bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iodine status in breastfeeding women and their infants in New Zealand
Authors: Jin Ying , Coad Jane , Brough Louise 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIodine is an essential micronutrient in thyroid hormone synthesis and physical and mental development. Iodine deficiency has historically been a problem in New Zealand. Two government initiatives were introduced: 1) mandatory fortification of all bread (except organic) with iodised salt (2009); 2) provision of a subsidised iodine supplement for all pregnant and breastfeeding women (2010). Since these initiatives, the majority of adults and children have achieved adequate iodine status. However, iodine status among breastfeeding women and their infants is unknown. This observational follow-up cohort study recruited 87 breastfeeding women, aged 16 years and over, with a healthy term singleton infant, in the Manawatu region, New Zealand. Women were recruited at 3 months postpartum; and followed up at 6 and 12 months postpartum. A maternal questionnaire investigated supplement use before and after delivery, iodine nutritional knowledge, and demographic information. Maternal spot urine, breastmilk, and infant spot urine samples were collected and iodine concentrations determined using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Iodine-containing supplement use was recorded in the 24 hours before biological sample collection. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality of the data. Iodine data were analysed using non-parametric Mann Whitney U test (2-tailed).Thirty-five (40%) women used iodine-containing supplements during breastfeeding. Median urine iodine concentration (UIC) was 82 (46, 157) μg/L, below the WHO cut-off value of 100 μg/L for breastfeeding women. Median infant UIC was 115 (69, 182) μg/L, above the WHO cut-off value of 100 μg/L. Median maternal UIC was significantly higher for supplement users than non-users (111(44, 240) vs 62(42, 102) μg/L; p = 0.021]. Median infant UIC was significantly higher for supplement users than non-users (150(97, 193) vs 86(53, 171) μg/L; p = 0.045]. Median breastmilk iodine concentration (BMIC) was 69 (52, 119) μg/L, lower than recommended (75 μg/L). Median BMIC was significantly higher for supplement users than non-users [83(67, 168) vs 62(48, 82) μg/L; p = 0.000]. Overall, iodine status within this sample of breastfeeding women remains inadequate at 3 months postpartum. Users of iodine containing supplements and their infants achieved recommended iodine UIC concentrations; however, non-users and their infants had inadequate status. Despite recommendations that all breastfeeding women use iodine supplements, supplement use was low (only 40%). Further work is require to investigate if current iodine status affects thyroid function. Alternative strategies are also required to ensure breastfeeding women and their infants have adequate iodine.
A phase 1, single-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-arm cross-over trial assessing the appetite enhancing effects of potentially ghrelinergic dairy-derived peptides
Authors: Cushen Samantha J. , Sullivan Erin Stella , Kelly Tracey , Daly Louise E. , Bhuachalla Éadaoin B Ní , Howick Ken , Schellekens Harriët , Cryan John F. , Griffin Brendan T. , Dahly Darren , Ryan Aoife M 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMethods to stimulate appetite in the sick or elderly remains a challenge with few safe therapeutic options. Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone, increasing appetite and subsequent food intake. It has received considerable attention as a therapeutic target to stimulate food intake in patients with anorexia. The identification of food-grade bioactives with proven orexigenic effects would mark significant progress in the treatment of disease-related malnutrition. This study therefore investigated the effects of two milk-derived ghrelinergic peptides on appetite and energy intake in healthy humans.A single-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-arm (placebo, casein bioactive MF1145 and whey bioactive UL-2-141) cross-over trial was conducted in healthy male volunteers. Participants received 26 mg/kg of both the bioactives and placebo. The main outcome measures were energy & protein intake from a set breakfast and ad libitum lunch and subjective appetite sensations as assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). Basal and postprandial levels of active ghrelin (AG) were measured. Dietary intakes were analysed using Nutritics software. Statistical analyses were performed in R.Overall, 22 male participants (mean age 27 years) were included, average BMI was 24.6 kg/m2, (19.8 to 30.2 kg/m2). Mean energy and protein intakes at lunch when treated with placebo were 1343 kcal (95% CI: 1215–1471 kcal) and 74 g (95% CI: 66–81 g), respectively. Energy and protein intakes were not significantly different from placebo for either treatment (p = 0.918, p = 0.319 for UL-2-141 and p = 0.889, p = 0.959 for MF1145, respectively). Similarly, appetite, hunger and satiety responses on VAS were not significantly different from placebo for either treatment. AG peak post-lunch on placebo was 653 pg/ml (95% CI: 511–794 pg/ml). Treatment with UL-2-141 resulted in 139 pg/ml reduction in post-prandial AG compared to placebo and treatment with MF1145 resulted in 114 pg/ml reduction compared to placebo. This pattern was significant for both treatments (p = 0.021 and p = 0.045, respectively) however when controlling for fasting-AG, the pattern was no longer significant (p = 0.590 and p = 0.877 respectively). Pre-prandial AG peaks were not significantly different across treatments.While these peptides have previously demonstrated ghrelinergic effects in rats, no effect on appetite or food intake in humans was identified by this study. This may be attributable to the small sample size or low dose. However, since healthy adults are often not in tune with their own physiological hunger, they may not respond strongly to simple physiological modulators and repeating the study in subjects with established anorexia may be prudent.
Examining the nutritional quality of the product portfolios of major packaged food and beverage companies in Canada
Authors: Vergeer Laura , Ahmed Mavra , Vanderlee Lana , L'Abbé Mary 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCanada's food supply is abundant in energy-dense products containing excess amounts of sodium, saturated fat and free sugars, increasing Canadians' risk of developing obesity and non-communicable diseases. Food companies shape the food supply through their control over the formulation of their products; however, no studies have examined the healthfulness of products offered by different companies in Canada. This study aimed to assess and compare the nutritional quality of the product portfolios of major packaged food and beverage companies in Canada. Twenty-two top food companies were selected for study, representing a combined 50% and 73% of Canadian packaged food and beverage sales in 2018, respectively. This included 18 multinational companies, 2 Canadian manufacturers and 2 retailers with private-label brands. Nutritional information for products was sourced from the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2017 database. The nutritional quality of all products offered by the sampled companies that were included in the database (n = 8,211) were evaluated using the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, with HSRs ranging from 0.5 (less healthy) to 5 (healthier). Descriptive analyses and analysis of variance with post-hoc tests examined the HSRs of each company's products overall and by food category (n = 24). Mean HSRs of companies’ overall product portfolios ranged from 1.8 to 3.7 (μx̅ = 2.7, σx̅ = 0.5) and differed significantly between companies (p < 0.001). Mean HSRs differed between companies for all food categories except eggs (p = 0.5), seafood (p = 0.2), legumes (p = 0.1), nuts and seeds (p = 0.4), and vegetables (p = 0.08). Variation in mean HSRs of products offered by different companies was greatest for beverages (range = 1.3–5.0, μx̅ = 2.0, σx̅ = 1.0), fats/oils (range = 0.7–4.4, μx̅ = 3.6, σx̅ = 1.6), fruit/fruit juices (range = 0.8–4.0, μx̅ = 2.6, σx̅ = 0.9), and sauces/dips/gravies/condiments (range = 0.5–3.4, μx̅ = 2.3, σx̅ = 1.0). These findings demonstrate that the nutritional quality of products offered by leading food manufacturers in Canada varies significantly overall and by food category, with many of these products considered less healthy according to the HSR system. Differences between companies may reflect the nature of their products; for example, products offered by dairy companies were healthier than those of confectionary and soft drink manufacturers, on average. Variation in nutritional quality within food categories illustrates the need and potential for many companies to improve the healthfulness of their products. By identifying companies that offer less healthy products compared with others in Canada, this study may prompt reformulation.
Effectiveness of a gamification strategy to prevent childhood obesity in schools: a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Peña Sebastián , Carranza Macarena , Cuadrado Cristóbal , Espinoza Paula , Müller Valeska , Cerda Ricardo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionSchool-based interventions to prevent obesity have shown heterogeneous results. Recent school-based trials with “negative” have cast doubt on their effectiveness. In the Juntos Santiago trial, we used an innovative, theory-based gamification strategy to increase motivation and participation in healthy behavioural changes. This is the first trial, to our knowledge, to use gamification to prevent childhood obesity.ObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of a multicomponent gamification strategy to prevent obesity in 5th and 6th-grade schoolchildren in Santiago de Chile.Materials and methodsSchool-based, parallel cluster-randomized controlled trial. 81 schools in two municipalities in Santiago, Chile, with more than 40 students in 5th and 6th grade altogether were eligible. Schools were randomized and sequentially invited to participate. The multicomponent intervention was a gamification strategy with four components: (i) healthy challenges (snacks, steps and healthy activities); (ii) gamification incentives, such as points, levels, leaderboards and badges; (iii) rewards (infrastructure and fun activity) and (iv) an online platform for parents and students to monitor the progress. Participants were followed up at 5 and 8 months. Pre-registered primary outcomes were body mass index (BMI) z-score and waist circumference (WC) at 8 months. Secondary outcomes were BMI and systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at 8 months. Multilevel analysis adjusted for individual and school-level covariates were used.Results24 schools (9 controls) and 2333 students (709 controls) were assessed at baseline and 2264 students (689 controls) were assessed at 8 months. The mean BMI z-score was lower in the intervention group compared to the control group at 8 months (mean difference -0.132, 95% CI -0.249; -0.014), while no difference was observed for WC. Mean BMI and SBP were lower in the intervention arm compared to the control arm (mean difference for SBP -0.139; 95% CI -2.39; -0.40). No difference was observed for DBP.DiscussionThe gamification strategy appears to prevent childhood obesity and reduce systolic blood pressure in school children in Santiago. These effects are larger than the pooled effects from existing meta-analyses. Further research should identify which components of the gamification strategy were more effective.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03459742Funded byMayors Challenge 2016, Bloomberg Philanthropies
Low-FODMAP Diet and Its Role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Management
Authors: Cardoso Fábio , Azevedo Mónica , Oliveira Bruno , Poínhos Rui , Carvaho João , Almeida Rita , Correia Flora 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional and multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder characterized by pain, abdominal distention and motility changes, currently diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria. The efficacy of classic pharmacological, psychological and dietary treatments for this condition are generally low. The Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAP) are short chain carbohydrates poorly absorbed at the intestinal level, fermentable by the microbiota and presumably involved in IBS-associated symptomatology.AimsTo evaluate the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of a FODMAP-restricted feeding approach in the relief of symptomatology and in the improvement of the quality of life of patients with IBS, determining the reintroduction of the FODMAP food subgroup(s) involved in the symptom exacerbation.Materials and MethodsAfter assessing the existence of initial emotional disorders through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and eating habits, through dietary history, patients diagnosed with IBS were put on a FODMAP-restricted diet for 6 weeks. During this period, the weekly evolution of symptom frequency was assessed. At the end, tests were undertaken to discover the global evolution of the symptoms through the Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Global Assessment Scale (IBS-GAI), the severity of symptomatology through the Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) and quality of life through Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Quality of Life (IBS-QoL).Subsequently, participants tested their tolerance to various FODMAP subtypes with weekly and isolated reintroduction of these in their diet.ResultsIn the 36 participants, with a mean age of 38.8 years, there was a reduction in the total consumption of FODMAP from 22.1 g to 2.1 g (p < 0.001). A moderate or substantial improvement in the IBS-GAI was observed in 88.9%. An average reduction of 235 points in the IBS-SSS (p < 0.001) and a mean increase of 28.7 in the IBS-QoL (p < 0.001) was achieved. The initial anxiety and depression levels were not associated with IBS-SSS and presented an inverse association with the IBS-QoL. There was significant improvement in all symptomatology during the 1st week of total FODMAP restriction, except for constipation with an amelioration observed at the 6st week. There was a frequency of intolerance ranging from 30.8% for fructans to 80.8% for lactose with the reintroduction of the FODMAP subtypes.ConclusionA FODMAP-restricted diet, implemented over a period of 6 weeks, is effective in reducing the severity and frequency of GI symptoms and improving the quality of life of portuguese patients with IBS.
Prevalence of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults in Ireland: comparison of EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 definitions
Authors: Murphy Caoileann , McMorrow Aoibheann , Flanagan Ellen , Cummins Helen , McCarthy Sinead , McGowan Maureen , Rafferty Sheena , Egan Brendan , De Vito Giuseppe , Corish Clare , Roche Helen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSarcopenia is a muscle disease rooted in adverse muscle changes that accrue across a lifetime. It is an independent risk factor for numerous adverse health outcomes. In 2010, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) published a definition for the identification of people with sarcopenia (EWGSOP1). In 2018, this definition was updated based on the newest evidence (EWGSOP2), with the focus now on low muscle strength rather than low muscle quantity as the key characteristic of sarcopenia. In addition, EWGSOP2 provides clear cut-off points for measurements of variables that identify sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults in Ireland for the first time and to assess agreement between the EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 definitions. In a cross-sectional analysis, 490 community-dwelling adults (age 78.4 ± 8.0 y, body mass index 27.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2) were assessed. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis, muscle strength was measured via handgrip dynamometry and physical performance via the Short Physical Performance Battery. Sarcopenia was defined according to both the 2010 criteria (EWGSOP1) and the updated 2018 criteria (EWGSOP2). Using the EWGSOP1 criteria, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 7.1% (2.6% sarcopenia, 4.5% severe sarcopenia) and 3.6% were classified as pre-sarcopenic (low muscle mass without a decrement in strength or physical performance). Using the EWGSOP2 criteria, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 5.5% (1.6% sarcopenia, 3.9% severe sarcopenia) and 23.4 % were classified as having low strength but without a decrement in muscle mass. Five of the participants who were classified as sarcopenic (2 sarcopenia, 3 severe sarcopenia) by EWGSOP1 were classified as “normal” using the EWGSOP2 criteria. In conclusion, the prevalence of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults in Ireland is in line with the prevalence reported in other European countries using the EWGSOP1 criteria (3.3–11.4 %). To our knowledge this is the first study to compare the prevalence based on the EWGSOP1 and the EWGSOP2 criteria. We report a slightly lower prevalence using the EWGSOP2 definition compared to the EWGSOP1 definition. Importantly however, in contrast to EWGSOP1, the EWGSOP2 definition identified a substantial proportion of older adults with poor strength in the absence of overt sarcopenia (23.4%). These older adults represent a group who would benefit from further clinical investigation and intervention.
An Investigation into the Effects of Stevia on food intake, satiety and blood glucose levels in adults: a small-scale study
Authors: Farhat Grace , Moore Lauren , Moya Inaki , Hall Lindsay , Berset Victoria 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNon-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are suggested to reduce sugar and energy content of diet, but there is growing evidence that they can exacerbate obesity and diabetes through increasing appetite and energy intake. Stevia (stevioside extract), a natural sweetener, is being increasingly consumed, yet limited studies have looked at their effects on satiety and energy intake. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of preloads of stevia on food intake, satiety and postprandial blood glucose levels when compared to water and sugar. Thirty participants (10 males/20 females; 26 ± 10.5 years; BMI: 23.44 ± 3.42 Kg/m2) took part in a three-arm single-blinded crossover trial. On separate test days, they received three different preloads (300 ml) containing water, sugar (60g) and stevia (1g) followed by an ad-libitum pizza lunch after 30 minutes. Breakfast was standardized. Blood glucose samples were collected before preload and lunch, and then at 30-minute intervals until 120 min post lunch. Volunteers recorded their feelings of satiety and hunger on visual analogue scales (VAS) before preload and after meal intake. A one-day diet diary was collected for each test day. Data was analysed using repeated measures ANOVA (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Despite the difference in energy content between preloads, there were no significant differences in energy intake at lunch between the three interventions (F (2, 56) = 0.25, p = 0.78). Furthermore, participants did not compensate by consuming more energy during the day after the stevia preload (1660 ± 584 Kcal) compared to sugar preload (1770 ± 763 Kcal, p = 0.82). There were no significant differences in VAS scores between stevia and sugar preloads, but participants scored significantly higher rates of hunger (before and after lunch) and desire to eat (before lunch) following water preload (p < 0.05). No significant differences between water, sugar and stevia were noted for postprandial glucose levels (120 min post lunch) when adjusted from baseline (F (2, 58) = 2.56, p = 0.09). Area under the curve (AUC) for glucose did not differ between water and stevia (p = 0.2). Results are in line with several clinical trials showing that the consumption of sweeteners does not lead to an increase in hunger and energy intake, and could therefore present a useful strategy to assist with weight loss. Further studies looking at long-term effects of stevia on weight regulation are needed to support these findings.
Associations of chronotype with clock genes polymorphisms
Authors: Maukonen Mirkka , Havulinna Aki , Partonen Timo , Kanerva Noora , Männistö Satu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionIndividuals with a later timing of circadian rhythms (evening types) tend to have unhealthier behaviors compared to those with an earlier timing (morning types). Previous studies have shown that evening types have unhealthier diets and later eating times than morning types. Furthermore, evening types bear higher odds for type 2 diabetes and weight gain (women). Circadian rhythms are controlled by clock genes which have an important role in regulating energy homeostasis. Thus far, a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of clock genes have been associated with metabolic disturbances, obesity and dietary habits (e.g., breakfast skipping and macronutrient intakes). Our aim was to examine chronotype associations with SNPs of the 20 known key clock genes which could help to clarify the underlying mechanisms behind chronotype phenotype.MethodsOur data included 8558 participants (aged 25–74 years, 52% of women) from the cross-sectional population-based National FINRISK 2007 and 2012 surveys. Chronotype was assessed with a shortened six-item version of Horne and Östberg's Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (sMEQ) accounting for 83% of the total variance of the original questionnaire. For comparison we used a single self-evaluation question on chronotype from the questionnaire. Genotyping was done using Illumina arrays (HumanCoreExome, Omniexpress and 610K). Linear and logistic regression was used for statistical analysis with the additive genetic model. The analyses were adjusted for age, sex, batch effects and five principal components to account for population structure. The false discovery rate method by the Benjamini-Yekutieli procedure was applied to correct for multiple comparisons.ResultsWe found 27 SNPs in two clock genes that were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with chronotype when assessed with the single question. Minor allele carriers of the NR1D2 (Rev-erbβ) polymorphisms (rs4131403A, rs4858095T, rs6794922G, rs4619734A, rs4589882A, rs4321479C, rs6779476A, rs6790557A, rs13095392A, rs4858098G, rs4858567C, rs11717862G, rs7431301A, rs5023610G, rs5847265C, rs5847266G, rs6550823A, rs9882735C, rs7371944A, rs55792500G) were associated with evening type, whereas minor allele carriers of the NFIL3 polymorphisms (rs2482704T, rs2989836T, rs2482356C, rs2440589T, rs9409419G, rs2482702G, rs2482357A) were more likely morning types. Findings were similar when chronotype was assessed with sMEQ but did not reach statistical significance.DiscussionOur findings indicated novel genetic associations of chronotype with two clock genes that have previously been associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (NR1D2), and with lipid absorption and export in intestinal epithelial cells and hepatic gluconeogenesis (NFIL3). These results expand our knowledge of the genetic basis of chronotype and warrant further studies to replicate these findings.