Markers Of Health Research Articles

O-160 Age at menarche is a marker for increased time to pregnancy

Abstract Study question Is age at menarche a marker for increased time to pregnancy later in life? Summary answer Very early (<11 years) and very late (>15 years) menarche is associated with decreased fecundability. What is known already Several factors such as age, body mass-index and gynecological diseases influence female fecundability. Early or late menarche is associated with increased risk of several negative health outcomes later in life. Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding if age at menarche is associated with time to pregnancy, a measure of female fecundability. Study design, size, duration 82 471 pregnant women with complete, self-reported information on age at menarche and time to pregnancy were included in a large retrospective cohort study between 1999 and 2008. Participants/materials, setting, methods Among 67 613 women with planned pregnancies participating in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study we calculated fecundability ratios which indicate the cycle-specific probability of conception, by categories of age at menarche. We adjusted for pre-pregnancy body mass index, highest completed or ongoing education level and age at initiation of trying to conceive. Main results and the role of chance We observed a 9% lower probability of conception during any given menstrual cycle up to 12 cycles in women with very early (<11 years) menarche, and a 4% lower probability among those with very late (>15 years) menarche compared to women with onset of menarche in the reference category (12-14 years). Among women with menarche <11 years the adjusted fecundability ratio was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.86-0.96) and among women with menarche >15 years the adjusted fecundability ratio was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92-0.99). Limitations, reasons for caution We didn’t have information about partner characteristics such as sperm quality, nor data on early life exposures such as early nutrition and pre-menarcheal body mass index. Since all participants were pregnant, the results could have limited generalizability to those who never conceive. Wider implications of the findings By identifying reduced fecundability as yet another negative health outcome associated with very early or very late menarche, the results from this study further underline the clinical importance of age at menarche as a readily available marker for later reproductive health. Trial registration number not applicable

Transgender healthcare: metabolic outcomes and cardiovascular risk.

Transgender identity is often associated with gender dysphoria and minority stress. Gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) includes masculinising or feminising treatment and is expected to be lifelong in most cases. Sex and sex hormones have a differential effect on metabolism and CVD in cisgender people, and sex hormone replacement in hypogonadism is associated with higher vascular risk, especially in ageing individuals. Using narrative review methods, we present evidence regarding metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes during GAHT and propose recommendations for follow-up and monitoring of metabolic and cardiovascular risk markers during GAHT. Available data show no increased risk for type 2 diabetes in transgender cohorts, but masculinising GAHT increases lean body mass and feminising GAHT is associated with higher fat mass and insulin resistance. The risk of CVD is increased in transgender cohorts, especially during feminising GAHT. Masculinising GAHT is associated with a more adverse lipid profile, higher haematocrit and increased BP, while feminising GAHT is associated with pro-coagulant changes and lower HDL-cholesterol. Assigned male sex at birth, higher age at initiation of GAHT and use of cyproterone acetate are separate risk factors for adverse CVD markers. Metabolic and CVD outcomes may improve during gender-affirming care due to a reduction in minority stress, improved lifestyle and closer surveillance leading to optimised preventive medication (e.g. statins). GAHT should be individualised according to individual risk factors (i.e. drug, dose and form of administration); furthermore, doctors need to discuss lifestyle and preventive medications in order to modify metabolic and CVD risk during GAHT. Follow-up programmes must address the usual cardiovascular risk markers but should consider that biological age and sex may influence individual risk profiling including mental health, lifestyle and novel cardiovascular risk markers during GAHT.

P-094 Genetic variations of antioxidant genes may coordinate with lifestyle to define male fertility: A cross-sectional study with control group

Abstract Study question Are polymorphisms of the oxidative stress-related genes different between infertile men and reproductively healthy men? Does lifestyle contribute to fertility outcomes? Summary answer A strong association between the polymorphisms of two antioxidant genes and sperm quality was identified. The infertile men had higher BMI and alcohol usage. What is known already Antioxidant genes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) play a critical role in spermatogenesis and sperm functions, especially in stress-response cell signaling pathways. Polymorphisms of antioxidant genes have been reported to be associated with gene function, hence sperm quality, ultimately affecting male fertility in various cohorts. Body mass index (BMI) is universally considered a marker of health reflecting whole health, nutrition, and lifestyle. Smoking and alcohol consumption expose the body to harmful chemicals and oxidative stress. Here, we examined the polymorphisms of antioxidant genes in Vietnamese men and the link with lifestyle to regulate fertility. Study design, size, duration This cross-sectional study with control group recruited from Hanoi Medical University Hospital from 2018-2020. The participants were divided into two groups regarding semen analysis based on WHO 2010 criteria. The participants gave consent, then were clinically examined, interviewed for lifestyle, and genetically analyzed for antioxidant gene variations. An extra inclusion criterion for the control men was having at least one healthy baby. The exclusion criteria were chromosome aberrations and Y chromosome microdeletion. Participants/materials, setting, methods The control group (N = 85) and infertile group (N = 107) were recruited. Semen analysis was carried out by the CASA instrument based on WHO 2010 criteria. Lifestyle characteristics including exercise (per week), smoking (yes/no), alcohol consumption (the threshold for “yes” was five standard drinks/occasion, at least one occasion/month) were recorded. Four variants SOD1:7958G>A, SOD2:c.47T>C, CAT:-262C>T, and NOS3:-786C>T were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Pearson’s, Chi-squared (χ2), Wilcoxon rank-sum, ANOVA test, and Bonferroni correction were applied where specifically required. Main results and the role of chance The average age of the two groups was not different (31.96 ± 4.87 vs 31.93 ± 6.3 years old, p = 0.92). The body mass index (BMI) of infertile men was significantly higher than the control (24.84 ± 2.31 vs 23.53 ± 2.55 kg/m2, p = 0.00026). No significant difference was identified regarding exercise and smoking. Notably, 96.26% of infertile men consumed alcohol in comparison with 88.23% of the control (p = 0,034). Genetically, SOD1:7958GA genotype and NOS3:-786CT genotype in the infertility group were significantly higher than in the control, OR = 2.191 (95% CI: 1.226–3.915, p = 0.004) and OR = 3.135 (95% CI: 1.591–6.180, p < 0.001), respectively. The frequency of the SOD2:c.47TC genotype was significantly higher in the male infertility group than in the control (OR = 1.941, 95% CI: 1.063–3.595, p = 0.029). Individuals carrying the SOD1:GA+AA, SOD2:TC+CC, and CAT:CT/TT genotype pattern had an increased risk of male infertility (OR = 7.614, p = 0.007), suggesting that gene-gene interaction plays an important role in male reproduction. To our knowledge, this is the first report worldwide on the association between the SOD1:7958G>A polymorphism and male infertility. Together, the data suggest that antioxidant gene polymorphisms and lifestyle, especially alcohol usage, coordinate to regulate male fertility. Limitations, reasons for caution Direct measurement of oxidative stress in the semen of men having different gene variations would be required to ascertain the link between the polymorphisms of antioxidant genes and fertility. The sample size was relatively small, a larger sample size would be required to accurately represent the Vietnamese population. Wider implications of the findings The findings can assist in infertility diagnosis focusing on the group of higher infertile risk genetic variations. Interventions such as antioxidant supplements would be developed and applied, lifestyle advice would be given specifically for a group having high-risk gene variations to accurately target fertility issues. Trial registration number Not applicable

Analysing the Impact of Spirulina Intake Levels on Performance Parameters, Blood Health Markers and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chickens.

This systematic review examines the impact of varying Spirulina (Limnospira platensis) intake levels on broiler chickens, focusing on growth performance, blood health markers and carcass traits. The data revealed cumulative Spirulina intakes from 3.13 g to 521 g per bird (total feed consumed multiplied by its proportion in the diet) establish a cubic relationship between dosage and growth outcomes. Initial benefits peak and diminish with increased intake, with the optimal threshold for growth performance identified at 45 g per bird. Lower intakes between 14 g and 29 g per bird enhance blood health markers, improving lipid profiles and antioxidant capacity. Similarly, cumulative intakes of 14 g to 37 g per bird optimise meat quality, resulting in better dressing percentages, breast and thigh yields and meat tenderness while minimizing undesirable traits like abdominal fat and cooking loss. These findings underscore the importance of precisely calibrated Spirulina supplementation strategies to maximise growth, health and meat quality benefits while avoiding adverse effects at higher doses. Future research should focus on identifying optimal dosage and duration, assessing long-term implications, elucidating mechanisms of action and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Comparative studies with other feed additives could further establish Spirulina's effectiveness and economic viability in poultry production.

The effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To perform a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of intermittent fasting (IF), as compared with either a control diet (CON) and/or calorie restriction (CR), on body composition and cardiometabolic health in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from their inception to March 2024 to identify original randomized trials with parallel or crossover designs that studied the effects of IF on body composition and cardiometabolic health. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Overall, 14 studies involving 1101 adults with prediabetes or T2D were included in the meta-analysis. IF decreased body weight (WMD -4.56 kg [95% CI -6.23 to -2.83]; p = 0.001), body mass index (BMI; WMD -1.99 kg.m2 [95% CI -2.74 to -1.23]; p = 0.001), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; WMD -0.81% [95% CI -1.24 to -0.38]; p = 0.001), fasting glucose (WMD -0.36 mmol/L [95% CI -0.63 to -0.09]; p = 0.008), total cholesterol (WMD -0.31 mmol/L [95% CI -0.60 to -0.02]; p = 0.03) and triglycerides (WMD -0.14 mmol/L [95% CI -0.27 to -0.01]; p = 0.02), but did not significantly decrease fat mass, insulin, low-densitiy lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, or blood pressure as compared with CON. Furthermore, IF decreased body weight (WMD -1.14 kg [95% CI -1.69 to -0.60]; p = 0.001) and BMI (WMD -0.43 kg.m2 [95% CI -0.58 to -0.27]; p = 0.001), but did not significantly affect fat mass, lean body mass, visceral fat, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profiles or blood pressure. Intermittent fasting is effective for weight loss and specific cardiometabolic health markers in individuals with prediabetes or T2D. Additionally, IF is associated with a reduction in body weight and BMI compared to CR, without effects on glycaemic markers, lipid profiles or blood pressure.

Role of artificial intelligence in medical radiology and imaging

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing radiology, oncology, and other medicine and veterinary care areas. Adopting deep learning algorithms has significantly advanced image analysis and disease detection. This study explores how AI is reshaping the roles of radiologists and radiographers. It highlights its vital function in infection detection and control, as evidenced by its impact during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In veterinary radiation oncology, AI supports complex contouring and treatment planning. However, while AI offers numerous advantages, its implementation must be cautiously approached. Radiologists face challenges, particularly the overwhelming volume of imaging data, which AI helps manage through artificial neural networks and machine learning (ML) algorithms—two significant innovations in this field. In veterinary radiation oncology, AI facilitates collaboration, standardization of data, and the creation of standard operating procedures. Early disease detection, enabled by AI, is essential for initiating treatments that can improve patient outcomes and prognosis. AI is crucial in analyzing large medical datasets, including imaging and clinical data, through advanced algorithms and ML techniques. In veterinary medicine, AI is key to addressing complex challenges in host–pathogen interactions, precision medicine, and predictive epidemiology. AI-powered solutions for continuous monitoring ensure that at-risk patients receive ongoing observation, enabling the rapid detection of changes in health markers. This approach is especially advantageous in managing chronic conditions, enabling proactive healthcare, and facilitating early intervention.

The Role of Musculoskeletal Training During Return to Performance Following Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.

Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) is a condition that is associated with negative health and performance outcomes in athletes. Insufficient energy intake relative to exercise energy expenditure, resulting in low energy availability, is the underlying cause, which triggers numerous adverse physiological consequences including several associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) health and neuromuscular performance. This commentary aims to (1) discuss the health and performance implications of REDs on the skeletal and neuromuscular systems and (2) examine the role that MSK training (ie,strength and plyometric training) during treatment and return to performance following REDs might have on health and performance in athletes, with practical guidelines provided. REDs is associated with decreases in markers of bone health, lean body mass, maximal and explosive strength, and muscle work capacity. Restoration of optimal energy availability, mainly through an increase in energy intake, is the primary goal during the initial treatment of REDs with a return to performance managed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. MSK training is an effective nonpharmacological component of treatment for REDs, which offers multiple long-term health and performance benefits, assuming the energy needs of athletes are met as part of their recovery. Supervised, prescribed, and gradually progressive MSK training should include a combination of resistance training and high-impact plyometric-based exercise to promote MSK adaptations, with an initial focus on achieving movement competency. Progressing MSK training exercises to higher intensities will have the greatest effects on bone health and strength performance in the long term.

Periodontal ageing and its management via pharmacological glucose modulation

Periodontal disease (PD), a widespread non-communicable disease, affects over 90% of the global population with no known cure. Current management strategies focus on stabilization of disease progression, which is successfully achieved to a limited extent. Yet the never-ending battle of bacteria and the gingiva involves a complex interplay between genetic, microbial and environmental factors, demanding innovative approaches to improve prevention and stabilisation of this disease. Glucose is the body's source of energy and research has shown that dysregulation of the glucose metabolism impacts PD establishment and progression, as well as impact development of systemic non communicable diseases. Metformin, a drug known for its efficacy in diabetes treatment via controlling glucose metabolism, also demonstrated cardioprotective effects, increased longevity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Metformin has been used in gel format in clinical trials for PD non-surgical treatment, however, its systemic use in normoglycemic individuals with PD is less explored. A recent study presented compelling evidence of Metformin's preventive potential, impacting PD and markers of systemic health involved in metabolic health liked to improvement of lifespan. Therefore, this review discusses the aspects of ageing as a concept in the periodontium and the potential benefits of modulating glucose metabolism through Metformin to prevent PD, indirectly preventing systemic conditions involved in multi-morbidity, addressing a critical gap in current management. It also examines the choice between implementation of behaviour change and/or medication as strategy to add to current oral hygiene strategies. Finally, it discusses the ethical implications of prescribing systemic medication in dentistry.

Short-term changes in human metabolism following a 5-hour delay of the light-dark and behavioural cycle

The circadian timing system regulates many aspects of metabolic physiology, including the postprandial response to meals(1). Experimental inversion of circadian and behavioural rhythms by 12 hours adversely effects markers of metabolic health(2). We investigated effects of a more modest 5hour delay in behavioural cycles.Fourteen participants completed an 8-day in-patient laboratory protocol, with controlled sleepwake opportunities, light-dark cycles, and diet. The 5-hour delay in behavioural cycles was induced by delaying sleep opportunity. We measured: melatonin to confirm central circadian phase; fasting markers and postprandial metabolism; energy expenditure; subjective sleepiness; and appetite, throughout the waking period.After the phase delay, there was slower gastric emptying at breakfast, lower fasting plasma glucose, higher postprandial plasma glucose and triglycerides, and lower thermic effect of feeding. Any changes were abolished or attenuated within 48-72 hours. Further, we show no difference in 16 h waking energy expenditure.These data extend our previous findings, which showed no time-of-day effect on energy expenditure in healthy adults.

Effects of Almond Snacking on Metabolome, Bile Acids, and Gut Health Markers in Adults With Overweight or Obesity

Effects of Almond Snacking on Metabolome, Bile Acids, and Gut Health Markers in Adults With Overweight or Obesity

Evaluating an acceptance-based lifestyle modification program to address cardiovascular disease risk among adolescent girls with overweight and obesity: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBehavioral weight loss interventions achieve only limited weight loss in adolescent samples and weight regain is common. This limited intervention success may be attributed, in part, to adolescents' lack of self-regulation skills essential for lifestyle modification and use of a one-size fits-all approach to produce weight loss in boys and girls. Interventions which teach self-regulation skills, such as Acceptance-Based Therapy (ABT), and are tailored to meet gender-specific concerns, are critical to help adolescents adapt to pervasive biological and environmental influences toward weight gain. ObjectiveThis trial tests the effect of an ABT intervention on cardiometabolic health, health-related behaviors, and psychological factors among adolescent girls with overweight or obesity (OW/OB). MethodsGirls 14–19 years (N = 148; ≥ 40% racial/ethnic minorities) with OW/OB (BMI: ≥ 85th percentile) will be enrolled in the study. Participants will be randomized to one of two 6-month interventions, consisting of either 18 sessions of ABT or 9 sessions of a health education control, an augmented version of standard care for adolescent OW/OB, both led by bachelor's level interventionists. ResultsRecruitment is taking place in Philadelphia, USA, from January 2024 to January 2028. Cardiometabolic health markers (adiposity; blood pressure; blood lipids), health-related behaviors (dietary intake; physical activity; sleep), and psychological factors (quality of life; depression; disordered eating; psychological flexibility) will be measured at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. ConclusionsThis study will provide valuable information on a novel intervention tailored to the needs of adolescent girls with OW/OB to address self-regulation and cardiometabolic health.

Role of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. in regulating the expression of fibroblast growth factor family in the liver of rat in a breast cancer model

Context: Cellular abnormalities in the ducts and breast tissue cause breast cancer to invade nearby tissues like the liver. The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signals are sent to its receptor and regulate various cellular processes to maintain liver homeostasis. However, this condition has few and inefficient treatments. Breast cancer is characterized by the development of cellular abnormalities within the ducts and breast tissue, leading to the invasion of adjacent tissues, such as the liver. Aims: To examine the impact of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa administration on the expression of the FGF family in cancer animal models, with a specific focus on the liver. Methods: Cancer model rats were administered at dosages of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg BW for 30 days. Liver tissue and blood serum samples were extracted from the rat. Liver tissue was stained for immunohistochemistry using FGF1, FGF15, FGF19, and FGF21, and blood samples were collected for ELISA analysis. Results: The study found that DMBA in hepatocyte cells degrades parenchyma, making it hydrophilic and necrosating. Hepatocyte cell function improved with the greatest dose of R. tomentosa. The elevation was associated with an area around the portal vein where recently dividing hepatocytes form clusters. Conclusions: The promise of R. tomentosa as a candidate for the development of hepatoprotective medicines in cancer treatment arises from its ability to influence the expression of crucial liver health markers, including FGF1, FGF15, FGF19, and FGF21.

Evaluation of direct-acting antiviral agents impact on liver biomarkers in patients with type-2 diabetes and hepatitis C virus infection

Objectives. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection still affects a significant portion of the global population. Despite efforts to combat it, the global prevalence remains high. The use of direct antiviral therapy (DAA) has significantly improved cure rates. The study aimed to assess liver parameters and body mass index (BMI dynamics in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients compared to non-diabetics, after obtaining sustained viral response (SVR) under DAA. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective study on 100 CHC infected patients treated with DAAs between September 2016 and August 2019 at “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest (INBI MB). The study group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the presence of diabetes. All patients were evaluated at initiation of treatment and one year after. FibroMax parameters and BMI were monitored. Outcomes. The study found improvements in liver fibrosis, necroinflammatory activity, and steatosis in both groups after treatment. Notably, T2DM patients experienced a more significant decrease in necroinflammatory activity. Moreover, weight gain post-SVR was observed, potentially impacting liver health. Conclusions. Post-SVR, CHC patients showed improvements in liver health markers, emphasizing the importance of early treatment to prevent severe liver complications. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes post-treatment.

Evaluation of direct-acting antiviral agents impact on liver biomarkers in patients with type-2 diabetes and hepatitis C virus infection

Objectives. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection still affects a significant portion of the global population. Despite efforts to combat it, the global prevalence remains high. The use of direct antiviral therapy (DAA) has significantly improved cure rates. The study aimed to assess liver parameters and body mass index (BMI dynamics in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients compared to non-diabetics, after obtaining sustained viral response (SVR) under DAA. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective study on 100 CHC infected patients treated with DAAs between September 2016 and August 2019 at “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest (INBI MB). The study group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the presence of diabetes. All patients were evaluated at initiation of treatment and one year after. FibroMax parameters and BMI were monitored. Outcomes. The study found improvements in liver fibrosis, necroinflammatory activity, and steatosis in both groups after treatment. Notably, T2DM patients experienced a more significant decrease in necroinflammatory activity. Moreover, weight gain post-SVR was observed, potentially impacting liver health. Conclusions. Post-SVR, CHC patients showed improvements in liver health markers, emphasizing the importance of early treatment to prevent severe liver complications. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes post-treatment.

Impact of Chlorella vulgaris Intake Levels on Performance Parameters and Blood Health Markers in Broiler Chickens.

This systematic review examines the effects of cumulative Chlorella vulgaris intake levels on broiler chickens, focusing on growth performance and systemic health markers. The review establishes a clear relationship between cumulative C. vulgaris intake and significant outcomes in poultry nutrition and health through a detailed analysis of various studies. The correlation analysis revealed that cumulative C. vulgaris intake levels ranging from 0.8 to 718 g/bird influenced growth rates and feed efficiency, following sigmoid models. Specifically, intakes of approximately 20 g/bird maximized final body weight (R2 = 0.616, p < 0.001), cumulative body weight gain (R2 = 0.627, p < 0.001) and daily weight gain (R2 = 0.639, p < 0.001). The feed conversion ratio also improved with increasing C. vulgaris intakes up to this level, although this was non-significant (R2 = 0.289, p = 0.117). In addition, similar cumulative C. vulgaris intake levels impacted plasma health markers in broilers, leading to reductions in triacylglycerols and cholesterol and improvements in immunoglobulin levels. These findings underscore the importance of carefully calibrated C. vulgaris supplementation strategies to optimise poultry growth and health without adverse effects. Future research should focus on refining C. vulgaris dosing guidelines and further exploring its long-term effects and mechanisms of action to enhance poultry health and production sustainability.

Effects of polarised, sprint interval, high-intensity interval, and low-intensity training programs on aerobic fitness and cardiovascular health markers in active individuals

Effects of polarised, sprint interval, high-intensity interval, and low-intensity training programs on aerobic fitness and cardiovascular health markers in active individuals

Evaluating the Perceived Health-Related Effectiveness of 'The Daily Mile' Initiative in Irish Primary Schools.

Many Irish primary school children do not meet recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines. The Daily Mile (TDM) is a primary school initiative designed to increase children's PA output. This study evaluates TDM's perceived effect on Irish primary school children's health-related metrics. A mixed-methods study, comprising two data collection phases, used the RE-AIM framework to evaluate TDM. Phase One involved teachers, principals and classroom assistants (n = 191) from TDM-registered schools completing a questionnaire. Two TDM-registered schools participated in Phase Two, where (i) interviews were conducted with each principal, (ii) a teacher sub-sample (n = 4) participated in a focus group, and (iii) a child sub-sample (n = 14) participated in separate focus groups. TDM was perceived to positively impact the markers of children's health, including their PA behaviour, physical fitness and social well-being. Inclement weather (66.5%) and a lack of time (56.5%) were reported as the top-ranked implementation barriers. Moreover, TDM's repetitive nature often left children feeling disinterested and resulted in some teachers modifying the initiative to maintain engagement levels. Maintaining the long-term implementation of TDM and its health benefits in primary schools may require bespoke amendments to the original format to preserve children's engagement.

Shorter Telomere Length Is Associated With Older Age, Poor Sleep Hygiene, and Orthopedic Injury, but Not Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, in a Cohort of Canadian Children.

Predicting recovery following pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) remains challenging. The identification of objective biomarkers for prognostic purposes could improve clinical outcomes. Telomere length (TL) has previously been used as a prognostic marker of cellular health in the context of mTBI and other neurobiological conditions. While psychosocial and environmental factors are associated with recovery outcomes following pediatric mTBI, the relationship between these factors and TL has not been investigated. This study sought to examine the relationships between TL and psychosocial and environmental factors, in a cohort of Canadian children with mTBI or orthopedic injury (OI). Saliva was collected at a postacute (median 7days) timepoint following injury to assess TL from a prospective longitudinal cohort of children aged 8 to 17years with either mTBI (n=202) or OI (n=90), recruited from 3 Canadian sites. Questionnaires regarding psychosocial and environmental factors were obtained at a postacute follow-up visit and injury outcomes were assessed at a 3-month visit. Univariable associations between TL and psychosocial, environmental, and outcome variables were assessed using Spearman's correlation. Further adjusted analyses of these associations were performed by including injury group, age, sex, and site as covariates in multivariable generalized linear models with a Poisson family, log link function, and robust variance estimates. After adjusting for age, sex, and site, TL in participants with OI was 7% shorter than those with mTBI (adjusted mean ratio=0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.98; P =.003). As expected, increasing age was negatively associated with TL (Spearman's r =-0.14, P =.016). Sleep hygiene at 3months was positively associated with TL (adjusted mean ratio=1.010; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.020; P =.039). The relationships between TL and psychosocial and environmental factors in pediatric mTBI and OI are complex. TL may provide information regarding sleep quality in children recovering from mTBI or OI; however, further investigation into TL biomarker validity should employ a noninjured comparison group.

An exploratory study of a multi-species probiotic formulation and markers of health in a real-world oncological cohort in the time of covid

IntroductionThe efficacy of cancer treatments has links to the intestinal microbiome. Mucositis is a dose-limiting intestinal pro-inflammatory side effect of cancer treatments, that increases the risk of diarrhoea, mucositis, and in severe cases, febrile neutropenia.MethodsThe effect of cancer treatments on Quality of Life (QoL) was assessed using the FACT C questionnaire that included patient wellbeing and gut adverse symptoms (e.g. diarrhoea). Participants rated faecal samples via the Bristol Stool Chart. In addition, bacterial DNA was extracted from faecal samples, sequenced, and taxonomically examined. The incidence / severity of neutropenia was assessed with white blood cell and neutrophil counts. Circulating SCFAs and plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin levels were recorded and correlated to intestinal mucositis.ResultsImprovement in bowel function, with reduction in constipation and or diarrhoea or absence of significant disturbance to bowel function was recorded in 85% of the participants. One participant developed febrile neutropenia and two developed bowel toxicity during the study, that was unrelated to the test formulation. No significant changes in microbiota alpha- and beta-diversity at the phylum and species levels respectively from baseline to end of study treatment was observed. None of the participants had raised plasma-endotoxin levels from baseline to the first and subsequent treatment cycles for their cancers. Probiotics in this cohort were deemed safe and tolerable. Significant improvement in emotional QoL scores (p = 0.015) was reported with increased number of chemotherapy cycles. In a related observational study of exceptional responders to chemotherapy, participants were found to have had a high intake of fruits, vegetables, and fibre possibly indicative of a more balanced intestinal microbiota.ConclusionA multi-strain probiotic formulation was safe and tolerated in this chronically ill cohort that were undergoing oncological treatment. The probiotic formulation alleviated diarrhoea, constipation and maintained stool consistency/frequency during the multiple treatments with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Intestinal dysbiosis that is characterised by decreased microbial diversity and increased pro-inflammatory species was not observed. Probiotic supplementation may have helped reduce dysbiosis during cancer treatments. These improvements may have been critical with the observation that emotional wellbeing was significantly improved from baseline. Hence albeit that the study had limitations, the probiotic intervention provided adjunctive treatment support to the patients. What is of scientifically plausible interest is that probiotics have a long association historically with human hosts and as such ratify their inclusion offering a significant adjunctive therapeutic potential. Future studies warrant larger sample sizes, control groups and should limit recruitment to a largely homogenous group of patients.

Microbial community-scale metabolic modelling predicts personalized short-chain fatty acid production profiles in the human gut.

Microbially derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the human gut are tightly coupled to host metabolism, immune regulation and integrity of the intestinal epithelium. However, the production of SCFAs can vary widely between individuals consuming the same diet, with lower levels often associated with disease. A systems-scale mechanistic understanding of this heterogeneity is lacking. Here we use a microbial community-scale metabolic modelling (MCMM) approach to predict individual-specific SCFA production profiles to assess the impact of different dietary, prebiotic and probiotic inputs. We evaluate the quantitative accuracy of our MCMMs using in vitro and ex vivo data, plus published human cohort data. We find that MCMM SCFA predictions are significantly associated with blood-derived clinical chemistries, including cardiometabolic and immunological health markers, across a large human cohort. Finally, we demonstrate how MCMMs can be leveraged to design personalized dietary, prebiotic and probiotic interventions aimed at optimizing SCFA production in the gut. Our model represents an approach to direct gut microbiome engineering for precision health and nutrition.