The therapeutic effects of probiotics in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on cell adhesion molecules, oxidative stress, and antioxidant parameters in TBI patients. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 46 TBI patients who were randomly assigned to receive either a probiotic supplement (n = 23) or a placebo (n = 23) for 14 days. The probiotic capsule contained four strains of Lactobacillus (L. casei, L. bulgaricus, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus), two strains of Bifidobacterium (B. longum, B. breve), and Streptococcus thermophilus. Serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and arylesterase (ARE) activity were measured at the beginning and end of the trial. Dietary intakes of patients were also recorded at the beginning and end of the trial. At the end of the study, there were no significant changes in ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PAB, MDA, NO, TAC, and ARE levels. However, patients who received probiotic supplements had significantly increased dietary intakes of energy, macronutrients, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and selenium compared with the placebo group. This study provides evidence that probiotic supplementation for 14 days in TBI patients has beneficial effects on dietary intake. However, it did not affect serum levels of cell adhesion molecules, oxidative stress, or antioxidant parameters. These findings should be considered preliminary, and further research is needed to evaluate long-term and clinical outcomes.

We have used multiple regression analyses to develop a series of metabolisable energy (ME) prediction equations from chemical analyses of pig diets that can be extended to murine diets. We compiled four datasets from an extensive range of published metabolism studies with grower/finisher and adult pigs. The analytes in the datasets were increasingly complex, comprising: 1. the proximate or Weende analysis, 2. the previous analysis but with neutral detergent fibre (NDF) replacing crude fibre, 3. the NDF package plus starch, 4. the NDF package plus starch and sugars. Diet manufacturers routinely provide most of the analytes for batches of murine diet, or they are easily obtainable. The study uniquely compares the four analytical packages side-by-side. The number of records in the datasets varies from 367 to 827. With increasing analytical complexity, adjusted R2 values for ME prediction improved from 0.751 to 0.869, and the mean absolute error from 0.422 to 0.289 kJ/g. Overall, the models’ prediction interval (PI) improved from 1 to 0.7 kJ/g, which is ± 7% to 5% for a typical dietary ME density of 14.8 kJ/g. Although prediction accuracy increases as one extends the range and complexity of the analytes measured, the improvement is slight and may not justify the substantial increase in analytical cost. The equations were validated for use on future data sets by k-fold analysis. Although the equations are developed from pig data, they are suitable for rat and mouse diets, based on comparable digestibility measurements, and substantially improve existing methods.

Although research on the relationship between lean body mass and blood pressure (BP) has been inconsistent, most studies reported that measures of lean body mass are associated with a higher risk of hypertension. We explored relationships between body composition (fat and skeletal muscle mass) and BP in 1162 young adult African women. DXA-derived measures of whole body, central and arm fat mass were associated with higher systolic and diastolic BP, while leg fat percentage was associated with lower systolic and diastolic BP. However, only the associations with diastolic BP remained after adjusting for appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). ASM was associated with higher systolic and diastolic BP, before and after adjusting for whole-body fat percentage and VAT.

While there was no overlap in targeted proteomics of BP and body composition, REN was lower in the elevated BP than the normal BP group and was inversely associated with diastolic BP (false-rate discovery adjusted p<0.050). Several proteins were positively associated with both VAT and ASM (LEP, FABP4, IL6, and GGH) and negatively associated with both VAT and ASM (ACAN, CELA3A, PLA2G1B, and NCAM1). NOTCH3, ART3, COL1A1, DKK3, ENG, NPTXR, AMY2B, and CNTN1 were associated with lower VAT only, and IGFBP1 was associated with lower ASM only.

While the associations between body fat and BP were not independent of skeletal muscle mass, the associations between muscle mass and BP were independent of overall and central adiposity in young adult African women. Future interventions targeting muscle mass should also monitor BP in this population.

Adherence to healthy diet principles and to cardiopreventive medication, both key behaviors in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, is known to differ between women and men. Whether these adherence behaviors are differentially related among women and men has never been thoroughly assessed. The objective was to assess gender differences in the association between adherence to healthy diet principles and to cardiopreventive medication in adults free of CVD. This cross-sectional study included 268 women and 204 men from the CARTaGENE cohort (Québec, Canada) who were using antihypertensive and/or cholesterol-lowering medication. Adherence to healthy diet principles was assessed using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI, %), calculated from a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessing diet in the 12-month preceding its completion. Medication adherence was assessed using the daily pharmacotherapy possession rate (DPPR, %), calculated from prescription claim data over the same 12-month period. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, an inverse association between AHEI and DPPR was observed among men (βAHEI for 10% increment in DPPR=-0.65%; 95% CI: -1.28%, -0.03%; P=0.04), while it tended to be positive among women (β=0.44%; 95% CI: -0.11%, 1.00%; P=0.12; Pgender*DPPR=0.01). The negative association between AHEI and DPPR was stronger among men who never smoked or used cholesterol-lowering medication only. Among women, the positive association was stronger and statistically significant among those with obesity or using ≥3 medications simultaneously. Association between adherence to healthy diet principles and to cardiopreventive medication differs between women and men, with men potentially facing greater challenges in achieving optimal complementarity between these two behaviors.

Anaemia continues to be a major public health challenge in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study estimated the proportion of anaemia cases that could be potentially prevented among children aged 6-59 months in Togo. Data from the 2017 national Malaria Indicator survey in Togo, the last one conducted to date, was used for this study. Maternal, child and household data were collected using a standard questionnaire administered face-to-face by trained interviewers. Haemoglobin tests were conducted for children and their mothers. A total of 2796 children were included in the analyses. The prevalence of anaemia was 75.0% (95% confidence interval, CI: 72.5-88.0). Factors associated with childhood anaemia were: age [(adjusted prevalence ratio, aPR=1.46 (CI: 1.37-1.56) for 6-23 months and aPR=1.23 (1.14-1.32) for 24-42 months, ref: 43-59 months], a later birth order (≥4th position) [aPR=1.11 (1.03-1.19), ref: 1st-2nd position], malaria in children [aPR=1.30 (1.22-1.38)], maternal age ≤25 [aPR=1.17 (1.08-1.27), ref: ≥35 years], maternal anaemia [aPR=1.13 (1.07-1.19)], lack of maternal education [aPR=1.10 (1.02-1.18), ref: ≥secondary], number of children under 5 in household [aPR=1.07 (1.00-1.14) for ≥3, ref: 0-1], unimproved sanitation facilities [aPR=1.12 (1.02-1.22)] and low/middle household incomes [aPR=1.16 (1.04-1.30) and aPR=1.13 (1.01-1.26), respectively, ref: high]. The population-attributable fraction was estimated at 8.2% (6.3-10.1%) for child-related modifiable factors, 11.1% (5.7-16.3%) for maternal-related factors, 15.8% (8.6-22.5%) for household-related factors, and 30.9% (24.0-37.2%) for the combination of all modifiable factors. This study highlighted a high prevalence of childhood anaemia in Togo and showed that a high proportion of this could be prevented.

Increased ultra-processed food (UPF) intake is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, with limitations in UPF evidence, and partial overlap between UK front of package labelling (FOPL) and degree of food processing, the value of food processing within dietary guidance is unclear. This study compared food and drink from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) database based on micronutrient content, Nova classification and FOPL. The aim was to examine the micronutrient contributions of UK food and drink to UK government dietary micronutrient recommendations for adult females and males, aged 19-64 years, based on the degree of food processing and FOPL. NDNS items were coded into minimally processed food (MPF), processed culinary ingredients (PCI), processed food (PF) and UPF, and FOPL traffic lights. MPF, PF and UPF provided similar average contributions per 100g to micronutrient recommendations. Per 100kcal, MPF provided the greatest average contribution to micronutrient recommendations (14.4% [interquartile range (IQR):8.2-28.1]), followed by PF (7.7% [IQR:4.6-10.9], then UPF (5.8% [IQR:3.1-9.7]). After adjusting for healthy/unhealthy items (presence of 1+ red FOPL), MPF had higher odds of an above average micronutrient contribution per 100kcal than UPF (odds ratio (OR): 5.9x (95%CI:4.9, 7.2)), and PF (OR:3.2 (95%CI:2.4, 4.2)). MPFs were more likely to provide greater contributions to dietary micronutrient recommendations than PF or UPF per 100kcal. These findings suggest that UPF or PF diets are less likely to meet micronutrient recommendations than an energy-matched MPF diet. The results are important for understanding how consumers perceive the healthiness of products based on FOPL.

This interventional single-center prospective open-label study aims to evaluate the effects of a vegan diet, compared to a vegetarian and omnivorous diet, on metabolic parameters, insulin sensitivity, and liver and kidney steatosis in healthy adults. The study included 53 omnivorous participants aged 18-40 years, body-mass index 18-30 kg/m2, without any chronic disease, chronic medication use, active smoking, or significant alcohol consumption. All participants were omnivorous at baseline and selected to continue an omnivorous diet or transition to a vegetarian or vegan diet, with follow-up over six months. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and liver and kidney steatosis were assessed at baseline and after six months using magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Primary outcomes included changes in liver and kidney steatosis, while secondary outcomes were alterations in anthropometric and biochemical markers. Among 53 participants, 18 followed an omnivorous diet, 21 adopted a vegetarian diet, and 14 transitioned to a vegan diet. Dietary interventions did not result in statistically significant changes in body mass index, fat mass, fat percentage, or muscle mass over six months. However, statistically significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, favoring the vegan diet, were observed. We aimed to control for potentially confounding variables to ensure the reliability of these findings. We have demonstrated a better decline in steatosis at the lower kidney pole, the total hilus and the Liver 6 index in vegans. We demonstrated that a plant-based diet is associated with improvements in several metabolic parameters and may reduce liver and kidney steatosis.

Low vegetable consumption among school-age children and adolescents put them at risk of micronutrient malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. There is a dearth of synthesized literature on vegetable intake and interventions to promote increased consumption among this age-group in West-Africa. This study pooled evidence on vegetable consumption and interventions to promote vegetable consumption among school- age children and adolescents (6-19 years) in West-Africa. Quantitative and qualitative studies from year 2002 to 2023 were electronically searched in PubMed, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar databases. PRISMA system was adhered to in reporting this review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023444444). Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical evaluation tool was used to appraise quality of studies. Forty (40) studies met the search criteria out of N= 5,080 non-duplicated records. Meta-analysis was not possible due to high heterogeneity. Low vegetable consumption expressed in frequency or amounts was recorded among the school-age children and adolescents in the reviewed studies.

Intervention studies were mostly among adolescents; the most common type of intervention was the use of nutrition education. Insufficient evidence and high heterogeneity of studies reflect the need for more high-quality interventions using globally identified standards but applied contextually. School-age children appear to be an under-served population in West-Africa with regards to nutrition interventions to promote vegetable consumption.

There is a need for multi-component intervention studies that encourage vegetable consumption as a food group. Gardening, parental involvement, gamification and goal setting are promising components that could improve availability, accessibility and consumption of vegetables.

An assessment of systemic inflammation and nutritional status may form the basis of a framework to examine the prognostic value of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. The objective of the study was to examine the prognostic value of GLIM criteria, including body mass index (BMI), weight loss (WL) and systemic inflammation (mGPS), in advanced cancer patients. Three criteria were examined in a combined cohort of patients with advanced cancer and their relationship with survival was examined using Cox regression methods. Data were available on 1303 patients. Considering BMI and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 74% (BMI>28 kg/m2) to 61% (BMI <20 kg/m2) and from 84% (mGPS 0) to 60% (mGPS 2). Considering WL and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 81% (WL ±2.4%) to 47% (WL≥15%) and from 93% (mGPS 0) to 60% (mGPS 2). Considering BMI/WL grade and mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 86% (BMI/WL grade 0) to 59% (BMI/WL grade 4) and from 93% (mGPS 0) to 63% (mGPS 2). When these criteria were combined, they better predicted survival. On multivariate survival analysis, the most highly predictive factors were BMI/WL grade 3 (HR 1.454, P=0.004), BMI/WL grade 4 (HR 2.285, P<0.001) and mGPS 1 and 2 (HR 1.889, HR 2.545, all P < 0.001). In summary, a high BMI/WL grade and a high mGPS as outlined in the BMI/WL grade/mGPS framework were consistently associated with poorer survival of patients with advanced cancer. It can be readily incorporated into the routine assessment of patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic inflammation in joints. Obesity, stress, being women, and dietary pattern are important in pathogenesis. The joint damage in RA is accelerated by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to examine the serum total antioxidant level, nutritional status, and Mediterranean diet adherence of adult women with RA. 35 adult women RA patients and 35 healthy control subjects participated in this study (45.4 ± 11.61 and 42.5 ± 8.50 years, respectively). Nutritional status, physical activity levels, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were questioned. Physicians assessed the disease activity score of patients with RA. Serum total antioxidant (TAS) and oxidant status (TOS) were analysed. The serum TAS of the control group was higher, whereas the oxidative stress index (OSI) and TOS were lower than that of RA group. Dietary protein, fiber, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), retinol, iron, zinc, and total antioxidant intake in the RA group were lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Individuals with higher fiber intake showed a significantly lower risk for RA after adjusted for potential confounding factors (OR = 0.845, 95% CI = 0.773-0.923, p < 0.001). The mean physical activity level of the control group was higher than that of the RA group (1.59 ± 0.10 and 1.53 ± 0.13, respectively) (p = 0.01). In conclusion, serum antioxidant parameters and dietary antioxidant intake are decreased in patients with RA. Therefore, medical treatment for these patients should be supplemented with medical nutrition therapy to achieve optimal nutritional status.

Emerging evidence has shown a strong correlation between serum triacylglycerol (TAG) levels, the inflammatory response, and Parkinson’s disease (PD) onset. However, the causal relationship between TAG levels and PD has not been well-established. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum TAG levels and risk of PD and explore the potential mediating role of circulating immune cells and inflammatory proteins. We utilised genotype data from the GeneRISK cohort, and summary data from genome wide association studies investigating PD, circulating immune cells, inflammatory proteins, and plasma lipidomes. Using Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariate MR (MVMR) analysis, we further adjusted for phosphatidylcholine (17:0_18:1) and triacylglycerol (58:7). Our results suggested a robust causal link between higher serum TAG (51:4) levels and a decreased risk of PD, with one standard deviation genetically instrumented higher serum TAG (51:4) level leading to a 21 percent [95% CI, 0.66 – 0.96] reduction in the risk of PD (p = 0.015). Additionally, the results of the mediation analysis suggested a possible role for mediation through circulating immune cells (including IgD-CD38-B cells and resting CD4 regulatory T cells), but not circulating inflammatory proteins, in the causal relationship between the plasma lipidomes and PD. Our study confirms a causal relationship between higher serum TAG (51:4) levels and a lower risk of PD and clarifies a possible role for mediation through circulating immune cells, but not inflammatory proteins. These findings indicate that serum triacylglycerol (51:4) regulates immunity to effectively lower the risk of PD.

This study aimed to explore the combined association between the dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) and leisure-time physical activity on sleep patterns in cancer survivors. Data of cancer survivors were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) database in 2007-2014 in this cross-sectional study. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of DAQS and leisure-time physical activity on sleep patterns. The combined association was also assessed in subgroups of participants based on age, and use of painkillers and antidepressants. Among the eligible participants, 1,133 had unhealthy sleep patterns. After adjusting for covariates, compared to low DAQS level combined with leisure-time physical activity level <600 MET·min/week, high DAQS level combined with leisure-time physical activity ≥600 MET·min/week was associated with lower odds of unhealthy sleep patterns (OR=0.41, 95%CI: 0.23-0.72). Additionally, the association of high DAQS level combined with high leisure-time physical activity with low odds of unhealthy sleep patterns was also significant in <65 years old (OR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.13-0.70), non-painkiller (OR=0.39, 95%CI: 0.22-0.71), non-antidepressant (OR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.26-0.91) and antidepressant (OR=0.11, 95%CI: 0.02-0.50) subgroups. DAQS and leisure-time physical activity had a combined association on sleep patterns in cancer survivors. However, the causal associations of dietary nutrient intake and physical activity with sleep patterns in cancer survivors needs further clarification.