Calorie Diet Research Articles

Foodopedia: A Convolutional Neural Network Based Food Calorie Estimation

The number of calories consumed determines how healthy a body is in the modern world; therefore, it's important to watch your calorie intake to be healthy. People must keep track of their caloric intake in order to become in shape or maintain a healthy weight. The suggested model uses a deep learning algorithm to offer a novel method of calorie measurement. In the medical area, the estimation of dietary calories is crucial. This measurement is derived from the representation of food in various objects, such as fruits and vegetables. The neural network is used to take this measurement. This technique uses a convolutional neural network to determine the calories in food. An image of food is used as the input for this calculated model. The suggested CNN model uses food object identification to calculate the calorie content of the food. Volume error estimation serves as the primary parameter for the outcome, while calorie error estimation serves as the secondary parameter.

12‐weeks of caloric restriction diet improves cortical cerebral blood flow in healthy middle‐age adults

AbstractBackgroundCaloric restriction (CR) improves neuronal stress resistance in animals and improves cognitive performance in older adults (1‐3). Neuroinflammation is an increasingly recognized mechanism relevant to Alzheimer disease (AD). We investigated the effect of a 12‐week CR diet on imaging markers of dementia and neuroinflammation in midlife individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a prototype neuroinflammatory disease.MethodsIn a single‐blind randomized controlled trial, 10 participants with MS (8 women and 2 men, age: 45.5±10.67 and education: 16.4±2.5 years) were recruited from the Washington University John L. Trotter MS Center and randomly assigned to participate in either a 12‐week CR or control group on their regular diet. Participants fasted 2 days a week and during those days eating no more than 500 calories. Participants underwent MRI scanning at the time of recruitment and at the end of the 12‐week program. Volumetric analyses were conducted through FreeSurfer 7.1.1 (4), relative regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was obtained through ASL‐MRICloud (5), and hindered and restricted diffusion fractions (HF and RF) were calculated through the diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI), representing tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration respectivelyResultsSix participants were obese, two were overweight and two had normal weight with an average BMI of 30.3±5.48 kg/m2 across participants. Following 12‐weeks of CR, participants showed an increase in normalized hippocampal volume (p:0.02) compared to those on regular diet. CR also resulted in improved cortical thickness in the bilateral medial orbitofrontal cortices compared to the control group (p:0.014). An average increase in relative perfusion (rCBF) in the bilateral inferior temporal gyri (p:0.02, & p:0.004) and bilateral fusiform gyri (p:0.008 & p:0.002) was observed in participants undergoing CR compared to those on a regular diet at the end of 12‐weeks (Figure 1 and 2). Being on a CR diet was associated with reduced HF and RF in the bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculi (p:0.04 & p:0.002) indicating reduced edema and cellularity (6).ConclusionCR is associated with alterations in brain’s structure and function in terms of improved volumetric measurements, regional perfusion and reduced tissue inflammation, and hence implicated as a neuroprotective intervention in midlife persons.

Occupational respiratory morbidity and associated factors among hairdressers in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study was designed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with occupational respiratory morbidity among hairdressers in Northwestern Ethiopia.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted from 6 July 2022 to 17...

1021 An 8-year-old child with ROHAAD syndrome and its comorbid association with narcolepsy, cardiomyopathy, and malignant catatonia

Abstract Introduction Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysregulation, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) is a rare disease with an unknown etiology. It manifests with varying clinical signs making the diagnosis challenging. We present a case of ROHHAD syndrome with narcolepsy, heart failure with cardiomyopathy, and malignant catatonia. Report of case(s) An 8-year-old boy with speech and developmental delay presents to sleep clinic at 4 years of age, with snoring, witnessed apneas during sleep, daytime somnolence and obesity for evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea. At three years of age, he started to gain weight rapidly; with an increase in BMI from 26 to 30 over a period of few months. His weight gain was initially attributed to a high caloric diet and sedentary lifestyle. A baseline polysomnogram revealed mild obstructive sleep apnea without hypoxemia or hypoventilation (oRDI of 4.2, oxygen nadir 90%, CAI 1). Over time, he was admitted multiple times for hypernatremia, respiratory failure with hypoxemia and hypercapnia, psychosis, and fever of unknown origin. After a thorough evaluation, the diagnosis of ROHHAD was made based upon his history of rapid weight gain, hyperthermia, respiratory failure with hypercapnia, hypopituitarism, and hypothyroidism. During one of his admissions for altered mental status the patient manifested agitation, auditory and visual hallucinations, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Due to these behavioral changes, cerebral spinal fluid was obtained showing a hypocretin of < 50pg/ml. Based on the low hypocretin levels, daytime sleepiness, and hallucinations; a diagnosis of narcolepsy type 1 was made. He subsequently developed heart failure with severely dilated cardiomyopathy and depressed contractility. The patient was deemed not a candidate for heart transplant due to his underlying comorbidities. He unfortunately died at the age of 8 years due to complications from advanced heart failure. Conclusion ROHHAD is a rare and fatal disease that can manifest in several ways. ROHHAD with coexistent narcolepsy, malignant catatonia and cardiomyopathy is extremely rare presentation. Providers need to be aware of the varying clinical presentations and have a high index of suspicion in diagnosing this condition. Early diagnosis might improve the morbidity and mortality. Support (if any)

The effect of dietary carbohydrate and calorie restriction on weight and metabolic health in overweight/obese individuals: a multi-center randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBoth low‐carbohydrate (LC) and calorie-restricted (CR) diets have been shown to have metabolic benefits. However, the two regimens have yet to be thoroughly compared. We conducted a 12-week randomized trial to compare the effects of these diets separately and in combination on both weight loss and metabolic risk factors in overweight/obese individuals.MethodsA total of 302 participants were randomized to LC diet (n = 76), CR diet (n = 75), LC + CR diet (n = 76), or normal control (NC) diet (n = 75) using a computer-based random number generator. The primary outcome was the change in body mass index (BMI). The secondary outcomes included body weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat, and metabolic risk factors. All participants attended health education sessions during the trial.ResultsA total of 298 participants were analyzed. BMI change over 12 weeks was − 0.6 (95% CI, − 0.8 to − 0.3) kg/m2 in NC, − 1.3 (95% CI, − 1.5 to − 1.1) kg/m2 in CR, − 2.3 (95% CI, − 2.6 to − 2.1) kg/m2 in LC, and − 2.9 (95% CI, − 3.2 to − 2.6) kg/m2 in LC + CR. LC + CR diet was more effective than LC or CR diet alone at reducing BMI (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, compared with the CR diet, the LC + CR diet and LC diet further reduced body weight, waist circumference, and body fat. Serum triglycerides were significantly reduced in the LC + CR diet group compared with the LC or CR diet alone. Plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and cholesterol concentrations (total, LDL, and HDL) did not change significantly between the groups during the 12-week intervention.ConclusionsThe reduction of carbohydrate intake without restricting caloric intake is more potent to achieve weight loss over 12 weeks when compared to a calorie-restricted diet in overweight/obese adults. The combination of restricting carbohydrate and total calorie intake may augment the beneficial effects of reducing BMI, body weight, and metabolic risk factors among overweight/obese individuals.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the institutional review board of Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University and registered at the China Clinical Trial Registration Center (registration number: ChiCTR1800015156).

Interval walking training in type 2 diabetes: A pilot study to evaluate the applicability as exercise therapy.

There are few established easy-to-perform exercise protocols with evidence-based effects for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A unique exercise regimen, interval walking training (IWT), has been reported to be beneficial for improving metabolic function, physical fitness and muscle strength in adults of overall health. This pilot study aims to demonstrate descriptive statistics of IWT adherence and changes in various data before and after the intervention of IWT in adults with T2D, perform statistical hypothesis testing, and calculate effect sizes. We performed a single-arm interventional pilot study with IWT for 20 weeks. We enrolled 51 participants with T2D aged 20-80 years with glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 6.5-10.0% (48-86 mmol/mol) and a body mass index of 20-34 kg/m2, respectively. The target was 60 min/week of fast walking for 20 weeks. The participants visited the hospital and were examined at 4-week intervals during this period. Between the start of IWT and after 20 weeks, we measured and evaluated changes in glucose and lipid metabolism data, body composition, physical fitness, muscle strength, dietary calorie intake, and daily exercise calories. All included participants completed IWT, with 39% of them reaching the target length of fast walking over 1,200 minutes in 20 weeks. In the primary outcome, HbA1c levels, and in the secondary, lipid metabolism and body composition, no significant changes were observed except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (from 1.4 mmol/L to 1.5 mmol/L, p = 0.0093, t-test). However, in the target achievement group, a significant increase in VO2 peak by 10% (from 1,682 mL/min to 1,827 mL/min, p = 0.037, t-test) was observed. Effect sizes were Cohen's d = 0.25 of HDL-C, -0.55 of triglyceride, and 0.24 of VO2 peak in the target achievement group, which were considered to be of small to medium clinical significance. These results could be solely attributed to IWT since there were no significant differences in dietary intake and daily life energy consumption before and after the study. IWT could be highly versatile and was suggested to have a positive effect on lipid metabolism and physical fitness. In future randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies, the detailed effects of IWT, focusing on these parameters, will be examined. Trial registration: This trial was registered with the Japanese University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR: Usefulness on interval walking training in patients with type 2 diabetes. 000037303).

High fat in blood and body and increased risk of clinically diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in 105,981 individuals

Background and aimsHigh caloric diets rich in fat and carbohydrates lead to increased fat accumulation in adipose tissue and blood. This may lead to increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We hypothesized that baseline high nonfasting plasma triglycerides, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, individually and combined, associate with increased risk of clinically diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease during follow-up. MethodsCohort of 105,981 white Danish individuals recruited in 2003–2015 with end of follow-up on December 13th, 2018. Mean follow-up was 9.2 years during which time 418 were clinically diagnosed at hospitals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. ResultsRisk of clinically diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increased with higher plasma triglycerides, higher BMI, and with higher waist circumference, continuously and stepwise using multivariable adjusted hazard ratios and cumulative incidences. Combining clinical categories of plasma triglycerides with BMI or waist circumference categories, illustrated an almost additive risk with increasing categories. Compared with plasma triglycerides of <1 mmol/L and BMI <25 kg/m2, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratio was 5.2(95% confidence interval: 1.3–21.6) for individuals with both plasma triglycerides of ≥5 mmol/L and BMI ≥35 kg/m2. The corresponding hazard ratio for individuals with plasma triglycerides ≥5 mmol/L and waist circumference was >88 cm for women and >102 cm for men was 4.8(2.3–9.7). Triglyceride results were more pronounced in women versus men. ConclusionsHigh fat in blood and body measured by plasma triglycerides, BMI, and waist circumference, individually and especially combined, are associated with up to a 5-fold increased risk of clinically diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

DEALING WITH INSULIN RESISTANCE AMONG WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

One of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in females, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), affects about 7-8% of women of reproductive age. Most females with PCOS also have increased cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and BMI, leading to obesity. The study aimed to determine the effects of metformin and lifestyle modification (diet &amp; exercise) on insulin resistance secondary to PCOS after 6 months of use. This RCT study was conducted at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital from October 2022 to March 2023. The study compared the effects of metformin and lifestyle management, including only a diet plan with the use of metformin diet and exercise plan, on insulin resistance in 130 obese females aged between 20-40 years suffering from PCOS and had insulin resistance as diagnosed by HBA1C blood test. The main outcome measure was the reduction in the HBA1C level. The 130 participants were equally divided into two groups. Group A received metformin only, while Group B received metformin and an exercise plan. Baseline treatment included guidance to adopt a healthy diet. The results showed significant improvement in HBA1C level (P=0.00), BMI (P=0.02), and pregnancy rate. There was an overall improvement in the menstrual pattern but a significant improvement in Group B (P=0.00) than Group A (P=0.06). With a significant rise in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in both groups [P=0.06 (A), P=0.01(B)], a statistically significant decrease in luteinizing hormone (LH) [P=0.02 (A), P=0.01(B)] was seen. A total drop in free testosterone level was also seen, but it wasn't significant [P=0.08 (A), P=0.06 (B)]. The study concluded that insulin resistance could be controlled effectively by acquiring a healthy lifestyle, including high protein and low carb, caloric deficient diet, and following an exercise plan and pharmacological treatment. Combining all three treatment options is more effective than using any one option as treatment.

Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Interval Training: Effects on Cardiometabolic Factors in Spanish Obese Adults.

Excess weight and obesity are related to cardiometabolic diseases and limit physical activity. Until now, the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) compared with moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) in Spanish obese adults have not been analyzed. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MICT and MIIT together with a 1300-to-1400 caloric restrictive diet on cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight and obese patients. The MICT and MIIT groups trained during 4 sessions a week for 12 weeks while performing the diet. The MICT group trained for 32 minutes per session in a cycloergometer, initially at 60% maximal oxygen uptake during the first month and increasing by 10% every 4 weeks. The MIIT group performed 4 × 4 intervals (at 60% maximal oxygen uptake and active rest at 60% maximal oxygen uptake minus 20 W), with a 10% increase every 4 weeks. The control group neither trained nor followed the restrictive diet. One hundred fifty-nine obese adults participated in the study. The control group did not present any significant changes during the study. The MICT group significantly improved in all the variables (P < .05) except for high-density lipoproteins. The MIIT group improved in all the variables (P < .05) except for high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides. The MIIT group lost weight in less time than the MICT group. Overweight and obese adults of both the MICT and MIIT groups decreased their risk for cardiovascular disease, although the MIIT group lost weight in a shorter amount of time.

Twelve Weeks of Intermittent Caloric Restriction Diet Mitigates Neuroinflammation in Midlife Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study with Implications for Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prototype neuroinflammatory disorder with increasingly recognized role for neurodegeneration. Most first-line treatments cannot prevent the progression of neurodegeneration and the resultant disability. Interventions can improve symptoms of MS and might provide insights into the underlying pathology. To investigate the effect of intermittent caloric restriction on neuroimaging markers of MS. We randomized ten participants with relapsing remitting MS to either a 12-week intermittent calorie restriction (iCR) diet (n = 5) or control (n = 5). Cortical thickness and volumes were measured through FreeSurfer, cortical perfusion was measured by arterial spin labeling and neuroinflammation through diffusion basis spectrum imaging. After 12 weeks of iCR, brain volume increased in the left superior and inferior parietal gyri (p: 0.050 and 0.049, respectively) and the banks of the superior temporal sulcus (p: 0.01). Similarly in the iCR group, cortical thickness improved in the bilateral medial orbitofrontal gyri (p: 0.04 and 0.05 in right and left, respectively), the left superior temporal gyrus (p: 0.03), and the frontal pole (p: 0.008) among others. Cerebral perfusion decreased in the bilateral fusiform gyri (p: 0.047 and 0.02 in right and left, respectively) and increased in the bilateral deep anterior white matter (p: 0.03 and 0.013 in right and left, respectively). Neuroinflammation, demonstrated through hindered and restricted water fractions (HF and RF), decreased in the left optic tract (HF p: 0.02), and the right extreme capsule (RF p: 0.007 and HF p: 0.003). These pilot data suggest therapeutic effects of iCR in improving cortical volume and thickness and mitigating neuroinflammation in midlife adults with MS.

Up-regulation of the kidney renin angiotensin system contributes to long-term renal dysfunction in severe food restricted-refed female rats

Background: Severe food restriction (sFR) due to various psychological, environmental, and economical reasons can have adverse consequences to cardiovascular functioning and health. Less understood are the long-term risks for developing cardiovascular disease after the sFR period has ended. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is responsible for regulating blood pressure and we have found that the RAS is chronically upregulated months after the sFR is over and body weight (BW) recovered due to refeeding (sFR-Refed). AIM: Determine the role of the kidney in the chronic up-regulation of the RAS in sFR-Refed rats. Methods: We investigated the long-term consequences of sFR after refeeding on kidney structure and function in sFR-Refed rats. Female Fischer rats (3-months-old) were maintained on normal chow (Ctrl) ad libitum or a 60% caloric restricted diet for 2 weeks. Thereafter, all rats received regular chow ad libitum for 3 months. Kidney function was analyzed by precision ultrasound. ACE expression (qPCR) and activity (fluorescent assay) were measured and renal pathology was assessed by H&amp;E staining. Results: After 2 weeks of sFR, rats lost 15% of their initial BW [DFinal/Initial): Ctrl, 1.50±0.80 vs sFR, -15.4±1.1; p&lt;0.001; n=8]. After 3 months of refeeding, there was no detectable difference in BW, blood pressure and heart rate between Ctrl and sFR-Refed groups. However, the renal artery blood flow was reduced by 13% [(mm/s): Ctrl, 255 ± 12 vs sFR-Refed, 199 ± 7.8; p&lt;0.02; n=4-8 Glomeruli size was reduced [(mm): Ctrl, 399 ± 6.2 vs sFR-Refed, 383 ± 3.8; p&lt;0.05; n=9] and renal AT1R mRNA expression was increased by 1.3-fold [(fold of Ctrl): Ctrl, 1.00 ± 0.060 vs sFR-Refed, 1.29 ± 0.040; p&lt;0.005; n=8]. Conclusion: In summary, AT1Rs in the renal cortex are up-regulated under conditions in which kidney structure and function are impaired months after the sFR period has ended and BW is restored to normal levels. These findings suggest increased renal AT1R activity contributes to the long-term renal dysfunction observed in sFR-Refed rats. Further research is needed to understand how women who are subjected either voluntarily (e.g., crash diets) or involuntarily (e.g., very low food security) to periods of inadequate caloric intake could be at increased risk for developing renal disease later in life. AHA: 940246 (AS); IH 1R01HL119380 (KS) This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Genomics‐assisted breeding: The next‐generation wheat breeding era

AbstractCommon wheat provides approximately 20% of the total dietary calorie intake of human beings. Recent technological advances in whole‐genome sequencing and their application in wheat and its progenitor species provide new opportunities to uncover the genetic variation of wheat traits and to accelerate the traditional breeding (TB) strategies in the context of genomics‐assisted breeding (GAB). Integration of TB, marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) with high‐density SNP markers is expected to accelerate the breeding process and to further enhance genetic gain. With the assistance of the next‐ or third‐generation sequencing technologies and high‐throughput phenotyping platforms, GAB can now realistically be considered in the following area: (i) genome sequencing and high‐quality assembly to uncover new variations, (ii) whole‐genome sequence‐based association studies, (iii) gene function (or functional gene) identification and (iv) integration of whole genomic breeding information, utilizing multi‐omics data and different breeding strategies. We argue that GAB is becoming the preferred strategy in pursuit of new wheat cultivars with superior traits on high yielding, high nutritional quality, climate‐resilience and so on.

CONTINUOUS SWIMMING TRAINING IN MODERATE INTENSITY DECREASED FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE LEVEL IN FEMALE MICE ON A HIGH-CALORIE DIET

Background: The increase of calorie intake can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus. One of the efforts to reduce the risk is doing physical exercise. Types of physical exercise that can affect the system of female reproduction are not clearly defined. Purpose: To analyse the effect of moderate intensity continuous physical exercise on FSH levels in female rats exposed to a high-calorie diet. Methods: Laboratory experimental was research with Randomized Post test only Control Group Design. Sampel size was 27 rats (150-200, adults) in the estrus phase, then divided into 3 groups (negative control group, positive control group (high-calorie diet), and the Moderate Intensity Continuous Training group (MICT with high-calorie diet)). Results: The results showed that there was an significant effect of continuous physical exercise in moderate intensity on FSH level in female rats exposed to other group. The FSH level in the MICT group had the lowes level (16.78 ±4.83 mIU/ml). Conclusion: There is an effect of MICT on FSH level decreases in female rats exposed to a high diet calories. This can be caused, that high-calorie diet can inhibit GnRH secretion and continuous moderate-intensity physical exercise changes the rat energy metabolism

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Cognitive Function in Adults 60 Years or Older With Type 2 Diabetes and Mild Cognitive Impairment in China

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with the progression of cognitive dysfunction. Physical activity benefits cognition, but no evidence from randomized clinical trials has shown whether tai chi chuan has better long-term benefits than fitness walking in cognitive function for patients with T2D and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). To compare the effectiveness of tai chi chuan, a mind-body exercise, for improving cognitive function in older adults with T2D and MCI, with fitness walking. This randomized clinical trial was conducted between June 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022, at 4 sites in China. Participants included 328 adults (aged ≥60 years) with a clinical diagnosis of T2D and MCI. Participants were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to a tai chi chuan group, a fitness walking group, or a control group. The tai chi chuan group received 24-form simplified tai chi chuan. The fitness walking group received fitness walking training. Both exercise groups took the training for 60 min/session, 3 times/wk, for 24 weeks in a supervised setting. All 3 groups were provided with a 30-minute diabetes self-management education session, once every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. The participants were followed up for 36 weeks. The primary outcome was the global cognitive function measured at 36 weeks by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Secondary outcomes included MoCA at 24 weeks and other cognitive subdomain measures and blood metabolic indices at 24 and 36 weeks. A total of 328 participants (mean [SD] age, 67.55 [5.02] years; mean [SD] T2D duration, 10.48 [6.81] years; 167 [50.9%] women) were randomized to the tai chi chuan group (n = 107), fitness walking group (n = 110), or control group (n = 111) and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. At 36 weeks, the tai chi chuan group showed improved MoCA scores compared with the fitness walking group (mean [SD], 24.67 [2.72] vs 23.84 [3.17]; between-group mean difference, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.02-1.66]; P = .046) in the intention-to-treat analysis. The per-protocol analysis data set and subgroup analysis at 36 weeks showed similar results. Based on the generalized linear models, the treatment effects were similar in each group after adjusting for self-reported dietary calories and physical activity. There were 37 nonserious adverse events (tai chi chuan group, 8; fitness walking group, 13; control group, 16) unrelated to the study with no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups (P = .26). In this randomized clinical trial including older adults with T2D and MCI, tai chi chuan was more effective than fitness walking in improving global cognitive function. The findings support a long-term benefit, suggesting the potential clinical use of tai chi chuan as an exercise intervention to improve cognitive function for older adults with T2D and MCI. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04416841.

New challenges in cholangiocarcinoma candidates for elective surgery: harnessing the microbiome dysbiosis.

The gut microbiota, composed by several species of microorganisms, works to preserve the liver-gut homeostasis and plays an important role during digestion and absorption of nutrients, and in the immune response of the host. In this review, we analyzed the influence of microbiota in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) who were candidates for elective surgery. A literature review was conducted to identify papers that provided empiric evidence to support that the altered microbiota composition (dysbiosis) is related also to CCA development. Bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, Helicobacter hepaticus, and Opisthorchis viverrini increase the risk of CCA. The most abundant genera were Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Klebsiella, and Pyramidobacter in CCA's biliary microbiota. Additionally, levels of Bacteroides, Geobacillus, Meiothermus, and Anoxybacillus genera were significantly higher. An enrichment of Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcaceae families has also been observed in CCA tumor tissue. Microbiota is related to postoperative outcomes in abdominal surgery. The combination of caloric restriction diets in liver cancer or CCA increases the effect of the chemotherapy treatment. The correct use of nutrition for microbiota modulation according to each patient's needs could be a therapeutic tool in combination with elective surgery and chemotherapy to diminish side effects and improve prognosis. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which they are related.

Approach to managing obesity in small mammals

Background: Obesity is an important issue in small mammal pet species. As in other species, it results from an imbalance between dietary calorie intake and calorie use. Knowledge of the normal diet and biological activities of these species is important to not only identify the cause of the obesity, but to plan the management of obesity and obesity‐related disorders.Aim of the article: This article discusses the issue of obesity and its causes, as well as the recognition and consequences of it in small mammal pet species. It will also cover the management of the condition and its prevention. There is a wide range of small mammal species kept as pets, so the article concentrates on those that are most common (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and ferrets) but, where appropriate, it will also refer to some of the less frequently seen species (eg, chinchillas and skunks).

Impact of TECAR therapy on post-natal rectus diastasis: A randomized trial

Background. Rectus diastasis is a common problem affecting postpartum mothers. It decreases the integrity as well as functional strength of the abdominal wall, and causes low back pain and pelvic instability Objective. To examine how TECAR therapy (monopolar capacitive resistance radiofrequency of 448 KHz) affects rectus diastasis in postpartum women. Design. A prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting. Outpatient physical therapy clinic, Kafr El Sheikh University. Methods. Forty postnatal women having diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) &gt; 2.5 cm were recruited and randomized into two equal groups; the control group received a program of selected abdominal exercises and low caloric diet of 1200 kcal/ day for 4 weeks, and the study group received the same control group interventions in addition to TECAR application. DRA degree was the primary outcome, while weight and body mass index measures were the secondary outcomes. All variables were measured at the baseline and after 4 weeks of the intervention by rectus diastasis test, abdominal ultrasonography, and calibrated weight scale. Results. Analysis showed a significant reduction (P &lt; .05) in weight, body mass index, rectus diastasis test, and ultrasound measures in both groups in favor of the study group Conclusion. Using TECAR with a standard program of abdominal exercises and low caloric diet has more beneficial effects on postnatal DRA than practicing the exercise program alone with the low-calorie diet.

Effects of OsomeFood Clean Label plant-based meals on the gut microbiome

BackgroundPlant-based diets offer more beneficial microbes and can modulate gut microbiomes to improve human health. We evaluated the effects of the plant-based OsomeFood Clean Label meal range (‘AWE’ diet), on the human gut microbiome.MethodsOver 21 days, ten healthy participants consumed OsomeFood meals for five consecutive weekday lunches and dinners and resumed their regular diets for other days/meals. On follow-up days, participants completed questionnaires to record satiety, energy and health, and provided stool samples. To document microbiome variations and identify associations, species and functional pathway annotations were analyzed by shotgun sequencing. Shannon diversity and regular diet calorie intake subsets were also assessed.ResultsOverweight participants gained more species and functional pathway diversity than normal BMI participants. Nineteen disease-associated species were suppressed in moderate-responders without gaining diversity, and in strong-responders with diversity gains along with health-associated species. All participants reported improved short-chain fatty acids production, insulin and γ-aminobutyric acid signaling. Moreover, fullness correlated positively with Bacteroides eggerthii; energetic status with B. uniformis, B. longum, Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens, and Eubacterium eligens; healthy status with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Prevotella CAG 5226, Roseburia hominis, and Roseburia sp. CAG 182; and overall response with E. eligens and Corprococcus eutactus. Fiber consumption was negatively associated with pathogenic species.ConclusionAlthough the AWE diet was consumed for only five days a week, all participants, especially overweight ones, experienced improved fullness, health status, energy and overall responses. The AWE diet benefits all individuals, especially those of higher BMI or low-fiber consumption.

Segregative phase separation of gelatin and tragacanth gum solution and Mickering stabilization of their water-in-water emulsion with microgel particles prepared by complex coacervation

This study aimed to investigate the segregative interaction of gelatin (G) and tragacanth gum (TG) and the stabilization of their water-in-water (W/W) emulsion by G-TG complex coacervate particles. Segregation was studied at different pHs, ionic strengths and biopolymer concentrations. Results showed that incompatibility was affected by increasing the biopolymer concentrations. So, three reigns were demonstrated in the phase diagram of the salt-free samples. NaCl significantly changed the phase behavior via enhancement of self–association of polysaccharide and changing solvent quality due to the charge screening effect of ions. The W/W emulsion prepared from these two biopolymers and stabilized with G-TG complex particles was stable for at least one week. The microgel particles improved emulsion stability by adsorption to the interface and creating a physical barrier. A fibrous and network-like structure of the G-TG microgels was observed by scanning electron microscopy images suggesting the Mickering emulsion stabilization mechanism. It was confirmed that the bridging flocculation between the microgel polymers led to phase separation after the stability period. Biopolymer incompatibility investigation is a useful tool to obtain beneficial knowledge for preparation new food formulation, especially no contain oil emulsions for low- calorie diets.

Remotely Supervised Weight Loss and Exercise Training to Improve Rheumatoid Arthritis Cardiovascular Risk: Rationale and Design of the Supervised Weight Loss Plus Exercise Training-Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. RA CVD results from a combination of traditional risk factors and RA-related systemic inflammation. One hypothetical means of improving overall RA CVD risk is through reduction of excess body weight and increased physical activity. Together, weight loss and physical activity can improve traditional cardiometabolic health through fat mass loss, while also improving skeletal muscle health. Additionally, disease-related CVD risk may improve as both fat mass loss and exercise reduce systemic inflammation. To explore this hypothesis, 26 older persons with RA and overweight/obesity will be randomized to 16 weeks of a usual care control arm or to a remotely Supervised Weight Loss Plus Exercise Training (SWET) program. A caloric restriction diet (targeting 7% weight loss) will occur via a dietitian-led intervention, with weekly weigh-ins and group support sessions. Exercise training will consist of both aerobic training (150 minutes/week moderate-to-vigorous exercise) and resistance training (twice weekly). The SWET remote program will be delivered via a combination of video conference, the study YouTube channel, and study mobile applications. The primary cardiometabolic outcome is the metabolic syndrome Z score, calculated from blood pressure, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. RA-specific CVD risk will be assessed with measures of systemic inflammation, disease activity, patient-reported outcomes, and immune cell function. The SWET-RA trial will be the first to assess whether a remotely supervised, combined lifestyle intervention improves cardiometabolic health in an at-risk population of older individuals with RA and overweight/obesity.