Food Intake Research Articles

Effects of a Six-Day, Whole-Diet Sweet Taste Intervention on Pleasantness, Desire for, and Intakes of Sweet Foods: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Reduced exposure to sweet taste has been proposed to reduce sweet food preferences and intakes, but the evidence to support these associations is limited. This randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of a whole-diet sweet taste intervention for 6 days, on subsequent pleasantness, desire for, and sweet food intakes. Participants (n 104) were randomised to increase (n 40), decrease (n 43), or make no change to (n 21) their consumption of sweet-tasting foods and beverages for six consecutive days. Pleasantness, desire to eat, sweet taste intensity and sweet food intakes were assessed on days 0 and 7. One-hundred-and-two (98%) participants completed the study, and self-reported adherence with the dietary interventions was moderate-good (M=66-72/100mm), with instructions to decrease sweet food consumption reported as more difficult than the other diets (smallest (t(81)=2.45, p=.02, M diff =14/100mm, SE=2mm). In intention-to-treat analyses, participants in the decrease sweet food consumption group reported higher sweet taste intensity perceptions at day 7 compared to day 0 (F(2,101)=4.10, p=.02, M diff =6/100mm, SE=2mm). No effects were found for pleasantness (F(2,101)=2.04, p=.14), desire to eat (F(2,101)=1.49, p=.23) or any of the measures of sweet food intake (largest F(2,101)=2.53, p=.09). These results were confirmed in regression analyses which took self-reported adherence to the diets into account. Our findings suggest that exposure to sweet taste does not affect pleasantness, desire for, or intakes of, sweet-tasting foods and beverages. Public health recommendations to limit the consumption of sweet-tasting foods and beverages to reduce sweet food preferences may require revision.

Supaglutide alleviates hepatic steatosis in monkeys with spontaneous MASH

BackgroundGlucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone and plays an important role in regulating glucose homeostasis. GLP-1 has a short half-life due to degrading enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and rapid kidney clearance, which limits its clinical application as a therapeutic agent. We demonstrated previously that supaglutide, a novel long-acting GLP-1 analog, exerted hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and weight loss effects in type 2 diabetic db/db mice, DIO mice, and diabetic monkeys. In the present study, we investigated supaglutide’s therapeutic efficacy in rhesus monkeys with spontaneous metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).Methods15 rhesus monkeys with biopsy-confirmed MASH were divided into three groups, receiving supaglutide 50 µg/kg, supaglutide 150 µg/kg, and placebo, respectively, by weekly subcutaneous injection for 3 months. Liver fat content quantified by magnetic resonance imaging-estimated proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), liver pathology, and metabolic parameters were assessed.ResultsWe found that once-weekly subcutaneous injections of supaglutide for 3 months significantly reduced hepatic fat accumulation, with a 40% percentage decrease in MRI-PDFF from baseline (P < 0.001 vs. Placebo). Treatment with supaglutide alleviated hepatic histological steatosis (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score P < 0.001 vs. Placebo) without worsening of fibrosis, as assessed by ultrasound-guided liver biopsy. Supaglutide concomitantly ameliorated liver injury exemplified by a lowering tendency of hepatic alanine aminotransferase levels. Supaglutide also decreased body weight in a dose-dependent fashion accompanied by decreased food intake, improved lipid profile and glycemic control.ConclusionsSupaglutide exerts beneficial effects on hepatic and metabolic outcomes in spontaneous MASH monkeys.

Dietary patterns of Chinese children and adolescents and their associations with family characteristics and functioning: a multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundDietary patterns influence children and adolescents’ health not only in the present but also in their adulthood. Family characteristics and functioning play a crucial role in food choices and are important modifiable factors for early interventions aimed at preventing unhealthy diets.ObjectiveThe study aimed to analyze the dietary patterns of Chinese children and adolescents and explore their associations with family characteristics and functioning.Methods6276 participants aged 6 to 17 years were recruited for the multicenter cross-sectional study through cluster sampling. Food intake, family characteristics, and family function were assessed. Dietary patterns were identified through factor analysis based on food intake data, and a multiple logistic regression model was used to investigate the associations between dietary patterns, family characteristics, and family functioning.ResultsThree distinct dietary patterns were identified: the “Diverse dietary pattern” (characterized by a rich diet and balanced nutrition), the “Fast food concentrated dietary pattern” (primarily consisting of fried foods, sugary drinks, processed meats, and other junk food), and the “Traditional dietary pattern” (mainly vegetables and grains). Girls, those living in rural areas, and those with better family functioning were more likely to adhere to the “Diverse dietary pattern” (p < 0.01). Girls, primary school students, and those with lower educated mothers tended to have higher adherence to the “Traditional dietary pattern” (p < 0.01). High adherence to the “Fast food concentrated dietary pattern” were associated with boys, older age, Han ethnicity, family dysfunction, living with both parents, being an only-child, having a better educated father, lower family income, and higher pocket money (p < 0.01).ConclusionChildren and adolescents from different family backgrounds exhibit distinct dietary patterns, highlighting the importance of early screening and intervention tailored to these varying family characteristics. Among the modifiable family factors, better family functioning stands out as a key area of focus for promoting and sustaining healthy dietary patterns in Chinese children and adolescents.

Associations Between Sociodemographic Factors and Adolescent Food Consumption During Independent Eating Occasions

ABSTRACT Associations were examined between sociodemographic characteristics of a US online survey sample of caregiver/adolescent dyads (n = 533) and food intake during independent eating occasions. Caregivers reported sociodemographic characteristics for dyads. Adolescents reported daily intake frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages, junk foods, sugary foods, fast food, and fruits and vegetables during independent eating occasions. Logistic regression analysis showed increased odds of sugar-sweetened beverage intake by White vs. Asian counterparts, decreased odds of sugary food intake by age (12 vs. 11-year-olds) and increased odds of sugary food intake by weight status (overweight/obesity vs. normal weight). Understanding these relationships may inform future intervention development.

Prospective associations of infant food exposures and appetitive traits with early childhood diet quality

BackgroundEarly-life food exposures may influence food preferences and receptivity, thereby impacting long-term diet quality. Infant exposure to discretionary foods may be more detrimental for infants with high food approach traits; conversely, early exposure to fruits and vegetables may be more important for those with high food avoidance traits. This study investigated associations of infant food exposures with early childhood diet quality and whether these associations are modified by infant appetitive traits.MethodsData are from the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study (PEAS) and Sprouts follow-up study, a prospective cohort assessed from the first trimester of pregnancy through early childhood. Birthing parents completed the Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire assessing food-approach and food-avoidance appetitive traits at 6 months and food frequency questionnaires assessing infant age at introduction to and frequency of consuming food groups at ages 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. At child ages 3.5 and 5 years, parents provided two 24-h dietary recalls, from which the Healthy Eating Index-2020 was calculated to measure diet quality. Structural equation models using maximum likelihood estimation examined associations of age at introduction to, and intake frequency of, fruit/vegetables and discretionary foods, and their interactions with food-approach and food-avoidance appetitive traits, on child diet quality at ages 3.5 & 5 years, controlling for income, education, and breastfeeding duration.ResultsHigher childhood diet quality was associated with later infant age at introduction to discretionary foods, lower intake of discretionary foods at ages 1 and 2 years, and greater intake of fruits and vegetables at age 2 years. Childhood diet quality was not associated with infant age at introduction to fruits and vegetables. Intake of fruits and vegetables at age 1 year interacted with food avoidance traits, indicating that the association of fruit and vegetable intake with childhood diet quality was magnified by greater food avoidance.ConclusionsExposure to discretionary food in the first two years of life was consistently associated with lower diet quality in early childhood regardless of the strength of appetitive traits. Findings suggest that improving child diet quality may require stronger efforts to limit exposure to discretionary foods in infancy.

COVID-19-related lockdowns and changes in overweight and obesity, movement behaviours, diet quality, and health-related quality of life among regional Australian primary school children: A repeat cross-sectional study.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Australian state of Victoria (in particular, its capital, Melbourne) experienced some of the longest lockdowns in the world. This repeated cross-sectional study examined changes between March to June 2019 (pre-pandemic) and April to August 2022 (6 to 11 months following pandemic-related lockdowns) in overweight and obesity prevalence, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, diet quality, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among primary school children in north-east Victoria, Australia. Height and weight were measured for Grade 2, 4, and 6 students in 2019 (3889 children) and 2022 (1816 children). Grade 4 and 6 students self-reported on their movement behaviours, diet quality, and HRQoL. Participation declined among schools (2019:56%, 2022:34%) and students (2019:87%, 2022:75%). Compared to children in 2019, children in 2022 had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity; were less likely to have met guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, recreational screen time, and vegetable consumption; had higher intakes of takeaway food, energy-dense nutrient-poor snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages; and had lower HRQoL. Children's health-related behaviours and outcomes seemed not to have returned to pre-pandemic levels 6 to 11 months after the final lockdowns lifted for their communities. Continued monitoring and interventions targeting the drivers of childhood obesity are urgently needed.

Prevalence and determinants of healthy and balanced diet among office workers in a sedentary working environment: evidence from Southern Sri Lanka

BackgroundAn unhealthy diet is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD), which account for a significant number of premature deaths and disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Office workers are reported to have unhealthy and unbalanced diets, while being sedentary due to the nature of their work, placing them at a greater risk of NCD. This study aimed to determine dietary intake and associated factors among sedentary office workers in Southern Sri Lanka.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 518 sedentary workers in 20 offices in the Galle district. Socio-demographic, health and work-related factors and dietary practices were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall was used to assess dietary intake, which was converted into the number of servings from each food group. Healthy dietary intake was defined as ‘adherence to the numbers of servings recommended in Food Based Dietary Guidelines for Sri Lankans for more than three food groups including cereal and cereal-based foods, fruits, and vegetables, with the consumption of one or no unhealthy food per day’.ResultsOnly 4.6% (n = 24) of the participants consumed a healthy diet, while a considerable proportion had the recommended intake of cereal-based foods, vegetables and fish, meat and pulses (65.3%, 65.8% and 50.8%, respectively). Intake of fruits, dairy products, nuts and seeds was low among the participants. Meal skipping and group eating were significantly associated with an overall unhealthy diet. Stratified analysis showed sex as an effect modifier for the association between group eating and unhealthy diet. In multivariate analysis, none of the factors showed a significant association with healthy dietary intake.ConclusionsThe dietary intake of sedentary office workers was not up to the recommendations. Meal skipping and group eating were associated with unhealthy dietary intake. This study recommends introducing interventions to improve the intake of fruits, dairy products, nuts, and seeds for sedentary office workers.

Drosulfakinin signaling encodes early-life memory for adaptive social plasticity.

Drosophila establishes social clusters in groups, yet the underlying principles remain poorly understood. Here we performed a systemic analysis of social network behavior (SNB) that quantifies individual social distance (SD) in a group over time. The SNB assessment in 175 inbred strains from the Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel showed a tight association of short SD with long developmental time, low food intake, and hypoactivity. The developmental inferiority in short-SD individuals was compensated by their group culturing. By contrast, developmental isolation silenced the beneficial effects of social interactions in adults and blunted the plasticity of SNB under physiological challenges. Transcriptome analyses revealed genetic diversity for SD traits, whereas social isolation reprogrammed select genetic pathways, regardless of SD phenotypes. In particular, social deprivation suppressed the expression of the neuropeptide Drosulfakinin (Dsk) in three pairs of adult brain neurons. Male-specific DSK signaling to Cholecystokinin-like receptor 17D1 mediated the SNB plasticity. In fact, transgenic manipulations of the DSK neuron activity were sufficient to imitate the state of social experience. Given the functional conservation of mammalian Dsk homologs, we propose that animals may have evolved a dedicated neural mechanism to encode early-life experience and transform group properties adaptively.

Ngā Māuiui Kai: creating Indigenous Māori terms for eating disorders in Aotearoa New Zealand

BackgroundMāori (the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) report higher rates of eating disorders than non-Māori, but access treatment at lower rates. Diagnostic terms lacking in cultural relevance likely contribute to Māori exclusion in eating disorder spaces. Developing terms in te reo Māori (the Māori language) presents an opportunity to challenge eating disorder stereotypes and increase cultural safety in the eating disorder workforce.MethodologyGuided by a Māori worldview and the practice of wānanga (to meet, discuss, and think deeply about a topic), we present a Māori language glossary for eating disorders. The glossary is informed by expertise in te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori (the body of Māori knowledge), and eating disorders, and combines terms already in use with newly developed terms.ResultsWe propose an umbrella term for eating disorders (ngā māuiui kai), as well as terms for anorexia nervosa (māuiui whakatiki), bulimia nervosa (pukuruaki), binge eating disorder (māuiui kaihoro), and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (karo kai, with three subtypes of low interest [arokore kai], sensory-based avoidance [āmaimai rongo kai], and concern about the consequences of eating [wehi-ā-kai]). We also propose terms for related concepts of body image difficulties (māuiui whakawā ata), perfectionism (māuiui kōtihitihi) and emotion dysregulation (kare-a-roto kōtitititi).ConclusionThis glossary is available for use by anyone looking for terms that come from a mana-enhancing (empowering, respectful, and strengths-based) Māori worldview. The kupu (words, terms) in this glossary are offered as possibilities for use, rather than as definitive or correct, in the hopes they will promote discussion about stigma, indigeneity, and language in the eating disorders field.

Minimum dietary diversity behaviour among children aged 6 to 24 months and their determinants: insights from 31 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries

BackgroundFeeding practices during infancy have a significant impact on a child’s cognitive development and long-term health outcomes. Dietary diversity guidelines from the WHO and UNICEF recommend a diverse range of foods for children aged below 24 months for their optimal growth and development. However, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), little is known about the extent to which dietary diversity behaviour in children aged 6 to 24 months aligns with the recommendations and the factors associated with the differentials in dietary behaviour. This study aimed to fill this gap.MethodsThis study employed an analytical cross-sectional approach, drawing on recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 31 SSA countries. The study included a weighted sample of 44,071 children aged between 6 and 24 months, and their respective mothers aged 15–49 years. The primary outcome was Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) categorised per WHO recommendation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of MDD with demographic and socio-economic characteristics.ResultsThe pooled MDD intake among children aged 6–24 months in SSA was 11% ranging from as low as 1.3% in Burkina Faso to 32.9% in South Africa. Children of mothers aged 45–49 years had 52% significant higher likelihood of MDD compared to those aged 15–19 years (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI:1.03, 2.24). Higher maternal education levels also increased MDD odds in the children: 22% higher for mothers who had attained secondary education (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI:1.07, 1.39), and 36% higher for those with education beyond secondary level (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI:1.09, 1.71) compared to no education. Children of rich mothers had 44% higher odds of MDD than those with poor mothers (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI:1.27, 1.62). Increased antenatal visits, and urban residence also contributed to higher MDD odds.ConclusionBased on the current global estimate of approximately 28% MDD rate, the reported 11% MDD intake among children in this study is relatively low. There is a positive association between MDD intake in children and several factors, including maternal education, antenatal visits, wealth index, and residency. These findings highlight the need for policymakers and other stakeholders to give urgent attention to empowering parents to ensure adequate nutrient intake among children for better child growth and development.

Dietary Patterns and Fibre Intake Are Associated with Disease Activity in Australian Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Exploratory Dietary Pattern Analysis

Background: Few studies have explored the relationship between habitual dietary patterns and disease activity in people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This cross-sectional study explored the association between dietary patterns and clinical and objective markers of inflammation in adults from the Australian IBD Microbiome Study. Methods: Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA) of baseline food frequency questionnaire data. Food intake was quantified using 3-day food record data. Associations between dietary intake and both clinical disease activity index (CDAI) and faecal calprotectin (FCP) were analysed. Results: Participants included 412 adults (IBD = 223, Healthy controls (HC) = 189). Both cohorts consumed poor-quality diets with inadequate servings of most food groups compared to Australian reference standards. IBD participants without FCP inflammation had significantly higher fibre intake than those with moderate FCP. In the Crohn’s Disease group, high adherence to ‘High plant diversity’ and ‘Meat eaters’ dietary patterns were associated with increased CDAI and FCP, respectively. In the combined IBD cohort, high adherence to a ‘Vegan-style’ dietary pattern was associated with increased FCP. Conclusions: There is a need for dietary modifications among Australian adults, both with and without IBD, to improve dietary fibre intake and adherence to dietary guidelines. Dietary patterns characterised by a high intake of plant foods or meat products were both positively associated with indicators of active IBD. It is possible that some participants with active IBD were modifying their diet to try to manage their disease and reduce symptoms, contributing to the association between healthier dietary patterns and active disease. Further clinical and longitudinal studies are needed to expand upon the findings. This study offers a unique contribution by utilising FCP as an objective marker of intestinal inflammation and applying dietary pattern analysis to investigate the relationship between diet and inflammatory markers.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-α is necessary for high fat diet-induced pancreatic β-cell mass expansion and metabolic compensations

AimsThis study investigates the role of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α (HNF4α) in the adaptation of pancreatic β-cells to an HFD-induced obesogenic environment, focusing on β cell mass expansion and metabolic adaptations.Main methodsWe utilized an HNF4α knockout (KO) mouse model, with CRE-recombinase enzyme activation confirmed through tamoxifen administration. KO and Control (CTL) mice were fed an HFD for 20 weeks. We monitored body weight, food intake, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and insulinemia. Also, to assess structural and metabolic changes, histological analyses of pancreatic islets and liver tissue were conducted.Key findingsKO mice displayed lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to CTL mice after tamoxifen administration, indicating impaired glucose-regulated insulin secretion. HFD-fed KO mice consumed less food but exhibited greater weight gain and perigonadal fat accumulation, reflecting higher energy efficiency. Histological analysis revealed more pronounced liver steatosis and fibrosis in KO mice on HFD. Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance were exacerbated in KO mice, highlighting their inability to adapt to increased metabolic demand. Structural analysis showed that KO mice failed to exhibit HFD-induced β cell mass expansion, resulting in reduced islet diameter and number, confirming the critical role of HNF4α in β cell adaptation.SignificanceThis study demonstrates that HNF4α is essential for the proper metabolic and structural adaptation of pancreatic β-cells in response to an obesogenic environment. The lack of HNF4α impairs β cell functionality, leading to increased susceptibility to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. These findings underscore the importance of HNF4α in maintaining glucose homeostasis and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for diabetes management in obesity.

SOUTH AFRICAN SOCCER PLAYERS’ DIETARY INTAKE: A NEED FOR INTERVENTION?

Introduction: Soccer is a popular sport in the Xikundu area. However, soccer players’ dietary intake remains unknown. Objective: To determine soccer athletes’ energy and macronutrient intakes in the Xikundu area in Limpopo province, South Africa. Methodology: Ninety-seven (97) competitive soccer athletes were randomly sampled from five soccer teams in the Xikundu area, Limpopo province. The dietary intake of athletes was collected using multiple 24-hour-recall questionnaires on different days. The body Mass of the athletes was measured to calculate nutrient requirements. SAMRC Food Finder was used to analyze meal intakes, and mean nutrient intake from the three recalls was considered. The dietary and demographic data were exported onto the SPSS (v.28), and descriptive statistics were applied. Results were compared to the sports nutrition guidelines. Pearson test was used to correlate data, and a probability value (p) of ≤ .05 was a significant criterion to correlate variables. Results: All athletes were young males aged 21.6±4.2 years. The majority (84.5%) had grade 12 certificates and a few (4.1%) - degrees. More than half (60%) participated in soccer for &gt;4 years. Athletes (74%) trained once per day in a week. Athletes consumed energy (23.0±6.6 kcal/kg/day), carbohydrates (3.0±0.9 g/kg/day), and protein (1.0±0.3 g/kg/day) suboptimal, while fat consumption was optimal (0.7±0.5 g/kg/day). No significant correlation (p&gt;.05) was found between dietary intake with demography and anthropometry. Conclusion: The soccer athlete’s energy and macronutrient intakes were mostly suboptimal to the sports nutrition recommendations.

Parkia platycephala replacing ground corn in the diet of confined lambs: intake, digestibility, ingestive behaviour, rumen fermentation and carcass yield

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility, ingestive behaviour, productive performance, rumen fermentation and carcass yield of lambs fed diets with Parkia platycephala pods (PP) replacing ground corn. For this, twenty-eight castrated male lambs (18.34 ± 4.81 kg, 120 days of age), were distributed in randomised blocks with 4 treatments and 7 replicates. Four diets were formulated replacing ground corn with PP (0, 33, 66, and 100%) on a roughage: concentrate ratio of 30:70 on a dry matter basis. The feedlot period lasted for 60 days, and the animals were slaughtered consecutively. The replacing of ground corn with PP reduced the intakes of ether extract and metabolisable energy, digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre, total digestible nutrients, isovalerate, and omental + mesenteric fat, while it increased the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates, carcass finishing, and the yields of rumen, reticulum, and omasum (p < 0.05). A quadratic effect was observed for the time of chews per rumen bolus, number of rumination chews per day, number of rumination chews per bolus, and number of rumination chews per minute, propionate (p = 0.002), butyrate (p < 0.01) and total short chain fatty acids (SCFA) (p < 0.05) according to the increase in PP levels replacing ground corn in diets offered to lambs. The rumen pH was reduced and the NH3-N increased according to the evaluation period (p < 0.05). The highest concentration of total SCFA was observed in the collection carried out at 09 h (p < 0.05). The use of up to 100% PP in diets offered to lambs is recommended as it provides nutrient intake, weight gain, and carcass yield similar to ground corn.

Evaluation of the Uricogenic Effect of Hypoxanthine and the Hypoxanthine‐Lowering Process of Shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis)

ABSTRACTOne of the main reasons for hyperuricemia is high purine intake and restricting the intake of high purine food is the main management for avoiding hyperuricemia. This study assesses the uricogenic effect of hypoxanthine and investigates effective physical field processing for reducing hypoxanthine content in shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis). Using mice models, it is demonstrated that hypoxanthine significantly elevates serum uric acid level, highlighting its role as a primary dietary contributor to hyperuricemia. To mitigate this effect, single, dual, and triple processing approaches involving infrared, steam, and microwave heating were evaluated. While single processing methods showed a moderate reduction in purine content, the combined triple processing (high‐intensity microwave + 140°C infrared + 140°C steam) was most effective, achieving a substantial 62.18% reduction in hypoxanthine. This reduction is attributed to the loss of purines during cooking, interconversion between purines, and possible binding of purine compounds to other substances. Further, in vitro digestion experiments confirm that the purine‐reduced shrimp meat exhibits significantly lower uric acid‐raising capacity. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the development of purine‐reduced seafood options, contributing to healthier dietary strategies for hyperuricemia management.

Prenatal Histomorphological and Histochemical Study of Stomach in Indigenous Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The present study was designed to investigate the normal histological features of the stomach at the prenatal stage from ten healthy pregnant rabbits at the third period of pregnancy. The stomach appeared as J-shaped situated at the left part of the abdominal cavity. It found in the front part entirely within the rib. The non-glandular region act as a reservoir, the septa prevented ingesta reflux into the esophagus. Histologically the stomach in both periods composed of four tunics', which were mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. The stomach also has different regions cardiac, fundic and pyloric regions, glands in the cardiac region were coiled branched tubular gland and almost present of the mucous cells with a few chief cells. In the fundic region the glands in this part were long and simple tubular. There are four secretory cell types: mucous cells, chief cells, parietal cells and endocrine cells, glands in the pyloric region were branched coiled tubular glands which opened at the pits of the pyloric part. The mucous-secreting cell always persists, the pyloric sphincter muscle found as thickened muscle in the pyloric duodenal junction. With PAS stain reaction gave a positive reaction for Cardiac and pyloric glands secretion which indicates the present of neutral mucopolysaccharides. In conclusion, it was found that the histomorphological features of the stomach in prenatal period embryos at the third stage of pregnancy of rabbit it was changed according to the age and food intake after birth.

Adaptive foraging strategies of Adélie penguins in the Ross Sea Region: balancing chick feeding and body condition in changing marine environments

Breeding seabirds are required to balance between feeding their chicks and maintaining their body condition. Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), a keystone species of the Antarctic ecosystem, have foraging behavioral flexibility that depends on the marine environment and own body condition. This study collected tracking data and weight measurements from 47 brooding penguins during two breeding seasons at Cape Hallett (72°19´S, 170°12´E), Ross Sea. In 2021, the breeding season with a high sea ice concentration, penguins had lower body weights during the early guarding period compared to the body weights of the penguins in 2022. Penguins performed three types of foraging trips - ice hole trips, ice edge trips, and pack ice trips—during the 2021 breeding season. However, in the season characterized by a low sea ice concentration (2022), most of the foraging trips were pack ice trips. Furthermore, penguins performed relatively shorter pack ice trips and had lower foraging efforts than they did in 2021. On the other hand, we found that penguins with higher initial weights lost more weight, where for every additional 1 kg of weight, individuals lost 360 g more during the tracking period. We suggest that penguins use selective foraging strategies to adapt to their situation. Additionally, they regulate their food intake for raising chicks based on their body condition. In summary, our findings suggest how Adélie penguins determine foraging strategies and allocating food according to the marine environment and their body condition.

The Effects of Leptin and Ghrelin Hormones on Metabolism

Leptin was first identified in 1994 by Zhang and colleagues as a signaling factor originating from adipose tissue. Its name is derived from the Greek word “leptos,” meaning “thin” or “slender”. While its primary site of secretion is white adipose tissue, leptin is also secreted in smaller amounts by brown adipose tissue, as well as by the placenta, skeletal muscle, stomach, mammary epithelium, and brain tissue. By acting at the hypothalamic level, leptin reduces appetite. Leptin is a 16-kilodalton, single-chain polypeptide hormone. Initially recognized for its role in satiety and energy balance, leptin was later identified as an anti-obesity factor that exerts feedback effects from adipocytes to the hypothalamus. It has been reported as a key physiological factor in mammals for preventing fat accumulation.Ghrelin, discovered in 1999 by Kojima and colleagues in the stomachs of mice, is a 28-amino acid oligopeptide hormone that stimulates the release of growth hormone. Although primarily secreted by stomach tissue, ghrelin is also produced by the brain, intestines, placenta, kidneys, pituitary gland, and pancreas. The name “ghrelin” is derived from the root “ghre,” meaning “grow,” in Indo-European languages, combined with “relin,” which implies secretion. Ghrelin is also referred to as the "appetite hormone. Isolated from mouse stomach tissue, this 28-amino acid peptide plays crucial physiological roles. Ghrelin has been reported to increase food intake, promote positive energy balance, and influence gastrointestinal motility, cell proliferation, bone metabolism, and reproduction.

Time-course assessment of oral intake function and its impact on end-of-life in older individuals over 90 years with frailty.

The study investigates end-of-life trajectories, focusing on the degree of oral intake function in older individuals with frailty aged over 90 years. This retrospective observational study examined individuals aged 90 years and older who passed away at a long-term chronic care hospital and related facilities in Japan. We assessed their Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and Function Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), categorizing them into two groups-"preserved CFS" (CFS score ≤7) and "poor CFS" (CFS score ≥8)-considering evaluations conducted 6 months before death. We examined the transitional progression of their CFS and FOIS scores, along with a time-course assessment of low FOIS scores (≤3) in each group at various intervals. Among 66 cases, 38 were in the preserved CFS group, and 28 were in the poor CFS group. The CFS and FOIS scores of the preserved CFS group declined rapidly towards the end-of-life, with approximately half experiencing significant declines within 3 months. In contrast, both the CFS and the FOIS scores of the poor CFS group declined gradually within 6 months. The percentage of low FOIS score (≤3) was lower at 12 and 6 months than at 1 month prior to death in the preserved CFS group. The end-of-life trajectories in older individuals with frailty aged over 90 years were heterogeneous. Clinicians should carefully monitor the degree of frailty and changes in food intake as crucial indications of the end-of-life phase, providing optimal support to manage potential vicious cycles. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Study on the mediating and moderating effects of food intake on blood glucose levels

Objective: Analyze the mediating and moderating effects of the relationship between food intake and blood glucose levels. Methods: This study uses data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey project in the survey 2018, involving 11 043 adults aged 18 years or older, who have complete dietary data, waist circumference (WC), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) indicators, and other key variables. Food consumption data was gathered via three consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls and weighing accounting method, which included two weekdays and one weekend day. The average daily intake of various foods and total energy intake were calculated. The mediation effect and moderation effect analysis were conducted using simple mediation models, direct moderation effect models, and moderated mediation analysis theoretical models. The confidence interval method (bootstrap method) was performed for testing and analysis. Results: A total of 4 951 males and 6 092 females were included in the stratified analysis by gender. The mediating effects on the rice, wheat, and red meat→WC→HbA1c were all statistically significant in males. The standardized coefficients were -0.009 (P<0.001), 0.013 (P<0.001), and -0.005 (P=0.008), respectively. In females, the mediating effect on the wheat→WC→HbA1c was statistically significant, and the standardized coefficient was 0.017 (P<0.001); the impact of red meat intake on HbA1c is negatively regulated by the intake of dark vegetables, with a direct moderating effect; the standardized coefficient of the interaction term between red meat and dark vegetables was -0.024 (P=0.008). Dark vegetables have a moderated mediator on the pathway from rice to WC and HbA1c (a3b1=-0.003, P=0.041) in males. The mediating effect of WC is negatively regulated by the intake of dark vegetables (mediation effect difference U1/-1=-0.006, P=0.048). Dark vegetables showed a moderated mediator on the pathway from wheat to WC and HbA1c (a3b1=-0.004, P=0.045) in females. The mediating effect of WC is negatively regulated by the intake of dark vegetables (mediation effect difference U1/-1=-0.009, P=0.049). Conclusions: Changes in WC indicators caused by rice, wheat, and red meat intake. WC could mediate between rice, wheat, red meat, and HbA1c. Dark vegetables directly or indirectly regulate HbA1c levels by interacting with rice, wheat, and red meat.