Variation In Intake Research Articles

Influence of sodium intake and sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric variables on blood cholesterol of hypertensive women

The restriction of sodium intake, one of the pillars of antihypertensive treatment, has been associated with the increase in cholesterol levels. Given this, we hypothesize that a sodium intake restriction may increase cholesterol levels in hypertensive women. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of sodium intake, sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric variables on the blood cholesterol levels of hypertensive women. This was a cross-sectional study with hypertensive and nondiabetic women aged 20 to 59 years, recruited from the primary healthcare units of Maceio, Alagoas, in the Brazilian Northeast. Sodium intake was estimated by the 24-hour urinary excretion of sodium; and blood cholesterol was estimated by capillary blood. Age (years), education level (<4 or ≥4 years), race (white or nonwhite), smoking and alcohol consumption were evaluated. The weight, height and waist circumference were measured and body mass index, conicity index and waist-to-height ratio were quantified. The percentage of body fat was measured using a tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance device. The relationship between blood cholesterol and other variables was assessed by multiple regression analysis. A significance level of 5% was used in the final model. This study included 165 hypertensive women. In linear regression, blood cholesterol wasdirectly proportional to age (p<0.001), education level (p=0.01) and race (p=0.04). These variables, as well assodium intake (p = 0.07) and conicity index (p = 0.12), were included in the multiple regression analysis. Sodium intake (p=0.03) and age (p=0.001) were related, in an inverse and a direct way, respectively, to the blood cholesterol in the hypertensive women studied.

Energy content of milk from nursing mothers of premature infants and its relationship with caloric intake and maternal sociodemographic characteristics/ Conteúdo energético do leite de nutrizes de lactentes prematuros e sua relação com a ingestão calórica e com características sociodemográficas maternas

Aim: To evaluate the energy content of milk of nursing mothers of premature infants and identify whether there is association with caloric intake and maternal sociodemographic variables. Methods: analytical, cross-sectional study with milk donated by 18 nursing mothers of premature infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the National Institute of Woman, Child and Adolescent Health - IFF/Fiocruz. The energy content of breast milk was evaluated by crematocrit, by the human milk bank. To assess maternal food consumption, the Food Frequency Questionnaire was used and sociodemographic data were obtained from interviews with the nursing mothers. Data were evaluated using the SPSS 22.0 software.Results: It was found that 89% of the milk collected was normocaloric, with an average energy content of 597.2 ± 79.1 kcal/L and that most of the milk expressed was colostrum. The average caloric intake of the nursing mothers was 2554 ± 413.1 kcal/day and the consumption of polyunsaturated fats, which corresponded to 3.5% of the total energy intake, was below the recommendation. There was no association between the energy content of human milk and the studied variables, but there was a tendency for nursing mothers living outside the city of Rio de Janeiro to have a higher caloric content in milk (p = 0.06).Conclusion: The human milk samples were normocaloric, maternal food consumption was inadequate for polyunsaturated fats and there was no association of sociodemographic variables or maternal caloric intake with the energy content of human milk.

Dietary Intake and Health Status of Elderly Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Cross-sectional Study Using a Mobile App in Primary Care

BackgroundHealthy dietary intake reduces the risk of complications of diabetes mellitus. Using assessment methods helps to understand these circumstances, and an electronic application may optimize this practice.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to (1) assess the dietary intake and health status of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary care, (2) use a mobile app as a tool for data collection and analysis in the context of primary care, and (3) verify the perceptions of multidisciplinary health professionals regarding app use.MethodsFirst, we developed a mobile app comprised of the questions of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) of Brazil, which includes a food frequency questionnaire of food categories with a recall of the previous 7 days. Thereafter, we used the app to collect data on the health status and dietary intake of 154 participants, aged 60-96 years, diagnosed with T2DM, and under treatment in primary care centers in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We also collected participants’ demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle variables. The associations between dietary intake and other variables were tested using chi-square tests with a 5% significance level. Regarding the app, we assessed usability and acceptance with 20 health professionals.ResultsBetween August 2018 and December 2018, participants had an intake in line with recommended guidelines for raw salads (57.1%), fruits (76.6%), milk products (68.2%), fried foods (72.7%), savory biscuits (60.4%), cookies or sweets (72.1%), and sugary drinks (92.9%) Meanwhile, the consumption of beans (59.7%), pulses and cooked vegetables (73.4%), and processed meat products (59.7%) was not in line with the guidelines. There were statistically significant differences in meeting the recommended guidelines among participants of different genders (P=.006 and P=.035 for the intake of fried foods and sugary drinks, respectively), place of residence (P=.034 for the intake of cookies and sweets), family history of diabetes (P<.001 for the intake of beans), physical activity engagement (P=.003 for the intake fresh fruits), history of smoking (P=.001 for the intake of raw salads), and presence of coronary disease (P=.050 for the intake of pulses and cooked vegetables). The assessment of usability resulted in a mean score of 71.75 points. Similarly, the assessment of the 15 acceptance questions revealed high scores, and the qualitative questions revealed positive perceptions.ConclusionsWe identified that most participants complied with recommended intake guidelines for 7 of 10 categories in the SISVAN guidelines. However, most participants were overweight and had nutritional and clinical disorders, which justifies further investigations in this population. The app was well-rated by health professionals and considered a useful and promising tool for collecting and analyzing data in primary care settings.

Human glyphosate exposure changes over 25 years and implications for liver health

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The use of glyphosate-based herbicides has increased significantly over the past 25 years. Globally, they are now the most widely used pesticides. Few studies have documented human rates of glyphosate exposure nor potential linkages with liver disease. We present findings of 2 studies conducted by the UC San Diego Herbicide Awareness and Research Project. METHODS: Study 1: Among 100 randomly selected participants of the UC San Diego longitudinal Rancho Bernardo Study we measured urinary glyphosate concentrations at 5 time points between 1993 and 2016. Study 2: Glyphosate excretion was examined in the context of incidence of non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) among 100 patients from the UC San Diego NAFLD Research Center. For each study, urine samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Limits of detection (LOD) for glyphosate were 0.03 μg/L; assays were linear up to 50 μg/L. Analyses were normalized to each sample’s specific gravity, thereby accounting for dilution or concentration effects due to variability in water intake and age-related or other differences in renal function. RESULTS:Study 1: Mean glyphosate exposure increased 1000% over the period. From 1993-1996 to 2014-2016, mean sample values increased from 0.024 μg/L to 0.314 μg/L (p0.001) and mean rates of exposure increased from 0.120 to 0.700 (p0.001), respectively. Study 2: Glyphosate excretion was significantly elevated in patients with NASH as compared with patients without NASH (p=0.01) and in patients with more severe liver fibrosis (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS:Glyphosate exposure has increased significantly since GM crops were first introduced into the US food supply in the early 1990s. Consistent with over 8 animal feeding studies, in humans, chronic exposure to glyphosate may be associated with incidence of fatty liver disease, an epidemic in the US. KEYWORDS: pesticides, other (liver disease)

Online forecasting of daily feed intake in lactating sows supported by offline time-series clustering, for precision livestock farming

According to precision livestock farming principles, it is essential to apply feed intake forecasting processes to real time precision feeding strategies in order to improve the overall efficiency of the livestock feeding chain. Considering the lack of a mechanistic model that predicts daily feed intake in lactating sows, a novel approach combining an online forecasting procedure with an offline learning procedure is proposed. A database of 39,090 lactations, from 6 different farms and containing the first 20 daily feed intake records after farrowing, was used (1) to identify consistent sets of clusters and trajectory curves offline, and (2) to test 3 predictive functions of daily feed intake online. The homogeneity of the clusters resulting from the offline learning procedure was assessed according to Silhouette and Calinski-Harabasz scores. The predictive quality of forecasting functions was assessed with the Mean Error (ME), and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Time-series clustering with k-Shape makes it possible to extract consistent trajectory curves that are scale-, shift- and translate-invariant. The best number of clusters obtained either in a global approach or at farm scale was two. The trajectory curve of the first cluster is characterized by a mostly continuous increase of feed intake over the course of lactation, and the second cluster by a plateau in feed intake starting from about the 10th day of lactation. These identified trajectory curves are consistent with the very few studies available in the literature. When computed with the best forecasting function and farm specific trajectory curves, the ME of feed intake over lactation was −0.08 kg/d, and the corresponding RMSE was 1.06 kg/d. Though variability in feed intake among sows and over the lactation period is high, online forecasting of feed intake can be improved by the use of feed intake trajectory curves. These trajectory curves may be computed on a regular basis with data obtained directly on the farm or on farms with similar practices. The online forecasting procedure requires few computing resources, and could easily be embedded in smart feeder control systems as a practical application in precision feeding systems for lactating sows.

Assessment of hypertension association with arsenic exposure from food and drinking water in Bihar, India

Epidemiological studies have associated chronic exposure to arsenic (As) from drinking water with increased risk of hypertension. However, evidence of an association between As exposure from food and hypertension risks is sparse. To quantify the association between daily As intake from both food (rice, wheat and potatoes) and drinking water (Aswater) along with total exposure (Astotal) and hypertension risks in a study population in Bihar, India, we conducted an individual level cross-sectional analysis between 2017 and 2019 involving 150 participants. Arsenic intake variables and three indicators of hypertension risks (general hypertension, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)) were derived, and any relationship was quantified using a series of crude and multivariable log-linear or logistic regression models. The prevalence of general hypertension was 40% for the studied population. The median level of HDL was 45 mg/dL while median value of LDL was 114 mg/dL. Apart from a marginally significant positive relationship between As intake from rice and the changes of LDL (p-value = 0.032), no significant positive association between As intake and hypertension risks could be ascertained. In fact, Astotal was found to be associated with lower risks of general hypertension and higher levels of HDL (p-value = 0.020 and 0.010 respectively) whilst general hypertension was marginally associated with lower Aswater (p-value = 0.043). Due to limitations regarding study design and residual confounding, all observed marginal associations should be treated with caution.

Vitamin D Perspective in Front Line Healthcare Workers Amid COVID-19

Deficiency of Vitamin D is very common in Pakistan, even among healthy asymptomatic individuals [1], [2]. Recent studies have shown that the risk of contracting COVID-19 was increased to two-fold, and consequent mortality to 4-fold if the person is Vitamin D deficient [3]. Health care workers including the nursing and administration staff are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV2 due to increased regular exposure in a health care setting [4]. Consequently, a convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deficiency of Vitamin D, and the increased exposure can render the health care workers at an additional risk to COVID-19 infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy asymptomatic front-line health care workers and to analyze the change in serum level by loading oral dose of SunnyD STAT softgel capsules (200000 IU Vitamin D3). We followed single centered, cross-sectional, cohort study with subsequent randomized placebo-controlled design for supplementation and follow up. Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was the main outcome variable, with anthropometric data, nutritional intake, and lifestyle variables analyzed for potential association as risk factors for the outcome. Severe Vitamin D deficiency was found to be prevalent among front line health care workers in this urban hospital-based sample. Serum level of Vitamin D was found to be significantly associated with designation and presence of high blood pressure. The likelihood of increased serum Vitamin D levels was observed with increasing monthly income, higher designation, increasing age and supplementation intake. Mean increase in the serum 25(OH)D3 level after 2 doses of SunnyD STAT softgel capsule (200000 IU Vitamin D3) was 34.22 ng/ml. Public health interventions regarding Vitamin D supplementation and awareness are needed, especially amid COVID-19 pandemicDeficiency of Vitamin D is very common in Pakistan, even among healthy asymptomatic individuals [1], [2]. Recent studies have shown that the risk of contracting COVID-19 was increased to two-fold, and consequent mortality to 4-fold if the person is Vitamin D deficient [3]. Health care workers including the nursing and administration staff are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV2 due to increased regular exposure in a health care setting [4]. Consequently, a convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deficiency of Vitamin D, and the increased exposure can render the health care workers at an additional risk to COVID-19 infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy asymptomatic front-line health care workers and to analyze the change in serum level by loading oral dose of SunnyD STAT softgel capsules (200000 IU Vitamin D3). We followed single centered, cross-sectional, cohort study with subsequent randomized placebo-controlled design for supplementation and follow up. Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was the main outcome variable, with anthropometric data, nutritional intake, and lifestyle variables analyzed for potential association as risk factors for the outcome. Severe Vitamin D deficiency was found to be prevalent among front line health care workers in this urban hospital-based sample. Serum level of Vitamin D was found to be significantly associated with designation and presence of high blood pressure. The likelihood of increased serum Vitamin D levels was observed with increasing monthly income, higher designation, increasing age and supplementation intake. Mean increase in the serum 25(OH)D3 level after 2 doses of SunnyD STAT softgel capsule (200000 IU Vitamin D3) was 34.22 ng/ml. Public health interventions regarding Vitamin D supplementation and awareness are needed, especially amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Demonstration of a Single-Parameter, Rapid Flow Cytometry Assay in Assessing Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxic Function

Assessing cytotoxic function of immune effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, is necessary to determine their potency. Various cytotoxicity assays measuring target cell death have been reported, however these assays typically feature a number of limitations that curb their broad applicability. Quantitative assays of NK cell killing traditionally measure the release of chromium or a fluorescent dye from labelled target cells. These assays typically show low reproducibility and often underestimate cell death for many cell types. Recent strategies aimed at ensuring manufacture of high NK cell doses commonly include NK cell co-culture with antigen presenting cells as feeder cells for their expansion. Such expansion platforms result in a final NK cell product with a high content of dead or dying feeder cells. This end product also complicates the accurate measurement of target cell death in NK cell cytotoxicity assays. Here we report a rapid flow cytometry assay for quantifying target cell killing after single-color labeling of the target cells prior to co-incubation with NK cells. In this assay, target cells are first labeled with calcein-AM (CAM), a green fluorescent dye. CAM-labeled target cells are then co-incubated with feeder cell expanded-NK cells in 96-well plates using various NK cell-to-target ratios. After 4 hours of NK cell-target cell co-incubation, a fixed volume of the cell suspension was analyzed using a flow cytometer capable of reading 96-well plates. The live, CAM-labeled target cells were gated and quantitated for all the treatment conditions to determine the number of CAM-labeled target cells present per fixed volume.Using this assay, we observed highly consistent cytotoxicity results against both suspension and adherent cell targets. The accuracy of this assay was also demonstrated by NK cell dose-dependent responses. Importantly, the presence of dead feeder cells in the NK cell suspension does not interfere with the analysis of this assay. In addition, the gating strategy is simple, consistent, and the analysis between treatment groups does not require cumbersome calculations or compensation that could introduce variability. Assessment of target cell death was also shown to be more reliable and consistent when compared with the measurement of CAM release using a microplate reader. The latter assay has previously been shown to be highly variable with inconsistent results depending on target cell and CAM dilution. Our flow cytometry assay consistently identifies live cells, avoiding errors due to variability in dye intake and dye release detection. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Timing of chocolate intake affects hunger, substrate oxidation, and microbiota: A randomized controlled trial.

Eating chocolate in the morning or in the evening/at night, may differentially affect energy balance and impact body weight due to changes in energy intake, substrate oxidation, microbiota (composition/function), and circadian-related variables. In a randomized controlled trial, postmenopausal females (n = 19) had 100g of chocolate in the morning (MC), in the evening/at night (EC), or no chocolate (N) for 2 weeks and ate any other food ad libitum. Our results show that 14 days of chocolate intake did not increase body weight. Chocolate consumption decreased hunger and desire for sweets (P < .005), and reduced ad libitum energy intake by ~300 kcal/day during MC and ~150 kcal/day during EC (P = .01), but did not fully compensate for the extra energy contribution of chocolate (542 kcal/day). EC increased physical activity by +6.9%, heat dissipation after meals +1.3%, and carbohydrate oxidation by +35.3% (P < .05). MC reduced fasting glucose (4.4%) and waist circumference (-1.7%) and increased lipid oxidation (+25.6%). Principal component analyses showed that both timings of chocolate intake resulted in differential microbiota profiles and function (P < .05). Heat map of wrist temperature and sleep records showed that EC induced more regular timing of sleep episodes with lower variability of sleep onset among days than MC (60 min vs 78 min; P = .028). In conclusion, having chocolate in the morning or in the evening/night results in differential effects on hunger and appetite, substrate oxidation, fasting glucose, microbiota (composition and function), and sleep and temperature rhythms. Results highlight that the "when" we eat is a relevant factor to consider in energy balance and metabolism.

Severity of protein-energy wasting and obesity are independently related with poor quality of life in peritoneal dialysis patients

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are independently associated with morbi-mortality in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). PEW may reduce HRQoL; however, we hypothesized HRQoL is affected differentially by PEW degrees or by individual criteria of nutritional status. AimTo evaluate HRQoL according to PEW severity and nutritional status indicators in CAPD.This is a cross-sectional study in 151 patients. Subjective global assessment (SGA) was employed, and nutritional status classified as normal, mild-moderate PEW, and severe PEW. HRQoL was evaluated using Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form™, including physical (PCS), mental (MCS) and kidney disease (KDCS) components, and their subscales. Dietary intake, anthropometric and biochemical variables were measured.Forty-six percent of patients were well-nourished, 44% had mild-moderate PEW, and 10% severe PEW. Compared with well-nourished patients, those with mild-moderate (p=0.06) and severe (p=0.005) PEW had lower HRQoL score [68 (52–75), 55 (45–72), 46 (43–58), respectively]. PCS, MCS, and KDCS and their subscales had lower values as PEW was more severe. Patients with obesity and hypoalbuminemia had significantly lower HRQoL overall and component scores than their counterparts. Dietary intake was not associated with quality of life. In multivariate analysis obesity, PEW (by SGA), hypoalbuminemia, and low educational level predicted poor HRQoL (χ2 58.2, p<0.0001).As conclusion, PEW severity was related with worse HRQoL, either as overall score or in every component or subscale in CAPD patients. Poor HRQoL was predicted independently by PEW severity and obesity; additional predictors were hypoalbuminemia and low education.

Hubungan Asupan Makan dan Aktifitas Fisik Terhadap Status Gizi Anak Usia Sekolah

Abstract Health problems in children, especially in terms of nutrition, are still a problem in Indonesia such as underweight and overweight, which are caused by physical activity, and vice versa, nutritional status affects children's physical activity. Nutritional status and physical activity play an important role in achieving good physical fitness, especially for school age children. Only 1 in 3 children who are active in physical activity every day. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between food intake, physical activity and nutritional status in school age children. This research uses a correlational quantitative approach. Respondents who were the subjects in this study were students in grades 3-6 at SDN 2 Saparua, totaling 120 students. The number of samples used in this study was determined using the Taro Yamane or Slovin formula which resulted in 93 students. The research instruments used in this study were a 2x24 hour food recall questionnaire, anthropometric examination, physical activity questionnaire of children (PAQ-C) for physical activity and nutritional status determined using BMI / U. The research data were processed using bivariate analysis with the help of statistical products and solutions (SPSS). Correlation analysis using Pearson. The results of hypothesis testing on food intake and physical activity with a statistical value of R = 0.652; R Square = 0.425. This means that the variables of food intake and physical activity simultaneously play a role in the nutritional status of the individual by 42.5%, while the remaining 57.5% is influenced by other factors that are not disclosed in this study. The better the score of physical activity and food intake, the better the nutritional status of the child.Keywords: food intake, physical activity, nutritional status

No Associations Between Dairy Intake and Markers of Gastrointestinal Inflammation in Healthy Adult Cohort

ObjectivesWe examined associations between reported dairy intake and markers of gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation in a healthy human adult population. We hypothesized there would be a negative association of yogurt intake with GI inflammation, suggesting a protective effect, and no associations of total dairy, fluid milk, and cheese intake with GI inflammation. MethodsParticipants completed up to 3 unannounced 24-hour dietary recalls using ASA24 and a Block 2014 Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess recent and habitual intake, respectively. Those who also provided a stool sample were included in this analysis (n = 342). Stool samples were stored on ice immediately after collection and homogenized within 24 hours. Inflammatory markers from stool, including calprotectin, neopterin, and myeloperoxidase were measured by ELISA along with LPS-binding protein (LBP) from plasma. Regression models tested associations between dairy intake variables and inflammatory markers with and without covariates: sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). As yogurt is episodically consumed, t-tests were used to examine differences in inflammatory marker levels between consumers (>1 cup per month reported in FFQ) and non-consumers. Each dairy variable was also expressed as a percentage of mean energy intake from 24-hour recalls and regressed with inflammatory markers. ResultsWithout covariates, we found no associations between total dairy, fluid milk, and yogurt from both dietary assessments with any inflammatory markers. Cheese intake reported in the FFQ was positively associated with plasma LBP (P = 0.02). However, this association was not significant after covariate adjustment. There were no significant differences in GI inflammatory marker levels between yogurt consumers and non-consumers (P > 0.05). When expressed as a percentage of mean energy intake, cheese from ASA24 was associated with increased LBP (P = 0.03), but this was not significant after adjustment for covariates. There were no other associations of dairy variables as a percentage of energy intake with GI inflammatory markers. ConclusionsWe found no clinically relevant associations between dairy intake and markers of GI inflammation in a healthy human adult cohort. Funding SourcesCalifornia Dairy Research Foundation, USDA ARS 2032–51,530-026–00D.

Characterizing nicotine exposure among a community sample of non-daily smokers in the United States

BackgroundOver one-quarter of all smokers in the United States identify as non-daily smokers and this number is projected to rise. Unlike daily smokers who typically maintain consistent levels of nicotine exposure with regular smoking, non-daily smokers have variable patterns of smoking that likely result in high intraindividual variability in nicotine intake. The current study aimed to characterize the weekly intraindividual variability in cotinine and identify smoking-related predictors in nondaily smokers.MethodsAn ecological momentary assessment of 60 non-daily smokers ages 24–57 years was conducted over a consecutive 7-day at-home protocol to log each smoking session, assessments of mood and social activity during smoking, and collection of daily saliva samples in a convenience sample from Pennsylvania, USA. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the effects of smoking characteristics on total cotinine exposure measured by pharmacokinetic area under the curve and the range, maximum, and minimum cotinine values during the week controlling for demographic variables.ResultsThe mean daily cotinine level was 119.2 ng/ml (SD = 168.9) with individual values that ranged from nondetectable to 949.6 ng/ml. Menthol predicted increased total cotinine levels (P < 0.05). Shorter time to the first cigarette of the day predicted significantly higher minimum (P < 0.05), maximum (P < 0.05), and total cotinine values (P < 0.05) after controlling for covariates. Negative emotions and social interactions with others were also significantly associated with higher cotinine metrics. There was no significant effect of the nicotine metabolite ratio.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the variability in nicotine exposure across days among non-daily smokers and point to the role of smoking context in nicotine exposure. The findings suggest the need to develop better assessment methods to determine health and dependence risk and personalized cessation interventions for this heterogeneous and growing group of smokers.

Late bedtime is associated with lower weight loss in patients with severe obesity after sleeve gastrectomy.

Previous research has shown that sleep can play a role in obesity and weight loss. However, the association of sleep with weight loss in patients with severe obesity after bariatric surgery remains unexplored. We aimed to evaluate the role of sleep in weight loss evolution in a cohort of patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. A cohort of 252 patients with severe obesity (75.7% women; age [mean ± SD] 47.7 ± 10.8 years; BMI 44.2 ± 5.9 kg/m2) was followed for 1 year after surgery. Anthropometric, biochemical, physical activity, sleep (bedtime, wakeup time, and sleep duration) and dietary intake variables were collected pre- and post-surgery (1 year). Linear and non-linear regression models were used to examine the associations between sleep variables and weight loss. Participants were grouped into 'early' and 'late' sleepers according to a bedtime threshold (before or after 24:00 h), and the differences in weight loss, physical activity, meal timing, and dietary intake between groups were studied. 1-h increments in bedtime were linearly associated with less excess weight loss (EWL) [-2.23%; 95%CI: -3.37; -0.70; p = 0.005] 1 year after the sleeve gastrectomy. Late sleepers lost less weight (-5.64% of EWL [95%CI: -10.11; -1.17]; p = 0.014) when compared to early sleepers and showed a higher energy intake after 21:00 h (8.66% of total energy intake [95% CI: 4.87; 12.46]; p < 0.001). Late bedtime is associated with less success of weight loss 1 year after the sleeve gastrectomy. Late sleepers consumed more of their calories closer to bedtime. Our results highlight the relevance of considering recommendations on bedtime and meal timing for patients after bariatric surgery.

Comparison of the effects of slow-release urea vs conventional urea supplementation on some finishing cattle parameters: A meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to compare between the effects of slow-release urea (SRU) versus conventional urea (CU) supplementation on some finishing cattle parameters through the meta-analysis method using published scientific data. Data were extracted from nine experiments involving 532 bovines, 259 of which received CU and 273 who received SRU. When preparing the database, the applied sample unit was the average response for each article. Data from peer-reviewed articles published in indexed journals including the finishing phase of feedlot feeding were used. Furthermore, only studies applying conventional urea as a control group tested against slow-release urea and reporting the mean and variability of dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion (FC), hot carcass weight (HCW) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) were included in the meta-analysis. The effect size for all parameters was calculated as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval and heterogeneity determined by the Q test and I2 statistics. A meta-analysis of random effects was conducted when I2 > 50% and fixed effects with I2 < 50% for each indicator separately with the means of control and experimental group. DMI (P = 0.6733), ADG (P = 0.1512) and FC (P = 0.1599) were similar between steers that received slow-release or conventional urea in feedlots. This similarity also extended to HCW (P = 0.1701) and SFT (P = 0.2709). The replacement of conventional urea with slow-release urea in the diet of steers finished in feedlot does not result in differences in performance and carcass traits.

Prevalence of constipation in adults with obesity class II and III and associated factors

BackgroundConstipation and obesity have common risk factors. However, little is known about the occurrence of constipation in individuals with severe obesity and the associated factors.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of intestinal constipation and its associated factors in adults with obesity class II and III.MethodThis study analyzed baseline data from a randomized clinical trial with adults aged 18–64 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2, living in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, lifestyle, level of obesity, presence of comorbidities, water intake and food consumption variables. The outcome variable was constipation assessed by the Rome III criteria and the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Multiple Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the association between explanatory variables and the outcome.ResultsAmong the 150 participants, the prevalence of constipation was 24.67% (95% CI: 17.69–31.64). After multiple regression analyses constipation was associated with polypharmacy (adjusted PR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.18–7.57, p = 0.021), younger age group i.e. 18–29 years (adjusted PR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.21–8.06, p = 0.019) and former smoking (adjusted PR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.28–9.14, p = 0.014). There was no statistically significant association between constipation and daily consumption of fiber-rich foods, however, the non-consumption of whole grains was borderline significant (adjusted PR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.00 to 8.49, p = 0.050).ConclusionA high prevalence of constipation was found in adults with obesity class II and III. Constipation was significantly associated with the simultaneous use of five or more medications, younger age group and being a former smoker.

Therapist Interventions and Skills as Predictors of Dropout in Outpatient Psychotherapy

The current study employed machine learning to investigate whether the inclusion of observer-rated therapist interventions and skills in early sessions of psychotherapy improved dropout prediction beyond intake assessments. Patients were treated by postgraduate clinicians at a university outpatient clinic. Psychometric instruments were assessed at intake and therapeutic interventions and skills in the third session were routinely rated by independent observers. After variable preselection, an elastic net algorithm was used to build two dropout prediction models, one including and one excluding observer-rated session variables. The best model included observer-rated variables and was significantly superior to the model including intake variables only. Alongside intake variables, two observer-rated variables significantly predicted dropout: therapist use of feedback and summaries and treatment difficulty. Although not retained in the final prediction model, the observer-rated use of cognitive techniques was also significantly correlated with dropout. Observer ratings of therapist interventions and skills in early sessions of psychotherapy improve predictors of dropout from psychotherapy beyond intake variables alone. Future research could work toward personalizing dropout predictions to the specific dyad, thereby improving their validity and aiding therapists to recognize and react to increased dropout risk.

Association between Sugar Intake and Intima Media Thickness as a Marker for Atherosclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (Sweden).

It has been suggested that sugar intake may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. However, studies on this matter are lacking. Intima media thickness (IMT) is a well-established measurement of subclinical atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association between sugar intake (i.e., added, free and total sugar and sugar-rich foods and beverages) and IMT. Our study comprised 5269 individuals (45–73 years, 40% men) of the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, a population-based cohort conducted in Sweden with data collected from 1991 to 1994. Measurements of IMT were performed with B-mode ultrasound at the right common carotid artery (IMTcca) and the bifurcation of the carotids (IMTbif). Dietary intake was estimated using a combination of a 7-day food record, diet questionnaire and interview. After adjusting for methodological, lifestyle and dietary confounders, no statistically significant associations were observed for any of the sugar intake variables and IMT. For example, added sugar intake presented no significant linear association with IMTcca or IMTbif (Ptrends: IMTcca 0.81 for men and 0.98 for women and IMTbif 0.20 for men and 0.40 for women). In conclusion, we found no clear association between sugar intake and IMT measurements in this study.

Dental caries and psychosocial factors: Testing a conceptual model in adolescents.

A conceptual model was designed to examine interrelations among psychosocial factors, oral health behaviour, and dental caries in a sample of adolescents. This cross-sectional study design of 531 Greek families included an oral examination and a survey completed by adolescents, and a survey completed by mothers. The outcome measure was dental caries experience. Additionally, dental sealants were recorded. The participants provided information which comprised the Sense of Coherence (SoC) scale and 11 psychosocial and behavioural variables that formed 6 composite variables (life-course experiences, socio-economic status, perceived parental support, perceived parental punishment, preventive measures, sugar intake frequency). The composite variables of preventive measures and sugar intake formed the latent variable of oral health behaviour. The interrelations of the above factors were included in a conceptual model and tested using a Structural Equation Modelling analysis. Data fit the proposed conceptual model (χ2 =23.338, df=14, P=.055, RMSEA=0.036). Among psychosocial variables, adolescent's SoC was the best predictor of both dental caries (Standardized Regression Coefficient - Std. RC±Standard Error (SE)=-0.178±0.04) and oral health behaviour (Std. RC±SE=-0.378±0.09). All psychosocial factors were associated with SoC (Std. RCs±SE between -0.162±0.04 and 0.211±0.04) and via SoC with oral health behaviour (Std. RCs±SE between -0.080±0.03 and 0.061±0.02). A conceptual model was tested that integrated SoC with the psychosocial factors theoretically shaping it and clarified all factors' predictive abilities on dental caries via oral health behaviour.

Time-restricted eating and concurrent exercise training reduces fat mass and increases lean mass in overweight and obese adults.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether time‐restricted eating (TRE), also known as time‐restricted feeding, was an effective dietary strategy for reducing fat mass and preserving fat‐free mass while evaluating changes in cardiometabolic biomarkers, hormones, muscle performance, energy intake, and macronutrient intake after aerobic and resistance exercise training in physically inactive and overweight or obese adults. This study was a randomized, controlled trial. Overweight and obese adults (mean ± SD; age: 44 ± 7 years; body mass index [BMI]: 29.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2; female: 85.7%) were randomly assigned to a TRE or normal eating (NE) dietary strategy group. The TRE participants consumed all calories between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., whereas NE participants maintained their dietary habits. Both groups completed 8 weeks of aerobic exercise and supervised resistance training. Body composition, muscle performance, energy intake, macronutrient intake, physical activity, and physiological variables were assessed. A total of 21 participants completed the study (NE: n = 10; TRE: n = 11). A mild energy restriction was observed for TRE (~300 kcal/day, 14.5%) and NE (~250 kcal/day, 11.4%). Losses of total body mass were significantly greater for TRE (3.3%) relative to NE (0.2%) pre‐ to post‐intervention, of which TRE had significantly greater losses of fat mass (9.0%) compared to NE (3.3%). Lean mass increased during the intervention for both TRE (0.6%) and NE (1.9%), with no group differences. These data support the use of TRE and concurrent exercise training as a short‐term dietary strategy for reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass in overweight and obese adults.