Search Results (4,811)

Background/Objectives: Recent shifts in dietary patterns have led to reduced fiber consumption, corresponding with increasing rates of obesity and metabolic disorders. Barley-based cereals with high fiber content, particularly β-glucan, may provide superior metabolic and satiety benefits compared to corn-based alternatives. This study investigated whether barley-based cereals provide superior metabolic and satiety benefits compared to corn-based alternatives in overweight Korean adults. Methods: After selecting the most optimal cereal in the phase 1 study (acute postprandial research), a 6-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in phase 2. In the phase 2 trial, overweight adults (n = 30; mean age of 43 ± 10.89 years; 36.7% female) were randomly assigned to consume either barley (n = 15) or corn cereal (n = 15) daily for 6 weeks. Participants consumed approximately 50 g of available carbohydrates (either barley or corn cereal) in 190 mL milk. Outcome measures included anthropometric parameters, fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), postprandial glucose, subjective satiety, and gut health. Results: After 6 weeks, between-group comparisons revealed significant differences favoring the barley group in body weight (barley: −0.33 kg vs. corn: +0.85 kg; difference: −1.18 kg, p = 0.027), BMI (barley: −0.14 kg/m² vs. corn: +0.03 kg/m²; difference: −0.17 kg/m², p = 0.014), and glycated albumin (barley: −0.78% vs. corn: +0.09%; difference: −0.87%, p = 0.032). Within-group analyses showed that the barley group exhibited significant reductions in percent body fat (−1.03%, p = 0.004), waist circumference (−3.64 cm, p = 0.003), waist-to-hip ratio (−0.02, p = 0.012), glycated albumin (−0.78%, p = 0.029), and LDL cholesterol (−10.57 mg/dL, p = 0.033). Conversely, the corn group showed significant increases in body weight (+0.85 kg, p = 0.026) and percent body fat (+0.84%, p = 0.020), with a significant decrease in HDL cholesterol (−2.84 mg/dL, p = 0.020). Conclusions: Barley-based cereals offer significant metabolic and satiety benefits for overweight adults compared to corn-based alternatives. These findings suggest that barley-based cereals may be an effective dietary intervention for managing obesity and metabolic disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food selectivity is a prevalent and challenging issue in childhood, particularly in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which may result in restricted dietary patterns and nutrient deficiencies. This study aimed to identify high-risk subgroups of children by combining food selectivity, diet, BMI, gastrointestinal symptoms, sensory processing, and parental feeding practices in children with ASD and in typically developing children (TDC). Methods: To achieve this aim, we ran a cross-sectional, survey-based study, including 408 children (aged 3 to 12.11 years), with gender-matched groups. Both parents completed a survey on children’s diet, anthropometric curves, gastrointestinal symptoms, and the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), Short Sensory Profile (SSP), and Caregiver’s Feeding Style Questionnaire (CFSQ). Data analysis included comparative tests, correlations, and k-means cluster analysis. Results: Children with ASD exhibited significantly greater sensory processing difficulties, higher food refusal, limited food variety in the diet, and autism-related mealtime characteristics compared with TDC across all age groups. Caregivers of children with ASD reported higher controlling and contingency management feeding practices compared to the parents of the TDC. We found a strong correlation between sensory sensitivities and feeding issues. Notably, Body Mass Index (BMI) was not significantly associated with dietary restriction or gastrointestinal symptoms. Cluster analysis revealed a high-risk sub-phenotype in both groups of children with some differences, characterized by high food selectivity, taste, tactile, and smell sensitivity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and overactive parental practices. Conclusions: The early identification of this subgroup might foster more tailored, multidisciplinary, and effective assessment and clinical intervention. Full article

Introduction and Hypothesis: Pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence (PS-UI) is defined as any onset of new urinary leakage during pregnancy. The study aims to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of PS-UI. We hypothesized that demographic and clinical factors, including Gestational Diabetes, may contribute to the development of PS-UI. Methods: We recruited pregnant women from the Diamater cohort study. We evaluated the maternal characteristics, demographics, anthropometrics, hyperglycemic status, and the PS-UI occurrence. A logistic regression model was performed considering the clinical variables to determine the predictive factors for PS-UI occurrence. Results: PS-UI was prevalent in 62.1% of women. Among these, 58.85% began leaking urine between 24–28 gestational weeks. Additionally, 51% developed PS-UI at the end of pregnancy. The pregestational BMI is a risk factor for PS-UI, and physical activity is a protective factor that halves the risk of PS-UI developing. Conclusions: Weight management and encouragement to engage in physical activity during pregnancy should be emphasized in prenatal care to reduce the risk of PS-UI. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the impact of the association due to UI later in life. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to assess changes in anthropometric measures, cardiometabolic markers, and physical fitness following a structured basketball training program in healthy prepubertal boys. Methods: The intervention consisted of a 6-week pre-season phase followed by a 32-week basketball training season conducted during the academic year. Training sessions were held three times per week at moderate to vigorous intensity, along with a weekly match. The participants were assessed at baseline, 6, 9, and 12 months. A reference group was evaluated at baseline for comparison. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT07007624). Results: Seventeen boys completed the program. Anthropometric assessments revealed increases in fat-free mass in the trunk and lower limbs, along with maintenance of an adequate BMI. After nine months, participants in the intervention showed significant improvements in fitness tests, including a 45% increase in Course Navette performance (p < 0.001), a 21% increase in horizontal jump performance (p = 0.001), and a 13% increase in abdominal test performance (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that a structured, school-based basketball program may enhance physical fitness and support healthy body composition maintenance in healthy-weight prepubertal boys. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aging is linked to a loss of muscle mass and strength, which increases the risk of falls, disability, and lower quality of life. Identifying individuals at risk of sarcopenia, cachexia, or malnutrition is important. In settings with limited access to advanced diagnostics, simple anthropometric measurements can serve as practical alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate simple, quick, and non-invasive anthropometric measurements as indicators of muscle mass in older adults, based on body composition analysis (BIA). Methods: The study included 361 patients admitted to a geriatric ward. Standardized protocols were used to measure anthropometric and body composition parameters, including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Various body composition indices were calculated, such as body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and fat mass index (FMI). Results: Strong positive correlations were found between body mass and muscle mass in both women and men. Among anthropometric measures, calf circumference showed the strongest correlation with muscle mass (R = 0.798 in women; R = 0.744 in men, p < 0.001). Other indices, including BMI (R = 0.733 in women; R = 0.606 in men, p < 0.001), FFMI (R = 0.697 in women; R = 0.721 in men, p < 0.001), and FMI (R = 0.600 in women; R = 0.354 in men, p < 0.001), were also positively correlated with muscle mass. Conclusions: Calf circumference is a simple, quick, and non-invasive measure that can effectively estimate muscle mass in older adults. Although other anthropometric parameters, such as body mass, BMI, FMI, and FFMI, also showed positive correlations with muscle mass, calf circumference appears to be the most practical, as it requires minimal equipment, little time, and limited preparation. This makes it particularly useful for routine assessments in primary care and long-term care settings, where access to advanced diagnostic tools like BIA or DXA is limited. These findings support the use of simple anthropometric measurements as cost-effective and easily accessible alternatives for estimating muscle mass in older adults. Further research is needed to determine appropriate cut-off points for specific populations and sexes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity represents a pressing global health challenge, demanding coordinated, long-term strategies. Schools and families are pivotal environments for shaping children’s lifestyle behaviors. The LIVELY project aimed to assess overweight/obesity prevalence and associated factors in primary school children, and to implement a multidimensional educational intervention promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyles. Methods: This single-arm study was conducted from October 2023 to October 2024 in a primary school in Milan. The intervention included age and culturally tailored lessons, games, and activities. Anthropometric measures, dietary adherence, and lifestyle habits were assessed before and after the intervention. Satisfaction surveys were administered to children, families, and teachers. Results: The project involved 227 children across 14 classes (mean age 8.9, SD 1.2 years). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 23.4%. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was moderate, limited by low intake of vegetables, nuts, and dairy. Physical activity was low, screen time excessive, and sleep insufficient. No statistically significant improvements in anthropometrics or diet adherence were observed post-intervention, but positive trends emerged for physical activity, sleep, and hydration. Over half of the children passed the nutritional knowledge test. Despite these challenges, high satisfaction levels have been shared by children, parents, and teachers. Conclusions: The limited duration of the intervention and challenges engaging families in a low socio-economic context may have constrained the impact of the program, and caution is advised in generalizing the findings. The LIVELY project highlights the complexity of tackling childhood obesity in multicultural settings and emphasizes the need for longer, continuous, and culturally tailored programs that actively involve families to promote sustainable healthy behaviors. Full article

Background: Physical activity (PA) and adequate micronutrient intake are essential for brain development and may influence cognitive function and academic achievement. However, few large-scale studies have assessed the combined effects of PA and multi-micronutrient supplementation (MMNS) in school-age children. Methods: A cluster-randomized placebo-controlled trial in four peri-urban Tanzanian schools assigned children to one of four groups: (i) PA alone; (ii) MMNS alone; (iii) PA plus MMNS; or (iv) placebo. Children were followed over two school years with assessments at baseline, 14 months, and 26 months. Cognitive function was assessed using computerized Flanker tasks. Academic achievement was evaluated through end-of-year exams in mathematics and Kiswahili subject scores. Anthropometric measures determined nutritional status. Data were analyzed using generalized estimated equations (GEE). Results: Complete data from 559 children (326 girls, 233 boys) aged 6–12 years showed differing characteristics across groups, particularly age and body mass index. No significant intervention effects on cognitive function were found. MMNS groups (alone or combined with PA) showed significantly higher Kiswahili scores, while PA alone had the lowest performance compared to placebo. No intervention effect was found in mathematics. Sex, hemoglobin level, and baseline measures were key predictors for cognition or academic performance. Conclusions: PA and MMNS interventions showed no significant cognitive or academic improvements versus placebo. Further research should optimize school-based nutrition and PA programs for improved learning outcomes. Full article

Background: In Mexico, research on somatotypes in athletes has primarily focused on team sports, taekwondo, climbing, and triathlon. However, the available evidence remains limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the somatotype of Mexican athletes by sex, and to compare somatotype and body composition across sport macro-categories in 43 disciplines. Methods: Anthropometric measurements were conducted according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Athletes who participated in regional, national, or international competitions between 2008 and 2024 were included. Results: A total of 889 Mexican athletes (477 males and 412 females) across 43 disciplines were evaluated. Among male athletes, the predominant somatotype was endomorphic mesomorph (52.4%), followed by balanced mesomorph (17.6%) and ectomorphic mesomorph (13.6%). Among female athletes, the most reported somatotypes were endomorphic mesomorph (24.5%), mesomorphic endomorph (24.0%), and mesomorph-endomorph (21.4%). Athletes in endurance sports showed significant differences for both sexes compared to those in power and skill-based sports for both sexes (p < 0.05). Among males, team sports showed the highest values for body mass, height, and body fat percentage (%BF), while mesomorphy was greatest in track and field and ectomorphy in sprint events. Among females, track and field athletes presented the highest values for body mass, height, %BF, mesomorphy, and endomorphy, whereas endurance athletes exhibited the highest ectomorphy values. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, compared to international athletes, Mexican athletes exhibited a higher endomorphic component. It is recommended that somatotype assessments should be incorporated into regular monitoring protocols at national sports centers and considered in physical training programs to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury. Full article

Biomechanical analyses of technique are essential for performance improvement in athletic jumps, but scarce evidence exists for adolescent athletes in the literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the sex differences in the high jump biomechanics of U18 athletes. Twenty-one women (15.2 ± 1.0 yrs) and twenty-one men (15.2 ± 1.2 yrs) Greek U18 high jumpers were recorded in regional competitions using two cameras (sampling frequency: 60 fps). The kinematic parameters of the last step, the take-off, and the crossbar clearance were calculated using 3D-DLT analysis. The independent samples t-test was used to detect significant (p < 0.05) differences between groups. Results revealed that men had significantly (p < 0.05) better performance, with larger last step angle and length, body center of mass (BCM) height at the final touchdown and take-off, approach and vertical BCM take-off velocity, touchdown lateral inclination of the take-off leg, and swing leg knee angle at take-off. Women had significantly (p < 0.05) higher vertical BCM velocity at touchdown. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed for take-off angle, the support leg knee angle, the inclination of the torso at touchdown, or the vertical BCM displacement during the take-off phase. The anthropometric and physical conditioning differences between sexes contributed to the findings of the study. Coaches should consider the age and sex differences of adolescent athletes when designing training programs to optimize high jump performance. Full article

Introduction: Adequate maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy is essential for fetal skeletal development and neonatal vitamin D reserves. Evidence from Central and Eastern Europe on maternal deficiency, its determinants, and supplementation effectiveness in late pregnancy is limited. This study assessed the impact of 2000 IU/day and 4000 IU/day maternal vitamin D supplementation during the third trimester, compared to no supplementation, on maternal and neonatal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)₂D] levels at birth, and explored sociodemographic, obstetric, dietary, and lifestyle factors affecting vitamin D status. Methods: In a cross-sectional study at Târgu Mureș County Clinical Hospital, Romania, 322 term mother–newborn pairs (37–41 weeks) from January 2021 to July 2023 were evaluated. The maternal and umbilical cord 25(OH)₂D was measured via electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Data on socioeconomic status, parity, sun exposure, diet, and supplementation were collected through questionnaires and records. Statistical analysis included chi-square, linear regression, and multivariate modeling. Results: Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency affected 32.3% and 18.9% of mothers, respectively. Supplementation was the strongest predictor of sufficiency (p < 0.01), showing a dose–response effect (r = 0.84, p < 0.01). Maternal and neonatal 25(OH)₂D levels were strongly correlated (r = 0.99, p < 0.01). Although several factors correlated with deficiency in univariate analyses, only supplementation remained significant in multivariate models. No link was found between 25(OH)₂D status and neonatal anthropometrics or early complications. Conclusions: A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been documented among pregnant women in Romania. High-dose supplementation during late pregnancy is critical to ensure sufficient maternal and neonatal vitamin D, highlighting the need for standardized antenatal supplementation protocols, especially in disadvantaged groups. Full article

Objectives: This study investigates the nonlinear association between myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection risk in Chinese adults, evaluating potential modifiers and clinical implications for infection prevention. Methods: An analysis was conducted on cross-sectional data from 15,180 adults who underwent routine health examinations between January and December 2021. H. pylori infection was diagnosed using the 14C-urea breath test with a threshold of disintegrations per minute (DPM) ≥ 100. ELISA was used to measure plasma MPO levels. Nonlinear associations were assessed through logistic regression, restricted cubic splines, threshold effect analysis, and subgroup interactions. Results: The study identified a U-shaped correlation between MPO levels and the risk of H. pylori infection. Compared to the middle tertile (T2: 20.6–31 ng/mL), participants in the lowest (T1: ≤20.6 ng/mL; OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.24–1.49) and highest tertiles (T3: ≥31 ng/mL; OR = 1.12, 1.02–1.22) exhibited elevated infection risk after full adjustment (p < 0.001). DPM levels were notably elevated in T1 (β = 37.1, 26.66–47.57) and T3 (β = 19.27, 8.81–29.72) relative to T2 (p < 0.0001). RCS-based threshold analysis identified a nonlinear inflection at 24.0 ng/mL of MPO, where each additional 1 ng/mL of MPO below this threshold was associated with a reduced infection risk (OR = 0.959, 95% CI: 0.947–0.971), whereas levels above increased the risk (OR = 1.004, 95% CI: 1.002–1.007). This pattern aligned with H. pylori breath test values, which mirrored the U-shaped trend across MPO tertiles. Subgroup analyses revealed uniform associations between MPO and H. pylori infection risk/DPM across various factors such as age, sex, BMI, and metabolic comorbidities, with all interaction p-values exceeding 0.05. Conclusions: MPO levels exhibit a robust U-shaped association with H. pylori infection risk, independent of anthropometric and metabolic confounders. Monitoring MPO may aid in identifying individuals at bidirectional infection risk, suggesting novel insights into the inflammation–infection interplay. The study’s cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships, necessitating further longitudinal research to validate these findings and elucidate their clinical implications. Full article

Background: Prediabetes is on the rise and can progress to type 2 diabetes and related cardiometabolic complications if left untreated. Nutrition plays a critical role in blood glucose regulation, and evaluating the effects of whole foods on indices of glycemic control and body composition within individuals with prediabetes is important. This study examined whether consuming one average fresh mango daily for 24 weeks could improve the blood glucose indices and body composition in individuals with prediabetes. Methods: The participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (~300 g mango daily for 24 weeks) or a control group (an isocaloric granola bar daily for 24 weeks). Laboratory visits were conducted at baseline and at weeks 6, 12, and 24 to distribute the study regimen and collect anthropometric measurements, body composition data, and blood samples. Results: Twenty-three participants completed this study (treatment: n = 11; control: n = 12). At week 24, the treatment group had lower fasting blood glucose (p < 0.02) and improved insulin sensitivity (QUICKI, p = 0.02), and indicated a trend toward lower insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.05) compared with the control. The mean HbA₁c remained stable in the treatment group but increased in the control group (p = 0.02). In the treatment group, the body fat percentage showed a borderline decrease (p = 0.05), while the fat-free mass increased (p < 0.03); no significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions: The daily consumption of mango for 24 weeks improved the glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and body composition in adults with prediabetes, which supports the potential of mango as a practical dietary intervention for metabolic health. Full article

Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now widely acknowledged as belonging to the broader category of metabolic disorders, being closely associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic systemic inflammation. Recent evidence indicates that in MASLD, alterations in the gut–liver axis—particularly increased intestinal permeability may serve as a crucial mechanistic link between metabolic dysfunction and hepatic steatosis. Zonulin, a physiological modulator of intestinal tight junctions, has been suggested as an indicator of compromised barrier integrity; however, its specific role in MASLD remains to be fully elucidated. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study including 52 adult patients diagnosed with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated using the SteatoTest (FibroMax panel), while fecal zonulin levels were measured by ELISA at baseline. Clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters were assessed. We used ROC curve analysis to explore zonulin’s predictive value for moderate-to-severe steatosis (≥S2). Results: Elevated fecal zonulin (>107 ng/mL) occurred in 26.9% of participants. In a binary logistic model with SteatoTest ≥ S2 as outcome, zonulin was independently associated with clinically significant steatosis (OR per 1 ng/mL = 1.017; 95% CI 1.002–1.032; p = 0.029). Discrimination for ≥S2 was AUC = 0.680 (95% CI 0.535–0.825; p = 0.015). The Youden-optimal cut-off was 57.0 ng/mL (sensitivity 68.2%, specificity 63.3%) versus 40.9%/83.3% at the manufacturer’s 107 ng/mL threshold. Conclusions: Fecal zonulin shows modest discriminatory ability for steatosis and is best used as an adjunct to non-invasive assessment; cohort-specific calibration (57.0 ng/mL) outperformed the generic 107 ng/mL threshold. Full article

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in preventive health, yet existing digital solutions often lack personalization and accessibility. This study presents an AI-driven framework that integrates machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to deliver dynamic, user-centric dietary recommendations. A gradient boosting model, trained on NHANES demographic and anthropometric data, predicts caloric needs with an MAE of 132 kcal, while a locally deployed LLM (Mistral 7B) interprets free-text dietary constraints with 91% accuracy. Rule-based filtering from the USDA database ensures nutritional balance. A pilot usability test (n = 5) confirmed the system’s practicality and satisfaction. The proposed framework addresses key gaps in scalability, privacy, and adaptability, demonstrating the potential of hybrid AI techniques in applied nutrition science. By bridging computational methods with food science, this work offers a reproducible, modular solution for personalized health applications. Full article

Road infrastructure plays a crucial role in economic development across Latin America, yet outdated design standards in Ecuador compromise both safety and efficiency. Despite a national road network exceeding 61,000 km, Ecuador’s geometric design guidelines have not been formally updated since 2003 and fail to reflect recent changes in vehicle configurations or driver characteristics. This study proposes a data-driven methodology to update two key geometric parameters: vehicle dimensions and driver eye height. A database of 1170 vehicles across 36 categories was developed using 2023 registration records and technical specifications. Driver eye height was estimated using two complementary approaches: (1) combining vehicle seat height and ground clearance data with Ecuador-specific anthropometric measurements from the country’s five main ethnic groups, and (2) virtually assigning anthropometric profiles to the national fleet. The results show that the average eye height of light vehicle drivers is approximately 0.95 m, which is lower than the current design standards in Ecuador (1.15 m) and AASHTO (1.08 m). Estimates for heavy vehicles are also lower (1.70 m versus 2.0 and 2.4 m, respectively). These findings reveal a mismatch between the current design assumptions and real-world conditions. The proposed framework is scalable and replicable, supporting the modernization of road design standards in Ecuador and other Latin American countries. Full article