Ingestive Behavior Research Articles

Total mixed ration silage based on cactus pear and cottonseed cake in the feeding of feedlot finished lambs.

The purpose of this study was to assess the fermentative characteristics of total mixed ration silage (TMR) based on cactus pear and cottonseed cake and its effect on the productive performance and ingestive behaviour of lambs in feedlot. The study was divided into two experimental trials. The first experimental trial evaluated the fermentative quality of the total mixed ration silages, in five replications per treatment, and the second evaluated the productive performance and ingestive behaviour of lambs, in eight replications per treatment, with the treatments being represented by the proportion of cottonseed cake in the TMR (0; 20; 25 and 30% cottonseed cake on dry matter basis). Significant treatment effects (P < 0.05) were observed on yeast population, pH, gas losses, effluent losses, dry matter recovery, ether extract intake, digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and non-fiber carbohydrates, and on all ingestive behaviour variables except for those of feeding. Thus, cactus pear ensures the fermentative and hygienic quality of total mixed ration silages, regardless of the proportions of cottonseed cake. Therefore, based on the productive performance and ingestive behaviour of feedlot finished Dorper lambs, it is recommended the use total mixed ration silages with 30% cottonseed cake.

Food choices, microstructure of ingesartive behavior and sensory perceptions after bariatric surgery in women: a cross-sectional study

Results regarding the impact of bariatric surgery (BS) on food choices are inconsistent between studies based on self-reported questionnaires, and those using direct measurements. Moreover, the determinants of the modifications of food choices after BS, if any, are still poorly understood. This study compared food choices, food liking, microstructure of ingestive behavior and sensory perceptions between women who had BS in the last 18 months (BS group, n=19; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) and women with BMI ≥ 35 kg.m-2 (OB group, n=17) in ecological conditions and explored the associations of food choices with sensory perceptions and food liking. MethodsFood choices and liking were assessed using a standardized ad-libitum buffet. Taste Strips and Scratch and Sniff cards were used to measure sensory perceptions. Microstructure of ingestive behavior of solid foods was studied using video recordings while eating the ad-libitum buffet. ResultsWomen in the BS group consumed half as many calories at the buffet (p=.004) as the OB group, taking smaller bites (7.5±1.9 vs 9.7±2.4 g/bite; p=.020) at a slower ingestion rate (2.1±0.7 vs 3.8±1.1 bites/min; p=.035). No differences were found in food choices, food liking and sensory perceptions. In the BS group, consuming very high energy density foods was negatively associated with salt taste perceived intensity (p=.021) and the liking of fruits and vegetables (p=.045). ConclusionThis is the first study that assessed the microstructure of ingestive behavior of solid foods in a population who has had BS. Ingestive behavior, but not food choices or liking, were different in women who had BS compared to women with obesity who did not have BS. However, only women with BS had their food choices associated with gustatory perceptions and food liking. Whether taste perceptions or types of food appreciations should be used as healthy-food choice predictors following BS should be further explored in future research.

Addition of retronasal milk fat odour during milk consumption increased liking without affecting intake.

Reduction of food fat content often comes at the cost of sensory appeal. Given that odours can enhance various fat-related sensory characteristics, their use as fat substitutes seems promising. This cross-over study investigated whether sensory characteristics of a low-fat product (dairy milk) can be enhanced by the addition of a fat-related aroma (cream) and whether this influences subsequent eating behaviour within an ecologically valid scenario. Fifty-six consumers evaluated 0% fat milk without aroma (skim), 0% fat milk infused with cream aroma (skim+) and 3.5% fat milk without aroma (full) on perceived flavour intensity, creamy mouthfeel, aftertaste and liking (ranking rating scale - 100-unit VAS). In three separate subsequent sessions, 54 of the participants consumed the samples above as fixed preloads (300ml) after which they were provided an ad-libitum breakfast consisting of granola and yogurt. Appetite ratings (hunger, fullness, desire to eat, prospective consumption) were collected pre- and post-preload and post-breakfast. While skim+samples were more liked compared to skim ones, there was no difference in flavour intensity, creamy mouthfeel, or aftertaste. Full fat samples were rated higher than both skim and skim+ones on all attributes. Despite the added aroma (skim+) enhancing liking, it did not influence subsequent intake amounts or eating rate. In fact, there were no differences in intake or appetite between any of the preloads. This demonstrates that odours can be used to enhance liking of reduced-fat food products, yet the broader implication of such an approach on food intake behaviour remains to elucidated.

Growth performance, nutrient intake, ingestive behaviour and carcase characteristics of fattening lambs grazing alfalfa and fed partial mixed rations differing in the energy source

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare different energy sources on growth performance, nutrient intake, ingestive behaviour and carcase characteristics of lambs fattened with partial mixed rations (PMR) + alfalfa grazing. Thirty-six castrated male lambs (Ile de France × Corriedale), were assigned to 3 dietary treatments (2 lambs/pen). Two treatments involved different PMR (total mixed rations (TMR) + alfalfa grazing, 8 h/d) formulated with cereals (starchy; PMRs) or fibrous (corn mill by-product, PMRf) as energy source and the third, a TMR containing both energy sources (CON). Feeds and nutrient intake, average daily gain (ADG), ingestive behaviour and carcase characteristics were measured. Between PMR diets no difference in alfalfa intake was observed, but TMR intake was higher for PMRs (P = 0.004). Dry matter intake tended to be lower (P = 0.064) for PMRf vs CON and energy intake were lower for PMR diets (P < 0.001). No differences were observed for ADG, feed conversion ratio and carcase characteristics. Lambs of the PMR diets devoted more time eating (P < 0.001). The inclusion of high-quality alfalfa grazing in intensive fattening lambs fed PMR with different energy sources: starchy or fibrous allows to achieve productive performances and carcase characteristics similar to feedlot systems.

Associations Between Carbohydrate Intake Behaviours and Glycaemia in Gestational Diabetes: A Prospective Observational Study

Carbohydrate intake (CI) has the largest impact on the short-term glycaemia of all nutrients, yet optimal CI management in gestational diabetes remains unclear. Objective: To examine CI behaviours in individuals with recently diagnosed gestational diabetes and their association with self-monitored blood glucose. Methods: Data from 97 individuals were collected using food and blood glucose diaries. CI (including amounts, types, and timing) was manually assessed using 15 g servings over 5–8 days, while a 3-day computerised analysis examined a broader intake of macro- and micronutrients. Results: Elevated fasting glycaemia (EFG) was associated with lower total CI (Mdn 10.8 vs. 12.5 servings/day, p = 0.006), missed meals (Mdn 1.4 vs. 0.0/week, p = 0.007), missed snacks (Mdn 10.5 vs. 7.5/week, p = 0.038), low-carbohydrate meals (&lt;30 g; Mdn 4.3 vs. 2.0/week, p = 0.004), and a higher proportion of energy intake from fat (Mdn 35% vs. 33%, p = 0.047), as compared with in-target fasting glycaemia. In contrast, elevated postprandial glycaemia (EPG) was not significantly associated with total CI, low-carbohydrate meals (&lt;30 g), low-carbohydrate snacks (&lt;15 g), or high-carbohydrate loads (&gt;50 g). EPG was instead associated with high-glycaemic index meals (Mdn 1.6 vs. 0.9 lunch meals/week, p = 0.026; Mdn 0.9 vs. 0.0 dinner meals/week, p = 0.023); and a lower intake of energy (Mdn 7650 kJ vs. 9070 kJ/day, p = 0.031), protein (Mdn 91 g vs. 109 g/day, p = 0.015), fat (Mdn 61 g vs. 84 g/day, p = 0.003), and multiple micronutrients (p &lt;0.05), as compared with in-target postprandial glycaemia. Conclusions: CI profiles differed for individuals with EFG, as compared with EPG, emphasising the need for dietary guidelines tailored for gestational diabetes subtypes. Further interventional studies are needed to explore these findings, particularly the associations between EFG and low CI behaviours.

Intranasal Delivery of a Ghrelin Mimetic Engages the Brain Ghrelin Signaling System in Mice.

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), promotes food intake and other feeding behaviors, and stimulates growth hormone (GH) release from the pituitary. Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS), such as GHRP-6 and MK-0677, are synthetic GHSR ligands that activate orexigenic neuropeptide Y neurons that coexpress agouti-related peptide (AgRP) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus when administered systemically. Systemic GHRP-6 also stimulates GH release in humans and rats. Thus, GHS and ghrelin have therapeutic relevance in patients who could benefit from its orexigenic and/or GH-releasing effects. This study examined whether intranasal delivery of ghrelin, GHRP-6, or MK-0677 engages the brain ghrelin signaling system. Effective compounds and doses were selected based on increased food intake after intranasal application in mice. Only GHRP-6 (5 mg/kg) increased food intake without adverse effects, prompting detailed analysis of meal patterns, neuronal activation in the arcuate nucleus (via Fos mapping) and neurochemical identification of c-fos messenger RNA (mRNA)-expressing neurons using RNAscope. We also assessed the effect of intranasal GHRP-6 on serum GH levels. Intranasal GHRP-6 increased food intake by increasing meal frequency and size. Fos expression in the arcuate nucleus was higher in GHRP-6-treated mice than in saline controls. When examining the neurochemical identity of c-fos-mRNA-expressing neurons, we found coexpression with 63.5 ± 1.9% Ghsr mRNA, 79 ± 6.8% Agrp mRNA, and 11.4 ± 2.5% Ghrh mRNA, demonstrating GHRP-6's ability to engage arcuate nucleus neurons involved in food intake and GH release. Additionally, intranasal GHRP-6 elevated GH serum levels. These findings suggest that intranasal GHRP-6, but not ghrelin or MK-0677, can engage the brain ghrelin signaling system.

Impact of mask wearing time on fluid consumption and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To examine the associations between mask-wearing on fluid consumption and physical activity behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. 137 college students (female, 72.5%; age, 26 ± 9 y) completed a survey detailing their fluid intake, physical activity behaviors, and time spent wearing a mask throughout the day during the previous month in the Fall 2020 academic semester. Increased daily mask wearing time was not associated with total fluid intake (p > 0.05). Participants had greater odds of being 'somewhat active' compared to 'inactive' with an increase in mask wearing time (OR = 1.23 [1.03, 1.47], p = 0.022). Wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic did not influence fluid intake behaviors, however, it increased the likelihood of reported greater levels of physical activity. These factors may be related to an individual being more likely to globally adopt healthier behaviors, however, this needs further exploration.

Energy-Aware Feature and Classifier for Behaviour Recognition of Laying Hens in an Aviary System

Long-term monitoring of animal behaviours requires energy-aware features and classifiers to support onboard classification. However, limited studies have been conducted on the behaviour recognition of laying hens, especially in aviary systems. The objective of this study was to configure key parameters for developing onboard behaviour monitoring techniques of aviary laying hens, including proper sliding window length, energy-aware feature, and lightweight classifier. A total of 19 Jingfen No.6 laying hens were reared in an aviary system from day 30 to day 70. Six light-weight accelerometers were attached to the back of birds for behaviour monitoring with a sampling frequency of 20 Hz. Laying hen behaviours were categorized into four groups, including static behaviour (resting and standing), ingestive behaviour (feeding and drinking), walking, and jumping. Two different window lengths (0.5 s and 1 s) were tested. The SD of each axial acceleration was considered the only classification feature. The results indicated that performing denoise procedure before feature extraction can improve the classification accuracy by 10-20%. The 1-s window length yielded better accuracy than the 0.5-s window, especially for ingestive and walking behaviours. Classification models based on X-axis accelerations were better than those of Y- and Z-axis with the recognition accuracies of static, ingestive, walking, and jumping behaviours being 97.4%, 89.6%, 95.7%, and 98.5%, respectively. The study might provide insights into developing onboard behaviour recognition algorithms for laying hens.

Microencapsulated Escape Lysine with Tannin as an Adjuvant in Sheep Diets.

The use of escape protein, which is absorbed in the small intestine, can improve the production of ruminant animals because it meets their protein requirements better. This study hypothesized that wax lipid matrices are effective encapsulants for escape lysine in ruminants and tested tannin extract as an adjuvant. Forty intact male Santa Ines × Dorper sheep (~4 months old, BW 23 ± 1.2 kg) were allocated, in a randomized block design, to four treatments: control group (no lysine addition), supplementation with free lysine, escape lysine, and escape lysine + tannin extract. The ether extract intake was higher in the sheep fed escape lysine + tannin compared to the control and free lysine group. The sheep fed escape lysine presented higher DM and aNDF eating efficiency (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the free lysine and control groups. Escape lysine with and without tannin presented greater TDN compared to free lysine and control. The NFCs were lower in the free lysine diet, and the crude protein digestibility was higher in the sheep fed lysine + tannin and the control group compared to the escape and free lysine groups. The lysine treatments did not affect (p > 0.05) the performance, ingestive behavior, and blood parameters. The rectal temperature was higher in the sheep fed lysine escape compared to those fed free lysine. The sheep fed escape lysine + tannin exhibited reduced (p ≤ 0.05) large particles and improved peNDF 12 h after feeding. The escape lysine diet, regardless of the addition of tannin, improved the total digestible nutrients and eating efficiency, without affecting the performance, feed conversion, and blood variables of the sheep.

Dietary Inflammatory Score and Incident Heart Failure in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.

Inflammation plays a key role in the development of heart failure (HF), and diet is a known modifiable factor that modulates systemic inflammation. The dietary inflammatory score (DIS) is a tool to quantify the inflammatory components of diet. We sought to determine whether the DIS is associated with incident HF events. We examined a total of 17,975 participants without HF at baseline within the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. The main exposure variable was DIS quartile, which was derived from the Food Frequency Questionnaire obtained at baseline study enrollment. The main outcome was incident HF event, defined as HF hospitalization or death. To examine the association between DIS and incident HF events, we conducted Cox proportional hazard regression modeling, adjusting for total energy intake, sociodemographic factors, and pro-inflammatory lifestyle behaviors. The sample mean age was 64 + 9.2 years, 55.8% were female, and 32.3% were Black. Over a median follow-up of 11.1 years, we observed 900 incident HF events, including 752 hospitalizations and 148 HF deaths. In an adjusted model, the highest DIS quartile (Q4) was associated with incident HF (HR 1.26 95% CI 1.03-1.54). Of note, these findings remained even after adjusting for comorbid conditions and physiologic parameters. In an age-stratified analysis, the association was only present among those aged < 65 years (Q4: HR 1.65 95% CI 1.08-2.51). Moreover, the association was present for HFrEF (Q4: HR 1.44 95% CI 1.07-1.94), but not HFpEF. The highest DIS quartile was associated with incident HF events. These findings indicate the potential value of specific dietary pattern to prevent HF.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam: insights from the SEANUTS II study.

To describe the economic, lifestyle and nutritional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents, guardians and children in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Data from the SEANUTS II cohort were used. Questionnaires, including a COVID-19 questionnaire, were used to study the impact of the pandemic on parents/guardians and their children with respect to work status, household expenditures and children's dietary intake and lifestyle behaviours. Data were collected in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam between May 2019 and April 2021. In total, 9203 children, aged 0·5-12·9 years, including their parents/guardians. Children and their families were significantly affected by the pandemic. Although the impact of lockdown measures on children's food intake has been relatively mild in all countries, food security was negatively impacted, especially in Indonesia. Surprisingly, in Malaysia, lockdown resulted in overall healthier dietary patterns with more basic food groups and less discretionary foods. Consumption of milk/dairy products, however, decreased. In the other countries, intake of most food groups did not change much during lockdown for households based on self-reporting. Only in rural Thailand, some marginal decreases in food intakes during lockdown persisted after lockdown. Physical activity of children, monthly household income and job security of the parents/guardians were negatively affected in all countries due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted societies in South-East Asia. To counteract negative effects, economic measures should be combined with strategies to promote physical activity and eating nutrient-adequate diets to increase resilience of the population.

Guanidinoacetic acid supplementation and stocking density effects on broiler performance: behavior, biochemistry, immunity, and small intestinal histomorphology

BackgroundRearing poultry under stressful high stocking density (HSD) conditions is a common commercial practice to increase profitability, despite its negative effects on broiler physiology and welfare. Many feed additives are used to alleviate the negative impact of such practices. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on growth performance, ingestive behavior, immune response, antioxidant status, stress indicators, and intestinal histomorphometry of broilers subjected to HSD. A total of 364 male broilers were randomly allocated into four treatments with 7 replicates each in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: two stocking densities (SD) (10 and 16 birds/m2) and two GAA levels (0 and 0.6 g/kg feed).ResultsBody weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production efficiency factor, dressing yield, and ingestive behavior were negatively affected by HSD, whereas the mortality rate was unaffected (P > 0.05). GAA improved the overall growth performance and dressing percentage (P < 0.05). In the HSD group, the immune response decreased at d 21 (P < 0.05). Creatine kinase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase, catalase, triglycerides, and villus length and width (ileum) were reduced, whereas corticosterone (CORT) was increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, GAA increased the hemagglutination-inhibition titer at 21 days and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, GPX, and catalase and decreased the levels of creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, nitrite, triglycerides, and CORT (P < 0.05). SD and GAA did not affect malondialdehyde or other biochemical parameters (P > 0.05).ConclusionsDietary GAA supplementation can improve productivity and antioxidant status and reduce stress in broilers reared in a HSD environment.

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.

Effects of an immunomodulatory feed additive on feed intake behavior, skin temperature, and milk yield in dairy cows during the hot season

Effects of an immunomodulatory feed additive on feed intake behavior, skin temperature, and milk yield in dairy cows during the hot season

AC-DC Electropenetrography for the Study of Probing and Ingestion Behaviors of Culex tarsalis Mosquitoes on Human Hands.

Mosquitoes transmit pathogens that negatively affect human and animal health. A greater understanding of their blood-feeding biology and interactions with hosts and pathogens could be exploited to develop new targets for controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Unfortunately, probing (i.e., biting) behaviors of mosquitoes are poorly understood because they occur inside host tissues. Here, a non-invasive procedure is described for using AC-DC electropenetrography (EPG) to indirectly visualize and quantify mosquito feeding behaviors by recording changes in electrical signals generated when probing and ingesting on human hands. Thin gold wires are attached to the mosquitoes using conductive silver glue and connected to the EPG instrument. The human host holds a substrate voltage probe in their hand. Probing of the host by the wired mosquito completes the electrical circuit, and electrical signals are recorded on a computer as "waveforms" that can then be measured and enumerated for analysis. This methodology has been used to characterize the probing and ingestion behaviors of Aedes aegypti and Culex tarsalis mosquitoes and can be applied to other mosquito species. EPG can be used to study the effects of pathogens, insecticides, and other factors on mosquito feeding behaviors.

Reduced Bitter Taste and Enhanced Appetitive Odor Identification in Individuals at Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014.

An inability to correctly perceive chemosensory stimuli can lead to a poor quality of life. Such defects can be concomitant with excess alcohol consumption, but a large-scale cohort study linking these effects is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the impact of chronic alcohol consumption on chemosensory function by analyzing data from the NHANES 2013-2014, involving 395 participants categorized by alcohol intake behavior: 219 no-intake, 136 light-intake, and 40 risky-intake groups. Chemosensory function was assessed using a self-reported Chemosensory Questionnaire along with objective tests for taste (quinine solution) and smell (appetitive and hazardous odors). Adjusted regression analyses were conducted, controlling for age, gender, smoking status, and multiple pairwise comparisons. Weighted regression analyses were also performed. Risky drinkers had significantly lower odds of identifying quinine (bitter taste) compared to light drinkers (OR = 0.37, p-adjusted = 0.04). Risky drinkers also had higher odds of identifying appetitive odors like strawberry (OR = 5.44, p-adjusted = 0.03) but lower odds for detecting hazardous odors like natural gas (OR = 0.11, p-adjusted = 0.001) compared to light drinkers. Additionally, light drinkers identified the leather scent more effectively than no drinkers (OR = 2.54, p = 0.02). Chronic alcohol consumption, particularly at risky levels, is associated with altered chemosensory function. These findings emphasize the importance of assessing chemosensory symptoms in individuals with alcohol-related behaviors.

Role of differential food treatment on hypothalamic NPY expression and migratory phenology of redheaded bunting (Emberiza bruniceps)

ABSTRACT The present study explores the effect of differential food treatment on the migratory phenology of redheaded bunting (Emberiza bruniceps). Birds were divided into four groups (N = 10 each) on the basis of the food provided. Group I was fed with seeds of Setaria italica (kakuni), while group II was provided with protein-rich diet (combination of; 3 parts egg white and 1 part kakuni seeds). Likewise, group III birds received fat-rich food (i.e. 3 parts sesame seeds and 1 part kakuni seeds). Birds in group IV were provided with all three food items mentioned above separately. The experiment continued until the appearance of 7 cycles of zugunruhe. The results reveal a significant impact of food on locomotor activity and food intake behavior of birds, although the physiological response as demonstrated by a gain in body mass, fat score, and gonadal recrudescence was mainly influenced by the LHS. Besides the behavioral and physiological responses, the hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in infundibular complex (INc) was significantly high for group IV, highlighting the importance of “variety” in food intake. Thus, the present study suggests a significant role of food in influencing seasonal responses via hypothalamic NPY stimulation.

Microplastics in stools and their influencing factors among young adults from three cities in China: A multicenter cross-sectional study

The mass concentration of microplastics in stools and influencing factors remain unclear. The aim was to investigate the types and mass concentrations of microplastics in the stools of young college students and to explore potential influencing factors. Twenty-six participants were recruited from colleges in each city using stratified simple sampling, including Changsha, Shanghai, and Changchun. Participants’ dietary and fluid intake behavior was recorded using the 3-day 24-h dietary questionnaire and the 7-day 24-h fluid intake record, respectively. Lifestyle factor information related to microplastic exposure was collected through a microplastic exposure questionnaire. Stools were collected and detected using pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS) method. Eventually, 78 participants completed the study. The detection rate of microplastics, including polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in stools was 98.7%, with a total mass concentration of 54.7 (10.1–102.7) μg/g. There were differences in the total mass concentrations of microplastics in the stools of participants in three cities, namely Changsha, Shanghai, and Changchun, which decreased sequentially (χ2 = 47.819, P < 0.05). Participants with a relatively high frequency of takeaway food consumption had higher total mass concentrations of microplastics mass concentrations in stools (χ2 = 7.390, P < 0.05). Participants with a relatively high frequency of consuming reheated food had a greater mass concentration of PET microplastics (χ2 = 6.117, P < 0.05). The total mass concentration of microplastics, as well as the mass concentrations of PE, PVC, PP, and PA66, in the bottled water intake group were greater than those in the nonintake group (all P < 0.05). Overall, the total mass concentration of microplastics in stools was related to residential city, consumption of reheated food, and bottled water intake (all P < 0.05). Young college students generally experience microplastic exposure, with the main types being PE, PVC, PS, PP, PET, and PA66. Living location, reheated food consumption, and bottled water intake were factors influencing microplastic exposure.

Approach to skin problems in travellers: clinical and epidemiological clues.

Travel-related skin problems are a common reason for healthcare consultations. We present a clinical approach to diagnosing skin diseases in travellers, emphasizing clinical examination and epidemiological clues such as travel history, incubation time and at-risk behaviours. Skin problems or manifestations of systemic infections are the third most common health issue encountered by travellers, though their causes and frequency may vary based on the season and destination. The four most frequent skin conditions affecting travellers include arthropod bites, sunburns, hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) and bacterial skin and soft tissue infections. Dengue fever is the leading cause of febrile exanthema in travellers returning from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, while hookworm-related CLM is the most common cause of creeping dermatitis. Notable travel-related infections associated with pruritus include cercarial dermatitis, scabies, creeping dermatitis and urticaria. Acute schistosomiasis is the most common parasitic cause of acute urticaria in travellers. African tick-bite fever is the most frequently encountered rickettsiosis, typically presenting with single or multiple eschars. Diagnostic approaches emphasize the importance of travel history, at-risk activities during travel and lesion distribution. At-risk activities include sun exposure, walking barefoot, exposure to sea and fresh water, hiking in forested or jungle areas, exposure frequency to mosquitoes and sandflies, poor hygiene and food intake, drug history and sexual behaviour. Morphological characteristics (vesicula, bullae, pustule, papule, nodule, plaque, oedema and ulcer), distinguishing between single and multiple skin lesions, localized or generalized, and whether mucosa, scalp, palmar or plantar surfaces are affected, provide further clinical clues. Systemic signs and symptoms such as fever and pruritus will aid in the differential diagnosis algorithms. With a thorough clinical assessment and knowledge of geographic and exposure-related risk factors, the differential diagnosis of travel-associated skin conditions can be narrowed down allowing for timely clinical management.

Does how we eat affect how much we eat? Associations between covertly measured eating behaviours and food intake over 24 hours in a controlled residential setting

Obesity is a complex condition which is significantly impacted by an individual’s biology, environment and behavioural factors. Excess energy dense (ED)(kJ/g) food intake (1), higher eating rate (2), increased eating frequency (3) and eating later in the day (4) have all been linked with obesity, but findings are mixed and require clarification using robust and objective measures of food intake behaviour. The aim of this research was to investigate associations between these eating behaviours and energy intake (EI) within a controlled residential setting in 65 participants (BMI 36.4 ± 11.0 (range 17.6-65.2); 9 optimal weight, 15 overweight and 41 with obesity/severe obesity; age 44.3 ± 12.7 years (range 18.6-67.6 years), 44F,21M).As part of baseline measurements for a larger study (5) participants were assessed for 36hrs (twonights) within the Human Intervention Studies Unit at Ulster University, UK, and had ad lib access to a personalised menu (n 54 foods) representing a range of low/high fat macronutrient mix food groups with varying carbohydrate and protein content (6). Food intake and eating behaviour were measured covertly and validated by CCTV. Study outcomes were 24-hour EI (MJ), ED (kJ/g), % nutrient contribution to total EI, as well as parameters of eating including: size (g, kJ) speed (g/min; kJ/min;), number (n) and duration (mins) of eating occasions (defined as consumption of at least 210kJ separated by ≥5 minutes) and the timing of eating (epochs: 7-11am, 11:01-3pm, 3:01-7pm, 7:01-11pm). On the final morning, blood samples were collected before and 90mins after a standardised breakfast for the analysis of glicentin, a proglucagon-derived peptide. Associations between total EI and measures of eating behaviour were assessed using Spearman’s RankCorrelation analysis showed weak positive associations between total EI and fasting glicentin (r = 0.296, p = 0.024), ED (r = 0.364, p = 0.004), and moderate associations with number (r = 0.419, p = 0.001) and size of eating occasions (r = 0.415, p = 0.005) as well as total weight of food consumed (r = 0.634, p&lt;0.001). Of note, there was also a positive association between EI/eating occasion and a faster eating rate as expressed by [kJ/min (r = 0.519; p&lt;0.001)] but not g/min (r = 0.276, p = 0.07). There was also a stronger relationship between EI and lean mass (r = 0.450, p&lt;0.001) than bodyweight (r = 0.291, p = 0.023).These findings suggest that food portion size and increased eating frequency may be a more important drivers of EI than dietary ED, and that the rate of eating higher ED foods may be linked to consuming a higher energy meal. These findings are skewed towards individuals with obesity but if confirmed highlight a need for weight management programmes to strengthen strategies to improve portion control and to limit grazing behaviours. There is also a need for robust randomised controlled trials to determine if eating slower reduces overall EI.