Nutrient Database Research Articles

Risks and benefits associated with the primary functions of artificial intelligence powered autoinjectors.

This research aims to present and assess the Primary Functions of autoinjectors introduced in ISO 11608-1:2022. Investigate the risks in current autoinjector technology, identify and assess risks and benefits associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered autoinjectors, and propose a framework for mitigating these risks. ISO 11608-1:2022 is a standard that specifies requirements and test methods for needle-based injection systems intended to deliver drugs, focusing on design and function to ensure patient safety and product effectiveness. 'KZH' is an FDA product code used to classify autoinjectors, for regulatory purposes, ensuring they meet defined safety and efficacy standards before being marketed. A comprehensive analysis of autoinjectors problems is conducted using data from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database. This database records medical device reporting events, including those related to autoinjectors, reported by various sources. The analysis focuses on events associated with the product code KZH, covering data from January 1, 2008, to September 30, 2023. This research employs statistical frequency analysis and incorporates pertinent the FDA, United Kingdom, European Commission regulations, and ISO standards. 500 medical device reporting events are assessed for autoinjectors under the KZH code. Ultimately, 188 of these events are confirmed to be associated with autoinjectors, all 500 medical devices were seen to lack AI capabilities. An analysis of these events for traditional mechanical autoinjectors revealed a predominant occurrence of malfunctions (72%) and injuries (26%) among event types. Device problems, such as breakage, defects, jams, and others, accounted for 45% of incidents, while 10% are attributed to patient problems, particularly missed and underdoses. Traditional autoinjectors are designed to assist patients in medication administration, underscoring the need for quality control, reliability, and design enhancements. AI autoinjectors, sharing this goal, bring additional cybersecurity and software risks, requiring a comprehensive risk management framework that includes standards, tools, training, and ongoing monitoring. The integration of AI promises to improve functionality, enable real-time monitoring, and facilitate remote clinical trials, timely interventions, and tailored medical treatments.

Relationship Between Clozapine and Non-Hematological Malignant Tumors: A Pharmacovigilance Analysis Using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database.

Clozapine shows higher efficacy against treatment-resistant schizophrenia than other antipsychotics. This study aimed to investigate whether clozapine is associated with the risk of non-hematological malignant tumors, utilizing the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Report System (FAERS) database. The records from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2012 were used for disproportionality analysis, and patients who developed non-hematological malignant tumors were identified by the Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities Queries (SMQ). Of the 3,641,281 patients with 12,401,586 reports of adverse drug events, 151,904 reports belonged to non-hematological malignant tumors (SMQ). We identified 1668 reports of non-hematological malignant tumors (SMQ) in clozapine users, and the reporting odds ratio (ROR) was calculated to be 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-1.34). ROR (95% CI) for the relationship between clozapine and the risk of testis cancer was calculated as 10.94 (6.99-17.12), 9.87 (7.42-13.15) for gastrointestinal carcinoma, 7.48 (5.57-10.05) for metastatic lung cancer, 6.71 (4.52-9.97) for throat cancer, 6.12 (4.56-8.21) for metastases to the spine, 5.97 (5.30-6.72) for lung malignant neoplasm, 5.07 (3.69-6.95) for esophageal carcinoma, 1.88 (1.43-2.47) for colon cancer, and 1.65 (1.24-2.21) for metastases to the liver. Colon cancer, esophageal carcinoma, and throat cancer were predominantly reported in males, and metastases to the spine and liver were in females. This study detected signals indicating a relationship between clozapine and certain non-hematological malignant tumors, utilizing the FAERS database. Despite the database relying on spontaneous reporting, the current results justify further investigation.

Evaluation of rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF) data for mycotoxin contaminated dried figs originating from Türkiye

In this study, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) database was analysed to assess mycotoxin hazards in Turkish dried figs during the production years from 2002 to 2019. A comprehensive evaluation of influencing factors, such as weather conditions, agricultural and processing practices, as well as non-product related elements such as export quantities and regulatory changes, was carried out while analysing yearly and monthly notification trends. Years marked by drought conditions recorded the highest number of notifications. Notably, the years 2007 and 2012 corresponded with peaks in notifications (104 and 117, respectively), suggesting a potential relationship between drought conditions and increased notifications – a finding supported by existing literature on mycotoxin contamination. The mean total aflatoxin (AF) concentrations ranged from 13 μg/kg to 44 μg/kg. However, the considerable variability in the annual number of notifications (ranging from 2 to 106) and the presence of outliers in certain years limit the usefulness of mean total AF concentration data for trend analysis. Weather-related factors, along with agricultural practices, processing and storage conditions, can influence mycotoxin contamination of dried figs, highlighting the need for integrated and comprehensive control strategies. The observed correlation between specific weather conditions, such as drought, and RASFF notifications, and, consequently, mycotoxin contamination, warrants further exploration to better understand and predict this relationship. This study significantly contributes to the mycotoxin literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of mycotoxin hazards in Turkish dried figs. By examining the complex interplay of factors, from weather conditions to agricultural and processing practices and changes in export quantities and regulations, it addresses a crucial gap in the current understanding of mycotoxin risks and offers insights on the historical evolution of safety protocols within Turkish dried fig production. It thus provides a solid foundation for improving food safety practices and developing more effective policy frameworks.

Abstract P199: Oral Microbiome Potentially Modifies the Cardiometabolic Benefits of Nitrate Consumption: Results From the Oral Infections Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance Study (ORIGINS)

Background: Dietary nitrate consumption is associated with cardiometabolic health in many but not all studies. The enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide (NO 3 - NO 2 - NO) pathway requires the oral microbiome for NO production (a signaling molecule beneficial to cardiometabolic health) following nitrate intake. We hypothesize that the oral microbiome modifies the cardiometabolic benefits of nitrate intake. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 657 ORGINS participants. Dietary nitrate intakes and alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) scores were calculated from food frequency questionnaire responses and a US food database. Subgingival 16S rRNA microbial genes (Illumina, MiSeq) were sequenced, and PICRUSt2 estimated metagenomic content. The Microbiome Induced Nitric oxide Enrichment Score (MINES) was calculated as a microbial gene abundance ratio representing enhanced net capacity for NO generation. Cardiometabolic biomarker (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1C, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR) Z-scores were averaged to form a cardiometabolic Z-score (CMZ). Adjusted multivariable linear models regressed CMZ and individual Z-scores on nitrate intake tertiles. Results: Participants were mean age 31±9, 72% female, 31% White, 14% Black, and 28% Hispanic. Mean nitrate intake was 189±171 mg/day. Higher nitrate intake was significantly associated with lower CMZ, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Mean CMZ(SE) across dietary nitrate tertiles were 0.53(0.30), 0.35(0.31), and -0.11(0.30), p for trend=0.04; findings were attenuated after adjustment for AHEI (p for trend=0.12). In subgroup analysis by MINES level, higher nitrate intake was only associated with lower cardiometabolic biomarker levels among participants with a <median MINES even after AHEI adjustment (Table). Conclusion: Higher dietary nitrate intake was associated with lower cardiometabolic risk biomarker levels only among those with reduced potential for oral microbiome-dependent NO generation.

Perspective: The Place of Pork Meat in Sustainable Healthy Diets

The food systems sustainability framework has 4 domains: nutrition, economics, environment, and society. To qualify as sustainable, individual foods and total diets need to be nutrient-rich, affordable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable. Pork is the most consumed meat globally, providing high-quality protein and several priority micronutrients. With research attention focused on plant-based diets, it is time to assess the place of pork meat protein in the global sustainability framework. First, not all proteins are equal. The United States Department of Agriculture category of protein foods includes meat, poultry and fish, eggs, beans and legumes, and nuts and seeds. These protein sources have different protein digestibility profiles, different per-calorie prices, and different environmental footprints, measured in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Second, most analyses of animal-source proteins combine beef, pork, and lamb into a single category of red meat. Beef, pork, and lamb have different nutrient profiles, different protein costs, and different impacts on the environment. Future analyses of nutrient density and monetary and carbon costs of alternative diets would do well to separate pork from beef, lamb, and chicken. There are also different profiles of global food demand. Prior analyses of global Food and Agriculture Organization Statistical Database food balance sheets joined with World Bank country incomes have consistently shown that rising incomes across lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC) create a growing demand for meat to replace traditional plant proteins. Most of the observed increase has been for pork and chicken rather than beef. This ongoing LMIC protein transition toward more animal proteins may be irreversible as long as incomes grow. The present analyses explore the place of pork in sustainable healthy diets worldwide, given the need for high-quality protein and the predictable patterns of global food demand.

Riboflavin protects against pancreatic cancer metastasis by targeting TGF-β receptor 1

The inhibition of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling by targeting TGF-β receptor 1 (TβR1) has been considered as an ideal approach for the prevention of pancreatic cancer metastasis. Utilizing a pharmacophore model for TβR1 inhibitors, candidate compounds with the potential TβR1 binding ability were screened from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database, and riboflavin (RF) with a highest fit value was chosen to investigate its binding ability to TβR1 and effect on TGF-β1 signaling in pancreatic cancer cells. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) proved that RF at pharmacological concentrations could directly bind to TβR1. Further studies showed that pharmacological concentrations of RF in vitro could block TGF-β1 signaling, suppress the migration and invasion, and prevent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of pancreatic cancer cells in the absence or presence of TGF-β1 stimulation, indicating that RF presented anti-metastatic effect in pancreatic cancer cells. Knockdown of TβR1 could significantly attenuate the effects of RF on the migration and EMT process in pancreatic cancer cells, further confirming that the anti-metastatic effect of RF was achieved by blocking TGF-β1 signaling after binding to TβR1. Moreover, in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer metastasis, it was certified that RF administration could block lung and liver metastases, TGF-β1 signaling and EMT process of pancreatic cancer in vivo. In summary, our findings showed that RF could block TGF-β1 signaling by directly binding to TβR1, thereby suppressing the metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting EMT process both in vitro and in vivo.

A systematic assessment of the revised Nutri‐Score algorithm: Potentials for the implementation of front‐of‐package nutrition labeling across Europe

AbstractFront‐of‐package nutrition labeling (FOPNL) is an important public health tool, and the introduction of harmonized FOPNL in Europe is one of the most ambitious food labeling changes in decades. Nutri‐Score (NS) has been considered for implementation across Europe. However, NS is subject to strong opposition, particularly from the food industry and some agricultural sectors (such as cheese and cured meat), but also from some nutrition scientists and public health professionals, which highlights that the system is not sufficiently aligned with food‐based dietary guidelines and the latest scientific literature. These concerns were recently addressed in a revised version of NS (NS2023), aiming to overcome the limitations of its predecessor (NS2021). Our aim was to assess whether these limitations were addressed and to investigate their alignment with dietary guidelines. A systematic literature review identified 20 limitations of NS, assigned to 3 groups (Food‐based, Component‐based, and Other Dimensions of Food Quality). Subsequent assessment of NS employed a large representative branded food database of 19,510 pre‐packed foods. Alignment with dietary guidelines was assessed based on agreement with the WHO Europe nutrient profile (WHOE). NS2023 was shown as notably stricter compared to NS2021 (7% fewer products received the higher grades A or B) and more aligned with WHOE (κNS2021 = .59, κNS2023 = .65). Overall, most (65%) of the limitations were addressed to some extent; these were mostly Food‐based limitations, followed by Component‐based, whereas the Other Dimension of Food Quality (processing, sustainability, portion sizes) remained mostly unaddressed. We can conclude that the revised NS2023 increased its potential for implementation across Europe. Our review identified all limitations, relevant or not, which were mentioned in the scientific literature. Therefore, some mentioned limitations may never be solvable in the scope of nutrient profiling. Others could be further addressed by adaptation of the visual presentation, but increased complexity of the labeling message would also reduce the potential of the FOPNL to support consumers in healthier food choices. Additional research is also necessary to explore the potential impact of the revised NS2023 on food reformulation and its perception among consumers.

The Investment development path theory: Evidence from developing countries' agricultural sector.

We examined the investment development path (IDP) through the perspective of developing countries' agricultural sector. Our analytical approach indirectly accounts for interactions among countries regarding cross-border resource transfers. Aside from providing knowledge on testing the IDP by inferential statistics, the information would be relevant for policymaking. Identifying the stage(s) in the IDP not only highlights the global appeal of agriculture but also guides firms seeking to expand beyond borders. This information is essential for developing an effective economic strategy. We employed data from 1991 to 2021 for 55 countries from the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) and applied a fixed effects estimator corrected for serial correlation and non-constant variances. We found that agriculture in developing countries is currently in stages I and II of the IDP. Broadly, agricultural production requires policies that would increase outward foreign direct investment and inward foreign direct investment. Domestic agricultural businesses in developing countries must develop capacity by learning from foreign multinationals. This would enable agricultural businesses to invest abroad. Such a move would lead to an increase in outward FDI. As this would have resulted from increased GDP per capita, it will lead to movement from the existing stage to higher ones.

Importation trends in antibiotics for veterinary use in Rwanda: A retrospective study between 2019 and 2021.

Estimating antibiotic consumption in animals is fundamental to guiding decision-making and research on controlling the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans, animals, and the environment. This study aimed to establish importation trends of antibiotics for veterinary use in Rwanda between 2019 and 2021. Data was collected from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority's database. Quantities of imported antibiotic active ingredients were computed using the information extracted from the issued import licenses. These quantities were subsequently adjusted per animal biomass. In total, 35,291.4 kg of antibiotics were imported into Rwanda between 2019 and 2021, with an annual mean of 11,763.8 ± 1,486.9 kg. The adjustment of imported quantities of antibiotics per animal biomass revealed that 29.1 mg/kg, 24.3 mg/kg, and 30.3 mg/kg were imported in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively. A slight but not statistically significant decline in antibiotic importation was noted in 2020 (p-value = 0.547). Most of the imported antibiotics were indicated to be used in food-producing animals (35,253.8 kg or 99.9% of the imported antibiotics). Tetracyclines (17,768.6 kg or 50.3%), followed by sulfonamides (7,865.0 kg or 22.3%) and aminoglycosides (4,071.1 kg or 11.5%), were the most imported antibiotics over the studied period. It was noted that 78.9% of the imported antibiotics were categorized as highly important antimicrobials for human medicine. This study established a generalized overview of the importation of antibiotics for veterinary use in Rwanda. These results can serve as guidance for the control of antibiotic misuse. They can be used to make a correlation between antibiotic importation, antibiotic consumption, and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in the country.

Understanding Food Insecurity as a Determinant of Health in Pregnancy Within the United States: An Integrative Review.

Food insecurity is a major public health concern in the United States, particularly for pregnant and postpartum individuals. In 2020, ∼13.8 million (10.5%) U.S. households experienced food insecurity. However, the association between food security and pregnancy outcomes in the United States is poorly understood. The purpose of this review was to critically appraise the state of the evidence related to food insecurity as a determinant of health within the context of pregnancy in the United States. We also explored the relationship between food insecurity and pregnancy outcomes. PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Food and Nutrition Science databases were used. The inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed studies about food (in)security, position articles from professional organizations, and policy articles about pregnancy outcomes and breastfeeding practices. Studies conducted outside of the United States and those without an adequate definition of food (in)security were excluded. Neonatal health outcomes were also excluded. Included articles were critically appraised with the STROBE and Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklists. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Inconsistencies exist in defining and measuring household food (in)security. Pregnant and postpartum people experienced several adverse physiological and psychological outcomes that impact pregnancy compared with those who do not. Intersections between neighborhood conditions and other economic hardships were identified. Findings regarding the impact of food insecurity on breastfeeding behaviors were mixed, but generally food insecurity was not associated with poor breastfeeding outcomes in adjusted models. Inconsistencies in definitions and measures of food security limit definitive conclusions. There is a need for standardizing definitions and measures of food insecurity, as well as a heightened awareness and policy change to alleviate experiences of food insecurity.

The Investment development path theory: Evidence from developing countries’ agricultural sector

Background We examined the investment development path (IDP) through the perspective of developing countries’ agricultural sector. Our analytical approach indirectly accounts for interactions among countries regarding cross-border resource transfers. Aside from providing knowledge on testing the IDP by inferential statistics, the information would be relevant for policymaking. Identifying the stage(s) in the IDP not only highlights the global appeal of agriculture but also guides firms seeking to expand beyond borders. This information is essential for developing an effective economic strategy. Methods We employed data from 1991 to 2021 for 55 countries from the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) and applied a fixed effects estimator corrected for serial correlation and non-constant variances. Results and conclusions We found that agriculture in developing countries is currently in stages I and II of the IDP. Broadly, agricultural production requires policies that would increase outward foreign direct investment and inward foreign direct investment. Domestic agricultural businesses in developing countries must develop capacity by learning from foreign multinationals. This would enable agricultural businesses to invest abroad. Such a move would lead to an increase in outward FDI. As this would have resulted from increased GDP per capita, it will lead to movement from the existing stage to higher ones.

Analysis of the first ten years of FDA’s rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program: designations, diseases, and drug development

BackgroundThe Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) Priority Review Voucher (PRV) Program was enacted in 2012 to support the development of new products for children. Prior to requesting a voucher, applicants can request RPD designation, which confirms their product treats or prevents a rare disease in which the serious manifestations primarily affect children. This study describes the trends and characteristics of these designations. Details of RPD designations are not publicly disclosable; this research represents the first analysis of the RPD designation component of the program.ResultsWe used an internal US Food and Drug Administration database to analyze all RPD designations between 2013 and 2022. Multiple characteristics were analyzed, including the diseases targeted by RPD designation, whether the product targeted a neonatal disease, product type (drug/biologic), and the level of evidence (preclinical/clinical) to support designation. There were 569 RPD designations during the study period. The top therapeutic areas were neurology (26%, n = 149), metabolism (23%, n = 131), oncology (18%, n = 105). The top diseases targeted by RPD designation were Duchenne muscular dystrophy, neuroblastoma, and sickle cell disease. Neonatology products represented 6% (n = 33), over half were for drug products and 38% were supported by clinical data.ConclusionsThe RPD PRV program was created to encourage development of new products for children. The results of this study establish that a wide range of diseases have seen development—from rare pediatric cancers to rare genetic disorders. Continued support of product development for children with rare diseases is needed to find treatments for all children with unmet needs.

Soft tissue injury events associated with neural integrity monitoring endotracheal tubes: A MAUDE database analysis

ObjectiveNeural integrity monitoring (NIM) endotracheal tubes are widely used to provide intraoperative monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during certain neck surgeries, especially thyroidectomy, in order to reduce the risk of nerve injury and subsequent vocal fold paralysis. The unique design of NIM tubes and the increased technical skill required for correct placement compared to standard endotracheal tubes may increase the risk of upper aerodigestive tract soft tissue injury. This study aims to describe adverse events related to NIM endotracheal tubes. Study designRetrospective cross-sectional study. SettingThe US Food and Drug Administration's MAUDE database (2010−2022); (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience). MethodsThe MAUDE database was queried for reports of adverse events that resulted in patient soft tissue injury involving the use of endotracheal tubes approved by the Food and Drug Administration. ResultsThere were 28 reported soft tissue injuries, with all events being related to the NIM EMG family of endotracheal tubes manufactured by Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Overall, 24 were categorized as device-related adverse events, and 4 were unspecified in the event description. The most common soft tissue injuries were edema (n = 7) and perforation (n = 7), each accounting for 25 % of adverse events. The second most common injury type was laceration (n = 4), representing 14 % of all adverse events. Overall, 9 patients (32 %) in our cohort required a surgical intervention to treat their injuries, which consisted of 6 tracheotomies and 3 instances of suture repair. ConclusionsThe most commonly reported types of soft tissue injury included edema and perforation, followed by laceration. Increased awareness of device-related patient injuries associated with NIM endotracheal tubes can be used to better inform surgeons and anesthesiologists during the process of intubation and surgical decision-making.

Differences in drivers of healthy eating and nutrition app preferences across motivation-based consumer groups

The aim is to explore whether and how different consumer groups, based on health motivations, differ in their drivers to adopt a healthy diet and their preferences for nutrition app properties. Four groups were identified: Health-motivated, Moderately-motivated, Body-motivated and Mind-motivated consumers. All groups are motivated to consume a healthy diet, although the Moderately-motivated less than the other groups. In addition, all groups feel sufficiently able to consume a healthy diet. Most differences were found regarding the perceived opportunity to consume a healthy diet. Although the perceived financial opportunity and the eating context are barriers to all groups, physical opportunity (lack of availability) is only perceived as a problem by the Moderately-motivated group. Worries about data protection is an issue to all groups, except for the Body-motivated group. Finally, social acceptance is not perceived as a barrier. Since different health motivations (e.g. physical health) can be related to different properties of nutrition apps (e.g. positive feedback), differences in app preferences were researched, but groups showed little differences in their preferences. For all groups easy navigation and a complete and reliable food database are important requirements for a nutrition app. In conclusion, this study suggests that consumer groups based on health motivations need different approaches to support them in healthy eating, but there is no clear need to adapt properties of nutrition apps to these groups. In the future, it could be interesting to study app preferences for other types of consumer segments e.g. based on socio-economic status or body mass index.

Anti-Shigella and antioxidant-based screening of some Cameroonian medicinal plants, UHPLC-LIT-MS/MS fingerprints, and prediction of pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties of identified chemicals.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceShigella infection is a public health problem responsible for approximately 700,000 deaths annually. The management of this disease is impaired by the emergence of multidrug-resistant Shigella species, highlighting the urgent need to search for alternative treatment options. In this regard, investigating medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of dysentery, diarrheal infections, and/or associated symptoms in endemic regions might provide an opportunity to identify phytochemicals that could be further used as a basis for the development of future anti-shigella drug candidates. Aim of the studyThis study was designed to investigate the anti-shigella and antioxidant-based ethnopharmacological potency of some Cameroonian medicinal plants with an emphasis on pharmacokinetic properties of the identified chemical pharmacophore. Materials and methodsBriefly, plant species were selected and collected based on their ethnopharmacological uses and information reported in the literature. Crude aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroethanolic (30:70, v/v) extracts from these plants were prepared and then screened for their anti-Shigella activity against four Shigella strains and cytotoxicity against Vero and Raw cell lines using microdilution and resazurin-based methods, respectively. The antioxidant activities of potent extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, NO, and FRAP scavenging assays. The chemical profile of potent extracts was performed using the UHPLC-LIT-MS/MS and the pharmacokinetic properties, druglikeness, and likely molecular targets of the chemical scaffolds identified were predicted using SwissADME and SwissTargetPredictor. ResultsThirty-nine (39) plants belonging to 26 plant families were harvested. Out of the 228 extracts tested, 18 extracts originating from 6 plants (15.38 %) were active (MICs 250–1000 μg/mL) and nontoxic toward Vero (CC50 129.25–684.55 μg/mL) and Raw cell lines (CC50 336.20 to >1000 μg/mL). Six potent extracts from the two plants exhibited moderate to potent DPPH (SC50 8.870–54.410 μg/mL), ABTS (SC50 12.020–27.36 μg/mL), and NO (SC50 0.02–195.85 μg/mL) scavenging activities. Later, these extracts showed interesting ferric iron-reducing power (1.28–12.14 μg equivalent NH2OH/g of extract). The shortest onset of action time (4 and 6 h) observed following inhibition kinetics studies was observed with extracts BFSHE, PMSE, and PMSM. The UHPLC-LIT-MS/MS and some databases (Mass Spectral Library (NIST 14), Human Metabolome Database (HMD), MassBank, SuperNatural 3.0, The Food Database (FooDB), and Chemical Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI)) allowed the annotation of 18 and 17 metabolites in the extracts from stem bark of P. macrophylla and B. ferruginea respectively. Pharmacokinetic prediction of these chemicals showed that compound 6 (4,6a-bis(Hydroxymethyl)-9a-methyl-3-oxo-1a,1b,3,5,6,6a,7a,9a-octahydrobis (oxireno)[2′,3':5,6; 2″,3'':9,10]cyclodeca[1,2-b]furan-5-yl methacrylate), compound 8 (Corynoxeine), and compounds 35 (Stachybotrydial acetate) demonstrated acceptable druglike and pharmacokinetic properties and might act through inhibition of kinase, transferase, protease, oxidoreductase, and family AG protein-linked receptors. ConclusionThe findings from this investigation demonstrated that Cameroonian medicinal plants are suitable reservoirs of anti-Shigella and antioxidant agents with good drug candidate properties.

Unfavorable nutrient intakes in children up to school entry age: results from the nationwide German KiESEL study.

Nutrition in the first years of life is a cornerstone for child development and long-term health, yet there is a lack of current data on energy and nutrient intake among toddlers and preschoolers in Germany. To analyze energy and nutrient intake in toddlers (1- to 2-year-olds) and preschoolers (3- to 5-year-olds) in Germany and compare the results with the Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) by the European Food Safety Authority. Dietary intake was assessed by weighed food record data (3 + 1 day) of 890 children from the representative cross-sectional Children's Nutrition Survey to Record Food Consumption (KiESEL), carried out in 2014-2017 as a module of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents Wave 2. For the calculation of energy and nutrient intake, the German Nutrient Database BLS 3.02, LEBTAB, and a supplement database were used. Median intakes of energy and most nutrients met or exceeded the DRVs in both toddlers and preschoolers. However, low intakes relative to DRVs were found for vitamin D (6-9% of DRV, including supplements) and iodine (57-65% of DRV). Age specific downward deviations were observed for iron intake in toddlers (75% of DRV) and for calcium intake in preschoolers (67-77% of DRV). In contrast, intakes were high for saturated fatty acids (SFA) (14-16 E%), mono-/disaccharides (60-87 g/day), and protein [2.1-2.6 g/(kg body weight*day)]. Nutrient imbalances in toddlers and preschoolers in Germany, which are partly age-related, give rise to concern. Research is needed to determine if routine vitamin D supplementation should be extended beyond infancy. Public health efforts to increase the rate of use of iodized salt and to reduce the intake of SFA and mono-/disaccharides in children's diets are to be strengthened.

Root and Tuber Crop Market System in Nigeria Macroeconomic Determinants

Root and tuber crops are food security crop and thus have wide market preference and value in many economies. However, they are constrained by a convergence of external factors that impact on their production, marketing and export potential. The study opened conversations on the market system of root and tuber crops and examined macroeconomic variables that influence Nigeria market commercialization drive and competitiveness in both regional and international trade, using cross sectional data from 1960 to 2016 sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) database and World Bank Development indicators. Analytically, the study employed econometric tools such as unit root tests, trend analysis (i.e. quadratic equation), Generalized Method of Moments, Malmquist productivity index, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. Findings revealed that macroeconomic variables of exports, imports, and inflation, exchange rate, tariff, price and world exports had long-run and short-run impacts on the exports of root and tuber crops. The study recommends market-oriented strategy by caution against protectionist led interventions such as outright ban on importation, as they impact negatively on market behaviour; rather advocated for effective policing of border to check smuggling, also improvement in policies that improve production to check price instability, which characterize root and tuber crop marketing in Nigeria. There is need for effective regulation and policies that protect risk and guarantee returns in the supply chain of root and tuber crops so that supply-chain actors can benefit substantially from international trade.

Validity of self-reported energy intake in lean and obese young women, using two nutrient databases, compared with total energy expenditure assessed by doubly labeled water

Validity of self-reported energy intake in lean and obese young women, using two nutrient databases, compared with total energy expenditure assessed by doubly labeled water

Identifying Optimally Sustainable Foods: A Four-Dimensional Analysis of Sustainable Foods in the American Diet

A holistic understanding of food sustainability is vital for making socially and environmentally conscious food choices. Sustainable diets have been defined by four dimensions: health, economics, environment, and society. The purpose of this study was to determine how metrics for nutritional quality, monetary cost, environmental impact, and social and cultural acceptability of foods and beverages vary across and within food groups and to identify which foods and beverages are optimally sustainable according to these metrics. Data from the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS) was linked with frequency of consumption, nutrient density, environmental impact, and cost data from publicly available databases. A sustainability index, based on the four dimensions, was developed to quantify overall sustainability. Nutrient density was correlated negatively with environmental impact and frequency of consumption but positively with cost (p < 0.001). Out of 5964 items, 165 were identified as optimally sustainable. Sustainability index scores varied within each food group. Less than 1% of optimally sustainable items were Dairy products, while 62% were Protein Foods—of which 92% were Plant Proteins. Few foods and beverages met the criteria to be considered optimally sustainable. However, Plant Protein foods may generally strike the best balance among these four indicators of sustainability. A holistic understanding of food sustainability is necessary to facilitate nutritious and environmentally conscious dietary choices that adhere to other needs, personal values, and preferences.

Broadleaf trees switch from phosphorus to nitrogen limitation at lower latitudes than conifers

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are common limiting elements for terrestrial ecosystem productivity. Understanding N–P nutrient limitations patterns is crucial for comprehending variations in productivity within terrestrial ecosystems. However, the global nutrient limitation patterns of woody plants, that dominate forests, especially across different functional types, remain unclear. Here, we compiled a global dataset of leaf N and P concentrations and resorption efficiency (NRE and PRE) to explore latitudinal nutrient limitation patterns in natural woody plants and their environmental drivers. Based on published fertilization experiments, we compiled another global woody plant nutrient database to validate such identified patterns. The results showed that with increasing latitude, the relative P vs N resorption efficiency (PRE minus NRE) and the N and P ratio decreased in woody plant leaves, suggesting that the nutrient status of woody plants shifts from P to N limitation as latitude increases, with a switching point of N–P balance occurring at mid-latitudes (42.9°–43.6°). Different functional types exhibited similar trends, but with different switching latitudes of N vs P limitation. Due to the lower N uptake capacity of broadleaves than conifers, broadleaves reached N–P balance at lower latitudes (39.6°–43.3°) than conifers (57.1°–59.1°) in both hemispheres. Data from fertilization experiments successfully identified 81 % of the N limitation cases and 91 % of the P limitation cases identified using the first database. N and P limitation cases for conifers and broadleaves were also well identified separately. The latitudinal nutrient limitations in global woody plants are primarily shaped by climate and soil. Our study demonstrates the switching latitudes of N vs P limitation which varies between broadleaves and conifers. These findings enhance our understanding of plant nutrient dynamics in global climate change and aid in refining forest management.