bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Logic of Grounding
Authors: Correia Fabrice
Published: December 2024

The concept of grounding – of a fact obtaining in virtue of other facts – has been a topic of intensive philosophical and logical investigation over roughly the past two decades. Many philosophers take grounding to deserve a central place in metaphysical theorizing, in great part because it is thought to do a better job than other concepts – e.g., reduction and supervenience – at capturing certain phenomena. Studies on the logic of grounding have largely been conducted with this philosophical background in mind. In this Element, I try to give a faithful picture of the contemporary development of the logic of grounding in a way that is both reasonably comprehensive and reasonably systematic.
Ionic dissolution and structural evolution of chrysotile and lizardite at the mineral–water interface: reactions in sulfuric acid solution
Authors: Zhao Dingran , Sun Hongjuan , Peng Tongjiang , Zeng Li
Published: December 2024

Serpentine is widely distributed in the regolith and occurs in different types (chrysotile, lizardite, antigorite). The physical and chemical processes such as composition dissolution and structure evolution of serpentine occur constantly under the action of aqueous solutions. Based on the similarities and differences of polysomic structures and properties of chrysotile (tubular shapes) and lizardite (flat structural layers), the mineral–water interfacial reaction of these two minerals was carried out in a sulfuric acid solution with a concentration of 1 mol L–1. The mineral samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Si, Mg, and Fe dissolution concentrations, dissolution rates, and dissolution rules and structural changes of chrysotile and lizardite were studied and compared. The results show that H+ is more aggressive toward lizardite in sulfuric acid solution. The dissolution rate of Si, Mg, and Fe was faster, the dissolution concentration was greater, and structural changes occurred preferentially in lizardite. Specifically, Mg dissolved first in the octahedral sheets, and Si and Fe dissolved later in the tetrahedral sheets. After the water interfacial reaction with the sulfuric acid solution, the ion dissolution rates of both chrysotile and lizardite were Mg > Fe > Si. In summary, this work investigates the mineral–water interfacial reaction of chrysotile and lizardite in sulfuric acid media from different crystal structures and demonstrates that the crystal structure has a significant effect on the acid reactivity of lizardite minerals. Furthermore, the crystal chemistry patterns for the structural dissociation of different two-dimensional structural units were studied. This work provides a mineralogical basis for the study of the mechanisms of ion migration and crystal-structure evolution of serpentine under acidic media.
Teaching language attitudes through digital storytelling projects
Authors: George Angela , Barrios Hortensia
Published: December 2024

This article addresses the teaching and learning of language attitudes within the context of a combined graduate/undergraduate Applied Linguistics course. Throughout the course, students critically discussed academic and research articles related to language attitudes towards some of the languages spoken by the students in the course (French, Spanish and Mandarin) and participated in a guided digital storytelling workshop. This article addresses the following research questions: (1) how do students embody their language attitudes through reflective storytelling? and (2) what do students gain in terms of learning outcomes from digital storytelling projects related to language attitudes? Common themes that emerged include (1) learning from others’ stories, (2) thinking creatively, (3) providing a platform for their voice, and (4) learning the connections between identity, language, and heritage. Digital storytelling can be used in other linguistics or problem-based courses as an alternative to final papers, with guidance that facilitates new understanding through collection of knowledge.
Redefining equality in European contract law: protecting consumer interests in a post-consumer society
Authors: Mak Vanessa
Published: December 2024

Consumers have in law been defined as the weaker parties in a transaction. Contract laws have integrated consumer protection with a view to balancing the interests of the parties, ensuring equal bargaining power and to some extent substantive fairness in contractual relations. Rules of consumer protection have therefore, from a contract lawyer’s perspective, been construed as expressions of a general principle of equality. The principle of equality, conceived in this way, complements the general principle of autonomy underlying contract law, which embodies the idea that parties should have the capacity for self-realisation. Does this construction of consumer contract law still hold in EU consumer markets transformed by the rise of online platforms and the overall move towards an economy based on services and experiences rather than the sale of physical goods? Or do we need to redefine the ways in which the principle of equality is expressed in European contract law in order to correct for new inequalities arising between consumers and businesses? This article aims to answer that question against the backdrop of established insights of the ways in which the rationality of European contract law differs from that of national, doctrinal private law systems. It concludes that the rules laid down in instruments such as the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) and the Unfair Contract Terms Directive (UCTD) can protect consumers against exploitative practices. However, problems arise in cases where the interest at stake go beyond economic interests and concern also non-economic interests, such as data protection or freedom of expression, or do not have a market exchange value. Solutions can be pursued, it is submitted, by the European legislator and the European Court of Justice, potentially using the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as a catalyst for reform.
Exploring the legal making of the European digital economy
Authors: Hiltunen Miikka
Published: December 2024

Much existing social commentary and scholarship around the regulation of the European digital economy is focused on how societies could better regulate that economy and its associated harms. Such analyses often portray a problematically viewed order as ungoverned, or not effectively governed, by law. Instead, I argue for more (re)descriptive analyses on how our pre-existing legal structures powerfully create order in the European digital economy. I explain why we should explore the productive connections between pre-existing European legal arrangements and socio-technical order, and discuss what such exploration could entail. The article covers three complementary ways in which legal arrangements are productively connected to sociotechnical order: as tools of ordering to address problems and promote values; as tools that can also enable projects unintended and unforeseen by policymakers; and as constitutive of technologies and other forms of order. It provides concrete examples of these productive connections from various contemporary struggles within the governance of the European digital economy. I argue that focusing on the analysis of productive connections may shed light on how pre-existing legal arrangements are baked into and shaped by the European socio-technical order. As the current order of the European digital economy is characterised by massive inequalities, these analyses can also direct our attention to how our pre-existing legal arrangements can produce and reproduce inequalities and oppression. Analyses of pre-existing legal arrangements might produce different attributions of responsibility and possibilities of contestation than analyses of legal deficiency.
A 1.8 kW high power all-fiber Raman oscillator
Authors: Fan Chenchen , Hao Xiulu , Li Yang , Fu Min , Chen Zilun , Yao Tianfu , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu
Published: December 2024

Fiber Bragg grating-based Raman oscillators are capable of achieving targeted frequency conversion and brightness enhancement through the provision of gain via stimulated Raman scattering across a broad gain spectrum. This capability renders them an exemplary solution for the acquisition of high-brightness, specialized-wavelength lasers. Nonetheless, the output power of all-fiber Raman oscillators is typically limited to several hundred watts, primarily due to limitations in injectable pump power and the influence of higher-order Raman effects, which is inadequate for certain application demands. In this study, we introduce an innovative approach by employing a graded-index fiber with a core diameter of up to 150 μm as the Raman gain medium. This strategy not only enhances the injectable pump power but also mitigates higher-order Raman effects. Consequently, we have successfully attained an output power of 1780 W for the all-fiber Raman laser at 1130 nm, representing the highest output power in Raman fiber oscillators with any configuration reported to date.
Advance Directives to Manage Fears and Anxieties of Transgender People via Dementia Planning
Authors: Simmons Ames
Published: December 2024

As increasing proportions of our global population age, transgender people are experiencing higher rates of dementia, and many are afraid to enter long-term care. Structural interventions such as advance directives may help mitigate fears around entering long-term care by managing specific anxieties that transgender people may have about dementia, loss of decision-making capacity, and discrimination in long-term care settings.
The Big Chill: Opportunities for, and Challenges to, Advanced Biopreservation of Organs for Transplantation
Authors: Capron Alexander M. , Pruett Timothy L. , Childress James F.
Published: December 2024

The application of advanced biopreservation to organs donated for transplantation may make possible their indefinite storage and thereby improve the utility and equity they provide to patients. The technology is still at a preclinical stage, with many difficult, scientific issues that remain to be answered. At the moment, however, the actual capabilities of the technology are too indefinite to begin formulating the statutes, regulations, and ethical guidance that will be needed to obtain the benefits expected from its use.
“Unjustified Partiality or Impartial Bias? Reckoning with Age and Disability Discrimination in Cancer Clinical Trials”
Authors: Schwartz Janice B. , Covinsky Kenneth
Published: December 2024

In this issue, Zakout discusses European Union (EU) legal provisions for inclusion of patients of all types in clinical trials.1 Shee highlights the unfortunate failure to include adequate numbers of older adults and adults with disabilities in clinical trials of anti-cancer agents. We agree with her argument that this is an ethical issue as well as a scientific and clinical issue.
Use of Public Research and Manufacturing Enterprises to Lower Prescription Drug Prices and Increase Innovation
Authors: Moss Alex , Brown Dana , Tu S. Sean
Published: December 2024

This article proposes building on the success of publicly funded drug research and development and expanding the model to include the full cycle development, testing, manufacture and distribution of innovative and affordable new drugs.
Conflicts of Interest in Clinical Practice: Cleveland Clinic Policy and Experience
Authors: Derwin Kathleen A. , Anand Cory , Rose Susannah L. , Dweik Raed
Published: December 2024

The Cleveland Clinic Innovation Management and Conflict of Interest (“IM&COI”) Program implemented a policy on Conflicts of Interest in Clinical Practice in 2013. The policy requires review of financial interests greater than $20,000 in a year, or more than 5% equity in a company, when the clinician is prescribing or using products of the company with which they have a relationship. The IM&COI Committee developed definitions for low, medium and high levels of annual compensation and risk and uses a “Matrix” to guide disclosure based on these factors.
Dating the beginning of urbanization in Central Mexico: a high-resolution chronology of the Middle Formative Period at Tlalancaleca
Authors: Murakami Tatsuya , Jurado Alexander , Kabata Shigeru
Published: December 2024

Research by the Tlalancaleca Archaeological Project (PATP) has corroborated modifications to the Middle Formative chronology in Puebla-Tlaxcala (Lesure et al. 2006, 2014) using Bayesian modeling on 26 radiocarbon dates from Tlalancaleca. The present study is the first to evaluate the region’s Middle Formative chronology with radiocarbon dates from superposed stratigraphy. Nine Bayesian models were constructed with different combinations of radiocarbon dates and OxCal’s phase and sequence functions to determine the beginning and end of the Texoloc phase. Results place the Tlatempa-Texoloc transition at around 650 cal BC and the Texoloc-Tezoquipan transition at around 500 cal BC. The OxCal Interval function supports a timespan of approximately 150 years for the duration of the Texoloc phase. These results suggest the process of initial urbanization in Central Mexico was a rapid one.
Patronage, cultural politics and the marginalization of astrology in seventeenth-century France: the case of J.-B. Morin and of his polemics with Pierre Gassendi and his circle
Authors: Garau Rodolfo
Published: December 2024

During the transition from the early to the modern era, the marginalization of astrology from the learned world marked a significant shift. The causes of this phenomenon are complex and still partially obscure. For instance, some sociological interpretations have linked it to a broader shift in mentality among the gentry and bourgeoisie, while other scholars attributed the decline to the emergence of the ‘new science’. Focusing on the case of Jean-Baptiste Morin (1583–1656), this paper examines the changing dynamics of patronage for what has been termed ‘the last official astrologer’. It demonstrates that Morin's appointment as professor of mathematics at the Collège royal and his prominence within the French court were expressions of a cultural politics in which his patrons were deeply invested. Conversely, Morin's efforts to restore astrology lent validation to the belief systems of his patrons. The paper further analyses Morin's fall from grace during his polemics with Gassendi and his circle, highlighting the political context of the Fronde and a growing public weariness regarding the relationship between politics and astrology. Ultimately, this case study reveals that in the French context, the marginalization of astrology was not solely determined within the ‘learned jurisdiction’. Instead, the shifting cultural and political investments of the ruling classes played a significant role.
Kirby diagrams of 4-dimensional open books
Authors: Hsueh Chun-Sheng
Published: December 2024

We provide an algorithm for constructing a Kirby diagram of a 4-dimensional open book given a Heegaard diagram of the page. As an application, we show that any open book with trivial monodromy is diffeomorphic to an open book constructed with a punctured handlebody as page and a composition of torus twists and sphere twists as monodromy.
Electrostatic surface waves in a magnetized plasma propagating in channels
Authors: Lee Hee J.
Published: December 2024

Dispersion relations of electrostatic surface waves propagating in magnetized plasmas contained in an infinite duct and in an infinite cylindrical column surrounded by vacuum are derived by means of a Vlasov equation and fluid equations, respectively. The kinematic boundary condition imposed on the distribution function, the specular reflection conditions on the four sides of a duct, can be satisfied by placing infinite number of fictitious surface charge sheets spaced by the duct widths. The Vlasov equation that includes these surface charge sheets is solved by summing up the contribution due to the infinite charge sheets. The method of placing appropriate fictitious surface charge sheets enables one to treat the surface waves in bounded plasmas of Cartesian structure with mathematical efficiency, kinetically. The kinetic duct dispersion relation is compared with the dispersion relation for the magnetized cylindrical plasma column. When the square duct cross-sectional area as well as the cylinder radius become infinity, both dispersion relations become the dispersion relation of the upper-hybrid wave.
Adherence to healthy dietary scores and risk of dementia: findings from the UK Biobank prospective study
Authors: Carrasco-Marín F. , Araya-Bastias C. , Mathers J. , Livingstone K. , CelisMorales C.
Published: December 2024

While adherence to a healthy diet is known to reduce dementia risk, the impact varies by diet type. This study examines the association between six dietary scores and dementia incidence.

In this prospective analysis, 210,269 participants aged 60 and above (mean age 64.1 years, 52.7% women) from the UK Biobank were included. Dietary adherence was assessed using six scores: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Index (MEDAS-14), Recommended Food Score (RFS), Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), and a meat consumption index (MCI). Dementia incidence (allcause, Alzheimer’s, vascular, and non-vascular) was the primary outcome, analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. The lowest quintile (low adherence) was used as reference group. Analyses were conducted using a 2-years landmark and adjusted for sociodemographic (age, sex, ethnicity and deprivation), lifestyle (physical activity, alcohol and smoking) and health-related factors (multimorbidity and BMI).

Among the participants, 4,151 developed dementia during the 8.9 years follow up. Those with the highest adherence to dietary patterns (Quintile 5) showed a reduced risk of all-cause dementia: 49% with MDS (HR: 0.51, CI: 0.42−0.62), 38% with MIND (HR: 0.77, CI: 0.60−0.99), and 19% with MEDAS-14 (HR: 0.81, CI: 0.64-1.00). No significant associations were found with HDI. Individuals reporting low meat consumption (<5 times a week) exhibited a 15% lower dementia risk compared to high meat eaters (≥5 times a week, HR: 0.85, CI: 0.77−0.94). No associations were observed with pescatarian or vegetarian diets. These patterns were consistent across both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Our findings suggest that higher adherence to certain healthy dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean and MIND diets, is associated with substantially lower risk of dementia. These findings emphasise the potential for achieving better brain health among older people by improving overall dietary pattern.
POWER Study: Functional characteristics and dietary intake of adults aged 70+ at risk of sarcopenia with supportive home care
Authors: Fallon C. , Malinauskaite I. , Cunningham C. , Horner K. , Corish C. A.
Published: December 2024

The POWER study (NCT05688956) is a 12-week randomised controlled trial (ongoing) investigating the effectiveness of a novel protein-based oral nutritional supplement combined with an online resistance training programme for community-dwelling adults aged 70+ who require home care and are at risk of sarcopenia. Older adults reliant on home care are an understudied cohort acknowledged as vulnerable to sarcopenia(1) and malnutrition(2). This study aims to report the preintervention (baseline) functional status and dietary intake of older adults recruited to the POWER study.

Community-dwelling adults (≥70 y) living in Ireland receiving supportive home care and at risk of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was screened for using the Strength, Assistance walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs, and Falls (SARC-F) questionnaire with a cut-off score of ≥1(3) (out of 10). Participants were recruited into the POWER study between July 2023 and January 2024. Data on participant demographic, nutritional status (anthropometric measures and 24-hour multiple-pass dietary recall) and muscle strength (handgrip strength (Jamar® dynamometer) and five times sit-tostand) were obtained during pre-intervention home visits. Dietary intake was analysed using NutriticsTM software (version 5.96). Intakes of protein and kilocalories were calculated as grams per kilogram body weight (g/kgBW) and as kilocalorie per kilogram body weight (kcal/kgBW) respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio (2023.06.2).

Seventeen adults aged 70+ were recruited over a 7-month period (12F, 5M; age range 71-87 years). Ten participants were receiving informal home care (i.e., from a relative) with seven receiving professional home care. All participants had a SARC-F score over 4, with a mean score of 5 ± 1.3. Median BMI was 28.7 (range 17.1-36.2) kg/m2. One participant was underweight (BMI 17.1 kg/m2), five were overweight (BMI ≥24.9 kg/m2) and six were living with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Full Form (MNA-FF), nine participants were at risk of malnutrition (MNA-FF 17–23.5), and one was malnourished (MNA-FF = 16.5). Mean intake of protein was 0.84 ± 0.23 g/kgBW/day, with only two participants consuming ≥1.0 g/kgBW/day. Mean daily energy intake was 1,488 kcal or 17.0 kcal/kgBW. Time taken for five times sit-to-stand was 21 ± 8 seconds (>15 seconds for five rises(4)) and handgrip strength was 15 ± 6 kg (<16 kg for females(4)) and 21 ± 12 kg (<27 for males(4)) for females and males, respectively.

Analysis of the pre-intervention data from the POWER study indicates that older adults at risk of sarcopenia are not meeting recommended daily protein intakes of 1-1.2 g/kgBW(5). Participants also demonstrated poor muscle strength. This highlights the need for a multi-component approach to support dietary intake and muscle strength in older adults reliant on home care.
The associations of n-3 fatty acid intake with handgrip strength and muscle mass indices in older adults: a cross-sectional study from UK Biobank
Authors: Alsowail A. , Celis-Morales C. , Guerrero-Wyss M. , Ho F. , Gray S.
Published: December 2024

There is strong evidence that low muscle strength and muscle mass are associated with an increased the risk of mortality and morbidity.⟨1⟩ Muscle mass and strength progressively decline from around the fourth decade⟨2⟩, a process known as sarcopenia, for which there is no effective pharmacological treatment.⟨3⟩ Current literature indicates that resistance exercise and/or supplementation with n-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for muscle strength and mass in older adults.⟨4⟩ However, the sample sizes in these studies are relatively small and are restricted to only resistance exercise. The relationship between dietary n-3 fatty acid intake, rather than supplements, and general physical activity, rather than resistance exercise, and muscle strength and mass remain unknown. The aim of the current study, therefore, was to investigate the associations of n-3 fatty acid intake with handgrip strength and muscle mass indices in older adults. A secondary aim was to investigate whether these associations differed by physical activity status.

Analyses included 53,994 participants from the UK biobank study (25,773 men and 28,221 women). Participants were aged 60 years or older with complete data for outcome, predictor and covariate variables. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between n-3 fatty acid intake and grip strength index (kg/m²) and muscle mass index (kg/m²) in three separate models. All analysis were performed stratified by sex and physical activity status (active/inactive). Model 1 was adjusted for age, ethnicity, deprivation index and month of assessment. Model 2 was also adjusted for total energy intake and model 3 was also adjusted for multimorbidity count.

In model 3 there were positive associations between n-3 fatty acid intake and grip strength index in women with a 0.03 kg/m² (95% CI 0.00 to 0.06 kg/m²) higher grip strength index seen in those who were active and a 0.04 kg/m² (95% CI 0.00 to 0.08 kg/m²) higher grip strength index in those who were inactive for each additional gram of n-3 fatty consumed per day, with no associations in active (p = 0.355) or inactive (p = 0.186) men. In model 3, no association between n-3 fatty acid and muscle mass index were seen in men who were active (p = 0.981) or inactive (p = 0.331) and in women who were active (p = 0.843) or inactive (p = 0.058).

Although n-3 fatty acid intake was significantly associated with grip strength index in older women, regardless of their activity status, the magnitude of this association was very small and unlikely to be clinically relevant. Additionally, n-3 fatty acid was not associated with muscle mass index. Therefore, manipulation of n-3 fatty acid intake within the normal dietary range is unlikely to be an effective strategy to prevent and/or treat sarcopenia and n-3 fatty acid supplements are likely required.
The effects of different portion sizes on child food consumption and satiety: an exploratory study
Authors: Acolatse L. , Logue C. , Pourshahidi L. K. , McCann M.T. , Kerr M.A.
Published: December 2024

The consumption of larger food portion size(s) (PS) can result in overconsumption and a reduced ability to self-regulate appetite, which has been implicated in the rising prevalence of childhood obesity globally(1). Larger PS of food have sustained effects on energy intake in children(2–4), which has been attributed to the ‘portion size effect’, where more food is consumed when larger quantities are offered(4). This study aimed to explore 3 different PS of a breakfast meal on consumption and satiety levels of children aged 7-10 years.

Parents with their children (n 25) were invited to participate in a within-subject, repeated measures, randomised cross-over study, to compare the PS of a typically consumed breakfast meal (ready-to-eat breakfast cereal [flakes, puffed rice or hoops] with milk) consumed by children under three different PS conditions: self-serve (SS) of typical PS; <25% than SS, and; >25% than SS, with at least 3 days between each experimental PS condition. The children were provided with a 10cm visual analogue scale to rate satiety post-consumption. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess differences between the PS consumed and satiety ratings, with paired samples ttests used to compare differences between PS conditions.

Total PS of the breakfast meal consumed was greatest in the SS condition, followed by the >25% than SS with the least PS consumed in the <25% than SS (165.0 ± 72.0g, 138.2 ± 83.3g and 126.0 ± 77.9g respectively, p = 0.011). A significantly higher proportion of the breakfast meal was also consumed in the SS condition compared to both manipulated conditions - SS vs <25% than SS (84.2 ± 19.9% vs 77.2 ± 24.7%, p = 0.030), SS vs >25% than SS (84.2 ± 19.9% vs68.9 ± 28.9%, p<0.001), with a significantly higher proportion consumed in the <25% vs >25% than SS

(77.2 ± 24.7% vs 68.9 ± 28.9%, p = 0.027). Post-consumption, children reported feeling ‘least satisfied’ in the SS condition compared to both other conditions (6.2 ± 2.5cm in SS, 7.5 ± 2.1cm in <25% than SS condition, 7.9 ± 2.1cm in the >25% than SS condition, p = 0.011).

In this exploratory study, children aged 7 to 10 years did not consume a larger amount of food in response to exposure to larger PS. Results suggest that the presentation of smaller PS resulted in higher satiety ratings post-consumption, highlighting the potential of downsizing as a strategy for portion control in children of this age, where needed.
Associations between socio-economic status in childhood and cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood
Authors: Molloy E. , Corish C. , Douglass A. , Kelleher C.
Published: December 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major national and international public health problem(1). Many factors contribute to the development of CVD including low socioeconomic status (SES), poor diet and obesity. Previous studies indicate that childhood SES may influence the development of CVD risk factors in adulthood(2). Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore associations between SES, as measured by area of residence, occupation group and population dietary quality during childhood, and CVD risk in older adults in Ireland, and to illustrate how the mapping of data from previous studies based on SES information can offer insights into health outcomes.

The most recent clinical grandparent data from the Lifeways Cross-Generational Cohort Study (2001-2013)(3) were used. SES (area of residence and occupation group) data from the Lifeways grandparent data were mapped to population dietary quality from the 1948 National Nutrition Survey (NNS)(4), using the assumption that the grandparent’s current area of residence was the same as in 1948. The 1948 NNS included the assessment of individual nutritional status by a trained clinician. Clinical signs related to inadequate nutrition were recorded. Dietary quality, based on the assessment of dietary signs by the clinician, was categorised into poor, fair or good and was presented as the percentage of the population with poor, fair or good dietary quality for a given combination of occupation group and geographical area. The CVD risk variables [BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)] in the Lifeways data were categorised based on World Health Organisation cut-offs. Blood pressure (BP) was categorised based on European Society of Hypertension/European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Relationships between the percentage of the population with poor, fair or good dietary quality in childhood and CVD risk factors were explored using Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation as determined by the normality of data distribution. Chi-squared tests were used to investigate associations between age group, occupation group, area of residence and CVD risk factors. Binary logistic regression was used to test the predictive value of occupation group and area of residence independently on CVD risk factors.

Some CVD risk factors (elevated or raised BP, a diagnosis of diabetes and/or being prescribed diabetes medications) were significantly associated with area of residence (p = <0.05).

Grandparents in the Lifeways cohort from an unskilled manual background in childhood were more likely to be overweight/obese in adulthood (OR 4.67, 95% CI 1.41-15.54, p = 0.012). Inverse associations were observed between good population dietary quality in childhood and all CVD risk factors in adulthood (p <0.05).

This secondary analysis of Lifeways grandparent data mapped to the 1948 NNS highlights the role childhood SES and dietary quality play in the development of CVD risk factors in adulthood and older age.
Using artificial intelligence to estimate the nutritional content of meal photos: an evaluation of ChatGPT-4
Authors: O’Hara C. , Kent G. , Flynn A.C. , Gibney E.R. , Timon C.M.
Published: December 2024

Dietary intake assessment is an essential part of nutrition research and practice, with the use of digital technology now well established(1) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of image recognition readily available in research and commercial settings(2). Recent advances in large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, allow computers to converse in a human-like way providing text responses to typed queries. No studies, however, have utilised both the LLM and image recognition components of ChatGPT-4 to evaluate its accuracy to estimate nutritional content of meals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the ChatGPT-4 LLM and image recognition model in estimating the nutritional content of meals.

Thirty-eight meal photographs with known nutritional content (from McCance and Widdowson’s Composition of Foods) were uploaded to ChatGPT, and it was asked to provide point estimates for each of the meals for each of the following: energy (kcal), protein (g), total carbohydrate (g), dietary fibre (g), total sugar (g), total fat (g), saturated fat (g), monounsaturated fat (g), polyunsaturated fat (g), calcium (mg), iron (mg), sodium (mg), potassium (mg), vitamin D (mcg), folate (mcg), and vitamin C (mg). Comparisons were made between ChatGPT estimates and those from McCance and Widdowson using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, percent difference, Spearman’s correlation, and cross-classification of quartiles. Interpretation of statistical measures was based on Lombard et al.(3).

For estimating the content of meals, differences (p < 0.05) existed between the methods for 11 of the 16 nutrients, and 12 nutrients had a percent difference of >10%, indicating poor agreement for most nutrients. ChatGPT underestimated 15 of the 16 nutrients. Conversely, when considering the ranking of meals, all nutrients had correlation coefficients which indicated good (rs ≥ 0.50)(11 of 16) or acceptable (0.20 < rs < 0.49)(5 of 16) agreement. In the cross-classification of quartiles, ≥50% of meals were classified into the same quartile by both methods for 9 nutrients and 10% of meals were classified into opposite quartiles for 14 nutrients, indicating good agreement. ChatGPT also provided caveats regarding its estimations such as “the caloric estimate assumes the butter is spread thinly” and “cornflakes can often be fortified with vitamins and minerals […] and exact content could also vary based on the brand of cornflakes”.

ChatGPT showed poor agreement for estimating the nutritional composition of meal photographs for most nutrients, but the correlation and cross-classification of quartiles indicate good ability to rank meal photographs according to nutritional composition. Further research is required with a wider range of meals and in real-world settings. Future work should consider the training of language models using high-quality nutrition data to improve accuracy and maximise the potential for their use in dietary assessment.
Comparison of online food composition databases including those in nutritional assessment tools
Authors: Williams G. , Hamilton A. , Cade J.E.
Published: December 2024

Measuring dietary intake accurately is essential in establishing relationships between food consumption patterns and non-communicable diseases. Researchers are now using online tools to replace traditional methods1. New technologies provide a more flexible approach and are generally preferred by study participants. However, it is not known whether the underlying databases are reliable. Weight loss app energy calculations vary considerably compared to weighed food records2. The aim of this work was to review the quality and compare the content of online food composition tables including those linked to assessment tools.

We undertook a Google search supplemented by expert knowledge to identify online food composition tables in the English language. Databases were either stand-alone online food and drink databases or associated with dietary assessment tools. Databases found were accessed; and we conducted a review of their features. Information on numbers and types of foods, their origin, nutrients and completeness of datasets were extracted using a standardised approach.

Twenty-two online food composition databases were reviewed from around the world. 12 (55%) of the databases were associated with dietary assessment software and 9 (41%) solely used an API to link with other systems. Numbers of food items included in the databases ranged from 18 million (‘myfitnesspal’) to 600 (‘FoodDB’). The largest databases generally used crowd sourced data.

‘myfood24’ had the largest total number of variables (n = 326) and ‘Carbs and Cals’ and ‘Nutracheck’ only had 8 nutrient variables. The source of food composition data is not clear for all of the datasets. 7 of the databases explicitly include the UK and 3 the US generic food tables, often in addition to branded data. Most databases do not state how they are checked for accuracy or completeness. Where databases state how missing data is infilled only ‘myfood24’ considers both macro and micronutrients. Eight of the databases were only relevant for one country, and 13 tools reported having food data for a range of countries. In addition to nutrients some databases also include non-nutrient phytochemicals, allergens or sustainability metrics. Food images were often used to assist with portion size estimation, although some tools only used general pictures or pictures that did not reflect the food. Searching for food items varied in accuracy and some systems allowed barcode scanning.

Online food composition databases allow for much greater differentiation of foods, including branded items compared to traditional tables. They range considerably in size and quality. Care should be taken to ensure databases underlying online assessment tools are reliable with limited missing data to ensure the application of such databases to research does not produce misleading results.
Effect of prebiotic supplementation in markers of intestinal permeability, pH and mucosal immunity
Authors: Torquati L. , Batool M. , Bowtell J.
Published: December 2024

Gut microbiome fermentation of prebiotic fibre increases short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which can stimulate mucosal B-cells to express secretory IgA in distant tissues(1,2), and can support gut barrier function. Secretory IgA levels have been associated with reduced upper-respiratory tract infections incidence in immune-compromised populations(3,4). However, it is not known if prebiotic supplementation would be effective in healthy adults. This study investigated whether inulin can increase mucosal immunity (sIgA) and intestinal permeability markers, alongside acceptability of intervention.

Healthy adults (n = 23, BMI: 23.85 ± 3.2 kg.m-2, age: 33.4 ± 10.1 years) took part in this randomisedcontrolled cross-over trial. Participants were randomly allocated to inulin syrup (12g/day) or placebo syrup (20% diluted honey) for 2-weeks. This was followed by 2-weeks wash-out, and then conditions were switched for a final 2-week supplementation. Before and after each supplementation, faecal pH was measured with glass probe, and salivary sIgA and plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP, marker of intestinal permeability) were measured with ELISA kits. Time to provide 2ml of saliva through passive drooling was recorded, and used to calculate saliva flow (ml/min) and thus IgA secretion rate (μg/min). Participants were asked to report on their diet intake (4-day food diary) before and after each supplementation phase, as well as reporting on any respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms using a validated questionnaire. Differences between groups were analysed with one-way ANOVA on post outcome values, adjusted for outcome baseline values, and chi-squared for categorical data (SPSS software).

There was a significant reduction in LBP levels in inulin compared to placebo condition (-3.15, 95%CI -5.18, -1.12; p = 0.03). Mean differences between groups (inulin vs placebo) were not significant (p> 0.10) for pH (0.43 95%CI −0.32,0.41) and IgA secretion rate (31.80 μg/min 95%CI 150.90, 87.29). Gastrointestinal symptoms were not different between groups (p>0.05), except for mild bloating/rumbling (reported in 70.8% inulin vs 44.4% placebo, p = 0.01). Respiratory symptoms were lower in inulin compared to placebo (runny nose 19.2% inulin vs 38.2%, p = 0.03). Inulin condition resulted in higher fibre intake compared to placebo, with no other differences in dietary intake (+5.43 g/day 95%CI 0.09, 10.86 p = 0.05). 90% of participants reported the intervention as acceptable and easy to follow.

Inulin was well tolerated with minimal side effects of gastrointestinal bloating and rumbling. While markers of mucosal immunity did not change, intestinal permeability markers improved suggesting that in healthy populations prebiotic supplements can support gastrointestinal health but not necessarily improve mucosal immunity.
The effect on habitual dietary vitamin D intake of changing to a plant-based diet
Authors: Robertson TM , Baldwin C , Green E , Hammond F , Darling AL , Hart K , Raats MM , Li J , Martin C , Lanham-New SA , Warren MJ
Published: December 2024

The number of people following a plant-based (PB) diet has increased in recent years. This has led to concerns regarding vitamin D intake, as natural dietary sources of vitamin D are primarily animal based(1) and cross-sectional studies have reported lower intakes amongst vegetarians and vegans(2). Some PB foods, primarily dairy alternatives, are now fortified with vitamin D. Whilst vitamin D is synthesised in the skin following exposure to UV light, this does not happen in the autumn and winter months in areas of northern latitude (such as the UK). Hence, dietary supply of vitamin D becomes particularly important. This study aimed to investigate whether it is possible to maintain dietary vitamin D intake when transitioning to a PB diet, through careful choice of PB alternatives.

A subset of 4-day diet diaries, from 81 women (72 Caucasian and 9 South Asian, mean age 52 ± 12y) living in South East England, was randomly selected from those collected for the D-FINES study (Vitamin D, Food Intake, Nutrition and Exposure to Sunlight in Southern England, 2006–2007; FSA funded Project N05064, NHS REC 06/Q1909/1)(3)and analysed for vitamin D intake. No subjects followed an entirely PB diet at baseline. Data modelling was carried out to substitute animal-based foods with equivalent amounts of PB alternatives. For dairy products, the equivalent fortified PB alternatives were chosen. Meat, fish and eggs were replaced with equivalent amounts of protein from PB sources, such as lentils and tofu, as no fortified direct alternatives were found. The diaries were then re-analysed. Pre- and post-substitution intakes were compared by paired t test, and ethnic groups by independent t test.

There were no differences in Vitamin D intake between ethnicities either at baseline (p = 0.087) or post-substitution (p = 0.361). Vitamin D intake increased in the South Asian group post-substitution (from 2.4 ± 1.3 to 4.3 ± 1.8 µg/day, p = 0.002), with no change observed in the Caucasian group (3.6 ± 2.0 to 3.7 ± 1.8 µg/day, p = 0.660). There was no difference between vitamin D intake pre- and post-substitution overall (3.5 ± 2.0 and 3.8 ± 1.8 µg/day respectively, p = 0.222). Twenty cases decreased by ≥1 µg/day, all in the Caucasian group, with the largest decrease being from 9.6 to 2.2 µg/day.

This study demonstrates that it is possible to move to a PB diet, whilst maintaining existing dietary patterns, without a reduction in vitamin D intake, but it is largely dependent on dairy intake in the original diet, as no meat/fish substitutes in the UK are currently fortified. It also requires care when choosing PB dairy substitutions as many, including organic options, are not fortified. Mean daily intakes, both pre- and post-substitution, were substantially below the recommended intake of 10 µg/day(4), suggesting that supplementation may be necessary, particularly during winter months.
Comparison of mineral profiles between cows’ milk and plant-based beverages in the UK
Authors: Wall R.J. , Clegg M.E. , Smith L. , Cain L. M. , Stergiadis S.
Published: December 2024

Cows’ milk (CM) and plant-based beverages (PBB), used as milk alternatives, are not nutritionally equivalent(1) and PBB composition is highly varied(2). However, assessing the potential nutritional risk for UK populations after dietary replacement of milk with PBB is challenging, because analytical determination of PBBs’ nutrient profiles is lacking(3). This study determined and compared the mineral concentrations of milk and PBB in the UK market.

Ultra-heat treated and pasteurised samples (n = 178), including 20 brands of semi-skimmed milks and 69 brands of fortified PBBs (based on almond (17; ALMO), coconut (14; COCO), oat (19; OAT) and soya (20; SOYA)) were collected in summer 2023 and winter 2024. All PBB samples had added Ca and Na, but only 62 were fortified with I. Minerals concentration was determined using microwave assisted digestion, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (for microminerals) and inductively coupled plasma and mass spectrometry (for trace elements and heavy metals). Data were analysed using Minitab®22.1, with linear mixed effects models using ingredient, thermal treatment and season, and their interactions, as fixed factors, and brand ID as a random factor.

The main ingredient affected all mineral concentrations (p<0.001), except Ca and Co. SOYA had more Mg than milk (+27.5mg/kg), and milk had more Mg than ALMO, COCO, and OAT (+41.783.3mg/kg). Milk and SOYA had more P and K than other PBB (P, +411 mg/kg and +381mg/kg; K, +920 mg/kg, and +631 mg/kg, respectively). Milk had less Na than PBB (-126-64 mg/kg) with the exception of COCO. Milk contained more I (+157-200.4 µg/kg) and Zn (+1.41-3.71 mg/kg) than PBB. SOYA contained more Cu, Mg, and Mo than other PBB (for Cu 65-70 mg/kg; for Mn +1.00-1.06 mg/kg; for Mo +46-93.5 µg/kg, respectively) and milk (Cu +0.77 mg/kg; Mn +1.44 mg/kg; Mo +84.1 µg/kg). Overall, SOYA contained the most Cd, Cr, and Ni (although difference to OAT was not significant for Cr and Ni), while milk had the lowest concentration of Cd. Concentrations of Mg, P, Cu, I, Mn, Mo, and Co varied according to season (P<0.05). When compared with summer, winter PBB and milk had more Mg (+4.4 mg/kg), Cu (+0.04 mg/kg), I (+41 µg/kg), and Mo (+9.8 µg/kg), but less P (-76 mg/kg), Mn (−0.08 mg/kg), Zn (−0.21 mg/kg), and Co (-5.21 μg/kg). There were no differences in mineral concentrations due to thermal processing (UHT, pasteurisation; P>0.05).

The minerals composition of fortified PBB varied between main ingredient, and compared to milk, and seasonal variation was high. To prevent micronutrient inadequacies from the substitution of milk for PBB (in particular for I and Zn), consumers should be aware of differences in the intrinsic nutrient composition between PBB derived from different ingredients and milk, as this study showed and adopt suitable dietary and supplementation adjustments.