Search Results (4,794)

Background: Studies outside Japan have linked sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake with weight gain; however, evidence in Japanese adults is scarce, and no study has examined beverage-derived energy in relation to anthropometric indices and handgrip strength. Methods: The participants were employees of Fujita Health University aged 20–39 years (n = 76; male n = 35, average age: 29.97 ± 4.67 years; female n = 41, average age: 27.29 ± 4.53 years). Energy from beverage intake was assessed via the Brief Beverage Intake Questionnaire-15, and energy from alcoholic drinks, milk, SSBs, and total beverages was calculated. The associations of energy from different beverages with nutrient intake, BMI, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and handgrip strength were analyzed via ordinary least squares (OLS) regression; quantile regression (QR) and the generalized additive model (GAM) were used for sensitivity analyses. Results: Increased SSB intake was associated with increased BMI (standardized β = 0.35, 95% CI 0.12–0.58, p(OLS) < 0.001; p(QR) = 0.23; p(GAM) < 0.001) and was nonlinearly associated with increased SMI (standardized β = 0.21, 95% CI 0.043–0.37, p(OLS) = 0.02; p(QR) = 0.11; p(GAM) = 0.02), even after adjustment for total energy intake. Modest milk intake was linked to higher protein intake and a higher SMI without a higher BMI (standardized β = 0.18, 95% CI 0.020–0.35, p(OLS) = 0.03; p(QR) = 0.39; p(GAM) = 0.03). Conclusions: A positive association was found between SSB intake and both BMI and SMI and between MILK intake and SMI. Clarification in larger, diverse Japanese populations will be necessary. Full article

Over 10% of US children and adolescents have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with a similar prevalence among youth athletes. While ADHD may confer certain athletic performance advantages such as heightened quickness, decision-making and periods of hyperfocus, it also poses some challenges including reduced concentration, frustration, and possible increased injury risk. Pharmacologic treatments, including stimulant-based medications, can improve attentiveness and athletic performance but could alter nutritional behaviors such as appetite suppression. This paper reviews the current literature on nutritional strategies to provide practical sports nutrition guidelines for children and adolescent athletes with ADHD. Evidence suggests that optimizing energy intake, emphasizing complex carbohydrates, improving fat quality intake, and consuming adequate amounts of micronutrients may support both athletic performance and ADHD symptom management. In contrast, excessive added sugars and saturated fats are associated with poorer outcomes and manifestation of ADHD symptoms. Although no research examining nutritional interventions in youth athletes with ADHD have been performed, applying established sports nutrition principles for youth athletes with ADHD offers a promising approach to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and support the long-term health of the athlete. Full article

The effects of pelleting a total mixed ration (TMR) for dairy sheep were investigated in an experiment involving 24 lactating Assaf ewes, which were assigned to two groups and fed the same TMR ad libitum, offered either in pelleted (PTMR group, n = 12) or in unpelleted form (CTMR group, n = 12). The experiment lasted 28 days, during which feed intake, eating behavior (including meal frequency and size, meal duration, eating rate, between-meal interval), and milk yield were recorded daily. Body weight (BW) was recorded on days 1 and 28 and milk samples were collected on days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 28 for milk composition analysis. Blood acid-base status was determined at the beginning and at the end of the trial. Ewes fed the CTMR diet exhibited (p < 0.05) a higher meal frequency and longer meal duration, along with a smaller meal size and slower eating rate. However, feed intake in this group was less than that in ewes fed PTMR only during the final two weeks of the experimental period. Total eating time was also longer (p < 0.001) in the CTMR group, whereas the average time between meals was shorter (p < 0.002). No differences (p > 0.05) were observed between dietary treatments in blood acid-base status, milk yield or milk composition. However, a diet x day interaction (p < 0.05) was detected for milk yield, as during the last 2 weeks of the experimental period the ewes fed the PTMR yielded more milk than those fed the CTMR. Feed conversion ratio did not differ between groups (p > 0.05), but body weight loss was greater in ewes fed the CTMR diet (−3.00 vs. −0.58 kg; p < 0.05). A trend toward improved feed efficiency was observed in the PTMR group when calculated based on milk yield corrected for that theoretically derived from the mobilization of body reserves (1.98 vs. 1.41 g DMI/kg milk; p = 0.077), with estimated contributions from body reserves of 485 g/day in the CTMR group and 70 g/day in the PTMR group. In conclusion, the use of pelleted total mixed rations in high-yielding dairy ewes enhances feed intake, feed efficiency, milk yield, and energy balance without adversely affecting milk composition or animal health in the short term. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean hulls with dried grape pomace (DGP) on feed intake, milk production and composition, and rumen N degradability in dairy cows. A 3 × 3 Latin square design was used with three rumen-fistulated Holstein cows, three corn silage-based diets containing 0%, 3%, or 6% of DGP, and three 23-day periods. Measurements were taken from days 15 to 21, with in situ incubations of two protein sources during the last 2 days. At trial end, cows continued on experimental diets to determine the degradability of soybean hulls and DGP. Compared to soybean hulls, DGP presented higher fiber content and lower in situ rumen dry matter and N degradability. Condensed tannin disappearance from DGP increased over time, reaching almost 50% after 48 h. Diet did not affect feed intake, milk production, and composition, except for milk urea N and ruminal total short-chain fatty acids concentration, which showed a quadratic response, suggesting both imbalances between fermentable energy and rumen degradable protein and potential effects of DGP bioactive compounds on rumen function. The N degradation rate of rapeseed meal was unaffected, but soybean meal degradability tended to increase with higher DGP inclusion. This was also detected when combining protein sources across diets. Although DGP influenced rumen function, further research integrating omics and detailed microbiota profiling is needed. Overall, despite its low energy content and rumen degradability, DGP comprises a sustainable feed resource for high-producing animals, supporting circular economy approaches and mitigating the environmental impacts of grape pomace disposal. Full article

This study explored the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis CECT 8145 (B. animalis CECT 8145)—in both live probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic form—on metabolic health and digestion in male and female Labrador Retrievers during weight gain and loss. The study consisted of two, seven-week phases: weight gain (200% maintenance energy intake; Phase (1) and weight loss (100% maintenance energy requirement for ideal weight; Phase (2), separated by a 2-week washout period. In each phase, forty-five adult Labrador Retrievers (1.6–12.5 years) were randomly assigned to daily supplementation with live B. animalis CECT 8145 probiotic (PRO, n = 15), heat-treated B. animalis CECT 8145 postbiotic (POST, n = 15), or placebo control (CON, n = 15). Body weight, body condition score, fecal quality and food consumption were monitored throughout the study, and body composition, fecal, and blood samples were analyzed at the beginning and end of each phase. Digestibility was evaluated at the end of each phase. Post-prandial glucose responses were affected by intervention during weight loss, with a 6% reduction in the area under the curve (AUC) in POST compared to CON dogs (p = 0.035). Glucagon was decreased in females supplemented with POST (p = 0.0014), while POST males showed increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) compared to CON (p = 0.016) during weight gain. Serum GGT levels decreased, within the normal reference range, in POST compared to CON dogs during weight gain (post hoc p = 0.041). Fecal isovalerate was also reduced and fat digestibility increased (p = 0.026) in POST compared to CON (p = 0.018) during weight gain. There was a significant association between the group and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), with a decrease in GIP in POST over time (p = 0.030), and glucagon tended to be decreased in POST compared to CON (p = 0.073). Overall, these findings suggest supplementation with postbiotic B. animalis CECT 8145 may improve certain markers of Labrador retrievers’ metabolic health. Full article

Obesity arises from chronic energy imbalance, where energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Emerging evidence supports a key role of DNA methylation in the regulation of adipose tissue development and metabolism. We have recently discovered a key role of DNA methylation, catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase 1 or 3a (Dnmt1 or 3a), in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation and metabolism. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of adipose progenitor cell Dnmt3b—an enzyme mediating de novo DNA methylation—in energy metabolism and obesity. We generated a genetic model with Dnmt3b knockout in adipocyte progenitor cells (PD3bKO) by crossing Dnmt3b floxed mice with Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) Cre mice. Dnmt3b deletion in adipocyte progenitors enhanced thermogenic gene expression in brown adipose tissue, increased overall energy expenditure, and mitigated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in female mice. PD3bKO mice also displayed a lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER), indicative of a metabolic shift favoring fat utilization as an energy source. Furthermore, female PD3bKO mice exhibited improved insulin sensitivity alongside their lean phenotype. In contrast, male PD3bKO mice showed no changes in body weight but demonstrated decreased insulin sensitivity, revealing a sexually dimorphic metabolic response to Dnmt3b deletion in adipose progenitor cells. These findings underscore the critical role of Dnmt3b in regulating energy homeostasis, body weight, and metabolic health, with significant implications for understanding sex-specific mechanisms of obesity and metabolism. Full article

Background: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have emerged as a critical component of diet quality, yet data on the associations between UPF and nutrient intakes remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate nutrient consumption in relation to UPF intake and adherence to international dietary guidelines for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. Methods: Data from 469 individuals aged 2–18 years enrolled in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) were analyzed. Intakes were assessed using two 24 h recalls, and foods were classified according to the NOVA system. Participants were categorized by UPF energy intake tertiles. Nutrient adequacy was assessed using Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, European Society of Cardiology guidelines for macronutrients, and the Institute of Medicine’s Estimated Average Requirements and Adequate Intake values for micronutrients. Results: Children in the highest UPF tertile had significantly higher intakes of energy, carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and cholesterol, but lower intakes of protein compared to those in the lowest tertile. Fiber intake remained inadequate across all tertiles, with no significant differences. Regarding adherence to NCD prevention guidelines, children in the 3rd UPF tertile had a 2.3 times higher prevalence ratio for exceeding added sugar recommendations, while their protein intake prevalence ratio was 0.8 times lower. For micronutrients, the highest UPF tertile showed significantly elevated intakes of vitamins E, B₁, folate, calcium, iron, copper, and sodium, but lower potassium intake compared to the lowest tertile. Conclusions: Our results underscore the need for effective public health strategies to improve diet quality in children and adolescents and prevent diet-related NCDs. Full article

The operating conditions of engines in motor vehicles used in conditions of high air dustiness resulting from sandy ground and helicopters using temporary landing sites were analyzed. The impact of mineral dust on accelerated abrasive and erosive wear of components and assemblies of piston and turbine engines was presented. Attention was drawn to the formation of dust deposits on turbine engine components. Possibilities for minimizing abrasive wear through the use of two-stage intake air filtration systems in motor vehicle engines were presented. Three forms of protection for helicopter engines against the intake of dust-laden air and for extending their service life are presented: intake barrier filters (IBF), tube separators (VTS), and particulate separators (IPS) called Engine Air Particle Separation (EAPS). It has been shown that pleating the filter bed significantly increases the filtration area. It has been shown that increasing the suction flow from inertial filters increases separation efficiency and flow resistance. IPS are characterized by a compact design, low external resistance, and no need for periodic maintenance, but it has a lower separation efficiency (86–91%) than VTS and IBF systems (up to 99.3–99.9%). The tested “cyclone-partition filter” filtration system achieves a filtration efficiency of 99.9%, reaching the acceptable pressure drop value four times slower than if it were operating without a cyclone. Two-stage filtration systems ensure high friction durability at the lowest possible energy costs. Full article

In the context of promoting strategies to mitigate the global warming effect resulting from greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities, ammonia stands out as an important player in the decarbonization of various sectors, including transportation, energy, and other industries. Ammonia is an effective carrier of hydrogen, having three times the volumetric energy density of hydrogen itself. In this study, the authors present findings obtained from a group of experiments and simulations conducted on a diesel engine operating at a constant speed and under different loads, using a dual-fuel method in which ammonia was injected into the intake manifold to partially replace the original diesel fuel. The results demonstrate that it is possible to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. NO_x dropped by 40.8% and soot by 13.4% under heavy load, while under light load, they dropped by 50.5% and 23.3%, respectively. Full article

A sand-laden vortex is a common phenomenon in marine engineering, particularly in coastal near-bed water intake and pumping facilities, and is widely recognized as an unfavorable factor affecting the safe and efficient operation of hydraulic machinery. The purpose of this study is to explore the energy characteristics of the development process of a sediment-laden vortex in the inlet pool. The research method is to use the V3V (Three-Dimensional Velocity Measurement System) to measure the three-dimensional velocity field of a sand-laden vortex, and analyze the energy characteristics of the evolution process of a sand-laden vortex in combination with energy gradient theory. The results indicate that in the early stage of vortex development, the turbulent kinetic energy of the sand-laden vortex gradually increases with time. After reaching its maximum value, the turbulent kinetic energy of the sediment-laden vortex continues to develop for about 0.4 s, then sharply decreases and completely dissipates within 0.3 s. The axial development speed of the vortex is closely related to the distance from the pump impeller. The energy gradient during the vortex evolution process indicates that the energy around the sand-laden vortex at different stages accumulates and dissipates as the vortex evolves. The research results of this article provide mechanistic insights into the evolution of a sand-laden vortex and offer theoretical support for sediment control and hydraulic optimization in marine and coastal pumping systems. Full article

Determining protein requirements (PRs) for dogs remains a longstanding challenge. During growth, the rapid rate of protein deposition increases the demand for amino acids. In adult dogs, differences in overall diet digestibility and lower energy requirements of domestic dogs have led to discrepancies between the minimum crude protein (CP) value proposed by the National Research Council (NRC; 80 g of CP/kg of diet) and the 180 g of CP/kg of diet proposed by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), although most commercially available adult dog feeds offer protein levels that exceed both recommendations. In elderly dogs, physiological changes such as sarcopenia and reduced energy intake indicate a potential increase in PR, although evidence remains scarce. A similar gap exists for pregnant and lactating bitches, since most recommendations rely on extrapolations from growth studies. Classical PR recommendations were based on body weight gain and nitrogen balance (NB), methods that present important limitations. Due to this, stable isotope methods—including ¹³C-leucine, ¹⁵N-glycine, and ¹³C-phenylalanine—have emerged as precise methodological tools, enabling a detailed and dynamic assessment of whole-body protein metabolism, protein quality, and more accurate determination of PR and recommended allowance across different life stages. Full article

Objective: This study aims to investigate the dietary assessment and trends of preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years in Korea from 2012 to 2021 and to provide basic data for early childhood dietary education and policy development. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2012 to 2021 were analyzed for 2510 children in the 3–5 age group. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h recall. Intakes of food groups, dishes, and nutrients were calculated, and trends across years were tested using generalized linear models adjusted for gender, age, household income, energy intake, mother’s age, and mother’s education. Results: Over the tenyear period, intakes of carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, carotene, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C, as well as the carbohydrate energy ratio, showed significant declines. Meanwhile, protein, fat, retinol, and riboflavin increased, as did the protein and fat energy ratios. Fruit intake decreased by approximately 42 g among food group intakes. Analysis of foods contributing to total food intake revealed that milk, white rice, apples, and eggs consistently accounted for a high proportion of total intake in all survey years. Average calcium intake was approximately 100 mg below the estimated average requirement. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that preschoolers exhibit insufficient intake of certain nutrients, such as calcium, and a decrease in fruit intake. Interventions are needed to establish regular meal patterns, promote plant food intake such as fruit, and improve calcium intake. These results provide valuable evidence for designing dietary education programs and dietary guidelines tailored to early childhood. Full article

Antiretroviral drugs are associated with increased body weight and metabolic disorders. Fat gain and insulin resistance are commonly associated with abdominal obesity in people with HIV (PWH). There is currently an open ongoing discussion about how antiretroviral therapy affects body weight and its significance in hunger–satiety circuit alteration. Until now, the impact of the drug on this circuit has not been explored. This study aimed to assess the hormones involved in appetite and satiety regulation in the serum and hypothalamus after efavirenz (EFV) administration in mice. EFV (10 mg/kg) and distilled water (1.5 μL/kg) (control group) were orally administered for 36 days to CD1 mice. Body weight and food intake were determined throughout treatment. At the end of the treatment, the metabolic profile (glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol) was assessed, and leptin, soluble receptor of leptin (sOB-R), and ghrelin were measured in serum; moreover, we evaluated the expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), neuropeptide Y receptor 1 (NPYR1), and leptin in the hypothalamus, and a sucrose preference test (SPT) was conducted. Outcomes showed an increase in serum ghrelin and the expression of GHS-R1a and NPYR1 receptors in the hypothalamus, coinciding with an increase in appetite and preference for sucrose in mice in the EFV group. Furthermore, serum leptin, sOB-R, and the free leptin index (FLI) showed that hunger is not related to a lack of satiety. Despite increased food intake, a reduction in body weight was observed, and triglyceride and cholesterol levels were increased. According to our findings, mice treated with EFV showed a decrease in body weight, despite increased food intake resulting from appetite stimulation, which is caused by specific compounds, hormones, and neural signals acting on the brain’s hunger centres, primarily in the hypothalamus, promoting eating behaviours. However, further studies are necessary to investigate the mechanisms of EFV’s effects on energy expenditure. Full article

The study evaluates the effects of different types of popular exercises on muscle mass reduction during diet-induced body mass loss in overweight and obese women. Participants were randomly allocated to three exercises (Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), Pilates, Yoga) combined with nutritional guidance and one nutritional guidance-only group (control). All exercise protocols specified a 2 × 50 min (Pilates, Yoga) or 2 × 20 min (WB-EMS) training, respectively. Weekly applied nutritional guidance focused on −500 kcal/d of energy restriction but increased protein intake. A total 221 overweight/obese women 19–65 years old and largely compliant with the exercise and nutritional guidance protocol were included. We observed significant decreases in body mass in all groups (−3.9 to 6.0 kg, all p < 0.001), with the most pronounced reduction in the nutritional guidance-only group. Apart from WB-EMS (−166 ± 799 g, p = 0.14), all the other groups significantly lost muscle mass (Pilates −343 ± 774 g, p = 0.003; Yoga: −507 ± 801 g, p < 0.001), however, compared to control (−1113 ± 881 g, p < 0.001), all the groups showed significantly more favorable results. WB-EMS, Pilates, and Yoga were associated with a reduced loss of muscle mass during diet-induced weight loss, indicating their potential role as adjunctive interventions in overweight and obese individuals. Full article

During gastrointestinal digestion, dietary proteins are hydrolyzed into peptides and free amino acids that modulate enteroendocrine function and satiety-related hormone secretion along the gut–brain axis, thereby contributing to obesity prevention. We investigated whey protein concentrate (WPC) as a source of bioactive peptides and evaluated the effects of its digests on cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion in STC-1 enteroendocrine cells by integrating the standardized INFOGEST in vitro digestion protocol, peptidomics (LC–MS/MS), and in silico bioactivity prediction. In STC-1 cells, the <3 kDa intestinal peptide fraction exhibited the strongest CCK stimulation, positioning these low-molecular-weight peptides as promising bioactive components for satiety modulation and metabolic health applications. Peptidomic analysis of this fraction identified short sequences derived primarily from β-lactoglobulin (β-La) and α-lactalbumin (α-La), enriched in hydrophobic and aromatic residues, including neuropeptide-like sequences containing the Glu–Asn–Ser–Ala–Glu–Pro–Glu (ENSAEPE) motif of β-La f(108–114). In silico bioactivity profiling with MultiPep predicted antihypertensive, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)–inhibitory, antidiabetic, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV)–inhibitory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and neuropeptide-like activities. Overall, digestion of WPC released low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids that enhanced CCK secretion in vitro; these findings support their potential use in nutritional strategies to enhance satiety, modulate appetite and energy intake, and improving cardiometabolic health. Full article