Assessement of Nutritional Status of Households Using Weighed Food Intake in North West Region of Cameroon

This study determined the nutritional status of households in North western region of Cameroon using weighed food intake. Twenty–two rural and 106 urban households were randomly selected for weighed food intake Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze collected data and significance at p < 0.05 accepted. Corn fufu with huckleberry was the most frequently consumed meal with little or no animal-source protein. Protein and B group vitamins intake of respondents in both communities were below the FAO/WHO recommended values while energy, iron, and vitamins A and C were in excess for most age groups. Adolescents 10 - 19 years and adults 20 years and above failed to meet at least 85% of RNI for calcium.

J-shaped association between dietary thiamine intake and the risk of cognitive decline in cognitively healthy,older Chinese individuals

Background The prospective association of dietary thiamine intake with the risk of cognitive decline among the general older adults remains uncertain.Aims To investigate the association between dietary thiamine intake and cognitive decline in cognitively healthy,older Chinese individuals.Methods The study included a total of 3106 participants capable of completing repeated cognitive function tests.Dietary nutrient intake information was collected through 3-day dietary recalls and using a 3-day food-weighed method to assess cooking oil and condiment consumption.Cognitive decline was defined as the 5-year decline rate in global or composite cognitive scores based on a subset of items from the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified.Results The median follow-up duration was 5.9 years.There was a J-shaped relationship between dietary thiamine intake and the 5-year decline rate in global and composite cognitive scores,with an inflection point of 0.68 mg/day(95%confidence interval(Cl):0.56 to 0.80)and a minimal risk at 0.60-1.00 mg/day of dietary thiamine intake.Before the inflection point,thiamine intake was not significantly associated with cognitive decline.Beyond the inflection point,each unit increase in thiamine intake(mg/day)was associated with a significant decrease of 4.24(95%Cl:2.22 to 6.27)points in the global score and 0.49(95%Cl:0.23 to 0.76)standard units in the composite score within 5 years.A stronger positive association between thiamine intake and cognitive decline was observed in those with hypertension,obesity and those who were non-smokers(all p<0.05).Conclusions This study revealed a J-shaped association between dietary thiamine intake and cognitive decline in cognitively healthy,older Chinese individuals,with an inflection point at 0.68 mg/day and a minimal risk at 0.60-1.00 mg/day of dietary thiamine intake.

Excess dietary Lys reduces feed intake, stimulates jejunal CCK secretion and alters essential and non‑essential blood AA profile in pigs

Background Commercial diets are frequently formulated to meet or exceed nutrient levels including those of lim-iting essential amino acids(AA)covering potential individual variations within the herd.However,the provision of dietary excess of AA,such as Lys,may lead to reduced appetite and growth in pigs.The mechanisms modulat-ing these responses have not been extensively investigated.This study evaluated the effect of Lys dietary excesses on performance and satiety biomarkers in post weaning pigs.Methods Twenty-four pigs aged 21 d and weighing 6.81±0.12kg(mean±SEM)were individually housed and offered 1 of 4 dietary treatments for 3weeks:a diet containing a standardized ileal digestible Lys reaching 100%(T0),120%(T1),150%(T2)or 200%(T3)of the NRC(2012)requirements.At the end of the experiment,blood samples from the cephalic vein of the T0 and T3 groups were obtained for AA analysis.In addition,primary intestinal cultures from T0 pigs were used,following their humane killing,to evaluate the effect of Lys on gut hormone secretion and AA sensors gene expression under ex vivo conditions.Results Feed intake was linearly reduced(P<0.001)and the weight gain to feed ratio reduced(P<0.10)with increased dietary levels of Lys during the third-and first-week post weaning,respectively.Cholecystokinin con-centration(P<0.05)and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and the solute carrier family 7 member 2(P<0.10)gene expression was enhanced in proximal jejunum tissues incubated with Lys at 20mmol/L when compared to the control(Lys 0mmol/L).Plasma Lys and Glu(P<0.05)concentration increased in the T3 compared to T0 pigs.In contrast,plasma levels of His,Val,Thr,Leu(P<0.05)and Gln(P<0.10)were lower in T3 than T0 pigs.Conclusion The present results confirm that excess dietary Lys inhibits hunger in pigs.Moreover,the results provide evidence of pre-and post-absorptive mechanisms modulating these responses.Lys dietary excesses should be nar-rowed,when possible,to avoid negative effects of the AA on appetite in pigs.

Hydrodynamic characteristics and particle tracking of 90° lateral intakes at an inclined river slope

Lateral intakes are common in rivers.The pump effciency and sediment deposition are determined by the local hydrodynamic characteristics and mainstream division width.The hydraulic characteristics of lateral withdrawal from inclined river slopes at different intake elevations should be investigated.Meanwhile,the division width exhibits significant vertical non-uniformity at an inclined river slope,which should be clarified.Hence,a three-dimensional(3-D)hydrodynamic and particle-tracking model was developed with the Open Source Field Operation and Manipulation(Open FOAM),and the model was validated with physical model tests for 90°lateral withdrawal from an inclined side bank.The flow fields,withdrawal sources,and division widths were investigated with different intake bottom elevations,withdrawal discharges,and main channel velocities.This study showed that under inclined side bank conditions,water entered the intake at an oblique angle,causing significant 3-D spiral flows in the intake rather than two-dimensional closed recirculation.A lower withdrawal discharge,a lower bottom elevation of the intake,or a higher main channel velocity could further strengthen this phenomenon.The average division width and turbulent kinetic energy were smaller under inclined side bank conditions than under vertical bank conditions.With a low intake bottom elevation,a low withdrawal discharge,or a high main channel velocity,the sources of lateral withdrawal were in similar ranges near the local inclined bank in the vertical direction.Under inclined slope conditions,sediment deposition near the intake entrance could be reduced,compared to that under vertical slope conditions.The results provide hydrodynamic and sediment references for engineering designs for natural rivers with inclined terrains.

Despite being negative, the indicators for business situation and order intake improved in January 2024

The last ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey(GTIS) was conducted in January 2024.It revealed a significant improvement in the business climate,signaling a potential turning point driven by better inflation rates,increased real wages,and consumer sentiment in the USA,alongside expectations of interest rate cuts.Business expectations for July 2024 reached a peak unmet since late 2021,fueled by improved order intakes and a more optimistic consumer demand outlook,despite ongoing cost concerns.Order intake began showing recovery signs,with notable increases across regions except East Asia,particularly in North&Central America and South America.

Lack of a causal relationship between tea intake and sleep disorders: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background:The relationship between tea intake(TI)and sleep disorders(SDs)has been a topic of interest for some time,but there remains a lack of data showing a causal relationship.We aimed to use a two-sample Mendelian randomization study to determine whether there is a causal link between TI and SDs.Methods:We collected data regarding TI,with a focus on green tea intake(GTI),herbal tea intake(HTI),and rooibos tea intake(RTI);and data regarding SDs and insomnia from genome-wide association studies.We analyzed these data using an inverse variance-weighted two-sample Mendelian randomization study,by means of the TwoSampleMR package in R4.2.3 software.Results:We found no genetic causal relationships of TI,GTI,HTI,or RTI with insomnia.The odds ratios(ORs)for these relationships were as follows:TI:OR=0.61,95%confidence interval(CI):0.29–1.28;GTI:OR=1.04,95%CI:0.95–1.14;HTI:OR=0.98,95%CI:0.82–1.17;and RTI:OR=1.04,95%CI:0.99–1.09.In addition,there were no genetic causal relationships of TI,GTI,HTI,or RTI with SDs.The OR values for these relationships were as follows:TI:OR=0.6,95%CI:0.34–1.06;GTI:OR=1,95%CI:0.93–1.07;HTI:OR=0.89,95%CI:0.66–1.2;and RTI:OR=1.02,95%CI:0.98–1.06.Conclusion:We found no causal relationships of TI with SDs or insomnia,irrespective of the type of tea consumed.However,additional Mendelian randomization studies are required to further explore the relationships of the timing and quantity of tea consumption with SDs and insomnia.

Dietary fiber during gestation improves lactational feed intake of sows by modulating gut microbiota

Background The feed intake of sows during lactation is often lower than their needs.High-fiber feed is usually used during gestation to increase the voluntary feed intake of sows during lactation.However,the mechanism underlying the effect of bulky diets on the appetites of sows during lactation have not been fully clarified.The current study was conducted to determine whether a high-fiber diet during gestation improves lactational feed intake(LFI)of sows by modulating gut microbiota.Methods We selected an appropriate high-fiber diet during gestation and utilized the fecal microbial transplanta-tion(FMT)method to conduct research on the role of the gut microbiota in feed intake regulation of sows during lactation,as follows:high-fiber(HF)diet during gestation(n=23),low-fiber(LF)diet during gestation(n=23),and low-fiber diet+HF-FMT(LFM)during gestation(n=23).Results Compared with the LF,sows in the HF and LFM groups had a higher LFI,while the sows also had higher peptide tyrosine tyrosine and glucagon-like peptide 1 on d 110 of gestation(G110 d).The litter weight gain of piglets during lactation and weaning weight of piglets from LFM group were higher than LF group.Sows given a HF diet had lower Proteobacteria,especially Escherichia-Shigella,on G110 d and higher Lactobacillus,especially Lactobacil-lus_mucosae_LM1 and Lactobacillus_amylovorus,on d 7 of lactation(L7 d).The abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was reduced by HF-FMT in numerically compared with the LF.In addition,HF and HF-FMT both decreased the perinatal concentrations of proinflammatory factors,such as endotoxin(ET),lipocalin-2(LCN-2),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).The concentration of ET and LCN-2 and the abundance of Proteobacteria and Escheri-chia-Shigella were negatively correlated with the LFI of sows.Conclusion The high abundance of Proteobacteria,especially Escherichia-Shigella of LF sows in late gestation,led to increased endotoxin levels,which result in inflammatory responses and adverse effects on the LFI of sows.Add-ing HF during gestation reverses this process by increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus,especially Lactobacil-lus_mucosae_LM1 and Lactobacillus_amylovorus.

Primary gastroduodenal tuberculosis presenting as gastric outlet obstruction:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB)is the causative agent of TB,a chronic granulo-matous illness.This disease is prevalent in low-income countries,posing a significant global health challenge.Gastrointestinal TB is one of the three forms.The disease can mimic other intra-abdominal conditions,leading to delayed diagnosis owing to the absence of specific symptoms.While gastric outlet obs-truction(GOO)remains a frequent complication,its incidence has declined with the advent of proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.Gastroduodenal TB can cause upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage,obstruction,and malignancy-like tumors.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male presented with recurrent epigastric pain,distension,nausea,vomiting,and weight loss,prompting a referral to a gastroenterologist clinic.Endoscopic examination revealed distorted gastric mucosa and signs of chronic inflammation.However,treatment was interrupted,possibly owing to vomiting or comorbidities such as human immunodeficiency virus infection or diabetes.Subsequent surgical intervention revealed a dilated stomach and diffuse thickening of the duodenal wall.Resection revealed gastric wall effacement with TB.CONCLUSION Primary gastric TB is rare,frequently leading to GOO.Given its rarity,suspicions should be promptly raised when encountering relevant symptoms,often requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis and treatment.

Functional Genes in Relation to Residual Feed Intake in Murrah Buffalo Heifers

High Feed efficiency (FE) in growing heifers has economic importance in dairy, but remains less understood in buffaloes. Feed conversion efficiency is defined as dry matter intake (DMI) per unit body weight gain and is determined as residual feed intake (RFI), i.e., the difference between actual and predicted feed intake to gain unit body weight during a feed trial run for 78 days under control feeding. A large variation was identified ranging between -0.42 to 0.35 in growing buffalo heifers (n = 40) of age between 11 to 15 months. An average daily weight gain (ADG) varied between 382.0 and 807.6 g/day when compared with the control-fed heifers at an organized buffalo farm. The whole blood transcriptome data obtained from the selected growing heifers from extremes of estimated high and low RFI efficiency were compared with the reference assembly generated from the transcriptome of multiparous buffaloes (n = 16) of diverse age of maturity, period of regaining post partum cyclicity and level of milk production. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the reference genome of Mediterranean water buffalo. GO: terms (Padj 0.05, FDR 0.05) enriched by annotated DEGs and biological pathways in gene network for RFI efficiency trait were identified. GO: terms specific to pre-transcriptional regulation of nucleus and Chromatin organization under Nucleoplasm, Energy balancing, Immunity, Cell signaling, ROS optimization, ATP generation through the Electron Transport chain and cell proliferation were determined. The study reveals the indicators targeting the actual metabolic changes and molecular functions underlying the feed utilization capacity of buffaloes. Estimated RFI efficiency revealed a large variation over heifers which may lower the DMI even up to 13.6% thus, enabling an increase in ADG up to 16% by involving efficient heifers in breeding plan. The study revealed a scope of high gain by selective breeding for FE in heifers. FE variants catalogued in the study are useful breed-specific RFI markers for future reference. The study contributes to the understanding of feed efficiency in buffaloes and its association with key interactive traits such as reproduction and growth. This knowledge can be utilized to develop more effective breeding programs.

An Artificial Neural Network Model Combined with Dietary Retinol Intake from Different Sources to Predict the Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objective This study aimed to develop an artificial neural network(ANN) model combined with dietary retinol intake from different sources to predict the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in American adults.Methods Data from the 2007 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)2007–2014 were analyzed. Eligible subjects(n = 6,613) were randomly divided into a training set(n1 =4,609) and a validation set(n2 = 2,004) at a ratio of 7:3. The training set was used to identify predictors of NAFLD risk using logistic regression analysis. An ANN was established to predict the NAFLD risk using a training set. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the model using the training and validation sets.Results Our study found that the odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs) of NAFLD for the highest quartile of plant-derived dietary retinol intake(i.e., provitamin A carotenoids, such as β-carotene)(OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.99) were inversely associated with NAFLD risk, compared to the lowest quartile of intake, after adjusting for potential confounders. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.874 and 0.883 for the training and validation sets, respectively. NAFLD occurs when its incidence probability is greater than 0.388.Conclusion The ANN model combined with plant-derived dietary retinol intake showed a significant effect on NAFLD. This could be applied to predict NAFLD risk in the American adult population when government departments formulate future health plans.

Lower serum magnesium concentration and higher 24-h urinary magnesium excretion despite higher dietary magnesium intake in athletes:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Magnesium plays a critical role in the human's life activities and energy metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the magnesium status of athletes via a systematic review of cross-sectional studies. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library electronic databases, and other sources before April 5, 2021. Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review, involving 855 athletes and 521 control subjects. Serum magnesium concentration was significantly lower in athletes(mean difference(MD):-0.04 mmol/L;95% confidence interval(CI):-0.06 to-0.01;P = 0.02)in spite of significantly higher dietary magnesium intake(MD: 51.72 mg/day;95% CI: 14.62 to 88.83;P = 0.006). Meta-analysis showed that 24-h urinary magnesium excretion in athletes was significantly higher than that in the untrained population(MD: 0.76 mmol/day;95% CI: 0.11 to 1.41;P = 0.02). Despite higher total dietary magnesium intake, athletes generally have lower serum magnesium concentration and higher 24-h urinary magnesium excretion, demonstrating that the magnesium requirement of athletes is higher than the untrained population. It is necessary to carry out a dietary assessment and nutrition counseling to help athletes adopt proper diets to meet their nutritional needs in exercise.

Physical exercise protects muscle from accelerated aging induced by high-salt intake and muscle CG2196(salt)gene overexpression in Drosophila

Aging decreases muscle mass,strength,and functional capacity.High-salt stress seems to promote muscle aging and decrease lifespan.However,exercise delays muscle aging and increases longevity,and it may protect muscle from rapid aging induced by high-salt intake(HSI),but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood.In this study,the flies were fed a high-salt diet and trained to exercise.Muscle CG2196(salt)gene and dSir2 gene were over-expressed by building mef2-gal4/UAS system.The results showed that both physical exercise and muscle dSir2 gene overexpression prevented HSI-induced and muscle salt overexpression-induced accelerated age-related decline of climbing index,climbing endurance,muscle NAD^(+)level,SOD activity level,dSir2 expression,and dFOXO expression,and they also prevented HSI-induced and muscle salt overexpression-induced accelerated age-related increase in muscle ROS level,MDA level,and salt gene expression.Physical exercise improved lifespan decrease induced by HSI and muscle salt overexpression.Therefore,current results indicated that high-salt stress accelerated muscle aging by decreasing muscular NAD^(+)/dSir2/dFOXO pathway activity and increasing oxidative stress.Physical exercise protected muscle from accelerated aging induced by high-salt stress through activating muscle NAD^(+)/dSir2/dFOXO pathway and enhancing muscle oxidation resistance.The combination of exercise and muscle dSir2 overexpression had the best protective effect on muscle aging and lifespan in flies.

Causal relationship association of cheese intake with gestational hypertension and diabetes result from a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND The evidence from observational studies has been inconclusive on the causal relationship between cheese intake and gestational hypertension or diabetes.AIM To determine whether cheese consumption was causally related to hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy.METHODS This was a two-sample Mendelian randomized(MR)study.Summary-level genetic data for cheese intake was exposure and corresponding outcome data for gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes were extracted from the IEU OpenGWAS database.MR analysis was conducted using inverse variance weighting.For sensitivity analyses,MR-Egger regression,weighted median,weighted mode,and leave-one-out methods were conducted.A fixed-effect model was used to meta-analyze two sample MR estimates.The traits of gestational hypertension were pregnancy hypertension(123579 individuals)and oedema,proteinuria and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy,childbirth and the puerperium(123579 individuals),and traits of gestational diabetes were gestational diabetes(123579 individuals)and diabetes mellitus in pregnancy(116363 individuals),respectively.RESULTS Cheese intake per standard deviation increase has causally reduced the risks of gestational hypertension[odds ratio(OR)=0.60,95%confidence interval(CI):0.47-0.76,P<0.001]and gestational diabetes(OR=0.41,95%CI:0.30-0.55,P<0.001)in inverse variance weighted analysis.Sensitivity analysis showed no heterogeneity(all P>0.05)nor horizontal pleiotropy(all P>0.05)in the relationship between cheese intake and gestational hypertension,but heterogeneity presented(all P<0.05)in relation to gestational diabetes in the two-sample MR analysis.CONCLUSION Cheese intake was inversely associated with gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes in MR analysis,suggesting that cheese consumption may be beneficial in preventing hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy.

Effects of ultrasound monitoring of gastric residual volume on feeding complications,caloric intake and prognosis of patients with severe mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND Monitoring of gastric residual is an important approach for assessing gastric emptying in patients with mechanical ventilation.By monitoring gastric contents,the enteral nutrition scheme can be adjusted in time to ensure feeding safety.AIM To investigate the effects of ultrasound monitoring on the incidence of feeding complications,daily caloric intake and prognosis of patients with severe mechanical ventilation.To analyze the clinical significance of ultrasound monitoring of gastric residual volume(GRV)up to 250 mL to provide a theoretical basis for clinical practice.METHODS Patients admitted to the department of emergency medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2018 to June 2022 who received invasive mechanical ventilation and continuous enteral nutrition support within 24-48 h after admission were enrolled in this study.Medical records for patients within 7 d of hospitalization were retrospectively analyzed to compare the incidence of feeding complications,daily caloric intake and clinical prognosis between patients with gastric residual≥250 mL and<250 mL,as monitored by ultrasound on the third day.RESULTS A total of 513 patients were enrolled in this study.Incidences of abdominal distension,diarrhea,and vomiting in the<250 mL and≥250 mL groups were:18.4%vs 21.0%,23.9%vs 32.3%and 4.0%vs 6.5%,respectively;mortality rates were 20.8%vs 22.65%;mechanical ventilation durations were 18.30 d vs 17.56 d while lengths of stay in the intensive care units(ICU)were 19.87 d vs 19.19±5.19 d.Differences in the above factors between groups were not significant.Gastric residual≥250 mL was not an independent risk factor for death and prolonged ICU stay.However,target feeding time of patients in the≥250 mL group was longer than that of patients in the≥250 mL group,and caloric intake(22.0,23.6,24.8,25.3 kcal/kg/d)for patients in the≥250 mL group from the 4^(th) day to the 7^(th) day of hospitalization was lower than that of patients in the≥250 mL group(23.2,24.8,25.7,25.8 kcal/kg/d).On the 4^(th) day(Z=4.324,P=0.013),on the 5^(th) day(Z=3.376,P=0.033),while on the 6^(th) day(Z=3.098,P=0.04),the differences were statistically significant.CONCLUSION The use of ultrasound to monitor GRV and undertaking clinical interventions when the monitoring value is≥250 mL has no significant effects on incidences of feeding complications and clinical prognostic outcomes,however,it significantly prolongs the time to reach target feeding,reduces the daily intake of calories during ICU hospitalization,and increases the risk of insufficient nutrition of patients.The accuracy and necessity of monitoring gastric remnants and monitoring frequencies should be investigated further.

Moderate stepwise restriction of potassium intake to reduce risk of hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease:A literature review

A potassium-rich diet has several cardiovascular and renal health benefits;however,it is not recommended for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease because of the risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia.To assess the strength of evidence supporting potassium intake restriction in chronic kidney disease,the medical literature was searched looking for the current recommended approach and for evidence in support for such an approach.There is a lack of strong evidence supporting intense restriction of dietary potassium intake.There are several ways to reduce potassium intake without depriving the patient from fruits and vegetables,such as identifying hidden sources of potassium(processed food and preservatives)and soaking or boiling food to remove potassium.An individualized and gradual reduction of dietary potassium intake in people at risk of hyperkalemia is recommended.The current potassium dietary advice in chronic kidney disease needs to be reevaluated,individualized,and gradually introduced.

Genetic causal relationship between tea intake and cerebral aneurysm: a two-sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Background:Prior research has established a strong link between cerebral aneurysm(CA)occurrence and inflammation.Tea intake(TI)has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties through multiple mechanisms,potentially lowering CA incidence.This study aims to employ Mendelian Randomization(MR)methodology to explore the genetic causality between TI and CA.Methods:We collected Genome-wide association study(GWAS)data for CA,TI,Green tea intake(GTI),Herbal tea intake(HTI),and Rooibos tea intake(RTI).The MR analysis employed the TwoSampleMR package and utilized the inverse variance-weighted(IVW)method.Results:The findings suggest no genetic causal relationship between TI and CA(IVW:OR=1.10,95%CI:0.59–2.05,P=0.772).Similarly,there is no genetic causal association between GTI and CA(IVW:OR=1.07,95%CI:0.91–1.26,P=0.388),HTI and CA(IVW:OR=1.00,95%CI:0.89–1.13,P=0.943),or RTI and CA(IVW:OR=1.02,95%CI:0.96–1.09,P=0.472).Conclusion:There is no genetic causal relationship between TI and CA,and the different types of tea do not change this result.Further MR analysis is needed to investigate whether there is a potential genetic causal association between the quantity of TI and CA.

No genetic causal relationship between tea intake and diabetes:a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background:Previous studies have suggested a potential risk-reducing effect of tea intake(TI)on diabetes.However,the specific impacts of TI on different types of diabetes and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.To further explore this topic,we conducted a comprehensive investigation to assess the causal relationship between TI and various types of diabetes,as well as its effects on blood glucose(Glu)and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1).Methods:We collected genome-wide association study data for TI,diabetes,type 1 diabetes(T1D),type 2 diabetes(T2D),Glu,HbA1,green tea intake,herbal tea intake,and Rooibos tea intake from the IEU database.Subsequently,we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using the TwoSampleMR package.Results:Our analysis revealed no evidence of a causal relationship between TI and the incidence of diabetes,T1D,blood Glu,HbA1c,or T2D.Similarly,no genetic causal relationship was found between green tea intake and diabetes,T1D,T2D,Glu,or HbA1c.The same applied to herbal tea intake and Rooibos tea intake,as there was no genetic causal link with diabetes,T1D,T2D,Glu,or HbA1c.Conclusion:Based on our findings,there is no indication of a causal relationship between TI and the incidence of all types of diabetes,regardless of the specific tea type.However,to comprehensively understand the potential effects of TI on diabetes incidence,including the quantity and timing of intake,further evaluation through additional Mendelian randomization studies is warranted.

Navigating Market Choices: Understanding Carrot Market Outlet Selection among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya

This research delves into the hurdles and strategies aimed at augmenting the market involvement of smallholder carrot farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya. Employing a Multinomial Logit (MNL) model, it scrutinizes the factors influencing the selection of marketing outlets among carrot farmers. The findings unveil that a significant majority (81%) of surveyed farmers actively participate in diverse market outlets, encompassing the farm gate, cleaning point, local market, external market, and export market. Notably, pivotal buyers include aggregators, brokers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, with transactions predominantly occurring at the farm level. Additionally, the analysis discerns substantial influences of socio-economic characteristics, experiential factors, and geographical proximity on farmers’ choices of market outlets. Specifically, gender, age, land size, farming experience, and distance to markets emerge as critical determinants. Moreover, the study delves into the examination of market margins along the carrot value chain, shedding light on the potential profitability of carrot farming in the region. Remarkably, higher average gross margins are identified in export and external markets, signaling lucrative prospects for farmers targeting these segments. However, disparities in profit distribution between farmers and traders underscore the necessity for interventions to ensure equitable value distribution throughout the value chain. These findings underscore the imperative for tailored interventions to tackle challenges and foster inclusive agricultural development. Strategies such as farmer organizations, contracting, and vertical integration are advocated to enhance market access and profitability for smallholder carrot farmers. Thus, this study enriches our comprehension of the dynamics within carrot value chains and provides valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners aiming to uplift rural livelihoods and bolster food security.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction in Mexico

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy(EUS-GE)has recently emerged as an alternative treatment for gastric outlet obstruction(GOO)in selected patients.AIM To report the initial experience of EUS-GE in patients with GOO.METHODS This study was a retrospective,observational,multicenter study in which the data from 10 patients who underwent EUS-GE due to GOO between September 2021 and May 2023 were collected.We analyzed technical success,clinical success,adverse events,and survival.Technical success was defined as adequate positioning and deployment of the stent.Clinical success was defined as the patient’s ability to tolerate oral intake without vomiting 7 d after the procedure.Postprocedural adverse events were recorded.RESULTS Eleven procedures in 10 patients with GOO were included.The mean age of the patients was 67.5 years(range:56-77 years).Malignant GOO was present in 9 patients.Technical success was achieved in 9/11 procedures(82%).Among them,clinical success was achieved in 9 patients(100%).Adverse events occurred in 1 patient(9%).The median survival was 3 months(n=7;range:1-8 months).CONCLUSION EUS-GE is a feasible therapeutic option in the treatment of GOO.

From Input to Output-Exploring the Role of Intake in English Learning

This paper aims to explore the role of intake in second language learning.Based on her literature review and the case of an English lesson in a Chinese secondary school,the author argues that L2 acquisition does not take place directly from input to output.In each sqecific part of L2 acquisition process,intake plays various important roles such as filtering,facilitating in comprehensible input and processing in pushed output.In the Chinese foreign language teaching context,it is also found that L2 acquisition is an arduous task for learners to extract information from the input,utilize it in forming a grammar and produce target language forms accurately and fluently.It is the same with L2 teachers who need to play their roles of a controller,a corrector,an organizer and a prompter in the learning process.