Food Intake Research Articles

Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire: VioScreen-Allergy.

An adapted version of an online pictorial food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), VioScreen-Allergy, assesses total dietary intake and intake of allergens and foods in the maternal diet index (MDI), linked to offspring allergy. This study assessed intermethod reliability, test-retest reliability, and external validity of the VioScreen-Allergy. Females of childbearing age were recruited at Denver Health and Children's Hospital, Colorado, USA, and were asked to complete four 24 h recalls and two VioScreen-Allergy FFQs over the course of a month. All those with at least two 24 h dietary recalls and both VioScreen-Allergy assessments were analyzed. Energy-adjusted and non-adjusted linear mixed models (1) compared MDI scores and intake of nutrients and allergens as measures of intermethod reliability; (2) evaluated VioScreen-Allergy test-retest reliability as differences between repeated measurements; and (3) assessed external validity by modeling associations between VioScreen-Allergy-derived intake of beta-carotene and orange vegetables and Veggie Meter®-assessed skin carotenoids. Bonferroni corrections controlled multiple comparisons within the assessment. Of 53 participants enrolled, 25 demographically dissimilar participants were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences between 24 h recall and VioScreen-Allergy mean intakes of macronutrients, micronutrients, allergens, or MDI, except for Vitamin C, niacin, and cashew allergen protein. There were no significant differences between repeated measurements of VioScreen-Allergy, either energy-adjusted or unadjusted. Both beta-carotene and orange vegetable servings were significantly associated with Veggie Meter®. Although non-significance could have been due to low power, clinical as well as statistical assessments of intermethod reliability, test-retest reliability, and external validity suggest that VioScreen-Allergy has reasonable utility for trials assessing food allergens and MDI in the context of overall intake. The VioScreen questionnaire can also be used in future studies to assess macro- and micronutrient intake. Additional validation studies assessing different portion sizes and foods eaten by infants and young children are currently undergoing.

The Effect of Fermented Food Containing Aspergillus Oryzae (Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI) Consumption on Abdominal Symptoms Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome in Japanese Women

Background: Psychological and physical symptoms such as irritability, headache, abdominal pain, difficulty with bowel movements, and drowsiness that occur because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study examined whether the intake of fermented food containing Aspergillus oryza (Amazake and Raw-SHIOKOJI), a traditional Japanese food, improved the abdominal symptoms associated with PMS. Method: Eleven healthy Japanese collegiate women in their 20s participated in this interventional study. The study period was set to 28 days per phase, and the participants were examined over three separate phases: before, during, and after the intake of Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI. The participants were instructed to maintain a daily record of their food intake, bowel movements and menstruation throughout the study period. Results: The intake of fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate among 11 participants were similar, with no significant difference between the two groups. Menstrual abdominal discomfort in women in their 20s was noted during the luteal and menstrual phases. Eight participants (72.7%) experienced abdominal discomfort during the luteal phase and all participants experienced abdominal discomfort during the menstrual phase. Consuming fermented food containing Aspergillus oryzae may reduce PMS abdominal symptoms by 72.7%. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of food containing Aspergillus oryzae reduced abdominal discomfort associated with the luteal phase and may improve menstruating women's health and quality of life.

Empirically Derived Dietary Patterns in Association with Asthma Symptoms in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Limited data exists regarding the association between dietary patterns and asthma. This study aims to determine the relationship between empirically derived dietary patterns and the likelihood of asthma among a large population of children and adolescents living in central Iran. Methods: A total of 7667 of male and female students aged 6-14 from 48 public and private schools in YAZD urban areas entered the current cross-sectional study. Data on dietary intakes, as well as asthma symptoms and other possible confounders, were collected using a self-administered questionnaire filled by parents. Factor analysis was applied to find major dietary patterns. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for asthma development across quintiles of dietary patterns. Results: Two main dietary patterns were established. A “traditional diet” was determined by meat, fish, fruits, cooked vegetable, raw vegetable, legumes, cereals, bread, macaroni, rice, margarine, butter, olive oil, milk, yogurt, egg, nuts, potato, and a “western-like diet” was characterized by high intakes of simple sugars, fast food(hamburger), fast food (pizza), soft drinks, jelly, chocolate and biscuits of cocoa, ice cream, and sauce. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals in the top quintile of traditional diet were 0.31 times less likely to have asthma than those in the lowest quintile (OR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.47-1.00). Moreover, individuals in the top quintile of traditional diet were 0.43 times less likely to have wheezing compared with those in the lowest quintile (OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.46-0.70). However, individuals in the top quintile of the western diet were 0.35 times more likely to have wheezing than those in the lowest quintile (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.10-1.66). Conclusions: According to the results, a traditional diet might be associated with lower odds of asthma; however, a western-like diet might be adversely associated with asthma symptoms.

Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) inhibited the growth and feeding by disrupting the gut and digestive gland homeostasis in octopus Amphioctopus fangsiao (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)

A novel brominated flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) poses a potential threat to animals, but its effects on cephalopods remain unknown. In this study, Amphioctopus fangsiao, a common octopus in China, was exposed to DBDPE (0, 1, 50, 100, 300 μg/L) for 28 days. Chemical analysis revealed that the digestive gland bore a greater burden of DBDPE compared with other tissues. In addition, accumulated DBDPE could curb the growth and feeding performance of A. fangsiao. The potential effects on the “gut-digestive gland axis” were also elucidated. Specifically, DBDPE in the gut shifted the microorganisms toward a Bacteroidetes-dominated composition, and impaired the intestinal epithelial barrier, thereby triggering oxidative stress and inflammation. Excessive DBDPE also threatens the digestive gland function, including histological damage, immune reaction, oxidative stress, glucolipid metabolism dysfunction, and neurotoxicity. Metabolome plasticity enabled A. fangsiao to develop a DBDPE stress-adaptive metabolic profile via alteration of glucolipid metabolism, immunity, oxidative stress, and signaling molecules. Taken together, we identified a new detoxification mechanism linking the microbiota-gut-digestive gland axis with the growth and food intake of A. fangsiao, which is the first time it has been demonstrated in mollusks. These findings provided important clues for a further mechanism study and risk assessment of DBDPE.

Stoichiometric theory in optimal foraging strategy.

Understanding how organisms make choices about what to eat is a fascinating puzzle explored in this study, which employs stoichiometric modeling and optimal foraging principles. The research delves into the intricate balance of nutrient intake with foraging strategies, investigating quality and quantity-based food selection through mathematical models. The stoichiometric models in this study, encompassing producers and a grazer, unveils the dynamics of decision-making processes, introducing fixed and variable energetic foraging costs. Analysis reveals cell quota-dependent predation behaviors, elucidating biological phenomena such as "compensatory foraging behaviors" and the "stoichiometric extinction effect". The Marginal Value Theorem quantifies food selection, highlighting the profitability of prey items and emphasizing its role in optimizing foraging strategies in predator-prey dynamics. The environmental factors like light and nutrient availability prove pivotal in shaping optimal foraging strategies, with numerical results from a multi-species model contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between organisms and their environment.

Enhancing Hemoglobin Levels and Macro-Micronutrient Intake Through the Well-Being Workshop of First 8000 Days of Life

Introduction: Chronic malnutrition is a major source of concern in the malnutrition community. Addressing nutritional needs that are inappropriate for pre-conception adolescents in the first 8000 days of life is a trigger for anemia and stunting in children later in life. The authors developed The Well-Being Workshop of First 8000 Days of Life. This study compared the hemoglobin levels and macro-micro nutrient intake of female adolescents before and after the well-being workshop of first 8000 days of life and their assistance. Methods: An experimental design, within group method, with an equivalent time series design, and 3 times interventions were carried out. A hundred female adolescents aged 14-19 years Yogyakarta city were assigned to this study. All respondents underwent a pretest and posttest before and after being given interventions of well-being workshop. On completion of the three times workshop, blood sampling of haemoglobin level and food record were collected analyzed. In total, the data was collected 3 times after each workshop was held. The data generated was processed using a paired t test. Results: The average hemoglobin level in female adolescents has increased from the first to the fourth examination, with a standard limit value (> 12.0 gr/dL), but the average of macro and micronutrients intake, as assessed using the Nutrisurvey, is below the standard threshold value. A paired T-test revealed a significant difference within the increase in Hb levels on all examinations. The analysis of macronutrients showed that only fiber had a significant difference before and after a series of well-being workshops of first 8000 days of life interventions, i.e. the first and second examinations. Meanwhile the micronutrient analysis, only iron and zinc there were significant differences before and after being given a series of workshops. Conclusions: "The well-being workshops of first 8000 days of life" can be considered in changing the eating behavior of female adolescents to increase hemoglobin levels.

The relationship between perceived discrimination and reported nutrient intake among pregnant individuals of minoritized racial and ethnic groups

BackgroundImplications of life-long, perceived discrimination on nutrient intake during the preconception period are unclear. ObjectiveThe objective is to identify associations between perceived discrimination and consumption of specific nutrients associated with risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. DesignThis is a secondary data analysis of the prospective Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be (NuMom2b) cohort. Participants completed a Block Food Frequency Questionnaire assessing diet in the three months prior to pregnancy and a Krieger Experiences of Discrimination Scale assessing personal encounters of discrimination. Participants/SettingParticipants were recruited from eight clinical centers across the US between 2010-2013. Each participant completed the Food Frequency and Krieger questionnaires and self-identified as belonging to a minoritized racial or ethnic group for this analysis (n=2457). Main outcome measuresMain outcomes include reported total energy and macronutrient intake, percent of energy from macronutrients, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (FA), added sugar, sodium, dietary fiber, and Healthy Eating Index-2010 Seafood and Plant Proteins component score. Statistical analyses performedParticipants were grouped as reporting fewer (<3) or more (≥3) circumstances of discrimination on the Krieger Scale. Multivariable regression models examined associations between discrimination group and nutrient intake. Variables with non-normal distributions were log transformed. Associations were adjusted for total energy intake. Primary outcomes underwent false discovery rate correction (FDR). ResultsThose reporting three or more circumstances of discrimination had higher reported energy intake (p=0.002) and higher reported intake of total fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fats, protein, added sugar and sodium after FDR (all p<0.05) as compared to those reporting fewer circumstances. After adjustment for total energy intake, reporting three or more circumstances was associated with greater reported intake of saturated fat and n-3 polyunsaturated FA, and lower reported intake of dietary fiber (all p<0.05). ConclusionReporting three or more circumstances of discrimination was associated with higher reported total energy intake. After adjustment for total energy, reporting three or more circumstances of perceived discrimination was associated with less nutritious intake for some (higher saturated fat and lower dietary fiber) but not all (higher eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) nutrients.

Interplay Between Western Diet and Mammary Cancer: Data from a Chemically-induced Model in Wistar Rats.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of Western diet on mammary cancer in Wistar female rats, focusing on systemic responses and tumor development. Twenty-eight Wistar female rats were acclimatized and divided into four experimental groups (n=7 each): Western diet (WD), Western diet with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) administration (WD+MNU), standard diet (CTR), and standard diet with MNU administration (CTR+MNU). MNU was administered intraperitoneally at 50 mg/kg at seven weeks of age to induce mammary cancer. The 20-week experiment involved monitoring animal weight, food and water intake. At the end of the study, rats were euthanized, and blood samples and organs were collected for hematological and plasma biochemical analysis, oxidative stress, and histo-pathological and immunobiological evaluations of the tumors. No significant differences were found in body weight, composition, or organ weights, but the WD group showed reduced food and water intake and lower cholesterol levels. Leptin and adiponectin levels were higher in the WD+MNU group, suggestive of changes in appetite regulation. Histopathological analysis showed malignant tumors in both MNU-induced groups. However, WD groups had fewer tumors compared to the CTR+MNU group. WD led to higher feed efficiency and increased visceral adipose tissue but decreased systemic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. While this diet resulted in lower tumor incidence, the volume and weight of the tumors were higher. Additionally, the WD decreased ERα and progesterone receptor immunoexpression, while Ki-67 immunoexpression was elevated.

Eating increases disease activity in pediatric patients with symptomatic dermographism.

Background: Symptomatic dermographism (SD) is the most common form of chronic inducible urticaria. SD disease activity increases with food intake in adult patients. Whether this is also so in children with SD is currently unknown. Objective: To assess children with SD for their disease activity by standardized provocation testing before and after eating. Methods: We subjected 44 children with SD (29 girls; median [interquartile range] age 12.5 years [8.3-15 years]), before and after eating, to standardized skin provocation testing with a dermographometer. Dermographometer scores were calculated based on responses evaluated at 1-minute intervals for 10 minutes and recorded as negative (-) or positive (+ to ++++). Clinical characteristics and urticaria control test scores were documented. Results: Dermographometer scores before eating were 2.3 of 4 on average and inversely correlated with urticaria control test scores. Dermographometer scores were higher after eating than before eating. Of 44 children with SD, 35 had increased dermographometer scores after eating and 9 patients had a postprandial increase of ≥1 point. Eating-induced increases in dermographometer scores were linked to earlier whealing in 17 of 35 patients, and differences in preprandial versus postprandial dermographometer responses were more pronounced at earlier than later time points after testing. Conclusion: Disease activity, as assessed by provocation testing, is increased in most pediatric patients with SD after eating. Future studies should explore the prevalence of food-exacerbated SD in larger pediatric SD populations. Most pediatric patients with symptomatic dermographism have higher disease activity, assessed by provocation testing, after eating as compared to before eating. Standardized provocation testing and trigger threshold assessments in children with symptomatic dermographism should be performed before and after eating. Knowledge of food-exacerbated disease may help patients with the management of their symptomatic dermographism.

Prenatal choline supplementation enhances metabolic outcomes with differential impact on DNA methylation in Wistar rat offspring and dams.

Choline is an essential nutrient required for proper functioning of organs and serves as a methyl donor. In liver where choline metabolism primarily occurs, glucose homeostasis is regulated through insulin receptor substrates (IRS) 1 and 2. Here, we determined the role of prenatal choline as a modulator of metabolic health and DNA methylation in liver of offspring and dams. Pregnant Wistar rat dams were fed an AIN-93G diet and received drinking water either with supplemented 0.25% choline (w/w) as choline bitartrate or untreated control. All offspring were weaned to a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Prenatal choline supplementation led to higher insulin sensitivity in female offspring at weaning as well as lower body weight and food intake and higher insulin sensitivity in female and male adult offspring compared to offspring from untreated dams. Higher hepatic betaine concentrations were observed in dams and female offspring of choline-supplemented dams at weaning and higher glycerophosphocholine in female and male offspring at post-weaning compared to the untreated control, suggestive of sustaining different choline pathways. Hepatic gene expression of Irs2 was higher in dams at weaning and female offspring at weaning and post-weaning, whereas Irs1 was lower in male offspring at post-weaning. Gene-specific DNA methylation of Irs2 was lower in female offspring at post-weaning and Irs1 methylation was higher in male offspring at post-weaning that exhibited an inverse relationship between methylation and gene expression. In conclusion, prenatal choline supplementation contributes to improved parameters of insulin signaling but these effects varied across time and offspring sex.

Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with the acceleration of biological aging in the Moli-sani Study

BackgroundHealthy diets have been inversely associated with biological aging. However, the nutritional content is only one aspect of the overall food health potential, and more recently, increasing attention has been paid to nonnutrient food characteristics, such as food processing. ObjectivesTo examine the association of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption with biological aging measured by circulating blood biomarkers. MethodsCross-sectional analyses were conducted on 22,495 participants enrolled in the Moli-sani Study (2005–2010, Italy). Food intake was assessed by a 188-item food frequency questionnaire. UPF was defined according to the Nova classification and calculated as the ratio (weight ratio; %) between UPF (g/d) and total food eaten (g/d). Diet quality was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS; ranging 0–9). A deep neural network approach based on 36 circulating biomarkers was used to compute biological age (BA), and the resulting difference (Δage = BA − chronological age)—an index of biological aging—was tested as dependent variable in multivariable linear regression analyses including known risk factors. ResultsThe mean Δage in this population was −0.70 (standard deviation ±7.70) years. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, higher intake of UPF was associated with accelerated Δage [β = 0.34 years; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08, 0.61 for the last fifth compared with the first). This association was not linear (P value for overall association <0.001; P value for nonlinearity = 0.049). Inclusion of the MDS into the model slightly attenuated this association by 9.1% (β = 0.31 years; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.59). ConclusionsA diet rich in UPF was associated with an acceleration of biological aging in a large sample of Italian adults. The poor nutritional composition of highly processed foods weakly accounted for this association, suggesting that biological aging could be adversely influenced by nonnutrient characteristics of these foods.

Voluntary food restriction does not affect circulating corticosterone in obesity-prone or -resistant male and female rats

Food restriction in rodents can increase circulating corticosterone, which reflects activation of physiological stress responses. These responses affect a myriad of behaviors and physiological processes and can increase the risk of obesity. Most of these studies have used experimenter-imposed restriction. However, rats will voluntarily restrict their food intake if they are returned to chow after a period of access to sugary, fatty “junk food” (JF) diet. Here we examine the effects of voluntary food restriction in obesity-prone and -resistant rats on circulating corticosterone concentrations and determine whether corticosterone release in response to acute stress differs in groups with a history of JF consumption.

Jianghua Kucha black tea containing theacrine attenuates depression-like behavior in CUMS mice by regulating gut microbiota-brain neurochemicals and cytokines

Theacrine and theaflavins are known for their potential to mitigate depression and cognitive impairment. Jianghua Kucha black tea (JH) contains both compounds, yet its antidepressant properties are seldom documented. This study evaluated the effects of JH on depression in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice and explored the underlying mechanisms through integrative analyses of gut microbiota and fecal metabolomics. JH was found to significantly alleviate CUMS-induced depression-like behavior by improving body weight, food intake, 1% sucrose preference, immobility time, and numbers of crossings and standings compared to Zhuyeqi black tea (ZYQ), which contains theaflavins. JH notably altered the gut microbiota composition, enriching genera such as Turicibacter, Faecalibaculum, Akkermansia, and Desulfovibrio, while inhibiting genera norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillus. Additionally, JH modified the fecal metabolite profile, characterized by increased levels of several secondary bile acids (BAs) and decreased levels of several purine intermediate metabolites. Furthermore, JH upregulated levels of monoamine neurotransmitters (5-HT and DA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), while downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in brain tissue. These findings suggested that JH could mitigate CUMS-induced depression-like behavior, potentially by modulating gut microbiota composition and function, as well as brain neurochemicals and cytokines.

Relationship Between The Incidence Of Hypertension And Triglyceride Levels In Bus Drivers At Arjosari Terminal, Malang City

Hypertension is a health problem that is widely encountered in the community and correlates with other diseases. There are many factors that cause hypertension, one of which is abnormal triglyceride levels or hypertriglycerides. Higher levels of triglycerides will inhibit the occurrence of lipogenesis. Lipogenesis is a factor that causes hypertension from food intake, this is because food has a significant role in increasing blood pressure, especially protein and fat. This study aims to determine the relationship between triglyceride levels and hypertension. This type of research is an analytical research with the crosssectional method, statistical data analysis using correlation regression, the number of population as many as 50 respondents and the sample used as many as 21 respondents. Data collection using questionnaires, blood pressure measurements and triglyceride level checks. Blood pressure measurement is done manually and then for the examination of triglyceride levels using the GPO-PAP method is carried out in the laboratory of the Bareng Health Center using a spectrophotometer. The statistical analysis used is the correlation Pearson test. The results of the study on bus drivers with high blood pressure showed that some respondents had high triglyceride levels because they often ate fatty foods. Based on the examination that has been carried out on 21 bus driver respondents at the Arjosari Terminal, Malang City, it shows that triglyceride levels and high blood pressure have no relationship, with the test results using the Pearson correlation statistical test obtained a result of P=0.0766 0.05 with a Pearson value of P=-0.069 correlation meaning that it does not have a relationship with the degree of very weak relationship.

Subcutaneously transplanted xenogeneic protein recruits treg cells and M2 macrophages to induce browning of inguinal white adipose tissue.

To study whether subcutaneously embedding xenogeneic protein threads or synthetic polymer absorbable threads can improve obesity phenotypes and metabolic conditions, and to further explore its underlying mechanism. Thirty-six 8-week-old ob/ob mice were randomly allocated to three groups, respectively, receiving catgut embedding, PGA thread embedding or sham treatment bilaterally to the groin. Individual parameters including weight, food intake, and core temperature are recorded and metabolism assessment, energy expenditure analysis, and PET/CT scanning are also performed at fixed timepoints. After surgical incision, the inguinal white adipose tissue was histologically examined and its expression profile was tested and compared among groups 4 weeks and 12 weeks after operation. Catgut embedding reduced weight gain and improved metabolic status in ob/ob mice. Browning of bilateral inguinal WAT (white adipose tissue) was induced after catgut embedding, with massive infiltration of Treg cells and M2 macrophages in the tissue slices of fat pads. IL-10 and TGF-β released by Treg cells targeted macrophages and the induced M2 macrophages increased the expression of thermogenic and anti-inflammatory genes in fat. The secretion of catecholamines by polarized M2 macrophages led to the activation of β3-AR-related pathways in adipocytes and the browning of adipose tissue. Abdominal subcutaneous catgut embedding has the potential to combat obesity through the induction of WAT browning mediated by infiltrated Treg cells and macrophages.

Uninephrectomy and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor administration delay the onset of hyperglycemia.

The kidneys are essential for glucose homeostasis, as they perform gluconeogenesis, utilize glucose, and reabsorb glucose. Reabsorption is performed by SGLT2, which is responsible for about 90%. However, little is known about how renal glucose handling is altered in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in suppressing CKD progression in clinical trials, but their mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate how each uninephrectomy (UNx) and SGLT2 inhibitor affects blood glucose concentrations and SGLTs dynamics in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Male rats were divided into four treatment groups: sham + placebo, sham + dapagliflozin, UNx + placebo, and UNx + dapagliflozin. There were few group differences in food intake or body weight, but blood glucose concentrations continued to rise in the sham + placebo, whereas this rise was delayed for several weeks in the UNx + placebo, and largely suppressed by dapagliflozin. SGLT2 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the UNx group, but SGLT1 mRNA expression did not significantly differ. Dapagliflozin did not alter SGLT1 or SGLT2 mRNA expression. In animal models of diabetes, renal glucose reabsorption appears likely to be a major contributor to the development of hyperglycemia.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 Ameliorates TiO2 NP-Induced Bone Injury in Young Rats by Remodeling the Gut Microbiota and Inhibiting the Production of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines.

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of oral administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 (P101) on skeletal injury in young rats exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), and explore the potential mechanism. Four-week-old male rats were orally administration to TiO2 NPs and supplemented with P101 2hours later for 4weeks. The growth and development, food intake, bone metabolism and serum inflammatory markers of the rats were evaluated. Their tibias were observed and evaluated using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). We observed the tibia growth plate using safranin and fast green staining. 16S rDNA sequence analysis of fecal samples was performed to observe changes in the gut microbiota. Our results showed that TiO2 NPs can lead to bone growth inhibition and osteoporosis, induce intestinal flora imbalance, and induce inflammation in young rats. Further mechanistic studies suggested that TiO2 NPs disrupts intestinal flora and increases serum IL-1β levels, which increased the expression of RANKL in bone, thereby enhancing osteoclast differentiation and function, leading to bone loss. Through a P101 supplementation experiment, we found that P101 ameliorated the inflammation and osteoporosis on bone caused by TiO2 NPs. This study showed that the mechanism by which P101 alleviates bone damage caused by TiO2 NPs may be through restoring intestinal microbial homeostasis and inhibiting inflammatory response.

Association of Geriatric Depression with Biosocial Factors and Malnutrition in Rural Areas of District Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh: A Community-Based Study

Background: Aging mainly affects human appetite, food intake, and body weight. Physiological and psychopharmacological pathways demonstrate variations in hunger. Bodily signs characterize Elderly Depression, altered eating and sleeping patterns, cognitive impairments, and low mood. Objectives: To study the prevalence of Depression and Malnutrition in the geriatric population in the rural community and to examine the association between them among the study population. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural areas of district Gautam Budh Nagar among geriatric population using a pre-designed pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: In the study, the prevalence of Depression among the study participants was found to be 155(41.2%) and malnutrition was found to be in 67 (17.8 %). Among bio social characters Age (p-value-0.000), gender (p-value-0.012), marital status (p-value-0.026), physical activity (p-value-0.004), and Malnutrition (p-value-0.000) found to be significantly associated with Depression among elderly. On multiple logistic regression, physical activity [aOR 23.6; 95% CI: 11.4-48.8] and Malnutrition or its risk [aOR 0.272; 95% CI: 0.130-0.569] were significantly associated with Geriatric Depression. Conclusions: Depression is recognized to have a significant impact on nutritional health in the elderly and is a major factor in weight loss.

Food rejection is associated with tactile sensitivity and tactile appreciation in three-year-old children.

Food rejections are common in young children and often include healthy foods, hereby impairing the quality of their diet. Previous studies indicate that food texture may play a role in children's food preferences and intake. Building on these findings, as part of an ongoing longitudinal project, the present study investigated whether food rejection is related to tactile sensitivity and tactile appreciation in three-year-old children. A total of 259 children and 289 parents participated in the study. Child food rejection was measured using an ad libitum taste test, in which children were asked to try four different types of vegetables. Next to this, parents reported on their child's food rejection tendencies by completing the Child Food Rejection Scale (CFRS), and indicating their child's liking of 14 vegetables and 11 fruits (Liking of foods). Tactile appreciation was measured using a behavioural Affective Appreciation of Textures (AAT) task, in which children were asked to feel five different objects with their hands and were asked to indicate the pleasantness of the sensation on a three-point smiley-scale. The subscale Touch of the parental questionnaire Sensory Profile (SP-t) was further used to measure tactile sensitivity. Results show that stronger food rejection measured using an ad-libitum taste test is related to a dislike of textures measured using the AAT task. Similarly, parent-reported food rejection measured using CFRS and Liking of foods is positively related to parent-reported tactile sensitivity measured using SP-t. Together, these findings suggest that some children do not only reject food because of its taste, but also because of their dislike of textures. To increase healthy food intake in picky children, it may thus prove helpful to improve children's appreciation of textures.

Interactive effect of dietary metabolizable energy levels with amino acid density in male broiler chickens: carcass yield, nutrient intake, digestibility and excretion

This study aimed to assess the interactive effects of ME and digestible amino acid (AA) densities on carcass yield, breast meat quality, nutrient digestibility, and excretion in male broiler chickens. Twelve experimental diets arranged as a 4 × 3 factorial array with 4 levels of ME (standard, -50, -100, -150 kcal) and 3 digestible AA (standard, +3.0 and +6.0%) were offered to 2400 day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens. Diets were replicated 8 times with 25 birds per replicate, and fed for starter (0-10 d), grower (11-24 d), finisher (25-35 d), and withdrawal (36-42 d) phases, with consistent reduction of ME and increase in AA density for each phase. On day 24, three birds per replicate were euthanized to collect digesta for nutrient digestibility and excreta samples were collected on day 40 for nutrient excretion analysis. On day 42, four birds per replicate were euthanized for carcass yield and quality evaluation. The birds' feed intake, along with calculated ME and AA levels, were used to determine nutrient intake. No interactions were observed between ME and AA densities on carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and excretion (P > 0.05). Reducing ME density linearly increased breast meat yield and decreased abdominal fat, regardless of AA density (P < 0.01). Increasing AA density enhanced breast meat yield but increased white striping and woody breast scores in a linear manner (P < 0.01). Dietary treatments didn't affect ileal digestibility of crude protein and gross energy, except for improved starch digestibility with 6.0% AA density (P < 0.01). Crude fat digestibility decreased linearly with decreased ME density, while reducing ME density linearly decreased fat, calcium, copper, and manganese excretion (P < 0.01). Increasing AA density linearly increased nitrogen excretion, but reduced calcium and iron excretion (P < 0.05). Over the entire production period lower ME and higher AA density increased digestible lysine intake (mg/bird/day; P < 0.01). In summary, these results suggest that dietary ME and AA density, independently, affect carcass yield, breast meat quality, nutrient digestibility, and excretion.