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Purpose: To collect and evaluate the available evidence on existing tools used in research and clinical practice to assess and analyse the diet of children and adolescents for its cariogenicity. Materials and Methods: Multiple databases were searched up to October 2022, with no date, publication, or language restrictions, followed by a manual search. Study screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed in duplicate. Dietary assessment tools and dental clinical parameters tested were retrieved for qualitative assessment and synthesis. Results: Of the 2896 papers identified, 9 cohort and 23 cross-sectional studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. To assess dietary data, 13 studies used a 24-h recall, 11 used a food diary, and 7 used a food frequency questionnaire. For analysis, five studies reported using the Healthy Eating Index, ten used a score based on consumption of sugars, and the remaining analysed cariogenic diet based on the weight and frequency of sugars consumed, or the daily caloric intake from free sugars. Risk of bias assessment suggested that 65.7% of the studies were of moderate and 31.5% of high quality. Conclusion: Inconsistency exists regarding methods used for the assessment and analysis of dietary cariogenicity. Although every dietary assessment tool has different strengths and limitations, the 24-h recall was the most commonly used method for the assessment of dietary cariogenicity and the most consistent in detecting a positive relationship between sugary diet and carious lesions. A standardised method for cariogenic analysis of dietary data needs to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background: The Universal Infant Free School Meal (UIFSM) policy was introduced in 2014/15 in England and Scotland for schoolchildren aged 4–7 years, leading to an increase in school meal uptake. UK school meals are known to be healthier and less industrially processed than food brought from home (packed lunches). However, the impact of the UIFSM policy on the quantity of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumed at school during lunchtime is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the UIFSM policy on lunchtime intakes of UPF in English and Scottish schoolchildren. Methods: Data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2019) were used to conduct a difference-in-difference (DID) natural experiment. Outcomes included school meal uptake and the average intake of UPF (% of total lunch in grams (%g) and % total lunch in Kcal (%Kcal)) during school lunchtime. The change in the outcomes before and after the introduction of UIFSM (September 2014 in England, January 2015 in Scotland) in the intervention group (4–7 years, n = 835) was compared to the change in an unexposed control group (8–11 years, n = 783), using linear regression. Inverse probability weights were used to balance characteristics between intervention and control groups. Results: Before UIFSM, school meal uptake and consumption of UPFs were similar in the intervention and control groups. The DID model showed that after UIFSM, school meal uptake rose by 25%-points (pp) (95% CI 14.2, 35.9) and consumption of UPFs (%g) decreased by 6.8pp (95% CI -12.5,-1.0). Analyses indicated this was driven by increases in minimally processed dairy and eggs, and starchy foods, and decreases in ultra-processed salty snacks, bread and drinks. The differences were larger in the lowest-income children (-19.3 UPF(%g); 95% CI -30.4,-8.2) compared to middle- and high-income children. Analyses using UPF %Kcal had similar conclusions. Conclusions: This study builds on previous evidence suggesting that UIFSM had a positive impact on dietary patterns, showing that it reduced consumption of UPFs at school lunchtime, with the greatest impact for children from the lowest-income households. Universal free school meals could be an important policy for long term equitable improvements in children's diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ADHD is highly comorbid with Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS). Both are associated with obesity and diabetes, which can be caused by long-term dysregulations of appetite and glucose metabolism. This study explores hormones involved in these processes and the effects of chronotherapeutic interventions in a small sample of adults with ADHD and DSPS. Methods: Exploratory, secondary analysis of data from the PhASE study, a three-armed randomized clinical trial, are presented, including 37 adults (18–53 years) with ADHD and DSPS receiving three weeks of 0.5 mg/day (1) placebo, (2) melatonin, or (3) melatonin plus 30 minutes of bright light therapy (BLT). Leptin (appetite-suppressing), ghrelin (appetite-stimulating), insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and glucose were measured from blood collected at 08:00 hours. Salivary cortisol was collected during the first 30 minutes after awakening and self-reported appetite was assessed. Results: Baseline leptin and IGF-1 levels were higher than reference ranges, and ghrelin and cortisol levels were lower, while insulin and glucose were normal. Melatonin treatment decreased leptin and insulin. Other outcomes remained unchanged and melatonin + BLT had no effects. Conclusion: Due to the small sample size and exploratory nature of the study, results should be interpreted with caution. Overall, these results show no strong indications for dysregulation of appetite and glucose metabolism to suggest high risk of obesity and diabetes in this small sample of adults with ADHD and DSPS. However, baseline appetite was suppressed, likely because measurements took place in the early morning which could be considered the biological night for this study population. Melatonin treatment seemed to cause subtle changes in appetite-regulating hormones suggesting increased appetite. Chronotherapeutic treatment may affect appetite-regulating hormones by advancing the biological rhythm and/or altering eating behaviors, but this remains to be investigated in larger samples using detailed food diaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many countries have introduced school food standards to improve the dietary intakes of school-aged children. England has school food standards (SFS) legislation in place but little is known about how well secondary schools comply with this. We aimed to assess compliance with the SFS legislation in English secondary schools and explore the impact of the SFS on pupils' nutritional intake. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with English secondary schools from 2019 to 2022. We compared SFS compliance and pupil nutritional intake in schools mandated or not mandated to comply with the SFS legislation, and explored the association between school compliance and pupil nutritional intake. We assessed the percentage of SFS (%SFS) complied with by reviewing school food menus and observing food served in school canteens. We assessed pupil nutritional intake using a 24-hour dietary recall measure (Intake24) and estimated intakes of free sugar (primary outcome) and other nutrients/foods. We used adjusted multilevel models to compare pupil intakes in the SFS-mandated and SFS-non-mandated schools, and to explore the association between school SFS compliance and pupil intakes. Results: 36 schools (23 not mandated and 13 mandated to comply with the SFS) and 2,273 pupils participated. The median %SFS complied with was 63.9% (interquartile range 60.0–70.0%). This was similar for SFS-non-mandated (64.5%) and SFS-mandated schools (63.3%). Compliance was highest for standards applying to lunchtime (median = 81.3%) and lowest for those applying across the whole school day (median = 41.7%). It was also lower for standards restricting high fat, sugar and energy-dense items (median = 26.1%) than for standards aiming to increase dietary variety (median = 92.3%). Pupils from SFS-mandated schools had a lower mean lunchtime intake of free sugar (g) (adjusted mean difference: -2.78g; 95% CI: -4.66g to -0.90g). There were few significant associations between %SFS complied with and pupil nutritional intake. Conclusions: English secondary schools do not fully comply with SFS legislation regardless of whether they are mandated to comply. Schools and caterers may require monitoring and support to fully comply. There is little evidence that SFS compliance is associated with better pupil nutritional intake. Food environments outside of school also need to be considered. Study registration: ISRCTN68757496 (17-10-2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the effectiveness of outpatient nutritional guidance supplemented by digital media with exclusively standard outpatient nutritional guidance in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).This was a randomized, patient-blinded clinical trial conducted at the Diabetes and Pregnancy outpatient clinic from February 2021 to January 2023. Pregnant women with GDM were randomly allocated into two groups: the control group received exclusively outpatient nutritional guidance, and the Intervention Group received outpatient nutritional guidance along with reminders via WhatsApp. Dietary intake (calories, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and fibers) was evaluated using 24 h dietary recalls. Glycemic control and the need for pharmacological treatment were also assessed.A total of 81 women were included, 34 allocated to the control group, and 47 to the intervention group. Patients were followed for a period of 4–8 weeks. Significant differences were observed in some points of glycemic control between the two groups over the follow-up period. There were no statistical differences in pharmacological therapy (p=0.498); 188 24 h dietary recall were conducted in the control group and 290 in the intervention group. A statistically significant increase in lipid intake was observed in the intervention group over the follow-up period compared to the control group (p<0.001). No changes in calorie intake, other macronutrients, or fiber consumption were noted.Glycemic control was significantly improved with the addition of frequent text reminders about dietary choices, and a significant increase in lipid intake was seen in all women, more so in the reminder group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a reduction in accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior (SB) improves blood lipids in inactive adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Sixty-four participants were randomly assigned into intervention (INT, n = 33) and control (CONT, n = 31) groups. The INT group was instructed to reduce SB by 1 h/day without increasing formal exercise, whereas the CONT group was advised to maintain usual SB habits. SB and physical activity (PA) were measured with accelerometers throughout the intervention. Plasma lipid concentrations and dietary intake by food diaries were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. High-density lipoprotein percentage of total cholesterol decreased during the intervention similarly in both groups (p = 0.047). Other blood lipids did not change from baseline to six months in either group. The CONT group had a statistically significant reduction in the intake of saturated fatty acids compared to the INT group (p = 0.03). Intervention resulting in a 40-minute reduction in daily SB and 20-minute increase in habitual MVPA seems to not be effective in improving blood lipids in adults with MetS. Reducing SB together with a higher volume and/or intensity of PA and proper nutrition may be needed to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Trial registration. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03101228, 05/04/2017). https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03101228?term=NCT03101228&draw=2&rank=1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted pod borer Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a serious pantropical pest of legume crops. Though several diets were tried in different parts of the world, none of them contained black gram flower and seed powder as a component from natural host. Four semisynthetic diets (D-J: Soybean and Cowpea based diet; D-JR: Cowpea based diet; D-New: Soybean based diet; D-B: Black gram based semi synthetic diet) and natural black gram flowers and pods were tested to evaluate the nine biological parameters: durations of larva, pupae and adult, larval and pupal weight, sex ratio, fecundity, adult emergence, larval and pupal growth index, food consumed, fecal weight and total developmental period. The seven nutritional indices were determined: relative growth rate, consumption rate, metabolic rate, approximate digestibility, efficiency of conversion of ingested food, efficiency of conversion of digested food and metabolic cost. Larval development showed a significant difference among the diets. The results indicated that third instar larvae fed on a D-B diet recorded the shortest developmental time (29.37 days) and the highest food consumption (64.21 mg) and fecal production (20.83 mg), resulting in the maximum larval and pupal weights (48.46 and 47.11 mg, respectively). The black gram-based semisynthetic diet was highly suitable for the continuous rearing of M. vitrata compared to other semisynthetic diets to produce uniformly sized insects of predictable performance without a loss of vigor or a decline in reproductive potential. D-B diet can be used as an efficient alternative to natural diet for rearing in laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased risk of adverse health outcomes at older ages. This study evaluated whether isolation and loneliness are related to inadequate intake of micronutrients in the diet. Methods We tested associations between social isolation and loneliness and dietary micronutrient intake 2 years later in 3713 men and women (mean age 68.26, standard deviation 7.81 years) who completed two online 24-h dietary recalls. Associations of isolation and loneliness with intake of nine minerals and vitamins that fell below national recommendations were tested using logistic regressions, adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, smoking and physical activity and total energy intake. Results The prevalence of low dietary intake varied markedly across micronutrients. Social isolation (1-point increase in a score ranging 0–5) was associated with increased odds (adjusted for covariates) of low intake of magnesium [odds ratio (OR) 1.153, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.037–1.282, P  = .009], potassium (OR 1.201, 95% CI 1.087–1.327, P  < .001), vitamin B6 (OR 1.263, 95% CI 1.110–1.438, P  < .001), folate (OR 1.211, 95% CI 1.093–1.341, P  < .001) and vitamin C (OR 1.238, 95% CI 1.098–1.394, P  < .001). These associations remained unchanged when food insecurity and impaired activities of daily living were taken into account. By contrast, loneliness was not related to the inadequate intake of any micronutrient. Conclusions Low intake of micronutrients increases risk of age-related health problems. Attention to the dietary quality of older people with limited social contacts and little involvement in community activities might enhance health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rosy Litter Frog (Leptobrachella eos) is known from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Knowledge about the natural history of this species is virtually lacking. As a result of our field work in Son La, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces of Vietnam, we provide data on the food composition of L. eos for the first time. Using the stomach-flushing method, we analyzed stomach contents of 34 individuals (23 males and 11 females) from a total of 42 frogs, with stomachs of five males and three females (19%) being empty. A total of 13 prey categories were observed in the stomachs of L. eos , with 232 items, comprising 230 items of invertebrates and two unidentified items. The most important (IRI) groups among the prey of L. eos were Blattodea (26.31%), Araneae (17.26%), Orthoptera (13.21%), Coleoptera (12.39%), and Opiliones (10.09%). There was an overlap of 51.11 % in the diet between males and females, The trophic spectrum of males comprising 11 prey categories revealed to be wider than that of females comprising nine prey categories. Despite differences in diets between the sexes, Blattodea, Orthoptera, Araneae, Coleoptera, and Opiliones represented the most important prey category for all of them. In addition, we also report a new find of Leptobrachella eos , with a new subpopulation from Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the challenges of accurately estimating nutrient intake, specifically preformed vitamin A, from less frequently consumed foods using the EFSA Comprehensive Food Consumption Database. It highlights the limitations of current dietary assessment methods in capturing high intakes of nutrients found in foods consumed irregularly, such as liver and fish. The article suggests implementing multiple assessment methods and statistical modeling to improve intake estimates for risk assessment purposes. Additionally, it outlines future initiatives by EFSA to enhance data collection and analysis methods for more reliable nutrient intake estimates. [Extracted from the article]

Amphibians are increasingly threatened, leading to growing concern about their key role in natural ecosystems globally as predators and essential consumers in food webs. Effective conservation plans are linked to up‐to‐date distributional and ecological information, but dietary knowledge is often underrepresented. This information is essential for understanding ecological requirements, changes in the species and populations, impacts of habitat modification, and developing conservation strategies. Here, we present the current knowledge on amphibian diets in Colombia, to determine (a) the number of species studied and their distribution across families and genera; (b) the temporal and regional patterns in number of articles on amphibian diets; and (c) the trends in topics studied associated with amphibian diets; and to offer (d) a qualitative description of amphibian diets and the methods used for stomach contents collection. We found 70 published studies on the diet of Colombian amphibians between the years 1914 and 2022, including 100 species (11.6% of Colombian species). The Andean region is the best represented, and the Amazon and Orinoco the least. The topics most frequently studied were prey items consumed and ontogeny, followed by systematics and taxonomy, and land‐use change impacts. Forty‐one prey items were consumed, where Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were the most common prey items. While the development of information on amphibian diets has recently increased, knowledge remains limited, with a significant information gap for many Colombian species in different regions. Conducting studies in little‐explored areas of the country, especially the Amazon, Orinoco, and Pacific regions, should have high priority. Investigations should be focused on Caudata and Gymnophiona, plus the anurans of the Hemiphractidae and Pipidae families that do not have diet records in Colombia. Indeed, we evidence the necessity to perform trophic network analysis to understand better the energy flow between species and the associated spatial, temporal, or functional trait changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The effects of breaking up sitting on gut hormone responses and free-living energy compensatory behaviors are still unclear in people of Asian ethnicity. Methods: Twenty-six Asians including 13 lean individuals (Lean) and 13 individuals with centrally overweight/obesity (OW), aged between 20 and 45 yr, completed a randomized crossover study with either 5.5-h uninterrupted sitting (SIT) or 5.5-h sitting with 2-min walking at 6.4 km·h−1 every 20 min (ACTIVE) in the laboratory. Blood samples were collected at regular time points to examine postprandial glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) concentrations. Free-living physical activity and energy intake were recorded using wearable devices and weighed food diaries outside the laboratory until midnight. Paired t-tests were conducted to compare responses between trials. Results: Postprandial GLP-1 and PYY incremental area under the curve values were higher in the ACTIVE trial versus SIT in both Lean and OW groups (all, P < 0.05), but there was no difference in GIP in either group (both, P > 0.05). There were no differences in free-living physical activity (volume and intensity) or energy intake (total and macronutrients) between trials in either group (all, P > 0.05), resulting in greater total physical activity over the 24-h monitoring period in ACTIVE trial versus SIT trial (both, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Breaking up sitting increases postprandial GLP-1 and PYY concentrations in Asians, but does not induce subsequent behavioral compensation, resulting in greater 24-h physical activity levels and lower relative energy intake, in inactive individuals irrespective of bodyweight status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We quantified levels of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and investigated consumption patterns in a representative sample of UK adolescents. Methods: We used data from 4-day food diaries from adolescents in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (2008/09–2018/19). UPF were identified using the NOVA classification. We estimated the percentage of Total Energy Intake (%TEI) and the absolute weight (grams). Linear regression models quantified differences in UPF consumption across survey years and its association with participant's individual characteristics. This was an analysis of the repeated cross-sectional data from the UK NDNS Rolling Programme waves 1–11 (2008/09–2018/19). A total of 2991 adolescents (11–18y) with complete information on dietary intake were included. Results: Mean UPF consumption was 861 (SD 442) g/d and this accounted for 65.9% (SD 13.4%) of TEI. Between 2008 and 2019, mean UPF consumption decreased from 996 to 776 g/d [ – 211 (95%CI – 302; – 120)] and from 67.7% to 62.8% of TEI [ – 4.8% (95%CI – 8.1; – 1.5)]. Higher %TEI was consumed by adolescents with lower socioeconomic status; white ethnicity and living in England North. A higher weight of UPF consumption (g/d) was associated with being male, white, age 18y, having parents with routine or manual occupation, living in England North, and living with obesity. Conclusion: Average energy intake from UPF has decreased over a decade in UK adolescents. We observed a social and regional patterning of UPF consumption, with higher consumption among adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, from a white ethnicity and living in England North. Our findings suggest inequalities associated with UPF intake and factors that might lie beyond individual choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Muscle mass is vital for physical activity and fundamental physiological processes supporting long-term health. While aging is inevitable, certain modifiable factors positively influence muscle preservation and overall well-being. However, the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and muscle mass is not yet clear. Methods: This study included 7,173 men and nonpregnant women aged 20–59 years with valid 24-hour dietary recalls and accessible whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans from NHANES 2011–2018. UPFs were identified through the NOVA classification system, and the percentage of energy derived from UPF consumption was evaluated in quintiles. Muscle mass measures were derived from DXA scans and quantified by the total and regional muscle mass index (MMI, kg/m²) and appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI, kg/m²). Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear regression models were applied to investigate the association between consumption of UPFs and muscle mass measures overall and by sociodemographic subgroups. Results: The multivariable-adjusted differences of total MMI from the lowest to highest quintile of UPF consumption were 0 (reference), -0.03 (95% CI, -0.13, 0.07), -0.13 (95%CI, -0.24, -0.04), -0.12 (95% CI, -0.23, -0.01), and − 0.17 (95% CI, -0.27, -0.08) (P for trend < 0.001). Subtotal MMI followed a similar magnitude of associational pattern as total MMI. For trunk MMI, corresponding values from the lowest to highest quintiles of UPF consumption were 0 (reference), -0.02 (95% CI, -0.07, 0.02), -0.05 (95%CI, -0.11, 0.00), -0.07 (95% CI, -0.13, -0.01), and − 0.07 (95% CI, -0.12, -0.01). For AMMI, corresponding values from the lowest to highest quintiles of UPF consumption were 0 (reference), -0.004 (95% CI, -0.07, 0.06), -0.08 (95%CI, -0.14, -0.02), -0.05 (95% CI, -0.11, 0.02), and − 0.10 (95% CI, -0.16, -0.04) (All P for trend < 0.001). While most subgroups maintained similar overall patterns, heterogeneous findings were also observed. For example, the multivariable-adjusted differences in total MMI between the lowest and highest quantile of UPF consumption were − 0.19 (95% CI, -0.32, -0.06) for non-Hispanic Whites, 0.18 (95% CI, 0.01, 0.36) for non-Hispanic Blacks, -0.25 (95%CI, -0.45, -0.04) for Hispanics, -0.25 (95% CI, -0.51, 0.05) for non-Hispanic Asians and − 0.32 (95% CI, -0.75, 0.12) for others (P for interaction < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher consumption of UPFs was significantly associated with lower values of total and regional muscle mass. Specifically, comparing the highest quantile of UPF consumption to the lowest, total MMI decreased by 0.93%, trunk MMI decreased by 0.76%, and AMMI decreased by 1.25%. The differences in associational patterns between UPF consumption and muscle mass across sociodemographic subgroups require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• People with obesity plus prediabetes or T2DM had elevated metabolic dysregulation. • Those with prediabetes or T2DM had decreased vitamin C status. • This was despite comparable dietary intakes to those without diabetes. • Vitamin C status was inversely associated with metabolic dysregulation. • Thus, metabolic dysregulation is associated with an increased demand for vitamin C. Obesity and diabetes are known to negatively affect vitamin C status. However, whether the presence of diabetes, in addition to obesity, contributes an additional impact on vitamin C status is currently uncertain. In a cohort of 152 adults living with obesity, we assessed metabolic and nutrient parameters in participants without diabetes (n = 92), and with prediabetes (n = 22) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; n = 35). Vitamin C concentrations were measured in plasma and leukocytes using HPLC and vitamin C intakes were assessed using 24-hour dietary recall. Metabolic severity scores were derived using gender, ethnicity, height, weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL, and triglyceride values. In people living with obesity, those with prediabetes and T2DM had increased metabolic dysregulation and decreased vitamin C status relative to those without diabetes (P <.05). Vitamin C deficiency was observed in a high proportion (23%-32%) of participants with prediabetes and T2DM and ≥50% had hypovitaminosis C. However, there was no difference in vitamin C intake between those without diabetes and those with prediabetes or T2DM (P >.05). There was a significant inverse correlation between plasma vitamin C status and metabolic severity score (r = -0.290, P <.001). Linear regression indicated that for every 1-unit increase in metabolic severity score, there was a 6.5 µmol/L decrease in vitamin C status. Thus, the enhanced metabolic dysregulation observed with prediabetes and T2DM is associated with an increased demand for vitamin C in people living with obesity. In people living with obesity, those with prediabetes (orange circles) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; red circles) had increased metabolic dysregulation and decreased plasma vitamin C status relative to those without diabetes (green circles). For every 1-unit increase in metabolic severity score, there was a 6.5 µmol/L decrease in plasma vitamin C status. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of diet in breast cancer prevention is controversial and limited in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to investigate the association between different dietary factors and breast cancer risk in Vietnamese women. Methods: Three hundred seventy newly histologically confirmed breast cancer cases and 370 controls matched by 5-year age from September 2019 to March 2020 in Ho Chi Minh City were recorded dietary intake using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were evaluated using conditional logistic regression and adjusted with potential confounders. Results: Compared to the lowest quartile of intake, we found that the highest intake of vegetables, fruit, soybean products, coffee, and egg significantly decreased breast cancer risk, including dark green vegetables (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.78, ptrend=0.022), legumes (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08-0.44, ptrend <0.001), starchy vegetables (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21-0.66, ptrend=0.003), other vegetables (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.77, ptrend=0.106), fruits (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.74, ptrend <0.001), soybean product (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.86, ptrend=0.311), coffee (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.95, ptrend 0.004), and egg (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.23-0.71, ptrend=0.002). Conclusion: Greater consumption of vegetables, fruit, soybean products, coffee, and eggs is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. This study provides evidence of breast cancer prevention by increasing the intake of these dietary groups, especially in LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The present study was to explore relationship between serum lipid profiles and the polymorphism of rs324420 at fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene (FAAH rs324420) and its confounders in Chinese adolescents. Serum lipids, glucose, and insulin levels were assessed using routine methods in a cohort of 708 high school students. Dietary intake was investigated by 3‐day diet records, and intakes of protein, fat, and carbohydrate were calculated. FAAH rs324420 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and confirmed through DNA sequencing. In the whole study population, increased HDL‐C levels were observed in FAAH rs324420 CC homozygotes than those in A allele carriers. Body mass index (BMI), gender, intake of fat, and FAAH rs324420 were predictive factors of HDL‐C levels in the whole study population. Moreover, BMI and intake of fat were predictors of HDL‐C levels in male FAAH rs324420 A allele carriers and female CC homozygotes, but only BMI was predictor of HDL‐C in female A allele carriers and male CC homozygotes. These results demonstrate that there are mutual effects of dietary fat with gender, BMI, and FAAH rs324420 on HDL‐C levels, which pave a novel way to explore the heterogeneous relationship of serum lipid profiles with diets or FAAH rs324420 and provide a new perspective of precision dietary interventions of dyslipidemia, especially in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aimed to determine the effects of caffeine consumption and sleep on post-spinal headache after spinal anesthesia. Background: Post-spinal headache is among the most well-known and common complications of spinal anesthesia. Although caffeine consumption is recommended to prevent headache after spinal anesthesia, caffeine does not prevent headache and causes sleep-related problems. No study in the literature found a correlation between sleep and caffeine consumption after spinal anesthesia and post-spinal headache. Methods: The research is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The study sample comprised 425 patients who underwent elective surgery in a research hospital. The research data were collected by face-to-face interviews between April 2021 and December 2023. The "Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics Form," "Richard-Campbell Sleep Scale," "Insomnia Severity Index," and "Visual Analog Scale" were used in data collection. Factors affecting post-spinal headache were determined using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: According to the binary logistic regression, the insomnia severity score (OR = 1.234; p <.001), sleep quality score (OR =.992; p <.01), postoperative sleep duration (OR =.619; p <.05), and not consuming coffee (OR =.035; p <.001) are statistically significant predictors of post-spinal headache and explain 57.7% of the variance. A one-unit increase in patients' insomnia severity increased the probability of experiencing a post-spinal headache by 23.4%. With a one-unit increase in sleep quality, there was an 8% decrease in the probability of experiencing spinal headache, and a 3.81% decrease in the probability of experiencing post-spinal headache with an increase in sleep duration after surgery. The probability of experiencing post-spinal headache was 0.35 times higher in individuals who did not consume caffeine after surgery than in those who consumed it. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that insomnia severity and sleep quality were more effective than caffeine consumption in preventing post-spinal headache. Insomnia and decreased sleep quality may cause a significant burden in developing post-spinal headache in patients and may cause post-spinal headache to be observed more frequently. Therefore, the use of caffeine in preventing or reducing post-spinal headache may adversely affect the duration and quality of sleep and increase the severity of insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Infertility is a global health issue and nutrition plays a significant role in fertility outcomes. We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with semen quality parameters in a cohort of healthy young men. Materials and Methods: The study included 106 men aged 18–35 years from the FERTINUTS trial. Dietary intake was estimated through 3-day dietary records and several semen parameters were assessed. Multivariable linear regression analysis with the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) approach was employed. Results: The cross-sectional analysis revealed positive associations between GI and GL and total sperm count, sperm concentration, and total motility. In the prospective analysis, baseline GI was associated with increases in pH, vitality, immotile sperm or abnormal midpiece and decreases in total sperm count and motility. Conversely, GL was positively associated with changes in vitality and total sperm count. Conclusions: While these findings suggest that GI may have adverse effects on several sperm quality parameters, the results were not consistently observed in the cross-sectional analysis. However, GL was consistently associated with better sperm quality in both analyses. The impact of carbohydrate quality and quantity on fertility remains uncertain and larger prospective studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aims to define resting energy expenditure (REE) and describe the main nutritional patterns in a single-center cohort of children with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS). REE was calculated using indirect calorimetry. Patients' metabolic status was assessed by comparing measured REE (mREE) with predictive REE (pREE). Patients also underwent multidisciplinary evaluation, anthropometric measurements and an assessment of average energy intake, using a 3-day food diary, which was reviewed by a specialized dietitian. Twenty-four patients (13 M) were included, the median age was 9 years (IC 95%, 6–14 years), 84% had 17p11.2 deletion, and 16% had RAI1 variants. REE was not reduced in SMS pediatric patients, and the mREE did not differ from the pREE. In patients with RAI1 variants (16%, n = 3/24), obesity was more prevalent than those with 17p11.2 deletion (100% vs 38%). Lower proteins intake and higher total energy intake were reported in obese and overweight patients, compared to healthy weight children. No significant difference was found between males and females in energy or macronutrient intake. Conclusions: In SMS, the onset of obesity is not explained by REE abnormalities, but dietary factors seem to be crucial. Greater concern should be addressed to patients with RAI1 variants. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms causing obesity in SMS patients could set the basis for possible future targeted therapies. What is Known: • More than 90% of SMS patients after the age of 10 are overweight or obese. What is New: • Onset of overweight and obesity in SMS pediatric patients is not explained by abnormal resting energy expenditure. • The development of syndrome-specific dietary guidelines for SMS patients should be of utmost relevance and are highly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food diaries on social media, known as "what I eat in a day" (WIEIAD) content, are increasingly popular across a variety of platforms, and can potentially affect audiences' attitudes and behaviors regarding diet. WIEIAD content is frequently posted by social media influencers (SMI), who have powerful and persuasive effects on their audiences. Using expectancy-value and social norms as theoretical frameworks, this study examines characteristics of SMIs and the way they talk about diet. A mixed-methods content analysis of YouTube vlogs (n = 83) posted from October 2015 to October 2016, and October 2021 to October 2022 was conducted on SMIs who post WIEIAD vlogs. Results suggested that influencers may want to embrace body positivity, but their WIEIAD day content contains weight normative messaging. Furthermore, influencers send messages about what health should look like and assign social identities to specific diets. Aside from sponsorship, influencers use other persuasive strategies to grow large followers, such as listing positive expectancies of their diets. Future research should examine the effects of WIEIAD content on diet-related attitudes and behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this intervention was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an online weight loss program, EMPOWER, in rural, underserved communities. Methods: Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 living in rural counties were recruited through collaboration with University of Illinois Extension. The intervention lasted 1 year including online educations sessions, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, and diet and weight monitoring via a novel web application, MealPlot. Feasibility was measured by enrollment attainment, participant retention, online education session completion, and completion of anthropometric and dietary measures. Acceptability was measured by survey using Likert scales of satisfaction for all program components. Anthropometric measurements, 24-h dietary records, and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were measures of program efficacy. Additionally, two interviews were collected for program feedback. Results: Enrollment of 16 participants was attained, however due to higher than anticipated dropout (retention 62.5%, N = 10) at 3-months, 62.5% of the education sessions were completed and 75.0% of anthropometric and dietary measures. The average satisfaction rating for the comprehensive program was 4.2/5 with lowest satisfaction being the MealPlot web application 2.7/5 (N = 11). On average a clinically significant (≥5% baseline weight) weight loss of 6.2 ± 6.0% body weight or 5.7 ± 5.3 kg and improvements to protein and fiber intake at 12 months (N = 10) were observed. Conclusions: A novel online weight loss program showed adequate to strong feasibility and acceptability and preliminary results indicating efficacy among a pilot sample of rural residents. Future studies are required to investigate means of improving retention and reducing the burden on program collaborators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preventing lifestyle-related diseases requires understanding and managing the intake of total fats and specific types of fatty acids, especially trans fatty acids. There are several methods for measuring fat intake, each with its own strengths and limitations. Guidelines for nutritional epidemiology studies recommend employing objective biomarkers. This study aimed to estimate fatty acid intake based on serum fatty acid levels using multiple regression analysis and a machine learning technique, and to compare their accuracy. The subjects were healthy women aged 18 to 64 living in Toyama, Japan. A dietary survey to determine fatty acid intake was conducted using a 3-day dietary record completed by the participant. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast, and serum was obtained through centrifugation. A total of 300 women participated in the study. The fatty acid levels in serum were determined using gas chromatography with a capillary column. Using multiple regression analysis and neural networks, the intakes of saturated, monounsaturated, n-6 polyunsaturated, n-3 polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids from serum fatty acid levels were predicted. Significant correlations were observed between the intakes of the five classified fatty acids and the predicted intakes obtained from the multiple regression analysis (r = 0.39 - 0.49, p < 0.01). Significant correlations were also observed between the five classified fatty acid intakes and the intakes predicted by the neural network (r = 0.52 - 0.79, p < 0.01), and the correlation coefficient showed a significantly higher value than that predicted by the multiple regression analysis. These results suggest that serum fatty acid levels may be used as biomarkers to estimate the intake of fatty acids, including that of trans fatty acids, and that machine learning may be able to predict fatty acid intake with higher accuracy than multiple regression analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To examine longitudinal and dose-d ependent associations between dietary fiber intake and various clinical outcomes over 48 weeks of pharmacological treatment in T2DM patients. Methods: In this secondary analysis, we used data from the MARCH trial, which was designed to compare the efficacy of acarbose or metformin monotherapy as the initial therapy in Chinese patients newly diagnosed with T2DM. Dietary data were obtained using a 24-h dietary recall method to evaluate the intakes of dietary fiber from different sources as well as the carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio. Results: A total of 551 newly-diagnosed patients with T2DM complete dietary records (286 in the acarbose group and 265 in the metformin group) were included. Higher intake of total fiber and whole grain fiber was positively associated with better β‐cell function, insulin sensitivity and postprandial glycemic control under acarbose treatment. Higher intake of legume fiber was associated with better glycemic control under both acarbose and metformin treatment but with better weight loss only under metformin treatment. A high-carbohydrate–low-fiber diet was associated with worse glycemic control and lower HDL-C under acarbose treatment but with higher insulin sensitivity and better weight loss under metformin treatment. Conclusions: The notable effects of various dietary fibers when combined with different oral glucose-lowering medications should be considered to maximize therapeutic benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatic steatosis (HS) increases morbidity and mortality associated with liver surgery (LS). Furthermore, patients with HS are more likely to require a blood transfusion, which is associated with worse short and long-term outcomes. Patients with HS requiring LS receive no specific dietary treatment or advice. A very low-calorie diet (VLCD) is commonly used before gallbladder and bariatric surgery to reduce liver volumes and associated intraoperative morbidity. These diets typically provide 800–1200 kcal/day over a 2–4-week period. Limited evidence suggests that a VLCD in patients with LS may result in better outcomes. Methods: This study aims to test the feasibility of delivering a multi-centre randomised clinical trial to compare a dietary intervention (VLCD plus motivational instructions) versus treatment as usual (TAU) in people with HS having LS. This study will provide high-quality data to estimate screening rates, recruitment, randomisation, retention, and intervention adherence. The study will also determine the definitive trial's most clinically relevant primary outcome. The study will also estimate resource use and costs associated with the delivery of the intervention. Seventy-two adults ≥ 18 who are scheduled to undergo elective LS and have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified HS will be recruited. Acceptability to the dietary intervention will be evaluated with food diaries and focus groups. Clinical and patient-reported outcomes will be collected at baseline, pre- and post-surgery, day of discharge, plus 30- and 90-day follow-up. Discussion: This feasibility study will provide data on the acceptability and feasibility of a dietary intervention for patients with HS having LS. The intervention has been developed based on scientific evidence from other clinical areas and patient experience; therefore, it is safe for this patient group. Patients with experience of LS and VLCDs have advised throughout the development of the study protocol. The findings will inform the design of a future definitive study. Trial registration: ISRCTN Number 19701345. Date registered: 20/03/2023. URL: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN19701345. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MD), globally recognized for its sustainability and health benefits, traditionally emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods in raw or minimally processed forms. However, shifting lifestyles, even in Mediterranean regions, have led to an increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF). Epidemiological evidence suggests that UPF consumption may be detrimental to human health, but there is only one clinical trial on this topic which is largely debated in the scientific community. This study aims to investigate the impact of the inclusion of UPF within a Mediterranean-based dietary pattern on cardiometabolic markers, gut microbiota, and other markers of human and planet health. Methods: Fifty clinically healthy individuals showing overweight and presenting a low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk profile will be recruited for a 7-month randomized, open, cross-over dietary trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a 3-month high-UPF MD (intervention group) or a low-UPF MD (control group), with a 1-month wash-out period. Both intervention diets will have identical food group compositions, with the intervention group consuming 5 servings/day of selected UPF items, and the control group consuming raw/minimally processed items from the same food group. Blood, urine, and fecal samples, alongside food/lifestyle diaries, will be collected from each participant before and after the dietary interventions. The primary endpoint will be the change in plasma LDL-cholesterol levels from baseline. Additional markers include blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, chemical parameters, glucose and lipid-related metabolic markers, incretins, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, fecal microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acids. Finally, food waste production will be evaluated through specific validated food diaries. The study has been approved by the Ethical Committee of the University of Milan and the Tuscany Regional Ethics Committee of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) - Careggi, Florence. Discussion: Results from the PROMENADE study will improve knowledge about the impact of UPF consumption on human and planet health and will contribute to the scientific debate on this topic. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06314932. Registered on March 13, 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying lifestyle factors that independently or jointly lower dementia risk is a public health priority given the limited treatment options available to patients. In this cohort study, we examined the associations between Mediterranean or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet adherence and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with later-life dementia, and assessed whether the associations between dietary pattern and dementia are modified by CRF. Methods: Data are from 9,095 adults seeking preventive care at the Cooper Clinic (1987–1999) who completed a 3-day dietary record and a maximal exercise test. Alzheimer's disease and related disorders or senile dementia (i.e., all-cause dementia) was identified from Medicare administrative claims (1999–2019). Illness-death models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between Mediterranean or DASH diet adherence (primary exposure), CRF (secondary exposure), and all-cause dementia, adjusted for demographic and clinical factors. An interaction term was included between diet score and CRF to assess effect modification by CRF. Results: The mean age at baseline was 50.6 (standard deviation [SD]: 8.4) years, and a majority of the study sample were men (77.5%) and White (96.4%). 1449 cases of all-cause dementia were identified over a mean follow-up of 9.2 (SD: 5.8) years. Neither Mediterranean nor DASH diet adherence was associated with dementia risk in fully adjusted models (HR per SD of Mediterranean diet score: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94, 1.05; HR per SD of DASH diet score: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.08). However, participants with higher CRF had a decreased hazard of dementia (HR, per metabolic equivalent of task [MET] increase, Mediterranean model: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.98; HR, per MET increase, DASH model: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.97). No effect modification by CRF was observed in the association between diet and dementia. Conclusions: In this sample of apparently healthy middle-aged adults seeking preventive care, higher CRF at midlife was associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia, though adherence to a Mediterranean or DASH diet was not, and CRF did not modify the diet-dementia association. CRF should be emphasized in multimodal interventions for dementia prevention and investigated among diverse samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study sought to document how the systemic biomarkers of inflammation varied based on food choices among patients with T2DM. This cross-sectional study enrolled ambulatory patients with T2DM. Demographic and clinical information was collected. Five drops of fingerstick blood were collected using an absorbent paper device (HemaSpot HFR). C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A protein (SAA), and fibrinogen were measured using a Luminex assay. Patient-generated 7-day food diaries were analyzed using a validated food processor software. Data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation tests, linear regression and logistic regression with the significance level set at 0.05. Among the 71 participants, 43 (60.6%) were females. The average age and duration of T2DM were 64.1 ± 10.3 and 15.8 ± 9.1 years, respectively. In a simple linear regression run with selected micronutrients, iron [F (1, 53) = 5.319, p < 0.05, adj. R2 = 0.074] significantly predicted plasma CRP. This significance was lost with multiple linear regressions including age, gender, BMI, T2DM duration, T2DM complications, glycohemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and other micronutrients. The average intake of most micronutrients by the participants was below the recommended daily intake. A higher intake of iron-rich foods was associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation in a simple linear regression model, but the association was not present after adjusting for patient factors like age, gender, BMI and T2DM-related variables. This relationship needs to be explored further given the key role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of T2DM and its associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to describe trajectories of free sugar (FS) intake, its main sources and the associations with socio-economic status (SES) in Portuguese children/adolescents evaluated at 4, 7, 10 and 13 years of age from Generation XXI birth-cohort. Dietary intake was assessed through 3-day food diaries (n 5268). Added sugar intake was estimated following a systematic methodology, and FS was based on the WHO definition. A mixed-effects model with linear and quadratic terms for time was used to estimate FS trajectories and its association with SES, adjusting for children's sex, age, BMI and SES. The FS mean intake (g/day) was 37, 47, 51 and 48 at 4, 7, 10 and 13 years, respectively. FS intake increased 4·6 g/year (CI 95 %: 4·20, 5·04), but velocity decreased by 0·3 g/year2 until 13 years. At all ages, the main food source was sweets. Some item's consumption declined (sweets 25–21 % and yoghurts 22–7 %) as children grew older. Inversely, soft drink intake increased (9–18 %). Boys and children from younger mothers had higher FS intake, whereas higher maternal–SES was associated with lower children's FS intake: occupational status (β = –3·5; 95 % CI: –4·97, –1·94), years of education (β = –3·7; 95 % CI: –4·93, –2·40) and household income (β = –4·9; 95 % CI: –6·50, –3·27). The FS trajectories were similar by SES categories but different by obesity status (interaction term β = –1·04; CI 95 % (–1·50, –0·59)). An increasing FS trajectory during childhood is mainly driven by an increasing intake of soft drinks and nectars. The FS trajectory pattern did not change according to SES categories, but children's FS intake was always higher when their mothers had a lower SES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutrition transition in sub‐Saharan Africa has led to increased consumption of ultra‐processed foods in infancy, especially sweet foods. This has heightened the risk for nutrition‐related non‐communicable diseases, including dental caries and overweight/obesity, and promotes poor food choices later in life. The present study used a cross‐sectional design to investigate the consumption frequency of ultra‐processed foods and beverages among urban 6‐ to 36‐month‐olds attending four selected health facilities in Kampala using a standardised questionnaire and 24‐h diet recall record. The primary outcome was the consumption of at least one ultra‐processed food or beverage (UPFB) the previous day, and frequency of UPFB consumption of the week before was the secondary outcome. Four hundred and ten caregiver–child pairs were randomly recruited, 94% of caregivers being mothers with a mean age of 30.7 (±5.3) years. Fifty‐nine per cent of mothers and 73% of fathers had attained a college education. The median age of children was 18 months and 51% were female. Most children (57%) consumed at least one UPFB the previous day. In the week before, 69% had consumed UPFB frequently (4–7 days) which was significantly positively associated with maternal education (odds ratio [OR] = 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–7.96, p = 0.045) and child's age ([OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.62–5.08, p < 0.001], [OR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.88–7.20, p < 0.001]). In conclusion, the dietary habits of the surveyed Ugandan population were unhealthy, characterised by the frequent consumption of UPFB with added sugar. There is an urgent need to re‐enforce existing Ugandan food regulation guidelines and policies and to build strong nutritional education programmes to enhance health‐promoting environments in early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Higher cruciferous vegetable intake is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk in observational studies. The pathways involved remain uncertain. We aimed to determine whether cruciferous vegetable intake (active) lowers 24-h brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP; primary outcome) compared to root and squash vegetables (control) in Australian adults with mildly elevated BP (SBP 120–160 mmHg inclusive). Methods: In this randomized, controlled, crossover trial, participants completed two 2-week dietary interventions separated by a 2-week washout. Cruciferous vegetables were compared to root and squash vegetables (~ 300 g/day) consumed with lunch and dinner meals. Participants were blinded to which interventions were the active and control. Adherence was assessed using food diaries and biomarkers (S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO, active) and carotenoids (control)). Twenty-four-hour brachial ambulatory SBP and secondary outcomes were assessed pre- and post each intervention. Differences were tested using linear mixed effects regression. Results: Eighteen participants were recruited (median (IQR) age: 68 (66–70); female: n = 16/18; mean ± SD clinic SBP: 135.9 ± 10.0 mmHg). For both interventions, 72% participants had 100% adherence (IQR: 96.4–100%). SMCSO and carotenoids were significantly different between interventions (mean difference active vs. control SMCSO: 22.93 mg/mL, 95%CI 15.62, 30.23, P < 0.0001; carotenoids: − 0.974 mg/mL, 95%CI − 1.525, − 0.423, P = 0.001). Twenty-four-hour brachial SBP was significantly reduced following the active vs. control (mean difference − 2.5 mmHg, 95%CI − 4.2, − 0.9, P = 0.002; active pre: 126.8 ± 12.6 mmHg, post: 124.4 ± 11.8 mmHg; control pre: 125.5 ± 12.1 mmHg, post: 124.8 ± 13.1 mmHg, n = 17), driven by daytime SBP (mean difference − 3.6 mmHg, 95%CI − 5.4, − 1.7, P < 0.001). Serum triglycerides were significantly lower following the active vs. control (mean difference − 0.2 mmol/L, 95%CI − 0.4, − 0.0, P = 0.047). Conclusions: Increased intake of cruciferous vegetables resulted in reduced SBP compared to root and squash vegetables. Future research is needed to determine whether targeted recommendations for increasing cruciferous vegetable intake benefits population health. Trial registration: Clinical trial registry ACTRN12619001294145. https://www.anzctr.org.au [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective Methods Results Conclusion Assess longer‐term changes in food habits and anthropometry among Grades 1–2 primary school students from four public schools in Colombo, Sri Lanka, following a 3‐week programme including a classroom‐based motivational storybook discussion and self‐monitoring food diary (FD).This follow‐up study assessed changes from baseline (pre‐intervention) BMI z‐scores and food habits (increased healthy food‐item consumption/decreased unhealthy food‐item consumption reflected by an increase in FD score) and parental perceptions (anonymous questionnaires) among 863 students (aged 6–8 years), between 9 and 12 months after completing the programme (November 2019–February 2020).Food habits showed sustained improvement from baseline mean FD score (baseline vs. follow‐up: 51 ± 23% vs. 67 ± 22%, p < 0.001), with children from all BMI subgroups (underweight [UW], normal weight [NW], overweight [OW] and obesity [OB]) showing a significant increase in FD scores (ranging from 14.1% to 17.2%, p < 0.001). BMI z‐scores increased in children living with UW (−2.85 to −2.21, p < 0.00) and NW (−0.70 to −0.57, p < 0.001), but did not change in children with OW (+1.5 to +1.49, p = 0.83) and OB (+2.85 to +2.21, p = 0.19). Most parents (n = 497, 97.8%) reported satisfaction with programme outcomes.This programme led to sustained improvement in food habits among young primary school children from all BMI categories, increase in BMI towards the median among children living with UW and NW, and stabilization of BMI in children with OW and OB, suggesting it as a useful tool for improving nutritional status of young children in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) facing the double burden of under‐ and overnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: in colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, preoperative nutritional factors are often overlooked or underestimated. This situation represents a significant deficiency that may negatively affect patients' postoperative recovery processes. Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative malnutrition, sarcopenia, obesity, and dietary inflammatory potential on early postoperative outcomes in CRC. Methods: preoperative sarcopenia was identified using European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria based on skeletal muscle obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans, and malnutrition was identified using Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Visceral and subcutaneous obesity were assessed using CT scans. The energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) was calculated from dietary records. Results: a total of 121 patients were included in the study, and 45.5 % of them were malnourished according to GLIM, 15.7 % were sarcopenic according to EWGSOP2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sarcopenia [OR = 3.973 (1.028-15.353), p = 0.043], malnutrition [OR = 3.954 (1.479-10.575), p = 0.006], and E-DII [OR = 4.955 (1.397-17.571), p = 0.013] were independent risk factors for complications. Sarcopenia [OR = 6.894 (1.080-43.998), p = 0.041] was also risk factor for long-term hospitalization. Conclusion: a comprehensive evaluation of preoperative nutrition and related factors in CRC surgery, along with timely interventions, has the potential to significantly reduce postoperative complications and length of hospital stays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study measured the effectiveness of nutrition education on anthropometric indexes and dietary commitment among patients with hypertension based on the Pender Model of Health Promotion. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on patients with hypertension. 40 patients in the control and 40 patients in the intervention group were investigated. Data were collected by distributing valid questionnaires about model constructs and testing 3-day diet record. Education was just conducted in the intervention arm including six sessions during three weeks and follow-up two and six months after education. Nearly three quarters of patients (70% in the intervention, 75% in the control group) were female. According to the educational status, 45% in the intervention and 37.5% in the control group were illiterate. Given the family history of hypertension, 40 and 47.5 % of participants in the intervention and control group had family history, respectively. There was no difference between the two groups regarding constructs of the HPM, anthropometric indexes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and nutritional behavior before education, while after education all variables were notably changed in 2 and 6-months' follow-up. The most important predictor of nutritional behavior was the perceived benefits, while the weakest predictor was the affects related to the nutritional behavior. Education based on Pender Model of Health Promotion is useful to improve nutritional behaviors in patients with hypertension to the Iranian health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Marshallese Pacific Islanders experience higher rates of obesity than other racial and/or ethnic communities. Despite the obesity rates experienced in this community, there are currently no childhood obesity prevention interventions designed for Marshallese Pacific Islanders in the United States. The purpose of this study is to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally adapted group‐based pediatric intervention, Kokajjiriri, with Marshallese mothers to improve nutrition and reduce childhood obesity. Methods: A multi‐methods design was used to culturally adapt the Kokajjiriri intervention for Marshallese mothers in Arkansas (n = 17). In phase one, we conducted 24‐h dietary recalls with 20 Marshallese mothers to inform the cultural adaptation of the group‐based pediatric intervention, and then in phase two, we culturally adapted and piloted three sessions of the intervention to determine the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. Results: Participants found the adapted intervention to be acceptable and feasible, found the location to be convenient and found the facilitator to be knowledgeable. Four themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) Lactation Support; (2) Introducing Healthy Solids; (3) Rice Portion Control; and (4) Finding Resources. Conclusions: This is the first study to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally adapted group‐based pediatric intervention, Kokajjiriri, with Marshallese mothers to improve nutrition and reduce childhood obesity. The results from this culturally adapted group‐based pediatric intervention, Kokajjiriri, will be used to inform future adaptations and implementation of the full intervention for Marshallese women and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fat mass during weight maintenance is independent of usual weight loss in athletes. • Athletes used to a higher degree of weight loss consumed more protein and less fat. • Athletes with a higher degree of weight loss seem to favor fat-free mass sparing. • Sex influences the negative relationship between fat intake and usual weight loss. • Food reward is not altered in athletes used to higher degrees of weight variations. Weight variations are common in sporting life, with important inter-individual variability in the degree of an athlete's habitual weight loss. As a part of the WAVE study (NCT04107545), the main objective of this preliminary study was to determine whether the habitual degree of weight loss was associated with anthropometric, body composition, nutritional or psychometric profiles during a period of weight maintenance in athletes accustomed to weight variations. We hypothesized that athletes accustomed to a higher habitual degree of weight loss may have a higher body weight and body fat mass, and may present a more controlled diet regimen and cognitive restriction than athletes with a lower habitual degree of weight loss. During a period of weight maintenance, 62 athletes (24.0 ± 5.3 years; 26 women) completed anthropometry and body composition measurements, a 48-hours food diary and self-reported questionnaires to determine their weight variation practice, nutritional profile and mood state. Athletes were stratified within inter- and intra-quartile groups according to their habitual degree of weight loss. Athletes with a higher habitual degree of weight loss were those who consumed more protein (P <.001) and less fat (P =.01) as a proportion of total energy compared with those losing less weight, without any difference in body composition between the groups. The rapid weight loss score was significantly higher in individuals losing more weight (P <.001) and no difference was observed for the mood state profile. The present results suggest a potential control of nutritional regulation during a period of weight maintenance in order to spare fat-free mass and favor fat mass loss in athletes who are routinely losing more weight. Fat-free mass may be the main nutritional driver due to low body fat mass in athletes, which may limit the "catch-up fat" phenomenon commonly observed in nonathletic population. Athletes used to weight variations (N = 62) were enrolled in a stable body weight period for physical and psychological measurements. The habitual degree of weight loss does not seem associated with body weight or composition nor the profile of mood state and food preferences. However, athletes used to a higher degree of weight loss consumed more relative protein and less relative fat than those losing less weight. This may suggest potential conscious control of nutritional regulation in order to spare fat-free mass and favor fat mass loss in those athletes losing more weight. %WL, usual degree of weight loss; BW, body weight; FFM, fat-free mass; FM, fat mass; RWLQ, rapid weight loss questionnaire. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recorded the diet of Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) during their autumn passage at stopover sites across in Northeast India. We collected and examined 1200 pellets to identify prey remains in the diet of Amur Falcons from three major stopover sites in Nagaland State in the years 2017 and 2018. Additionally, in 2019, we examined 200 pellets each at two other sites in the neighboring states of Assam and Manipur. We only recorded insect prey belonging to five taxonomic orders: Orthoptera, Isoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera, with Isoptera being dominant in the diet of Amur Falcons. The frequency of occurrence of Isoptera (termites) was the highest (87%) across years and across all stopover sites in Nagaland; diets were similar at the two other sites in Assam and Manipur. We identified the species of termites in the diet of Amur Falcons as Odontotermes feae and O. horni, the mass emergence of which coincided with the falcons' arrival in the region. We further estimated that 1,000,000 Amur Falcons stopping over for an average of 15 d in the region consumed approximately 67–134 metric tons of alates (approximately 1 to 2 billion individual alates). We concluded that Amur Falcons stop over in Northeast India primarily to refuel. Our study highlights the importance of availability of abundant termite prey for the success of Amur Falcons' onward migration, which includes oceanic crossings en route to Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose was to assess the relationship between the quality of meals and its context. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 222 Japanese adults aged 30–76 years in 2021. The following information was obtained from the 4-d weighed dietary records: the recording day (working or not), meal type (breakfast, lunch, or dinner), eating companions (alone or with someone), eating location (at home or away from home), and screen-based activity (yes or no). The nutritional quality of each meal was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index 2020 (HEI-2020). Results: The analysis included 1,295 meals for males and 1,317 for females. The mean HEI-2020 ranged from 43.0 (lunch) to 51.9 (dinner) in males and from 45.7 (breakfast) to 52.0 (dinner) in females. Multilevel linear regression showed that, in males, lunch had a significantly lower HEI-2020 score compared to breakfast (β = −1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.42, − 0.20), while dinner had a significantly higher HEI-2020 score (β = 6.77, 95% CI: 5.34, 8.20). Eating with someone was significantly associated with a higher HEI-2020 score (β = 2.22, 95% CI: 0.76, 3.67). Among females, dinner had a higher HEI-2020 score than breakfast (β = 5.21, 95% CI: 3.72, 6.70). Eating away from home was associated with higher HEI-2020 scores (β = 2.14, 95% CI: 0.04, 4.24). Conclusion: Meal type, location, and eating companions were associated with meal quality in this population, with differences between males and females. Incorporating these factors in nutrition education and interventions can enhance diet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Human skeletal muscle has the profound ability to hypertrophy in response to resistance training (RT). However, this has a high energy and protein cost and is presumably mainly restricted to recruited muscles. It remains largely unknown what happens with nonrecruited muscles during RT. This study investigated the volume changes of 17 recruited and 13 nonrecruited muscles during a 10-wk single-joint RT program targeting upper arm and upper leg musculature. Methods: Muscle volume changes were measured by manual or automatic 3D segmentation in 21 RT novices. Subjects ate ad libitum during the study and energy and protein intake were assessed by self-reported diaries. Results: Posttraining, all recruited muscles increased in volume (range: +2.2% to +17.7%, P < 0.05), whereas the nonrecruited adductor magnus (mean: -1.5% ± 3.1%, P = 0.038) and soleus (-2.4%± 2.3%, P = 0.0004) decreased in volume. Net muscle growth (r = 0.453, P = 0.045) and changes in adductor magnus volume (r = 0.450, P = 0.047) were positively associated with protein intake. Changes in total nonrecruited muscle volume (r = 0.469, P = 0.037), adductor magnus (r = 0.640, P = 0.002), adductor longus (r = 0.465, P = 0.039), and soleus muscle volume (r = 0.481, P = 0.032) were positively related to energy intake. When subjects were divided into a HIGH or LOW energy intake group, overall nonrecruited muscle volume (-1.7% ± 2.0%), adductor longus (-5.6% ± 3.7%), adductor magnus (-2.8% ± 2.4%), and soleus volume (-3.7% ± 1.8%) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the LOW but not the HIGH group. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting that some nonrecruited muscles significantly atrophy during a period of RT. Our data therefore suggest muscle mass reallocation, that is, that hypertrophy in recruited muscles takes place at the expense of atrophy in nonrecruited muscles, especially when energy and protein availability are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mother's intrauterine environment influences her health and that of her offspring, at birth and in the future. Herein, we present an overview of our Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-funded grant "Understanding the impact of maternal and infant nutrition on infant/child health"—set within The NutriGen Birth Cohort Alliance. NutriGen is a consortium of four Canadian prospective birth cohorts representing >5000 mother–child pairs of diverse ethnic groups including South Asians, White Europeans, and Indigenous peoples. We summarize our objectives and main findings on outcomes of maternal diet, gestational diabetes, birth weight, cardiometabolic health, the microbiome, and epigenetic modifications. We append this work with 10 key messages when conducting multiethnic research and review our knowledge translation products. We describe the clinical impact of our research on maternal and child health and conclude with future directions on biomarker discovery, expansion to other ethnic groups, and interventions for high-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: People with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at greater risk of developing obesity and related co‐morbidities than those without SCI. The objectives of this systematic review were to examine the effectiveness of weight management interventions for people with SCI and to synthesize the experiences of people involved with SCI weight management (e.g., SCI healthcare professionals and caregivers). Five databases were searched (up to July 31, 2023) and 5,491 potentially eligible articles were identified. Following screening, 22 articles were included, comprising 562 adults. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design and weight loss interventions included behavioral nutritional and exercise education sessions, recalling food diaries, exercise interventions, and pharmaceuticals. The mean percentage change of the pooled body mass data equated to −4.0 ± 2.3%, with a range from −0.5 to −7.6%. In addition, 38% of the individuals with SCI who completed a weight loss intervention (N = 262) had a ≥5% reduction in body weight. Collectively, although on average the included interventions led to moderate weight loss, the finding that just over a third of individuals achieved clinically meaningful 5% weight loss suggests that available interventions for this population may need to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To characterise lifestyle patterns (comprising dietary and movement behaviour aspects) of children in Singapore and examine the correlates of these patterns. Design: An observational study approach was used. Children recorded their diet and activities over two weekdays and two weekend days on a validated web-based assessment, My E-Diary for Activities and Lifestyle (MEDAL). Lifestyle patterns were derived using principal component analysis, and the correlations of these with multiple known determinants organised by distal, intermediate, and proximal levels of influence were studied. Setting: Children of the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort. Participants: Ten-year-old children (n = 397). Results: Three lifestyle patterns, "high snacks and processed food", "balanced" and "mixed", were identified. We focused on the more health-promoting "balanced" pattern, characterised by lower screen-viewing and higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and dairy. Among the distal factors, girls were more adherent to the "balanced" pattern compared to boys, and children of parents with lower education levels were less adherent to this pattern. Among intermediate factors, children of mothers with higher diet quality were more adherent to the "balanced" pattern. Among the proximal factors, engagement in active transport, leisure sports, and educational activities outside of school were positively associated with the "balanced" pattern, whereas screen-viewing while travelling was negatively associated with this pattern. Having siblings, pet ownership, mother's physical activity, parenting style, parental bonding, child's outdoor time, and breakfast consumption were not associated with children's lifestyle patterns. Conclusions: These findings provide direction for future interventions by identifying vulnerable groups and contexts that should be prioritised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK population is living longer; therefore, promoting healthy ageing via positive nutrition could have widespread public health implications. Moreover, dietary fibre intake is associated with health benefits; however, intake is below UK recommendations (30 g/d). Utilising national dietary survey data can provide up-to-date information on a large representative cohort of UK older adults, so that tailored solutions can be developed in the future. This study used cross-sectional data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (years 2008–2009 to 2018–2019) for older adults' (n 1863; 65–96 years) dietary fibre intake (three-to-four-day food diaries), top ten dietary fibre-rich foods, associated factors (demographics, dietary/lifestyle habits) and various health outcomes (anthropometric, blood and urine). Mean dietary fibre intake was 18·3 g/d (range: 2·9–55·1 g/d); therefore, below the UK dietary recommendations, with compliance at 5·7 %. In addition, there were five significant associations (P < 0·05) related to lower dietary fibre intake such as increasing age group, without own natural teeth, impaired chewing ability, lower education leaving age and poor general health. Older adults' key foods containing dietary fibre were mainly based on convenience such as baked beans, bread and potatoes. Positively, higher dietary fibre consumption was significantly associated (P = 0·007) with reduced diastolic blood pressure. In summary, the benefits of dietary fibre consumption were identified in terms of health outcomes and oral health were key modulators of intake. Future work should focus on a life course approach and the role of food reformulation to help increase dietary fibre intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are no high-quality data on dietary behaviour of adolescents in India. This study aimed to assess the intake of energy (E), macronutrients and selected micronutrients in a sample of 11–13-year-old schoolchildren in Delhi, India. Participants from private schools (n =10) recorded dietary intake using a 3-d food diary. Information was entered into the dietary assessment tool, Intake24, to ascertain portion size and convert data into nutrient intake through integrated food tables. Of the 514 consenting participants, 393 (76·4 %) (169 girls, 224 boys) aged 11·4 (±1·8) years completed the study. The median (interquartile range (IQR) daily E intake was 2580 (2139·3–2989·8) kcal (10·8 (9·0 − 12·5) MJ) for girls and 2941·5 (2466·7–3599·3) kcal (12·3 (10·3–15·2) MJ) for boys. The median (IQR) daily nutrient intakes for girls and boys respectively were protein 64·6 (54·8–79·3) g, 74·4 (61·4; 89·4) g; carbohydrate 336·5 (285·3–393·6) g, 379·6 (317·8–461·8) g; and saturated fat 45·6 (34·8–58·3) g, 54·6 (41·9–69·5) g. There were no significant between-gender differences in percentage E from protein (10·2 (9·2–11·4)), or carbohydrate (52·4 (48·7–56·7)). Girls obtained less percentage E from saturated fat (16·1 (11·0–18·2) compared with boys 16·3 (14·2–19·1) (P < 0·05). E from saturated fat was above FAO recommendations in >74 % of participants. The estimated average requirement for iron was achieved by < 40 % of girls. In conclusion, strategies to optimise the dietary intake of adolescents in India should focus on preventing excess intakes of E and saturated fat and improving iron intake in girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate whether psychological distress, whole-grain consumption and tryptophan metabolism are associated with participants undergoing weight management intervention. Seventy-nine women and men (mean age 49·7 (sd 9·0) years; BMI 34·2(sd 2·5) kg/m2) participated in a 7-week weight-loss (WL) period and in a 24-week weight maintenance (WM) intervention period. Whole-grain consumption was measured using 4 d food diaries. Psychological distress was assessed with the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ), and participants were divided into three GHQ groups based on the GHQ scores before WL. Tryptophan metabolites were determined from the participants' fasting plasma using liquid chromatography-MS. GHQ scores were not associated with the whole-grain consumption. A positive association was observed between the whole-grain consumption and indole propionic acid (IPA) during the WM (P = 0·033). Serotonin levels were higher after the WL in the lowest GHQ tertile (P = 0·033), while the level at the end of the WM was higher compared with other timepoints in the highest GHQ tertile (P = 0·015 and P = 0·001). This difference between groups was not statistically significant. Furthermore, levels of several tryptophan metabolites changed within the groups during the study. Tryptophan metabolism changed during the study in the whole study group, independently from the level of psychological distress. The association between whole-grain consumption and IPA is possibly explained by the effects of dietary fibre on gut microbiota. This broadens the understanding of the pathways behind the health benefits associated with the intake of whole grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthropod–bat interactions are often considered as a base model for studying factors underlying predator–prey coevolutionary processes. Bats developed ultrasonic echolocation to hunt, and in response some arthropods developed defense mechanisms such as ultrasonic hearing, allowing them to elude bat predators. The present study analyzes the feeding patterns of bats, focusing on sonic-auditory sensory mechanisms in predator–prey interactions. Next-generation DNA sequence data from fecal samples were used to analyze the diet of 17 bat species from Mexico. Arthropod prey taxa were classified according to their auditory traits, and echolocation data were recompiled from literature review. We: (i) classified arthropod families according to their hearing ability; (ii) estimated arthropod taxon richness and proportion in the diet of each bat species; and (iii) used multidimensional scaling, principal component analysis, and regression to analyze prey consumption patterns in relation to their auditory traits and in relation to echolocation characteristics of bats. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between foraging time and auditory characteristics of prey. Families with hearing organs correspond to the orders Lepidoptera and Orthoptera. We registered 20 families of Lepidoptera and 5 of Orthoptera—7 and 3 with hearing organs, respectively. Of these orders, families lacking ears were recorded in the diet of a few bat species. Our results support the allotonic frequency hypothesis predicting a difference in emission frequency intervals between predator and prey. However, we found that the consumption of earless moths is less frequent and is related to diurnal and twilight activity—hence, their consumption is limited to bat species foraging early. Results indicate bats feed on arthropod prey successfully despite the ultrasonic hearing ability of the prey. These results may be due to counteradaptations that allow maintenance of an asymmetric "arms race" between bats and eared insects that favors the predator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spodoptera frugiperda, also known as fall armyworm (FAW), is an invasive crop pest that can feed on a variety of host plants, posing a serious threat to food security. There are two sympatric strains of FAW that are morphologically identical but described with different food preferences: the "rice strain" (SfR) and the "corn strain" (SfC). A few genetic loci exist to identify these two strains. Mitochondrial and Z‐chromosome‐linked haplotypes are the most used, but the biggest part of the genome displays little polymorphism between strains that could explain their adaptation to different plants. We have previously observed consistent transcription differences between the strains in both laboratory and natural populations. Therefore, we wonder if there are effects from host‐strain‐associated loci, maternally or paternally inherited, on FAW performance that could explain the divergence between the two FAW strains. To test this hypothesis, we first produced two F1 hybrid generations (SfR ♀ × SfC ♂, SfC ♀ × SfR ♂). These reciprocal hybrids should be heterozygous for all chromosomes except for the maternally inherited mitochondrial and sexual W chromosomes. To evaluate whether plant preference is determined by these genetic loci, we cultivated the two hybrids and the two parental strains in triplicate on an artificial diet and recorded several phenotypic traits such as weight over time, survival rate, emerging rate, developmental time, and sex ratio. Then, the same performance experiment was carried out on corn plants. Surprisingly, on the artificial diet, the two hybrid genotypes were both more performant than the two parental strains in terms of survival rate, pupal emerging rate, and developmental time, whereas they were intermediate to the inbred parental strains in pupal weight. On the corn plant diet, both hybrid genotypes outperformed the two parental strains in larval weight. Although these asymmetrical results revealed that mitochondrial or sex‐linked haplotypes alone cannot explain the performance differences, they suggested a heterosis effect in FAW. A reduction of the female number for the CR genotype and the decreased F1 offspring reproduction in both hybrids suggested the possibility of Haldane's rule, which might be explained by the dominance model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adherence to a vegan diet may lower risk of cardiovascular disease among African Americans (AAs). Feasibility and sustainability of adopting a vegan diet may be challenging among AAs who live in regions where soul food is a predominant cuisine. Our hypothesis was that AAs randomized to a culturally adapted vegan diet will have greater adherence to their assigned diet compared with those randomized to a culturally adapted omnivorous diet. AAs (N = 113) with overweight/obesity from South Carolina were included. Dietary intake was measured at months 0, 3, 6, and 12 using 24-hour recalls. Adherence was defined based on recommended animal product intake for each group. Differences in nutrient intakes and dietary indices (Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 and healthy plant-based diet index) between groups were evaluated using t -tests. At 12 months, adherence was higher to the vegan (51%) versus omnivorous (35%) diet. Participants assigned to the vegan diet had higher intake of carbohydrates (P =.01) and fiber (P <.001), and lower intake of cholesterol P <.001) and protein (P =.001) compared with participants assigned to the omnivorous diet. Participants adherent to the vegan diet had lower cholesterol intake (P <.001) and higher fiber intake (P =.02) compared with those adherent to the omnivorous diet. Compared with those assigned to the omnivorous diet, participants assigned to the vegan diet had higher Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (P =.01) and healthy plant-based diet index (P <.001) scores. AAs with overweight/obesity were more adherent to a culturally adapted vegan diet versus an omnivorous diet after 1 year, and nutrient and food group intake changes were sustained. We analyzed data from 113 African Americans with overweight/obesity from the Nutritious Eating with Soul Study. Compared with participants assigned to a culturally adapted omnivorous diet, participants assigned to a culturally adapted vegan diet had greater adherence, higher consumption of carbohydrates and fiber, lower consumption of cholesterol and protein, and higher diet quality after 1 year. AHEI-2010, Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010; hPDI, healthy plant-based diet index. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]