Changes In Fat Research Articles

Recapitulation of anti-aging phenotypes by global overexpression of PTEN in mice

The PTEN gene negatively regulates the oncogenic PI3K-AKT pathway by encoding a lipid and protein phosphatase that dephosphorylates lipid phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) resulting in the inhibition of PI3K and downstream inhibition of AKT. Overexpression of PTEN in mice leads to a longer lifespan compared to control littermates, although the mechanism is unknown. Here, we provide evidence that young adult PTENOE mice exhibit many characteristics shared by other slow-aging mouse models, including those with mutations that affect GH/IGF1 pathways, calorie-restricted mice, and mice treated with anti-aging drugs. PTENOE white adipose tissue (WAT) has increased UCP1, a protein linked to increased thermogenesis. WAT of PTENOE mice also shows a change in polarization of fat-associated macrophages, with elevated levels of arginase 1 (Arg1, characteristic of M2 macrophages) and decreased production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, characteristic of M1 macrophages). Muscle and hippocampus showed increased expression of the myokine FNDC5, and higher levels of its cleavage product irisin in plasma, which has been linked to increased conversion of WAT to more thermogenic beige/brown adipose tissue. PTENOE mice also have an increase, in plasma and liver, of GPLD1, which is known to improve cognition in mice. Hippocampus of the PTENOE mice has elevation of both BDNF and DCX, indices of brain resilience and neurogenesis. These changes in fat, macrophages, liver, muscle, hippocampus, and plasma may be considered “aging rate indicators” in that they seem to be consistently changed across many of the long-lived mouse models and may help to extend lifespan by delaying many forms of late-life illness. Our new findings show that PTENOE mice can be added to the group of long-lived mice that share this multi-tissue suite of biochemical characteristics.

MR Assessed Changes of Renal Sinus Fat in Response to Glucose Regulation in West European and South Asian Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Ethnic differences in the progression and outcome of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remain to be elucidated. MRI-quantified renal sinus fat volume could be a potential biomarker to help investigate the changes of DKD risk in response to glucose regulation. To evaluate whether the effect of glucose-lowering treatment on renal sinus fat volume differed in West Europeans (WE) compared to South Asians (SA), and whether ethnic-related difference exists regarding the effect of liraglutide on renal sinus fat. Retrospective. Ninety-three patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including 47 WE (27 males) aged 59.3 ± 6.5 years, and 46 SA (19 males) aged 54.4 ± 9.8 years. 3.0 T dual-echo fast gradient-echo pulse sequence using two-point Dixon technique with a phase-correction algorithm. Changes of renal sinus fat volume were measured by a radiologist (LL) with 4-years' experience, and were compared between the two ethnic groups, together with glycemic level, metabolic risk factors and renal function. The effects of liraglutide were assessed. Normality of the data was visually evaluated by histograms and Q-Q plots. Within-group and between-group differences were analyzed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance. Associations were analyzed by person's correlation and multiple linear regression models. Renal sinus fat decreased in SA patients (Δ% = -7.6% ± 14.8%), but increased in WE patients (Δ% = 5.0% ± 13.1%), with a significant difference between the two ethnic groups. In the WE group, the increase of sinus fat volume was significant in the placebo subgroup (Δ% = 6.8% ± 12.5%), in contrast to the nonsignificant increase in the liraglutide subgroup (Δ% = 3.0% ± 13.8%, P = 0.444). Renal sinus fat accumulation responds differently to glucose regulation, showing a reduction in SA patients in contrast to a persistent accumulation in WE patients. A trend of less accumulation of sinus fat in WE patients receiving liraglutide has been observed. 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.

Hepatic fat changes with antisense oligonucleotide therapy targeting ANGPTL3

Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) is a novel therapeutic target for hyperlipidemia. Vupanorsen, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting ANGPTL3, reduced triglycerides up to 57% in a phase 2b trial, but caused dose-dependent increases in hepatic fat fraction (HFF). To determine the degree of HFF progression with escalating doses of vupanorsen, differential HFF increases in key patient subgroups, and the correlation between changes in HFF and liver enzymes. TRANSLATE-TIMI 70 was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial testing 7 dosing regimens of vupanorsen in 286 adults with hyperlipidemia. A total of 227 patients had HFF measured at baseline and 24 weeks and were included in this analysis. The median HFF at baseline was 8.5%. Vupanorsen led to dose-dependent relative increases in HFF of up to 76% at 24 weeks (p < 0.001), corresponding to an absolute increase of up to 7.0% at the highest dose (p < 0.001). Increases in HFF were numerically greater in patients who had elevated baseline HFF, body mass index, triglycerides, or diabetes. Vupanorsen also increased liver enzymes in a dose-dependent manner, and changes in HFF were moderately positively correlated with changes in aspartate transaminase (AST) (rho = 0.49, p < 0.001) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (rho = 0.50, p < 0.001). Vupanorsen, an inhibitor of ANGPTL3 protein synthesis, caused dose-dependent increases in HFF. Increases in HFF were only moderately correlated with elevations in AST and ALT, suggesting that liver enzymes are an imperfect indicator to detect increases in hepatic fat. These results highlight the need to monitor HFF in clinical trials of therapies targeting intracellular ANGPTL3 inhibition, especially those that are targeted to the liver.

TMT-Based Proteomics Analysis Revealed the Protein Changes in Perirenal Fat from Obese Rabbits.

Obesity has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and there is a need for a deeper understanding of the complex pathogenesis underlying the obesity condition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate how a high-fat diet (HFD) affects protein expression in a female-rabbit model compared to a standard normal-diet group (SND), to gain comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in obesity. To achieve this objective, a tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics analysis was conducted to examine the molecular changes occurring in the white adipose tissue (WAT) from the HFD and SND groups. The sequencing results identified a total of 4215 proteins, among which 151 proteins exhibited significant differential expression. Specifically, there were 85 upregulated proteins and 66 downregulated proteins in the HFD group compared to the SND group. Further analysis of these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) revealed their involvement in crucial biological processes, including energy metabolism, hormonal regulation, and inflammatory response. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the impact of HFD on protein expression in a female-rabbit model, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity and the associated metabolic disorders.

A revised model of energy transactions and body composition in sheep.

A mechanistic, dynamic model was developed to calculate body composition in growing lambs by calculating heat production (HP) internally from energy transactions within the body. The model has a fat pool (f) and three protein pools: visceral (v), nonvisceral (m), and wool (w). Heat production is calculated as the sum of fasting heat production, heat of product formation (HrE), and heat associated with feeding (HAF). Fasting heat production is represented as a function of visceral and nonvisceral protein mass. Heat associated with feeding (HAF) is calculated as ((1 - km) x MEI), where km is partial efficiency of ME use for maintenance, and MEI = metabolizable energy intake) applies at all levels above and below maintenance. The value of km derived from data where lambs were fed above maintenance was 0.7. Protein change (dp/dt) is the sum of change in the m, v, and w pools, and change in fat is equal to net energy available for gain minus dp/dt. Heat associated with a change in body composition (HrE) is calculated from the change in protein and fat with estimated partial efficiencies of energy use of 0.4 and 0.7 for protein and fat, respectively. The model allows for individuals to gain protein while losing fat or vice versa. When evaluated with independent data, the model performed better than the current Australian feeding standards (Freer etal., 2007) for predicting protein gain in the empty body but did not perform as well as for gain of fat and fleece-free empty body weight. Models performed similarly for predicting clean wool growth. By explicit representation of the major energy using processes in the body, and through simplification of the way body composition is computed in growing animals, the model is more transparent than current feeding systems while achieving similar performance. An advantage of this approach is that the model has the potential for wider applicability across different growth trajectories and can explicitly account for the effects of systematic changes on energy transactions, such as the effects of selective breeding, growth manipulation, or environmental changes.

Association of change in fat and lean mass with incident cardiovascular events for women in midlife and beyond: A prospective study using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

To determine whether changes in fat and lean mass over time, quantified using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), are related to incident cardiovascular events. Previous studies using surrogate anthropometric methods have had inconsistent findings. Prospective, longitudinal observational study of women aged 40 to 80 randomly selected from the electoral roll and stratified into decades: 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70-79years. Changes in anthropometric measurements (body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio) and DXA-quantified fat mass and lean mass between the first and fifth years of the study. Incident cardiovascular events recorded from the sixth to the 12th year. In total 449 participants (87.9%) were analyzed. A 10% or greater decrease in total fat mass index was associated with a 67% lower likelihood of any cardiovascular event (OR=0.33, 95%CI 0.15-0.71); no association was observed for an increase. A 10% or greater decrease in abdominal fat mass index was associated with a 62% lower likelihood of incident stroke (OR=0.38, 95%CI 0.16-0.91); no association was observed for an increase. A 10% or greater decrease in appendicular lean mass index resulted in increased odds ratio of 2.91 for incident peripheral artery events (OR=2.91, 95%CI 1.18-7.20). Reducing fat mass for women in midlife and beyond may decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. An increase in fat mass may not contribute to additional cardiovascular events. A reduction in limb muscle mass may provide an independent marker for cardiometabolic risk and peripheral artery disease. No independent association was found using anthropometric measurements and incident cardiovascular events.

Changes in preperitoneal fat measured by nutritional echography after 6 month multidimensional follow-up in patients after admission to the intensive care unit for severe covid-19 pneumonia, as a function of the presence of previous diabetes mellitus

Changes in preperitoneal fat measured by nutritional echography after 6 month multidimensional follow-up in patients after admission to the intensive care unit for severe covid-19 pneumonia, as a function of the presence of previous diabetes mellitus

Discriminating milk storage time with mid-infrared spectra combined with machine learning

Classification models for rapid discrimination of milk storage time were developed. Buffalo raw milk (BuR) and bovine raw (BoR), pasteurised (BoP) and ultra-high temperature sterilised (BUHT) milk were analysed by mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy at different storage times. A total of 175 (44), 96 (24), 252 (64) and 383 (97) samples were used in the developed (validated) models of BuR, BoR, BoP and BUHT milk, respectively. Seven, two, five, and three spectral regions were selected for BuR, BoR, BoP and BUHT, respectively, to develop their models, which reflect changes in milk protein, fat, lactose and urea nitrogen. Accuracies of the optimised models for BuR, BoR, BoP and BUHT milk were 0.95, 1.00, 0.89, and 0.93, respectively, in the validation dataset. All optimal models were obtained by machine learning methods. This preliminarily study shows that MIR combined with machine learning can rapidly identify the storage time of these four types of milk.

The effect of regular running on body weight and fat tissue of individuals aged 18 to 65

BackgroundAge and reduction in performed physical activity cause physiological changes that include an increase in body fat (BF) and visceral fat (VF) during aging. These parameters, together with increased body mass (BM), are some of the risk factors of several noninfectious diseases. However, changes in body composition can be influenced by regular physical activity. Running is a suitable, accessible, and the most effective physical activity cultivating people. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of long-term, regular PA, specifically recreational running, on changes in body composition among recreational adult runners covering a weekly distance of at least 10 km, compared with inactive adult individuals within the same age bracket.MethodsThe study included 1296 runners and inactive individuals (691 male and 605 female), divided into 5 age groups: 18–25, 26–35, 36–45, 46–55, and 56–65 years. Runners are as follows: ran ≥ 10 km/week, and inactive is as follows: did not follow the WHO 2020 physical activity recommendations. The measured parameters included BM, BF, and VF. To check statistical significance, the Mann–Whitney U-test was used. Practical significance was assessed using the effect of size.ResultsAll age groups of runners were selected to include individuals who run at least 10 km per week. In fact, they ran, on average, from 21.6 to 31.4 km per week in relation to age and showed significantly lower values of BM, BMI, BF, and VF (p < 0.05) than inactive individuals. Exceptions included insignificant differences (p > 0.05) in BM and BMI in males in the age category of 18–25 and in females in the age category of 18–25 and 26–35.ConclusionThe selected runners had to run at least 10 km per week. Their actual average volume was significantly higher (from 21.6 to 31.4 km/week), and the results showed that it could lead to significantly better body composition values. It may lead to significant changes in body mass, body fat, and visceral fat. It may meet the contemporary societal expectations for physical activities that are both achievable and effective at the lowest possible volume.

Does cutting down on your food consumption lead to a net improvement in nutritional intake? A panel data approach using data from the UK Biobank

BackgroundFood diets are complex and a policy targeting one item of a person’s diet does not affect their nutritional intake in a solely additive or subtractive manner. Policies tackling unhealthy diets are more likely to be adopted by governments if there is robust evidence to support them. To evaluate dietary policies, it is important to understand the correlations and interdependencies between food groups, as these can lead to unintended negative consequences. We aimed to see whether reductions in consumption of a particular group is related to a net improvement in nutritional intake, after taking into account patterns of consumption and substitution across food groups.MethodsDetailed dietary data was collected using a 24-h online dietary assessment from the UK Biobank and Oxford Web Q (n = 185,611). We used panel data fixed effects methods to estimate changes in energy, saturated fat, total sugar, and fibre following a 100gram reduction across 44 food groups. We compare these estimates against the average nutritional value of that food group from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey.ResultsWe find evidence of variation in whether a food is compensated between the main confectionery products. Crisps, savoury snacks, and sugar confectionery are less likely to be compensated, whereas chocolate confectionery, biscuits, and buns/cakes/pastries and pies are compensated. The result is particularly striking for chocolate confectionery which shows that while chocolate confectionery often has a high energy content, eating less chocolate confectionery is not associated with an equal reduction in energy. Instead, we find individuals switch or compensate for their reduction in chocolate confectionery consumption with other high energy food items.ConclusionsWe find that sugar confectionery and crisps and savoury snacks are less likely to result in substitution than chocolate confectionery. This would suggest that food policies aiming to reduce the consumption of these food groups are more likely to result in overall lower consumption of unhealthy foods.

Associations between Power Training-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Function in Older Men: A Pre-Test-Post-Test Experimental Study.

It is well-established that cross-sectional measurements of poor body composition are associated with impaired physical function and that power training effectively enhances total lean mass and physical function in older adults. However, it is unclear if power training-induced changes in body composition are associated with improved physical function in older adults. The present study investigated associations between body composition and physical function cross-sectionally and with power training-induced changes in older men. Forty-nine older men (68 ± 5 yrs) completed a 10-week biweekly power training intervention. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical function was assessed as a composite Z-score combining measures from Sit-to-stand power, Timed up-and-go time, and loaded and unloaded Stair-climbing time (15 steps). Linear and quadratic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between body composition and physical function. At baseline, total (R2 = 0.11, p < 0.05) and percentage body fat (R2 = 0.15, p < 0.05) showed a non-linear relationship with physical function. The apex of the quadratic regression for body composition was 21.5% body fat. Furthermore, there was a non-linear relationship between changes in body fat percentage and physical function from pre- to post-intervention (R2 = 0.15, p < 0.05). The present study's findings indicate that participants with a body composition of ~20% body fat displayed the highest level of physical function at baseline. Furthermore, despite small pre-post changes in body fat, the results indicate that those who either preserved their body fat percentage or experienced minor alterations observed the greatest improvements in physical function.

Effect of Duration of Feminizing Hormone Therapy on Facial Fat Volumes.

Gender-affirming feminizing hormone therapy induces body fat redistribution. However, the amount and timing of facial fat changes in response to feminizing hormone therapy are unknown, despite being relevant to counseling and surgical planning for facial gender-affirming surgery. The authors assessed the influence of feminizing hormone therapy duration on malar and temporal fat volume. Malar and temporal fat volumes were compared using computed tomography in transfeminine patients (age, 20 to 29 years; body mass index, 18.5 to 24.9) treated with feminizing hormone therapy for less than 2 years versus 2 years or longer. Patients with previous surgical or nonsurgical facial soft-tissue interventions were excluded. Multivariable linear regressions evaluated the contribution of hormone therapy duration to malar and temporal fat volumes. A total of 45 patients were included, 30 (66.7%) treated with feminizing hormone therapy for 2 years or longer and 15 (33.3%) treated for less than 2 years (median [interquartile range], 44.5 [33.5 to 65.6] versus 15.0 [11.0 to 18.0] months; P < 0.001). Patients treated with hormone therapy for 2 years or longer demonstrated a 1.6-fold greater malar fat volume (5.5 [4.2 to 6.3] versus 3.4 [2.3 to 4.2] cm 3 ; P < 0.001) and 1.4-fold greater temporal fat volume (2.8 [2.4 to 3.6] cm 3 versus 2.0 [1.7 to 2.4] cm 3 ; P = 0.01) compared with those treated for less than 2 years. When accounting for other contributory variables, such as body mass index, skull size, and total soft-tissue depth, in multivariable linear regression models, hormone therapy duration of 2 years or longer independently predicted higher malar (β = 0.51, P < 0.001) and temporal (β = 0.32, P = 0.02) fat volumes. Feminizing hormone therapy increases malar and temporal fat volumes by approximately 2 cm 3 and 0.8 cm 3 for each area, respectively, after 2 years of treatment. Therapeutic, III.

The metabolic effects of intermittent versus continuous feeding in critically ill patients

Intermittent (or bolus) feeding regimens in critically ill patients have been of increasing interest to clinicians and scientists. Changes in amino acid, fat and carbohydrate metabolites over time might yet deliver other benefits (e.g. modulation of the circadian rhythm and sleep, and impacts on ghrelin secretion, insulin resistance and autophagy). We set out to characterise these changes in metabolite concentration. The Intermittent versus Continuous Feeding in Critically Ill paitents study (NCT02358512) was an eight-centre single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomised to received a continuous (control arm) or intermittent (6x/day, intervention arm) enteral feeding regimen. Blood samples were taken on trial days 1, 7 and 10 immediately before and 30 min after intermittent feeds, and at equivalent timepoints in the control arm. A pre-planned targeted metabolomic analysis was performend using Nuclear Resonance Spectroscopy. Five hundred and ninety four samples were analysed from 75 patients. A total of 24 amino acid-, 19 lipid based-, and 44 small molecule metabolite features. Across the main two axes of variation (40–60% and 6–8% of variance), no broad patterns distinguished between intermittent or continuous feeding arms, across intra-day sampling times or over the 10 days from initial ICU admission. Logfold decreases in abundance were seen in metabolites related to amino acids (Glutamine − 0.682; Alanine − 0.594), ketone body metabolism (Acetone − 0.64; 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid − 0.632; Acetonacetic Acid − 0.586), fatty acid (carnitine − 0.509) and carbohydrate metabolism ( Maltose − 0.510; Citric Acid − 0.485). 2–3 Butanediol, a by-product of sugar-fermenting microbial metabolism also decreased (− 0.489). No correlation was seen with change in quadriceps muscle mass for any of the 20 metabolites varying with time (all p > 0.05). Increasing severity of organ failure was related to increasing ketone body metabolism (3 Hydroxybutyric Acid-1 and − 3; p = 0.056 and p = 0.014), carnitine deficiency (p = 0.002) and alanine abundancy (p − 0.005). A 6-times a day intermittent feeding regimen did not alter metabolite patterns across time compared to continuous feeding in critically ill patients, either within a 24 h period or across 10 days of intervention. Future research on intermittent feeding regimens should focus on clinical process benefits, or extended gut rest and fasting.

The NICHD Fetal 3D Study: A Pregnancy Cohort Study of Fetal Body Composition and Volumes.

There's a paucity of robust normal fractional limb and organ volume standards from a large and diverse ethnic population. The Fetal 3D Study was designed to develop research and clinical applications for fetal soft tissue and organ volume assessment. The NICHD Fetal Growth Studies (2009-2013) collected 2D and 3D fetal volumes. In the Fetal 3D Study (2015-2019), sonographers performed longitudinal 2D and 3D measurements for specific fetal anatomical structures in research ultrasounds of singletons and dichorionic twins. The primary aim was to establish standards for fetal body composition and organ volumes, overall and by maternal race/ethnicity, and determine whether these standards vary for twins versus singletons. We describe the study design, methods, and details about reviewer training. Basic characteristics of this cohort, with their corresponding distributions of fetal 3D measurements by anatomical structure, are summarized. This investigation is responsive to critical data gaps in understanding serial changes in fetal subcutaneous fat, lean body mass, and organ volume in association with pregnancy complications. In the future, this cohort can answer critical questions regarding the potential influence of maternal characteristics, lifestyle factors, nutrition, and biomarker and chemical data on longitudinal measures of fetal subcutaneous fat, lean body mass, and organ volumes.

Hypothetical impact of the Mexican front-of-pack labeling on intake of critical nutrients and energy

BackgroundSince 2020 in Mexico, front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWL) have been implemented in processed products. Evidence supports warning labels allow consumers to identify unhealthy products. We aimed to evaluate the hypothetical impact of the FOPWL regulation on the Mexican population’s intake of critical nutrients and energy, based on the replacement of food and beverages using 4 hypothetical scenarios which represented the phases of the regulation.MethodsDietary data were collected using a standardized 24-h dietary recall from the 2016 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 4184). To evaluate the hypothetical impact of FOPWL, the nutritional content of critical nutrients in processed products was evaluated according to the Mexican Official Standard 051 (NOM-051). Then, we replaced products with several warning labels (WL) with those with a fewer number of them or with non-processed food. For the replacement, 4 hypothetical scenarios were established: scenario 1: the current consumption of the Mexican Population, scenario 2: the replacement during the first phase of the norm, scenario 3: the replacement in the second phase and scenario 4: the replacement in the last phase. We estimated the means, confidence intervals (CI 95%), and the mean percentage change of energy, saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugars, and sodium intake during the second, third, and the fourth scenarios.ResultsAccording to the norm, in the second scenario, the majority of the products presented a label for energy (52.6%) whereas in the third (56.4%) and fourth (61.2%) scenarios were for sodium. In contrast, trans-fat was the least labeled nutrient in all the scenarios (from 2.1 to 4.1%). In the fourth scenario, we observed a reduction of the intake of energy intake to 15.4% as well as saturated fat (− 20%, CI 95% − 18.4; − 21.6), trans-fat (− 8.2%, CI 95% − 6.4; − 10.1) and sodium (− 12.7%, CI 95% − 11.3; − 14.1). The most important reduction was observed for added sugars intake (until − 54.1%, CI 95% − 51; − 57.1).ConclusionsFOPWL could be an effective strategy to decrease energy consumption and nutrients of concern. If consumers use the FOPWL, it would be an important change in critical nutrients intake. These results support that FOPWL might help the Mexican population to choose healthier nutrition alternatives.

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis bv. diacetylactis Q5C6 strain as debittering adjunct culture for vegetable clotted cheese

One of the main challenges associated to the use of vegetable coagulants in cheesemaking is represented by the bitter taste conferred to the final product. In this context, the use of aminopeptidases positive strains could lead the hydrolysis of bitter peptides. The present study aimed to setup an experimental cheese clotted by using a kiwifruit enzymatic extract and inoculated with the Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis bv. diacetylactis Q5C6 strain as debittering adjunct culture. The optimal amount of kiwifruit enzymatic extract, to be used in cheesemaking, was determined by performing laboratory-scale coagulation tests. Two experimental cheesemaking trials (A and B) were performed and the obtained cheeses were subjected to physico-chemical, microbiological, and sensory analysis. Results showed that, compared to cheeses clotted by animal rennet, the use of the kiwifruit enzymatic extract determined changes in fat, ash, and protein content. The L. lactis subsp. lactis bv. diacetylactis Q5C6 strain, inoculated at 1%, was able to reduce the bitter taste obtaining a final product with a sensory profile comparable to cheese clotted by animal rennet.

Effects of planting date, environments and their interaction on grain yield and quality traits of maize hybrids

Maize is one of the most important staple food crops for most low-income households in the Southern African region. Erratic and inconsistent rainfall distribution across maize-growing areas is a major threat to maize production. Late rains in recent years have forced farmers to plant later than the optimal planting dates, leading to poor maize quality being reported by industry, which raised the question of the influence of later planting dates on grain yield and quality traits of maize. Three yellow and three white maize hybrids were evaluated at three planting dates in three different production environments for three consecutive seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The second and third planting dates caused a significant yield decrease of 23.37 % and 53.73 % from the first planting date across environments, respectively. Planting date three was associated with decreased grain yield, starch content, and increased protein but no significant change in fat and fiber content. Some hybrids yielded relatively well at all planting dates. In conclusion, the early planting date was the most suitable for maize grain yield and starch production in the maize-growing areas of the country. However, planting in January should be avoided at all costs, as it leads to very low yield and poor grain quality.

Associations between nutritional intake, stress and hunger biomarkers, and anxiety and depression during the treatment of anorexia nervosa in adolescents and young adults

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with anorexia nervosa (AN) frequently have co-occurring anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact prognosis. To inform treatment of co-occurring anxiety and depression, we assessed the association of nutritional intake and hunger/stress hormones on anxiety and depression using a six-month longitudinal study of 50 AYA females receiving care for AN. At baseline and six months, we measured anxiety (Spielberger State/Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]), depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]), body mass index (BMI), 3-day dietary intake (total calories and proportion of fat, carbohydrate, protein), and serum cortisol, leptin, and adiponectin. We performed mixed effects linear regression analyses, adjusting for age, duration of AN, and percentage of median BMI (%mBMI). At baseline, median age was 16.3 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2.5) years, duration of AN was 6 (IQR = 8.8) months and %mBMI was 87.2 (IQR = 10.5)%. Fifty-six percent had clinically significant anxiety; 30 % had depression. Over 6 months, participants had significant improvements in %mBMI (+2.2[IQR = 9.2]%, p < .01), STAI (−9.0[IQR = 25.0], p < .01), and BDI (−5.0[IQR = 13.8], p < .01) scores. Participants with larger improvements in caloric intake had greater improvements in STAI (p = .03) and BDI scores (p = .04). Larger improvement in BDI was significantly associated with increased fat intake (p < .01), but not carbohydrate or protein intake. Change in STAI was not associated with changes in fat, carbohydrate, or protein intake. Changes in STAI or BDI scores were not associated with changes in cortisol, leptin, or adiponectin. Increased caloric intake may augment treatment of co-occurring anxiety and depression, and increased fat intake may improve depression for AYA with AN.

Changes in fitness and fatness in Australian schoolchildren during the summer holidays: fitness lost, fatness regained? A cohort study

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that children’s fatness increases and fitness declines at a greater rate during the summer holiday period, compared with the school year. The aim of this study was to compare rates of change in fitness and fatness over the in-term and summer holiday periods among Australian schoolchildren. A secondary aim was to explore whether rates of change differed according to the child’s sex, socio-economic status (SES), pubertal status and weight status.MethodsChildren (n = 381) initially in Grade 4 (age 9) were recruited for this 2-year longitudinal study. Fatness (% body fat, BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio) and fitness (20-m shuttle run and standing broad jump) were measured at the start and end of two consecutive years. Rates of change were calculated for the two in-school periods (Grades 4 and 5) and for the summer holiday period. Rates of change in fatness and fitness between in-school and holiday periods were compared, and differences in rates of change according to sex, socio-economic status, and weight status were explored.ResultsDuring the holidays, percentage body fat increased at a greater rate (annualised rate of change [RoC]: +3.9 vs. Grade 4 and + 4.7 vs. Grade 5), and aerobic fitness declined at a greater rate (RoC − 4.7 vs. Grade 4 and − 4.4 vs. Grade 5), than during the in-school periods. There were no differences in rates of change for BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio or standing broad jump. Body fatness increased faster in the holidays (relative to the in-school period) in children who are overweight and from low-SES families. Aerobic fitness declined more rapidly in the holidays in children who are overweight.ConclusionThis study highlights that during the summer holiday period, children experience greater increases in fatness and declines in fitness, with children who live with low-SES families and are overweight being more affected. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions during this period to address these negative health trends.Trial registrationAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12618002008202. Retrospectively registered on 14 December 2018.

Changes of Muscle, Fat, Body Fluid, and Protein Values in Individuals Who Participated in Regular Sports During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Period

Changes of Muscle, Fat, Body Fluid, and Protein Values in Individuals Who Participated in Regular Sports During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Period