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UNLABELLED: In May of 2022, millions of U.S. parents encountered uncertainty in safely feeding their infants due to the infant formula shortage. METHODS: An anonymous, electronic, cross-sectional, retrospective survey was used. RESULTS: U.S. parents (n = 178) whose infants were ~10 weeks old during the shortage completed the survey. Of parents, 81% switched formulas during the shortage, 87% switched because they could not find the formula they typically used, 34% switched 3-5 times, 29% of parents visited ≥4 stores/24 h and 26% of parents traveled >20 miles/24 h to purchase formula. Use of infant formula increased (p < 0.01); in infants requiring specialty formula, use of intact cows milk formula increased (p < 0.05) and use of premature infant formulas decreased (p < 0.05). Infants relying on specialty formulas experienced at least one undesirable outcome compared with non-specialty users. Parents used social media, relatives/friends and healthcare providers for support during the shortage, but their helpfulness scores were suboptimal. Parents reported the need for greater infant formula availability, free prenatal lactation education and postpartum lactation support. CONCLUSIONS: Government, regulatory and healthcare policy oversight are needed to protect the infant feeding system, including more commercially available products, access to banked donor milk and lactation support.

PurposeChronic inflammation is integral to myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) pathogenesis. JAK inhibitors reduce cytokine levels, but not without significant side effects. Nutrition is a low-risk approach to reduce inflammation and ameliorate symptoms in MPN. We performed a randomized, parallel-arm study to determine the feasibility of an education-focused Mediterranean diet intervention among patients with MPN.Experimental designWe randomly assigned patients with MPN to either a Mediterranean diet or standard U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans (USDA). Groups received equal but separate education with registered dietician counseling and written dietary resources. Patients were prospectively followed for feasibility, adherence, and symptom burden assessments. Biological samples were collected at four timepoints during the 15-week study to explore changes in inflammatory biomarkers and gut microbiome.ResultsThe Mediterranean diet was as easy to follow for patients with MPN as the standard USDA diet. Approximately 80% of the patients in the Mediterranean diet group achieved a Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score of ≥8 throughout the entire active intervention period, whereas less than 50% of the USDA group achieved a score of ≥8 at any timepoint. Improvement in symptom burden was observed in both diet groups. No significant changes were observed in inflammatory cytokines. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiome remained stable throughout the duration of the intervention.ConclusionsWith dietician counseling and written education, patients with MPN can adhere to a Mediterranean eating pattern. Diet interventions may be further developed as a component of MPN care, and potentially incorporated into the management of other hematologic conditions.SignificanceDiet is a central tenant of management of chronic conditions characterized by subclinical inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease, but has not entered the treatment algorithm for clonal hematologic disorders. Here, we establish that a Mediterranean diet intervention is feasible in the MPN patient population and can improve symptom burden. These findings warrant large dietary interventions in patients with hematologic disorders to test the impact of diet on clinical outcomes.

Circulating levels of the soluble ligand-binding ectodomain of the LDL receptor (sLDLR) that is proteolytically cleaved from the cell surface have been shown to correlate with plasma triglycerides, but the lipid and lipoprotein effects of longitudinal changes in sLDLR have not been examined. We sought to assess associations between changes in sLDLR and detailed lipoprotein measurements between baseline and 6 months in participants in the DIETFITS (Diet Intervention Examining The Factors Interacting with Treatment Success) weight loss trial who were randomly assigned to the low-fat (n = 225) or low-carbohydrate (n = 236) diet arms. sLDLR was assayed using a proteomic procedure, lipids and apoprotein (apo) B and apoAI were measured by standard assays, and lipoprotein particle subfractions were quantified by ion mobility methodology. Changes in sLDLR were significantly positively associated with changes in plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, apoB, large-sized and medium-sized VLDL, and small and very small LDL, and inversely with changes in large LDL and HDL. The lipoprotein subfraction associations with sLDLR were independent of age, sex, diet, and BMI, but all except for large LDL were reduced to insignificance when adjusted for triglyceride change. Principal component analysis identified three independent clusters of changes in lipoprotein subfractions that accounted for 78% of their total variance. Change in sLDLR was most strongly correlated with change in the principal component that was loaded positively with large VLDL and small and very small LDL and negatively with large LDL and HDL. In conclusion, sLDLR is a component of a cluster of lipids and lipoproteins that are characteristic of atherogenic dyslipidemia.

Ecosystems that are coupled by reciprocal flows of energy and nutrient subsidies can be viewed as a single "meta-ecosystem." Despite these connections, the reciprocal flow of subsidies is greatly asymmetrical and seasonally pulsed. Here, we synthesize existing literature on stream-riparian meta-ecosystems to quantify global patterns of the amount of subsidy consumption by organisms, known as "allochthony." These resource flows are important since they can comprise a large portion of consumer diets, but can be disrupted by human modification of streams and riparian zones. Despite asymmetrical subsidy flows, we found stream and riparian consumer allochthony to be equivalent. Although both fish and stream invertebrates rely on seasonally pulsed allochthonous resources, we find allochthony varies seasonally only for fish, being nearly three times greater during the summer and fall than during the winter and spring. We also find that consumer allochthony varies with feeding traits for aquatic invertebrates, fish, and terrestrial arthropods, but not for terrestrial vertebrates. Finally, we find that allochthony varies by climate for aquatic invertebrates, being nearly twice as great in arid climates than in tropical climates, but not for fish. These findings are critical to understanding the consequences of global change, as ecosystem connections are being increasingly disrupted.

Deciding what, where, when and how much to feed a child occupies much of a mother's time, energy, and financial resources. This study aids our understanding of the effects of legislation promoting healthier eating on mothers from low socioeconomic groups and on their families. We interview mothers and nutrition experts in Santiago, Chile – the site of the most recent and comprehensive effort to change a population's food habits via legislation. We introduce the notions of 'desired diets' – ideal diets promoted by health experts and public policy discourses that moralise food consumption and promote consumer responsibilisation for health-related issues; and 'possible diets' – diets that mothers can adapt to and habituate in the household, considering their life realities. We argue that the notions of possible and desired diets often find themselves at odds, leading to mothers facing moral scrutiny, anxiety, and stress, which affects their sense of self, shaping notions of 'good mothering'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What motivates consumers to avoid unhealthy behaviors (e.g. consuming sugar, energy drinks, and fast food)? Traditional interventions and lay intuition suggest that to motivate themselves, consumers can consider the negative long-term health consequences of their decisions. Yet, consumers still struggle to avoid unhealthy behaviors. Seven experiments (N  =   4,021) offer a different approach. We find that considering short-term costs of unhealthy behaviors (e.g. irritability or indigestion after eating sugar) better curbs these behaviors than considering long-term costs or no costs. We theorize that short-term costs are more effective at reducing unhealthy behavior because they are more strongly associated with the act of consumption, both in terms of immediate timing and perceived likelihood of costs occurring. As such, short-term costs are better at undermining the reason for consuming unhealthily: anticipated enjoyment of the consumption experience. We test this process by (a) demonstrating mediation via increased association strength and subsequent decreased anticipated enjoyment, (b) manipulating the association strength between consumption and costs (i.e. same cost realized sooner vs. later), and (c) demonstrating moderation via consumers' goal for eating unhealthily. These results identify a powerful but underutilized self-regulation strategy—emphasizing short-term costs of unhealthy consumption—with implications for consumers and marketers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food supply chains hold significant embodied carbon emissions that need to be mitigated and neutralized. This study aimed to explore the historical Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions associated with household food consumption at a local scale i.e. across the eight English regions and the four nations that comprise the United Kingdom (UK). UK EatWell guidelines were used to explore the potential change in emissions and food costs in a scenario of transitions to healthier diets across the study areas. These emissions were calculated based on food consumption data before the advent of the Covid-pandemic i.e. between the years 2001 and 2018. Spatial data analysis was used to explore if the study areas had any significant correlations with respect to the emissions during the study period. The results displayed a potential reduction in GHG emissions for all study areas in the explored scenario. Further impacts include a reduction in household food costs across a majority of the areas during the study period. However, a consistent trend of significant correlations among the study areas was absent. This study concludes that local or regional policymaking should take precedence over national regulations to achieve healthier diets that are both carbon-neutral and affordable for the households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: n-3 fatty acid consumption during pregnancy is recommended for optimal pregnancy outcomes and offspring health. We examined characteristics associated with self-reported fish or n-3 supplement intake. DESIGN: Pooled pregnancy cohort studies. SETTING: Cohorts participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) consortium with births from 1999 to 2020. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 10 800 pregnant women in twenty-three cohorts with food frequency data on fish consumption; 12 646 from thirty-five cohorts with information on supplement use. RESULTS: Overall, 24·6 % reported consuming fish never or less than once per month, 40·1 % less than once a week, 22·1 % 1-2 times per week and 13·2 % more than twice per week. The relative risk (RR) of ever (v. never) consuming fish was higher in participants who were older (1·14, 95 % CI 1·10, 1·18 for 35-40 v.

Compared to a Western diet, the Mediterranean diet moves away from red meat and processed foods. Universally regarded as a healthier dietary alternative, the Mediterranean diet has garnered scientific endorsement for its ability to confer an array of compelling benefits. These health benefits encompass not only a lowered incidence of Type 2 diabetes with a reduction in obesity, but also a robust protective effect on cardiovascular health. Extensive literature exists to corroborate these health benefits; however, the impact of a Mediterranean diet on urologic diseases, specifically sexual dysfunction, lower urinary tract symptoms, stone disease, and urologic cancers are not well studied. Understanding how dietary habits may impact these urologic conditions can contribute to improved prevention and treatment strategies.A total of 955 papers from PubMed and Embase were systematically reviewed and screened. After exclusion of disqualified and duplicated studies, 58 studies consisting of randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, cross sectional studies, reviews and other meta-analyses were included in this review. 11 primary studies were related to the impact of a Mediterranean diet on sexual dysfunction, 9 primary studies regarding urinary symptoms, 8 primary studies regarding stone disease, and 9 primary studies regarding urologic cancers. All primary studies included were considered of good quality based on a New-Castle Ottawa scale. The results demonstrate a Mediterranean diet as an effective means to prevent as well as improve erectile dysfunction, nephrolithiasis, lower urinary tract symptoms, and urinary incontinence. The review highlights the need for additional research to study the impact of diet on urologic cancers and other urologic conditions such as premature ejaculation, loss of libido, female sexual dysfunction, and overactive bladder.

Exercise promotes pulsatile shear stress in the arterial circulation and ameliorates cardiometabolic diseases. However, exercise-mediated metabolic transducers for vascular protection remain under-investigated. Untargeted metabolomic analysis demonstrated that wild-type mice undergoing voluntary wheel running exercise expressed increased endothelial stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) that catalyzes anti-inflammatory lipid metabolites, namely, oleic (OA) and palmitoleic acids (PA), to mitigate NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses. In silico analysis revealed that exercise augmented time-averaged wall shear stress but mitigated flow recirculation and oscillatory shear index in the lesser curvature of the mouse aortic arch. Following exercise, endothelial Scd1-deleted mice (Ldlr-/- Scd1EC-/-) on high-fat diet developed persistent VCAM1-positive endothelium in the lesser curvature and the descending aorta, whereas SCD1 overexpression via adenovirus transfection mitigated endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory biomarkers. Single-cell transcriptomics of the aorta identified Scd1-positive and Vcam1-negative endothelial subclusters interacting with other candidate genes. Thus, exercise mitigates flow recirculation and activates endothelial SCD1 to catalyze OA and PA for vascular endothelial protection.

Globalization of fishery products is playing a significant role in shaping the harvesting and use of aquatic foods, but a vigorous debate has focused on whether the trade is a driver of the inequitable distribution of aquatic foods. Here, we develop species-level mass balance and trophic level identification datasets for 174 countries and territories to analyze global aquatic food consumption patterns, trade characteristics, and impacts from 1976 to 2019. We find that per capita consumption of aquatic foods has increased significantly at the global scale, but the human aquatic food trophic level (HATL), i.e., the average trophic level of aquatic food items in the human diet, is declining (from 3.42 to 3.18) because of the considerable increase in low-trophic level aquaculture species output relative to that of capture fisheries since 1976. Moreover, our study finds that trade has contributed to increasing the availability and trophic level of aquatic foods in >60% of the worlds countries. Trade has also reduced geographic differences in the HATL among countries over recent decades. We suggest that there are important opportunities to widen the current focus on productivity gains and economic outputs to a more equitable global distribution of aquatic foods.

Aster proteins mediate the nonvesicular transport of cholesterol from the plasma membrane (PM) to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, the importance of nonvesicular sterol movement for physiology and pathophysiology in various tissues is incompletely understood. Here we show that loss of Aster-B leads to diet-induced obesity in female but not in male mice, and that this sex difference is abolished by ovariectomy. We further demonstrate that Aster-B deficiency impairs nonvesicular cholesterol transport from the PM to the ER in ovaries in vivo, leading to hypogonadism and reduced estradiol synthesis. Female Aster-B-deficient mice exhibit reduced locomotor activity and energy expenditure, consistent with established effects of estrogens on systemic metabolism. Administration of exogenous estradiol ameliorates the diet-induced obesity phenotype of Aster-B-deficient female mice. These findings highlight the key role of Aster-B-dependent nonvesicular cholesterol transport in regulating estradiol production and protecting females from obesity.

AbstractOrganismal divergence can be driven by differential resource use and adaptation to different trophic niches. Variation in diet is a major factor shaping the gut microbiota, which is crucial for many aspects of their hosts' biology. However, it remains largely unknown how host diet diversity affects the gut microbiota, and it could be hypothesized that trophic niche width is positively associated with gut microbiota diversity. To test this idea, we sequenced the 16S ribosomal RNA gene from intestinal tissue of 14 threespine stickleback populations from lakes of varying size on Vancouver Island, Canada, that have been shown to differ in trophic niche width. Using lake size as a proxy for trophic ecology, we found evidence for higher gut microbiota uniqueness among individuals from populations with broader trophic niches. While these results suggest that diet diversity might promote gut microbiota diversity, additional work investigating diet and gut microbiota variation of the same host organisms will be necessary. Yet our results motivate the question of how host population diversity (e.g., ecological, morphological, genetic) might interact with the gut microbiota during the adaptation to ecological niches.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the agreement and cost of two recall methods for estimating childrens minimum dietary diversity (MDD). DESIGN: We assessed childs dietary intake on two consecutive days: an observation on day one, followed by two recall methods (list-based recall and multiple-pass recall) administered in random order by different enumerators at two different times on day two. We compared the estimated MDD prevalence using survey-weighted linear probability models following a two one-sided test equivalence testing approach. We also estimated the cost-effectiveness of the two methods. SETTING: Cambodia (Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Pursat provinces) and Zambia (Chipata, Katete, Lundazi, Nyimba, and Petauke districts). PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 6-23 months: 636 in Cambodia and 608 in Zambia. RESULTS: MDD estimations from both recall methods were equivalent to the observation in Cambodia but not in Zambia. Both methods were equivalent to the observation in capturing most food groups. Both methods were highly sensitive although the multiple-pass method accurately classified a higher proportion of children meeting MDD than the list-based method in both countries. Both methods were highly specific in Cambodia but moderately so in Zambia. Cost-effectiveness was better for the list-based recall method in both countries. CONCLUSION: The two recall methods estimated MDD and most other infant and young child feeding indicators equivalently in Cambodia but not in Zambia, compared to the observation. The list-based method produced slightly more accurate estimates of MDD at the population level, took less time to administer and was less costly to implement.

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is characterized by chronic low ruminal pH, and occurs for feedlot cattle fed high-concentrate diets. Forages slow digestion and reduce acid production. We aimed to assess how motivated finishing cattle are to access forage (Sudan grass hay, SG) via their willingness to interact with an electrified barrier. Reticulorumen pH was measured to relate the results to digestive health. Twenty-eight animals fed a high-concentrate ration ad libitum had access to 4 L of one of two treatments (n = 14/treatment) fed 1×/d behind a barrier: 1) SG or 2) an additional offering of the normal ration (total mixed ration [TMR]). To access their treatment, the steer voluntarily pushed his muzzle against an electrified barrier. The electrical current was increased exponentially every 24 h (0, 156, 312, 625, 1,250, 2,500, 5,000 µA) until the animal ceased accessing it. Visits to the treatment were recorded continuously 24 h/d and reticulorumen pH was measured every 10 min. Time with a reticulorumen pH below 5.8 was 348 ± 101 and 280 ± 76 min/24 h for SG and TMR animals, respectively; these durations meet the criterion for SARA. However, animals with access to SG were less likely to advance to the next current than TMR animals (P

The psychological states of hunger and satiety play an important role in regulating human food intake. Several lines of evidence suggest that these states rely upon declarative learning and memory processes, which are based primarily in the medial temporal lobes (MTL). The MTL, and particularly the hippocampus, is unusual in that it is especially vulnerable to insult. Consequently, we examine here the impact on hunger and satiety of conditions that: (1) are central to ingestive behaviour and where there is evidence of MTL pathology (i.e., habitual consumption of a Western-style diet, obesity, and anorexia nervosa); and (2) where there is overwhelming evidence of MTL pathology, but where ingestive behaviour is not thought central (i.e., temporal lobe epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder). While for some of these conditions the evidence base is currently limited, the general conclusion is that MTL impairment is linked, sometimes strongly, to dysfunctional hunger and satiety. This focus on the MTL, and declarative learning and memory processes, has implications for the development of alternative treatment approaches for the regulation of appetite.

BACKGROUND: Occurrence of low blood taurine concentrations (B-TauC) and predisposing factors to taurine deficiency in English Cocker Spaniels (ECS) are incompletely understood. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the occurrence of low B-TauC in a Swedish population of ECS and evaluate the association between B-TauC and dog characteristics, clinical variables, and diet composition. ANIMALS: One-hundred eighty privately owned ECS. METHODS: Dogs were prospectively recruited and underwent physical examination, blood analyses, and echocardiographic and ophthalmic examinations. Dogs with clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) also underwent thoracic radiography. Taurine concentrations were analyzed in plasma (EDTA and heparin) and whole blood. Diets consumed by the dogs at the time of the examination were analyzed for dietary taurine- (D-TauC), cysteine- (D-CysC), and methionine concentrations (D-MetC). RESULTS: Fifty-three of 180 dogs (29%) had low B-TauC, of which 13 (25%) dogs had clinical and radiographic signs of CHF, increased echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) dimensions and volumes, and impaired LV systolic function. Five (9%) dogs with low B-TauC had retinal abnormalities. Dietary MetC, dietary animal protein source (red/white meat), and age were associated with B-TauC in the final multivariable regression model (P

Background and aimsWe previously reported that Oxy210, an oxysterol-based drug candidate, exhibits antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. We also showed that, in mice, it ameliorates hepatic hallmarks of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), including inflammation and fibrosis, and reduces adipose tissue inflammation. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of Oxy210 on atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disease of the large arteries that is linked to NASH in epidemiologic studies, shares many of the same risk factors, and is the major cause of mortality in people with NASH.MethodsOxy210 was studied in vivo in APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, a humanized mouse model for both NASH and atherosclerosis, in which symptoms are induced by consumption of a high fat, high cholesterol "Western" diet (WD). Oxy210 was also studied in vitro using two cell types that are important in atherogenesis: human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and macrophages treated with atherogenic and inflammatory agents.ResultsOxy210 reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by more than 50% in hyperlipidemic mice fed the WD for 16 weeks. This was accompanied by reduced plasma cholesterol levels and reduced macrophages in lesions. In HAECs and macrophages, Oxy210 reduced the expression of key inflammatory markers associated with atherosclerosis, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-Selectin. In addition, cholesterol efflux was significantly enhanced in macrophages treated with Oxy210.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Oxy210 could be a drug candidate for targeting both NASH and atherosclerosis, as well as chronic inflammation associated with the manifestations of metabolic syndrome.

Gene-environmental interactions create risk profiles for sporadic cancer development in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). For instance, a persons socioeconomic status over their lifetime can affect their level of physical activity and type of diet, and their exposure to tobacco and alcohol may affect their gut microbiome and ultimate risk for developing CRC. Metabolic disease can independently or further change the gut microbiome and alter the typical timing of CRC development, such as is observed and linked with early-onset disease. Patients with microsatellite unstable tumors where DNA mismatch repair is defective have altered immune environments as a result of tumor hypermutability and neoantigen generation, allowing for immune checkpoint inhibitor susceptibility; in such cases, the genetics of the tumor changed the environment. The environment can also change the genetics, where interleukin-6-generated inflammation can inactivate MSH3 protein function that is associated with CRCs which are more metastatic, and patients show poor outcomes. Some specific aspects of the local microbial environment that may be influenced by diet and metabolism are associated with CRC risk, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum infection, and may affect the initiation, perpetuation, and spread of CRC. Overall, both the macro- and microenvironments associated with a person play a major role in CRC formation, progression, and metastases.

Previous studies indicate that CNS administration of oxytocin (OT) reduces body weight in high fat diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure (EE). We recently demonstrated that hindbrain (fourth ventricular [4V]) administration of OT elicits weight loss and elevates interscapular brown adipose tissue temperature (TIBAT, a surrogate measure of increased EE) in DIO mice. What remains unclear is whether OT-elicited weight loss requires increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) outflow to IBAT. We hypothesized that OT-induced stimulation of SNS outflow to IBAT contributes to its ability to activate BAT and elicit weight loss in DIO mice. To test this hypothesis, we determined the effect of disrupting SNS activation of IBAT on the ability of 4V OT administration to increase TIBAT and elicit weight loss in DIO mice. We first determined whether bilateral surgical SNS denervation to IBAT was successful as noted by ≥ 60% reduction in IBAT norepinephrine (NE) content in DIO mice. NE content was selectively reduced in IBAT at 1-, 6- and 7-weeks post-denervation by 95.9 ± 2.0, 77.4 ± 12.7 and 93.6 ± 4.6% (P

Free-roaming cats (Felis catus) are considered one of the most damaging invasive vertebrate pests in natural areas globally and are a major source of mortality for small animals in suburban and urban environments. Domestic cats are also considered to be a nuisance and a source of disease transmission to pet cats and to wildlife. Historically, the most common method of managing free-roaming cats has been euthanasia, but non-lethal approaches, such as trap-neuter-return (TNR), are increasing in popularity with the public. TNR-sterilized cats, subsidized by regular human feeding, remain in the environment and continue to prey upon wildlife and to be a source of disease and nuisance. However, the extent to which these cats depend on wild-caught prey vs. provisioned pet food is not clear. Moreover, if TNR colonies are located in areas of intensive human development, predation by these cats may be focused on commensal or widespread prey species rather than native species of conservation concern. Management of free-roaming cats aimed at protecting wildlife at the urban-wildland interface requires knowledge of the diet of cats across a gradient of land-use, from rural and natural open space to intensively developed suburban and urban areas. Our aim is to use stable isotope analysis to determine the diet of free-roaming cats in southern California, using ear tissue collected during TNR sterilization procedures. We will compare stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of free-roaming cats, collected across a gradient of anthropogenic land use, to isotope values of potential prey and anthropogenic foods to determine whether they consume native or commensal prey, or rely on human-provisioned food. To date we have collected more than 300 cat ear tissue samples from veterinary clinics that perform spay and neuter procedures to support TNR programs in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. We have also coordinated with vector control agencies and wildlife rehabilitators in the region to collect samples of local commensal and non-commensal bird species, as well as collected samples of commercial pet food. Samples will be dried and homog­enized and sent to UC Davis Stable Isotope Facility for analysis using mass spectrometry. When results are received, we will use stable isotope mixing models to estimate the contributions of different food types to cat diets. Additionally, we will plot the capture locations of each cat in a geographic information system (GIS) and character­ize the landscape surrounding each cat using data layers depicting the type and amount of land use and degree of urbanization. We predict that free-roaming cats living in more urbanized areas will consume primarily pet food and commensal vertebrates such as rats and mice, pigeons, and house sparrows, whereas those living in less urbanized areas and closer to natural open spaces will consume more wild and native prey species. Preliminary data analyzed to date suggest that many trapped cats rely on anthropogenic foods, including pet food, rather than consuming wild-caught prey, and that consumption of these food resources increases with the degree of urbanization around cat capture locations. We hope that our results can help inform management decisions about how and where to permit the implementation of TNR, especially in areas likely to support native species of conservation concern.

Roof rats (Rattus rattus) are a successful invasive species worldwide because of their ability to exploit their commensal relationship with humans. They are opportunistic feeders that use a wide range of natural and anthropogenic food sources. Because some rodent control methods, such as traps and rodenticides, threaten non-target wildlife species, understanding the diets of roof rats can help develop targeted approaches to better control these pests. Our aim is to use stable isotope analysis and stomach contents analysis to determine the diets of roof rats collected in agricultural, urban, and suburban areas in California. We hypothesized that diets of roof rats trapped in agricultural areas would contain crop plants and food resources associated with the agricultural environ­ment (arthropods, mollusks), whereas those from urban and suburban areas, e.g., schools, residential zones, would consume a broader range of food sources, including anthropogenic foods such as pet food, trash, and produce from gardens and fruit trees. To date, we have obtained roof rat carcasses from control efforts across the state, including our own trapping in southern California. Rats were frozen until they could be dissected in the lab. From each rat, we removed the gastrointestinal tract and took a small sample of ear tissue for stable isotope analysis; all tissues were stored in 95% ethanol. Ear tissue samples were dried, cut into small pieces, and weighed before sending them to the UC Davis Stable Isotope Facility for stable carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotope analysis. Stomachs were dissected under a dissecting microscope and food items were identified using reference keys. Preliminary analyses of stomach contents revealed significant amounts of what appears to be plant material, seeds, arthropod parts, and rodenticide bait, as well as many roundworms. Isotopic analysis of ear tissue of 64 rats from four Central Valley counties and urban/suburban rats from three southern California counties (n = 65) and Yolo County (n = 14) showed that δ13C values of rats from urban settings were significantly enriched compared to rural rats (Figure 1; F = 4.52, d.f. = 1, 141, P = 0.053), which is consistent with an urban diet containing more anthropogenic foods. δ13C values of urban roof rats were also much more variable (coefficient-of-variation, CV = 8.7%) than that of rats from agricultural areas (CV = 3.6%), which showed remarkably little variation within a site, indicative of feeding on a concentrated, shared resource. δ15N of rats differed significantly between agricultural counties (F = 195.9, d.f. = 3, 60, P

BackgroundDietary acculturation is the process by which diet and dietary practises from the environment of origin are retained or changed and/or those prevalent in a new environment are adopted. Despite rapid population growth the U.S., knowledge gaps exist on characterising dietary acculturation among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities (AANHPI). This study characterise dietary patterns in a sample representative of AANHPI on key demographic characteristics.MethodsData were from a 2013-2014 population-based case-control study in the San Francisco Bay Area, U.S. Survey items were adapted from dietary acculturation scales developed for AANHPI populations. Validated measures assessed social capital, social standing, discrimination and immigration experiences. A principal components factor analysis was conducted to characterise dietary patterns of acculturation.ResultsThree dietary patterns were identified: "Asian," "Western," and a distinct "Multicultural" factor. Respondents reporting a high-Asian diet tended to also report smaller social networks, higher levels of stress, and, among those born outside of the U.S., an educational standing that was better before immigration. Respondents reporting a high-Western diet tended to also report the highest level of discrimination. Those reporting a high-Multicultural diet tended to report higher neighbourhood collective efficacy.ConclusionsThe finding of a distinct "Multicultural" factor beyond the typical "Asian" and "Western" factors may reflect the multidirectional relationships between culture, diet, and dietary behavior, in which origin and destination cultures interact in complex ways and where foods from multiple ethnicities intermix.

Glucose is the primary energy source for most mammalian cells and its transport is affected by a family of facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs) encoded by the SLC2 gene. GLUT1 and GLUT3, highly expressed isoforms in the blood-brain barrier and neuronal membranes, respectively, are associated with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders including epilepsy, dyslexia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dietary therapies, such as the ketogenic diet, are widely accepted treatments for patients with the GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, while ameliorating certain symptoms associated with GLUT3 deficiency in animal models. A ketogenic diet, high-fat diet, and calorie/energy restriction during prenatal and postnatal stages can also alter the placental and brain GLUTs expression with long-term consequences on neurobehavior. This review focuses primarily on the role of diet/energy perturbations upon GLUT isoform-mediated emergence of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

CONTEXT: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer are the two main leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Suboptimal diet, poor in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain, and rich in processed and red meat, refined grains, and added sugars, is a primary modifiable risk factor. Based on health, economic and ethical concerns, plant-based diets have progressively widespread worldwide. OBJECTIVE: This umbrella review aims at assessing the impact of animal-free and animal-products-free diets (A/APFDs) on the risk factors associated with the development of cardiometabolic diseases, cancer and their related mortalities. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Scopus were searched for reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published from 1st January 2000 to 31st June 2023, written in English and involving human subjects of all ages. Primary studies and reviews/meta-analyses based on interventional trials which used A/APFDs as a therapy for people with metabolic diseases were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: The umbrella review approach was applied for data extraction and analysis. The revised AMSTAR-R 11-item tool was applied to assess the quality of reviews/meta-analyses. RESULTS: Overall, vegetarian and vegan diets are significantly associated with better lipid profile, glycemic control, body weight/BMI, inflammation, and lower risk of ischemic heart disease and cancer. Vegetarian diet is also associated with lower mortality from CVDs. On the other hand, no difference in the risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension were reported in pregnant women following vegetarian diets. Study quality was average. A key limitation is represented by the high heterogeneity of the study population in terms of sample size, demography, geographical origin, dietary patterns, and other lifestyle confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Plant-based diets appear beneficial in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as CVDs, cancer risk and mortality. However, caution should be paid before broadly suggesting the adoption of A/AFPDs since the strength-of-evidence of study results is significantly limited by the large study heterogeneity alongside the potential risks associated with potentially restrictive regimens.

Weight change trajectory from diet and lifestyle interventions typically involves rapid weight loss followed by a weight plateau after approximately 6 months. Changing from one weight-loss diet to another at the time of the plateau could instigate renewed weight loss. Therefore, our secondary analysis aimed to assess trajectory of weight loss in a 12-month, randomized, cross-over study. Forty-two adults were randomized to eat a healthy low-fat or healthy low-carbohydrate diet for 6 months then switched to the opposite diet for an additional 6 months. Regardless of diet assignment, participants experienced rapid initial weight loss, which slowed between 3 to 6 months. After switching diets at 6 months, weight modestly decreased until 9 months, but at a rate slower than the initial 3 months and slower than the rate from 3 to 6 months. This suggests that the weight loss plateau typically seen at 6 months is physiological and cannot be overcome by simply switching to a different weight-loss diet.

Our research used glucocorticoids as a medically relevant molecular probe to identify a previously unrecognized ADAMTS1-PTN-Wnt pathway. We elucidated the role of this pathway in regulating adipose precursor cell (APC) behavior to either proliferate or differentiate in response to systemic cues, such as elevated caloric intake. Further, our studies identified the non-muscle myosin protein MYH9 as a key target of this pathway to modulate adipogenesis in vivo. These findings enable strategies toward developing novel therapeutics for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

College students may face barriers to eating healthy foods. Educational interventions providing practical knowledge and skills may help students to overcome financial barriers or other barriers to acquiring, preparing, and consuming healthy foods. We evaluated the association between participation in a semester-long food skills course with an interactive teaching kitchen and dietary and cooking self-efficacy and behaviors. Participants were recruited from course enrollees (intervention) and the general student population (comparison). We assessed differences in pre-post changes in the outcomes between groups using the propensity score weighting and mixed effects linear or Poisson regression. Course participation was associated with improved self-efficacy around cooking (group × time β-coefficient [SE]: 3.25 [0.57], p < 0.0001) and fruit (6.33 [1.19], p < 0.0001), vegetable (5.43 [1.42], p = 0.0002), and whole grain (5.83 [1.40], p < 0.0001) consumption. Course participants reported smaller pre-post decreases in vegetable consumption compared to non-participants (0.35 [0.16], p = 0.03), increased cooking frequency (0.22 [0.10], p = 0.03) and a decreased frequency of skipping meals (-0.47 [0.16], p = 0.003). There were no changes associated with the intervention in the consumption of fruit or whole grains, or in eating out frequency. Participation in a semester-long, personal food skills course with a teaching kitchen may improve self-efficacy, cooking, and vegetable consumption among college students.

The Ketogenic Diet (KD) improves memory and longevity in aged C57BL/6 mice. We tested 7 months KD vs. control diet (CD) in the mouse Alzheimer's Disease (AD) model APP/PS1. KD significantly rescued Long-Term-Potentiation (LTP) to wild-type levels, not by changing Amyloid-β (Aβ) levels. KD's 'main actor' is thought to be Beta-Hydroxy-butyrate (BHB) whose levels rose significantly in KD vs. CD mice, and BHB itself significantly rescued LTP in APP/PS1 hippocampi. KD's 6 most significant pathways induced in brains by RNAseq all related to Synaptic Plasticity. KD induced significant increases in synaptic plasticity enzymes p-ERK and p-CREB in both sexes, and of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in APP/PS1 females. We suggest KD rescues LTP through BHB's enhancement of synaptic plasticity. LTP falls in Mild-Cognitive Impairment (MCI) of human AD. KD and BHB, because they are an approved diet and supplement respectively, may be most therapeutically and translationally relevant to the MCI phase of Alzheimer's Disease.

Background & aimsLow adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) has been shown to be associated with a higher prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but its association with IBS symptoms is not established. We aim to assess the association between MD and IBS symptoms, identify components of MD associated with IBS symptoms, and determine if a symptom-modified MD is associated with changes in the gut microbiome.MethodsOne hundred and six Rome +IBS and 108 health control participants completed diet history and gastrointestinal symptom questionnaires. Adherence to MD was measured using Alternate Mediterranean Diet and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Sparse partial least squares analysis identified MD food items associated with IBS symptoms. Stool samples were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and microbial composition analysis in IBS subjects.ResultsAlternate Mediterranean Diet and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener scores were similar between IBS and health control subjects and did not correlate with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System, abdominal pain, or bloating. Among IBS participants, a higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, sugar, and butter was associated with a greater severity of IBS symptoms. Multivariate analysis identified several MD foods to be associated with increased IBS symptoms. A higher adherence to symptom-modified MD was associated with a lower abundance of potentially harmful Faecalitalea, Streptococcus, and Intestinibacter, and higher abundance of potentially beneficial Holdemanella from the Firmicutes phylum.ConclusionsA standard MD was not associated with IBS symptom severity, although certain MD foods were associated with increased IBS symptoms. Our study suggests that standard MD may not be suitable for all patients with IBS and likely needs to be personalized in those with increased symptoms.

BackgroundEating a high-quality diet or adhering to a given dietary strategy may influence weight loss. However, these 2 factors have not been examined concurrently for those following macronutrient-limiting diets.ObjectiveTo determine whether improvement in dietary quality, change in dietary macronutrient composition, or the combination of these factors is associated with differential weight loss when following a healthy low-carbohydrate (HLC) or healthy low-fat (HLF) diet.DesignGenerally healthy adults were randomly assigned to HLC or HLF diets for 12 mo (n = 609) as part of a randomized controlled weight loss study. Participants with complete 24-h dietary recall data at baseline and 12-mo were included in this secondary analysis (total N = 448; N = 224 HLC, N = 224 HLF). Participants were divided into 4 subgroups according to 12-mo change in HEI-2010 score [above median = high quality (HQ) and below median = low quality (LQ)] and 12-mo change in macronutrient intake [below median = high adherence (HA) and above median = low adherence (LA) for net carbohydrate (g) or fat (g) for HLC and HLF, respectively]. Baseline to 12-mo changes in mean BMI were compared for those in HQ/HA, HQ/LA, LQ/HA subgroups with the LQ/LA subgroup within HLC and HLF.ResultsFor HLC, changes (95 % confidence level [CI]) in mean BMI were -1.15 kg/m2 (-2.04, -0.26) for HQ/HA, -0.30 (-1.22, 0.61) for HQ/LA, and -0.80 (-1.74, 0.14) for LQ/HA compared with the LQ/LA subgroup. For HLF, changes (95% CI) in mean BMI were -1.11kg/m2 (-2.10, -0.11) for HQ/HA, -0.26 (-1.26, 0.75) for HQ/LA, and -0.66 (-1.74, 0.41) for LQ/HA compared with the LQ/LA subgroup.ConclusionWithin both HLC and HLF diet arms, 12-mo decrease in BMI was significantly greater in HQ/HA subgroups relative to LQ/LA subgroups. Neither HQ nor HA alone were significantly different than LQ/LA subgroups. Results of this analysis support the combination of dietary adherence and high-quality diets for weight loss.Clinical trial registryclinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01826591).

Understanding the circumstances under which insect herbivores will adopt a novel host plant is a longstanding question in basic and applied ecology. While geographic variation in host use can arise through differences in both herbivore preference and plant characteristics, there is a tendency to attribute geographic variation in host use to regional differences in herbivore preference alone. This is especially true for herbivores specialized to one or a few plant species. We compared how geographic variation in herbivore preference and host plant origin shape regional differences in host plant use by the specialized herbivore, Euphydryas phaeton. In parts of its range, E. phaeton uses only a native host, Chelone glabra, while in others, it also uses an introduced host, Plantago lanceolata. We offered female butterflies from each region the non-native host plant sourced from both regions and compared their oviposition behavior. The non-native host was almost universally rejected by butterflies in the region where only the native plant is used. In the region where butterflies use both hosts, females accepted non-native plants from their natal region twice as often as non-native plants from the other region where they are not used. Acceptance differed substantially among individual butterflies within regions but not among plants within regions. Thus, both individual preference and regional differences in both the insect and non-native host contributed to the geographic variation in different ways. These results highlight that, in addition to herbivore preference, regional differences in perceived plant suitability may be an important driver of diet breadth.

Current models of early human subsistence economies suggest a focus on large mammal hunting. To evaluate this hypothesis, we examine human bone stable isotope chemistry of 24 individuals from the early Holocene sites of Wilamaya Patjxa (9.0-8.7 cal. ka) and Soro Mikaya Patjxa (8.0-6.5 cal. ka) located at 3800 meters above sea level on the Andean Altiplano, Peru. Contrary to expectation, Bayesian mixing models based on the isotope chemistry reveal that plants dominated the diet, comprising 70-95% of the average diet. Paleoethnobotanical data further show that tubers may have been the most prominent subsistence resource. These findings update our understanding of earliest forager economies and the pathway to agricultural economies in the Andean highlands. The findings furthermore suggest that the initial subsistence economies of early human populations adapting to new landscapes may have been more plant oriented than current models suggest.

BackgroundA subgroup of adults with celiac disease experience persistent gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms, which vary between individuals and the cause(s) for which are often unclear.MethodsThe present observational study sought to elucidate patterns of persistent symptoms and the relationship between those patterns and gluten-free diet adherence, psychiatric symptoms, and various aspects of quality of life (QOL) in an online sample of adults with celiac disease. U.S. adults with self-reported, biopsy-confirmed celiac disease (N = 523; Mage = 40.3 years; 88% women; 93.5% White) voluntarily completed questionnaires as part of the iCureCeliac® research network: (a) Celiac Symptoms Index (CSI) for physical symptoms and subjective health; (b) Celiac Dietary Adherence Test for gluten-free diet adherence; (c) PROMIS-29, SF-36, and Celiac Disease Quality of Life Survey for psychiatric symptoms and QOL. Symptom profiles were derived using latent profile analysis and profile differences were examined using auxiliary analyses.ResultsLatent profile analysis of CSI items determined a four-profile solution fit best. Profiles were characterized by: (1) little to no symptoms and excellent subjective health (37% of sample); (2) infrequent symptoms and good subjective health (33%); (3) occasional symptoms and fair to poor subjective health (24%); (4) frequent to constant symptoms and fair to poor subjective health (6%). Profiles 2 and 3 reported moderate overall symptomology though Profile 2 reported relatively greater extraintestinal symptoms and Profile 3 reported relatively greater gastrointestinal symptoms, physical pain, and worse subjective health. Profiles differed on anxiety and depression symptoms, limitations due to physical and emotional health, social functioning, and sleep, but not clinical characteristics, gluten-free diet adherence, or QOL. Despite Profile 3's moderate symptom burden and low subjective health as reported on the CSI, Profile 3 reported the lowest psychiatric symptoms and highest quality of life on standardized measures.ConclusionsAdults with celiac disease reported variable patterns of persistent symptoms, symptom severity, and subjective health. Lack of profile differences in gluten-free diet adherence suggests that adjunctive dietary or medical assessment and intervention may be warranted. Lower persistent symptom burden did not necessarily translate to better mental health and QOL, suggesting that behavioral intervention may be helpful even for those with lower celiac symptom burden.

The article analyzes the organizational and legal prerequisites and the process of reorganization of the administrative and territorial system and the formation of local self-government on the territory of Subcarpathian Rus (Transcarpathia) during the first half of the 20s of the 20th century. It was established that the system of administrative and territorial organization of the region was formed gradually, undergoing minor changes at the initial stage. At this stage, the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic in the former Hungarian lands (Piedkarpattia) not only adopted the existing Hungarian administrative system to a certain extent, but also partially adapted it to its needs. It has been analyzed that instead of Czechoslovak committees under Law No. 126/1920, the old Hungarian committee administration, modified by Law No. 210/1920 and Government Decree No. 476/1920, remained in force in Subcarpathian Rus. It was established that after the recognition of the invalidity of the Committee Law No. 126/1920 and the unsuccessful attempt to introduce Government Decree No. 352/1920 in Subcarpathian Rus, the government of the Czech Republic began to be interested in the centralization of power in the region. It is noted that the resolution of the Presidium of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Czechoslovakia No. 22093 dated August 26, 1921 approved a new administrative-territorial system with a division into three counties and 19 districts. The cities of Uzhhorod and Mukachevo were declared settlements with a regulated magistrate. It is proven that the limitation of local self-government was based on government decree No. 171/1923, the principle norm of which was the appointment of new district notaries, who became civil servants supervising self-government. Corresponding conclusions were made regarding the support by the state authorities of the Czechoslovak Republic of the principle of vertical subordination of self-government bodies, especially city ones, which even illusory did not correspond to the principles of the autonomous organization of the region stipulated by the Saint-Germain Peace Treaty [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pre-diabetes, characterized by elevated glycemic indices, poses a high risk of diabetes development, and is increasingly linked to non-specific low back pain. While mechanisms remain incompletely understood, metabolic, inflammatory, and neurological factors are implicated. Dietary interventions, including low-glycemic and anti-inflammatory diets, alongside weight management, may improve outcomes in this population. Objectives: In this non-randomized controlled trial, we aim to evaluate the influence of decreasing HbA1c levels on reducing chronic non-specific low back pain in pre-diabetic, non-obese individuals, as well as emphasizing the importance of such a study in supporting the literature. Methods: A non-randomized controlled single-blind clinical trial was conducted among 82 participants with chronic non-specific low back pain and pre-diabetes at an outpatient clinic in Baghdad from the 30th of January to the 22nd of September. The intervention methods aimed at reducing HbA1c levels to assess the reduction impact on alleviating chronic non-specific low back pain included dietary adjustments, sleep optimization, and correction of vitamins and minerals deficiencies. The follow-up process was conducted individually for each participant, with a monthly assessment over a period of six months. Results: At 12 weeks a significant decrease in chronic non-specific low back pain severity was observed in patients with lower HbA1C levels yielding a P -value of.021. Similarly, at 24 weeks there was a decline in the number of patients who reported chronic non-specific low back pain, and the association to lower HbA1C levels was significant with a p -value of.005. Conclusion: This study suggests the presence of a statistically significant association between reduction of HbA1C levels and ensuing improvement in chronic non-specific low back pain symptoms in non-obese prediabetic patients. Plain language summary: The Effects of HbA1c Reduction on Alleviating Nonspecific Back Pain Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at risk of developing diabetes and other health problems, including low back pain, a type of low back pain without a clear cause. Researchers believe this link might be due to problems with metabolism, inflammation, or nerve function. Changes in diet, especially focusing on lowering blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation, along with managing weight, may help people with pre-diabetes who have low back pain without a clear cause feel better. In this study, 82 people with both pre-diabetes and low back pain without a clear cause that lasted for more than 3 months took part in a clinical trial at a clinic in Baghdad. The trial lasted from January to September and was designed to see if lowering blood sugar (measured by HbA1c levels) would reduce low back pain. The participants received personalized care, which included making changes to their diet, improving their sleep, and correcting any vitamin or mineral deficiencies they had. They were followed closely for six months, with monthly check-ups. The results showed that after 12 weeks, many people who managed to lower their blood sugar levels experienced less severe low back pain. The improvement was even more noticeable after 24 weeks, as fewer people reported ongoing low back pain, and this improvement was strongly linked to lower blood sugar levels. In conclusion, the study found that reducing blood sugar levels in people with pre-diabetes who are not obese can significantly improve symptoms of low back pain. This suggests that managing blood sugar could be an important way to relieve low back pain without a clear cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, can be significantly impacted by diet. This study explores the relationship between a diet rich in phytochemicals, measured by the Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI), and PCOS, along with associated health markers. Methods: A case–control study design was implemented with 480 individuals diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria, paired with 480 controls matched in terms of age and BMI. The evaluation encompassed dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, and hormonal/metabolic markers. Additionally, the DPI score was determined based on the consumption of phytochemical-rich foods. The study also examined PCOS-related complications like acne and irregular menstrual cycles, as well as mental health using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) scores. Results: Women with PCOS had significantly lower DPI scores (32.42 vs 43.87, p < 0.001) compared to the control group, indicating a less phytochemical-rich diet. The DPI scores coincided with higher levels of hormones typically associated with PCOS, including Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S), and testosterone. Additionally, these scores were associated with markers of metabolic dysfunction such as C-reactive Protein (CRP), Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), while positively correlating with Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) (all p < 0.050).). Higher DPI scores were associated with a significantly reduced risk of PCOS (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.23, P for trend: 0.001) and its complications, including acne and irregular menstrual cycles. Interestingly, a positive association emerged, suggesting better mental health (lower BDI-II scores) with higher DPI scores. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study indicates that lower DPI scores are associated with a higher incidence and severity of PCOS, suggesting that a phytochemical-rich diet could potentially benefit the management of PCOS by enhancing hormonal profiles, metabolic health, and mental well-being in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of women entering pregnancy with overweight or obesity is increasing. This can increase the risk for excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) which is associated with health complications for mother and baby. There are limited evidence-based interventions within antenatal care settings to encourage healthy eating and physical activity behaviours and support women with managing GWG. Methods: A previous habit-based intervention 'Ten Top Tips for a Healthy Weight' (10TT) was adapted and made suitable for pregnancy in line with the Medical Research Council's (MRC) complex intervention development guidelines. It involved three key activities: (1) identifying the evidence base; (2) identifying appropriate theory; and, (3) modelling processes. A core element was integrating lived experience via personal and public involvement (PPI). Results: The original 10TTs were adapted with PPI in line with current advice on nutrition and physical activity in pregnancy. New intervention materials were devised, including a leaflet and a logbook and app for self-monitoring to be delivered alongside a brief 1:1 conversation. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) included in the new materials were coded using a number of behavioural taxonomies. An E-learning resource was created to help standardise the approach to delivery of the intervention and avoid stigmatising conversations. Conclusion: Following MRC guidance for the development of complex interventions alongside significant PPI allowed for the adaption of 10TT habit-based weight management intervention into the 'Healthy Habits in Pregnancy and Beyond' (HHIPBe) intervention. The feasibility and acceptability of implementing this intervention in the antenatal setting will be explored in a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Trial Registration: This study was registered on Clinical Trials as 'Healthy Habits in Pregnancy and Beyond (HHIPBe)' ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04336878. The study was registered on 07/04/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bisphenol S (BPS) is the main substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known plasticiser and endocrine disruptor. BPS disrupts ovarian function in several species. Moreover, a few studies have reported that the effects of BPS might be modulated by the metabolic status, and none have characterised the granulosa cell (GC) proteome after chronic BPS exposure. Objectives: This study aimed to decipher the mechanisms of action of chronic BPS exposure on the proteome of ewe GCs while considering the interaction between a deliberate contrasted metabolism and reproductive function. Methods: Forty ewes were split into two groups with contrasted diets: restricted (R, n = 20) and well-fed (WF, n = 20). The R and WF ewes were subdivided according to the dose of BPS administered through the diet (0–50 µg/kg/day), forming four groups: R0, R50, WF0 and WF50. After 3-month BPS daily exposure, GCs were recovered during the pre-ovulatory stage and proteins were analysed by nano-liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Chronic exposure to BPS affected the GC proteome differently according to the ewe metabolic status. Fifty-nine out of 958 quantified proteins were differentially abundant between groups and are mainly involved in carbohydrate and lipid pathways. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) identified four clusters of 34, 6, 5 and 14 proteins according to the BPS exposure and diet interaction. Pairwise comparisons between groups also revealed a strong effect of BPS exposure and diet interaction. Functional analysis of DAPs highlighted that BPS upregulated β-glucuronidase (GUSB; p = 0.002), a protein especially able to deconjugate bisphenol glucuronides (BP-g). Moreover, among unexposed ewes, GUSB was detected only in well-fed ewes. Discussion: Conjugation of glucuronides inhibits the oestrogenic activity of bisphenols. Upregulation of GUSB in ewes dosed with BPS would prolong the oestrogenic effects of BPS by deconjugating BPS-g into free BPS. In addition, literature has reported an up-regulation of GUSB in people suffering from obesity. Therefore, people suffering from obesity could be subjected to prolonged and aggravated exposure to BPS. These data highlighted the deleterious effects of BPS and its interaction with metabolic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity and heterogeneity often are conflated but are fundamentally different. An aphorism proposed by Shavit and Ellison (2021; J. Phil. 118: 525–548) for distinguishing them is that ‘a zoo is diverse whereas an ecosystem is heterogeneous.' That is, a zookeeper measuring diversity simply enumerates the different types of animals; interactions are not expected to occur between animals separated by fences or other barriers. In contrast, measures of heterogeneity ought to include both interspecific interactions and relationships between species and their heterogeneous habitats. Here, we use cross‐scale, dual scaling‐law analyses of heterogeneity and diversity of animal gut microbiomes (AGMs) to address three objectives: 1) estimate the spatial heterogeneity and diversity of animal‐gut microbiomes; 2) analyze influences of phylogeny and diets on scaling of diversity and heterogeneity; 3) explore mechanistic differences between diversity and heterogeneity in AGMs. From 4903 AGM samples collected from 318 animal species covering all six classes of vertebrates and four major classes of invertebrates, we estimated that ≈640 000 operational taxonomic units (OTUs or ‘species') make up the pool of microbial species that could inhabit animal guts, among which ≈8000 are relatively common and ≈800 are dominant. The gut of any single animal, however, includes only 0.01–0.5% of the total species pool. We applied Ma's diversity‐area relationship for scaling diversity, and extend Taylor's power law and Luna et al.'s (2020; Diversity 12: 86) interaction diversity for scaling heterogeneity. At the community scale, phylogeny significantly influenced heterogeneity, but diets did not. Phylogeny and diets had limited influence on diversity at both community and landscape scales. We demonstrated that diversity and heterogeneity measure two different properties. Further, differences in scaling of diversity and heterogeneity are a result of heterogeneity being primarily the result of evolved dispersal behavior and interspecific interactions, whereas diversity results from abundances controlled on ecological time scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transverse dimensions of internasal and nasopremaxillary sutures in rats were assessed at different ages and following different dietary functional demands.Eighty‐four male Wistar rats were divided into two groups fed either a hard or a soft diet from 4 weeks of age, and sacrificed at 4 weeks (baseline: n = 12),16 weeks (n = 24), 26 weeks (n = 24), or 38 weeks (n = 24) of age. High‐resolution micro‐computed tomograms of the internasal and left nasopremaxillary sutures were obtained with 10 µm voxel size and 5 × 5 mm field of view. The endocranial and ectocranial suture widths, the mean suture width, and the suture height were measured. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effects of age and type of diet on suture dimensions. Internasal and nasopremaxillary suture dimensions were influenced by age, with a generally lower width and a larger height in the older animal. Regarding diet consistency, internasal suture widths were on average larger in the hard‐diet group (e.g., mean suture width 43 µm in the hard‐ versus 30 µm in the soft‐diet group at 26 weeks). In conclusion, the internasal and nasopremaxillary sutures tend to become narrower with age, while being influenced by masticatory functional demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), also known as Pickwickian syndrome, is a respiratory consequence of morbid obesity, usually treated with non-invasive positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies and weight loss. This study reports a 53-year-old woman with a body mass index of 49 kg/m2 who experienced acute hypercapnic respiratory failure due to OHS. Her treatment involved mechanical ventilation, home oxygen therapy, and long-term weight loss of >30 kg. Case Report: A 53-year-old woman (109 kg) presented with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure due to OHS, which improved with mechanical ventilation and diuretics. After discharge from the hospital, she was treated with nocturnal non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) and home oxygen therapy. Over a 5-year period, following loss of >30 kg, she was re-evaluated for the discontinuation of NPPV and oxygen therapy. She was evaluated with various NPPV settings and oxygen doses, monitored by transcutaneous pressure of carbon dioxide (PtcCO2). On NPPV, PtcCO2 levels ±55 mmHg were maintained within 10 min, indicating that the durations of PtcCO2 ³50 mmHg were too prolonged for her to be switched to continuous PAP therapy. Nonetheless, oxygen therapy was discontinued because the duration of peripheral blood oxygen saturation <90% was brief. Conclusions: For patients with OHS treated with NPPV and oxygen therapy, weight loss alone may not improve hypoventilation and wean the patient from NPPV. Besides obesity, various factors influence respiratory compromise in OHS; hence, a comprehensive assessment of hypoventilation, including PtcCO2 monitoring, is essential to determine whether NPPV withdrawal is possible after body weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate (1) the association between maternal dietary choices during the first and second trimesters and the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), (2) the association between a GDM diagnosis and dietary choices during pregnancy, and (3) the differences in pregnancy outcomes between individuals with and without GDM. Methods: A prospective cohort study. Pregnant individuals with singleton pregnancy aged 19 ∼ 44 years, without severe pregnancy complications were enrolled in the study. Dietary data were collected at three time points during routine antenatal appointments: 8 ∼ 12 weeks gestation(n = 993), 20 ∼ 24 weeks gestation(n = 732), and 32 ∼ 36 weeks gestation(n = 536). GDM diagnosis and pregnancy outcomes were collected during follow-up from the electronic medical record (EMR). Results: A total of 93 participants (12.9%) were diagnosed with GDM. Livestock and poultry meat intake during the second trimester were associated with an increased risk of developing GDM (aOR 1.371, 95%CI 1.070–1.756, P = 0.013), and a GDM diagnosis may lead to decreased intake of cereals and its products (P = 0.001), potatoes and its products (P < 0.001), and fruit (P = 0.002) and increased intake of fish, shrimp and shellfish (P = 0.001), eggs (P = 0.015), and milk and milk products (P = 0.011) in the third trimester. Individuals with GDM related to lower risk of excessive gestational weight gain (aOR 0.384, 95%CI 0.188–0.646, P = 0.001) but may increase the risk of fetal macrosomia (aOR 3.873, 95%CI 1.364–10.996, P = 0.011). Conclusions: Understanding maternal dietary choices around GDM diagnosis is crucial for accurate nutritional assessment and effective education programs. While our findings suggest dietary changes may occur post-diagnosis, further research is needed to confirm these patterns and the potential benefits of early dietary counseling for individuals with GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota is considered a key player modulating the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in cancer. The effects of dietary pattern on this interaction is not well-studied. A prospective multicenter cohort of 95 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing ICI therapy were enrolled. Stool shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed. Three-day dietary patterns before ICI were assessed. Patients were categorized as hyperprogressive disease (HPD) if they exhibited a time to treatment failure of less than 2 months. All others were categorized as non-hyperprogressive disease (non-HPD). The correlation between dietary patterns, gut microbiome, and response to ICI therapy was analyzed. In the multivariate analysis, a high abundance of Firmicutes unclassified and the Ruminococcaceae family correlated with a significantly diminished progression-free survival (PFS) with an HR of 2.40 [P = 0.006] and 4.30 [P = 0.005], respectively. More specifically, within the subset of NSCLC patients treated solely with ICI therapy, a high abundance of Intestinimonas and the Enterobacteriaceae family were associated with substantially reduced PFS with an HR of 2.61 [P = 0.02] and HR 3.34 [P = 0.005], respectively. In our comprehensive dietary pattern analysis, the HPD group showed increased consumption of cholesterol, sodium, and fats beyond recommended levels compared to the non-HPD group. This group also displayed a tendency towards higher food pattern scores characterized by a high intake of fat and dairy products. Our study revealed a distinct association between the gut microbiome composition and treatment outcomes. The overall composition of diet might be related to ICI therapeutic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate nutrition in a hospital setting is essential for achieving optimal health outcomes in oncology patients. This study specifically investigated the interrelationships between nutritional status, daily habits, and hospital length of stay (LOS) in ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from August 2019 to January 2022 in a tertiary hospital. Throughout the study, nutritional status, biochemical indicators, diet, and physical activity were meticulously recorded at different stages of chemotherapy: before chemotherapy (T0), the first course (T1), third course (T2), and fifth course (T3). To determine the factors influencing LOS, a generalized estimation equation (GEE) was employed. A total of 460 patients completed the follow-up period. The findings revealed a decline in nutritional risk among patients by 9.90% at T1, 17.62% at T2 and 18.26% at T3 (χ2 = 79.220, P < 0.001). The proportion of people receiving enteral nutrition showed an upward trend (χ2 = 15.202, P < 0.001). Notably, the proportion of patients adhering to a healthier diet increased by 40.44% by the study's conclusion, while the number of patients abstaining from physical activity or engaging in solely low-intensity activities decreased by 21.08%. Moreover, as the chemotherapy cycle progressed, daily activity steps exhibited an upward trajectory (F = 5.986, P < 0.001), while the LOS experienced a significant reduction (F = 21.298, P < 0.001). This study identified hypoproteinemia (protein level < 34 g/L), a high nutritional risk (NRS 2002 score ≥ 3), a short duration of sleep (≤ 7 h/day), and a lower daily activity level as risk factors for LOS. Receiving enteral nutrition support is a protective factor for LOS. Significant improvements in nutritional status, diet, and physical activity have been observed among ovarian cancer patients during their chemotherapy cycles. Reduced nutritional risks, implementation of nutritional support, good physical activity, and adequate sleep were associated with a shorter LOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionEmerging evidence indicates that gut microbiota-targeted interventions may lead to improvements in cognition. We assessed whether a prebiotic-rich dietary intervention, probiotic supplement, or synbiotic combination of both would improve human cognition, as part of the ‘Gut Feelings’ trial.An 8-week, 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled trial was conducted on 118 adults with low mood and potential for dietary improvement. Treatment arms: (1) probiotic supplement and diet-as-usual (probiotic group); (2) high-prebiotic diet and placebo supplement (prebiotic diet group); (3) probiotic supplement and high-prebiotic diet (synbiotic group); and (4) placebo supplement and diet-as-usual (placebo group). At baseline and 8-weeks, the Cogstate Brief Battery was administered, testing processing speed, attention, visual learning, and working memory. Data were analysed using Bayesian linear regression.We found weak evidence that the probiotic improved working memory (Cohen’s d = −0.32, 95% CI: –0.67, 0.03; posterior probability [post. prob] of benefit: 96%). For the other treatments, there was little or no evidence of cognitive improvement. We found weak evidence that the prebiotic diet impaired processing speed (d = 0.25, 95% CI: –0.02, 0.51; post. prob of harm: 97%). There was little indication of a synergistic interaction between the probiotic and prebiotic diet.We found suggestive evidence of a probiotic-induced improvement in working memory, and prebiotic-induced impairment in processing speed. However, the evidence remains inconclusive regarding any cognitive benefit or harm induced by the probiotic, prebiotic diet, or synbiotic treatments. Larger intervention studies are recommended, with inclusion of neuroimaging or electrophysiology measures.Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617000795392; registered 31 May 2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies on the in-depth documentation of wild greens use in the Mediterranean Diet (MD) are vital to understanding patterns of cross-geographical change in wild food ingredients in the Mediterranean context, their appreciated taste, and possible evolution. Our present study aims to document the leafy, wild-sourced plant portion of the MD in the unique and isolated matrifocal community of Olympos, North Karpathos Isle, Greece. Methods: An ethnobotanical field study focussing on traditionally wild-sourced edible greens (chórta) was conducted during the spring of 2023 via 42 semi-structured interviews with local people. Results: Our study documented 69 wild green taxa, along with their culinary uses and linguistic labels. Half of the gathered wild greens have a bitter taste (i.e. members of Asteraceae and Brassicaceae), while 70% of the top-quoted greens are bitter. These greens were mostly consumed cooked. Nearly half of the quoted taxa had been previously recorded as used in the food system of central Crete. In contrast, one-fourth of the folk phytonyms recorded in Olympos do not match the ones found in Crete and the rest of Greece, which may be linked to the Doric culture that the community remained attached to because of its isolation. However, the plant-human interaction kernel is similar to that of surrounding areas. Moreover, the community of Olympos seems to rely less on aromatic wild greens (compared with Crete). Conclusion: Cross-cultural foraging comparison is crucial for better understanding the circulation, exchange, and evolution of local plant knowledge under the MD umbrella. Our study assesses, in particular, how noteworthy phytolinguistic differences indicating different ancient trajectories of cultural encounters/exchanges may not necessarily be reflected in differences in terms of plant reports. As often postulated in linguistic ethnobiology, ancient linguistic labels sometimes remain as "empty shells". Given the fragile environment and the increasing over-tourism during the summer months the study site is experiencing, the presented data could contribute to a more substantial shift towards sustainable eco-tourism initiatives involving the foraging and cooking of wild greens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this investigation was to examine the effects of distinct dosages of infant formula and diverse formula constituents on the growth and development of weaned rats. Fifty specific pathogen‐free (SPF) male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats aged 3 weeks were divided into the basic diet group, 20% ordinary milk powder group, 20% special formula milk powder group, 30% ordinary milk powder group, and 30% special formula milk powder group randomly. After 28 days of feeding, compared with the basic diet group, the body mass and brain/body weight of rats in the 30% ordinary and special formula milk powder groups were decreased. At the Genus level, Bacteroides in the group supplemented with 20% special formula milk powder was significantly lower than that in the basic diet group, and Parabacteroides was significantly lower than that in the 20% ordinary milk powder group. Lactobacillus was significantly higher than those in the basic diet group and the 20% ordinary milk powder group, and Blautia was significantly higher than those in the basic diet group and the 20% and 30% ordinary milk powder groups, and UBA1819 was significantly higher than those in the other groups. The abundance of Parasutterella in the basic diet group was significantly higher than those in the groups supplemented with 20% ordinary milk powder, 20% special formula milk powder, and 30% ordinary milk powder. This study found that different doses and different formula components of infant milk powder could affect body mass and intestinal flora in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats, and the addition of low‐dose (20%) special formula infant milk powder can increase the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora of rats and may reduce the pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]