Nutrition Science Research Articles

Exploring pharmacists’ understanding and use of antifungals at a tertiary hospital in England - an interview study

Abstract Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging crisis worldwide. If continued, it is estimated AMR could cause over 10 million deaths annually by 20501. Antifungals are critical in the treatment and prophylaxis of fungal infections, especially invasive fungal infections which can be life-threatening. The national and international antimicrobial stewardship action plan focus primarily on the use of antibacterials. Antifungals have not yet been a focus for stewardship programmes. The appropriate use and understanding surrounding antifungals remain a challenge among healthcare professionals, including pharmacists but there is scarce empirical evidence to demonstrate this problem. Aim To explore pharmacists’ understanding and use of antifungals at a tertiary hospital in England. Methods A qualitative study utilising a constructivist approach involving one-to-one online semi-structured interview based on the Critical Incident Technique2 was conducted. Pharmacists working in the tertiary hospital were purposively sampled and recruited to participate in the study. Following informed consent, participants took part in a semi-structured interview via Microsoft Teams with a researcher. Interviews explored 1) the general purpose of using antifungals and 2) system factors and decisions taken when managing a routine and unusual or challenging case using antifungals. The interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis3. The study was registered with the tertiary hospital where participants were recruited from. This study was registered with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ref no. 8482) and received ethical approval from the University of Reading School of Chemistry, Food and Nutritional Sciences and Pharmacy internal ethics review committee (study no: 46/2023). Results Nine participants took part in the study. Interviews took an average of 29 minutes (range 15-55 minutes). Participants worked in different specialties including oncology, haematology, paediatrics, and respiratory care. Three themes were generated through the analysis. Theme 1: Diagnosing and managing fungal infections is complex. Limited and/or lack of reliable and timely diagnostic testing makes diagnosing fungal infections difficult. Consequently, patients were sometimes prescribed empiric antifungals to avoid treatment delay. Treatment was then reviewed once test results were available. Patient-related issues such as comorbidities and drug-drug interactions contribute to complex treatment plans. Theme 2: Antifungal stewardship involved a multidisciplinary approach. Pooling together expertise amongst healthcare professionals was imperative in decision-making. Pharmacists were often key antifungal stewards and medication experts despite working with uncertainty. Theme 3: Expressed need to upskill on antifungal stewardship. Participants were aware of gaps in their experience and knowledge when managing complex fungal infections. They want to be more confident in their role. Discussion/conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating hospital pharmacists’ understanding and use of antifungals in England. Our study showed that pharmacists navigate uncertainties when using antifungals. Pharmacists were viewed as antifungal stewards and medication experts in a multidisciplinary team but pharmacists were themselves aware that they need more exposure to a wider range of scenarios to enhance their confidence. Our findings suggest a need for reliable diagnostic-driven approaches and education and training initiatives for pharmacists to steward antifungals. Our participants worked in one tertiary hospital representing the culture and work practice specific to the hospital. It would be interesting to explore experiences of pharmacists working in other hospitals.

The development of functionalized alginate-based hydrogels for the management of postprandial hyperglycemia and weight reduction

Polysaccharide-derived functional food ingredients are increasingly prevalent in the food industry for their health benefits and functional versatility. Among them, sodium alginate (SA), a natural polysaccharide, is widely valued for its sustainability, renewability, non-toxic nature, and broad applicability. However, its poor water solubility has limited its use as biomedical materials and food additives. Here, we enhanced SA through carboxymethylation to produce carboxymethylated SA (CMSA), aiming to develop functional food ingredients with improved physicochemical properties for health management. The synthesized CMSA was characterized for its physical properties and ability to form a hydrogel through cross-linking with Ca2+. We assessed its encapsulation efficiency for food particles in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids and evaluated its physiological effects in a rat model. Our findings demonstrated that CMSA-based hydrogels effectively encapsulate ingredients in the stomach, reducing nutrient diffusion in the intestine, and helping to manage postprandial hypoglycemia. Additionally, the hydrogel expands in the stomach and small intestine, contributing to modest weight loss. These findings suggest that CMSA-based hydrogels offer significant potential as functional food ingredients for managing postprandial hypoglycemia and supporting weight management. The development of such gelling systems presents promising applications in both medical and nutritional sciences, offering innovative strategies for addressing diet-related health concerns.

MicroRNAs as novel molecular targets of green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): relevance and importance to nutrition sciences and cancer prevention

MicroRNAs as novel molecular targets of green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): relevance and importance to nutrition sciences and cancer prevention

The Multiple Challenges of Nutritional Microbiome Research During COVID-19-A Perspective and Results of a Single-Case Study.

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected multiple aspects of people's lives, which may also influence the results of studies conducted during this period across diverse research domains. This particularly includes the field of nutritional science, investigating the gut microbiota as a potential mediator in the association between dietary intake and health-related outcomes. This article identifies the challenges currently facing this area of research, points out potential solutions, and highlights the necessity to consider a range of issues when interpreting trials conducted during this period. Some of these issues have arisen specifically because of the measures implemented to interrupt the spread of small acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), while others remain relevant beyond the pandemic.

Nutrition Education and Practice in University Dental and Oral Health Programmes and Curricula: A Scoping Review.

Dentists and oral health practitioners have a potential role in supporting the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases. However, the extent to which university education prepares practitioners to provide nutrition care is unclear. This scoping review identifies and synthesises the evidence related to university-level nutrition education provided to dental and oral health students globally. A scoping review identified relevant literature through search terms "dentistry," "oral health," or "oral hygiene"; "dental students" or "dental education"; "nutrition education" or "nutrition science." Articles were included that examined nutrition education in undergraduate oral health training; or nutrition knowledge, attitudes, confidence, or skills or dietary habits; experts' opinion papers; and position statements. No limitations on the publication years or languages of the articles were applied. A total of 136 articles were included. Half were surveys of students (n = 49) or academic staff (n = 21). The remainder comprised reports of curriculum initiatives (n = 26), opinion papers or narrative reviews (n = 24), position statements (n = 6), curriculum development (n = 6) and curriculum guidelines (n = 9). While dental and oral health students and curriculum experts overwhelmingly recognised the importance of nutrition, most studies that assessed nutrition knowledge of students revealed limited knowledge. Students were not confident in their skills to provide nutrition care. Lack of nutrition experts on teaching teams and unclear expectations about developing nutrition competencies were identified as barriers to greater nutrition education. Nutrition education in university dental and oral health degrees is highly variable. The potential for oral health professionals of the future to promote oral health through nutrition is unrealised.

Sports Medicine: Nutritional Sciences and Nutritional Biochemistry, Focusing on Nutritional Supplements from the FFNFO Framework to Contamination

Sports medicine has become a well-established field with a wide range of applications, from competitive and professional athletics to general well-being [...]

The future of nutrition education for health systems capacity building

Abstract In the ever-evolving landscape of global health, nutrition education plays a pivotal role in shaping the well-being of populations. The future of nutrition education encompasses a holistic understanding of health, considering not nutritional adequacy in health and disease, but also cultural, social, and environmental factors. Tomorrow’s health professionals must also be equipped to address the interconnectedness of nutrition with mental health, sustainability, and community dynamics. Nutrition education will increasingly involve collaboration across disciplines. Health professionals, educators, policymakers, and community leaders must work together to create a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters nutrition literacy. This collaboration extends beyond traditional healthcare settings to schools, workplaces, and local communities. Furthermore, digital transformation will also revolutionise nutrition education. Online platforms, mobile apps, and virtual simulations will enhance learning experiences whilst interactive modules, webinars, and gamified content will engage learners and facilitate continuous professional development. Moreover, telehealth and tele-nutrition will bridge geographical gaps, ensuring access to quality education globally. Cultural sensitivity in nutrition education is also needed across geo-demographic boundaries to appreciate diverse dietary practices, food taboos, and traditional knowledge. Nutrition education should also empower health professionals to advocate for policy change across food systems, promote sustainable practices, and address food insecurity and therefore understanding policy frameworks and participating in advocacy efforts will be key. Finally, embracing the future requires a commitment to lifelong learning to remain at the forefront of nutrition science and its cutting edge as the questions may remain the same but the answers vary significantly as we garner new evidence to navigate evolving global challenges.

The Potential Role of Polyphenol Supplementation in Preventing and Managing Depression: A Review of Current Research

Depression is a common mental illness that affects 5% of the adult population globally. The most common symptoms of depression are low mood, lack of pleasure from different activities, poor concentration, and reduced energy levels for an extended period, and it affects the emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being of an individual. The complex pathophysiology of depression presents challenges for current therapeutic options involving a biopsychosocial treatment plan. These treatments may have a delayed onset, low remission and response rates, and undesirable side effects. Researchers in nutrition and food science are increasingly addressing depression, which is a significant public health concern due to the association of depression with the increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality. Polyphenols present in our diet may significantly impact the prevention and treatment of depression. The primary mechanisms include reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, regulating monoamine neurotransmitter levels, and modulating the microbiota–gut–brain axis and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the effects of dietary polyphenols on depression and explores the underlying mechanisms of these effects for the benefit of human health. It also highlights studies that are looking at clinical trials to help future researchers incorporate these substances into functional diets, nutritional supplements, or adjunctive therapy to prevent and treat depression.

Любопитно и полезно за храните и напитките

The article presents a combined, shared pedagogical practice implemented in two parts: a shared project-based practice “Curious and useful tips for food and drink” in grade VIII and an extracurricular school practice “Week of healthy foods and nutrition” for high school students. The practice is a way to inform, increase competences, build a model for a critical choice of food and drinks and for a balanced, complete, high-quality, regular and healthy diet of teenagers. Students learn to use digital health and energy calculator applications, calculate BMI (body mass index) and BEE (basal energy metabolism), determine their health status in relation to food and nutrition, combine foods correctly, create personal nutrition programs, select foods according to your blood type and their color. In “Healthy Foods and Nutrition Week”, students participate in various competitions, learn about the science of nutrition, carving techniques, design and presentation of healthy foods and traditional foods from European countries. The practice builds up the knowledge, skills and habits of the students of Professional School of Design “Elisaveta Vazova” for healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle.

Food components and Abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a disease in which the abdominal aorta expands irreversibly and ruptures. At present, no preventive methods are available for this disease. Among potential risk factors, certain foods are considered to play important roles in the development of AAA. Epidemiological studies suggest a close relationship between AAA and dietary habits. Experimental studies have clarified potential suppressive or progressive food components for AAA. In this review, a summary of studies related to nutritional science in the fields of AAA and/or aortic degeneration are provided.

ISETECH-Statistics and Machine Learning Based Decision-Making for Diet Beverage Choice and Recommendation through Software Application

Positioned within the realm of ubiquitous beverage chains acclaimed for their diverse coffee and tea offerings, this investigation deeply explores the intricate nutritional dynamics and caloric compositions of these widely consumed beverages. At its core, the research aims to streamline decision-making for individuals actively seeking health-conscious beverage alternatives. This comprehensive endeavour unfolds through an integrated methodology that combines hypothesis testing and other statistical techniques with the establishment of a robust decision support system, complemented by powerful machine learning techniques. Distinctively, the paper integrates an intuitive React application (ReactApp) into the robust Fast API framework. Users engage seamlessly with the decision support system, as Fast API efficiently manages data processing, interfaces with machine learning algorithms, and delivers personalized recommendations to the ReactApp front. In essence, this interdisciplinary initiative epitomizes the fusion of nutritional science, statistical analysis, machine learning, and modern web technologies, providing a holistic and pioneering solution for selecting health-conscious beverage alternatives. One of the most noteworthy outcomes of our research lies in the compelling results we've achieved. Our predictive model has demonstrated exceptional performance: We achieved an impressive Accuracy Rate of 83.67%, signifying the high precision of our recommendations in identifying health-conscious beverage alternatives. Simultaneously, the F1-Score, which harmonizes precision and recall, stands at a commendable 82.21%, indicating a well-balanced and effective decision support system. Our model's ability to recall health-conscious choices is also strong, with a Recall rate of 83.67%. Furthermore, we assessed the model's agreement with observed data using Cohen's Kappa, which yielded a substantial score of 78.01%. This indicates not only the model's predictive power but also its ability to capture agreement beyond what might occur by chance alone. These results, seamlessly integrated into our research narrative, underscore the effectiveness and reliability of our approach. They constitute a rare and valuable contribution to the field, promising a novel pathway for informed and health-driven consumer choices, firmly supported by our rigorous methodology and advanced machine learning outcomes.

Science of nutrition in Ayurveda: Need for conceptual framework for scientific validation and mainstreaming

Science of nutrition in Ayurveda: Need for conceptual framework for scientific validation and mainstreaming

A new era in prosthodontics opened by nutritional science

A new era in prosthodontics opened by nutritional science

Food is Medicine National Summit: Transforming Health Care

Food is Medicine (FIM) interventions reflect the critical links between food security, nutrition security, health, and health equity, integrated into health care delivery. They comprise programs that provide nutritionally tailored food, free of charge or at a discount, to support disease management, disease prevention, or optimal health, linked to the health care system as part of a patient’s treatment plan. Such programs often prioritize health equity. On 26–27 April, 2023, Tufts University’s Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute held a 2-day National Food is Medicine Summit with leaders, practitioners, and individuals with diverse lived experiences in health care, research, government, advocacy, philanthropy, and the private sector to identify challenges and opportunities to sustainably incorporate FIM services into the health care system and at scale. This report of a meeting describes key themes of the Summit, based on presentations and discussions on momentum around FIM, incorporating FIM in health care, tradeoffs and unintended consequences of various FIM models, scaling of programs, financing and payment mechanisms, educating and engaging the health care workforce, and federal and state government actions and opportunities on FIM. Speakers highlighted examples of recent public and private sector actions on FIM and innovative cross-sector partnerships, including state Medicaid waivers, academic and philanthropic research initiatives, health care system screenings and interventions, and collaborations including community-based organizations and/or entities outside of the food and health care sectors. Challenges and opportunities to broader implementation and scaling of FIM programs identified include incorporating FIM into health care business models, educating the health care workforce, and sustainably scaling FIM programs while leveraging the local connections of community-based organizations. This meeting report highlights recent advances, best practices, challenges, and opportunities discussed at the National Summit to inform future actions on FIM.

Effect of copper on nitrogen uptake, transportation, assimilation processes, and related gene expression in Chinese cabbage [Brassica campestris L. ssp. Chinensis (L.)] under various nitrate-to-ammonium ratios.

Improving vegetable yield and optimizing its quality through nutrient management have long been central to plant nutrition and horticultural science. Copper (Cu) is recognized as an essential trace element that promotes plant growth and development. However, the mechanisms by which Cu influences nitrogen (N) metabolism remain largely unknown, with limited studies exploring the interaction between Cu and varying nitrate-to-ammonium (nitrate/ammonium) ratios. In this study, Chinese cabbage was exposed to two Cu concentrations (0 and 0.02 mg L-1) in combination with three nitrate/ammonium ratios (10/90, 50/50, and 90/10) under hydroponic conditions. The results showed that Cu application increased plant biomass, nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzyme activities, the expression of NR (NIA) and GS2 (Gln2) genes, and N content in both shoots and roots. Additionally, Cu treatment decreased nitrate and free amino acid contents, as well as the expression of nitrate transporters NRT1.1 and NRT2.1 in roots while increasing these four parameters in shoots. Additionally, these effects were significantly modulated by the nitrate/ammonium ratios. In conclusion, Cu may facilitate nitrate transportation, enhance nitrate reduction, promote ammonium assimilation, and influence the transformation of organic N compounds, highlighting its potential role in improving N metabolism in Chinese cabbage.

The future backbone of nutritional science: integrating public health priorities with system-oriented precision nutrition.

Adopting policies that promote health for the entire biosphere (One Health) requires human societies to transition towards a more sustainable food supply as well as to deepen the understanding of the metabolic and health effects of evolving food habits. At the same time, life sciences are experiencing rapid and groundbreaking technological developments, in particular in laboratory analytics and biocomputing, placing nutrition research in an unprecedented position to produce knowledge that can be translated into practice in line with One Health policies. In this dynamic context, nutrition research needs to be strategically organised to respond to these societal expectations. One key element of this strategy is to integrate precision nutrition into epidemiological research. This position article therefore reviews the recent developments in nutrition research and proposes how they could be integrated into cohort studies, with a focus on the Swiss research landscape specifically.

Chrono-Nutrition: Understanding the Interplay Between Circadian Rhythms and Personalized Nutrition

Chrono-nutrition, a concept emerging from the integration of chronobiology and nutrition sciences, investigates the timing of food intake in alignment with the body’s circadian rhythms. This interplay between dietary patterns and biological rhythms has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential implications for health and disease. In this comprehensive review, we explore the key findings from studies in the last decade on chrono-nutrition, focusing on its role in cardiovascular health, diabetes management, glucose metabolism, and the influence of sex, socioeconomic factors, and cultural diversity. The intricate dance between the molecular circadian clock and the gut microbiome is a fascinating area of study in modern biology. Both systems are integral to the regulation of metabolic processes, responding to dietary inputs and environmental cues to optimize the host’s adaptability and survival. This review delves into the dynamic interplay between circadian rhythms and the gut microbiome, exploring their mutual influence and the implications for human health.

A New Strategy for Dietary Nutrition to Improve Intestinal Homeostasis in Diarrheal Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Perspective on Intestinal Flora and Intestinal Epithelial Interaction.

Although a reasonable diet is essential for promoting human health, precise nutritional regulation presents a challenge for different physiological conditions. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits, and diarrheal IBS (IBS-D) is the most common, seriously affecting patients' quality of life. Therefore, the implementation of precise nutritional interventions for IBS-D has become an urgent challenge in the fields of nutrition and food science. IBS-D intestinal homeostatic imbalance involves intestinal flora disorganization and impaired intestinal epithelial barrier function. A familiar interaction is evident between intestinal flora and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), which together maintain intestinal homeostasis and health. Dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, have been shown to regulate gut flora, which in turn improves the body's health by influencing the immune system, the hormonal system, and other metabolic pathways. This review summarized the relationship between intestinal flora, IECs, and IBS-D. It analyzed the mechanism behind IBS-D intestinal homeostatic imbalance by examining the interactions between intestinal flora and IECs, and proposed a precise dietary nutrient intervention strategy. This increases the understanding of the IBS-D-targeted regulation pathways and provides guidance for designing related nutritional intervention strategies.

THE CORRELATION OF NOCTURIA INCIDENCE AND ANXIETY LEVELS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between nocturia and anxiety levels as precipitating factors in related study population. Material & Methods: This study used a survey facilitated via Google Form, using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and a Demographic Data Questionnaire to obtain corresponding data. The descriptive-analytic method was applied, and Chi-square statistical analysis was performed. Results: From 270 participants, 240 exhibited normal anxiety levels, 28 demonstrated mild to moderate anxiety levels, and two presented severe anxiety levels. Furthermore, 148 participants reported experiencing nocturia, while 122 participants did not exhibit nocturia. Conclusion: This study showed no correlation between anxiety levels and nocturia in students from the Nutritional Science and Nursing Science Programs at Universitas Brawijaya, batches 2019, 2020, and 2021. Keywords: Anxiety level, nocturia, covid-19.

Quantifying Soluble Glucose in Selected Fruits from West Bengal's (India) Local Markets to Enhance Dietary Knowledge

Introduction/Objective: A fruit, the soft, pulpy part of a flowering plant, is abundant in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. It provides macronutrients such as carbohydrates and energy while being low in protein and lipids. Health authorities advocate a minimum daily intake of five servings of fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet. Fruits contain simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which are essential for regulating blood sugar levels and supporting brain function. However, excessive sugar consumption can be harmful in certain health conditions. This highlights the importance of accurately estimating glucose content in fruits for the field of nutrition science. Methods: In this study, a total of 42 fruit samples from 20 groups were collected from local markets in West Bengal, India, to measure glucose levels using the GOD-POD method. Results: Results revealed the top five fruits highest in glucose: green grapes (54.12 ± 5.82 mg/g), java apple (green jamrul: 47.25 ± 8.23 mg/g), red grapes (44.75 ± 5.23 mg/g), Zahedi dates (43.88 ± 3.25 mg/g), and Medjool dates (43.48 ± 3.87 mg/g). Conversely, the five fruits lowest in glucose were Indian gooseberry (amla: 0.84 ± 0.21 mg/g), Bengal currant (koromcha: 1.24 ± 0.15 mg/g), gondhoraj lemon (2.62 ± 0.25 mg/g), himsagar mango (3.46 ± 0.81 mg/g), and pearafuli mango (5.5 ± 0.52 mg/g). Conclusion: This study aims to contribute to the development of a comprehensive database on fruit glucose content. Fruits with lower glucose levels are beneficial for diabetic patients, obese individuals, and others, whereas those with higher glucose levels are not recommended for dia-betics but are suitable for athletes and malnourished individuals.