Highlights of the 2024 Chinese hypertension guidelines.

The 2024 Chinese hypertension guidelines has been recently issued by Chinese Hypertension League (CHL), joint with partner societies. Since the 2018 guidelines was released, amount of evidence accumulated, in favor of intensive blood pressure (BP) control. New drugs and devices, innovative concepts and new insights have been introduced into hypertension management.

Structural alterations of thalamic nuclei and their associations with leptin levels in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Background: The thalamus is a complex subcortical brain structure that plays a role in various cognitive functions. Few studies have focused on thalamic nuclei-specific alterations and potential neurohormonal involvement in eating disorders including anorexia nervosa (AN).

Methods: We employed a FreeSurfer segmentation tool to compare thalamic nuclei volumes cross-sectionally between females with AN (n = 131, 12-29 years) and age-matched healthy females (HC, n = 131).

Factors associated with trunk skeletal muscle thickness and echo intensity in young Japanese men and women.

The present study examined factors associated with trunk skeletal muscle thickness (MT, an index for the amount of skeletal muscle) and echo intensity (EI, an index for the content of non-contractile tissue, such as intramuscular adipose tissue) in young Japanese men and women in consideration of habitual dietary intake. Healthy men (n = 26) and women (n = 24) aged 20 to 26 were enrolled. Trunk MT and EI were evaluated using ultrasound imaging at the height of the 3rd lumbar vertebra.

Gut microbes metabolize strawberry phytochemicals and mediate their beneficial effects on vascular inflammation.

Evidence suggests that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for metabolizing dietary phytochemicals. However, the microbiome's role in metabolite production and the influence of gut dysbiosis on this process remain unclear. Further, studies on the relationship among gut microbes, metabolites, and biological activities of phytochemicals are limited.

Affordability of healthy and water-saving dietary patterns in The Gambia.

Dietary modification has the potential to improve nutritional status and reduce environmental impacts of the food system. However, for many countries, the optimal composition of locally contextualized healthy and sustainable diets is unknown. The Gambia is vulnerable to climate-change-induced future water scarcity which may affect crop yields and the ability to supply healthy diets.

The pivotal role of sleep in mediating the effects of life stressors and healthy habits on allostatic load in mid-life adults.

Objectives: We assessed the modulation of allostatic load (AL) by engagement in healthy habits and life stressors, mediated through resilience and the perceived influence of the stressors. Sleep was included as third mediator given extensive evidence associating to all the analysed factors.

Methods: Structural equation models to assess the modulation of AL by either traumatic or psychosocial stressors and healthy habits were generated with data from 620 mid-life adults (age 51.

Dietary Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Midlife Women 40-50 Years of Age Living in the United States.

Purpose: Women in the decade before menopause are at risk for depression. This study describes dietary factors associated with depression risk in late premenopausal women that could be modifiable with targeted interventions.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study comparing a community-based sample of 342 healthy premenopausal women categorized as low-risk and high-risk for depression in a secondary analysis of dietary variables.

Exploring the relationship between proactive inhibition and restrictive eating behaviours in severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN).

Background: There is a need for improved understanding of why 20-30% of individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) develop a severe and enduring form of illness (SE-AN). Previously, we reported differences in proactive inhibition (a pre-emptive slowing of responses) in individuals with AN compared to healthy controls (after controlling for intolerance of uncertainty). The present study is a preliminary exploration of proactive inhibition in which we compared women with SE-AN with healthy comparison (HC) women and explored its association with restrictive/avoidant eating behaviours.

A staged integrated model informing the promotion of healthy dietary behaviors in adolescents: a prospective study.

Background: The promotion of healthy dietary behaviors in adolescence is critical, which have long-term implications for lifelong health. Integration is an important method for improving limited theories of dietary behavior change. The present study proposes an integrated model aimed at identifying the diverse determinants of healthy dietary behaviors in adolescents and assesses its stage-specific nature as the potential for effective interventions.

Place-based household vouchers for locally supplied fruit and vegetables: the Fresh Street pilot cluster randomised controlled trial.

Background: Households in areas of socio-economic deprivation are more likely to consume diets low in fruit and vegetables. Fresh Street is a place-based fruit and vegetable voucher scheme with vouchers redeemable with local independent (non-supermarket) vendors. Paper vouchers are offered to all households in a geographical area regardless of household type, size, or income with no requirement to demonstrate need.

Isatidis root polysaccharides ameliorates post-weaning diarrhea by promoting intestinal health and modulating the gut microbiota in piglets.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary isatidis root polysaccharide (IRP) on diarrhea, immunity, and intestinal health in weanling piglets. Forty healthy piglets were randomly assigned to five groups receiving varying dosages of IRP. The findings indicated that different concentrations of IRP significantly reduced diarrhea scores ( < 0.

Dairy consumption and premature coronary artery disease onset: Iran premature coronary artery disease (IPAD) study insights.

Evidence has argued about the association between dairy intake and premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) development aimed to be discussed in this study. This case-control study was conducted on 813 individuals with PCAD and 471 healthy controls. The dairy intake of participants was assessed by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.

Brain serotonin, oxytocin, and their interaction: Relevance for eating disorders.

Introduction: Eating disorders are characterized by maladaptive eating behaviors and preoccupations around body shape, weight, and eating. The serotonin system has been among the most widely studied neurobiological factors in relation to eating disorders. Recent research also highlighted the role of oxytocin.

The association between the body roundness index and the risk of chronic kidney disease in US adults.

Aim: We aimed to systematically assess whether the level of body roundness index (BRI) is associated with the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in US adults.

Methods: The studied data was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 1999 to 2018. A total of 29,062 participants aged ≥20 years with complete information about BRI and CKD were included in this study.

Exploring the influence of age and diet on gut microbiota development in children during the first 5 years: a study from Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Introduction: The development of the human gut microbiota is shaped by factors like delivery mode, infant feeding practices, maternal diet, and environmental conditions. Diet plays a pivotal role in determining the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome, which in turn impacts immune development and overall health during this critical period. The early years, which are vital for microbial shaping, highlight a gap in understanding how the shift from milk-based diets to solid foods influences gut microbiota development in infants and young children, particularly in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Sex- and endurance training-mediated cardiovascular protection through lipids during exercise.

Premenopausal women and endurance-trained individuals of either sex have reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Endurance training shifts fuel selection towards fats to spare carbohydrates; interestingly, women prioritize fats as an energy resource more than men do during exercise. Relying on fats during exercise drives whole-body lipolysis and promotes lipid uptake and oxidation capacity in skeletal muscles.

PPARα-ERRα crosstalk mitigates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease progression.

Background And Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the most prevalent liver disease worldwide, continues to rise. More effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. We investigated how targeting two key nuclear receptors involved in hepatic energy metabolism, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα), ameliorates MASLD.

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in people with eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Studies suggest that there is a relationship between inflammatory diseases, inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and psychiatric disorders. In eating disorders, cross-sectional studies have recently examined peripheral CRP levels in blood serum and plasma, which allow a comprehensive meta-analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined studies from three databases, measuring CRP levels in people with eating disorders, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Optimisation of Blood Donor Nutrition: Blood Donor Health Improvement Studies.

This review provides an analysis of the current literature on the health and nutrition of blood donors, examining key aspects that affect the quality of donated blood and the well-being of donors. The review discusses effective iron absorption facilitated by key nutrients and presents evidence on the importance of a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid. The review examines the differences in iron levels between men and women and highlights the role of sex hormones in regulating iron metabolism.

Epidemiological and Oral Public Health Aspects of Dental Pain: A Narrative Review.

The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize and discuss existing evidence on the epidemiological aspects of dental pain, addressing its prevalence, risk factors, population distribution, impact on the quality of life, and implications for public health. Dental pain is a common condition that involves complex mechanisms of pain transmission and perception. Dental pain can be due to various causes, such as caries, pulpitis, periodontitis, dental trauma, and soft tissue conditions (e.

Effect of Premeal Pistachio Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Asian Indian Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Asian Indians are susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes at a lower age and often consume diets that are high in glycemic load and low in healthy fats.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 30 g prebreakfast and 30 g predinner supplementation of pistachios for 12 wk on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), other glycemic markers, anthropometry, and lipid profile of Asian Indians with prediabetes.

Methods: In a 12-wk parallel arm, randomized controlled trial, we recruited 120 participants with prediabetes based on American Diabetes Association criteria.

Gut-derived appetite regulating hormones across the anorexia nervosa spectrum.

Background: Appetite-regulating hormones are implicated in anorexia nervosa (AN) pathophysiology, however, data are limited for appetite-regulating hormones across the AN weight spectrum. We aimed to investigate fasting and post-prandial concentrations of appetite-regulating hormones - peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and ghrelin - among adolescent and young adult females across the AN weight spectrum, specifically those with AN and Atypical AN, and healthy controls (HC).

Methods: Participants (N = 95; ages 11-22 years) included 33 with AN, 25 with Atypical AN, and 37 HC.

Legumes as a Substitute for Red and Processed Meat, Poultry or Fish, and the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Large Cohort.

Background: Dietary recommendations have globally shifted towards promoting the consumption of legumes as an environmentally friendly and healthy source of protein. This study investigated the replacement of red and processed meat, poultry or fish for equal amounts of legumes on the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods: UK Biobank participants who completed ≥ 2 dietary assessments and had complete covariate information were included in the analyses (N = 124,546).

Health Benefits of Monk Fruit under Traditional Dietary Patterns: Perspective on Immunity and Gut Microbiota Modulatory Functions.

Monk fruit is the mature fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey (SG), which contains mogrosides and various nutrients with diverse benefits as a traditional edible herb. The immunomodulatory effects of the ingredients of monk fruit in daily diets are poorly understood.