Nutrition and health最新文献

BackgroundAlthough caffeine is the most studied ergogenic aid, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of caffeine supplementation among women in different phases of the menstrual cycle (MC).AimTo verify the effect of caffeine supplementation and the MC phase on the performance of a 5 km cycling time trial of female exercise practitioners (FEP).MethodsThis was a parallel, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a sample of women aged 18-35 years, all with regular MC. The caffeine (CAFG) and placebo (PLAG) groups performed the exercise test during the late follicular phase and mid-luteal phase. These time points were individually assessed according to each woman's MC. On the test day, they were instructed to intake a standardized meal. Subsequently, 30 min following the meal, volunteers consumed caffeine (6 mg·kg^-1) or placebo. One hour following caffeine intake, the exercise protocol started. The participants were instructed to perform an all-out 5-km cycling time trial.ResultsTwenty-one women with a mean age of 26.6 years (PLAG, n = 10; 26.7 y; CAFG, n = 11; 26.5 y) were evaluated. The mean test duration was approximately 10-min, with no effect of the MC phase (F = 0.410; p = 0.532), caffeine supplementation (F = 2.23; p = 0.156), or interaction (F = 0.298; p = 0.593). Likewise, we did not verify the effect of the MC phase (F = 0.249; p = 0.625), caffeine supplementation (F = 2.35; p = 0.146), or interaction (F = 0.585; p = 0.456) on the mean power.ConclusionNeither caffeine supplementation nor the different MC phases had an impact on the 5-km cycling TT performance of FEP.

Background: Folic acid (FA) supplementation is widely regarded as a key nutritional intervention during pregnancy due to its protective effect against neural tube defects. Recent research has reported FA supplementation outcomes on offspring's health, with increased incidences of allergy/respiratory problems. Aim: This study evaluates if increased levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) are associated with DNA modification, leading to disruption of cell proliferation in fetal lung cells and increasing susceptibility to asthma. Methods: Two fetal lung cells, MRC5 and IMR90, were treated with nine concentrations of 5-MTHF for six time points. Cell viability was evaluated using Trypan Blue staining. Flow cytometry analysis to quantify DNA content in cells was done with a propidium iodide stain. Followed by 1.6 mM glutathione treatment to alleviate the oxidative stress caused by 5-MTHF. A quantitative test for DNA damage was executed using neutral and alkaline comet assay. Gene expression study for five genes namely MTR, MTHFD1, XRCC1, Pol β, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was evaluated using a 2-step quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Fetal lung cell survival rate remained unaffected with 5-MTHF concentration below 1.25 µM. Beyond this concentration, cell viability is reduced with an increase in concentration. Cell cycle analysis revealed cell arrest in the G₁ phase. The antioxidant activity of glutathione led the cells to bypass this arrest. Precisely, 10 and 50 µM 5-MTHF concentrations led to double-strand DNA breaks and single-strand DNA breaks. Gene expression study revealed lower expression of the MTR gene and higher expression of MTHFD1, EGFR, XRCC1, and DNA Pol β gene with an increase in 5-MTHF concentration. Conclusion: 5-MTHF concentration higher than 1.25 µM led to DNA damage in MRC5 and IMR90 human fetal lung cells.

Study purposeThis paper aims to explore the effectiveness of ChatGPT in facilitating learning for medical students with special educational needs (SEN) while acknowledging and addressing the challenges that SEN students may encounter in utilizing this technology.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey study assessed ChatGPT's efficacy in supporting medical students with SEN across three Saudi Arabian universities. Utilizing purposive and convenience sampling, a questionnaire was administered to 283 SEN students. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and ANOVA, were conducted to evaluate perceptions of ChatGPT's effectiveness, considering demographic factors and impairment types.ResultsNotable differences were observed in perceptions of ChatGPT's effectiveness by impairment type and education level. Statistically significant differences were observed among the participants with different types of impairments in relation to flexibility in communication (p = .01), scaffolding and guided practice (p = .0435), immediate feedback and reinforcement (p = .0334), visual and audio support (p = .0244), and simplified learning (p = .002) factors. For instance, individuals with communication and interaction impairments rated ChatGPT's support significantly higher for simplified learning (M = 4.39, p = .002) and visual/audio support (M = 4.08, p = .024) compared to other impairments. Education level significantly influenced perceptions across all support factors (p < .05), with diploma holders consistently rating ChatGPT more favorably.ConclusionAlthough by providing personalized, simplified, and scaffolded learning experiences, along with social and emotional support, ChatGPT demonstrates promising potential in enhancing learning of SEN students; it does not prove to be effective across all types of impairments.

BackgroundGastritis, caused by Helicobacter pylori, is a major health concern affecting nearly half of the global population and is linked to severe gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric cancer. Despite available treatments, increasing antibiotic resistance raises the risk of treatment failure, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. Probiotics and antioxidants, such as lycopene, have shown promise in managing H. pylori-related gastric diseases.AimThis study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to evaluate the potential of lycopene, enhanced through lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation of plant-based sources, in treating H. pylori-induced gastritis.MethodologyUsing the PRISMA method, articles from Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed (2018-2025) were reviewed. Out of 279 papers analyzed, 30 met the inclusion criteria, focusing on lycopene production via LAB fermentation and its efficacy against H. pylori.ResultsFindings indicate that LAB fermentation enhances lycopene's bioavailability and stability, while certain LAB strains exhibit inhibitory effects on H. pylori growth. Lycopene demonstrates anti-carcinogenic properties, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in gastric cells without harming normal epithelial cells. However, its effectiveness varies depending on fermentation conditions and bacterial strains.ConclusionThis study underscores the potential of combining probiotics and lycopene as an adjunct therapy for H. pylori infections, particularly amid antibiotic resistance. Future research should optimize fermentation processes, identify the most effective LAB strains, and conduct clinical trials to validate fermented lycopene's therapeutic potential. This approach could offer a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments.

Background: Recently, there has been an increase in the number of respiratory therapy programs. However, a national consensus is lacking in intended learning objectives, appropriate teaching methods, and suitable assessment tools. Consequently, variations in outcomes among these programs are expected. Aim: To evaluate the performance of respiratory therapy programs in the Saudi Respiratory Care Licensure Examination (SRCLE). Methods: The SRCLE data were retrieved from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) database as of 18 March 2024. The datasets included the number of applicants, overall passing rates, maximum scores, and average scores. Data were categorized based on academic institution, including the type of university (governmental or private), nationality, gender, passing status, number of exam attempts, and year of examinations. Performance comparisons were conducted based on gender and year of examinations. Results: The database from the SCFHS shows that 1305 examinees underwent the SRCLEs from the second quarter of 2021 to the first quarter of 2024. Females accounted for 46% of the total, while Saudi examinees made up 97% of all applicants. The overall passing rate stood at 96%. The average score was 613, with the highest score recorded being 740. Notably, there was no significant difference in performance between males and females (p = 0.299). However, there was a considerable variance in performance based on the year of examination (p = 0.024). Conclusion: The existing data demonstrates that most respiratory therapy programs perform well in SRCLE. We found no significant differences based on gender or the type of school attended. Additionally, the performance of these programs has remained consistent over the years.

BackgroundNutrition assessment is the first step of the nutrition care process (NCP), which includes investigating physical status and malnutrition signs. With the widespread digitalization of healthcare in Indonesia, including telehealth in dietetic practice (telenutrition), evidence is required to address the barriers and improve the current practice of conducting remote physical assessments.AimThis study aimed to explore the adaptation of nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE) using telenutrition in Indonesia.MethodsThis qualitative study recruited Indonesian registered dietitians (RD) with experience in performing NCP using video conferences, phone calls, or other remote/online platforms. The search for participants was conducted until the information was considered sufficient. Data were collected using semistructured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsEleven RDs were interviewed via video conference. Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) feasibility and practicality, (2) barriers, and (3) adaptations and pre-requisites of remote physical assessment. Remote physical assessment was considered not practical by the majority. Barriers were categorized into technological challenges, lack of NFPE training and practice, and challenges in involving patients. Pre-appointment preparations, guiding the patients through video calls, or asking patients to send images of their bodies are adaptations needed for remote physical assessment.ConclusionChallenges in remote physical assessment could be minimized by establishing protocols to deliver standardized care and ensure session efficiency. Additionally, strengthening the implementation and training of NFPE for dietitians in Indonesia is of paramount importance.

Background: Postural tachycardia has been observed as a sign of malnutrition in eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa. However, there is limited information regarding other contributors to postural tachycardia in this population. Aim: This study aimed to determine the following among patients admitted to the Eating Disorders Unit (EDU) at a metropolitan tertiary hospital in Victoria, Australia: (a) the prevalence of postural tachycardia among eating disorder inpatients, and (b) the associated demographic and clinical features. Methods: Retrospective review of patient files was undertaken for inpatients aged 18-65 years with an eating disorder who resided within the Body Image & Eating Disorders Treatment & Recovery Service catchment area and were admitted to EDU between January 01, 2021 and October 30, 2023. Logistics regression was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among 177 admissions, 48 patients had postural tachycardia and this was at least partially attributed to malnutrition in 42 patients. Antipsychotics were significantly positively associated, and for every increase in one antipsychotic medication, there was an 89% increase in postural tachycardia diagnosis likelihood (B = 0.637) (Exp('B')) = 1.890). Higher admission body mass index/weight, emergency medical reviews, ≥ 10 prior psychiatric admissions, and 1-3 prior medical admissions showed significant positive associations. Conclusions: Postural tachycardia is a multifactorial issue which contributes to medical instability and is associated with antipsychotic medications and a history of multiple medical and psychiatric admissions.

Background: While the low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet, low FODMAP diet (LFD) has demonstrated effectiveness in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, little is known about sex-specific responses to this dietary intervention. Aim: This study evaluates the role of sex differences in symptom improvement following a dietitian-led, group education session on the LFD for IBS patients. Methods: A total of 305 patients, including 249 with a diagnosis of IBS and 56 classified as having suspected IBS, were enrolled in this study (79.7% female). Patients attended two group education sessions on the LFD. Primary outcomes were measured using the IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) and the Global Symptom Question (GSQ). Secondary outcomes included stool frequency, stool consistency and individual symptoms assessed by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Statistical analyses were performed to compare baseline and follow-up data within and between sexes. Results: Both male and female patients experienced significant reductions in IBS-SSS scores and improvements in GSQ satisfactory relief, stool frequency, stool consistency and individual gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms following the LFD (p < 0.05). There were no significant between-sex differences in the extent of symptom relief (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study found no significant sex-based differences in symptom reduction or GI relief following the intervention. These findings suggest that, despite differing symptom profiles and IBS prevalence, both male and female patients achieve similar relief with the LFD group education.

Background: Glutamine is an amino acid with trophic activity in the small intestine. The small intestine derives exogenous glutamine from foods and endogenous glutamine from arterial blood. Glutamine is vital for the rapidly proliferating enterocytes lining the intestinal mucosa and promotes the expression of proteins in the tight junctions, strengthening the barrier function and reducing gut permeability. With excessive physical activity, malnutrition, acute and chronic illnesses, sarcopenia or prolonged fasting, plasma levels drop. When glutamine is depleted, the small intestine atrophies causing increased gut permeability and bacterial dislocation. The use of intravenous glutamine is well established in critical medicine, by increasing depressed glutamine plasma levels intestinal atrophy is averted. Therefore, glutamine is classified as a conditionally essential amino acid. Aim: To calculate the amounts of glutamine derived from both food and endogenous processes and to establish a suitable dosage for oral supplementation. Methods: The contribution of dietary amino acids and endogenous glutamine was assessed and compared. The pharmacokinetics of glutamine supplementation was reviewed. Results: Approximately 88% of the glutamine metabolised daily is endogenously produced. Almost half of this comes from muscle protein breakdown. Studies with supplemental free-form glutamine for treating intestinal permeability, at doses based on dietary intake, have not yielded positive results, whereas doses of 30 g glutamine, similar to daily amount metabolised by the enterocytes yielded positive results. Discussion: Clinical doses of free-form glutamine for intestinal disorders should be akin to the daily amount of glutamine metabolised by the small intestine rather than the daily dietary intake.