Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dietary whey reduces energy intake and alters hypothalamic gene expression in obese phyto-oestrogen-deprived male rats

Abstract Removing dietary phyto-oestrogens in adult male rats causes obesity and diabetes. As whey proteins have been reported to reduce food intake and improve glucose homoeostasis, we investigated whether they could attenuate susceptibility to obesity and diabetes due to phyto-oestrogen deprivation. To this end, thirty male Wistar rats were fed a high-phyto-oestrogen (HP) or a phyto-oestrogen-free (PF) diet for 10 weeks; six rats from each group were killed. The remaining HP animals (six animals) continued receiving the HP diet for 6 weeks. The remaining PF rats (twelve rats) were divided in two groups: one was given the PF diet and the other a variation of the PF diet plus whey protein (PF-W). Body weight, food intake and adipose tissue weights were recorded. Hypothalamic mRNA expressions of orexigenic (neuropeptide Y, agouti-related protein (AgRP)) and anorexigenic (pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), cocaine-amphetamine-related transcript (CART)) neuropeptides were quantified by real-time PCR. Serum glucose, insulin and total thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone, testosterone and oestradiol were assessed. After 10 weeks of PF diet, increased body weight, adiposity and energy intake, with up-regulation of AgRP and down-regulation of POMC', were observed. Longer treatment exacerbated these results, increased total T4 levels, reduced oestradiol levels and impaired glucose homoeostasis. PF-W reduced energy intake and increased POMC expression; however, body weight and adiposity remained unchanged. PF-W could not prevent the hormonal changes or the high circulating glucose levels induced by phyto-oestrogen deprivation, but reduced fasting insulin. These data demonstrate that, although 6 weeks of whey administration could not prevent obesity in phyto-oestrogen-deprived rats, the reduction in energy intake and circulating insulin could be beneficial with longer treatments.
Feeding a diet devoid of choline to lactating rodents restricts growth and lymphocyte development in offspring

Abstract The nutrient choline is necessary for membrane synthesis and methyl donation, with increased requirements during lactation. The majority of immune development occurs postnatally, but the importance of choline supply for immune development during this critical period is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the importance of maternal supply of choline during suckling on immune function in their offspring among rodents. At parturition, Sprague–Dawley dams were randomised to either a choline-devoid (ChD; n 7) or choline-sufficient (ChS, 1 g/kg choline; n 10) diet with their offspring euthanised at 3 weeks of age. In a second experiment, offspring were weaned to a ChS diet until 10 weeks of age (ChD-ChS, n 5 and ChS-ChS, n 9). Splenocytes were isolated, and parameters of immune function were measured. The ChD offspring received less choline in breast milk and had lower final body and organ weight compared with ChS offspring (P<0·05), but this effect disappeared by week 10 with choline supplementation from weaning. ChD offspring had a higher proportion of T cells expressing activation markers (CD71 or CD28) and a lower proportion of total B cells (CD45RA+) and responded less to T cell stimulation (lower stimulation index and less IFN-γ production) ex vivo (P<0·05). ChD-ChS offspring had a lower proportion of total and activated CD4+ T cells, and produced less IL-6 after mitogen stimulation compared with cells from ChS-ChS (P<0·05). Our study suggests that choline is required in the suckling diet to facilitate immune development, and choline deprivation during this critical period has lasting effects on T cell function later in life.
Dietary patterns associated with overweight and obesity among Brazilian schoolchildren: an approach based on the time-of-day of eating events

Abstract Several studies reported that the timing of eating events has critical implications in the prevention of obesity, but dietary patterns regarding the time-of-day have not been explored in children. The aim of this study was to derive latent food patterns of daily eating events and to examine their associations with overweight/obesity among schoolchildren. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 7–10-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren (n 1232) who completed the Previous Day Food Questionnaire, illustrated with twenty-one foods/beverages in six daily eating events. Latent class analysis was used to derive dietary patterns whose association with child weight status was evaluated by multivariate multinomial regression. Four mutually exclusive latent classes of dietary patterns were identified and labelled according to the time-of-day of eating events and food intake probability (FIP): (A) higher FIP only at lunch; (B) lower FIP at all eating events; (C) higher FIP at lunch, afternoon and evening snacks; (D) lower FIP at breakfast and at evening snack, higher FIP at other meals/snacks. The percentages of children within these classes were 32·3, 48·6, 15·1 and 4·0 %, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, the mean probabilities of obesity for these classes were 6 % (95 % CI 3·0, 9·0), 13 % (95 % CI 9·0, 17·0), 12 % (95 % CI 6·0, 19) and 11 % (95 % CI 5·0, 17·0), in the same order. In conclusion, the children eating traditional lunch with rice and beans as the main meal of the day (class A) had the lowest obesity risk, thus reinforcing the importance of both the food type and the time-of-day of its intake for weight status.
Contribution of binge eating behaviour to cardiometabolic risk factors in subjects starting a weight loss or maintenance programme

Abstract The contribution of binge eating (BE) behaviour to cardiometabolic risk factors has been scarcely investigated so far. Previous studies have not considered the nutritional status and lifestyle of subjects suffering from BE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of BE to the metabolic syndrome (MS), its components, high total cholesterol and high LDL in a large sample of subjects, taking into account nutritional status, dietary habits, smoking status and physical activity. For this purpose, 5175 adults seeking a weight loss or maintenance programme were recruited. Anthropometrical measurements and blood parameters were measured. BE was evaluated using the Binge Eating Scale (BES). A fourteen-item questionnaire was used to evaluate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Smoking status and physical activity were investigated by interview. BE prevalence was 0·16 (95 % CI 0·15, 0·17). A sex- and age-adjusted Poisson regression model showed a higher prevalence of MS in binge eaters (0·33; 95 % CI 0·28, 0·37) compared with non-binge eaters (0·27; 95 % CI 0·25, 0·28, P=0·011). However, the statistical difference was lost after inclusion of BMI and lifestyle parameters in the multiple-adjusted model. We also evaluated the association between the continuous outcomes of interest and the BES score using a multivariable median regression model. We observed a positive, but clinically irrelevant, association between BES score and HDL levels (P<0·001). In conclusion, BE does not seem to be independently related to cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the screening and treatment of BE are of clinical relevance in order to reduce the risk of developing obesity.
Effects of whole-grain rye porridge with added inulin and wheat gluten on appetite, gut fermentation and postprandial glucose metabolism: a randomised, cross-over, breakfast study

Abstract Whole-grain rye foods reduce appetite, insulin and sometimes glucose responses. Increased gut fermentation and plant protein may mediate the effect. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether the appetite-suppressing effects of whole-grain rye porridge could be enhanced by replacing part of the rye with fermented dietary fibre and plant protein, and to explore the role of gut fermentation on appetite and metabolic responses over 8 h. We conducted a randomised, cross-over study using two rye porridges (40 and 55 g), three 40-g rye porridges with addition of inulin:gluten (9:3; 6:6; 3:9 g) and a refined wheat bread control (55 g), served as part of complete breakfasts. A standardised lunch and an ad libitum dinner were served 4 and 8 h later, respectively. Appetite, breath hydrogen and methane, glucose, insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) responses were measured over 8 h. Twenty-one healthy men and women, aged 23–60 years, with BMI of 21–33 kg/m2 participated in this study. Before lunch, the 55-g rye porridges lowered hunger by 20 % and desire to eat by 22 % and increased fullness by 29 % compared with wheat bread (P<0·05). Breath hydrogen increased proportionally to dietary fibre content (P<0·05). Plasma glucose after lunch was 6 % lower after the 55-g rye porridges compared with wheat bread (P<0·05) and correlated to breath hydrogen (P<0·001). No differences were observed in ad libitum food intake, insulin or GLP-1. We conclude that no further increase in satiety was observed when replacing part of the rye with inulin and gluten compared with plain rye porridges.
Preliminary Evidence for Effectiveness of a Stance Control Orthosis

Individuals with lower limb paresis or paralysis have traditionally had limited orthotic options to provide knee stability during walking. Recent developments have made available new “stance control” orthoses that provide stability in stance while allowing free knee motion during swing phase. The purpose of this study was to determine whether individuals with lower limb weakness walk more efficiently when using the Stance Control Orthotic Knee Joint (SCOKJ®) than when using a conventional knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) with the knee locked in extension. Data were collected on three male subjects with significant weakness in at least one lower limb. All subjects could walk independently, without walking aids, in the home and for short distances in the community. All three subjects exhibited increased speed and cadence, increased stride and step lengths, and fewer compensatory movements at the hip, pelvis, and trunk when walking with the SCOKJ®. Two subjects completed an obstacle course more quickly with the SCOKJ®. During 5 minutes of treadmill walking (comfortable speed), two subjects exhibited a lower heart rate response when wearing the SCOKJ®, suggesting lower energy requirements for walking with the SCOKJ®. In summary, the subjects used a more symmetric, more aesthetic walking pattern, maneuvered over and around obstacles more easily, and seemed to walk more efficiently when wearing the SCOKJ® than when wearing a KAFO with the knee locked in extension.
Passive pressure-diameter relationship and structural composition of rat mesenteric lymphangions.

BACKGROUND Lymph flow depends on both the rate of lymph production by tissues and the extent of passive and active pumping. Here we aim to characterize the passive mechanical properties of a lymphangion in both mid-lymphangion and valve segments to assess regional differences along a lymphangion, as well as evaluating its structural composition. METHODS AND RESULTS Mesenteric lymphatic vessels were isolated and cannulated in a microchamber for pressure-diameter (P-D) testing. Vessels were inflated from 0 to 20 cmH(2)O at a rate of 4 cmH(2)O/min, and vessel diameter was continuously tracked, using an inverted microscope, video camera, and custom LabVIEW program, at both mid-lymphangion and valve segments. Isolated lymphatic vessels were also pressure-fixed at 2 and 7 cmH(2)O and imaged using a nonlinear optical microscope (NLOM) to obtain collagen and elastin structural information. We observed a highly nonlinear P-D response at low pressures (3-5 cmH(2)O), which was modeled using a three-parameter constitutive equation. No significant difference in the passive P-D response was observed between mid-lymphangion and valve regions. NLOM imaging revealed an inner elastin layer and outer collagen layer at all locations. Lymphatic valve leaflets were predominantly elastin with thick axially oriented collagen bands at the insertion points. CONCLUSIONS We observed a highly nonlinear P-D response at low pressures (3-5 cmH(2)O) and developed the first constitutive equation to describe the passive P-D response for a lymphangion. The passive P-D response did not vary among regions, in agreement with the composition of elastin and collagen in the lymphatic wall.
Lymphatic pump treatment repeatedly enhances the lymphatic and immune systems.

BACKGROUND Osteopathic practitioners utilize manual therapies called lymphatic pump techniques (LPT) to treat edema and infectious diseases. While previous studies examined the effect of a single LPT treatment on the lymphatic system, the effect of repeated applications of LPT on lymphatic output and immunity has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure the effects of repeated LPT on lymphatic flow, lymph leukocyte numbers, and inflammatory mediator concentrations in thoracic duct lymph (TDL). METHODS AND RESULTS The thoracic ducts of five mongrel dogs were cannulated, and lymph samples were collected during pre-LPT, 4 min of LPT, and 2 hours post-LPT. A second LPT (LPT-2) was applied after a 2 hour rest period. TDL flow was measured, and TDL were analyzed for the concentration of leukocytes and inflammatory mediators. Both LPT treatments significantly increased TDL flow, leukocyte count, total leukocyte flux, and the flux of interleukin-8 (IL-8), keratinocyte-derived chemoattractant (KC), nitrite (NO2(-)), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The concentration of IL-6 increased in lymph over time in all experimental groups; therefore, it was not LPT dependent. CONCLUSION Clinically, it can be inferred that LPT at a rate of 1 pump per sec for a total of 4 min can be applied every 2 h, thus providing scientific rationale for the use of LPT to repeatedly enhance the lymphatic and immune system.
Fermented green tea extract exhibits hypolipidaemic effects through the inhibition of pancreatic lipase and promotion of energy expenditure

Abstract Hyperlipidaemia is a major cause of atherosclerosis and related CVD and can be prevented with natural substances. Previously, we reported that a novel Bacillus-fermented green tea (FGT) exerts anti-obesity and hypolipidaemic effects. This study further investigated the hypotriglyceridaemic and anti-obesogenic effects of FGT and its underlying mechanisms. FGT effectively inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in vitro (IC50, 0·48 mg/ml) and ameliorated postprandial lipaemia in rats (26 % reduction with 500 mg/kg FGT). In hypertriglyceridaemic hamsters, FGT administration significantly reduced plasma TAG levels. In mice, FGT administration (500 mg/kg) for 2 weeks augmented energy expenditure by 22 % through the induction of plasma serotonin, a neurotransmitter that modulates energy expenditure and mRNA expressions of lipid metabolism genes in peripheral tissues. Analysis of the gut microbiota showed that FGT reduced the proportion of the phylum Firmicutes in hamsters, which could further contribute to its anti-obesity effects. Collectively, these data demonstrate that FGT decreases plasma TAG levels via multiple mechanisms including inhibition of pancreatic lipase, augmentation of energy expenditure, induction of serotonin secretion and alteration of gut microbiota. These results suggest that FGT may be a useful natural agent for preventing hypertriglyceridaemia and obesity.
Assessing the Feasibility of a Multi-Program School-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity and Healthful Eating in Middle Schools prior to Wide-Scale Implementation

Abstract Background: University-community partnerships can support schools in implementing evidence-based responses to youth obesity trends. An interorganizational partnership was established to implement and evaluate the Healthy Choices Collaborative Intervention (HCCI). HCCI combines an interdisciplinary curriculum, before/after school activities, and the School Health Index to promote physical activity, reduce television viewing, and increase fruit and vegetable consumption among middle school youths. Purpose: A modified rapid assessment process was used to explore potential influences on feasibility of implementing and sustaining HCCI before wide-scale implementation. Methods: Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with administrators, program coordinators, and teachers who had experience with one or more of the intervention components. Results: Respondents believed combining programs would be beneficial because of common behavioral goals. A key leader, an engaged, multidisciplinary team, and parental, community, and administrative support were viewed as being important for effective implementation. Respondents believed sustainability would be facilitated through resources for networking and refreshers on intervention components. Discussion: Findings resulted in hiring regional coordinators to assist schools in implementation, allowing schools flexibility in implementation, and reducing the required number of Planet Health lessons and School Health Index modules. Translation to Health Education Practice: Findings illustrate the utility of rapid assessment procedures to gauge feasibility of combining multiple interventions before implementation
Association between insomnia and social network site use in Indonesian adolescents

OBJECTIVES Sleep deprivation can cause serious physical and mental problems. Although sleep deprivation among adolescents is not a new phenomenon, this problem has recently gained more attention due to the frequent use of smartphones. This study aimed to explain the correlations among family support, academic stress, social network site (SNS) use, and insomnia in adolescents. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 180 adolescents aged 16 to 17 years, with simple random sampling. This study used a questionnaire that included the frequency and duration of social media use, reasons for using social media, family support, academic stress, and insomnia. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression with a degree of significance at P < 0.05. RESULTS This study showed that insomnia was associated with duration of SNS use (P = 0.011), reasons of SNS usage ( P = 0.004), and academic stress ( P = 0.013). The frequency of SNS use ( P = 0.645), types of SNS ( P = 0.965), and family support ( P = 0.150) were not associated with insomnia in adolescents. CONCLUSIONS The reasons of SNS usage, duration of SNS usage, and academic stress are major factors associated with insomnia in adolescents. These components should be embedded in multicomponent educational intervention addressed to both adolescents and parents to reduce insomnia.
Faster recovery of gastrointestinal transit after laparoscopy and fast-track care in patients undergoing colonic surgery.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Postoperative ileus is characterized by delayed gastrointestinal (GI) transit and is a major determinant of recovery after colorectal surgery. Both laparoscopic surgery and fast-track multimodal perioperative care have been reported to improve clinical recovery. However, objective measures supporting faster GI recovery are lacking. Therefore, GI transit was measured following open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery with or without fast-track care. METHODS Patients (n = 93) requiring elective colonic surgery were randomized to laparoscopic or conventional surgery with fast-track multimodal management or standard care, resulting in 4 treatment arms. Gastric emptying and colonic transit were scintigraphically assessed from days 1 to 3 in 78 patients and compared with clinical parameters such as time to tolerance of solid food and/or bowel movement and time until (ready for) discharge. RESULTS A total of 71 patients without mechanical bowel obstructions or surgical complications requiring intervention were available for analysis. No differences in gastric emptying 24 hours after surgery between the different groups were observed (P = .61). However, the median colonic transit of patients undergoing laparoscopic/fast-track care was significantly faster compared with the laparoscopic/standard, open/fast-track, and open/standard care groups. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that both laparoscopic surgery and fast-track care were significant independent predictive factors of improved colonic transit. Both were associated with significantly faster clinical recovery and shorter time until tolerance of solid food and first bowel movement. CONCLUSIONS Colonic transit recovers significantly faster after laparoscopic surgery and the fast-track program; laparoscopy and fast-track care lead to faster recovery of GI motility and improve clinical recovery.
The effects of supplementation with α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene on the incidence and mortality of carcinoma of the pancreas in a randomized, controlled trial

Dietary components may be both causal and protective in cases of pancreatic carcinoma, but the preventive potential of single constituents has not been evaluated. The authors report the effects of α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene supplementations on the rates of incidence of and mortality from pancreatic carcinoma in a randomized, controlled trial.
Intestinal Stomas: Principles, Techniques, and Management

Although intestinal stomas have been an integral part of abdominal surgery for more than a century, the technique of stoma construction and the principles of stoma management have too often received only minimal attention. The publication of this comprehensive, multiauthored textbook underscores the wealth of knowledge and experience that has enhanced modern stoma surgery, and the text reaffirms the principle that construction of an intestinal stoma must involve a commitment to the total care of the patient. The book is divided into three parts: an overview, a detailed account of operative techniques, and a review of special problems. The overview section includes a chapter on history that is especially well researched and contains some original accounts of the earliest stoma operations. Chapters on physiology and preoperative and postoperative stoma therapy are also complete and well written. The chapters on operative technique are thorough, concise, and current enough to include a
Iron regulation of hepcidin despite attenuated Smad1,5,8 signaling in mice without transferrin receptor 2 or Hfe.

BACKGROUND & AIMS HFE and transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) are each necessary for the normal relationship between body iron status and liver hepcidin expression. In murine Hfe and Tfr2 knockout models of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), signal transduction to hepcidin via the bone morphogenetic protein 6 (Bmp6)/Smad1,5,8 pathway is attenuated. We examined the effect of dietary iron on regulation of hepcidin expression via the Bmp6/Smad1,5,8 pathway using mice with targeted disruption of Tfr2, Hfe, or both genes. METHODS Hepatic iron concentrations and messenger RNA expression of Bmp6 and hepcidin were compared with wild-type mice in each of the HH models on standard or iron-loading diets. Liver phospho-Smad (P-Smad)1,5,8 and Id1 messenger RNA levels were measured as markers of Bmp/Smad signaling. RESULTS Whereas Bmp6 expression was increased, liver hepcidin and Id1 expression were decreased in each of the HH models compared with wild-type mice. Each of the HH models also showed attenuated P-Smad1,5,8 levels relative to liver iron status. Mice with combined Hfe/Tfr2 disruption were most affected. Dietary iron loading increased hepcidin and Id1 expression in each of the HH models. Compared with wild-type mice, HH mice demonstrated attenuated (Hfe knockout) or no increases in P-Smad1,5,8 levels in response to dietary iron loading. CONCLUSIONS These observations show that Tfr2 and Hfe are each required for normal signaling of iron status to hepcidin via the Bmp6/Smad1,5,8 pathway. Mice with combined loss of Hfe and Tfr2 up-regulate hepcidin in response to dietary iron loading without increases in liver Bmp6 messenger RNA or steady-state P-Smad1,5,8 levels.