To explore molecular targets for regulating glucose metabolism in carnivorous fish, the glucose tolerance test was carried out on the Paralichthys olivaceus. The concentration of glucose and insulin in serum was measured at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 24 and 48 h after intraperitoneal (IP) injection. The concentration of insulin was the lowest after 3 h of glucose injection, and that of glucose reached the highest after 5 h. Therefore, 0 h (IP0) was chosen as control group, and 3 h (IP3) and 5 h (IP5) were selected as experimental groups, for which the liver samples at three time points were used for high-throughput sequencing. Although there were no significant Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology functional enrichment, the differential genes, including mitogen-activated protein kinase binding protein 1, glycosyltransferase, suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, were closely related to glucose metabolism. The open reading frame of SOCS3 encoded 225 amino acids, including conserved domains SH2 and SOCS3-box. The SOCS3 was knocked down by specific siRNA in the primary hepatocyte of P. olivaceus. Results showed that the gene expression of insulin receptor substrate 1, protease B1, GLUT2, pyruvate kinase and glucokinase increased significantly after knocking down SOCS3. Meanwhile, the phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase decreased significantly. The results of this study indicated that siSOSC3 enhanced the sensitivity of the insulin signalling pathway to promote glucose transport, thereby affecting gluconeogenesis and glycolysis to maintain glucose homeostasis.

Metabolic dysregulation increases the risk of cognitive and motor deficits, exacerbated by diets high in refined carbohydrates and fats. Polyphenol-rich berries, such as red raspberries (RRB; Rubus idaeus), may offer protective benefits. This randomised, single-blinded, controlled crossover study evaluated the acute metabolic and cognitive effects of RRB intake in older adults (55–70 years) with overweight/obesity. Thirty-six adults (61 (sd 5) years, BMI: 30·0 (sd 2·8) kg/m2; 19 females: 17 males) consumed a high-carbohydrate, moderate-fat meal (56 % carbohydrate, 33 % fat) containing 0 g (control) or 25 g of freeze-dried RRB powder. Plasma was collected at baseline and postprandially over 7·5 h to assess glucose, insulin, triacylglyceride (TAG) and IL-6. In vitro, fasting and postprandial serum samples were applied to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial cells to assess neuroinflammatory responses (nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression). Cognitive and vascular function were assessed at baseline and postprandially. The RRB meal significantly reduced peak glucose (by 8 %), insulin concentrations at 0·5 h and overall insulin response compared with control (P < 0·05). Serum from RRB consumers attenuated LPS-induced NO, iNOS and COX-2 expression in microglial cells (P < 0·001). Cognitive performance improved following the RRB meal, with fewer attempts in the CANTAB (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery) Paired Associates Learning task (P < 0·05) and fewer errors with better strategy use in the Spatial Working Memory task (P < 0·05). No significant differences were observed in vascular function. These findings suggest that acute RRB supplementation attenuated postprandial metabolic stress, reduced markers of neuroinflammation and improved cognitive performance, supporting RRB’s potential role in a dietary strategy for ageing populations.

To determine values for the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS), it is recommended that ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility values obtained in growing pigs are used to characterise protein quality in different foods. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to determine the standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in eight energy ingredients (barley, sorghum, wheat, brown rice, rice bran, wheat bran, cassava and paddy rice) fed to pigs, where SID values in pigs can be used to calculate approximate DIAAS values in humans. Among the data obtained for all energy ingredients, significant variations (P < 0·01) in CP and AA composition were observed. Rice bran and wheat bran had the highest CP (16·43 % and 18·16 %, respectively) and DIAAS scores of 81–88 for adult, qualifying as ‘good’ protein sources (> 75). Cassava, with the lowest CP (2·74 %), was limited by sulphur amino acid (54). Lysine (Lys) was the first-limiting AA in barley (74), sorghum (51) and wheat (49), with SID values lowest in wheat (71·04 %). Brown rice and paddy rice showed higher SIDLys (87·51 % and 78·13 %, respectively). These findings highlight the potential of bran-based ingredients and Lys fortification to improve protein quality in grain-dependent diets, providing the scientific basis to combat protein malnutrition.

The measurement of sodium excretion in 24-h urine samples is the recommended method to assess dietary salt intake to monitor salt-related public health policies. Ensuring complete collection of 24-h urine samples is important for the accurate assessment of salt intake. We compare the use of the objective biomarker, recovery of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), to self-reported 24-h urine completeness. Data collected from 868 men and women aged 19–64 years from the England Sodium Survey 2018/2019 (part of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS)) were used to compare self-reported 24-h urine completeness based on a collection duration of 23–25 h, no missed urine collections/voids and a minimum urine volume of > 0·4 L against completeness based on the urinary recovery of oral doses of PABA. Two-thirds (69 %; 561/812) of participants who adhered to the PABA protocol provided a complete 24-h urine collection. Assessed by self-report, 71 % (619/868) of participants provided a complete 24-h urine collection. Sodium excretion was (geometric mean (interquartile range)) 127 (97–170) mmol/24 h with PABA and 126 (97–169) mmol/24 h by self-report; salt intake was 7·40 (5·65–9·94) g/d and 7·38 (4·53–8·83) g/d, respectively. The proportion of participants above the UK-recommended salt intake of 6 g/d was 70 % by both PABA and self-report. This study shows that the use of self-report of 24-h urine collection completeness provides an assessment of sodium excretion and dietary salt intake with the same accuracy as when PABA recovery is used to assess completeness.

Food texture influences eating rate (ER), and slower ERs are associated with reduced energy intake within a meal. However, it remains unclear whether this acute effect of ER on intake is sustained over time. We investigated whether texture-based differences in meal ER can have a sustained effect on food and energy intake across 11 consecutive days. In a randomised cross-over feeding trial, Dutch adults (n 20) were randomised to an 11-d ‘fast’ and an 11-d ‘slow’ ER diet, followed by a 17-d washout period before completing the alternate diet-arm. Participants consumed ad libitum breakfast and dinners of which ER was manipulated using food texture and received the same lunch meals on both diets served in regular-sized fixed portions. Diets were matched for served total weight (gram), energy (kcal) and energy density (kcal/gram) and were equivalent for visual volume, meal liking and meal variety. Meal ER on the ‘slow diet’ was on average 32 % slower compared with the ‘fast diet’ (P < 0·01). On days when texture led to significant differences in ER, food intake was reduced by 121 (se 24) g/d (P < 0·001), and this effect did not attenuate over time (P = 0·25). Cumulative food intake was 6 % lower for the slow compared with the fast diet (P < 0·001) with no significant difference in energy intake. On 8 of the 11 test days, meal texture reduced ER and supported a consistent reduction in food intake. Further research should test whether a whole diet approach to lowering ER by modifying meal textures could help to moderate food and energy intakes.

Myopia is a critical public health issue, particularly among adolescents. This study investigates the association between adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and the odds of myopia in US adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2008, involving 2473 participants aged 12–18 years. Adherence to the diet was assessed using the alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED) score. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of ≤–0·50 dioptres (D). Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, education level, BMI, poverty income ratio and total energy intake were used to examine the association between aMED and myopia. Additionally, restricted cubic spline regression was used to explore non-linear relationships, and mediation analysis was conducted to identify potential biological pathways. Of the participants (median age: 15 years; 50·5 % male), 41 % were identified as having myopia. Participants with myopia had significantly lower aMED scores compared with non-myopic individuals (P < 0·05). Higher adherence to the aMED was associated with lower odds of myopia (OR: 0·830, 95 % CI 0·712, 0·968). A significant dose–response relationship was observed, with adolescents in the highest aMED quintile having a 41 % lower odds of myopia compared with the lowest quintile (OR: 0·592, 95 % CI 0·368, 0·952). The association was partially mediated by dietary cholesterol and eicosatetraenoic acid. In conclusion, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet in adolescents is associated with a lower odds of myopia. Addressing diet quality may mitigate health risks related to myopia development.

High-amylose maize starch (HAMS) can lead to succinate accumulation in the rat colon depending on the colonic microbiota. Since succinate is primarily produced via the vitamin B12 (VB12)-dependent succinate pathway, limited VB12 availability in the colon may impair fermentation. While a portion of dietary VB12 may reach the colon, most of it is absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, potentially resulting in an insufficient supply for colonic bacteria. This study aimed to determine the minimum caecal VB12 concentration required to prevent succinate accumulation and to assess whether dietary cobalt (Co), a structural component of VB12 and its analogues, promotes microbial VB12 analogue synthesis. Sprague-Dawley male rats were used in three experiments. In Experiment 1, HAMS-fed rats were given diets with increasing VB12 doses. Caecal succinate concentrations decreased dose-dependently, with a predicted threshold of 74 pmol/g VB12 required to prevent accumulation. In Experiment 2, rats were fed HAMS diets with varying Co levels. Co supplementation significantly increased VB12-equivalent concentrations, measured by microbiological assay, from 27 to 915 pmol/g without altering cobalamin concentrations, suggesting enhanced microbial synthesis of VB12 analogues. Caecal succinate levels decreased with increasing Co intake, mimicking the effects of dietary VB12. In Experiment 3, rats were fed HAMS diets with or without high-dose Co to confirm these effects and assess microbiota changes. Co supplementation restored the abundance of Akkermansia, which utilises VB12 and its analogues. These findings suggest that maintaining sufficient colonic VB12 – through direct supplementation or Co-stimulated microbial production – may help mitigate HAMS-induced succinate accumulation and support balanced colonic fermentation.

Eating duration and shift work can both influence metabolic regulation, but their joint associations with diabetes are unknown. We aimed to examine the independent and joint associations of eating duration and shift work with diabetes in a cross-sectional study using a nationally representative sample of US workers. We included 14852 eligible participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2010 and 2017–2020. Eating duration was calculated based on first and last eating occasions from 24-h dietary recalls. Long eating duration (LED: ≥ 13 h) v. short eating duration (SED: < 13 h) was defined based on the median. Workers were classified as engaging in shift work (SW, n 5140) v. non-shift work (NSW, n 8945) based on self-report. Logistic regressions were used to examine the associations of LED and SW with diabetes, independently and jointly with stratification by age. LED was associated with higher odds of diabetes among workers aged < 45 years (OR, 1·51; 95 % CI, 1·05–2·19) but not among workers aged ≥ 45 years (OR, 0·98; 95 % CI, 0·79–1·20). SW was associated with higher odds of diabetes among both younger (OR, 1·28; 95 % CI, 0·88–1·85) and older workers (OR, 1·28; 95 % CI, 1·04–1·58). There was suggestive evidence that workers with both LED and SW had higher odds of diabetes compared with those with SED and NSW, but the association was stronger among younger (OR, 1·40; 95 % CI, 0·85–2·28) than older workers (OR, 1·28; 95 % CI, 0·99–1·66). LED and SW were independently associated with increased odds of diabetes with suggestive evidence on their joint associations, but associations varied by workers’ age.

Surface anthropometric measures are commonly used to assess body composition in trained individuals. Standardised pre-test guidelines (morning, fasted) present logistical concerns. The impact of daily activities on skinfold (SKF) assessment has been established in males; however, there is a lack of research examining females. The aim of this study was to assess the within-day agreement between standardised and non-standardised surface anthropometric measures in trained females. Measures including body mass, eight SKF and six circumferences were collected by an International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry level 1 anthropometrist on forty trained females (twenty naturally menstruating and twenty using a contraceptive) under standardised conditions (morning, fasted, rested and hydrated) and non-standardised conditions (9–10 h later after free-living) on the same day. The menstrual or contraceptive pill phase was not controlled for. The intra-class correlation coefficient and typical error were calculated to assess reliability. Overall group means were compared to assess if a significant change occurred. The sum of eight SKF sites (∑8 SKF) displayed excellent reliability, and no significant difference was noted between conditions. Greater levels of disagreement were represented by those with ∑8 SKF > 136 mm. Significant differences in group means were recorded for body mass and waist circumference. All other five circumference sites remained unchanged throughout the day. Findings suggest that if accuracy is required, body mass and waist circumference should be collected in a standardised state. SKF and all five other circumferences can be collected in trained females at any time of day without considering pre-test standard guidelines.

Oxidative stress is an important pathomechanism in psoriasis, and the oxidative balance score (OBS) serves as a standardised metric for assessing systemic oxidative status, but its association with psoriasis is unclear. This study included 18 023 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the relationship between OBS and psoriasis. After using a complex sampling weighting method, we performed multi-model logistic regression and stratified analysis with OBS as the exposure and psoriasis as the outcome for the primary analysis. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) plots were used to evaluate potential non-linear associations between OBS and psoriasis. In addition, we performed replication analyses using two 24-h dietary records data as a sensitivity test to ensure robustness of the results. Multi-model logistic regression analyses revealed no statistically meaningful link between OBS and psoriasis prevalence when accounting for all confounders (P > 0·05), but in stratified analyses, OBS demonstrated a significant association with reduced risk of psoriasis in individuals aged 60–80 years (OR = 0·27–0·35, P < 0·05). As part of the overall OBS, moderate dietary OBS demonstrated an association with reduced psoriasis risk in 60- to 80-year-olds (OR = 0·39–0·43, P < 0·05). Lifestyle OBS (LOBS) indicates a significant negative correlation with psoriasis risk among the ‘Other Hispanic’ group. (Q3 OR = 0·23, P < 0·05). The RCS showed a non-linear relationship between LOBS and psoriasis (non-linear P = 0·013). This study provides the first systematic confirmation of an association between OBS and a reduced risk of psoriasis in elderly populations and specific ethnic groups. These findings offer new insights and directions for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis.

A short FFQ was developed for online assessment of adherence to the Dutch Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND-NL) diet, a culturally adapted version of the original American MIND diet. This study aimed to evaluate the relative validity of this short FFQ for assessing adherence to the MIND-NL diet, as scored by the MIND-NL score, compared with 3-d food records among community-dwelling older adults at risk of cognitive decline (n 1078; 67·4 (sd 4·6) years; 64 % female). A combination of statistical methods was used to assess the relative validity: presence of bias by Bland–Altman analysis; strength of association with Kendall’s Tau-b and Spearman correlation coefficients and levels of agreement with Wilcoxon signed rank test, cross-classification and weighted Kappa (κ) statistics. The Kendall’s Tau-b correlation for the MIND-NL score was 0·33 (95 % CI: 0·29, 0·37; de-attenuated Tau-b: 0·45). Individual MIND-NL diet component score correlations ranged from 0·05 to 0·56, with 12 out of 15 of the MIND-NL diet components adequately correlated (> 0·20). The average MIND-NL scores for the short FFQ (8·4 (sd 1·8) points) and food records (6·7 (sd 1·7) points) showed to be significantly different (P < 0·001). The Kappa (κ) coefficient for tertile classification of the MIND-NL score was 0·29 (95 % CI: 0·25, 0·33), indicating an acceptable level of agreement in ranking participants beyond chance. Acceptable agreements (κ > 0·20) were observed for 10 out of 15 MIND-NL diet components. Taking all analyses together, the short FFQ showed acceptable validity for ranking older adults at risk of cognitive decline according to their adherence to the MIND-NL diet.

Muscular dystrophy (MD) encompasses inherited myopathies characterised by progressive skeletal and cardiac muscle degeneration, chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. While emerging therapies show pre-clinical promise, few reach clinical translation, highlighting the need for supportive interventions to improve function and quality of life (QoL). Nutritional strategies may offer such benefits; however, limited data exist characterising diet in MD or associations with functional outcomes. This study assessed diet, nutritional status and associations with muscle strength, function and QoL in MD adults. Adults with MD (n 39; FSHD = 8, LGMD = 9 and Other = 22) and matched Controls (n 17) completed two 3-d food records, strength/function assessments and QoL questionnaires. Between-group differences were analysed using t tests or Mann–Whitney U and associations using Pearson’s r or Spearman’s Rho (P < 0·05). Compared with controls, individuals with MD consumed more energy (89 % v. 35 % exceeded RDI, P = 0·023), but less carbohydrate (–21 %, P = 0·013), sugar (–31 %, P = 0·004), protein (–15 %), BCAA (–31 %, P = 0·049) and vitamin C (–43 %, P = 0·009). MD participants demonstrated reduced muscle thickness, strength, function and reported lower QoL and physical capacity (all P < 0·05). Protein intake positively correlated with strength and function (P < 0·05); branched-chain amino acids intake was associated with lean mass (r = 0·442, P = 0·02) and strength (r = 0·372, P = 0·036). Findings indicate adults with MD consume excess energy but insufficient protein and micronutrients, supporting the need for adult MD-specific dietary guidance to optimise musculoskeletal health and QoL.

Telomere length is a biomarker of ageing, with shorter lengths associated with a higher risk of age-related diseases and mortality. Oxidative stress and inflammation predominantly contribute to telomere shortening. Diets rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help preserve telomere length. Nuts and seeds contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients and bioactive compounds. Their consumption is recognised as protective against age-related conditions. The objective of this review is to evaluate the role of nut and seed intake on telomere length in humans. A systematic search was conducted in four databases from inception to 12 March 2024 to identify observational and interventional studies assessing nut and seed intake and measuring telomere length as an outcome in adults (aged ≥ 18 years). Data from the included articles were extracted by one reviewer and verified by another reviewer. Out of the nine observational studies included, three reported positive associations between nut and seed intake and telomere length. None of the four interventional studies included reported a significant positive effect. Meta-analysis was not performed due to high variability in reporting telomere length measurements. The evidence is insufficient to confirm a beneficial role of nut and seed intake on telomere length. Adequately powered long-term intervention studies are needed.

This prospective study investigated the associations of various diet quality indices with mortality in Japan. Participants were 13 355 men and 15 724 women from the Takayama study. Eight diet quality indices were assessed using an FFQ: the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, alternative Mediterranean diet scores, Healthy Eating Index-2015, Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010, Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3, Diet Quality Score for Japanese, Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top and twelve-item Japanese Diet Index. Cox proportional models estimated hazard ratios and 95 % CI for all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a 1 sd difference for each index, with adjustment for confounders. During a mean follow-up of 14·1 years, 5339 deaths were recorded. Hazard ratios (95 % CI) per 1 sd higher index were 0·90 (0·87, 0·93) for Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010, 0·92 (0·89, 0·95) for Diet Quality Score for Japanese, 0·93 (0·91, 0·96) for Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3, 0·94 (0·92, 0·97) for alternative Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, 0·94 (0·91, 0·97) for Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top, 0·94 (0·91, 0·98) for twelve-item Japanese Diet Index and 0·97 (0·94, 0·996) for Healthy Eating Index-2015. Similar protective associations were observed for CVD mortality, but not for cancer mortality. These findings suggest that all eight indices are associated with lower mortality and that the strength of associations varies across indices; the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 showed relatively strong associations, followed by the Diet Quality Score for Japanese, whereas the associations of the Healthy Eating Index-2015 appeared relatively weaker in this Japanese population.

This study aimed to identify linear growth trajectories from 0 to 5 years and assess their associations with cognitive function and school achievement in Ethiopian children aged 10 years. Latent class trajectory modelling was used to identify distinct height-for-age (HAZ) trajectories. Cognitive function was assessed using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, while school achievement was measured by math, English and science (MES) combined scores and grade-for-age. Associations were assessed using multiple linear or logistic regressions. We identified four distinct HAZ trajectories. Decreasing trajectory (n 145, 31·9 %) started high at birth but dropped sharply. The increasing-decreasing trajectory (n 196, 43·2 %) increased up to 3 months, followed by a decrease. The stable low (n 74, 16·3 %) had low HAZ at birth, followed by a slight decrease. The rising trajectory (n 39, 8·6 %) started low but then increased to HAZ above, yet close to zero. At 10 years, children in the rising trajectory had 4·54 (95 % CI: −0·45, 9·55, P = 0·075) higher MES combined score and 2·4 times (95 % CI: 1·12, 5·15, P = 0·025) higher odds of being in the appropriate grade-for-age compared to those in the increasing-decreasing trajectory. The association between stable low and decreasing trajectory with appropriate grade-for-age had odds ratio close to null. In conclusion, we found that three of the four linear growth trajectory classes showed a declining pattern. Data suggest that greater linear growth in early childhood may be associated with higher school achievement and better cognitive function.

Coconut oil, extracted from coconut kernels, is a rich source of medium-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. This experiment aimed to investigate the protective effect of coconut oil against intestinal injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in piglets. A total of twenty-four piglets were used in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with dietary treatment (3 % soybean oil v. 3 % coconut oil) and LPS challenge (saline v. LPS). After 28 d of the experiment, piglets were injected intraperitoneally with LPS (100 μg/kg body weight (BW)) or saline. Piglets were slaughtered and sampled for testing. Pigs fed coconut oil had higher average daily gain and BW during the entire study. Supplementation with coconut oil improved intestinal morphology and barrier function, indicated by increased jejunal villus height, as well as enhanced protein expression of ZO-1 and Occludin. Furthermore, coconut oil supplementation improved plasma antioxidant capacity, indicated by enhanced GSH peroxidase activity and decreased malondialdehyde concentration. Moreover, coconut oil ameliorated the LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as indicated by decreased IL-1β expression in the jejunum. Coconut oil also alleviated the up-regulation of the expression of necroptosis protein receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 and mixed lineage kinase-like protein in the jejunum of piglets stimulated by LPS. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of coconut oil can improve the growth performance of piglets and alleviate LPS-induced intestinal injury and inflammation by inhibiting necroptosis signalling pathway.