Abnormalities in gut virome signatures linked with cognitive impairment in older adults.

Multiple emerging lines of evidence indicate that the microbiome contributes to aging and cognitive health. However, the roles of distinct microbial components, such as viruses (virome) and their interactions with bacteria (bacteriome), as well as their metabolic pathways (metabolome) in relation to aging and cognitive function, remain poorly understood. Here, we present proof-of-concept results from a pilot study using datasets ( = 176) from the Microbiome in Aging Gut and Brain (MiaGB) consortium, demonstrating that the human virome signature significantly differs across the aging continuum (60s vs.

Perceptions of Empathy in the Classroom Among Educators in Higher Education and Healthcare Disciplines: A Qualitative Study.

Empathy is an important human response and contributes to effective interpersonal relationships. Empathy found in the classroom, specifically demonstrated by faculty in higher education, may impact student performance and outcomes. This qualitative study investigated how instructors (defined in this study as any faculty rank) in healthcare disciplines and higher education define and demonstrate empathy in the classroom.

The effects of fermented vegetables on the gut microbiota for prevention of cardiovascular disease.

This study investigated the impact of regular consumption of fermented vegetables (FVs) on inflammation and the composition of the gut microbiota in adults at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Eighty-seven adults ages 35-64 were randomized into an FV group, who consumed 100 g FVs daily at least five times per week for eight weeks, or a usual diet (UD) group. Blood and stool samples were obtained before and after the intervention.

Correction: The effects of fermented vegetable consumption on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and levels of inflammatory markers in women: A pilot and feasibility study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Research trends and gaps concerning food insecurity in college students in the United States: a scoping review.

Objective: This scoping review explores the broad body of peer-reviewed research measuring food insecurity in post-secondary students in the U.S. to identify trends and gaps to inform future research.

Unique trans-kingdom microbiome structural and functional signatures predict cognitive decline in older adults.

The prevalence of age-related cognitive disorders/dementia is increasing, and effective prevention and treatment interventions are lacking due to an incomplete understanding of aging neuropathophysiology. Emerging evidence suggests that abnormalities in gut microbiome are linked with age-related cognitive decline and getting acceptance as one of the pillars of the Geroscience hypothesis. However, the potential clinical importance of gut microbiome abnormalities in predicting the risk of cognitive decline in older adults is unclear.

Investigation of the multidimensional determinants of negative nutrition coping strategies and tradeoffs in adults accessing food relief: A secondary data analysis.

Background: Multidimensional determinants influence negative nutrition coping strategies and tradeoffs in households accessing food relief.

Aims: This study examined coping strategies and tradeoffs at different levels of food insecurity from individuals accessing food relief and how these behaviors relate to experience-based food insecurity dimensions and subpopulations at risk.

Methods: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the Sunshine State Hunger Survey (SSHS) was conducted.

Documentation of the evidence-diagnosis link predicts nutrition diagnosis resolution in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' diabetes mellitus registry study: A secondary analysis of Nutrition Care Process outcomes.

Objectives: To describe nutrition care documentation patterns and investigate predictors of nutrition diagnosis resolution.

Methods: This is a secondary data analysis of a 2-year pragmatic, quasi-experimental study conducted in outpatient clinics where nutrition care was provided to adults with diabetes Type 1 or 2 from May 2017 to June 2019 ( = 564 patients). The main outcome measures were frequency of standardized Nutrition Care Process (NCP) terms, NCP links, nutrition diagnosis resolution and predictors of nutrition diagnosis resolution.

The relationship between diet, exercise, and inflammation in college students: A cross-sectional study.

Important changes in lifestyle habits, especially diet, typically occur during the transitional period between high school and college and some of these changes may increase the risk of inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between lifestyle factors and inflammation in college students. Students enrolled in a southeastern university participated in this cross-sectional study.

Food Insecurity Among Older Adults Living in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review.

Background And Objectives: Food insecurity is considered an increasing public health problem worldwide with adverse effects, especially among older adults. Although the literature related to food insecurity among older adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are expanding, little is known about existing patterns and knowledge gaps in these settings. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research related to food insecurity among older adults in LMIC.

Dietary Supplement Intake is Associated with Healthier Lifestyle Behaviors in College Students Attending a Regional University in the Southeast: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The relationship between intake of dietary supplements and biomarkers such as insulin and insulin-like growth factor has not been well explored. The primary aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between supplement intake and biological and lifestyle factors. We hypothesized that dietary supplement intake was associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors.

The effects of fermented vegetable consumption on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and levels of inflammatory markers in women: A pilot and feasibility study.

The primary objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of regular consumption of fermented vegetables for six weeks on markers of inflammation and the composition of the gut microflora in women (clinical trials ID: NTC03407794). Thirty-one women were randomized into one of three groups: 100 g/day of fermented vegetables (group A), 100 g/day pickled vegetables (group B), or no vegetables (group C) for six weeks. Dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire and blood and stool samples were provided before and after the intervention for measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP).

Determinant factors associated with the use of evidence-based dietetics practice among registered dietitian nutritionists.

Aims: There is a lack of research assessing perceived and actual evidence-based dietetics practice knowledge among registered dietitian nutritionists. This cross-sectional research examined the association between determinant factors (i.e.

Validity and reliability of a questionnaire measuring EBDPs among registered dietitian nutritionist.

Background: There is a lack of a valid and reliable instrument that measures objective and subjective knowledge of evidence-based dietetic practices (EBDP) among registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). The present study aimed to develop and assess the validity and reliability of an EBDP Questionnaire (EBDPQ) with objective knowledge items (i.e.

The Impact of a Food Recovery-Meal Delivery Program on Homebound Seniors' Food Security, Nutrition, and Well-Being.

Food insecurity is a growing problem among seniors. A novel program was established to help mitigate the problem of food insecurity among seniors who are homebound. Volunteers recover unused prepared food donated by area hospitals, repack it into healthy meals which are delivered to program participants.

Association of Inflammatory Diets with Inflammatory Biomarkers in Women at High Genetic Risk for Breast Cancer.

Chronically elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers may contribute to the development of cancer and diet may be an important factor in the interplay between inflammation and cancer. We examined associations between glycemic load (GL), glycemic index (GI), and adapted dietary inflammatory index (ADII) and markers of inflammation and adipokines in 135 premenopausal women at high genetic risk for breast cancer (NCT00892515). We assessed body mass index (BMI), 3-day food records, and blood biomarkers TNF-, IL-12, CCL2, IL-10, leptin, and adiponectin.

Associations between Polymorphisms in Phase II Enzymes and Circulating Sex-Steroid Hormones in White Postmenopausal Women.

Objectives: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in enzymes that metabolize sex steroid hormones were associated with the blood levels of these hormones in postmenopausal women and if the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) could modify this association.

Methods: Baseline data were collected from 932 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Minnesota Green Tea Trial. Participants filled out a questionnaire about their demographics, lifestyle factors, and medical and reproductive history.

Associations between Diet Quality and Anthropometric Measures in White Postmenopausal Women.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between diet and anthropometric measures in postmenopausal women. Data collected from 937 women enrolled in the Minnesota Green Tea Trial (NTC00917735) were used for this analysis. Dietary intake and health-related data were collected via questionnaires.

Results of an Online Survey about Food Insecurity and Eating Disorder Behaviors Administered to a Volunteer Sample of Self-Described LGBTQ+ Young Adults Aged 18 to 35 Years.

Background: There are few published studies addressing food insecurity and eating disorders in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to describe the proportion of food insecurity and eating disorder behaviors in a volunteer sample of LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18 to 35 years.

Design: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of questionnaire data collected from 253 participants between March 2018 and March 2019.

Etiology Intervention Link Predicts Resolution of Nutrition Diagnosis: A Nutrition Care Process Outcomes Study from a Veterans' Health Care Facility.

In this article, we evaluate relationships between Nutrition Care Process (NCP) chain links and improvement or resolution of the nutrition diagnosis. We conducted a retrospective record review for 12 months in a single Veterans Health Administration health care system using the Veterans Health Administration-specific monitoring and evaluation terms, NCP terminology, and its etiology categories to evaluate outcomes. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the strongest predictor for diagnosis improvement was the etiology-intervention link.

Inhibitory Effects of Green Tea Polyphenols on Microbial Metabolism of Aromatic Amino Acids in Humans Revealed by Metabolomic Analysis.

The bioactivities and potential health benefits of green tea polyphenols (GTP) have been extensively investigated, but the metabolic impact of chronic GTP intake on humans is not well defined. In this study, fecal and urine samples from postmenopausal female subjects taking a GTP supplement or placebo for 12 months were compared by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis. The GTP-derived and GTP-responsive metabolites were identified and characterized by structural elucidation and quantitative analysis of the metabolites contributing to the separation of control and treatment samples in the multivariate models.

Associations between food insecurity and prediabetes in a representative sample of U.S. Adults (NHANES 2005-2014).

Aims: The primary aim of this research was to investigate the association between food insecurity and prediabetes and to identify specific subgroups for early clinical intervention.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from 25,814 participants were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for years 2005-2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between food security status and laboratory-confirmed prediabetes.

Exploring the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and diabetes among adults in the United States.

Objective: To explore the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and diabetes and to determine whether effects are heterogeneous when examined by body mass index (BMI).

Methods: Cross-sectional data from 8664 participants were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for years 2005-2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between urinary biomarkers of PAHs and diabetes.

Dietary Fiber, C-Reactive Protein, and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among U.S. Adults.

Background: Some evidence suggests an inverse association between increased fiber intake and C-reactive protein (CRP). However, few studies have examined the associations among CRP, dietary fiber, and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in a nationally representative sample of U.S.

Plasma F-isoprostanes Are Positively Associated with Glycemic Load, but Inversely Associated with Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Insoluble Fiber in Postmenopausal Women.

Dietary factors, such as antioxidant nutrients, contribute significantly to the maintenance of an appropriate balance between antioxidant defense and free radical production in the body. The objective of this study was to examine the relation between oxidative stress as assessed by plasma F-isoprostane (IsoP) concentration, glycemic load (GL), glycemic index (GI), intake of antioxidant nutrients, dietary fiber, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This study was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of baseline data collected from a random sample of 269 postmenopausal women participating in the Minnesota Green Tea Trial.