Continuous Intake Research Articles

Weight Loss Improves Liver Dysfunction and Dipstick Proteinuria in Obesity: The Japan Specific Health Checkups Study.

Obesity and inappropriate lifestyle is the major risk factors for liver dysfunction and proteinuria. Nevertheless, previous studies have not described the differential impacts of body weight changes and lifestyle modification on already developed liver dysfunction and proteinuria. The original cohort was 933,490 individuals from the Japanese general population. In this investigation, we included 36,256 obese individuals with elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase and/or alanine aminotransferase (≥31 IU/L) or positive proteinuria (+/- or more) in both the first and second years. Outcomes were the first normalization of these data defined as improvement in liver dysfunction and proteinuria. Times to outcomes were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards modeling for -1 kg/m2/year change in body mass index (BMI) changes in exercise and alcohol intake. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for incident improvement in liver dysfunction with BMI change -1.0 kg/m2/year was 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.09) in obesity and that with improved proteinuria was 1.04 (95%CI 1.02-1.07). Compared to subjects without exercise habits, subjects who gained exercise habits exhibited a higher rate of improvement in liver dysfunction (HR 1.08; 95%CI 1.01-1.15) but not in proteinuria (HR 0.98; 95%CI 0.88-1.08). Compared to subjects with continuous alcohol intake habits, subjects who quit alcohol intake also showed a higher rate of improvement in liver dysfunction (HR 1.20; 95%CI 1.09-1.32). This study suggested that weight loss greater than 1 kg/m2/year improves liver dysfunction and dipstick proteinuria in obesity. Particularly, liver dysfunction can be remedied by acquiring an exercise habit and quitting alcohol intake.

Pharmacokinetics and effect of maslinic acid with physical exercise on grip strength and trunk muscle mass in healthy Japanese individuals.

Age-related changes in physical function are closely associated with daily activity impairment among the elderly. Continuous maslinic acid intake may improve skeletal muscle mass; however, the concentration-dependent benefits of maslinic acid for physical functionality remain unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the bioavailability of maslinic acid and examined the effect of maslinic acid intake on skeletal muscle and quality of life in the healthy Japanese elderly. Five healthy adult men were administered test diets containing 30, 60, or 120 mg of maslinic acid. Analysis of plasma maslinic acid revealed concentration-dependent elevations in blood maslinic acid levels (p<0.01). Next, 69 healthy Japanese adult men and women were administered a placebo or 30 or 60 mg of maslinic acid continuously for 12 weeks with physical exercise in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The trunk muscle mass (p<0.05) and vitality score according to the Short-Form-8 (p<0.05) were significantly higher in the 60 mg maslinic acid group than in the placebo group. Additionally, grip strength was significantly higher in the 30 (p<0.05) and 60 mg (p<0.05) groups than in the placebo group. Overall, maslinic acid intake with physical exercise improved muscle strength, muscle mass, and quality of life in a maslinic acid-intake-dependent manner.

Lipidomics reveal the cognitive improvement effects of Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy rats.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the leading causes of acute neonatal death and chronic neurological damage, and severe HIE can have secondary sequelae such as cognitive impairment and cerebral palsy, for which effective interventions are lacking. In this study, we found that continuous 30-day intake of Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil (ASO) reduced brain damage and improved cognitive ability in HIE rats. Using lipidomic strategies, we observed that HIE rats had decreased unsaturated fatty acids and increased lysophospholipids in the brain. However, after 30 days of ASO treatment, phospholipids, plasmalogens, and unsaturated fatty acids increased, while lysophospholipids and oxidized glycerophospholipids decreased in both serum and the brain. Enrichment analysis showed that ASO intake mainly affected sphingolipid metabolism, fat digestion and absorption, glycerolipid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways in serum and the brain. Cluster, correlation, and confirmatory factor analyses showed that cognitive improvement after ASO administration was attributed to increased essential phospholipids and ω3/6/9 fatty acids, coupled with decreased oxidized glycerophospholipids in HIE rats. Our findings indicate that ASO has the potential to be developed as an effective food supplement for ischemic hypoxic newborns.

Selective determination of nitrite in water and food samples using zirconium oxide (ZrO2)@MWCNTs modified screen printed electrode.

Nitrite ions are being used in different forms as food preservatives acting as flavor enhancers or coloring agents for food products. However, continuous ingestion of nitrite may have severe health implications due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Thus, this study constructed an electrochemical assay using disposable nano-sensor chip ZrO2@MWCNTs screen printed electrodes (SPE) for the rapid, selective, and sensitive determination of nitrite in food and water samples. As a sensing platform, the use of nanomaterials, including metal oxide nanostructures and carbon nanotubes, exhibited a superior electrocatalytic activity and conductivity. Morphological, structural, and electrochemical analyses were performed using electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). Accordingly, a wide dynamic linear range (5.0 μM to 100 μM) was obtained with a limit of detection of 0.94 μM by the chronoamperometric technique. In addition, the sensor's selectivity was tested when several non-target species were exposed to the sensor chips while no obvious electrochemical signals were generated when the nitrite ions were not present. Eventually, real food and water sample analysis was conducted, and a high recovery was achieved.

Apple juice relieves loperamide-induced constipation in rats by downregulating the intestinal apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter ASBT.

Apples are known to exhibit various beneficial effects on human health. In the present study, we investigated the effect of continuous intake of apple juice (AJ) on constipation status. A single dose of loperamide in rats as the constipation model markedly decreased the weight and number of fecal pellets compared to saline-administered rats as a control. After the administration of AJ twice a day for seven days, recovery of defecation close to that of the control was observed in loperamide-treated rats. In addition, the total bile acid content in the feces increased from day 4 after the administration of AJ. Among hepatic and intestinal transporters and enzymes that regulate bile acids, the mRNA expression of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (Asbt, slc10a2) was decreased by AJ in rats. Furthermore, the Asbt-mediated bile acid transport activity in the rat ileum decreased after AJ administration. Moreover, in human colonic cancer-derived Caco-2 cells, AJ exposure for 24 and 48 h decreased the expressions of ASBT mRNA and protein, and the uptake activity of taurocholic acid in both 7- and 21-d cultures. Several components of AJ, such as procyanidins, decreased the expression of ASBT in Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, ASBT downregulation is a possible mechanism responsible for the constipation-relieving effect of apples, and procyanidins may play a role in downregulating ASBT, which leads to the beneficial effects of apples against constipation. Although it is generally agreed that the common dietary compositions play a role in constipation relief, the novel specific mechanism of apples found in this study would facilitate understanding food functions.

Re-evaluation of the existing health-based guidance values for copper and exposure assessment from all sources.

Copper is an essential micronutrient and also a regulated product used in organic and in conventional farming pest management. Both deficiency and excessive exposure to copper can have adverse health effects. In this Scientific Opinion, the EFSA 2021 harmonised approach for establishing health-based guidance values (HBGVs) for substances that are regulated products and also nutrients was used to resolve the divergent existing HBGVs for copper. The tightly regulated homeostasis prevents toxicity manifestation in the short term, but the development of chronic copper toxicity is dependent on copper homeostasis and its tissue retention. Evidence from Wilson disease suggests that hepatic retention is indicative of potential future and possibly sudden onset of copper toxicity under conditions of continuous intake. Hence, emphasis was placed on copper retention as an early marker of potential adverse effects. The relationships between (a) chronic copper exposure and its retention in the body, particularly the liver, and (b) hepatic copper concentrations and evidence of toxicity were examined. The Scientific Committee (SC) concludes that no retention of copper is expected to occur with intake of 5mg/day and established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.07mg/kg bw. A refined dietary exposure assessment was performed, assessing contribution from dietary and non-dietary sources. Background copper levels are a significant source of copper. The contribution of copper from its use as plant protection product (PPP), food and feed additives or fertilisers is negligible. The use of copper in fertilisers or PPPs contributes to copper accumulation in soil. Infant formula and follow-on formula are important contributors to dietary exposure of copper in infants and toddlers. Contribution from non-oral sources is negligible. Dietary exposure to total copper does not exceed the HBGV in adolescents, adults, elderly and the very elderly. Neither hepatic copper retention nor adverse effects are expected to occur from the estimated copper exposure in children due to higher nutrient requirements related to growth.

Molecular mechanisms of resistance of endometrial hyperplasia to progestogen therapy based on the study of the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and paracrine cellular markers of cellular interaction

The problem of resistance of non atypical endometrial hyperplasia (NEH) to traditionally accepted, pathogenetically sound therapy with different types of progestins is currently an unsolved problem. In about 17-20% of cases there is a recurrence or even progression of atypical forms of endometrial hyperplasia (AEH), which required the use of surgical treatments. The aim of the study was to investigate the results of hormone therapy with different types of progestins for the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia in women with different types of expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in combination with the expression of intercellular adhesion molecules E-cadherin and β-catenin to determine the cause of hormonal resistance, formation of groups of women with progestogen-sensitive endometrial hyperplasia (EH) non atypical type NEH (+), which can use progestogens for treatment, and progestogen-resistant forms of endometrial hyperplasia with non atypical NEH (-), which should be offered alternative therapy. The study was performed on the morphological material of the endometrium obtained by diagnostic biopsy in women with abnormal uterine bleeding who were diagnosed with NEH by histological examination. For immunohistochemical study, 80 endometrial samples were taken from women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUВ) and in the same women after treatment of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia in 3 and 6 months of therapy. The control group (CG) consisted of a group of 20 women who were followed-up without treatment tactics. All women were divided into 3 groups in which different types of progestins were used for treatment: group I – continuous intake of 100 mg of micronized progesterone per os twice a day for 6 months, group II – 20 mg of dihydrogesterone per os twice a day for 6 months, group III – in which LNG-IUD was used. The state of proliferation and differentiation in the studied tissues was assessed by the expression of their key molecular participants – estrogen receptors (ERα) and progesterone (PGR), transmembrane glycoproteins of E-cadherin and β-catenin. ERα and PGR expression were determined by immu­nohistochemistry and calculated by the semi-quantitative H-index method. Evaluation of the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was performed by determining the percentage of IHH-positive cells to these antigens depending on the degree of their color. The criterion for the effectiveness of NEH treatment was considered to be a biopsy in 3 and 6 months of treatment in the absence of pathological changes in the endometrium. The results showed that after the use of progestogens in group I there was a change in the endometrium to the secretory type in 45% of cases, in group II with dydrogesterone therapy – in 55% there was a reduction of EH to normal histological picture. The intrauterine system with levonorgestrel (LNG-IUD) showed the greatest efficiency, with the use of which in 75% of cases normalization of the endometrial structure was observed. In the control group in 32% of cases the structure of the endometrium normalized. After 6 months of treatment with gestagens, both oral forms (micronized progesterone, dydrogesterone) and the use of LNG-IUDs showed a positive effect from their use; the therapeutic form of gestagens for therapy is not significant in reducing excessive endometrial proliferation. In the control group of patients who did not receive therapy or discontinued therapy for various reasons, it was shown that 47% of patients had spontaneous regression of EH. The overall percentage of no effect from treatment was 20% in groups I, II and III. Determination of ERα expression in all groups showed a pronounced expression in glands and stroma, which did not differ significantly in the group with NEH (+) and in NEH (-). Analysis of PGR expression of NEH in endometrium (-) showed that in glandular cells (50.82±0.73) and in the stroma (47.34±0.82) it was lower than in the endometrium of women with NEH (+) (gland 187±3.1; stroma 166.4±2.3; p&lt;0.05), as well as in the unchanged endometrium in the proliferative phase (glands 193.2±8.5; stroma 178.7±6.3; p&lt;0.05) and the secretory phase (glands 140.2±4.4; stroma 116.6±3.1; p&lt;0.05). A study of E-cadherin expression in women with EH (-) showed that in 86.4% of cases the expression was absent and in 13.6% it decreased. In NEH (+) women, 49.2% of E-cadherin expression was weak, in 34.4% – moderate, and in 16.4% – negative, indicating an association between PGR and E-cadherin expression. In women with NEH (-) there was marked cytoplasmic expression of β-catenin up to 80%, which can be interpreted as potentially threatening the progression of NEH in atypical forms and relapses. Thus, the study of molecular mechanisms of resistance of endometrial hyperplasia to progestogen therapy will help to develop a differential approach to its diagnosis and treatment.

Accidentally Confirmed Relapse of Plummer-Vinson Syndrome during Esophageal Foreign Body Evaluation

Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is a complex condition characterized by a classic triad of dysphagia, iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and an upper esophageal web. Dysphagia represents the most important symptom of PVS and is usually observed with solid food. Therapeutic options for dysphagia include iron supplementation and/or endoscopic balloon dilation based on symptom severity. PVS can be treated easily and regular iron replacement therapy can prevent disease progression. We describe a 63-year-old woman diagnosed with a simple esophageal web, who underwent esophageal dilation 13 years prior to presentation. However, she revisited our center because of dysphagia secondary to an esophageal foreign body, and endoscopy revealed esophageal web relapse. Investigations revealed IDA, and the patient was eventually diagnosed as PVS. She underwent successful endoscopic dilation and denied recurrent dysphagia after continuous intake of iron tablets. We recommend continuous management of IDA, as well as endoscopic dilation and a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to ensure favorable prognosis in PVS patients.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of heavy metals contamination in groundwater in the west of Minia area, Egypt

Groundwater contamination by heavy metals is a worldwide serious issue due to its severe risks to human health. In the present study, a total of 49 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for eleven trace elements (Al, Cr, Cd, As, Zn, Se, Sn, Ni, Pb, Mn, and Cu) in the west of Minia area, Egypt, to determine groundwater contamination by heavy metals and their impact on groundwater use for drinking and human health as a result. Multivariate statistics, geospatial mapping, and health risk assessment approaches are used to evaluate the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards in the research area and determine both natural and anthropogenic consequences of identified trace elements on local groundwater quality. The heavy metal concentrations (in µg/l) in the groundwater samples were found to be in the following order: Zn (154.5) > Al (40) > As (37.4) > Sn (32) > Cr (28.4) > Hg (25.6) > Cu (21.8) > Cd (16) > Ni (15.4) > Pb (6.5). Heavy metals measurements revealed that As, Hg, and Cu do not meet WHO Guidelines Values, indicating a risk to human health from the consumption of groundwater. Zn > Al > As > Sn > Cr > Hg > Cu > Se > Cd > Ni > Pb was shown to be the order of the mean values of chronic daily heavy metal consumption for new-borns, children, and adults. Continuous oral intake of groundwater loaded with heavy metals could result in carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic concerns, posing serious health dangers to people throughout the life course.

Abstract 13468: Dietary Intake of Minerals and Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality in the Golestan Cohort Study

Introduction: Several studies have linked cardiovascular disease (CVD) to dietary intake of a few minerals, although the link is still unclear, and the findings may not apply to various populations. In a prospective study in a Middle Eastern population, we aimed to assess the relationship between dietary intakes of calcium, selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and copper and the risk of CVD mortality. Methods: We used data from the Golestan Cohort Study, which has followed 50,045 participants aged 40-75 years since 2004. We excluded subjects reporting extreme intakes of total energy and a positive history of cancer, CVD, or diabetes at baseline. Mineral intake was estimated from the baseline food frequency questionnaire. Supplement use was not common in this population. Mineral intakes were adjusted by the nutrient density method. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazards ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cardiovascular mortality using the lowest quintile of intake as a reference group for each mineral with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: We analyzed 41,863 subjects that had a mean age of 51.5+8.7 years at baseline . During 579,339 person-years of follow-up (median: 14.1 Years), 3,065 (7.22%) participants died due to CVD. Calcium was the only mineral with a mean intake below the US Recommended Dietary Allowance. We observed significant associations between calcium intake (HR Q5 vs Q1 =0.82, 95% CI=0.73-0.93), selenium intake (HR Q5 vs Q1 =1.14, 95% CI=1.01-1.29), and CVD mortality (P-values &lt;0.05). We observed no statistically significant associations with zinc (HR Q5 vs Q1 =1.10, 95% CI=0.98-1.24), iron (HR Q5 vs Q1 =1.08, 95% CI=0.96-1.22), magnesium (HR Q5 vs Q1 =1.01, 95% CI=0.90-1.14), or copper (HR Q5 vs Q1 =1.11, 95% CI=0.99-1.26) intake and CVD mortality. When modeled as continuous linear variables, iron and copper intake were associated greater risk of CVD mortality (P-values&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Dietary calcium intake was associated with decreased, whereas selenium and possibly copper intake were associated with increased risk of CVD mortality in this Middle Eastern population.

Modulation of biomarkers associated with risk of cancer in humans by olive oil intake: A systematic review

This systematic review summarized the role of olive oil intake in modulation of cancer risk biomarkers in healthy adults. A total of four randomized clinical trials with crossover design were included with intervention periods ranging from three to eight weeks, none of them at high risk of bias. meta-analysis was not performed because the studies were heterogeneous. Results showed that continuous olive oil intake was associated with the reduction of oxidized DNA bases, IL-8, TNF-α, and 8-OH deoxyguanosine, but did not affect ethene-DNA adducts. In summary, this study showed a potential role of olive oil intake by healthy individuals for prevention and repair of cancer-related DNA damage, through lower levels of markers of oxidative DNA damage and inflammation. High levels of these molecules are present and linked with tumor initiation and other carcinogenesis-related events. Therefore, olive oil is a promising agent for cancer risk reduction. To make this association robust, more intervention studies are needed, especially high-quality randomized controlled trials evaluating similar biomarkers over longer periods of time.

Comparative analysis of anti-relapse treatment regimens in 110 patients with hepatic and pulmonary hydatid echinococcosis.

Hydatid echinococcosis is worm disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, that is primarily detected in the liver and lungs. This study aimed at determining the clinical tolerance and efficacy of albendazole in patients with cystic echinococcosis, depending on the volume of the previous one. We retrospectively (from 2016 to 2020 years) analyzed patients who have been treated with two treatment regimens (28-day courses with a 14-day break and continuous drug intake for 60 days), which are used in the Russian Federation. There were 110 patients (after surgery) who had hydatid echinococcosis of the liver and lungs; the diagnosis of these patients was confirmed morphologically (intra-vitam). A retrospective analysis was carried out on the following matters: (1) the duration of anti-relapse chemotherapy depending on the localization of the parasitic cyst; (2) chemotherapy's side effects and long-term relapses after treatment. We evaluated patients' tolerability of albendazole according to the level of blood cells count and hepatic enzymes. The effectiveness of anti-parasitic treatment was evaluated by imaging studies that did not reveal the growth of new parasitic cysts even in the presence of serum antibodies to echinococcal antigens. A correlation was found between the choice of antiparasitic treatment regimen and the frequency of adverse reactions in lab tests: more often adverse reactions (drug-induced hepatitis, anemia, granulocytopenia) occurred in patients who received a continuous treatment regimen for 60 days (p < 0.05). The frequency of relapses reached 4.5% and was more often observed in patients who received treatment for 28 days with a 14-day break. Continuous drug intake for 60 days is the most effective.

Antioxidant effects of continuous intake of electrolyzed hydrogen water in healthy adults

Chronic oxidative stress induces deterioration of health and a risk for the onset of various diseases. Previous clinical studies revealed that electrolyzed hydrogen water (EHW) is effective to reduce oxidative stress during hemodialysis in patients with chronic dialysis. In the present observational study, we investigated the antioxidant effects of a daily continuous intake of EHW in healthy adults. The concentrations of serum reactive oxygen metabolites-derived compounds (d-ROMs) and blood urea nitrogen in healthy volunteers (n = 64) who had a habit of intake over 500 mL/day of EHW at least 5 days a week for longer than 6 months were lower than those of age- and sex-matched controls (n = 470) without the habit of EHW intake. Oxidation stress index which the ratio between concentrations in d-ROMs and biological antioxidant potential was correlated with the serum concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the EHW group. These results suggest that the continuous intake of EHW induces antioxidant effects and may contribute to alleviate the risk of various oxidative stress-related dysfunctions and diseases in healthy adults.

The risk of classical galactosaemia in newborns with borderline galactose metabolites on newborn screening.

Newborn screening (NBS) for classical galactosaemia (CG) facilitates early diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening complications, but remains controversial, and screening protocols vary widely between programmes. False-negatives associated with first-tier screening of total galactose metabolites (TGAL) are infrequently reported; however, newborns with TGAL below the screening threshold have not been systematically studied. Following the diagnosis of CG in two siblings missed by NBS, a retrospective cohort study of infants with TGAL just below the cut-off (1.5 mmol/L blood) was conducted. Children born in New Zealand (NZ) from 2011 to 2019, with TGAL 1.0-1.49 mmol/L on NBS were identified from the national metabolic screening programme (NMSP) database, and clinical coding data and medical records were reviewed. GALT sequencing was performed if CG could not be excluded following review of medical records. 328 infants with TGAL 1.0-1.49 mmol/L on NBS were identified, of whom 35 had ICD-10 codes relevant to CG including vomiting, poor feeding, weight loss, failure to thrive, jaundice, hepatitis, Escherichia coli urinary tract infection, sepsis, intracranial hypertension and death. CG could be excluded in 34/35, due to documentation of clinical improvement with continued dietary galactose intake, or a clear alternative aetiology. GALT sequencing in the remaining individual confirmed Duarte-variant galactosaemia (DG). In conclusion, undiagnosed CG appears to be rare in those with TGAL 1.0-1.49 mmol/L on NBS; however, our recent experience with missed cases is nevertheless concerning. Further work is required to establish the optimum screening strategy, to maximize the early detection of CG without excess false-positives.

Urolithin A attenuates severity of chronic pancreatitis associated with continued alcohol intake by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.

Heavy alcohol consumption is the dominant risk factor for chronic pancreatitis (CP); however, treatment and prevention strategies for alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP) remains limited. The present study demonstrates that ACP induction in C57BL/6 mice causes significant acinar cell injury, pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) activation, exocrine function insufficiency, and an increased fibroinflammatory response when compared with alcohol or CP alone. Although the withdrawal of alcohol during ACP recovery led to reversion of pancreatic damage, continued alcohol consumption with established ACP perpetuated pancreatic injury. In addition, phosphokinase array and Western blot analysis of ACP-induced mice pancreata revealed activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathways possibly orchestrating the fibroinflammatory program of ACP pathogenesis. Mice treated with urolithin A (Uro A, a gut-derived microbial metabolite) in the setting of ACP with continued alcohol intake (during the recovery period) showed suppression of AKT and P70S6K activation, and acinar damage was significantly reduced with a parallel reduction in pancreas-infiltrating macrophages and proinflammatory cytokine accumulation. These results collectively provide mechanistic insight into the impact of Uro A on attenuation of ACP severity through suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and can be a useful therapeutic approach in patients with ACP with continuous alcohol intake.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our novel findings presented here demonstrate the utility of Uro A as an effective therapeutic agent in attenuating alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP) severity with alcohol continuation after established disease, through suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Application of Lactobaillus salivarius WB21 to the Oral Care of Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Comparative Study.

Objective: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover comparative study was conducted in a healthy older population to assess the usefulness of Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 (WB21) ingestion for oral self-care. Methods: The study population included 33 healthy older individuals who were randomly divided into two groups (A and B). Group A consumed WB21 tablets during the first two months and placebo tablets during the following two months. Group B consumed placebo tablets during the first two months and WB21 tablets during the following two months. Before and after ingestion, oral examination, mouth odor test, and saliva collection were performed a total of four times. In addition, health conditions were obtained from a questionnaire survey at the study’s midpoint. Results: Two people in group A and one person in group B dropped out of the study. Thus, 15 people in group A and 15 people in group B were included in the analysis. Over two months of WB21 ingestion, salivary secretory IgA increased significantly (p = 0.047) and tongue coating score decreased significantly (p = 0.013). The plaque index, bleeding on probing, and mouth odor levels (H2S and CH3SH concentrations) did not change. During the 6-month study period, no caries, deterioration of periodontitis, or changes in oral health or systemic subjective symptoms were observed. Conclusion: Continuous ingestion of WB21-containing tablets may promote self-care of the teeth and mouths of healthy older adults. Trial registration: R000028335 (UMIN-CTR).

A Cohort Study of the Effects of Daily-Diet Water-Soluble Dietary Fiber on Butyric Acid-Producing Gut Microbiota in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in a Rural Region.

Water-soluble dietary fiber is primarily a substrate for degradation of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyric acid, by gut microbiota. SCFAs have beneficial effects on the whole body. However, epidemiological studies on the association between water-soluble dietary fiber from daily food intake and butyric acid-producing bacteria are inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between levels of water-soluble dietary fiber from daily food intake and gut microbiota, particularly butyric acid producers, in middle-aged and older adults in a rural area in Japan. We examined the effects of water-soluble dietary fiber intake on gut microbiota after adjusting for confounding factors. After propensity score matching, 520 subjects (260 in the low-intake group and 260 in the high-intake group) were selected. One year later after a follow-up survey, we re-classified the participants and again compared low- and high-intake groups. As a result, people with a high intake had a higher relative abundance of butyric acid-producing bacteria. It was also revealed that butyric acid-producing bacteria remained high in the group that maintained high intake the next year. We concluded that continuous intake of water-soluble dietary fiber from daily food is necessary to maintain sufficient amounts of butyric acid-producing bacteria.

Development of a photothermal-sensing microfluidic paper-based analytical chip (PT-Chip) for sensitive quantification of diethylstilbestrol

The continuous intake of diethylstilbestrol (DES) residue seriously threatens the health of consumers, so the rapid and sensitive detection of DES is helpful for timely food safety warning. In this study, a photothermal-sensing microfluidic paper-based analytical chip (PT-Chip) was developed for effectively screening of DES residue in foods. Competitive inhibition immunochromatography was introduced and the composite of black phosphorus nanosheets and gold nanoparticles (BP-Au) was used as signal indicators. Then, the test area was irradiated by an 808 nm laser and the photothermal transduction signal was recorded by a thermal imager to achieve sensitive photothermal detection. The amount of DES was obtained by analyzing the temperature change curve of test area. The PT-Chip can achieve accurate quantification of DES with a detection limit of 0.1 μg/L. And the successful determination of DES in different food samples indicating that the PT-Chip can be used as a promising detection device.

Postbariatric hypoglycemia in symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients: proposals for clinical assessments

IntroductionRecurrent hypoglycemia due to postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) is a postoperative complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). The historic term is late dumping syndrome or reactive hypoglycemia. The aim of this...

GEOPHAGIC CLAY PREDOMINANCE AND ITS POSSIBLE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS IN THE SOUTH-EAST REGION OF NIGERIA

Geophagy has been a common practice especially in the Southern part of Nigeria and some parts of the world at large. They are earthy/clay materials eaten as food supplements and also adopted for medical purposes. Hence, they are bound to contain trace metal contents that may be harmful to human health which is a great cause for concern among health workers in this modern age. Therefore, geophagic clays from Amawom- Ikwanoin Abia province, South-eastern Nigeria were examined and evaluated for their heavy metal concentration to deduce their quality and possible health implication that is associated with their consumption. Edible clay from south eastern Nigeria was analysed with X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Inductively Couple Plasma Mass-Spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealing quartz (SiO2), kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4, goethite (FeOH) and pyrite (FeS2) as the predominant minerals while SEM revealed clay flaky structure specifying an alumino-silicate with sulfur and carbon as impurities. The clay’s pH ranges between 3.36 and 4.57, E.C from 52-399 μs/cm revealed its high acidity and signified high ionic contents in the edible clays. The soil Organic Carbon 0.1-5.83% may possibly indicate absorption and retention of contaminants. High concentrations ppm for Cu(19.91), Pb(13.15), Zn(18.4), Ni(5.8), As(9.15) and Hg(126.0) in the clay exceeded the WHO and USEPA recommended dietary intake by humans signifying its likely toxicity. Other associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic diseases that could be connected to the high concentrations of mercury, chromium, arsenic, lead and nickel in the edible clay structure which may likely camouflage the taunt and healing properties of kaolinite include renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic, immune, reproductive and dermal systems. For this reason, continuous ingestion of edible clay may lead to bio-accumulation of mercury, chromium, arsenic, lead and nickel in the inhabitants of Amawom, hence, posing serious health challenges that may lead to death.