect) life histories but remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigate how the nutritional quality of dung during larval feeding affects subsequent (adult) life history traits of a coexisting guild of four closely related European sepsid dung fly species: Sepsis cynipsea (L.), Sepsis fulgens (Meigen), Sepsis punctum (Fabricius), and Sepsis thoracica (Robineau‐Desvoidy) (all Diptera: Sepsidae). Larvae were raised in standard cow dung, protein‐rich (yeast‐supplemented) dung, microbe‐depleted (autoclaved) dung, and in a combined treatment of autoclaved dung with yeast enrichment. Responses of egg‐to‐adult survival, total development time, final adult body size, and female reproductive potential in terms of age at first reproduction and offspring number were assessed. Overall survival was lower in autoclaved dung, but also tended to be reduced rather than enhanced by potentially artificial microbial additives such as supplemental yeast, which apparently cannot be metabolized effortlessly by the fly larvae. The only trait positively affected was adult body size, for which we observed an increase in three of four species when larvae were raised in yeast‐supplemented dung. Flies emerged smaller when reared in autoclaved dung, and the addition of yeast to autoclaved dung partly compensated the negative effect of autoclaving to result in a body size similar to control dung. Our results thus indicate that larval growth is likely reduced by autoclaving‐induced killing of nutritional microorganisms in the dung, which however may recolonize. Whereas for some model insects nutrition is well‐understood, more research is necessary to unravel the diverse effects of natural and artificial stressors on the nutrition of non‐model insects, such as these dung‐decomposing flies providing important ecosystem services in human‐mediated grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral supplementation is crucial for human nutrition to facilitate appropriate growth, disease prevention, and improved reproductive health. The conventional forms of mineral supplementation involve an ionic form of elements mixed with biomolecules; however, suffer from unfavorable reactions under an acidic environment of stomach, ROS generation, and poor absorption in the small intestine. To address this, nanominerals (NMs) of six essential mineral elements are synthesized and packed in pH‐responsive microcapsule. Each NMs is coated with biomolecules that are known to rapidly absorb through the intestinal epithelium. Microcapsules are found intact at acidic pH (pH: 2.0–6.5); however, selectively release NMs at pH ≥7.0. The in vitro study demonstrates that the mixture of NMs and microcapsules is biocompatible and exhibits excellent ROS scavenging ability at physiological pH. Oral administration of NMs‐loaded microcapsules to rats shows enhanced levels of minerals, vitamin B12, hemoglobin, and total antioxidant activity in blood. The liver, kidneys, and spleen show enhanced expression of Cu/Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD enzymes due to high absorption and bioavailability of ZnO, Cu2O, and MnO2 NMs through the intestine. Thus, the pH‐responsive microcapsules hold promise to effectively stealth the encapsulated nutrient materials from the acidic environment of stomach and precisely deliver them to small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) is a vital C4 monocotyledon crop cultivated in arid regions worldwide, valued for its significance in both human and animal nutrition. Despite its agricultural prominence, sorghum research has been hindered by low transformation frequency. In this study, we examined sorghum transformation using the pVS1‐VIR2 ternary vector system for Agrobacterium, combined with the morphogenic genes BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL2 and selection using G418. We optimized Agrobacterium‐mediated infection, targeting key parameters such as bacterial optical density, co‐cultivation time, and temperature. Additionally, an excision‐based transformation system enabled us to generate transgenic plants free of morphogenic regulators. The method yielded remarkable transformation frequencies, reaching up to 164.8% based on total isolated plantlets. The same combination of ternary vector, morphogenic genes and geneticin‐based selection also resulted in a marked increase in transformation efficiency of the Zea mays (maize) inbred line B104. The potential for genomic editing using this approach positions it as a valuable tool for the development of sorghum and maize varieties that comply with evolving European regulations. Our work marks a significant stride in sorghum biotechnology and holds promise for addressing global food security challenges in a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity disproportionately affects smallholder farming households and within them women, who bear primary caregiving responsibilities and contend with time and resource constraints that heighten their vulnerability to adverse nutrition‐related health outcomes. This study cross‐sectionally investigates the association between food production practices, household consumer behaviour, and the experience of food insecurity with women's waist‐hip ratio (WHR), a key indicator of abdominal obesity, in a coastal community in Kenya. In total, 394 households were randomly selected from a list of farming households in Kaloleni and Rabai sub‐counties of Kilifi. Trained enumerators administered questionnaires to adult female family members who play a pivotal role in household management. Household dietary diversity scores (HDDS) were computed from 16 food groups consumed in the 7 days preceding the survey. Waist‐hip measurements focused on these females, representing vulnerable populations. Pathway‐based regression models were constructed using STATA version 13 (p < 0.05). Most households practised mixed farming (59.9%) and monocropping (73.2%) and most female respondents were widowed (75.1%) with limited education (73.1% had no formal education) and over 20 years of farming experience. Food insecurity was prevalent, affecting 80.7% of households. Limited dietary diversity was noted with an average HDDS of 9. The most commonly consumed foods were cereals, spices, condiments and beverages, while meat, eggs and fruits were infrequently eaten. An inverse association was observed between HDDS and WHR (standardised regression coefficient = −0.1328; p = 0.026) but while food insecurity was inversely associated with both HDD and WHR, these associations did not reach statistical significance (HDDS‐standardised regression coefficient −0.0294; p = 0.592: WHR‐standardised regression coefficient −0.0155; p = 0.791). Existing research has primarily addressed the undernutrition and hunger‐related impacts of food insecurity. The findings underscore the need to better understand the complex interplay between food insecurity and nutritional health, including markers of adiposity, to effectively promote health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildflower habitats planted along field borders are a widely promoted strategy for supporting bees in agricultural landscapes. However, honeybees (Apis mellifera), which are often stocked at high densities in crop lands can compete with wild bees for pollen and nectar, potentially limiting the successfulness of wildflower plantings in supporting diverse bee communities. Using weekly samples of five study sites in Northern California we assessed how plants in pollinator‐friendly seed mixes varied in their ability to provide bees with abundant and nutritious pollen under intense honeybee competition. We quantified pollen production, protein and lipid content, and end‐of‐day pollen availability for different plant species. We also sampled bee visits to flowers and assessed the composition of pollen on bee bodies. Using these data, we investigate how the nutritional quality of pollen in wildflower plantings and honeybee abundance impacted native bee pollen nutrition. Bees collected more nutritious pollen (i.e. pollen with more protein) from plantings with more nutritious plant species (i.e. sites with more high‐protein plants). However, as honeybee abundance increased, the nutritional quality of native bee diets declined. We also detected important interactions between honeybee abundance and the nutritional quality of flowers in plantings, such that, for some bee taxa, there was no impact of competition on pollen diet quality in high‐nutrition plantings. Synthesis and applications: Our study reveals that honeybee competition can reduce the nutritional quality of native bee diets. From an applied conservation perspective, we therefore recommend that honeybee introductions in natural areas be approached with extreme caution. However, our results also suggest that high‐protein flower plantings could mitigate negative effects of honeybee competition in managed landscapes. Where simultaneous support of managed and wild bees is a key management objective, we recommend including high‐protein plant species in plant mixes to support diverse bee populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research has shown that spending time in natural greenspaces has a positive impact on health. However, there is limited evidence regarding potential factors that may influence these effects. This review aimed to assess the strength of the evidence and potential impact of exposure to green and bluespaces on dietary outcomes in adults. Inclusion criteria for the review were based on the PICO criteria. Following PRISMA guidelines, an initial search of five databases was conducted: CINAHL, GreenFILE, AMED, Medline, and PubMed, accessed on 14th June 2021 and augmented by an updated rerun in January 2024. All studies used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross‐Sectional Studies for quality assessment. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted to evaluate the relationships between the included studies. Four observational studies that reported diet‐related outcomes were included in the review, and participants within the studies ranged from 554 to >350,000 participants. Other health outcomes, including physical activity and obesity, were also reported. Two studies found that dietary patterns were not correlated with exposure to greenspace. Due to the small number of articles retrieved and the paucity of evidence, the findings must be interpreted cautiously. In conclusion, further research is essential to clarify the intricate mechanisms involved in greenspace‐related health benefits. Additionally, investigating the specific greenspace attributes influencing adult dietary intake and food choices is warranted. When devising public health interventions, it is crucial to account for the substantial health advantages associated with various socioeconomic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Aim: Objective structured clinical examinations have long been used in dietetics education. This observational study aims to describe the development, deployment, feasibility and validity of assessment using an oral interview in place of traditional objective structured clinical examinations, and to determine the ability of this assessment to identify students who are either not ready for placement or may require early support and/or remediation. Methods: Student assessment data were collected over a two‐and‐a‐half‐year period and used to test the predictive ability of an oral interview to determine dietetic placement outcomes and highlight a need for early remediation. Descriptive statistics as well as a between‐group one‐way ANOVA was used to describe results. Results: A total of 169 students participated in the oral interview and subsequent medical nutrition therapy placement over the study period. Significant differences in oral interview score were seen between students who passed placement and students who passed with remediation or those who failed. Oral interview performance was able to predict placement outcome, yet required less resources than traditional objective structured clinical examinations. Conclusion: An oral interview may provide the same utility as the objective structured clinical examination in dietetics education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical impact of the CALLY index in patients with gastric cancer (GC) undergoing gastrectomy. Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2020, 617 patients who underwent gastrectomy for GC at the Osaka City General Hospital were enrolled in this study. The CALLY index was calculated using the following formula: [albumin (g/dL) × lymphocytes (/μl)]/[CRP (mg/dL) × 104]. We compared the predictive value of four biomarkers [CALLY index, modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR)] for short‐ and long‐term outcomes and focused on the CALLY index to elucidate its clinical value. Results: Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve for the CALLY index was the highest among the four biomarkers. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) rates in the low and the high CALLY groups were statistically significant. Multivariate analysis identified the CALLY index as an independent factor for OS and CSS but not NLR or PLR. The mGPS was an independent factor for OS but not for CSS in multivariate analysis. Regarding complications, only the CALLY index was an independent predictor of major complications (≧ Clavien–Dindo grade 3) in multivariate analysis but not others. Conclusions: The CALLY index may have a clinical value in predicting OS, CSS, and major complications in GC patients undergoing gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is common among populations with nutrition‐related medical conditions. Less is known about the medical comorbidity/complication frequencies in youth with ARFID. We evaluated the medical comorbidities and metabolic/nutritional markers among female and male youth with full/subthreshold ARFID across the weight spectrum compared with healthy controls (HC). Method: In youth with full/subthreshold ARFID (n = 100; 49% female) and HC (n = 58; 78% female), we assessed self‐reported medical comorbidities via clinician interview and explored abnormalities in metabolic (lipid panel and high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein [hs‐CRP]) and nutritional (25[OH] vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate) markers. Results: Youth with ARFID, compared with HC, were over 10 times as likely to have self‐reported gastrointestinal conditions (37% vs. 3%; OR = 21.2; 95% CI = 6.2–112.1) and over two times as likely to have self‐reported immune‐mediated conditions (42% vs. 24%; OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.1–4.9). ARFID, compared with HC, had a four to five times higher frequency of elevated triglycerides (28% vs. 12%; OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.7–10.5) and hs‐CRP (17% vs. 4%; OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 1.4–27.0) levels. Discussion: Self‐reported gastrointestinal and certain immune comorbidities were common in ARFID, suggestive of possible bidirectional risk/maintenance factors. Elevated cardiovascular risk markers in ARFID may be a consequence of limited dietary variety marked by high carbohydrate and sugar intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has been reported as a significant predictor in various diseases. However, the prognostic value of the PNI in geriatric hip fracture patients has not been thoroughly evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the association between admission PNI and 3‐year mortality in those patients. Methods: In this post hoc analysis, we included patients aged ≥65 years who underwent surgery for hip fracture between 2018 and 2019. The admission PNI was calculated as serum albumin (g/L) +5 × total lymphocyte count (×109/L). Patients were categorized into four groups based on PNI quartiles (≤ 43.55, 43.55–46.55, 46.55–49.20, and >49.20, respectively). The median follow‐up duration was 3.1 years. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was conducted for using PNI to predict mortality. Results: Of the 942 eligible patients, 190 (20.2%) patients died during the follow‐up. Compared to patients in the first quartile (Q1), those in the second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth (Q4) quartiles had significantly lower mortality risks (HRs 0.50, 95% CI 0.35–0.74; 0.41, 95% CI 0.26–0.64; and 0.26, 95% CI 0.15–0.45, respectively). The optimal cutoff of PNI for predicting mortality was set as 45.275 (sensitivity, 0.674; specificity, 0.692; area under the curve (AUC), 0.727). Patients with higher PNI (>45.275) had a significant lower mortality risk (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.28–0.55) compared to those with lower PNI (≤ 45.275). Conclusion: PNI is a reliable and independent predictor of 3‐year mortality after hip fracture surgery in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycyrrhizin‐enriched extracts from licorice root are associated with numerous health benefits and are widely used in phytotherapy. There is evidence that ingesting glycyrrhizin beyond threshold concentrations can impact the metabolism of cortisol, inhibiting its conversion to an inactive form, cortisone, via 11‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. A consequence can be a form of hypermineralocorticoidism, with elevated potassium excretion and associated hypertension, as demonstrated in rats and humans. Here, 3 orally dosed concentrations of glycyrrhizin (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg bodyweight/day) were assessed over 28 days in dogs. As the current guidelines reflect a lack of reliable data in this species, our aim was to provide relevant information for doses above the current guidelines. The specific purpose of this study was to demonstrate that an intake of licorice with a known therapeutic benefit to dogs does not cause hypermineralocorticoidism in this species. No changes in blood pressure, nor electrolyte excretion were observed in the dogs given these three glycyrrhizin concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative diets for pets have gained attention in recent years due to concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. One emerging option is the inclusion of edible insects in pet food. This study aimed to survey dog (DO) and cat (CO) owners regarding their willingness to feed insect‐based pet food (IBPF) to their pets and to identify potential motivating factors. A total of 435 valid responses were evaluated, with 66% being DO and 58% CO. Of those, 24% owned both dogs and cats. About half of DO (52%) and 62% of CO were positive about IBPF. CO had a higher acceptance of IBPF than DO (p < 0.05). Moreover, both DO and CO showed a significant increase in acceptance if IBPF has been proven to provide sustainable and nutritional benefits (p < 0.01). CO adhering to a specific diet themselves showed a significantly higher acceptance of IBPF (p < 0.05), however it was independent of the type of diet. Additionally, 32% of DO and 34% of CO reported prior experience with eating edible insects themselves, and a positive entomophagy experience increased DO's (p = 0.108) and CO's (p < 0.01) acceptance of IBPF. Furthermore, the interest in entomophagy resulted in increased acceptance of IBPF by both DO and CO who had not yet tried insects (p < 0.01). In conclusion, pet owners demonstrated a favourable perception of IBPF and showed a willingness to incorporate these products into their pets' diets. CO displayed a more positive perception compared to DO, suggesting a beneficial focus on the feline niche. To enhance overall acceptance, emphasizing sustainability and conducting further research to establish the nutritional benefits of IBPF are crucial. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for pet food manufacturers and marketers to develop strategies and products aligned with the preferences and needs of pet owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide among adults. Traditionally, the disease has been considered as a condition affecting older adults. However, its risk factors (e.g., poor diet, sedentary behavior, inadequate sleep, and obesity) are increasingly being identified in younger populations. There is a need to increase the evidence of CVD risk factors in this population to further support preventive programs in this demographic. Objective(s): This study investigates the prevalence of CVD risk factors in young adult, college students. Design: Data was used from the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment (ACHA‐NCHA) II‐C. Sample: The sample included data from 426,259 students, ages 18–25. Measurements: Data was reviewed on race, nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use, sleep, weight, and history of chronic disease. Descriptive statistics were utilized to examine the prevalence of CVD risk factors. Results: There was a notable prevalence of CVD risk factors, such as insufficient nutrition, obesity, insufficient physical activity, and inadequate sleep, among college students. Conclusions: CVD‐related risk factors are on the rise within this demographic. There is a pressing need for the expansion of public health initiatives aimed at enhancing CVD awareness and prevention among college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in older adults, especially those with renal dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the complex relationships among renal function, nutritional status, and CI in older people free from late chronic kidney disease (CKD) and severe CI. Methods: A study of older people (≥60 years old) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of >30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores of >10 (n = 237) was conducted at Beijing Tongren Hospital. Their eGFR was determined using the CKD‐EPI‐cr‐Cysc equation. Cognitive function was evaluated with the MoCA. We tested the relationship between eGFR and MoCA scores using Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. We then conducted a mediation analysis to figure out the mediating roles of nutritional indicators (Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (MNA‐SF) scores, albumin (ALB), and haemoglobin (HGB)) between the eGFR and MoCA scores. Results: The incidence of CI was 48.5% (115/237) in older people. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the better the kidney function, the better the cognitive function (R = 0.297, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that eGFR decrease per 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR: 1.415, 95% confidence interval: 1.055–1.896, P = 0.020) was related to CI after adjusting for age and sex. However, the eGFR was not associated with cognitive decline after adjusting for nutritional indicators, behavioural risk factors, other biomarkers, and chronic conditions, suggesting that eGFR is not independently associated with CI. Mediation analysis revealed that the MNA‐SF scores (a*b = 0.006 (0.0002–0.012)) and HGB (a*b = 0.008 (0.001–0.017)) were mediating factors between the eGFR and MoCA scores. Conclusions: A decline in renal function can directly lead to CI and can also exacerbate cognitive deficits through intermediary factors such as MNA‐SF scores and HGB. Therefore, correcting anaemia and improving nutritional status are significantly important for enhancing cognitive function in older patients, especially those with renal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mechanical ventilation is a core intervention in critical care, but may also lead to negative consequences. Therefore, ventilator weaning is crucial for patient recovery. Numerous weaning interventions have been investigated, but an overview of interventions to evaluate different foci on weaning research is still missing. Aim: To provide an overview of interventions associated with ventilator weaning. Study Design: We conducted a scoping review. A systematic search of the Medline, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases was carried out in May 2023. Interventions from studies or reviews that aimed to extubate or decannulate mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units were included. Studies concerning children, outpatients or non‐invasive ventilation were excluded. Screening and data extraction were conducted independently by three reviewers. Identified interventions were thematically analysed and clustered. Results: Of the 7175 records identified, 193 studies were included. A total of six clusters were formed: entitled enteral nutrition (three studies), tracheostomy (17 studies), physical treatment (13 studies), ventilation modes and settings (47 studies), intervention bundles (42 studies), and pharmacological interventions including analgesic agents (8 studies), sedative agents (53 studies) and other agents (15 studies). Conclusions: Ventilator weaning is widely researched with a special focus on ventilation modes and pharmacological agents. Some aspects remain poorly researched or unaddressed (e.g. nutrition, delirium treatment, sleep promotion). Relevance to Clinical Practice: This review compiles studies on ventilator weaning interventions in thematic clusters, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary care and consideration of various interventions. Future research should combine different interventions and investigate their interconnection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Previously published recommendations for vegetarian (including vegan) diets for children have highlighted the need for vitamin B12 supplementation. Increased attention to several other key nutrients (including iodine, vitamin D, calcium, and iron) has also been recommended. However, an overview focusing on supplementation guidelines, specifically for vegan infants, has not been published, and a potential requirement for iodine and/or selenium supplementation in (some) vegan infants has not been discussed. Vegan complementary feeding should be supplemented (particularly with 5 μg/day of vitamin B12 and 10 μg/day of vitamin D). Iodine should be supplemented (up to 110 μg/day) if the intake of breast milk and infant formula is low, and selenium supplementation (5 μg/day) should be considered in regions with low soil selenium levels. Caution is required to avoid excessive intakes of iodine and particularly selenium. Supplements for vegan infants are on the market, and observational studies are urgently needed to assess the nutrient intake (including supplements) and status in vegan infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause various changes in biological, physiologic and psychosocial areas. The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between dietary habits, psychological well‐being, sleep quality and biochemical parameters of pregnant women.The study was conducted on a total of 93 patients who applied to Ankara Koru Sincan Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic for routine pregnancy control between November–December 2023, were between the ages of 18–45, had a live singleton fetus, had no diagnosed psychiatric disease or chronic disease, and agreed to participate in the study. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical findings of the individuals were recorded with a questionnaire including the psychological well‐being scale (PWBS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI).According to the study, PSQI scores during the second and third trimesters are significantly higher than the first trimester. It was observed that while individuals have bad sleep quality during the second and third trimesters, they have good sleep quality during the first trimester (χ2 = 14.736; P < 0.001). In the biochemical results, the thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) value in the second trimester was higher (P > 0.05). Weight gain during pregnancy, age and trimester have a negative effect on sleep quality.When the effects of lifestyles and eating habits of pregnant women on the process are considered, there is a relationship between smoking/alcohol consumption, less physical activity, poor eating habits, sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Factors such as age, educational background, trimester period and other basic sociodemographic variables are also involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) commonly occurs in neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Appropriate management involves early detection, clinical evaluation, and tailored follow‐up to minimize complications. Various assessment tools exist, including the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ), a patient‐reported outcome measure for assessing OD severity in adult patients. This paper proposes utilizing an innovative risk matrix (OD‐Risk‐Matrix) to enhance SSQ interpretation. This matrix categorizes OD risk for each SSQ question, offering valuable assistance to clinicians. Methods: This study analyzes SSQ results from a cohort of individuals with NMD (n = 57). Patients filled in the SSQ during outpatient visits at our neuromuscular center. Subsequently, SSQ scores were grouped by NMD conditions and interpreted using the OD‐Risk‐Matrix categorizing each question's risk as low, moderate, or high. This matrix is based on the SSQ results by categorizing the risk of OD for each question, as well as the likelihood of occurrence of OD. Key Results: In light of the OD‐Risk‐Matrix, the interpretation of SSQ scores revealed various risk categories associated with each question, while also highlighting distinct OD characteristics and discrepancies among the different NMDs. Conclusion and Inferences: In conclusion, the OD‐Risk‐Matrix offers a framework for interpreting the SSQ, revealing variations in the risks of OD among different questions in patients with NMD. This novel approach could be a valuable tool in SSQ interpretation to identify specific fields of OD and could lead to a tailored management plan, prioritizing interventions aimed at reducing the risk of aspiration, ensuring proper nutrition, and enhancing swallowing safety and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Positioned midway between traditional meat and plant‐based options, hybrid alternatives cater to a broader consumer category due to the intersection of flavours, textures and ethical considerations. This review aims to provide a current landscape and forthcoming challenges of hybrid options, exploring their formulation, processing, distinctive features, consumer acceptance and sustainability aspects. Even though there is no standard definition of the 'meathybrid concept', scientists and industrials explored different ingredients including purified proteins or whole vegetables/grains/seeds to formulate palatable hybrid products maintaining comparable sensory features to meat. Consumers' attraction to hybrid meat products is mostly related to taste, sustainability and nutritional aspects. Future challenges for hybrid options may include optimising production scalability, ensuring consistent quality and taste and effectively communicating the benefits of hybrid products to diverse consumer segments. Additionally, ongoing research and development efforts will be crucial in enhancing hybrid alternatives' sensory attributes, nutritional profiles and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: As societies undergo shifts in dietary patterns, there is often an increase in nutrition‐related issues. This is particularly evident in the case of wheat bakery products, which have evolved in an unsustainable way. The fortification of wheat flour with vegetables has emerged as a strategy to mitigate the imbalanced composition of white bread. The objective of this study is to address existing knowledge gaps regarding nutritional quality and technological characteristics of food‐to‐food fortified bakery products. A blend of Beta vulgaris powder (up to 5% of the total weight) was incorporated into commercial wheat white flour, and the resulting composition and technological parameters were analysed throughout the bread‐making process, using standard methods (e.g., AAAC, ISO). The sensory assessment of the tested fortified baking products formulations was conducted. The 178 volunteer consumers noted the differences conveyed by B. vulgaris, but scored the taste and colour as acceptable (6 out of 9). Formulations containing moderate amounts of chard (e.g., 2%) were most appreciated. This study demonstrates that B. vulgaris can be employed to enrich white bread, particularly in minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, in a readily actionable manner that is well accepted by consumers. Furthermore, the use of flour blends contributes to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in wheat availability, thereby enhancing food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is a field crop that is playing an emerging role in the provision of healthy and sustainable plant‐based value‐added ingredients for the food and nutraceutical industries. This article reviews the characteristics of chickpea (composition, health properties, and techno‐functionality) and chickpea grain that influence their use as whole foods or ingredients in formulated food. It covers the exploitation of traditional and emerging processes for the conversion of chickpea into value‐added differentiated food ingredients. The influence of processing on the composition, health‐promoting properties, and techno‐functionality of chickpea is discussed. Opportunities to tailor chickpea ingredients to facilitate their incorporation in traditional food applications and in the expanding plant‐based meat alternative and dairy alternative markets are highlighted. The review includes an assessment of the possible uses of by‐products of chickpea processing. Recommendations are provided for future research to build a sustainable industry using chickpea as a value‐added ingredient. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several quantitative studies have shown a negative relationship between fitspiration content (appearance‐idealized pictures related to a fit and healthy lifestyle) in social media and mental health. The current study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of fitspiration users by qualitatively assessing their perception of fitspiration content and how it affects their health‐related behaviour and well‐being. A further research question was whether fitspiration as a form of public pedagogy was addressed in participants' physical education (PE) in schools. Thirteen female students from Austria who follow fitspiration content (14–19 years) were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews. Positive effects in health behaviour, such as a higher reported physical activity, exercise motivation and conscious eating (e.g., reducing junk food) were reported. However, participants further described potentially negative consequences on mental and physical health resulting from social comparisons with influencers. As none of the students reported addressing social media fitness content in PE, including or adapting a critical media pedagogy in PE should be considered to enhance awareness of the negative effects of social media but use the positive influence on health behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional implications of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are profound. Disease modifying therapies (DMT) have improved clinical outcomes. This review describes the impact of DMT on nutrition outcomes. A systematic search strategy was applied across seven databases until May 2023. Eligible studies measured nutrition outcomes in individuals with SMA on DMT (nusinersen, risdiplam or onasemnogene abeparvovec [OA]) compared to untreated comparators. Nutrition outcomes included anthropometry, feeding route, swallowing dysfunction, dietary intake, dietetic intervention, nutritional biochemistry, metabolism, gastrointestinal issues and energy expenditure. Articles retrieved were screened in duplicate, data were extracted and appraised systematically. Sixty three articles from 54 studies were included; 41% (n = 22) investigated nusinersen in pediatric participants with SMA type 1. Anthropometry (n = 18), feeding route (n = 39), and swallowing dysfunction (n = 18) were the most commonly reported outcomes. In combined pediatric and adult cohorts, BMI z‐score remained stable post nusinersen therapy. The proportion of children with SMA requiring enteral nutrition was stable post nusinersen therapy. Ability to thrive at age 1.5 years was higher in children treated in early infancy with OA compared to historical controls. Significant heterogeneity existed across study population characteristics and outcome measures. Nusinersen may prevent deterioration in some nutrition outcomes; and OA in early infancy may be associated with improved nutrition outcomes. Timing of DMT initiation is an important consideration for future nutrition research. Studies investigating nutrition as a primary outcome of DMT, using consistent outcome measures are required for nutritional management strategies for this cohort to be appropriately tailored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Community‐based policy, systems, and environmental interventions have the potential to reduce modifiable risk factors for obesity early in life. The purpose of this scoping review was to characterize the breadth, generalizability, and methodological quality of community‐based diet and obesity‐related policy, system, and environmental interventions during the first 1000 days of life, from pregnancy to 24 months of age. Eight databases were searched, and 83 studies (122 references) were included. Data were extracted for breadth (intervention characteristics), generalizability (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance), and study quality (Downs and Black Checklist). Systems and environmental approaches were common (> 80%), relative to policy approaches (39%). The majority (60–69%) occurred in the prenatal period and early infancy (0–3 months), assessed breastfeeding or child growth/obesity (53% for both), and included people with lower income (80%) or racial and/or ethnic minority groups (63%). Many interventions reported positive outcomes (i.e., in the expected direction) for child diet, breastfeeding, and feeding practices (> 62%). Few reported intervention maintenance or spanned the full 1000 days. Most studies were classified as good (32%) or fair (56%) methodological quality. The interventions mainly addressed pregnancy and early infancy. Rigorous and representative investigation is needed to improve intervention reach, sustainability, and application in toddlerhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Eating disorders (EDs) represent a major public health burden. Increasingly, studies suggest mental health (MH) fields are failing to improve the effectiveness of treatments and that alternative models of care must be considered. Precision mental health (PMH) seeks to tailor treatment to individual needs and relies on a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological and physiological underpinnings of mental illness. Methods: In this narrative review, published literature with focus on biological application of PMH strategies for EDs is reviewed and summarised. Results: A total of 39 articles were retained for the review covering a variety of themes with relevance to PMH. Many studies of biological markers with PMH applicability focused on anorexia nervosa. Although a variety of potential PMH research applications were identified, the review failed to identify any evidence of implementation into routine ED practice. Conclusions: Despite the theoretical merit of biological application of PMH in ED treatment, clinical applications for standard practice are lacking. There is a need to invest further in studies that seek to identify biological markers and investigate neurobiological underpinnings of disease in hopes of targeting and developing treatments that can be better tailored to the individualised needs of patients. Highlights: Despite the theoretical merit of biological application of precision mental health (PMH) in eating disorder (ED) treatments, clinical applications for standard practice are lacking.The majority of identified studies with PMH application in EDs involved patients with anorexia nervosa.There is a need to invest further in studies that seek to identify biological markers and investigate neurobiological underpinnings of disease in hopes of targeting and developing PMH treatments that can be better tailored to the individualised needs of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Faba beans are emerging as highly nutritious ingredients that have the potential to contribute to the global demand for healthy and sustainable plant‐based proteins. The current review aims to provide a summarized overview of faba bean macronutrients, protein quality, and antinutritional factors (ANFs), as well as their reduction strategies through a variety of processing means. Findings: Relative to other pulses, faba beans are higher in protein content and similar in protein quality. However, without proper preparation and/or processing, the presence of minor amounts of ANFs can hinder their nutritional value. These nonnutritive, but biologically active, compounds can be diminished through mechanical, thermal, and nonthermal treatments. Conclusions: Nonconventional processing techniques to retain or improve protein quality remain an area of future research for improving faba bean nutrition and expanding its utilization. Significance and Novelty: This review will advance the science and utilization of faba bean ingredients while providing future research opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pursuit of nutrition and environmental protection is driving the demand for healthy and environmentally friendly food alternatives. Various plant‐based substitute products are gaining popularity. Fats are crucial components of food, playing a pivotal role in human nutrition and contributing to the sensory properties of food. In addition to the use of healthier plant oils, the development of plant‐based fat substitutes offers innovative ways to replicate the texture and mouthfeel of animal fats. A wide range of plant‐derived matrices has been extensively employed in the creation of fat substitutes, including protein matrices, polysaccharide matrices, and complex matrices. The objective of this review is to examine the current advancements in plant‐based fat substitutes. It will primarily focus on the selection of suitable substitutes and their specific applications within diverse food systems. By doing so, this review aims to shed light on the potential of plant‐based fat substitutes in the development of low‐fat foods, providing valuable insights into this emerging field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The University of California Fetal Consortium published that 55% of infants with gastroschisis develop growth faltering by hospital discharge. To address this problem, we developed a nutrition pathway emphasizing (1) early provision of parenteral macronutrients, (2) use of human milk, and (3) growth faltering treatment. This study's goals were to assess adherence to and efficacy of this pathway in infants with gastroschisis across six California hospitals. Methods: In 2015, the consortium standardized the care for infants with gastroschisis. To decrease growth faltering rates, between 2019 and 2020, nutrition guidelines were proposed, discussed, revised, and initiated. This study's primary outcome was weight or linear growth faltering (z score decline ≥0.8 in weight or length) at hospital discharge. Adherence measures were assessed. Results: One hundred twenty‐six infants with gastroschisis were born prepathway; 52 were born postpathway. Median gestational age was similar between cohorts. Adherence to components of the pathway ranged from 58% to 95%. The proportion of infants with weight or linear growth faltering at discharge was lower after pathway initiation (59.4% vs 36.2%, P = 0.0068). Adjusting for gestational age and fetal growth restriction, the pathway was associated with decreased weight or linear growth faltering (odds ratio [OR] 0.35 [0.16–0.75], P = 0.0060) and decreased linear growth faltering (OR 0.24 [0.096–0.56], P = 0.0062) at discharge. Hypertriglyceridemia, cholestasis, and days to full feeds were similar to published cohorts. Conclusion: Fewer infants with gastroschisis experienced weight or length growth faltering at hospital discharge following the implementation of a multicenter nutrition pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition screening is not widely practiced in outpatient cancer centers. This review aims to determine the validity of malnutrition screening tools and provide recommendations for clinical use. Methods: Studies identified by a systematic review assessed the general validity of screening tools in adult oncology outpatients from five databases through 2022. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) convened a working group of members from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators, American Cancer Society, American Society for Clinical Oncology, American Society for Nutrition, American Society for Radiation Oncology, Association of Cancer Care Centers, and Oncology Nursing Society to answer the following questions: (1) should clinicians screen for malnutrition, (2) which malnutrition screening tools are recommended, and (3) what are the clinical applications for malnutrition risk screening in adult oncology outpatients? Results: Twenty of 738 studies met the criteria and were reviewed. Six screening tools with specific cut‐points demonstrated validity and are recommended, including the Mini Nutritional Assessment (≤23.5), Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST; MST ≥ 2 and patient‐led MST ≥ 2), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST; MUST ≥ 1 and MUST ≥ 2), Nutrition Risk Screening‐2002 (NRS‐2002; NRS‐2002 ≥ 2 and NRS‐2002 ≥ 3), NUTRISCORE ≥ 5, and Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG‐SGA SF; PG‐SGA SF ≥ 7 and PG‐SGA SF ≥ 8). Conclusion: Six screening tools are valid for malnutrition risk identification in oncology ambulatory settings and recommended before treatment initiation and regularly thereafter, depending on treatment course. Research is needed to understand to what extent early diagnosis and management of malnutrition improves the clinical care of oncology patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) without enteral nutrition (EN) leads to marked atrophy of gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), causing mucosal defense failure in both the gut and the extraintestinal mucosal system. We evaluated the effects of beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate (HMB) on GALT and gut morphology in PN‐fed mice. Methods: Experiment 1: male Institute of Cancer Research mice were assigned to the Chow (n = 12), Control (standard PN: n = 10), or H600 and H2000 (PN containing 600 mg/kg or H2000 mg/kg body weight of Ca‐HMB: n = 12 and 10, respectively) groups. After 5 days of dietary manipulation, all mice were killed and the whole small intestine was harvested. GALT lymphocyte cell numbers and phenotypes of Peyer patch (PP), intraepithelial space, and lamina propria lymphocytes were evaluated. Experiment 2: 47 mice (Chow: n = 12; Control: n = 14; H600: n = 11; and H2000: n = 10) were fed for 5 days as in experiment 1. Proliferation and apoptosis of gut immune cells and mucosa, and protein expressions (mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR], caspase‐3, and Bcl2) were evaluated in the small intestine. Results: Compared with the Controls, the Chow and HMB groups showed significantly higher PP cell numbers, prevented gut mucosal atrophy, inhibited apoptosis of gut cells, and increased their proliferation in association with increased mTOR activity and Bcl2 expression. Conclusion: HMB‐supplemented PN is a potentially novel method of preserving GALT mass and gut morphology in the absence of EN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides empirical evidence on the relationship between women's land ownership and nutritional outcomes in Nepal. Using three waves of the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey and employing a bounding technique by Oster, I estimate bounded treatment effects of land ownership. The results show that women's land ownership is associated with a reduction in the incidence of childhood underweight and stunting and an increase in women's body mass index. Additionally, I find the selection on unobservable characteristics has to be larger than the selection on observable characteristics to drive these estimates to zero, suggesting that land ownership credibly improves nutritional outcomes. Furthermore, heterogeneous results show that the negative association between land ownership and childhood nutritional status is more prominent in male children and children from the Brahmin caste. Similarly, the negative relationship between land ownership and underweight in women is more pronounced in women employed in agriculture and rural areas. While I argue that landownership improves nutrition, these estimates are sensitive to the assumptions made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Legumes, characterized by their ability to form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen‐fixing bacteria, play crucial roles in agriculture, ecology and human nutrition. Phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding proteins (PEBPs) are the key genetic players that contribute to the diverse biological functions of legumes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of important roles of PEBP genes in legumes, including flowering, inflorescence architecture, seed development and nodulation. We also delve into PEBP regulatory mechanisms and effects on plant growth, development, and adaptation to the environment. Furthermore, we highlight their potential biotechnological applications for crop improvement and promoting sustainable agriculture. This review emphasizes the multifaceted roles of PEBP genes, shedding light on their significance in legume biology and their potential for sustainable productive farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and irreversible disease affecting many people worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that diet and lifestyle play a vital role in COPD progression. We aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the effect of healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns on preventing and treating COPD. For this reason, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched. Based on our findings, it appears that adhering to a healthy dietary pattern rich in vegetables, legumes, fruit, nuts, and whole grains may have advantageous impacts on preventing and treating COPD while following an unhealthy dietary pattern rich in red and processed meat, saturated fats, sweets, and sugary drinks affect COPD negatively. Adhering to Mediterranean, dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH), Prudent, Ketogenic, and High‐protein diet may be related to a lower risk of COPD and improved pulmonary function. Conversely, Western and Ramadan Intermittent Fasting diets may elevate the prevalence of COPD. Proposing a nutritious diet that enhances pulmonary function could potentially be an effective approach to preventing and managing COPD. A comprehensive knowledge of the relationship between dietary factors and COPD can provide healthcare professionals with properly supported approaches to advise patients and empower individuals to make informed lifestyle decisions that are beneficial to improve their pulmonary health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives Methods Results Conclusion This study aims to explore the lasting effects of stress experienced by pregnant women during World War II (WWII) on body and head measurements of their adult daughters.The research sample consists of 336 female university students born in Poland between 1925 and 1951. The data include body measurements and socioeconomic information (parental occupation and number of siblings) acquired from questionnaires collected between the 1950s and 1970s. Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney test and Analysis of Variance were used to analyze differences in body measurements between groups of women born before and during the war, as well as the possible influences of socioeconomic variables.The mean measurements of body height, symphysion height, and waist circumference were lower in women conceived and born during the war compared to those born in the pre‐war period. In contrast, the mean measurements of biacromial (shoulder) width, trunk length, and three head dimensions were higher in women conceived and born during the war. Additionally, the number of siblings appeared to be a significant factor that may have influenced the body measurements of women in both groups. For instance, a higher number of living siblings, particularly sisters, was associated with reduced body dimensions, such as body height and waist circumference, while a greater number of deceased siblings was linked to an increase in certain body dimensions.The results suggest that war‐related prenatal conditions may have influenced the postnatal growth and development of women conceived and born during the war. Notably, the direction of these changes varied, which indicates that the growth response to the war‐related conditions was a complex adaptation, reflecting both positive and negative changes in different body parts, rather than a uniform pattern of growth suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hypothesis Animals Methods Results Conclusion and Clinical Importance Gastric disease is highly prevalent in sport horses and may lead to poor performance, cause behavioral changes and impact welfare.Assess whether diet affects gastric disease and pain expression during riding, and whether it has an impact on physiological and locomotor variables during an exercise test, including jumps.Nine healthy show‐jumping Warmbloods trained at the same stable.Prospective observational cohort study. The horses receiving a pelleted diet, high in sugar and starch (>30%), were examined at T0 and after 12 weeks (T12) of changing to a cooked, muesli‐type low‐starch (11%) diet. Each time, the horses underwent a standardized exercise test (SET) and a ridden pain score (Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram [RHpE]) was calculated by 2 blinded observers. The next day, horses underwent gastroscopy and gastric lesions were scored blindly. Results were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Spearman tests.After 12 weeks of a low starch diet, the Equine Gastric Disease (EGD; 4 [3–5] at T0 vs 1 [0‐1] at T12, P < .01) and RHpE scores (6 [3–13] at T0 vs 3 [0‐6] at T12, P < .01) improved significantly. Squamous, glandular, and EGD scores were positively correlated with RHpE scores (respectively, r = .747, P < .01; r = .743, P < .01 and r = .867, P < .01).Gastric disease and pain scores correlated positively in ridden horses. A low starch diet significantly decreases the severity of gastric disease and associated pain score during riding in horses. Gastric ulcers may be mitigated and the comfort of equines athletes improved by dietary adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study empirically analyses the effect of agricultural commercialisation on food spending and nutrition outcomes in Bangladesh. We examine whether exposure to exogenous climate shocks moderates these relationships. We construct individual‐level nutrition measures and time‐varying climate extremes using nationally representative panel data. To address endogeneity concerns, we use an instrument variable approach. Results show that commercialisation leads to an improvement in the broad nutritional profile of individuals. However, the commercialisation–nutrition linkage is weaker for households exposed to frequent climate shocks than those in climate‐resilient areas. Importantly, climate shocks dampen the positive nutritional impacts of commercialisation and exacerbate existing inequalities in the nutritional status within the households. Women and girls appear disproportionately vulnerable to the nutrition‐weakening effects of weather stresses in commercialised agricultural households. This highlights twin policy challenges: strengthening smallholders' resilience to escalating climate risks alongside promoting gender‐equitable, nutrition‐sensitive agricultural commercialisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Nutritional management is crucial in patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to assess nutritional status and detect malnutrition, especially in patients with diabetes. However, there is currently a lack of evidence regarding the relationship between nutritional indices and renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study investigated whether the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is related to renal prognosis in type 2 diabetes patients.The study included 946 type 2 diabetes patients enrolled in the Fukushima Cohort Study. The primary endpoint of this study was a renal event, defined as a combination of a 50% decline in eGFR from baseline and end‐stage kidney disease. All‐cause death and new cardiovascular events were also measured as secondary outcomes. The association between GNRI and these endpoints was assessed using Cox regression analysis.The median patient age was 66 years, 57% were men, the median eGFR was 67.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, and the median GNRI was 100.0. Compared to patients in the highest GNRI tertile, patients in the lowest tertile had a significantly increased risk of the renal event (HR 5.15, 95% CI 2.51–10.6) and all‐cause death (HR 2.30, 95% CI 1.20–4.42). A significant association was not observed between GNRI levels and cardiovascular events.We observed an association between poor nutritional status, assessed by GNRI, and adverse outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutritional status assessment has potential utility as a prognostic tool for individuals with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The six major bovine milk proteins are encoded by highly polymorphic chromosomes. Genetic variation has become a topic of interest and controversy in recent years due to supposed adverse health effects, beginning with the A2 variant of β‐casein. The functional implications of genetic variants have been well characterised, specifically heat stability and coagulation (i.e. rennet and acid) properties of milk, which have found that the B variant of β‐casein, κ‐casein and β‐lactoglobulin are the most beneficial. Genetic variants of milk proteins provide considerable potential to create new dairy products to add value to milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the link between early-life vitamin D exposure and childhood infection risk, particularly focusing on pneumonia in children up to age 3. Higher vitamin D levels at 6 months are associated with a reduced risk of pneumonia, suggesting a potential protective role of vitamin D against early airway infections. Previous research on antimicrobial peptides and airway immune profiles supports this finding. A systematic review by Martineau et al. in 2017 found evidence supporting the use of Vitamin D to prevent respiratory infections, while Brustad and Chawes discussed in a 2024 article the potential of Vitamin D in primary prevention of respiratory infections and asthma in early childhood. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Aim Methods Results Conclusion This study aimed to investigate the relationship between advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and advanced liver fibrosis (AF).A total of 5642 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2017 and 2020 were examined. Limited cubic spline regression model, and weighted logistic regression were employed to determine if ALI levels were related to the prevalence of NAFLD and AF. Additionally, a mediating analysis was conducted to investigate the role of lipid biomarkers, such as total cholesterol (TC) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), in the effects of ALI on the prevalence of NAFLD and AF.After adjusting for potential confounders, a significant positive association was found between ALI with NAFLD and AF prevalence. Compared with those in ALI Tertile 1, participants in Tertile 3 had higher odds of NAFLD prevalence (odds ratio [OR]: 3.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.52–3.97) and AF (OR: 3.17; 95% CI: 2.30–4.36). Participants in both Tertile 2 and Tertile 3 had lower odds of developing AF (P for trend = 0.005). Moreover, we discovered a nonlinear association between ALI and NAFLD. An inflection point of 74.25 for NAFLD was identified through a two‐segment linear regression model. Moreover, TC and HDL‐C levels mediated the association between ALI and NAFLD by 10.2% and 4.2%, respectively (both P < 0.001).Our findings suggest that higher ALI levels are positively associated with an increased prevalence of NAFLD and AF, partly mediated by lipid biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ingested toxins formulated as baits can be effective in the management of insect pests, but their efficacy may be influenced by insect foraging alongside active ingredients. There are several components that might influence insect consumption of toxic baits, one of which being prior nutritional exposure. In our study, we investigated how protein deprivation following adult emergence influences lethal and sublethal effects of boric acid on the pest tephritid melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. We performed a series of experiments to address the impact of prior diet on mortality, diet consumption, enzymes involved in detoxification and antioxidation and fly activity. Newly emerged melon fly adults were provided either diet containing 3:1 sucrose/yeast hyrdrolysate or just sucrose for three days prior to bioassays. Overall, protein deprivation had a strong effect on fly interactions with boric acid. In two separate experiments (continuous exposure and short duration feeding), insects only pre‐fed sucrose had significantly higher mortality compared with those pre‐fed protein. Insects that were pre‐fed only sucrose removed more liquid diet over the same duration of the experiments, suggesting compensatory foraging behaviours. Adults pre‐fed sucrose had higher catalase (1.5×) and superoxide dismutase (1.7×) activities compared with adults pre‐fed sucrose‐yeast, but we found no effect of boric acid on their activity or that of glutathione‐S‐transferase or acetylcholinesterase activity. Boric acid consumption also significantly reduced the activity of melon flies. Overall, our results demonstrate that prior diet in fly adulthood can impact subsequent exposure to and efficacy of ingested toxicants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the nutritional health of cetaceans has become increasingly important in a changing environment, where multiple stressors impact animals. Particularly for those species that require consumption of energy‐dense prey, such as the common dolphin. Thus far, no uniform measure for monitoring body condition has been recommended across cetaceans, and species‐specific measures may need to be developed if employed as a population condition indicator under Descriptor 1 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Here, nine morphometric body condition indices were applied to long‐term common dolphin stranding data sets originating from Ireland and the UK. We report a recent decline in the nutritional health of common dolphins in the Celtic Seas ecoregion comparing animals from 2017 to 2019 to animals from 1990 to 2006, with an increase in cases of animals dying due to starvation. Using ordinal regression trees, ventral blubber thickness (VBT) was identified as the most important index to predict nutritional status, defined at necropsy, followed by the scaled mass index (SMI). Using generalised linear models, both the VBT and SMI indices differentiated individuals that died from chronic and acute causes of death (i.e., bycatch), where animals in chronic conditions had significantly thinner VBT and lower SMI. Both significant temporal and seasonal patterns in VBT were identified, with poorer body conditions observed during the autumn and better body conditions observed during the spring, as well as an overall decline detected in VBT during the study period. While VBT was positively correlated with total body length, SMI showed the opposite trend. The VBT index is recommended for monitoring nutritional health within the species when total body length and season are considered. Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes for the observed decline, including shifts in prey availability and/or quality, to inform targeted conservation management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermentation processes have been known since ancient times and are widely used in the production of food, beverages, and other areas. One of the most well‐known fermented products is bread. It plays an important role in human nutrition because of the valuable compounds it contains. The growing population leads to an increase in global bread consumption and other bakery products. Simultaneously, in developed countries, declining consumption trends are observed. Understanding the complex interplay between socio‐economic dynamics, food production policies, and the dietary patterns of society is crucial for shaping effective strategies that align with the principles of a sustainable and resilient food system. The aim of this study was to determine bread consumption trends in Poland. Data were obtained from the Household Budget Surveys carried out by Statistics Poland. The study considered the period from 1978 to 2020 and was performed in three dimensions: socio‐economic groups, the number of people in households, and income quintile groups. A decreasing trend in bread consumption was observed within the analyzed period in all three socio‐economic groups. Based on the analysis of the relationship between bread consumption and income level per capita, the same observation was made. There was no correlation between the amount of bread consumed and the number of people in the household. The obtained data are determined by many factors, including prices of bread, demographic changes, dietary patterns, and education in the field of human nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae‐derived natural compounds have shown significant potential in treating various health conditions, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the development of precise drug delivery systems and diagnostic tools utilizing these compounds. Central to this innovation are the vibrant pigments found in algae chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins which not only impart color but also possess notable nutritional, medicinal, and antioxidant properties. These pigments are extensively used in supplements and the food industry for their health benefits. Emerging research highlights the role of algal pigments in promoting gut health by modulating gut microbiota. This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic benefits of algae, recent progress in algal‐derived nanoparticle technology, and the synergistic effects of algae and their pigments on gut health. Novel insights and recent data underscore the transformative potential of algal compounds in modern medicine and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk‐derived exosomes (MDEs), being a component of milk, have the potential to support immune system maturation in offspring and enhance immune cell proliferation. Through the transport and transmission of essential signaling molecules, MDEs contribute to the regulation of intergenerational and intraspecies communication, thereby impacting nutrient uptake and metabolic functions. A comprehensive comprehension of MDE functionalities is imperative for enhancing the quality of the dairy industry. A systematic search of the databases PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus utilizing predetermined keywords resulted in the identification of 418 articles, of which 67 were chosen for inclusion in this review, which specifically explores the intersection of immune response and nutrition. This article provides a critical analysis of the classification of extracellular vesicles, the mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of microvesicular dietary exosomes (MDEs), the components of MDEs, and their relevance in the contexts of nutrition and immune modulation. The primary aim of this review was to offer valuable scholarly insights to support the advancement and practical application of MDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of raw cow's milk has repeatedly been shown to protect from asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections. As raw milk bears potential health hazards, it cannot be recommended for prevention. Therefore, we performed an intervention study with microbially safe but otherwise minimally processed cow's milk. Here we describe feasibility and safety of the trial. Methods: The MARTHA trial (DRKS00014781) was set up as a double‐blind randomized intervention in a population residing in Bavaria. Infants from 6 to 36 months of age consumed minimally processed cow's milk (intervention arm) or ultra‐heat‐treated (UHT) semi‐skimmed milk (comparator arm). Results: At the age of 6 to 12 months, 260 infants were enrolled, with 72% having a family history of atopy. The extensive screening system for milk consumption and symptoms suggestive of adverse events was well accepted with 22,988 completed weekly surveys and an average completion of 82% surveys sent out. The children consumed the study milk on average on 457 days (61% of intervention days). The intervention proved to be safe without any case of milk allergy or milk intolerance under the intervention in both arms. All 6 cases of serious adverse events were unrelated to milk. The most common reason was unscheduled hospitalization of more than 3 days. Conclusions: The intervention with minimally processed milk and the study instruments proved feasible. During the age of 6 to 36 months, there was no increased risk of milk allergy in a population with a substantial proportion of family history of atopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of shiftwork among young adults poses significant health risks, primarily due to its disruptive effects on sleep, nutrition and physical activity. Addressing these risks necessitates the development of tailored, evidence‐based resources to support these key health behaviours. Participatory research approaches, engaging those with relevant lived experience (i.e., co‐design) are a novel and effective approach in developing these resources. As such, the aim of the present study was to explore whether sleep, nutrition and physical activity resources for young shiftworkers could be developed using participatory, co‐design approaches and how co‐designers would rate both the approaches used and the resulting resources. Methods: A participatory approach engaged co‐designers (young, experienced or previous shiftworkers; workplace health and safety specialists; science communicators and academic experts) to complete 2–3 online questionnaires and participate in 1–2 online workshops, to co‐design sleep, nutrition and physical activity resources for young shiftworkers. Following resource development, co‐designers assessed both the participatory approach and the resulting resources, through an online questionnaire, which included the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET). Results: Co‐designers (n = 48) participated in the development of sleep, nutrition and physical activity resources for young shiftworkers. Co‐designers evaluated the participatory approach positively, with a mean rating across all PPEET items of 4.7 (±0.2) on a 5‐point Likert scale. Co‐designers also provided positive ratings for the resources, with the majority (91.7%) either agreeing or strongly agreeing that they were user‐friendly, valuable and informative for young shiftworkers and would serve as a credible source of health information. Conclusion: By adopting a novel participatory approach, we successfully co‐designed sleep, nutrition and physical activity resources for young shiftworkers. Participatory approaches, including co‐design, should be considered when developing health interventions for shiftworkers, given the value of embedding lived experience to address their unique lifestyle challenges. Patient or Public Contribution: Co‐designers and/or people with relevant lived experience were involved in all project activities: conceptualisation, design, recruitment, data collection, data analysis, knowledge translation and output generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]