International Life Sciences Institute Research Articles

Body mass index impacts ectopic pregnancy during in vitro fertilization: an analysis of 42,362 clinical pregnancy cycles

PurposeThis large, single-center, retrospective cohort study was aimed to explore the effect of female body mass index (BMI) on ectopic pregnancy (EP) following fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfers (ET).MethodsA total of 27,600 pregnancies after fresh ET and 14,762 pregnancies after frozen-thawed ET were included between January 2010 to June 2022. Women were divided into three groups based on BMI according to the Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC), International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI): underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI, 18.5–23.9 kg/m2), and overweight or obesity (≥ 24 kg/m2). Compare EP rates among BMI categories in fresh and frozen-thawed ET cycles respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between female BMI and EP.ResultsThe overall EP rates in fresh, and frozen thawed transfer cycles were 2.43% (672/27,600) and 2.82% (417/14,762), respectively. In fresh ET cycles, underweight women yielded a significantly higher EP rate than those with normal and excess weight (3.29% vs. 2.29% vs. 2.54%, P = 0.029). But EP rates did not differ among the three BMI groups (2.72% vs. 2.76% vs. 2.96%, P = 0.782) in frozen-thawed ET cycles. In fresh ET cycles, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, no significant association was found between female BMI and EP occurrence (adjusted OR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.70–1.37, P = 0.894, for BMI 18.5–23.9 kg/m2; adjusted OR: 0.89, 95% CI 0.75–1.06, P = 0.205, for BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2. Reference = BMI < 18.5 kg/m2).Conclusion(s)Female BMI did not affect the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy in either fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles.

Comparative Nutritional Assessment and Metabolomics of a WRKY Rice Mutant with Enhanced Germination Rates

Rice is the primary staple food for half the world’s population. Climate change challenges and food insecurity supports the need for rice with agronomically advantageous traits. We report on a transposon insertional rice mutant with enhanced germination rates. This trait is advantageous for rice growth in limited water regions and to reduce yield constraints caused by weed and bird competition. Evaluations of vital nutritional components, compositional analysis, and comparative metabolomics on threshed grain samples are performed, as these assays are those used to assess the safety of foods from genetically modified crops. Compared with the wild type (cv. Nipponbare), oswrky71 mutant grains have a similar size, shape, amount of crude fiber, crude fat, and ash content but higher crude protein. Mineral analyses reveal higher contents of phosphorus and zinc but lower calcium, potassium, sodium, and manganese in the mutant. Analysis of B vitamins reveals significantly higher riboflavin concentrations but lower choline chloride, calcium pantothenate, and thiamine. In addition, untargeted metabolomics analyses identify approximately 50 metabolites whose levels differed between the mutant and its wild type. Physical traits and compositional parameters analyzed are mostly similar and within the range or very close to being considered safe for consumption by the International Life Sciences Institute Crop Composition Database. Further agronomic evaluation and cooked rice sensory properties assessment are needed before positioning this mutant for human consumption.

Response to the International Life Sciences Institute report on trans fatty acids

Response to the International Life Sciences Institute report on trans fatty acids

Impacts of the Ukraine–Russia Conflict on the Global Food Supply Chain and Building Future Resilience

SummaryThe reverberations of the Ukraine–Russia conflict have been keenly felt in 2022 as the impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine quickly cascaded across the globe, significantly exacerbating existing pressures on global systems. The vulnerabilities of the global food system have been particularly laid bare with significant disruptions to food and fertiliser supply chains instigating profound shocks on global food supply – disproportionately affecting poorer and vulnerable populations of the Global South. The immediate concerns and potential solutions to the global impacts of the Ukraine–Russia conflict were recently discussed by a panel of industry, academic and civil society experts convened by the European branch of the International Life Sciences Institute, all of whom are authors of this manuscript. The key concerns: the reduced affordability of food – focussing on those most vulnerable to its effects; the socio‐political implications of reduced food security; food safety; and nutrition security are all discussed in this Point de Vue. The authors voice the need for improved resilience to future shocks and stress on the food system.

Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate a Testing Protocol for the Safety of Food Packaging Coatings.

According to European regulations, migration from food packaging must be safe. However, currently, there is no consensus on how to evaluate its safety, especially for non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). The intensive and laborious approach, involving identification and then quantification of all migrating substances followed by a toxicological evaluation, is not practical or feasible. In alignment with the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) and the European Union (EU) guidelines on packaging materials, efforts are focused on combining data from analytics, bioassays and in silico toxicology approaches for the risk assessment of packaging materials. Advancement of non-targeted screening approaches using both analytical methods and in vitro bioassays is key. A protocol was developed for the chemical and biological screening of migrants from coated metal packaging materials. This protocol includes guidance on sample preparation, migrant simulation, chemical analysis using liquid chromatography (LC-MS) and validated bioassays covering endocrine activity, genotoxicity and metabolism-related targets. An inter-laboratory study was set-up to evaluate the consistency in biological activity and analytical results generated between three independent laboratories applying the developed protocol and guidance. Coated packaging metal panels were used in this case study. In general, the inter-laboratory chemical analysis and bioassay results displayed acceptable consistency between laboratories, but technical differences led to different data interpretations (e.g., cytotoxicity, cell passages, chemical analysis). The study observations with the greatest impact on the quality of the data and ultimately resulting in discrepancies in the results are given and suggestions for improvement of the protocol are made (e.g., sample preparation, chemical analysis approaches). Finally, there was agreement on the need for an aligned protocol to be utilized by qualified laboratories for chemical and biological analyses, following best practices and guidance for packaging safety assessment of intentionally added substances (IAS) and NIAS to avoid inconsistency in data and the final interpretation.

Multi-nutrient interventions and cognitive ageing: are we barking up the right tree?

As we continue to elucidate the mechanisms underlying age-related brain diseases, the reductionist strategy in nutrition–brain function research has focused on establishing the impact of individual foods. However, the biological processes connecting diet and cognition are complex. Therefore, consideration of a combination of nutritional compounds may be most efficacious. One barrier to establishing the efficacy of multi-nutrient interventions is that the area lacks an established set of evidence-based guidelines for studying their effect on brain health. This review is an output of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Europe. A multi-disciplinary expert group was assembled with the aim of developing a set of considerations to guide research into the effects of multi-nutrient combinations on brain functions. Consensus recommendations converged on six key issues that should be considered to advance research in this area: (1) establish working mechanisms of the combination and contributions of each individual compound; (2) validate the relevance of the mechanisms for the targeted human condition; (3) include current nutrient status, intake or dietary pattern as inclusion/exclusion criteria in the study design; (4) select a participant population that is clinically and biologically appropriate for all nutritional components of the combination; (5) consider a range of cognitive outcomes; (6) consider the limits of reductionism and the ‘gold standard’ randomised controlled trial. These guiding principles will enhance our understanding of the interactive/complementary activities of dietary components, thereby strengthening the evidence base for recommendations aimed at delaying cognitive decline.

Evaluating industry attempts to influence public health: Applying an ethical framework in understanding commercial determinants of health.

ObjectivesThis paper explores industry influence on public health using a specific case study and applies an established ethical framework based on eleven principles to explore Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH). It demonstrates an application of these principles to evaluate the ethical integrity of industry strategies and practices and their impacts on public health.MethodsUsing eleven a priori, deductive, ethical principles as codes, this paper conducted an in-depth analysis of 19 e-mail chains and accompanying documents made publicly available through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) from U.S. Right to Know (USRTK) sent between Coca-Cola representatives, lobbyists, academics, and the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), founded by former Coca-Cola executives.ResultsThe three principles violated most frequently amongst the documents were consumer sovereignty (n = 22), evidence-informed actions (n = 21), and transparency (n = 20). Similarly, codes that featured most regularly across documents were transparency (13 out of 19 documents), consumer sovereignty (13 out of 19 documents), evidence-informed actions (9 out of 19 documents), and social justice and equity (9 out of 19 documents). All eleven principles were applied at least four times throughout the documents; however, responsiveness (z = 12), moral responsibility (z = 16), and holism (z = 30) were the least relevant to the data set.ConclusionsThis case study of Coca-Cola demonstrates the usefulness of this ethics framework in reviewing actions of corporate actors in the promotion of products that are harmful to human health. It shows that the industry at times has low ethical integrity in their various strategies and practices to promote their products despite the negative impacts of these products on public health.

Updates in the Role of Pre- and Probiotics in Health and Disease: Where Do We Stand Today?

The 2022 International Scientific Conference of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota and Health® took place in Bratislava, Slovakia, from 27th–30th June. A common theme throughout the conference was that, although significant progress has been made, considerable work remains to be done in understanding how probiotics work, aligning definitions of microbiome-modifying agents, and communicating evidence-based recommendations to clinicians and consumers. There was also an overarching concern around the ease with which food supplements receive marketing approval compared to drugs, and where probiotics lie on this spectrum. Arthur Ouwehand, International Flavors &amp; Fragrances, Inc. (IFF), Kantvik, Finland, presented updates to the 2022 International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Concise Monograph on probiotics, prebiotics, and the gut microbiota in human health. Hania Szajewska, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, focused on clinical recommendations for the use of probiotics, suggesting ways to approach the differences between guidelines. Regulatory agencies now recognise probiotics as a new category of medicinal products termed ‘live biotherapeutic products’, and Sin-Hyeog Im, Pohang University of Sciences and Biotechnology, Pohang, South Korea, and ImmunoBiome Inc., Pohang, South Korea, discussed the importance of characterising a new probiotic and understanding its mechanism of action to fulfil regulatory requirements. Benjamin Jensen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, stressed the importance of considering the gastrointestinal target and the diet and condition of the patient when developing probiotics, and Martin Haranta, PerBiotiX – Microbiome Solutions, Kysucké Nové Mesto, Slovakia, expanded on this subject, emphasising the promise that personalised and targeted modulation of gut microbiota holds for chronic disease. Sean Gibbons, Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, USA, and University of Washington, Seattle, USA, described some of the current and emerging tools to support research into microbiota-based therapies and how these could be harnessed to achieve personalised medicine. Finally, links between the gut microbiome and the liver and central nervous system (CNS), and potential therapies to exploit these connections were illustrated by Peter Konturek, Thuringia-Clinic Saalfeld, Germany, and Gerard Clarke, University College Cork, Ireland.

Increasing Protein Ingestion Minimally Increases Lean Mass and Muscle Strength in Subjects Enrolled in Resistance Exercise Training a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectivesThis systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression aimed to determine if increasing daily protein ingestion contributes to gaining lean mass (LM), muscle strength, and physical/functional test performance in healthy persons.MethodsThe present review was registered on PROSPERO - CRD42020159001. A systematic search in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Sciences databases was undertaken. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) including healthy and non-obese adult participants increasing daily protein intake were selected. Subgroup analysis, splitting the studies by participation in resistance exercise training (RE), age (< 65 or ≥ 65 y), and daily protein ingestion were also performed.Results74 RCT fit our inclusion criteria. The age range of the participants was 19 to 85 y, and study protocols in the trials lasted from 6 to 108 wks (76% of the studies between 8 and 12 wks). In ∼80% of the studies, baseline protein ingestion was at least 1.2 g of protein/kg/d. Increasing daily protein ingestion may lead to small gains in LM in subjects enrolled in RE (SMD [standardized mean difference] = 0.22, CI95% [95% confidence interval] 0.14:0.30, P < 0.01, 62 studies, moderate level of evidence). Also, ≥ 65 y subjects ingesting 1.2–1.59 g of protein/kg/d and younger subjects (< 65 y) increasing their ingestion to ≥ 1.6 g of protein/kg/d during RE showed a higher LM gain. Lower-body strength gain was slightly higher at ≥ 1.6 g of protein/kg/d during RE (SMD = 0.40, CI95% 0.09:0.35, P < 0.01, 19 studies, low level of evidence). Bench press strength was slightly increased by ingesting more protein in < 65 y subjects during RE (SMD = 0.18, CI95% 0.03:0.33, P = 0.01, 32 studies, low level of evidence). Effects on handgrip strength are unclear and only marginal for performance in physical function tests.ConclusionsThe number of studies increasing daily protein ingestion alone was too low (n = 6) to conduct a meta-analysis. The current evidence shows that increasing protein ingestion by consuming supplements or food, resulted in small additional gain in LM, and lower body muscle strength in healthy adults enrolled in RE. Effects on bench press strength and performance in physical function tests are minimal. The effect on handgrip strength was unclear.Funding SourcesThis research received a grant from the International Life Science Institute (Europe) and CNPq.

Commentary on: prebiotic effects: metabolic and health benefits.

In 2010, British Journal of Nutrition published a consensus review article entitled Prebiotic effects: metabolic and health benefits(1). This was commissioned by International Life Sciences Institute, Europe and had twenty-one co-authors. The current article summarises how this review was planned and written. It deals with three questions regarding the context/background of the paper; what it told us and what happened next.

Characterizing the Gut Microbiome of Dietary Patterns Using Pooled Samples: Assessing a Novel Methodological Approach to a Complex Web of Confounders

ObjectivesThe response to a dietary pattern exhibits large interindividual variability—due in part to the uniqueness of the microbiome of each individual. However, specific attributes of the microbiome related to dietary intake may be directly related to the precise dietary pattern. To determine what attributes come solely from a dietary pattern, we must isolate the individual differences. To do this, we aim to establish the feasibility of assessing microbiome attributes related to disparate dietary patterns using pooled samples. MethodsSamples from 4 self-identified vegans and omnivores were collected, pooled, homogenized and stored at –80°C until time of analysis. Dietary patterns were self-reported using DietID. Whole genome shotgun metagenomics was performed (Replicates: 10/diet, 4/individual). Metabolomic profiles were analyzed using NMR and MS/MS. Genomic and metabolomic data were analyzed to identify diet-specific signatures. As part of a comprehensive literature review, we developed a table predictive of the microbiomes of omnivores versus vegans. We compare our findings to this summary of emerging research to assess potential validity of pooled sample analysis. ResultsKey differences were detected between the vegan and omnivore samples individually and in pools including 10 genera significantly enriched in vegan and 15 in omnivore, e.g., Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Faecalibacterium, Methanobrevibacter, and Ruminococcus. Fold changes were > 2 in 13 of 25 genera (4 vegan, 9 omnivore). Differences were comparable to the predictive table. Ongoing analyses include comparisons at additional taxonomic levels and diversity/richness assessments which will improve the resolution of the aforementioned relationships and the ability to detect them using pooled samples. ConclusionsEven with a small cohort of pooled samples, we are able to reproduce the findings of the evidence-base to-date—the same variability and stability in microbiome composition. Funding SourcesNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), The International Life Sciences Institute – North America (ILSI-NA).

Blueberries, Health, and Exercise Performance

Stella Lucia Volpe, Ph.D., RDN, FACSM, ACSM-CEP,is professor and head of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Her degrees are in both nutrition and exercise physiology; she also is an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist® and a registered dietitian. Dr. Volpe’s research focuses on obesity and diabetes prevention using traditional interventions and mineral supplementation, altering the environment to result in greater physical activity and healthy eating as well as in sport nutrition. Dr. Volpe serves on the Program Committee for ACSM and is on the Board of Trustees for the International Life Sciences Institute North America. Dr. Volpe is an associate editor of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®, the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, and Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. She also is editor-in-chief for Current Nutrition Reports.

Cardiovascular Harm From Egg Yolk and Meat: More Than Just Cholesterol and Saturated Fat.

Cardiovascular Harm From Egg Yolk and Meat: More Than Just Cholesterol and Saturated Fat.

Indicadores de qualidade da terapia nutricional enteral são ferramentas úteis para o monitoramento em pacientes com câncer avançado em cuidados paliativos?

Introduction: Enteral nutritional therapy (ENT) in patients with advanced cancer in palliative care should be directed towards a better quality of life, being important its monitoring so that the patient has access to the best that the therapy can offer. The objective of this study was to apply the quality indicators of ENT in patients with advanced cancer in palliative care. Methods: Descriptive, observational study with a quantitative approach. Seven ENT quality indicators proposed by the International Life Sciences Institute in Brazil were applied and the reasons for the suspension or interruption of the enteral diet during hospitalization were quantified. Results: 51 patients admitted from May to November 2019 participated in the study. The frequencies of inadvertent exit of enteral nutrition tube (0.02%), the days of adequate administration of the prescribed volume versus infused volume (92.6%) and diarrhea (2%) are within the goal used. The administration of protein (25.5%) and energy (57.4%), the frequency of episodes of abdominal distension (33.3%) and constipation (86.3%) were inadequate. The diet was interrupted or suspended mainly due to the occurrence of vomiting, end-of-life care or tube obstruction. Conclusion: The use of quality indicators of nutritional therapy proved to be viable in this group of patients. Some inadequacies found in this population may be associated with the change in the objective of nutritional therapy in patients with shorter life expectancy. Adaptations based on the prognosis may be necessary, in addition to the application of new indicators, or adjustments to the proposed goals.

Inside ILSI: How Coca-Cola, Working through Its Scientific Nonprofit, Created a Global Science of Exercise for Obesity and Got It Embedded in Chinese Policy (1995-2015).

Industry influence on health science and policy is a critical issue of our day. In 2015 the New York Times revealed that Coca-Cola paid scientists to form a Global Energy Balance Network promoting the notion that exercise, not dietary restraint, is the solution to the obesity epidemic-a claim few accept. This article examines the organizational dynamics and policy process behind Coke's efforts to sway obesity policy-globally and in China, a critical market-during 1995-2015. In-depth, qualitative research during 2013-18 involved 10 weeks of fieldwork in Beijing, interviews with 25 leading experts, analysis of newsletters documenting all major obesity-related activities in China, interviews with 10 Euro-American experts, and extensive internet research on all major actors. This article tells two intertwined stories (institutional dynamics, science making and policy making) at global and local-Chinese levels. Coke succeeded in redirecting China's obesity science and policy to emphasize physical activity. Key to its success was the industry-funded global nonprofit International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI). Beneath ILSI's public narrative of unbiased science and no policy advocacy lay a maze of hidden channels companies used to advance their interests. Working through those channels, Coca-Cola influenced China's science making and policy making during every phase in the policy process, from framing the issues to drafting official policy. Though China is exceptional, ILSI promoted exercise globally, suggesting potentially significant impacts in other ILSI-branch countries.

Summary of the 9th Life Science Symposium: integration of nutrition and exercise sciences.

The Life Science Symposium held by the Nutrition Research Committee of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Japan in 2018, "Fusion of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences Leading to Extension of Healthy Life Expectancy," covered current topics in the science of nutrition and exercise to address extending healthy life expectancy. Presentation topics included (1) lifestyle and gut microbiota; (2) how to use lipids in sports nutrition; (3) the effect and molecular mechanism of improvement of arteriosclerosis by exercise and nutrition; (4) physical activity and nutrition that support brain function; (5) skeletal muscles and food ingredients that support healthy longevity; (6) measures against sarcopenia by exercise and nutrient intake; (7) physical activity/exercise for disease prevention; (8) nutritional epidemiology research for the Japanese population; (9) new developments in health science in viewed from nutrition and intestinal flora; (10) why do Asians develop nonobese metabolic disease?; and (11) social implementation of the health promotion program by ILSI Japan. The speakers emphasized the promotion of research on exercise and nutrition interactions and encouraged social implementation of the research results in public and private sectors.

Current situation and perspectives of ready-to-eat food/meal suppliers.

Working Group 2 of the Healthy Diet Research Committee of International Life Sciences Institute Japan (WG2) assessed the concept and practice of healthy eating in the ready-to-eat food/meal industry in Japan. WG2 interviewed 14 arbitrarily selected member companies that included "health" or "nutrition" in their management policy, and sent a questionnaire to 338 member companies of the Japan Ready-Made Meal Association. Ready-to-eat food/meal suppliers mainly referred to Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese, the Japanese Food Guide, and/or Healthy Japan 21 for their menu construction. They increased dietary fiber, variety, vegetables, whole-grain cereals, millet rice, and soy bean products; and reduced energy, carbohydrates, and salt in "healthy" food. They tended to avoid making direct appeals to health. Many companies reduced the salt content without drawing attention to the practice. They continually strive to improve flavor as the single most important factor for selling healthy food. The cycling of menus is used to increase diversity in food consumption. These industries require both academia and the government to define priorities for increasing and decreasing particular nutrients as the main targets and to establish the maximum time for balancing each nutrient.

What is the scientific definition of the Japanese diet from the viewpoint of nutrition and health?

The Japanese people have enjoyed longevity for several decades, and Japanese dietary habits are considered to contribute to this longevity. The scientific definition of the Japanese diet, however, is not yet fully established. The Working Group 1 of the Healthy Diet Research Committee of the International Life Sciences Institute Japan reviewed the literature to collect definitions of the Japanese diet appearing in articles in the fields of diet, nutrition, foods, and human health. This report addresses the definitions and the questions raised by these definitions. Among 283 relevant articles identified, 116 were carefully screened and included in the analysis. In most of the articles, the authors self-defined the Japanese diet; some studies used a government-proposed definition. This review revealed no systematic approach to define the Japanese diet from the viewpoints of nutrition and health. Before conducting studies to determine whether the Japanese diet is healthy, it is important to address the question of what the Japanese diet is from the viewpoint of human nutrition rather than culinary culture.

Social implementation of healthy diets.

Many issues regarding the social implementation of healthy diets remain to be solved. The structure of these issues and the route to achieve social implementation are not well organized. Working Group 3 of the Healthy Diet Research Committee of International Life Sciences Institute, Japan, surveyed some precedent cases aiming to establish a healthy diet and, by categorizing the success factors, developed recommendations for the social implementation of a healthy diet. Interviews were conducted with 8 "good health management" companies in various industries that target the "work area." In the hearing, the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance model was used as a reference for evaluating the intervention effects. Many problems in implementation were revealed, especially with respect to continuity in and approaches to addressing indifference to health. "Management intention," "Linking with their own business," and "Visualization" were cited as factors for successful implementation of the health measures.

High frequency of non-compliance with quality indicators during oral nutrition support in hospitalized patients.

Quality indicators are important tools in clinical practice for assessing and monitoring the quality of care in nutritional therapy. Application of these indicators can improve care and may help to decrease the high frequency of malnutrition and associated hospital costs. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to estimate the frequency of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) use and to evaluate compliance with the four available quality indicators in oral nutritional therapy (QIONT) in a university hospital. A prospective study was conducted from November 2017 to May 2018, using data from all patients with an ONS prescription aged 18 years or older admitted to the medical clinical or surgical clinical wards. Four indicators were investigated, as recommended by the International Life Science Institute. Of the 727 hospitalized patients in the included wards, 214 were on ONS. The frequency of ONS prescription was 29.4%. Of the 4 QIONT evaluated, none achieved the goals: frequency of subjective global assessment and reassessment nutritional (48.1% and 5.6%, respectively); frequency of non-compliance for the indication of ONS (73.36%); and fasting over 24h during ONS (50%). A high frequency of non-compliance (100% of QIONT) was observed in hospitalized patients on ONS in medical clinical and surgical clinical wards. These results will enable health professionals in the evaluated service to elaborate protocols to improve the evaluation and recording of the nutritional follow-up of hospitalized patients on ONS. This will help to improve the quality of nutritional care.