Low Water Intake Research Articles

Abstract LB242: Characterizing the fate<tissue distribution and excretion route> of cancer vaccine lipoplex-RNA following intravenous injection of 14C-DOTMA-lipoplex-mRNA in mice

Abstract Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a new class of therapeutic agent delivered by a carrier lipoplex (LPX) to elicit an immune-response for treating various diseases, including cancers. However, the PK and tissue distribution of the components is not well characterized given its therapeutic novelty and structural complexity. As such, this study aimed to characterize the distribution and metabolic fate of LPX-mRNA using a radiolabeled DOTMA, a component of the LPX-mRNA therapeutic, to aid the development of this anti-cancer agent. To track the fate of LPX-mRNA, DOTMA was first radiolabeled with [14C] through chemical synthesis (14C-DOTMA, and then mixed with DOPE and mRNA at a specific ratio to form 14C-DOTMA-LPX-mRNA (14C-LPX-mRNA)). The plasma protein binding and blood cell partitioning for both 14C-LPX-mRNA and 14C-DOTMA alone were assessed in vitro. Moreover, the in vivo biodistribution and elimination of both 14C-molecules were characterized following a single intravenous (IV) injection in mice up to 12 weeks.The in-vitro assays showed the 14C-DOTMA and the 14C-LPX-mRNA were highly associated with plasma proteins and blood cell as the complexes were spun down at a much higher level as compared to in PBS solution (~5% and ~60% plasma proteins bound and ~60% and ~80% blood cell partitioned in 14C-DOTMA and the 14C-LPX-mRNA, respectively). Following in-vivo dosing in mice, plasma radioactivity of both test molecules showed a biphasic elimination profile with a rapid phase of decrease during the first 3 days followed by a prolonged exposure phase. The radioactivity in the whole blood and plasma displayed similar profiles but had minimal partitioning to blood cells, differing from the in-vitro data. We hypothesized that, both drug substances began to associate with plasma proteins/blood cells, then quickly distributed to the tissues and eliminated from the systemic circulation. Among all tissues analyzed, the liver and spleen showed the highest radioactivity levels where the 14C-LPX-mRNA peaked within the day while 14C-DOTMA peaked at 3-weeks-after-dose, followed by a long persistency. Lower levels of distribution and persistence of radioactivity were also observed in other tissues. The route of elimination is mainly through the biliary-fecal route with minimal contribution from the renal route for 14C-LPX-mRNA. 14C-LPX-mRNA achieved mass balance at 8-weeks after dose where ~70% was eliminated through feces, 3% through urine and ~20% remaining in tissues. 14C-DOTMA animals have an under-recovery of about 40-50% in radioactivity due to animals’ low intake of food and water which caused a severe reduction in animals’ weight. In summary, this study fully characterized the fate of the 14C-DOTMA and the 14C-LPX-mRNA in vitro and in vivo in mice. Our data demonstrated that the LPX-mRNA (by tracking DOTMA) mainly distributed to the spleen and liver with a long persistency, consistent with previous study showing the spleen as the major tissue for mRNA distribution. However, the LPX’s elimination profile (duration/persistency) is likely very different from that of mRNA. The ongoing work is to track the fate of mRNA component in LPX-mRNA, which could provide more insight on the correlation of DOTMA and mRNA, and help the development of this novel therapeutic modality. Citation Format: Victor Yip, Gillie Roth, Elizabeth Torres, Sara Wichner, Craig Blanchette, Amrita Kamath, Ben-Quan Shen. Characterizing the fate<tissue distribution and excretion route> of cancer vaccine lipoplex-RNA following intravenous injection of 14C-DOTMA-lipoplex-mRNA in mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB242.

Calcium concentration of drinking water to improve calcium intake: A simulation study.

The risk of inadequate calcium intake is a worldwide problem. We performed a simulation exercise on the impact, effectiveness, and safety of increasing calcium levels in drinking water using the 2019 Health and Nutrition National Survey of Argentina, which provides water intake and water sources data at the individual level. We simulated the distribution of calcium intake assuming a calcium concentration of 100mg of calcium per liter of tap water and 400mg of calcium per liter of bottled water. After the simulation, all population groups had a slightly improved calcium intake. Higher impacts were observed in adults, as reported water intake was higher in adults 19-51 years old. In young adult women, the estimated calcium intake inadequacy decreased from 91.0% to 79.7% when calcium was increased in tap water and to 72.2% when calcium was increased in tap and bottled water. The impact was lower in adolescents and older adults who have higher calcium recommendations and reported lower water intake. Increased calcium concentration of water could improve calcium intake in Argentina, especially in adults as their reported water intake is higher. Combining more than one strategy to improve calcium intake might be required for countries like Argentina with low calcium intake.

Effects of feeding strategies during lay on broiler breeder production performance, eggshell quality, incubation traits, and behavior

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a standard diet twice a day or split-feeding in broiler breeders on production performance, eggshell quality, incubation traits, and behavior. A total of 720 Ross 308 female breeders (45 weeks of age [WOA]) and 24 males (25 WOA) were randomly placed in 24 floor pens. The birds followed 3 feeding strategies: 1) Standard breeder diet fed once a day (100% at 0730 h) (CON), 2) Standard breeder diet fed twice a day (50% at 0730 h and 50% at 1600 h) (TAD), and 3) Split-feeding fed twice a day, with a morning (0730 h) and afternoon (1600 h) diet (SF). The morning diet contained more energy, protein, and phosphorus (P) and less calcium (Ca) than the control and afternoon diets. The afternoon diet had lower energy, protein, and P and higher Ca content than the control and morning diets. The TAD and SF birds tended to have a lower water intake (P=0.055) and water-to-feed ratio (P=0.054) compared to the CON birds. A 2.1% points higher hen-day egg production was found for the SF birds compared to the CON birds (P=0.063), whereas the TAD birds did not differ from the other treatments. No differences were found for egg weight, eggshell quality, fertility, embryonic mortality, or average feather cover. A tendency toward a higher albumen percentage (P=0.060) and lower yolk percentage (P=0.069) was found for the TAD birds compared to the SF birds. The albumen-to-yolk ratio was higher (P=0.022) for the TAD birds than for the CON and SF birds. Due to the twice-a-day feed distribution, the TAD and SF birds showed considerably different behavioral patterns than the de CON birds. In conclusion, twice-a-day feeding decreases the water intake and water-to-feed ratio, whereas split-feeding tended to an improved egg production in broiler breeders. However, no effects were observed on eggshell quality and incubation traits, whereas the behavioral patterns of the birds fed twice a day differed considerably with potential better welfare.

Influence of environmental conditions on the production of nutraceuticals in Italian edible plant landraces

Autochthonous plant varieties, also referred to as landraces, represent an important genetic resource, being well-adapted to the environment in which they have been selected. Landraces usually show profiles rich in nutraceuticals, making them an effective and valuable alternative to commercial agri-products, as well as potential candidates for crop improvement programs. Basilicata region is recognized as an Italian hotspot for agrobiodiversity, due to its complex orography. Thus, this work aimed to characterize and monitor, for two successive years, the content of secondary metabolites and related antioxidant properties of seven different species, four officinal (i.e., wild fennel - Feoniculum vulgare Mill.; oregano - Origanum vulgare L.; thyme - Thymus vulgaris L.; valerian - Valeriana officinalis L.) and three fruit species (i.e., fig - Ficus carica L. cv. Dottato; sweet cherry Prunus avium L. cv. Majatica; plum - Prunus domestica L. cv. Cascavella Gialla), collected in three different sites of this region. In detail, spectrophotometric tests were performed to assess the concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and – for officinal plants – also terpenoids, together with the antiradical activity (FRAP assays). In addition, to better typify the phytocomplexes of these landraces, HPLC-DAD and GC–MS analyses were carried out. In general, officinal plants showed higher values of nutraceutical compounds and related bioactivity with respect to fruit species. The data showed how different accessions of the same species had different phytochemical profiles, according to the sampling area and the year of collection, suggesting a role for both genetic and environmental factors in determining the observed results. Therefore, the final goal of this research was also to find a possible correlation between environmental factors and nutraceutics. The greatest correlation was found in valerian, where a lower water intake seemed to lead to a higher accumulation of antioxidants, and in plum, where the flavonoid content correlated positively with high temperatures. All these outcomes contribute at valorising Basilicata landraces for their aptitude to be high-quality foods and, at the same time, promoting the preservation of the agrobiodiversity for this region.

Scaling Up the Effects of Low Nitrogen in Commercial Broiler Farms

In a protein reduction feeding trial (Study 1) on a commercial broiler farm in northern Germany, it was attempted to be shown that research results from station tests on protein reduction can be transferred to agricultural practice. In a second study, the limits of the N reduction were tested in a research facility. In Study 1, commercial standard feeds were fed to the control group (variant 1:210,000 animals; n = 5 barns). In the test group (variant 2:210,000 animals; n = 5 barns), the weighted mean crude protein (CP) content was moderately reduced by 0.3%. The nitrogen reduction in the feed did not affect performance (feed intake (FA), daily gain (DG), feed conversion (FCR)), but nitrogen conversion rate increased from approx. 61% to approx. 63%. The solid litter weight was reduced by 12% and nitrogen excretion by 9% (p < 0.05). Significantly healthier footpads were due to lower water intake (−4%; p < 0.05) and a numerically drier bedding. In Study 2, responses of treatments (1250 broiler per variant; n = 5) showed that sharper N-lowering (−1.5% CP; weighted average) did not impair performance either, but N-conversion improved and N-excretions decreased significantly. Converted to a protein reduction of one percentage point, the N excretions were able to be reduced by 22% in Study 1 and 18% in Study 2. Feeding trials in the commercial sector, such as the present Study 1, should convince feed mills and farmers to allow the latest scientific results to be used directly and comprehensively in commercial ration design.

Predictors of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage consumption and its effect on adiposity parameters of female Saudi students.

The prevalence of obesity has recently increased, accompanied by a steep increase in the consumption of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages (SSCBs). This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the impact of SSCB consumption on adiposity parameters and to identify factors associated with increased SSCB intake among young adult females in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A validated closed questionnaire including 2 sections, general socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics and anthropometric measurements, was used for data collection of female students (n = 1616) from Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body composition were measured using an Omron HBF-510 body composition analyzer. Overall, 30.2% of the study participants consumed soda regularly. However, the percentages of occasional and never/rare soda intake were 40.1% and 29.7%, respectively. The results showed that BMI, WC, HC, body fat, and visceral fat increased with increasing SSCB intake. Physical inactivity, low income, smoking, low daily water intake, and obesity were associated with increased consumption of SSCB. In conclusion, a high rate of SSCB consumption increased obesity and body fat content in young adult females in Makkah City. Physical inactivity, low income, smoking, low daily water intake, and obesity were identified as predictors of increased SSCB consumption. Specific health education programs and effective public awareness campaigns could be held to address unhealthy SSCB drinking patterns to help improve young women's health.

ՋՈՒՐ ԵՎ ԱՌՈՂՋՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ

Public health surveys spanning decades have studied the nutritional status and its association with the health promotion and disease prevention․ Water is a nutritional component. Water is essential for digestion, circulation of nutrients, movement of substances across cell membranes, metabolism, and regulation of intracellular-extracellular concentration. These processes are optimized by the stringent defense of the central nervous system of body, water and fluid concentration. Recent scientific studies presented in this article show that low volume water intake is associated with adverse health outcomes. According to these studies, low daily water consumption activates the body’s homeostatic mechanisms with the participation of AVP to maintain the water-osmotic balance, contributes to the increased risk of developing chronic diseases. In different countries 25-33% of all adult population intakes less than 1.5 L of water (total intake) per day, which is significantly less than adequate water intake levels. To ensure optimal hydration, it is proposed that the optimal total water intake for healthy adults in temperate climates with mild to moderate physical activity should be from 2.5 to 3.5 liters per day․ Studies provide convincing evidence of the need for adequate fluid intake as a safe, simple preventive measure against various diseases.

Abstract P3131: Aquaglyceroporin Expression In Resistance-sized Arteries

Due to its importance in maintaining homeostasis of many physiological processes in the body, including the cardiovascular system, it’s crucial that humans consume water, to replace any loss that occurs through urine, sweat, feces, and expelled air. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of the global population either does not have a safe drinking water source or consistent access to water throughout the year and with water scarcity projected to only impact more people in the future, it’s important to understand what is the effect of water deprivation on the human body. Once the body loses a greater amount of water than it’s able to intake it enters the process of dehydration, resulting in a body water deficit, known as hypohydration. Even mild dehydration can affect an individual's mental and physical well-being, with an association between chronic dehydration and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including hypertension, stroke, and coronary heart disease (CHD). While the majority of research is focused on acute dehydration, chronic low water intake, also termed underhydration, is also associated with adverse health outcomes. However, the effect of acute and chronic reductions in water intake on the function of resistance-sized arteries, and particularly vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), that regulate systemic blood pressure, is poorly understood. Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins primarily responsible for facilitating water movement across cells in tissues and organs, , with the aquaglyceroporin (AQP3, AQP7, AQP9-10), subfamily also exhibiting permeability to glycerol, and other small solutes. Previous studies have identified AQP7 expression in endothelial cells (ECs) and the heart, where it is proposed to enable the uptake of glycerol as a cardiac energy substrate, however, its function in VSMCs is unclear. Preliminary data demonstrate that in mice the expression of glycerol-permeable aquaglyceroporins, AQP7 and AQP9, are elevated in mesenteric arteries by 48 hours of water deprivation and 28 days of reduced water intake, respectively. Mesenteric artery glycerol content is higher in mice dehydrated for 48 hours compared to 0-hr controls. Male mice administered 10% glycerol ad libitum with water have elevated mesenteric artery AQP7 expression when compared to 0-hr controls. In female mice, ovariectomy (OVX) attenuates increased AQP7 expression in 48-hr dehydrated females, with, 17β-estradiol treatment restoring dehydrated-mediated elevations in expression. These findings suggest that mice adjust to alterations in water intake differently short- and long-term, and suggest a potential mechanism for increasing VSMC glycerol-uptake as an energy source during water duress.

Comparative Effects of Cashew Nut, Leaf and Stem Bark (Anacardium Occidentale L.) on Hyperglycemia and Associated Abnormalities in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Medicinal plants are used as alternative therapy for diabetes. This study investigated comparative effects of methanolic extracts of Anacardium occidentale (linn) nut, leaf and stem bark on hyperglycemia and associated abnormalities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
 Methods: Ninety male Wistar albino rats weighing (200±20g) were used and diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50mg/kgb.wt). The rats were allotted into 9 groups, 10rats/group. Group I: (non-diabetic); Group II: (diabetic untreated); Groups: III & IV: diabetic rats received 100mg/kgb.wt& 200mg/kgb.wt nut extract; Groups: V & VI: diabetic rats received 100mg/kgb.wt& 200mg/kgb.wt leaves extract; VII & VIII were diabetic rats received 100mg/kgb.wt& 200mg/kgb.wt stem bark extract and Group IX: diabetic rats received 2mg/kgb.wt p.o glimepirides for 4weeks. Daily food and water intakes were recorded; weekly body weight and blood glucose levels were measured throughout the experiment. The animals were sacrificed on the last day and fasting plasma blood glucose was withdrawn for biochemical parameters estimation.
 Results: Fasting plasma blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline (ALT), aminotransferase (ALP), urea, uric acid, creatinine, malondialdehydes (MDA) and water intake levels were significantly (p<0.01, 0.05) reduced in the extracts treated groups. However, High density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), body weight and food intake levels were significantly (p<0.01, 0.05) increased in the extracts treated groups.
 Conclusion: Anacardium occidentale parts posses anti-diabetic properties. The nut has extreme therapeutic efficacy and could be used as alternative therapy for diabetes.
 Keywords: Anacardium occidentale, Hyperglycemia, Lipid profiles, Antioxidants, Kidney function.

Functional Constipation in Elderly and Related Determinant Risk Factors: Malnutrition and Dietary Intake

Aim The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between FC and physical activity, dietary intake and malnutrition in the elderly. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on 883 adults aged >65 years from nursing homes and community health centers in Turkey. Constipation status was evaluated according to Rome IV criteria and Bristol Stool Form Scale. Dietary intake was assessed using a food consumption record (24-hour food recall). The dietary energy and nutrients were analyzed using the "Nutrition Information Systems Package Program”. The nutritional status of participants was evaluated using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) test. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, short form) was used to assess physical activity status. Results Among the 883 participants, 29.6% were classified into the FC group (32.2% of females, 25.8% of males). The FC group had significantly lower total energy, fluid, water, protein, carbohydrate, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, total fiber, and fiber (g)/1000 kcal intake than the non-FC group (p < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that total dietary fiber intake was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of FC (OR: 0.98, 95% Cl: 0.96–0.99). According to MNA, participants at risk of malnutrition (OR: 5.21, 95% Cl: 3.09–9.77) and malnourished participants (OR: 3.03, 95% Cl: 1.62–5.68) had a greater likelihood of FC compared with normal participants. Participants in the middle lower quartile of water intake (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.42–0.95) had a decreased likelihood of FC compared with participants in the lowest quartile. Conclusion FC is a common gastrointestinal disorder among the elderly in Turkey. Low dietary fiber intake, low water intake and malnutrition were important risk factors associated with FC in the elderly.

Unravelling the role of nanofillers towards the stability of polymer matrix composite in marine environment

Nanocomposites have been demonstrated to have much lower density, higher viscoelasticity and can have tunable physical and chemical properties compared to metal alloys. The main advantage of nanofillers reinforcement in the polymer matrix for underwater application has been highlighted in terms of lower water intake as well as less debonding in ionic medium. The different types of fibre-reinforced polymer nanocomposites have been fabricated in order to understand the role of nanofillers at polymer matrix inside the saline water. The bonding of protective coating with the resin surface was found to be affected in salt water whereas the nanofillers were found to diffuse into the empty space of polymer matrix and provide comprehensive chemical resistance in ionic environment. It has been established that the gel coating of the composite was not stable under the dynamic water flow and pressure. On the other hand, nanofillers has been found to comprehensively plugged the voids in polymer and fibers interfaces which showed much higher stability in marine environment by delaying the ageing of structures for offshore applications.

Prevalence and risk factors of functional gastrointestinal disorders in early period medical students: a pilot study in Tunisia

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are highly prevalent in medical students around the world. However, there is no specific data on FGIDs in Tunisia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of FGIDs in medical students according to the rome III criteria and to identify risk factors associated with these disorders. A self-administered questionnaire survey was carried out among the students from the first and the second year of medical studies. We studied the influence of socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, health care seeking, psychosomatic symptoms and hospital anxiety and depression scale on the prevalence of FGIDs among these students. Three hundred and forty-three students (20.3 ± 0.8years) were included in our study. The prevalence of FGIDs was 54.2%. The main FGIDs found were the unspecified functional bowel disorder (46.6%), functional constipation (11.6%), irritable bowel syndrome (7.6%) and functional dyspepsia (6.7%). In logistic regression, abnormal BMI (OR = 2.1, 95% CI= 1–4.3), living in school dormitory (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.7–7.8), low water intake (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1–4.2), digestive medication use (OR = 3.4, 95% CI= 1.3–8.5), and probable or definite anxiety (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1–5.8) were the five risk factors associated with FGIDs. We demonstrate a high prevalence of FGIDs (54.2%) among our students. Risk factors for FGIDs were abnormal BMI, living in school dormitory, low water intake, digestive medication use and anxiety.

Bean meal and cactus pear in Santa Inês lamb rations for meat production: Intake, digestibility, performance, carcass yield, and meat quality

Aim of study: The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, performance, carcass yield, and meat quality parameters in Santa Inês lambs fed cactus pear and bean meal. Area of study: NW Brazil Material and methods: 32 intact Santa Inês male lambs were distributed in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (diets): control diet (concentrated feed containing corn and soybean meal as energy and protein ingredients); diet containing bean meal as a protein source; diet containing cactus pear as an energy source and; diet containing bean meal and/or cactus pear), using 8 animals per treatment. At the end of the experimental period, lambs were slaughtered with an average body weight of 32.78 kg. Main results: Animal fed cactus pear and bean meal/cactus pear had a higher intake and digestibility for non-fibrous carbohydrates (p&lt;0.05). Lambs fed cactus pear diet had greater water intake via diet and lower neutral detergent fibre digestibility compared to other evaluated diets (p&lt;0.05). Cactus pear and bean meal/cactus pear diets promoted lower water intake concerning to control and bean meal diets (p&lt;0.05). The lower feed conversion was observed for animals that received control diet (p&lt;0.05). Carcass characteristics and meat quality were not affected for the diets (p&gt;0.05). Bean meal can be used as a source of protein concentrate in combination with cactus pear promoting a reduction in the use of corn and soybean in diets for small ruminants. The use of cactus pear in the diets promoted a water supply to the animals. Research highlights: Diets containing cactus pear and bean meal/cactus pear provided higher non-fibrous carbohydrates intake.

Determining risk factors for triple whammy acute kidney injury

Concurrent use of a diuretic, a renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) significantly increases the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). This phenomenon is known as “triple whammy”. Diuretics and RAS inhibitors, such as an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, are often prescribed in tandem for the treatment of hypertension, whereas some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are available over the counter. As such, concurrent treatment with all three drugs is common. The goals of this study are to better understand the mechanisms underlying the development of triple whammy AKI and to identify physiological factors that may increase an individual’s susceptibility. To accomplish these goals, we utilize sex-specific computational models of long-term blood pressure regulation. These models include variables describing the heart and circulation, kidney function, sodium and water reabsorption in the nephron and the RAS and are parameterized separately for men and women. Hypertension is modeled as overactive renal sympathetic nervous activity. Model simulations suggest that low water intake, the myogenic response, and drug sensitivity may predispose patients with hypertension to develop triple whammy-induced AKI. Triple treatment involving an ACE inhibitor, furosemide, and NSAID results in blood pressure levels similar to double treatment with ACEI and furosemide. Additionally, the male and female hypertensive models act similarly in most situations, except for the ACE inhibitor and NSAID double treatment.

Association between eating behavior and lifestyle habits and increase in migraine attacks in university students during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in the population's lifestyle and dietary patterns, important triggers for migraine crises. Objective: Evaluating the association between eating behavior and lifestyle habits and the increase of migraine attacks in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study carried out with university students from Salvador, Bahia, between December/2020 and June/2021. The university students were invited by Whatsapp® and institutional email and then directed to the free and informed consent form and questionnaire, filled through the research management application. This research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under evaluation report 4.351.573. Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis. Results: Sample of 83 individuals, 89,2% women, 45,8% sedentary, 51,8% gained weight recently, 73,4% have low water intake, 59% have difficulty to conciliate and 50,6% have difficult to maintain the sleep. Before the pandemic, 7,3% reported 7-14 days of migraine per month and, after, increased to 24,1%. 36,1% of students associated food with migraine attacks, the main triggers are: coffee (20,5%), chocolate (14,5%), sausages (12%), alcohol (9,6%) and sugar (6%). The increase in migraine days was associated with difficulty in maintaining sleep (p &lt; 0.002). Conclusion: Despite the statistically significant result only between difficulty to conciliate the sleep and greater frequency of migraine, changes in lifestyle and eating behavior caused by the COVID-19 pandemic also seem to imply in increase in days with migraine in university students.

Adherence to dietary guide for elderly adults and health risks of older adults in ethnic minority areas in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe impact of dietary guidelines on health in ethnic minority regions needs to be further explored because of multiple sociocultural factors. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the association between adherence to dietary guidelines and health risks in an elderly population in an ethnic minority region.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 836 older adults in ethnic minority areas. They were asked to describe their daily dietary intake levels through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The closeness coefficient for each study subject was calculated by using the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), which measures the adherence to Dietary Guide for Elderly Adults (DGEA). Regression models were used to analyze the association between adherence and health risks.ResultsThe daily food of the elderly in this area comprised cereals and vegetables. They had low intake of milk, dairy products, and water and high intake of salt. The closeness coefficient for the total population was 0.51, and the adherence of this population to dietary guidelines for the elderly was low. In both the crude model and the models adjusted for covariates, the closeness coefficient was not significantly associated with clinical indicators and health outcomes (p > 0.05).ConclusionsNo association was found between adherence to large sample-based dietary guidelines and clinical indicators or health outcomes in ethnic minority populations. The applicability of dietary guidelines to ethnic minority areas and whether they yield the expected health benefits require further study.

Conhecimento e atitudes de pacientes portadores de nefrolitíase: estudo transversal

Nephrolithiasis is a common urinary tract disease with an increasing prevalence, mainly due to the lack of control of modifiable risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about risk factors for nephrolithiasis and patients' attitudes. This is a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive, and analytical study based on a review of medical records and through an online survey of patients diagnosed with nephrolithiasis during follow-up at a private nephrology clinic in Joinville, Brazil. Gender, age, comorbidities, laboratory values, knowledge, and attitudes were evaluated. An explanatory multivariate model was proposed to assess the effect of knowledge and attitudes on risk factors for nephrolithiasis. Of the 129 participants, 44 (34%) were men, median age 42 years and median time to diagnosis 5 years. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity in 26%. In 42% of patients, there was weight gain since the first consultation. Alone, excessive salt consumption (98%), low water intake (77%) and high protein consumption (67%) were the most identified risk factors. After adjusting for confounders, greater knowledge was not associated with weight gain (OR=0.94; 95% CI 0.73-1.22; p=0.661) or lower salt intake (OR=1.26; 95% CI 0.95-1.67; p=0.106). Greater knowledge was associated with greater daily fluid intake (OR=1.50; 95% CI 1.11-2.01; p=0.008). Although there is little knowledge of all nephrolithiasis risk factors, measures to increase awareness can contribute to preventive attitudes.

Knowledge and attitudes of patients with nephrolithiasis: a crosssectional study

Nephrolithiasis is a common urinary tract disease with an increasing prevalence, mainly due to the lack of control of modifiable risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about risk factors for nephrolithiasis and patients' attitudes. This is a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive, and analytical study based on a review of medical records and through an online survey of patients diagnosed with nephrolithiasis during follow-up at a private nephrology clinic in Joinville, Brazil. Gender, age, comorbidities, laboratory values, knowledge, and attitudes were evaluated. An explanatory multivariate model was proposed to assess the effect of knowledge and attitudes on risk factors for nephrolithiasis. Of the 129 participants, 44 (34%) were men, median age 42 years and median time to diagnosis 5 years. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity in 26%. In 42% of patients, there was weight gain since the first consultation. Alone, excessive salt consumption (98%), low water intake (77%) and high protein consumption (67%) were the most identified risk factors. After adjusting for confounders, greater knowledge was not associated with weight gain (OR=0.94; 95% CI 0.73-1.22; p=0.661) or lower salt intake (OR=1.26; 95% CI 0.95-1.67; p=0.106). Greater knowledge was associated with greater daily fluid intake (OR=1.50; 95% CI 1.11-2.01; p=0.008). Although there is little knowledge of all nephrolithiasis risk factors, measures to increase awareness can contribute to preventive attitudes.

A comparison of body composition and blood lipid indices among Kho-Kho players based on water intake pattern

Purpose: Water intake and its likely association with body composition are under exploration in recent years. However, studies done on athletes are scarce in this direction. The present study aimed to understand the difference between body composition and blood lipid indices of Kho-Kho players based on water intake pattern.Methods: Forty-five male Kho-Kho players aged between 18 and 30 years attending a national camp were recruited for the study. The players were cross-sectionally divided into two groups: (1) low water consumption (LWC; <1 ml/kcal) and (2) adequate water consumption (AWC; >1.0 ml/kcal) based on the water consumption recommendations (IOM, 2005) and evaluated the differences in anthropometric measurements, body composition, total water, energy and nutrient intakes, and blood lipid indices between groups using the t-test.Results: We found a significant difference between LWC and AWC for total water intake (P < 0.01), body mass (P < 0.01), body fat % (P < 0.01), endomorphic somatotype (P < 0.01), girths (P < 0.01), serum triglycerides (P < 0.01), and very low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Lower water intake may increase body mass and fat, endomorphism, and blood lipid indices. Hence, AWC could be useful in the maintenance of ideal body composition, physique, and blood lipid indices in Kho-Kho players.

A Novel Method to Improve Quality of Drinking Water, Based on the Eye’s Biology

Water represents a critical nutrient, the absence of which will be lethal within days. Water’s importance for the prevention of nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases has received more attention recently. There are major gaps in knowledge related to the measurement of total fluid intake and hydration status at the population level. It is poorly understood the effects of chronic mild dehydration and fluid consumption on specific health outcomes including obesity. Urolithiasis is the only disorder that has been consistently associated with chronic low daily water intake. Water is an essential nutrient required for life, but until now, it was considered mainly as a universal solvent, which served to prepare the broth of life inside the cells, but the function of water now takes unusual importance with our discovery of the unsuspected ability of the human body to transform the power of light into chemical energy by dissociating the molecule from water, as it happens in plants. The process that we replicated in the laboratory for the first time in 2007, represents a light at the end of the tunnel, in the growing and serious problem of contamination of the mysterious and vital liquid that we call water.