Lifestyle Diet Research Articles

Dietary Intake, Lifestyle Factors, and Metabolic Risk: Insights from Health Check-Ups at a Private Healthcare Facility in Coimbatore, India

Dietary Intake, Lifestyle Factors, and Metabolic Risk: Insights from Health Check-Ups at a Private Healthcare Facility in Coimbatore, India

A Systematic Review of Dietary Lifestyle Interventions for Neuropathic Pain.

Background/Objectives: Chronic severe neuropathic pain (NP) affects one in 10 individuals over the age of 30 in North America. Standard pharmacological interventions are associated with significant side effects and have limited effectiveness. Diets seeking to improve physiological health, support gut barrier integrity, and decrease systemic inflammation have recently emerged as powerful tools conferring neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing the overall morbidity and mortality of multiple neurological and metabolic diseases. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature around NP outcomes following dietary interventions compared to routine standard of care. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, an initial search yielded 15,387 records after deduplication. Six interventional trials specifically assessing dietary interventions for neuropathic pain were included and analyzed. The dietary lifestyle interventions included low-fat plant-based, plant-based fasting-mimicking, low-calorie, potassium-reduced, gluten-free, and intermittent high-protein/Mediterranean diets. Results: The included studies described some statistically significant improvements in pain severity on objective quantitative sensory testing, electrophysiology, imaging, and subjective questionnaires. The overall risk of bias was moderate, with only one trial demonstrating a low risk of bias across all assessed domains. No serious adverse events were identified, and dietary interventions were generally well tolerated. Conclusions: The data collected and synthesized in this systematic review indicate that dietary lifestyle interventions may offer a low-risk, low-cost, low-tech option for chronic neuropathic pain management, potentially improving quality of life and reducing overall morbidity. However, given substantial variability across studies and a moderate risk of bias, further research is warranted to substantiate these findings.

One Month Whole Food Plant-Based Nutrition Educational Program Lowers LDL, A1C, and Decreases Inflammatory Markers.

Lifestyle-related chronic disease increases in the United States have led to the need for innovative programs targeting dietary choices. Based on growing evidence supporting whole food plant-based (WFPB) nutrition to improve overall health, we devised a one-month WFPB intervention program, Jumpstart Your Health! (JYH), to introduce and encourage adoption of the WFPB dietary lifestyle. This paper investigates its effects on various health indicators associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Among the total of 150 participants, before and after physical measurements and blood chemistries demonstrate significant (p< 0.05) decreases in weight (-4.2 pounds), cholesterol (-25.3mg/dl), LDL (-19.0mg/dl), HDL (-5.6mg/dl), hemoglobin A1c (-0.2%), and hsCRP (-1.9mg/L). Among the high-risk participants, we found significant decreases in systolic blood pressure (-10mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (-8.7mmHg), weight (-4.3pounds), cholesterol (-38.8mg/dl), LDL (-22.7mg/dl), HDL (-2.8mg/dl), hemoglobin A1c (-0.2 %), and hsCRP (-2.3mg/L). We demonstrate that a simple WFPB intervention implemented over one month resulted in significant reductions in physical measurements and blood chemistries that could translate to lowered risk or improvement for obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes.

Nutritional Discrepancies Among Inpatients and Outpatients Diagnosed with Hypertension.

Objectives: Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the most common disorders affecting the human population. The diet of patients with AH can influence the course of the disease and prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in nutrition in hospitalised and non-hospitalised hypertensive patients, compared to control groups of non-hypertensive patients from the same medical centres. Methods: Patients from nine centres-six hospitals and three ambulatory care centres-were surveyed. The Questionnaire for the Assessment of Dietary Habits, Lifestyle, and Nutrition Knowledge (KomPAN) was administered by interviewers. Results: Complete results were obtained from 172 hospitalised and 63 non-hospitalised patients. A significantly higher mean body mass index was found for the hypertensive patients (p < 0.001), and a higher unhealthy diet index score was also shown for the hypertensive patients (p = 0.003). Over and above this, a lower mean health-promoting diet index score was found in the hospitalised group (who were on a hospital diet) for the hypertensive patients (p = 0.018). Summary: The study highlights a strong positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and arterial hypertension (AH), with patients exhibiting higher BMI levels compared to a control group. A BMI of over 25 significantly increases the likelihood of developing AH, and obesity is associated with a higher risk in both men and women. Conclusions: The study indicates that a hospital diet may not be suitable for people with AH. Further research should be conducted to obtain reliable results. Clinical implications: The study showed which factors should be considered when composing a diet for people with hypertension, the relevance of which was demonstrated in the discussion. The study shows that the problem that clinicians have been struggling with for years is still present and inadequately remedied.

Association of Body Mass Index (BMI) with Diet, Physical Activity, and Lifestyle among Undergraduate Dental Students in a Private Dental College in Bangladesh

Background: Obesity can lead to severe health problems and elevate the risk of diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes due to metabolic changes. Undergraduate dental students often struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eating habits due to academic pressures. BMI, a standard obesity measure, is simple to calculate and assess nutritional status, helping to identify and prevent obesity-related diseases in at-risk individuals. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed among 253 students of Sapporo Dental College, a private dental college in Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh, to reveal the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to BMI and its association with dietary habits, physical activities, and lifestyles among them. Data was collected using a self-written, anonymous, semi-structured questionnaire using the convenient sampling technique between July 2023 and September 2023. Result: Among the 253 participants, females (n = 190, 75.10%) are more than males (n = 63, 25%). The prevalence of normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obesity among the participants was 132 (37.93%), 31 (8.91%), 56 (16.09%), and 129 (37.07%), respectively, based on BMI. 84% of obese students were taken 1 meal from outside per day (p values &lt; 0.05). 52% obese students did not engage in any form of physical activity on a weekly basis (p value 0.03). 55.5% obese students slept for &lt; 6 hours every night (p-value 0.04). Conclusion: Early modifications of lifestyle improve health. Annual screenings help to prevent obesity. Fitness and diet programs can reduce dental students' chronic disease risk. Study participants are future physicians. Thus, dental students should be physically active and aware of their eating and sleep habits to reduce obesity, which might influence patients' outlooks. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2024; 14(2):15-20

Correlation of immunological variables of interleukin-17 and heat shock protein-70 in ethnic women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance resulting from high levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in females, leading to immature eggs, ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excessive facial hair growth, and acne. Objective: This study was conducted to follow up the therapeutic effect on some blood, hormonal, and immune variables of samples consisting of 35 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) from women suffering from infertility and infertility, and who visited Azadi Teaching Hospital and private laboratories in Kirkuk city, their ages ranged between (18 - 40 years). Materials and Methods: Sample collection and follow-up began by observing some clinical signs in addition to verifying the results of ultrasound examinations from early February 2023 to early November 2023. Each patient’s examinations were followed up before treatment and three months after taking the treatment. The results we obtained after three months of treatment were compared with the results of the examinations of the patients in the pre-treatment stage and the control group. The treatment plan was based on modifying the patient's dietary lifestyle by following a healthy diet and giving treatment consisting of oral contraceptives, fertility drugs and the use of sugar-reducing drugs such as Glucophage or Metformin, in addition to nutritional supplements such as antioxidants. Result: The results of the therapeutic effect on the patients' diagnostic clinical signs showed a significant decrease in their percentages after three months of treatment compared to the pre-treatment stage such as (ovulation disorders - menstrual disorders - obesity - hirsutism - acne -). The results of the statistical analysis of the study showed that the therapeutic effect showed a significant difference in the body mass index (BMI) after three months of treatment compared to the pre-treatment stage and the control group. The therapeutic effect of the immune factors for each Hast Shock protein 70 and Interleukin-17 also showed a significant decrease at the level (0.000 &gt; p) respectively after three months of taking the treatment compared to the pre-treatment stage and the control group. It was found that there is a significant positive correlation between the level of Heat Shock Protein 70 and the cellular kinetic IL-17.

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of a Patient with an Anterior Fibrous Edentulous Maxilla opposed by a Partially Dentate Mandible

Tooth loss may affect the dietary patterns, phonetics, appearance, and lifestyle of affected individuals. Therefore, patients require the replacement of missing teeth to allow adequate function, appearance, and psychological wellbeing. However, the replacement of missing teeth in patients at the transitional stage from the natural to the artificial dentition can pose a significant challenge to a clinician. This case describes the management of a patient with an ill-fitting upper complete denture, which rested on an anterior fibrous edentulous maxilla, opposing a partially dentate mandible. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Selection of the optimum treatment option available to manage a patient with an anterior fibrous edentulous maxilla opposed by a partially dentate mandible is important.

Dietary habit and lifestyle of postpartum women in South China: a mixed methods research

ObjectiveTo investigate the dietary and hygiene behaviours and influencing factors of women during the puerperium in South China.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThree tertiary hospitals in Guangdong Province, ChinaParticipantsFrom November 2022 to March...

Correlation of Immunological Variables of Interleukin-17 and Heat Shock Protein-70 In Ethnic Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance resulting from high levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in females, leading to immature eggs, ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excessive facial hair growth, and acne. Objective: This study was conducted to follow up the therapeutic effect on some blood, hormonal, and immune variables of samples consisting of 35 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) from women suffering from infertility and infertility, and who visited Azadi Teaching Hospital and private laboratories in Kirkuk city, their ages ranged between (18 - 40 years). Materials and Methods: Sample collection and follow-up began by observing some clinical signs in addition to verifying the results of ultrasound examinations from early February 2023 to early November 2023. Each patient’s examinations were followed up before treatment and three months after taking the treatment. The results we obtained after three months of treatment were compared with the results of the examinations of the patients in the pre-treatment stage and the control group. The treatment plan was based on modifying the patient's dietary lifestyle by following a healthy diet and giving treatment consisting of oral contraceptives, fertility drugs and the use of sugar-reducing drugs such as Glucophage or Metformin, in addition to nutritional supplements such as antioxidants. Result: The results of the therapeutic effect on the patients' diagnostic clinical signs showed a significant decrease in their percentages after three months of treatment compared to the pre-treatment stage such as (ovulation disorders - menstrual disorders - obesity - hirsutism - acne -). The results of the statistical analysis of the study showed that the therapeutic effect showed a significant difference in the body mass index (BMI) after three months of treatment compared to the pre-treatment stage and the control group. The therapeutic effect of the immune factors for each Hast Shock protein 70 and Interleukin-17 also showed a significant decrease at the level (0.000 &gt; p) respectively after three months of taking the treatment compared to the pre-treatment stage and the control group. It was found that there is a significant positive correlation between the level of Heat Shock Protein 70 and the cellular kinetic IL-17.

Assessing the influence of dietary patterns on preeclampsia and obesity among pregnant women in the United States

This review paper examines the influence of dietary patterns on preeclampsia and obesity among pregnant women in the United States, aiming to elucidate the connection between nutrition and maternal health outcomes. The paper explores common dietary patterns, their impact on pregnancy complications, and the potential mechanisms through which nutrition affects maternal and fetal health. By synthesizing existing research, the review highlights the critical role of personalized dietary counseling and lifestyle interventions in improving pregnancy outcomes. It also emphasizes the need for comprehensive policy initiatives and future research directions to enhance maternal health through optimal nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Through a detailed analysis, the review underscores the importance of adopting healthy dietary patterns to mitigate risks and promote positive health outcomes for both mothers and their children.

Trigger Warning: How Modern Diet, Lifestyle, and Environment Pull the Trigger on Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Progression

Understanding chronic kidney disease (CKD) through the lens of evolutionary biology highlights the mismatch between our Paleolithic-optimized genes and modern diets, which led to the dramatically increased prevalence of CKD in modern societies. In particular, the Standard American Diet (SAD), high in carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods, causes conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2D), chronic inflammation, and hypertension, leading to CKD. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a genetic form of CKD, is characterized by progressive renal cystogenesis that leads to renal failure. This review challenges the fatalistic view of ADPKD as solely a genetic disease. We argue that, just like non-genetic CKD, modern dietary practices, lifestyle, and environmental exposures initiate and accelerate ADPKD progression. Evidence shows that carbohydrate overconsumption, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance significantly impact renal health. Additionally, factors like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, nephrotoxin exposure, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, and renal microcrystal formation exacerbate ADPKD. Conversely, carbohydrate restriction, ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT), and antagonizing the lithogenic risk show promise in slowing ADPKD progression. Addressing disease triggers through dietary modifications and lifestyle changes offers a conservative, non-pharmacological strategy for disease modification in ADPKD. This comprehensive review underscores the urgency of integrating diet and lifestyle factors into the clinical management of ADPKD to mitigate disease progression, improve patient outcomes, and offer therapeutic choices that can be implemented worldwide at low or no cost to healthcare payers and patients.

Exploring the impact of protein intake on the association between oxidative balance score and lean mass in adults aged 20–59: NHANES 2011–2018

BackgroundPrevious studies have established a correlation between the pathogenesis of oxidative stress and sarcopenia. The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is an integrated measure that reflects the overall balance of antioxidants and pro-oxidants in dietary components and lifestyle. However, there are limited reports on the association between OBS and lean mass and the impact of protein intake on the association between OBS and lean mass.MethodsUsing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2018, multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between OBS and outcomes. The findings were then illustrated through fitted smoothing curves and threshold effect analyses.ResultsThis study included 2,441 participants, demonstrating that higher OBS is significantly associated with an increased ratio of appendicular lean mass to body mass index. Key inflection points at OBS 31 mark pronounced changes in these associations, with age and protein intake notably affecting the association. The effect of OBS on lean mass varies among populations with high and low protein intake.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that OBS is significantly and positively associated with lean mass. A high protein intake of more than 84.5 g/day may enhance the role of OBS in influencing muscle health to improve muscle outcomes.

Dietary patterns and association with Iron deficiency among children and adolescents aged 9-17 years in rural Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study.

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia cause a huge disease burden worldwide. Diet is an important factor affecting the iron levels. This study aims to explore the dietary patterns of school-aged children in rural areas of Guangzhou and their association with iron deficiency. Data on dietary surveys, lifestyle, demographic and laboratory tests were gathered from rural school-age children in Guangzhou. Factor analysis was applied to derive dietary patterns. Robust Poisson regression and subgroup analysis were used to analyze the association between dietary patterns and iron deficiency. A total of 2,530 children and adolescents aged 9-17 years were enrolled. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 13.36%. Four dietary patterns were identified including snack and fast-food pattern, fruit and vegetable pattern, cereal and tuber pattern and meat and offal pattern. Both children and adolescents in the Q4 group (the highest propensity) of snack and fast-food pattern and cereal and tuber pattern had a higher risk of iron deficiency than the Q1 group (the lowest propensity). Both children and adolescents in the Q4 group of meat and offal pattern and fruit and vegetable pattern had a lower risk of iron deficiency than the Q1 group. The results of stratified analysis showed the negative effect of snack and fast-food pattern and the protective benefits of meat and offal pattern are more obvious for boys, and the negative effect of cereal and tuber pattern were obvious for girls. The negative effect or protective benefits of the four dietary patterns were obvious for children aged 9-13. Females, older children, and those with shorter sleep duration are at higher risk of iron deficiency. Snack and fast-food pattern and cereal and tuber pattern are risk factors for iron deficiency, and fruit and vegetable pattern and meat and offal pattern are protective factors for iron deficiency. The impact of diet on body iron levels is more obvious in boys and younger children. The findings of this study can provide evidence for formulating prevention and control measures on children and adolescents iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

2024 Guidelines of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology on the Primary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease --- Part I.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and in Taiwan. It is highly prevalent and has a tremendous impact on global health. Therefore, the Taiwan Society of Cardiology developed these best-evidence preventive guidelines for decision-making in clinical practice involving aspects of primordial prevention including national policies, promotion of health education, primary prevention of clinical risk factors, and management and control of clinical risk factors. These guidelines cover the full spectrum of ASCVD, including chronic coronary syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, and aortic aneurysm. In order to enhance medical education and health promotion not only for physicians but also for the general public, we propose a slogan (2H2L) for the primary prevention of ASCVD on the basis of the essential role of healthy dietary pattern and lifestyles: "Healthy Diet and Healthy Lifestyles to Help Your Life and Save Your Lives". We also propose an acronym of the modifiable risk factors/enhancers and relevant strategies to facilitate memory: " ABC2D2EFG-I'M2 ACE": Adiposity, Blood pressure, Cholesterol and Cigarette smoking, Diabetes mellitus and Dietary pattern, Exercise, Frailty, Gout/hyperuricemia, Inflammation/infection, Metabolic syndrome and Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, Atmosphere (environment), Chronic kidney disease, and Easy life (sleep well and no stress). Some imaging studies can be risk enhancers. Some risk factors/clinical conditions are deemed to be preventable, and healthy dietary pattern, physical activity, and body weight control remain the cornerstone of the preventive strategy.

Oxygen-ozone therapy for myocardial ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disorders.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a major concern for human health worldwide. Emergencies in this field include wide repertories of studies dealing primarily with CVD prevention. In addition to dietary habits and lifestyles, medical knowledge is fully needed to improve public educational programs toward cardiovascular risk factors and to enrich the endowment of pharmaceutical options and therapies to address CVDs, particularly for ischemic damage due to an impairment in the endothelial-myocardial relationship. Because ozone is a stimulator of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide pathway, ozone therapy has been widely demonstrated to have the ability to counteract endothelial-cardiac disorders, providing a novel straightforward opportunity to reduce the impact of CVDs, including atrial fibrillation. In this review, we attempt to establish a state-of-the-art method for the use of ozone in CVD, suggesting that future remarks be addressed to provide fundamental insights into this issue. The purpose of this study was to highlight the role of ozone in the adjunctive medical treatment of cardiovascular pathologies such as acute myocardial infarction due to ischemic disorders.

Epidemiological breast cancer prediction by country: A novel machine learning approach.

Breast cancer remains a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths among women globally. We seek for this study to examine the correlation between the incidence rates of breast cancer and newly identified risk factors. Additionally, we aim to utilize machine learning models to predict breast cancer incidence at a country level. Following an extensive review of the available literature, we have identified a range of recently studied risk factors associated with breast cancer. Subsequently, we gathered data on these factors and breast cancer incidence rates from numerous online sources encompassing 151 countries. To evaluate the relationship between these factors and breast cancer incidence, we assessed the normality of the data and conducted Spearman's correlation test. Furthermore, we refined six regression models to forecast future breast cancer incidence rates. Our findings indicate that the incidence of breast cancer is most positively correlated with the average age of women in a country, as well as factors such as meat consumption, CO2 emissions, depression, sugar consumption, tobacco use, milk intake, mobile cells, alcohol consumption, pesticides, and oral contraceptive use. As for prediction, the CatBoost Regressor successfully predicted future breast cancer incidence with an R squared value of 0.84 ± 0.03. An increased incidence of breast cancer is mainly associated with dietary habits and lifestyle. Our findings and recommendations can serve as a baseline for developing educational programs intended to heighten awareness amongst women in countries with heightened risk.

A pilot study of diet lifestyle on complete blood picture, elements, and biological profile in females

Obesity, a prevalent global health issue, is characterized by elevated lipid levels, altered hematological parameters, inflammation, and other related symptoms. A biological profile and complete blood count (CBC) are essential tools for assessing overall health and detecting various dysfunctions, including anemia, infections, leukemia, and heart diseases. In obese patients of both sexes, a high white blood cell count is a reliable indicator of leukemia risk, coronary complications, and inflammation. Notably, dietary and lifestyle changes can significantly improve obesity-related conditions and hematological disorders. This study examines the effects of a six-month dietary program on anthropometric measurements, biological profiles, elemental composition, and complete blood counts in 43 obese females with white blood cell counts above the normal range. Participants underwent comprehensive hematological, biochemical, and anthropometric assessments at the beginning and end of the diet program. The findings revealed a significant weight loss and substantial improvements in laboratory parameters and blood profiles. These improvements are likely due to the nutrient composition of the diet program. The investigation confirmed that modifying dietary intake by reducing consumption of high-acidic foods, fast foods, animal-derived lipids, refined carbohydrates, red meats, and non-seasonal produce, in favor of a nutrient-dense regimen comprising fruits, vegetables (consumed raw or steamed), fish, poultry, and whole grains, resulted in significant enhancements in hematological indices and biological markers. These enhancements substantially surpassed baseline measurements for complete blood count and biological profiles. However, alterations in the elemental profile were not statistically significant. Further studies are being conducted to examine these outcomes with greater specificity. Ongoing research aims to further understand these effects according to personal medical history, age, and sex.

A systematic review of preclinical studies targeted toward the management of co-existing functional gastrointestinal disorders, stress, and gut dysbiosis.

Modern dietary habits and stressed lifestyle have escalated the tendency to develop functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) through alteration in the gut-brain-microbiome axis. Clinical practices use symptomatic treatments, neglect root causes, and prolong distress in patients. The past decade has seen the evolution of various interventions to attenuate FGIDs. But clinical translation of such studies is very rare mostly due to lack of awareness. The aim of this review is to meticulously integrate different studies and bridge this knowledge gap. Literature between 2013 and 2023 was retrieved from PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science. The data was extracted based on the PRISMA guidelines and using the SYRCLE's risk of bias and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools, quality assessment was performed. The review has highlighted molecular insights into the coexistence of FGIDs, stress, and gut dysbiosis. Furthermore, novel interventions focusing on diet, probiotics, herbal formulations, and phytoconstituents were explored which mostly had a multitargeted approach for the management of the diseases. Scientific literature implied positive interactions between the interventions and the gut microbiome by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and reducing stress-related hormones. Moreover, the interventions reduced intestinal inflammation and regulated the expression of epithelial tight junction proteins in different in vivo models. This systematic review delves deep into the preclinical interventions to manage coexisting FGIDs, stress, and gut dysbiosis. However, in most of the discussed studies, long-term risks and toxicity profile of the interventions are lacking. So, it is necessary to highlight them for improved clinical outcomes.

Flavours of Pictish life: using starch grains and phytoliths to trace late Roman and early medieval culinary traditions

Understanding the seasonal and daily aspects of late Roman and early medieval life in northern Britain has been hugely challenging due to a dearth of excavated sites and poor preservation of settlement features where identified. This problem has been compounded by a very limited historical record for this era and region. But a new generation of archaeological data has begun to illuminate the Picts, a group first mentioned in late Roman sources and one that went on to become the dominant kingdom of early medieval northern Britain. These new datasets include innovative microbotanical analyses that can shed light on Pictish foodways, including culinary traditions, and specific plant foods consumed. This study employs non-destructive microbotanical analysis of pot sherds from Pictish settlement contexts and human teeth from Pictish burials, examining the presence of starch grains and phytoliths from six prominent sites spanning the Pictish period (AD∼300 – 900). Our research confirms that cereals such as oats and barley were the primary plants cultivated, cooked, and consumed in northeast Scotland during the late Roman Iron Age and early medieval period. These microbotanical residues add detailed evidence to previous studies of isotopic, pollen, and trace macrobotanical proxies, but also offer fresh insights into the potential composition of specific Pictish meal types. The approaches outlined here have greatly expanded and enriched our understanding of the dietary habits and lifestyle of the Picts, an important, but under-researched group.

The hidden RNA viruses in Blattodea (cockroaches and termites).

The insect order Blattodea (cockroaches and termites) has drawn substantial research attention for their dietary habits and lifestyle of living with or around humans. In the present study, we focused on the discovery of RNA viruses hidden in Blattodea insects using the publicly available RNA sequencing datasets. Overall, 136 distinctive RNA viruses were identified from 36 Blattodea species, of which more than 70 % were most closely related to the invertebrate-associated viral groups within Picornavirales, Sobelivirales, Bunyaviricetes, Jingchuvirales, Durnavirales, Lispiviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Permutotetraviridae, Flaviviridae and Muvirales. Several viruses were associated with pathogens of vertebrates (Paramyxoviridae), plants (Tymovirales), protozoa (Totiviridae), fungi (Narnaviridae) and bacteria (Norzivirales). Collectively, 93 complete or near-complete viral genomes were retrieved from the datasets, and several viruses appeared to have remarkable temporal and spatial distributions. Interestingly, the newly identified Periplaneta americana dicistrovirus displayed a remarkable distinct bicistronic genome arrangement from the well-recognized dicistroviruses with the translocated structural and non-structural polyprotein encoding open reading frames over the genome. These results significantly enhance our knowledge of RNA virosphere in Blattodea insects, and the novel genome architectures in dicistroviruses and other RNA viruses may break our stereotypes in the understanding of the genomic evolution and the emergence of potential novel viral species.