Nutrition
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Knowledge of factors determining dietary intake is important to develop targeted strategies to prevent malnutrition and age-related diseases. The aim of the present systematic review was to analyze the state of the art regarding the role of social status, cultural aspects, and psychological distress on dietary intake in community-dwelling older adults. ⋯ The results of our review indicate heterogeneity of the studies in the field of social and psychological determinants of dietary patterns in older adults, but some important conclusions can be drawn. Further research harmonizing and integrating approaches and methodologies are required to better understand the determinants of dietary intake and the complexity of their interactions.
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Dietary intake of long-chain, highly unsaturated ω-3 fatty acids (FAs) is considered indispensable for humans. The ω-3 FAs have been known to be anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory dietary factors; however, the modes of action on pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) and downstream signaling pathways have not been fully elucidated. Dietary sources contain various amounts of ω-3 long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) of different lengths and the association between intake of these polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with underlying mechanisms of various immune-related disorders can be of great interest. ⋯ Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a group of PRRs that play an important role in the recognition of bacterial infections and ω-3 FAs have been implicated in the modulation of downstream signaling of TLR-4, an important receptor for recognition of gram-negative bacteria. The ω-3 FAs docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid have been investigated in vivo and in vitro for their effects on the nuclear factor-κB activation pathway. Identification of the effects of ω-3 FAs on other key molecular factors like prostaglandins and leukotrienes and their signals may help the recognition and development of medicines to suppress the main mediators and turn on the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and nuclear receptors.
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The number of international students within tertiary education facilities continues to increase globally, but the challenges for this population in achieving a healthy diet in an unfamiliar environment receives insufficient attention. This scoping review aimed to synthesize current literature that investigated dietary changes and food security status of this student population. We followed a five-stage methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. ⋯ Additionally, international students appeared to be more vulnerable to food insecurity, but the contributing factors and impacts of this issue were insufficiently researched. International students often experienced dietary acculturation and faced more challenges in food security than their domestic peers. More specific support should be provided by tertiary institutions and governments to international students including regular culturally appropriate nutrition education programs.
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In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who carry the G551D mutation, treatment with ivacaftor improves lung function and weight; however, short- and long-term impacts on body composition have not been well studied. ⋯ Small gains were seen in FFM in the first month of ivacaftor treatment. Weight, BMI, and fat-mass gains in the first 6 mo on ivacaftor plateaued by 2.5 y. The metabolic and clinical consequences of weight and fat-mass gains remain to be determined.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate on postprandial glycemia, insulin, and incretin secretion in healthy participants.
There is substantial interest in using dark chocolate to prevent postprandial hyperglycemia. We investigated the effects of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate on postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses and whether cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate increases glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. ⋯ This study indicated that the intake of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate before a 50 g OGTT could enhance early insulin and GLP-1 secretion in healthy participants, and illustrates the potential of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate in managing postprandial glucose excursions.