bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions Provided by Nutrition and Exercise Practitioners for the Adult General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nitschke Erin , Gottesman Kimberly , Hamlett Peggy , Mattar Lama , Robinson Justin , Tovar Ashley , Rozga Mary
Published: April 2022

Healthy dietary intake and physical activity reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effect of interventions including both nutrition and physical activity provided by nutrition and exercise practitioners for adults in the general population (those without diagnosed disease). The MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and SportDiscus databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2010 until April 2021. Outcomes included physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, waist circumference, percent weight loss, quality of life (QoL) and adverse events. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methods were used to synthesize and grade evidence. Meta-analyses were stratified according to participant health status. The database search identified 11,205 articles, and 31 RCTs were included. Interventions increased physical activity amount [standardized mean difference (SMD) (95% CI): 0.25 (0.08, 0.43)] (low certainty evidence); increased vegetable intake [SMD (95% CI): 0.14 (0.05, 0.23)] (moderate certainty evidence); reduced waist circumference [MD (95% CI): −2.16 cm (−2.96, −1.36)] (high certainty evidence); and increased likelihood of achieving 5% weight loss for adults with overweight and obesity [relative risk (95% CI): 2.37 (1.76, 3.19)] (high certainty evidence). Very low and low certainty evidence described little-to-no effect on QoL or adverse events. Nutrition and exercise practitioners play key roles in facilitating positive lifestyle behaviors to reduce cardiometabolic disease risk in adults.
Long-Term High Dietary Diversity Maintains Good Physical Function in Chinese Elderly: A Cohort Study Based on CLHLS from 2011 to 2018
Authors: Aihemaitijiang Sumiya , Zhang Li , Ye Chen , Halimulati Mairepaiti , Huang Xiaojie , Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Zhaofeng
Published: April 2022

(1) Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between dietary factors and physical function in Chinese elderly. (2) Methods: A cohort study was conducted on the association of long-term dietary intake status with physical function in older people based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2011 to 2018. The physical function of the subjects was judged according to the scores of basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The dietary diversity score was established according to the intake frequency of the food groups, and the dietary pattern score was obtained by factor analysis. The associations between dietary factors and functional impairment was investigated by logistic regressions. (3) Results: A total of 2282 subjects were included in our cohort study, 458 and 1439 of whom had BADL limitation and IADL limitation, respectively. The risk of functional impairment decreased in the consistent high dietary diversity groups compared with the consistent low dietary diversity group (p < 0.05). The fruit-egg-milk pattern, vegetable-meat-fish pattern, and condiment and tea pattern reduced the risk of functional impairment (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Long-term maintenance of high dietary diversity and increasing total dietary intake can help maintain good physical function of Chinese elderly.
Relationality, Responsibility and Reciprocity: Cultivating Indigenous Food Sovereignty within Urban Environments
Authors: Miltenburg Elisabeth , Neufeld Hannah Tait , Anderson Kim
Published: April 2022

There are collective movements of Indigenous food sovereignty (IFS) initiatives taking up place and space within urban environments across the Grand River Territory, within southern Ontario, Canada. Indigenous Peoples living within urban centres are often displaced from their home territories and are seeking opportunities to reconnect with culture and identity through Land and food. This research was guided by Indigenous research methodologies and applied community-based participatory research to highlight experiences from seven Indigenous community members engaged in IFS programming and practice. Thematic analysis revealed four inter-related themes illustrated by a conceptual model: Land-based knowledge and relationships; Land and food-based practices; relational principles; and place. Participants engaged in five Land and food-based practices (seed saving; growing and gathering food; hunting and fishing; processing and preserving food; and sharing and distributing), guided by three relational principles (responsibility, relationality, and reciprocity), framed by the social and physical environments of the place. Key findings revealed that employing self-determined processes to grow, harvest, and share food among the Indigenous community provide pathways towards IFS. This study is the first to explore urban IFS initiatives within this region, offering a novel understanding of how these initiatives are taking shape within urban environments.
ARFID—Strategies for Dietary Management in Children
Authors: Białek-Dratwa Agnieszka , Szymańska Dorota , Grajek Mateusz , Krupa-Kotara Karolina , Szczepańska Elżbieta , Kowalski Oskar
Published: April 2022

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new disease entity in DSM-5 and ICD-11. This disorder continues to pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for many professionals. This disorder can affect people of all ages. The most characteristic pattern is considered to be a lack of interest in eating or avoidance of food intake, which may result in nutritional deficiencies, weight loss or lack of expected weight gain, dependence on enteral feeding or dietary supplements, and impaired psychosocial functioning. This disorder cannot be explained by a current medical condition or co-occurring other psychiatric disorders, but if ARFID co-occurs with another disorder or illness, it necessarily requires extended diagnosis. Its treatment depends on the severity of the nutritional problem and may include hospitalization with multispecialty care (pediatrician, nutritionist, psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist). The nutritional management strategy may include, inter alia, the use of Food Chaining, and should in the initial stage of therapy be based on products considered “safe” in the patient’s assessment. The role of the dietitian in the management of a patient with ARFID is to monitor weight and height and nutritional status and analyze the foods that should be introduced into the food chain first.
Current Practice of Assessing and Monitoring Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass and Muscle Function during Nutritional Care by Dietitians in Switzerland—An Online Survey
Authors: Uhlmann Katja , Schaller Fabienne , Lehmann Undine
Published: April 2022

Muscle parameters are recommended as diagnostic criteria for malnutrition and sarcopenia in various guidelines. However, little is known about the application of muscle parameters in daily practice of nutritional care. The aim of this study was to investigate the current practice of the application of muscle parameters, along with its promoting factors and barriers by dietitians in Switzerland. A 29-item literature-based online survey was developed and distributed via the Swiss professional association of dietitians. The data were analyzed descriptively, and relationships between demographic data and usage were examined. Dietitians (n = 117) from all three language regions completed the survey and were included in the analysis. Musculature was classified as important for the assessment of nutritional status. Body weight (89.7%), handgrip strength (87.2%), bioimpedance analysis (BIA) (87.1%) and Body Mass Index (66.7%) were considered as most significant for evaluation of nutritional status. Seventy-point nine percent (70.9%) of dietitians include at least one muscle parameter in their assessment; BIA was the parameter most often included (73.5%). However, the frequency of use of muscle parameter in daily practice was rather low. Only 23.1% applied BIA on a weekly basis. Lack of knowledge (78.6%), practical experience (71.8%) and lack of equipment (77.8%) were most frequently stated as barriers for usage. The general application of muscle parameters in nutritional care is still lacking. There is an opportunity to further strengthen diagnosis and patient monitoring via a stronger application of muscle parameters in daily practice. Practical training and education could help promote their application.
Time for Revival of Bone Biopsy with Histomorphometric Analysis in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Moving from Skepticism to Pragmatism
Authors: Fusaro Maria , Re Sartò Giulia Vanessa , Gallieni Maurizio , Cosmai Laura , Messa Piergiorgio , Rossini Maurizio , Chiodini Iacopo , Plebani Mario , Evenepoel Pieter , Harvey Nicholas , Ferrari Serge , Cannata-Andía Jorge , Trombetti Andrea , Brandi Maria Luisa , Ketteler Markus , Nickolas Thomas L. , Cunningham John , Salam Syazrah , Della Rocca Carlo , Scarpa Aldo , Minisola Salvatore , Malberti Fabio , Cetani Filomena , Cozzolino Mario , Mazzaferro Sandro , Morrone Luigi , Tripepi Giovanni , Zaninotto Martina , Mereu Maria Cristina , Ravera Maura , Cianciolo Giuseppe , La Manna Gaetano , Aghi Andrea , Giannini Sandro , Dalle Carbonare Luca ,   on behalf of the SIN-SIOMMMS Bone Biopsy Promoting Group
Published: April 2022

Bone Biopsy (BB) with histomorphometric analysis still represents the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of different forms of renal osteodystrophy. Bone biopsy is the only technique able to provide comprehensive information on all bone parameters, measuring static and dynamic parameters of turnover, cortical and trabecular microarchitecture, and mineralization defects. In nephrological practice, bone biopsy yields relevant indications to support therapeutic choices in CKD, heavily impacting the management and prognosis of uremic patients. Unfortunately, the use of bone biopsy has decreased; a lack of expertise in performing and interpreting, perceived procedure invasiveness and pain, and reimbursement issues have all contributed to this decline. Nevertheless, both bone biomarkers and instrumental images cannot be considered reliable surrogates for histological findings, being insufficiently accurate to properly evaluate underlying mineral and bone disorders. This is a multidisciplinary position paper from the Nephrology and Osteoporosis Italian Scientific Societies with the purpose of restating the role of bone biopsy in CKD patient management and of providing strong solutions to allow diffusion of this technique in Italy, but potentially also in other countries. The Italian approach through the optimization and standardization of bone biopsy procedure, the construction of the Italian Hub and Spoke network, and a request for adjustment and national homogenization of reimbursement to the Italian Health Ministry has led the way to implement bone biopsy and to improve CKD patient management and prognosis.
Chlorophyll Inhibits the Digestion of Soybean Oil in Simulated Human Gastrointestinal System
Authors: Wang Xiao , Li Yuanyuan , Shen Suxia , Yang Zhaotian , Zhang Haifeng , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, much available processed and highly palatable food such as cream products and fried and convenient food, which usually showed a high energy density, had caused an increase in the intake of dietary lipids, further leading to significant growth in the prevalence of obesity. Chlorophyll, widespread in fruits and vegetables, was proven to have beneficial effects on alleviating obesity. This study investigated the effects of chlorophyll on the digestive characteristics of lipids under in vitro simulated adult and infant gastrointestinal systems. Chlorophyll decreased the release rate of free fatty acid (FFA) during in vitro adult and infant intestinal digestion by 69.2% and 60.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, after gastrointestinal digestion, chlorophyll changed the FFA composition of soybean oil emulsion and increased the particle size of oil droplets. Interestingly, with the addition of chlorophyll, the activity of pancreatic lipase was inhibited during digestion, which may be related to pheophytin (a derivative of chlorophyll after gastric digestion). Therefore, the results obtained from isothermal titration calorimetry and molecular docking further elucidated that pheophytin could bind to pancreatic lipase with a strong affinity of (4.38 ± 0.76) × 107 M−1 (Ka), while the binding site was amino acid residue Trp253. The investigation not only explained why chlorophyll inhibited digestive enzyme activity to reduce lipids digestion but also provided exciting opportunities for developing novel chlorophyll-based healthy products for dietary application in preventing obesity.
The Effects of Nutrition on Linear Growth
Authors: Inzaghi Elena , Pampanini Valentina , Deodati Annalisa , Cianfarani Stefano
Published: April 2022

Linear growth is a complex process and is considered one of the best indicators of children’s well-being and health. Genetics, epigenetics and environment (mainly stress and availability of nutrients) are the main regulators of growth. Nutrition exerts its effects on growth throughout the course of life with different, not completely understood mechanisms. Cells have a sophisticated sensing system, which allows growth processes to occur in the presence of an adequate nutrient availability. Most of the nutritional influence on growth is mediated by hormonal signals, in turn sensitive to nutritional cues. Both macro- and micro-nutrients are required for normal growth, as demonstrated by the impairment of growth occurring when their intake is insufficient. Clinical conditions characterized by abnormal nutritional status, including obesity and eating disorders, are associated with alterations of growth pattern, confirming the tight link between growth and nutrition. The precise molecular mechanisms connecting nutrition to linear growth are far from being fully understood and further studies are required. A better understanding of the interplay between nutrients and the endocrine system will allow one to develop more appropriate and effective nutritional interventions for optimizing child growth.
The Effect of Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols (FODMAP) Meals on Transient Lower Esophageal Relaxations (TLESR) in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Patients with Overlapping Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Authors: Plaidum Suppawatsa , Patcharatrakul Tanisa , Promjampa Wachinee , Gonlachanvit Sutep
Published: April 2022

A randomized crossover study in eight patients (6 F, age 57 ± 13) with overlapping GERD-IBS (non-constipation) was conducted to evaluate the effects of rice noodle vs. wheat noodle meals for breakfast and lunch on postprandial TLESR, intestinal gas production, and GERD/GI symptoms. Results: Wheat ingestion was significantly associated with more frequent TLESR after lunch than rice (5.0 ± 0.7 vs. 1.9 ± 0.3 times/2 h, p = 0.01). After lunch, wheat ingestion was significantly associated with higher H2 and CH4 levels compared to rice ingestion (p < 0.05), while H2 and CH4 levels before lunch were similar (p > 0.05). The area under curve of H2 concentration until 2 h after lunch significantly correlated with the TLESR number (r = 0.69, p = 0.04). Postprandial regurgitation (2.9 ± 1.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2), bloating (7.0 ± 0.4 vs. 3.1 ± 0.9), satiety (7.7 ± 0.4 vs. 3.5 ± 0.9), and belching (3.8 ± 1.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.6) symptom scores were significantly greater after wheat compared to rice noodle ingestion (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Wheat noodle meals, part of a high FODMAP diet, induced a higher frequency of TLESRs, a higher GERD, and higher upper-GI symptom scores than rice noodle meals, part of a low FODMAP diet, in patients with overlapping IBS-GERD. These effects were associated with more intestinal gas production. Thus, a low FODMAP diet may relieve GERD symptoms in GERD patients with overlapping IBS.
Procyanidin B2 Attenuates Nicotine-Induced Hepatocyte Pyroptosis through a PPARγ-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Liu Jia , Yao Qinyu , Xie Xinya , Cui Qi , Jiang Tingting , Zhao Ziwei , Du Xiong , Lai Baochang , Xiao Lei , Wang Nanping
Published: April 2022

Procyanidin B2 (PCB2), a natural flavonoid, has been demonstrated to exert anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory effects on hepatic diseases. Increasing evidence shows the hepatoxicity of nicotine. However, whether PCB2 protects against nicotine-induced hepatoxicity and the underlying mechanisms remains uncharacterized. Here, we reported that nicotine promoted hepatocyte pyroptosis, as evidenced by the elevation of propidium iodide (PI)-positive cells, the activation of Caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD), the enhanced expression of NOD-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) and the increased release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. The silencing of GSDMD by small interfering RNA (siRNA) efficiently inhibited the release of LDH and the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. In addition, rosiglitazone (RGZ) prevented hepatocyte pyroptosis induced by nicotine. Furthermore, we showed that PCB2 attenuated nicotine-induced pyroptosis through the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) in hepatocytes. Moreover, administration of PCB2 ameliorated liver injury and hepatocyte pyroptosis in nicotine-treated mice. Hence, our findings demonstrated that PCB2 attenuated pyroptosis and liver damage in a PPARγ-dependent manner. Our results suggest a new mechanism by which PCB2 exerts its liver protective effects.
Influence of Aging, Macronutrient Composition and Time-Restricted Feeding on the Fischer344 x Brown Norway Rat Gut Microbiota
Authors: Hernandez Abbi R. , Kemp Keri M. , Burke Sara N. , Buford Thomas W. , Carter Christy S.
Published: April 2022

Both ketogenic diets (KD) and time-restricted feeding (TRF) regimens have the ability to influence several parameters of physical health, including gut microbiome composition and circulating cytokine concentration. Moreover, both of these dietary interventions prevent common impairments associated with the aging process. However, significantly altering macronutrient intake, which is required for a KD, may be unappealing to individuals and decrease compliance to dietary treatments. In contrast to a KD, TRF allows individuals to continue eating the foods they are used to, and only requires a change in the time of day at which they eat. Therefore, we investigated both a KD and a diet with a more Western-like macronutrient profile in the context of TRF, and compared both diets to animals allowed access to standard chow ad libitum in young adult and aged rats. While limited effects on cytokine levels were observed, both methods of microbiome analysis (16S sequencing and metagenomics) indicate that TRF and KDs significantly altered the gut microbiome in aged rats. These changes were largely dependent on changes to feeding paradigm (TRF vs. ad libitum) alone regardless of macronutrient content for many gut microbiota, but there were also macronutrient-specific changes. Specifically, functional analysis indicates significant differences in several pathways, including those involved in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, carbohydrate metabolism and neurodegenerative disease. These data indicate that age- and disease-related gut dysbiosis may be ameliorated through the use of TRF with both standard diets and KDs.
Effects of a 12-Month Hybrid (In-Person + Virtual) Education Program in the Glycemic Status of Arab Youth
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Amer Osama E. , Hameidi AbdulAziz , Alfawaz Hanan , Alharbi Mohammed , Khattak Malak N. K. , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Aljohani Naji J. , Alkhaldi Ghadah , Wani Kaiser , Sabico Shaun
Published: April 2022

This 12-month school-based intervention study investigated the effects of hybrid educational lifestyle modifications on glycemic control among Saudi youth with different glycemic statuses. A total of 2600 Arab adolescents aged 12–18 years were recruited from 60 randomly selected schools. Anthropometrics, blood glucose, and HbA1c were measured pre- and post-intervention. Participants were grouped according to baseline HbA1c into normal, prediabetes, and diabetes groups. All participants received lifestyle education at base line and at every 3-month interval to improve diet and exercise behavior. Diabetic and prediabetic participants received a tailored lifestyle intervention. Post-intervention, 643 participants were analyzed as follows: 20 participants from the diabetes group, 39 from prediabetes, and 584 from the normal group. A modest but significant improvement in the glycemic status of diabetic and prediabetic participants was observed, but not in the normal group. In the diabetes group, 11 (55%) participants achieved normal HbA1c levels, 5 had prediabetes levels, and only 4 remained within diabetes HbA1c levels. In the prediabetes group, 34 (87.2%) participants achieved normal HbA1c levels, while 2 (5.1%) participants remained prediabetic and 3 (7.7%) had diabetes HbA1c levels (p < 0.001). This hybrid lifestyle intervention program modestly reduces the risk of T2DM among youth with elevated HbA1c levels. The challenge of sustaining interest in adopting lifestyle changes for a longer duration should be addressed in further studies in this population.
A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of Resveratrol Supplementation for Prophylaxis of Hormonal Migraine
Authors: Dzator Jemima S. A. , Howe Peter R. C. , Coupland Kirsten G. , Wong Rachel H. X.
Published: April 2022

Resveratrol, a vasoactive phytoestrogen, has beneficial effects on cerebrovascular function. Previous research has shown that hormonal migraineurs have poorer cerebrovascular function than non-migraineur women. We aimed to investigate if resveratrol supplementation for three months could reduce the hormonal migraine burden index (HMBI: the number of days with menstrual migraine per month), reduce migraine-related disability and improve migraine-related quality of life. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, intervention trial was conducted in 62 hormonal migraineurs (mean age: 37.5 ± 0.8 years). Participants consumed 75 mg of resveratrol or matching placebo capsules twice daily for three months before crossing over to the other treatment arm. Participants completed a daily diary and the Headache Impact Test-6™, Migraine Disability Assessment and Migraine-Specific Quality of Life questionnaires at months 0, 3 and 6. The HMBI was the primary outcome and was calculated using data extracted from the participant’s diary. No differences in the HMBI (p = 0.895), the Headache Impact Test-6™, the Migraine Disability Assessment and Migraine-Specific Quality of Life were found between the resveratrol and placebo treatments. Resveratrol supplementation for three months did not affect the HMBI, the migraine-related disability or quality of life measures in our cohort of hormonal migraineurs.
Diet and Risk of Gastric Cancer: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Bouras Emmanouil , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Triggi Marianthi , Siargkas Antonios , Chourdakis Michail , Haidich Anna-Bettina
Published: April 2022

Several dietary exposures have been associated with gastric cancer (GC), but the associations are often heterogenous and may be afflicted by inherent biases. In the context of an Umbrella Review (UR), we provide an overview and a critical evaluation of the strength and quality, and evidence classification of the associations of diet-related exposures in relation to the risk of GC. We searched PubMed and Scopus for eligible meta-analyses of observational studies published in English from inception to 12 December 2021, and for any identified association, we applied robust epidemiological validity evaluation criteria and individual study quality assessment using AMSTAR. We screened 3846 titles/abstracts and assessed 501 full articles for eligibility, of which 49 were included in the analysis, investigating 147 unique exposures in relation to GC, cardia (GCC) or non-cardia (GNCC) cancer. Supported by suggestive evidence, positive associations were found comparing the highest vs. lowest categories for: heavy (>42 g/day) alcohol consumption (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.42, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.20–1.67), salted fish consumption (RR = 1.56, 95% CI:1.30–1.87) and waist circumference (RR = 1.48, 95% CI:1.24–1.78) and an inverse association for the healthy lifestyle index (RR = 0.60, 95% CI:0.48–0.74) in relation to GC. Additionally, a positive association was found comparing obese individuals (Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30) to normal-weight individuals (BMI: 18.5–25) (RR = 1.82, 95% CI:1.32–2.49) in relation to GCC. Most of the meta-analyses were of medium-to-high quality (median items: 7.0, interquartile range: 6–9). Maintaining a normal body weight and adopting healthy dietary choices, in particular, limiting the consumption of salt-preserved foods and alcohol, can reduce the risk of gastric cancer.
Nutrition during Pregnancy and Lactation: Epigenetic Effects on Infants’ Immune System in Food Allergy
Authors: Di Costanzo Margherita , De Paulis Nicoletta , Capra Maria Elena , Biasucci Giacomo
Published: April 2022

Food allergies are an increasing health problem worldwide. They are multifactorial diseases, in which the genome alone does not explain the development of the disease, but a genetic predisposition and various environmental factors contribute to their onset. Environmental factors, in particular nutritional factors, in the early stages of life are recognized as key elements in the etiology of food allergies. There is growing evidence advising that nutrition can affect the risk of developing food allergies through epigenetic mechanisms elicited by the nutritional factors themselves or by modulating the gut microbiota and its functional products. Gut microbiota and postbiotics can in turn influence the risk of food allergy development through epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic programming accounts not only for the short-term effects on the individual’s health status, but also for those observed in adulthood. The first thousand days of life represent an important window of susceptibility in which environmental factors, including nutritional ones, can influence the risk of developing allergies through epigenetic mechanisms. From this point of view, it represents an interesting window of opportunity and intervention. This review reports the main nutritional factors that in the early stages of life can influence immune oral tolerance through the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms.
Dose-Escalating (50–500 mg) Gluten Administration Leads to Detectable Gluten-Immunogenic-Peptides in Urine of Patients with Coeliac Disease Which Is Unrelated to Symptoms, a Placebo Controlled Trial
Authors: Burger Jordy P. W. , van Lochem Ellen G. , Roovers Elisabeth A. , Drenth Joost P. H. , Wahab Peter J.
Published: April 2022

Background: To determine the applicability and sensitivity of a urine self-test to detect gluten-immunogenic-peptides (GIP) in daily-life for patients with coeliac disease and correlate the test results with reported symptoms. Methods: We performed a prospective double-blinded placebo-controlled study, including adults with coeliac disease adhering to a strictly gluten-free diet. Patients were administered gluten in test-cycles of ascending doses of 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg alternated with placebo. Urine portions from 2, 5–17 h after the ingestion were collected and analyzed for GIP using the iVYCHECK-GIP-Urine rapid lateral flow test. Patients completed a diary mapping symptoms (nausea, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lower level of energy). Results: We enrolled 15 patients and 7 received all 4 cycles with increasing gluten dosing. GIP was detected from urine in 47% of the patients receiving 50 mg gluten and in 86% with 500 mg gluten. We detected GIP in 20–50% of urine samples after placebo. There was no correlation between symptoms, gluten administration and/or GIP in urine. Conclusions: Gluten intake, even with a dose as low as 50 mg, leads to detectable urinary GIP concentrations. There is no correlation of coeliac disease ascribed symptoms with detection of urinary GIP.
Development of a Short Questionnaire for the Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency in Italian Adults: The EVIDENCe-Q Project
Authors: De Giuseppe Rachele , Tomasinelli Chiara Elena , Cena Hellas , Braschi Valentina , Giampieri Francesca , Preatoni Giorgia , Centofanti Domenico , Princis Maria Pilar , Bartoletti Emanuele , Biino Ginevra
Published: April 2022

Background: To develop and validate a questionnaire for the screening of Vitamin D in Italian adults (Evaluation Vitamin D dEficieNCy Questionnaire, EVIDENCe-Q). Methods: 150 participants, attending the 11Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Operative Unit, Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, of Pavia were enrolled. Demographic variables and serum levels of vitamin D were recorded. The EVIDENCe-Q included information regarding factors affecting the production, intake, absorption and metabolism of Vitamin D. The EVIDENCe-Q score ranged from 0 (the best status) to 36 (the worst status). Results: Participants showed an inadequate status of Vitamin D, according to the current Italian reference values. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) in the EVIDENCe-Q score was found among the three classes of vitamin D status (severe deficiency, deficiency and adequate), being the mean score higher in severe deficiency and lower in the adequate one. A threshold value for EVIDENCe-Q score of 23 for severe deficiency, a threshold value of 21 for deficiency and a threshold value of 20 for insufficiency were identified. According to these thresholds, the prevalence of severe deficiency, deficiency and insufficiency was 22%, 35.3% and 43.3% of the study population, respectively. Finally, participants with EVIDENCe-Q scores <20 had adequate levels of vitamin D. Conclusions: EVIDENCe-Q can be a useful and easy screening tool for clinicians in their daily practice at a reasonable cost, to identify subjects potentially at risk of vitamin D deficiency and to avoid unwarranted supplementation and/or costly blood testing.
Intestinal Dysbiosis in Patients with Histamine Intolerance
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez Sònia , Comas-Basté Oriol , Duelo Adriana , Veciana-Nogués M. Teresa , Berlanga Mercedes , Latorre-Moratalla M. Luz , Vidal-Carou M. Carmen
Published: April 2022

An underlying cause of histamine intolerance is diamine oxidase (DAO) deficiency, which leads to defective homeostasis and a higher systemic absorption of histamine. Impaired DAO activity may have a genetic, pharmacological or pathological origin. A recent proposal also suggests it can arise from an alteration in the gut microbiota, although only one study has explored this hypothesis to date. A greater abundance of histamine-secreting bacteria in the gut could lead to the development of histamine intolerance. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the composition of the intestinal microbiota of patients with histamine intolerance symptoms and compare it with that of healthy individuals. The study was performed by sequencing bacterial 16S rRNA genes (V3-V4 region) and analyzing the data using the EzBioCloud Database. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota was observed in the histamine intolerance group who, in comparison with the healthy individuals, had a significantly lower proportion of Prevotellaceae, Ruminococcus, Faecalibacterium and Faecablibacterium prausnitzii, which are bacteria related to gut health. They also had a significantly higher abundance of histamine-secreting bacteria, including the genera Staphylococcus and Proteus, several unidentified genera belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae and the species Clostridium perfringens and Enterococcus faecalis. A greater abundance of histaminogenic bacteria would favor the accumulation of high levels of histamine in the gut, its subsequent absorption in plasma and the appearance of adverse effects, even in individuals without DAO deficiency.
Cyclo(His-Pro) Exerts Protective Carbonyl Quenching Effects through Its Open Histidine Containing Dipeptides
Authors: Regazzoni Luca , Fumagalli Laura , Artasensi Angelica , Gervasoni Silvia , Gilardoni Ettore , Mazzolari Angelica , Aldini Giancarlo , Vistoli Giulio
Published: April 2022

Cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP) is a cyclic dipeptide which is endowed with favorable pharmacokinetic properties combined with a variety of biological activities. CHP is found in a number of protein-rich foods and dietary supplements. While being stable at physiological pH, CHP can open yielding two symmetric dipeptides (His-Pro, Pro-His), the formation of which might be particularly relevant from dietary CHP due to the gastric acidic environment. The antioxidant and protective CHP properties were repeatedly reported although the non-enzymatic mechanisms were scantly investigated. The CHP detoxifying activity towards α,β unsaturated carbonyls was never investigated in detail, although its open dipeptides might be effective as already observed for histidine containing dipeptides. Hence, this study investigated the scavenging properties of TRH, CHP and its open derivatives towards 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. The obtained results revealed that Pro-His possesses a marked activity and is more reactive than l-carnosine. As investigated by DFT calculations, the enhanced reactivity can be ascribed to the greater electrophilicity of the involved iminium intermediate. These findings emphasize that the primary amine (as seen in l-carnosine) can be replaced by secondary amines with beneficial effects on the quenching mechanisms. Serum stability of the tested peptides was also evaluated, showing that Pro-His is characterized by a greater stability than l-carnosine. Docking simulations suggested that its hydrolysis can be catalyzed by serum carnosinase. Altogether, the reported results evidence that the antioxidant CHP properties can be also due to the detoxifying activity of its open dipeptides, which might be thus responsible for the beneficial effects induced by CHP containing food.
Effects of Trehalose Solutions at Different Concentrations on High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise Performance
Authors: Hamada Naomi , Wadazumi Tsuyoshi , Hirata Yoko , Watanabe Hitoshi , Hongu Nobuko , Arai Norie
Published: April 2022

Trehalose solution ingested during exercise induces gradual increases in blood glucose levels and the insulin response compared with glucose solution. Trehalose solution aids in the maintenance of performance in the later stages of prolonged exercise. The purpose of this study was to identify the lowest concentration at which the properties of trehalose could be exploited. Groups of 12 healthy men (21.3 ± 1.3 years) and 10 healthy men (21.1 ± 0.7 years) with recreational training were included in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Both experiments followed the same protocol. After fasting for 12 h, the participants performed a 60 min constant-load exercise at 40% V˙O2 peak using a bicycle ergometer and ingested 500 mL of a trial drink (experiment 1: water, 8% glucose, and 6 or 8% trehalose; experiment 2: 4 or 6% trehalose). They performed four sets of the Wingate test combined with a 30 min constant-load exercise at 40% V˙O2 peak. The experiment was conducted using a randomized cross-over design; trial drink experiments were conducted over intervals of 7 to 12 days. The exercise performance was evaluated based on mean power in the Wingate test. Blood was collected from the fingertip at 12 points during each experiment to measure blood glucose levels. During the high-intensity 5 h intermittent exercise, no differences were found between the groups in exercise performance in the later stages with concentrations of 8, 6, and 4% trehalose solution. The results suggest that trehalose could be useful for making a new type of mixed carbohydrate solution. Further studies to determine the trehalose response of individual athletes during endurance exercise are needed.
Development of the Cook-EdTM Matrix to Guide Food and Cooking Skill Selection in Culinary Education Programs That Target Diet Quality and Health
Authors: Asher Roberta C. , Jakstas Tammie , Lavelle Fiona , Wolfson Julia A. , Rose Anna , Bucher Tamara , Dean Moira , Duncanson Kerith , van der Horst Klazine , Schonberg Sonja , Slater Joyce , Compton Leanne , Giglia Roslyn , Fordyce-Voorham Sandra , Collins Clare E. , Shrewsbury Vanessa A.
Published: April 2022

Culinary education programs are generally designed to improve participants’ food and cooking skills, with or without consideration to influencing diet quality or health. No published methods exist to guide food and cooking skills’ content priorities within culinary education programs that target improved diet quality and health. To address this gap, an international team of cooking and nutrition education experts developed the Cooking Education (Cook-EdTM) matrix. International food-based dietary guidelines were reviewed to determine common food groups. A six-section matrix was drafted including skill focus points for: (1) Kitchen safety, (2) Food safety, (3) General food skills, (4) Food group specific food skills, (5) General cooking skills, (6) Food group specific cooking skills. A modified e-Delphi method with three consultation rounds was used to reach consensus on the Cook-EdTM matrix structure, skill focus points included, and their order. The final Cook-EdTM matrix includes 117 skill focus points. The matrix guides program providers in selecting the most suitable skills to consider for their programs to improve dietary and health outcomes, while considering available resources, participant needs, and sustainable nutrition principles. Users can adapt the Cook-EdTM matrix to regional food-based dietary guidelines and food cultures.
Bilateral Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Cruz Christian A. , Wake Jeffrey L. , Bickley Ryan J. , Morin Logan , Mannino Brian J. , Krul Kevin P. , Ryan Paul
Published: April 2022

While Achilles tendon injuries are common amongst the general population, there are very few cases in which simultaneous bilateral injuries occur. Medial malleolar fractures at the time of Achilles tendon rupture have been cited in the literature and are commonly missed. The following case outlines the presentation, treatment, and outcome of a United States Army Soldier with simultaneous bilateral Achilles tendon ruptures in addition to a unilateral right medial malleolar fracture. This patient was able to completely return to duty within 1 year after being treated with ORIF of the medial malleolus, bilateral end-to-end repair of the AT, and accelerated rehabilitation beginning at 2 weeks on the left and 6 weeks on the right.
Primate Erythroparvovirus 1 Infection in Patients with Hematological Disorders
Authors: Krumova Stefka , Andonova Ivona , Stefanova Radostina , Miteva Polina , Nenkova Galina , Hübschen Judith M.
Published: April 2022

Primate erythroparvovirus 1, commonly referred to as Parvovirus B19 (B19V), is a DNA virus that normally results in a mild childhood infection called “erythema infectiosum”. Besides respiratory spread, B19V can also be transmitted through transfusions, which may result in persistent anemia in immunodeficient hosts. Dialysis patients often face acute or chronic anemia after infection with B19V. Here, we describe the laboratory investigation of 21 patients with hematological disorders for B19V infections. B19V DNA was detected in 13 (62%) of them, with specific IgM antibodies in three of the DNA positives. All 13 patients received treatment and were laboratory-monitored over a period of one year. In only two patients (a 14-year-old child with a kidney transplantation and a 39-year-old patient with aplastic anemia), markers of recent B19V infection were still detectable in follow-up samples. For four B19V DNA positive samples, short sequences could be obtained, which clustered with genotype 1a reference strains. Our findings suggest that all cases of hematological disorders should be examined for specific B19V antibodies and DNA for accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management.
Zoonotic Disease Testing Practices in Pediatric Patients with Meningitis and Encephalitis in a Subtropical Region
Authors: Erickson Timothy A. , Ronca Shannon E. , Gunter Sarah M. , Brown Eric L. , Hasbun Rodrigo , Murray Kristy O.
Published: April 2022

Emerging vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens can cause neuroinvasive disease in children; utilization of appropriate diagnostic testing can be low, hindering diagnosis and clinical management of these cases. We must understand factors that influence healthcare providers’ decisions to order diagnostic testing. We reviewed medical charts for pediatric meningitis and encephalitis patients (90 days–18 years) between 2010 and 2017 and analyzed variables associated with testing for known neuroinvasive zoonotic pathogens in the southern United States: West Nile virus (WNV), Bartonella spp., and Rickettsia spp. Among 620 cases of meningitis and encephalitis, ~1/3 (n = 209, 34%) were tested for WNV. Fewer cases were tested for Bartonella (n = 77, 12%) and Rickettsia (n = 47, 8%). Among those tested, 14 (7%) WNV, 7 (9%) Bartonella, and 6 (13%) Rickettsia cases were identified. Factors predicting testing were similar between all agents: clinical presentation of encephalitis, focal neurologic symptoms, new onset seizure, and decreased Glasgow Coma Scale on admission. Cases with a history of arthropod contact were more likely to be tested; however, we did not see an increase in testing during the summer season, when vector exposure typically increases. While our test utilization was higher than that reported in other studies, improvement is needed to identify zoonotic causes of neuroinvasive diseases.
Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance, Pathogenicity, and Virulence Potentials of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Isolates at the Yaounde Abattoir Using Whole-Genome Sequencing Technique
Authors: Matchawe Chelea , Machuka Eunice M. , Kyallo Martina , Bonny Patrice , Nkeunen Gerard , Njaci Isaac , Esemu Seraphine Nkie , Githae Dedan , Juma John , Nfor Bawe M. , Nsawir Bonglaisin J. , Galeotti Marco , Piasentier Edi , Ndip Lucy M. , Pelle Roger
Published: April 2022

One of the crucial public health problems today is the emerging and re-emerging of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria coupled with a decline in the development of new antimicrobials. Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is classified among the MDR pathogens of international concern. To predict their MDR potentials, 23 assembled genomes of NTS from live cattle (n = 1), beef carcass (n = 19), butchers’ hands (n = 1) and beef processing environments (n = 2) isolated from 830 wet swabs at the Yaounde abattoir between December 2014 and November 2015 were explored using whole-genome sequencing. Phenotypically, while 22% (n = 5) of Salmonella isolates were streptomycin-resistant, 13% (n = 3) were MDR. Genotypically, all the Salmonella isolates possessed high MDR potentials against several classes of antibiotics including critically important drugs (carbapenems, third-generation cephalosporin and fluoroquinolone). Moreover, >31% of NTS exhibited resistance potentials to polymyxin, considered as the last resort drug. Additionally, ≤80% of isolates harbored “silent resistant genes” as a potential reservoir of drug resistance. Our isolates showed a high degree of pathogenicity and possessed key virulence factors to establish infection even in humans. Whole-genome sequencing unveiled both broader antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles and inference of pathogen characteristics. This study calls for the prudent use of antibiotics and constant monitoring of AMR of NTS.
Multidrug-Resistant and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) - Producing Enterobacterales Isolated from Carriage Samples among HIV Infected Women in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Zemtsa Ravalona Jessica , Noubom Michel , Founou Luria Leslie , Dimani Brice Davy , Koudoum Patrice Landry , Mbossi Aurelia Djeumako , Kouanfack Charles , Founou Raspail Carrel
Published: April 2022

The exacerbation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, there is a scarcity of data regarding multidrug-resistant (resistance to at least one antibiotic of three or more families of antibiotics) as well as extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE), isolated among clinical and asymptomatically healthy patients, especially in women living with HIV (WLHIV) despite their immunocompromised status. The overarching aim of this study was set to determine the prevalence and characterize genotypically multi-drug resistant Enterobacterales (MDR-E) and ESBL- PE isolated from vaginal swabs of WLHIV attending the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted among WLHIV during a four-month periods from 1 February to 31 May 2021. A total of 175 WLHIV, of childbearing age and under antiretroviral treatment were contacted. One hundred and twenty participants (120) were recruited and vaginal swabs were collected from them. After culture on Eosine-Methylen Blue (EMB) agar, the identification of Enterobacterales was performed using API 20E kit. A double-screening of ESBL-PE was performed using a combined disc diffusion method and ROSCO Diagnostica kits. An antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out by disc diffusion as per the Kirby-Bauer method and the β-lactamase resistance genes, blaCTX-M, blaCTX-M-group1-2-9, blaTEM were molecularly characterized using a conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Overall, 30.83% (37/120) of the included WLHIV were colonized with Enterobacterales and the prevalence of vaginal carriage of MDR Enterobacterales among them was 62.16% (23/37). Among MDR-E isolates, the most prevalent species were E. coli (56.0%; 14/25) and K. pneumoniae (20.0%; 5/25). High rates of resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (96.0%; 24/25), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (88.0%; 22/25) and gentamicin (72%; 18/25) were observed. The resistance mechanisms detected among these isolates were ESBL (48.0%; 12/25), ESBL+ porin loss (8.0%; 2/25), ESBL+AmpC (24%; 6/25), with blaCTX-M, blaCTX-M-group-1,2,9 being identified at 48.0% (12/25) for each of them and blaTEM at 72.0% (18/25). Our findings confirm the high-prevalence of MDR as well as ESBL-PE isolated in WLHIV, and suggest that a real time monitoring system of antimicrobial resistant bacteria coupled with the reinforcement of infection prevention control (IPC) strategies are needed to sustainably contain these life-threatening pathogens especially in the most vulnerable populations.