General Diet Research Articles

Insights into archaeological and modern neotropical biomes: Examining diet and shape variation through white-tailed deer lower third molar

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann 1780) holds significant ecological importance across the Americas, both historically and in modern times. This species ranges from southern Canada to Brazil and exhibits polytypic characteristics, adapting well to diverse habitats including temperate, subtropical, semi-arid, rainforest, and savanna environments. In paleontology and archaeology, the comparison of dental characteristics between extant mammal species with known diets is commonly employed to infer the feeding behaviors of their ancient counterparts. This method assumes that extant and fossil species share similar dietary preferences, aiding in the identification of past environmental contexts. Consequently, we employed a multiproxy approach, combining the study of dental wear and 2D geometric morphometrics, to investigate potential relationships between molar shape, diet, and biomes among extant white-tailed deer populations across the Americas. Our analysis included a comparison with archaeological data from Panama. We sampled 274 extant lower second molar specimens for micro- and mesowear analysis, along with 105 lower third molar specimens from natural science museums for 2D geometric morphometric analysis. These were compared with a sample of 65 archaeological specimens from Panama. Our findings revealed distinct variations in the shape of lower m3 molars among extant white-tailed deer populations across different biomes, with notable differences observed in the archaeological samples as well. Micro- and mesowear analyses also indicated biome-related differences, suggesting a general browsing diet for white-tailed deer with nuanced variations across biomes. Mesowear analysis further suggested a dietary spectrum ranging from pure browsers to browser-mixed feeders. These findings offer valuable insights for the interpretation of fossil deer specimens recovered from archaeological sites.

Application of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire in Evaluating the Self-Care of People with Diabetes

Objectives: This uncontrolled open study aimed to measure the levels of self-care of patients before and after education, their initial knowledge, and their knowledge two months after interacting with healthcare providers using the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) questionnaire. Methods: The data for this study were collected over 14 months from 396 patients with diabetes. This study was conducted in three phases: initial questionnaire testing, education, and retesting after two months. The education included specific diabetes-related topics: nutrition, exercise, self-monitoring of blood glucose, foot care, and smoking. Results: The results showed that all self-care activities between the first and second assessments were different. The initial assessment showed that the more successful the general diet, the specific diet, and physical activity were, the better the hemoglobin A1c value was. When considering the impact of gender on self-care effectiveness results, it was noted that women were more successful in foot care and specific diet in the initial testing, while men excelled in physical activity. The most successful age group in the scales of general diet, physical activity, and blood glucose testing was 31–45 years. Those with type 1 diabetes (36% of the study population) were more successful in self-care in the first and second measurements but without any differences in self-care in the retesting. Conclusions: our study observed a difference in self-care results between the two measurements of self-care activities in patients with diabetes, evaluated by the SDSCA questionnaire.

Lupus Nephritis from Pathogenesis to New Therapies: An Update.

Lupus Nephritis (LN) still represents one of the most severe complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality. However, over the last few years, several studies have paved the way for a deeper understanding of its pathogenetic mechanisms and more targeted treatments. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on progress on several key aspects in this setting: pathogenetic mechanisms of LN, including new insight into the role of autoantibodies, complement, vitamin D deficiency, and interaction between infiltrating immune cells and kidney resident ones; the evolving role of renal biopsy and biomarkers, which may integrate information from renal histology; newly approved drugs such as voclosporin (VOC) and belimumab (BEL), allowing a more articulate strategy for induction therapy, and other promising phase III-immunosuppressive (IS) agents in the pipeline. Several adjunctive treatments aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk and progression of chronic renal damage, such as antiproteinuric agents, represent an important complement to IS therapy. Furthermore, non-pharmacological measures concerning general lifestyle and diet should also be adopted when managing LN. Integrating these therapeutic areas requires an effort towards a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. At the same time, the availability of an increasingly wider armamentarium may translate into improvements in patient's renal outcomes over the next decades.

Positive and negative schizotypy personality traits are lower in individuals on ketogenic diet in a non-clinical sample

Schizotypal personality comprises traits such as odd beliefs, perceptual abnormalities, and social difficulties; these traits are distributed throughout the general population. While not meeting the clinical threshold for schizophrenia or schizotypal personality disorder, schizotypal personality traits still provide insights for understanding early clinical risk factors. Ketogenic diet reportedly reduces psychotic symptoms in preclinical and clinical studies. Therefore, we investigated whether ketogenic diet is associated with lower schizotypal traits in the general population. Participants following a ketogenic or other diet were recruited using opportunity sampling. Individuals completed a survey investigating general demographic, socioeconomic, health, diet and lifestyle questions, followed by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief Revised version (SPQ-BR). We found that individuals following a ketogenic diet (n = 118) had lower ideas of reference, magical thinking, suspiciousness, unusual perceptions, constricted affect, social anxiety scores, cognitive (positive) perceptual scores, interpersonal (negative) scores and total SPQ-BR compared to individuals on the other diets (n = 139). Magical thinking, constricted affect, social anxiety, cognitive perceptual, interpersonal scores and total SPQ-BR scores remained significant when we controlled for body mass index (BMI) and age. Disorganised features were not influenced by ketogenic diet. The longer individuals adhered to a ketogenic diet the lower their positive and negative schizotypy traits. These findings highlight that ketogenic diet is associated with lower non-clinical schizotypal personality traits. Our results suggest that ketogenic diet might have potential prophylactic properties for individuals at-risk for psychosis.

Systematic Review on Oral Health Knowledge, Practice and Attitude In Pakistan

Background: The term "oral health" describes the state of the mouth's defence against ailments that affect the oral cavity, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, cancer of the mouth and throat, facial discomfort, and ulcers. Oral cleanliness, tobacco usage, alcohol consumption, and general diet are the main contributors to oral health issues and illnesses. The most significant advantage of maintaining proper dental hygiene is the prevention of diseases. In Pakistan, dental health is not given much priority. The aim of this systematic review is to thoroughly examine and summaries the body of research on Pakistani people's attitudes, practices, and knowledge on oral health. The study aims to identify knowledge gaps, offer a thorough review of the existing situation regarding oral health awareness, habits, and attitudes, and indicate possible areas for development. Methods: This thorough systematic review, which adheres closely to PRISMA principles, examines all cross-sectional studies examining the gaps in oral health knowledge, practice, and attitude in Pakistan. Several databases such as Medline, ProQuest Central, Web of Science, and Scopus were used and past and current reviews on the same subject were looked in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Selected papers were meta-synthesized to produce results that were both statistically sound and strong. Results: The findings reveal that there are differences in the population's knowledge about oral health, certain groups with low socio-economic status showing less understanding of preventive and good oral hygiene habits. Conclusion: This review highlights the need for all-encompassing strategies that account for differences in geography, culture, and socioeconomic disparities by placing the findings in a broader literary context. To improve oral health outcomes across the country, specific public health campaigns, educational programmes, and policy measures are crucial given the knowledge gaps and practice discrepancies that have been discovered. By addressing these problems, we can improve people's general health and lessen the prevalence of oral disorders in Pakistan.

PSVI-8 Effect of botanical extracts and calcium gluconate fed during lactation on sow and litter performance

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of two levels of botanical extracts and botanical extracts in combination with calcium gluconate on sow and pig performance. A total of 541 sows (average parity 2.6, range 0-8) were used in 9 weekly farrow groups. Sows were housed in individual farrow stalls 5 d before the expected farrow date where treatments diets were fed until weaning at 21 d post farrowing. Sows were fed a fortified corn, soybean meal, and corn DDGS diet meeting or exceeding NRC 2012 nutrient requirements for lactating sows. The two test ingredients were 1) botanical extracts contained a proprietary formulation of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresins (Fytera Care, Selko USA, Indianapolis, IN), and 2) calcium gluconate replaced corn in the diet. A general gestation diet void of test ingredients was fed before housing and after weaning. Dietary treatments were: 1) basal lactation diet (CON), 2) 150 ppm botanical extracts (150TCB), 3) 200 ppm botanical extracts (200TCB), and 4) 150 botanical extracts and 1000 ppm calcium gluconate (150TCB+CaG). During lactation, sows were allowed ad libitum access to water and feed. Pigs had unlimited access to sow and water. Pigs were cross-fostered within dietary treatments within 24 h of birth to meet a minimum of 75% and maximum of 2 pigs in excess of functional teats of the sow. Excess pigs were fostered to non-treatment nurse sows. Pig mortalities were recorded daily. Weaned sows were observed for 14 d for estrus detection. Statistical analyses included a two-way ANOVA with fixed effect of dietary treatment, random effect of farrow room, and parity as a covariate. Treatment contrasts were analyzed by Student’s t-test. Sow performance measures did not significantly differ between treatments (Table). Pig mortality was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced for both 150TCB and 200TCB compared with CON and 150TCB+CaG treatments. Other pig performance measures were not significantly affected. However, treatment contrasts showed a greater (P < 0.05) pig weaning weight for 200TCB compared with the CON. Analyzing data by parity class of 0, 1-5, 6-8 showed that piglet mortality was affected significantly (P < 0.02) in parities 1-5 and 6-8 but not in parity 0. Pig weaning weight tended (P < 0.06) to be affected in parity 0, but not in higher parity sows. Treatment contrasts showed a greater weaning weight for pigs on the 150AFP and 150TCB+CaG treatments versus CON. In conclusion, feeding botanical extracts at 150 and 200 ppm decreased pig mortality and the addition of calcium gluconate negated the improvement in mortality.

The Michigan Men's Diabetes Project Randomized Clinical Control Trial: A Pilot/Feasibility Study of a Peer-Led Diabetes Self-Management and Support Intervention for Black Men With Type 2 Diabetes.

Black men are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes (T2D) and experience higher diabetes-related complications than non-Hispanic White men. To address the complex barriers in diabetes self-management for Black men, we implemented a 3-month peer-led and empowerment-based Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and Support (DSMS) intervention in Metro Detroit. Twenty-five Black men ≥55 years of age with self-reported T2D were randomized to the intervention group (n=12)-10 hr of DSME and 9 hr of DSMS-or enhanced usual care (EUC) group (n=13)-10 hr of DSME. Peer leaders (n = 3) were trained by certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCESs) to cofacilitate the support sessions. Outcomes (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], diabetes self-care activities, and diabetes distress) were assessed preintervention and postintervention. In the intervention and EUC groups, mean HbA1c decreased by 0.20% (p = .52, SD = 0.99) and 0.13% (p = .68), respectively. General diet (p = .03, M change: 1.32, SD = 1.71) and blood glucose monitoring (p < .05, M change: 0.50, SD = 0.74) scores improved among those in the intervention group. General diet scores also improved in the EUC group: mean change: 1.77, p = .08, although changes were not statistically significant. Changes in diabetes distress scores differed based on the number of sessions attended, with a significant decrease in those attending 7 to 12 sessions (n = 7), >50%, (p = .003, M change: -5.71, SD = 3.20). Implementing a peer-led DSMS program for Black men was feasible, adopted, and led to positive changes in outcomes. Scaling up the intervention and assessing sustainability is warranted.

A Personalized Mediterranean Diet Improves Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a form of chronic pain that affects a large number of women. It can start at any age and last a lifetime, with no cure. The Mediterranean diet is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate possible beneficial effects of a personalized Mediterranean diet in patients with fibromyalgia. Outpatients with fibromyalgia were recruited and invited to participate in the study, including clinical, nutritional, and dietary assessments. Patients received a personalized Mediterranean diet (DIET group) or a general balanced diet (NODIET group) to be followed for 8weeks. All tests were carried out at baseline and repeated after 4 and 8weeks. In total, 100 subjects were included, 84 of whom completed the study. Most of the patients showed incorrect habits in terms of food choices, timing of meals and composition of nutrients. The DIET group showed an improvement in most of the fibromyalgia parameters, including the disability scores, fatigue, and anxiety. The habit of eating inflammatory foods and/or eating meals with the wrong nutritional content would increase the negative status of patients with fibromyalgia. With this study, we confirm that proper attention to feeding habits would improve the quality of life of such patients.

Sensory and physical-chemical analyzes of a gluten-free salt snack: development of a product based on oat flour enriched with chickpeas and carrots

Snacks are practical, quick-to-eat foods that are often included in snacks and small meals and have a major influence on the general population's diet. However, they are not recognized as healthy foods due to their low nutritional properties, excess fat, high calorie content and because they exclude people with celiac disease. This highlights the need to develop projects aimed at producing snacks with superior sensory and palatable characteristics. To meet this demand, a product was developed with the addition of chickpeas, carrots and oat flour, replacing the wheat flour commonly used in existing formulations. This was developed by making a vegetable paste and molding a dough compatible with the typical shapes of these foods. The results of the water activity, humidity and pH analyses showed levels very close to those of snacks sold on supermarket shelves, but the concentration of protein in the product was a major highlight (over 20%), demonstrating that a tasty, convenient product with a long shelf life can have high nutritional values. In the sensory analysis, the product stood out in terms of crunchiness, with the sum of the concepts “I loved it” and “I liked it” being 89.8%, and taste with 87.7%.

Decreased Ubiquitination and Acetylation of Histones 3 and 4 Are Associated with Obesity-Induced Disorders of Spermatogenesis in Mice.

Obesity, a chronic metabolic disorder, is related to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and reproductive disorders. The relationship between obesity and male infertility is now well recognized, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. We aimed to observe the effect of obesity on spermatogenesis and to investigate the role of histone ubiquitination and acetylation modifications in obesity-induced spermatogenesis disorders. Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed with a general maintenance diet (12% fat), while a high-fat diet (HFD) group was fed with 40% fat for 10 weeks; then, they were mated with normal females. The fertility of male mice was calculated, testicular and sperm morphology were observed, and the expression levels of key genes and the levels of histone acetylation and ubiquitination modification during spermatogenesis were detected. The number of sperm was decreased, as well as the sperm motility, while the number of sperm with malformations was increased. In the testes, the mRNA and protein expression levels of gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25), chromosome region maintenance-1 protein (CRM1), high-mobility group B2 (HMGB2), phosphoglycerate kinase 2 (PGK2), and testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) were decreased. Furthermore, obesity led to a decrease in ubiquitinated H2A (ubH2A) and reduced levels of histone H3 acetylation K18 (H3AcK18) and histone H4 acetylation K5, K8, K12, and K16 (H4tetraAck), which disrupted protamine 1 (Prm1) deposition in testis tissue. These results suggest that low levels of histone ubiquitination and acetylation are linked with obesity-induced disorders during spermatogenesis, contributing to a better understanding of obesity-induced damage to male reproduction.

Sucralose (C12H19Cl3O8) impact on microbial activity in estuarine and freshwater marsh soils.

As the general population's diet has shifted to reflect current weight-loss trends, there has been an increase in zero-calorie artificial sweetener usage. Sucralose (C12H19Cl3O8), commonly known as Splenda® in the USA, is a primary example of these sweeteners. In recent years, sucralose has been identified as an environmental contaminant that cannot easily be broken down via bacterial decomposition. This study focuses on the impact of sucralose presence on microbial communities in brackish and freshwater systems. Microbial respiration and fluorescence were measured as indicators of microbial activity in sucralose-dosed samples taken from both freshwater and estuarine marsh environments. Results showed a significant difference between microbial concentration and respiration when dosed with varying levels of sucralose. Diatom respiration implied a negative correlation of community abundance with sucralose concentration. The freshwater cyanobacterial respiration increased in the presence of sucralose, implying a positive correlation of community abundance with sucralose concentration. This was in direct contrast to its brackish water counterpart. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm any potential utility of these communities in the breakdown of sucralose in the marsh environment.

Effect of Urban and Rural Population Lifestyle on Quality of Life in Diabetes Miletus Patients by Using Body Composition Device and Quality of Life Instrument for Indian Diabetes Patients (QOLID): A Comparative Study

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is one of the major non-communicable diseases in the world. It is a well-recognized cause for premature death and disability as it increases the risk of vascular, renal, retinal and neuropathic complications. Lifestyle modification, changing dietary habits and rapid urbanization may be the most important factors for the increasing prevalence of this disease. In this project we measure the quality of life in diabetes patient by using body composition device. It was calculating the body mass, bone mass, muscle as well as visceral mass. By that we calculate BMR of each individual that will differentiate the effect of urban and rural lifestyle on patients. Aim: To study the Quality of life in Diabetes Miletus patients in urban and rural population. Methodology: After obtaining ethical Committee approval a comparison study was conducted on 100 Diabetic patients between age group 35-60 years. All participants were screen for the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All included participants were explained about this study and they included after consent form signing. Then BMR and QOL are check by using the Body composition device and Quality of life in Indian diabetes patient (QOLID). Result: Result showed that the Quality of life is better in urban population than rural but BMR is better in rural population. p value is &gt;0.001 so study is extremely significant. Conclusion: This study concluded that Rural population has better BMR, Bone mass than Urban population but there is no such difference in Muscle mass of both population Diabetes Patients. This study also concluded that QOL is more in urban population than rural population on basis of emotional/mental health, prevalence of diabetes, general health diet satisfaction, education and treatment satisfaction.

Effect of subchronic exposure to manganese on mineral metabolism in Wistar rats

Background. The presence of increased manganese concentrations in soils and water intakes areas for drinking and household purposes in a number of the Russian Federation subjects indicates the chronic influence of this metal on all segments of the population. This situation is aggravated by violation of the optimal nutrition principles, which leads to changes in the organism absorption of micronutrients. In this regard, the study of the elemental status of an organism against the background of manganese exposure is of particular importance.The aim. To study the effects of subchronic exposure to manganese on the mineral status of Wistar rats.Materials and methods. To conduct the study, 20 mature rats were selected, from which two groups were formed – control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 10). Animals in the control group received a general diet, animals in the experimental group received a diet with additional administration of manganese sulfate at a dose of 1433 mg/kg for 28 days. At the end of the preparatory period, blood and brain samples were taken to determine the content of chemical elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and of metal-ligand manganese forms using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.Results. It has been established that subchronic oral exposure to manganese leads to an increase in the content of this microelement in the blood serum and to a decrease in the levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and copper. In the cerebral cortex, the level of manganese, lead, mercury and strontium increases against the background of a decrease in iron and iodine levels. An increase in the gross content of manganese in blood serum leads to an overload of the main high-molecular carriers and initiates the formation of low-molecular forms of manganese.Conclusion. Subchronic oral exposure to manganese leads to the accumulation of this microelement in the body of animals and to the development of an imbalance of a number of macro- and microelements.

A qualitative exploration of the health needs and goals of urban women to inform the tailoring and adaptation of Strong Hearts Healthy Communities: a community-based cardiovascular disease prevention intervention

BackgroundIn the United States, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death and disability in women. CVD-modifiable risk factors, including poor diet quality and inadequate physical activity, can be addressed through evidence-based interventions (EBIs). Strong Hearts Healthy Communities (SHHC) is an EBI that has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing CVD risk and improving health outcomes among rural white women. The aims of this study were to understand the general health, diet, and physical activity-related needs and goals of women living in an urban community, to inform the tailoring and adaptation of the SHHC EBI to an urban setting and more diverse population.MethodsFocus groups (FGs) were conducted with African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx women in the Dallas metropolitan area who had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and engaged in ≤ 150 min per week of moderate physical activity. The data were coded using a team-based, deductive, and thematic analysis approach, that included multiple coders and in-depth discussions.ResultsFour FGs with a total of 18 participants (79% Black and 21% Latinx) were conducted, and three themes were developed: (1) participants had adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards healthy living but faced many barriers to practicing healthy behaviors; (2) culturally-based beliefs and community practices exerted a strong influence on behaviors related to food and stress, revealing barriers to healthy eating and generational differences in stress and stress management; (3) participants desired a more individualized approach to nutrition and physical activity interventions that included familiar and enjoyable activities and social support centered around shared health goals.ConclusionsThe SHHC intervention and similar health programs for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx women in urban settings should emphasize individualized nutrition and practical skills for healthy eating with accessible, familiar, and enjoyable exercises. Additionally, stress management strategies should be culturally and generationally sensitive and social support, whether through family, friends, or other program participants, should be based on shared health goals.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ЭКСТРАКТА КОРЫ ЛИСТВЕННИЦЫ В КОРМЛЕНИИ СВИНЕЙ

The article presents materials from research on the use of Dahurian larch bark extract in the nutrition of weaned piglets, as an activation of metabolic processes, increasing pathogenetic resistance and preventing diarrhea. The studies were carried out on the pig farm of the collective farm in Kaluga region. on two groups of large white x landrace crossbred piglets during the growing period after weaning until placement for fattening lasting 70 days. Based on the principle of analogues, two groups of weaned piglets were formed: control and experimental. Piglets in the control group received standard complete feed. The piglets of the experimental group received larch bark extract powder, 4 g per head per day, as part of their general diet. The use of larch bark extract in feeding piglets contributed to an increase in the body's adaptive capacity, pathogenetic resistance and correction of metabolic processes, which ensured a higher realization of the genetic potential of pigs. Thus, in the blood serum of piglets receiving larch bark extract. the total protein content was 72.6 g/l, which was higher than that of the control by 5.7%, mainly due to the albumin fraction. In piglets of the experimental group, the serum creatinine content was 6.4% higher. They also significantly improved the functional state of the liver, as indicated by a twofold decrease in the bilirubin content in the blood serum (P&lt;0.01). Changes in metabolism in piglets of the experimental group had a positive effect on the productivity and safety of the livestock. Thus, during the 70-day period of application of Daurian larch bark extract, the gross gain of piglets was 33.1 kg with an average daily gain of 473 g versus 28.1 kg and 416 g, respectively, in the control, which was 13.7% higher.

Self-care Behaviour of Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lucknow, India: A Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: India is now the diabetes capital of the world. The rising burden of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) adds to the existing diabetes burden. Euglycemia is achieved once the baby is delivered. The first line of management of GDM is mainly through lifestyle modification with diet and physical activity. There is a dearth of information from Lucknow city about how well pregnant women with GDM adhere to dietary changes and exercise recommendations, or how counselling helps them deal with their GDM. Aim: To assess the self-care behaviour related to diet, physical activity, and Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) of pregnant women diagnosed with GDM. Materials and Methods: A total of 188 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM were selected for present quasiexperimental study. The study participants were recruited from the antenatal Outpatient Department (OPD) at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Queen’s Mary Hospital, King George Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, India. The total study duration was from November 2019 to November 2022. Pregnant women diagnosed with GDM according to Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group in India (DIPSI) criteria, up to 28 weeks of gestation, who gave their written consent to participate in the study and were living within a 15-kilometer radius of the study Institute, were included in the study. One group of the study participants received one-to-one counselling, an individualised diet plan, along with usual GDM care, and the other group received usual GDM care during their antenatal visits. The summary of diabetes self-care was adapted to assess adherence to the recommended dietary and physical activity modifications, as well as self-monitoring of blood glucose. Data were analysed using R software version 4.1.1 (R Core Team, 2021). All categorical data were presented using frequency and percentages. The comparison of baseline demographic and clinical parameters of pregnant women between the two groups was done using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s-exact test for categorical observations based on the expected frequency. The independent sample t-test or Mann-whitney U test for continuous measurements was used after checking the normality assumption using the Shapiro-wilk test. The change in scores of general diet, specific diet, physical activity, and SMBG throughout all follow-ups was assessed by repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The change from the first follow-up visit to subsequent follow-up visit was compared using a mixed linear model with follow-up visits. The p-value was considered significant at a 5% level of significance for all comparisons. Results: The mean age of the pregnant women with GDM was 27.6±3.7 years in the intervention group and 27.9±3.9 years in the control group (p=0.451). The pregnant women with GDM in the two groups did not show significant differences in terms of socio-demographic variables such as age, religion, education, socio-economic status, occupation, type of family, and family history of diabetes mellitus. A significant difference was observed in the dietary and physical activity scores between the two groups of pregnant women with GDM. However, no difference was observed in the case of self-monitoring of blood glucose scores of the two groups. Conclusion: The study concluded that counseling plays an important role in helping pregnant women with GDM adhere to the recommended dietary modifications and physical activity.

Evaluation of genome stability, haematological and productivity performance of young mink when using dried palm fat

The article presents of the results on estimation genome stability, haematological and productive indices of young heads standard short-haired black mink, bred for pelts, when using in a diet supplement of dry palm fat during the period winter hair of formation (October-November). The control group of mink received a general farm diet without the additive. The palm fat additive was added to the feed mixture of the experimental group in an average amount of 0.75 g per 100 g of the feed mixture per day. It was found out that the composition the minks of the leukoformulas studied was within the physiological norm. Since four months of age, the young mink had a stable neutrophilic blood profile. Determination of the erythrocytes frequency containing micronuclei in the peripheral blood of young mink allowed to evaluate the stability (instability) of the genome during the introduction of dry palm fat to the diet. It was found that elevated frequency of erythrocytes containing micronuclei in the blood of males at the age of 7 months above the level of 7.7±1.84‰ (ppm) is connected with changes of diet composition and correlates with increase of live weight gain at conservation of morphophysiological characters and directed for realization of youngsters productivity - increase of area and good quality of skins.

MEDITERRANEAN DIET ADHERENCE PROSPECTIVELY PREDICTS NINE-YEAR CHANGES IN EPISODIC MEMORY

Abstract Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence has been shown to foster cognitive function during aging. Methods for measuring adherence to the MD typically provide or withhold points for foods consumed. Few investigations have examined how adherence to a Western adaptation of the MD may influence cognitive function over time in the United States. A modified MD that includes dairy products, whole grains, and plant-based proteins with limited consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may be more attainable for many Americans than the traditional MD. This secondary analysis examined whether adherence to a modified MD was predictive of episodic memory and executive function over a 9-year study period. The second wave of the Midlife in the United States Study assessed general diet qualities with a food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive function was measured at both waves 2 and 3 (N = 816; age: 46 +/- 12 years; 56% female). Regression analyses were conducted to determine whether MD adherence predicted 9-year regressed change in cognitive function while controlling for age, sex, race, socioeconomic status (SES), and biomarkers of glucose homeostasis (hemoglobin a1c, insulin, and blood glucose). MD predicted changes in episodic memory (β = 0.075, p = 0.013) but not executive functioning (β = -0.028, p = 0.210). Exploratory moderator analyses suggested that MD associations with episodic memory were observed for only younger and middle-aged adults, females, White individuals, and persons with lower SES. Increased MD adherence may serve as a modifiable factor that supports cognitive function and preserved episodic memory during aging.

Trophic Partitioning among Three Mesopredatory Shark Species Inhabiting the Northwestern Adriatic Sea

While the general diet of Mediterranean elasmobranchs has been widely studied, little is known about food partitioning and competition among sympatric species, despite these being important forces structuring marine communities. Using stomach content and stable isotope analyses, we investigated diet and trophic levels and evaluated the diet overlap and partitioning of Scyliorhinus canicula, Mustelus mustelus, and M. punctulatus in the northwestern Adriatic Sea. These shark species were confirmed as opportunistic mesopredators, but significant differences in their diets emerged. The two bentho-demersal Mustelus species had a larger trophic overlap with S. canicula than between each other. Given the pronounced morphological similarity of these two Mustelus species, this is likely a strategy to limit competition. The strictly benthic S. canicula showed a more varied diet compared to the other species. Stable isotope analysis highlighted that despite the smaller size and overlapping diets, S. canicula occupied a slightly higher trophic level. A better characterization of the trophic role of these species in the food web of the basin can be obtained from these data. At an ecosystem level, this information is essential to evaluate the possible consequences of the decline or recovery of the population of these exploited species.

Similar seed preferences explain trophic ecology of functionally distinct, but co-occurring and closely related harvester ants.

To understand how food resource use and partitioning by closely related species allows local coexistence, it is key to determine whether a species' diet reflects food availability or food preferences. Here, we analysed the diets, seed selection, and seed preferences of three closely related harvester ants: Messor barbarus, M. bouvieri, and M. capitatus. Sympatric within a Mediterranean shrubland, these species differ in foraging behaviour and worker polymorphism. For 2 years, we studied the ants' diets and seed selection patterns as well as the local availability of seeds. Additionally, we performed a seed-choice experiment using a paired comparison design, offering the ants seeds from eight native plant species. The three ant species had the same general diet, which was primarily granivorous. Although they all consumed a wide variety of seeds, they mostly selected seeds from a small subset of plant species. Despite their morphological and behavioural differences, the ants displayed similar seed preferences that were highly consistent with their diets and seed selection patterns. Our results support the idea that the trophic ecology of these three harvester ants is driven by similar seed preferences rather than by their morphological and behavioural differences. Seed diversity and abundance were high near the ants' nests, suggesting that seed availability is not limiting and could in fact favour local species coexistence.