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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]

Introduction: Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation requires individualized nutritional therapy, and the use of early enteral nutrition is beneficial. This study aims to analyze the use of enteral nutrition therapy in pediatric patients undergoing autologous transplantation. Methods: This is a descriptive cohort study conducted with data from electronic medical records of pediatric patients undergoing autologous transplantation from 2017 to 2022, using enteral nutrition. Nutritional and clinical variables and biochemical markers were assessed at four time points: day 0, day +5, day +10 and day +15. Results: The sample consisted of 50 patients. On average, the nasoenteral tube was inserted on D-4 and the enteral feeding started on D-3. On D0, most patients used a normocaloric polymeric enteral formula, but on D + 10, when diarrhea (p = 0.017) and mucositis (p < 0.001) worsened, the most commonly used enteral formula was a hypocaloric pediatric semi-elemental formula. On D + 15, 35% of patients were receiving parenteral nutrition. At discharge, the patient's nutritional status had worsened compared to admission (p < 0.001). Discussion: Early use of enteral nutrition was observed, as adopted in other transplant centers and recommended in the literature. Protocols and guidelines are needed to support enteral nutritional therapy in pediatric transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\nHighlightsThe byproducts generated during fish processing can represent up to 70% of the raw material entering the industry, and some of these byproducts are rich in high-quality proteins and other nutrients that could be used for human consumption. The products derived from these byproducts can be considered high-value-added products or coproducts, with the potential to create new ingredients and innovative food products. Among these, Fish protein concentrate (FPC) can be used as an ingredient in formulations for protein enrichment by food industry. Notably, the absence of global standardization in industrial processes for FPC production stems from the limited number of countries with established regulations and the scarcity of industries offering specialized equipment for industrial production. This dearth inhibits uniformity and efficiency in FPC manufacturing worldwide. These factors make FPC production inefficient and the quality of the final product unsatisfactory, mainly because of the presence of a large amount of lipids, which can be a concern and necessitate the use of chemical and physical lipid removal methods. In this critical review, information about FPC was compiled, with an emphasis on the byproduct of fish processing, processing techniques, and the nutritional and techno-functional aspects of this coproduct and formulated foods. Fish processing byproducts can be utilized in producing Fish Protein Concentrate for human consumption.Fish Protein Concentrate can be provided daily protein supplementation to populations in need.Fish Protein Concentrate needs to achieve an efficient global standardization of production processes.Specific legislation is required for Fish Protein Concentrate use as an ingredient in food formulations.Physical and chemical methods are used to obtain Fish Protein Concentrate delipided.Fish processing byproducts can be utilized in producing Fish Protein Concentrate for human consumption.Fish Protein Concentrate can be provided daily protein supplementation to populations in need.Fish Protein Concentrate needs to achieve an efficient global standardization of production processes.Specific legislation is required for Fish Protein Concentrate use as an ingredient in food formulations.Physical and chemical methods are used to obtain Fish Protein Concentrate delipided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elemental diets have been employed for the management of various diseases for over 50 years, with several mechanisms mediating their beneficial effects. Yet, they are underutilized due to poor palatability, access, cost, and lack of awareness regarding their clinical efficacy. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to systematically search and review the literature to summarize the formulation variability, mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and tolerability of the elemental diets in gastrointestinal diseases. While large prospective trials are lacking, elemental diets appear to exhibit objective and subjective clinical benefit in several diseases, including eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, intestinal methanogen overgrowth, chemoradiotherapy-associated mucositis, and celiac disease. Although some data support the long-term use of elemental diets as an add-on supplement for chronic pancreatitis and Crohn's disease, most of the literature on exclusive elemental diets focuses on inducing remission. Therefore, subsequent treatment strategies for maintaining remission need to be adopted in chronic/relapsing diseases. Several mechanistic pathways were identified to mediate the effects of elemental diets, including food additive and allergen-free content, high passive absorption rate, and anti-inflammatory properties. High rates of intolerance up to 40% are seen in the trials where exclusive elemental diets were administered orally due to poor organoleptic acceptability; however, when tolerated, adverse events were rare. Other limitations of elemental diets are cost, access, and lifestyle/social restrictions. Moreover, judicious use is advised in presence of a concomitant restrictive food intake disorders. Elemental diets offer a potentially highly efficacious dietary intervention with minor side effects. Palatability, cost, access, and social restrictions are common barriers of use. Prospective clinical trials are needed to elucidate the role of elemental formulas in the management of individual diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutri Crackle rusk, developed using an innovative pigmented variety of black rice flour, possesses a rich nutritional profile with essential amino acids, dietary fibers, and antioxidants, offering unique health benefits beyond traditional rice varieties. Establishing healthy eating habits during childhood cancer treatment is crucial for long-term well-being. Mindful consumption, incorporating Nutri Crackle rusk instead of empty-calorie snacks, can significantly improve the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors during their survivorship period. Materials and Methods: The novel Nutri Crackle rusk using black rice flour was developed under proper hygienic conditions. Semi-trained panel and consumer panel members evaluated the organoleptic properties of the developed product. Nutrient components of the formulated Nutri Crackle rusk were examined through an organoleptic assessment. Results: The nutrient composition of the formulated Nutri Crackle rusk was analyzed using a standard procedure. Sensory evaluation indicated positive feedback, with an overall acceptability score of 8.01. Nutrient analysis revealed a well-rounded profile, emphasizing energy provision (464.285 kcal), (11.97 g protein), (11.29 g fiber), and essential micronutrients (zinc, iron, and vitamins B1 and B2). Nutri Crackle rusk is a favorable and potentially beneficial snack for this vulnerable group. Conclusion: The study signifies that the novel healthy Nutri Crackle rusk is rich in fiber, zinc, iron, protein, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. Intake of the developed Nutri Crackle rusk could be a healthy alternative for pediatric cancer patients and cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matcha, a powder processed from tea leaves, has a unique green tea flavor and appealing color, in addition to many other sought after functional properties for a wide range of formulated food applications (e.g., dairy products, bakery products, and beverage). The properties of matcha are influenced by cultivation method and processing post-harvest. The transition from drinking tea infusion to eating whole leaves provides a healthy option for the delivery of functional component and tea phenolics in various food matrix. The aim of this review is to describe the physico-chemical properties of matcha, the specific requirements for tea cultivation and industrial processing. The quality of matcha mainly depends on the quality of fresh tea leaves, which is affected by preharvest factors including tea cultivar, shading treatment, and fertilization. Shading is the key measure to increase greenness, reduce bitterness and astringency, and enhance umami taste of matcha. The potential health benefits of matcha and the gastrointestinal fate of main phenolics in matcha are covered. The chemical compositions and bioactivities of fiber-bound phenolics in matcha and other plant materials are discussed. The fiber-bound phenolics are considered promising components which endow matcha with boosted bioavailability of phenolics and health benefits through modulating gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of BaCu(B 2 O 5) (BCB) additive on the low-temperature sintering behaviour, microstructure evolution and microwave dielectric properties of (Co 0.35 Zn 0.65)TiNb2O8 (CZTN) ceramics were systematically investigated by introducing the additive into the solid-state sintering process. Adding BCB successfully lowered CZTN ceramics' sintering temp from 1150 °C to 925 °C while preserving their superior microwave dielectric properties at the lower temperature. However, excessive BCB tends to disrupt the equilibrium between the native ixiolite and rutile phases within the ceramic matrix, thereby instigating a relative augmentation of the rutile phase, ultimately culminating in a positive shift in the temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency. Specific experimental data show that the CZTN ceramics prepared with a BCB content of 4 wt% exhibited good microwave dielectric properties after sintering at 925 ℃ for 4 h: relative dielectric constant (ε r) = 36.7, quality factor (Q × f) = 19,880 GHz, and τ f = +14.2 ppm/℃. In addition, the ceramic system showed good chemical compatibility when co-fired with Ag without significant elemental diffusion. This work reveals the specific role of BCB in enhancing low-temperature sintering of CZTN ceramics and pinpoints its ideal addition range, thereby offering crucial scientific insights and technical support for developing high-performance microwave dielectric ceramics for LTCC technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Romanian Journal of Family Medicine / Revista Română de Medicina Familiei is the property of Media DOM Express and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dietary protein intake modulates growth, reproduction, and longevity by stimulating amino acid (AA)-sensing pathways. Essential AAs are often considered as limiting nutrients during protein scarcity, and the role of dietary non-essential AAs (NEAAs) is less explored. Although tyrosine has been reported to be crucial for sensing protein restriction in Drosophila larvae, its effect on adult physiology and longevity remains unclear. Here, using a synthetic diet, we perform a systematic investigation of the effect of single NEAA deprivation on nutrient-sensing pathways, reproductive ability, starvation resistance, feeding behavior, and life span in adult female flies. Specifically, dietary tyrosine deprivation decreases internal tyrosine levels and fecundity, influences AA-sensing machineries, and extends life span. These nutritional responses are not observed under higher total AA intake or in infertile female flies, suggesting a context-dependent influence of dietary tyrosine. Our findings highlight the unique role of tyrosine as a potentially limiting nutrient, underscoring its value for dietary interventions aimed at enhancing health span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food intakes 1–2 years following bariatric surgery depend more on patients than the surgery's gastrointestinal tract changes. This study aimed to determine the major dietary patterns of patients after the first two years of sleeve gastrectomy and to investigate their associations with total weight loss (TWL) and the proportion of TWL as fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) loss. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 146 patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy 2–4 years after surgery. Dietary patterns were determined using principal component analysis based on the 19 food groups. The percentage of FM loss relative to TWL (%FML) and FFM loss relative to TWL (%FFML) were calculated. A suboptimal clinical response was defined as a TWL of less than 25%. High FM loss and excessive FFM loss were defined based on the highest tertiles. Linear and logistic regression models were used to derive unstandardized (B) coefficients and odds ratios (OR), with dietary pattern scores serving as both a continuous and a binary variable (higher vs. lower adherence groups based on median). Results: Two predominant dietary patterns were retained. Each 1-unit increase in the first dietary pattern score characterized by high intakes of fast foods, soft drinks, processed meats, sugar confectionary, salty snacks, grains, and organ meats was associated with higher %FFML (B = 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34, 3.66), lower %FML (B = − 1.84; 95% CI − 3.49, − 0.20), and higher odds of excessive FFM loss (OR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.09, 3.11). Participants with higher adherence to the first dietary pattern had lower %TWL, and greater odds of suboptimal clinical response and excessive FFM loss than those with lower adherence. Each 1-unit increase in score for the second dietary pattern characterized by a high intake of fruits, dairy, vegetables, legumes, eggs, nuts, red meats, poultry, and fish was associated with lower odds of suboptimal clinical response (OR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.31, 0.86). Conclusion: Patients should be encouraged to modify their diet by reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods and increasing their intake of high-quality protein sources, fruits, and vegetables to achieve the best postoperative outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Methods Results Conclusions Very low‐calorie diet (VLCD) can induce weight loss and diabetes remission (DR) amongst people with obesity and recent‐onset type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to determine the effectiveness and acceptability of VLCD in achieving DR amongst Sri Lankan adults with T2D.A retrospective analysis was conducted in a diabetes practice where VLCD‐based Diabetes Remission Programme (VDRP) was offered for adults (>18 years) with T2D for <3 years and body mass index over 25 kg/m2. VLCD (~800 kcal/day, provided with/without diet replacement formula) was offered for 8–12 weeks, followed by gradual food reintroduction and exercise. DR was defined as HbA1c <6.5% at least 3 months after stopping glucose‐lowering medications.A total of 170 participants who enrolled in the VDRP (mean age 38.4 years [±11.1], men 68%, mean baseline HbA1c 86.9 [±18.1] mmol/mol (10.1 [±2.1]%), median duration of T2D 2 years [IQR 1–2]) and 87 (51%) of them followed the programme (attended at least one follow‐up visit). Amongst the individuals who followed the VDRP, 40.2% achieved DR (35/87), compared with 2.4% (2/83) amongst those who did not follow the VDRP (aHR 9.3, 95% CI 2.2–16.4, p = 0.002). The proportion achieving normoglycaemia (HbA1c < 6.5%) but continued to take glucose‐lowering medication was 20/87 among VDRP followers and 20/85 amongst VDRP non‐followers. The commonest reasons for not following the VDRP were too restrictive dietary quantity (92%) and difficulties in finding recommended food items (67%). Majority (79%) would recommend VDRP to others.VDRP is effective in achieving T2D remission amongst Sri Lankan adults with recently diagnosed T2D and obesity. Over half of the participants followed the programme and over 75% would recommend it to others, indicating good acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal tolerance and preference are key parameters impacting agricultural production systems. In this study, the impact of larval diet on black soldier fly thermal tolerance and preference across life‐stages and sexes was examined. Larvae were fed either a low‐protein high‐carbohydrate synthetic diet (i.e., P7C35), a high‐protein low‐carbohydrate synthetic diet (i.e., P35C7), or the Gainesville diet (i.e., C) as a control and reference. Our results demonstrate that the impacts of larval diet on black soldier fly thermal tolerance and preference could be stage and sex specific. The mean heat knockdown temperatures (HKT) ranged between 46.6 and 47.9 °C. Synthetic diets resulted in greater HKT and the difference decreased form larvae (e.g., ∼1 °C) to adults (e.g., ∼0.2 °C). The mean chill‐coma recovery time (CCRT) ranged between 8.3 and 21.6 min. Not much differences were detected between diets, but CCRT became longer from larvae to adults. The mean thermal preference ranged between 13.6 and 29.5 °C. Larvae fed synthetic diets preferred much lower temperatures than the control diet. A bimodal distribution was observed for adults regardless of sex. Differences on body mass, lipid, and protein contents were detected among diets; however, more research should be done before any conclusions can be linked to their thermal traits. These findings highlight the importance of considering the ingredients and nutritional makeup of larval diets when optimizing temperature management protocols for mass production of black soldier flies. Conversely, specific diets can be developed to promote survival under extreme rearing temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case Gill v. Abbott which found that Abbott Laboratories, the maker of premature infant formulas and fortifiers advertised for use in premature infants, is liable for both punitive damages and economic damages totalling 495 billion dollars. Topics include background of the case and the need of hospital purchasers and administrators to know the association between cow's milk formulas for premature infants and increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Background: Neurological impairment (NI) relates to disorders of the central nervous system. The specific aetiology of NI varies but includes genetic, congenital abnormalities or brain injury. In children with severe NI, feeding impairments can lead to undernutrition, and some children require a feeding tube. Although tube feeding improves overall nutritional status, it has also been associated with excess body fat. Commercially available enteral formulas that are low in energy, hydrolysed and nutritionally adequate for protein and micronutrients are available to mitigate gastrointestinal symptoms and obesity. Methods: This is a retrospective multicentre study of children who attended NI clinics between January 2022 and July 2023. Data were collected before and 1 month after receiving a low‐energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula (0.6 kcal/mL) on demographic data (age, sex, ethnicity and NI diagnosis), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, weight‐for‐age Z‐score, height‐for‐age Z‐score, body mass index [BMI] Z‐score) and feed regimen (feed volume, total fluids and type of formula/supplements). Results: Dietitians collected data on 28 children, the median age was 7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 3, 8). The most frequently recorded NI was cerebral palsy, in 13 of 28 children (48%). Before the formula switch, the most frequently reported gastrointestinal symptom was constipation, in 13 of 28 children. Within 1 month of switching to a low‐energy, hydrolysed formula, 10 of the 13 (77%) children reported an improvement in constipation. Before the formula switch, all 28 children were experiencing excessive weight gain. After the formula was switched to low‐energy, hydrolysed formula, dietitians reported that 20 of the 28 (76%) children's weight either stabilised or reduced after 1 month. There was no statistically significant difference in weight‐for‐age Z‐score or BMI Z‐scores postswitch of formula (p‐value 0.1 and 0.09, respectively). Fibre intake increased significantly from 3.3 to 8.1 g/day (p‐value < 0.01) after formula switch. The number of children whose feed regimens were simplified after switching to a low‐energy, partially hydrolysed formula was 24 of 28 (91%). Conclusions: Children with an NI who have gastrointestinal symptoms may benefit from a low‐energy, hydrolysed enteral formula to maximise feed tolerance and promote healthy weight gain. In addition, changing to a low‐energy, hydrolysed formula may simplify feed regimens by eliminating the need for additional electrolytes, multivitamins and fluid boluses. Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about the effectiveness and availability of a low‐energy, hydrolysed formula. Highlights: A low‐energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula may promote weight stabilisation and optimise feed tolerance in tube‐fed children with an NI.Switching to a low‐energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula may simplify overly complicated feed regimens in tube‐fed children with an NI by excluding the need for additional multivitamins or electrolytes.Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about the availability of low‐energy, hydrolysed formulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In this study, innovative chocolate, citrus and mixture flavoured tofu‐based nutritionally customised, dysphagia‐oriented, comfortably consumed, appetising, one‐bite‐sized finger foods, oriented to malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty prevention in older people were created by using 3D printing technology. Developed products were characterised by evaluating chemical composition and physical properties and performing sensory evaluation among geriatric clinic residents (≥60 years). RESULTS: The dietary composition of the developed foods was: 19–21 g (100 g)−1 protein, 6–8 g (100 g)−1 fibre, 8–9 g (100 g)−1 fat, 11 mg (100 g)−1 iron, 14 mg (100 g)−1 zinc, 70 μg (100 g)−1 selenium. Foods were also enriched with branched‐chain amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine and valine. All formulated foods were classified as level 6 by International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative classification. Chocolate‐flavoured food was much harder (4914 g) with lower adhesiveness value (−33.6 g s), compared to the citrus‐ or mixture‐flavoured foods. Older people evaluated all finger foods as very easy handled by hand, soft, easy to swallow, having a moderate flavour intensity and a weak afterfeel. Despite the fact that the chocolate food was evaluated as having the highest hardness and gumminess values by the instrumental method, this difference was not noticeable to the evaluators. However 7% of the participants said that 3D printed foods were sticky to dentures. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that it is possible to create nutrient‐dense comfortably consumed 3D printed foods, oriented to malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty prevention in older people. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nutrition support in inoperable bowel obstruction (IBO) remains challenging. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is recommended if the prognosis is > 2 months. An elemental diet (ED) is licensed for strictures in Crohn’s disease but has not been used in malignant bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ED in patients with IBO and provide a proof of concept of ED as an acceptable feeding option. Methods: This was a mixed-methods single-arm feasibility study. The primary endpoint was to provide a ‘proof of concept’ of ED as an acceptable feeding option for patients with IBO. Secondary endpoints included taste acceptability, incidences of vomiting and pain, the proportion of women who tolerated ED, the number of cartons drunk, quality of life (QOL) and the number of women treated with chemotherapy. Patients (> 18 years) with CT-confirmed IBO who could tolerate 500 ml of liquid in 24 h remained on the trial for 2 weeks. Results: A total of 29 patients were recruited; of those, 19 contributed to the analysis for the primary endpoint; 13 (68.4%) participants tolerated the ED; 26 patients contributed to MSAS and EORTC QLQ questionnaires at baseline to allow for the assessment of symptoms. At the start of the study, 18 (69%) of patients experienced vomiting, reducing to 4 (25%) by the end of day 15 of the study; 24 (92%) of patients reported pain at consent, reducing to 12 (75%) by the end of day 15. QOL scores improved from 36.2 (95% CI 27.7–44.7) at baseline to 53.1 (95% CI 40.3–66) at the end of day 15; 16 (84%) participants commenced chemotherapy within the first week of starting ED. The number of cartons across all participants showed a median of 1.3 cartons per day (range 0.8 to 2.5). Conclusion: ED is well tolerated by patients with IBO caused by gynaecological malignancies and may have a positive effect on symptom burden and QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals can adjust their consumption of different nutrients to adaptively match their current or expected physiological state. Changes in diet preference can arise from social and sexual experience. For example, in female Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies, a single mating triggers a behavioural switch in diet choice towards increased protein intake and total food consumption, which supports offspring production. In contrast, male diet choice appears to be unaffected by a single mating. However, one mating may not fully capture the impact of mating on male feeding behaviour. Males can often mate multiply in natural settings, and the costs of ejaculate production and energetic courtship may be cumulative, such that males might experience increased nutritional demands only after multiple matings. In this study we tested this prediction by measuring the effect of multiple matings on the diet choice of male D. melanogaster fruit flies. Males were assigned to one of three mating treatments, unmated, mated once or mated five times consecutively, and then allowed to feed freely on chemically defined diets of protein and carbohydrate. In contrast to the prediction, we found that males that mated five times did not alter the amount of food, or the proportion of protein and carbohydrate consumed, when compared with unmated or once-mated males. This absence of a feeding response occurred despite substantial ejaculate depletion from multiple matings: males sired fewer offspring in each consecutive mating. These results reveal a lack of plasticity in male feeding behaviour according to mating status, despite substantial potential physiological costs, and highlight the remarkably distinct nutritional ecologies of males versus females. • Female fruit flies show altered diet preference following mating. • However, dietary responses to mating in males are largely unknown. • We tested the impact of realistic mating rates on male fruit fly diet choice. • Males do not alter food intake to recoup depleted ejaculate, despite fertility loss. • These results highlight key sex differences in diet choice following mating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthechea karwinskii is an endemic orchid of Mexico with cultural significance for its ornamental, food, religious, and medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, diabetic patients use the leaves of this plant to lower glucose levels. The present study evaluated the effect of P. karwinskii leaves extract on the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in a model of obese rats with insulin resistance for its nutraceutical potential to reduce insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Obesity and insulin resistance were induced with 40% sucrose in water for 20 weeks. Four groups (control rats, obese rats, obese rats administered the extract, and obese rats administered metformin) were evaluated. Extract compounds were identified by UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS. Glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and insulin resistance indices (HOMA-IR and TyG), as well as the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, increased in rats in the obese group. Administration of P. karwinskii extract and metformin reduced glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and insulin resistance indices and antioxidant enzyme activity to values similar to those of the control group. Therefore, this study shows the nutraceutical potential of P. karwinskii extract as an ingredient in the formulation of dietary supplements or functional foods to help treat diseases whose pathophysiology is related to oxidative stress and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary supplementation with synthetic β‐carotene was investigated in this study to assess its impact on gonad development, antioxidant status, color parameters, and carotenoid composition in adult female swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus). Four diets, designated as Diet 1 to 4, were formulated to contain 3.07, 53.78, 103.23, and 205.22 mg/kg dry diets of synthetic β‐carotene. The findings revealed the following: (1) No significant differences in body weights or feed utilization were observed, indicating that β‐carotene did not significantly enhance the growth of adult P. trituberculatus. (2) The inclusion of 50–100 mg/kg β‐carotene in the diets led to improvements in antioxidant capacity indicators (T‐AOC, MDA) and immune‐related parameters (AKP, ACP) in both hepatopancreas and hemolymph. (3) Notably, the redness of ovaries and hepatopancreas increased significantly with higher dietary β‐carotene supplementation for color enhancement. In conclusion, incorporating β‐carotene into the diet enhanced the antioxidative capability, nonspecific immunity, and tissue carotenoid contents in adult female P. trituberculatus, and the optimal level of dietary synthetic β‐carotene supplementation for adult female P. trituberculatus was suggested to be around 100 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interventions aiming to reduce social inequalities of weight status in adolescents usually focus on lifestyle behaviours, but their effectiveness is limited. This study analysed the effect of achieving levels of dietary intake (DI) and/or physical activity (PA) guidelines on reducing social inequalities in weight status among adolescents. We included adolescents from the PRomotion de l'ALIMentation et de l'Activité Physique – INÉgalité de Santé (PRALIMAP-INÈS) trial with weight status data available at baseline and 1-year follow-up (n 1130). PA and DI were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a validated FFQ, respectively. We estimated the likelihood of a 1-year reduction in BMI z-score (BMIz) and population risk difference (PRD) under hypothetical DI and PA levels and socio-economic status using the parametric G-formula. When advantaged and less advantaged adolescents maintained their baseline DI and PA, we found social inequalities in weight status, with a PRD of a 1-year reduction in BMIz of −1·6 % (–3·0 %, −0·5 %). These inequalities were not observed when less advantaged adolescents increased their proportion of achieving DI guidelines by 30 % (PRD = 2·2 % (–0·5 %, 5·0 %)) unlike the same increase in PA (PRD = −3·9 % (–6·8 %, −1·3 %)). Finally, social inequalities of weight status were not observed when levels of achievement of both PA and DI guidelines increased by 30 % (PRD = 2·2 % (–0·5 %, 4·0 %)). Enhancing DI rather than PA could be effective in reducing social inequalities in weight status among adolescents. Future interventions aiming to reduce these inequalities should mostly target DI to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Determination of nutrient requirements in sheep is essential to generate appropriate recommendations for dietary formulation, promoting sustainable systems. However, there is limited information regarding the energy and protein requirements of growing lambs in the Colombian highlands. Twenty-two growing lambs were enrolled in this experiment. Four lambs were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to determine the lambs' energy and protein baseline concentration. The remaining lambs received different amounts of feed and were slaughtered to determine the energy and protein accumulation during the evaluation period. The maintenance energy was 82.3 kcal/kg BW0.75, while maintenance and gain energy efficiencies were 0.72 and 0.29, respectively. In addition, the crude protein requirement for maintenance was 1.78 g/kg BW0.75, and the nitrogen efficiency for maintenance and gain protein was 0.41 and 0.27, respectively. The maintenance requirement of energy was greater, while protein was similar to values reported in the literature; however, the efficiency of energy and protein use was lower in growing lambs. These results suggested that estimating energy and nitrogen requirements for growing lambs must be adjusted in Colombian highland conditions. Determining the nutritional requirements of lambs is necessary to formulate balanced rations and contribute to sustainable sheep production systems. However, limited information is available regarding the nutritional requirements of growing lambs in the Colombian highlands. Twenty-two Romney Marsh males were used. Initially, four lambs were slaughtered at 20 kg body weight (BW). The remaining 18 lambs were distributed into two groups, according to BW (light: 20 BW and heavy: 30 kg BW). Lambs were randomly allocated into one of three different nutritional schemes, according to voluntary intake (no restriction, and 25 and 50% restriction). All the animals received a totally mixed ration. When a voluntary-fed lamb gained 10 kg BW, the two other lambs restricted to 25 and 50% were slaughtered and dissected into components to determine protein and gross energy concentration. Energy and protein accumulation were analyzed through regression analysis. The net energy for maintenance was 82.3 kcal/kg BW0.75, while the energy efficiencies for maintenance and gain were 0.72 and 0.29, respectively. Crude protein for maintenance was 1.78 g/kg BW0.75, and the nitrogen efficiencies for maintenance and gain were 0.41 and 0.27, respectively. The maintenance requirement of energy was greater, while protein was similarly related to values reported in the literature; however, the efficiency of energy and protein use was lower in growing lambs. These results suggested that estimating energy and nitrogen requirements for growing lambs must be adjusted in Colombian highland conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Computed Tomography (CT) guided125I radioactive particle implantation for treating lymph node metastases in radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC). To verify the accuracy of the computerized three-dimensional treatment planning system (TPS) in treating lymph node metastasis using125I particle implantation at the dosimetric level.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 42 patients with RAIR-DTC and lymph node metastases who were admitted to the General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command between December 2016 and January 2019. During this analysis, physicians utilized preoperative CT images to design an intraoperative plan using TPS. The dosimetric parameters of the postoperative plan were then compared to the preoperative plan. Additionally, this study examined the changes in tumor size and tumor-related marker Thyroglobulin (Tg) values in patients at 2, 6, and 12 months after the operation.Results: The number of125I radioactive particles implanted in 42 patients was 226, with an average of 14.5 (range 2.0–30.0) particles implanted per lesion. The local remission rates were 97.62% (41/42), 88.10% (37/42), and 85.71% (36/42) at 2, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The volume of the lesions was (4.44 ± 1.57) cm³, (4.20 ± 1.70) cm³, and (4.23 ± 1.77) cm³at 2, 6, and 12 months after treatment, respectively, which significantly decreased from the preoperative baseline level of (6.87 ± 1.67) cm³(t-values: 9.466, 9.923, 7.566, all P<0.05). The Tg levels were 15.95 (5.45, 73.93) μg/L, 8.90 (2.20, 39.21) μg/L, and 6.00 (1.93, 14.18) μg/L at 2, 6, and 12 months after treatment, respectively, which were significantly lower than the preoperative baseline levels of 53.50 (20.94, 222.92) μg/L (Z values: -5.258, -5.009, -4.987, all P < 0.001). Postoperatively, Delivered to 90% of the GTV(D90) was slightly lower than the prescribed dose in 95.23% (40/42) of patients, but the difference was not statistically significant [(12,378.8 ± 3,182.0), (12,497.8 ± 1,686.4) cGy; t=0.251, P>0.05], and postoperative dose parameters delivered to 100% of the gross tumor volume (GTV)(D100) (6,881.5 ± 1,381.8) cGy, the volume percentages of GTV receiving 150% of the prescribed dose(V150) (58.5 ± 18.40)%) were lower than the preoperative plan D100 (8,085.8 ± 2,330.0) cGy, V150 (66.5 ± 17.70)%; t-value=8.913 and 3.032, both P<0.05; the remaining indicators were not significantly different from the preoperative plan (the differences in the number of implanted particles, Planning Target Volume(PTV), the volume percentages of GTV receiving 100% of the prescribed dose(V100), Homogeneity Index(HI)were not statistically significant (t/Z = -0.593, -1.604, 1.493, -0.663, all P>0.05).Conclusion: Referring to the TPS preoperative plan, the125I particle implantation therapy for RAIR-DTC lymph node metastasis can achieve the expected dose distribution, ensuring precise short-term local tumor control efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of feeding 2 different diets, a diet with low dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) or a diet with synthetic zeolite A, to multiparous Holstein cows during the close-up period on dry matter intake (DMI) and energy metabolism, as well as to evaluate colostrum and milk production. A total of 121 multiparous Holstein cows, blocked by lactation number and expected parturition date were enrolled at 254 d of gestation and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: control (CON; +190 mEq/kg; n = 40), negative DCAD (−DCAD, −65 mEq/kg; n = 41; Ultra Chlor; Vita Plus, Lake Mills, WI), or a diet containing sodium aluminum silicate zeolite (XZ; +278 mEq/kg, fed at 3.3% dry matter, targeting 500 g/d; n = 40; X-Zelit, Protekta Inc., Lucknow, ON, Canada/Vilofoss, Graasten, Denmark). Prepartum DMI was measured daily using Insentec roughage intake control (RIC) gates (RIC System, Holofarm Group, the Netherlands). All cows received the same postpartum diet. Blood and urine samples were collected daily beginning 14 d before parturition (d −14) until parturition (d 0), and on 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 35, and 49 d postpartum. Colostrum collected within 6 h of parturition, weighed, and based on samples' Brix value, IgG concentrations, and nutrient composition were analyzed. Prepartum, cows fed the XZ diet had decreased DMI (11.70 ± 0.26, 13.88 ± 0.26, and 13.45 ± 0.25 kg/d for XZ, CON, and −DCAD, respectively) and lower rumination (487 ± 8.1, 531 ± 8.3, and 527 ± 8.5 min for XZ, CON, and −DCAD, respectively) compared with CON and −DCAD. However, rumination was not different postpartum due to treatment. No prepartum or postpartum differences were observed for glucose or BHB concentrations in blood between dietary treatments. Colostrum collected from cows fed XZ had the highest IgG concentrations (91.10 ± 2.63, 78.00 ± 2.63, and 78.90 ± 2.63 mg/mL for XZ, CON, and −DCAD, respectively), but yield did not differ between dietary treatments. Additionally, cows in their third lactation or greater fed XZ had the highest milk production (51.0 ± 1.1 kg) during the first 49 d in milk. This study demonstrates that despite a decrease in DMI and rumination in cows fed XZ prepartum, blood BHB concentrations were not altered. Additionally, cows fed XZ had higher colostral IgG concentrations and cows in their third lactation or greater fed XZ produced the most milk. These data suggest that feeding XZ prepartum may improve colostrum quality and milk yield in mature cows, and does not affect energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major global public health problem. SAM cases are treated using ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) at a dosage of ∼200 kcal/kg/day per the standard treatment protocol (STD). Emerging evidence on simplifications to the standard protocol, which among other adaptations, includes reducing the daily RUTF dosage, indicates that it is effective and safe for treating children with SAM. In response to a foreseen stock shortage of RUTF, the government of Afghanistan endorsed the temporary use of a modified treatment protocol in which the daily RUTF dosage was prescribed at 1000 kcal/day (irrespective of body weight) until the child achieved moderate acute malnutrition status (weight‐for‐height z‐score ≥ −3 or mid‐upper arm circumference [MUAC] ≥ 115 mm), at which point 500 kcal/day was prescribed until cured (modified treatment protocol [MTP]). In this paper, we report the results of this nonweight‐based daily RUTF dosage experience. Data of 2042 children with SAM, treated using either the STD protocol (n = 269) or the MTP protocol (n = 1773) from August 2019 to March 2021 in five provinces, were analyzed. The per‐protocol analyses confirmed noninferiority of MTP protocol when compared to STD protocol for recovery rate [93.3% vs. 90.2%; ∆ (95% confidence interval, CI) = 3.1 (−0.9; 7.2) %] and length‐of‐stay [82.6 vs. 75.6 days; ∆ (95% CI) = 6.9 (3.3; 10.5) days], considering the margin of noninferiority of −10% and +14 days, respectively. Weight gain velocity was smaller in the MTP protocol group than in the STD protocol group [3.7 (1.7) vs. 5.2 (2.9) g/kg/day; ∆ (95% CI) = −1.5 (−1.8, −1.2); p < 0.001]. The STD group had a significantly higher mean than the MTP group for absolute MUAC gain [∆ (95% CI) = 1.7 (1.0; 2.3) mm; p < 0.001] and the MUAC velocity [∆ (95% CI) = 0.29 (0.20; 0.37) mm/week; p < 0.001]. Our results confirm the noninferiority of a nonweight‐based daily dosage and support the endorsement of this modification as an alternative to the standard protocol in resource‐constrained contexts. Key messages: More evidence supporting the use of the nonweight‐based daily ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) dosage for treating uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM), in specific contexts, is needed.Our real‐world prospective nonrandomized study showed that the fixed nonweight‐based daily RUTF dosage protocol is as effective as the standard weight‐based protocol for treating uncomplicated SAM in children <5 in the Afghanistan context.Our findings support the reflection of a nonweight‐based daily RUTF dosage in resource‐constrained contexts in national and global policies and guidelines to improve coverage of all children in need of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study evaluated nutrient deficiencies in infants and toddlers with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs), whose primary nutritional source is elemental formulas (EFs). Methods: The nutrient status of children with IBD and EGID aged 6 months to 6 years was evaluated. Results: Twenty-one children fed with EFs (EF group) and 25 controls (CL group) were enrolled. The selenium level in the EF group was lower than that in the CL group (2.2 μg/dL vs. 9.3 μg/dL; p < 0.01). Although fat-soluble vitamins were deficient in some EF group participants, no significant differences were observed in their concentration and insufficiency proportion. However, ascorbic acid deficiency was more frequent in the EF group, with significantly lower levels (8.6 μg/mL vs. 12.0 μg/mL; p < 0.01). The triene:tetraene ratio was significantly higher in the EF group (0.046 vs. 0.010; p < 0.01). Asparagine and taurine levels were significantly lower in the EF group (asparagine: p < 0.01; taurine: p < 0.01) and tyrosine and phenylalanine levels were higher in the EF group, resulting in a lower Fisher's ratio (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Long-term feeding with EFs can cause deficiencies in essential fatty acids, selenium, and ascorbic acid and also carries a risk of amino acid imbalance in infants and toddlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic diseases cannot be treated completely, and, therefore, often require repeated treatments. This issue leads to long-term drug utilization. However, medical foods can offer alternative natural drugs in the management and treatment of chronic diseases. Medical foods are specially formulated food to meet the particular nutritional requirements of patients affected by certain diseases. They play an important role in nutritional support for patients in clinical applications such as deglutition, dyspepsia or eating disorders. Moreover, they considerably enhance the quality of living of patients by reducing drug usage, preventing complications that may arise through the overreliance of drugs, and reducing the expenses of treatments. The nutritive value of medical foods can be regulated and personalized depending on the disease. Since they are not drugs, they exempt from regulations applying to drugs. Each medical food is formulated specifically for the relevant chronic disease. However, there are no studies in the literature that provide examples of medical foods for different diseases available in the market. The examination and compilation of medical foods, including examples from the market, is vital both in terms of creating new products and filling the gap in the relevant literature. Consequently, the aim of this review is to explain the use of medical foods for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, anxiety and sleep disorder, pain syndrome, cancer, congenital metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus, and indicate why should be used as a nutritional supplement for these chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The metabolic impacts of including soya meal, wheat gluten and corn gluten in the diet of male lambs could influence their reproductive performance. Objectives: An experiment was carried out to assess the effects of corn gluten, wheat gluten and soya meal on the reproductive system of male lambs. Methods: Twenty‐four male Morkaraman lambs, aged 9 months, were utilized in this study and were fed experimental diets for 56 days. The lambs were divided into a control group (soybean meal + safflower meal), a corn group (corn gluten) and a wheat group (wheat gluten). Results: The serum follicle‐stimulating hormone level of the control group was significantly higher and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) level was lower than the wheat and corn gluten groups (p < 0.05). The lowest malondialdehyde level in testicular tissue was observed in the control group, whereas the highest was in the wheat gluten group (p < 0.05). The glutathione level in the control group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The corn gluten group showed the highest CHOP and IRE1 levels; the lowest Bcl‐2 levels and the highest IL‐1B and P2 × 7R levels were found in the wheat group; and the lowest TNF‐α levels were in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the study revealed that diet had a significant impact on spermatological parameters of the testis such as diameter, volume and weight (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results concluded that the inclusion of different protein sources in the diet of reproductive male lambs affects the metabolism of testicular tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silkworm pupae as widely consumed insect products are good biosources of protein and micronutrients. Silkworm rearing throughout the year can be achieved by feeding them an artificial diet instead of native plants, facilitating extensive pupa production. However, artificial diets are prone to spoilage caused by bacterial contamination. Here, we evaluated the antiseptic effect of ethylparaben (EP, chemical preservative) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA, natural preservative) in a silkworm artificial diet. Results showed that both preservatives effectively inhibited pathogenic bacterial growth. Furthermore, the addition of EP or MCFA did not negatively impact the production capacity of silkworms and the homeostasis of gut microbiota. However, the expression of genes involved in detoxification such as Ugt2, and immune response such as Cecropin B, were upregulated after EP consumption. Therefore, natural preservative MCFA emerges as a suitable option from a safety perspective. These findings highlight future directions for improving insect artificial diet formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of dietary supplements is far less regulated than pharmaceuticals, leading to potential quality issues. Considering their positive effect, many athletes consume supplements containing l-histidine and β-alanine. A new microfluidic method for the determination of l-histidine and β-alanine in dietary supplement formulations has been developed. For the first time, capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection was employed for the microchip electrophoresis of amino acids in real samples. A linear relationship between detector response and concentration was observed in the range of 10–100 µmol L–1 for l-histidine (R2 = 0.9968) and β-alanine (R2 = 0.9954), while achieved limits of detection (3 × S/N ratio) were 4.2 µmol L–1 and 5.2 µmol L–1, respectively. The accuracy of the method was confirmed using recovery experiments as well as CE-UV-VIS and HPLC-UV-VIS techniques. The developed method allows unambiguous identification of amino acids in native form without chemical derivatization and with the possibility of simultaneous analysis of amino acids with metal cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A healthy gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome has been shown to be essential for proper nutrient absorption and metabolism, maintenance of intestinal epithelial integrity and osmolarity, gut immunomodulation, and overall health. One of the most effective ways to promote a healthy GI microbiome is through dietary interventions, such as the addition of prebiotics. Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by the host GI microbiome through fermentation to confer a health benefit. However, research on prebiotics in companion animals is limited, especially in growing animals. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the effects of a novel prebiotic fiber blend on key parameters related to intestinal health and growth in puppies. Methods: Twenty-two puppies at least 4 months of age but not older than 10 months were fed a commercially available dry food during a prefeed period, and then fed a similarly formulated test food with the addition of the prebiotic fiber blend for a minimum of 90 days. Serum and fecal samples were collected at the end of the prefeed period and throughout the test period. Results: Puppies fed the test food grew as expected for puppies of this age. Complete blood count and serum chemistry analyses were clinically normal for all animals. Fecal score increased linearly, fecal moisture decreased linearly, and pH exhibited a cubic trend throughout the study duration. There was a linear increase in short-chain fatty acids throughout the study, which is associated with favorable digestive and overall health. The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-7 decreased linearly and interleukin-18 trended towards linear decrease. Conclusion: This study showed that puppies continued to grow and develop normally, and experienced serum and stool characteristics indicative of improved GI health when fed a growth food fortified with a novel prebiotic fiber blend. Furthermore, these results contribute to the overall understanding of the effects of prebiotics on the GI health of growing companion animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constant increase in worldwide per capita consumption of fish indicates the need for reliable and viable sources of fish, and aquaculture fits these criteria. Aquaculture has continued to make a significant contribution to total fisheries production over the last few decades. The significant progress in aquaculture has been largely attributed to the intensification of production and increasing dependency on formulated food. Among the major challenges in aquaculture is aquaculture feed, or in short, aquafeed, which may represent up to 80% of total operational costs. Due to escalating prices and unsustainable resources of aquafeed ingredients, especially fish meal, fish oils, and soybean meal, many substitutes are utilised, mainly animal by-products and animal waste, which is a concern under Islamic jurisprudence. This concern is quite substantial if aquaculture producers are vying for the halal market. Hence, it is important for them to understand this aspect of Islamic law. This paper reviews the current status of aquafeed ingredients and the classical Islamic jurisprudence pertaining to this issue. References to current decrees and standards by major Muslim countries and Islamic authorities are also presented, followed by options and avenues for remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic (Allium sativum) can improve the fish's immune system and modulate the gut microbiota composition, vital in host nutrition and health. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of garlic addition in formulated food on the taxonomic composition of the California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) intestinal microbiota, a marine fish with aquaculture potential. California yellowtail juveniles were fed diets with different garlic powder concentrations (4%, 10%, and 25%) for 30 days. Extraction and quantification of genomic DNA from two intestine sections (foregut and hindgut) were performed. Subsequently, the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from the samples was amplified and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq technology. The QIIME2 bioinformatics suite was used for the taxonomic assignment of the sequences and further statistics. Functions were predicted using PICRUSt2 and LefSe (MicrobiomeAnalyst Platform). As a result, the structure of the intestinal microbiota was modified in both intestine fractions, particularly at higher garlic concentrations. The Gammaproteobacteria class was the most abundant group in both intestine tissues, while Bacteroidia, Bacilli, Thermoleophilia, and Acidimicrobia decreased as garlic concentration increased. Changes in the predicted functions also accompanied changes in the taxonomic structure of the intestinal microbiota; briefly, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathways tended to decrease with increasing garlic concentration; in addition, several other functions, including protein and lipids metabolism and synthesis of biomolecules, were decreased as the garlic concentration increased. Our results suggest that dietary garlic supplementation induced changes in the structure and functionality of the gut microbiota in a dose-response manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary recommendations in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are inconclusive, and patients may follow restrictive diets with increased risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to compare dietary intakes and nutritional status in men and women with newly diagnosed IBD with a general population sample, and to investigate whether intakes were in line with the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including adults≥ 40 years with IBD from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease in South-Eastern Norway (IBSEN) III cohort study. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used in dietary data collection, and a sample from the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study was included as a comparison group. Results: A total of 227 men and women with IBD were included. IBD patients had higher intake of grain products, sweetened beverages, energy, fat and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), but lower intake of dairy products, alcohol and iodine compared to adults from the comparison sample (p < 0.01). Intakes of saturated fat and carbohydrates in both genders, and vitamin D in women were not within recommended levels. Anemia and hypoalbuminemia were more prevalent in IBD patients than in the comparison sample. Conclusions: Dietary intakes in newly diagnosed IBD patients were mostly in line with Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. Higher proportion of IBD patients exceeded recommended allowances of fat and added sugar than the comparison sample. Insufficient micronutrient intake, anemia and hypoalbuminemia are present challenges in IBD patients that require monitoring. Self-prescribed dietary restrictions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to inconclusive dietary guidance may influence their risk of malnutrition. Comprehensive assessment of both dietary intake and nutritional status as early as time of diagnosis may help identify challenges in this patient group and implement appropriate interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Gut microbiome changes are linked to obesity, but findings are based on stool data. In this article, we analyzed the duodenal microbiome and serum biomarkers in subjects with normal weight, overweight, and obesity. METHODS: Duodenal aspirates and serum samples were obtained from subjects undergoing standard-of-care esophagogastroduodenoscopy without colon preparation. Aspirate DNAs were analyzed by 16S rRNA and shotgun sequencing. Predicted microbial metabolic functions and serum levels of metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers were also assessed. RESULTS: Subjects with normal weight (N = 105), overweight (N = 67), and obesity (N = 42) were identified. Overweight-specific duodenal microbial features include lower relative abundance (RA) of Bifidobacterium species and Escherichia coli strain K-12 and higher Lactobacillus intestinalis, L. johnsonii, and Prevotella loescheii RA. Obesity-specific features include higher Lactobacillus gasseri RA and lower L. reuteri (subspecies rodentium), Alloprevotella rava, and Leptotrichia spp RA. Escalation features (progressive changes from normal weight through obesity) include decreasing Bacteroides pyogenes, Staphylococcus hominis, and unknown Faecalibacterium species RA, increasing RA of unknown Lactobacillus and Mycobacterium species, and decreasing microbial potential for biogenic amines metabolism. De-escalation features (direction of change altered in normal to overweight and overweight to obesity) include Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. hominis, L. iners, and Bifidobacterium dentium. An unknown Lactobacillus species is associated with type IIa dyslipidemia and overweight, whereas Alloprevotella rava is associated with type IIb and IV dyslipidemias. DISCUSSION: Direct analysis of the duodenal microbiome has identified key genera associated with overweight and obesity, including some previously identified in stool, e.g., Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Specific species and strains exhibit differing associations with overweight and obesity, including escalation and de-escalation features that may represent targets for future study and therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is associated with atopy; however, recent studies have identified an association with food-specific immunoglobulin G4 (FS-IgG4) rather than immunoglobulin E antibodies. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum FS-IgG4 in guiding an elimination diet and its outcomes. METHODS: Patients with and without EoE were enrolled in a prospective, controlled, single tertiary center trial. Serum FS-IgG4 titers, esophageal eosinophil counts, and dysphagia symptom questionnaire scores were assessed, and participants with elevated FS-IgG4 (ImmunoCAP, cutoff of 10 mgA/L) commenced 6-week targeted elimination diet. Repeat serum FS-IgG4 and endoscopic and histologic examination were performed at 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with active EoE and 13 controls were recruited. Serum FS-IgG4 to milk, wheat, soy, eggs, and nuts was significantly higher in EoE (P = 0.0002, P = 0.002, P = 0.003, P = 0.012, and P < 0.001, respectively). Elevated serum FS-IgG4 to 1 or more food groups (median 2) was identified in 21/22 (95.4%) patients with EoE; 20/21 underwent 6-week dietary elimination. Median reductions in dysphagia symptom questionnaire score and EoE endoscopic reference score after elimination were 8 (P = 0.0007) and 1 (P = 0.002), respectively. Nine (45%) patients had histological remission (<15 eosinophils per high-power field). Fall in median esophageal eosinophil count was not statistically significant (50 vs 23; P = 0.068). Serum FS-IgG4 did not decline by 6-week follow-up. DISCUSSION: Serum FS-IgG4 to milk, wheat, soy, egg, and nuts was present at higher levels in EoE, with targeted elimination resulting in 45% histologic remission rate. Serum FS-IgG4 has potential as a noninvasive biomarker in EoE. When successful, FS-IgG4 -led elimination diet can negate need for medications and be viewed more favorably by patients because of its smaller endoscopic burden compared with empirical elimination diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the risks, benefits, and resource implications of home‐blended food for children with gastrostomy tubes compared with a formula diet. Method: This prospective cohort study of children (aged 0–18 years) collected baseline data on gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional intake, anthropometric outcomes, parent and child quality of life, and resource use. A propensity score‐weighted generalized linear mixed model was used to compare children receiving a home‐blended versus formula diet. Results: Baseline data were obtained for 180 children (2019–2021; 107 males, 73 females; mean age 9 years 7 months [SD 4 years 5 months]). Children receiving a home‐blended diet (n = 104) had similar diagnoses and age but more lived in areas of lower deprivation and parental education was higher compared to the parents of children receiving a formula diet (n = 76). Children receiving home‐blended diets had significantly better gastrointestinal scores than those receiving formula diets (B = 13.8, p < 0.001). The number of gut infections and tube blockages were similar between the two groups but with fewer stoma site infections in the group receiving home‐blended food. Children receiving a home‐blended diet had more fibre in their diet compared to children receiving a formula diet. Interpretation: Home‐blended diets should be seen as a safe option for children who are gastrostomy‐fed unless clinically contraindicated. Equality of access to home‐blended diets for children with gastrostomy should be assessed by local clinical teams. What this paper adds: Children with gastrostomy receiving a home‐blended diet had fewer gastrointestinal symptoms compared to children receiving a formula diet.Children with gastrostomy receiving a home‐blended diet had no more complications than children receiving a formula diet. What this paper adds: Children with gastrostomy receiving a home‐blended diet had fewer gastrointestinal symptoms compared to children receiving a formula diet.Children with gastrostomy receiving a home‐blended diet had no more complications than children receiving a formula diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on blended feeds were recognized to be much more viscous than formula, raising concern for tube obstructions. Topics include gastrostomy tube placement is among the most common procedures in the pediatric population; and nutrition service can arrange to evaluate and provide recommendations for the patient on the day of surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the effects of a 5:2 diet (2 days per week of energy restriction by formula diet) or an exercise (2 days per week of high-intensity interval training and resistance training) intervention compared with routine lifestyle education (control) on glycemic control and cardiometabolic health among adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This two-center, open-label, three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial recruited 326 participants with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes and randomized them into 12 weeks of diet intervention (n = 109), exercise intervention (n = 108), or lifestyle education (control) (n = 109). The primary outcome was the change of glycemic control measured as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between the diet or exercise intervention groups and the control group after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: The diet intervention significantly reduced HbA1c level (%) after the 12-week intervention (−0.72, 95% CI −0.95 to −0.48) compared with the control group (−0.37, 95% CI −0.60 to −0.15) (diet vs. control −0.34, 95% CI −0.58 to −0.11, P = 0.007). The reduction in HbA1c level in the exercise intervention group (−0.46, 95% CI −0.70 to −0.23) did not significantly differ from the control group (exercise vs. control −0.09, 95% CI −0.32 to 0.15, P = 0.47). The exercise intervention group was superior in maintaining lean body mass. Both diet and exercise interventions induced improvements in adiposity and hepatic steatosis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the medically supervised 5:2 energy-restricted diet could provide an alternative strategy for improving glycemic control and that the exercise regimen could improve body composition, although it inadequately improved glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gut disorder that also elevates the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The global incidence and severity of IBD are rising, yet existing therapies often lead to severe side effects. Curcumin offers potent anti-inflammatory and chemotherapeutic properties. However, its clinical translation is hindered by rapid metabolism, as well as poor water solubility and stability, which limits its bioavailability. To address these challenges, we developed OC-S, a water-soluble and colon-targeted curcumin formulation that protects against colitis in mice. The current study advances OC-S as a dietary supplement by establishing its stability and compatibility with various commercial dietary products. Further, OC-S exhibited specific binding to inflamed colon tissue, potentially aiding in targeted drug retention at the inflammation site in colitis with diarrhea symptoms. We further investigated its efficacy in vivo and in vitro using a murine model of colitis and tumoroids from APCmin mice. OC-S significantly reduced colitis severity and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression compared with curcumin, even at very low doses (5 mg/kg/day). It also demonstrated higher anti-proliferative activity in CRC cells and colon cancer tumoroids vs. curcumin. Overall, this study demonstrated that OC-S effectively targets and retains water-soluble curcumin at the inflamed colon sites, while showing promise in addressing both colitis and colorectal cancer, which potentially paves the way for OC-S to advance into clinical development as a dietary product for both IBD and CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging increases susceptibility to lung disease, but the topic is understudied, especially in relation to environmental exposures with the bulk of rodent studies using young adults. This study aims to define the pulmonary toxicity of naphthalene (NA) and the impacts of a dietary antioxidant, ergothioneine (ET), in the liver and lungs of middle-aged mice. NA causes a well-characterized pattern of conducting airway epithelial injury in the lung in young adult mice, but NA's toxicity has not been characterized in middle-aged mice, aged 1–1.5 years. ET is a dietary antioxidant that is synthesized by bacteria and fungi. The ET transporter (ETT), SLC22A4, is upregulated in tissues that experience high levels of oxidative stress. In this study, middle-aged male and female C57BL/6 J mice, maintained on an ET-free synthetic diet from conception, were gavaged with 70 mg/kg of ET for five consecutive days. On day 8, the mice were exposed to a single intraperitoneal NA dose of 50, 100, 150, or 200 mg/kg. At 24 hours post NA injection samples were collected and analyzed for ET concentration and reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentrations. Histopathology, morphometry, and gene expression were examined. Histopathology of mice exposed to 100 mg/kg of NA suggests reduction in toxicity in the terminal airways of both male (p ≤ 0.001) and female (p ≤ 0.05) middle-aged mice by the ET pretreatment. Our findings in this study are the first to document the toxicity of NA in middle-aged mice and show some efficacy of ET in reducing NA toxicity. • Differential expression of Phase 2 associated genes were measured by lung location. • Microdissection allowed study of lung location naphthalene dose effects by sex. • Naphthalene pulmonary toxicity was measured in middle-aged mice for the first time. • Oral ergothioneine pretreatment led to modest reductions in naphthalene toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Structural nutrition interventions like a sugar tax or a product reformulation are strongly supported among the public health community but may cause a considerable backlash (e.g. inspiring aversion to institutions initiating the interventions among citizens). Such a backlash potentially undermines future health-promotion strategies. This study aims to uncover whether such backlash exists. Methods We fielded a pre-registered randomized, population-based survey experiment among adults from the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences panel (n  =   1765; based on a random sampling of the Dutch population register). Participants were randomly allocated to the control condition (brief facts about health-information provision/nudging), or one of two experimental groups (the same facts, expanded with either a proposed sugar tax on or reformulation of sugar-sweetened beverages). Ordinary least squares regression was used to estimate the proposed interventions' effects on four outcome variables: trust in health-promotion institutions involved; perceptions that these institutions have citizens' well-being in mind (i.e. benevolence); perceptions that these institutions' perspectives are similar to those of citizens (i.e. alignment of perspectives); and attitudes toward nutrition information. Results Trust, perceived benevolence and perceived alignment of perspectives were affected negatively by a proposed sugar tax (−0.24, 95% CI −0.38 to −0.10; −0.15, −0.29 to −0.01; −0.15, −0.30 to 0.00) or product reformulation (−0.32, −0.46 to −0.18; −0.24, −0.37 to −0.11; −0.18, 0.33 to −0.03), particularly among the non-tertiary educated respondents. Conclusions Sugar taxes or product reformulations may delegitimize health-promotion institutions, potentially causing public distancing from or opposition to these bodies. This may be exploited by political and commercial parties to undermine official institutions. Trial registration https://osf.io/qr9jy/?view%5fonly=5e2e875a1fc348f3b28115b7a3fdfd90. Registered 3 February 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baltic amber is often considered the principal Scandinavian commodity exchanged for metal from ore-rich regions in Europe. If correct, this may explain the astonishing metal wealth of the Nordic Bronze Age and the modest social consumption of amber locally. The hypothesis of a metal-for-amber principle behind the trade is here for the first time assessed on scales from micro to macro. Amber finds were charted across Europe, and the result was then compared to evidence for regular shifts in copper ore preferences/availability, as found in the systematically changing isotopic/elemental composition of Nordic metal objects in c. 2100–1200 BC. Comparisons indicate that amber and metal followed similar spatiotemporal trajectories with major reorganizations at the turn from the Early to the Middle Bronze Age. Shifts in amber distribution correlate with the geography of metal sources used in both periods and flows of metal to Scandinavia and amber to Europe appear to be contingent even in subperiods. Major European amber tracks – and the crossroads hubs controlling them – were identified for the transfer of goods, yet again revealing major changes at the transition to the Middle Bronze Age. The social roles and meanings of amber among Nordic communities were likewise examined, suggesting that bearers of amber played a role in exercising social control of this resource. It is concluded that amber almost certainly was exchanged for metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, thickeners are frequently added to foods to ensure safe diets for dysphagia patients. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a commonly used food thickener with health benefits as an excellent dietary fiber, but its rheological properties, such as no yield stress and poor gelling, prevent its direct use as a dysphagia thickener. This study exploited the potential of KGM as a dysphagia thickener through its synergistic interaction with xanthan gum (XG) and investigated the effects of dispersion media (water, juice, and soy milk) on the rheological properties and oral tribology of the KGM-XG thickener. The KGM-XG thickener (15:5 mass ratio of KGM to XG) was added to the dispersion media in an amount of 0.3–0.9% (w/w). The results showed the thickener had the strongest pseudoplasticity and apparent viscosity in water, exhibiting weak gel properties and yield behavior; whereas in juice and soy milk, apparent viscosity decreased due to the medium components interfering with KGM and XG synergistic interaction, and weak gel properties and yield behavior were only exhibited at higher levels (> 0.3%, w/w). The thickener had better ability to resist deformation and recovery in water than in juice and soy milk. The Stribeck curves effectively reflected the oral tribological behavior of the thickened systems, and the addition of the thickener reduced the friction coefficients of water and juice but had no significant effect on soy milk. Overall, KGM-XG is a promising thickener for dysphagia diets and offers a viable strategy for adding more dietary fiber to dietary formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tooth loss is associated with suboptimal nutrient intake and greater risk of malnutrition. Objective: To develop and field‐test a stakeholder‐informed diet education tool that addresses the unique needs of older adults with tooth loss who do not wear dentures. Methods: An iterative user‐centered approach was used. Initial content was developed based on findings from previous research. Stakeholder panels of older adults with 20 or fewer teeth, and dentists, were conducted at two time points to obtain feedback on the tool, which was revised following each panel. The tool was field‐tested in a dental school clinic and evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool; it was further revised based on feedback. Results: A diet education tool entitled "Eating Healthier With Tooth Loss" was developed. Sections for fruits and vegetables, grains, and proteins food groups, and one addressing socioemotional aspects of eating with missing teeth were included. Panel members provided constructive, positive feedback; recommendations for editing text, images, design, and content were integrated. Field‐testing in the dental clinic with 27 pairs of student dentists and their patients resulted in scores of 95.7% for understandability and 96.6% for actionability, with over 85% agreement with each item. The tool was revised based on field‐testing feedback. Conclusion: A diet education tool for older adults with tooth loss was developed using a user‐centered approach, integrating the 'patient voice' and patient experiences with US dietary guidelines. Use of this tool is feasible in a dental clinic setting. Future research should explore usage in larger settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a strict lockdown in Serbia, the population has experienced drastic lifestyle changes. Physical distancing, self-isolation, limited availability of essential food products, and the stress related to the availability of therapy during the pandemic particularly affected the lives of vulnerable groups, such as breast cancer (BrC) patients. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in eating behaviors and physical activity of postmenopausal BrC patients on adjuvant hormonal therapy under the COVID-19 lockdown conditions. Methods. This observational retrospective pre-post cohort study included 32 women treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) who responded to telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire aims to collect data on eating habits (intake of certain foods on a daily/weekly basis, as well as changes in the usual choice of food), intake of supplements, changes in weight, and physical activity before and during the lockdown. Results. The results showed that, due to problems in obtaining groceries, the patients cooked and consumed homemade sweets and fruit more often (47% of the respondents), while fewer (31%) consumed fresh fish. Nearly 41% of patients reported increased food intake, and 88% reported decreased physical activity, which led to an increase in body weight in as many as 47% of subjects. The intake of supplements was doubled. Conclusion. The COVID-19 lockdown with home confinement exacerbated health risks and affected dietary patterns and physical activity, which may have had a negative impact on the long-term health of BrC patients treated with AIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of an elemental diet (ED) for preventing adverse events (AEs) during chemotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer (EC) remains unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to comprehensively assess the efficacy of ED for preventing AE in EC patients during chemotherapy. Medline (via PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to retrieve prospective and randomized studies published before April 12, 2023. The odds ratio (OR) of each AE was calculated using Review Manger 5.4.1. The risk of bias was assessed, and a random effect model-based meta-analysis was used to analyze the available data. Four prospective and randomized studies involving 237 patients were identified after a systematic search. Regarding gastrointestinal toxicities, the findings indicated a trend toward a decrease in the risk of mucositis (OM) (OR = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.25-1.14), constipation (OR = 0.87, 95 % CI: 0.49-1.53), and anorexia (OR = 0.99, 95 % CI: 0.32- 3.05), as well as an increasing trend in the risk of diarrhea (OR = 1.48, 95 % CI: 0.79-2.79), among patients treated with ED. However, none of these reached statistical significance. For hematological toxicities, the risk of all-grade neutropenia (OR = 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.14-0.57), grade = 2 leucopenia (OR = 0.43, 95 % CI: 0.22-0.84), grade = 2 neutropenia (OR = 0.34, 95 % CI: 0.17-0.67), and grade = 3 neutropenia (OR = 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.12-0.63) was significantly decreased. There is no firm evidence confirming the preventive effect of an ED against OM or diarrhea. However, an ED may potentially be helpful in preventing neutropenia and leucopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A better understanding of stroke pathogenesis through the identification of stroke risk and protective factors can lead to new strategies for stroke prevention. This study investigates the diet of stroke patients and whether there is a relationship between the diet pattern and their age, gender, recurrence of stroke, mortality, and duration of hospitalization. This is a cross-sectional prospective study that included all stroke patients referred to the emergency department between April 2022 and June 2022. The daily diet and demographic characteristics of patients were collected. 100 patients (65% men) were included. According to the statistical analysis, type of oil, and sugar consumption were correlated with the gender of patients (p values of .001 and.014, respectively). Also, correlations between age of patients and number of meals consumed in a day, grain serving, meat consumption and serving, and fruit serving were detected (p values of.030,.001,.0009,.003, and.043, respectively). Additionally, correlations between mortality and the number of meals in a day, meat consumption, and fruit serving were found (p values of .011, .033, and .033, respectively). Our study found that the number of meals consumed in a day, grain servings, meat consumption, and fruit servings in elderly patients is less than in young ones. Additionally, in patients, a higher number of meals consumed in a day, meat consumption, and fruit servings are detected. In stroke patients, women consume liquid oil, while men consume solid oil. Additionally, sugar consumption in male patients is higher than in female patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are at high risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of polymeric formulas available commercially and a high-protein liquid diet prepared in the hospital on laboratory parameters and postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for HNC. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 149 patients who underwent surgery for HNC between 2008 and 2017. The following data were collected: patient and tumor characteristics, postoperative complications, and laboratory parameters measured at baseline and after surgery, including creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and blood glucose levels. Correlations between the duration of enteral nutrition and blood parameters were assessed. Results: After surgery, patients receiving commercial formulas had lower creatinine and blood glucose levels and higher ALT and ASP levels than those on the hospital-based diet. The longer duration of feeding with commercial formulas before surgery was associated with enhanced preoperative levels of ALT and ASP and with lower postoperative blood glucose. Patients on the hospital-based diet had a higher rate of postoperative complications than those receiving commercial formulas (16.1% vs. 3.3%). Conclusions: There were no clinically important differences in blood parameters among patients with HNC depending on the type of preparations used for enteral feeding. However, increased levels of liver enzymes in patients fed with commercial formulas were notable. The early initiation of enteral nutrition before surgery helped achieve normal blood glucose levels after surgery. The use of commercial preparations contributed to reducing the number and incidence of postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]