A disregard for calories during sampling: Exploring the “samples don’t count” effect

Product sampling is an important part of food retailing promotion. We explore how food sampling affects individuals’ total caloric estimates of a consumption episode. In a field study, at a small self-serve frozen yogurt store, 144 participants were randomly assigned to either a control or samples’ condition. Analysis of variance showed that individuals who had no or one sample overestimated the number of calories they were consuming, while those who had two or more samples underestimated their caloric intake.

Combined CNN-LSTM Deep Learning Algorithms for Recognizing Human Physical Activities in Large and Distributed Manners:A Recommendation System

Recognizing human activity(HAR)from data in a smartphone sensor plays an important role in the field of health to prevent chronic diseases.Daily and weekly physical activities are recorded on the smartphone and tell the user whether he is moving well or not.Typically,smartphones and their associated sensing devices operate in distributed and unstable environments.Therefore,collecting their data and extracting useful information is a significant challenge.In this context,the aimof this paper is twofold:The first is to analyze human behavior based on the recognition of physical activities.Using the results of physical activity detection and classification,the second part aims to develop a health recommendation system to notify smartphone users about their healthy physical behavior related to their physical activities.This system is based on the calculation of calories burned by each user during physical activities.In this way,conclusions can be drawn about a person’s physical behavior by estimating the number of calories burned after evaluating data collected daily or even weekly following a series of physical workouts.To identify and classify human behavior our methodology is based on artificial intelligence models specifically deep learning techniques like Long Short-Term Memory(LSTM),stacked LSTM,and bidirectional LSTM.Since human activity data contains both spatial and temporal information,we proposed,in this paper,to use of an architecture allowing the extraction of the two types of information simultaneously.While Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN)has an architecture designed for spatial information,our idea is to combine CNN with LSTM to increase classification accuracy by taking into consideration the extraction of both spatial and temporal data.The results obtained achieved an accuracy of 96%.On the other side,the data learned by these algorithms is prone to error and uncertainty.To overcome this constraint and improve performance(96%),we proposed to use the fusion mechanisms.The last combines deep learning classifiers tomodel non-accurate and ambiguous data to obtain synthetic information to aid in decision-making.The Voting and Dempster-Shafer(DS)approaches are employed.The results showed that fused classifiers based on DS theory outperformed individual classifiers(96%)with the highest accuracy level of 98%.Also,the findings disclosed that participants engaging in physical activities are healthy,showcasing a disparity in the distribution of physical activities between men and women.

Diet in Renal Diseases: An Art of Science

Purpose of Review: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a limited ability to excrete fluids, electrolytes, uremic toxins and other end-products of catabolism. Studies on adverse renal outcomes with dietary patterns are limited. Methods: Comprehensive search in PubMed of papers published until June 2024 describing prospective cohort studies on renal nutritional therapy (RNT) with at least 3 years of follow up. Results: RNT should include adequate yet limited amounts of calories, fluids, protein, lipids, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. RNT is an adjuvant to specific drug-therapy in 1) certain complications viz. fluid overload, anemia and renal osteodystrophy, and 2) specific kidney diseases viz. glomerulopathies, tubulopathies, polycystic kidney disease, calcium oxalates urolithiasis and cystinuria, as well as 3) types of renal failure viz acute and chronic and its treatment viz. hemodialysis, peritoneal and transplantation. Conclusion: RNT is patient-specific and should be systematically planned to delay the progression of CKD as well as to prevent and treat its complications.

Age-related driving mechanisms of retinal diseases and neuroprotection by transcription factor EB-targeted therapy

Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders,including diabetic retinopathy,age-related macular degeneration,and glaucoma,following a growing understanding of the molecular underpinnings of their development.This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of retinal aging and investigates potential neuroprotective approaches,focusing on the activation of transcription factor EB.Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes of transcription factor EB-targeted strategies,such as exercise,calorie restriction,rapamycin,and metformin,in patients and animal models of these common retinal diseases.The review critically assesses the role of transcription factor EB in retinal biology during aging,its neuroprotective effects,and its therapeutic potential for retinal disorders.The impact of transcription factor EB on retinal aging is cell-specific,influencing metabolic reprogramming and energy homeostasis in retinal neurons through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and nutrient-sensing pathways.In vascular endothelial cells,transcription factor EB controls important processes,including endothelial cell proliferation,endothelial tube formation,and nitric oxide levels,thereby influencing the inner blood-retinal barrier,angiogenesis,and retinal microvasculature.Additionally,transcription factor EB affects vascular smooth muscle cells,inhibiting vascular calcification and atherogenesis.In retinal pigment epithelial cells,transcription factor EB modulates functions such as autophagy,lysosomal dynamics,and clearance of the aging pigment lipofuscin,thereby promoting photoreceptor survival and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A expression involved in neovascularization.These cell-specific functions of transcription factor EB significantly impact retinal aging mechanisms encompassing proteostasis,neuronal synapse plasticity,energy metabolism,microvasculature,and inflammation,ultimately offering protection against retinal aging and diseases.The review emphasizes transcription factor EB as a potential therapeutic target for retinal diseases.Therefore,it is imperative to obtain well-controlled direct experimental evidence to confirm the efficacy of transcription factor EB modulation in retinal diseases while minimizing its risk of adverse effects.

Juxtapose of System Performance for Food Calorie Estimation Using IoT and Web-based Indagation

A rudimentary aspect of human life is the health of an individual,and most commonly the wellbeing is impacted in a colossal manner through the consumption of food. The intake of calories therefore is a crucial aspect that must be meticulously monitored. Various health gremlins can be largely circumvented when there is a substantial balance in the number of calories ingested versus the quantity of calories expended.The food calorie estimation is a popular domain of research in recent times and is meticulously analyzed through various image processing and machine learning techniques. However,the need to scrutinize and evaluate the calorie estimation through various platforms and algorithmic approaches aids in providing a deeper insight on the bottlenecks involved,and in improvising the bariatric health of an individual. This paper pivots on comprehending a juxtaposed approach of food calorie estimation through the use of employing Convolution Neural Network(CNN)incorporated in Internet of Things(IoT),and using the Django framework in Python,along with query rule-based training to analyze the subsequent actions to be followed post the consumption of food calories in the constructed webpage. The comparative analysis of the food calorie estimate implemented in both platforms is analyzed for the swiftness of identification,error rate and classification accuracy to appropriately determine the optimal method of use. The simulation results for IoT are carried out using the Raspberry Pi4B model,while the Anaconda prompt is used to run the server holding the web page.

New Mathematical Modelling on BMR and Weight Prediction for Ghanaians

Background: Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the quantum of calories needed for optimum body function when at rest. This has long been an indicator of one’s health and the basis for determining the metabolic age of individuals. Many scholastic projects have led to the establishment of mathematical models and inventions that measure the BMR and other body composition parameters. However, existing computations have limitations as they do not offer accurate results for Ghanaians. Aim: The purpose of the study was to model BMR metrics that are most suitable for Ghanaians and to investigate the effect of caloric difference on weight, Lean Body Mass (LBM) and % fat composition that can be implemented with Information Technology. Research Methods and Procedures: This was an experimental study that adopted a quantitative approach. BMR and body composition were measured in a sample of 242 Ghanaian adults (141 males and 101 females) from 19 to 30 years of age. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impendence analysis (BIA) in all participants. Each participant was under study for 7 days. A simple linear regression model was used to examine associations between BMR/calorie intake and total body weight and LBM. Results: There was a significant statistical relation between BMR and LBM and between BMR and weight of both men and women. Equations for BMR and weight were established for males and females. Furthermore, caloric intake differences affected changes in total weight as well as differences in % fat composition. Caloric intake however did not affect the difference in LBM. Conclusion: Caloric difference had an impact on total body weight and Lean Body Mass. The model derived from the study predicts weight change and BMR of Ghanaians from 19 to 30 years of age. It is termed the Health and Age Monitoring System (HAMS).

Calorie restriction potentiates epigallocatechin-3-gallate-mediated Nrf2 activation in hepatocytes of aged rats

Objective:To explore the combinatorial effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)and calorie restriction on activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),a transcription factor involved in the antioxidant defense system of aged rats.Methods:Aged male Wistar rats were calorie-restricted and treated with EGCG orally for 45 days.The initial body weight of aged rats was recorded,and the final body weight was measured at the end of the experimental period.Serum lipid and lipoprotein status,oxidative stress markers such as free radicals and malondialdehyde levels,and reduced glutathione were assessed.In addition,RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses were performed.Results:Calorie restriction potentiated the effect of EGCG on enhancing antioxidant status,improving the levels of serum lipid and lipoproteins,upregulating Nrf2 and Bcl2,and downregulating Keap1,cullin3,Bax and cytochrome c in aged rats.Conclusions:Calorie restriction can promote EGCG-mediated Nrf2 activation in aged rats.This preliminary finding paves the way for a combinatory approach to replenishing the antioxidant status during aging,thereby reducing the risk for age-associated degenerative diseases.

Very low calorie ketogenic diet and common rheumatic disorders:A case report

BACKGROUND The scientific literature provides evidence that nutritional ketosis can be an important support in the treatment of pathologies in which inflammation is present,as recent studies have shown that ketone bodies have anti-inflammatory activity in numerous diseases,including rheumatic diseases.We report the case of a 22-year-old woman with class I obesity and juvenile idiopathic arthritis who started treatment with a very low calorie ketogenic diet(VLCKD).CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 22-year-old woman diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 4 years and with a body mass index(BMI)of 30.8 kg/m2,waist circumference(WC)80 cm,fat mass(FM)28.1 kg,free FM 45.7 kg,and visceral adipose tissue(VAT)3.5 kg,assessed on bioimpedance analysis.She was treated using a commercial VLCKD weight-loss program(PNK®method);this program provides high-biological-value protein preparations and natural foods.Each protein preparation contains 15 g protein,4 g carbohydrate,3 g fat,and 50 mg omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid,with an energy content of 90–120 kcal.After four months on the program,the BMI was 28.6 kg/m2,WC 73 cm,FM 23.2 kg,free FM 41.9 kg,and VAT 2.9 kg.CONCLUSION VLCKD enabled the patient to reach her target weight and to reduce her joint pain and headaches.Laboratory inflammatory indices also normalized.

Mediating effect of acarbose on neurotransmitters in mental disorders: a review

Acarbose is used to control postpran-dial blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance,since it improves insulin resistance and reduces blood lipids and cardiovascular complications.However,in recent years,many studies have found that acarbose can mediate and regulate a variety of neurotransmitter-related diseases,although the mechanisms are not clear.Therefore,this paper analyzes the clinical effect of acarbose and its mediating effect on neurotransmitters of mental disorders through insulin,braingut axis,and calorie restriction,to provide a reference for the new clinical applications of acarbose.

Elevated Concentrations of Dietarily-Important Trace Elements and Macronutrients in Edible Leaves and Grain of 27 Cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i>L. Walp.) Genotypes: Implications for Human Nutrition and Health

Legumes are a good source of calories, protein and mineral nutrients for human nutrition and health. In this study, the edible leaves and grain of 27 field-grown cowpea genotypes were assessed for trace elements and macronutrient den-sity at Manga in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Ghana in 2005 and 2006, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The genotypes differed markedly in their accumulation of trace elements and major nutrients in edible leaves and grain. Except for P, the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, S and Na were much higher in edible cowpea leaves than grain in 2005. A similar pattern was observed for Ca, Mg, S, Na in 2006. However, more dramatic variations were found in the micronutrient concentrations between edible cowpea leaves and grain. The levels of the trace elements Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B were sometimes 2- to 20-fold greater in leaves than grain of cowpea. Furthermore, there were strong genotypic differences in mineral density of cowpea leaves and grain. For the major nutrients, for example, IT93K-2045-29 and IT90K-59 accumulated greater concentrations of P, K, Ca, S and Na in both edible leaves and grain in 2006, while ITH98-46, which showed the least macronutrient density, exhibited the highest concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and B in edible leaves, as well as Fe, Cu and Mn in grain. These results have implications for cowpea breeding, as well as for human nutrition and health.

Periodic Analysis on Nutrients in Chinese Residents and Their Sources

The nutritional status of Chinese residents has been greatly improved during the past 50 years.Compared with Japanese people to whom our food consumption habit is similar,the calorie nutrient intake and fat nutrient intake per capita of Chinese residents has exceeded the intake of the Japanese residents,but the protein nutrient intake is still lower.Among the composition of the calorie nutrient,the proportion of fat is higher,but the proportion of protein is lower,and both the animal protein and the vegetable fat are small.Therefore,we should guide the poor to the rational consumption such as soybean which contains quality protein but is a kind of inexpensive food.With the increase of population eating out,residents＇ nutrients awareness as well as the public service institutions knowledge of nutrition should be enhanced.

Chocolate Milk with Sucrose and Stevia Preference by Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the preference of chocolate milk products sweetened with sucrose and stevia by pre- and post-menopausal women and to examine their concerns about bone health. Women panelists were divided into two groups according to age: pre- menopausal (from 18 to 47 years old) and post-menopausal (over 48 years old) and answered the frequency of white and chocolate milk consumption during a week and their concerns about bone health. For preference, five kinds of chocolate milk were used: 1) Non Sucrose Added [NSA] with stevia and NutraFlora?, 2) NSA with stevia, 3) with sucrose and stevia, 4) with sucrose, stevia, and NutraFlora?, and 5) control with sucrose. The results showed that both groups (pre- and post- menopausal women) prefer chocolate milk to white milk. Pre-menopausal women prefer the chocolate milk with NSA stevia and NutraFlora?, while post-menopausal women prefer the chocolate milk NSA with stevia without NutraFlora?. For comparisons between chocolate milk with sucrose and stevia vs. chocolate milk with sucrose and stevia and NutraFlora? and chocolate milk with sucrose vs. chocolate milk with sucrose and stevia, there were no visible differences between pre- and post-menopausal women. Both groups were concerned about bone health, fiber, and calories, and their concerns about which influenced their milk choices. Pre-menopausal women showed a greater positive impact on milk choice when being informed the amount of fibers in the sample than post-menopausal women. Therefore, this study suggests that milk sweetened with stevia needs to be produced as calcium resources without increasing calories.

Food Production Engineering Efficiency: A Critical Analysis of the Conventional Metrics Used in Measuring Agricultural Efficiency

An analysis is reported of conventional vs. alternative metrics used in measuring food production efficiency. Economic efficiency is driven by marketplace economics, while engineering efficiency is driven by useful energy conservation. As farming systems are optimized for maximum efficiency, how “efficiency” is defined will dictate the methods used in food production. Farming methods that are optimized in terms of economic efficiency have environmental consequences that are not inherent of engineering efficiency;however, farming methods optimized in terms of engineering efficiency have labor requirements not inherent of economic efficiency. A shift from optimizing food production in terms of economic efficiency to engineering efficiency may be necessary in order to feed a growing human population.

水星构造特征及演化

水星是离太阳最近的类地行星,它有着类似月球的外表和类似地球的内部,其重要的构造特征主要表现在以下方面:广泛分布的撞击坑;全球线性构造(格子构造)体系;叶片状悬崖;与Caloris盆地相关的构造;局部的拉张构造,其中叶片状悬崖是仅存在于水星的独特构造。类地行星(除地球以外)的构造形迹主要形成于星球历史的早、中期,同时小行星体的构造演化通常被认为是行星热演化以及外部作用(如强烈撞击或者潮汐)共同作用的结果。

Intermittent energy restriction in type 2 diabetes: A short discussion of medication management

AIM To discuss type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) medication changes required during the popular 5:2 intermittent energy restriction(IER) diet. METHODS A search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and Cochrane library for original research articles investigating the use of very low calorie diets(VLCD) in people with T2 DM. The search terms used included "VLCD" or "very low energy diet" or "very low energy restriction" or "IER" or "intermittent fasting" or "calorie restriction" or "diabetes mellitus type 2" and "type 2 diabetes". Reference lists of selected articles were also screened for relevant publications. Only research articles written in English, which also included an explanation of medication changes were included. A recent pilot trial using the 5:2 IER method, conducted by our research group, will also be summarized.RESULTS A total of 8 studies were found that investigated the use of VLCD in T2 DM and discussed medication management. Overall these studies indicate that the use of a VLCD for people with T2 DM usually require the cessation of medication to prevent hypoglycemia. Therefore, the 5:2 IER method will also require medication changes, but as seen in our pilot trial, may not require total cessation of medication, rather a cessation on the 2 IER days only. CONCLUSION Guidelines outlined here can be used in the initial stages of a 2-d IER diet, but extensive blood glucose monitoring is still required to make the necessary individual reductions to medications in response to weight loss.

Impact of exergames on physical activity and motivation in elementary school students: A follow-up study

The present study was built upon a previous study on the new generation video game, exergame, in elementary school physical education （PE）. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of exergames on elementary children＇s in-class physical activity （PA） intensity levels and perceived situational interest over time. The results indicated that students＇ situational interest dropped dramatically over two semesters, but their PA intensity increased over time. The results showed that boys and girls were equally active in the exergaming lessons, but boys perceived their gaming experiences more enjoyable than girls did. The findings suggest that exergames may be a possible means to enhance PA in PE. However, whether exergaming is a sustainable way to motivate children in PA is questionable.

Assessing the evidence for weight loss strategies in people with and without type 2 diabetes

This review will examine topical issues in weight loss and weight maintenance in people with and without diabetes. A high protein, low glycemic index diet would appear to be best for 12-mo weight maintenance in people without type 2 diabetes. This dietary pattern is currently beingexplored in a large prevention of diabetes intervention. Intermittent energy restriction is useful but no better than daily energy restriction but there needs to be larger and longer term trials performed. There appears to be no evidence that intermittent fasting or intermittent severe energy restriction has a metabolic benefit beyond the weight loss produced and does not spare lean mass compared with daily energy restriction. Meal replacements are useful and can produce weight loss similar to or better than food restriction alone. Very low calorie diets can produce weight loss of 11-16 kg at 12 mo with persistent weight loss of 1-2 kg at 4-6 years with a very wide variation in long term results. Long term medication or meal replacement support can produce more sustained weight loss. In type 2 diabetes very low carbohydrate diets are strongly recommended by some groups but the long term evidence is very limited and no published trial is longer than 12 mo. Although obesity is strongly genetically based the microbiome may play a small role but human evidence is currently very limited.

University Student Sample Is Unable to Accurately Assess Their Calorie Needs: Implications for Weight Management and Menu Labeling

National surveys have shown that over 80% of adults do not know their recommended calorie levels. Lack of knowledge about calorie needs could be contributing to the high prevalence of obesity in the US. Young adulthood is a crucial period for the development of dietary behaviors that continue into later adulthood and influence the risk of obesity and chronic disease. This study examined university students’ knowledge of their recommended calorie needs. Subjects (N = 153) were students at Texas Tech University in Fall 2010. Students were given a survey to assess perceived daily calorie need (PDCN) and perceived daily calorie intake (PDCI). Their recommended daily calorie needs (RDCN) and actual calorie intakes (ACI) were determined using MyPyramid.gov. PDCN, PDCI, RDCN, and ACI were compared to determine students’ ability to accurately estimate and consume recommended daily calorie levels. The range of their PDCN was 120 kcal to 10,000 kcal. Only 19.7% of students estimated their RDCN accurately. There were significant differences between PDCN and RDCN (t [152] = ?3.223, P = 0.002);PDCI and ACI (t [114] = 3.246, P = 0.002);and ACI and RDCN (t [114] = ?5.6, P = 0.000). Nearly 40% of these university students were overweight. BMI had a significant effect (P = 0.001) on students’ estimation of their RDCN as students with underweight/normal BMI were more accurate. Nutrition education programs focused on calorie needs should be implemented with university students so they will be able to effectively use calorie information on food labels and menus for weight management.

Insufficiency of Cellular Energy (ICE) May Precede Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease and Be Treatable via the Alternative Cellular Energy (ACE) Pathway

The term neurodegeneration emphasizes the destruction of neuronal cells as the primary explanation of many major neurological illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. Specialized functioning of cells requires more cellular energy than is needed for basic cell survival. Cells can acquire energy both from the metabolism of food and from the alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway. The ACE pathway is an added dynamic (kinetic) quality of the body’s fluids occurring from the absorption of an external force termed KELEA (Kinetic Energy Limiting Electrostatic Attraction). KELEA is attracted to separated electrical charges and is seemingly partially released as the charges become more closely linked. As suggested elsewhere, the fluctuating electrical activity in the brain may attract KELEA from the environment and, thereby, contribute to the body’s ACE pathway. Certain illnesses affecting the brain may impede this proposed antenna function of the brain, leading to a systemic insufficiency of cellular energy (ICE). Furthermore, individual neurons may derive some of the energy for their own activities from the repetitive depolarization of the cell. This may explain why hyper-excitability of neurons can occur in response to cell damage. This adaptive mechanism is unlikely to be sustainable, however, especially if there is a continuing need to synthesize neurotransmitters and membrane ion channels. The energy deficient neurons would then become quiescent and, although remaining viable, would not perform their intended specialized functions. Actual cell death would not necessarily occur till much later in the disease process. The distinction between quiescent and degenerated cells is important since the ACE pathway can be enhanced by several means, including the regular consumption of KELEA activated water. This, in turn, may improve the proposed antenna function of individual neurons, leading to a sustained restoration of specialized function via the ACE pathway. This paper explores this novel concept and provides a rationale for clinical testing of KELEA activated water in patients with neurological and psychiatric illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Pivotal role of SIRT6 in calorie restriction, aging and inflammation

Background The aggravating trend of aging population has brought us with great medical challenges. Calorie restriction （CR） has various beneficial effects on health, including lifespan prolongation and functional im- provement of multiple organisms. SIRT6, a member of the Sirtuin family of NAD^＋-dependent histone deacetylases, has been shown to play a key role in mediating the effects of CR. Aim Here we show how CR-triggered SIRT6-de- pendent pathways affect aging and the critical role of SIRT6 on inflammation. Methods 24-month-old mice were fed under ad libitum （AL） or CR condition for 6 months to determine the effects of CR. In addition, we took low glucose （LG） cultured WI38 human fibroblasts as a model to mimic CR in vitro. Further more, we stably overex- pressed or knockdown SIRT6 in WI38 to identify the role of SIRT6 in cell senescence and inflammation. Results Aged mice with CR had improved renal pathology and enhanced SIRT6 expression compared with AL group. In ad- dition, compared with normal glucose （NG） group, LG group had prolonged lifespan and increased expression of SIRT6. Furthermore, increased SA-β-gal positive cells were observed in SIRT6-deficient cells while the overexpres- sion of SIRT6 could delay the replicative senescence effectively. NF-KB was involved in the SIRT6 mediated lon- gevity control. SIRT6 overexpressed WI38 had low translocate rate of NF-KB into the nucleus and SIRT6 could at- tenuate the NF-KB signaling by deacetylating the RelA subunit of NF-KB complex. Conclusion In this study, we show that CR prevents age-dependent renal insufficiency by up-regulation of SIRT6. CR-triggered SIRT6 activation suppresses NF-KB signaling via preventing nuclear translocation of NF-KB. Here we identified the beneficial effects of CR on renal aging and determined the crucial role of SIRT6 on CR-mediated lifespan extension.