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The translocation of the short chromosome arm 1RS of rye onto the 1B chromosome of common wheat has been shown to improve resistance to stress and yield. Here, translocation was operated in durum wheat and its effects on drought tolerance were evaluated. Both the 1BL.1RS translocation line (Svevo 1BL.1RS) and the corresponding Svevo control were exposed to drought for 7 days. Significant differences were found in root morphology between Svevo and Svevo 1BL.1RS under control and drought conditions. Although Svevo 1BL.1RS experienced more severe growth inhibition due to drought than Svevo, it exhibited greater resilience to oxidative stress. Furthermore, several drought‐responsive genes were upregulated in both shoots and roots only in the translocation line. Notably, in roots of Svevo 1BL.1RS, the expression of these genes was also higher in the control condition compared to Svevo, suggesting that these genes could be constitutively expressed at higher levels in the translocation line. Moreover, the 1BL.1RS translocation had a significant impact on the plant's ability to accumulate nutrients under drought. Overall, the impact on sulfate accumulation and the expression of genes associated with its assimilation pathways are particularly noteworthy, highlighting the involvement of sulfur in the plant response to water stress. Additionally, the genetic characterization of Svevo 1BL.1RS revealed variants extending beyond the translocation, located in drought stress‐responsive genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration held the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that galvanized public and private sector contributions to help the Administration reach its goals of ending hunger and improving healthy eating and physical activity to reduce dietrelated chronic diseases and disparities by 2030. The White House also released a National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Heath (National Strategy) that listed specific actions for the federal government across 5 pillars, including more than 60 actions for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This article highlights HHS achievements over the 2 years since the National Strategy was released and identifies opportunities for further collaboration with the private sector to expand efforts to end hunger, improve healthy eating and physical activity, and reduce rates of chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undernutrition presents a major risk to patients' health and well-being following gastric bypass surgery. After undergoing this surgery, the nutritional status of three women and one man was examined in this study. Follow-up visits were used to measure weight, body composition, and biological and biochemical data. After 3 months of follow-up after gastric bypass surgery, our findings revealed a reduction in muscle mass. The average loss of muscle mass was 4.375±1.470 kg. Their initial body mass index, which was 45.01 kg/m², on average, dropped to 28.38 kg/m². Significant drops were observed in the mean levels of albumin and pre-albumin (albumin: 38.6 g/L to 24.8 g/L, pre-albumin: 195 mg/L to 113 mg/L). In our study, patients with micronutritional deficiencies and gastric bypass demonstrated a significant and adaptive reduction in daily caloric intake. Early identification of undernutrition makes it possible to assess its severity and, as part of the patient's overall follow-up, to implement appropriate nutritional management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the in-match fuelling practices of elite football players and compare against current guidelines, we quantified the carbohydrate, fluid, and caffeine intake of players from an English Premier League club (n = 22) during 90 min of competitive match-play. Mean carbohydrate intake across match-play was 17 ± 11 g.h−1 with players demonstrating a preference towards CHO-containing fluids (58%) when compared with semi-solids (38%) and solids (14%), respectively. CHO intake was significantly lower than reported by players (17 ± 11 vs 24.8 ± 11 g.h−1, p < 0.001) during initial consultation. Fluid was ingested at a rate of 0.45 ± 0.14 L.h−1, with 54, 40 and 6% of ingested fluid coming from water, carbohydrate, and electrolyte-only solutions, respectively. The majority of players (91%) met the UEFA guidelines for fluid consumption. Of the players who consumed caffeine across match-play (55%) the average dose was 233 ± 148 mg (2.8 ± 1.1 mg.kg−1 body mass [BM]), which meets the UEFA consensus guidelines for caffeine intake. Caffeine capsules (42%) and caffeine containing fluids (30%) were the preferred format prior to the warm-up whilst caffeine gum was exclusively used prior to kick-off and during the half-time period (100%). We conclude that 81% of the total playing squad failed to meet the current UEFA CHO intake recommendations of 30–60 g.h−1, which may be attributed to the preference towards fluid-based CHOs as the chosen format of delivery. Highlights: Soccer players demonstrate sub-optimal in-match fuelling practices, with 81% of players failing to meet current UEFA CHO intake recommendations of 30-60 g.h−1 Players demonstrate a preference towards fluid as the primary mode of CHO delivery over the use of semi-solid and solid formats. These data highlight the need for future research to test the efficacy of lower doses of CHO on elements of both physical and technical soccer performance in a dose-response manner. Future research is also necessary to investigate the impact of traditional guidelines and recommendations within football-specific contexts to assess their effectiveness and relevance in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia, as a developing country, continues to grapple with various nutritional challenges, with stunting among toddlers being a significant concern. According to Nutritional Status Monitoring data from the past three years, stunting has the highest prevalence compared to other issues such as undernutrition, underweight, and obesity. Stunting reflects inhibited growth owing to insufficient nutrient intake. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between parenting styles and behaviors aimed at preventing stunting in children aged 3-5 years. Employing a correlational analysis with a cross-sectional research design, the study surveyed 128 respondents. Maternal parenting styles were assessed using questionnaires with parameters for authoritarian, democratic, and permissive approaches, while stunting prevention behaviors were evaluated using questionnaires covering cognitive, affective, and conative aspects. Analysis revealed that most respondents exhibited a democratic parenting style (52 respondents, 41%), and most demonstrated good stunting prevention behaviors (58 respondents, 45%). The Spearman test yielded a p-value of 0.000, indicating a significant relationship. Therefore, enhancing parents' understanding of proper parenting practices is crucial for preventing stunting in children aged 3-5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the rate and predictive factors of malnutrition in people with dementia in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Methods: Patients aged ≥60 years with a diagnosis of major neurocognitive disorder (according to DSM-5 criteria) and their primary caregivers were invited to participate. Nutritional status was assessed using the Thai version of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment. Cognitive function was assessed using the Thai version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Functional status was assessed using the Barthel Index for activities of daily living and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Overall dementia symptom severity was assessed using the Clinical Global Impression - severity scale. The profile of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia was assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Results: In total, 61 pairs of older adults with dementia and their caregivers were included. Of the 61 patients with dementia, 4.9% had malnutrition and 34.4% were at risk of malnutrition. Regarding caregivers, 6.6% were at risk of malnutrition. Predictors for the nutritional status of patients with dementia were caregiver Mini-Nutritional Assessment score (odds ratio = 0.72, p = 0.03) and patient Neuropsychiatric Inventory apathy subscale score (odds ratio = 1.26, p = 0.05). Conclusion: Apathy level of patients and nutritional status of caregivers were predictors of nutritional status in patients with dementia. Regular monitoring of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in older adults with dementia and the nutritional status of their caregivers should be included in comprehensive nutritional assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food preparation method is one of the critical food security dimensions. Food may be available in a household. But still, the preparation method used for cooking food items may be detrimental to nutrient intake if the person responsible does not have appropriate cooking skills. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge, skills, and household food preparation practices in the North of Tshwane, Gauteng Province to develop relevant intervention strategies to improve the community's cooking skills. A quantitative study design was used. Data was collected from 490 households using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using STATA 13.1. A Pearson chi-square was used to test for association between demographic variables, and the knowledge, skills, and household food preparation practices. Most households (64%) cook daily, 58% cook one main meal daily, 45% never eat food not prepared in a household, and 48% do not eat meals prepared away from home and do not opt to eat any meal out. Most households (51%) reported that they have food-cooking skills. Most households (65%) indicated that they use the boiling cooking method when cooking vegetables, 19% indicated that they use other methods, and 8% indicated that they use the frying method. There was an association between age, and how many main meals the households prepared at home (P-value = 0.013); age, and how often the households ate out (P-value = 0.026). An association was found between adults employed in a household, and how the household acquired cooking skills (P-value = 0.029); adults employed in a household and the cooking methods normally used by households when cooking meat (P-value = 0.050). Although most households indicated that they have cooking skills, there is a slight difference between them, and those who indicated that they don't, as most households indicated they use the boiling method for cooking vegetables. This denotes a cooking skills gap, which demands intervention. Also, cooking skills should be improved to reduce food wastage thus addressing household food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child under-nutrition is a major public health concern in developing countries including Ethiopia. Poor quality diet is the major determinant factor contributing to child undernutrition. Pulse crop production and consumption can improve children's nutrient quality and dietary diversity. This study aimed to compare the nutritional status and child health, dietary intake, and wealth index of preschool children among pulse crop producer and non-producer families in Ethiopia. The study hypothesized that children living in families who grew pulses and consumed pulses (rather than selling their crop) would have better nutritional status due to availability of this protein-rich food source. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine demographic background, child feeding and caring practice and varieties and amount of pulse crop produced at the household level. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 432 children aged 24-59 months from central Ethiopia the Data was entered to SPSS v 20, WHO Anthro-plus software used to calculate the anthropometry indices, child dietary intake, level of chickpea production and consumption and wealth index, were computed using logistic regression. Chickpea (cicer arietinum L) was produced by 55.3% of the participants. Most (60.7%) of the children from chickpea producer families were high pulse consumers whereas only 15.5% of children from non-producers were high chickpea consumers (the difference in proportion is significant at p-value<0.001). Close to 60 % of the children of the non-producer families had a low dietary diversity score (that is <3) compared with 18.8 % from the producer families (p-value <0.001). The study revealed that nutritional status of children in both producer and non-producer families were 41.0 % stunted, 16.1 % underweight and 6.1 % wasted. Stunting and underweight were significantly inversely associated with chickpea production at pvalue <0.001whereas for chickpea consumption, both stunting and underweight was significant at P < 0.05. However, wasting was not significantly associated with either production or consumption of chickpeas. In conclusion, chickpea production and consumption by families had a positive relationship with nutritional status of children. The authors recommend that engaging smallholder farmers in both chickpea production and consumption has potential in improving the dietary diversity and in turn benefit nutritional status of preschool children at the household level and therefore supporting smallholder farmer in chickpea production and consumption will help to contribute to decreasing the prevalence of under nutrition in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor nutrition is a risk factor for dental decay in younger people. However, except for sugar, it is unclear if this is true in older age groups. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible associations between overall dietary intake of nutrients and diet quality and the presence of dental decay in community-dwelling older men. A cross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal study with a standardized validated diet history assessment and comprehensive oral health examination in 520 community-dwelling men (mean age: 84 years) participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. Nutrient reference values were used to determine if individual micronutrients and macronutrients were meeting recommendations. Acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDRs) were attained for fat and carbohydrate intakes and were incorporated into a dichotomous variable to determine if the participants were consuming a high fat-low carbohydrate diet. Diagnosis of coronal caries was based on visual criteria and inspection and was completed on each of the five coronal surfaces. Root surface caries was textual changes across four root surfaces. This diagnosis was used to categorize participants by the presence and severity of coronal and root caries. The adjusted logistic regression showed not meeting the recommended intakes for thiamin (odds ratio [OR]: 2.32 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–4.67), and zinc (OR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.71–6.48) were associated with presence of severe root decay. Adjusted analysis also showed that participants who were outside the recommended AMDR for fat (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38–0.98) and those who consumed a high fat and low carbohydrate diet (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35–0.91) were less likely to have coronal tooth decay. Our study shows associations between micronutrients and macronutrients and coronal and root surface decay. Although this study cannot prescribe causality or be generalized to all older adults, diet has a possible association with dental decay in older men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify the characteristics of nutritional problems in patients with Parkinsonism who participated in multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and to investigate the correlation between nutritional status and dysphagia in these patients. The predictive value of video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and EAT-10 scale for malnutrition was compared. Methods Subjects were patients with Parkinsonism participated in joint MDT consultation project in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2020 to January 2023. Subjective and objective dysphagia were evaluated by EAT-10 scale score and VFSS dysphagia score. Nutritional status of the patients was evaluated by geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI), albumin, prealbumin, serum folic acid, vitamin B12 and temporal muscle thickness. Results A total of 30 participants met the criteria and were included in the study. The age was 45-82 (66.1±9.0) years old. Six (20%) were at risk of malnutrition shown b a comprehensive nutritional status assessment using GNRI. The areas under receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves(AUC) of VFSS dysphagia score and EAT-10 score to predict malnutrition were 0.781 (0.568-0.995) and 0.927 (0.827-1.000), respectively. EAT-10 score was correlated with GNRI(r=-0.524, P＜0.01), BMI(r=-0.618, P＜0.001), prealbumin (r=-0.616, P＜0.001). The VFSS dysphagia score was only correlated with BMI (r=-0.446, P＜0.05) and prealbumin (r=-0.387, P＜0.05). Conclusions Patients with Parkinsonism requiring MDT often have multiple micronutrient imbalance. Patients′ subjective perception of dysphagia has a greater impact on their nutritional status than objective assessment of dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition is essential in developing and maintaining a robust immune system and is vital for immune homeostasis. The pediatric population is particularly vulnerable to dietary changes, as their growth and development require a high energy intake. Malnutrition in infants can have immediate and long-lasting effects, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. Under and overnutrition can slow down the immune response to infections, which can delay recovery. To effectively defend against SARS-CoV-2 infection and enhance viral clearance, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet that includes sufficient macro and micronutrients. Several studies, most of which have been performed in adults, have shown that vitamins such as C, B12, folate, D, and E, as well as the minerals selenium, copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium, can help reduce the symptoms and duration of an infection. Supplementation with micronutrients has been shown to help with childhood malnutrition and can contribute to a more favorable clinical course of COVID-19. In children with obesity, it is also essential to monitor cardiometabolic and thrombotic risks, based on data from studies in adults. This review analyses the impact of the nutritional status of pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, its contribution to clinical severity, and potential therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The C‐reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) is a novel parameter that has been reported as a significant prognostic marker in some diseases. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the predictive value of this ratio with regard to nutritional status in geriatric patients. Methods and results: A total of 154 geriatric patients (age ≥65 years) who consecutively presented to the internal medicine outpatient clinic were included in this cross‐sectional study. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used as a reference to determine the nutritional status of the patients. Based on the MNA results, the patients were divided into two groups: normal nutrition and malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The median CAR of malnourished patients or those at risk of malnutrition was significantly higher than that of patients with normal nutritional status (p =.012). A significant negative correlation was also observed between the MNA score and the CAR (r = −0.196, p =.015). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the CAR was a significant predictor of malnourishment or the risk of malnutrition (p =.012). Conclusion: The CAR could predict which geriatric patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. CAR may be used as a new tool in the nutritional screening of geriatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conidia are important for the dispersal of Aspergillus flavus, which usually generates aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and poses a threat to the safety of agricultural food. The development of conidia is usually susceptible to changes in environmental conditions, such as nutritional status and light. However, how the light signal is involved in the conidiation in A. flavus is still unknown. In this study, LreA was identified to respond to blue light and mediate the promotion of conidiation in A. flavus, which is related to the central development pathway. At the same time, blue light inhibited the biosynthesis of AFB1, which was mediated by LreA and attributed to the transcriptional regulation of aflR and aflS expression. Our findings disclosed the function and mechanism of the blue light sensor LreA in regulating conidiation and AFB1 biosynthesis, which is beneficial for the prevention and control of A. flavus and mycotoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to conduct a narrative review approaching the effects of exclusive breastfeeding on neuropsychomotor development. The goal was to provide evidence-based knowledge to inform healthcare practices and policies and promote optimized infant feeding strategies. Methods: Our study reviewed the relevant literature from May and June 2024, covering the publication period between 2013 and 2024. The PubMed database was utilized and searched for articles using keywords such as "Brain", "Growth", "Development", and "Breastfeeding", employing Boolean operators such as "AND", "OR", and "NOT." Results: Our search initially screened 15,412 studies, resulting in 600 articles. Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria and provided relevant information on the topic. Several studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding and its duration are beneficial for neural development. Research suggests that breastfeeding improves brain architecture, white matter development, and cognitive performance. Additionally, studies indicate that the mother's intake of omega-3 fatty acids can enhance infant brain development, and specific micronutrients in breast milk, such as myo-inositol, may contribute to neural connectivity. Some findings also suggest that the child's sex may play a role in how breast milk benefits the brain. Furthermore, there is evidence of the strong influence of epigenetic compounds on the neurodevelopmental benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: This narrative review revealed findings that indicate breast milk has a positive impact on brain development. This emphasizes that breast milk has a positive impact on brain development. It underscores the importance of conducting additional research to understand how breastfeeding specifically influences neurodevelopment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A mother's diet during pregnancy may influence her infant's immune development. However, as potential interactions between components of our dietary intakes can make any nutritional analysis complex, here we took a multi‐component dietary analysis approach. Methods: Nutritional intake data was collected from 639 pregnant women using a validated semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire to reflect their dietary intakes during 32–36 weeks of gestation. To investigate their dietary intake pattern, we calculated Dietary Inflammatory Index scores. Maternal consumption of 12 food groups, 20 individual whole foods, and 18 specific nutrient intakes, along with any vitamin and mineral supplementation, were determined. Infant outcomes included eczema, allergen sensitization, and IgE‐mediated food allergy. Regression‐based analyses with covariates adjustment were applied. Results: Women with higher white bread consumption were more likely to have an infant with doctor‐diagnosed eczema (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.16; 95% CI 1.08, 1.24; p <.001) and IgE‐mediated food allergy (aRR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02, 1.28; p =.02). Higher maternal intakes of fiber‐rich bread (aRR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04, 1.25; p =.01) and legumes (aRR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02, 1.21; p =.02) were also associated with infant doctor‐diagnosed eczema. Higher maternal thiamine intakes were associated with increased parent‐reported infant eczema (aRR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03, 1.12; p <.001). Conclusion: In Australia, where bread flour is fortified with thiamine, we identified consistent links between higher maternal thiamine‐rich diets and increased risk of infant eczema and food allergy. Our results highlight a need for further investigation of potential effects of high thiamine exposures on immune development, especially in‐utero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of nutritional scores comprising the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), in prediction of multilevel vertebral involvement (> 2 vertebra) in Spinal Tuberculosis (STB). Methods: Retrospective analysis of 39 STB patients was conducted to assess nutritional indices (CONUT and PNI) and the numbers of vertebral affection. Spearman's correlation was used to examine the association between these variables. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to determine optimal cutoff values, with Area Under the Curve (AUROC) evaluation. Additionally, multiple logistic regression was performed as a predictive model. Results: There were 24 males and 15 females, with a mean BMI of 18.88 kg/m² (± 1.37). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between BMI, PNI (rho − 0.68, p < 0.001) and multilevel vertebra involvement, while ESR (rho 0.83, p < 0.001), CRP (rho 0.81, p < 0.001), and CONUT score (rho 0.83, p < 0.001) positively correlated with multilevel vertebral affection (> 2 vertebra). Age and comorbidities showed no correlation with the level of vertebral affection. ROC analysis revealed a CONUT Score ≥ 3 cutoff (sensitivity-95.7%, specificity-87.5%) and PNI ≤ 38.605 (sensitivity-78.3%, specificity-93.8%) for predicting multilevel STB (> 2). PNI exhibited superior specificity and positive predictive value where as CONUT score was a better parameter for sensitivity, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy. Both CONUT score and PNI were significant predictors of vertebral involvement in univariate analysis, with multivariate analysis identifying CONUT score as the sole predictor of multilevel vertebral affection. Conclusion: Nutritional scores, including CONUT score and PNI, emerged as significant predictors of multilevel STB. CONUT score displayed superior sensitivity, negative predictive value, and overall diagnostic accuracy, while PNI served as a nutritional marker with high specificity and positive predictive value in predicting multilevel involvement in spinal tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined how different solid feeds affected the biochemical parameters in calf plasma. The experiment involved a control group and three test groups of calves, each fed with a different starter mixture. The results showed significant differences in some biochemical parameters between the feeding groups. Calves in groups P1 and P3 had a statistically higher glucose concentration in blood plasma compared to group C. Calves from group P3 had a higher concentration of urea in blood plasma than calves from group C. Calves in groups P1 and P3 also had higher concentrations of total protein and globulin in blood plasma compared to group C. The concentration of inorganic phosphate in the blood plasma of calves from group P3 was significantly higher than that of group C. Female calves in the experimental groups showed a lower concentration of NEFA at three months of age compared to the control group. It was concluded that feeding calves with a starter mixture containing whey and easily digestible protein had a positive effect on the nutritional status and energy balance of the calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress (DS) is one of the abiotic stresses that plants encounter commonly in nature, which affects their life, reduces agricultural output, and prevents crops from growing in certain areas. To enhance plant tolerance against DS, abundant exogenous substances (ESs) have been attempted and proven to be effective in helping plants relieve DS. Understanding the effect of each ES on alleviation of plant DS and mechanisms involved in the DS relieving process has become a research focus and hotspot that has drawn much attention in the field of botany, agronomy, and ecology. With an extensive and comprehensive review and summary of hundred publications, this paper groups various ESs based on their individual effects on alleviating plant/crop DS with details of the underlying mechanisms involved in the DS-relieving process of: (1) synthesizing more osmotic adjustment substances; (2) improving antioxidant pathways; (3) promoting photosynthesis; (4) improving plant nutritional status; and (5) regulating phytohormones. Moreover, a detailed discussion and perspective are given in terms of how to meet the challenges imposed by erratic and severe droughts in the agrosystem through using promising and effective ESs in the right way and at the right time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition harms treatment outcomes, QoL, and survival in lung cancer patients. Effective dietary counseling can improve nutrition, but few randomized controlled trials have focused on lung cancer patients. The objective of this study was to determine if dietary counseling improves nutritional and treatment outcomes when compared to routine care. Methods: This open-label parallel RCT was conducted at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital in Thailand. The investigators used computer-generated blocked randomization to assign patients to dietary counseling by a nutritionist or routine care. The nutritionist sessions occurred before treatment, with follow-ups at 3–4 weeks and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the mean percentage change in the body weight of patients at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in the BMI, nutrition score, QoL, serum albumin level, lymphocyte count, energy and protein intake, treatment response, PFS, and OS. Results: Between April 2020 and May 2022, after completing recruitment, 80 lung cancer patients were randomized: 43 to dietary counseling and 37 to routine care. The dietary counseling group showed significant benefits, with smaller decreases in body weight at 3–4 weeks (−0.8% vs. −2.6%, p = 0.05) and 12 weeks (−1.1% vs. −4.3%, p = 0.05). They also had higher energy and protein intake levels and better treatment response rates. The secondary outcomes and significant adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions: Dietary counseling helps to maintain body weight, maintain dietary intake, and enhance treatment responses in lung cancer patients. Although not all nutritional markers or survival outcomes were affected, these findings highlight the importance of early nutritional interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: For neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), appropriate nutritional assessment and intervention are important for adequate growth. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there were changes in the nutritional supply and growth status of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU after the introduction of the Nutrition support team (NST). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed premature infants admitted to the NICU for over 14 days. The average daily calorie, protein, and fat supply at 1 and 2 weeks after birth were compared before and after NST, and growth was evaluated by changes in length, weight, and head circumference z-scores at birth and 28 days after birth. Results: A total of 79 neonates were included in the present study, with 32 in the pre-NST group and 47 in the post-NST group. The average daily energy supply during the first (p=0.001) and second (p=0.029) weeks postnatal was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group. Lipid supply for the first week was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.010). The change in the z-score for length was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.049). Conclusion: Nutrient supply and length z-score change increased significantly at 28 days after birth in the post-NST group. These results suggest that calorie calculators and NST activity can promote adequate growth and development in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anxiety levels of adults on their nutritional status during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kayseri province, Turkey. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 898 adults consisting of 479 individuals with and 419 individuals without a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. The individuals' socio-demographic characteristics, health status, nutritional habits, anthropometric measurement and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) information were obtained online. Findings: The mean FCV-19S score of the participants was 17.49 ± 6.02. FCV-19S score was higher in those who reduced their consumption of protein sources compared to those who did not change and those who increased (p < 0.001). It was determined that FCV-19S scores of participants who increased their consumption of fruit/vegetables, sweets and sugar were higher than those who did not change their consumption of such items (p = 0.007). The FCV-19S scores of individuals who did not change their onion/garlic and snack consumption were lower than those who decreased or increased the consumption of these nutrients (p = 0.001, p = 0.002). Practical implications: Education programs can be organized especially targeting vulnerable populations, such as women, individuals with chronic diseases and those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. These programs can be conducted by dietitians and psychologists in collaboration, focusing on promoting healthy eating habits and coping strategies during stressful times. Originality/value: It was determined that those who changed their nutrition habits during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher fear levels than those who did not. Individuals with high fear paid more attention to healthy nutrition than individuals without fear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the causes of the progression of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is the loss of nutrient intake to the IVD through the microcirculation disruption of the subendplate. Also, the vertebral body fracture intervenes in the degeneration the adjacent IVD. This research aimed to create an animal model of IDD using these 2 strategies. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were split into 3 groups: a control group, a middle vertebral body injury (MI) associated with ethanol injection (MI + EtOH) group, and an MI associated with phosphate-buffered saline injection group. A vertebral body fracture with or without endplate injection of ethanol was generated by either drilling a hole in the center of a caudal rat vertebral body to form a fracture with an unabated endplate or drilling a hole in the center of a rat coccygeal vertebral body with endplate injection of ethanol to establish a vertebral body fracture with endplate damage. X-ray, macroscopic, histologic, and biochemical evaluations were utilized to assess IDD at weeks 3 and 6. According to X-ray findings, the MI + EtOH group demonstrated a significant decrease in intervertebral space height over time in comparison to the 2 other groups. The water content also was significantly decreased. Macroscopic and histological analysis demonstrated progressive degenerative changes in the IVD of the MI + EtOH group. The caudal vertebra fracture with ethanol injection is more likely to induce degeneration of adjacent IVD. This model effectively reproduced IDD, which may serve as a theoretical basis for future clinical intervention for IDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Older patients (≤75 years) with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) may have worse survival than non-older patients. We hypothesized that, rather than age alone, concurrent factors may be more relevant for real-world survival. Methods: Patients diagnosed with CRC in a 5-year period (2014–2018) were analyzed to determine which factors influenced in overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate OS. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted by Cox regression analysis. The study was approved by Ethics Committee. Results: Out of 477 patients diagnosed with CRC, 231 had advanced disease. Ninety-two patients (40%) were older than 75 years; median OS (mOS) was 17.1 m (95% CI: 14.3–23.3), p < 0.001. In non-older patients, mOS was 26.7 m (95% CI: 21.9–32.6), p < 0.001. We evaluated eighteen concurrent factors that included characteristics related to the patient (age, sex, comorbidities, polypharmacy, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), and nutritional status), to the tumor (stage at diagnosis, tumor side, molecular profile, tumor burden, location, and number of metastasis), and to the treatment administered (systemic treatment for advanced disease, chemotherapy schedule and number of lines, severe adverse events and dose reductions, and surgery of liver metastasis). In the univariate analysis, age at diagnosis, ECOG, nutritional status, tumor side, molecular profile, tumor burden, systemic treatment for advanced disease, and surgery of liver metastases had significant impact on survival. However, multivariate analysis revealed that only four factors (tumor burden, nutritional status, systemic treatment for advanced disease, and surgery of liver metastases) were independently associated with OS but not older age at diagnosis. Conclusion: Older age is not an independent survival prognostic factor for advanced CRC. Tumor burden, nutritional status, systemic treatment for advanced disease, and surgery of liver metastasis were significant factors associated with OS. These findings suggest that older patients should not be excluded from cancer treatment based on age alone. Plain Language Summary: Older patients with advanced CRC constitute a heterogeneous population, including patients with excellent health status and others with multiple comorbidities, functional dependence, or limited life expectancy. Furthermore, the definition of an "elderly" or "older" patient is not widely accepted and may vary between studies, although 75 years may be an appropriate cut-off point, as confirmed in our study. At present, there are few prospective and randomized studies focused on the progression and treatment of advanced colorectal cancer in elderly patients, so understanding the factors that influence its clinical course is a difficult challenge. In this retrospective real-world study, we analyze the influence of advanced age on the survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The analysis of eighteen characteristics that were grouped in three subcategories: characteristic related to the patient (age, sex, comorbidities, polypharmacy, ECOG, and nutritional status [albumin levels at diagnosis]), to the tumor (stage at diagnosis, tumor side, molecular profile, tumor burden [CEA levels at diagnosis], location and number of metastasis), and to the treatment administrated (systemic treatment for advanced disease, chemotherapy schedule and number of lines, severe adverse events and dose reductions, and surgery of liver metastasis) showed that older age at diagnosis is not an independent prognostic factor of overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, tumor burden, nutritional status, systemic treatment of advanced disease, or surgery of liver metastases are independent predictors of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Metabolic health phenotypes exist across the body mass index spectrum. Diet may be an important modifiable risk factor, yet limited research exists on dietary patterns in this context. We investigated associations between dietary patterns, reflecting dietary quality, healthfulness and inflammatory potential, and metabolic health phenotypes in adults living with and without obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2,040 middle- to older-aged men and women randomly selected from a large primary care centre. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score, Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Inflammatory Index, overall, healthful and unhealthful plant-based dietary indices and Nutri-Score were derived from validated food frequency questionnaires. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to examine diet score relationships with metabolic health phenotypes (Metabolically Healthy/Unhealthy Obese (MHO/MUO) and Non-Obese (MHNO/MUNO)), defined using three separate metabolic health definitions, each capturing different aspects of metabolic health. Results: In fully adjusted models, higher unhealthful plant-based dietary scores were associated with a lower likelihood of MHO (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–1.00, p = 0.038) and MHNO (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99, p = 0.006). Higher Nutri-Score values were associated with an increased likelihood of MHNO (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.13, p = 0.033). Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that more unhealthful plant-based diets may be linked with unfavourable metabolic health status, irrespective of BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score on hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) severity, hospitalization, and length of stay. Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted between December 2022 and June 2023, involved two groups. Group 1 comprised 52 pregnant women diagnosed with HG in the first trimester, receiving hospitalization and treatment. Group 2 included 105 pregnant women diagnosed with HG in the first trimester, managed and treated as outpatients. The CONUT score was calculated with the formula: Serum albumin score + total lymphocyte score + total cholesterol score. This score is calculated with a number of points between 0 and 12. The interpretation of the score involves four categories: normal (0–1), light (2–4), moderate (5–8), and severe (9–12). Results: The CONUT score differed significantly between the hospitalized (4, IQR: 2.25–5) and outpatient groups (2, IQR: 2–3) (p < 0.001). A CONUT score >3 was associated with the need for hospitalization, demonstrating a sensitivity of 60%, a specificity of 84% (p < 0.001). The CONUT score was the parameter with the highest odds ratio (OR) value among the parameters related to the need for hospitalization, and each unit increase in the CONUT score increased the need for hospitalization by 1.683 times [OR = 1.683 (95% CI: 1.042–2.718), p = 0.033]. A positive correlation was found between the CONUT score and the duration of hospital stay (r = 0.316, p = 0.023). Conclusions: This study suggests CONUT score as a valuable tool for predicting HG severity, hospitalization need, and duration of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are conflicting reports both within the lay media and scientific literature regarding the use and benefit of dietary practices that aim to reduce CHO intake in endurance athletes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intentional reduction of CHO intake and fasted training in elite endurance‐based athletes using a semi‐quantitative questionnaire. Bone is a nutritionally modulated tissue; therefore, this study also aimed to explore if these dietary practices are potentially associated with bone injury incidence. The reported reduction of CHO intake was prevalent (28%) with the primary motivation being maintenance or manipulation of body composition. However, discrepancies in athletes' awareness of CHO intake were identified providing a potential avenue of intervention especially within applied practice. The use of fasted training was more prevalent (38%) with athletes using this practice for both body composition manipulation and promoting a desired adaptive response. Forty‐four per cent of participants had suffered a radiographically confirmed bone injury at some point in their career. There was no association between reduction in CHO intake and bone injury incidence; however, the incidence of bone injury was 1.61 times higher in those who currently use fasted training compared to those who have never used it or who have used it in the past. Although a direct causal link between these dietary practices and the incidence of bone injury cannot be drawn, it provides robust justification for future investigations of the potential mechanisms that could explain this finding. Highlights: The self‐reported use of reductions in CHO intake (28%) and fasted training (38%) is prevalent in elite endurance‐based athletes and comparable to previous investigations in this area. Controlling body composition and promoting adaptive responses were common rationales for use.The incidence of bone injury is also high (44%) and there may be some association between bone injury incidence and fasted training. Further controlled experimental studies are required to determine the direct effect of nutritional strategies commonly adopted by endurance athletes on bone metabolism both acutely and chronically.There appears to be a gap in some athlete's knowledge and awareness of CHO rich foods and appropriate consumption of CHO to support endurance training and performance according to current guidelines. Future work should aim to explore and address this area further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory development is a complex process that can influence physiological and pathological factors. In laterally-eyed mammals, monocular enucleation (ME) during development and the subsequent lack of external sensory stimuli can result in permanent morphological and physiological changes. Malnutrition, especially in early life, also can cause permanent morphofunctional changes due to inadequate nutrient intake in both hemispheres. This study investigated the effects of early (postnatal day 7) ME and malnutrition during the suckling period on cortical excitability in adulthood (110–140 days of life). For this, we compared the speed propagation of cortical spreading depression in the occipital and parietal cortex of malnourished and well-nourished adult rats, previously suckled small-sized litters with three pups (L3/dam) medium-sized litters with six pups (L6/dam), and large-sized litters with twelve pups (L12/dam). The CSD velocity was augmented by the ME in the contralateral side of the removed eye in the parietal and occipital cortex. These findings suggest that visual sensory input deprivation is associated with permanent functional changes in the visual pathways, which can alter cortical excitability and lead to modifications in CSD propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of dietary factors on developmental trajectories in young autistic children. Methods: A gluten-free and casein-free diets, as well as six types of food (meat and eggs, vegetables, uncooked vegetables, sweets, bread, and "white soft bread that never molds") were investigated observationally for up to three years in 5,553 children 2 to 5 years of age via parent-report measures completed within a mobile application. Children had a parent-reported diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); 78% were males; the majority of participants resided in the USA. Outcome was monitored on five orthogonal subscales: Language Comprehension, Expressive Language, Sociability, Sensory Awareness, and Health, assessed by the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) (Rimland & Edelson, 1999) and Mental Synthesis Evaluation Checklist (MSEC) (Arnold & Vyshedskiy, 2022; Braverman et al., 2018). Results: Consumption of fast-acting carbohydrates – sweets, bread, and "white soft bread that never molds" – was associated with a significant and a consistent Health subscale score decline. On the contrary, a gluten-free diet, as well as consumption of meat, eggs, and vegetables were associated with a significant and consistent improvement in the Language Comprehension score. Consumption of meat and eggs was also associated with a significant and consistent improvement in the Sensory Awareness score. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate a strong correlation between a diet and developmental trajectories and suggest possible dietary interventions for young autistic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality of life (QOL) among older adults is a crucial aspect of geriatric care, particularly in the context of global demographic shifts toward ageing societies. Understanding the determinants of QOL in older adults is essential for developing effective interventions to promote well‐being in this population. Methods: This cross‐sectional study conducted in Greece aimed to investigate the complex relationship between depression, frailty, nutritional status, and QOL on 90 older adults (aged ≤65). Assessment instruments including the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL)‐BREF questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were utilised to evaluate various dimensions of QOL, depressive symptoms, frailty, and nutritional status. Results: The study revealed significant negative correlations between depression and frailty with all domains of QOL (P < 0.05), indicating that higher levels of depressive symptoms and frailty were associated with lower QOL across physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions. Conversely, positive correlations were found between nutritional status and all QOL domains (P < 0.05), suggesting that better nutritional status was linked to higher QOL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further demonstrated associations between nutritional status and participant characteristics, with females being more likely to be malnourished (odds ratio (OR) = 6.56, P = 0.013), while better health status (OR = 0.34, P = 0.486) and marital status (OR = 0.02, P = 0.019) were protective against malnutrition. Conclusion: These findings underscore the interconnectedness of depression, frailty, and nutritional status in shaping QOL among individuals. Holistic interventions targeting mental health, physical vulnerability, and nutritional well‐being are essential for promoting overall well‐being and functional outcomes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Burkina Faso, one in every four children under 5 years is stunted. Climate change will exacerbate childhood stunting. Strengthening the health system, particularly the quality of nutrition care at primary health facilities, can minimise the adverse climate effect on stunting. Thus, we examined the quality of nutritional status assessment (QoNA) during curative childcare services in primary health facilities in rural Burkina Faso and its relationship with rainfall-induced childhood stunting. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using anthropometric, rainfall, and clinical observation data. Our dependent variable was the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of children under 2 years. Our focal climatic measure was mean rainfall deviation (MRD), calculated as the mean of the difference between 30-year monthly household-level rainfall means and the corresponding months for each child from conception to data collection. QoNA was based on the weight, height, general paleness and oedema assessment. We used a mixed-effect multilevel model and analysed heterogeneity by sex and socio-economic status. Among 5027 young (3–23 months) children (mean age 12 ± 6 months), 21% were stunted (HAZ ≤ −2). The mean MRD was 11 ± 4 mm, and the mean QoNA was 2.86 ± 0.99. The proportion of children in low, medium, and high QoNA areas was 10%, 54%, and 36%, respectively. HAZ showed a negative correlation with MRD. Higher QoNA lowered the negative effect of MRD on HAZ (β = 0.017, P = 0.003, confidence interval = [0.006, 0.029]). Males and children from poor households benefited less from the moderating effect of QoNA. Improving the quality of nutrition assessments can supplement existing efforts to reduce the adverse effects of climate change on children's nutritional well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Kidney transplant recipients are at high risk of fracture due to many factors such as nutritional status, hyperparathyroidism, acidosis and steroid administration. The current meta‐analysis aimed to comprehensively analyse the incidence and risk factors of fracture in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: A systematic search on Embase, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane Library until November 2023 was performed. RStudio software was used to analyse data. Results: Twenty‐eight eligible studies containing 310 530 kidney transplant recipients were included in the analysis. The pooled incidence of fracture was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7%–13%) generally. When divided by regions, it was further observed that the pooled incidence of fracture was 13% (95% CI: 9%–17%) in Europe, 11% (95% CI: 6%–16%) in North America, 7% (95% CI: 3%–11%) in Asia. Regarding the risk factors, pooled analysis revealed that age of recipient (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.17–1.91), female sex (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.36–1.53), pretransplantation diabetes (HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.58–1.97), pretransplantation fracture history (HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.86–2.78), dialysis duration (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.17) and deceased donor (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.39) related to higher risk of fracture. The general quality of included studies was acceptable, and no publication bias existed except for the analysis between age of recipient and fracture incidence; further trim and fill method indicated age of recipient showed a correlation trend with the fracture incidence without the statistical significance. Conclusion: The pooled incidence of fracture reaches 10% in kidney transplant recipients, which relates to age of recipient, female sex, pretransplantation diabetes or fracture history, dialysis duration and decease donor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scurvy is a rare nutritional disorder caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It is often under-diagnosed in clinical settings, especially in North America where population statistics are unavailable. However, scurvy is more common than previously thought and appears to be re-emerging in children with developmental delays. Here, we review the pertinent literature and present a case of a previously healthy, 5-year-old, non-verbal boy who presented with multiple, acute, and subacute spontaneous epidural hemorrhages managed by neurosurgical intervention. He remained in hospital for 17 days and was seen in follow-up 3 weeks post-operatively having returned to his neurological baseline. Our case suggests the importance of considering scurvy in patients who have developmental delays and poor nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition's (SACN) 2016 report, which determined that blood vitamin D levels below 25nmol/L increase the risk of poor musculoskeletal health. Topics include the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, historical changes in UK fortification practices, and current government advice on vitamin D supplementation.

Working at night is associated with adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes. However, there are a lack of nutritional intervention studies conducted amongst night workers, subsequently contributing to a lack of evidence‐based guidelines for night workers. The aim of The Eating on the Night Shift study was to understand how night shift workers view working at night in relation to nutritional health and wellbeing, the barriers and enablers to participate in research and what kind of guidance would be useful to them. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a convenience sample (n = 18) of night workers based in England. The interview covered experiences of working night shifts, perceptions about night work and their health, and perceptions of and likely engagement with nutritional research. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Of the final sample 13 were female (72%), 39% worked a rotating shift pattern and 78% had worked night shifts for 1 year or more. Four overarching themes were identified: (1) the consequences of night work on health and wellbeing, (2) eating at night means a less healthy diet, (3) working at night has wider knock‐on effects on aspects of lifestyle and wellbeing and (4) nutritional research is perceived as important, but there are barriers to participation. Night workers are aware that working at night can negatively impact their diet as well as their health. Nutritional researchers need to engage with night workers when considering intervention design and implementation as well as in the development of any resultant evidence‐based guidance to ensure its relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition commonly occurs in cancer patients, impacting their quality of life and survival duration. The objective of this meta-analysis and systematic review is to assess the effects of nutritional interventions on patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases to obtain randomized controlled trials of nutritional interventions in patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Outcomes assessed included toxicity reactions to neoadjuvant therapy, levels of inflammation-related markers, nutritional status, and relevant clinical outcomes. The relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as effect sizes. Results: A total of 16 studies were included, involving 954 patients. Nutritional intervention significantly reduced the incidence of vomiting (RR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.21–0.67, P = 0.001) and mucositis (RR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.67–1.00, P = 0.046) in patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. For the nutritional status of cancer patients, nutritional intervention significantly increased the proportion of well-nourished patients (RR = 12.74, 95%CI: 4.43–36.69, P < 0.001). In addition, nutritional intervention also reduced the length of hospital stay in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy patients after surgery (WMD = − 0.82, 95%CI: − 1.61- − 0.02, P = 0.043). However, there was no improvement in nausea (P = 0.534), diarrhea (P = 0.068), febrile neutropenia (P = 0.551), levels of albumin (P = 0.211), prealbumin (P = 0.063), C-reactive protein (P = 0.430), clinical remission (P = 0.148), or postoperative complications (P = 0.098). Conclusion: Nutritional intervention can reduce the toxicity of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (vomiting and mucositis), improve the nutritional status of patients, and shorten the length of postoperative hospital stay. Well-designed and high-quality studies are necessary to confirm the effect of nutritional interventions on cancer patients, with a specific focus on reaching nutritional goals and providing the right nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To map existing evidence and identify gaps in the literature concerning psychosocial impacts of being nil by mouth (NBM) as an adult. Design: A scoping review of the literature was undertaken using JBI guidance. A protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/43g9y). Reporting was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR). Methods: A comprehensive search of six databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS and Web of Science) was performed for studies published up to February 2023, with no restriction to study type. A scope of the grey literature was also undertaken. Two authors independently assessed eligibility and extracted data. Descriptive statistical analysis and narrative synthesis were used, and patient and public involvement included in funding discussions. Results: A total of 23 papers were included in the review, consisting of 14 primary studies (7 qualitative and 7 quantitative) and 9 grey literature. Both global psychological distress and distress specific to being NBM (thirst, missing food and drink) were reported. Caregivers also experience distress from their family member being NBM. Furthermore, social impacts were reported for both patient and caregiver, primarily social isolation and subsequent low mood. Conclusion: Furthermore, research is needed to understand the prevalence of this population, how best to measure psychosocial impacts and to explore whether (and how) psychosocial impacts change over time. Advancement in this area would enable better service development to optimize care for this patient group. What is known about this topic?: Eating and drinking provides more than nutrition and hydration.A wide range of conditions can lead to recommendations for no longer eating and drinking (nil by mouth).Being nil by mouth (NBM) for short periods such as pre‐operative fasting causes distress; however, little is understood about impact on longer‐term abstinence from eating and drinking. What this paper adds?: Psychosocial consequences of being nil by mouth (NBM)have been investigated by both quantitative and qualitative studies.Being NBM impacts both patients and caregivers in various psychosocial aspects, including distress and social isolation.Several gaps remain, however, regarding ways to measure psychosocial impact of being NBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing sheep using native grass or crop byproducts has been commonly practiced by farmers in East Java, Indonesia. Better growth rates can be achieved when protein and energy sources are combined in the ration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding cassava peel silage (CPS) and different protein sources on the growth of sheep fed a maize stover-based diet. Twentyfour growing sheep aged 8-10 months and weighing 17.24 ± 1.87 kg were used, and they were kept in individual cages that allowed the measurements of feed intake, feces, and urine secreted per animal. The treatments applied were T1: rice bran (0.75% BW)+Urea (2% CPS); T2: (50% rice bran + 50% copra meal in 1.5% BW); T3: cassava leaf hay (1% BW); and T4: sunflower leaf hay (1% BW). All treatments provided maize stover (MS) at 0.5% of body weight and CPS ad libitum. The variables measured were nutrient intake and digestibility, rumen fermentation, and live weight gain (LWG). The results revealed that the treatments had a significant increase (p<0.01) in the digestibility of CP, EE, CF, NDF, and ADF and reduced the amount of methane gas (CH4). Additionally, the treatments had a significant increase (p<0.01) in some variables such as N retention, LWG, and reduced FCR. Furthermore, the treatments significantly increased (p<0.05) NH3, propionic acid, and the C2/C3 ratio, but they did not have a significant effect on pH, acetic acid, or butyric acid content. In summary, the T3 treatment improved live weight gain (LWG) and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in thintailed sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raspberry ketone (RK) is a high-value bioactive component in the growing demand for natural compounds in food and flavour industries. However, limited production persists due to low-yield microorganisms and complex biosynthetic pathway. Here, an Nidula niveo-tomentosa fungi-based fermentation system was developed to investigate and optimize the cultivation parameters for natural RK production. While optimizing glucose and phenylalanine concentrations ensured sufficient substrate supply, it unexpectedly induced stress on the substrates. Despite having minimal impact on biomass growth, UV-A radiation effectively boosted RK biosynthesis, but also reaching a ceiling with extended exposure times. Younger precultures exhibited higher specific productivity, older cultures ultimately yielded more RK due to their higher inoculum concentration. Mycelial fungi, compared to fungal pellets, outperformed in RK production, likely facilitated by enhanced nutrient uptake and bioproduct transport. Ultimately, the combination of optimized parameters unlocked a peak RK yield of 154.4 mg/L, underscoring the remarkable potential for natural RK production. [Display omitted] • Raspberry ketone (RK) was biosynthezed by fungus of Nidula niveo tomentosa. • Cultication parameters were systematically investigated and optimized. • UV radiation had little effects on fungal biomass but stimulated RK production. • Mycelial fungi enhanced nutrient intake and RK external transportation. • A highest RK yield of 154.4 mg/L was achieved by submerged fungal fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition is a common issue following gastrointestinal cancer surgery, negatively affecting the quality of life and clinical outcomes of patients following surgery. However, this issue is often overlooked, and limited data are available on the long-term effectiveness of nutritional intervention. The present study describes the case of a female patient developing severe malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies following a gastrectomy for stomach cancer and a pancreaticoduodenectomy due to tumor recurrence. The patient received comprehensive nutrition intervention, combining both oral feeding and supplemental parenteral nutrition, oral and intravenous multi micronutrients supplements and personalized pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Her clinical condition markedly improved, as well as the edema caused by malnutrition and cutaneous lesions caused by micronutrient deficiency. Gastrectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy are both major surgeries that severely affect the nutritional status of patients, as these are the main digestive organs of the body, particularly in the background of cancer and more adverse events from chemotherapy treatment. Progressive protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are the results of decreased dietary intake, anatomical changes and malabsorption following gastrointestinal surgery. Thus, surgeons/clinicians should consider the comprehensive treatment of patients, including comprehensive nutritional care before, during and following surgery in order to prevent malnutrition and its complications. This would also enhance the effectiveness of surgery and the long-term clinical results following surgery for patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Impairment of masticatory function in elderly patients with terminal dentition due to stage IV periodontitis (TDS4P) may lead to lower nutritional intake. The study aimed to report the dietary intake and nutrition status of elderly patients with TDS4P and compare them with those of the elderly Chinese population and the Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Materials and Methods: Fifty‐one consecutive subjects (≥55 years old) with TDS4P were enrolled. Average dietary intake was evaluated based on a 3‐day 24‐h dietary recall (24HR) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The daily intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, dietary energy as well as macro and micronutrients were calculated and compared with matched national data and the Chinese DRIs. Nutritional status was assessed by Short‐Form Mini‐Nutritional assessment. Results: Of the subjects, 19.6% (95% CI: 7.2%–28.1%) were at risk of malnutrition. The mean daily energy intake was 1517.4 kcal (95% CI: 1400.5–1634.3) for males and 1110.7 kcal (95% CI: 1001.5–1219.9) for females, which were very low compared with both the national data and the DRIs. Females derived a higher percentage of energy from fat. The mean daily intake of vegetables was 151.4 g (95% CI: 128.1–174.8) by FFQ and 130.9 g (95% CI: 104.6–157.3) by 24HR. Both results were significantly lower than the national reports (95% CI: 310.3–340.1) and the DRIs (300–450 g). Insufficient micronutrient intake, especially vitamins A, C and E, was also found. Conclusions: Elderly subjects with TDS4P had a lower daily energy intake, vegetable and fruit consumption and essential macro and micronutrient intake. More studies are needed to clarify the impact of periodontitis and tooth loss/replacement on nutrition and healthy ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified the relationship between energy balance and some blood metabolites in primiparous dairy cows with different calving conception interval. Twenty primiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were grouped according to the interval (days) from calving to conception into early-conception (early-c; <100 days), mid-conception group (mid-c; 100 -- 150 days) or late-conception (late-c; >150 days) group; and evaluated on day -7 prior to parturition, and days 28, 56 and 90 postpartum. All groups presented positive energy balance, serum concentrations of HDL, urea-N and progesterone with no difference on days 28 and 56 of lactation. On day 90 of lactation all the cows presented negative energy balance; however, the early-c group presented a less intense (P < 0.05) net energy balance (-1.09 versus -2.15 and -1.86 Mcal/day), lower concentrations of serum urea-N (3.28 versus 4.22 and 4.88 mg/dL) and HDL cholesterol (0.84 versus 1.59 and 1.46 mmol/L) and greater serum concentration of progesterone (8.13 versus 4.54 and 1.83 ng/mL) than cows of mid-c and late-c groups, respectively. In conclusion, different from those usually observed for multiparous dairy cows, the energy balance during the first weeks of lactation was not a determining factor affecting the calving conception interval of primiparous dairy cows in the present study. Instead, the nutritional status and the serum concentration of urea-N and progesterone at a later stage, after 56 days of lactation, suggest having a role in delaying these cows' pregnant status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition is vital to health, but while the link between diet and body nutritional composition is well explored in humans and other vertebrates, this information is not well understood in insects, despite the vital roles they play in ecosystems, and their increasing use as experimental models. Here we used Nutritional Geometry to explore the rapid physiological response to ingested nutrients in the haemolymph nutritional profile of Spodoptera littoralis caterpillars. We ask whether blood nutrients are maintained homeostatically in the face of variable nutritional intake, or if regulation is more flexible for some nutrients than others (allostasis), which allows animals to adapt to stress by responding in a way that prioritises efficiency of responses in the face of trade‐offs. Caterpillars were placed on 1 of 20 diets, systematically varying in their nutrient ratios (protein: carbohydrate) and density (calorie content), and their consumption was measured. After 48 h, caterpillars were bled, and the macronutrient (protein, carbohydrates and lipids) and nutrient metabolite (amino acids and simple sugars) content of the haemolymph was measured. Proteins comprised 93% of the haemolymph macronutrient pool on average and their concentration increased with protein eaten. The amino acid (AA) pool was dominated by five AAs, and the total pool increased with total nutrient intake. However, the ratio of essential to non‐essential AAs increased as the proportion of protein consumed increased. Carbohydrates were tightly controlled, increasing only on the most extreme carbohydrate intakes. Simple sugars were dominated by glucose and trehalose, and overall, the simple sugar pool showed high levels of homeostasis. Rather than strict homeostasis of blood nutritional properties, an allostatic model seemed to be a better fit for blood nutrient regulation in this generalist herbivore. This flexibility in response to the nutritional composition of the diet may, in part, explain how this species has evolved to extreme dietary generalism and may play a role in its worldwide pest status. Given the range of fitness‐related processes affected by the haemolymph, future studies should examine the physiological impacts of blood nutrient variation on reproduction, growth and response to infection and the trade‐offs between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), a consequence of anthropogenic global change, may profoundly interfere with natural ecological processes, perhaps even interactions across trophic levels. Even the survival prospects of organisms at higher trophic levels could be affected, as follows. We showed previously that the endoparasitoid Diaeretiella rapae, a specialized parasitoid of the cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae, exposed to elevated CO2 concentrations (800 ppm) for up to 10 weeks, performed far worse (e.g., lower survival and parasitism rates) compared with ambient CO2 (400 ppm). To investigate whether these CO2‐related effects in the parasitoids were mediated by changes in the quality of the aphids as hosts, we measured the nutritional and energy content of cabbage aphids under the above conditions. Specifically, we measured lipid, protein and water‐soluble carbohydrate concentrations. We tested the hypothesis that when insects feed from plants with altered nutritional content, they incur a cost in dealing with such biotic stresses. That cost reduces their metabolic well‐being and, thus, reduces their nutritional status with respect to parasitoids developing at their expense. We found that CO2 had significant effects on aphid body mass (i.e., wet weight) and chemical composition, with elevated CO2 concentrations reducing aphid mass by more than 50%. Aphids grown under elevated CO2 also had significantly reduced soluble carbohydrates but significantly more lipids, on a weight‐per‐weight basis, than aphids grown under ambient CO2. A significant decrease in total energy reserves (i.e., the sum of total proteins, lipids, and water‐soluble carbohydrates) thus typified aphids grown under elevated CO2. Our results contribute to explaining the impaired performance of the aphid B. brassicae and its parasitoid D. rapae previously reported under elevated CO2, and provide evidence that under future climate change, host plants might affect the development and performance of parasitoids through their impacts on the nutritional quality of their herbivorous hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In postmenopausal women (PMW), vasomotor symptoms, emotional oscillations and sleep disturbances can affect physiological and psychological functioning. However, the effect of menopause on oral health‐related parameters is not been thoroughly studied. Objective: To evaluate oral health, taste perception, eating habits, nutritional status and emotional well‐being in PMW compared with a group of young and healthy pre‐menopausal women (PrMW). Materials and Methods: Two groups (Group I: PMW and Group II: PrMW) with 30 participants each, participated in the cross‐sectional study. The study proforma contained measures of oral health, taste perception, nutritional status and anxiety levels of the women in both groups using validated and previously used tools were designed and implemented. The data were analysed with student t, Mann–Whitney U, and chi‐squared tests to evaluate the differences between the two groups. Results: The cross‐sectional study indicates no major differences in oral health, taste perception, nutritional and emotional status between PMW and PrMW. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference in perception of 'front teeth lengthening in size' and change in hot and cold sensations between the groups. Furthermore, the study group with PMW tends to have fewer natural teeth than the reference group. Conclusion: Overall, menopause does not appear to affect oral health, taste perception, nutrition or emotional health. It is suggested that oral health and taste perception, as well as nutritional and emotional status, are associated with gradual aging processes that may or may not be affected by menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stunting, attributed to insufficient nutrition during the critical first 1000 days of life, remains a pressing public health issue in North Sumatera, Indonesia. This study investigates the influence of pre-marital education on prospective couples' knowledge and nutritional status as a stunting prevention strategy. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, the study involved 1000 prospective couples across 10 districts. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings demonstrate that pre-marital education significantly enhances knowledge of nutrition, family planning, and stunting prevention, leading to improved nutritional status. However, increased knowledge of stunting was inversely related to nutritional status. The study concludes that comprehensive pre-marital education is vital for effective stunting prevention. It recommends a thorough revision of pre-marital educational content, emphasizing a tailored and integrative approach to health and nutrition, to address specific regional challenges and enhance overall program efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this article was to verify the association between domestic violence and obesity and malnutrition in elderly people in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Cross- -sectional study evaluated in the EpiFloripa Elderly cohort in 2013/2014. The outcomes were body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity (increased WC). Violence against elderly people was measured using the HawlekSengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST) instrument, and IPV using the Conflict Tatics Scales Form R (CTS-1) instrument. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used. It was observed that men had a greater chance of abdominal obesity when in situations of violence and in the potential abuse dimension. Women were more likely to have abdominal obesity in the dimension of violation of personal rights or abuse, when they suffered IPV and when they were perpetrators of IPV. In relation to BMI, elderly women in situations of violence were associated with a greater chance of being overweight and those who suffered IPV. On the other hand, men in vulnerable situations were more likely to be underweight. It is concluded that violence against elderly people and IPV generate an asymmetric impact on nutritional status in relation to sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent health sometimes still receives less attention, even though this age group has a high level of vulnerability to various nutritional and health problems. This study aims to determine the health status of adolescent girls including hemoglobin status, hydration status, and cardiorespiratory endurance (VO2Max). Samples were taken using a total sampling technique with the criteria of not having a history of heart and lung disease, living in the girls' dormitory at Integrated Islamic High School Al-Fityan School Aceh in good health and being willing to be respondents, and 60 female students were obtained. Hemoglobin status was observed from the hemoglobin level in the blood sample, hydration status was defined based on the composition of body fluids as measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), VO2Max value was calculated from pulse per minute in resting conditions. Data obtained from each variable was presented descriptively and tested for correlation using the Pearson 95% test. Based on the research results, in general, the majority of respondents can be concluded to have good nutritional status and cardiorespiratory endurance. However, 28.3% of respondents were still found with abnormal nutritional status, abnormal hemoglobin status of 28.3%, dehydration of 43.3% and 33.3% had low cardiorespiratory endurance. This research cannot prove the relationship between hemoglobin status and hydration status on cardiorespiratory endurance (p-value > 0.05). Periodic health status checks are required through the school health unit involving the Community Health Center or health workers to overcome existing problems in these four health status parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia is a country with a high incidence of stunting. In 2022, the prevalence of stunting in Bogor Regency was 24.9%, which was higher than the national average. The Padasuka subdistrict is recognized as a stunting locus area. Children's health is closely linked to the parenting style employed by their parents, particularly mothers. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the maternal factors contributing to the prevalence of stunting among toddlers. This study used an observational approach with a case-control design, conducted from December 2022 to August 2023 in Padasuka Village, Bogor Regency. Data collection encompassed anthropometric measurements, including the weight and height of toddlers and mothers, maternal characteristics such as age, education, and occupation, and nutritional status. The data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The research sample consisted of 41 mothers of stunted toddlers (cases) and 41 mothers of normally developing toddlers (controls), resulting in a total of 82 participants. Bivariate analysis to explore the relationships between variables, as well as the chi-squared test and independent t-test to measure the differences in average height and nutritional status. The results of the analysis revealed that maternal height (p=0.000) and nutritional status (p=0.035) were significantly correlated with the incidence of stunting. In addition, there were notable differences in the average values of maternal height and nutritional status between the stunted group and the normally developing group with p-values of 0.038 and 0.040, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that maternal height and nutritional status contribute to the incidence of stunting among toddlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an acute functional kidney disorder that increases morbidity and mortality in children. The mortality rate for critically ill patients accompanied by AKI is quite high and is influenced by the degree of AKI, the severity of the disease, and organ function disorders. Understanding the risk factors of developing AKI in children with critical illness can help prevent AKI. Objective: To determine the risk factors for AKI in children with critical illness. Methods; This retrospective cohort study included 255 children aged 1 month to 18 years admitted at the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional Public Hospital, Banda Aceh, Aceh, from January to December 2022 using medical record data. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Acute kidney injury occurred in 68 (26.7%) patients. Based on pRIFLE criteria, 34 (50%) patients had AKI in the failure stage. Risk factors for AKI in children with critical illness were in descending order of RR: sepsis (RR 14.3; 95%CI 11.68 to 18.66; P=0.000), mechanical ventilation (RR 12.13; 95%CI 8.75 to 15.98; P=0.000), respiratory disorders (RR 2.51; 95%CI 2.06 to 4.02; P=0.003), congenital heart disease (RR 2.08; 95%CI 2.00 to 3.05; P=0.004), CNS disorders (RR 1.24; 95%CI 1.02 to 2.49; P=0.048), nephrotoxic drug use (RR 1.41; 95%CI 1.24 to 3.08; P=0.000), and age 1 month to 5 years (RR 0.072; 95%CI 0.16 to 0.32; P=0.010). Conclusion: Sepsis is a risk factor for AKI in children with critical illness, followed by mechanical ventilation use, respiratory disorders, nephrotoxic drug use. Age <5 years is a protective factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thalassemia is a hemoglobin synthesis disorder that causes patients to need lifelong blood transfusions, leading to iron overload and alter organ function, including the liver. Hepcidin, produced by the liver, plays a role in iron homeostasis and should be increased in excess iron stores. However, the level decreases in thalassemia due to some factors, such as ineffective erythropoiesis and liver damage. Recent publications revealed that hepcidin could be associated with iron overload and also a marker of liver diseases. Objective: To analyse the correlation between hepcidin level, markers of iron overload, and liver damage in β-thalassemia major. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all β-thalassemia major age 2-18 years admitted to Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital, Palembang, South Sumatera, who underwent blood transfusions from March to August 2022. We measured the level of iron overload markers, hepcidin, liver function test (LFT), and performed liver ultrasonography (USG). Results: Of 97 subjects, median hepcidin level was 10.01 ng/mL and 68% of the subjects showed a decrease. The iron overload parameters were evaluated from serum iron levels (P=0.13), ferritin levels (P=0.90), and transferrin saturation (P=0.29) and 24.7% had abnormal liver USG findings. Spearman's correlation revealed that only direct bilirubin (DB) (r=0.35; P=0.001) and liver USG (r=0.20; P=0.05) had positive correlations with decreased levels of hepcidin. Also, it had 91.7% sensitivity in predicting liver damage from ultrasound. Conclusion: The hepcidin level was not significantly associated with iron overload markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]