Changes In Dietary Habits Research Articles

Human Exposure through the Diet to Arsenic and Other Toxic Elements: A Literature Review of Scientific Studies Conducted in Catalonia, Spain, in the Current Century.

Human exposure to arsenic and other toxic elements such as cadmium, lead and mercury may lead to a wide range of adverse health effects. In relation to this, it is well established that the diet is the main route of exposure to both essential and toxic trace elements. In recent years, the levels of toxic elements in foodstuffs have been measured in numerous studies conducted all over the world. Scientific databases show that, in the current century, China and Spain have been the countries where the most surveys on this topic have been carried out. Regarding Spain, Catalonia is the region where most studies aimed at determining the concentrations of trace elements in food have been performed. The objective of this paper was to review the studies carried out in Catalonia on the concentrations of As and toxic metals (including Cd, Hg and Pb) in food, as well as their estimated dietary intakes (EDIs). The results of total diet studies (TDSs) and duplicate diet (DD) studies have been included. For most toxic elements, a continued reduction in the EDI has been observed. This reduction is associated with a decrease in their concentrations in food, and with certain changes in dietary habits. Fish and seafood is the food group showing the highest content of toxic elements. However, none of the adult groups exceeded-in general-the safety thresholds for As, Cd, Hg and Pb established by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA).

Impact of bariatric surgery on gut microbiota composition in obese patients compared to healthy controls

Bariatric surgery is vital for sustainable weight loss and metabolic improvement in obese individuals, but its effects on gut microbiota and their role in these benefits require further investigation. Investigate the temporal changes in gut microbiota in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)) compared to healthy controls, aiming to understand their role in weight loss and metabolic health improvement. A case-control study included 30 obese patients aged 65–95 undergoing bariatric surgery, and 18 matched healthy controls. Selection criteria were based on age, race, BMI, history of antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics usage. Stool samples were collected at baseline, three months, and six months post-surgery for DNA extraction and quantitative real-time PCR analysis to assess gut microbiota changes. Physical activity and dietary intake were evaluated using standardized questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using R. Post-surgery, patients showed significant reductions in weight and BMI, with changes in dietary habits and physical activity. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed substantial alterations in bacterial groups such as Bacteroides and Fusobacterium. However, some groups showed no significant changes, indicating a complex interaction between gut microbiota and bariatric surgery. Notable correlations were found between body weight, BMI, and specific bacterial groups like the C. cluster IV and Lactobacillus, particularly in RYGB patients. Bariatric surgery significantly alters gut microbiota, aiding weight loss and metabolic regulation in obese patients. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective obesity management strategies, requiring further research to optimize outcomes.

Who Would Taste It? Exploring Decision-Making Styles and Intention to Eat Insect-Based Food among Italian University Students

Background: Although insect-based foods (IBFs) have been recently proposed as a way to face climate crisis and starvation, they encounter aversion from Western countries, which express fear, disgust, and high risk. The contribution of psychology research to food choices highlights how decisions are made, not only through reasoned attitudes and goal-directed behavior, but also through more automatic associations (dual-system models). Methods: In this paper, we investigated people’s dispositions towards IBFs by combining (a) explicit attitudes (as assessed via self-report scales), (b) automatic associations (as measured via indirect measures), and (c) intention to taste, and comparing different profiles based on (d) psychological factors, including decision-making style, food neophobia, and trust in science and scientist. A pilot sample of 175 Italian university students participated in the study. Results: The analyses of the general sample highlighted rather negative attitudes. The cluster analysis identified 4 decision-making profiles: ‘the gut feeling’, ‘the suspicious’, ‘the vicarious’, and ‘the mind’. It revealed more favorable opinions in ‘the mind’ profile, characterized by a rational decision-making style and high trust in science, and very aversive reactions from ‘the suspicious’ profile, characterized by high food neophobia and low trust in science. Conclusions: The results underline the importance of psychological factors in interpreting people’s reactions to IBF and changes in dietary habits based on the decision-making process. They suggest possible strategies to promote eco-friendly diets.

Harnessing hybrid molecules for drug development

Harnessing hybrid molecules for drug development Stoyanka Nikolova, Professor from Paisii Hilendarski Plovdiv University, discusses the potential of harnessing hybrid molecules for drug development and their possible application in addressing the clinical challenge of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains a clinical challenge. It’s the most common gastrointestinal disorder. IBS has no definitive treatment but could be controlled by non-pharmacologic management, eliminating some exacerbating factors such as certain drugs, stress conditions, and changes in dietary habits. Intestine peristaltic reflexes and sensory relays are significantly regulated by serotonin, predominantly found in intestine enterochromaffin cells.

A participatory research to assess how a student citizens’ assembly can facilitate the co-creation of nutrition interventions in higher education settings

BackgroundThe transition period from adolescence to early adulthood is critical for developing new nutritional behaviors, making higher education students an important target group for public health nutrition interventions. Given the complexity of nutrition-related behaviors and their various determinants, involving the student population (the future beneficiaries of interventions) and the partners engaged in their implementation when designing campus nutrition interventions is essential. Citizens’ assemblies are deliberative processes which are more and more frequently organized to co-create solutions to complex problems. This study aims 1) to design and implement a student citizens’ assembly using participatory research methods, 2) to describe its process and evaluate its transferability, 3) to evaluate changes in dietary habits, knowledge and citizen practices among students participating in this assembly.MethodsThis study will take place at a French university (University Sorbonne Paris Nord, USPN) located in socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs of Paris. The student citizens’ assembly will gather a mini-public of 30 students enrolled at the time of the study and a co-creation team of academic and non-academic partners involved in student life, nutrition, physical activity, or public policies. The aim of the assembly is to co-create a set of concrete proposals that would enhance USPN students’ access to sustainable diets and physical activity. The protocol is based on a continuous process evaluation and a pre-post design among the mini-public. A mixed-method framework combining quantitative and qualitative approaches will be developed. This study will make use of (i) field observations of the intervention process and transferability, (ii) data collected by questionnaires on pre- and post- dietary habits, knowledge and citizen practices of the mini-public, and (iii) pre-post interviews with a subsample of the same mini-public.DiscussionRelying on participatory research methods, this study will provide new insights into involving higher education students and diverse partners in co-creating campus nutrition interventions. Through the collaborative work of researchers, higher education students, university representatives, public institutions, and local and community actors, this study will provide evidence-based guidance for designing innovative and contextually-relevant nutrition interventions in the higher education setting.Trial registrationThis research was registered at the ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT06580795; registration date: 2024–08-30; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06580795).

Impact of climate change, environmental pollution, and nutrition on women’s reproductive health

In recent years, interest in the impact of the environment on human health, including the reproductive function of women, has increased significantly. This review aimed at analyzing the dependence of women’s reproductive health on environmental conditions and dietary patterns. The study evaluates the direct impact of pollutants, such as heavy metals and endocrine disruptors, on reproductive health and their indirect effects through changes in dietary habits and the quality of consumed food. Moreover, the study focused on the relationship between the quality of the environment, including the level of air pollution, and women’s reproductive health. Furthermore, the article describes the effect of the mechanisms of chemical substances on the endocrine system and subsequent reproductive outcomes and the influence of nutrients and chemicals contained in agricultural products. Data from various studies worldwide were used; thus, the conclusions are more universal and generalized. The authors emphasize the need for adopting international measures to improve environmental standards and develop strategies to reduce chemical pollution in air and water. Moreover, this study highlights the consequences of climate changes for public and reproductive health, emphasizing the urgency of adapting healthcare and social systems to change environmental conditions. Such changes require a comprehensive approach in response strategies, including reforming the food industry and agriculture and increasing public awareness and activity in environmental well-being issues. Additionally, using various studies as examples, issues concerning the relationship between climate changes and human health, in general, and the need for adapting social and healthcare systems to the current level of environmental stress are raised. This review aimed at stimulating public dialogue and developing innovative approaches to addressing the issue of improving women’s reproductive health against the backdrop of environmental changes and challenges of the modern world.

8319 Pituitary Apoplexy Leads to the Spontaneous Resolution of Hypercortisolism Secondary to Cushing Disease: A Clinical Case

Abstract Disclosure: N. Sweis: None. J. Sanchez Perez: None. M. Fariduddin: None. R.M. Sargis: None. D.J. Toft: None. S. Reutrakul: None. Background: Pituitary apoplexy is a potentially fatal condition involving the infarction or hemorrhage of the pituitary gland. Rarely, it can occur in the setting of an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Clinical Case: A 27-year-old female with a past medical history of obesity, spontaneous miscarriages, and amenorrhea presented to the ER with an acute onset frontal headache of throbbing quality, associated with nausea and vomiting. The headache began two days prior, rapidly intensified, and did not improve with oral acetaminophen. CT of the head revealed an enlarged pituitary gland, while neurovascular imaging showed no abnormalities. Her neurologic examination was normal. She denied visual changes, photophobia, neck rigidity, fevers, chills, or recent infections. Furthermore, she endorsed a weight gain of about 40 pounds over the past year despite no change in dietary habits. This was accompanied by amenorrhea, hair thinning, itchy comedonal acne, hirsutism, and a loss of libido. Her physical examination was remarkable for the presence of cushingoid features including violaceous abdominal striae, facial acne, moon facies, a dorsal fat pad, and acanthosis nigricans around the neck and axillae. Pituitary MRI with and without contrast showed an enlarged sellar and suprasellar macroadenoma measuring approximately 2.1x1.4x1.2 cm abutting the optic chiasm. The visualized lesion contained hemorrhagic products, suggesting pituitary apoplexy. Biochemical testing on admission included a low morning plasma cortisol of 6.5 ug/dL (ref. range: 6.7-22.6 ug/dL), a 24-hour urine free cortisol of 12.0 (<=45.0 ug/24 hour), and an elevated ACTH of 145.0 pg/mL (7.2 - 63.3 pg/mL). A1c was 5.8% (<5.7%). Serum levels of prolactin, IGF1, GH, LH, FSH, TSH, Free T4, estradiol, total and bioavailable testosterone were within normal limits. She was evaluated with an ACTH stimulation test, which showed a morning cortisol level of 1.2 ug/dL at baseline, lower from prior. Cortisol levels were adequately increased at 19.6 ug/dL and 22.6 ug/dL, 30 and 60 minutes after the administration of Cosyntropin 250 mcg, respectively (>=18 ug/dL after 30-60 mins). The level of ACTH at the time was also decreased to 76.6 pg/mL. The patient was therefore started on steroid replacement therapy with hydrocortisone and later underwent transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary mass without complications. Histopathological examination of the resected mass showed pituitary adenoma cells with diffuse weak to moderate ACTH staining, most consistent with a sparsely granulated corticotroph pituitary adenoma. Conclusion: We report an interesting case of Cushing disease that spontaneously resolved after pituitary apoplexy. Our case underlines the importance of close monitoring of such patients who may rapidly undergo a period of adrenal insufficiency after hypercortisolism. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Single mandibular implant study - impact on dietary habits after 5 years of observation in patients with immediate and delayed loading protocols

ObjectivesSingle midline implants in the edentulous mandible can be used to support existing complete dentures to improve patients’ satisfaction and masticatory efficiency. The impact on patients’ dietary habits and the influence of the loading protocol of the implants was the subject of this study.Materials and methodsIn this prospective randomized clinical trial, edentulous patients with existing complete dentures in both jaws were treated with a single midline implant in the mandible. In group A, the implants were loaded immediately, in group B the loading was delayed after three months. Patients were asked to report on their nutritional intake before implant placement and 12, 24 and 60 months after loading using a standardized two-part questionnaire.ResultsNutritional intake regarding the frequency of consumption of the requested food items did not change significantly during the 60-months study period, regardless of the loading protocol. In contrast, the second part of the questionnaire revealed that after 60 months, there was a significant decrease in avoidance of food, that had a coarse and hard texture in both groups. This significant decrease was observable in the group A in the first 12 and 24 months and in the group B after 60 months.ConclusionA change in the patients’ dietary habits due to the insertion of a single midline implant in the mandible to support the existing complete denture cannot be observed, independently to the loading protocol.Clinical relevanceImproving the chewing efficiency by single midline implants in the edentulous mandible does not lead to a change in dietary habits.

Restrictive Diets in Digestive Cancers: Prevalence, Contributing Factors, Foods Concerned and Patients' Beliefs (Prospective Study of 100 Cases)

Cancer is a major cause of disease-related malnutrition; the prevalence of malnutrition and muscle loss is high in digestive cancers and is thought to be associated with a poor prognosis. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate changes in dietary habits following a diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer that are likely to cause or aggravate malnutrition, to assess the existence of restrictive diets involving the permanent elimination of certain essential aliments (meat, dairy products, etc.), to identify the factors that influence patients to adopt them, and to assess the degree to which patients believe in the effectiveness of these diets in curing cancer.  Materials and Methods: 100 patients aged 18 and over, diagnosed with one of the following digestive cancers: colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, oesophageal, hepatocellular carcinoma or biliary tract cancer; were interviewed using an electronic questionnaire.  Results: Among the patients we interviewed, 69% had adopted a restrictive diet following the diagnosis of digestive cancer. The products permanently eliminated included white sugar and/or sweetened foods in 83% of cases, red meat in 80%, tinned food in 77%, dairy products in 61%, spices in 54%, fried food in 49%, white meat and eggs not produced organically in 44%, processed meat in 33%, and all white meat and eggs in 17% and 14% respectively; This diet was recommended mainly by the patient’s entourage (friends and family) in 81% of cases, by other patients and their relatives (58%) and by personal research on the internet in 36% of cases. In addition, 37% of patients believe that this type of diet contributes to curing cancer.  Conclusion: 69% of patients in the study were on a restrictive diet, and more than a third of them believed that this diet could help cure their digestive cancers. Raising awareness among patients and their families is essential to prevent malnutrition and muscle loss, and thus improve the outcome of the cancer.

Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Status.

Background and Objectives: Obesity is associated with numerous co-morbidities, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Bariatric surgery is the mainstay of treatment for obesity as the only method with confirmed long-term effects in weight reduction and the remission of comorbidities. Postoperative recommendations leading to changes in dietary habits and changes in digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract after bariatric surgery may additionally influence the levels of laboratory parameters that reflect the metabolic and nutritional status. The purpose of the study was to analyze the possible influence of changes in dietary habits after bariatric surgery on those laboratory results that reflect the metabolic and nutritional status. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 88 patients with a history of bariatric surgery. Data were gathered from before the surgery and at 6 months after the surgery and included diet structure and selected laboratory parameters reflecting the metabolic and nutritional status, i.e., levels of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, proteins, ferrum, ferritin, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D and calcium, the red blood cell count and the hematocrit. Results: Postoperative festive glucose levels were reduced by 14% and were more significant in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. There was an increase of 22% in concentrations of high-density lipoproteins. Triglyceride concentrations were reduced by 32%. Aminotransferase levels decreased by 43% for alanine aminotransferase and by 14% for aspartate aminotransferase. Among the changes in dietary habits, post-bariatric patients had a reduced consumption of red meat and an increased consumption of fish, milk and dairy products and wholegrain products. Vitamin D and ferrum levels were higher after the surgery, whereas vitamin B12 and folic acid levels remained unchanged. Conclusions: Improved dietary habits of patients after bariatric surgery may lead to changes in laboratory parameters that reflect the ameliorated metabolic and nutritional status of patients after bariatric surgery.

Iodine nutrition among pregnant women in the Faroe Islands.

Ensuring adequate iodine nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for fetal brain development. Thus, the WHO recommend monitoring iodine nutrition in pregnant women. With changing dietary habits and declining iodine intake in coastal populations, iodine nutrition in pregnant Faroese women was a focus in newly established pregnancy cohorts. This study aimed to monitor the iodine status of pregnant women in the Faroe Islands by assessing urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and maternal iodine intake. For 2 years, all pregnant women were invited to participate in a nationwide study. Participants completed questionnaires addressing personal and lifestyle factors, supplement intake and dietary habits, Additionally, they provided spot urine samples for UIC measurements. Iodine was measured spectrophotometrically using the ceri/arsen method after alkaline-ashing. Among the 1030 invited, 654 participated and 647 provided a spot-urine sample. The average age was 30·4 years (18–47 years). The overall median UIC was 110 µg/l, declined from 117 to 101 µg/l over 2 years (P = 0·004). UIC was significantly impacted by diet. Women consuming fish and eggs had a higher median UIC compared with those whose primary iodine source was dairy: fish-dinner, 151 µg/l; dairy products, 112 µg/l (P < 0·001). Furthermore, there was a positive association between maternal age, reported intake of iodine-containing supplements and the UIC. This nationwide study of pregnant Faroese women found UIC below the WHO-recommended cut-off for pregnant women and decreasing with time. This decline highlights the importance of continuous monitoring to prompty identify shifts in iodine status, enabling timely intervention to address emerging deficiencies.

IgE versus IgG and IgA: Differential roles of allergen-specific antibodies in sensitization, tolerization, and treatment of allergies.

The prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and food allergies has increased dramatically over the last few decades. This increase originally started in western countries, but is now also evident in many other regions of the world. Given the fact that the increase is so quick, the noted increase cannot be linked to a genetic effect, and many environmental factors have been identified that are associated with increased or reduced prevalence of allergies, like changing dietary habits, increased urbanization, pollution, exposure to microorganisms and LPS, and the farming environment and raw milk consumption. Although the key role of allergen-specific IgE in allergies is well known, the role of allergen-specific IgG and IgA antibodies is less well defined. This review will provide an overview of the functions of allergen-specific IgE in allergy, the role of allergen-specific antibodies (IgG (4) and IgA) in allergen immunotherapy (AIT), the possibility to use allergen-specific antibodies for treatment of ongoing allergies, and the potential role of allergen-specific antibodies in tolerance induction to allergens in a preventive setting. In the last, more speculative, section we will present novel hypotheses on the potential role of allergen-specific non-IgE antibodies in allergies by directing antigen presentation, Th2 development, and innate immune training.

The Interplay between Dietary Habits and Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Prospective FGM Study.

Type 1 diabetes has become prevalent among the adult population, who have increasingly gained access to sensing technology. This study delved into the impact of diet, nutritional status, and the use of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) on glycemic regulation among adults diagnosed with T1D. Employing a prospective design, data were gathered from 151 participants aged 18-60 across multiple cycles. Participants utilized the FreeStyle Libre (FSL) Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) System and provided dietary details via questionnaires and diaries. The findings unveiled correlations between dietary patterns and glycemic control, with higher protein intake associated with improved glycated hemoglobin A1C values (p = 0.019), yet elevated fat and protein consumption was linked to heightened rates of hyperglycemia. Conversely, no significant relationship was observed between dietary variables and hypoglycemia occurrence. Interestingly, subjects with more readings of glucose levels consumed fewer carbohydrates (p = 0.004) and more proteins (p = 0.000). Furthermore, physical activity and marital status correlated with glycemic stability, while higher education was associated with enhanced glycemic control (p = 0.021). This study confirmed the importance of structured education on glycemic regulation and the importance of dietary patterns in glucose management. Also, the educational role of the FGM system in changing dietary habits was confirmed, which is one of the key factors for improving glycemic regulation in continuous glucose monitoring system users.

The Quality of Life in Elderly Patients in Comprehensive Conservative Management or Hemodialysis: A Case-Control Study in Analogous Basal Conditions.

Comprehensive conservative management (CCM) is a viable treatment option for elderly patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, it involves a significant change in dietary habits, such as adopting a low-protein diet. Therefore, it is crucial to understand its impact on the patient's quality of life (QoL), particularly when compared to hemodialysis (HD). The study aims to evaluate the differences in the QoL between patients undergoing CCM and HD. The study included 50 patients over 75 with ESKD, with 25 patients in the CCM group and 25 in the HD group. The CCM group followed a personalized low-protein diet, while the HD group did not have protein restrictions. Various parameters were assessed, including demographic data, urine output, blood tests, comorbidity index, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and hospitalization. The SF-12 questionnaire assessed the QoL, and the Physical Composite Score (PCS) and Mental Composite Score (MCS) were calculated. The study revealed no age and comorbidity index differences between CCM and HD patients. In contrast, CCM patients reported significantly better physical and mental well-being than HD patients. In univariate analysis, CCM (B 0.24, p = 0.001), protein intake (B -0.004, p = 0.008), hospitalization (B -0.18, p = 0.024), urine output (B 0.25, p = 0.001), and VAS (B -0.26, p < 0.001) influenced the PCS. At the same time, only the type of treatment (B = 0.15, p = 0.048), urine output (B 0.18, p = 0.02), and VAS (B -0.14, p = 0.048) influence the MCS. In contrast, in multivariate analysis, only CCM contributed to an improved PCS (B 0.19, p = 0.003) and MCS (B 0.16, p = 0.03), while a higher VAS worsened the PCS (B -0.24, p < 0.001) and MCS (B -0.157, p = 0.0024). In elderly patients with similar basal conditions, health-related QoL perception is better in CCM than in HD patients.

Weight Status Determines the Impact of a School-Based Nutrition Education Intervention on Lifestyle Behaviors in Children.

This study investigated the impact of the FLUYE school-based intervention on children's lifestyle behaviors, Mediterranean diet adherence, and emotional well-being in Spain. The objective was to promote healthy habits through nutrition education, physical activity, and emotional support within the school environment, with a focus on addressing the needs of both normal-weight and overweight/obese children. A total of 552 children aged 3 to 12 years participated in the study, with data collected at baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1). The intervention was designed to integrate health education into the school curriculum, emphasizing the development of personal competencies in diet, physical activity, and emotional well-being. The analysis included changes in dietary habits, screen time, physical activity, and psychosocial outcomes, with comparisons made between the normal-weight and overweight/obese groups. Significant improvements were observed in water consumption and reductions in sugar-sweetened beverage intake across both weight groups. However, an increase in screen time, particularly among normal-weight children, highlighted ongoing challenges in reducing sedentary behavior. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet improved more significantly in the overweight/obese group, suggesting the program's effectiveness in promoting healthier eating patterns among at-risk children. Emotional well-being and self-esteem also saw significant enhancements, with children reporting increased feelings of pride and positivity post-intervention. The FLUYE program effectively improved various aspects of children's lifestyle behaviors, particularly in dietary habits and emotional well-being. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive, school-based interventions that address both physical and psychosocial aspects of health, especially for children at higher risk for obesity.

To imitate or not to imitate? How consumers perceive animal origin products and plant-based alternatives imitating minimally processed vs ultra-processed food

Changing dietary habits towards a reduction of animal origin proteins, such as meat and fish, in favor of plant-based alternatives can positively contribute to sustainability, health and animal suffering related issues. Despite this awareness and the large variety of plant-based alternatives available on the market, willingness to reduce or substitute animal origin proteins is still very low. This research investigates the role of a so far overlooked factor in the study of consumer adoption of plant-based diets, namely the role of food processing, adding to the understanding of how consumers perceive animal origin products and their plant-based alternatives imitating a minimally processed vs ultra-processed food. Through a Swiss online study with 607 consumers, our results showed that the resemblance to a minimally processed (e.g., chicken filet, tuna) or ultra-processed product (e.g., meatball, fish stick) differently affect animal origin products and plant-based imitations. Specifically, while consumers perceived more positively the minimally processed meat/fish than the ultra-processed one in the animal origin category, in terms of perceived environmental friendliness, perceived health and purchase intention, the reverse was observed for the plant-based imitations. Thus, contributing to theory and practice, the results of this research suggest that the like-to-like imitation of an animal origin product is not only ineffective but can also be counterproductive for perceptions-of sustainability and health- and purchase intentions of plant-based alternatives.

MANEJO NUTRICIONAL DA RESISTÊNCIA À INSULINA NA SÍNDROME DE OVÁRIO POLICÍSTICO

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder among women during the ovulation and menstrual periods. Its origin is still unknown; however, the treatment of the disease involves changes in dietary habits and physical activity practices. Reducing carbohydrate intake has positive effects on PCOS, as this low carbohydrate consumption allows for depletion of muscle and hepatic glycogen stores. Objective: To evaluate the nutritional management of insulin resistance in PCOS. Materials and Methods: Literature reviews were conducted focusing on the last cinco years, using the PubMed, Scielo, and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases. Result: A hypocaloric diet showed improvements in metabolic rates, menstrual cycle, weight loss, and insulin resistance parameters. Conclusion: Although there is no specific diet for women with insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome, the results of studies have shown that low-calorie diets in conjunction with physical activity can influence the reduction of anthropometric measurements of patients, and therefore assist in the treatment of PCOS and insulin resistance.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness in adolescents from Kraków (Poland).

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the lifestyle and dietary habits of societies worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness in adolescents (aged 11-15) from Kraków during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Two cross-sectional studies conducted in 2020 and 2022 (before and after the pandemic) involved 1662 adolescents from the Kraków population. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken. The trunk adiposity index, limbs-to-trunk fat ratio and limbs-to-total skinfold ratio were calculated. Statistical analysis employed a two-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test and the Kruskal-Wallis test, depending on the normality of the distribution. Higher skinfold thicknesses were observed in the majority of age groups in both sexes from the 2022 cohort in comparison with the 2020 cohort. Additionally, higher values of the trunk adiposity index and the limbs-to-total skinfold ratio in most age groups were observed. However, an inverse trend was observed in the limbs-to-trunk fat radio. The introduced restrictions such as lockdown, remote learning, reduced physical activity and changes in dietary habits could have influenced the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness amongst adolescents from Kraków.

Linking animal and human health burden: challenges and opportunities.

Quantifying the impact of poor animal health outcomes on human health represents a complex challenge. Using the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) metric as an endpoint, this article discusses how animal health outcomes can impact humans through three key processes: directly through zoonotic disease, indirectly via changes in yields and their impacts on nutrition and wealth, and finally, through indirect features associated with the agricultural industry, such as pharmaceuticals and climate change. For each process, the current state of the art and feasibility of global DALY-associated estimates are discussed. Existing frameworks for zoonoses already consider some key pathogens; ensuring completeness in the pathogens considered and consistency in methodological decisions is an important next step. For diet, risk factor frameworks enable a calculation of attributable DALYs; however, significant economic methodological developments are needed to ensure that local production changes are appropriately mapped to both local and global changes in dietary habits. Concerning wealth-related impacts, much work needs to be done on method development. Industry-related impacts require a focus on key research topics, such as attribution studies for animal antimicrobial resistance contributing to human outcomes. For climate change, a critical next step is identifying to what extent associated industry emissions are amenable to change should animal health outcomes improve. Allocation of finite funds to improve animal health must also consider the downstream impact on humans. Leveraging DALYs enables comparisons with other human health-related decisions and would represent a transformative way of approaching animal health decision-making should the obstacles in this article be addressed and new methods be developed.

Allergen Microarrays and New Physical Approaches to More Sensitive and Specific Detection of Allergen-Specific Antibodies.

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased tremendously in recent decades, which can be attributed to growing exposure to environmental triggers, changes in dietary habits, comorbidity, and the increased use of medications. In this context, the multiplexed diagnosis of sensitization to various allergens and the monitoring of the effectiveness of treatments for allergic diseases become particularly urgent issues. The detection of allergen-specific antibodies, in particular, sIgE and sIgG, is a modern alternative to skin tests due to the safety and efficiency of this method. The use of allergen microarrays to detect tens to hundreds of allergen-specific antibodies in less than 0.1 mL of blood serum enables the transition to a deeply personalized approach in the diagnosis of these diseases while reducing the invasiveness and increasing the informativeness of analysis. This review discusses the technological approaches underlying the development of allergen microarrays and other protein microarrays, including the methods of selection of the microarray substrates and matrices for protein molecule immobilization, the obtainment of allergens, and the use of different types of optical labels for increasing the sensitivity and specificity of the detection of allergen-specific antibodies.