Search Results (372)

Background/Objectives: In 2017, the Canadian Government updated labeling requirements for prepackaged products to include potassium as a mandatory nutrient. Higher potassium intakes are beneficial in the general population, but for those with hyperkalemia, a lower potassium intake is recommended. Methods: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) collects food products and analyzes them to determine their potassium content. The authors requested data collected by the CFIA between January 2005 and November 2023 through an Access to Information request (A-2023-00410). Paired-sample two-sided t-tests were used to compare the difference between the labeled and analyzed potassium contents. Cohen’s Kappa was also used to assess agreement between values. Results: Data were available for 406 food items, with 376 having a labeled and analyzed potassium value. The number of samples within each product type was not equally spread; 60% of samples (243/405) were considered dairy analogs—comprising either plant-based milk or cheese products. The mean difference between analyzed and labeled potassium content was statistically significant at 15 mg per serving (SD, 68 mg; 95% CI, 8–22 mg; p < 0.001). Cohen’s Kappa suggested moderate agreement between labeled and analyzed values (κ = 0.376; 95% CI, 0.305–0.447; p < 0.001). A total of 271 (69.7%) products exceeded a ±10% difference, with 90 (23.9%) over-reporting potassium and 181 (48.1%) under-reporting potassium. Conclusions: The total number of products that were compliance-tested for potassium in Canada was relatively low and skewed disproportionately toward plant-based dairy analogs. Most products had labeled potassium values that differed from the lab-analyzed values, with a greater tendency to under-report vs. over-report potassium content. This suggests that at least some labels may not be accurate enough to correctly identify high-potassium foods for those who are following a low-potassium diet. Full article

As a key device for precise feeding in aquaculture, feeders directly affect feed utilization efficiency and farming profitability; however, pneumatic pond feeders commonly exhibit poor spreading uniformity and low feed utilization. In this study, a dual-sided air intake structure incorporating a triangular flow-splitter plate was added inside the feed chamber, and the spreading process was simulated using a coupled computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method approach to analyze the motion mechanisms of feed pellets within the feeding device. A rotatable orthogonal composite experimental design was employed for the multiparameter collaborative optimization of the feed chamber height ($h$), the triangular flow-splitter plate width ($d$), and its inlet angle ($\alpha$). The results demonstrated that the triangular flow-splitter plate renders the velocity field within the device chamber more uniform and reduces the coefficient of variation ($CV$) of circumferential pellet distribution to 18.27%, a 22.19% decrease relative to the unmodified design. Experimental validation using the optimal parameter combination confirmed a mean $CV$ of 17.02%, representing a 24.45% reduction compared with the original structure. This study provides a theoretical foundation and reliable technical solution for precise feeding equipment in aquaculture. Full article

This study integrates the health impacts of environmental burdens and dietary intake using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to inform a healthier, more sustainable Japanese diet. Climate change, air pollution, ozone depletion, photochemical oxidants, and water consumption were quantified with Life cycle Impact assessment Method based on Endpoint modeling (LIME), while eleven dietary risks were converted to DALYs using dietary risk factors. Recipes collected online on a per-serving basis were classified into staple, main, side, and soup dishes and stratified into quartiles based on a nutrient profiling system (NPS) tailored to Japanese well-consumed dishes—the Ajinomoto Group NPS (ANPS) for dishes. ANPS—a culturally adapted NPS emphasizing protein, vegetables, sodium, and saturated fatty acids—was regressed against total DALYs to test whether higher ANPS scores correspond to lower combined health impacts of environment and diet. The analysis identified dish groups and high-scoring quartiles that minimized environmental and nutrition-related DALYs, revealing practical dish combinations that balance reduced sodium and red meat with increased vegetables, seafood, and nuts. These findings demonstrate the utility of coupling nutrient profiling with life cycle assessment (LCA) and provide a scientific basis for dietary guidelines that jointly advance human and planetary health within the emerging nutritional LCA framework. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Cystinuria is the most common genetic cause of pediatric nephrolithiasis, characterized by impaired renal cystine reabsorption and resulting in increased urinary cystine excretion. Due to the poor solubility of cystine at normal urine pH, increased urinary cystine excretion leads to urine supersaturation and precipitation of cystine, resulting in nephrolithiasis. Case Presentation: Here, we report two cases of female patients diagnosed with cystinuria caused by SLC7A9 mutations. Both patients were initially managed with conservative treatments to minimize stone recurrence including increased oral fluid intake, a low-salt/low-protein diet, and potassium citrate supplementation with the goal of reducing urinary cystine levels and minimizing stone recurrences. Due to persistent stone formation, the patients were started on two distinct cystine-binding thiol medications. One patient was initiated on tiopronin, and the other on D-penicillamine. Tiopronin and D-penicillamine are both used in the treatment of pediatric cystinuria, although tiopronin is often preferred due to its more favorable side effect profile. However, due to insurance constraints, D-penicillamine was initiated for one patient in place of tiopronin. Since the initiation of these two distinct cystine-binding thiol medications, both patients have demonstrated reduced urinary cystine excretion and minimal to no recurrence of kidney stones. Conclusions: Cystine-binding thiols, including tiopronin and D-penicillamine, can both be used in the management of cystinuria in pediatric patients. Full article

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women. It is a significant health and social issue affecting 2.3 million women worldwide. Breast cancer is caused by various factors, including gender, age, race, genetics, hormonal balance, obesity, alcohol and many others. A crucial issue related to breast cancer is the impact of diet on the development of the disease. Dietary fats play a key role. Saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids increase the risk of breast cancer, while polyunsaturated fatty acids have a protective effect. A high-protein diet reduces the risk of breast cancer and improves prognosis among patients. The role of carbohydrates remains unclear, but women may benefit from reducing their intake of high glycemic index foods. Among the macronutrients influencing the development and progression of breast cancer are calcium and magnesium. Adopting a Mediterranean diet may offer benefits. Among the factors influencing the development of breast cancer, the gastrointestinal microbiota is also noteworthy. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, support treatment, reduce side effects and improve patients’ quality of life. Chronic stress also contributes to the development of breast cancer by affecting the nervous, hormonal and immune systems, disrupting the body’s homeostasis. Full article

Background: Due to the new COVID-19 vaccine types used in the COVID-19 vaccination program, significant levels of uncertainty and vaccine hesitancy arose due to fears about anaphylactic reactions, especially in patients with allergies. This study aimed to analyze how patients with significant allergies receiving specific immunotherapy (SIT) reacted to COVID-19 vaccines in real life. Methods: We assessed 57 patient charts of individuals with allergies receiving SIT for documented allergies, for their comorbidities, total IgE and tryptase levels, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. Questionnaires regarding COVID-19 vaccination status and reported adverse reactions were analyzed. Results: Patients were more frequently male (58%) and had a mean age of 43 years, and the majority (60%) had already experienced an anaphylactic reaction in the past, most commonly to the allergen of the current SIT. In total, 93% received COVID-19 vaccinations. More than half of the patients (57%) reported at least one adverse reaction after COVID-19 vaccination. Out of these patients, 97% reacted in an unspecific way, with symptoms of general illness. One potential allergic reaction, classified as a grade 1 anaphylactic reaction, was documented. The patient with the potential allergic reaction was significantly more concerned before receiving the vaccination and had experienced possible allergic reactions to other vaccinations in the past. The remaining patients with unspecific reactions after vaccination had also experienced such adverse reactions in the past to other vaccinations. Antihistamine premedication was associated with fewer unspecific reactions after COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: Vaccinations in patients with significant allergies and prior anaphylactic reactions are, overall, safe. Prior allergic reactions after other vaccinations could be a potential risk for reaction after COVID-19 vaccinations, whereas antihistamine intake could be beneficial in reducing side effects after COVID-19 vaccinations in patients with allergies. Prospective studies on this topic are needed. Full article

This study aimed to identify the optimal outdoor air (OA) intake temperature range for the application of a dry-bulb temperature-based air-side economizer in data centers. To this end, a series of parametric simulations was conducted using EnergyPlus (version 24.1.0) and a previously validated small-to-medium-scale data center model situated in Daejeon, South Korea (ASHRAE Climate Zone 4A). A parametric analysis was performed by varying the maximum allowable OA intake dry-bulb temperature from 10 to 18 °C in 2 °C increments. The simulation results indicated that OA intake was limited during the summer due to high humidity levels, whereas it was more viable during the winter and interseason period. However, when the maximum OA intake dry-bulb temperature exceeded 14 °C, the increase in latent heat load caused humidity increased overall energy consumption. To expand the applicable range for air-side economizer operation, the cooling system capacity was adjusted. The scenario with a 14 °C OA threshold demonstrated the most favorable balance between energy efficiency and compliance with operating environmental criteria. The findings of this study provide a technical basis for establishing OA intake guidelines in dry-bulb temperature-based economizer control. However, further field-based validation is required to verify the effectiveness of these simulation results under real-world operating conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic cervical myofascial pain syndrome (CMPS) is often diagnosed in the current population by doctors of various specialties. One method of treating spinal pathology is mesotherapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of collagen mesotherapy, as well as to assess the frequency of pain medication after mesotherapy in chronic CMPS. Methods: Patients were diagnosed and treated by an orthopedist in three different offices between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2024. The patients were diagnosed with chronic CMPS. Patients were qualified for cervical spine mesotherapy, which was performed weekly, in five repetitions. Retrospectively, based on medical records and in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria, two groups were created: group I (n = 65) with injectable type I collagen and group II (n = 65) with 1% lignocaine. Patients were evaluated using the VAS and Laitinen scale before the start of therapy, 1 week after the end of therapy, and at 3-month follow-up. In addition, the frequency of taking analgesic medications after mesotherapy was assessed. Results: After mesotherapy of the cervical spine with both injectable collagen type I and lignocaine 1%, statistically significant improvements were observed in terms of a decrease in pain on the scales used (p < 0.001), as well as a decrease in analgesic medication intake (p < 0.001). Collagen treatment yielded better results after 3 months of follow-up. No mesotherapy-related side effects were observed during the treatment or follow-up periods. Conclusions: Cervical spine mesotherapy using injectable type I collagen and lignocaine 1% is an effective and safe method for chronic CMPS. At a 3-month follow-up, injectable type I collagen appears to be more effective. After mesotherapy and at the 3-month follow-up, both groups reported less pain medication intake compared to before the intervention. Full article

Taking a composite goaf in goaf-side entry retaining as our research focus, a kilogram-level spontaneous combustion experiment was carried out, and limit parameters for coal spontaneous combustion characteristics were assessed. Combined with the key parameters of the site, a numerical model of a multi-area composite goaf was constructed, and the distribution features of the dangerous area for coal spontaneous combustion in the lower layer of in goaf-side entry retaining were determined by means of the upper and lower layer composite superposition division method. The results show that at a floating coal thickness in the goaf of 1.9 m, the lower limit of oxygen concentration C_min, upper limit of air leakage intensity, and corresponding seepage velocity are 6%, 0.282 cm⁻³·s⁻¹·cm⁻², and 11.28 × 10⁻³ m/s respectively. The dangerous area regarding residual coal on the intake side is 23~38 m away from the working face, while that on the return air side is concentrated amid the goaf at 23~75 m, and that on the flexible formwork wall is concentrated at 0~121 m. The research results are of crucial practical importance for the prevention and control of coal spontaneous combustion within a composite goaf. Full article

In response to the dual challenges of the mechanical behavior of steel sheet pile cofferdam and sediment control in urban water intake projects, a multi-method integrated study was conducted based on the Nenjiang Project. The results show that the peak stress of FSP-IV steel sheet piles (64.3 MPa) is located at a depth of 5.5–8.0 m in the center of the foundation pit, and that the maximum horizontal displacement (6.96 mm) occurs at the middle of the side span of the F pile. The internal support stress increases with depth, reaching 87.2 MPa at the bottom, with significant stress concentration at the connection of the surrounding girder. The lack of support or excessively large spacing leads to insufficient stiffness at the side span (5.3 mm displacement at the F point) and right-angle area (B/H point). The simultaneously developed sediment control integrated system, through double-line water intake, layered placement of the geotextile filter, and the collaborative construction of the water intake hole–filter layer system, achieves a 75% reduction in sediment content and a decrease in standard deviation. This approach ensures stable water quality and continuous water supply, ultimately forming a systematic solution for water intake in high-sediment rivers. Full article

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are a cornerstone in asthma management, particularly during exacerbations, when high doses are often prescribed. However, patient concerns about potential side effects such as increased appetite, weight gain, and metabolic disturbances may reduce adherence, compromising treatment outcomes. While oral corticosteroids (OCSs) are well known to induce such effects, the metabolic impact of short-term high-dose ICSs remains poorly studied. Objective: This prospective pilot study aimed to assess whether a 14-day course of high-dose ICSs in adults with stable asthma induces changes in appetite, dietary intake, leptin levels, or body weight. Methods: Thirty-five adults (19 males, 16 females; mean age 48.7 ± 15.1 years) with stable mild asthma received ≥400 µg/day extrafine beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol via pressurized metered-dose inhaler for 14 days. Participants underwent assessments at baseline and after 14 days, including body weight, BMI, fasting serum leptin levels, dietary intake (evaluated using 24 h dietary recalls), and appetite (measured via a visual analogue scale). Results: No significant changes were observed in body weight (mean change: −0.38 kg; 95% CI: −0.81 to 0.05; p = 0.083) or BMI (p = 0.912) following high-dose ICS use. Similarly, serum leptin levels (mean change: 0.13 ng/mL; 95% CI: −3.47 to 3.72; p = 0.945), subjective appetite scores (mean change: −4.93 mm; 95% CI: −13.64 to 3.79; p = 0.267), and dietary energy intake (mean change: +255 kJ/day; 95% CI: −380 to 891; p = 0.431) did not differ significantly post-intervention. Conclusions: Short-term high-dose ICS therapy in adults with mild asthma may not significantly affect appetite, dietary intake, leptin levels, or body weight. These findings support the metabolic safety of short-term high-dose ICSs and may help alleviate patient concerns, improving adherence during exacerbation management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optimal feeding position may contribute to improving the quality and safety of bottle-feeding in premature infants. The aim of this study was to compare the advantages of right side-lying (R-SLP) and left side-lying (L-SLP) positioning during the bottle-feeding of preterm infants. Methods: The randomized study included eight neonates (n = 8) born at ≤34 weeks of gestational age (GA). Four bottle-feeding sessions were conducted for each newborn: two in the R-SLP and two in the L-SLP position. Levels of oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and heart rate (HR) were measured as indicators of physiological stability. The qualitative aspects of feeding included total time of SpO₂ declines to ≤85%, the newborn’s alertness level based on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), and the number of possetings, regurgitations, and choking episodes. The volume of milk consumed and the duration of each feeding session were also recorded. Results: The L-SLP position was characterized with higher SpO₂ (p = 0.042) at the 10th minute after feeding and lower HR (p = 0.022) at the end of feeding. Greater milk intake (p = 0.042), shorter feeding duration (p = 0.021), and shorter duration of SpO₂ declines to ≤85% (p = 0.025) were also observed in L-SLP. No differences were found in alertness level, or in the number of choking episodes, possetings, or regurgitations compared to R-SLP. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests the potential efficacy of the L-SLP position during bottle-feeding of premature infants. The results require the need for larger studies to confirm the potential benefits of using L-SLP. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is very widespread in countries with a Western-style diet, representing one of the major causes of morbidity. Genetic factors, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and ageing are risk factors for CVD outcomes. From a pathogenic point of view, the condition of low-grade inflammation of the arteries leads to endothelial damage and atherosclerosis development. Nowadays, a broad range of drugs is available to treat CVD, but many of them are associated with side effects. Therefore, alternative therapeutic remedies need to be discovered in combination with conventional drugs. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, e.g., the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to lower the incidence of CVD. Plant-derived polyphenols are ingested in food, and these compounds can exert beneficial effects on human health, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Objective: In the present review, the cellular and molecular bases of the beneficial effects of polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of CVD will be pointed out. Methods: This review has been conducted on the basis of a literature review spanning mainly the last two decades. Results: We found that an increased dietary intake of polyphenols is associated with a parallel decrease in chronic disease incidence, including CVD. Conclusion: Despite a plethora of preclinical studies, more clinical trials are needed for a more appropriate treatment of CVD with polyphenols. Full article

Background: Cachexia worsens prognosis, quality of life and chemotherapy treatment compliance of patients with lung cancer. Chemotherapy-induced cachexia has also been implicated in lowered mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of cachexia-related measures and symptoms as outcomes in lung cancer chemotherapy trial protocols and to examine how key trial characteristics influence them. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional data analysis of randomised controlled chemotherapy trials of lung cancer registered in four public trial registries between 2012 and 2023. Trial outcome measures included overall survival, treatment toxicity/side effects and cachexia-related indicators such as physical activity, weight/body mass index (BMI), dietary limitations, caloric intake and lean muscle mass. Symptom-related outcomes, including appetite loss, diarrhoea, pain, fatigue/insomnia, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, dyspnoea and oral mucositis, were also extracted. Additionally, the number and type of performance status and assessment tool were recorded. Data were summarised descriptively. Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between trial outcomes and characteristics including cancer type, trial location, lead investigator/funding source, assessment tools and trial commencement year. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significance. Results: Of the 335 trial protocols (non-small cell (87.2%) and small cell (12.8%)), most were from Europe (50.4%). The trial lead investigator was from industry (56.7%) followed by academia (25.1%). Allied health professional involvement was minimal (0.6%). Trial protocols mostly recorded overall survival (96.4%) and toxicity (83.9%). However, physical activity, weight/BMI, dysphagia, dyspnoea and oral mucositis were recorded in <30%, with dietary limitations, caloric intake and lean muscle mass recorded in <3% of the trials. Measures and symptoms were not associated with cancer type. Trial location was associated with the measures toxicity, physical activity and caloric intake and all symptoms. Lead investigator was associated with the measures toxicity and weight/BMI and all symptoms except for dyspnoea. Performance status and assessment tools were mentioned in 93.4% and 41.8% of the trials, respectively, with significant associations between assessment tools and outcomes, except for weight/BMI, dietary limitations, lean muscle mass, dysphagia and oral mucositis. There was a significant trend with trial commencement year for the measures physical activity (p = 0.002) and weight/BMI (p = 0.000) and all symptoms, except for appetite loss (p = 0.115) and pain (p = 0.433). Conclusions: While the reporting of measures and outcomes was generally higher compared to gastrointestinal chemotherapy cancer trials, it still faced significant under-reporting. Assessment tools should include cachexia-specific symptoms to accurately assess the quality of life in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy clinical trials. Full article

Objective: The present study investigated the relationship between protein and amino acid supplementation and various associated aspects among recreational gym goers at 2 gymnasiums in Oradea (Romania). Methods: A total of 165 gym goers (110 men and 55 women, most of them 18–30 years old) with high educational levels were included in the present study, which was conducted as face-to-face interviews. Results: Participants were divided into 4 groups: protein supplement users (PSUs, 42/165), creatine supplement users (CSUs, 38/165), L-carnitine supplement users (LcSUs, 37/165), and protein + creatine + L-carnitine supplement users (PCLcSUs, 48/165). Most consumers were young (18–30 years) and preferred the triple combination. Females consumed PS and CS (38.2% and 34.5%, respectively), while the most-used NSs by males were PCLcS (36.4%) and LcS (27.3%). Obese gym goers opted for LcS consumption (r = 0.999, p < 0.05). Creatine and L-carnitine were consumed for force training (65.79 and 62.16%), while PCLcS and PS were used in cardio + force and force training in equal measures (42.86 and 47.92%, respectively). Most PSUs were gym goers for 7–12 months and more than 1 year (r = 0.999 and r = 0.952, respectively, p < 0.05), while PCLcSUs had a training frequency of at least 5 times a week (r = 0.968, p < 0.05). Muscle mass growth was the primary training focus for all NS users (57.89%), followed by muscular tonus (40.54%, p < 0.05). Almost 30% of one-only NS users reported various side effects, whereas all PCLcSUs claimed side effects (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Age and gender were key factors in diet type, training type, frequency, duration, scope, NS type, and dose intake. The frequency of side effects substantially depended on the kind of NS and the dose consumed. The present study’s results highlight the need for health professionals’ advice and monitoring in personalized diets and protein and amino acid supplementation in recreational gym goers. Full article