Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Jessica T. Y. Yue, Frank A. Duca, Tony K. T. Lam
Summary: A recent study found that the duodenum can distinguish between sugar and sweeteners, but the specific cells involved in this process remain unknown. Researchers engineered a flexible optic fiber for optogenetic manipulation of gut cells in mice, and found that silencing CCK cells in the duodenum reduced the preference for sugar and increased the intake of sweeteners. This study suggests that gut optogenetics may provide insights into how the gut-brain axis regulates feeding and glucose homeostasis.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. D. Ravelo, B. Calvo Agustinho, J. Arce-Cordero, H. F. Monterio, S. L. Bennet, E. Sarmikasoglou, J. Vinyard, E. R. Q. Vieira, R. R. Lobo, L. F. Ferraretto, D. Vyas, A. Faciola
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate whether partially replacing dietary corn with molasses or condensed whey permeate could affect the nutrient digestibility by ruminal micro-organisms in lactating dairy cow diets. The results showed that replacing 4% of corn starch with sugars from byproducts had minimal effects on ruminal microbial fermentation and pH. Treated condensed whey permeate showed similar effects to molasses.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Courtney J. Smith, Les Dethlefsen, Christopher Gardner, Linda Nguyen, Marcus Feldman, Elizabeth K. Costello, Oren Kolodny, David A. Relman
Summary: This study investigated the effects of dietary interventions on the human gut microbiota and host phenotype in lactose-intolerant individuals. The results showed that elimination and (re)introduction of dairy products did not significantly alter the gut microbiota and clinical lactose tolerance status. The individualized and stable structure of the gut microbiota remained unchanged despite diet manipulation.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Christine Bruetting, Milena Lara Bisch, Corinna Brandsch, Frank Hirche, Gabriele I. Stangl
Summary: Propionate has effects on lipid metabolism and gut microbiome in fructose-fed mice, leading to changes in bacterial genera and development of fatty liver in the mice. Levels of propionate in the circulation were higher in mice fed fructose-containing diets, but propionate did not affect hepatic or plasma lipids.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCES AND NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Muhammad Akhtar, Yan Chen, Ziyu Ma, Xiaolong Zhang, Deshi Shi, Jawaria A. Khan, Huazhen Liu
Summary: This review summarizes the role of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in modulating gut inflammation and highlights their potential and applications in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Priyanka Parhi, Keang Peng Song, Wee Sim Choo
Summary: The study investigated the effects of inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) supplementation on the viability and storage stability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in different sugar systems. In sucrose and lactose systems, inulin supplementation showed better protective effects, while FOS improved storage viability in lactose and sucrose systems. Both inulin and FOS supplementation enhanced the refrigerated storage stability of L. plantarum in sucrose and lactose systems.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Benediktas Brasiunas, Anton Popov, Arunas Ramanavicius, Almira Ramanaviciene
Summary: A colorimetric sensor based on a redox reaction between AuCl4- ions and reducing sugars was developed, with different sugars showing varied reaction rates and LOD values. The sensitivity of the sensor can be enhanced by prolonging the reaction time, and the linear range for different sugars differs, with distinct LOQ values observed.
Review
Microbiology
R. A. Rastall, M. Diez-Municio, S. D. Forssten, B. Hamaker, A. Meynier, F. Javier Moreno, F. Respondek, B. Stah, K. Venema, M. Wiese
Summary: Carbohydrates are one of the essential nutrients in human diet. Digestible carbohydrates provide energy, while non-digestible carbohydrates have an impact on gut microbiota and human physiological systems.
BENEFICIAL MICROBES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Priyanka Parhi, Keang Peng Song, Wee Sim Choo
Summary: This study investigated the effect of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation on the growth and survival of B. breve and B. longum in different sugar systems. The results showed that FOS supplementation had a stronger growth-promoting effect on B. longum than B. breve, and its efficacy depended on FOS concentration, sugar system, and bacterial strain.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Peng Zhao, Suhong Zhao, Jinwei Tian, Xinxin Liu
Summary: This review primarily focuses on the relationship between the gut microbiota and its major metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and heart failure (HF), aiming to explore effective treatments for HF by targeting SCFAs and improve patients' quality of life.
Article
Neurosciences
Velma T. E. Aho, Madelyn C. Houser, Pedro A. B. Pereira, Jianjun Chang, Knut Rudi, Lars Paulin, Vicki Hertzberg, Petri Auvinen, Malu G. Tansey, Filip Scheperjans
Summary: This study found that intestinal inflammatory responses and reductions in fecal SCFAs occur in Parkinson's disease (PD), are related to the microbiota and to disease onset, and are not reflected in plasma inflammatory profiles. Some of these relationships are distinct in PD and are sex-dependent. This study revealed potential alterations in microbiota-host interactions and links between earlier PD onset and intestinal inflammatory responses and reduced SCFA levels.
MOLECULAR NEURODEGENERATION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Natasja Barki, Daniele Bolognini, Ulf Borjesson, Laura Jenkins, John Riddell, David Hughes, Trond Ulven, Brian D. Hudson, Elisabeth Rexen Ulven, Niek Dekker, Andrew B. Tobin, Graeme Milligan
Summary: Volatile small molecules, including SCFAs, can act on the body in a hormone-like manner through specific GPCRs. FFA2 and FFA3 are the primary GPCR targets for SCFAs. They have distinct functions and regulate cellular activity and calcium levels through different mechanisms and signaling pathways in the gut and nervous system.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lin Li, Lifen Chen, Yuanyan Yang, Junqi Wang, Li Guo, Jingjing An, Xiaoyu Ma, Wenli Lu, Yuan Xiao, Xinqiong Wang, Zhiya Dong
Summary: This study explores the potential relationship between gut microbiota, their metabolites, and idiopathic short stature disease (ISS). By comparing the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) between children with ISS and those of normal height, the study shows that the composition of gut microbiota and the levels of its metabolites may be related to ISS pathogenesis. Specific strains with increased or decreased abundance could serve as biomarkers for diagnosing ISS.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Edward Muntean, Nina Barascu
Summary: This paper presents the soluble carbohydrate content at harvest for eight Transylvanian potato cultivars using high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The study aims to explore the carbohydrate composition of these cultivars, which is crucial for breeding programs, consumers, and processing units. Chemometric analysis of chromatographic data reveals that the cultivars Zamolxis, Kronstadt, Christian, and Roclas have the lowest reducing carbohydrate and sucrose content, making them suitable for food processing purposes.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Xiao-hang Qian, Ru-yan Xie, Xiao-li Liu, Sheng-di Chen, Hui-dong Tang
Summary: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are important metabolites derived from the gut microbiota through fermentation of dietary fiber. They play a role in various physiological and pathological processes in the human body, including potential roles and mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Parisa Vahidi Ferdowsi, Kiran D. K. Ahuja, Jeffrey M. Beckett, Stephen Myers
Summary: In this study, the effect of capsaicin and zinc on glucose metabolism signalling pathways was evaluated. The results showed that both compounds activated calcium signalling, leading to increased glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Ross J. Brosnan, Greig Watson, Will Stuart, Craig Twentyman, Cecilia M. Kitic, Matthew Schmidt
Summary: This study investigates the validity, reliability, and agreement of three commonly used GPS units in applied and research settings. The results show good performance in distance and speed, but caution is needed in acceleration indices.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Calvin P. Philp, Nathan W. Pitchford, James W. Fell, Cecilia M. Kitic, Martin Buchheit, Aaron C. Petersen, Christopher T. Minson, Denis C. Visentin, Greig Watson
Summary: This study found that hot water immersion can help athletes acclimate to heat, improve intermittent running performance and perception of in-game running ability during a competitive Australian Rules Football season. The intervention of 6 weeks of hot water immersion can elicit heat acclimation, improve perception of in-game running ability, and potentially improve intermittent running performance in semi-professional ARF athletes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Parisa Vahidi Ferdowsi, Kiran D. K. Ahuja, Jeffrey M. M. Beckett, Stephen Myers
Summary: The global burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has prompted research on finding new therapeutic targets for this chronic disorder. Bioactive food components, such as capsaicin and zinc, have shown the potential to improve glucose metabolism by activating specific pathways. Capsaicin and zinc stimulate glucose uptake through different pathways (AMPK and AKT), but both involve calcium signal transduction. Investigating the molecular pathways activated by capsaicin and zinc could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets for T2DM. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the main signaling pathways triggered by capsaicin and zinc in glucose metabolism.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chitra Sharma, Kiran D. K. Ahuja, Bharati Kulkarni, Nuala N. M. Byrne, Andrew P. P. Hills
Summary: Current global trends in physical activity levels indicate the lack of progress towards achieving the 2030 target set by the Global Action Plan. Compositional data analysis and life course epidemiology provide potential frameworks for understanding the complexity of physical activity and its relationship with life course factors. Combining these fields represents a paradigm shift in physical activity research with potential impacts on policy and both advantages and challenges. The implications of maintaining the disconnect between these fields versus consolidating them should be carefully considered.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Timothy P. Holloway, Lisa Dalton, Roger Hughes, Sisitha Jayasinghe, Kira A. E. Patterson, Sandra Murray, Robert Soward, Nuala M. Byrne, Andrew P. Hills, Kiran D. K. Ahuja
Summary: School environments can create a healthy setting for children's health and well-being. School gardening interventions have shown positive outcomes in terms of healthier eating and increased physical activity. This study found that embedding nutrition and garden-based education in the curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, family and authority figure engagement, cultural context, and the use of multi-prong approaches contribute to the improvement of children's health and well-being through school gardening programs.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sisitha Jayasinghe, Timothy P. Holloway, Robert Soward, Kira A. E. Patterson, Kiran D. K. Ahuja, Lisa Dalton, Sandra Murray, Roger Hughes, Nuala M. Byrne, Andrew P. Hills
Summary: This study aims to reduce the incidence of obesity and related diseases through social prescribing, peer education, and health screening, increase service and workforce connectivity and collaboration, and enhance health and well-being by improving food literacy, physical literacy, mental health, and community connectedness.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Roger Hughes, Kiran D. K. Ahuja, Kira A. E. Patterson, Timothy P. P. Holloway, Robert Soward, Sisitha Jayasinghe, Nuala M. M. Byrne, Andrew P. P. Hills
Summary: This study aimed to determine the determinants, needs, strategic priorities, and capacity to act on overweight and obesity prevention in North-West Tasmania by engaging and consulting local community stakeholders. The results showed that mental health and obesity were major concerns and shared similar determinants. The study identified health promotion capacity assets and deficits, highlighting the need for stakeholder consultations in future programs for obesity prevention and health promotion.
HEALTH PROMOTION JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA
(2023)
Review
Rehabilitation
E. Jovic, K. D. K. Ahuja, K. Lawler, S. Hardcastle, M. L. Bird
Summary: This study reviewed the literature on carer-supported home-based exercise programs for people after stroke. The research found that there is significant variation in the training carers receive, and these exercise programs have positive effects on the physical activity levels and functional mobility of stroke patients.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rebecca Kuriyan, Andrew P. Hills, Alexia Murphy-Alford, Ramya Padmanabha, Lukhanyo H. Nyati, Nuala M. Byrne, Anura V. Kurpad, Shane Norris
Summary: 3C-model estimates of body composition in infants differed between countries; further studies are needed to confirm these findings and investigate the causes for the differences.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ina S. Santos, Caroline S. Costa, Andrew P. Hills, Shabina Ariff, V. Pujitha Wickramasinghe, Shane Norris, Alexia J. Murphy-Alford, Christine Slater, Nishani Lucas, Lukhanyo H. Nyati, Anura V. Kurpad, Kiran D. K. Ahuja, Rebecca Kuriyan
Summary: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with infant body composition and found that birth weight and breastfeeding are independent predictors of body composition in early life, regardless of sex.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Seonad K. Madden, Kiran D. K. Ahuja, Claire Blewitt, Briony Hill, Andrew P. Hills, Helen Skouteris
Summary: This paper examines the complex link between work and health outcomes for preconception, pregnant, and postpartum women, proposing a systems-thinking approach to understand the pathways between paid work and health for individual women and improve their health outcomes.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Manoja P. Herath, Andrew P. Hills, Jeffrey M. Beckett, Sisitha Jayasinghe, Nuala M. Byrne, Kiran D. K. Ahuja
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the trends and associations of maternal characteristics and birthweight among Indigenous and non-Indigenous infants. The study used retrospective population-based data from Tasmania to assess the trends and associations between maternal characteristics and infant birthweight. The results showed that Indigenous mothers had a higher prevalence of risk factors compared to non-Indigenous mothers, and there were significant differences in the rates of increase in certain risk factors between the two groups.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Manoja P. Herath, Sandra Murray, Meron Lewis, Timothy P. Holloway, Roger Hughes, Sisitha Jayasinghe, Robert Soward, Kira A. E. Patterson, Nuala M. Byrne, Amanda J. Lee, Andrew P. Hills, Kiran D. K. Ahuja
Summary: Understanding food prices and affordability is crucial for promoting healthy dietary habits and informing policy actions. A study in Northwest Tasmania found that the recommended healthy diet was cheaper and had slower cost growth compared to the habitual unhealthy diet. The habitual diet was unaffordable for low-income households while the recommended diet posed a risk of food stress for some groups. Interventions such as financial support, nutrition education, and price regulation can help address food insecurity in the region.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Samuel Blades, Matt Jensen, Trent Stellingwerff, Sandra Hundza, Marc Klimstra
Summary: This study compared the accuracy and reliability of a new fully integrated plantar-pressure measurement system (PPMS) with an industry-standard PPMS during benchtop and running testing protocols. Results showed that the new PPMS had similar accuracy and reliability to the standard PPMS, with high agreement in both benchtop and running measurements. However, the new PPMS exhibited hysteresis during running, which may affect the accuracy of kinetic gait measures.