bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of nutritional status of selected military personnel
Authors: Bebnowicz Aleksandra , Nowosad Adam 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionProblem of overweight and obesity is more and more common in nowadays. Prevalence of overweight and obesity could have long-range consequences in case of organisation where good health and physical efficiency are requested for personnel to perform their professional roles effectively. Many times soldiers need to maintain very high levels of physical activity to perform their duties and to complete demanding missions, which have a huge physical exertion. Because of that soldiers should stay in an excellent health and stamina.Materials & methodsA total of 355 men soldiers from units with diverse specialisation underwent the examination. The most common criterions to estimate abdominal obesity are waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. The evaluation was based on determination of body composition measuring fat tissue percentage and antrophometric indexes: weight, height, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC). Soldiers were classified to abdominal obesity according to WHR (WHR > 1) and WC (WC > 94). The amount of fat tissue was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.ResultsSoldiers were aged 34,56 ± 7,07 years. Median weight and height were respectively 86,04 ± 11,92 kg and 179,14 ± 6,02 cm. 160 soldiers (45%) had a waist circumference higher than 94 cm. The waist-to-hip ratio was higher than 1 for 19% of soldiers. Conducted bioelectrical impedance analysis showed that for 46% of soldiers percentage of fat tissue exceeded 20%.DiscussionThe results showed that the problem of overweight and obesity exists also in military populations. In many cases it is connected with incorrect nutritional behaviours. Soldiers require more proactive approach, because the potentially deleterious health outcomes connected with weight gain may have a negative influence on their work. The biggest effort should be put on a proper nutritional education.
A content analysis of the quality and behaviour change techniques of smartphone apps promoting the Mediterranean diet
Authors: McAleese Daniel , Papadaki Angeliki 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe popularity of smartphone apps is rising globally. However, the quality of widely available health apps and their effectiveness to promote behaviour change, by incorporating behavioural change techniques (BCTs) that have been suggested to result in behaviour change, is questionable. The aim of this study was to conduct a content analysis of smartphone apps that utilise the Mediterranean diet (MD), a dietary pattern linked to numerous health benefits, to promote healthy dietary behaviours. The specific objectives were to evaluate the quality of these apps and their use of BCTs. The iTunes Store and Google Play were searched for all available apps (free and requiring payment to download) promoting the MD. Apps were excluded if they were not available in English, did not focus only on the MD or the download process was corrupt. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to assess app engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information quality (the average of which represents a quality mean score (QMS)) and subjective quality. The Abraham & Michie behaviour change taxonomy was adapted to create a 20-item checklist to assess the presence of BCTs in the eligible apps. Thirty nine apps (64.1% of which were free to download) were analysed. The overall QMS was 2.96 ± 0.46. The lowest and highest scored QMS constructs were engagement (2.42 ± 0.62) and functionality (3.95 ± 0.45), respectively, whilst the overall mean subjective quality score was 1.71 ± 0.51 (scores’ range 1–5). Apps were scored higher for aesthetics if they required payment (3.14 vs. 2.78, p = 0.047). Apps incorporated an average of 3.10 ± 1.87 BCTs, with no difference in the number of BCTs present according to platform or cost. From the five BCTs that have been suggested to promote behaviour change, ‘self-monitoring’ was present in six apps, ‘intention formation’ in 15 and ‘goal setting’ in one. None of the apps incorporated the ‘review of behavioural goals’ and ‘feedback on performance’ BCTs. The total QMS score was positively associated with the presence of BCTs (r = 0.409, p = 0.008). Based on the MARS assessment, apps promoting the MD that are available in the public domain were of moderate quality. In contrast, the low presence, particularly of efficacious, BCTs and low subjective quality scores suggest that apps are actually of poor quality and potentially not effective in promoting behaviour change towards an MD diet. These findings provide important insights for the future development of high-quality apps to promote the MD at population level.
Effectiveness, quality and process evaluation of interventions to prevent childhood obesity.
Authors: Seral-Cortes Miguel , De Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Zapata Paola , Moreno-Aznar Luis 
Published: June 2020

AbstractChildhood obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges of the 21stcentury. Health and scientific organizations demand early interventions, although their complexity generates difficulties in their implementation. In systematic reviews, quality assessments are intended to limit mislead reporting and it is important they are conducted in a manner that minimizes bias. Process evaluation (PE) is used to monitor and document program implementation and can aid in understanding the relationship between specific program elements and program outcomes. Failure to deliver an intervention as intended can lead to unclear conclusions about the effectiveness of the intervention. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the studies based on the process evaluation and the quality on its interventions. We performed a systematic review of randomized control trials aiming to prevent childhood obesity. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions tool was used to assess and report methodological risk of bias. Each item was judged as being at high (HR), low (LR) or unclear (UN) risk of bias as per criteria. Key domains random sequence generation and allocation concealment were also assessed. Effectiveness was estimated when the study showed changes in body composition as the main outcome (BMI z-score or waist circumference). Process evaluation was evaluated if at least one process evaluation indicator was identified as being adequately implemented. From the 41 studies, 26 showed any degree of effectiveness and 15 were not effective. Almost half of studies scored high risk of bias: 20/41 (Effective 13/26; non effective 7/15). Moreover, 16/41 studies reported to have unclear risk of bias (effective 10/26; and non-effective 6/15). Only 5/41 articles reported to have low risk (effective 3/26; non effective 2/15). Regarding random sequence generation, there was no difference according to the quality of the studies (effective: LR 25/26, UN 1/26 AND HR 0/26; non effective: LR 15/15, UN 0/15 AND HR 0/15). Concerning the allocation concealment domain, there were no differences found either (effective: LR 11/26, UN 10/26 AND HR 5/26; non effective: LR 7/15, UN 5/15 AND HR 3/15). PE was used in 7 papers (effective 3/7 and non-effective 4/7). Quality seems to have slightly more influence in the non-effective studies (LR 13.3%) than in the effective studies (LR 11.5%). The non-effective studies showed the highest proportion of performing PE. There seems to be a relationship between the quality and PE performance.
Effects of steviol on cytotoxicity, adipogenesis, ROS concentration and gene expression in 3T3-L1 Cell Line
Authors: Kurek Jakub , Zielińska-Wasielica Joanna , Kowalska Katarzyna , Olejnik Anna , Krejpcio Zbigniew 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus has become one of the world's most serious public health problems. This reflects an increase in associated risk factors such as being overweight or obese. Currently available therapies are associated with a number of adverse effects, so there is a need to search for new substances that can support the treatment.Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a plant famous for its sweetness due to the content of steviol glycosides that are derivatives of diterpene – steviol. Stevia and its glycosides are becoming popular in the world of science due to their anti-diabetic potential. However, the mechanisms responsible for its action are not fully understood and require further investigation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of steviol on adipogenesis, intracellular ROS generation and the gene expression, as well as cytotoxicity in murine 3T3-L1 cell line. Cell viability, adipocyte differentiation, intracellular ROS generation and the influence on gene expression in the presence of steviol (in concentrations of 1–100 μM) was determined using MTT assay, Oil Red O staining, NBT methods and RT-PCR. It was found that steviol in concentrations up to 100 μM did not affect proliferation of cells. Also, there were no effects on lipid accumulation and intracellular ROS generation with examined concentrations (0–100 μM). The agent reduced the expression of genes regulating adipogenesis and lipogenesis processes: PPARγ (at concentrations of 10 and 100μM, by 38.1 and 45.3%), C/EBPα (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 36.9, 61.9 and 45.3%), SREBP-1 (at concentrations of 10 and 100μM, by 49.8 and 37.2%), LPL (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 45, 33.7, 30.8%), aP2 (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 36.9, 23.8, 52.4%), FAS (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 55.4, 22.4, 55.6%), LEP (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 27.5, 59.2, 68.6%), ADIPQ (at concentration of 100μM, by 55.6%) and RSTN (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 36.9, 61.9, 63.9%). Steviol lowered the expression of gene coding glucose transporter GLUT4 (at concentrations of 10 and 100μM, by 33.7 and 37.2%).The results of this study seem to confirm that the mechanisms of anti-diabetic effects of steviol may be related to inhibition of expression of genes responsible for adipogenesis, lipogenesis and glucose transport in cells.The presented work is an integral part of the research project(National Science Centre, Poland, NCN 2017/27/B/NZ29/00677)
Association between physical activity by number of steps and nutritional status in adolescents of Mexico City
Authors: Radilla Claudia , Gutiérrez Rey , Vega Salvador , Pérez Jesús , Vazquez Marcela , Radilla María 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAn imbalance in energy expenditure can be the main cause of overweight and obesity. Some factors that increase it are the raise in the consumption of hypercaloric foods and the tendency to decrease physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine the association of physical activity by number of steps with the nutritional status of adolescents in Mexico City. A sample of 1457 first-grade adolescents from high school was obtained. To measure the number of steps in the adolescents, a Tanita® FB-731 pedometer was used. For the determination of physical activity, the cut points proposed by Tudor and Bassett were used. Likewise, anthropometric measures were taken and through the use of Who Anthro Plus program, the nutritional status diagnosis was obtained. The obtained data was analyzed with the statistical package IBM SPSS Statistics® version 20.0 for Windows. It was found that highly active and active adolescents have a lower prevalence of obesity (8.0% and 6.3%, respectively), in comparison with adolescents who classify on a typical day (28.5%), or slightly active (14.2%), finding a high significant difference (p < 0.01). In the present study it was found that adolescents with greater physical activity have lower prevalence of obesity, results that agree with the literature, which highlight the importance of encourage adolescents to be more active to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Fatty acids composition of selected mammals’ milk
Authors: Pietrzak-Fiecko Renata , Kamelska-Sadowska Anna Malwina 
Published: June 2020

AbstractOne of main nutritional components in milk are fat. Fats are the main source of energy used by the body. The most important components are fatty acids (FA), which have important biological functions e.g. anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, reducing blood pressure. What is more, milk fat in human diet shows health-promoting properties (1, 2). The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acids composition in selected mammals’ milk. A total of 84 milk samples of cow (Holstein-Frisian breed, n = 20), mare (Polish cold-blooded horse, n = 20); sheep (Kamieniecka breed, n = 12), goat (White goat breed, n = 12) were collected from small individual farms located in the north-eastern region of Poland. The samples of human milk (n = 20) were collected from women aged: 21–37, in the 2nd-4th month of lactation.The fatty acid composition was determined after the acids were transformed into methyl esters according to the IDF Standard method and gas chromatography using a Hewlett-Packard 6890 gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector. The average share of saturated FA (ΣSFA) in sheep, goat and cow milk fat were 77.5%, 75.5% and 67.7%, respectively, while in human and mare milk fat this value was about 47.0% ΣSFA. Human milk fat was characterized with the highest share of monounsaturated FA (ΣMUFA) 43.6%, while in the fat of other mammals this value was from 19.0 to 31.0%. The highest share of polyunsaturated FA (ΣPUFA; 22.0%) was found in mare milk. In human milk fat the value of ΣPUFA were higher (10%), than in milk of other mammals (3–5%). The lowest value of ΣSFA was observed in human and mare milk which could influence its health-promoting properties. The high share of other essential unsaturated FA indicates high dietary value of human milk. The share of fatty acids in mare milk similar to that in human milk makes it the most suitable in human nutrition.
Lead and cadmium in conventional and organic carrots
Authors: Tońska Elżbieta , Klepacka Joanna , Michalak Joanna , Toński Michał 
Published: June 2020

AbstractToxic elements like lead and cadmium are considered harmful to human health. These elements do not have any useful function in an organism. They are known only for their negative actions, which can be tolerated by human body only in certain limits. Carrots may absorb these toxic elements from the soil they grow in. The presence of the contaminants depends mainly on the mode and site of cultivation, fertilizer, industrial infrastructure, level of transportation and roads around cultivation site or occurrence of municipal and agricultural waste nearby. The organic food is supposed to be healthier due to, among other things, less content of toxic substances, which results from more sustainable farming. The aim of this research was to determine the content of lead and cadmium in carrots from conventional and organic farming that were available on polish market.The research had been conducted for two years. Both kinds of carrots had been purchased at the same time in different supermarkets in Poland. Altogether, 36 packages, both conventional and organic carrots, were collected. The samples of carrots were dried and then reduced to ashes in 480 °C within few hours. Then the residues were dissolved in 1 M nitric acid and quantitatively transferred to measuring flasks, complemented with deionised water. The content of cadmium and lead was determined by application of electrothermal atomizer (graphite furnace) in iCE 3000 (Thermo Scientific, USA) spectrometer using adequate cathode lamps and Zeeman background correction. Wavelengths for analysis of lead and cadmium were 217 nm and 288.8 nm respectively.The results show that there are statistically significant differences in the average content of lead and cadmium in conventional and organic carrots. The concentrations of lead in conventional and organic carrots were 0.0192 mg kg-1 and 0.0118 mg kg-1 respectively. The concentrations of cadmium in conventional and organic carrots were 0.0050 mg kg-1 and 0.0023 mg kg-1 respectively.The research indicates that toxic elements like Pb and Cd are present in both types of carrots, but their amount is lower than permissible concentrations established by EU ordinance. The conducted experiments also showed that the content of Pb and Cd in organic carrots is lower than in the conventional ones. This may be resulted in the differences in farming.
Lipophilic Marine Biotoxins in Mussels from Bulgarian coast and Dietary Intake of Different Population Groups
Authors: Peteva Zlatina , Georgieva Stanislava , Krock Bernd , Gerasimova Anelia , Stancheva Mona , Merdzhanova Albena 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionLipophilic phycotoxins, produced by toxic phytoplankton species, accumulate in digestive glands of mussels. If contaminated mussels containing marine biotoxins over regulatory levels are consumed, it is assumed that this could result in e.g. gastrointestinal disorders.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to report contamination level of lipophilic marine biotoxins and to assess the potential health risk based on dietary intake for regular consumers and recreational harvesters from Bulgaria.Method/DesignWild and cultivated mussels were sampled in spring seasons of 2017 and 2018 from the North Black Sea coast. Positive phycotoxins concentrations determined via LC-MS/MS in extracts from digestive glands of the mussels were converted in phycotoxin levels for whole mussel meat (mm) by applying a factor of 5 proposed by EFSA. Dietary intakes were calculated by multiplying the mean positive phycotoxin levels (mg /kg mm) by the food consumption data for an average body weight (bw) of the investigated population group.Results and discussionIn total 20 farmed and 15 wild mussel samples were investigated. Yessotoxins and pectenotoxin-2 were detected. The mean YTX levels in cultivated mussels were measured about two times higher in spring 2018 (1.64 mg/kg) than in 2017 (0.70 mg/kg). The mean YTX level in wild mussels was found much lower - 0.46 mg/kg (spring 2017). In this regard, estimation of mean dietary YTX intake show that exposure of both population groups by consumption of cultivated mussels from spring 2018 is highest. Nevertheless, the regulatory threshold – acute reference dose of 25 μg/kg bw, is much above the highest calculated dietary intake (0.006 μg/kg female consumers). The mean PTX2 level in wild mussel samples from spring 2017 (0.71 mg/kg) was found about six times higher than in farmed mussels.The calculation of mean dietary PTX2 intake indicate that most exposed are females if wild mussels from spring 2017 were consumed. Still, the calculated value – 0.003 μg/kg bw were much lower than the ARfD - 0.8 μg/kg bw. All wild mussel samples from spring 2018 were negative. Lowest exposure to detected toxins were established for recreational harvesters.ConclusionThis study showed in general low contamination level with YTX and PTX2 of investigated mussel samples. Thereon, the estimated dietary intake of selected population groups is also much lower than the regulatory thresholds.
Effect of Supplementation of a Whey Peptide Rich in β-Lactolin on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Ayabe Tatsuhiro , Kita Masahiro , Obara Kuniaki , Kondo Sumio , Umeda Satoshi , Ano Yasuhisa 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionWith rapid increase of aging worldwide, the number of people suffering from cognitive decline and dementia has been rapidly increasing. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that consumption of dairy products have beneficial effects on cognitive decline and dementia in elderly. Our previous demonstration using pharmacologically-induced amnesia model mice identified tryptophan-tyrosine-related peptides, especially glycine-threonine-tryptophan-tyrosine (GTWY) of lactotetrapeptide, b-lactolin, as responsible agents improving cognitive decline in whey digestions, and we have originally developed GTWY-rich whey peptide by a specific enzymatic digestion. However, the effect of GTWY-rich whey peptide on cognitive functions in human has not been investigated. The present study is the first clinical trial evaluating the effects of GTWY-rich whey peptide on cognitive functions in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design.MethodsHealthy middle to older adults, aged from 45 to 64 years, with a self-awareness of cognitive decline were recruited. 101 eligible subjects received either whey peptide tablets containing 1 g of the GTWY-rich whey peptide per day, which included 1.6 mg of GTWY, (N = 50) or placebo containing the same amount of maltodextrin (N = 51) for 12 weeks. Changes of cognitive functions from 0 week of the intervention were assessed using neuropsychological tests assessing memory functions (word recall, story recall and verbal fluency test) and attention and executive functions (stroop test, digit span, and paced auditory serial addition test) at 6 and 12 weeks.ResultsThe change of verbal fluency test (VFT) score evaluating long-term memory retrieval at 12 weeks in whey peptide group tended to be higher than that in placebo group. Subgroup analysis showed that in the subjects with high-level of subjective fatigue measured by visual-analog scale, the changes of VFT, stroop test evaluating inhibition of executive functions and subjective memory function test at 6 weeks in whey peptide group were significantly higher than those in placebo group. The change of VFT score was also significantly higher in subjects with high fatigue measured by profile of mood status.Discussion and ConclusionsThe present study suggests that consumption of GTWY-rich whey peptide improve cognitive functions, especially memory retrieval and executive function, in healthy middle to older adults, with high subjective fatigue. It is also suggested that prefrontal cortex functions, especially dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is associated with the effects of the whey peptide. Consumptions of 1 g GTWY-rich whey peptide in daily life are safe and easy, which might be a practical approach to support cognitive function.