Outcome Evaluation on Impact of the Nutrition Intervention among Adolescents: A Feasibility,Randomised Control Study from Myheart Beat (Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team—Behavioural Epidemiology and Trial)

A healthy eating environment in the school setting is crucial to nurture the healthy eating pattern for youth. Thus, it helps to combat the obesity issue. However, the impact of healthy school environment on healthy eating habits among Asian adolescents is scarce and less clear. This clustered randomised-control study has two objectives. The first objective was to evaluate the changes in adolescents’ dietary intake after the interventions for all arms (control; healthy cooking training only; subsidization with healthy cooking training). The second objective was to compare the effect of subsidization with healthy cooking training and healthy cooking training only with the control arm on adolescents’ dietary intakes. This study consisted of 340 secondary school students aged 14 years in rural and urban Malaysia. A total of two arms of intervention and one arm of control were included. Intervention one focused on healthy cooking preparation for the canteen and convenience shop operators. Intervention two included subsidization for fruits and vegetables with a healthy cooking preparation training for the canteen and suggestions on providing healthy options to the convenience shop operators. The outcome measured was changes to dietary intake. It was measured using a three-day dietary history pre- and post-intervention. A paired-t test was used to evaluate the outcome of intervention programmes on dietary changes for all arms (control, intervention one and two). An ANCOVA test was used to investigate the effect of providing subsidization and healthy cooking preparation training to the canteen and convenience shop operators on adolescents’ dietary intakes as compared to the control arm. Overall, the reduction in energy and carbohydrates for all arms were observed. Interestingly, fat intake was significantly increased after the four-week intervention programme under healthy cooking intervention but not in the food subsidization group. When comparing between control, healthy cooking training only and subsidization with the healthy cooking training arm, there was no significant changes between arms. A robust intervention to include subsidization of healthy foods for intervention programmes at schools in a larger scale study is needed to confirm this finding.     

Assessing the Association between Important Dietary Habits and Osteoporosis: A Genetic Correlation and Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Objective: Osteoporosis (OP) is the most common bone disease. The genetic and metabolic factors play important roles in OP development. However, the genetic basis of OP is still elusive. The study aimed to explore the relationships between OP and dietary habits. Methods: This study used large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from the UK Biobank to explore potential associations between OP and 143 dietary habits. The GWAS summary data of OP included 9434 self-reported OP cases and 444,941 controls, and the GWAS summary data of the dietary habits included 455,146 participants of European ancestry. Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was used to detect the genetic correlations between OP and each of the 143 dietary habits, followed by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to further assess the causal relationship between OP and candidate dietary habits identified by LDSC. Results: The LDSC analysis identified seven candidate dietary habits that showed genetic associations with OP including cereal type such as biscuit cereal (coefficient = −0.1693, p value = 0.0183), servings of raw vegetables per day (coefficient = 0.0837, p value = 0.0379), and spirits measured per month (coefficient = 0.115, p value = 0.0353). MR analysis found that OP and PC17 (butter) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.974, 95% confidence interval [CI] = (0.973, 0.976), p value = 0.000970), PC35 (decaffeinated coffee) (OR = 0.985, 95% CI = (0.983, 0.987), p value = 0.00126), PC36 (overall processed meat intake) (OR = 1.035, 95% CI = (1.033, 1.037), p value = 0.000976), PC39 (spirits measured per month) (OR = 1.014, 95% CI = (1.011, 1.015), p value = 0.00153), and servings of raw vegetables per day (OR = 0.978, 95% CI = (0.977, 0.979), p value = 0.000563) were clearly causal. Conclusions: Our findings provide new clues for understanding the genetic mechanisms of OP, which focus on the possible role of dietary habits in OP pathogenesis.     

血瘀证量化诊断流行病学调查数据的判别分析

目的:运用统计学方法研究对于血瘀证诊断具有较好区分能力的诊断方法和诊断标准。方法:在现代流行病学原则指导下进行血瘀证诊断的多中心、大样本临床资料收集,对其结果进行判别分析处理。结果:对75个变量进行 35步的逐步判别,共有33个项目进入方程,由此建立了血瘀型和非血瘀型的判别函数,并对33个自变量对血瘀证判别的贡献度进行区分。并对2004例患者进行了对判别结果的回顾性检验,总预测正确率为91.6%。结论:逐步判别分析可筛选出对鉴别两类具有不同属性的人群有较大贡献的条目,从而使其结果具有较好的区分度。     

Predicting the depressive status using empirical dietary inflammatory index in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis

BackgroundThis study investigated whether the empirical dietary inflammatory index (eDII) score is associated with the inflammatory burden as well as the depressive status in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis (AAV).MethodsEighty‐four patients with AAV participated in this study. Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) and short‐form 36‐item Health Survey mental component summary (SF‐36 MCS) were considered as indices assessing the inflammatory burden and depressive status, respectively. The eDII includes 16 food components and consists of three groups: −9 to −2, the low eDII group; −1 to +1, the moderate eDII group; and +2 to +10, the high eDII group. Furthermore, the lower eDII group includes both the low and moderate eDII groups.ResultsThe median age was 64.5 years (36 men). The eDII scores inversely correlated with SF‐36 MCS (r = −0.298, p = 0.006) but not with BVAS. SF‐36 MCS significantly differ between the lower and higher eDII groups (69.7 vs. 56.7, p = 0.016), but not among the low, moderate and high eDII groups. Additionally, when patients with AAV were divided into two groups according to the upper limit of the lowest tertile of SF‐36 MCS of 55.31, patients in the higher eDII group exhibited a significantly higher risk for the lowest tertile of SF‐36 MCS than those in the lower eDII group (RR 3.000).ConclusionWe demonstrated for the first time that the eDII could predict the depressive status by estimating SF‐36 MCS without utilising K‐CESD‐R ≥ 16 in patients with AAV.     

Dietary Fibre and Organic Acids in Kiwifruit Suppress Glycaemic Response Equally by Delaying Absorption—A Randomised Crossover Human Trial with Parallel Analysis of 13C-Acetate Uptake

Non-sugar components of kiwifruit reduce the amplitude of the glycaemic response to co-consumed cereal starch. We determined the relative contribution of different non-sugar kiwifruit components to this anti-glycaemic effect. Healthy participants (n = 9) ingested equal carbohydrate meals containing 20 g starch as wheat biscuit (WB, 30 g), and the sugar equivalent of two kiwifruit (KFsug, 20.4 g), either intrinsic or added as glucose, fructose and sucrose (2:2:1). The meals were WB+KFsug (control, no non-sugar kiwifruit components), WB + whole kiwifruit pulp (WB+KF), WB + neutralised kiwifruit pulp (WB+KFneut), WB + low-fibre kiwifruit juice (WB+KFjuice) and WB+KFsug + kiwifruit organic acids (WB+KFsug+OA). All meals were spiked with 100 mg sodium [1-¹³C] acetate to measure intestinal absorption. Each participant ingested all meals in random order. Blood glucose and breath ¹³CO₂ were measured at ingestion and at 15 min intervals up to 180 min. Compared with WB+KFsug, whole kiwifruit pulp (WB+KF) almost halved glycaemic response amplitude (p < 0.001), reduced incremental area under the blood glucose response curve (iAUC) at 30 min (peak) by 50% (p < 0.001), and averted late postprandial hypoglycaemia. All other treatments suppressed response amplitude half as much as whole kiwifruit and averted acute hypoglycaemia, with little effect on iAUC. Effects on ¹³CO₂ exhalation paralleled effects on blood glucose (R² = 0.97). Dietary fibre and organic acids contributed equally to the anti-glycaemic effect of kiwifruit by reducing intestinal absorption rate. Kiwifruit flesh effectively attenuates glycaemic response in carbohydrate exchange, as it contains fructose, dietary fibre and organic acids.     

Evaluation of Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Status in 1–9-Year-Old Children Living in Serbia: National Food Consumption Survey according to the EU Menu Methodology

The Serbian Food Consumption Survey among 1–9-year-old-children was conceptualized and conducted in compliance with the principles, established protocols, and guidelines of the EU Menu project between 2017 and 2021. Valid data were collected for 576 individuals (290 1–3-year-old toddlers and 276 3–9-year-old children). Regardless of age and gender category, the majority (68.80%) of children had normal weights according to the Body Mass Index-for-age classification system. The median daily energy intake was 1406.71 kcal with no differences between the settlement types. The overall median contributions of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to the total energy intake were 47.54%, 14.06%, and 37.88%, respectively. The proportions of the macronutrient intake deviated from the dietary reference values with compliance to the recommendations being particularly poor for fat and fiber. The consumption of energy-dense food groups such as meat and meat products, fat and oil, sugar, and confections was more pronounced among older children. The survey results provide a valuable insight into the nutritional status and dietary habits of toddlers and children 1–9 years old living in Serbia. They may serve as an evidence platform for public health programs, a valuable asset for decision-makers, and a reliable reference to guide nutritional policies, diet monitoring, and interventions targeting this population group in the future.     

Body Fat Moderates the Association of Olfactory Dysfunction with Dietary Intake in U.S. Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of NHANES 2013–2014

Background: Obesity relates to impaired olfactory function. Abnormal olfactory function is also associated with poor diet; however, whether obesity-related markers shape this relationship is unknown. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis (n = 1415, age > 40 years) of NHANES 2013–2014 examined body fat percent (BF%) and waist circumference (WC) as moderators of the relationship between olfactory function and diet. The olfactory function test identified adults with olfactory dysfunction (OD) or normal olfaction (NO). Validated 24 h recall captured nutrient intake and Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores. BF% and WC were measured. We tested adjusted linear regression models, with an interaction term between olfactory function and BF%/WC, for each nutrient or HEI score, and reported coefficients (β), standard errors (SE), and p-values for significant interaction terms. Results: In OD (9.5%; mean age 50.9 years, 95% CI 49.6, 52.2) compared with NO (mean age 49.3 years, 95% CI 48.8, 49.9), higher BF% was associated with higher intake of saturated fat (β (SE): 0.2 (0.1) g; p = 0.06) and percent of total calories from total fat (0.2 (0.1); p = 0.07), saturated (0.1 (0.004); p = 0.02), and monounsaturated fat (0.1 (0.1); p = 0.08); lower percent of total calories from carbohydrates (−0.2 (0.1); p = 0.09) and mg of sodium (−17.8 (09.6); p = 0.08); and a higher (healthier) refined grain score (0.1 (0.1); p = 0.04). Higher WC was associated with higher refined grain scores (0.01 (0.02); p = 0.01) in OD. Conclusion: BF% may shape dietary intake and quality in OD. Longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the directionality of these relationships and develop strategies to improve dietary intake among OD.     

Twin pregnancies in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan over four decades: natural twinning is on the increase

Objective

To assess trends in twinning over four decades using a population-based registry.

Design

Ecological study to conduct trend analysis of twin pregnancies in a geographically defined area over 40 years.

Setting

All pregnancies in the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan area of South Wales from 1965 to 2004, as recorded in the Cardiff Birth Survey (CBS) database.

Methods

Trends of the incidence of all twin pregnancies (≥18 weeks of gestation) were calculated in 5-year increments, beginning with 1965–1969 and ending in 2000–2004. Natural twinning rates could only be calculated for the terminal five time periods (i.e., 1980–1984, 1985–1989, 1990–1994, 1995–1999, and 2000–2004), when information regarding non-spontaneous (iatrogenic) twinning was first collected in the database. All results were adjusted for maternal age.

Results

The total twinning rate was 13.1 per 1000 pregnancies in the 1st time period (1965–1969). Subsequently, there was a gradual reduction in twinning, reaching a nadir of 10.3 per 1000 for the time period 1980–1985 (Z = 3.15, P value < 0.001). This was followed by a gradual increase in twinning, reaching a maximum of 15.7 per 1000 for both 1995–1999 and 2000–2004 (Z = −5.18, P value < 0.0001). After exclusion of the cases of iatrogenic pregnancies, the natural twinning rate showed a continuous and gradual increase from 10 per 1000 spontaneous pregnancies in 1980–1984 to 13.3 per 1000 in 2000–2004 (Z = −5.08, P value < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The data showed a gradual, continuous increase in natural twinning rates over the last two decades. Such an increase cannot be attributed to the rise in maternal age alone.     

Randomised Clinical Trial to Analyse the Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane to Improve Joint Functionality in Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a source of chronic pain and disability. Dietary supplements have been shown to be a more secure option than NSAIDS. Particularly, the eggshell membrane has demonstrated efficacy in relieving joint pain and stiffness. A clinical trial was designed in which three groups were assigned to two different doses of this supplement and compared to a placebo control group. The primary outcome variable was knee pain, which was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Secondary outcome variables were knee functional ability, quadriceps muscle strength (assessed by isometric and isokinetic trials), and quality of sleep. All groups showed a significant decrease in pain perception, although maximum values were obtained in the high-dose group. Isokinetic and isometric trials showed a significant increase in strength in the high-dose group. Eggshell membrane showed the potential to reduce pain and stiffness symptomatology. Here, for the first time, two quantitative variables (mobility and strength of knee joint) were used to accurately evaluate changes in the quality of life of subjects affected by knee joint pain. The results of this study indicate a dose-dependent response, which should be taken into account for later use in therapeutics to establish the correct dosage.     

Oxidative Balance Score during Pregnancy Is Associated with Oxidative Stress in the CANDLE Study

The objective of this study was to calculate an oxidative balance score (OBS) utilizing diet and lifestyle information collected from 1322 women during the second trimester of pregnancy in the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood study. An energy-adjusted OBS was calculated using nutrient information from a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), lifestyle measures, and plasma folate and vitamin D levels. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method, 91 food items from the FFQ were selected and they accounted for 82% of the variance in the OBS, with cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits, fruit juice, and coffee being among the highest anti-oxidant predictors, and red meats and alcohol among the highest pro-oxidant contributors. Urinary F₂-isoprostane, an objective indicator of oxidative stress, was lower with increasing OBS quintiles in a stairstep manner (p for trend = 0.0003), suggesting the possible utility of the OBS as an indicator of oxidative stress. The OBS was moderately correlated with the Healthy Eating Index (correlation coefficient = 0.6076), suggesting it provides a distinct measure of a healthy diet. In conclusion, the OBS may serve as a valid reflective indicator of urinary F₂-isoprostanes and an epidemiological tool to inform intervention studies, in order to minimize oxidative stress during pregnancy.